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!

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14469 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Louise Elliott

Reviewed August 2016

A fabulous adventure

This was my first group adventure trip, and therefore my first trip with Exodus and I couldn’t have been more impressed. It was well organised, ran smoothly, covered a great selection and variety of destinations and activities, the group leader was brilliant and the group was lovely. I did the August solo departure and there was a really good range of people (ages ranged from 20s to 70s, with everything in between; and a good mix of fellow ‘first timers’ to others who had done several other Exodus trips)

Most Inspirational Moment

So many... Swimming in Halong Bay at sunset. Eating with a local family in their home, finding out about their day-to-day lives. Cycling along rice fields in Hue and watching the water buffalo bathing in the river. Climbing the Marble Mountain and discovering the cave Buddhas. Night time in Hoi An. Cyclo tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Amazing AO show in Ho Chi Minh City opera house.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Linh was brilliant. His passion for his country shone through from the beginning and he was incredibly informative about the places we visited and the history of Vietnam. He made excellent suggestions for places to eat, organising lunches and evening meals most days. He found ways to help us experience the 'real' Vietnam and support local communities at the same time. He would also ensure that we were never taken advantage of when buying souvenirs, much needed soft drinks/water, and regularly pointed out the best 'happy houses' (toilets) to use. Importantly, he had a great sense of humour with an infectious laugh, which helped to quickly bond us all as a group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In the summer months it is very hot and humid, so be prepared for that. Lots of breathable, light tops. You can get laundry done half-way through the trip (Linh organised this for us in Hoi An). A hat is a must! ATMs are plentiful so if you're happy to pay the small transaction fee from your bank there's little need to take currency with you. A sleeping bag liner is useful for the overnight train and homestay. DEET spray is useful.

Agostina Gammarota

Reviewed August 2016

A week in Jordan - extrajordanary!

Ana mabsoutah

Most Inspirational Moment

Jordanians will invite you to sip their tea in shops, or even in their own houses. They'll blow goodbye kisses from far when you leave and say hi if you walk or drive past them. They absolutely love their home and they want you to be part of it. You'll eat the most delicious dips, mezze, sweetest sweets, and lamb (try Burak and Mutabal!). You'll smell and taste unique spices and parfumes in souks and busy markets. You can roam in the sheer cliffs and sweeping red dunes in Wadi Rum or hike till you drop in epic rose-red Petra, one of the seven wonders of the world. I personally found it a bit challenging to climb smooth surfaces or parts with small stones :P, but it's sooo rewarding in the end. And when you don't feel your legs anymore, just pop into an hammam and you'll feel refreshed and as smooth as a baby :) You will also admire well-preserved Roman sites, especially in Jerash, Islamic ruins and Bizantine mosaics. You can ride donkeys and camels and have a chat with the Bedouins. You can see how they cook, and you will be surprised when they'll ask for your facebook, lol :) You will also enjoy a holy atmosphere, in the religious sites cited in the Bible and the Holy Quran, and gaze over the promised land. It gives you an ethereal sense of wholeness which is hard to describe. You can also discover a multicoloured coral fringed world in Aqaba. I had never done snorkelling before, because of my fears of swimming, and it's absolutely gorgeous and jaw-dropping, soooo glad and proud I did it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sami was awesome, always professional but also fun to be with and very likeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good hiking shoes, spirit of adventure, open-mindedness :)

Samantha Skennerton

Reviewed August 2016

Mont Blanc Highlights

Great accommodation, fabulous food (thank you Sarah and Rich) and wonderful walks (thank you Mark).

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the impromptu dance session at The JazzClub in Chamonix

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great! Mark chose great walks that gave us wonderful views.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be reasonably fit! You don't need to be able to bound up mountains but you do need to maintain a steady plod, especially if the weather is inclement.

Patrick Dunn

Reviewed August 2016

A Great Walk

A personal journey into the unknown became a truly memorable experience. My first Exodus trip into a country I didn’t know and with people I didn’t know. With the wisdom of restrospect, I possibly should have known that such a venture would bring together like minds – adventure seeking, fun-loving, witty, sociable, interesting lives – yes, all of these. I was so lucky to be thrown into this group of people and they made it for me.

Most Inspirational Moment

One dusky evening we were led in Tai Chi on the Great Wall right by the Asian Gate. We then watched a very beautiful sunsetting behind the Crouching Tiger Mountain which we had climbed that day. On the penultimate evening, our leader advised us to go out into the town where we danced with the locals (mainly elderly ladies) in formation to funky Chinese techno pop music. An act of true and honest community on their part and not at all for our benefit as tourists.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader and guide, Jerry, was endlessly patient and charming. His pride and enthusiasm for his native China gave us something of the true essence of this fascinating country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I underestimated the challenge of the trekking at times, but managed nonetheless and had a great time. I would advise potential travellers to prepare physically - lose a bit weight, walk lots, go to the gym and do steps. The notes advise long trousers but shorts are much better and fine. It's very hot and humid (August). I went out on my own the last day and wandered the streets of Beijing for a while. I felt perfectly safe and comfortable. No-one bothers you and no-one ever hassles you. The Chinese are very polite and respectful.

Chris Denham

Reviewed August 2016

Peruvian Magic

This was our fourth Exodus trip and possibly the best yet. Peru is an absolutely wonderful country to visit with some of the friendliest people we have come across. I ran out of superlatives to describe the views on the third day!

Most Inspirational Moment

Very difficult to say as there were so many. Certainly Machu Picchu lived up to everything I had heard about it and more. My favourite part was the home stay on Amantani Island. The family there were so lovely and we were made to feel at home straight away. Colca Canyon was perhaps the biggest surprise. I had not expected to see Condors at such close range. These are truly beautiful birds with a wing span of around 3.2 m. The only problem was catching them on camera. We have a large number of pictures of empty sky!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sebastian was an absolute marvel. He seemed to know exactly when to provide commentary and information and when to leave us to our own thoughts. His planning and attention to detail meant that we were always where we needed to be and always knew exactly what we needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for long drives. We took an IPAD and a few films although we did not get to see any of these until right near the end as the views we so amazing. Also, take plenty of layers if you are going in their winter as it gets very cold at night. Take a few gifts for the family on Amantani Island. These can be simple things like toys or crayons for the children or a memento of your own country. One of our group took a small solar panel for charging a mobile which I thought was a brilliant idea. Anything you give must be to the mother so that she can decide what to do with it.

Charles Howie

Reviewed August 2016

Vietnam Adventure Holiday

I thoroughly enjoyed this holiday. I have been working at universities in the Mekong Delta Vietnam intermittently since 1999, but this was my first holiday and I was apprehensive about how it would be presented. However, no problems.

Most Inspirational Moment

Many. I found Hue a most inspiring city which I would like to visit again. When we were in Ha Long bay I used a canoe and swam, great feelings. Halong Bay hosts several spectacular limestone caves. I would like to go back again to bustling Da Nang, thrusting and developing fast. The war museum in Ho Chi Minh City is always a very strong reminder of what happens when another nation invade an ancient civilisation like Vietnam, immense resilience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had an excellent guide who fully accepted that I had my own knowledge of the country, and we had good conversations. He was very sympathetic and accommodating to the wide range of interests and backgrounds of our party.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Borrow a bicycle, visit beaches, wander in back streets, always be polite and try all the foods

Kevin Griffin

Reviewed August 2016

Cycle the Baltics

A great trip, blending cultural aspects, great sightseeing, exploring the 3 capital cities as well as some nice cycling.
Terrain was nice and flat and was within the capability of everyone in our group. Distances were very manageable and there was a minimum of waiting around. Lukas, our guide and the driver were simply outstanding in getting us up on our bikes each day with a minimum of fuss. Fast turnaround time between finishing our cycling and being back on the move again on the bus.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the Riga and Vilnius walking tours.... It was great to get local insight into the history and the people. As for the cycling... the scenery everywhere was pretty good... cycling by the sea, through Forest, rolling country-side, stopping for lunches in very scenic settings (castles), great seafood and sampling the many potato dishes on offer!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lukas was outstanding. He handled the group very well, was very attentive to everyone's needs and couldnt' do enough to help. Very knowledgeable about all 3 countries and clearly passionate about his beloved Lithuania!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring rain gear. We were very fortunate to only have experience a small amount of rain while cycling, but the weather is changeable and you could be unlucky and hit a few rain-showers... so be prepared.

Tracey Hudson

Reviewed August 2016

Stunning cycle of the Drakensberg and Kruger

A fantastic way to see Eastern South Africa. Plenty of steady climbs to test the legs (would recommend spin classes beforehand to strengthen those muscles!) rewarded with some stunning downhill rides (even though downhills make me nervous). Cycling on good roads with some traffic. Amazing opportunities to spot wildlife too! Top trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending time watching a small group of hyenas (mothers and young ones) on our early morning game drive in Kruger and seeing two elephants probing for water from a dry riverbed with their trunks. Amazing views over Blyde River Canyon as our trip came to an end.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wynand is 100% energy; fun, efficient and a very decent cook. A very knowledgeable guide with a passion for his country and its history and indeed a cycling nut! His knowledge of wildlife is also second to none!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely pack light fleece-lined layers and comfy gear. Light hat, gloves and socks and a couple of neck scarves, although temperatures in August varied and you get hot pedalling uphill! Take a good camera and binoculars for wildlife spotting.

Helen Sparling

Reviewed August 2016

Wonderful Vietnam Adventure

A really good tour of what Vietnam has to offer, lead by a great tour leader. A full-on trip starting in the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, learning the ‘crossing of the road’ technique (important throughout the trip!), discovering the food and culture along the way, with insights that only a local guide can give you. There was a good balance of interest and activity which engaged the whole group, from age 19 to 69.

Most Inspirational Moment

We loved: The boat trip in Halong Bay and kayaking in the lagoon at dusk. The Mekong Delta home stay ... Wish we could have had longer. The cycle ride from Hue along the river to Thanh Toan bridge and market ... Beautiful scenery and snapshot of rural life. The War remnants museum and chu chi tunnels ... A sobering reminder. Picturesque Hoi An with its tailors and vibrant shops. Oh and My Son too ... Well, all of it really!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Djan Nyguen was brilliant. Extremely well organised so that everthing ran seamlessly. His enthusiasm for his country was evident and his sense of humour and laugh was infectious. He really went the extra mile to ensure that everyone felt included.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went in July/August and it was very hot and humid. You will need to drink plenty and definitely need a hat. The train journey was fine. You don't need a sleeping bag liner. Just remember to take food for breakfast on the train as you launch straight into the tour of he Imperial Citadel ... No stopping for breakfast. Anyone who is interested in dressmaking should ensure there is sufficient space in their luggage for the amazing fabric on offer in Ben Thanh market in Saigon ... The quality is great and it is so cheap; we bought lots!

Stephen Taylor

Reviewed August 2016

The Markha Valley

A great trek to remote locations.

Most Inspirational Moment

Crossing the Gongmaru La pass-stunning views in every direction, and worth all the effort. Seeing the Dalai Lama in Leh.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lakpa was a great leader. Always on the ball, checking everybody was OK, and making sure everything worked like clockwork-great job! Wongel, the assistant guide was also a star.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take big memory cards-the scenery is breathtaking. It can be very hot and dusty, so be prepared.

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