Reviews

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

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32 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Sheila Bull

Reviewed October 2015

Hit the spot for group walking pleasure.

As a solo traveller and walker it always makes a wonderful change to quit the usual track of UK holidaying and go abroad to join a group.
Walking on ones own is all very well but I do get that extra motivation by being in a crowd with a good leader.
There is opportunity to socialise or be on ones own; however the walks were so good on this holiday that any omission would be detrimental to the pleasure of the entire holiday.
Going to Greoux les Bains with Exodus was particularly pleasurable and worthwhile – for walking, culture and company. This is the first time I’ve been with Exodus and it will not be the last.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking alongside the blue water of the Verdon Gorge. High cliffs, matching blue sky, flora and fauna, plus lunch at a high perch next to an old chapel made this a perfect experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yves was excellent, charmingly Gallic. He took great care of the group and was concerned for safety and cohesion. I do believe all in the group really felt he was a very good leader. On encountering a flooded tunnel in the Verdon Gorge he checked out the obstacle and encouraged the group to get through to the other side - there were no problems and it added to the interest of the walk. I would give this man 10 out of 10 - especially for his detailed knowledge of the walks and their features.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My recommendation is: do not hesitate to book - the walks were moderate in difficulty as advertised. Staff in the hotel were polite, helpful and looked after guests in a professional manner. If you want to feel the safety of being with a professional guide then this is the holiday for you. Do you enjoy French food? Then you'll be in your element! Breakfasts were very good and eating out in different restaurants and cafes was a pleasure.

John Penson

Reviewed October 2015

Walking in Provence October 2015

I would highly recommend this holiday to anyone who likes walking with a wide variation of different types of terrain and views. All packed into a week. The hotel Des Alpes was conveniently located at the end of main street, so very convenient to walk into town for shopping, ice creams and we ate out in a different restaurant each evening.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our guide, Yves was extremely competent and knew the area, the flora and fauna and al lot of local history and customs. Our group would have followed him anywhere.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yves was an inspirational group leader. He was great fun to be with and hos knowledge appeared limitless. If you are thinking of taking ths tour in 2016 then check that Yves is your group leader and you will not be disappointed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus provided excellent advice of what to pack. Just follow that advice. A good pair of walking shoes are essential for comfort on the rocky trails and walking pole(s) were a great help on the steep downward slopes.

Suggestions

Off course the added incredient to any group holiday is the group itself. We/I was fortunate that we all gelled on the first day. As a result all eight of us ate together in the evenings. We were a good mix of sexes. age and nationalities.

julie ross

Reviewed September 2015

Highlights of Provence Sept 2015

Hotel des Alpes was very welcoming, clean, modern and with excellent facilities. Breakfast buffet was excellent, a huge choice. The two group meals taken at the hotel restaurant were very enjoyable and the staff very friendly (these were a set meal but the staff were able to cater for those who had different requirements). The pool and terrace area were set out very comfortably. The staff were helpful and friendly.
The group walks were varied and offered beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and mountains. We were given enough time to explore small villages we passed through on our walks and use local facilities for lunch (market day at Forcalquier).

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip gave a general feeling of escaping - we hardly saw anyone else on the paths used giving a senses of isolation and relaxation. Picnic spots on the walk were idealic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was wonderful. Isabelle made the area come alive with her enthusiasm and local knowledge. I could not have asked more of her, she was always available, helping in any way she could. Most walking days she brought along local ‘delicacies’ for the group to try.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Most evening meals were taken in restaurants in the town at travellers own expense. Restaurants were prebooked for the group. My husband and I chose not to join these group meals but used other restaurants in Greoux which were plentiful, good value and well worth exploring. On the free day we chose to do another local walk. The route was excellently marked. Our guide kindly loaned us her map to use. (The tourist office in town also had walks and additional information which were very useful). The town of Greoux, at the time of our stay, had a Jazz festival and we enjoyed going along to a couple of these free events in the local square.

Suggestions

Local taxi transport was used to transport us to start and collect at the end of the walk to return us to the hotel. All arrived on time and were very professional and friendly. Even taking slight detours to show extra points of interest on our journey. Although the walks were Leisurely/Moderate and well within my reach as I wanted a relaxed walking holiday; some days proved long and very slow due to some very slow walkers who were also inappropriately equipped for walking in the hills. This also meant that we arrived back at the hotel quite late, often with only time to shower before dinner.

Jemma Bartholomew

Reviewed September 2015

Excellent Level 2 Walking Holiday

I really enjoyed this walking holiday, it was graded a Level 2 and that was right. About 6 hours walking each day, including stops, with 300-500m ascent/descent, taken gently. Some unbelievable beautiful scenery, and also a nice hotel in the middle of a pretty town with lots of restaurants to choose from.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the walk alongside the Gorge, it was stunning.

Denise Gutierrez

Reviewed August 2015

Highlites of Provence Hiking tour--Southern France

I’ve traveled extensively, mostly NOT by way of a booked tour. However, this was undoubtedly a fabulous experience and would do it again. Meeting people from across the globe and bonding with them as if we were mates for years. All within a weeks time! Another positive about a booked tour, if you know your exact destination, and/or type of activities you prefer then the rest is done for you!
The trip details were pretty true to the write up, including our lovely hotel…great location, clean hotel, delicious breakfasts & friendly staff.

Most Inspirational Moment

Just hiking and walking as if not a care or worry in the world and the only thought...wondering what magnificent sight was next....a divine lavender field or quaint village! Not to mention the delicious wines & cheeses...very inspirational!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Not only did John Bernard and I share the same day and hour of birth, he was delightful, had a great disposition and immensely enjoys what he does. Also very informative during the hike.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was my first Exodus trip, however a few people in my group had been w Exodus time and time again....I can see why after one booking!

Suggestions

The only thing I'd like to mention is that on some of the directions a few things have to be updated. We joined the group as we did not fly from the UK. Items such as bus fare were slightly off and walking distance from bus stop to hotel for example was listed as a 10 min. walk, however it was pleasantly only 1 min walk. Also, a mention of the local Thermes De Greoux-Les-Bains as a possible option after the last day of walking. It was a wonderful experience and a superb way to end the trip in a spa after all that hiking. Perhaps during the summer months, the hikes should start a half to full hour earlier in the morning.

Beverley Coulson

Reviewed July 2015

Highlights of Provence

This trip proved to be my best holiday ever !!
The Exodus team are very efficient from the moment you make contact and inquiries and all the way through the trip. The Hotel Des Alpes in Greoux was a perfect place to stay; very clean, comfortable rooms, excellent ,delicious,gourmet dinners, pool to cool off after hiking. Greoux is a charming small town easy to explore on foot. It has many quaint shops and enticing restaurants. I recommend on the way back from the last hike to stop at Thermes De Greoux-Les -Bains and indulge in a spa package there. I tried the Spa Liberte for E39 which was divine. Floating in a warm clay bath to ease the muscles and soften the skin was pure bliss after a hot day of hiking.Thoroughly enjoyed all the hiking trails and was thrilled to be there to see the sunflowers and beautiful lavender in bloom. I think it is worthwhile to book your trip at this time to experience this, however if you do not feel comfortable in the hot climate another time of the year i am sure would be also memorable. A beautiful part of France that i will definitely return to.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Verdon Gorges hike was truly magnificent. Spectacular views and quite easy hiking trail to follow. Hiking in the natural scenery along the canyon,listening to the sounds of nature and chatting to fellow hikers is my idea of a perfect day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jean Bernard is a lovely man, very informative on the flora , fauna , historical and geological areas. He has a passion for his career which shines through. He is a very experienced hiking guide and looked after the group very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes carefully and plan accordingly. I chose this trip as i love France and i wished to spend my birthday hiking. As mentioned above be aware of the grade of hiking and the temperature at the time of year to make sure it will be suitable for you. I would recommend wearing long pants over shorts as they protect from sun exposure, insect bites and thorn scratches.

Suggestions

Some information on the trip notes needs to be updated. Price of bus ticket from Marseille to Aix is E8.20. There are three bus stops in Greoux, so quite confusing as to which one to depart at. Could mention departing at the hotel as it is less than 1 min from the bus stop, not 10 mins as printed in the notes. The guide could mention an option of visiting the spa on the last hike. You can hire a swimsuit and all you need when you arrive there. Very easy to walk back to the hotel from there. Hikes could start out earlier in the morning if the breakfast buffet could be available at an earlier time.

Robin Eley Jones

Reviewed July 2015

Walking in Provence

Super holiday, one of the most enjoyable I have taken.

Most Inspirational Moment

Early June was a great time to go (green landscapes and some lavender/sunflowers) not too hot for comfortable walking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yuves was a perfect, very experienced tour manager/walking guide - well organised, great knowledge of the routes and local history. He was very conscious of peoples' differing abilities and client safety. As well as the expected walks, Yuves frequently 'went the extra mile' by introducing to some 'extra' beautiful villages. (On one day, when I left my walking pole behind he insisted on walking back some distance to retrieve it for me!) Because of his friendliness, great sense of humor and efficiency he is my nomination for 'Tour Manager of the Year'.

Suggestions

Located in the small village of Greoux les Bains, the 'Hotel des Alpes' was a perfect selection - rooms very clean and the staff were very 'smiley'. Best cold buffet breakfast I have seen with dozens choices. Very convenient for walk starts, either by foot from hotel or about an hour by minibus. More than enough restaurants a short walk away for excellent evening meals.

Laura Armstrong

Reviewed June 2015

Glorious Provence

Staying in the beautiful town of Greoux – Les -Bains , this was a well chosen base,within easy reach of all the Key landmarks of Provence. A well balanced schedule of manageable and variable hikes made this a very good introduction to this beautiful region. If you get the chance make the trip on the free day to Aix-en-Provence , I would highly recommend it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Gorges du Verdon for the first time, a truly jaw dropping sight and the endless fields of Lavender on the Valensole Plateaux.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Yves was just brilliant. Friendly, enthusiastic, experienced, prepared to go that extra mile for his clients and obviously passionate about the outdoors , this approach made all the difference to my first overseas hiking holiday. Many thanks!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It gets very hot hiking in June! Obvious advice I know but slap plenty of high factor sun cream on and reapply regularly... I think hiking poles, especially when descending down some of the inclines would be useful for that bit of extra stability , it's very rocky and loose underfoot.

Suggestions

A well organised and well thought out schedule. Many thanks

Olga Alliloueva

Reviewed June 2015

Hiking in Provence in June

It’s been an unforgettable journey! The hotel was located in a pretty little town Greoux-les-Bains.
Some walks started right in Greoux, for other walks we traveled with our guide in a van. The walks ranged from easy to medium in terms of complexity. All routes were very scenic: lavender fields, meadows with poppies, limestone cliffs and wooded hills.
The hotel centrally located, with comfortable rooms and a swimming pool, excellent buffet for breakfast.
There was a small electric kettle in the room with complimentary tea and coffee bags.
There were lots of restaurants, cafés and pastry shops within a few minutes’ walk. A couple of grocery stores selling fresh fruits and veggies.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking together and admiring the beautiful hills and meadows of Provence

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yves impressed me as a very experienced and knowledgeable guide, with an excellent command of the English language and sense of humor. He knew the routes in detail and adjusted the walks to the weather conditions. Yves did everything to make the journey as pleasant as possible

Advice for Potential Travellers

I recommend going in June to see the lavender fields. Take light long pants for hiking and long sleeve shirt to protect against the burning sun. Opt for going to Aix-en-Provence on the free day. It's a charming picturesque town, with a maze of narrow streets.

Gail Gail

Reviewed October 2014

Walking in Provence - TEA

Different walks each day with amazing views towards the Alps. Not too strenuous and the ascents/descents are not that difficult if taken slowly.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the beautiful town of Moustiers and looking down in the Verdon Gorges.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pierre had been thrown in at the deep end as the regular tour leader could not make it. Shy at first, he soon got used to us and became an important part of the group. His knowledge of the area could not be faulted and his pace on the walks was always sensible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a travelling kettle as there are no coffee/tea making facilities. Don't expect gourmet food and make sure you ask for the cheese course!

Suggestions

It's a shame there was no opportunity for eating out in the evening as all dinners are included, so choice in the evening is limited.

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