Most Inspirational Moment
Views of almafi Coast on the walks.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent, well organised, looked after everyone the whole week.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Almalfi coast
Excellent holiday, guide Christine couldn’t have been better. Walks were well organised and hotel was clean and comfortable.
Ancient and Modern Japan
Another excellent trip from Exodus, lots of train journeys of all sorts were part of the fun. Japanese onsen were great fun.
Most Inspirational Moment
A difficult question to answer, Japan is culturally so different to the UK that there was something different at every turn. Hiroshima was a very moving experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Chiko was an excellent tour leader, providing additional guiding not part of the tour itinerary for the group on free days as well as details on excursions for those wanting to do additional trips alongside the itinerary.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Japan is not as expensive as the guidance in the trip notes suggest, entrance fees not covered by the tour price were typically much lower than you might expect to pay in the UK and eating out was not as expensive either.
Walking the French Riviera
A lovely holiday staying in Menton with the chance to visit Monaco and Italy on either side. Hotel was quiet and clean, very near the beach so always easy to locate. Some lovely walks with impressive views, and visits to picturesque old towns and villages.
Most Inspirational Moment
Having packed lunch bought from the local bakers in Menton overlooking fabulous views in the sunshine
Thoughts on Group Leader
Stephanie was excellent, she looked out for things of interest on the walk and gave us lots of information about the area. Exceptionally helpful and organised with very clear instructions when needed.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I would thoroughly recommend the trip, excellent walks and very good food in the many various restaurants in Menton. I went in April and the weather was lovely for the whole week, although raining on the day we left. I found the walks were generally moderate standard and a couple can be done in trainers, however a couple of tricky downhill parts on other walks so bring good walking gear too.
Stunning Tuscany
An inspiring week of walks in gorgeous, varied, unspoiled terrain.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many! Walking the snowy ridge up to Monte Prado; seeing Salamander in the forest; a sense of the area's self-sufficiency.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara was inspirational in so many ways: whether mountain leading; adapting to terrain, weather and the group's capacity; regaling us with silly stories (really? a red thong?); driving the mini-bus on narrow mountain roads, or handing out the jelly-beans, Sara was always utterly reliable, professional and compassionate. What a star!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a range of clothing: four seasons in one week.
Vietnam Adventure - another excellent Exodus trip!
An excellent trip around Vietnam – an incredible country which has been through so much but seems to have come through it all remarkably well. The food was fabulous – everything was very fresh – they use lots of fresh herbs – dill, coriander, basil, mint – and lots of fresh vegetables – I particularly loved stir fried morning glory & garlic.
Most Inspirational Moment
The boat trip around Ha Long Bay was fabulous - at first sight the boat looked a little worn , but when on board - the interior of the boat was beautiful - dark polished wood - and looked amazing when set up for dinner. The food was wonderful (although as a non fish eater I had a vegetarian option). Ha Long Bay was stunning - I could have happily spent several days cruising around. We did two cycle rides through the paddy fields , through local villages. This was fascinating as you saw the real life side of Vietnam - not just the touristy parts. Everywhere we went the locals were welcoming & friendly - and the kids loved to give you a wave. Hoi An is a lovely town - although very touristy - but a delight for shopping. My husband had two shirts made in Yally - and I had two dresses made in another (cheaper) local shop. When I collected them, I had another one made as they were so good & fitted well - my cotton dress cost about £12 & was made in a few hours. I would also recommend the cookery lesson in Hoi An.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Vinh Bui was a really great tour guide. He was always very helpful & informative - and even tried teaching us some Vietnamese words - and explaining about local culture, life, etc. Vinh took us to many local restaurants to sample the local dishes - not the usual tourist haunts or hotels - which were all very good. They were obviously good as they were full of locals not tourists !
Advice for Potential Travellers
Accept Vietnam as it is - a beautiful country & people - although I think it will change quite rapidly as there is a lot of development being done - so go before it's too late!
Seven days of cycling and dining magic
An unexpectedly good cycling trip – on 30 gear bikes which which were very well maintained (bought in Austria) – and suitable for the ‘moderate undulations’ (is there such a thing?) and some lengthy steep climbs on the hills of Albania – although there were more descents rather than ascents. An excellent good humoured group, lead by several well informed local professionals, who showed their country off at its best – the villages, the topography and its food and drink – leaving you wanting to see and do more!
Most Inspirational Moment
I'm a fairly fussy eater and eat to live rather than live to eat - but I was blown away on this trip with the high standard and variation in local food - especially that served for evening dinner. Several of the meals turned out more like banquets and the table groaned with the number of local dishes on offer. Vegetarians (which I am not), were particularly pleased. Wine and beer was more than adequate and very cheap. The lunch and dinner restaurant owners clearly put in a huge effort to give us their best..............how often does that happen? The first day visit into Macedonia was an unexpected pleasure; the final day ascent on the 800m climb over 90 mins in the heat was a real challenge after a previous night's clubbing in a local bar complete with glitter ball!
Thoughts on Group Leader
As it was the first trip we had two group leaders (brothers Armand & Unid) - future trips would have one or the other. They were aided by Manny (not sure of spelling), a mountain tour leader in his own right, but his first cycling. All three guys were excellent - always informative and genuinely concerned for our wellbeing and enjoyment of the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This was an April trip - at higher altitudes, it is cold at night, so some warm clothing is essential. An effective windstopper is needed on some descents. Don't go with loads of food/snacks - the local restuarants and cafes where we ate on this trip were first class.
Cilento & the Amalfi Coast Cycle trip
This early season ride was great as we were out of the hot weather period and no crowds and very little traffic on the roads, Paolo choice of luncheon spots where local food and wine were grown and produced were spot on at very reasonable prices, as were the superb evening meals. The riding was not as hard as I expected and the grades were easily climbed without too much effort, which made for a very scenic and photographic experience of southern Italy
Most Inspirational Moment
Each day was different with hill top villages or down to the water of the coastal villages, and a different view around each corner of this vast Cilento National Park. The last day ride along the Amalfi Coast was fantastic although I was glad it wasn't peak holiday time.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Paolo was a great leader and kept an eye on all the riders, his history lessons and knowledge of local area, food and wine, and organisation was superb, nothing was a hassle and everything ran on time.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't be put off by some of the reports of the hills and hard riding, most hills with switch backs were on steeper than 5% (Paolo advice) so slow and steady got you up the hill without to much effort. if this 66Y+ Auzzie can do it anyone can. We went mid spring and all the trees were starting to flower and the weather was mild with only one wet afternoon, a good time to come.
A wonderful introduction to Japan [Ancient and Modern]
This trip balanced history with ultra-modern culture. At one point, I started the day with a traditional bath at our ryokan, then we visited the snow monkeys and by evening we were in the centre of Tokyo’s night life.
The last week of March was cherry blossom time in Kyoto but early April was too late for most of the blossom in Tokyo: I guess you can’t have everything! Also bear in mind Mount Fuji’s modesty: I’ve now visited Japan twice but haven’t caught the slightest glimpse.
Most Inspirational Moment
One thing which will remain with me is the museum at Hiroshima with its depiction of utter devastation and ruin. I was impressed by the many temples, the historical villages and the Hokusai gallery. I also loved the ryokans and soaking in the baths surrounded by women of all ages, shapes and sizes.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mayuko was remarkable. She managed to shepherd 17 of us around (using only public transport) for 14 days without losing any of us. She's knowledgeable, interesting, energetic: an ideal guide and leader. She built our confidence: when she led us to our hotel in Tokyo I felt pretty overawed by the public transport system but a couple of days later I was getting around with the level of confidence I'd feel in London (but with a greater feeling of safety). I think we all felt looked after to the level which suited us.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you travel in March / April, take suncream, waterproofs, fleeces - everything you'd take if you were going on holiday in the UK in springtime! Don't take an umbrella as you can buy one very cheaply there. If you want to bathe at the ryokans, you will need to take off all of your clothes (single sex facilities).
Amazing Adventure!
This trip was fantastic, a really great way to see Morocco in a short time. Excellent leader and the food was outstanding!
Most Inspirational Moment
We went early in the season so there was quite a bit of snow, making it to the pass was so rewarding and we all had a great sense of achievement.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader Yaya was absolutely amazing. He knew the mountains inside out and was brilliant with the snowy conditions. We also had Mohammed, a second leader while we made our ascent who was incredibly calm and went at a steady pace which the whole group could keep up with. Yaya made sure we were always happy and nobody had any problems and always asked how we were when we got to the higher areas.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you visit the souks in Marrakesh, they are amazing and don't forget to haggle! Definitely worth taking lots of pairs of socks and warm clothes for when you're up high.
A great introduction to Japan
This is an excellent introduction to Japan. The days are quite busy but not excessively so and there is a good balance of free time to do your own thing. I found the balance of time in most places to be spot on and there is a good mix of big cities and smaller places. The group size at 18 is too large especially for a tour which is all by public transport. Japan was wonderful – if in doubt go!
Most Inspirational Moment
Several highlights: Nara's big buddha and deer, snow monkeys, neon lights of Shinjuku, Arashimaya early in the morning, Muyijima, cherry blossom everywhere.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mayuko was excellent. She was extremely well organised, friendly, a good sense of humour and utterly professional. Getting 18 people on and off public transport across Japan is no mean feat.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Exodus' pre departure administration was poor (not my usual experience with them) so be prepared to have to double check invoices etc.
Reply from Exodus
We were delighted to read that Helen had an excellent holiday, however we regret that she found the size of her group to be rather large. Exodus has recently agreed on a policy change not to exceed the group sizes stated in our literature other than in exceptional cases and we hope this will avoid future client disappointment.
Megan Devenish – Trip Manager for Japan