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!

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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.

Reviews

Reviewed March 2011

ATLAS PANORAMA

A week of contrasts – the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh with the peace and simplicity of the gite and walks in the mountains. 

Most Inspirational Moment

In Marrakesh -supper on the Jemaa El fna, and the sound of the call to prayer from the mosques. In the mountains - the almond blossom, playing football with a few local village children,the group supper in the gite tasting great after the walks, arriving at the lake for delicious lunch, and the achievement of comleting the 32km mountain walk.   

Thoughts on Group Leader

Quiet at times, but he seemed much more at home in the mountains where his sense of humour came out and he seemed more relaxed. Knowledgeable when you asked questions about Morocco. Felt safe with his leadership in the mountains.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We decided that there's no need to buy water sterilising tabs, as they're expensive to buy and it would've been cheaper to just buy the water from the gite!Be ready to "rough" it ! Basic accommodation, but all you need. Just take plenty of warm layers to wear in the evenings. A few snacks for the walks come in handy, and the local children appreciate gifts of pens/ balloons.Be prepared for rocky paths and steep gradients at times. Decent walking boots are a must. Lightweight clothes that cover arms/legs for women seems more appropriate in Marrakesh. Arranging our own flights independently worked out cheaper and Exodus kindly provided free transfer from the airport to the hotel. 

Reply from Exodus

Exodus recommends taking water sterilising tablets because there is a serious problem with recycling in Morocco and most of the plastic bottles left in the village are burnt.

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Reviewed March 2011

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

A great way to see three countries in South-East Asia at ground level! A nice sized group, not too many hills and terrific local support meant you could sit back and enjoy the ride and the scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

While all the Angkor temples were impressive, it has to be the day we went to Angkor Wat and finished off with the late afternoon / evening trip to the Tonle Sap lake and its floating villages and shops. Awe-inspiring ancient monuments plus river people, wildlife and a marine diversion as a pleasant change from pedalling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader 'Joe' was not only very friendly but impressively well-organised, telling us in advance about the day's itinerary, when the stops involved and the details of restaurants and laundry facilities, for example. He was always mindful of the differing fitness and abilities of our diverse group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1 - consider investing in a gel saddle and/or padded shorts, particularly if you're not a regular cyclist.2 - make sure you take on board enough fluids and snacks at the rest stops. And reapply sunscreen.3 - get the support team to help you adjust your saddle height and other details bike before starting out.4 - take it at your own pace - the group will naturally spread out and there are plenty of stops.5 - make sure you have a capacious memory card (or plenty of film), there are numerous photo opps.

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Reviewed March 2011

COLOURS OF RAJASTHAN

Coulours, friendly charming local people. Perfect arrangements by the Exodus tour leader and good local guides.  Not a dull moment and beautiful drives on local roads.

Most Inspirational Moment

To see the economical development is a bonus on top of seeing all the fantastical historc sites.   

Thoughts on Group Leader

The best we could have wished for. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go to incredible India and spend your money there directly, benefitting to locals rather than giving it to aid organisations who loose so much money before it reaches the locals.   

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Reviewed March 2011

CYCLING CUBA

If you’re thinking about this holiday, don’t hesitate, just do it! Far exceeded my expectations. Cuba itself is mind-blowing, and the trip packs in a bit of everything.

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it all the way to the top of the hills on the day in the mountains without getting off to walk, finally arriving at that amazing hotel in the middle of nowhere, and then swimming under the waterfalls at sunset.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Laz was, quite simply, the best Exodus leader I've met. You could tell instantly that he's passionate about his country, his job and cycling (and, like any Cuban, baseball!). He was very well organised, his local and historical knowledge were first class, he never tired of answering questions about Cuba, the trip itself, and his personal life, and he was sociable and friendly without being overbearing. He also understood very well the different personalities in the group and was always ready to listen and help when issues arose.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of Imodium (most of our group needed it at some stage) and keep some loo roll with you at all times. Try to keep hold of small change for toilets and tips - you may also find it difficult to get rid of large bank notes in some places. Take an MP3 player if you want a bit of inspiration to get you up the big hills or for some of the long stretches when you find yourself on your own, and also for some of the longer bus transfers. Take enough money in UK sterling to see you through the trip (and a bit extra in case) - it's much easier and cheaper to change bank notes than to use a debit or credit card to get money, though it's possible in the larger places. If you're not a fan of plain food, take a bottle of hot sauce with you to liven up some of the dishes, especially if you're vegetarian. Take plenty of high factor suncream and SPF lipbalm - several of us managed to lose our lipbalms along the way and ended up with very sunburnt lips! We never found a shop that sold lipbalm although you can get suncream in the bigger hotels. I found it useful to have a thin long-sleeved top to cycle in one day when I had sunburnt arms. Above all, go on this trip with a very open mind - be prepared for the unexpected (random power cuts, lack of hot water or indeed any water, last minute changes to plan). There'll be a few pleasant surprises along the way as well. Brush up on your salsa skills as there'll be plenty of opportunity to try them out - knowing just a few steps will really help!

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Reviewed March 2011

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

A fantastic week. Lovely hotel, food and scenery. And the spa at the end of the day was bliss. Tougher than I expected but not a problem as there was no pressure or sense of shame in being last! The food at the hotel is truly gorgeous.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking across a frozen lakeGluwein in the mountain hostellersThe snowy walk through the forest

Thoughts on Group Leader

The tour leader was great. He had some interesting facts and an interesting sense of time and distance! These kept us all entertained and going.I had total confidence in him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fill your flasks at the breakfast table from the breakfast tea/coffee otherwise it will cost from 2 euros up to 8 euros for your flask each day.

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Reviewed March 2011

WALKING IN ANDALUCIA

My boyfriend and I had an absolutely fantastic time, with great walking and good company in a beautiful setting. The Cortijo was very neat and tidy, and superbly run by Bill, Anne, Maria, Rocio, Anna and Juan. The food was fantastic, even the packed lunches with rolls the size of your head! Roger was a star leader: very knowledgeable and always game for a laugh.  All in all, a perfect balance of sightseeing, exercise in the fresh air, relaxation and indulgence. We would happily return to do it all over again!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in El Chorro was just stunning. Shame we weren't able to stay there longer!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roger was really great. He seemed to know everything there was to know about everything, and he made the outings very enjoyable and entertaining. Plus he was very sociable with the group back at the cortijo - joining us for meals and drinks, and getting involved in the silly games!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went at the end of Feb/beginning of March, which seemed an ideal time to go, since the scenery is at its most lush before the summer heat sets in. Plus, while it was warm and sunny on the whole, it wasn't too hot to be scrabbling around on mountains - I think it would have been a bit much for me otherwise! We were the youngest people on the trip at 28 and 29. The majority of the group members were 50+, but don't let that perturb any of you younger travellers (I think that may be due to the time of year and difficulty rating of the holiday), you'll still have a fabulous time!  

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Reviewed March 2011

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

This was one of the best holidays I’ve ever had. Beautiful scenery, good company, good food, loads of exercise and the opportunity to learn something new from excellent leaders. Hard to beat!

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking down onto Kvitavatn from the top of some of the ski slopes, and knowing we'd climbed all the way up there on skis!Gaustatoppen in the morning sunlight is an uplifting sight, and the stars on a clear night are stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Mary and Ilse are absolutely first class. They are patient, friendly, good fun, utterly professional and kind enough not to laugh too hard when you're floundering in the soft snow! Their knowledge of the local area, skiing and obvious experience taking groups out means you can relax and enjoy your holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you get plenty of exercise beforehand as being reasonably fit will allow you to get the most out of this holiday. A small plastic box to put your lunch in may be useful too.If you get car sick it would be worth taking some motion sickness pills for the bus - it is a long and winding road, but definitely worth it when you get there.

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Reviewed March 2011

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

This was the hardest physical week of my life but fantastic experience to get to Uhuru peak and say i made it!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The final ascent and reaching Gilman's point at 5.06am, fantastic feeling you are almost there and most important the group you ae with, it is a team effort, we all help & support each other.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was okay, direct and reminded us all "Pain is only temporary"

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train very hard and start months before you depart, insist your GP gives you a prescription for Diomoxfor the altitude, tese are a must have to prepare for the ascent, other group members who started taking them before we even started faired much better

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Reviewed March 2011

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

I was expecting something special but nothing could prepare me for the absolutely breathtaking landscapes, turquoise icebergs and such marvellous encounters with penguins, whales and seals. I was, and still am, overwhelmed by the beauty and remoteness of Antarctica!

Most Inspirational Moment

This was my first ever trip where i have travelled alone and the sense of personal achievement was enormous.Watching a glacier calveThe captain of the Vavilov turning around to extend a whale watching encounterThe stillness and beauty after climbing a mountain ridge for phenomenal views...quite humbling!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely fantastic. Demonstrated a professional but relaxed manner with all guests and always striving to maximise the experience with flexible itinaries

Advice for Potential Travellers

I had some "wobbles" before i went re- travelling alone mostly, but i would say to anyone who is hesitating to go for it. The comradeship between passengers is heartwarming and there is nowhere on earth quite like it. I would go back in a heartbeat. By far the most stunning place on earth i have ever seen!The ship is warm and comfortable so take some light clothing for the evenings. I almost overheated in my thermal gear ;-)

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Reviewed March 2011

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

This was a fantastic, challenging trek. Fortunately the weather was dry and sunny enabling us to have bright blue skys which only enhanced the brilliant white mountain peaks.  

Most Inspirational Moment

The best part was the ascent of Mt Ouanoukrim. This is both visually and technically a far more interesting peak than Mount Toubkal

Thoughts on Group Leader

This is the second trek I have been on which has been led by Mohammed. He is an experienced and thoroughly professional guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes do not hire equipment from 'trek hire'. I hired both crampons and a ice axe. The ice axe had a very short strap on it making it difficult to put your gloved hand through and hold the head comfortabley. Each time we changed directions I had to stop in order to swap hands instead of being able to comfortabley do it on the move.The crampons were of a poor quality they kept slipping under my boots , and yes i , the guides and several other persons on the trek attempted numerous times to adjust them and secure them to my boot. Non of us managed it thus making everyday of the climb dangerous. The anti balling plates kept coming off , making my descent of Ouanoukrim potentially very dangerous as i constantly had solid balls of ice underneath both my boots. I feel Exodus should take some responsibility for this as it is your company that recommended the link to this company.

Reply from Exodus

Exodus has worked with Trek Hire for almost 10 years and have never had issues with the standard of their equipment. They are also very surprised to hear of this problem as it has never previously happened; I have been speaking to them regarding this recent issue and will continue to monitor feedback.

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