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.

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317 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Anna Chapman

Reviewed August 2023

Magical Mountain Moments

If like me, you seek a mountain adventure with the chance of meeting strangers and leaving with new friends, this could be the trip for you. My experience was everything I had hoped for and more. Stunning walks with spectacular scenery, led by Fred, our knowledgeable and wise mountain leader. Fabulous companions on the trails sharing tales and stories and life’s experiences. A large family feel to our cozy wood chalet with our wonderful Chalet Chocolate hosts Sol and Tomas who provided delicious food, catering for everyone’s dietary requests, and always with a cheery smile. Returning after the day’s walk to a Sol & Tomas fresh baked cake, sharing a cup of wine in the hot tub in lovely gardens overlooked by the Mont Blanc Massif, and spending evening time with laughter. A trip to heal the soul !

Most Inspirational Moment

After watching your feet on the rocky trail, manoeuvring across a tricky terrain, or popping out of tree line ….. turning around and seeing the majestic mountains sourounding you and leaning into it like a giant hug. I could never tire of it. Exploring the alpine wildflower meadows in July in the mid altitudes was joyous. Such variety of plant life and wildlife, and delighted to discover the elusive blue gentian! Eating lunch in front of eight glaciers of the Grande Jorrasses on the Italian section of the TMB was an incredible experience, and humbling to see how far the glaciers have retreated.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fred was everything you could hope for in mountain leader, professional, experienced, personable and attentive. He watched closely and responded well to people’s individual abilities, offering guidance and encouragement as needed. He gave clear and informative evening briefings to set the scene for the day ahead and joined in with our evening meal with easy and friendly conversation.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks aren’t technical and don’t require ultra fitness, but stamina to repeat 6hrs of mountain hiking daily with reasonably long periods of ascent, is advisable. Know your own abilities when booking this trip. Highly recommend walking poles for the descents. Room size and layout will differ in Chalets and hotel accommodations, not all are equal. If you are considering this trip, it is likely you are for the mountain hiking rather than the bedroom, be mindful that you might not have the best room and ask yourself whether it would matter. If you want to experience glaciers … don’t delay too long ! Always listen to your guide … take your waterproofs everywhere every day !! 😃

Bill M

Reviewed July 2023

Hosts with the most

After a week of trekking and having arrived home…the gear cleaned and aired out, and laundry done it’s a pleasure to take a pause and take a moment to celebrate a wonderful trek, with amazing like-minded people who love the outdoors. Gratitude to the Exodus Travels team for making it memorable. Acknowledgment to our guide Fred who is a total pro and our Chalet Chocolat hosts Sol and Tomas for their warmth, thoughtfulness and efforts in taking care of us. A host is defined as someone as accommodating, impressive and engaging and my experience this was true of all 3!

Most Inspirational Moment

Our new friend Sarah-Jane boldly declaring ‘I am strong’. 💪Then demonstrating it with her actions in consistent hiking and parasailing for the first time. Also, the hike along the Bonatti refuge in Italy was one of the most memorable views of a lifetime. The additional reward of tasty gelato in Courmayeur with new friends was a special treat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Professional, encouraging, sincere, reliable

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the reviews on chalet accommodations in advance…know before you go. The chalet is solid. Being proximate to Chaminox was a plus. Hot tub, nice add. I’ve made many backpacking treks and stayed in tents mostly. I wanted here to do a level up from that and overall was pleased. I’d had the awareness that it could feel cramped for some and while I’ve never lived in a house with 13 people I could fully see how that overall experience not being for everyone. Do the research and if not for you choose another option.

Mike Crooke

Reviewed July 2023

A Memorable week in the Mountains

The Mont Blanc Highlights tour that we recently completed in early May 2023 was excellent. The tour guide, Mike, was knowledgeable and put together 5 days of walks that were varied and challenged the group within their limits and within the conditions at the time. As it was the first tour of the season Mike had assessed each walk by doing them prior to the arrival of the group. Each evening he would provide a briefing about the walk the following day and answer all questions. At the end of the 5 days of walking he emailed the group a map and details of each of the walks we had completed – this was appreciated by the group. Chalet Chalupa was comfortable and homely for the week of the stay. The communal areas were quite spacious (for a group of 12) and well equipped. The bedrooms were fine, although the beds would have benefited from a top sheet as we found the duvet tended to be too warm. Helena and Adrian were top hosts. They are both warm, friendly people who welcomed everyone the minute they arrived. Their cooking was delicious, and they made every attempt to cope with the various dietary requirements. The bar and snack bar were always well stocked, and they purchased additional items if requested by the guests. Their sunny dispositions and positive approach to life made them a pleasure to be around. All in all it was an excellent week and one we would unhesitatingly recommend to others.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many, especially in relation to the walks themselves. On the second last day we paused for lunch - a spot with a beautiful view and a small herd of Ibex resting nearby, paying us no attention. In the distance a group of 30 or so high school children were holding an Alpine Mass, their singing ringing out over the hills.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike, our group leader, was extremely knowledgeable and was able to 'read' the group and its abilities very well. He was also fun to be with, a really good leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't come with a lot of expectations, allow the experience to simply unfold, and you will have a memorable trip.

D A

Reviewed July 2023

Not a Good Substitute for the TMB

The people were fantastic. Our guide, Jeni, is the absolute best! She is kind, smart, knowledgeable, and made the week both fun and interesting. Our chalet hosts, Tomas and Sol, we’re equally great. They made us feel at home, cooked excellent meals, and helped us explore the area when we weren’t on our guided hikes. These three people get 5 stars. They made the trip for me. The hikes were not what I expected. My reading of the trip’s description is that we would be hiking select portions of the traditional Trail du Mount Blanc (TMB). That’s really not what we did. We took day hikes that started and ended at the valley floor, with some day’s hikes consisting of a full loop to end up where we started. The hike up was usually beautiful, but some of the descents were on the rough side. Two of the hikes descended on long stretches of 4×4 access roads covered in large rocks. Each of these had an optional ski lift or tram that could be taken, and you have to pay for the ticket yourself. But trust me, it’s worth the extra 17€ to avoid these sections. Don’t let your ego make you walk down on these roads. So, the people were excellent, but the hikes were not what I was expecting. If you’re looking for moderate level day hikes around the Mont Blanc area, this will work. If you want to hike the TMB, this will show you small parts of it, but you may leave disappointed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeni is the greatest ambassador Exodus Travels could ever have. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Doug Storey

Reviewed July 2023

Spectacular trip

This is a spectacular trip The hikes are wonderful very well planned and guided. Our guide Evgenia was outstanding. She planned which hike to do based on the conditions but was flexible taking into account all the abilities of the group. She communicated well with everyone and had a great sense of humour. The chalet chapula hosts were also wonderful. They were very accommodating and the meals were indeed something to look forward to. I was aware that the rooms in chalet chapula were not identical but our room was very good for us. The one comment about the hiking was that I think these hikes were more like a 4/7 rather than a 3/7. As such I would suggest a higher level of preparation for this hike.

Most Inspirational Moment

We found that the hike to Courmayeur was the inspirational day. Hiking up to above the tree line and then seeing Mont Blanc and the other peaks around was incredible

Thoughts on Group Leader

Evgenia was a fantastic guide. She worked really well with our group, She c was always smiling and positive. She has a wonderful sense of humour. I felt that even though I was the slowest she was encouraging and so I had an exceptional experience. Evgenia communicated very well with the group in her briefings the night before the hike, during the hike and after the hike through a chat she had set up. She always wanted me to finish the hike but did modify things for me when needed. When I do another trekking tour with exodus I would want Evgenia as my guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I feel that these are harder hikes than the 3/7 stated in the exodus material. As such I would suggest a higher level of training maybe level 2. For people coming from outside Europe it might be a good idea to arrive two days before the hiking to acclimatize.

Julie M

Reviewed July 2023

Hiking A+….Accommodation C

Hands down, the hiking is amazing. Spectacular views and a more-than-competent guide. That said, the trip was not without issue. Lots of relatively minor issues and inconveniences that compounded. Some were within Exodus’s control and some were not (I have already provided feedback to Exodus directly so I’m not speaking out of turn here). The accommodation was just OK – breakfasts were a little basic/repetitive and dinners, while delicious, offered no choice. I personally enjoyed each evening meal but I noticed others left some meals largely untouched with no alternative available to them. Chalet Chocolat, overall, could probably use a bit of a refresh and 2 of the 7 rooms are not even close to being equal to the others. It would be nice if these substandard rooms could be offered on discount to customers who are well-informed of the room differences in advance. This would help to prevent any negative surprises once you arrive on holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of the hikes were spectacular but the L’Aiguilette des Posettes was probably my favorite hike.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike was great- knowledgeable about the area, kept us well informed and worked hard to include everyone in conversation.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hikes on this trip have some pretty good elevation gain. Pre-trip hill walking will help prepare you. Trekking poles for the descent will help save your knees.

Cami De Voto Noonan

Reviewed July 2023

Absolutely incredible trip

The Tour de Mont Blanc highlights was truly one of the most incredible trips I’ve ever done. The beautiful views and hiking routes were complimented perfectly with the incredible Exodus staff. Our guide, Mike, was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and always ensured the entire group was having a good and safe experience. Our Chalet, Chalet Chocolat, was spacious, had beautiful views and very comfortable living spaces. My mom and I requested two twin beds and received our own room with our own bathroom. The hosts for the Chalet were also incredible. Saul and Tom cooked us delicious dinners every night, had an afternoon cake out for us after hikes, buffet style breakfasts and picnic lunches ready every morning. They also were friendly and super helpful if you ever needed any extra accommodations or cleaning. I will definitely be doing more exodus trips and highly recommend this trip in particular!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Mike, was absolutely fantastic. Mike is a big part of the reason this trip was so incredible for my mom and I and we are incredibly thankful for him! He was knowledgeable about each hike, accommodating to all the group, very friendly and made each hiking day incredible easy to just follow his lead and enjoy the views.

Wendy Godfrey

Reviewed July 2023

Fabulous mountain trip

A well planned and orgamised holiday. From the moment we arrived in Geneva Airport and met Robert, our guide for the week, we relaxed and waited in eager anticipation for the week’s adventures to unfold. We were welcomed to Chalet Chocolat by Tom and Sol who prepared delicious home cooked meals (and not forgetting the cakes!) and packed lunches every day. Robert was an excellent and knowledgeable guide who also managed our mixed ability group well. The minor issues which inevitably arise on this type of holiday were quickly resolved. We had some interesting walks and returned home feeling both fit and refreshed.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several but the walk on the final day with the views from the top of the valley into Switzerland and Italy was very special. That, and the lovely and interesting members of our group of walkers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Robert was excellent. Knowledgeable, calm, organised and helpful. And we had some great conversations!

B Y

Reviewed July 2023

Hikes to Remember

This trip has been memorable with amazing hikes and breathtaking views. Starting off with the good: our guide Evgenia/Jenny has been nothing but wonderful. She is enthusiastic, easy-going, and knowledgeable. She planned our hikes extremely well, taking into account the athletic abilities of all group members. We got lucky with the weather and did not need rain gear in July. The hikes were paced well and reasonable, most people were able to keep up, but I would rate it more of a 4/7 rather than a 3/7 difficulty due to the steepness in some segments. Trekking poles were a must on several of the hikes. The rest day was essential as most of us had knee aches by the 3rd day. Things that could have been better: my partner and I were among the first to sign up and called Exodus to notify them that we would prefer to stay in Chalet Chocolat over Chalupa (due to location; Chocolat is much closer to the city center). We ended up getting placed in Chalupa anyway, which is still nice but the bus ride takes over 20 minutes. Second, we called to inquire room upgrades and were told that whoever signed up first would have priority on better rooms. We ended up getting the smallest room in the chalet, with low slanted ceilings and no other furniture than the bed while people who signed up later had kitchen/refrigerator, couches, or balconies in their rooms. There should be price adjustments depending on quality/size of the rooms. Third, 2 out of the 5 hikes required taking public transportation which involved being crammed like sardines into buses. I feel like with the amount we paid, private transportation should have been arranged. Regardless of these shortcomings, the hikes themselves make the whole trip worth it. Hopefully Exodus can make further improvements in future iterations of this journey.

Reply from Exodus

We are delighted to hear that B Y had a memorable time in Mont Blanc, and that Jenny, who led their departure, was able to really elevate their experience hiking in this beautiful region. We’re also pleased to read that the weather was favourable during their time there!

We are sorry, though, that B Y felt there were a few things which could have been better. Having spoken to our operations team, we understand that customers who booked this trip were allocated their preferred chalet, where this was possible, based on the order in which they booked on. We regret that the Chalet Chocolat turned out to be full when B Y confirmed their booking, though the Chalet Chalupa is an equally comfortable and well-equipped property. Rooming allocations are similarly done on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, and though being a chalet bedrooms do naturally vary in size and layout, we feel that all rooms at the Chalupa are of a good standard for our guests.

We are thankful to B Y for taking the time to leave their review, and are glad that despite the points they raise above they found the trip to be a worthwhile and memorable experience.

– Danny Bell, Exodus Product Manager

Dave Whaley

Reviewed July 2023

A week walking in the Alps

A lovely week walking in the French Alps, based in a chalet in CHAMONIX. Great food, scenery and exhilarating walks led by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

View from Aguille de Midi

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles and good footwear

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