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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

32 Reviews

4.5 out of 5

tim martin

Reviewed December 2022

Egypt Tour

The trip is really interesting and we definitely learnt a great deal about Egypt’s history. Starting in Cairo my disappoint came from the choice of hotel. We stayed right on the outskirts opposite the new museum (not open yet) with a great view of a Pyramid opposite. The hotel was of an acceptable standard, but overall, the lowest of our trip, but so far from the city it was difficult to venture out for sightseeing or dinner.
The group all agreed that our trip to the museum was too short and as we arrived back at our hotel quite early, we could have stayed longer as there is so much to see. We travelled to Alexandria from Cairo via El Alamein and visited the war museum which is not particularly good.
The old colonial hotel in Alexandria is a great spot with a superb rooftop terrace & restaurant. The local fish restaurant was poor quality although it had a great view, so a different venue would have been better.
The following morning, we visited the castle which was good, but then on the road again to Cairo for our sleeper train. The round trip took over 9 hours by bus for a one-night stay and although I wanted to visit Alexandria 2 nights would have made the round trip more worthwhile.
The sleeper train to Aswan went without hitch and better than I expected for a developing country. Aswan was great and the activities were good with one small issue in that we had a really great meal on our Felucca trip and in the evening a Barbeque on a Nile Island which was much too soon after.
The cruise to Luxor was very good quality and my only comment would be lack of language training of the waiters which I think may be due to Covid disruption, although our guide ate with us and was always there to help.
The temples were incredible and certainly lived up to or were better than their reputation. The engineering fete of moving 22 ancient monuments is almost as incredible as the original build and Abu Simbel really shows this.
A word to would be travellers, this trip is full on and with many early starts to beat the crowds or comply with the Tourist polices schedules. The tourist police are very apparent throughout the trip and in fact on our trip to Alexandria with had an armed guard on the bus who was I have to say was pleasant guy.
All in All, the trip was well organised and ran smoothly.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sheer scale of the temples and the relocation of Philae & Abu Simbel

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Andrew was brilliant, his explanations were very and kept to a reasonable amount so as not to confuse us too much. It becomes apparent the Ancient Egyptian history is not an exact science with time gaps and the translation of hieroglyphics has a long way to go. Andrew switched our trip to Abu Simbel to the following day as otherwise we would have had a disrupted night’s sleep on the train and then have to get up at 3am the following day, which was great move. Our small group was following only ten strong so Andrew really became a friend within the group. Whatever we needed Andrew would sort out and if we suggested something we would like to do then he would try and arrange it, if there was time. without doubt 10/10

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready for cold evenings especially in the north and be ready for lots of early morning starts.

Suggestions

Unless you are particularly interested in Alexandria I would not recommend going, it’s a huge journey for little reward whereas the Pyramids and the temples of the south have much more to offer. I thought the Pyramids would be the highlight of my trip, but he temples of the south to me were fantastic

Hilary Gallagher

Reviewed December 2022

Review

A fabulous trip with a great group. Top to tail of Egypt, seeing the sites with a great tour guide. History, culture and fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

Pyramids at Giza and Saqqara - awesome!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sayeed Mansour was excellent - probably the best guide we have had on our Exodus trips. Inspirational, knowledgeable, relaxed, in control, entertaining, humorous, caring and patient. Sayeed became a trusted friend, making us feel safe and secure in for us strange surroundings. Sayeed guided us through the wealth of antiquities and monuments. He was sensitive to when we were flagging a little and provided a boost when it was needed. His explanations of what we were seeing and how it related to other places we had seen/would see meant that we learnt a lot. We understand better some of the political, cultural and economic challenges that Egypt has managed in the past and is facing in the future.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As always, read the trip notes. Take the advice on not buying Egyptian pounds before you leave - take US Dollars and Euros. Don't expect a good nights sleep on the train but do enjoy the experience. Come to terms with haggling early on. Be ready for "bakshish" (tipping) but good news - the tour guide has most of it covered with the team kitty.

Suggestions

Only one disappointment, first night Cairo Heights hotel room a bit shabby but changed after one night for an improved room.

David Paraschuk

Reviewed October 2022

Egypt - a 7000 year journey to the past

My first trip to Africa was a revelation! The history and archeological monuments of Egypt greatly exceeded my expectations. The culture is very different from North America and took a bit to get use to. Fortunately our Guide, Andrew N. , did a superb job of bridging the gap between our reality and theirs. Andrew was so much more than a guide , he is academic Egyptologist. We learned so much. Thank you Andrew. We visited over twenty major attractions in the 14 days, each one special and unique. We felt safe every step of the way and I have no problem recommending this trip to those who revel in ancient Egyptian and are not afraid to experience African culture .

Most Inspirational Moment

The major archeological sites. Giza pyramids, Luxor and the valley of the kings, Aswan with the monuments of Abul Simbel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrew N. was excellent in every way. He has been doing these tours for 20 years and knows all the tricks, short cuts and the best things to watch for at each site. 11 out of 10 stars.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be careful about eating uncooked foods except at the best restaurants. We caught a stomach bug that threw us off for a few days. The guides have antibiotics in case. Take some plastic baggies and a soft sided lunch bag, as you are allowed to make a simple lunch at the provided breakfast. Often the tour does NOT stop for lunch.

Suggestions

Egypt was a bucket list item for me. Egypt is a very safe for tourist country whose star is rising. Tremendous development is taking place which is nice to see in an African country.

Ginny Clover

Reviewed March 2022

Magical and busy

The trip was varied, and stimulated all the senses. It introduced us to many sides of Egyptian life, modern and ancient. The variety of transport allowed us to experience a variety of views from the bustling markets in the side streets and traffic jams of cities, to the beautiful coastal front of Alexandria and its nearby crystal blue sea, the green farmland near the Nile, the epic pyramids and temples, whether it be by bumpy ride on a camel, a rickety ride on the overnight train or a slowly-bobbing felucca.

Most Inspirational Moment

In Luxor, watching about 20 hot air balloons rise slowly at down from our cabin on the Nile cruise. Driving through the curving sandy landscape towards the Valley of the Kings. Waking up on an overnight train from Cairo to gaze at palm trees, having left the urban bustle behind. Arriving after 4 hours of sunrise driving, at the epic Abu Simbel. Finally, the atmospheric Metropole hotel in Alexandria with breakfast pastries and omelettes that were immaculately presented, delicious and homemade.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Tifa, was very knowledgable, kind and protective. He managed our expectations before we arrived at each site and had good tips as to which highlights were worth paying extra to see. He made sure the group moved as one but allowed us time for photographs and free time in the markets. It was reassuring having an Egyptian guide who knew the customs and language. On occasion, we wanted more time in a location but the schedule was very busy. He was always available and discreet if someone had lost something or felt unwell.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for early morning starts, but not on all days. Bring tipping money in Egyptian pounds - ATMs are easily found everywhere. Get used to tipping, as it is expected, even for loo visits! Be aware of paying for extra excursions, pyramid entrance fees or tomb visits - these have been mentioned in a general way in the paperwork before the trip. They are well worth doing, though! For the overnight train trip, wrap up warm as it gets chilly in the night, and perhaps bring a silk sleeping bag liner. Alexandria and Cairo were colder than expected in our mid-March trip. Bring jumpers, socks and perhaps a light jacket. It was much warmer in the southern locations of Luxor and Aswan.

Suggestions

Hats, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes were key. Pack lightly as suitcases are constantly being unpacked and packed. If you are taking a large camera, small fees to enter a site or museum are often expected but it is worth it for good photos. Earplugs might help if you find car hooting and train wheel motion sounds a bit distracting at night! Though, for a light sleeper, I mainly nodded off fine. The last hotel in Luxor (Iberotel) had noisy rooms street-side - so do request that this hotel is changed. It had a beautiful swimming pool on the Nile, though. The first hotel in Cairo, has changed from the Pyramid Park Hotel to the Sonesta and this was very comfortable and welcoming, as were all other hotels on the trip, bar the Iberotel!

Ginny Clover

Reviewed March 2022

Magical and busy

The trip was varied, and stimulated all the senses. It introduced us to many sides of Egyptian life, modern and ancient. The variety of transport allowed us to experience a variety of views from the bustling markets in the side streets and traffic jams of cities, to the beautiful costal front of Alexandria and its nearby crystal blue sea, the green farmland near the Nile, the epic pyramids and temples, whether it be by bumpy ride on a camel, a rickety ride on the overnight train or a slowly-bobbing felucca.

Most Inspirational Moment

In Luxor, watching about 20 hot air balloons rise slowly at down from our cabin on the Nile cruise. Driving through the curving sandy landscape towards the Valley of the Kings. Waking up on an overnight train from Cairo to gaze at palm trees, having left the urban bustle behind. Arriving after 4 hours of sunrise driving, at the epic Abu Simbel. Finally, the atmospheric hotel in Metropole with breakfast pastries and omelettes that were immaculately presented, delicious and homemade.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Chrys Tremththanmor

Reviewed March 2022

Good fun and a bit tiring

Thoroughly enjoyed this trip. We had a great variety from ancient Egypt to modern (such as the library at Alexandria). Our guide was terrific, always attentive and prepared. The Nile cruise was a highlight.

There were more early starts than I might have liked, but that was dictated by distances we needed to cover. The hotels were rather bland (except for the wonderful one in Alexandria), but no doubt chosen for their cleanliness and safety.

The overnight train was a real adventure, although most of our group found it hard to get any sleep.

We had an armed guard with us for most of the trip, which was both reassuring and a bit alarming!

Most Inspirational Moment

Going down into King Tut's tomb. What fun!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Cared deeply about the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware of the many early starts.

Swee-kit & Terry Stillman

Reviewed March 2022

Didn’t want the trip to end!

This is our 11th trip with Exodus and this is the first time there were no significant criticism. We felt all fellow travellers gel very well as a group with lots of laughs. We made new friends which is always a bonus.
The itinerary is jammed packed with a few early starts but we went with the flow. Perhaps an extra day would help. We saw lots, exceeding our expectations. From the ancient pyramids, temples, monasteries, Nubian culture & hospitality, bazaars, crazy Cairo traffic, visit to war cemetery, sailing on the Nile, hint of a glamorous era in Alexandria, funeral treasures in the Cairo museum, lunch on a felucca experience, camel rides to Egyptian cuisine – we enjoyed it all.

Most Inspirational Moment

On day 11 after the Valley of the kings, Tefa recommended we stop at Masaman restaurant for lunch and this place is wonderful. It allowed us to have a glimpse of rural Egyptian life. There were farm animals, horses to look at. The restaurant also operates as a hotel. It has basic but charming Egyptian decor. Would love spend a night there. We also enjoyed the typical Egyptian lunch. There was also a shop there which sold Egyptian cotton scarves, wraps and ornaments of good quality at a reasonable price. The awesomeness of the temples & tombs were also an inspirational highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammed aka Tefa looked after us really well and always mindful of the group’s needs. He was knowledgeable on Egyptian ancient and not so ancient history. He was impartial and unbiased in tackling any political issues.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for early starts. Go with an open mind. We went in March so the weather especially in Cairo can be chilly. The overnight sleeper train was quite cold, so just be prepared to have a few layers on.

Suggestions

The Iberotel in Luxor was not good. We had to change our rooms twice. The first room the air conditioner was too warm, there was only 1 set of towels, the shower was erratic in temperature and water pressure was weak. They showed us a downgraded(smaller) room but this room was worse with the taps loose and toilet seat hanging off the hinges and hair dryer missing. Eventually another room was found (upgraded- same grade as first room). Generally the rooms were very tired . Our room faced the street and it was noisy. Ear plugs helped though. On the plus side, the pool was great, breakfast was good and there was a nice garden.

Christopher Harris

Reviewed March 2022

Ancient Egypt is great......modern Egypt is broken......

We wanted to see the wonders of Egypt and got them mostly, although expect to pay extra to see them. I would say that having 8+ optional trips that you have to pay lots extra for means the basic trip is not as good as you think. For instance you WILL NOT see the Sphinx (and other pyramids) as part of the trip despite being in Cairo 4 days unless you EACH pay an extra £50. So do not fall for the false advertising pictures of the Sphinx as part of the trip.
As for the modern Egypt, Greta Thunberg should start there. Rubbish everywhere, literally everywhere and you can watch them add to it as you travel. Cairo traffic is horrendous and the pollution dreadful, expect to be in a coach though this cannot be avoided to see the sites or get to hotels.

Most Inspirational Moment

Karnak, Sphinx, Abu Simbel and Pyramids. Awesome. Inspiring and as they rightly are, a Wonder of the World. Almost too much to comprehend with the sheer amount of temples and tombs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tefa was good, though Exodus need to allow the guides more flexibility to change things. For instance a late flight and getting to bed at nearly 01:00 and getting up the next day at 06:30 is not great when the very next day you get a late start at 09:00, why not swap them? Or have the tour designer change it properly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When approached every 5 seconds as you approach the sites through carefully crafted 'run the gauntlet souvenir alleys' say 'No, Thank You' as they are generally polite and usually then stop, if they hassle you further then reduce to 'No' but still politely. This is NOT a relaxing trip, I run marathons and found it exhausting, apart from two of the days. Early starts are required to get around some of the sites, but all operators are doing the same so don't expect it to be to avoid crowds.

Suggestions

Expect to pay tips everywhere, have the individual £65 of group tips not explained and pay TOURIST prices at 10x local prices for everything. This trip is expensive, and hard to justify when to locals it is a lot cheaper. Exodus will claim this is to be a responsible tour operator but then take you to the below. Exodus need to get this responsibility back and actually do it properly rather than lip service, I have been on 9/10 trips with them and they are getting worse with each one. There is a trip to a supposed Nubian village/house, this is poor and in my view utterly unacceptable as we were told to drink and meet at a place keeping Alligators in tiny cages. UNACCEPTABLE. The Nubian village is just another souvenir selling trip other than that.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Christopher for his review, although we regret that he was disappointed with aspects of the trip. Our local team have assured us that the Sphinx is visible for all groups as they travel around the Giza complex without further payment, we’re working with our local team to ensure this is clearly explained to future groups. We have amended the activity level for this trip based on feedback from Christopher and others, and hope that this will ensure clients on future departures are prepared for the busy itinerary, which includes so many of Egypt’s highlights. Many of the key attractions close relatively early in the day which does mean some early starts cannot be avoided, that said, we are looking into adjustments to the order of activities to potentially allow a slightly later start on Day 2. Our tour leaders keep records of all tipping kittys, should our customers ever wish to see them, although we are sorry that Christopher did not feel that this was transparent.

Exodus is aware of the unfortunate practice regarding animal welfare in some parts of Egypt, and we endeavour to make it clear in the trip notes for this tour that it is something we do not support on any level, while stressing with our local guides that all group members should be briefed to avoid encouraging this. The Nubian village visit is currently being reviewed, as we wish to maintain ways of supporting their traditional culture, which is at risk of disappearing, while also ensuring that our responsible travel ethos is not compromised.

We are sorry that Christopher’s experience was not as positive as we would have hoped, but we feel it is worth mentioning that we generally receive very positive feedback from customers who join this tour, as shown by the large number of five-star reviews submitted by other clients. I am, nonetheless, grateful to Christopher for taking the time to share his comments with us, and we are taking actions on a number of them.

Thomas Manchester – Product Manager

Tong Feng

Reviewed January 2022

one of the best tour I had so far

I and my wife visited Egypt in this tour with Exodus during Christmas holiday 2021. We have been travelling quite a lot with Exodus and other tour companies. All I have to say, Egypt: Alexandria to Aswan is one of the best tour we had so far. Egypt is a fascinating country which you have to see and to learn. The tour we had worth every penny we paid for. Our guide, Andrew was absolutely helpful and knowledgeable. Very effective and efficient. I have learned a lot from him about ancient Egyptian culture. He opened my eye. Thanks Andrew. The only thing not satisfactory may be the overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan. Our cabin was so cold and the heater was not working. They, the train staff certainly can do it better but they seems just don’t care. Overall the tour is good and again very knowledgeable for everyone who has a passion to learn. If you travel in winter and use the overnight train, my advice is to take some warm covering with you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Valley of the Kings

Thoughts on Group Leader

As I have said above.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As I said above.

Suggestions

I hope Exodus will let the overnight train staff know their service need to be improved.

Alan Jordan

Reviewed December 2021

Don't expect a lie in!

This trip has lots of early starts, in fact most days and long days on the road. Reasonable quality hotels are used throughout, excluding the overnight train which was basic first class. It was disappointing that the best hotels had the shortest stays. Trip content was good but often intense, sometimes it felt like too much was being crammed in, but I would argue that the time devoted to the Cairo food tour was excessive, in fact I used it to get a better look at Misra St. Maybe there is room for some rescheduling here, particularly given that the day leads up to the overnight train journey.
After the train journey, although the long days continued the intensity relaxed a bit enabling the highlights of the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel to be enjoyed. Although the Nile cruise was relaxing, I was not prepared for the convoy of cruise boats, although I understand that this is to enable better security for this stretch of the Nile, it does detract from ‘cruise’ element.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the temples that had been moved from the area to be flooded and appreciating the work that went into the deconstruction and the ensuing reconstructing on a site that looked as though it was the original setting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The local tour leader was efficient and considering this was the first departure for this company (Exodus) for a long time, did an admirable job. My only criticism would centre on a curious dialect in pronunciation, eg 'city tour' = Seti Tomb!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for long hot dusty days often sat in traffic jams, also be prepared to roll with the flow, do not expect good timekeepng or explanations as to why something is late or not happens at all.

Suggestions

There is scope to look at the scheduling on some of the days in control of the company, eg days 2-4. Also not sure if the current content for the Nubian day could be tweaked to help the flow of the day.

Prev 1 2 3 4 Next