Reviews

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

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14370 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

David Innes

Reviewed July 2019

Brilliant Balkans!

Exodus has done well to allow us to cycle the best bits of 4 different countries in 2 weeks. Some epic climbs but all manageable and the grading at ‘moderate/ challenging’ is about right. You always got to enjoy the downhills as well.
The accommodation was fine except for one guesthouse which I believe has now been removed from the itinerary. Remember, this is a new trip and Exodus are still ‘ fine tuning’ it.
Food was excellent and the group as a whole gelled well together.
If you want to cycle 4 countries that are uncommon to cycle in, I would not hesitate in recommending this trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling the unbelievably beautiful P14 road in Montenegro which must be one of the best in Europe. It had only opened the week before due to massive dumps of snow and we went in late May!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Demetri lead the group with quiet authority and arranged a kitty for food which was a good way of doing things, but must have been a nightmare to organise! A wee bit more info on the various places visited would have been appreciated. Our driver and bike mechanic was ebullient and a bit hyperactive but was a good driver. He could have benefited from more equipment though ( ie a footpump that could be used with schrader valves- several of the bikes had these and we were fortunate none of them had a puncture). Bike maintenance during the trip could have been better

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a few waterproofs as the weather can be unpredictable. If you are thinking about it, just book it!

Joan Murphy

Reviewed July 2019

First Exodus Adventure

Highlights of the Dolomites was a week long tracking holiday with one rest day, mid way through. the walks were varied in length, ascent and intensity. Each day was a different walk within the valley where we were based. We used the ski lifts to take us up the higher areas from where we started our walks and we usually walked down to the valley at the end where we would find a hostelry to quench thirsts and to discuss the days’ highs and lows!
We used public transport when required as well as ski lifts; the purchase of a pass for each form of transport certainly kept us moving smoothly , with no queuing”
Our hotel was excellent with a wide variety of breakfasts and dinners. Food was in abundance! No one went hungry, unless by choice. The staff were friendly and always eager to assist when required.

Most Inspirational Moment

Each day brought its own "moment" where you felt you had done or seen something special. Whether it was reaching the top of the mountain and looking out on the Dolomites or further afield to The Alps, walking through meadows carpeted with spring flowers, sliding down a snow filled gully on one's behind, jumping into mountains lakes, cruising down on a fly wire in silence, scrambling on steep paths, using a precariously situated toilet at 3000metres ...............

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert, our guide, was very knowledgeable and the group felt safe in his care. He let people go at their own speed, encouraging those who needed it and recognising those who wanted to stretch themselves and go faster. Albert knew the history of the area, could name the flora and the fauna. He had a great sense of humour and was a font of knowledge about all things local from best bakery to best hostelries on our bus routes!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Potential travellers should make sure they have decent gear, particularly socks and boots. Poles were also very useful, especially for hanging onto when you had run out of breath!

Lorna Mitchell

Reviewed July 2019

Do it

This is an opportunity where you get to see and absorb four countries in one trip, lots of uphill’s, but there is always a downhill on the other side. If you like cycling, good food, beautiful scenery and an adventure, I would recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

It has got to be the climb out of Zabljak through the Durmitor region. The most scenic route on a bike ever!! Tara Canyon second - you can just "Lose Yourself" there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dhimitri was our group leader. I must say he did an amazing job briefing us the night before and nothing was too much trouble for him throughout the trip. He organised the most amazing food for us, keeping a running total of the bill, which wasn't easy when there are multiple currencies involved. It made our lives easy. He is a genius, very kind and trusting. Juli was his wingman and kept us entertained, watered, snacks, tunes en route and the bikes running smoothly throughout the trip. Excellent safe driver and can reverse a trailer to a tee!! The two of them made a great team and worked hard to make our trip enjoyable, what an asset they both are to Cycle Albania.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try the black chocolate ice cream in Kotor and have a walk around. Take some warm clothes for the downhills in the mountains. No need for the uphills.

Lisa K

Reviewed July 2019

Amazing !

I loved everything about this trip. It was my first solo trip out of the country so I was a little nervous but it far exceeded all of my expectations and I was worried for nothing. Eduardo, our tour leader was wonderful and I made life long friends in our group. The itinerary was perfect taking you to all the amazing sights around the Amalfi coast. You return to the hotel late in the day with a couple hours to shower, relax, have a drink or two by the pool before dinner. Each day is a combination of guided tour and a little bit of free time to wander around on your own or with others. Transportation is completely taken care of even on the free day but some of it is an additional cost you pay that day or the night before. Well worth it to not have to deal with bus and ferry schedules and have it all taken care of for you. Driving is crazy there as are the lines so this was really convenient.
The sights were breath taking, each place being more beautiful than the last. The food at the hotel is literally to die for. Each meal is delicious as is the wine.
The rooms are comfortable, the service is excellent and I cannot say enough good things about our guide Eduardo who is so proud to show off his country, is charming, fun, funny and beyond welcoming. He knows everybody ! Our group had a blast together and Eduardo made sure everyone had fun. On the last day 5 of us went on a bus to the Naples train station, 2 to get on a bus, myself to board a train and 2 others to get to a hotel in Naples. Upon arriving in the parking lot we were confused about where to go and all of a sudden out of the crowd, Eduardo appeared running toward us, having just dropped others off at the airport, he wanted to find us to make sure all of us knew exactly where to go like a super hero appearing out of the chaos just to help us and say goodbye again ! There were amazing things to see at each place and then a little bit of time to enjoy a drink, gelato or wander in and out of the shops.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved everything. the quiet beauty of Ravello, taking the cable car up to the top of Capri, the sapphire blue water everywhere, the amazing lunch while hiking the Path of the Gods. I do not think I can pick a favorite out of everything I saw and did. This area of Italy is truly spectacular. Pompeii and Herculean are very interesting, the color of the water along the coast is breath taking, Positano and Sorrento are utterly charming...it goes on and on. The beauty of the entire region was completely inspiring

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo was fantastic. So knowledgeable, fun, funny and engaging. He had terrific energy and made sure everyone had fun. He talked and laughed with each person individually as well as with the entire group. It was a fabulous experience and he made it all the more special. I can't say enough great comments about him and the entire experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Italy is very hot at the end of June/beginning of July plus the heat wave this year. Bring cool clothing and sunscreen. A day pack to carry water and sunscreen was helpful and a hat Most everyone changed for dinner because you wind up back at the hotel, also bring something for the final night which is a farewell dinner Bring extra money for the additional items not included in the tour. ATMs are everywhere Bring a bathing suit if you want to enjoy the pool at the hotel Exodus caters to the group from England so the bus doesn't leave until the end of the day on the last day because of the flight back to England. If you choose to leave sooner to go somewhere else ( I took a one hour train back to Rome) you will have to pay for it on your own or share the cost with others in group. Exodus transportation is only for this exact time. It was not a problem to ask Eduardo to arrange transportation and 5 of us shared but I felt it was a bit unfair Exodus charges anyway. The path of the Gods is not easy but it is doable. The hotel has walking sticks. I thought it was helpful because some of the rocks are high to climb up and down. Eduardo was also there to lend a hand. In the heat a lot of people were huffing and puffing but the scenery and the lunch were well worth the effort. I'm so happy I did it ! Try a limoncello spritzer, eat everything, stop for gelato and try a new flavor every day. Take tons of pictures!

Stephen Allan

Reviewed July 2019

Stunning scenery

Having completed a number of Exodus cycling trips this is up there with one of the most stunning for scenery. There are a number of long tough climbs which we completed in very hot weather but you are rewarded with fantastic views and great descents.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the Tara Canyon, over Durmitor pass and the descent to the Bay of Kotor were fantastic experiences.

Thoughts on Group Leader

In general the group leader was good but communication should have been better and some friction between the guides was obvious. A lot of basic bike issues were experienced by the group during the trip and the guides appeared to be lacking the tools, parts and skills to properly rectify which needs to be addressed for future trips.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather appears to vary widely throughout the tour season. Having completed the tour late June the weather was very hot and dry with most days reaching 30+ degrees. While we were melting during the day a lot of the accommodation is in the mountains and can be chilly in the evenings. Also for a stress free trip I wouldn't recommend taking your own bike. Security was a little lax and the transport wasn't geared up for transporting bike bags.

Bernard & Heidi Kelly

Reviewed July 2019

4 x magnificent countries

Awesome canyons, mountains rivers and lake views whilst cycling through 4 Balkan Countries. A great variety of scenery and some challenging hills and satisfying downhills make this an excellent choice for those who enjoy great views and cycling.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Tara Canyon is just spectacular and the Durmitor Mountains where the view keeps changing around every bend were possibly the most beautiful varied countryside we have had the pleasure to cycle in. The first views of the Bay of Kotor take your breath away.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Josh is fairly new and enthusiastic to guiding. The trip is still in its infancy and he is trying to fine tune it. He is building his knowledge of the 4 countries and has a passion for the Balkans but we did occasionally encounter language barriers as none of the team spoke Macedonian but this was soon rectified by him Juli, or Dhimitraq. Juli our driver is a real fun character, full of life, who has friends everywhere and is always making new ones. He makes sure everyone is hydrated on the rides and checks on everyone at regular intervals. Dhimitraq is the quiet one but has lots of knowledge and passion for the countries visited and cycling. He balances the team dynamics. We loved the walks he took us on around the lake and up to the castle.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hills are in big chunks which we were not used to..... some were 10 - 15 km long with 600-800m of elevation gain with little or no respite. They are quite challenging but saying that all of our group managed them. The reward is beautiful scenery and some awesome long descents. There were a couple of poorer condition roads which were ok on the climbs but made the downhills slower and more challenging and for me less rewarding. We had fantastic weather 40 deg most days but the weather can be variable as our guides said a few weeks earlier it had been deep snow and ice. Worth taking a bright front light and a back light for the few tunnels that you have to cycle through.

Peter Nelson

Reviewed July 2019

Great trip, poor company service

The trip itself was excellent. Run by a local company (Malabiu) the guide (Shaun) worked extremely hard and his side kick cook (Jona) were both very profesional and knowledgeable. Geology information was a bit sparse, but customs and culture info was very good. The small group gelled together well. Be warned they is a lot of travelling with many miles on Namibia style roads – basically very dusty and stoney dirt tracks. Food and drink is cheap in Namibia and the lodges are comfortable if basic.
The main down side was the company (Exodus) which did not respond effectively to queries asked. Also did not pass on important information to the group guide which meant that arrangement were compromised. For 10 of us in the party there were five different group flights – not their finest hour.
Overall, I would certainly recommend this trip to others.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing lots of different animals in their natural environment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent knowledge and very professional

Advice for Potential Travellers

See above summary

Sarah Eddington

Reviewed July 2019

Leave the West Behind

If you want to leave the west behind until the last city on this incredible journey, then welcome to the former Soviet States that make up the silk road. This trip has everything, religion, wildlife, nomad living and amazing countryside and mountains. Forget McDonalds and Burger King, at times you won’t even get social media!

Most Inspirational Moment

staying in a Yurt high in the mountains, seeing the nomad people living their lives as they have done for 1000's of years

Thoughts on Group Leader

our group leader was good, and the local guides and drivers were exceptional

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not expect western standards, the food is basic at times as are the toilet and shower facilities. There are no home comforts which is what makes this trip what it is. Do not go expecting to get Wifi and social media, it isn't going to happen at times

Justina Mclaughlin

Reviewed July 2019

A magical trip

A comprehensive cultural tour that also incorporated the different landcapes of Peru. The Inti Raymi Festival was spectacular and whilst the trip notes don’t specify, we were seated in premium seats with great views at Sacsayhuaman. Its worth the extra cost to experience Inti Raymi!

Most Inspirational Moment

Its difficult to choose just one as each day revealed some new place or aspect of Peruvian culture. Machu Pichu really is stunning and as magical as it looks in the photos. I personally found travelling through the Andes very inspirational. I hate long journeys by road (I suffer from motion sickness) and I was dreading the road journey but the scenery of the Andes really is breathtaking. So glad we traveled overland instead of flying straight to Cusco. Its inspired me to consider further overland journeys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Giuliano was an excellent tour leader. He ensured all our transfers, arrivals, hotel check ins and local guided tours were well co-ordinated. He was knowledgeable on local places and history, he was also very responsive to requests from members of the group to do additional activities, vary the itinerary. As a tour leader who has previous experience of gourmet food tours he also gave us some great recommendations for eateries.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The pace of the trip is full on and everybody suffered a little with altitude. Some were very tired, others developed sinus problems, others had upset stomachs or felt nauseous. Only one encountered breathing problems and was immediately put on oxygen and handled expertly by our tour leader. I personally opted to take Diamox for altitude and had no problems breathing at altitude but I did still experience slow digestion and on occasion had an upset stomach. Fortunately I had a big bag of medical remedies from home and my advice would be to bring these with you. I recommend bringing hydration salts and over the counter remedies for an upset tummy/indigestion. I bought a ticket to hike Montana Machu Pichu 3 months in advance, for the morning of the 2nd day in Machu Pichu, . Since there are only 400 available a day, mountain hiking tickets sell out months in advance, if this is something you want to do email Exodus and they will advise you the date you need to purchase the ticket and details of timing. Be aware you have to be very fit and get up early (5am) and be back at the hotel by 2pm. Practical suggestions of things you should bring for the trip - A stash of tissues, antibacterial wipes (essential), small overnight bag/daypack and a good supply of cash. Opportunities to use credit cards are limited to the more expensive shops and restaurants. Also whilst ATMS are available, they are not always on the doorstep as you often stay in remoter locations.

Steve Ryder

Reviewed July 2019

Awesome Trip

I joined this trip as an alternative way of seeing the 3 Baltic States which got you away from the 3 capital cities, but it may have converted me to non too strenuous cycle holidays too. Not only was the trip a very enjoyable 9 days of cycling but we also had a foodie experience and a cultural experience thrown in too thanks to our amazing guide Anders

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip has daily inspirational moments. I found eating lunch in various rural restaurants quite inspirational because they were away from the tourist crowds and I would not have found them had I not been travelling with Anders. Eating freshly smoked fish in the garden of a fisherman on the Curonian Spit in Lithuania was a highlight

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anders was awesome. He guided us in a very laid back style but was extremely conscientious and knowledgeable. Those who fancied doing their own thing were free to do so and I particularly liked how he adjusted the schedule to ensure we appreciated where we were rather than just cycling for cyclings sake. The maps we were given each morning were very useful too

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. All rooms had hairdryers 2. You get a bike pannier on day one which you keep with you each evening so no need for the backpack 3. Don't worry about "dietary requirements" All can be accommodated 4. There is time to explore Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius but not to do the "full tourist thing" visiting things 5. Tartu is a wonderful university town 6. Although you cycle by a lake and by the sea you don't see much water - most of the cycle routes are in trees or slightly inland 7. You need bug spray during the day

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