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.

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14479 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

David Shelton

Reviewed October 2016

Well guided trip

This is a well organised trip – as is always the case with Exodus everything worked, all the arrangements were good and the guide excellent. Also, the trip notes manage expectations around the trekking, hotels and food really well – the experience will be as promised – including the chicken’s feet!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking parts of the wall which are remote, quiet and unpreserved. They give some idea of the work and "engineering" that created the wall.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jay was excellent. He set exactly the right pace, gave clear directions and exactly the right amount of information each day. He obviously cared that we enjoyed the trip and he could not be faulted. His standard was as good as all the other Exodus guides I have had the pleasure of travelling with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is obvious, but be prepared for slopes and steps up and down. These are hard to practice for in the UK but this is why the trip can be quite demanding in places, balancing out the short distances on some days. However, a few of us could have walked further on the shorter days so if you are reasonably fit you will be able to cope with this. Take note of the trip notes description of basic hotels and manage your expectations, not everything works sometimes which makes the hotel in Beijing on the final night seem like a palace! You will be served authentic Chinese food with chopsticks for every meal so the diet is very different. However, everyone on our trip was fine, no illness and no sore feet!

Timothy Lamb

Reviewed October 2016

Puglia and Matera

A most relaxing varied and informative trip.

Matera and the Sassi district was a highlite, the hotel and location so unusual. It was valuable having a knowledgeable local guide with family history of the area.The good weather helped of course, but the overarching factor was the excellence of our guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

Personality of the manager of the wine bar where we had the wine tasting in Alberobello. The farm house stay was excellent and the walk from there through the olive groves to the coast was pleasant. It was sobering, rather than inspirational to see the refugees lodged in the Spanish Counts former residence on this walk.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marinella was an absolute delight. She worked tirelessly to make sure everything went smoothly for the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you get Marinella as a guide. If you get a bus from Naples, ensure it takes you to the Matera central bus station, not dump you the outskirts of town with no directions and suitcases.

Michael Casey

Reviewed October 2016

Imperrial China and Yangtze River Cruise

This was our first group holiday having previously travelled around various Asian countries on our own. The holiday exceeded our expectations and we really enjoyed the experience of modern China. The organisation was good with a great balance of varied experiences. The food was excellent too.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to nominate one inspirational experience but walking on the Great Wall in the early morning before it was too crowded and with clear visibility has to be up there. Also seeing six baby pandas (pre-walking stage) fed, burped, washed and put out to play at the Chengdu Breeding Centre was just wonderful. Again an early start to avoid the crowds but so worthwhile.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He really made the holiday. Very well organised, knowledgeable with a great sense of humour. He also fully understood where western and Chinese cultures would clash and pre explained situations to the group which helped enormously. We had a great group too who were up for the trip and wanted to enjoy themselves - no moaners here.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Nothing can prepare you for the sheer size of this country and the numbers of people. It is an amazing power house of a country. with sights that I will remember for ever and a rate of development which is almost unbelievable. However, if you cannot cope with crowds and noise and want peace and quiet don't do this trip. Modern China isn't for you.

Stephanie Walker

Reviewed October 2016

South Africa: Walking and Wildlife

Difficult to sum up as we were offered such a wealth of experiences on this holiday. However revelling in the wonders of the natural world, whether specifically looking for wildlife, or walking in the mountains and hills, was a constant.

Most Inspirational Moment

Again, there were any number. However, getting out a a 4X4 in a game reserve, walking cautiously and quietly in line behind our ranger with his rifle, to come over the top of a rise to find hippos and crocs in front of us in the river.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had three leaders who worked incredibly hard, driving, shopping, cooking, clearing up and keeping us informed about what we were seeing. They were all skilled, knowledgeable and thoroughly professional. They also guided and safeguarded us on walks with patience and understanding.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were very lucky to find ourselves to be a friendly and confident tour group so were able to rely on others for support as well as our guides. I found it useful to have a hydration bladder, rather than fumbling about with water bottles, in my backpack, and, having some concerns about my elderly knees, I used trekking poles for every walk; all was well.

Anne-Marie Hellewell

Reviewed October 2016

Inca Trail and Amazon Rainforest

I have wanted to visit Machu Picchu for a very long time and when I began to research my dream holiday, this package ticked all the right boxes. It was everything I had wanted and more. The itinerary is well thought out and makes the most out of the 17 day trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The crowning glory was arriving at the Sun Gate to see Machu Picchu for the first time, having trekked for 4 days. It was a very special moment. However, the entire trip was excellent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilmer Delgado is an excellent guide. He is both knowledgeable and passionate about his country. He was an excellent host to our group, always attentive and caring. He joined in socially with a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Inca Trail is strenuous, especially day 2, but it is as much a mental challenge as physical. It isn't a race so take your time.

Paul Daly

Reviewed October 2016

Colours of Rajasthan

While some days on this trip were truly exceptional, there are days that could be removed and the trip would not suffer. The sightseeing around Delhi was disappointing as most of it was viewed from the bus. Pushkar may be a good place to visit during the camel fair, but the fair was not on during my visit and I found Pushkar to be a waste of a day. The extra day would be better spent in either Udaipur or Jaipur.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Taj Mahal at sunrise is breathtaking, the Victory Tower at Chittorgarh is a beautiful example of ornate carving, and there are no words to describe the experience of seeing two tigers in their natural habitat in Ranthambore. I would also have loved more time to explore the Observatory of Jai Singh, which is an absolute masterpiece of engineering.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was a good and very patient leader. His knowledge was great and he did everything in his power to ensure an enjoyable trip for everyone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a plug in mosquito repellent!! Don't bother with the optional boat trip in Udaipur, accepting a blessing or prayer at the Jain Temple will require you to open your wallet, and if you are a meat lover, prepare for a limited supply. Some eateries are vegetarian only.

Melanie Edwards

Reviewed October 2016

Cuba magic

I had a very delayed start to my trip thanks to airline issues, all was forgotten on getting out of the airport and an arranged taxi driving me through Havana to my first destination. 1am and I was wide awake and glowing. All thanks to Exodus service (for the tour and for sorting my unexpected transport with no hassle), Cuba, the tour guide and drivers, the tour group, Cuba, Cuban people, Cuban architecture, the Cuban landscape, Cuba and Cuba. Oh, and the Atlantic and the Caribbean. And Cuba.

Most Inspirational Moment

The colours and the architecture all across Cuba. The people saying Hola as we passed. My tour group (including guides) spending every evening together because we liked each other. All the photos I took. My first site of crystal blue ocean. And then my first time snorkelling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Laz was brilliant. It was as if he was sharing his own special parts of Cuba with us. Endlessly patient with questions he must have had hundreds of times before and knowledgeable and proud of his country. He translated more than language for us, he translated culture, and experience and he was part of our team as we were his, Geraldo's and Ariel's (our drivers)

Advice for Potential Travellers

September is HOT! But totally doable to ride - it just adds to the challenges. Make sure your tyres are pumped because it's hard going if they aren't. Don't expect service and toilet facilities like you're used to. They're perfectly fine and complaining about slow service or having to pay 10c to use a toilet gets pretty tiresome when your visiting someone's country and that's how they live. The pace is exactly what helps you feel like it's a holiday experience. Be generous with your CUC if you can, it's so cheap there.

Julia Fraser

Reviewed October 2016

Walking in Tuscany

I really enjoyed this, my second Exodus trip. Despite my misgivings about my fitness I came away confident that I would come back and do more. We were lucky with the weather but even without this it would have been great.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up to the summit of Monte Sumba

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was an inspiration and an exemplary leader, taking into account everyone's abilities and fears - taking care of safety and at the same time encouraging everyone to achieve their potential.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this trip - and read the A-Z notes (I didn't do this, so missed out on learning about the room thermostat,....!)

Timothy Clarkson

Reviewed October 2016

Classic Inca Trail & Lake Titikaka extension

An outstanding trip which exceeded all my expectations. From start to finish everything went like clockwork and was really well organised. The trail was amazing with breath taking views and a really interesting history lesson. The food was great whether is was cooked by the porters or at any of the restaurants we ate at.

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming through the Sun Gate to see Machu Picchu for the first time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carlos was a great leader, knowledgeable, passionate and well organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack lots of thermals for the night time if you travel around October, as it gets down to almost freezing temperatures at night! The coldness affected my sleep for the first couple of nights camping. Travel light would also be my advice, most of us brought more stuff than we actually needed.

Evelyn Roberts

Reviewed October 2016

Walking in Tuscany

Easy walking on good trails and paths in forested, sparsely populated mountains. However, pay attention to the phrase in the trip notes ‘mountainous terrain’, there are plenty of ups and downs. Warm hospitality with simple but adequate farmhouse accommodation . Good home cooked food and plenty of it. I would have given 5* if the weather had been better and we had the views!

Most Inspirational Moment

A week of enjoyable walking with a good cohesive group in pleasant surroundings.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have been on many group trips and Sara is an exceptional leader, way above the norm. Constantly working unobtrusively to provide support for individuals and the group, to make the week more enjoyable for everyone. Whether its first aid, extra clothing, advising on alternative options or providing maps, taxis and train tickets for the day off, Sara can handle anything required.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not look at Pisa temps for guidance. This is a 'mountain' walking trip and our group seemed to have not noticed this critical word. It was a lot colder and also wetter than the UK. Whereas the previous group had unseasonal warm sunny weather, we were raiding Sara's clothing store. As has been previously mentioned, this is an extremely high single supplement for a small room with a double bed and little else, plus shared facilities. The walled town of Lucca is well worth a visit on your day off. Maps, taxis and train tickets were organised by Sara and it was easy to explore. Pisa can be done on your final day.

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