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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14440 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Andrew Wilmot

Reviewed June 2015

Annapurna Sanctuary

My second time to Nepal after Everest Base Camp. I wanted to explore more of the country as it is stunningly beautiful so I chose Annapurna for the diversity of its landscapes, from rhododendron forests to snow capped 8,000m mountains and wasn’t disappointed.

Sadly, the earthquake shortened our trek and we had to turn back one day short of our ultimate goal of Annapurna Base Camp so missed out on the final Annapurna experience, but what we saw prior to that did not diminish the trip.

Very sad to see Kathmandu and it’s people in the aftermath of the earthquake, having experienced the city the year before at it’s vibrant and busy best. I hope they can recover soon as I intend to return.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the sunrise over Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri and 'Fishtail' from Poon Hill and Tadopani The Nepali's; the friendliest and most welcoming people I've met and all in the face of the most extreme circumstances imaginable - truly humbling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lakpa was very friendly, knowledgeable, fun, and keen to share his country and its customs with us. However, he and his colleagues, Durga and Sonam, really shone through in the face of adversity. They remained calm in the minutes after the earthquake, gathering what little information was available to them at the time and taking decisive action to ensure the safety of the group and offering advice to others travelling without guides both immediately and over the next 4 days until we reached Pokhara; and all at a time when they were no doubt concerned about their own families and friends. I'm eternally grateful to them all and I hope we meet again one day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light; you won't need as much as you think - non-essential and spare items can be left in Kathmandu while trekking. A strong pair of worn-in walking boots are essential as the terrain is steep, but the views make it worthwhile. Embrace the country, it's cultures and it's people and you'll have an experience you'll never forget.

Sue Moody

Reviewed June 2015

A wonderful week in Jordan

I am so glad that I ignored all the people who told me not to go to Jordan because of the problems in neighbouring countries!! I had a fantastic time and would go back tomorrow! It is safe in Jordan, there are fantastic sights and the people are very friendly. Their tourist industry has suffered badly and it’s so sad to see when there is do much to see and do in the country. I encourage you to go and see for yourself! For us (a small group just 3 plus guide and driver) it was perfect to be able to see places like Petra without crowds.

It’s a busy trip but only as strenuous as you make it with opportunities for keen walkers to stretch their legs but also enough time to rest and relax.

Most Inspirational Moment

Two days in Petra is brilliant when most of the tours seem to stay about 2 hrs. On our second day in Petra we climbed the 800 or so steps up to see the Monastery. Fewer people go up there and it's stunning! We also climbed more steps that day to see the High Places of Sacrifice - just amazing! Our 4WD tour through the Wadi Rum culminating in perching high up on a rocky escarpment waiting for the sun to go down and turn the landscape pink was also a real highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Emad was great fun and very knowledgeable - we really enjoyed his company. He stepped in at the last minute when our original leader dropped out after one day and it must have been fate as Emad made our holiday even better! Our driver Nel was excellent too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Jordan is quite expensive and there is a tendency for you to be taken to a restaurant where it's an all you can eat buffet - ask the price first it can be as much as 20JD and as it's roughly £1=1JD it will eat into your spending money quite quickly!! Do take something to put on your feet when you go to the Red Sea as it's very rocky under foot (the Berenice Beach Club at Aqaba is worth going to if offered to you!) and don't shave before you go in the Dead Sea (the salt water will find every little paper cut or nick in your skin that you had no idea existed! If you like a drink, do buy some duty free on the way there as alcohol is quite expensive in the hotels and bars aren't common - the exception being Aqaba where there are duty free liquor shops.

Olga Alliloueva

Reviewed June 2015

Hiking in Provence in June

It’s been an unforgettable journey! The hotel was located in a pretty little town Greoux-les-Bains.
Some walks started right in Greoux, for other walks we traveled with our guide in a van. The walks ranged from easy to medium in terms of complexity. All routes were very scenic: lavender fields, meadows with poppies, limestone cliffs and wooded hills.
The hotel centrally located, with comfortable rooms and a swimming pool, excellent buffet for breakfast.
There was a small electric kettle in the room with complimentary tea and coffee bags.
There were lots of restaurants, cafés and pastry shops within a few minutes’ walk. A couple of grocery stores selling fresh fruits and veggies.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking together and admiring the beautiful hills and meadows of Provence

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yves impressed me as a very experienced and knowledgeable guide, with an excellent command of the English language and sense of humor. He knew the routes in detail and adjusted the walks to the weather conditions. Yves did everything to make the journey as pleasant as possible

Advice for Potential Travellers

I recommend going in June to see the lavender fields. Take light long pants for hiking and long sleeve shirt to protect against the burning sun. Opt for going to Aix-en-Provence on the free day. It's a charming picturesque town, with a maze of narrow streets.

Stephen Westall

Reviewed June 2015

Cycle Cliento and the Amalfi Coast

This was a stunning cycle ride. The scenery was fantastic, the people very friendly and the food was delicious. We had a really friendly and supportive group and Paulo, Sara and Giovanni provided excellent leadership and support throughout.
I think the rating as “moderate” was a little off the mark – unless you were fit and had some experience of challenging hills it may pose a tough challenge, particularly in the Italian heat.
The accommodation was good throughout (although the farm residence was disappointing at breakfast with limited choice). During our lunch stops the food and value for money were excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Strangely enough on one of our days "off" I made the trip to Capri and could look back on the coastline to see the amazing terrain (which we did successfully cycle!) - a real sense of achievement. The group was inspirational too with much humour and support when needed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paulo did an excellent job , managing each day in a professional and supporting way. He made sure everybody was looked after and gave excellent advice for our times in built up areas. His announcement on the transfer from the airport (a long 3 hours!) was that we needed to forget two words this week - flat (Amalfi was not flat at all) and diet (there was no point in worrying about diets with such marvellous food) stay in my mind.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit enough for the ride. Practice those hills before you arrive so you can manage the often steady climbs in the heat.

Louise Smart

Reviewed June 2015

An inspiring enjoyable holiday

Staying in three good hotels in varied landscapes from the Trulli town of Alberello to a remote farmhouse in the midst of olive groves and finishing in the breathtaking Matera

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up in the rock town of Matera, sun shining off the cave dwellings and kestrels swooping past our window

Thoughts on Group Leader

Letizia was a good leader who managed the diverse group very well. She was very well organised and forfitted her day off to ensure the group trip to Lecce was a sucess.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The countryside and towns are breathtaking but not always beautiful in a traditional way. Also be prepared for the heat.

John Hayes

Reviewed June 2015

The Inca Trail

An Amazing experience, Well organised, well priced and very professionally set up. I would not hesitate to Use Exodus again, in fact, I would actively promote it.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think the Sun Gate did it for me. After 4 days of walking and surviving Dead Womans Pass, emotionaly it all catches up with you as you enter the sun gate and catch a glimpse of Machu Picchu for the first time. We arrived at the sun gate around 4pm which meant that Machu Picchu was empty and made the photos all the much better for it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Reny, our leader was amazing. Nothing was too much trouble and he covered every subject with passion and a wealth of knowledge. He offered not only the historical facts but also his own opinions which really immersed our group into the culture of Peru.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The local Currency (soles) are used extensively. Although Exodus mentions US dollars, they really aren't needed. Tips are preferred in Soles, as is everything we purchased. There are numerous ATM machines in Cusco as well as banks. Check the exchange rate first though as they do fluctuate. The food was all fine. The Peruvians are a clean bunch of people and quite westernised, so no need to worry when eating out. Lots of Pizzeria's, steaks and pasta. All well priced. The Market in Cusco is worth a visit. Yes, they do eat Guinea Pigs so expect to see them on a plate and on a menu. You will feel quite safe, so explore away. The museums were worth the time as well. If i had one major piece of advice its this....TAKE YOUR TIME TO ABSORB IT ALL. There is so, so much to see.

Scott Hines

Reviewed June 2015

First Experience with Exodus

My girlfriend and I had never taken a group tour of any kind. We are frequent world travelers and have always been independent in our travel plans. But while doing research for a trip to the French Alps we found the Exodus website and were intrigued by the simple but compelling descriptions of the Exodus experience as well as the beautiful photographs and helpful reviews. We weren’t sure we would like the group travel experience but decided to give it a try.

We have now returned from our trip and are still surprised at how much we enjoyed the Exodus experience. The accommodations were very comfortable. We usually like to stay in boutique luxury hotels and stay away from the home style “bed and breakfast” type of accommodations. We found the chalet provided by Exodus to be very comfortable and enjoyed the chalet atmosphere. It really felt like having a vacation home instead of staying in a hotel. We also have very high standards for food and wine. My girlfriend is an accomplished restauranteur and sommelier and cuisine is a critical part of any vacation for us. We found the food to be healthy, delicious, creative, and prepared with great flair.

But what surprised and delighted us the most about the trip was the people. Our chalet hosts, Jane and Colin, were warm, caring, and friendly while at the same time professional and talented. Our guide Simon was educational, entertaining, and patient. He and his wife Jenn were delightful to spend time with both on the treks and while sharing a glass of wine. Our other trekking companions were a truly splendid group of “proper” English and Australian ladies who seemed as comfortable socializing around the dinner table as they were trekking on the trail in the rain. In a short week my girlfriend and I developed a true and heartfelt admiration for each of them.

We loved our first Exodus experience and plan to add Exodus to our regular repertoire of travels. We had a fantastics time sharing 2 birthdays and 1 marriage proposal with our new friends during our altogether too short week together. (My girlfriend is now my fiancé!) We would heartily recommend the Exodus experience to anyone looking for a world class trekking experience. We’ve already started planning for our next trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

This is an easy one for me. It was when my girlfriend accepted my marriage proposal on the top of the Aiguille de Midi while two of our trekking companions filmed and applauded.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We thought our group leader, Simon, was truly exceptional. He is a world class mountaineering, trekking, and survival expert. His knowledge and wit made the time spent trekking both educational and fun. We loved learning about the nature, the topography, and the history of the French Alps from him. His background and experience made us feel both adventurous but also safe at all times. He's a wealth of information as well as a great mate to hoist a pint with. Exodus is lucky to have his services.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't over pack. Bring good hiking clothes that provide easy layering, are wrinkle free, and that dry quickly. Then wash your clothes every 2-3 days at the chalet and don't worry about having to carry too much. If you do find that you forgot something, Chamonix is an easy stroll into town and they will have whatever you need.

Duncan Magrath

Reviewed June 2015

A fantastic trip

My sister and I climbed Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route in early June, and it was undoubtedly one of the best experiences of our lives. We were very fortunate with a great group (8 trekkers), an excellent group leader and we were blessed with fantastic weather on the mountain (no rain). We were therefore able to enjoy the varied terrain, spectacular views and the achievement of standing on top of the tallest mountain in Africa.

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtedly getting to the summit as dawn was breaking was the highlight of the trip, but there were many memorable sights and moments along the way. The leaving ceremony (which includes the distribution of tips) on the last day on the mountain, with the majestic backdrop of Kili, and the songs and smiles on all the faces will also remain a very long time with us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group Leader (Makeke) was great - he managed all the logistics (for 8 trekkers, we had him plus 3 assistant guides, a chef and 32 porters), gave good briefings (sufficient information for the following day, but without so much detail that it worried us), was patient when required, and lifted the spirits when we were tired and needed it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Neither of us had done any trekking before, but we did go on a guided practice trek in Surrey, did a number of long walks together with full kit and backpack (including 3-4 litres of water) and tried to get tips and advice from as many people as possible who had done it before. We both did some fitness work and ensured that we had the right kit. Some people say that you don't need to be very fit to climb Kili. Having done a marathon last year and kept the running going, I considered myself reasonably fit, but it was still tough at times. I would certainly recommend lots of quad exercises (ski fitness perfect), particularly for the way down. Everyone says it, but pole pole (slowly slowly) hydrate and eat are the keys to minimising the affects of altitude sickness (you will be very lucky not to get any impact from AMS) - and listen to your guides - they know what they are talking about. You also need to think early in your planning about your electricity power strategy - being unable to plug in any devices for 8 days requires some thinking, but with portable batteries etc, it is definitely manageable, getting to the top and running out of power in your camera/smartphone would be upsetting!

Alison Reeves

Reviewed June 2015

Cycle cilento & the amalfi coast

Fantastic trip, hard work (do some hill training before going – it will make it all the more enjoyable) but the scenery and food make it so worthwhile. The guide, Paolo is fantastic, great local knowledge, especially when it comes to where to eat! We were told on the first day to forget the words “flat” and “diet”……..he was right!

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it was great, just beautiful scenery the whole way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic! Very considerate of everyone in the group, timed each day perfectly obviously loves this area and knows it extremely well

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some hill training prior to going!

Bryan Kennett

Reviewed June 2015

CILENTO & AMALFI COAST

EXCELLENT FOOD………….EXCELLENT ACCOMMODATION…………..EXCELLENT COMPANY………….PAULO, THE TEAM LEADER & SARAH, HIS NON-PAID HELPER, WERE ALSO EXCELLENT……………THE REASON MY ASSESSMENT IS “VERY GOOD” RATHER THAN EXCELLENT OVERALL, IS BECAUSE THE CYCLING HOLIDAY WAS BILLED AS ” MODERATE”……….. IT NEEDS RECLASSIFICATION AS ” CHALLENGING”

Most Inspirational Moment

MAGNIFICENCE OF THE CILENTO COAST , BREATHTAKING VIEWS BOTH THERE AND ALONG AMALFI COAST.

Thoughts on Group Leader

VERY SKILLED IN BOTH EXPLAINING THE TERRAIN & DETAILING ITEMS OF HISTORIC INTEREST.....PAULO IS THE RIGHT MAN IN THE RIGHT JOB.

Advice for Potential Travellers

THINK LONG AND HARD ABOUT THIS ONE, BEFORE MAKING ANY COMMITMENT.... THE COACH AND LORRY DRIVERS ALONG THE WINDING MOUTAINS SPEND MUCH OF THEIR TIME ONTHE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROADS DUE TO THEIR NARROWNESS.....HORN BLASTING IS THE ITALIAN DRIVERS WAY OF LIFE, IT SEEMS ...TAKE CARE ON BENDS, OF WHICH THERE ARE MANY, & ENSURE YOU HAVE ACHIEVED A GOOD DEGREE OF FITNESS BEFORE SIGNING UP. MANY UPWARD HILLS ARE BETWEEN 5 AND 10KM PLUS LONG.....

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