Most Inspirational Moment
Santiago cathedral was breathtaking
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alvard Simenes was excellent. I lost my luggage, Al supported me and came with me to purchase some walking gear.
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!
Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…
Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.
Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.
Select a trip specific review:
Reviews
Survey feedback
Overall trip was a great experience
Amazing Experience
Well organised and planned trip. Group size was only 7 but the smaller group was better. Scenery and sights were fantastic. Our guide had very good knowledge and took us to great restaurants.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alvaro Jimenez, was brilliant. He was extremely knowledgeable, passionate about travelling, good fun and looked after us so well.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Switch off from everything & enjoy every moment. Listen to the advice your guide gives you on what to wear to work with the weather conditions. Always good to have a second pair of shoes or boots. Blister prevention is key.
Camino de Santiago Trek
Very good.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walks in countryside.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very good, helpful, knowledgeable and created good atmosphere.
Following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims
From start to finish, the trip was organised very well by our friendly expert guide Javier Ramirez. Each day, we’d have a short briefing where he explained what the terrain would be like, what stops we were making and notable highlights you’d encounter on the walk. He also kept us right when it came to collecting our pilgrim stamps en route – as you need a certain amount to receive your pilgrim certificate at the end in Santiago. Every stage in the route was enchanting, we’d make pitstops at rustic farmhouses for traditional Galician homemade fare and fluffy Santiago cake – the perfect treat after a couple of hours walking. We also got the opportunity to taste the famous Galician tapas including fresh octopus and scallops with caramelised onions – they were especially delicious. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, walking through sleepy villages, hushed oak forests and past babbling brooks. Even though this region is famous for its rain – it didn’t rain on us once, so I’d recommend booking to go in May! It was wonderful to see this part of Spain and walk sections of one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world. Although I’m not religious, it was a really moving experience, especially seeing the Botafumeiro swinging at the Pilgrim Mass in Santiago’s famous cathedral. I’d love to go back and do a different route with Exodus in the future. Thank you, Javier, for being such a wonderful guide, and for showing us Modus Vivendi, the oldest bar in Galicia!
Most Inspirational Moment
The pilgrim mass in the Cathedral de Compostela on the evening we arrived was particularly spectacular. We saw the Botafumeiro swinging, which is apparently a very rare and special occurrence. Everyone was completely silent and absorbed in the moment, couples were hugging each other and pilgrims were smiling at one another, it was a very moving moment!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Javier couldn't have done more for the group. He translated menus, gave us day-by-bay breakdowns of what the terrain would be like, recommended places to visit in Santiago, and even took us to one of the oldest bars in Galicia, Modus Vivendi, for a drink after the trek was over! His enthusiasm and upbeat demeanor really helped those who were struggling during the trip, so everyone made it to the finishing line.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take it slow, it's not a race and don't forget to stop in the beautiful churches along the way. Look out for farm life too, like little goats and cows, chat to the locals as these are the moments of the trip you'll remember.
Fabulous Trek
I enjoyed a fabulous trek doing the Camino de Santiago in September. Our leader Aitor was excellent and very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient guide. We were fortunate also in enjoying great weather too. The scenery and villages along the way were beautiful. To anyone thinking of doing this trek I would say go ahead! The camardarie from other pilgrims/trekkers along the way was an absolute inspiration too.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the square in Santiago, the Cathedral is awe inspiring and the mass very moving. I also enjoyed the many cafes and rest stops along the way where there was always a great welcome and tempting treats.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader was very approachable, nothing was too much trouble. He was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the route and great fun to walk with. I can't recommend him highly enough, he is a real credit to your organisation.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of photos and blister plasters!!
Camino de Santiago Trek
Such a good trek. Wonderful scenery in a beautiful area of Spain, walking at a good pace to the finish line at Santiago cathedral.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing all the different people along the way and then making it all the way to Santiago cathedral finally.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Aitor was so good, keeping an eye on everyone in the group, making sure we were all ok from the slowest to the fastest. Nothing was too much trouble. His knowledge of the history and area was spot on. Absolutely faultless.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go prepared. It is not the most challenging of walks but it is a walk of distance over back to back days, you need to be up for that physically and psychologically.
Amazing Trek
A GREAT experience, amazing scenery and good group size. The standard of the hotels varied a bit in style, breakfasts and facilities, but most were fine, clean and comfortable. The Group Leader was very informative throughout and adapted well to my deafness supporting me and making sure I was aware of all instructions e.g., setting off times etc. The Group Leader also found some good places for the stops each day and some lunches and evening meals were lovely. The weather was good which was a bonus for us all! The pace some days was tough with steep inclines and descends, so I walked with sticks which were a great help. I would suggest that training is essential for this trek and a pair of worn in footwear. The only downside was Air Europa the airline for the 4 flights. They lost my case on the way home and then when it arrived 2 days later it was damaged. They also did not honour the prebooked and paid for seats on the aeroplane.
Most Inspirational Moment
Going to the Finistère on our free day "The end of the World!!" It felt like a good way to end a wonderful adventure....
Thoughts on Group Leader
The Group Leader was patient and informative. Nothing was too much trouble and he made sure I was awake every day as there were no telephones in the rooms for a morning call and being deaf, I did not hear my mobile alarm. He worked hard to make me feel included in the group and was very supportive to anyone in the group that needed it.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't pack too much! Do your training beforehand. Wear in your footwear. Have a decent backpack that fits well. Be prepared for all weathers. Take a hat and sunscreen and drink plenty of water each day.
Camiño Santiago
What an unexpected and adventure to wander along the Camiño in Northwest Spain through beautiful verdant countryside. Incredibly green and glorious oak and eucalyptus woodland. Gorgeous routes through small farms with cafes and restaurants for frequent rests and marvelous conversations with people from all over the world. A totally uplifting experience. Time at the end of journey to visit the coastline and to explore Santiago. Wonderful food and both a physical challenge and restful too.
Most Inspirational Moment
To walk out in the morning with bird song, and mists till the sun broke through.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alfonso gave attention to all of us. Personal and physical support. A really kind and helpful man who loves his job.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Change your footwear and socks frequently. Don’t worry if you walk slowly. Take your time. You will make it.
Camino - Samos to Santiago
A great experience, walking the last 100 km of the Camino Frances. Great scenery, good basic hotels with friendly staff and lovely authentic food.
You can’t beat a three course ‘menu del dia’ with bread and wine or water for only 10 euro.
I walked with a group of 16 and we really enjoyed each others company. It rained for two of the six days but that didn’t affect the mood. Longest days walk was 18 miles but with coffee and lunch stops it didn’t seem that far.
Last two nights in Santiago allowed us to unwind and really enjoy the old city
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving in Santiago with the rest of the group and standing in the square in front of the cathedral, congratulating each other on our achievement. Meeting up again with other pilgrims we had met on the trail, some of them had done the whole walk from St Jean in France. Lighting a candle in the cathedral and quietly reflecting on the trip
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alvaro was an excellent group leader. His daily briefings after breakfast told us what to expect that day and where the best coffee and lunch stops were. He was very knowledgeable about the history and architecture on the route, and made sure everybody enjoyed the experience to the full. He was always positive and professional and ready to help with advice and information. He also has a wicked sense of humour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't wear heavy walking boots, good walking shoes are more suitable. Invest in some good walking socks. The route is undulating not steep on minor roads and tracks and is easy walking if you are reasonably fit. I am 70 and had no problems at all with the walking or my feet.
Yes I can!
We walked the final 127 kms of the Camino from Samos to Santiago de Compostela.
Most Inspirational Moment
Day four was our longest walk and I had doubts about my ability to complete it. Despite torrential rain I walked all 33 kms. Fellow walkers kept me going.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alvaro was brilliant! He made a little sketch of each day's route. We photographed it and I found it very helpful. He was there for those who needed more support and always good fun. His advice on blister-free walking was invaluable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Slather your feet in vaseline. Enjoy the sights.