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

Kathy Janzan

Reviewed August 2014

Trails of Vietnam

If you want to get a real taste for Vietnam, it’s cities, countryside, culture and people, this is the trip for you! A full on experience, with many modes of transport travelling from North to South of the country, this trip did what it said on the tin and more!! Absolutely amazing, loved every minute!

Most Inspirational Moment

Of course, the obvious highlights are the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay, Mai Chau and the Mekong Delta. My abiding memory will be cycling through the villages, along canals and rivers and the friendliness of the local people. The lunar festival at Hoi An with the coloured candle lanterns floating down the river, was another stand out memory and romantic covered bridges and having a beautiful silk jacket made in 24 hours! Cruising Halong Bay and witnessing a magical sunset with limestone giants in shadow......

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khoa, was amazing- knowledgable, well organised, kind and considerate. He was obviously so proud of his country and wanted us all to have the best experience....which he managed extremely well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a small 'running' rucksack for the cycling and trekking for those essentials and camel bag.

Alia Darweish

Reviewed August 2014

A wonderful trip - not a holiday!

A great trip if you are fit. TMB is a tough challenge for those who are not in the best possible shape, regardless of age, in which case, go for a shorter version and stay in the hotels. Camping in Europe is rarely the most luxurious option, but adds to group camaraderie and spirit of this option of seeing all the Mont Blanc massif has to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

When the rain came, the storm rolled in and the group pulled together - friendships were built, hot chocolate and cakes consumed in large quantities, and ultimately we were rewarded with wonderful views and a great sense of achievement coming to the final miles of the trip. All worth the mud and endless wardrobe changes at the top of the cols...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was measured and thoughtful - he adapted our route to keep us safe in all weathers, and respected the fact that a lot of us were pretty fit and liked to stretch out a bit. One of our group had to drop out due to injury on the first rest day - he did his best to make sure her needs were taken care of, but mindful that he had a job to do keeping the rest of the group on track for the tour, and safe in the mountains.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are not fit enough, are a smoker, do not do the complete tour. It’s just that simple. Check the average age group on the trip you are thinking of and consider if that’s the right group for your own fitness level. Some 60 plus year olds are fitter than a lot of 30 year olds, evident on the tour as we went around. Some aren’t, as was the case on our trip. Be honest with yourself and you will enjoy your holiday a lot more. There are shorter versions where highlights can be enjoyed, hotels and chalet options may suit those less disposed to sleeping under canvas for two weeks. Communal bathroom facilities are not to my taste, but that’s European camping and there are ways to cope - like getting up earlier to avoid the masses. The spa at Pre St Didier is fabulous for a lovely chance to get really clean! Boots, not shoes. Trekking poles are great for down hills, even just one for a bit of support. Good waterproofs and a set of thermals for cold nights. A decent sleeping bag and thermarest. Antiseptic wipes and alcohol gel an absolute must. Flip flops for showers. A change of shoes for evenings in camp.

Moira Kent

Reviewed August 2014

Carpathian culture and wildlife

A lovely holiday in beautiful countryside.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the brown bears.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thomas was extremely knowledgeable about Romania and anxious to help us understand the Carpathian history. He was also aware of the needs of the group and allowed us some flexibility where he could regarding walking speed as there were differences in the group. He had many local contacts which enhanced my enjoyment as I love meeting local people. My only slight criticism is the amount of time that he spent on his phone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for rain and, when it does rain, oh boy does it rain! The bird watching was mind numbingly boring so, if you don't like bird watching, take a book! There were enough of us that didn't want to do the bird watching to go back to the hotel but it wasn't allowed..... The trip notes are extremely accurate and you do need a certain level of fitness to access the walking.

Sally Green

Reviewed August 2014

Wildlife and Wilderness in Botswana

This trip exceeded our expectations – go if you can! We loved Botswana – its friendly people and its amazing wildlife. We saw elephants, hippo, many different antelopes, giraffes, buffalo, hyena, jackal, lions and even a leopard in a tree with its kill. We got closer to the wild animals than we had anticipated, which felt a real privilege. The birdlife was wonderful too. Do take the optional flight over the Okavango Delta – well worth it. We were lucky enough to see 4 rhinos from the air. Also, don’t miss the Chobe River cruise.

Most Inspirational Moment

We have some wonderful memories, not only of the wild animals, but also the stars at night, the sunsets, and good fun around the camp fires. I really enjoyed the wild camping, despite not being an enthusiastic camper - the tents and equipment made it all very comfortable. Mellow's cooking was excellent - including for those on special diets. The Victoria Falls are stunning. Note that white water rafting on the Zambezi is not for the faint-hearted!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Wynand, was knowledgeable, helpful and organised everything very well. Our local guide, Stanley, was excellent - passionate and knowledgeable about his country, its geology, vegetation and wildlife. He went the extra mile to give us a great experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice to other travellers would be: go, you won't regret it! We went in July/August, the dry season, so lots of sand. Wet wipes useful, as is hand gel. Cold at night and early morning - do take warm clothes, hat, gloves, for those early morning game drives on open-sided truck (great for viewing). I found a pair of waterproof sandals useful for swims in the delta, and for bush shower. Pair of binoculars each essential. You can buy snacks for journeys when you get there, don't bother packing any. And you can get Botswana currency when you arrive at Maun.

Richard Lonsdale

Reviewed August 2014

Walking the Amalfi Coast July 2014

Very enjoyable week with great walking and spectacular views, a lot of steps, some free time to explore and bathe, very good food and a friendly family run hotel in a relative quiet and fresh location.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the whole of the Vesuvius crater rim with Stefano, the local guide. This was highly impressive as the rim is quite steep and narrow in places with the crater far below and with steam issuing forth out in places. Stefano proved to be very informative as he explained the different types of lava and eruptions between the various Italian volcanos, and pointed out the monitoring equipment, the last eruption having taken place here in 1944.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz, our guide, was very friendly and helpful. She shared her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm with us and kept us safe.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I found a walking pole essential, especially for the many long descents. I took my own but the hotel has a supply for those who have not taken one. Other "must haves" are sun cream, a sun hat, plenty of water (available to buy at the hotel) and a waterproof. Take plenty of coins in your money when visiting the café at Pompeii as they were very short of change.

Stephen Low

Reviewed August 2014

Incredible views, great food and wonderful memories!

This was an incredible trip which exceeded my expectations! The National Parks on the itinerary were all places I’d wanted to visit for a long, long time but actually visiting them was much more impressive than I had imagined. Often this was due to the scale of these natural wonders which you just can’t get a sense of in photographs or it was due to the varying colours of the rocks such as in Zion or the Grand Canyon which made the views all the more enjoyable. Unfortunately when we visited Yosemite there were forest fires nearby and the smoke spoiled some of the views but luckily the park itself remained open! Yes there are some long drives but the varying landscapes, regular stops for photos or snacks, WiFi, good conversation and a wide range of music available on the tour leader’s iPhone all made them pass fairly quickly. It’s a fairly busy itinerary but I did feel it provided enough time in each place to really get a ‘feel’ for them! The vast majority of restaurants I ate in were terrific (be prepared for large potions), the standard of hotels was very high and it was a great group of people to be on holiday with!

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to choose as there were many but sunrise at the Grand Canyon was very unique as you could watch the many ridges in the canyon gradually catch the light until the whole view was illuminated and then take an early morning hike!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lana did a terrific job - she was always full of energy and happy to answer questions! She strived to make sure we all had a great experience whilst on the trip and organised everything very well!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you can, spend a day or two in San Francisco prior to the trip starting and if you plan on visiting Alcatraz be sure to book tickets as far in advance as you can. I'd also recommend hiring a bike and cycling over the Golden Gate bridge. Some days on the trip we started fairly early in the morning so be prepared for those.

Margaret Stott

Reviewed August 2014

La Dolce Vita

This has been one of our best family holidays ever. The itinerary is perfectly balanced and accommodated all levels very well. Eduardo is a faultless guide and manages to blend the group together well. He is particularly adept at bringing the children out of themselves. The hotel in Bomerano is small enough to have a family friendly feel an yet has everything you could ask for. They go the extra mile with the children’s cooking nights. We extended our stay with a few days in Sorrento and a night in Naples which was well worth it and enabled us to consolidate our appreciation of the region.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is hard to pick off a highlight but the walk of the Gods was especially magic and Pompeii was memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo sets the right tone. All of the families were great and you could envisage being friends with them if they lived closer. However, I think Eduardo manages the ice breaking very well so that people mixed from the outset.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Extending our stay for a few days worked for us and is worth considering as the week will fly by. The crossing to Capri is 1 hour 20 minutes and quite a few people were sick. It was fine on the return journey as we all managed to get seats in the open air section. This made all the difference so if you are prone, make sure you are seated in the fresh air.

Dorian Moss

Reviewed August 2014

Tour of Mont Blanc - camping

This was a fantastic walk from start to finish, and I felt a great sense of achievement to have walked the whole route.

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming over the Grand Col Ferret from Switzerland to Italy after several days with very limited views due to low cloud, and seeing the Italian Val Ferret and all the peaks in dazzling sunshine. Reaching the end of the official circuit on the last afternoon at Plan Praz and deciding to continue alone to La Flegere where we had ascended 11 days earlier.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leadership of the group, set starting times and kept to them, set manageable walking speeds. Good local knowledge of flora, mountain peaks, history and local land use / customs. Good fun to be with. He also allowed (and led) two optional extra climbs to viewpoints on cols which were excellent additions to the itinerary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you really up to this. There are long ascents and steep descents. You need good knees.

Sandor Burslem

Reviewed August 2014

Walking in Tuscany

Great food, accommodation, people, stunning area, challenging, well led walks, difficult to think of any negatives for this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view of the coast from the top of the 'Dead Man's Stomach'.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Well organised and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

August in Tuscany can be wetter than you'd imagine, so don't stint on the waterproofs. It's also well worth making the journey to Lucca on the free day: a beautiful city.

Gyan Fernando

Reviewed August 2014

Borneo Wildlife Explorer

This was a wildlife orientated journey and we were not disappointed as far as wildlife was concerned.
We spent very little time in cities and town but were mostly in the jungle. However, we stayed in nice resorts and comfort was not a problem.

Most Inspirational Moment

In reality, I didn't expect to see much wildlife but was pleasantly surprised when we came across a large herd of wild elephants on a river bank. (In addition we saw lots of different types of monkeys including the comical proboscis monkeys, different types of birds, crocodiles and snakes.)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was a local guide. His English was very good and he was knowledgeable about all aspects of his country. He was quite flexible and tweaked the itinerary when it was required.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a jungle expedition and so make sure that you have the right sort of gear like sensible boots. The temperature and humidity are very high and if you come in from Europe you do need to be careful and drink a lot of water. I would actually recommend that you bring packets of re hydrating salts.

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