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

Mary Otter

Reviewed October 2015

Highlights of Turkey

As the title suggests, this is tour which takes in some of the highlights of Turkey. A mix of ancient and more recent history, culture and amazing landscapes, together with friendly people and good food, its a recipe for a great holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

I had high expectations of Turkey and this trip far exceeded them. There were many inspirational moments from the amazing rock formations of Cappadocia and Pamukkale, to the quiet contemplation of Mevlana Rumi Mausoleum in Konya, the poignancy of Gallipoli, and the remains of the ancient city of Ephesus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Fatih was wonderful. Professional, flexible, and cheerful, he was always able to offer choices to the varied group of travellers. His knowledge and love of Turkey shone through. He was ably assisted by Unal the driver, who was also flexible about the itinerary and timings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try not to be too disappointed if you can't take the balloon flight over Cappadocia, we were not able to as it was too windy on the first day and fully booked on the second. There are some long bus journeys, but the bus was comfortable, the driver excellent and the roads good, with regular stops on the way. There is not a huge amount of time in Istanbul so I would recommend adding at least a day at the beginning or end of the trip.

Martin Wright

Reviewed October 2015

Best experience for a solo traveller

This was my first experience of travelling solo and my first experience doing an organized cycle tour. So I had a few concerns about whether I would like the group, would the cycling be interesting and challenging enough, would I meet people that I could become long term friends with. Well I should not have worried. The group dynamics were fantastic with a range of ages and professions from all corners of the world and we all got on wonderfully. The cycling was beautiful – I had heard so much about the Amalfi coast so was very surprised that the Cilento coast was even better to cycle with a little less traffic and a lot less touristy. And it was certainly challenging – not ever so much that you think you can’t make it but even the fittest of us felt some of the long hills. And we did develop friendships that are enduring – even looking at more trips together.

Two thumbs up to Paolo the guide – absolutely brilliant. Accomplishes everything with a smile on his face. He really did an outstanding job keeping us all on track and making sure we were all looked after.

But the most pleasant surprise for me was how relaxed you become so quickly. Everything is taken care of for you so the 100 decisions you normally make on holiday such as “where shall we have lunch?” or “what time should we have breakfast or dinner?” are all taken care of for you. In fact by day 3 you didn’t have to care about where you slept that night or how far you were going to cycle – you just got on the bike and knew everything would be taken care of. A really relaxing experience!

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight for me was probably Cilento - your ride through small coastal villages and the locals seem genuinely happy for you to be there. The few cars you encounter are incredibly considerate even on some pretty narrow roads so you never feel in danger.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paolo was absolutely fantastic. His leadership style certainly taught me a few things. Getting 16 people of all ages and backgrounds to do exactly what he wants when he wants and all enjoying the experience - absolutely no conflict what so ever. Incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. A real asset to the company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light - you can wash your shirts and shorts along the way. Leave your laptop at home and relax.

Kevin Wallace

Reviewed October 2015

Walking the Great Wall of China

Excellent walking trip to the incredible Great Wall, one of the wonders of the world. My first time in China.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first time we climbed up onto the Wall and were able to appreciate its stunning location.

Thoughts on Group Leader

"Jerry" was a top man. Constant good humour. Very knowledgable about the Wall. Loads of laughs had by all.

Claire Williams

Reviewed October 2015

If you don't climb the mountain you won't see the views...

The spectacular and memorable views that Mount Tre Calli has to offer is most certainly well worth the climb offering stunning views. In summary a great adventure which does not only come from me but also speaking for my side kick and good friend Michelle the Limoncello lady! The previous reviews in themselves from my fellow walking companions are weight and testament of the enjoyment had even though challenging in parts. We enjoyed all the walks, the smells as you walked, the chatting, followed by the drinking and eating, and most of all Limoncello.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walk of the gods and finishing up in the picturesque Positano a dream place for a well-deserved beer and swim followed by a scenic ferry ride along the coast back to Amalfi what a wonderful finish to the week and the Valle Delle Ferriere National Park and its natural landscapes . Apart from all the walks it had to be exploring the ruins of Pompeii in the morning and Mount Vesuvius in the afternoon. And most of all meeting some wonderful and interesting people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul was a very knowledgeable and an entertaining group leader who took time to engage with all members of the group we could not have had a better guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book !!! all good worth it.

Paul Rickter

Reviewed October 2015

Challenging but definitely worth it

The tour is more challenging than I expected. I’ve done several Exodus cycling trips that were rated similarly, but this was tougher than those. Still, definitely worth taking on the challenge — pace yourself and skip the tough hills if you need to (just don’t miss the mountain climb on the last day). Beautiful scenery on quiet roads. Wonderful people — strangers will see you riding by and give you fruit!

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely the "optional" mountain climb on the last day. I took the leader's advice and skipped the hills exiting Himare earlier in the day and saved myself for 1km vertical gain mountain pass. It was a serious workout -- two hours of constant climbing, but so rewarding to get to the top. Glad a did it that way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand was great -- knowledgeable about Albania and very willing to share his thoughts about anything and everything.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely take your own snacks if you think you'll need them on the ride. The itinerary each day includes fewer rest stops than I'm used to, so you have to make your own breaks if you need it. And be ready for a serious challenge -- the hills are tough and some training on hills before you go would be a really good idea.

Daphne Lewsley

Reviewed October 2015

4wd Namibia

Trip was well balanced building through the whole experience of wild camping in the desert to the amazing wild life in Etosha. The crew who looked after the camp and the two guides who as well as acting as drivers and guides were also very able chefs could not be faulted.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think probably coming on a herd of about 30 wild elephants thoroughly enjoying bathing in a waterhole but the floodlit waterhole in Etosha was very special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable , hard working and experienced.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need a South African power converter if you have anything other than the odd camera battery to charge. The camp sites have points and the inverters in the land cruisers are limited. I am glad to have done the Swakopmund extension but given the long journey in the crowded shuttle to get there and back it really needed another day and the option to book activities before you arrive.

Leonard Raphael

Reviewed October 2015

Festivals of Bhutan

A long awaited trip became a reality and the reality is now a memory. But not just a normal travel memory, moreso something out of the ordinary, as I had probably anticipated. Unusual architecture. People with a different outlook on life. Different pursuits. Simpler pleasures. Happy people. Clean air. Wholesome food – spicy if desired. A lifestyle in flux as the county and the people join the 21st. Century. A tinge of regret that what makes Bhutan unique will not last. I’m glad to have experienced this unusual place before it disappears into the “Global Village”.

Most Inspirational Moment

* Climbing to the Tigers Nest monastery ,,, physically challenging ... mentally and spiritually stimulating. * Witnessing the festivals at Thimpu (capital city) and Phobjikha (small village) and interacting with the people in festive mode at each event. Calm and reserved people give way to excited participants. * Being in a country where the "National Highway" is an abominable "track" and everybody (locals and tourists) enjoys it ... part of the Bhutan's famous Happiness Index.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was a quiet man with a calm personality, ideal for his situation in this unique country. He was helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and humorous, willing and able to expound an all aspects of Bhutan, the people, the way of life, the history and the cultural changes that tourism in introducing . His input at every level enhanced our experience and added to the enjoyment of our trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

* Don't have expectations or preconceptions of Bhutan. The reality will in all likelihood be different. Accept the calm of the place and the people. Enjoy the uniqueness for what it is. Be part of it while it is as it is. *Try for a window seat on the left when flying in to Bhutan and the same on the right when flying out. Hope for a clear sky and you'll enjoy a magic view of the Himalayas.

Gregor Paterson

Reviewed October 2015

Highlights of the Dolomites

We have been on several Exodus trips and always choose the challenging grade but sometimes we have been disappointed, as the walks have not been as demanding as we thought they might be. However, this was not the case on this trip – the level 5 walks were very challenging.

This is the first multi-level trip we have been on and it worked well. We had an informative briefing from both leaders in the evening and people could decide which walk they wanted to do the next day – this was very helpful.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery on all the walks was stunning. The village of Moena was very Alpine in style and lovely.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We did the level 5 walks all week with Albert. He was very knowledgeable and knew the area very well. We had to change routes several times due to weather conditions but he still provided great walks. Eric led the level 3 walks and was also very knowledgeable and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great trip if you are unsure of your ability as you can choose level 3 or level 5 each day. Level 5 walks were mainly 16 - 20 km long and 800 - 1000 metres ascent. Lunches are normally bought and eaten in the Rifugios. One day we took our own lunch (bought from local bakery) and ate outside to sit and admire the scenery and this was a not a problem.

Richard McFeeters

Reviewed October 2015

Carpathian, Walking, Bears & Mushrooms

A superb week which unfolds in dramatic scenery almost everywhere you look

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing 5 bears including a mother and cub at the bearhide. Generally admiring the scenery on our hikes. Pastries and schnapps at the Saxon village! Seeing the Bears and learning some of their sad stories at the sanctuary.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Udo was charismatic, knowledgable, principled and possessed a wicked sense of humour. Crucially on the walks he ensured there were plenty of breaks and waited for everyone before imparting information. In the hotel Katharina was a very inspirational person to talk to. I recommend group members try to grab 20-30 minutes of her time to talk about conservation in the region.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I got away with walking shoes but ideally you should have waterproof hiking boots. The weather forecast doesn't apply to higher levels of the Carpathians! Lunch most days consists of ham and cheese sandwiches which you prepare yourself at breakfast. I was grateful for the snacks I brought with me as there is no food (officially!) available at the hotel between mealtimes. If you are unfit do not consider this trip. The walks are tough in places if you do not have a decent level of fitness. There are hiking poles available to use at the hotel. Most of our group used poles at some point and given the volume of slopes encountered I would recommend all but the most experienced hikers consider using them. The cable car to the top of the mountain in Brasov is not part of the itinerary but it is highly recommended for your free time there.

Janet Hardiker

Reviewed October 2015

Walking in Tuscany

A wonderful way to explore the mountains of Northern Tuscany and experience “agritourismo”, the views at the top Monte Sumbra and Monte Prado and stunning and breathtaking. The colours as we walked up through the beach woods and the up to summit of Monte Prado and Monte Sumbra were amazing. It has really awakened my appetite for mountain walking in Tuscany.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit and seeing the views across the mountains and valleys of Tuscany was inspirational, the walk through the beach trees on the way up was stunning too, such an array of colours. We also enjoyed taking the train into Lucca and Florence, respectively and cycling around the walls in Lucca, visiting the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio in Florence and of course enjoying a leisurely Tuscan lunch with wine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing, nothing was too much trouble. Very knowledgeable about the mountains, health, local agri tourismo, environment etc. Very good driver, we felt very safe with her at all times and that we were in capable hands. She was also very caring and creative too, speciality in local jams and cake. Also loved the dogs Dora and Elvis too, really made my trip going out all together.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks to Monte Prado and Monte Sumbra, do not have any toilet stops, so if you dont like going "au naturelle" this could cause you a problem as there aren't any facilities along the way.

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