Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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14516 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Celia Thomas

Reviewed September 2017

An amazing trip

This memorable trip was made special by the excellent leader Jacob and his team Stonecold, the wonderful driver, Godfrey the chef and assistant Esther.
Whilst the journeys were often very long we had plenty of stops.
The trip was filled with humour and fun.
The group ages were from 42 to 69, we were at the upper end. For us the key was having a go. We were encouraged to try white water rafting and not only did we manage to do it , it was an excellent experience.
Upgrades to cabins were available at most campsites.
We saw so much on safari , big 5 , countless birds and much more. Our skille driver ensured we got the best photos.

Most Inspirational Moment

Of course the gorilla encounter was a thrill, never to be forgotten. Though we were told to keep a distance between us and the gorillas but this was quite relaxed as they came towards us. The white water rafting was exhilarating. Very professionally organised with safety at its core.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jacob was an excellent team leader. He had a great sense of humour which helped set the tone for the group. He was knowledgeable and patient answering even the most simple questions with a smile. He has a nothing is too much trouble attitude and was very professional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As for the gorilla trekking, we asked to be in the easy group and ended up walking further than the moderate group. The gorillas are not always where they are supposed to be! Take plenty to read for the long journeys. There is not always amazing scenary. Go with an open mind , don't expect luxury and you will be very pleasantly surprised.

Viv Marais

Reviewed September 2017

Team Tricot!

This was my first hiking holiday with Exodus. It won’t be my last. I chose camping as I wanted the total outdoor experience and I chose Mont Blanc because of its iconic beauty and it is just the right side of challenging! I wasn’t disappointed.

The two week trip is well planned and organised. There are several rest days which I didn’t think I would need but were welcome and gave us a chance to explore the beautiful villages we passed through.

There were 10 in my team – all ages from around the world – and I enjoyed getting to know every one of them.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were lots. Two that stand out are - the day the heavens opened and we had to negotiate the trickiest part of the hike through horizontal rain and mud but, working as a team, we got through it. The day we all climbed to the top of Cop Tricot in under an hour (I staggered in at 57 minutes) - a first for any of John's groups. We were so pleased with ourselves, we called our Whatsapp group "Team Tricot"!

Thoughts on Group Leader

My trip wasn't just about the wonderful scenery and hiking. A large part of its success was the team spirit that we enjoyed and the friendships we made. This happened mainly because of our group leader, John Briggs. Through his wit and patience, he was able to bring us together and even when things got tough, he would have us laughing. He obviously loves his job and is full of knowledge and interesting facts which made the whole experience richer. He taught us the "Alpine Plod" which is a way of getting up the steep bits without slipping or tiring. I've since taught all my hiking friends! It wasn't just the days that were fun. He kept us entertained in the evenings with "Camp Karaoke" - we even have a team song! John was aided and abetted by the very capable Emily Scott. She was the camp cook but also quickly became a good friend. It is still a mystery to me how she was able to conjure up a delicious 3-course meal in the middle of nowhere on a gas stove.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'm used to carrying everything I need on my back when I do overnight hikes, so I packed too lightly. As a result, I didnt have all the weather gear I needed - particular waterproof pants!. Emily drives the support vehicle each day to the next camp site with your tent and luggage and there's ample space. The weather can change in an instant and the tops of those mountains can be windy. So pack for every season.

David Hunter

Reviewed September 2017

Fantastic Mount Blanc

My sister and I had an absolutely fantastic week.

The chalet was located right in the middle of Chamonix and the cooking provided by Sarah and Rich was to die for. The hot tub in the garden at the end of the day with stunning mountain views was great too. The tea and cake around 4 o’clock at the end of a day’s walking was always something to look forward to!

We had really good walking with our guide Jenny who was really first class. The scenery is truly amazing and the walk in Italy for a day will live with me for a long time to come. We saw glaciers and lakes, walked down rickety ladders and over little himalayan like bridges.

I have been wanting to do this week’s walking for nearly 10 year and it exceeded my expectations

Thanks

Mark

Most Inspirational Moment

I think walking for a day in Italy with the spectacular views

Thoughts on Group Leader

jenny was brilliant

Advice for Potential Travellers

A couple of our group were a bit slow and I think the walking was more than they expected. People should make sure they can walk for 5-6 hours at a reasonable pace Maybe in a large group (14 persons) there should be another guide at the back who can take people on a reduced slower route if necessary. One person in our group was recovering from a broke ankle - I ask you!!!

Karen Harrison

Reviewed September 2017

The Silk Road

This is a trip full of contrasts and culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

Uzbekistan was the best part of the trip, with an enormous amount of history and beautiful buildings. As a nation, they seem to have totally reclaimed their national identity following their independence. During our night in the mountains staying in a yurt, the magical, mesmerising Milky Way was also clearly visible (and even better with binoculars).

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leaders really knew their stuff, and if they didn't know the answer to a question, they came back to us with it the next day. The leaders were willing to answer questions on social matters, like marriage, Russian influences/legacies, school, cotton picking. This gave us a better understanding of each country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you buy your souvenirs in Uzbekistan (ikat prints, scarves, pottery, rugs) as there really is very little opportunity to buy anything worthwhile in either Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan. You'll regret it if you don't. Be prepared to haggle a little bit. The currency exchange app a fellow traveller told me about, XE Currency, was extremely useful for converting all currencies. Take a fork and spoon for picnic lunches, and socks for the night in the mountains. No medication containing Codeine is allowed in Uzbekistan.

Nik Kowal

Reviewed September 2017

Marvels of Madeira self guided

A winning combination of walks in stunning scenery and top quality hotels in which to relax at the end of the day. Being self guided was a great experience, walking notes very clear, and you can go at your own choice of pace and stop whenever you want. Highly recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

Finishing each walk!

Thoughts on Group Leader

N/a

Advice for Potential Travellers

The rating of leisurely/moderate does not take into account some of the ascents and descents, and the narrow footing along some of the levadas so pre trip training and a good head for heights required.

Vivienne Hodgins

Reviewed September 2017

Another great Exodus trip!

We had a fantastic experience in China led admirably by Alan Liu. We saw so much of both modern and traditional China….such contrasts. We gained great insight into Chinese history and the Chinese view of their place in the world today. We were always on the go…so much to see and do. There was hardly a dull moment….the third train trip the exception. That was not great but apart from that all the travel arrangements,accommodation, activities (optional and included ) were excellent. We went on public buses, private buses, the bullet train,metro, internal flight and the three overnight train trips. It is such a large country and the sheer scale of things is hard to take in. We also had relaxing times on the cruise and in the water town near Shanghai to name a few. The gorges are spectacular but the food on he boat is just ok. The rooms are very good though.

Most Inspirational Moment

The pandas at Chengdu,the terracotta warriors, the scenery at Yangzhou, the dam,the cycle ride on the walls at Xian, the food..... Good fun learning Mahjong! The Great Wall is excellent although it takes ages to get there because of the traffic. Fantastic walking. Shanghai is very interesting....lots to see.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alan Liu is such a good leader. He is always smiling and his English is excellent. His knowledge of history and politics is very good and he is very good at explaining ideas.He was always counting us...no one got lost! He was so good in the restaurants choosing dishes for us to share....the food was wonderful. He was always on task....everything worked like clockwork. He really is a five star leader and such a nice person. He was very patient... the group although small had varying levels of fitness and he always waited to make sure no one got left behind. I felt very confident travelling with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is full on but no more than other Exodus trips. The luggage situation at stations was not so bad as I expected....there are slopes beside stairs so you can roll your bag up or down but the Chinese people are so friendly and I had help every time without asking! You do need a sleeping bag liner...the train duvets etc are ok but not great. The third train trip is from 1.00pm to 5.00 in the morning....then a bus ride, then a orientation tour, then a Chinese cookery class. Drink lots of water there...I got really ill as did a few others that day. Just a bit too much in the heat. There are lots of washing opportunities. The hotels are generally good...you don't usually get shampoo etc but always a toothbrush!

Robert Pocknall

Reviewed September 2017

Cycle Trip - Prague to Budapest

A very good trip for our small group of 7. We averaged about 60km of cycling per day and that was ok, except when it got windy and we had a couple of wet days, which slowed progress. The group got on very well and we did experience different levels of cycling capability, so there was some waiting periods for some, but no-one worried about this.
Day planning was excellent with the guide co-ordinating things well.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the forests of Czech Republic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dana was excellent, communicated well, socialized well and is obviously very knowledgeable about this part of Europe; thanks Dana, come to NZ some time and see us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be cycling fit prior to commencing the trip and take clothing for all weathers.

Becky wilson

Reviewed September 2017

TMB - Camping Trip

Fantastic trip, amazing views, campsites, group, leader( John B) and camp manager (Egle). The trip runs like a well oiled machine allowing you to just relax and enjoy. The itinarary is well planned with prefectly timed rest days and varied but not too long or demanding walking days. This was my first organised holiday and I would highly recommend it to others.

Most Inspirational Moment

Star gazing at Les Chapieux and the scenery every day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John B was great, his confidence and steady pace kept the group together and allowed everyone to relax and enjoy the trip. He understood the group and was responsive to individual peoples requirements, providing distractions, gentle encoragement or timely rest breaks when needed. Egle Camp Manager was also fantastic, she was always ready for us at the end of the day with a cup of tea, the tents put up, a smile and a fantastic three course meal cooked on two burners. Together, we couldn't have asked for better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring walking poles the descents, especially the switch backs are pretty brutal on the knees.

Larry Meyers

Reviewed September 2017

An Amazing Trip From Start To Finish

I knew from the moment I arrived in Chamonix and saw the mountains and its glaciers that I had found the right adventure. Here was a chance to do one of the most acclaimed walks and the trip lived up to its billing. One can read about the walk and its vistas but nothing really prepares you for actually being part of it. I enjoyed the challenge of the walk, my fellow travelers and the quality of the lodging (OK, maybe not walking down the hall to the w/c in the middle of the night at our auberge stays–but a heck of a lot better than tenting). I enjoyed the evening meals and the variety of the cuisine. Overall the food was good and the huts offered a nice supplement to our sandwich lunch fare. The huts were a new experience and each one was unique from the food offered, to the hot chocolate to the w/c’s.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the clouds part to reveal a new mountain with its glaciers. Experiencing a cloudless day in Chamonix at the end of the trip. Cheering on over 2000 participants in the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc) as they pass you on the trail after having run through the night only to later realize that the leaders completed in hours which took us days. To be part of a group lead by Jeff.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have done dozens of trips that required a guide. I can only recall a few of their names. In my mind there will always be an association between the Tour du Mont Blanc and our guide Jeff. To quote a walker who did the trip with Jeff earlier this summer "..he was fantastic..professional, intelligent, engaging, fun, friendly, safety conscious and very caring towards his clients." It is not easy leading a group of 14 hikers with various skill levels and insuring they stay together.

Advice for Potential Travellers

First and foremost this is a group hike. You are part of a team whose goal is for all to complete the Tour and to enjoy their experience on the trail. Do not underestimate the need to do a good amount of walking before the trip. Focus on distance yes, an of course climbing. Include going down steep hills and plenty of steps. Insure your feet are in good shape. Figure out the right weight and sock combination before the trip. The trail conditions vary and it is important to have plenty of tread on your hiking boots. Things I found helpful: my own bar of soap; spare bootlaces; a travel clothesline for in room washing; lotions for the feet after the day's walk; good pair of sandals as your hiking boots are not allowed in the auberges and in some hotels and finally--earplugs. (Laundromats could be found near the Hotel Richemond in Chamonix and the Hotel Val Joly in St Gervais {Day 10 & 11}).

bill carney

Reviewed September 2017

Awesome Birthday Trip, Great Group, Terrific Guides!

We have taken cycling trips with a number of other outfitters, all of them memorable in their own special way. This was our first with Exodus and based on the fun/value of this week, we have already booked next year in Sicily!

We chose Sardinia because it had such an exotic cultural intrigue and diverse landscape. We were not disappointed in anything. Our group had instant cohesion which the guides picked up on quickly. Everyone was easy going and we spent all meals, except the free night, dining and socializing together.

Highlights of the trip were the stunning views, incredible terrain, some pretty tough climbs and the amazing food! We had so much fun eating, especially the included group dinners at the agro-tourismo and on the final night in Cagliari.

Our guides Enrico and Simone worked seamlessly together. As native Sardinians, we found their local knowledge to be one of the best aspects of the trip.

Thanks so much for an incredible birthday week!
Bill and Scott from Calif.