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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14485 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Graham Wright

Reviewed October 2016

Western Explorer USA

A remarkable experience giving tasters of 5 quite unique National Parks. The group is small enough to give freedom to explore each area according to ability and fitness levels by oneself or in small subgroups. A lot of travelling but the views are worth it. Accommodation excellent although the facilities were not always used due to a packed timetable. People need to be aware of early morning starts to make the most of the day if walking as we experienced unusually high temperatures at the end of the season with no rain. There was sufficient freedom to choose whether to eat in the evenings with other members or in subgroups. The included activities added to the experience and were well worth it. Optional activities were available and wide ranging.

Most Inspirational Moment

Each area was so unique and an unexpected contrast with each other. Yosemite was spectacular and Death Valley at -282ft below sea level with a temperature of 110F was impressive compared to 3 days later in Bryce Canyon at 8300ft with the onset of ice on the upper trail. Bryce itself was so mystical and fantastic to walk through the Hoodoos. Zion was so superb especially in the evening sun and the views from Angels Landing are something to behold if one has no fear of heights. Monument Valley- conjures up all the old westerns and other films that have used the setting for backdrops and just to immerse yourself in the Grand Canyon is all that needs to be said as words can not do it justification. Fortunately, the stays in cities were short for me as I am not a city person, but one feels compelled to just wander down the Las Vegas boulevard for a complete contrast- the loudness and brashness could not be so far removed from ones previous experiences the days preceding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ron Prince was consummately friendly, courteous, professional and full of good advice, information on what to see and where to go. He was well informed on historical and cultural issues. He was available when needed to offer any assistance but was also able to protect himself and have free time so as he could pace himself for a very packed two weeks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for early starts. Be sensible about your walking/hiking abilities in areas that are far greater and higher than what most people are used to and especially be aware of the dry heat that builds up throughout the day. We were fortunate with the weather but it can change very quickly and flash floods have been known to occur in some of the areas visited.

Rebecca Macleod

Reviewed October 2016

Cycling Cuba

A cultural holiday where everything centres around the revolution. Many beautiful colonial style buildings (from the outside), and fantastic old American cars. Some challenging cycling in parts and sometimes not much to see out in the countryside, but lots to do in Havana and Trinidad. Capitalism has already moved in, and it becomes quite apparent to the tourist wherever you go.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sierra Maestra (day 9). What a fantastic place to stay. Hidden away in the mountains, surrounded by forest. To see how the local farmers lead such a sustainable lifestyle - they have so little, yet have so much.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was well organised and informative. However he needed to let go of the group on free days and let the group do their own thing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Allow more than 30 CUCs for the days you have to buy lunch and dinner. Our guide tended to take us to restaurants which seemed quite expensive and 30 CUCs was not always enough as a daily allowance. Be quite stringent with personal hygiene especially at toilet stops. Carry a bar of soap that you can use if running water is available to wash your hands, if not, ensure you use an anti bacterial hand wash. Don't underestimate the heat and humidity.

Dulcie Wrinch

Reviewed October 2016

Uzbekistan Uncovered

A well balanced comprehensive trip in that we had time to see all the sights and look around in general before moving on to the next destination. Trips out to the desert fortresses and the night staying a yurt followed by a hike with camel ride to Aidarkul Lake were a welcome break from seeing the historical and other not so old blue tiled mosques and madrassas etc.
The long drives were made more bearable in the fact we had a full sized coach and only 16 people so were able to spread ourselves out, the rest stops were regular and unhurried.
The food was variable and rather greasy and mostly edible. The local people were friendly (apart from some taxi drivers)

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to say what was the most inspirational moment as the sights overall were all awesome and in particular when lit up at night. I think the most fabulous moment was when I was on a camel and saw Aidarkul Lake ahead of me. The other people in the group were a lovely bunch and it made things even better. I came home feeling well satisfied with it all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dilshod....He was wonderful, so kind and good humoured. Also very helpful to any needs of our group. His spoken English was excellent, the best of any guides that I have met on Exodus trips to date. He was so organised when it came to ordering meals and drinks and managing the finances of it all. Didn't want to say goodbye.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not waste time going and leaving Tashkent outside the trip itself, the flights to and fro from London are only twice a week so more time spent there is not worth it. It was difficult to explore as tourism virtually unknown and taxi drivers say they can take you to requested place but haven't a clue where they are going. The hotel used in Tashkent is not widely known or central. The customs forms about permitted medication were non-existent, going through customs was trouble-free unlike what blogs say. A good torch for the night at the yurt advisable unless you like fumbling around in the dark, but we all fell asleep very quickly. Bring lots of of immodium and andrex loo paper, also air freshener as bathrooms have no ventilation!! Maybe download some maps prior to trip because they are non-existent.

Steven Gittens

Reviewed October 2016

A Great Week in the Sierra de Aitana

Five excellent guided walks in the mountains surrounding our accommodation at El Trestellador. Each day was very enjoyable and the walks took approximately 6 hours. It was extremely hot for October and the mountains have little shade, so plenty of water had to be carried. The packed lunch provided was superb and enjoyed on the peaks each day. Returning to El Trestellador for a cold beer was equally enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the accommodation. It was simple, very clean and our hosts were so friendly. The food provided each night was exceptional and more than enough for the largest appetite.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose is a nice guy with a passion for the Sierra de Aitana. He knows everything about the area and makes the walks interesting. He also is responsible for the excellent sandwiches.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not an easy week and deserves the Activity level 4

David Williams

Reviewed October 2016

Dolomites

A great week away walking in the dolomites, weather was perfect.

Most Inspirational Moment

Scenery fantastic, hotel comfortable, staff friendly and welcoming, food very good, beer cold, sunshine all week, what could be better.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leader, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly worked well with the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book it you won't regret it

Natasha Cornick

Reviewed October 2016

A vegan adventure in Puglia & Matera

A great place to visit with lovely picturesque villages. Great vegan Food. Lovely walks. Recommended for any fellow vegans. The accommodation was good, we stayed in a cave in Matera, which was dark.
Generally a great holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Matera caves were awesome. Lecce free day was beautiful. Vegetarian Restaurant in Matera.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Macella was well organised and kept the group to time well. Recommended good restaurants.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went in late September & it was still very warm, especially on the 2 walks where we had picnics. I was glad I took an umbrella for a bit of shade. A long sleeved shirt was good as well. Evenings were cool, & windy so take a warm fleece. Take a torch for the rooms, some were dark. If you don't fancy a full set menu it is ok to dip out & just have pasta. I took a kettle & was glad of a cup of tea after a day of walking. There were hairdryers in every room. We took soya milk, but we did see almond & soya milk in the supermarkets.

Yvette Fernley

Reviewed October 2016

The Zambezi River

An excellent trip, one of the best holidays we’ve had

Most Inspirational Moment

Prepare to leave your comfort zone and enter the world of the Zambezi with its currents and wind taking you so close to its wildlife that you feel that you've entered their world. Relaxing and tranquil but with plenty of excitement and wonder: hippos swimming under the canoes, crocs slipping off the bank into the water as we passed by, an elephant mother and youngster feeding only feet away from us. Not to mention frequent stops for cooling swims in the very clean water. And the Zambezi is big, and wide, banks with only sparse evidence of human habitation and desert islands for our overnight stops, add to a complete sense of wilderness. All in all an unparalleled experience. Although to be fair, if its big cats or the herds of the plains you want to see, or if you crave the luxury of the game lodge. this may not be the trip for you.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Of our guide, CB, Cuthbert, what a guy! Expert on game, great cook, kept us safe, exemplary leadership skills, and massive fun. Not for one moment did he stop trying to give us the experience of a lifetime. All at a comfortable pace. African time. Pole pole. Coupled with an excellent guide, we had an awesome group which provided endless fun and memories to cherish.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Buy plenty of beer or wine at the shop outside Lusaka. We made a mistake and didn't provide enough to accompany the simple but excellent food prepared by the guides. Early October was hot with strong sun, so be prepared. Not bad on the mozzy front and the tents are insect-proof, but of course Deet is essential. Those with plenty of painkillers for injuries and sore muscles proved popular! Changes of clothing seem to become less and less important as you go, so save on packing and chill!

Alan Keen

Reviewed October 2016

Petra and Wadi Rum by Bike

A varied and interesting holiday – just the right balance of activity, culture and fun, and all in a country that is welcoming, safe and friendly. Great scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra. It's so much more than I expected having read about it and seen pictures of it. Ok, it can get a bit crowded with other tourists and tacky with all the touts but with not too much effort you find quieter places.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Among the best. Wael was efficient, helpful, extremely knowledgeable and had a good sense of humour. Our cycling leader was also excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Your hands will be gripping those bars on those downhills (which are great if you like that kind of thing), so take a decent, padded pair of summer cycling mitts. Allow for a generous budget - enjoy yourself!

Michael Allen

Reviewed October 2016

Glad I went but glad it's over

This was a bit of disappointment because I was hoping to see lots of exquisite Islamic art and architecture. There is some toward the end of trip in Samarkand but the mosques and madrasas in Khiva and Bukhora weren’t very attractive. There was too much shopping time for my taste. I am vegetarian which limited food selections. The salads are very good but there isn’t much choice beyond that and I don’t think even the non-veggies enjoyed the food much. Sometimes a vegetarian dish was just a regular dish with the meat removed e.g. we were told chick peas were vegetarian but they came with some bits of meat which they had overlooked. The local beer, however is excellent.

An interesting part of the trip was learning about the Russian influence, good and not-so-good, and the changes that have occurred since the Soviet Union imploded and Uzbekistan became independent. I also enjoyed learning a about current life in Uzbekistan but am aware that we as tourists we may be presented with a somewhat sanitized view of things.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most enjoyable (not inspirational!) parts of the trip were the yurt stay/camel ride and in Samarkand learning about Ulugh Beg, the brilliant ruler and astronomer, and touring his museum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was excellent - extremely conscientious, good humoured, punctual, reliable and helpful. He never tired of answering our questions and knew a lot about the history of Uzbekistan. He took very good care of us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to be offline for several days. The internet service is very poor and was not working in some hotels. This seemed to be more of a problem for Macs and iPads than Android devices. In Bukhara I went to an internet cafe to check email and even there the connection was very slow.

Helen Mackie

Reviewed October 2016

Cycle Cuba

Fantastic trip with enjoyable cycling through some beautiful scenery as well as interesting towns and great sights recording Cuba’s history of revolution.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many but it was awesome visiting the Che Guevarra mausoleum, and walking in the Sierra Maestra where Fidel and his band were holed up.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carlos was excellent. He was informative, a good communicator with excellent English. He not only gave us loads of interesting information about Cuba's history but was prepared to share personal insights into his own experiences and into what it means to be a Cuban living there now.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for heat and humidity, and bring your own snacks as it was difficult even for our guide to find more than bananas and avocados as snacks for our stops. Lunch is also sometimes sandwiches which are very poor, dry stale bread with cheese and ham and no butter, so not very appetising - better to have extra snacks to cover that too. Other meals were sometimes good, especially lobster and prawns, but variable, so don't expect too much from the food.

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