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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14432 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Cath Mclaren
Reviewed July 2017
Fabulous holiday
We have just spent a lovely week in the Dolomites, the scenery was amazing, the hotel very comfortable with plenty of delicious food, the guides were great and we walked with a fantastic group of folk.
Most Inspirational Moment
Not really a moment, just the overall fantastic views.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had 2 group leaders, Ingrid and Albert. Both well organised, friendly and knowledgeable
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take waterproofs, we didn't need them but if you do, then you properly do!
Sue Philp
Reviewed July 2017
Tour de Mont Blanc Hotel Trek
Absolutely fantastic trek. With only two exceptions we had beautiful weather for the whole trip even though the forecast had been varied. The grading of challenging / moderate was spot on and at times it felt tough but the spectacular scenery all around and the sense of achievement more than compensated for the harder parts. Loved every minute of it.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the top of the Col De Tricot!
Cow bells clanging in flower filled meadows, Glaciers that felt that they were within in touching distance.. sunshine lighting up snow covered peaks... myrtle tarts at the refuges... Actually there were so many fantastic moments that it is hard to differentiate but getting to the top of the Col was pretty special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Paul kept us organised and safe, he made sure that all the group achieved their goals and we all learned a lot about wild flowers and trees!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do the trip..
Make sure that you have a reasonable level of fitness, it isn't easy walking but it is doable and the rewards are worth it. It's one of the best treks that I've done.
Don't take too much clothing, there really isn't any need to 'dress up' in the evenings although you might want something clean for the free days unless you are planning on walking then too. Thermal Spa at St Gervais was a lovely distraction on one free day and good for soothing aching joints.
Maurice Naftal
Reviewed July 2017
Mont Blanc Highlights
An overall wonderful experience with magnificent scenery and food for such a reasonably priced tour.
The walking was a bit harder than the moderate rating given to it
The accommodation although basic chalet style was adequate but was more than made up for by the charm and efficiency of our hosts, Sara and Rich.
The gourmet evening meals provided by Sara were consistently amazing.
I would highly recommend the tour based on Sara and Rich being your hosts at the chalet.
Most Inspirational Moment
The most inspirational moments, and totally unexpected based on the tour price, were the variety, gourmet quality and deliciousness of the evening meals provided by Sara. She is an absolute star!
I must also add that the amazing scenery ran a very close second. Every vista is a picture postcard.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I thought that our tour leader was probably the weakest part of the tour even though he was a very nice and friendly person and tried his best.
He appeared inexperienced in the role even though he seemed to know the area we were walking in.
His communication skills were lacking and us such did not convey the type of walks we would be doing each day very well. He seemed to keep changing his mind on various aspects of each walk. as they progressed.
When I fell behind on the long downhill sections due to knee soreness he did not come back to see how I was progressing even though the group did wait for me further down.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Even though it has a moderate rating I would suggest more training beforehand.
Also, if someone has knee issues it would be best to avoid this trip due to the very long downhill sections of about 2.5 to 3 hours at the end of every day.
Roslyn Pyrke
Reviewed July 2017
Pleasure in Pulglia
Exceptional. This is the first time that we have used this company and we found the experience wonderful. The group size was perfect, great itinerary, activities better than expected, all enhanced by the enthusiastic group leader as well as the local guides.
Most Inspirational Moment
Matera is an exceptional place. The story behind the sassi with their troglodyte dwellings and the subsequent displacement of the inhabitants was fascinating. We were lucky also to experience the Festa della Bruna.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was fantastic. As an experienced small group traveler I have had many different leaders. I can say without doubt our leader was better than of all previous ones.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Puglia was hot. I would advise travelers planning to go there in July to be prepared for this possibility.
Darryl Pyrke
Reviewed July 2017
Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy - ADE (20)
We had a wonderful week in a part of Italy that was new to us.
Most Inspirational Moment
We have done eleven previous group trips with companies like Intrepid and Explore and Marinella was way better than any previous leader. Whether it's through local knowledge or willingness to do lots of preparation I don't know, but we were inspired by the way Marinella was able to make places come alive when she introduced us to them.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marinella was a wonderful leader - full of enthusiasm, patience, good humour and energy. Her goal was to ensure that every guest had the best possible time. She mixed easily and confidently with all guests and always helped out if there was a problem.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you find extreme heat difficult, travel before June.
Kathy Chellew
Reviewed July 2017
Stunning scenery and epic hills in extreme heat
This was our 5th cycling trip with Exodus and the most surprisingly fun. Despite an uncharacteristic heatwave in early July, which meant our first day took us up very challenging hills in 37 degree heat and forced some cyclists to abandon their bikes for the van, we all bonded as a group and had as much fun in the evenings as we did pedalling through the stunning scenery of Albania.
Most Inspirational Moment
The sense of achievement on reaching the summit of the final day's epic climb towards Vlore.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Dhimo was delightful. Coped calmly with all the usual dramas of a cycling holiday despite his youth (26).
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you're hill-fit as it's a very challenging trip, especially in the heat.
Dan Johns
Reviewed July 2017
Great walking in an area where there are few foreign visitors.
Puglia and Matera are areas that are not well known in Canada. We booked the trip based on the interesting walks amongst olive orchards and vineyards that were advertised. What we didn’t realize is all the history in the area. From the cave dwellings of the Sassi to the Trulli houses of Alberobello it is a different world. The hiking routes were quite quiet with few other walkers encountered. It was a nice break from some of the busier areas of Italy. The food and drink in the area is fantastic. Marinella took us to some amazing restaurants (and created fantastic picnics) that only a local would know. All in all it was a fantastic trip. My only regret was that it was only a week. We could have stayed longer.
Most Inspirational Moment
For me, the most inspirational moment was the first time you see the Sassi. You are walking through the new town of Matera and all of a sudden you look into this ravine which is filled with buildings stacked on top of each other in a seemingly haphazard way. You then find out that caves are behind these buildings and that people live in them. The flocks of swallows and kestrels flying at all times of the day made the scene all the more impressive.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marinella was amazing. She knows the region and the people well. She (and Exodus) was very concerned about all of the walkers welfare since the temperatures were very high during the trip.She knew all the best places in town to eat and put together some fantastic picnic lunches. Her knowledge of the history of the region was also excellent. She went above and beyond by touring us on the free day around Lecce.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Watch the temperature. Our trip was mid-June and the temperatures were in the mid 30's. Any hotter and the hiking may not have been enjoyable. Otherwise, come with a good appetite and enjoy the region.
Mary Mellor
Reviewed July 2017
Discover the heel of Puglia
The holiday was most enjoyable and we were escorted by Marinella in a friendly and efficient way.
The hotels we stayed in were comfortable, and some uniquely interesting.
Most Inspirational Moment
I was very excited to see Alberobello, which I had long wanted to visit. And Matera was a great revelation - I knew nothing of its history, and found it fascinating
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marinella was friendly, energetic and charming, and full of interesting information. She found some lovely places for us to eat at. She was concerned for and interested in everyone in the partyExpect
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you go in July, leave your woollies well behind. It was
EXTREMELY hot when we were there.
Marie Maciver
Reviewed July 2017
Carpathian Walking and Bears
A thoroughly enjoyable trip with good company and excellent guides – Tomas from Exodus, Janina and Catarina from Villa Hermani. Most days were walking – at variable heights and distances but one day was given over to history/culture of the area. A good balance.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the bears! There were 2 opportunities - an evening in the hide and a visit to the Sanctuary to see the 'rescued' animals. No- one could fail to be moved by the stories of these bears.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tomas was a very good guide. His knowledge of the area history and wildlife had obviously been well researched.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't bother taking much lei ( local currency) - Euros are acceptable in most places. Added to which, there isn't too much to actually buy. The extras at Villa Hermani are extremely reasonable.
Make sure you take extra footwear - we got very wet one day and although there is a 'warm room' , boots will not necessarily dry overnight.
Melissa Goodwin
Reviewed July 2017
Stunning views. Fabulous food
We had a wonderful 5 days walking parts of the TMB with exodus. Our guide Mark was extremely experienced and knowledgeable. As a slower walker I found some aspects of the walks a little bit challenging but Mark was accommodating and encouraging as were other members of the group.
Back at the chalet our wonderful hosts Sarah and Rich made our stay most comfortable. Sarah is a brilliant chef and her 3 course dinners were up there with the best restaurants we’ve been to.
Most Inspirational Moment
It's just too hard to decide. The views are outstanding but the flowers were delightful too.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Terrific. Knowledgeable and experienced (and amazingly fit).
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do some training (there us a recommended training guide) as better fitness will make your walk more enjoyable. And be prepared for some long up and down hills.