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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14451 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Bob Mann

Reviewed October 2015

Outstanding life experience

This was a fantastic experience for myself and my wife, as part of a team of 14: all of who got to Stella point and with 13/14 getting to Uhuru point. The local staff, from the African Walking Company, were superb – friendly, professional and always with safety and wellbeing at the top of their agenda. The food, given the conditions, was 5*. Was it hard? Yes it was, particularly on summit night. But was it worthwhile and would I recommend the experience to others – ABSOLUTELY!

Most Inspirational Moment

Approaching Stella point, exhausted but with the new sunlight of an African dawn flooding hope and energy into our muscles: a sight I will never forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Makeke was an experienced management hand on the rudder of the whole trip, coordinating a small army of individuals to maximise our chances of getting to the top.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train well - its not easy! And don't overpack - guilt in seeing porters struggling your loads up the Baranko wall isn't worth it. But make sure you pack all the essential stuff and make it of good quality to handle the cold.

Malcolm Otter

Reviewed October 2015

Terrific Turkey with the amazing Fatih Develi and Unal

We set our expectations quite high for this trip but these were exceeded in every way from start to finish after meeting our superb tour guide – Fatih Develi – in Istanbul. His organization and communication skills were outstanding as he guided us smoothly throughout the fantastic highlights of this great country, imparting his considerable knowledge of all aspects of Turkey from religions to history ancient and modern, wildlife, industries, politics etc. etc. Fatih was the highlight of our trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were very many inspirational moments including our visit to 'tremendos' Aspendos with it's 'stupendos' theatre, the spiritual experience of a performance by Whirling Dervishes of the Sema ceremony and exploring the superb city of Hierapolis which was completely unexpected above the travertines of Pumakkale. But for us, the most inspirational moment was undoubtedly in the peaceful setting of Celaleddin Rumi mausoleum in the Mevlana Museum in Konya.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely superb! He worked so hard to assist each one of us whenever he could and with great wit and humour in order to make our trip as enjoyable as possible. What a gem you have there. It was a great pleasure to meet him and share the journey with him and our fantastic driver - Unal - who was such a gracious traveling companion too. Unal was always there to pick us up on time and handle all our luggage and often went out of his way to assist us. His negotiation of rush hour traffic, especially in Ankara and Istanbul with patience and no little skill was exemplary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We would probably advise potential travellers on this trip to extend their stay in Istanbul by a day before or after the tour, though we did get to see some of the many places of interest in this great city.

Sarah Saunders

Reviewed October 2015

Fantastic experience!

An amazing trip with a fantastic bunch of people.

Most Inspirational Moment

When we got within metres of the summit - the entire group waited and we all summited together! True team spirit all the way. It was sad to all leave each other.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic Hassan kept us all organised, was a mind of fascinating information and really good fun. Lovely guy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was really nervous about doing this trip as it was the first trip I had done alone. From the moment I landed, I was never alone. An amazing spirited group of new friends to share a fantastic experience with. We are already talking about our next trip.

James Woods

Reviewed October 2015

Mt. Blanc highlights

Mt. Blanc highlights was an enjoyable experience. First was the easy connection at the Geneva airport and spacious bus ride to the chalet. Then all the great scenery of Mt. Blanc and the surrounding peaks, which was made possible by a moderately paced hike to great viewpoints picked by a local leader, did not disappoint. The morning rides to the trailheads were quick and would have probably taken me half the day to find. The trip also offered a wide array of participants from several countries which made for interesting conversation with like minded people. Last but not least was the great food prepared by the friendly folks at the chalet.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment of the trip was when we were up on the ridge the second day and the fog opened like a stage curtain to reveal a sanctorum of mountain peaks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader gave a briefing the night before for each days hike as well as information both historically and geologically during the hike. The pace was moderate with several rest stops to reach viewpoints 3000 feet in elevation gain where the views were the best.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would highly recommend this trip for the reasons already mentioned and also for the opportunity to spend time in Chamonix.

Isabel Lucas

Reviewed October 2015

Walking in Puglia and Basilicata

A great holiday with lovely scenery and a lovely guide in Marinella who took us to a range of great restaurants and ensured we had delicious picnics during the day that she provided for us
Marinella was very attuned to all our needs and her personal knowledge of the area added to the holiday experience

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through ancient olive groves and the first sight of Matera

Anne Barker

Reviewed October 2015

China - Walking the Great wall plus Xian extension

The trip was well organised and was as described in trip notes. Any changes to itinerary were made by the group leader and as for example our early visit to Tiananmen Square and the forbidden Palace were excellent choices because of the timing of the trip and National Day!!! The accommodation was generally as described in the trip notes but home stay was quite basic and cold!!! The Qing Feng Hotel was very basic and the food not up to the standard of other accommodation. One of our best lunches was at the farm on day 5. The extension to Xian was well organised but again extremely busy which made it very difficult to feel the full impact of the site. The over night train journey fine but quite and experience!

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from the wall are stunning particularly those parts which are not developed and staying in the local villages gives a great insight into life in China. The visit to the Terracotta warriors was amazing but as above it was not possible to appreciate this fully because of the crowds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kevin was fantastic - his leadership skills and knowledge of his country were exceptional! He made it a very special trip! He made changes to the itinerary as necessary including our trip to the Olympic Park.Our leader in Xian was fine but not in the same league as Kevin! He kept the group together well when walking and had a good pace for group walking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you don't like steps - not the trip for you! Some parts of the wall are quite steep and scrambling is involved. You also need to remember that there can be quite steep climbs up on to the wall. Practise using chop sticks before you go!!! The food is good but very little meat BUT some excellent fresh vegetables!!!

Lindsay Challoner

Reviewed October 2015

Madagascar Discovery

A great trip. Be prepared for long, hot travelling days yet the rewards at the end are worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Conquering the Grands Tsingy!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Looked after the group very well. Kept us informed during the trip and worked hard (and successfully) to source alternatives when our Itinerary changed. Even helped to check in online for the flight home for those of us who didn't have the technology to do so!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the long coach journeys and the heat. We travelled during Madagascar's spring and for half of the trip the temperature was +30C including the days walking in the Grands Tsingy and Isalo National Park. Yet the scenery is stunning and it was always worth arriving at a new and wonderful location where we would see more of Madagascar's amazing flora & fauna.

Alexander McDonald

Reviewed October 2015

Stunning scenery, great food, excellent guide

This was my third Exodus trip and I really enjoyed cycling around the southern half of Albania. It was quiet, safe, and beautiful. The weather for our trip at the end of September was excellent; even the big climb on the last day was memorable and rewarding! It’s all on-road and, with a few exceptions the roads are quieter and in better condition than most roads in the UK.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most memorable place was Gjirokastra, loved the castle and medieval houses, but the feel of the streets around our hotel was great...slow, relaxed, friendly

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand guided us with authority and a passion for his country. His desire to show us the best of the food and culture was highly rewarding. He shared his time with all group members whilst out on the road and didn't just forge ahead.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be careful with hygiene, most trips have upset stomachs for some reason. Take flip-flops for the thermal springs but also for the showers and bathrooms in most hotels.... Be prepare for long but not particularly steep climbs (6%)

Lynda Cork

Reviewed October 2015

Walking the Amalfi Coast

The holiday included 4 spectacular walks including the famous ‘path of the Gods’. The walks are only 6 to 7 miles long. What I did not appreciate was the steepness of this coastline. The land rises from sea level to over 2000 metres high in only a few miles. This gives walks clinging to edges wirh amazing views over the sea and coastline. It also means there is some quite strenuous walking with lots of steps on some days (2600 on one day). However, the pace is gentle and the phrase used is ‘do-able’. Visiring Pompeii and Versuvios was also amazing. Pompeii is huge and so much to see that having a guide was essential so that you could understand the history.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Valle de Ferrier walking from Amalfi to Ravello. Such a mix of interesting things from walking through Amalfi and seeing the Cathedral and tunnel walkways, to looking at the Nativity scenes along the way. The waterfalls in the valley were so beautiful that I agreed with our guide that we could be in a fairy glen. The plants and butterflies were gorgeous, the houses built into the cliff face and finally arriving in the beautiful town of Ravello and enjoying an iced coffee out of glasses with ceramic stems. (So beautiful were the glasses I bought one to bring home)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine was perfect as our leader. She knew what pace to keep so we all enjoyed the walks and did not feel left behind. Her knowledge of the area and the culture is extensive and she relate stories of the locals in a very interesting way. I would recommend her highly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not a holiday for people who cannot cope with heights. Some of the walking is on paths with steep drops, though it is quite safe some people may struggle with the height. Also the nature of the walking means it is tough on the legs with the number of steps negotiated downhill. I recommend using walking poles.

Gail Steers

Reviewed October 2015

Welcome to the heel of Italy

This was a great, relaxing cycle holiday to the heel of Italy, with a good mix of people. We had quite a large group and exceptional weather of 35-40 degrees in September, which was a little higher than the expected temperature for that time of year.

What a beautiful part of Italy to visit and cycling was a fantastic way to explore it.

I loved having the time to indulge in the cafe/gelato culture at lunch or after the day cycling and the freedom to chill before the optional group dinner or doing something by yourself.

In some of towns, where we experienced an increase in traffic, it was still relatively ‘cycle friendly’. There were many locals who cycle, regardless of age and others self-touring – so it was a very positive cycling experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

The towns/villages that we stayed in were really beautiful, but I think the Trulli house in Alberobello and the stay at the Masseria, made the trip a little more special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders were Marinella and Emanuele and their individual skills complemented the trip perfectly as Marinella was an excellent organizer, a special mention has to be for the recommendations for dinner and the arranging of lunches each day – no small task. Emanuele was our cycle leader who negotiated the route and pace for us and sorted out any mechanical issues that arose (very few) and was keen to invest time in a brief cultural highlights tour after the cycling had finished for the day for those who were interested. I have always maintained that an Exodus trip can be made/broken by the quality of the group leaders – I would say that both Marinella and Emanuele enhanced my experience of this trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Puglia is considered to be the flattest part of Italy – but that means the land is undulating rather than ‘alpine’ hilly. For anyone considering this trip who may be a tiny bit worried about hill climbing – don’t be, the pace ranged from 15-20 kph, a speed which suited our group well. Whilst I didn’t do it myself, a day before the trip in Matera and after the trip finishes in Lecce looks really worthwhile, I’ll just have to come back at some point. As with any cycle trip, if you have your own seat/pedals – do take them, the bikes available on this trip were sturdy but basic. For organizing the daily lunches, the leaders ask for 50 euro per person at the beginning of the trip. This then allows them to organize a really good lunch each day and any balance paid back at the end of the trip – this is a good option and one less thing to worry about. Given the quality of the lunches on offer, the money was well spent.

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