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!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

14432 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Derek Mitchell

Reviewed September 2017

Discover the Heel of Italy

A pleasant and rewarding few days in one of the lesser-visited parts of Italy. Gentle visits to picturesque towns and villages taking in the cuisine and culture were ideal for a group of 11 ranging in age from about 40 into the mid 70s. Travelling in May avoided the blistering heat which followed throughout the summer. There was plenty of free time in which the group could do their own thing. Accommodation was excellent throughout, particularly the Trulli of Alberobello, and caves of Matera.

Most Inspirational Moment

I'm unable to pinpoint a "moment". I thought the whole week was inspirational. But if I'm forced on pain of death, then sitting by the roadside in Alberobello licking ice-cream made me appreciate life after serious health issues.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marcella was lovely. Very knowledgeable, chatty and welcoming. Excellent command of English. Catered to people's individual tastes. On the free day in Alberobello everyone went elsewhere. But I wanted to savour this Unesco World Heritage town, so I stayed put. I have an urge to swim everywhere I visit and Marcella pointed me in the direction of a hotel where I could use their pool for 5 Euros. The staff were lovely and didn't ask for anything.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although a solo traveller I thought this trip and the region of Puglia and Basilicata would be ideal for young families. There is the usual tacky souvenir stuff but I found locals friendly and helpful, particular in local restaurants. No pestering anywhere from touts. The Peroni beer is outstanding, particularly the Tradizione (red label) and the Gran Riserva (quite strong at 6.6%) which is difficult to find in this country (Scotland).

Martin Hole

Reviewed September 2017

Imperial China and Yangstse River Cruise

Wow! This trip was an assault on the senses from day one! Started off stressfully we arrived in Bejing on time but our luggage was still in Dubai! Well done Emitates and Exodus we were reunited within 12 hours (note: always take spare pants in hand luggage)
China was amazing redefining our preconceptions from day one! Bejing; old town, Forbidden Palace, Summer Palace etc. Jane our guide was Wonderwoman, fantastic knowledge, super organised and a sense of humour. We asked if we could fit in a visit to the Olympic stadium: no problem, we were walking round the ‘Birdsnest’ the following afternoon.
The Great Wall was a highlight and tobogganing down was certainly different.
This trip cannot be described as leisurely, if you want to see the best of this fantastic country we need to be prepared for a frantic itinerary. Thank you for the advice Exodus, pack lightly and make sure you can carry your own luggage with ease.
Loved the pandas and visiting the Terracotta Army. I must admit as a person who would never consider a cruising holiday and who considers the Isle of Wight ferry tiresome I was not looking forward to the Yangstse river cruise; I was pleasantly surprised the scenery of the 3 gorges was breathtaking, the relative rest of 3 days, was a chance to recharge batteries and the dam a marvel of engineering.
Superlatives are far to many to mention, the tour finished in Shanghai where again Jane our guide was brilliant suggesting we visited the Tower on arrival since clouds were forecast the following day – wow! Awesome views across the city as the sunset fron 532m.
I have no hesitation in recommending this trip to all if you want to see China warts and all. It was well organised, accommodation was as described, guide was fantastic. Try everything and go on every optional tour you will not regret it ( one visit to a Chinese Opera is enough for any sane person)

Most Inspirational Moment

Bejing, Great Wall, Chengdou Dou and Shanghai

Thoughts on Group Leader

I cannot praise Jane enough, (The best things come is small packages) she was professional, unflappable, super organised and helpful. Jane has a wicked sense of humour, if I could book Jane to be my next Exdous guide I would. Thinking of walking in North America next year, can you organise Exodus?

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes, ensure you pack light and can carry your cases ( easy to organise laundry and ball gowns are not required) Take advantage of every optional tour you won't regret it.

Jonathan Taylor

Reviewed September 2017

Fantastic family experience

I can’t fault this trip. An excellent balance of guided tours and beach time/down time. I have to say that our guide Eduardo was a gem. Exodus are extremely fortunate to have him working for them. He is a gold mine of knowledge, full of conversation and great with the kids. I am sure that our experience and access to places you would never be able to reach are down to him. The pizza making was brilliant and the kids even joined the chef to cook our dinner one night! Thank you Exodus but more so thank you Eduardo.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lunch in an old farmhouse on the walk of the Gods. Only accessible by foot or mule. Good food, good wine, good company... All overlooking Positano and the turquoise sea from 700metres!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing. He made the trip.

Jan Ellis

Reviewed September 2017

Backroads of Sri Lanka - Fantastic!

We loved our trip to Sri Lanka and would not hesitate to recommend it. The itinerary is very well planned and there is a really good mix of cycling and sightseeing. We visited temples, caves, a tea factory, a gem factory, a spice garden (complete with massage), several wildlife parks and walked up the famous Sigirya Rock as well as stopping at a number of very individual refreshment stops. The accommodation was good throughout as was the food.

Most Inspirational Moment

It’s hard to pick one but all 16 of our group completing the hill climb to Nuwara Eliya, seeing the elephants at Yala national park, climbing Sigiriya Rock, meeting the local people at some of the tea stops were all highlights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What really made the trip special was the leader, Suresh. He has led this trip over 70 times so much of the itinerary had been developed by him, including some really special stops at the houses of local people who Suresh – and successive groups of Exodus cyclists – have been able to support and help through difficult times. Wherever we went it was clear that he was greatly respected and no problem was too big for him to sort – and we threw a few at him just test him out! He is very proud of his country and passionate about telling you its history, its wildlife and its culture – his knowledge is amazing! He really brought our various stops to life and they would have meant much less to us without his guidance. He was also amazingly adept at spotting wildlife in the bushes while cycling along at speed! And all combined with a very engaging personality and some enduring catch-phrases. The support crew of Sandy, Upali and Lasa were also excellent, making sure we always had plenty of water, guiding us at junctions and making sure our luggage was always ready and waiting for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is action-packed with some long days in the saddle so a reasonable level of fitness is advisable to make the most of it. I would advise taking some energy gels and electrolyte tablets to help with hydration. Be prepared for cycling in heavy traffic in some of the towns, particulary Kandy, however we had no problems and there’s always the option of hopping on the bus. There were a lot of dogs around but we didn’t find them aggressive.

Neil Thomas

Reviewed August 2017

Bears Essential

I had not realised before arriving in Magura just how remote, rural and remarkably beautiful Romania could be. The village where we were based is accessibly only via a long, winding unmade road… so get used to leaving modern life behind. In this part of the world people still travel via horse and cart and cut hay with scythes. It was like stepping back into Tudor times. Fortunately, this also means that Europe’s largest group of wild brown bears are still able to thrive and going to see them from a hide in the forest was one of the highlights of our trip. There is also plenty of opportunity for hiking, with walks of varying severity on all but one day of the holiday. The views are spectacular – in some parts resembling Switzerland or Austria, in others California and the Rockies. We also took in trips to Bran Castle – to which the Dracula legend has been eagerly attached – and to the delightful city of Brasov.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing four bears from our hide in the woods.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thomas was very energetic, very knowledgeable with - for a German - a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the Trip Notes carefully. There is no opportunity to change money for the first few days, so either take some Lei with you or spend some time in Bucharest first - as we did. I would also recommend taking walking poles.

Linda Joyce

Reviewed August 2017

The Inca Trail - Amazing.

I did The Inca Trail trip as a solo traveller and cannot recommend it enough! Our group, expertly managed by our Tour Leader Dennis and his second in command Javier, enjoyed everything this trip had to offer. From sightseeing and sampling wonderful local cuisine around Cusco to following the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it was awe-inspiring each step of the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's a tough question as there are jaw dropping sights at every turn. For me, the first nights' camping. Coming out of my tent and looking up to a stargazers paradise. Ink black sky with millions of stars. Breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dennis was amazing. 10/10. He is a magician with multiple hats: tour guide to doctor, food enthusiast to mentor, photographer to comedian.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it now. Do your research and bring proper attire. You will be walking 6-7 hours per day so make sure you have comfy and durable boots that you have worn it. I travelled in August and it was cold at night so layer up. Bring a full change of clothes for going out for dinner (if you can fit in your bag) for the night in Machu Picchu town.

Rebecca Jones

Reviewed August 2017

I would not recommend this trip if ...

I would not recommend this trip if you are planning on travelling alone, if you are a light sleeper, if you value a sense of freedom, or if you are hoping for any form of relaxation during your holiday.

With one notable exception, Exodus seems to have chosen the cheapest and nastiest “hotels”. They were mostlly rather scuzzy and cramped, which is not very pleasant if you are sharing with one or more complete strangers. Several of them were also right next to busy roads and one just above the motorway leading to the Mont Blanc tunnel, making it all but impossible to sleep. I spent the whole trip sleep deprived, which was not helped by the early starts, in spite of the fact that, when I enquired prior to booking, Exodus had assured me that breakfast was normally at 8.00 am on the hotel trip. Because of the daily morning rush it wasn’t exactly a holiday.

The leader was good, but could have dispensed with the unnecessary morning group exercises in favour of an extra 20 minutes in bed. The exercises were apparently supposed to alleviate the stress of the hectic morning starts, but in fact just increased stress levels by adding another item to the list of things to do in the morning before getting walking. The group members were lovely, but of very mixed ages and fitness levels, meaning that the pace was extremely slow. Personally, I did not feel at all challenged by the ascents because of this slow pace. I appreciate that, on a group trip, the overall pace has to be that of the slowest member, but I would have enjoyed the trip much more if the pace had been more flexible and I had been able to walk a little faster at least some of the time. It seems that the enjoyment of faster members of the group was sacrificed to that of the slower.

Except for one challenging river crossing, owing to heavy rain over a couple of days, the walking is not at all difficult, so, if you are a reasonably experienced hill walker with some time to organise the trip yourself, I would recommend going it alone rather than through Exodus. I wish I had done so myself. The mountains are beautiful – it’s just a pity I couldn’t enjoy them to the full. Personally, I won’t be booking with Exodus again.

Most Inspirational Moment

The one day off when I went walking alone and could go at my own pace.

Barbara Cummins

Reviewed August 2017

Highly recommended introduction to Sri Lanka

A wonderfully varied trip. We did so much. I’ll try not to repeat what Karen said but will add a few thoughts.
The Sri Lanka we saw was surprisingly diverse. We went from low, hot and humid, by the Indian ocean near Colombo, up into the beautiful hill country, with its expanses of tea plantations, then down to the semi arid coast in the south. A great start was meeting the group. They were all positive, punctual and friendly. We laughed a lot.
I loved the food. So much choice! Buffets offered salads, curries, fruit and more for around £6. I didn’t feel the need that some felt for sandwiches and chips instead. I’m not vegetarian but found the veggie choices in the buffets to be the best options. We had great “village meals” on two occasions, plus the opportunity to try mannioc and drink tea from coconut shells.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's tricky to choose from so many. If it has to be a moment, perhaps I'll choose diving into an empty pool at 7am at the lovely Mandala Rosen in Kataragama. Music played underwater, then I came up to the quiet of birdsong as blossom floated down from the trees. More widely, it was the gentle smiling people and the beautiful countryside, especially in the hills.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Neelaka is a Sri Lankan gem. He looked after us with his unfailing cheerful calm. He must have been paddling hard beneath the surface to keep everything running so smoothly. At every hotel we were greeted with a cool cloth and a drink, while our cases were whisked away to our rooms. An absolute godsend was his dealing with tips and small payments. Without this we'd have been burdened continuously, as everyone needs tipping! We loved his little extra treats which included introducing us to fruit and veg we'd never heard of, let alone tasted. He guided us to interesting restaurants, took us to special places when we expressed interest and told us about local culture and behaviour, as well as describing in detail the places we visited. We learned about puberty rituals, which prepared us for the ceremony we saw scheduled in our last hotel, plus the surprising dependence of Sri Lankans on astrologers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Activities are optional. As the group slow coach, I didn't complete the Lion Rock climb. I went part way and then waited and watched as the stream of visitors climbed the uneven steps. I also didn't complete the Horton Plains walk in torrential rain. (NB - make sure you have a good waterproof. Some didn't. Sri Lankan rain is serious!) If you have to stay at the Hill Club, don't eat there. Go next door to the Grand. If you do have to eat there, definitely avoid the set meal. Don't buy spices at the spice place if you want a good price. A sarong or similar could be very useful in many ways. You can buy one out there. Cash can be changed in many places, with your guide's local knowledge. Check hotel bills are in rupees, not £s or you'll be paying a hotel's exchange rate instead of the bank's.

Tiggy Sawbridge

Reviewed August 2017

Picos de Europa

An excellent holiday with a lovely group in beautiful surroundings, and a very friendly hotel.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro is an exceptional leader and he clearly knows the area inside out. He was also able to predict the weather with extraordinary accuracy and I'm surprised he hasn't been headhunted by the Spanish Meteorological Agency! Alvaro was also very encouraging and we all enjoyed his mischievous sense of humour: 'if I return with 80% of you, it's not perfect, but it's not bad...'

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather is unpredictable so if you're wondering what to pack, bring everything just in case! However, I didn't wear a raincoat or fleece all week.

DAVID BELL

Reviewed August 2017

Classic Dolomites - premium

An excellent week of walking in the dolomites expertly led by Alex. Very comfortable hotel with wonderful food. Breakfasts and evening meals were all very good.
The weather was cool and damp at times but Alex chose excellent routes to follow and the free day cycling to Bruneck was very good.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final day's walk to the World war 2 trenches on the Italy/ Austria border. A great climb up the mountain with wonderful views and very interesting historical sites at the top.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex knew the area very well and planned for the fickle weather. He did not always give enough information regarding what to take on each walk but we were generally well prepared for all eventualities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get plenty of walking training in before you go and you will love this trip. Be prepared for all weathers and walking poles are a must in my opinion.

Prev 1 … 683 684 685 686 687 … 1,444 Next