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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14423 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Rebecca Cope

Reviewed March 2017

Fantastic trip to Iceland

We had a fantastic trip to Iceland. A lot was fit into the few days that we were there but the itinerary was just right. There was quite a lot of driving but it was worth it to see all of the sights that we did and our group leader entertained us with tales of Iceland throughout the journey. I am already planning my next trip to Iceland to explore the country further!

Most Inspirational Moment

The glacier hike and the caving were my highlights. I'd also heard mixed reviews about the blue lagoon but I also loved this as it is so unique to Iceland.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Orri was a fantastic leader. Very warm and friendly and kept us entertained throughout. We couldn't fault him and he helped to make it a memorable trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of layers! I'd also recommend spending at least one additional night in Reykjavik. It's a great place to spend time and is small enough to see plenty in one or two days. There isn't much spare time in the itinerary if you don't book additional nights.

Anthony Lorbach

Reviewed March 2017

Vietnam is Amazing

I had never signed up for a group tour before. I never thought it was “for me.” After this trip to Vietnam, I am rethinking my past judgements. I loved this trip and I really enjoyed the people on the trip. I am definitely going to book another Exodus cycling trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many. The 30km descent was incredible, from the feeling to the scenery. All of the rides were interesting. I had time to see the country from ground level. I remember riding along, thinking, "Hey! I'm in Vietnam, under a blue sky rather than at home shuffling through the snow." The food was amazing, and our hotels were incredible. The people were so friendly.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader really cared about us. I could see how hard he worked and how concerned he was for everyone's safety.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have any interest in this country, definitely book this trip. It is such a beautiful country and the guides are prepared to guide you to some of the best parts of it.

Deirdre Oconnor

Reviewed March 2017

Walking the Amalfi Coast

A great way to see a beautiful part of the world. Bomerano felt a long way from the tourist trail, but we were within easy distance of Amalfi, Positano and Ravello. The hotel was friendly and comfortable, with great food, and the guides made sure that everyone was looked after.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first walk on Monte Tre Calli had beautiful views on a clear day. Having drinks and laughs outside the Crazy Burger bar later that day. But the best day was Pompei and Vesuvius... magnificent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul is a gentleman and a diligent guide. He was very calm and I always felt that he had things in hand. Serena who was training as a guide on our week was great fun and added to the great atmosphere in the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Use walking poles. Bring a swim suit and follow the lead of of some of our group who swam ( even though it was February!!! ) Pace yourself with the dinners.. they are delicious but risk of overeating. Be prepared for tight calves... all those steps.

Iona Whitaker

Reviewed March 2017

Classic Vietnam & Angkor

Varied and well organised. You see, experience and learn a lot.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cruising round Halong Bay, the bike ride through the paddy fields at Hoi An, the Cu Chi tunnels, the boat trips on the Mekong delta, the markets, sunrise at Angkor Wat ...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khoa in Vietnam was excellent. There were 16 in our group and he managed to look after all of us and cater for the different interests. He was very knowledgeable and honest about life in Vietnam, and also good fun. Minear in Cambodia was also very good. We only had a few days there and he made sure we didn't waste any time. He managed to impart a lot of information as well as personal experiences about the war which were very moving.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Best to have dong in Vietnam (though dollars are also useful). You only need dollars in Cambodia. Easy to change money. You will need an overnight bag for Halong Bay and again at the Mekong delta (suitcases are left behind for these two nights). Best shopping is in Hoi An and Siem Reap. The walk up Marble Mountain is not difficult - steps and shaded paths between temples and shrines. Most of the group got a visa on landing at Siem Reap ($30 dollars and you only need one photo – not two). The various temples at Angkor Wat are sacred so knees must be covered (as well as the top of women’s arms). We were all scrabbling around in our suitcases for something suitable to wear. Enforcement varies but best not to risk it as some of the guards were quite strict. It was cool in Hanoi and Halong Bay (late Feb/early March) but elsewhere was very warm (and humid in Cambodia).

Karin May

Reviewed March 2017

Highlands of sri lanka

We thoroughly enjoyed our Sri Lankan experience and found it to be very good value and well organised. It is such a stunningly beautiful green and lush country and the views often made us gasp with delight!
The locals were very welcoming and kind and friendly.
The trip was very varied and each day was a new and different experience.
Our group was mixed but we got along fine and had some great laughs along the way!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many - for my husband the challenge of Adams Peak was inspirational. Meeting locals and the beautiful landscapes and walking around the tea plantations and visiting the cave temple in Dambulla, visiting Kandy and the temple of the tooth and the historic port of Galle were just amazing for me. In fact every day there was something inspirational!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujee was very well organised, very friendly and professional and very kind and also had a good sense of humour! He was very passionate about his country and keen to impart his knowledge - we learned so much about Sri Lanka which was amazing. His back up team of drivers deserve a mention for their hard work and commitment to delivering a top class service, always with a huge smile!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go and open up your heart to Sri Lanka - you will be fully rewarded!

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Karin for her review, although we are sincerely sorry to hear that she was disappointed with the cleanliness of the accommodation in Dickoya. It is the first time we can recall receiving this feedback and we have raised Karin’s concerns with the property’s management. We understand that these issues have been addressed and arrangements made to prevent rodents from entering the buildings, which we trust will prevent future clients experiencing similar issues. Whilst we realise that this cannot alter Karin’s experience, we hope it shows we have taken her comments seriously. John Penge – Product Manager

Mandy Boak

Reviewed March 2017

Truly amazing

This was our first time in India and the first cycling trip we’ve ever done. We were a group of 12, plus Shakur our leader, Kurian our driver, Franklin our back-up man and Anil, driver, water-supplier and all-round cool guy. The group were of mixed ability which worked fine – we had loads of coffee stops, happy bushes breaks and although there were about 5 long days of cycling on the trip, from 8 till 4.30, it was all quite manageable. The route of this trip is superb. Using mainly backroads, then the odd venture onto main roads and into the busier towns, we saw such a diversity of scenery and got a great insight into the daily lives of the local people. All of it was so enjoyable, so fascinating. Weaving your way through full-on Indian traffic is exhilarating and hilarious but somehow or other it all works and we all got through the experience unscathed. The backroads do have quite bad potholes in places and can get a bit bone-shaking but they’re worth it, honestly. The accommodation is all of a really good standard I felt. I got the impression from more seasoned travellers in our group that this is one of the better trips in that respect. And the food! Oh my god! Fantastic & in abundance – only regret was I couldn’t eat all of it!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights it's difficult to choose. From the first morning when we did a circular route to Auroville, we were hooked. What a way to see a country and what a country! We were like wide-eyed kids with the biggest grins on our faces all through the journey - the sights, sounds and smells, the colours, the smiling friendly people, the beautiful children, the dogs, goats, cows - there was something amazing down every street, round every corner. It was a morning we will honestly never forget, just wonderful. And the people all smiling and waving, so friendly, cheering us on our way. And the food!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shakur and his team did a great job and looked after us so well on this trip. You could see that the more we enjoyed ourselves the happier they were. There were a couple of occasions when the route had to be changed or certain excursions cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, ie a strike on the day we were supposed to visit the tea plantation factory! But Shakur would get on his phone and next thing it was all organised and we still managed to visit the factory although it wasn't up and running. We left an ipad in one of the hotels - they rang Shakur, got on a motorbike and met us en route about 40k down the line. Every time we stopped Kurian or Anil would fill our water bottles, make sure we all got our coffees and teas just how we liked them. They didn't rest until they were sure we had everything we needed. Franklin cycled at the back all week, taking care of the slower members of the group and helping anyone with bike problems. We couldn't fault these guys, they were just great and helped make the holiday such an enjoyable experience. Thanks guys.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bib shorts aren't practical for these trips - best would be a couple of pairs of thin liner shorts with some fast-drying over shorts. We had a couple of serious downpours en route and I wished I'd taken a second pair of shoes to cycle in - some people cycled in sandals. Gel seat - cheap one off Amazon - proved v useful. We did need to wash clothes now and again - take a decent travel wash or use the hotel laundry - quite cheap. American Express travel card was only accepted once, best off with Visa or Mastercard. Money exchange in airport offered us a much lower rate than anywhere else. ATM's sometimes run out of money so taking some pound notes out with you is quite handy, there are loads of "foreign exchange" places. Practice your camera face - many Indians we met wanted to have a photo taken with us - funny but true?! Our group ranged in age from 46 to 73, everyone coped well with the cycling, although there are so many photo opportunities that go whizzing by, a Go-Pro would have been quite handy.

Peter Wilkinson

Reviewed March 2017

MZD Cycling the Drakensberg

This was a first rate trip that made me very positive about South Africa. The whole experience was excellent with first class leadership of the guides that made its two weeks to remember for years to come.

Most Inspirational Moment

Just viewing the changes in scenery as we cycled and drove along.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jean-Paul was an inspirational leader who clearly loved his country and was able to effectively impart that enthusiasm.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Come prepared to absorb everything the country and people have to offer.

Martin Bigg

Reviewed March 2017

Trails of New Zealand

We had promised ourselves this trip for some time and had high expectations. We were looking for a good mix of activities to see and experience the country.
Trails of New Zealand went way beyond our expectations. We thoroughly enjoyed the amazing places, the range of walks in different landscapes, the fun of jet-boating, sailing and cruising, and luging, and the unique birds and wildlife.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had so many experiences which will stay with us: walking the stark volcanic landscape of the Tongariro Crossing; walking to and flying over Mount Cook and landing on pristine Fox glassier; sailing a catamaran; or travelling at 80mph up a braided river; the magnificent kauri and redwoods, and not forgetting the kiwis. On our way to Milford Sound on the South Island it poured with rain and we were not expecting to see much. However, soon after we boarded the boat the skies cleared and the fiord was filled with magnificent waterfalls. It was magical as we explored Milford Sound in boats and kayaks, and our ship nosed its way past and into the silver cascading water against a backdrop of majestic snow covered peaks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Josh and Haley were superb leaders. They were very organised and ensured that we knew all we needed to know. They provided supplements to our meals and provided a super spread when they catered for us. They were great at sharing additional information and encouragement to the slower and faster members of the group. When they found that an unknown walker had had a serious fall they ensured that she returned down the mountain safely while continuing to look after our group. When the bus developed a technical fault it was dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go!!! It is a long way so pace and prepare yourself, but it will repay you many times over. The country is very varied and so is the weather, so go prepared for everything - it was coldest and wettest at sea level and hottest in the mountains.

Deborah Loach

Reviewed March 2017

Dolomites snowshoeing February 2017

One of the best holidays I have ever had. I was a little nervous about doing a first group holiday but this holiday was amazing. The group leader, Sara, was fantastic – very knowledgeable about the mountains, and many other things. She was very friendly and very interesting to talk to. The other members of the group were lovely people. The scenery was incredible and the walking was varied and perfectly planned. The only criticism was the dinner menu which was over complicated – would be much better to have 3 courses with a few choices. The breakfasts were fantastic.