Most Inspirational Moment
The view of the Narnjo de Bulnes in the valley in the last day, between Sotres and Tielve.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Walking the Picos de Europa - Challenging week
This was my first walking holiday and first trip with Exodus. I would highly recommend it to anyone reasonably fit (Challenging week). Accommodation was great and food amazing – lots of options for veggies and good selection at breakfast. All the staff in the hotel are very helpful – for example the owner, Jim, went out of his way to drop two of us in central Bilbao on the day of the return flight, instead of having to kill time at the airport. Other trip members were very sociable and friendly and made it an incredible week. Our guide, Alvaro, was superb – lots of interesting local knowledge about the wildlife and region. He also ensured that the walks avoided crowded times/cloud. The Picos itself is a beautiful region to visit. Day off allowed a trip to the coast, Llanes, which has good restaurants and lovely beach.
Essential Peru
This is a fantastic, if tiring, trip. Peru is a stunning country and a must-see. I had my breath taken away on countless occasions by the scenery and I feel privileged to have experienced such a diverse and interesting country and people. Don’t hesitate to do this trip, but do be aware that it is a packed itinerary and don’t underestimate the relentless early mornings!
Most Inspirational Moment
Michu Picchu was awe inspiring and enchanting, it surpassed any expectations I had, just amazing. The homestay on Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca was fantastic, our 'mum' was wonderful and cooked us the most delicious dinner and breakfast. She was so lovely to be around and chat to even with the language barrier. In addition, I had the best (and only!) good night's sleep there. The Nazca Lines were amazing, we didn't manage a flight over them due to fog, but seeing them from the tower was still great. Cuzco and Arequipa are both wonderful cities to explore and had a very comfortable feel when walking around them. The hot springs in Chivay are worth doing, very relaxing and fun. Seeing wildlife (penguins, sea lions, pelicans, flamingos, vicuñas, llamas, alpaca, condors) along the way was fascinating, and what can I say about the scenery throughout the whole journey... just magnificent!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Diana was very good. She was extremely organised, efficient and knowledgable. She made sure the trip went smoothly and she was proud to show and teach us about her country.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take Peruvian Sols with you if possible, or if you take US dollars or Euros then change a decent amount at the airport in Lima as you don't get to a money exchange for 3 days due to the itinerary. I was advised to change just $30-40 at the airport, but this was insufficient and the advice was inaccurate apparently due to the tour now starting on a Friday. Many ATMs charged 18 sols for withdrawing cash, look for BCP as apparently they don't charge. Take clothes for warm and cold weather, it really was necessary. In one day you can need hats and gloves in the morning, shorts and t-shirts at lunchtime, and then back on with the woolies in the evening! Although the bus journeys sound long they were in fact very comfortable with a toilet on board and lots of stops. The altitude did effect most people but only for short periods and it was manageable. Be aware if you have high blood pressure as the altitude can affect that. As well as drinking water to prevent dehydration, drinking electrolytes is important as too much water flushes those out. But the guide was experienced in dealing with any symptoms of altitude and gave good advice. Be prepared for early starts pretty much every day, leaving at 7am was a lie in!! There were a couple of mornings free for a more relaxing morning. I took a few useful souvenirs (shopping bag, soap, pencils) from home for my homestay mum and she was delighted. You can buy items such as candles, pasta, salt etc from the market there though if you don't take with you. The optional excursions were all worth doing. Try to stay awake on the bus so as not to miss the outstanding scenery!
Unbelievable Uzbekistan
Definitely book this trip, Uzbekistan is beautiful.
Most Inspirational Moment
The yurt camp. Sitting under the milky way listening to the guy singing is something I'll never forget, even the 6k walk through the desert the following day was fun. Of the historical sites, the necropolis in Samarkand was my favourite, and Samarkand was my favourite city. It's easy to get around and the people are lovely, although that can be said for every town and city in Uzbekistan.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Dilshod was incredible, his passion and knowledge of Uzbekistan is awesome. He must be the best guide in the whole of Uzbekistan. He's also just a really fun and lovely guy. Valentin is a fantastic driver. Even though most of the roads are in good condition it did get a bit bumpy at times, but I always felt safe.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Uzbekistan airways is great, you get plenty of leg room and the food really isn't as bad as everyone says. A lot of the historic sites have been reconstructed in the past 10-15 years, so much so that it kind of became a running joke, it doesn't detract from the trip though. The food is delicious. Plov is the best! The kebabs taste amazing, but can be a bit greasy. The bread is delicious, and there's plenty of salad options for vegetarians.
All round excellent!
The Mont Blanc highlights trip is a real treat! The chalet is quaint and comfortable, especially when you have Rich and Sarah as hosts. The meals are exquisite, and each made with love which you can taste in Sarah’s food. The walks are all certainly ‘highlights’, choosing the best parts of Chamonix snd Mont Blanc to experience in the short stay. I would highly recommend this tour.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking to the top of Lac Blanc on a clear, warm sunny day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader Nick was excellent. He knew the area back to front and was friendly and fun to be around.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Wear in your hiking shoes before you otherwise you will get blisters! Weather can be unpredictable so make sure you bring waterproof clothing, although you are bound to have mostly rain-free days in Summer.
Awesome "Super Grouppo!"
This was my first cycle tour with Exodus and my first cycle tour in Italy. It will not be the last with Exodus or in Italy. The experience was awesome! I flew across the pond from the states expecting a great trip with two friends. It wasn’t just a great trip it was awesome! We met the other members of our tour group and our fantastic guide Michele at the Mestre airport and traveled to Bolzano for our first overnight. We were fitted for bikes the next morning. Michele installed my seat and pedals from my bike at home. We were given a handlebar bag to keep and a pannier and lock to use during the tour. My bike was great and performed flawlessly for the week!
The Dolomites and the Adige river valley are very scenic to say the least. The cycling was primarily on cycle paths. We didn’t need to worry about traffic, we could just take in the beauty of Italy. The times we did cross or use roadways or roundabouts Michele was very careful to insure the group’s safety.
After a day on the bikes we bonded as a group. I came with two friends. I left at the end of the week with eleven other friends! The lodging was comfortable and the food was great! Michele even gave the option of a pre breakfast ride a couple of times to those that desired more saddle time. That’s me! Michele definitely has a passion for Italy, people, and showing others a great time! He has a wealth of knowledge about Italy, and the towns and villages we passed through. Michele introduced the group to his family at dinner in Vicenza! The group enjoyed getting to know them.
I strongly urge anyone with a spirit of adventure to take this tour. If you cycle at all you are set. If not grab a bike and cycle a bit or go to a spin class for a few weeks prior to your tour. It’s relaxed paced cycling with a couple of challenges thrown in for spice. Michele will insure you will be a survivor and what views you will see and memories you will make!
Most Inspirational Moment
The most inspirational moment for me was the groups "Last Supper" in Venice. The glorious week of riding, scenery, and group camaraderie was coming to a close. Two of the ladies in the tour group secretly purchased trinkets for each tour member that they deemed went with our individual personalities. Each tour member was presented their "gift" and told why that gift was chosen for them at our closing dinner. It was great fun and helped take the edge off the fact that our tour was over...at least until we can book the next one!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michele is a six star group leader if there are six stars! Michele cares about everyone in the tour and insures that a great time is enjoyed by all. He is passionate about his job, Italy, and people. I always felt completely safe and secure on the cycle paths, streets, and roundabouts. Michele is a wealth of knowledge on Italy and the villages we passed through. I would love to tour with Michele again!
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you think you can't do this, think again. The cycling is easy for the most part. There are a couple of challenges for spice but you might surprise yourself. Michele will not let you fail! If you cycle at all you are golden. If you aren't a cyclist go to a spin class or get a bike and ride a bit to acclimate your body to the bike. Then sign up, pedal down the Adige river valley, and enjoy the views!
Fantastic trek around Mont Blanc
This trip is a great way to see the Alps as you circumnavigate Mont Blanc. Along the way the peak appears and a disappears as the scenery changes. Going earlier on the season means the trail is less busy. It was a very peaceful two weeks in the mountains with lots of fresh air. The one thing I found quite shocking is how quickly the glaciers are disappearing!
The camping is also a great experience, the group comes together so there is a real communal feel, teamwork is key.
Most Inspirational Moment
Completing the whole circuit and finishing at Brevent. The views are super and that is your reward for walking up hill all day (1500m). Going up the Aiguille du Midi is also incredible, it is great to get so close to Mont Blanc. The gondola ride across the glacier is also very memorable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jenny was a great leader, she was very knowledgeable about the trail and knew where all the lovely hut stops were.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You need to enjoy walking up and down, you are not often walking on flat trails, so practice those ups and downs. The Aiguille du Midi is definitely worth doing. It is cheaper to go up from the Italian side, however if the weather is bad wait until you get to Chamonix.
Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek
This trek coupled with excellent weather and brilliant company, ranks as one of the most enjoyable adventure tours we have undertaken in the past 10 years. It was challenging at times, and the days were usually long, but that first ice cold beer never tasted better. Constantly changing scenery, beautiful flowers and butterflies makes for a photographer’s paradise. Our advice if you love walking in stunning scenery is to do the trip while you can, the sense of achievement for us was as satisfying as completing Kilimanjaro.
Most Inspirational Moment
The final days walking to the high point at Brevent was long, but the culmination of two weeks of arduous trekking, realising you’ve achieved your goal, standing at the top taking in the spectacular views, with a bunch of strangers who had now become your best buddies, makes for a fabulous experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
You just couldn’t get a more knowledgeable, understanding or thoughtful guide than Peter. He was relaxed yet in full control, helping and encouraging where needed, nothing phased him at all. His lunchtime picnics were a culinary highlight of the day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Apprehensive of the walking grade at altitude we did train quite a bit, probably not as much as we should have done due to leading normal busy lives, but if you’re a regular walker and are used to putting the hours in, you will be fine. It goes without saying to get your kit sorted out and bedded in beforehand, there isn’t much time once you’re underway, but bring Compeed in any case, as even the most comfortable boots and socks can play up after 10hrs plus day after day. Also pack light as there are plenty of opportunities to rinse out and dry trekking gear.
Spectacular !
A stunning location. A good hotel close to the centre with great food and service: the leaders Albert and Ingrid were excellent and had well researched all of the walks. A great week was had by all. Thank you
Most Inspirational Moment
Stunning location with spectacular mountain walks.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both were excellent and very professional
Advice for Potential Travellers
A beautiful part of the world
Amazing Amalfi Coast
An absolutely delightful trip with lots of stunning scenery, great days out, wonderful company and lovely food.
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been – and I have been to a lot of them.
There are no long drives on this trip at all which is great but even when you are on the bus the views are so spectacular the journey just flies by.
The Hotel Due Torri is a lovely family run hotel with fabulous meals. I particularly enjoyed the optional evening in which we did a bbq as the seafood was divine. They also have a great cocktail menu which most of us took advantage of.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved the Path of the Gods walk as it is just stunning and wasn't as hard as I expected. I enjoyed it so much I would be tempted to go back and do the walking tour as it is a very nice area for walking. On the free day we did walk down to Priaino and Marina Dei Praia which was great as well. Capri is just stunning and I would also recommend going to Villa Cimbrone in Ravello as many of us felt this was a definite highlight.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Severio was a good tour leader. He was a really nice guy and everything ran really smoothly. The only thing I would say is that I would have liked a little more information on some of the places we visited.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just go!
Mongolia, Nadaam, Gobi. Great experience
Fantastic trip. Huge statues, more goats, sheep, horses and cows than you can imagine. A vastness that boggles the mind. The Gobi desert is to be experienced just to get an idea of the size of it. Living in ger camps is worthwhile too. You get to sample what nomadic life can be like. The local people were friendly and open to us visiting their ger homes, and we were offered goats cheese, fermented milk and simple vodka. It’s rude to decline the offer! It’s hard to pick one particular highlight but I think the Nadaam Festival comes out top.
Most Inspirational Moment
Witnessing the Nadaam Festival was a highlight. The two hour opening ceremony was terrific with displays depicting Mongolia's history. While we didn't understand the language, the display was clear. The men, women and children wore very ornate and colourful national dress and were happy for their photos to be taken. The newly elected President officially opened the festival. A goodly number of children released white doves at the start and balloons were realised at the end.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader was a very pleasant man but perhaps due to us being in four vehicles, it was hard for information to be given regarding the country or the people. This would normally be expected when the group travels in one vehicle. That said, he tried to accommodate the wishes of group members, which did at times prove challenging. Not his fault though! Our tour leader arranged for two facilities to open when they ought to be closed which was very appreciated. One was a monetary and the other a museum.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The weather was much warmer than I had expected given I'd been checking weather updates prior to travel. A few days while we were in the Gobi were around 40 degrees and very windy indeed. Driving in the Gobi is very rough indeed as no tarred roads and dirt tracks the only routes. The ground is very hard and rough and car passengers get a lot of jostling around. A word of warning if you have back issues! Accommodation in the capital was fine but some of the ger camps didn't have hot water for showers and/or was restricted to certain times of the day, as was electric. This isn't a problem though as you expect such restrictions in rural areas. Meals were excellent throughout. Usually three course set lunch and dinner, with small portions. Mutton dishes were offered most often. The vegetarians were catered for too. Bottled water was provided at each meal and the guide gave water to each guest to use in their own water bottles. When driving long distances in the Gobi, toilet stops are infrequent due to simply not being a toilet to go to! You have to make do with a boulder or bush.