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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167 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Catherine Hocking

Reviewed August 2016

Fantastic Tour du Mont Blanc Camping trip

What a fabulous two weeks walking amidst stunning mountain scenery. We had mostly fantastic weather so the mountain views were spectacular and walking through carpets of alpine flowers in full bloom (end of July/beginning August) and lots of different butterflies made every day special.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was inspirational in different ways but reaching the top of each col provided fantastic mountain views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was undoubtedly the best leader I've had on a trip because he has the perfect combination of experience, leadership, support and sociability. I had knee problems from day 3 but I can't thank John enough for his treatment advice, his ongoing support and his kindness assisting with decisions about managing the problem which enabled me to complete the trek.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As many other reviewers have commented, take poles they're invaluable for the steep descents. Embrace the camping experience; two weeks may sound daunting but the tents were spacious and the whole experience was so much fun. Take a small brolly - it really is useful for the sudden showers/thunderstorms.

Gina Moore

Reviewed August 2016

Fab trip

Two weeks of amazing scenery, mountains, camping, great camp mates and lots of fun. The camping was great, even the rainy evenings, as were the endless games of UNO and cards. The mountains were AMAZING and in my opinion this is a must do trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it really. Each day more great walking, more great views and more great memories

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was our walking guide and he was great. Lots of tips on walking technique for both the novice and experienced walker alike. Great pace throughout and lots of advice on any walking ailments from blisters to sore knees. He also had lots of little 'optional extra walks' up his sleeve, a good sense of humour but not such a great choice in his music!! Claire was our camp manager and she was fabulous. Camp always well set up on arrival with tea and biscuits waiting. Her dinners were absolutely great and exactly what you needed after a long day walking. I have some special dietary requirements and she went out of her way to get me food I could eat and cook a separate dinner for me. She was always helpful and really made the camping experience great. Claire our camp manager was

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles are a MUST even if you have not used them before, you will need them on this trip. Bring with you a sense of humour and sense of adventure and you will be fine and have a great trip.

Joanne Griffiths

Reviewed August 2016

Fabulous!!

All the key elements I look for in a trip …. mountains, hiking, camping, new friends, lots of laugh and tired legs; this trip definitely delivered! Add in some great weather, maybe a little rain, great food, beer, gelato and Uno … an all-round awesome trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Simply spending time in jaw droppingly fabulous scenery ....... at every single turn. Fabulous group of fellow trekkers, so much joy and laughter every day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

John clearly belongs to the school of tour leaders who make it look completely effortless; when it really isn’t. He knew and monitored every ailment, dodgy knee, blister, poor diet and sun burn of our team; but when it came to walking, it was like going out for a hike with a mate. Perfect pace throughout the trek, but providing us with additional challenges along the way. Genuinely fostered a ‘team’ ethos. Legend. Clare: cool, calm, patient and very professional. Without fail she would be at the entrance to our campsite on arrival (us - hot, tired, dirty and hungry) with a smile and clear details about the amenities …. toilets, showers and laundry. Tents would be up, kit bags out of the van, hot water for drinks and biscuit box at the ready …. beer in the ice box! The food she prepared was tasty, nutritious and plentiful. A special mention for the lovely cakes she sourced for my birthday!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Listen and act upon the advice given by your tour leader (how to walk, what to eat, how much to drink, what to pack in your day sack, where to buy the best tart!) and you’ll practically skip up the mountains.

David Davies

Reviewed August 2016

Impressive scenery

A throughly good trip. The reason I haven’t score it higher is my own experience (I became ill part of the trip-not caused by the trip!) meaning I missed some of the walks (fortunately as the region has good transport links I was able to do some optional excursions to make up for the lost walks). I would have scored it as 5 stars otherwise. However from what I saw on the walks I did do the landscape is stunning and the campsites are well placed and comfortable. The group was highly sociable as you expect from most Exodus trips. Any person who likes walking/trekking holidays should do the Tour Du Mount Blanc.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was on one of the walking days I missed; the Aguide Du Midi cable car excursion must be done especially if the weather is great as the views are spectacular. From a walking point of view the best day was when we crossed the Grand Col Ferret; some of the best landscape I have seen. The walk from Les Contamines to Les Houche was also excellent (it is long day but worth doing).

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was the best group leader I have come across in all my previous Exodus run trips. Not only was he highly sociable but he knows his stuff and how to manage and solve issues as they arose. Claire who looked after us at camp and managed the support vehicle was also great. Excellent food was provided.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the trails. I have trekked in many countries and many of the trails weren't as difficult as those on the circuit. Lots of small steps and trust the advice that the guide gives. Under no circumstances don't do this trip without trekking poles. The trip really will wreck your knees if you don't.

Kaz Simmons

Reviewed August 2016

Tentally Brilliant!

Fourteen days of stunning scenery, wonderful friends made, consistently varied walks and terrain, mostly brilliant weather and lots of laughter.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention. I loved all of the walks and in particular the decent into Les Chapieux via the brand new path. Tons of butterflies and marmots to gawp at. The breathtaking view from the Grand Col Ferret, as well as the rewarding scenery at the top of Brevent after the demanding ascent on the last walking day were also favourites. The cable car on day 7 to see the views of Mont Blanc and surroundings were incredible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was amazing - the best mountain leader I've experienced. I learnt so much and the pace he set, particularly for the steep ascents, meant that our legs could withstand the full tour, without too much strain. I personally was pleased to find that I didn't find it as challenging as I thought I would and I think that was mainly due to the 'fairy-steps' approach we used when ascending and descending. He offered extra challenges for those who were keen and I will try and always remember the 'Tent Commandments' - our invaluable group/John-led 'rules' for hiking. He always kept good humour and his knowledge of the mountains, rocks and trees was brilliant. Clare, the campsite leader was so lovely, as was her cooking! Brilliant and creative cooking, as well as huge amounts of patience and composure - especially when the heavens opened frequently during the evenings. John and Clare are a brilliant team and I can't thank them enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Use walking poles. I never had before and I definitely needed them on the descents. Get as fit as you can prior to the trip. Bring lots of Compede just in case. A lightweight umbrella is useful in the campsites. Anti-bac too. If you like to eat protein bars on a hike, bring them from home as they are much more expensive on the tour (as as is Compede). Waterproofs obviously. For me, bringing a map and going over what we'd done every night, was really rewarding. Highlights in camp were the endless games of UNO, Monopololy Deal and other card games. Lots of laughter and camoraderie when the weather wasn't so great.

Theresa Richardson

Reviewed August 2016

Stunning Trip

This is an outstanding trip, with stunning locations and views, which can not be highly recommended enough. The itinerary prepared by Exodus ensured that we got the most out of the trip. For us, the camping enhanced the mountain outdoor experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is a joint review & for me it is impossible to pick one inspirational moment - the whole trip truly was an inspiration. For my husband it was the culmination of the 1500m (4500 feet) ascent from Les Bossons to Brevent (like Where Eagles Dare!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeff was an outstanding leader. He clearly has a passion for everything outdoors. He not only guided but also fully informed you at every opportunity as to the flora, fauna and wildlife - his background in biology came through in the knowledge he was able to impart. He also managed the groups various skill and fitness abilities in a very delicate manner where everyone was made to feel that they had achieved. He was sociable outside of guiding and had a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are of a good level of fitness then this trip will require some effort from you but you will be able to enjoy it to the full. If you fail to prepare then you are preparing to make life very difficult for yourself and you won't get the full benefit of enjoying this amazing trip. Make sure you have good kit to equip you for rain or sunshine. There are washing machines and tumble driers at most of the camp sites so no need to over pack. Be prepared to muck in at mealtimes with preparing/packing away the dining area.

Richard Toller

Reviewed August 2016

TMB - Trekking Made Brilliant

Up with the very best walking/trekking holidays we have done. Two weeks camping, ten days well-paced walking with well-spaced free days. Our group was very mixed but gelled together very well; the weather was very mixed but mostly sunny, often hot – and when the sun didn’t shine and stuff fell out of the sky, we all found there is no such thing as bad weather – the variety just added to the atmosphere. Varied terrain, stunning views and just the right level of challenge.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole thing! The day over Grand Col de Ferret from Switzerland into France when we went up into the cloud and snow and came down into sun and rain (at the same time) may not sound like a highlight but all agreed it was. Cablecars on the first free day to Hellbronner and over the glaciers to Aiguille du Midi - just amazing! Hot chocolate in Bonatti Refuge, ice cream in Courmayeur.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was one of the best walk leaders I've ever had. Perfect pacing, useful tips and local knowledge. His advice on what clothes to take each day, based on weather forecasts, and how much water to carry, was always spot on. Claire moved our stuff and looked after us in camp and was just amazing!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it! It is challenging (I'd rate it a 5 rather than 4) and you need to be fit, but if you aren't quite as fit as you'd hoped, you gain fitness as you go along. The rewards more than match the challenge. Be prepared for any weather.

Julie Sargent

Reviewed August 2016

Tour du Mont Blanc camping trek

The whole trip was really amazing, challenging, scary at times, breathtaking scenery. Loved the camping and the bond with the team it gave. The leader John, was the best leader I have had, he was brilliant, would help any of the group at any time, no matter how big or small the problem. Very knowledgeable, and absolutely a natural at his job, I can’t recommend him enough. Claire the cook and ‘mum’ back at camp was also fantastic, she would always be there to welcome us back, with drinks and snacks and info on the camp site. Always a brilliant three course dinner.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Telepherique from La Palud to Aiguille du Midi was a trip not to be missed, truly amazing. The whole trip for me was just brilliant, with such different scenery, from meadows, woods to snow.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sorry just wrote that info above - brilliant, natural leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit!

Ruth Toller

Reviewed July 2016

Tour of Mont Blanc camping

Wonderful fortnight’s walking in fantastic scenery with excellent guide and support

Most Inspirational Moment

Lac Blanc, going over Grand Col de Ferret in the snow, alternative route from Bonatti hut over Mont de le Saxe, the Bonhomme cold, Le Brevent, the flowers - but really it was nearly all highlights. First rest day took the cable cars from Courmayer to Hellbrunne to Aiguille de Midi on a clear day, an unforgettable experience

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Kept us all organised, gave us tips for easier walking and knowledgeable about the area. Good pace and well spaced breaks. Support in camp also excellent, everything well organised and fed up well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hard work with the long downs being quite hard on the knees but the paths were generally well-graded. Expect anything regarding weather, we had cold nights near freezing and hot days of 30+C.

alexander mcneilly

Reviewed July 2016

Novice camper and walker does the Tour du Mont Blanc

In the process of booking to go to Costa Rica with Exodus ( staying in hotels) my wife saw this itinerary in the brochure. Somehow despite the fact camping is not our thing at all we booked the camping version. I think neither of us wanted to show the other that we couldn’t hack it. After the first couple of days of adjustment (it rained heavily, tired after the first walks, communal wash block etc.) we both really got into the trip. Are we glad we booked this trip? Absolutely! It was out of our comfort zone and we enjoyed it all the more for that. The camaraderie with our fellow campers was excellent. The group leader and also our base camp chef and logistics expert were enthusiastic, engaging and fun. 5 stars from us

Most Inspirational Moment

Personally getting up a 500m ascent in under 55 minutes ( OK I admit I stuck with one of the veteran walkers to help keep me going) and walking in snow and snow flurries. Flowers, views, snow, a decent coffee in Courmayeur! Saying good bye to the group at the airport was surprisingly emotional and it made you realise that actually we had completed this challenge together.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Catered to every ability. Knowledgeable about the geography, flora, fauna and history of Mont Blanc. Spent time teaching us how to walk uphill, downhill and across snow in an efficient manner. Felt that he genuinely wanted to share his passion for the mountains and it wasn't just a job. Our Base camp leader was excellent providing good camp food and plenty of it. They made a good team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My wife and I are over 55 and relatively fit but we didn't follow the recommendation to prepare for the trip by walking at home. We managed but the first couple of days were long. If you are not fit you do need to get in your walking boots and walk at home if nothing else to avoid the risk of blisters on the actual trip.

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