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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14179 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Arlette Lee
Reviewed October 2024
A special week
A beautiful country.
Most Inspirational Moment
Not on the itinerary (seeing the Royal Opera House) by night. The grand mosque, only our group inside before 9am, I walked in not expecting much looked up, and had a wow moment. The turtle nesting, a starry night by the ocean seeing turtles through the 5 stages, unreal. Very lucky to have seen this at the end of the season. I loved the 4x4 driving to the Canyon and the drive through the date plantations. The last two days, I thought were the best, raw nature at your fingertips. The souk in Nizwa was very chilled, a relaxed experience. The cattle market was an eye opener. The Desert was a bit disappointing, after Wadi Rum, Sossusvlei it didn't do much for me. The hotel was good, yet I thought there would be more to do.
A special week where we enjoyed everything in peace. The six of us, and few other tourists in sight for the majority of the week, because of the fear of travelling to the Middle East and the heat. The Omanis are very welcoming and I felt safe.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Brilliant. Ahmed provided fantastic insight, culture, and personal stories detailing the lifestyle of the Omanis on the trip. Fascinating. Ask questions to find out more. The drivers were great.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Wear linen. You'll be covered up most of the trip. The only people I saw on the trip not appropriately dressed were Brits in strappy dresses! There are signs everywhere about the dress code and respecting the culture, yet this group couldn't manage to put clothes on. Bring a UV umbrella and electric fan if you are not very good with heat. It was 43 degrees for us in September!
A lot of travelling, not much walking on the trip if you are into your fitness. Don't forget your refillable water bottle.
Marie Roth-Bates
Reviewed October 2024
It's Not Just About the Wine
The whole week was fantastic! The walks were beautiful, the group was lovely and gelled well, the wine and food were delicious, the hotel staff was gracious and accommodating, and Jordan (our guide) made the whole experience work!
Most Inspirational Moment
Sitting around during down times or at meal times hearing other people's stories. It was great getting to know the other travelers, laughing and sharing experiences.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jordan was brilliant! He set the tone for the whole week, making it fun and safe. He provided great routes to walk, all sorts of fascinating knowledge, and kept an eye out for the needs of each individual. His passion was evident in his respect and care for the group and the locals.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be willing to be open and engage with the other travelers. It makes a huge difference in the whole experience, even if you are doing this solo.
Michelle Burton
Reviewed October 2024
Varied walks, knowledgeable guide, great overview of Madeira
We had a very enjoyable week in Madeira with our group of 14 and guide Nelio.
We thought the trip worked really well to be able to stay in 4 different locations across the week to really see all parts of Madeira and allow short transfers for each walk. We enjoyed all the walks and liked the variety – coast line, forest, levadas etc.
The biggest disappointment of the week however was not being able to do the main walk of the week on the final day (Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo) – due to a fire in the middle of the walk a few weeks previously, as well as bad weather.
But the alternative walk Nelio took us on (a levada from Fajã da Ovelha finishing with a steep descent on PR19 Caminho Real do Paul do Mar) was a real highlight and finished in the little town of Paul do Mar for beers in the sun and a refreshing swim in the sea.
The walk on day 4 at Queimadas Natural Park (walking along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde) was really interesting and beautiful, but we felt far too busy and quite dangerous. You walk along the narrow ledges of the levada with steep dropoffs, with two-way traffic so you have to keep leaning out over the rope barriers to let others pass. There have been incidents there, and it could do with either making it one-way, or certain times where people go in or come out, so it stops the 2-way traffic which the narrow ledges cannot accomodate and makes progress very slow.
One point that we also felt could improve the trip was the ability to buy/make packed lunches. The first day in Machino we all had to go to the supermarket to buy food for the following day. We all found this difficult as there was little options for easy picnic food. The rest of the week most of us just made a sandwich at breakfast to bring with us.
We thought it would make the trip a lot simpler if the hotels allowed guests to make a small packed lunch at breakfast, or alternatively provide a packed lunch service for a small fee. Apparently Exodus had mentioned to some others in our group that it would be possible to buy prepared packed lunches from hotels.
It was not always practical to go to a supermarket, and they often didnt have appropraite items.
We found all the hotels to be of good quality and enjoyed all our stays.
We loved the pool at Hotel Dom Pedro which we enjoyed on both afternoons. The spa at Hotel O Colmo and Hotel Aqua Natura Bay were great, and it was lovely to be able to use the large pool and facilites at the Pestana Casino for the final few days.
Our favourite hotel of the week however was the Hotel Aqua Natura Bay which was super clean, modern, great facilities, large bedrooms, excellent staff and great location just across the road from the natural pools. The included dinners here were fantastic and beautifully presented.
The transport for the week worked well and although the trip notes mentioned public transport, we had a private mini bus for the whole trip. Although be aware on the trip from Porto Moniz to Funchal, all luggage was stacked up in one big pile at the back of the minibus which made it cramped for the people at the back, and any bags at the bottom of the pile got squashed.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nelio was a very competent guide and was careful to ensure the walks were within the groups capability and always went at a pace to suit everyone. He was very careful on safety and clearly highlighted any areas to be careful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The weather did change a lot during our week so bring layers, waterproofs and suncream!
michael Madden
Reviewed October 2024
Outstanding Tour
Our Wine & Walking tour was superb on many levels; scenery, wine, food and companionship. Notwithstanding, the apex of our endeavor was the non pareil service provided by our guide, Carla Costa. She personifies service, kindness, local knowledge and critical attention to details. She is truly a provider of service above and beyond.
Most Inspirational Moment
Carla, on her own, provided a gracious lunch for us one day after a material hike. This was a most kind and moving gesture.
Thoughts on Group Leader
See above; non pareil.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Ask for Carla; no INSIST ON CARLA!
Sherry Scoular
Reviewed October 2024
Cycle in Itlay
We had a great week in Italy’s Cilento and Amalfi Coast. The group got along well and our guide Paolo was amazing! The coast was busy and roads narrow at some areas but with the confidence and guidance of Paolo we made it thru it all. The views well worth it all!
Most Inspirational Moment
The best day for me was the first day where we cycled all day in hot weather, had an amazing lunch and then ended the day with a boat ride to the blue grotto. The swim in the sea was the perfect way to end a long hot day in the saddle.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Witout Paolo this trip would not have been as amazing as it was. With his guidance, we always felt safe and well looked after. He planned every minute of our day to perfection including adjusting for weather and group preferences. He even booked all our dinners making it so easy for us to relax after our rides knowing we did not have to plan anything. He was truly the best part of the trip!
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip was amazing but be ready for busy roads.
Arthur Evans
Reviewed October 2024
Great trip…could be better
The trip was fantastic and we saw a lot of Morocco.Our support team was great.Could have been even better and more enjoyable with better equipment.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Moha and Yousef were excellent.Very knowledgeable and helpful.They worked overtime fixing bikes and loading bikes on and off the roof of our ( inadequate) support vehicles
Advice for Potential Travellers
The trip was let down with poor quality bikes and support vehicles.The bikes were old and worn and required constant maintenance ( by our great support team) to just keep them going.For a trip with quite challenging riding better bikes are required.The support vehicles were also not good enough.To cram 7 full size adults plus luggage into a Prado 4WD is not on.
Siobhan Hughes
Reviewed October 2024
Amazing trip in a fascinating region
This trip covers so many interesting & beautiful places. Our guide was great & really enthusiastic about showing us so much of both Bosnia & Montenegro and ensuring we had a taste of the history & culture of both countries. The bus rides between destinations were in themselves really interesting passing amazing scenery (with loads of opportunity for pictures) & our guide giving us history along the way. Hotels were nice & in most locations stayed a few nights giving you a chance to get out and see the different towns. It is a varied itinerary with both beautiful & historic towns to explore & mountain walks to enjoy.
Most Inspirational Moment
I really enjoyed Sarajevo with its fascinating history & beautiful culture. Taking the cable car up the mountain and walking back down amongst the old winter Olympic tracks was really amazing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was great - he was enthusiastic & knowledgeable and really wanted us to experience the culture of each place we visited. He had great recommendations for places to eat and things to see when we had free time in the afternoons. Our driver was also lovely. He navigated some very small mountain roads with confidence and he & our group leader were a fun double act!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack for varying weather - some days you will go from sunny coastal towns to cold mountain destinations so layers and wet weather gear is handy
Amy Matts
Reviewed October 2024
Mont Blanc Highlights
Overall a wonderful week.
Jeffrey our hiking guide was the best ever as expressed by experienced group travelers. It was my first group hiking experience and he helped me so much giving so many pointers and encouragement. The Chalet Chocolat was adequate. We had the most spacious room. But the Chalet was tough around the edges and could use some modernization. The meals were overall good. Some dishes were excellent but some not so great. Needed more protein for dinner and a little more variety at breakfast.
Most Inspirational Moment
First and third day hikes.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wonderful. The best ever!
However there was a disagreement with a traveler in our group on the 4 th hike and he pulled out the last day with a sub.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The planning and tour guide and itineraries are wonderful. The accommodations and food are good but definitely not luxurious.
Fae Billinghurst
Reviewed October 2024
A wonderful trip
I would recommend this trip to anyone looking for a great hiking experience on a beautiful safe island in Greece. Our tour guide Cécile was exceptional. She was warm, friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, sharing not only the rich history of Evia but also insights into modern Greek culture and life. The Galaxy Hotel was the perfect setting for this trip. Thank you to the staff who went out of their way to provide the best service I have experienced in a long time.
M B
Reviewed October 2024
Amazing amount of wildlife
Excellent trip with so much wildlife . Elephants , lions , leopard, african wild dogs , hippos, crocs ….the list goes on. Thats without listing all the birds.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing a lions up a tree stealing a leopard kill ( impala)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Kenny and his crew were outstanding . Kenny happy to provide lots of information and explanations , very patient .
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is proper wild camping , some camp sites are unfenced so animals, large and small, will wander through at times. You will get very dusty and putting clean clothes on is pointless. The bush shower is fun but the water needs to be heated first so use it sparingly ( therefore the shower is not available every day ) . Personally found a "dry shower" can ( no water needed) adequate for a day or two - check cyclist shops i.e. muc off dry shower - . Take a Buff/Neck gaiter as you will get dusty when travelling in the truck . Stick to neutral colours when on bush walks , any colour not brown/ green/sand/dark will really stand out and therefore disturb the animals ( or possibly attract them which might be worse ! ) . That includes your day pack but as you will be wearing it and not facing the wildlife it might be OK, the guide and crew will advise.
Lying in bed listening to the wildlife was a different experience , the bush can be quite noisy . Definitely carry a head torch plus possibly a spare as you need to scan area - at night - before leaving your tent. Opportunities to charge batteries are limited , basically a twin USB charger on the truck , so you will have to take turns at whose eqpt can be charged while truck engine running . (Note when viewing wildlife the truck engine is turned off ) .
Overall an amazing trip .
