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’!

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13722 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Paul Masters

Reviewed July 2024

Everything that was promised by the trip notes and earlier reviews

A lovely week in an undisturbed mountain environment. We hardly saw anyone else on our walks, and Yagodina village is completely calm. It feels such a healthy week – unspoilt and wholesome.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably when our tour leader confided that he is housing in his roof both a large colony of horseshoe bats AND stone martens (which I had never heard of before). Talk about walking the walk as a conservationist..

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. As a walking leader, Julian had put great thought into a lovely variety of walks; his relationship with the people in Yagodina and the hotel is deeply impressive and it felt as though we got special treatment because of him; and his knowledge of the wildlife is HUGE. An expert on bears, but so much more besides. And he is good company

Advice for Potential Travellers

Trip notes are very good, so nothing to add there. I thought that it was worth spending an extra day at the end to visit Sofia, especially as I was able to get a more convenient flight home that way

Simon Guinn

Reviewed July 2024

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

An unbelievably beautiful part of the world, crossing corners of three countries each as beautiful as each other. Based in Les Houches, just 20 minutes outside Chamonix, we stayed in Chalet Chalupa, a modern, spacious comfortable chalet with all the amenities you would need and more. Big bedrooms, all with en-suite and most with a balcony. A hot tub outside for relaxing the aching bones after the walks just adds to the luxury.
Whilst we were a bit out of Chamonix, the public bus service was excellent, every 30 minutes promptly. Equally, there is plenty on offer in Les Houches if you want to stay local to the chalet.
Our hosts, Laura and Gonzalo, had treats to welcome us, provided breakfast, lunch (packed) and dinner of excellent standards every day (apart from the free day of course when breakfast is provided but not lunch or dinner). We didn’t go hungry!

Most Inspirational Moment

Unfortunately, I was carrying an injury so wasn’t able to do any of the walks, but I was welcomed with open arms by Laura and Gonzalo, our hosts, who immediately made me feel so welcome. I very quickly felt like a member of the family and by making me so comfortable they contributed to the enjoyment of my break to the extent we parted as friends. The walks, from seeing my partner’s photos, looked stunning and this was backed up by the comments from the rest of the group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adrian was brilliant! A pleasure to be around, he integrated well with the group, he was extremely knowledgable about the area as well as very funny! He is a credit to Exodus and any group is lucky to have him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring all weather clothes, there’s snow on some of the walks (apparently!) and, whilst we had good weather for the most part, there were some stormy days and heavy rain at times.

Michael Brooks

Reviewed July 2024

Excellent Trip, Pity about the Airport

This was my first time taking a holiday with Exodus, perhaps it will not be my last. However, I must complain about the horrible 7 hour stopover at Sau Paulo airport. This is just far to long, and I think Exodus should think about using a different airline for the second leg of the journey. Once arrived on the second day at Hotel Baiazinha lodge, we all had an amazing time though, and I think this was exacerbated by the wonderful guide Tony, very eagle eyed and knowledgeable about all of the wildlife that the Pantanal has to offer. I like my wildlife photography, and this trip proved to be amazing. We did get to see a number of Jaguars, I will always remember my first sighting in the golden hour which made for some incredible photo’s. Memories that will last a lifetime is what I take back with myself.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first sighting of the Jaguar in the golden hour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was a fabulous guide, eagle eyed as far as spotting the wildlife went, but as I had a disability he showed myself a lot of kindness and help as well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Perhaps look at booking the flights yourself and not having such a long stopover.

Paul Adams

Reviewed July 2024

Wonderful Walks

I really loved the week. The walks were stunning, and it was great to be able to have to plan nothing, just be taken for amazing day walks. More solo walkers in the group than I had expected which was good for me being one myself (rather than being the odd one out amongst couples) and the group were really good company. I stayed in Chalet Chocolat, the location was great, a 20 min walk outside the lovely Chamonix, or a few mins on the train the station for which is just a couple of minutes away (and you are given a weeks ticket on arrival). The food provided was very tasty (many thanks Sol and Tomas), the bedrooms a bit basic but wasn’t staying for a luxury trip, rather for the walking so that was fine, and they were ensuite which is what matters for me. Highly recommended, I just wish I could do the week for the first time again.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many stunning views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tim was an excellent leader, organised, informative, interesting and managed a group of different speed walkers really well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although the walks aren't too long or too much of a climb a good level of fitness is of course beneficial to be able to enjoy the walking and scenery rather than it being a challenge each day. Unless of course you are there for a challenge. I was there for the scenery, which was frequently breath taking.

JOHN MELLOR

Reviewed July 2024

AMAZING

Trek of a lifetime, fantastic location and scenery, inspiring and knowledgeable guide, excellent group of Trekkers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Sun Gate to see Machu Picchu appearing from the early morning cloud.

Thoughts on Group Leader

OUTSTANDING

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this trip, it is wonderful.

Ivan Pinto

Reviewed July 2024

Excellent wildlife viewing but poor UK booking experience.

On a positive note we had a great wildlife experience seeing five jaguar, giant otters, tapirs, ocelot and hyacinth macaws amongst many others. Tony, our guide, was one of the very best guides I have had. He spotted just about everything going and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the birds and animals of the Pantanal. The not so good was when booking, the connecting flight from San Paulo to Cuiaba was booked from a different San Paulo airport to the one I was due to arrive at from the UK. Speaking to the Exodus rep when booking I questioned why the arrival airport had a different code to the departure airport and was assured the two flights were from the same airport so booked. I was not comfortable and quick online search showed that this was not the case. Fortunately it was sorted out when I then raised the issue again but no apology for what was a basic error. Following the two reviews from 2023, the connecting flight is now a 7hrs wait. While baggage is checked through to Cuiaba you must collect your baggage in San Paula and go through immigration control and customs. You can then drop your bags off at the Latam desk 4hr before your flight to Cuiaba. This info is correct as of July 2024!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing our first jaguar at the very end of our third boat trip when we were just about to go back to the lodge in the evening and had given up hope for seeing one that day. The burrowing owls won the cute prize while the Hyacinth macaws won the glamour prize!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We could not have wished for a better guide than Tony, always helpful, eagled eyed for wildlife and and an encyclopaedic knowledge of all Pantanal life, Exodus are lucky to have him. Also a mention for my fellow travellers, a small but great group of people coupled with a great guide in Tony ensured this was a trip to remember.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The dirt roads are very dusty so protection against inhaling dust could be important for some. We also had a cold Antarctic front come in the last couple of days so while temperatures were comfortable during the day it was cool at night so pack a warm fleece just in case. Also see the summary section.

Michelle Straub

Reviewed July 2024

The best of the best

Fabulous day hikes with the comforts of the same bed for the length of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Discussions during group meals reminiscing the day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike was AWESOME!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wear a bright colored shirt or coat as it makes your pictures more spectacular.

Christine Brookes

Reviewed July 2024

An Adventure Above and Beyond. Kris and Garth.

If you want a truly off the beaten track adventure then this is the one for you.
Magnificent scenery, friendly hosts, culture and flora and fauna.

Most Inspirational Moment

Travelling along the Pamir Highway along the Afghan border, Wakhan corridor, Chinese border to Lake Karakul then down the Bartang valley is to say the least truly spectacular. If you are a nature lover there are flowers especially, birds and some animals. Homestays were above our expectations with very friendly hosts. Organisation by the host travel agency was excellent. Reliable four wheel drive vehicles with experienced drivers, on very demanding roads, made the journey exceptional.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Didorali, was thrown in at the deep end when our original guide Sherali had a family emergency. Didorali was very friendly and spoke excellent English. He managed all situations well and organised our hotel and homestays efficiently. He always made sure that the group was sorted before he thought of himself. Although this is a review of our leader we would like to mention the friendliness and excellent driving skills of our drivers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some long days travelling over very rough roads. Three per vehicle means that you all have excellent views on a seat rotating basis. As the only couple we were fortunate enough to have our own room everywhere otherwise you may have to share. There were hot showers everywhere except at the highest homestay which had a thermal pool. In some homestays there was only one toilet and they could be outside. They were always clean and western style. Food was plentiful but limited for vegetarians. We had no health issues with food or altitude. Having travelled widely this trip would certainly rank in our Top Ten. We recommend the trip to anyone with a true spirit of adventure who appreciate that all home comforts may not be available. GO FOR IT!

Herman Kok

Reviewed July 2024

Magical island

Beautiful forest and streams, charming towns and a landscape steeped in history. One of the best hikes I’ve done.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking above the small village of Vivario with views of Monte D’Oro was a personal favourite.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was energetic and engaging. Kept things informal.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax, smell the pines and put your feet in the streams. This is the trip to have fun and not be too formal. Watch out for the mid-summer heat though and take enough water.

Belinda Oh

Reviewed July 2024

Great combination of physical and cultural activities!

For the first—and probably last!—time in my life, I got what felt like VIP service, because the amazing and honorable company that Exodus is, let this trip run even though I ended up being the only guest! From what I could tell, the trip was run almost exactly how it would have had there been a full complement of guests, and I think I even got a few extra perks that I may not have been afforded otherwise. The cycling was fantastic with great routes, and only a handful of stretches that really tested my limits, otherwise it was mostly very manageable. There were a few cultural stops during the rides and in the evenings that were a nice change of pace and provided interesting insight into Romania’s past. The guesthouses ran the gamut but always provided nice cozy places to rest each night. Finally, food was perfect for me—breakfasts were pretty consistent, and lunches and dinners had a nice range of soups, sandwiches, salads, main courses, and desserts that hit the spot after a nice day of cycling!

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the cows come home in Viscri :) Gave new/true meaning to an expression I've used for so long without giving any real thought to.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Radu and Vlad (plus Tudor!) were wonderful and humored me throughout the week. Safety was always the number one priority—which was great since I can be a little reckless at times so it was good having Radu keep me in check! They were all so good about answering my neverending questions (make sure you test Radu's knowledge of Romanian history!) and really worked to provide a great experience!

Advice for Potential Travellers

None of the guesthouse rooms I stayed in had A/C, which was perfectly fine for me since I'm always cold, but for anyone who tends to run hot and is doing this trip in the summer months may want to keep this in mind and come prepared with ways to keep yourself cool. Also, please don't beat my QOM on Strava :)

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