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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58 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Janet Duff

Reviewed January 2015

Winter is coming - and Iceland is the place to experience it!

Fantastic country – other-worldly landscapes – this trip offers a thrilling mix of the ancient sagas which tell their own tale of the landscape, the stories of modern life under constant threat of volcanic eruption, geography and geomorphology, wildlife and food. And if you get Kristján as your tour leader, you will be among the luckiest Exodus travellers out there – I’ve done 9 or so Exodus trips and am confident he is one of the best, most knowledgeable, resourceful, responsive, hard-working and entertaining leaders out there.

Most Inspirational Moment

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon - utterly breathtaking. Think of Superman's ice palace, add colour and seals! I had no idea such places exist - so beautiful, one or two of us had a little tear. We were lucky enough to see the aurora borealis on the last night, thanks to the persistence and hard work of our leader Kristján. It was an amazing experience - so much is said of it - but it has a great deal to compete with against the dramatic landscape that is Iceland.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kristján is one of the most knowledgeable, resourceful, responsive, hard-working and entertaining tour leaders out there. He was tireless in ensuring that we all had the greatest time. His enthusiasm for his country and his delight in sharing that knowledge and enthusiasm with travellers is quite infectious! We "tested" him with questions on geomorphology, politics, history, the sagas, women's rights, religion, wildlife, you-name-it, and Kristján rose to the challenge every time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

These days we all look at the weather forecast on the internet - but remember Iceland is very breezy, so the windchill factor is considerable. Take loads of layers (including for legs and feet), a hat with ear flaps (e.g. trapper-style), and an outer windproof and waterproof layer. If you're planning any photography, consider two pairs of gloves (a thin pair you can work in plus an outer pair for additional warmth). To photograph the aurora I'd recommend a tripod, long exposure, wide aperture, cable release / self-timer. Batteries perform poorly in the cold so take spares and keep them in an inner pocket.

Jane Robertson

Reviewed December 2014

Whistle stop tour of Southern Iceland

Great first experience of a group holiday. Couldn’t have asked for a more friendly bunch of people to spend 5 days with. Well organised and we couldn’t possibly have fitted anything else in. There wasn’t even time to look in the visitor shop sometimes – but I coped!

Most Inspirational Moment

Jokulsarlon Lagoon at dusk was wonderful. No Northern Lights :( Will just have to go back!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Organised, very good local knowledge, good sense of humour. He had to re-organise some visits because of the horrible weather we had for a day which left us marooned in our hotel for nearly 24 hours - all part of the adventure! Sometimes I wished we had been given a bit more information on what was happening the next day and what we needed to have with us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was really glad that I arrived a day early (not planned, but as I flew from Edinburgh I had to go Tuesday rather than Wednesday). I was able to spend a day in Reykjavik which wasn't part of the tour - but I think it should be! Take warm trousers and waterproofs! The weather can change in an instant from very cold and sunny to up to 120mph gusts and rain! The first hotel website (Klettur) suggests that the rooms don't all free WiFi but they do.

Reviewed October 2014

Northern Lights - almost

I have no hesitation in deeming this to be an excellent tour. I wanted to see weird and wonderful landscapes. I also wanted to get a glimpse of what it was like for the population to live in such an unusual place. Both curiosities were satisfied.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to pick one moment as each setting is almost jolting. Perhaps the spot where the tectonic plates meet (where the settlers had their annual political talk-fest circa 1000 AD...yes they did!) particularly gripped me. Significant land and political movements in the one spot! Our group experienced it close to end of day so there were less crowds and tour leader gave us a taste of its significance.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Well Kristjan is simply remarkable. He makes tour guiding into an art. You get the information and a taste of the life (in this unusual place) via stories, working knowledge, wit and finely-tuned planning. He also had good antenna for group and individual dynamics.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't assume you will see the Northern Lights with the naked eye. I didn't; however, my fellow travellers vowed and declared they did! Best take a camera cause that's where they most show up; hang around, and don't be too disappointed if you don't see them. There is so much else that is intriguing.

Susan Antonelli

Reviewed July 2014

Warming winter moments

When asked what my favourite part of the trip was this was my response soon after I returned ….”Mine…the spontaneous stop off to chill by the glacial pool in falling light – to capture the sunset en route to the hostel …we saw the Northern lights – so chuffed – Vik, Whow! – homemade tomato soup on the spot where they were grown – all the food. Oh and I missed the pictures of Gulfoss in the books, so imagine my face when I walked to the edge of the path!! Snow, muted crashing rollers on a lava beach, ice, sun -such feast for the senses…then lastly the feel of the lava between the toes in the blue lagoon. Still pinching myself.

Most Inspirational Moment

Gulfoss, because of the above, closely followed by the beach at Vik, with crashing rollers

Thoughts on Group Leader

Clear, concise, there with answers to questions and prepared to go the extra yard to make this short trip to Iceland most memorable. His performance on the line was truely memorable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Layers, lots. It doesn't matter what you look like but you'll only enjoy it if you are warm.

John Heyward

Reviewed July 2014

Iceland Northern Lights

For a short exposure to the spectacular volcanic and glacial scenery of Iceland, and the opportunity dependent on conditions to see the Northern Lights, this Exodus trip takes some beating. As always, weather conditions will influence the experience, but sharing with a small but similarly interested group and a quality guide serve to enhance the enjoyment factor.

Most Inspirational Moment

Enjoying a crisp but clear evening away from all light pollution, therefore a spectacular night sky enhanced by the developing Northern Lights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Flexible and attentive to the needs and comfort of group members, knowledgable and informative, and full of local folklore and amusing anecdotes to fill the quieter moments.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Follow Exodus advice on clothing because it is cold! Be ready for conditions not to be right for the Northern Lights, and if you do see them, expect them to be less colourful than most photographs suggest but be amazed by what the camera sees.

Emmanuelle Rolland

Reviewed April 2014

Beautiful Iceland

Well-thought itinerary that allows you to see the highlights of Iceland in just 5 days with stunning scenery and great activities.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were lucky to see them for one night only, but seeing the Northern Lights is truly magical, especially with Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon as the backdrop. Jokulsarlon black beach is stunning too and glacier walking was amazing. Great photos opportunities, the striking contrast of the black sand and the blue ice at the beach, and the layers of black ashes and blue ice on the glacier.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kristjan is an excellent guide. Landscapes are beautiful, but he also made me interested in the culture and the people. He's very knowledgeable, full of interesting stories, he made sure everything run smoothly and managed to avoid the crowd. He did his best for us to see the Northern Lights depending on the conditions and made various stops en route to take photos.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of layers, I think we were lucky with the weather as it wasn't that cold, but it's better to have more, as it's safe to leave things in the bus. There was still a lot of snow on the ground. Seeing the Northern Lights is hit and miss, sometimes the forecast is promising but you don't see them, sometimes the forecast is not great but you see an amazing show. So when you do, be prepared to stay out late at night in the cold. Also, they can appear a bit dull to the naked eye, they look more greyish than vivid green, but you can still see the strands and the flares and don't get me wrong it's absolutely fantastic. But I would advise to have a DSRL camera with a fast lens (at least F2.8) and a tripod, then with the correct settings, Kristjan will help you, but usually ISO 800, F2.8 at 15 seconds, and the colours will pop on your photos. I truly recommend renting a camera and/or a lens if you don't.

Reviewed January 2014

ICELAND NORTHERN LIGHTS

A packed itinerary that gives you the opportunity to experience a lot that this fantastic country has to offer. Stunning scenery and a fantastic guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing glaciers and ice on the beach - very difficult to describe if you haven't seen it. Breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kristjan was absolutely brilliant from the moment we met him at the airport. He's so passionate and knowledgeable about his country that I've learnt loads about Icelandic culture, geology and history. Nothing is too much trouble for him. Thank you so much!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take LOTS of thermal layers you'll never have enough! You can get soaked at the waterfalls so waterproofs are a must. I could've done with something to cover my face as the windchill is painful without it (especially when it's raining/snowing at the same time). There are a few long drives as other reviews mention but there are many stops to break it up and Kristjan made sure we had lots of opportunities to take photos of the stunning landscape.

Reviewed December 2013

ICELAND NORTHERN LIGHTS

A brilliant trip! Would love to visit Iceland again.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were really lucky to see the Northern Lights on our first night. Wasn't the brightest night but still an experience. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip, particularly enjoyed the morning we got up early to watch the sunrise on the beach and the lagoon full of icebergs. The glacier walking was good fun, something I've not done before. Quite easy to get the hang of but coming back down was a little scary if you're not steady on your feet. Was really interesting going into the lava tube and learning about its formation and the Blue Lagoon is a must. Wish we had more time to spend there!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kristjan is a brilliant group leader. He looked after us really well and was incredibly informative about Iceland, its culture and history. He took us to some lovely restaurants, one which served some every tasty horse steaks. Felt we were in every good hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Layers are definitely the key and waterproof trousers. It got pretty windy at some points and waterproof trousers were essential. Also the right socks, as I found my feet got very cold very quickly even though I was wearing 2 pairs of thermal socks.

Reviewed April 2013

ICELAND NORTHERN LIGHTS

This was probably one of the best holidays that i have been on and a great taster for seeing what Iceland has to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

Where do i begin? There were so many. Iceland is a fantastic place - stunning views of snow covered volcanoes; black sand beaches covered with 'diamonds' of ice decorating the shore and waves crashing in over the Icebergs in the sea; lichen covered fields of lava that seem to go on forever; waterfalls that take your breath away; a truly stunning iceberg lagoon that i could have spent the whole day watching and a walk on a glacier - something i never thought i would experience.Of course the one big reason for going is to see the Northern Lights and i wasn't disappointed. To see them dancing across the sky is a view i will never forget - even if my own photos of the event didn't turn out too well.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Petur was brilliant and really made us all feel so welcome to a country that he obviously loves. His ' No Stress Bus' was well stocked with great snacks to keep us going on our trip in the south of the island. He helped make the trip so special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of warm clothing and layer up to keep the chill out. Iceland can have all seasons in an hour let alone a day so be prepared. You'll need warm gloves for Northern Light watching unless you have ones that you can use your camera with. A good hat that will cover your ears is also very useful.I took both good walking boots for the day and insulated snow boots for the evening when you are standing around and not generating too much heat. One thing i would recommend is if you are a photographer make sure you know exactly how to set up your camera for taking photos at night. There are some good YouTube videos that might help. It's an experience that you won't want to miss and being prepared will make sure you see the lights with your own eyes and not just through the lense of a camera all the time.

Reviewed April 2013

ICELAND NORTHERN LIGHTS

Iceland is an amazing country with some very dramatic scenery. Although a short trip, we packed a lot into the time available. Seeing the Northern Lights (as we did) is undoubtedly a bonus – but even if you don’t get an Aurora sighting, the trip is still very worthwhile.

Most Inspirational Moment

Without doubt the glacier day. We awoke to bright blue skies and sunshine. The walk over the glacier was amazing. Because of the excellent weather conditions, we were able to spend longer on the glacier than usual and also got a lot closer to the glacial lagoon. Next stop was the glacial lagoon from "the tourist side", and then down to the beach to see the icebergs. After an action-packed day, there was just time to pop into the small museum before a sustaining meal. It was then off again in search of the Northern Lights, which we were fortunate to see. A perfect end to a perfect day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Petur was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humour. He was willing "to go the extra mile" to ensure that we got the most out of our relatively short trip. He was full of interesting information and told us lots of tales - we even watched "The Deep" on the Iceland Air flight on the way home, after hearing his story about "a troll".

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take LOTS of warm clothing. Practise with the manual settings on your camera before you go.

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