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 November 2011

WALKING IN TUSCANY

Braccicorti was a lovely place to stay with a warm welcome from the family; Sara, our leader, was fantastically supportive, encouraging and full of information about the area, the locals and the way of life; fantastic walking in wonderful mountain and hill country and a great group who gelled well together.

Most Inspirational Moment

Working together so that one of the older members of our group was able to make it all the way to the top of Monte Sumbra.Our specially drawn map for our 'day off' walk - navigating by the number of dogs at each house!Enjoying our last evening together barn dancing to the Eagles!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara looked after us from start to finish - taking care that we got the meals we wanted including going out and buying soya milk for us; making sure that we had the right equipment and those new to walking poles knew how to use them; keeping us topped up with biscuits, sweets and encouragement; letting us walk at our own pace but giving us clear instructions on routes and where to regroup; looking after the slower and less confident members of the group; giving us information about the area and the local way of life; making sure that our itinerary fitted best with the weather; ensuring that we were all sorted out for different activies and venues on our day off; making sure we got back safely from our evening out; selecting great walks within all our capabilities; making sure we had a good time.Thank you, Sara - you are a great leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

These walks are well within the capabilities of any one who is moderately fit. However, if you live more or less at sealevel, as we do you, may find the first walk up into the mountains takes your breathe away - physically as well as the stunning views!

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Reviewed November 2011

SOUTH AFRICAN WALKING SAFARI

Amazing experience! Great balance between walking and wildlife and a really diverse trip, you feel like you are seeing a lot of the country without being rushed. Scenery is stunning and perfect for walking. Campsites are fantastic, food amazing. Really lovely, well paced and interesting trip with fantastic opportunity to spot the big 5!

Most Inspirational Moment

Spotting Cheetha close up on foot and seeing a kill..fantastic moment! The Drakensberg mountains were stunning, loved the two walks there.Whole camping experience, beers around the fire, everyone swapping wildlife photos, great atmosphere.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Bongani and Shawn were excellent leaders, they really went the extra mile and worked very hard to make the trip run like clockwork and it did. Both have a great sense of humour and made it fun and interesting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would reccomend doing all of the optional game drives. You never know what you might see. We were really lucky to see so many animals up close.

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Reviewed November 2011

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

A lot of this vast impressive country is packed into the 19 days on the ground. As an overview of the country visiting many of the main sites with smaller ones besides I think Exodus and Dragon our excellent leader have achieved their aims .

Most Inspirational Moment

Most people cannot pick just one.The Obvious :-  Beijing and the Forbidden City- Great Wall- Xi'an- Terracotta Warriors and museum- Pandas ( not forgetting the Red Pandas too )- Yangtse - Mt Emei- Karst country- Tongli-  Shanghai Bund  Less Obvious :- Cycling the 13.7 km of the Xi'an city walls and looking down on a school choir giving a concert in the playgound- Cycling into the country at Yangshuo and the farmer's wife cooking us lunch- Being approached by students in Yangshuo to practise their English - Eating Sichuan hotpot in a local restaurant where we were the only westerners and the object of much curiosity- 'Calvin Klein'  the vendor in Yangshuo ( only the 8th Oct group will get this one ! )- just meeting the locals with a smile.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dragon was one of the best leaders I have encountered in years of travelling. I think he read history at University and he was passionate about the history of his country past and present . He was so informative about life in China nowadays and during the lifetime of his parents under Mao, that his stories and anecdotes made the trip for me.  I was speaking to an English couple on the boat who were with a large mainstream UK operator and were getting none of this.They were quite envious of our relationship with Dragon.He was endlessly patient, ever helpful ,well organized and above all a thoroughly nice person .   We wish him well for his forthcoming wedding.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dragon's informative handout at the start of the trip told us to embrace '' T I C ''THIS IS CHINA  ie  ignore the pushing in, the smoking,  the spitting, the crazy traffic , car horns,  some of the toilets etc  etc.    After all this is only 3 weeks out of your life to enjoy a wonderful country so just remember TIC .If you want 5 star luxury, can't embrace TIC and go with the flow, then this trip is not for you.Pack lightly because there are many occasions when you have to carry your bag up stairs and through crowded stations. There is also limited space for the more corpulent cases under the bunks on the trains.You may wish to bring a light sleeping bag liner and pillow case for the third and oldest sleeper train . . . although if you remember TIC, it was fun and part of the experience. Dont forget your pot noodles as all trains come with hot water boilers.The suggested £400 spend is light. I spent around £550/600 but I suppose it does depend on how much beer you drink.

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Reviewed November 2011

ESSENTIAL PERU

A wonderful holiday, saw so much and helped so much by having a great guide in Juan, his enthusiasm and knowledge was second to none, already planning another holiday with Exodus, true professionals in every sense.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably Machu Picchu and the homestay island, truly magical experiences, but all the other sights and sounds of Peru were excellant, hope to return one day

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was absoluty brilliant

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepred for a non stop adventure, too many highlights to mention, a feel for the country is guaranteed

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Reviewed November 2011

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

A fantastic trip travelling through a beautiful part of the Alps, one of the classic mountain routes. The tour was very well organised – the camping, food both in camp and at resturants, the walks and the company were all great. We even had amazing weather for just about the whole trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many great moments during the trip a few of the inspirational/memorable moments: The high point of our trip for the whole group - Tete Nord des Four (2665m). As the weather was good the whole group completed an optional detor to this peak and were rewarded by a fantastic 360 degree panorama of the Alps including Mont Blanc & the Matterhorn. The celebrations in the group photo say it all. The view from our tents at the Campsite in Les Bosson, Chamonix - in particular waking up early on the final day to Mont Blanc & Aiguille de Midi silluetted by the early morning sun rising behind them and lighting up the clouds above the mountains. Getting to see the leaders in the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc at the checkpoint at the Refuge Bonatti and seeing many more of the competitors later in the day on our way to Courmayeur. On the second rest day walking the ridge above les Contamines (Mont Joly to Aiguille Croche) after enjoying a fantastic breakfast in a cafe in the village. The views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding area were fantastic and I had the ridge to myself for most of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Graham our leader was fantastic - he worked increadbly hard to ensure that everyone in the group had a fantastic holiday regardless of their fitness level/ability. For myself his optional extensions and challenges ensured I wasn't sitting around and got some good challenges. The extra extensions to peaks near the route gave even better views and gave the group time to regroup. Graham's knowledge of the area was very good and his leadership skills ensured everyone had a great trip. For the rest days he had some great suggestions for everyone - from visiting the Decathlon R&D centre for a gentle day to an easy Via Ferrata for those of us that wanted a challenge. For me personally these extras really made the trip, including letting myself and two others sign-out of the trip to complete the more challenging Arpette route on Day 3 by ourselves. Chris our Cook, Transport & Campsite co-ordinator was also fantastic - his cooking skills were legendary and his/Graham's choice of resturants for the nights out were brilliant. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it this is one of the classics in the Alps and the Exodus trip is very well organised. Fitness - get as fit as you can before the trip - the days are quite challenging and that extra fitness really helps you to enjoy the amazing land you are travelling through. The extra walks/peaks I was able to do due to my fitness level really made the trip for me. Camping vs. Hotel - if you are trying to decide go for the camping - you get a much better sense of travelling around the tour; most of the campsites are fantastic and the food you get is amazing both in camp and at the resturants. We did have good weather on the main - though a lot of the sites had good shelters for eating/sheltering from the rain. Weather - Thunderstorms are common in the evenings/ovenight and it can get very cold overnight so be prepared for that. Don't leave your towel on top of the tent on a cold night to dry as folding it in the morning becomes a challenge. Equipment - Good boots and walking poles are a must, if it is hot a hydration bladder is also useful, though there are plenty of refuges along the way for beer/coffee/hot chocolate and if you go in August lots of Murtle Tarts to be eaten.

Reply from Exodus

We carefully pick the campsites we use on this trek working with a combination of factors, location, facilities and flexibitlity. The campsite at Trient, although perhaps a little more basic, has been chosen as it is the most suitable on this occasion, with a good area for pitching tents and great wooden pagoda for eating dinner under. There is only one other alternative campsite in the area mentioned and this is at the hotel. We have decided against using this as it is small and we cannot always guarantee getting a large enough area for our groups, also it is windy (as it is on a col) and this can cause difficulties with the mess tent. We appreciate the feedback given and have hopefully answered any concerns. As you can see from all the reviews it truly is an iconic trek and one not to be missed!

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Reviewed November 2011

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Fantastic holiday, this was the first Exodus holiday that I’ve been on and I’ll certainly be booking another.  The group I was with were really good, the trip into the Jungle was an unforgetable experience and the scenery on the Inca trail was amazing (the people from the group I’ve spoken to back here have all commented they wish they were back out there)!  The trip was also really well organised, we didn’t have to worry about sorting anything out.

Most Inspirational Moment

I have two really, one was climbing the steps and walking through the Sungate & seeing Machu Picchu, the other was seeing the sunset on the 3rd night camping - that campsite is at about 3700m right at the clould level, watching the clouds drift in and out revealling some amazing scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Fabrizzio was really good, well organized, looked after us and knew his stuff.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wear some of your walking kit on the plane (I will for my next trip) and possibly with a change of underwear in your carry on luggage.  It didn't happen to me but a few of the folks in my group had their luggage go missing on the way to Peru, Exodus were very good at arranging for it to catch up but they were still without it for a day or two. Don't forget to take some euros to buy snacks if your going via a European airport (I forgot)!

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Reviewed November 2011

THE LOST CITY OF PETRA - FAMILY HOLIDAY

We thoroughly enjoyed this holiday, it was a memorable experience for both adults and children. It was our first Exodus holiday and we immediately ordered a brochure to plan our next trip on our return. Jordan was a fantastic place to visit with a stunning scenery and very friendly people. I would thoroughly recommend this trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many highlights during this action packed week - Petra, the Dead sea, snorkelling in Aqaba. However we all enjoyed the day and night in Wadi Rum the most. Our guide suggested paying extra to have an extended jeep excursion which was good advice. All the children and many adults slept under the stars - an amazing experience!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny our guide was fantastic. He was enthusiastic, extremely knowledgeable and great with the children. He was full of fascinating information about his country and the Jordanian way of life. His advice regarding restaurants and additional extras was always sound.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If flying separately from the group it might be worth organising your visa before travelling. We had to queue for almost an hour on arrival which was not ideal after a long overnight flight. It was cool in the evenings and we needed jumpers. A couple of medium sized back packs were very handy for the coach. Some of the coach journeys were several hours long and it may be worth taking something to keep children entertained. There is a DVD player on the coach.

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Reviewed November 2011

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

lovely trip in a lovely country

Most Inspirational Moment

completing the big climb

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter was good

Advice for Potential Travellers

Insect repelant

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Reviewed November 2011

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

This is a holiday when you are on the move a lot,therefore you get a real insight into how the island "ticks".The people are happy and friendly and the hotel staff are excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from World'sEnd.The excellent meal provided by the Tsunami victims.Being given shelter by a local villager during a downpour on our jungle walk.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujan is an excellent leader.His knowledge of the culture and wildlife of his country is encyclopaedic.A fantastic personality with a superb sense of humour.Any problem was efficiently resolved.Even providing ash for a Leech wound!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect some rain.A waterproof jacket is essential although umbrellas were available on the bus.There are times when footwear with a good tread are essential.Be aware of tourist scams in Colombo.

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Reviewed November 2011

ESSENTIAL PERU

Very good trip and much better than expected as the organisation was excellant including the general standard of accommodation. The experience gave us a better and clearer understanding of the people, history, agriculture and landscape of the country.

Most Inspirational Moment

The early morning overall view of Machu Picchu and the appreciation of the planning and construction of the lost city. Also having the experience of staying one night on the Amantani Island with a local family.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan, our group leader, was first class and he really made the trip very interesting and very enjoyable. He was always very happy,friendly and good fun to be with throughout the trip. He considered everyone and always gave assistance where necessary.We would definately recommend him as the best guide we have ever experienced on any previous trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mke sure you have the correct medication for the particular country being visited and take the advice of the guide especially in high altitudes.

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