Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14493 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Gemma Reid

Reviewed July 2016

Carpathian Walking and Bears

This was our first walking holiday and our first trip with Exodus too, but it hopefully won’t be the last of either as we had such a fantastic time. It was just the right mix (for me) of activity and relaxation, and I think the grading of the walking (leisurely/moderate) was spot on. Rural Romania was beautiful, wild, and of another era. The town we visited (Brasov) was pretty, and although I’d vowed the previous day that I never wanted to take another cable car it was worth taking the one in Brasov for the views of the town from beyond the Hollywood style sign.

Villa Hermani, our base, felt like home straight away. Katharina and Herman are very gracious hosts. They used to work for the Large Carnivore Project studying wolves, lynx and bears, so have lots of knowledge to share. Katharina gave us lots of info whilst at the bear hide which really added to the experience. The food was lovely, different every night, and plenty of it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The bears were of course a highlight. Going to the bear hide and knowing that these were wild animals so close in front of us was quite something! We were very lucky and saw around 7 bears including a 21 year old female and an 18 month old cub. When they were just sitting munching on the food more lively entertainment was provided by a couple of cheeky foxes sneaking around stealing snacks, sometimes burying it a short distance away (maybe they don't know about the bear's amazing sense of smell!). The bear sanctuary was inspirational too, to know that these lovely creatures who have suffered so much have a nice and well thought out place to live out their days. I would have liked longer time there, it was quite busy and we only had a short tour. The main thing I loved though was just being outside in beautiful countryside, getting fresh air and exercise, enjoying good company and picnic lunches with stunning views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Udo is a great guide and a man of many talents! He is the go-to man for plant identification, knows all their proper names and uses, plus has a wealth of knowledge about wildlife, history, photography, shepherding, languages, and a great love and respect for the traditional Romanian way of life. He kept us entertained too and may roll down a hill if you ask him nicely/pretend that you will follow!

Advice for Potential Travellers

When you go to the bear hide you cannot use a camera that has a focusing light as it will disturb the bears. We couldn't work out how to turn ours off so we just had to use our i-pad which wasn't really up to the job given the fading evening light. So if you can work out how to turn it off in advance that would be handy, or take an SLR. We took binoculars too and they were handy on several walks but mainly at the bear hide where they enabled us to see a lot more detail. Ask Katharina if you can watch the film the BBC made about the large carnivore project and rural Romania, it gives a greater insight into where you're staying and how tough the life of the shepherds is. We took lots of snacks along - more than we needed but I hate to go hungry! There are walking poles at the Villa that you can borrow - we made us of these when one of ours broke. They do make walking a bit easier and came in useful to steady ourselves a few times on the rougher terrain. Dogs live outside in Romania - take ear plugs.

Michael Waterfield

Reviewed July 2016

Michael Waterfield

O. K.

Most Inspirational Moment

I don't recall one

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very competent and knowledgeable but also very busy . I got the impression that looking after !5 people was a big task'for him. After a day's cycling he would some times lead us on interminable walks, Perhaps to a restaurant when there were adequate restaurants much nearer.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring cycling shoes you can walk in!

Robert Hill

Reviewed July 2016

Walking in the Dolomites from a very fine hotel

The Dolomites are spectacular. I did the moderate week and found it accurately rated and described. The Hotel Adler was just the cream on the cake with friendly staff, a good bar and outdoor seating area and really, really good meals.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day the fabulous scenery in the Dolomites. July 1 - 100 year anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and we were in the trenches in Monte Piano the front lines of Italy and Austria Hungary.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was extremely knowledgeable and efficient. But more than that he took care to see everyone was safe and having a good time. His video on our last evening of winter activities in the Dolomites was absolutely spectacular and an unadvertised added bonus. I would not hesitate to follow Alex on future adventures

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make full use of the Spa at the Hotel Adler. Make sure you have full wet weather gear. Most of our days the first week of July were warm and sunny. But one day a late afternoon thunderstorm caught us out and anyone without full wet weather gear would be soaked to the skin in minutes with miles more to walk down the valley.

Sarah Skinner

Reviewed July 2016

Great walking in the mountains

A great week walking, seeing both lakes and peaks with fabulous views.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking around the peaks on the final couple of walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was excellent, great knowledge of the area and gave friendly helpful tips on how to use poles better, and walk across scree particularly downhill.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack waterproofs, but in going in July take shorts as well.

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.

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