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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14521 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Scott Hines

Reviewed June 2015

First Experience with Exodus

My girlfriend and I had never taken a group tour of any kind. We are frequent world travelers and have always been independent in our travel plans. But while doing research for a trip to the French Alps we found the Exodus website and were intrigued by the simple but compelling descriptions of the Exodus experience as well as the beautiful photographs and helpful reviews. We weren’t sure we would like the group travel experience but decided to give it a try.

We have now returned from our trip and are still surprised at how much we enjoyed the Exodus experience. The accommodations were very comfortable. We usually like to stay in boutique luxury hotels and stay away from the home style “bed and breakfast” type of accommodations. We found the chalet provided by Exodus to be very comfortable and enjoyed the chalet atmosphere. It really felt like having a vacation home instead of staying in a hotel. We also have very high standards for food and wine. My girlfriend is an accomplished restauranteur and sommelier and cuisine is a critical part of any vacation for us. We found the food to be healthy, delicious, creative, and prepared with great flair.

But what surprised and delighted us the most about the trip was the people. Our chalet hosts, Jane and Colin, were warm, caring, and friendly while at the same time professional and talented. Our guide Simon was educational, entertaining, and patient. He and his wife Jenn were delightful to spend time with both on the treks and while sharing a glass of wine. Our other trekking companions were a truly splendid group of “proper” English and Australian ladies who seemed as comfortable socializing around the dinner table as they were trekking on the trail in the rain. In a short week my girlfriend and I developed a true and heartfelt admiration for each of them.

We loved our first Exodus experience and plan to add Exodus to our regular repertoire of travels. We had a fantastics time sharing 2 birthdays and 1 marriage proposal with our new friends during our altogether too short week together. (My girlfriend is now my fiancé!) We would heartily recommend the Exodus experience to anyone looking for a world class trekking experience. We’ve already started planning for our next trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

This is an easy one for me. It was when my girlfriend accepted my marriage proposal on the top of the Aiguille de Midi while two of our trekking companions filmed and applauded.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We thought our group leader, Simon, was truly exceptional. He is a world class mountaineering, trekking, and survival expert. His knowledge and wit made the time spent trekking both educational and fun. We loved learning about the nature, the topography, and the history of the French Alps from him. His background and experience made us feel both adventurous but also safe at all times. He's a wealth of information as well as a great mate to hoist a pint with. Exodus is lucky to have his services.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't over pack. Bring good hiking clothes that provide easy layering, are wrinkle free, and that dry quickly. Then wash your clothes every 2-3 days at the chalet and don't worry about having to carry too much. If you do find that you forgot something, Chamonix is an easy stroll into town and they will have whatever you need.

Duncan Magrath

Reviewed June 2015

A fantastic trip

My sister and I climbed Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route in early June, and it was undoubtedly one of the best experiences of our lives. We were very fortunate with a great group (8 trekkers), an excellent group leader and we were blessed with fantastic weather on the mountain (no rain). We were therefore able to enjoy the varied terrain, spectacular views and the achievement of standing on top of the tallest mountain in Africa.

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtedly getting to the summit as dawn was breaking was the highlight of the trip, but there were many memorable sights and moments along the way. The leaving ceremony (which includes the distribution of tips) on the last day on the mountain, with the majestic backdrop of Kili, and the songs and smiles on all the faces will also remain a very long time with us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group Leader (Makeke) was great - he managed all the logistics (for 8 trekkers, we had him plus 3 assistant guides, a chef and 32 porters), gave good briefings (sufficient information for the following day, but without so much detail that it worried us), was patient when required, and lifted the spirits when we were tired and needed it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Neither of us had done any trekking before, but we did go on a guided practice trek in Surrey, did a number of long walks together with full kit and backpack (including 3-4 litres of water) and tried to get tips and advice from as many people as possible who had done it before. We both did some fitness work and ensured that we had the right kit. Some people say that you don't need to be very fit to climb Kili. Having done a marathon last year and kept the running going, I considered myself reasonably fit, but it was still tough at times. I would certainly recommend lots of quad exercises (ski fitness perfect), particularly for the way down. Everyone says it, but pole pole (slowly slowly) hydrate and eat are the keys to minimising the affects of altitude sickness (you will be very lucky not to get any impact from AMS) - and listen to your guides - they know what they are talking about. You also need to think early in your planning about your electricity power strategy - being unable to plug in any devices for 8 days requires some thinking, but with portable batteries etc, it is definitely manageable, getting to the top and running out of power in your camera/smartphone would be upsetting!

Alison Reeves

Reviewed June 2015

Cycle cilento & the amalfi coast

Fantastic trip, hard work (do some hill training before going – it will make it all the more enjoyable) but the scenery and food make it so worthwhile. The guide, Paolo is fantastic, great local knowledge, especially when it comes to where to eat! We were told on the first day to forget the words “flat” and “diet”……..he was right!

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it was great, just beautiful scenery the whole way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic! Very considerate of everyone in the group, timed each day perfectly obviously loves this area and knows it extremely well

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some hill training prior to going!

Bryan Kennett

Reviewed June 2015

CILENTO & AMALFI COAST

EXCELLENT FOOD………….EXCELLENT ACCOMMODATION…………..EXCELLENT COMPANY………….PAULO, THE TEAM LEADER & SARAH, HIS NON-PAID HELPER, WERE ALSO EXCELLENT……………THE REASON MY ASSESSMENT IS “VERY GOOD” RATHER THAN EXCELLENT OVERALL, IS BECAUSE THE CYCLING HOLIDAY WAS BILLED AS ” MODERATE”……….. IT NEEDS RECLASSIFICATION AS ” CHALLENGING”

Most Inspirational Moment

MAGNIFICENCE OF THE CILENTO COAST , BREATHTAKING VIEWS BOTH THERE AND ALONG AMALFI COAST.

Thoughts on Group Leader

VERY SKILLED IN BOTH EXPLAINING THE TERRAIN & DETAILING ITEMS OF HISTORIC INTEREST.....PAULO IS THE RIGHT MAN IN THE RIGHT JOB.

Advice for Potential Travellers

THINK LONG AND HARD ABOUT THIS ONE, BEFORE MAKING ANY COMMITMENT.... THE COACH AND LORRY DRIVERS ALONG THE WINDING MOUTAINS SPEND MUCH OF THEIR TIME ONTHE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROADS DUE TO THEIR NARROWNESS.....HORN BLASTING IS THE ITALIAN DRIVERS WAY OF LIFE, IT SEEMS ...TAKE CARE ON BENDS, OF WHICH THERE ARE MANY, & ENSURE YOU HAVE ACHIEVED A GOOD DEGREE OF FITNESS BEFORE SIGNING UP. MANY UPWARD HILLS ARE BETWEEN 5 AND 10KM PLUS LONG.....

Jane Howell

Reviewed June 2015

Turquoise Coast

Our group was a mixture of couples and singles .we appreciated our guide taking us to his choice of restaurantsin the evenings ,and apart from One we had excellent service . The supper and boat trip on last evening was great fun especially seeing turtles

Most Inspirational Moment

Spectacular views on all our walks . Didn't appreciate we'd be walking through so many historical sites/ aqueducts . Most inspirational was the kayaking day to the sunken city .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tourget was fun to be around ,always cheerful even when he ruined his mobile kayaking ,he didn't complain ! We all loved him .our driver was also brilliant .

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want a modest hotel ,with friendly attentive staff then this is for you .be aware though that the 5am call to prayer is only one block away and is attached to a loudspeaker . This then produces a cacophony of sounds from the local wildlife ....dogs ,cockerels ect . However the gin and tonics (£2.50)by the pool in the evening made up for that .dont expect complimentery bottles of shampoo ect in your room either. You do get a change of towels half way through the week however . Plus you can hire beach towels for a few TLira .walking boots / shoes essential .

Teresa Cooke

Reviewed June 2015

Evia

Well looked after and group was a good one. Eating in different tavernas was fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me it was seeing the old ruins especially the quarry and walking on Roman paths. The wonderful smell of thyme and herbs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was lovely. Really cared for us. As one of the slowest I was not forgotten.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect 5 star resort treatment. All is clean, comfortable friendly with plenty of food. Really good value for money. View from the rooms at the front is good but you do have to put up with traffic/people noise so take ear plugs.

Alan Fletcher

Reviewed June 2015

Cinque Terre and Portofino Walks

Walking along the calming coastline and resorts of Ligurian sea.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along the vineyards between the Cinque Terre villages overlooking great coastline scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Warm welcoming chap who integrated the group well. Organised all the transport, restaurants and events with no fuss. Eric was able to cater for those who did not wish to walk or who had injuries.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are some steep climbs and descents on a couple of days.

Gary Blinkhorn

Reviewed June 2015

WALKING IN TUSCANY

This was an exceptional trip with great accommodation and walking under the direction of Sara a really experienced and hard-working guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

The setting of the villa overlooking a fantastic Tuscany valley.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was quite exceptional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take appropriate precautions to deal with ticks.

Karen Stanley

Reviewed June 2015

Toubkal Climb June 2015

Great trip, lovely scenery.
This trip is ideal for seasoned mountain climbers and newbies alike.
Great weather this time of year – means amazing views
food was amazing!
freshly squeezed orange juice ( at most appropriate times!!!) was fab

Most Inspirational Moment

Summiting in glorious sunshine and looking out over the mountain rage - incredible view

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good. He got involved in the group and looked after us all very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you take full range of clothes ( summer to winter gear) it is very warm during the day ( first week in June) but cold at night. Summit day was very windy so a good windproof top is highly recommended. There is bottled water available throughout the trip so you dont need purufication tablets. Price is about 10-15 dirhams a bottle. I strongly recommend walking poles (specifically for the summit day) there is a lot of loose scree and they do help with balance.

Alex Burgess

Reviewed June 2015

Beautiful Madeira

This was a fantastic trip full of scenic variety, stunning views and lots of flora.

Most Inspirational Moment

Days 4 and 5 were challenging but well worth it for the sense of achievement and magnificent views. Reaching the highest point on Madeira and being above the clouds was definitely a highlight as well.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andre was brilliant! He had a great sense of humour, made sure every one in the group was safe and got the most out of their trip and imparted his passion for his home island on all of us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles are a good idea (though not essential). Bring a good sun hat, plenty of sun cream and a good camera to capture some of the scenery.

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