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.

Reviews

Penny Daffarn

Reviewed March 2019

Brilliant holiday

This is a packed 2 weeks, travelling the length of Vietnam on a huge range of transport. Coach, airplane, overnight train, boat, kayak, bikes and hiking. We got up close and personal to real Vietnam people, staying several nights in home stays.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the sunset from a boat in Halong Bay.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bao, was always smiling, and competently managed the logistics of this complicated trip. The next mode of transport was always there waiting for us!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes say walking boots, but not really necessary, stout shoes would be fine and then you don't have to carry heavy boots around. There are several times when we had to take overnight bags, once even for 2 nights, so plan for this. Cycle helmets are available, so again, not really necessary to bring your own. Book yourselves on the all the optional trips, they are all worthwhile. The exchange rate is around 29,800 dong to the GBP, we found it very useful to have a print out of some key amounts to get our heads round the prices! This is a busy trip, but not too physically challenging, the hiking and cycling are at a moderate level. It is very hot in Saigon, so be prepared.

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Cheryl Evans

Reviewed March 2019

Wild Sri Lanka

Wild Sri Lanka – this trip was really disappointing as a location for wildlife. We certainly didn’t see elephant herds in Uawalawe and I was horrified that on one occasion we were part of a group of 6 jeeps surrounding ONE elephant. This is not acceptable wildlife viewing. As a result of such a disappointing day I didn’t go on the morning game drive in Yale NP on Day 8.
The transfers between places were far too long. For example: On Day 8 the safari trip started at 4.30am – a one hour drive to NP – 4 hours in a Jeep – one hour drive to return to the accommodation then after lunch a 3 1/2 hour drive to Talalla !! This was a day of nearly 10 hours in a jeep and coach.
This is absolutely unacceptable.
Finally, I was totally fed up with buffet food. We had just one hotel that offered us a choice in 15 days. The best food was provided by our visit to a local village. Superb!

Most Inspirational Moment

Whale watching session. Cycling through the local villages with village meal. Visit to the rainforest. Visit to the Elephant Freedom Project.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dilshun was a good leader who dealt with any problems very efficiently.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Potential travellers should ascertain the exact length of the transfer journeys. I shall never book this type of trip again without confirming transfer times.

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Paul Green

Reviewed March 2019

A Great Adventure

This was a very enjoyable although really quite intensive 2 week holiday with plenty of variety. We covered a long overall distance. The 484k of cycling was manageable with a couple of demanding days . The longest distance cycled in one day was 100k. Most of the cycling was on flattish roads though and only 8 of the 14 days were actually spent in the saddle. There was a lot to do and see. I loved the opportunities for swimming. Most hotels were varied and most had swimming pools. The icing on the cake for me was being able to go swimming in the sea, also the snorkelling and kayaking were great. The time we were there it was Tet, the Vietnamese Chinese New Year Celebration. This added to the atmosphere and vitality of the places we visited but also made the roads more congested. Most Vietnamese road users aren’t used to dealing with cyclists. Our support team were very good at protecting us … very necessary, especially in towns. The Vietnamese people were delightful and I loved Vietnamese food.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day of the long climb up the hill I was one of the last to arrive at the top. Our leader and members the group congratulated me and took my photo as I finally got there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tri our group leader was really excellent. His experience showed as he managed the expectations and the needs of our large tour group (18) with care, intelligence and humour. Tri is very fit. His knowledge and passionate about his home of Vietnam impressed and enthused us all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a bag to attach to your bike. I took one which I strapped onto my handlebars. It was much better than having to wear a rucksack and my phone was always handy for taking photographs. I added 2 extra nights at each end of the holiday to enable me to have a good look around Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and I'm glad I did.

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Tony Moon

Reviewed March 2019

Cycling Morocco's Great South

An excellent tour, well supported and well managed, but spoiled by Exodus’s failure to warn us adequately about the very cold cycling conditions high in the mountains.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling on quiet, well surfaced mountain roads in spectacular country

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that the information that Exodus produces on the climate in Morocco applies to low altitude cities like Marrakech, but not to the high mountain villages and towns where we stay. You need to be prepared for the equivalent of UK winter cycling in February.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Tony for his feedback, although we are very sorry that the tour he had planned to join was cancelled. Whilst we can confirm that this departure did not go ahead, we are sorry if he would have preferred to join a later tour. Our trip notes advise that there is the possibility of much colder weather in February, but we nonetheless regret that Tony felt inadequately advised. We were pleased, however that he had an excellent tour and that he found the group leader to be very good.

Tom Harari – Product Manager

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Jenny lawrence

Reviewed March 2019

Wonderful trip - do it!

A brilliant trip capturing all the chaos, filth, colour and magic of India & Nepal . The memories are too many to detail but will last a lifetime.
Personally I loved every day- I stayed healthy throughout sticking to a vegetarian diet and using loads of anti bacterial hand gel. The food was delicious & i am sure I’ve put on a few pounds.
The group was also great – a perfect mix of solo travellers and couples and we all got on very well.
The organisation behind the scenes by exodus was excellent – our guide in india and first part of Nepal, Jatin was always calm, reassuring & charming. The travel involved some changes due to road closures and a train cancellation but jatin always did his best to rearrange schedules & keep us informed. We covered long distances so there are some long days being jolted around in the bus so be prepared, but the good humour of the group, amazing scenery and a few snacks helped pass the time. I found it helpful to download some music or I player podcasts to listen to en route. Also a blow up pillow and big scarf or blanket for when the air con made it chilly.

Most Inspirational Moment

The early morning walk to the holy river Ganga at Varanasi . The sights, smells, sounds, colour & sheer numbers of devoted Hindus was more magical than anything I have ever seen.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jatin was excellent all round - efficient, thoughtful, calming and warm towards us all. I could not fault him & highly recommend him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

See above... re bus journeys & taking lots of anti- bacterial hand gel. Drink lots of water - it really helps you stay well & avoid dehydration

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James Smith

Reviewed March 2019

Nile Cruise - Premium

Very culturally inspiring trip, with a considerable variety of points of interest. My grandson, Will, said it all: “It was awesome; more than I expected”. Our tour guide really had his act together, and kept a close watch on each and every tour member, yet giving them freedom to do their own extra things (like collecting soil samples and geocaching). One big thing I did learn about the aristocracy of the distant past. The top 1% of societies wanted to leave their mark for not only those who followed, but they also made a way that they could attain another life into the future (from their perspective). From what my grandson and I saw and experienced, we now better know that primitive societies were really quite advanced to be able to cut, transport, and assemble what resources were available – stone. Very inspirational trip!!

Most Inspirational Moment

When we entered Karnak Temple. It took Will's breath away. So massive and well preserved. I believe that was the first temple we visited, and as such, even left a bigger impressions on us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Achman was very well organized and obviously educated in ancient Egyptian history. He did an excellent job at explaining details, at the same time giving the group an overall impression of the historical, cultural, and religious themes. He also was attentive to special needs of individuals in the group. I have nothing negative to say our tour guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When haggling, start real low. My grandson did and met with success on numerous occasions. Don't worry about vendors getting mad. That's to be expected and part of the game. When passing through a market area on your way to see a famous temple, tomb, of pyramid, keep your head up, eyes on a straight course, and of course hide your wallet. Never let them know you even have a purse or wallet. And the smaller the camera you carry, the less the vendors will bother you. I had a big camera. Mistake. They measure you by what you are carrying and will set prides accordingly. Expect big crowds of tourists, and go with the flow...and don't worry if you have to pay a little to use the John. It's their culture and we are the guests.

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Helen West

Reviewed March 2019

Discover Costa Rica

My recent trip to Discover Costa Rica was absolutely amazing – I certainly ‘Died and went to Heaven – as I was in Heaven’, the trip ran so smoothly, perfect in fact – the transfers, accommodation, boat trips, wildlife and birdlife were in abundance. Our tour guide Mayer was simply Perfect No1, who know everything we asked and had an excellent sense of humour.
I really cannot fault this holiday at all – simply perfect.
I want to do it all again if I could. I have worked in hospitality for around 7 years but have never experienced such a well organised trip.
Well Done and thank you so much Exodus, I will certainly be booking my trip with you next year, perhaps seeing the Jaguar in Brazil!
Helen West

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting under the tree watching a Mother Sloth with her baby, eating leaves. She was on the beach then walked back along an electric line to the rainforest - truly memorable. Toucans at Esquinas Lodge and Tortugera NP were also amazing to watch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mayer was No1 Tour Guide he answered everything so well, and had a great sense of humour. Never got stressed, very patient and accommodating.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You won't have any regrets going on this trip, you have to go and see for yourself how amazing this place really is. With 2% biodiversity of the World..... and heading for carbon neutral and recycling.

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vicky burford

Reviewed March 2019

Quiet roads among beautiful rugged scenery

This was my first cycling trip and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Morocco is a super winter holiday destination and I will definitely be booking more trips in the saddle! Beautiful rugged landscapes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling on really empty roads and passing through the small villages. Lots of different weather conditions, and varied accommodation. The kashbah on day where we ended in Agadir was very memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marouane and Hassan are really enthusiastic and well informed leaders. They are proud of their country's traditions and I really enjoyed finding out more about the Berber culture from them. They always showed us the altitude profile before each day's cycle ride, and the full vehicle support meant that we could leave spare clothing in the van. As a not very keen downhill cyclist, I was really pleased that they controlled the descents, but it was nice to be able to cycle freely up the hills and on the flat (not that there is much flat!). And thank you for the wine!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take warm clothes for the first days in the mountains - it can get really cold. I wish Exodus had been able to provide us with the altitude profile as part of the trip notes. There are plenty of snacks en route, so no need to bring your own! (they just end up in a soggy mess in your bag) if you are on the Feb trip, don't try and swim in the pool in Immouzer - it is FREEZING!! Enjoy every minute!

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Diana Carter

Reviewed March 2019

Monumental Egyptian Odyssey

Another excellent Exodus adventure. I was pleasantly surprised that we were fully occupied every day with tours and activities. Temples, tombs, mosques, monastery, local baths, perfumery, pottery, animal sanctuary, papyrus institute, museums, war graves and souqs. We used all forms of transport (luxury coach, horse and carriage, felucca, cruise boat, sleeper train, camel, power boat, plane). Truly a memorable trip, so much fascinating history, colossal architecture and lovely weather too!

Most Inspirational Moment

We had the privilege of enjoying the moment when the sunrise reaches far inside the temple at Abu Simbel and lights up the statues of Ramses II (pharaoh), Ra (sun god) and Amun (king of the gods). Only the statue of Ptah (god of darkness), remains in shadow. This only happens twice each year. We had to wild-camp (many thanks to our tour guide for organising blankets, pillows and breakfast boxes for us all) just outside the temple for 4 hours to wait for the moment but it was well worth the wait.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sayed Mansour is a true legend, Egyptologist, organiser, friend of many and has the patience of a saint.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for full days, never a dull moment and a surprise round every corner. If you are travelling in February then take warm clothes for the north and lighter clothes for the south. Be firm but polite with street vendors. Eat like a local, their food is amazing. Take a Steripen and your own water bottle so you can sterilise tap water instead of buying plastic bottles of water.

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Sue Duncombe

Reviewed March 2019

Great snowshoeing in stunning scenery

Great variety of walks to mountain summits with fantastic views of the beautiful Dolomite scenery. Walking included a couple of ascents of 650m. We walked through wooded hillsides to mountain tops. On most days we stopped in mountain huts for a drink whilst we admired the scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from Lutterkopf - 360 degree panorama of the Dolomites and Austrian Alps. Reaching the top of Monte Piano with views of Tre Cime

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sarah was professional and friendly and dealt with the range of individual abilities in the group effectively. She was knowledgeable about the area’s geography and history. We had utmost confidence in her. On top of this we appreciated the biscuits she provided en-route!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have a decent level of fitness to get the most out of the 5 days snowshoeing as a couple of days have ascents of 650m

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