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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14440 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Mary Harwood
Reviewed July 2016
A wonderful introduction to Puglia
The trip was fascinating. Every day of the walking tour was interesting and enjoyable. A good amount of free time, balanced with excellent walks and cultural exploration.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the cave dwellings in Matera.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marinella is an exceptional guide - knowledgeable, professional and lots of fun. She makes sure everyone on her tour is having the best time possible.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for the heat if you go in June/July
Jeremy Andrews
Reviewed July 2016
Great way to see stunning Balkan scenery
It was well thought out, with a comfortable vehicle and good hotels (with the exception of the Hotel Komodor in Dubrovnik) and both the driver, Damir, and the tour leader, Evelin, were excellent. The trip is basically an extended taxi ride through stunning mountain scenery, punctuated by a few short walks, so getting a good view from every seat in the vehicle matters. Having air conditioning that worked well both in the vehicle and in the hotels is also important. Of the four trips I have done with Exodus, this was the one that most exceeded my expectations—indeed it was one of the best organised trips I have done in thirty years of group travel. Full marks to Exodus, local agent Green Visions and tour leader Evelin Balta
Most Inspirational Moment
*
Audrey Innes
Reviewed July 2016
Dolomites Lake Garda Venice ride
A great ride from the Austrian influence in the Dolomites, a boat trip the length of Lake Garda then passing through famous towns of Verona & Padua to the delights of Venice at the end. Good riding mainly on cycle paths & small local roads surrounded by beautiful scenery. Great stops for coffee & lunch in local bars & restaurants. We also benefited from having our excellent guide Michele who had excellent knowledge of the countryside, geology, architecture, history & ofcourse food & wines. Reasonable distances covered each day but very manageable as not too hilly. Would highly recommend
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the hidden gems of Venice
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent, confident, organised, knowledgeable & a very nice person. He also gave us extra cycle ride options & the walk around Venice
Advice for Potential Travellers
Ride & enjoy Italy
Penny Welford
Reviewed July 2016
A great way to see Cuba!
This is a fantastic way to see Cuba and gain an insight into the Cuban way of life, especially in the provincial towns and countryside. There is a mix of cycling routes, some days flattish and one or two with more demanding hills (but of course then the rewarding downhills!). I found the grading appropriate, although the heat in May/June contributed to its difficulty. Our group got on very well which added to the trip’s enjoyment.
Most Inspirational Moment
If I had to single out a moment from the many, it would be walking up through the tropical forest in the Sierra Maestra to take coffee in a hill-top small-holding. I also really enjoyed riding a local road through a small rural community, seeing life at a gentle pace.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Erik Garcia was an excellent guide. He was supportive, looked after us very well, patiently answered endless questions and always with an engaging smile and sense of humour. His pride in being Cuban was evident as he spoke informatively about Cuba's cultural and political history and he was always willing to engage in lively discussion.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for hot conditions and try to keep your water bottle shaded as much as possible! This is a cycling holiday so don't expect to have lots of time to sight-see in the towns you pass through.
Maria Ramos
Reviewed July 2016
Walking, hiking, climbing, scrambling, enjoying!
I’d like to set the tone by saying that everything about this holiday was perfect! This was my first ever walking holiday so I chose the leisurely to moderate category. In hindsight the description is probably accurate, but some of the treks took me by surprise as there were some truly steep and rocky hills to climb. Perhaps I wasn’t quite enough prepared for those but managed to complete them all. Clearly the recommended pre-holiday fitness training is very important. The ‘leisurely’ bit comes in in the fact that we were able to have frequent breaks for shade and water in the temperatures of 35+. Each day was challenging in its own way and at the end of the day you felt a real sense of achievement. There were some breathtaking mountainous sceneries and clear pure air to chase out any London pollution!
Most Inspirational Moment
The optional extra, el Caminito del Rey, was thrilling! The photos look incredibly frightening, but the whole route has been renovated and made completely safe. There is a plank pathway all the way and some steep steps with quite narrow treads, But there are places where you can sit and rest and admire the magnificent scenery. Vertigo sufferers would be advised to go with a friend as the depth of the gorge may feel overwhelming.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The lovely Alejandro was everyone's sweetheart! We were a small group of seven walkers and he instantly made friends with everyone and had a clever sense of humour. He was highly knowledgeable and took notice of each of our ability and set the pace accordingly. Very soon we developed into a close friendly group where we all cared for each other. Some were faster and fitter than others, but the schedule allowed for those variances. What especially impressed me was that when anyone asked a question, Alejandro would say, I'll show you or I'll tell you when we get to such and such point. And he always remembered to do it, without a fail.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Unless you are an experienced walker, do please take seriously the programme to build up your stamina and fitness in advance of the holiday. Walking on city streets or level ground is not enough preparation. You should find steep hilly grounds and stretch and strengthen every possible leg muscle you can think of. This will make your experience so much more enjoyable. Also, on this particular holiday, whilst the accommodation is lovely and homely and comes with spectacular views - and with delicious meals - it isn't luxury, so go with an open mind and be prepared to compromise.
Peter Rogerson
Reviewed July 2016
Mount Toubkal Long Weekend - June 2016
Another faultlessly organized Exodus trip that did exactly what it said on the tin. We actually stayed on in Marrakech for 2 extra nights as, our group of 5, had not been before. I can imagine it being quite a rush otherwise, which is obviously what the trip is all about – doing the mountain in a weekend. Marrakech was a lot nicer than I imagined before I went, wide boulevards, gardens and very friendly people. It’s only the centre with the souks and markets that are busy are touristy. The hotel is about 40 minutes walk from the centre, but cabs are plentiful and cheap and at least the walk is straight forward. We were there in Ramadan, which was actually fine as all the restaurants (& bars) were still open, but empty and it didn’t inconvenience us at all. Marrakech feels quite cosmopolitan and open, although I did find people really didn’t like having their photo taken, even from a distance. There seems so much for sale in town, far more than would be possible for tourists to purchase, so sales techniques are tough – you should be prepared for that.
The mountain itself is fine – on the first day you walk for 2.5 hours, have lunch, and then for a further 3, until you reach the refuge, which is surprisingly solid and well built. Mules take your main luggage and the muleteers will prepare your food for you at the refuge. The beds are in dormitory rooms, which if full, would be very cozy, but our group of 6 had a room to ourselves and plenty of room. The climb to Toubkal summit starts early on day 2 and is a stiff climb of around 3-4 hours, depending on breaks. You only really begin to appreciate the views once you’re approaching the summit as up to that point, you’re walking through a valley staring at the Toubkal mountain in front of you. The views from the top, however, are amazing and worth the climb. The temperature in June was, on day 1, HOT .. I got very sunburned so take hats and cream. The climb to the summit required only a thin fleece (June). On the way down, you will slip on the scree slopes, and likely end up on your backsides a few times, but it’s great fun. Once back at the refuge for lunch, you then head back down the valley to the hotel in Imlil, which is basic, but actually very pleasant (but they don’t have beer) and then back to Marrakech.
June departures do not need warm clothes (although apparently waterproofs if it rains – it didn’t for us). I managed with a light fleece on the summit day. The heat means you will drink a lot of water, so a bladder for your rucksack is very useful. You can buy water at regular intervals on day one, but not between the lodge and summit. The lodge does sell soft drinks, but these can run out late in the day (as everything is brought up by mule) so buy some drinks on the route through the valley on day one.
Most Inspirational Moment
I wouldn't call Toubkal a particularly impressive mountain from a distance and you only really get the views across the Atlas range when close to the top, but when you are close to the summit, the views open out before you and you will have some great views across the Atlas range. However, the only answer to the question has to be finally making it to the top, which of course was why we were there.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Hameed was our guide - very experienced, he had climbed Toubkal over a hundred times I think he said. He was partaking in Ramadan, i.e. no food or drink from about 3 am until 8pm, which, if true, was a staggering achievement as we were drinking half a dozen litres of water during this time. We were a small group of 6 and there were no issues across the weekend. He was also very happy to take us out to restaurants that sold beer on the final night of the tour in Marrakech, even though he didn't eat or drink himself. A solid performance.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I've mentioned a few things in the summary, but Toubkal, although a stiff climb on the summit day, is very accessible, however, I have to be honest and say it's not the most attractive of mountains for views - it's quite rocky and the first day you are walking through a valley. In June, however, it's hot and sweaty on the first day, and pleasant on the summit day. If you are genuinely looking to tick off a mountain in a weekend, then this would seem to be ideal.
Marina Peerman
Reviewed July 2016
A quite wonderful and truly memorable experience!
A quite wonderful and truly memorable experience, lead by a superb guide (Michele) and accompanied by a great group of fellow cyclists.
There was some apprehension before the trip that the ride from Bolzano to Venice might be too challenging – at least, for a relatively inexperienced cyclist like myself – however we need not have worried. The big hill on day four was a particular highlight for those that did like a challenge, though.
The bikes supplied, were excellent. The hotels were well picked by Exodus, providing everything needed at the end of a day’s ride – air-conditioning, comfortable beds, good hot showers, nice breakfasts and friendly staff. And ultimately, there was enough free time to take-in and appreciate the beauty of that part of Italy (including the well-earned pizzas, pastas and local red wines!)
We are sadly back home now but already planning the next Exodus cycling trip, so highly recommended.
Most Inspirational Moment
Many, including cycling through the mountains, alongside the Adage River; getting to know everyone else during the Lake Garda boat trip; making it to the top of the big hill and generally the beauty of our surroundings.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michele was superb in every way – in fact we could not fault him. In many ways, he made the trip; with his enthusiasm, encouragement, sense of humour and passion for both cycling and that part of Italy. We learned very quickly that Vincenza is the most beautiful city in the world (or at least not to argue with that fact!) On a serious note though, it was clear from day one that our safety was his priority at all times and his skills at leading fifteen of us through the city centres in the early morning rush hour was impressive. Lastly, on a personal note, he was great fun to be with, as was his lovely wife Marta and their two children. Cin Cin!
Lorraine Cater
Reviewed July 2016
Cycling the Dalmatian Coast
Excellent trip with an interesting bunch of people from all walks of life. We all had something to bring to the table.Had some great laughs and the leader was a good Captain guiding us to some amazing places.
Most Inspirational Moment
We visited Mijet and I loved it. The island was amazing and did some great swimming in the sea
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ana went over and above to meet all of the groups needs which were varied.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take padded shorts and a lot of change of clothes
Sharon Ruschkowski
Reviewed July 2016
Cycling the Baltics
Cycling in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania for 10 days.
Most Inspirational Moment
The Holocoust Museum in Lithuania, just outside Vilnius was absolutely humbling and eye-opening. This history was not something I was aware of and the museum was extensive about the history of the Lithuanian Jewish people's treatment at the hands of the Nazis, as well as the Lithuanian people's struggles and persecution during the Soviet occupation.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lukas was great. He was so knowledgable about the Region and shared it enthusiastically. He made sure everything went smoothly and that everyone arrived at their destination.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you bring bug spray for the first days of cycling in the National park in Estonia. Also, make sure you have rain gear.
Terence Gilbert
Reviewed July 2016
Prosecco, a must
The holiday was an excellent introduction to walking in the foothills of the Italian Dolomites and learning about Prosecco wines. The Prosecco area is stunningly beautiful and the walks were generally leisurely as graded. The opportunity to eat at local restaurants provided variety food and setting.
Most Inspirational Moment
Was it the mushroom tagliatelle at the Hotel Soligo or was is it the porchetta starter at the Osteria Stella in Conegliano? The food throughout the week was a delight. The walks were varied and enjoyed by the group of mixed age and experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We were pleased to have an Italian ( Sicilian/Greek) group leader because of his insight into the richness of the nation's culture. Severio has a relaxed and engaging manner that was much appreciated. When faced with incidents he dealt with them sympathetically and expeditiously.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Leave plenty of space in your luggage for Prosecco! The quality, variety and prices make it a must.
Conegliano is well worth a visit on the free day - the 4k town trail was real find.