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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14469 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Valerie Speirs

Reviewed September 2017

Erupting volcanoes

This was a great trip and I’d strongly recommend it. A reasonable level of fitness is required as the Stromboli night trek is quite tough but it was truly memorable and a great experience to sit around the crater in the dark watching the eruptions.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing active volcanoes was an amazing experience. The sunset Stromboli trek was truly excellent and will live in my memory for a long time. The sheer size of Etna was incredible and was a great days walking, if a little windy with a howling gale at times which made it difficult to stay upright. But this just added to a memorable experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Raffaelle was a good leader and quite knowledgeable. The volcanologist guide on Etna really knew his stuff and his passion for volcanoes shone through.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is one of the best Exodus trips I've been on so would highly recommend to others

Fiona McLennan

Reviewed September 2017

Exceptional Cycling

Absolutely fabulous cycling trip. Stunning scenery & superb organisation. Hot, sweaty and at times challenging, but always fun with a great group of people and exceptional group leaders. Pre organised lunches and added extras with the islands, volcanos , spa pools , along with the Panama Canal and restaurants really added to the diversity of the experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting fitter and faster and by the end of the trip actually feeling inspired & ready to do the hills again!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

My group leader was Roberto (Chino), along with Paul and Jackie who will lead her own group in November. We had a lovely driver Lois too, whom kept the team supply of water and freshly cut delicious fruit going during our breaks, along with our safe transfers. The team were fabulous, professional, friendly and worked with everyone. The leaders provided advise and options and certainly set an impressive pace cycling. They had great comaradery with each other and the group. Exceptional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

# Take padded cycle shorts # Take small denomination $USD

Sharron Taylor

Reviewed September 2017

Madagascan Discoverer (2017)

A busy and interesting trip that covers a lot of ground, sights and emotions in 2 weeks – I’m still absorbing the experience almost 2 weeks later! Early starts and some long days of travel, mainly in a comfortable bus or 4x4s – all part of the adventure and the only way to see so much in such a short time. The drivers (Dama: bus driver) and 4×4 drivers were excellent and negotiated sometimes difficult terrain with expertise. I loved the first week; the second week had some great highlights, but a lot of bus travel, which was broken up as much as possible by visits to villages, tombs and local craft areas. The hotels were generally good – a couple were better than expected which was a bonus. Food catered for all diets – meat, fish and vegetarian. Not much variety, but all decent quality. We never went hungry. Loved the opportunities to interact with local people and learn more about their culture. The people were mostly welcoming and friendly, although it’s impossible to escape the poverty. Most children asked for sweets, pens or ‘gifts’ – if you take gifts such as pencils etc ask your guide for advice on distributing them as he will know where they will be of most value. Expect a lot of street sellers in some places. So lucky to share the experience with a brilliant group of people.
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Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing and hearing the indris (my favourite lemur). Climbing the Tsingy - challenging in places for those of us with issues around heights, but well worth it. Sunset at the Alley of Baobabs - although you will be with a large number of tourists gathering to see it - quite a funny sight! The ferry crossing with the 4x4s - fascinating. Isalo National Park walk, including the 'piscine naturelles'. Meeting local people and learning about their culture.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sol was an excellent leader. All leaders that I've met over 12 years of travelling with Exodus have been good - and Sol is up there with the very best of them. He has incredible organisation skills, happily shares his knowledge on all things Madagascan, is a good leader - clear information, always available to help if required, but never in your face. Best of all he's a really nice guy with a great personality and is a real pleasure to spend time with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

On arrival at the airport avoid the 'helpful' staff in high viz vests who offer to help you jump to the front of the visa queue or help with your bags - they will charge you a fortune for the pleasure! Money - change cash at the airport. Only one hotel took credit cards, so you do need cash. £350-£400 should be sufficient for most people, including all tips, unless you like to buy a lot of souvenirs. Spend all your Ariary before check-in for the flight home (Euros preferred in departures). Take a first aid kit - I cut my foot on a rock and was glad I had antiseptic wipes, ointment and plasters to keep out infection. Most people had a 24/48 hour stomach bug (cramps or the 'runs') at some point - not a major issue, but come prepared. Bring toilet wipes as many loos whilst out and about don't have loo roll and hotels only provide a small roll! I'd also recommend hand sanitizer. Hotel laundry services at Olympe de Bemaraha and Ihary were good and inexpensive.

Alan Thornton

Reviewed September 2017

Sicilian Volcanoes

An interesting trip, but there is – of necessity – quite a lot of travelling between locations. Sea conditions can lead to cancellation of the hydrofoils, which disrupts the holiday schedule. If you are a poor sailor, take pills / seabands etc. Hotels were generally of reasonable standard, but the final one in Catania (Hotel Gresi) is unacceptable for a trip of this nature: awful breakfast, no working wifi, mold in the shower, peeling wallpaper, broken electical fittings in the bathroom, loose carpet on marble steps, unhelpful reception staff. There must be far better options.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching lava eruptions on Stromboli. Free time for lunch in Lipari.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rafaele worked hard to make the trip a success, and was very helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

See summary.

Sue Wilson

Reviewed September 2017

Tour du Mt.Blanc camping trek

Have recently returned from the Tour of Mont Blanc camping trek – led by John Briggs. The trek and itinerary was well organised, varied with a couple of challenging days at the end. John is an informative amiable chap who was well supported by his colleague Agglia who saw we were well nourished and hydrated. Fabulous views, well worth the effort, to be recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

enjoyed the ice cold swim in the lake

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent, informative, good sense of humour, managed the group well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

N/A

Rupert and Jo Livingstone

Reviewed September 2017

Grade 5 Dolomites fun

We chose a grade 5 challenging week and it did not disappoint. This part of the Dolomites is incredibly beautiful, Tre Cime is one of the most beautiful places we have walked and we felt part of the landscape, almost swallowed by it’s beauty and grandeur. Each day of walking brought something different and each was wonderful. Returning to the Hotel Adler each day made the trip very special as the facilities, the food, the accommodation and the staff are simply superb.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tre Cime was a highlight with almost too much natural beauty to take in. Throughout the days walk, in each and every direction there were awesome views that made us feel humbled and privileged to be there. Monte Piano was equally good in a different way. The walk up was long and sweaty but enjoyable and worthwhile. The wooden steps and steel ropes were interesting and gave security on what might have been a tricky section. Seeing the trenches and bunkers on the summit, amidst such natural beauty, brought the futility of war and the power of nature into stark contrast.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was very good, imparting some advice to each of us (all experienced walkers) on the most efficient way to walk and use poles. He was enthusiastic without being over the top and the sight of seeing him skip and jump down the trail each day gave our weary limbs a little boost.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not really, the trips notes are clear and representative of what you will do. We did the challenging week and the walking was what we expected, tough but not beyond regular/experienced walkers.

Helen Skeen

Reviewed September 2017

Beautiful scenery and great cycling

Loved this cycling holiday. Lots of great cycling in beautiful scenery with a knowledgeable and fun guide, Alan. Great group of people too!

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved the changing scenery and the switchbacks up and down the hills allowed you to drink in the views ahead and behind you.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alan was a great leader. Helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Nothing seemed too much trouble for him.

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.

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