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
Reviews
Sara Fox
Reviewed September 2024
Epic views and a great challenge - Loved every minute of it!
This is an excellent trek. Definitely a challenging hike as you are either going up or going down – both can be as tough! This tour is definitely worth the challenge though – the scenery is spectacular every day of the hike! Exodus have organised a great trek, with welcomed rest days in between hiking days. The campsites are great – a couple of wild ones with little amenities, however this gives you the opportunity to bath in the rivers to sooth those tired feet!
Most Inspirational Moment
Waking up everyday to see the most beautiful views of the alps and sharing that feeling with other like-minded people - and of course completing the tour!
Thoughts on Group Leader
We were fortunate to have Jeffry as our group leader - He is a very experienced, enthusiastic and inspiring guide who shared his vast knowledge on the geology, flora and fauna of the area. He set a good pace for the group and his guiding was very considerate. He was very caring, adaptable and had a great sense of humour. I loved the morning warm up we did before starting off each day!
Jeffry was assisted in camp with Albert - He would set up camp for us and greet us with biscuits and a hot drink or a cold beer (from his honesty bar) after a long day hiking. We had some great camp meals cooked by Albert - often more favourable than the restaurants! They made a great welcoming team.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Like other reviewers have mentioned - be prepared for long days hiking. We were up and off by 7:30am most days after making lunches and packing up camp - we would arrive at camp between 4-5pm most days. We were very fortunate with the weather in Aug/Sept and only had one day of rain and no snow, however wet weather would definitely add to the challenge. If you are prepared to muck-in around camp every morning & night after a long day then this tour is for you!
That said, I would highly recommend this tour - you will not regret it!
Pauline Rochefort
Reviewed September 2024
Amazing TMB!
Exodus Travel provided excellent trip planning and booking support. They followed up with timely information. A great adventure travel company! The TBM camping trek itself was very demanding but at the same time thrilling and rewarding. I found the ascents and descents to be equally difficult and challenging. My stamina, endurance and physical skills were continuously tested. The panoramas were exquisite and at every twist and turn along the trail, I was surprised by another equally beautiful scene. I completed the trek feeling healthier and stronger.
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving at all summits along the TMB is very inspiring. As I write this review, I have returned home and I find myself constantly reliving each day of the journey. The whole experience has been wonderful. I also enjoyed the activities provided along the trek such as kayaking, swimming, the spa, country village visits etc... We were fortunate to do the trek at the same time as the 2024 edition of the UTMB… it was an exciting time to be in Chamonix. I can’t imagine running on the mountain trails all night as these runners do as part of the UTMB. And so I also walk away very inspired by Adventure Racers.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I really appreciated that Exodus made sure we were supported by an elite International Mountain Leader. Our guide Tim was extraordinary! He had a calm and confident demeanor that was reassuring when we tackled rocky outcrops along the trail, as well as steep climbs and difficult descents. He set a good steady walking pace, and was flexible with members of our group who liked to walk faster and some slower, such as myself. That said I was so happy (and proud) when on the last day I was able to follow the group to the top of that day’s summit without falling behind. Tim was “top-of-class” in terms of his mountaineering knowledge and skills, as well as his ability to pass on information about the local fauna, flora and cultural elements. Tim helped group members when it was difficult, thereby ensuring everyone's success with the TMB. We were also very well supported at camp by Kieron, our Camp Leader and great Chef. He went out of his way to make sure the camp was comfortable and that everyone was provided with a great culinary experience. I liked the mix of camp and restaurants.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Ensure you have trail shoes or boots with a thick sole as there are many sharp rocks. I highly recommend poles, and picking a day pack sack that is not too big and heavy. (ps …Also say yes to paragliding at the end of the trek. Although I suffered from motion sickness, I am very happy to have done it!)
Pauline Rochefort
Reviewed September 2024
Amazing TMB!
Exodus Travel provided excellent trip planning and booking support. They followed up with timely information. A great adventure travel company! The TBM camping trek itself was very demanding but at the same time thrilling and rewarding. I found the ascents and descents to be equally difficult and challenging. My stamina, endurance and physical skills were continuously tested. The panoramas were exquisite and at every twist and turn along the trail, I was surprised by another equally beautiful scene. I completed the trek feeling healthier and stronger.
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving at all summits along the TMB is very inspiring. As I write this review, I have returned home and I find myself constantly reliving each day of the journey. The whole experience has been wonderful. I also enjoyed the activities provided along the trek such as kayaking, swimming, the spa, country village visits etc... We were fortunate to do the trek at the same time as the 2024 edition of the UTMB… it was an exciting time to be in Chamonix. I can’t imagine running on the mountain trails all night as these runners do as part of the UTMB. And so I also walk away very inspired by Adventure Racers.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I really appreciated that Exodus made sure we were supported by an elite International Mountain Leader. Our guide Tim was extraordinary! He had a calm and confident demeanor that was reassuring when we tackled rocky outcrops along the trail, as well as steep climbs and difficult descents. He set a good steady walking pace, and was flexible with members of our group who liked to walk faster and some slower, such as myself. That said I was so happy (and proud) when on the last day I was able to follow the group to the top of that day’s summit without falling behind. Tim was “top-of-class” in terms of his mountaineering knowledge and skills, as well as his ability to pass on information about the local fauna, flora and cultural elements. Tim helped group members when it was difficult, thereby ensuring everyone's success with the TMB. We were also very well supported at camp by Kieron, our Camp Leader and great Chef. He went out of his way to make sure the camp was comfortable and that everyone was provided with a great culinary experience. I liked the mix of camp and restaurant meals.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Ensure you have trail shoes or boots with a thick sole as there are many sharp rocks. I highly recommend poles, and picking a day pack sack that is not too big and heavy. (ps …Also say yes to paragliding at the end of the trek. Although I suffered from motion sickness, I am very happy to have done it!)
Catherine Newbold
Reviewed August 2024
Awesome couple of stunningly challenging weeks.
This trip was a fabulous challenge, hard but very rewarding. We had some big thunderstorms to contend with & a good amount lying snow in July (spikes required). Luckily the sun was out for the big view, high pass days. The scenery was just awesome, stunning mountain vistas, wildflower meadows, pretty villages and much more. A great sense of achievement, Loved it.
Most Inspirational Moment
The trip as a whole was inspiring, you can only be inspired when walking and camping in such an environment. The most inspiring thing though was the kindness of those in our group, including both leaders, heartwarming indeed.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Egle, our trek leader was great. Friendly, supportive, informative and had a great sense of humour (definitely needed with us lot)
Albert, our camp leader was also great. A friendly and very kind soul. Albert keep us fed very well, perfectly preparing us for those big day.
Could not thank them more xx
Advice for Potential Travellers
If your thinking of doing this trip go for it. Camping can be hard at times but also bonds you with the group very quickly and the locations of the camp sites are just stunning. It is a most unforgettable adventure full of breathtaking views and breathtaking ascents.
Michelle Claxton
Reviewed August 2024
So many 'wow' moments!
If you are a seasoned walker not afraid of some big hills, and enjoy seeing spectacular views, then this is the trip for you. Each of the 10 days of walking brought with them different challenges, offset by the amazing views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks. Ably led by our Exodus leader, Maria, the group were encouraged to walk at a sensible pace each day, enabling us to reach our campsite mid-afternoon to enjoy some down time, before doing it all again the next day! Maria was incredibly supportive, checking in on everyone, yet took a sensible and safety-first approach when due to various reasons, people couldn’t walk for a day or so, advising them not to try and to re-join the tour in a day or so. His knowledge of the trails and the area was excellent. The tents and sleeping mats (we hired) were fine for the trip. The tents were roomy enough for 2 and the mats comfortable enough for our weary bodies to get some decent sleep! 2 nights of heavy rain and not a single leak in the tent was also a bonus! The campsites are fine – 2 are very basic with no showers (be prepared for a cold wash!) and only a couple of basic toilets (lots of flies!), but the remainder have showers and often laundry facilities too. The two basic campsites are next to very refreshing rivers so this was also very welcome to cool off!
Maris was assisted in camp by Albert, cooking us some delicious meals and taking into account dietary requirements. Vegetarians were catered for well but as a big meat eater, I did struggle having vegetarian meals for several of the nights. Be warned, Albert loves adding mushrooms to everything!! In Albert’s van he had a fridge with an honesty bar (beer, wine, coke, chocolate) and also an extension lead to charge phones and devices. In the morning, we had to help load our bags and tents plus cooking bits into Albert’s van. If everyone helps it is a 10 minute job.
Walking days were challenging. Some days long and moderate, other days shorter but tough. The hardest day comes near the end of the trip, in my opinion, with 1500m plus of altitude gained! For those of you familiar with Snowdon, this is up the Pyg track twice consecutively, with similar gradients to match the top section! Lots of breaks make the walking and ascents achievable.
Most Inspirational Moment
Aside from finishing the whole trek on the last day after a very long, tiring day with lots of ascent I would have to say just the views! Most days you get a glimpse of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks and the sunrises and sunsets over the mountains are just incredible at the start and end of each day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Maria was great. He was down to earth, took into account everyone's walking abilities and experience and also had a great sense of humour which we noticed more and more as he got to know us during the trip. Considering he had only done a few trips for Exodus, he seemed extremely knowledgeable and it was as if he had been leading TMB trips for many years.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for long days (7-8 hours) and lots of uphills! Do not underestimate the info in the trip notes! Because you have to re-pack your bag every morning to be loaded onto the van, this can be tricky if your sleeping bag had to go into your kit bag first. If possible I would suggest hiring a sleeping bag as others in my group did - they are warm and of good quality, plus they gat transported outside of your kit bag. Your own sleeping bag does not (despite the trip notes info! Hire a sleeping bag to make packing less stressful in the morning!! Bring Euros for the refuges, for drinks and snacks, as not all of them take cards (most do but internet and wifi is patchy). Bring both a European and UK plug for your devices as there were both types in the van and if all the UK ones are full, you can use the European ones - Even better, bring one converter with 2 or more USB ports and everyone will be your friend!
On rest days visit La Contamines for the market - buy some cheese for the evening, then get the bus to Saint Germaine for lunch - it is a lovely town with lots of bars and restaurants. If finances allow, take the cable car from Courmayeur to Pont Helbronner, then buy a ticket (can't buy in advance) to go across to Aiguille du Midi - amazing views of the glaciers and Mont Blanc. As of Aug 24 the complete ride on the two cable cars cost around £80. On the final rest day we went paragliding in Chamonix. Again this is a must do if finances allow and you have a head for heights! Plenty of lovely bars and restaurants in Chamonix too for your last day.
Matthew Wright
Reviewed July 2024
Amazing 2 weeks
This trip was exactly as stated and expected and fulfilled a 10 year plus dream to walk in the Alps. The tents were roomy and provides bedding, comfortable and warm. The location of the camps were spectacular with amazing views and atmosphere. Camp food was plentiful and delicious, perfect for fuelling a full days walking. The arrangement of the trip made complete sense in respect of gauging group ability, easing in, resting up before tough stretches and preparation for the final days.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the high point of Grand Col Ferret and being unexpectedly overcome with emotion.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Maria was a great leader, ensuring group safety, allowing all to walk at their own pace and having a friendly, approachable character, he was fun to be with. Albert as the camp leader was efficient and attentive and creative with meals.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You can probably pack a bit less than you think, 3 f each, max 4 will likely do. Plenty of water available along the routes, charging electrical really was no problem, except 1 site with no electricity supply.
Peter Carne
Reviewed July 2024
Meeting the challenge of the Tour du Mont Blanc
A challenging, but ultimately rewarding trek with awe inspiring views of an amazing and stunningly beautiful mountain landscapes. A real test of fitness on most days. An ability to adapt to testing conditions on each day’s walk and while camping (during heavy thunderstorms at times) definitely needed. However once we had finished, the sense of achievement was just so satisfying. A memorable trip we will never forget.
Most Inspirational Moment
Views of Mont Blanc on good weather days. Meeting the challenge of climbing high peaks and cols. Spending time with friendly and supportive like minded travellers. Multitudes of wildflowers. Great food.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Friendly, interesting and with a good sense of humour. Essential at times!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be fit for several long, hard and challenging days. Be prepared for all weathers. We encountered low lying snow in July, tricky river crossings, overnight thunderstorms and heavy rain. But also brilliant sunshine! Camping not always easy, so a positive attitude and sense of humour useful. But a trip of a lifetime, made even more fulfilling by overcoming all challenges. A real adventure, not to be missed.
Debra Jackson
Reviewed July 2024
TMB - Camping is a great way to do it!
If you like hill walking and fancy an adventure, this has to be on your itinerary!
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many. The scenery is epic! One evening, I fell asleep to the sound of a glacial river and cow bells ringing. Surrounded by snow capped mountains and flower filled meadows. Blissful Zen! Unforgettable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We were very fortunate to be assigned Adrián as our mountain leader. We felt very safe in his capable and experienced hands. He provided an overview each evening on the following day’s route and made sure we understood what equipment and clothing would likely be required for that days walking. His humour, energy and enthusiasm kept us all energised and engaged. All of us finished the TMB feeling a little sad to be saying goodbye.
And, we just as fortunate to be assigned Kieron as our camp leader. Not only was there a delicious 3 course meal every evening but cold beers and a proper Yorkshire tea brew were waiting for us on our return to camp. Kieron is a joy to be around. Always interested in learning about everyone’s day, he went out of his way to look after our group’s varying needs. Kieron has a wealth of experience to call upon if you’d like to know anything about the local area.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Being hill fit will be advantageous. There are some long walks, ascents and descents. Nothing particularly technical but walking poles and spikey crampons (when snow is still lying around) I felt, were worth bringing.
There’s plenty of opportunities to wash and dry clothes so no need to bring too much stuff. The Exodus suggested pack list is useful.
Anne Harding
Reviewed July 2024
A wonderful trip with fabulous views
This ranks as one of my all-time favourite trips. The hiking was sometimes tough, with long ascents and occasional snow traverses, river crossings and snow bridges, but we were rewarded with fabulous, far-reaching views. Opening our tent-flaps in the morning to see snow-topped mountains was breathtaking. Our guide (Adrian) and cook/camp leader (Kieron) were excellent.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many inspiring moments along the way, but reaching the high point on the last day and looking out over the Mont Blanc massif was very special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide (Adrian) was wonderful. He kept us all safe, well-informed and entertained, and created a great spirit of camaderie in our group. Our camp leader/cook (Kieron) was also excellent. The food was delicious and plentiful, and he made sure that tea, coffee, beer and tents were always waiting for us at the end of the day. We couldn’t have had a better team.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get fit before your trip because you will enjoy it more. Don’t be put off by the camping! I think this aspect of the trip helped our group to bond and made the whole experience more enjoyable.
Fraser Harding
Reviewed July 2024
A fantastic two weeks in the Alps
A very well organised and excellently led trek over an iconic alpine route. There are plenty of spectacular views of the Mt. Blanc massif and a good variety of trails from river valleys to forested climbs and from alpine meadows to rocky mountaintop paths.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many inspirational moments and picking one out is difficult. I’d say climbing to the top of Brévent on the final day and seeing the extent of the Mt. Blanc range we’d walked around ranks very high.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Adrian, our group leader, was excellent. He was knowledgeable, providing informative briefings each evening about the next day’s walking. He was great fun and seemed to have an unlimited store of energy and enthusiasm (even when faced with yet another damp start to the day). He looked out for everyone and was supportive to anyone struggling on a particular day.
Kieron, our camp leader, was equally good. He cooked great food, and plenty of it. He was always cheerful and is very knowledgeable about the region and highly experienced. Tents were always set up and waiting for us, whatever the weather. The bar was always well stocked. He went out of his way to ensure any individual catering requests were met.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The trek involves some long days and big ascents and descents so ensure you’re in good shape for up to 8 hours walking with lots of up and down. If you’re unsure about the camping, go for it - it’s good fun. As a camping group we became a very close team, benefiting from the collaboration in camp. Bring good waterproofs and bring a power bank for your electronics.
