1-844 421 0109
Call 1-844 421 0109

Ask a Question
Review Centre
hero-image

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:

22 Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Reviews

Hiking the Fjords

A level 3 moderate rating but the owner of NES Gard, Anders, really isn’t tolerant of those clients who are slower than his expectations. To my mind, all clients pay the same so we are all entitled to enjoy the experience and not be made to feel we are not up to the trip. The trip is open to anyone so if Andrrs only wants qualified mountain hikers, this should be made clear at the point of booking or Exodus should appoint a guide who can deal with all abilities

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed the optional glacier walk - we had a very charming and supportive Nepalese guide. Really outstanding. It was a great experience to get up close with glacier ice and experience the beautiful blue colour. The first day on the Jostedalsbreen National Park was stunning - we were walking on snow in August!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anders is the owner of NES Gard as well as the guide for most days. He certainly runs the trip along his own principles rather than as you would expect an Exodus trip to pan out. He is quite intolerant of slower walkers to the point of making them sit out or turn back unsupervised on a walk as the pace is holding back the elite walkers. In my opinion if you want to run a group for mountaineers, you need to specify at the point of booking and only accept bookings from qualified people. I paid 3k as did others so we were entitled to full participation of the walks on offer. There was a walk in the Mykkersdal valley which is very dark and gets no sunlight and in addition on this day it had rained all night and all day so the rocks were very slippery and there were lots of boggy patches. So at lunch in a clearing, Anders picked people out to turn back as they could not keep pace. I wAnted to continue but was told to turn back. There were 4 ladies and one very concerned man who was also a doctor, accompanied our group. The terrain was very tricky. Unfortunately we seemed to take a wrong path as the markings were not obvious and we got some way before realising this route was not correct. We carried on a bit further as we thought it might come out at the carpark but then decided to turn back. Meanwhile the elite group had got back to the bus to find we had not returned so Anders set out to find us. There was no phone signal in the valley so our messages had not been received and if anyone had had an accident, we had no way of contacting anyone. Also Anders did not carry a satellite phone for emergencies. This really was not an acceptable regard to the health and safety of the clients and Anders should not have split up the group. Usually Exodus guides stop frequently for catching up and normally take the opportunity to tell clients something about the history or geography of the area but Anders didn’t seem to have any such information to share. I did not learn anything about the history or mythology of Norway from Anders or the geology

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t go on the trip unless you are A frequent hill or mountain Walker or walk on uneven terrain at a fast pace. You might come home feeling you failed to keep up. The terrain really is very uneven and you might have to scramble over rocks on your front occasionally . That said, the scenery is stunning!

A Stunning Country

The scenery exceeded our expectations and walking among it seemed a real privilege.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several: Bergen, the scenery on journeys by mini-bus and ferry, Nes Gard farm guesthouse and the view from our room, the overall views of mountains, waterfalls and glaciers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lukas's passion for his country shone out and enthused us at the same time. He adjusted the programme sensibly to cope with the variable weather we experienced.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had sun and rain, so be prepared. It was also a little wetter underfoot than some other trips we've been on. Definitely not sandal country.

Hot week in the Fjords

Our trip coincided with a rare heatwave in Norway. This was great for evening swims in the Fjord with amazing views and freshing water! The guesthouse is very lovely with nice evening meals. If you are a keen walker you may be disappointed on the amount of hiking on this trip – there are only two days when you do full day walks, the other days are half day hikes and other activities or travelling. The range of scenery within an hour of the guesthouse is fantastic – from glaciers to high snow capped mountains and the more mellow fjords and waterfalls. Our leader Lucas was great but we didn’t have very good briefings either at the beginning of the week or on the next day’s activities. Sometimes, it was unclear what was happening until we were actually doing it..

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming in the fjords.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lucas was great - very friendly and keen for everyone to have a good time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a lunch box and water bottle if you are keen to cut down on your plastic use. It was rather disappointing that despite Exodus's pledges on reducing plastic, one of the very first things that happened on this trip was everyone being given plastic bags and bottles to make day 1 lunch. Ask for a detailed briefing at the beginning of the week. Take your swimming gear - this is not on the trip notes. The guest house has a small pier with sun lounges and steps for swimming if you are lucky with the weather.

Walking the fjords

A stunningly beautiful adventure exploring Norway. Such a great variety of treks and landscapes led by an excellent, v natural guide who is v passionate about his country. If you love trekking and the outdoors, then Norway should be on your bucket list!

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was different offering a wide variety of treks on different terrains, seeing an amazing variety of landscapes - you really get a real taste of what Norway has to offer trekkers. We scrambled over rocks to get quite close to the mouth of a glacier, peaked Mt Molden above the clouds, walked through the dreamy green valley (still a few ups - not all flat!) and even trekked through a bit of snow in the mountains. We also had a few ferry rides too so we got to experience the fjords close up (a couple of us even took a dip in the 'refreshing' fjord back at the guest house). A well paced tour - not too quick, not too slow and great bunch of travellers to share this experience with.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Einar was a brilliant and v natural leader. He knew the area extremely well and took great care of the group, his passion for his country always shining through. Led an excellent pace that suited everybody and encouraged a v supportive environment where everyone helped each other.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure your fitness level is suitable for this grade of holiday (Exodus training guides are a great starting point). You are trekking every day with many upward slopes (you get the great views tho!). There are options given for some days e.g. you don't have to scramble over all the rocks at the glacier if you don't want to etc. The pace of the days are good and it's a supportive walking environment (not all of it is up slopes). Take waterproof boots - we walked over boggy ground and through streams - and ankle support is advised as you will walk on quite a lot of uneven ground. But above all - enjoy every moment! It's a spectacular place to trek in and you cram a lot in the five days of trekking. Walking poles are useful too for those not blessed with a natural sense of balance!

'Hiking in Norway', not 'Walking the Fjords'

A great week of hiking in a beautiful location with good accommodation and lovely food – and with great guides. This is a full program with little ‘down time’.

Most Inspirational Moment

The iconic views from the Molden peak with its stunning views of Sognefjord.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Asbjorn is an an exceptional guide and also a very nice man with so much knowledge and experience. Sadly he is looking to retire which will be a shame to miss all of those stories, but he is currently training his replacement Lucas, who I think will make also make a great host/guide. We found them both very helpful & approachable as well as being very knowledgeable of their environment and locality. An real asset to this trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not under-estimate this trip. This is a hiking trip, not walking. Many of the hikes are quite a bit longer than the notes imply and you will be expected to scramble a little as well as doing a lot of walking on very uneven ground. This is all fine if you're used to this & expecting it, but be warned.

Norway hiking

The accommodation and the guides could not have been better.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing everyone hiking up and down despite their ages.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Awesome

Advice for Potential Travellers

No

A Trip for the Active

Nes Gard Farm is a fantastic place. The meals were fresh, healthy, and delicious. Each day we traveled to a new location for hiking. The people in my tour group were great – 8 women and 3 couples. Everyone was game for adventure and being active. Our tour guides were knowledgeable and very personable.

Most Inspirational Moment

The incredible landscape on every hike. It's too difficult to pick out one outstanding moment because each day presented a new aspect of Norway.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leaders were professional and attentive to individual needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to hike on uneven terrain and smooth rock surfaces. Trails are steep and often slick. I was cardio fit but I did my conditioning on groomed trails. The glacier walk is very challenging. Gaitors are highly recommended to pants clean.

Lovely time!

I had a lovely time in Norway. During the day we were kept busy with hikes in the mountains surrounding the Norwegian fjords – good exercise and beautiful views. Our guest house was charming – was surprised by how nice it was – and the staff was super friendly. We even saw quite a few UNESCO world heritage sites. Overall I was positively surprised with Norway and glad i chose this trip. Great company too!

Most Inspirational Moment

The beautiful views took me away from my everyday worries and who would have thought going onto the glacier would be so much more fun than just looking at it from up close!

Thoughts on Group Leader

I loved Einar - he is young and super humble but he really tried hard to take care of us. Lovely guy

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fitness levels - moderate for one person is challenging for another especially when there are time limits for certain hikes.

Norway at its best

An action packed week of walking in an area of stunning scenery. Walks full of interest and every day was different terrain so all walks very different all superbly guided.
Even the journey from Bergen to our accommodation was beautiful both ways including ferry crossings of stunning fjords
Nes Gard was a wonderful place to stay. So friendly, lovely accommodation & superb food.

Most Inspirational Moment

A beautiful long walk starting in one valley and walking over to another valley with views of multiple glaciers & peaks with an almost 360 degree view.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Einer was an excellent guide, full of information about the area & his country. He took a lot of care to make sure the group able to walk at their own pace while still accommodating the slower walkers. And he carried coffee for all of usto the top of each route every day !! What luxury!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit enough to walk all day, with usually more than half the walk of course being up hill.

A fabulous week with fabulous weather

We were picked up from the airport with no problem and taken to a very nice hotel (Thon Orion) in Bergen. The hotel puts on a free evening buffet type dinner which was perfectly adequate for us. The rooms were good, clean and comfy. Asbjorn owns the farm in Nes where we stayed, and he drove us there, quite a long journey but with plenty of stops. He was happy to tell us all about his country and Nes Gard. The accommodation was lovely, just across the road from the Fjord. My bed was amazingly comfortable, everywhere was spotless. Food was delicious. The walks were varied, not difficult if you’re used to hiking. Some might find some of the walks a little challenging, as the terrain was often rocky, and steep in places. Some of the walks were there and back the same way which probably couldn’t be helped, but it made me feel a little cheated.

Most Inspirational Moment

I would say that it had to be our walk on the Glacier as it was something I'd never done before, I didn't know what to expect. We were given crampons and ice picks and roped together in groups of about 12, an experienced guide at the front, and off we went up the Glacier after being told how to walk in crampons of course. The blue of the Glacier was stunning, and looking down into crevices was beautiful. This is an optional extra of the holiday but well worth doing. Quite pricey at nearly £60.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Asbjorn took us on our 1st walk up to Molden Peak. He was great, very informative and knowledgeable . The rest of the week our guide was Inar who was also fantastic. He kept us safe, he knew what we were capable of and he had lots of stories to tell us which kept us amused. He's only a young lad but certainly knew what he was doing, he was a delight.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Most people know that Norway is expensive, but it still comes as quite a shock. If you like a beer to cool you down after a day out walking, take plenty of money. Half litre of lager is about £7.50 and a bottle of wine about £30. Also it might be a good idea to take mosquito spray, we did encounter a few during the week.