Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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167 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Reviewed August 2013

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

A great trip, with great scenery and cake stops. It’s hard work though!

Most Inspirational Moment

At the Col du Bonhomme refuge one of our party played the guitar that was in the refuge. It seemed quite surreal for us to be singing along to the Pretenders 500 miles at 2,100 metresThe views across the whole trek are sensational, hard to pick a highlight, but the descent into Italy down the Col Ferret was pretty niceThere are plenty of cake stops along the route, which certainly helped me, the cakes at each refuge were really good and I was lucky to be part of a group that wanted to stop and partake at regular intervals.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike Rhodes was an excellent leader. I have no experience of the other leaders, who I would expect to be just as good, but if you end up with Mike you are really lucky.He is a really nice man, who knows the area like the back of his hand. He can identify every flower, peak (including who climbed it first) & animal you might encounter and is a wealth of knowledge on the area generally, including recommended activities on the rest days.Because of his knowledge he is able to adjust the route to fit the group's ability, he put several tougher climbs in for our group as we were all fairly fit, but these were also avoidable for those who would rather have a rest.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Compeed! - I was lucky and didn't suffer with blisters, but on a 10 day trek, if you do suffer you will certainly get through them. Mike also uses surgical tape over the top of the Compeed to stop them rubbing on your sock and coming off. a bit of vaseline on the top of the tape helps even more. There are quite a few chemists, shops etc on route who sell them, but better to be self sufficient Don't wear white t-shirts - I doubt mine will ever be white againYou can buy stuff in Chamonix before the trek starts, but it is pretty pricey and best left for things you forgot to bring, I would recommend purchasing anything you need at home. Take your camera, ipod etc chargers. The support van is well kitted out and I was able to charge batteries in it once we got to camp or overnight (it had about 8 socket points the group could use) A book is useful for the evenings, as is a small speaker for your ipod, but obviously only if the whole group like your taste in music! Wet wipes are useful for the 2 days you are basic camping (ie no hot showers, but there are toilets)

Reviewed August 2013

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

Yes, it’s the best trekking trip I have ever had. Good roomy, thunderstorm proofed tents (easy to pitch up and dismantle), great camping sites (only two had no internet access, and no showers) with one having a large LCD TV screen to watch the Tour D’ France going up Alpe d’Huez (an excellent treat for me as I had biked up it 10 days ago), and, not forgetting, good food (four nights at local restaurants on Exodus tab). Of course, the scenery was just awesome, and we took lots of beautiful picture postcards.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many. Most would include doing the touristic stuff in Chamonix (Aguille du Midi to see Mt Blanc at close range; trip to Heilbroner; seeing skiers going down Vallee Blanche, Mers du Glace and the Cave); having lunch at Lac Blanc; seeing Ibex, Marmot, and even a baby poisonous snake; doing the Balcony and the Bovine trail; multi day view of Grand Jorasse; having gelato in Courmeyer; ascending Col du Tricot in just over an hour; watching the bungee jumpers in St. Gervais; the paragliders taking off in Mt Brevent and toasting our successful completion at the top of Mt Brevent….10 days trekking, 3 countries, 176 km, 10000m cumulative elevation. Too many pleasant memories so much so some of us had withdrawal symptoms on returning home.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike was knowledgeable and experienced. He modified the start times based on his estimate of what time we would like to arrive at camp e.g. on the day of the TDF going up Alpe d’Huez, he made sure we arrived at 2.30 pm in camp so we have time to settle down, and get to watch the race at 3 pm. This flexibility also ensured we did not get caught in bad weather, although there may be an occasion when we got wet (although not very heavy). Safety was always a priority, and he was always around to lend a helping hand whenever there were obstacles such as crossing a fast running stream, climbing down a ladder, walking over a slippery patch of snow, and climbing over steep rocks adjoining deep ravines. Matt, our driver and cook ensured we always have enough fruits, bread, cheese, and salad for our lunch bags. We were never hungry. And dinner was something that was always a pleasant surprise, with enough for second helpings for those who wanted more. I am still trying to lose the 2 kg I put on.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My group was an experienced group, having done tougher treks in higher altitudes. However, this trek was still very challenging, especially the last two days where climbs of cumulative 1500m elevations were the norms. Train hard. Also bring lots of warm clothing as it can be very cold at night. Bring long sleeves/pants, a hat and sun block to protect from the UV…we were deep fried by the end of the trek. Be careful of ticks even though lyme disease is not prevalent in the alps. I may have been bitten, and had symptoms that were indicative such as muscle and joint ache/pain, fatigue, ear ache, and other normal flu symptoms after returning home. As a precaution I took doxycycline (an antibiotic) to kill the bacteria

Reviewed August 2013

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

The best trip ever!

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on the Auigille de Midi on our last free day, with the cloud swirling around us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Jenny, could not have been better. She is experienced, caring, thoughtful and knowledgeable. I would also like to mention the camp manager, Graham, who is a fantastic cook, and gave us 110% effort. He adapted his repertoire to the weather, and was always ready to give a hand with things not strictly his responsibility, like sorting out mobile phones, helping to pack tents etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pay attention to the kit list!! Including the optionals like poles and umbrella. Take as many clothes as you can fit in your bag as stuff gets dirty and wet and there are not many opportunities to wash clothes ... Take lots of COMPEED :-), neurofen and bite cream. You need a warm sleeping bag, it can be cold at night.

Reviewed August 2013

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

Amazing trip with stunning scenery. Walks were challenging as described but rewarding and well guided.

Most Inspirational Moment

Took a short but steep detour to a quiet peak with a 360 degree view of Mont Blanc and surrounding mountains with clear blue skies and no one but a pipe smoking Italian who was striking a pose to share it with.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was perfect for the task. He dealt with a range of abilities and experience and ensured everyone had the holiday they wanted and more.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be fit and comfortable with ascents and descents. Take an umbrella as it's infinitely better than putting waterproofs on in a short shower. Take an inflatable pillow as clothes in a bag can get a bit much after 2 weeks.

Reviewed August 2013

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

A challenging walk for those people with a reasonable level of fitness. Beautiful views, great scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

Whilst the walks were fantastic taking the cable car up to the Aguille du Midi was absolutely awesome. The views of Mont Blanc were amazing. What can I say, simply brilliant.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was really good considering this was her first time on this tour and she had to cater for a range of walking ability.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As you can guess the first is at the end of the tour go up the Aguille du Midi and buy a multipass ticket (4 euros extra). However, go early to avoid the queues. Take a packed lunch, water and walking trainers and walk the balcony route to the Mer de Glace from the mid station. You can then get the cable car down the ice caves and get the train back to Chaminox on your multipass ticket.Take compeed and a knee brace (we had several people develop knee trouble and braces were expensive). Take some gaffer tape in your bag (comes in useful for all sorts). Fill up on snack bars and chocolate on the first day as it may be sometime before you can again. It's expensive so take plenty of money if you want drink and cake etc at the refuges.

Reviewed August 2013

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

Mesmorizing and awesome tour of Mont Blanc… to see the mountains up close was such a pleasure

Most Inspirational Moment

Trekking up close to the mont blance massive range and se the reflections of the mountains on the river ..wow

Thoughts on Group Leader

Trip leader was experienced and knowledge in regards to the mountains and the tour ...

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't wait... go for trek...

Reviewed July 2013

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

A wonderfully challenging 2-week trek in the Alps. All my expectations were met and exceeded. We had blue skies, amazing views, snow capped mountains in all directions, glaciers, snow fields, wild flowers and a really great group made it a holiday to remember for a long time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Tete Nord des Fours at 2756m having climbed a long snow field and seeing the wonderful 360 degree views and, at the end of the day, lying in my tent, wrapped in my down sleeping bag in a meadow of glorious wild flowers, at the head of a valley, under a glacier, by a river and with cow bells in the distance .. All my dreams come true! Also the dips in cold mountain rivers at the end of hot days.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I was pleased when I read that we were to have Graham as a leader as previous reviews of his leadership were glowing. He managed the group well but his job would have been easier if there had been a second leader to bring up the rear. He gave us the opportunities to stretch ourselves with extra peaks and further challenges on our 'rest' days and he took pains to explain each day in advance so we were well prepared and equipped for what lay ahead.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Everyone says it, but do get fit before you go. It makes the whole experience so much more rewarding! Ensure you have a memory card big enough to hold all those photos. Good, silicone ear plugs for some of the camp sites!

Reviewed July 2013

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

Eight years ago I completed this trip with Exodus at the same time of the year. I considered my first trip to have been one of the best walking trips I had completed anywhere in the world. The trip just completed once again exceeded my expectations. It was the best trip ever! Magnificent scenery, a well thought-out itinerary and outstanding group leadership make this a very special trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is very difficult to single out one highlight for this trip. They occur on a daily basis; however, the group’s summiting of the Brevent on the final walking day of the trip was a particularly poignant occasion.

Thoughts on Group Leader

When one has a good leader the walk is made all the more enjoyable. A very good leader notices the little things that matter and when one has an outstanding leader you know that you are in the care of a highly trained professional person. Rupert, our leader was all of these things ... and more. He is the most gifted, enthusiastic and inspiring leader I have met. It was a privilege to have walked with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure that you have completed substantial pre-walk preparation. This is a more demanding walk than some might expect and if you are to enjoy the experience you owe it to yourself to do substantial pre-trip training. Don’t expect sunshine every day — there will be occasions when it pours and depending upon conditions there could be long stretches of snow to cross. Good boots and walking poles are a must.

Reviewed July 2013

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

This was a wonderful trip, and it would make an excellent introduction to trekking in the Alps.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was so much going for this trip, - a lovely group, stunning scenery, amazing flowers, challenging walking and excellent food, - that it is hard to pick any thing out. However I found reaching the summit of the Brevent on the final day very moving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Without a doubt, Rupert is one of the most gifted leaders I have come across. Consistently aware, caring, helpful, humourous and informative, I feel privileged to have been on one of his trips. High praise too for Graham, who fed us all superbly, as well as managing all the shopping, camp transfers etc with great good humour.We owe the success of the trip to both of them. Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it

Reviewed July 2013

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

A fantastic trip… made all the better by a wonderful guide and the usual Exodus care and attention to detail.

Most Inspirational Moment

The combination of great walking, good weather, a fabulous group and the best Exodus leader I have had in 9 trips made this a really wonderful holiday. Walking in the snowfields up at the tops of the cols was a new experience for me and the level of exertion was enough to be a challenge without being excessively difficult!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rupert, our leader, was an absolute gentleman and could not have done more to look after the group. He was always attentive, thoughtful and considerate about everyone's different needs; good-humoured and kind. The fact that he was also a botanist was the icing on the cake for me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great trip for getting a good feel for the Mont Blanc area; has lovely variety in 3 countries and varying landscapes en route, and the three rest(!) days provide opportunity to explore Mont Blanc from other angles including taking the dramatic cable car up the Aiguille du Midi (the neighbouring mountain) and paragliding around the Chamonix valley. Pack it all in!!

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