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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

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14521 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everyone provided warm and genuine birthday wishes on my special day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Enrico was terrific with his local knowledge and dry sense of humor. Simone as sidekick took care of all the background logistics without any issues.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared that the hills on day two and three are going to be harder than you expect! But it's worth it. E-bike option might be worth it.

Cathy Weaver

Reviewed September 2017

Atlas panorama

Fantastic trip. Well organised from start to finish. Marrakech was a wonderful experience shared with a fun group. Our guide, Hassan made the walking in the mountains a pleasure with his knowledge and great sense of humour. I would recommend this trip to anyone wanting to experience a totally different landscape. Yalla!

Most Inspirational Moment

The stars in the evening were amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

An inspiration

Sue C

Reviewed September 2017

Discover Costa Rica

This was my first Exodus trip and it reminded me why I love to travel and how I have missed travelling.

It is a good trip to show you some of what Costa Rica has to offer and in comfort from travelling to accommodation, the daily drives are not to vast and are broken up with a visit here or there.

You go from travelling through mangroves to witnessing turtles nesting, to volcanoes, rain & cloud forests with a beach thrown in as well – with evening cicada and frog calls to being woken by the roar of a howler monkey with sights of sloths, untold colourful birds including the fabulous Quetzal, 4 species of monkeys and much, much more, what more could you really want?

Most Inspirational Moment

I can't single anything out, it was great simply being away from it all and in such amazing surroundings, there were many "wow" moments for me

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gustavo was fantastic, he certainly knows his stuff and is excellent at spotting wildlife from afar, thus ensuring that we saw all we could. The trip was v well planned and organised

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect rain, a sturdy poncho is wise although you may find it's simply easier and more fun to get wet and blend with the locals!

Chris Porter

Reviewed September 2017

Walking in Albania

We completed this walk in mid September so experienced good walking weather conditions, not too hot plus rain at night, how considerate. The trip was just as described in the detailed trip notes involving some stunning high mountain walking plus a range of terrific other non exertive cultural experiences. Phew. Instead of entering back into our rather luxurious new Mercedes coach on day one after a delicious lunch in Shkodër we crammed into this battered rough and tough old blue bus with no seatbelts and mis matched seats. This wonderfully set the scene for all that we were about to head on a trip into serious back country. Great fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

Theth to Volbona via Volbona Pass was fantastic, stunning mountain vistas and you felt could almost touch Montenegro we were that high and close. A close second though was the Lake Komeni boat trip, deep gorges and wildlife close by on the shore, so near yet too far.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorian was a great and personable tour leader deaing with the range of personalities in a large group with aplomb. He displayed considerable knowledge of his country and seemed to know practically everyone in Albania. A highlight was his sensitivity in frequent engagement with locals, who genuinely appeared to appreciate our group’s attention rather than rushing past.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fitness is quite important as it is not a stroll in municipal parks. Several of the walks were quite challenging, as to be expected with 1,000 metre ascents /descents, although the rewards were equally spectacular. Some people found sections of the Volbona Pass walk vertiginous, although with the group travelling at a slowish pace there was no sense of rushing to catch up.

Stuart Royce

Reviewed September 2017

All worth the hard work.

A father and daughter adventure of a life time. Never to be forgotten.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment/ moments, was from the guides encouragement throughout the climb and making you feel that you could accomplish anything.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mussa was excellent in every way, from start to finish.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not under estimate this climb. Be well prepared for a challenging week of hiking. A couple of weeks walking is not enough training even if you are a seasoned hiker. Give yourself at least 6-12months of training.You must be prepared to listen to the advice of your guides and don't think you know better. These are the guys who get you through it.

Max Sheridan

Reviewed September 2017

Superb Cycling in Sicily

This was my first trip with Exodus and I was looking forward to exploring the island. The whole holiday was first class from start to finish. Iris and Giuseppe looked after us throughout and we felt that they were friends not just guides by the end.

The group got on very well and although I was the youngest at 28 this was not an issue.

Food was superb throughout especially the picnic lunches and food at the agriturismo. Always lots to eat at breakfast and plenty of stops for coffee. Scenery is beautiful and is unspoiled compared to mainland Italy.

Bikes are great and well maintained I did not miss my own bike at all.

Overall an immersive experience with an excellent group. Just go ahead and book it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The descent into Syracuse was out of this world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Iris was exceptional she was available at all times for questions but also let us relax and enjoy the trip in our own way. Her restaurant tips were spot on and we enjoyed learning from her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Leave your own bike at home and make sure to pack a snack if you arrive late on the first day.

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