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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14469 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Catherine Grimes

Reviewed September 2016

Madagascan Discoverer

This was my second trip to Madagascar, I wanted to go somewhere that I have not been before so I thought that going to the west of Madagascar would be a good idea and I was not disappointed. The Tsingy was amazing with stunning views and the “Alley of Baobabs” at dusk was stunning.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the Tsingy, it was better than I ever imagined. I had not been to Anja park before and I was pleasantly surprised to see the ring tailed lemurs enjoying themselves in a natural setting. I have never seen so many ring tailed lemurs in a single tree as I did here. Walking in the Isalo National Park was stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Sol was very good and he was very helpful when people had problems.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't miss out on seeing the spiny forest at Ifaty. It was very sunny so take some good sunscreen, I used factor 50 and didn't burn.

Steve Hall

Reviewed September 2016

Big skies and teeming herds

A great trip in stunning landscape. A good mix of easy riding with time to enjoy the views and more challenging ups and downs. It is quite something to see herds of horses running beside you while you ride, to watch eagles soaring above you as you camp by a pristine stream. If you are happy on a bike and in a tent I can think of no better way to see Mongolia than this.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to pick just one, but all these are great memories: watching the sunset over lake from our camp site, running herds, herdsmen on horseback, the "performance of contortion by springy girls" in Ulan Baatar.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our trip leader was young but very good, with excellent communication skills, thoughtful and engaging. This was his first trip as leader, though he had assisted on many more. The rest of the support team were clearly experienced and very good at keeping the trip on track, both on the road and at the overnight stops.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Compared with our only previous Exodus cycling trip (Myanmar in 2014, level 3) this trip had much more cycling and less sightseeing. When we booked it was level 3 but has since been re-graded from level 3 to 4. We found the trip notes were pretty accurate, but beware the short days - less distance but plenty of height gain. The trails were generally pretty good, but variable surface conditions (slippery mud, sand, rocky descents) added an extra element of challenge in places, and a strong headwind made for slow progress at times. Expect wet feet - there are lots of river crossings. The general description of "undulating with a few short steep climbs" is fair, but before the short steep climbs there is often a long not-so-gentle climb. The tents and bikes were very good, both in terms of specification and condition. We were happy to see that, having read about issues with bikes and tents in a review of an earlier trip. The support team checked all our group's bikes over regularly, most if not every evening. The sleeping mats provided were OK but not fantastic. If you have a good one that you trust, then bring it.

Kara Brown

Reviewed September 2016

Four Countries in 10 days !

This was my 12th holiday with Exodus (my 9th cycle tour) and one of the best, so it is not often I feel that I wish to write a review, so here goes !
This tour is a great way to see four countries and four capital cities of central Europe, all in just 10 days. Our group comprised a friendly bunch – a mix of English, Australian & Americans and with me, the token Scot of the group !We were lead by a very professional team of Dana along with Hynek and driver Lubos.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a few highlights and memorable moments on this trip. A few of them were: - 1) the free day in Vienna, and I would recommend the morning bike tour round the city centre. We all took this optional tour and it was worth it to see the highlights of the city, and still leaving the rest of the day to see the sites in your own time. 2) I also really enjoyed the cycle from Vienna to Bratislava. I cannot think of any other tour where you cycle from hotel to hotel (capital city to capital city !). 3) Cycling along the Danube, particularly on the last day which included a short ferry ride. 4) The most fun evening was the wine tasting, which we all really enjoyed !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dana was a lovely person and a great guide. She ran a trouble free tour in a friendly and very professional manner. Assisting her was Hynek who was also great at the back of the back of the group. Our driver Lubos was always there to help with loading/unloading the bikes & luggage and was always keen to try & improve his English !

Advice for Potential Travellers

The first three days or so were hilly but after that the ride is flat.

Marilyn Jones

Reviewed September 2016

One of the best trips I have ever been on!

I travel internationally a lot and I am often asked what my favorite destination is. I never really had a favorite until now. I cannot say enough about my like-minded travel mates, the friendly and professional tour guides, the beautiful buses we were transported in, the selection of hotels near tourists areas, the varied itinerary and the wealth of free time allowing us to explore on our own or simply rest is we needed to. Exodus does it right! I will hopefully embark on another Exodus adventure in the future!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many: sunset over Halong Bay, the Angkor Archeological Park in Cambodia, the friendliness and helpfulness of the Vietnamese and Cambodians, and Hoi An historic sites are all favorites of mine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Cong in Vietnam and Vanney in Cambodia were excellent -- efficient, friendly and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you travel in the summer, know it will be hot. Bring hydration salts and lightweight clothes. If you need to rest, rest; the heat and humidity can be exhausting. And drink lots of water.

Amanda Johnson

Reviewed September 2016

Fantastic trip

Fantastic trip which I wish I could do all over again! I loved every part of it (even the dreaded sleeper trains). It was such good fun and although it covered a lot of China it has made me want to see more – it is a great country that is well worth a visit or two. Good job the visa is now multiple entry and valid for two years! 🙂

Most Inspirational Moment

Gosh there are just too many to mention as it all lived up to my expectations and in some cases exceeded them. I think the best moment for me was sitting in the rooftop terrace bar in Shanghai with a cocktail and a great group of people discussing all the things we had done on the trip and not believing it was all over! In addition, the limestone karst landscapes of Yangshou was breathtaking, the toboggan run down from the great wall and the early evening bike ride on Xi'an city walls were the best experiences but I have to say and this sounds really cliché but it was the people in the group and the fun we had that was the best part of the whole trip. Spending 3 weeks with strangers on a very busy schedule could be an absolute nightmare but we laughed the whole way round China - it was fabulous!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gina was fantastic! The way she dealt with and fitted in with the group was great. She really got our sense of humour and did a fantastic job of keeping us in line. The variety of transport and amount of travelling we did seemed seamless as Gina just got on with it and made it happen. Gina felt like part of the group and not just a guide which made the trip even more special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'd like to say travel light because of the amount of travel and lugging of suitcases but the climate was such that you really needed those extra clothes to change into as there isn't much time to get any washing done. Take plenty of tissues / toilet roll - there are plenty of public toilets but no toilet paper. There will be LOTS of people but considering the volume the queues move quickly.

Colin McCabe

Reviewed September 2016

Cycle the Baltics, August 2016

A very enjoyable trip with great weather – we had sunshine every day. The cycling (for a reasonably fit non-cyclist) was manageable and we arrived in towns and cities in time to see some/most of the major sites.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Baltics themselves - each country and their towns and cities are full of history and culture. I'm definitely going back to see more.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vaida was brilliant - I arrived a day early and she was there to greet me and some other travellers, and she contacted me a couple of days after the tour ended with my transfer arrangements. She really did go the extra mile to ensure we were all happy and sorted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring bug spray - I was murdered by mozzies. It makes sense to arrive a day early to see Tallinn as there is not enough time on the trip to properly enjoy it.

Angela Milne

Reviewed September 2016

Walking in the Picos de Europa

An extremely well organised trip in a delightful hotel on the outskirts of a small but busy village. The trip was fully catered apart from the day off and the standard of cuisine was exceptionally high.Transport was provided to the coast on the day off and advice given on a walk along the coast and where to eat.The bar and outside terrace of the hotel provided an excellent place to end the day and sit outside enjoying drinks and sun.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Carres gorge is a fantastic walk and we did it on the last day as this was forecast to be cooler and less crowded as many of the Spanish visitors were on their way home. The two scrambling summits we did were also highlights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Alvero was brilliant, he was full of enthusiasm, organised the programme to suit the walks to the weather conditions and even carried 8 litres of water for group use on very hot days.Jim the hotel owner and cheif cook was also extremely helpful and very interesting to talk to.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We spent a couple of days in Bilbao before the trip and one after to enable us to go Easy jet from Manchester. Exodus booked us the flights so we had a package.It is a fantastic compact city and the Guggenheim is an amazing piece of architecture.The town is well worth a visit. Shortage of plugs for charging devices so if you have a two way charger take it.

Ali MacLean

Reviewed September 2016

ACE

Excellent

Most Inspirational Moment

Yangshou

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gina was the BEST. Always happy, always efficient, always amusing. If you go on this trip, make sure Gina takes you

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get Gina as leader

Martin Hall

Reviewed September 2016

Northern Albania and Macedonia August 2016

After riding the southern Albania trip last year I had to go for this one. It was a fantastic trip over the mountains with beautiful views every day, the lakes, the mountains, the valleys. It was a bit tough going at times but it was worth the effort. The scenery was quite different to the southern trip. I’m glad I did both.
Macedonia was different again. Lots of small farms with their goods on display by the roadside. Ohrid, UNESCO town was very picturesque overlooking lake Ohrid.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing out of Ohrid to the plateau overlooking the Lake and seeing the tiny villages bellow. Also for me it was making it up the steep sections on days 2 & 3 without getting off.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was very fit, he often had to drop back to help someone with a problem, then ride up to the front again.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, you need to get fit riding up 10% hills (1 in 10) and be able to ride up long hills before you take the trip or you may not enjoy the tough sections so much. Some of the shorter gradients reached 14-16% (indicated on my Garmin). You do get some good down hill bits to recuperate, and there are stops for people to catch up. Age is not the problem it's the fitness that counts. Ride at a speed your comfortable with, don't try to keep up.

Andrew Oldham

Reviewed September 2016

Best wildlife experience, ever!

A fantastic way of seeing a brilliant country. You get close to nature and there are plenty of opportunities to take some great photos. Excellent support from the staff.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last 48 hours of wildlife viewing was the best I have ever experienced. It was almost like a wildlife documentary (sadly David Attenborough was unavailable) as we met a cheetah and her cub at dusk, again in the early morning and then witnessed the cheetah make a kill. Later that afternoon (via wild dogs) we met the cheetah again but tragically there was no sign of the cub. Her calls would make even the strongest man blub, but then 2 lionesses stalked and chased the cheetah and we believe she escaped. Surely that was the big finale to the trip? Errr no.... 2 male lions vs a herd of buffalo the following morning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam was excellent. He knew his country, the wildlife and how to run a brilliant trip allowing the customers to enjoy themselves. He coped with unexpected luggage issues and our constant demand for bigger and better sightings. Vasco the Botswana guide was brilliant getting us closer to the wildlife than we would have hoped for, without worrying the wildlife. He knew where to position the van to get excellent shots. Timon and Dodga (the assistants) were both hard-working, friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As with all Exodus trips study and follow the trip notes carefully. It was cold on some nights (I took a down sleeping bag) and very cold for quite a few hours on the truck, so you do need lots of warm clothing until it heats up. The dinner cruise at Victoria Falls was a highlight for many of us as the service, food, drinks and views were all excellent - a touch of luxury. Take advantage of some of the extra activities. The advice on tipping in the trip notes was contradicted by Sam and this needs clarification, but allow more than is suggested for local staff as well as the crew.

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