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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14433 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Diane Edwards

Reviewed September 2016

Walking the Amalfi Coast

It was the first time I had gone on holiday alone and was absolutely fantastic. We were a mixed group from different countries and ages ranged from 24 to 64. We all got along brilliantly. The people at the hotel were lovely and Severio, the guide, was fantastic, great fun and was full of local knowledge. As for the scenery- wow! Exodus kept me fully informed and gave me some very good advice for the trip, very helpful as I hadn’t done a trip like this before.

Most Inspirational Moment

Just seeing the most beautiful scenery from so high up, stunning. Also walking myself fitter and realising what a great way to see an area of a country without hordes of people everywhere. At one point you could almost hear the 'sound of silence. On the 2nd days walk I thought I might need a donkey but managed a glorious walk up Tre Calli to meet with more stunning views. I didn't need the donkey after that!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severius was brilliant. A really fun guy with loads of knowledge, very thoughtful about people's abilities and encouraging. Couldnt have asked for a better guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go and do it, everyone helps one another and that adds to the enjoyment of the trip. Just enjoy the wonderful scenery and the people you meet. Don't worry if you are a single traveller, this was the best holiday I've had for a long time and the first travelling alone.

Rebecca Clifton

Reviewed September 2016

Lots of large steps for mankind!

What an amazing trip! I still can’t quite believe I managed to walk up and down mountains for 4 days! It was very hard but so worthwhile – the views were breathtaking! This was my first solo adventure but I didn’t feel solo – it was lovely to spend time with a positive, good-humoured group of people and I felt very taken care of and encouraged by our guide Raul and assistant guide Elizabeth.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sense of elation and disbelief in finally reaching Dead Woman’s Pass - the view is awe-inspiring! Also enjoying the panoramic mountain views at the third camp and having time to sit and sketch them. Machu Picchu itself was incredibly beautiful and fascinating; and a sight for saw eyes after the 'Gringo killer’ steps leading up to the Sun Gate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Raul met us at the airport and took good care of the group from the start. He introduced us to some great restaurants and gave us an interesting tour of Cusco. Raul was very helpful and attentive and was very knowledgable about Incan history and the various archaeological sites on the trail. He was also good humoured and encouraging throughout the trek. Elizabeth was a fantastic assistant guide (and very patient with those at the back!) and we all appreciated the 6.30am morning calls which came with mugs of hot coca tea.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For some reason I imagined there would be more flat paths - there were hardly any. Going uphill felt like rock climbing in parts and with 30% less oxygen , this was really hard. Going down hill took a lot of concentration and was hard work on the knees (knee supports helped me). Using the step machine at the gym may help with preparation. I was expecting it to be freezing in the evening, but it wasn’t too bad. A hat, down jacket/fleece and a mac is fine for supper time. It doesn’t get really cold until about 3 or 4 in the morning. If you have a good sleeping bag and a hat you’ll be fine. I packed 8 loo rolls which wasn’t necessary as exodus provided them in their toilet tents on the camp (you only need your own at some loos along the trail). Pack rehydration salts - you will sweat a lot! Ibuprofen, Imodium and blister plasters (particularly with all the down hill walking) were also useful. Don’t over pack your day bag on day 2 - any extra weight makes it so much harder to climb those huge steps. Brush your teeth in bottled water and bring plenty of antibacterial gel and wet wipes.

Tony Chau

Reviewed September 2016

Camino de Santiago Cycle Ride, Sept 16

We have been to a number of Exodus rides but this one stands out because 1) It was a “door to door” ride – we rode to/from the hotel from beginning to end without any bus transfer 2) We had some non-technical off road sections which was great 3) The leaders were great (see below) 4) It was a very interesting ancient route (we rode the “Camino”) and had amazing churches and Castles en route that one could collect stamps on your Camino passport 5) We had great weather (quite hot for Sept. in the first few days but turned cooler towards the end) + the food was wonderful and cheap….

Most Inspirational Moment

We had a great group of cyclist with similar ability and everyone got on well. The climb to O'Cebreiro was quite "cheeky" and I am glad that we made it! The scenery was wonderful and we got there during a festival / market day which was unexpected in such a village that is so high up. Finally, arriving in Santiago with everyone getting a certificate for riding the Camino was also very special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was very knowledgable (he knew exactly the terrain, distance in detail so we knew exactly what to expect and how to pace ourselves - but "undulating" means quite a few ups!). The places that we stopped for coffee, ice cream, lunch, dinner were all wonderful. Guillemo, our support driver/mechanic was also great. We never had our Saddles/Paddles fitted and removed for us in previous trips + we had great support from him (making sure our bottles were filled, checking the tyre pressure, fitting the squeaks....) throughout the trip with a smile.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We thought it was just a cycling trip and didn't know anything about the "St. James Way" and the pilgrims walking the trail. It was a very interesting experience but I wished I read up more about the history before hand.

Terence Lee

Reviewed September 2016

classic kenya

I have been to africa many times, and this holiday was up there with the best. A excellent trip

Most Inspirational Moment

I think seeing 7 cheetahs, and a couple chasing wildebeest. Also watching a leopard pass us by. and then following it along , brilliant

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Peter , very good, in fact top marks, and his assistant another peter also

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just sit back and enjoy spectacle, no better show on earth

Sandra Taylor

Reviewed September 2016

Highly recommended holiday

Everything exceeded expectation (only the weather failed!) – great walking, great guide and group and wonderful hotel.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walks and the views (on good weather days!) were fantastic, interesting and varied. The day trip to Pompeii and Vesuvius was great with well informed and interesting guides at both. But then there were the little things like limoncello, great coffee in Italian bars, the really friendly and helpful hotel staff who mixed knock out cocktails in the evenings and having an Italian (no sorry, Sicilian!) guide which made all the difference. He brought Italy to life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severio (our group leader) was fantastic. He is very chilled and has a great sense of humour and created a super relaxed and fun group atmosphere. He’s such a good English speaker that he can produce an American accent too! We had so much fun with him. He is also thoroughly professional. He paced the walks well, explained clearly where we were going and kept a watchful eye on everyone, being quick to lend an extra hand if needed. He managed the programme with a level of flexibility that was much appreciated. And he is very knowledgeable and interesting about Italy. On the walks he always provided interesting information and local history etc about the places we passed or saw. And on his day off he still worked hard to make sure that we had a good day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you go in September don’t assume the weather will be good. We had mixed weather and you definitely need a good waterproof. I don’t usually use walking poles but I was really glad I took them on this holiday. There’s a lot of downhill walking and hard rock/steps so walking poles help cushion the knees. And for the beach take flip flops - the beach is stony and very hot.

Catherine Smith

Reviewed September 2016

High Inca Trail

Epic in every sense of the word! We Trekked and camped in the most remote and awesome places, faced hot sun, sub zero nights, snow, wind, mist and rain! We star gazed, swam in a glacial lake, saw stunning sunsets and got up early to see the sunrise on Salcantay mountain. The many Inca sites and Machu Picchu were even better than we could have imagined!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up to see the sunrise on Salcantay Mountain, the first glimpse of Machu Picchu at the sun gate, and returning very early the next day seeing it shrouded in mist only to see it clear to give magnificent views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bobby was a great leader. He had great knowledge on both Peruvian culture and Inca history. On the last day in the Sacred Valley he went out of his way to arrange extra sight seeing visits.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't under estimate the huge variation of temperatures during the day! In the sun it can be really warm but in the evenings and night it gets extremely cold! You need a down jacket and warm sleeping bag and lots of extra layers.

Michelle Madrigga

Reviewed September 2016

Spectacular Scenery!

A great trek through an amazingly beautiful area with an enormous array of colours and landscapes. Great acclimatization time in Leh before the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in relatively isolation through the amazing landscapes. Crossing the two passes were an achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both the group leader and the trekking guide were excellent, friendly and competent. Very well organized and no issues with communication.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for cool or cold night temperatures. Some of the parts of the trail are on narrow (sometimes crumbling) ledges above the river so people with vertigo issues or unsteady feet may want to come prepared. There are also some sections where you are walking along rocky riverbeds so you may want to ensure you have boots with adequate ankle support. Definitely bring a wide brim hat, sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen as well as the sun was particularly strong during the day and there was often little shaded areas. Bring extra camera batteries and memory cards if you like taking photos as this trek is full of photo opportunities!

Richard Broughton

Reviewed September 2016

Great walking holiday

This was a great walking holiday in mountains that were not busy or developed in the same way of the alps. There was no technical climbing, but some scrambling and even rocky paths. The days were long, but with bus support we did not have to camp so could shower and relax in the evening.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final ascent of Vihren was very impressive with a huge limestone summit that looked spectacular in the sun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was excellent both on and off the mountain.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whilst all the paths can be walked, the rocks require concentration to not slip over. The days are long particularly the ridge walk which ends with an added forest walk to the nearest road.

Tracey Patterson

Reviewed September 2016

Tour de Mont Blanc Hotel Trek

We had a thoroughly enjoyable trip even though the terrain could be hard work at times.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to complete the Tour and feel proud of the accomplishment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nick Draper was an excellent leader. He looked after the group and made sure everyone was coping ok. He has an excellent knowledge of the flora and fauna and was happy to point things out.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do follow the advice in the trip notes and on the website to make sure that you have a reasonable state of fitness. Do make sure that you take walking poles as these are essential for manoeuvring up and down the trails.

Anthony Child

Reviewed September 2016

Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise

If you want to see as much of China as possible in a relatively short period then this trip ticks all the boxes. Get used to early starts, a lot of walking although not to arduous, hectic and overcrowded railway stations, but it is absolutely worth it! You get to see all the major attractions China is well known for but it also exposes you to the rural side of China where things are so different.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day we did something different, The Great Wall was amazing, The Pandas so adorable, The cruise had dramatic scenery, Yangshuo had us cycling through paddy fields and scaling the fantastic limestone peaks. Then of course the Terracotta warriors and the Forbidden City are also a must. Shanghai is as western as you get but has some breathtaking photo opportunities.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alan (Hongbin Liu) was an amazing guide with excellent English, and keeping 10 westerners all together was no mean feat when you try to traverse what the call railways stations! Alan had a marvellous sense of humour and referred to us as his 'sleeping pandas' as we all tried to catch up on our sleep during the hectic schedule. He would share the history as was pertinent on each part of the trip and his powers of recollection were a joy to behold. He always accompanied us on the trips even if they were optional and was always ready with help and advice. He planned ahead always so that the weary travellers always had a coach waiting or a restaurant booked. Alan was at the top of his game and should be commended.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip can be a little exhausting and be prepared for early starts. You are on the go nearly all the time and adhere to a hectic schedule. Pack lightly as possible as you will need to hump suitcases up and down stairs at the stations or walk a way to meet the coach. The sleeper trains are a little dirty and uncomfortable so take a pillow case and possibly a silk sleeping bag liner. Also don't forget toilet tissue for anywhere. When out and about just be aware of what's around you as the traffic and driving is something you will not experience anywhere else. Electric (silent) scooters are a potential hazard as they drive in any direction anywhere including pavements. The rules of the road don't apply in China. You won't get much western food aside from toast or eggs for breakfast so embrace all the different variations of Chinese food available. Most hotels have Wi-Fi but it can be hit and miss and often Gmail doesn't work. We were able to barter with the staff on the cruise to get an upgrade on the cabin which was worthwhile. Out of the main city the Chinese don't see many westerners and often want a photo with you which they don't ask to do, so it can appear to be a little rude but generally we felt completely safe wherever we went, just be careful with belongings in crowded places.

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