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

14433 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Barry Smith

Reviewed October 2016

Chianti/Sienna

This was my 5th Exodus cycling trip and my favorite to date. The scenery was quite picturesque, the hills challenging and the group was great fun. Radu and Reece were a superb team. The attention to detail was quite amazing if you have been on many prior trips. Riding safety began with inspection of the bikes which were first rate. We had quite a range of biking experience but Radu was accommodating to the entire group. Both Radu and Reece were fantastic mechanics too. I highly recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the finish in Florence and the view of the entire city. A great wow! moment. Riding into Sienna too and looking out at the hills. and of course... riding through the many vineyards in Chianti with the grapes ready to be harvested. The day off to really see Sienna was an added treat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Radu is the man. Attention to detail, Safety, the comfort and security of all guests of varying time in the saddle was truly amazing. An excellent cyclist in the countryside and on gravel who is probably at his best getting the group into and out of cities in traffic. If this is a first trip for you this is the guide you want.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some training on gravel if you are not a mountain bike person. Perhaps some hills too since ALL Italian villages and cities seem to be on top of hills. Bring some rain gear. we did not have much rain but if you keep your torso and feet dry it makes all the difference. and of course have an extra day or two to see Florence. Go see David. words fail.

Karen Williams

Reviewed October 2016

Cycling in Sardinia

What a fantastic trip! Great rides taking in beautiful countryside, sparkling blue seas and white sandy bays with a lovely group of people, all topped off with more fabulous food and drink than we could work off. All the hotels were perfect too. I was expecting the local people to drive like they do in Rome, but they were always so courteous, giving us a wide berth. It really was a faultless trip and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of "the Wall"

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele and Giovanni were perfect hosts and made it their business to make sure everyone had a great time whatever their pace. Their local knowledge ensured we went to the best places which we'd never have found otherwise

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely book this trip!

Brendan Watty

Reviewed October 2016

Cycling Puglia and Matera

It was with some trepidation that my wife and I joined this guided tour. Not only was it the first time we have participated in an organised group tour, it also involved some serious cycling. We need not have worried. Our tour guide, Marinella, was superb in ensuring that everyone had the best possible time throughout the week’s tour. Puglia was a gorgeous region to tour, with many beaches and a variety of sights. The accommodation was very good with the highlight being the overnight stay at the renovated monastery near Avantrana. Our group was a mix of nationalities and a significant bonus was the opportunity to engage with these people and learn a little about them and their home countries. The cycling varied from 45 to 70+ km each day, which both my wife and I found manageable. We had both done a reasonable amount of preparation, which was extremely helpful.

Most Inspirational Moment

We encountered some heavy rain on day 2 of the tour. It really belted down during the last hour of the ride. When we arrived at our overnight stay I was having a bit of a grizzle about the wet weather to one of the other riders, Chris, from New Zealand. She said that when the rain was at its heaviest she was having a laugh! She was participating doing something she enjoyed, and yes, the conditions weren't ideal, but she had many friends back home who would be tucked up in front of the fire, but she was getting out and about. An inspirational moment for me!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marinella fulfilled her group leader role with flying colours. She loves Puglia, knows it well, and was passionate about sharing her knowledge. She worked extremely hard at making everyone feel part of the group by suggesting places to eat at night, and also through organising our lunch each day. The group was a large one, and I felt that she should have had an extra support person who could have ridden with the group. We had a back up vehicle but it was not always possible for it to follow the group. If there was a mechanical issue, (and there were a few), Marinella would have to back track and attempt to remedy it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do your preparation on the bike. The distances are not huge, but it's constant each day. Although the route is mainly flat there are some hilly sections.

Robert Oakeshott

Reviewed October 2016

Morocco in the sun

Good mixture of cycling – predominantly off road on double width tracks, some smooth, some not so much. A little bit of fun single track from time to time. Average may be descent, but a good bit of climbing in there too for those of us who enjoy it. Lots of long stretches of cycling between stops to make sure everyone is going the right way. Lots of great views over the landscape.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cross country stretch back towards Tafraoute crossing river beds with hardly any sign of the old piste to be found.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz is a really good leader - second to none at making sure everyone knows what the plan is. Both Liz and our second leader Jon did a tireless job keeping the bikes in order.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Come with electrolyte tablets or similar: it may be hot. Come soon before someone tarmacs a piste you would rather they had left alone.

Robert Hubbard

Reviewed October 2016

Cycling in Greece

This is the Review of Amanda Hubbard.
I think this holiday was the 20th trip I have taken with Exodus and most have been extremely good. This trip ranks as excellent, together with recent cycling holidays in Croatia and Romania. Not only did Helios, the Greek God of the Sun, smile on us and give us October days of sun, blue skies and gentle breezes, but we were also blessed with a friendly group of fellow travellers and 2 excellent guides, Yannis and Constantinos (Costos) and their boss, Yiorgos (George) from Head Office in Athens. It was amazing how much activity we crammed into each day and this was not just cycling, but visits to archaeological sites and museums and even a tour of a Nemea Winery. And we also had time to eat the most delicious food, which included picnics prepared by Costos and sumptuous meals at well chosen restaurants.
I would recommend this holiday for those, who enjoy not only cycling but also soaking up sun and Greek culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

The visits to three archaeological sites. Firstly the ancient Theatre at Epidaurus, with such good acoustics that someone at the top of the theatre can hear a coin drop. Secondly Nemea, which was visually very beautiful and where the Hellenic athletic games were held every 2 years. And lastly and surprisingly thanks to our inspirational guide, the Acropolis in Athens, which included the Erechtheion, the Parthenonand the Temple of Athena Nike. All the sites were in well kept grounds and those members of the European Union over 65 pay a reduced rate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 2 group leaders, Yannis and Constantinos (Cosmos). Yannis was the Group Leader on the bike and for giving us our daily briefings. He was well organised, warning us of all dangers and conscientious and solicitous of our needs. He arranged for return of items left at every hotel - we moved every day and usually left at 9am. I don't know how he managed the puntuality of 16 of us. And his knowledge of Greek Mythology and churches was excellent, but I still remain muddled! And Cosmos, the Gentle Giant, brought up the rear in the van and arranged the transfer of our luggage, gave rides to those who could not bear another hill and produced Greek salads in the middle of nowhere.. Truly both guides socialised with us and looked after us professionly and patiently, as did George from Head Office , who was charming companion on this holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The usual advice, don't think you are going to lose weight on this trip despite all the walking and cycling uphill. Bring well soled shoes for the trip to the Acropolis - the marble is slippery. And Greece is a hilly country, so the route is more than undulating.

Fiona Mair

Reviewed October 2016

Magic Morocco

A fantastic introduction to this beautiful country. You pack a huge amount into a short space of time and I left feeling that I wanted to come back and see more. From camel-trekking through a sandstorm to drinking mint tea in our guide’s family home, this trip was full of memorable experiences. The people of Morocco were so friendly and welcoming and lots of fun. The scenery was spectacular, especially up in the mountains. I think the view from the gite might be a little slice of heaven!

Most Inspirational Moment

Two stand out. Camel trekking through the Sahara was everything you'd expect it to be and more. We got to experience it both in a sandstorm and in the calm, which was great. And seeing the sunset over the dunes was perfect. Being up in the village in the High Atlas was probably my favourite though. Issmail, our guide was from that village and seeing his love for his home made it feel quite special being there. It's so beautiful up there I didn't want to leave!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Issmail was great. Very laid back, very funny and very friendly, with such a great outlook on life. Very knowledgeable, although despite many conversations on the subject, we are still somewhat confused as to the difference between a mule and a donkey!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You'll need to take an overnight pack for the night in the desert, so pack flexibly. Also, given that Royal Air Maroc managed to mess up our flights out resulting in an unscheduled overnight in Casablanca, make sure you carry overnight stuff in your hand luggage!

Constant Van Den Berg Van Saparoea

Reviewed October 2016

Drakensberg and Kruger cycling

Great cycling holiday. Combination of seeing nature, rock formations, animals and birds, with cycling was great.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling along a quiet lane in the hills, with zebra galloping in the fields and crossing the road in front of us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very helpful with cycling and knowledgeable with respect to the animals and birds.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Because of rather extreme temperatures due to the altitude (2000 m) take clothes suitable for cold as well as hot conditions. For cycling in the sun and heat, it is helpful to take white, or at least light coloured, cycling clothing rather than the often black gear used. it will reflect the heat and is better than using sunscreen.

Malcolm Adamson

Reviewed October 2016

Mont Blanc High Lights

Really enjoyed this trip ,lots of good point’s – here’s a few
Firstly we had brilliant weather the whole week so we did all the walks and saw all the sights in glorious sunshine.
Secondly the chalet and our hosts were superb ,the food was delicious and plentiful all week.
Thirdly our walk leader was very capable and gave a sense of security and safety throughout the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably achieving all the walks without too many aches and pains .

Thoughts on Group Leader

As previously stated he was very capable and made sure the group were safe at all times. He explained the routes/plan on an evening for the next day so we all knew what was ahead of us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Early October when i went was pretty quiet in Chamonix on a night but this was compensated for by having great weather during the day which i've heard is not unusual.

John Young

Reviewed October 2016

Exhilirating -- and a little bit exhausting!

This is the one for you if you’re happy to rough it, leave the comfort zone, sleep in tents for seven nights on the trot, go without much booze, but gulp down the thrill of knowing you’re transported yourself along a gentle giant of a river and gazed at game from a breathtakingly short distance.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking at dawn to see the sun rise over the Zambezi, knowing the day held in store a manageable physical challenge, a sense of manageable danger, and every chance of watching elephant, hippo and crocs at very close quarters.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cuthbert was exceptional. Tireless. Talented. Wise. A great cook, manager of people, reader of moods. And above all, he knew where the boundaries lay between safety and danger.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready to rough it -- seven nights under canvass are indeed seven nights under canvass, and four of them really are without any washing or toilet facilities at all -- though the Zambezi itself makes a wonderful alternative to a shower. And if you feel a beer or glass of wine over dinner is fair reward for five or so hours on a canoe -- insist that your driver stops so you can stock up before you rich the river on day one. Otherwise this becomes a six day detox you may not have bargained for.

Stuart Norris

Reviewed October 2016

Scenic splendour and cycling endeavour

This was a splendid trip, made all the better by the staggering beauty of the Albanian mountains and countryside and the excellent company of all on the tour. The cycling was immense, challenging all of us on the tour with the long and arduous climbs and then providing thrills and big smiles as we sped down the long, winding descents with endless views stretching ahead of us. The first half of the trip is in the mountains but then descends to the coast for a day or two before climbing once again for more mountain scenery and finishing with a long descent to the final hotel, once more on the coast. A good variety of scenery and culture that provides an excellent taster of life in present day Albania as the country moves from its communist past and trys to adapt to modern day capitalism and all the challenges that this poses.

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtedly the accomplishment of tackling and overcoming the serious climbs on this trip. All of the tour were experienced cyclists, yet none found climbing in the heat anything but a challenge. However, the splendour of the Albanian mountains all around us as we climbed eased the task of reaching the summits on every occasion and the camerarderie of the group was much in evidence throughout. Probably most inspirational were two of our travelling companions, 78 and 79 years old respectively, who tackled the climbs without complaint and earned our utmost respect.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dhimo was a good leader, calm and amusing, and he soon joined in with the generally humourous and irreverent conversation of the group. He organised snacks, group lunches and dinners every day which made everything very convenient and easy. Together with our driver it was a good team and added greatly to our overall enjoyment of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't rely on credit cards - we did not find any hotel or restaurant that would take them. Exchange a small amount of money in the airport (the exchange rate was 155 Leke to the Pound) to last a few days in the mountains and then use an ATM in one of the larger towns. In practice, our leader paid for everything food related and we reimbursed him at the end of the week, but this may not be the same for every trip or tour leader in Albania. Note that the cycling really does have some challenging climbs and you will definitely benefit if you are cycle fit before arrival. There are three days of very serious climbing (the first day and the final two days - approx 5000, 5200 and 6750 feet respectively) but the views are spectacular and the downhills immense. Very enjoyable but tough. The panniers provided are excellent and our tour (all experienced cyclists) made good use of them, so a rucksack is not needed when cycling.

Prev 1 … 772 773 774 775 776 … 1,444 Next