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. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...
I never thought I'd enjoy a group, organised holiday but I did. As others have said, the great thing about an Exodus holiday is that you don't have to think about it until you arrive. Everything's organised and everything's good. Looking back, it was actually tremendous value for money too.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Waterfalls, clifftop paths and amazing views - oh and a walk round the rim of Vesuvius - all made this trip memorable. Better was not having those inevitablre arguments when the path forks - a guide means you take the right path every time!
What did you think of your group leader?
Ale was enthusiastic, knowledgable and there when you needed him. Perfect I'd say!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You'll be surprised by how like you the others on the trip will be. Don't worry about it; just do it!
Nicola Bradley
WALKING THE AMALFI COAST
Written
I thought visiting Pompeii and Capri would be the highlight of the trip but for me it was the great walks. I felt hugely fitter after the week's worth of walks and would have been happy to book another the following week but alas I was out of holiday leave.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The best walk was down through the Ferriere National Park to Amalfi, through Autumnal Hobbit forest, magical waterfalls and lemon groves.
What did you think of your group leader?
Jo Payne was a great leader. Her judgment was spot on for the situation. On some of the tricky sections of the walk involving ledges she managed the risky situation very well and was supportive to members of the group, particularly those that suffered from vertigo. At all times however it felt like she was just your mate on holiday with you which is a bit of a trick. She possibly been the best tour leader I have come across with Exodus and I've been on a few of your holidays.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Walking poles would be a great help on this trip as there are a great many steps down from Bomerano to Amalfi and mitigate some of the stress on your knees.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Great week of walking for those that aren't feeling terribly fit but would like to get fitter.
An active, yet relaxing trip to a beautiful corner of Italy with an amazing variety of different walks offering views of coastal cliffs, limestone peaks and gorges, charming seaside towns and some history in the form of the extensive and intricate ruins at Pompeii and Herculaneum as well as a unique visit to one of the world’s most notorious volcanoes.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
All the walks were excellent and different from each other, but the afternoon ascent to the summit of Mount Vesuvius really stood out for me. There were numerous steaming fumaroles illuminated by the setting sun just metres away from the remnants of a snow cornice on the crater rim and extensive views over the Bay of Naples in all directions – stunning!
What did you think of your group leader?
Barbara was friendly, well organised and informative and also allowed all group members to go at their own pace and make the most of any free time on the trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
On the free day, boat trips to Capri aren’t available during winter months so a good option is to visit the Roman ruins of Herculaneum and the clifftop village of Ravello and this was conveniently arranged with the hotel who ran private transfers to each of these sites. The hotel staff are very welcoming and accommodating and did a particularly good job at catering for my meal preferences.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I did this trip over new year and we were incredibly lucky with the weather, but it can be cold at this time of year (early morning frosts on a couple of days and even a dusting of snow on the highest peaks above 1000 metres) – however, winter weather isn’t always perfect in the Mediterranean, so come prepared for cool and potentially wet conditions.
The weather was wonderful (especially considering it was the first week of November),and the scenery spectacular. The walks were well described in the trip notes and were at the level we were expecting (leisurely/moderate). Our guide, Christine, was knowledgable and made sure the week ran very smoothly. The hotel was a very good standard and food was plentiful. All in all a wonderful week and would definately recommend this trip.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I really enjoyed the trips to Pomeii and Herculanium and found these places very moving. I would definately recommend having a guide on these sites so that you can look and listen rather than having to jump aroung a guide book and map (which they had run out of). The weather was excellent for walking, needing a fleece only when starting out. Seeing the rugged coastline was spectacular.
What did you think of your group leader?
Christine was very efficient, knowledgable and helpful, just as we have come to expect of Exodus guides, thank you for making it such a wonderful time.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The thousand(s) of steps down to Amalfi and Positano do take it out on your knees, so poles are very useful.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Having stayed at farm houses previously there was always a pot of tea/coffee when we arrived back from the walks and I missed this at the hotel, but that is the only extremely minor "disappointment" I have with the whole trip.
We stayed an extra night in Naples, and can't say I was that impressed, wouldn't recommend it and certainly will be in no rush what so ever to go back there again.
Gillian Murray
THE AMALFI COAST
Written
This was an enjoyable week, great weather especially for the beginning of November, great food - although sometimes a little too much, good hotel, fab company, good guide and a good mix of walking and site seeing.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Visiting Herculaneum and Pompeii realising how little civilisation has changed in the last 2000 years.
What did you think of your group leader?
Christine was a great group leader and was very considerate to all members of the group. She gave a thorough briefing every evening letting us know exactly what was to come the following day.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The grading of the walking is appropriate and generally speaking there is alot more down than up, just beware there are an awful lot of steps on the day 3 walk into Amalfi and this does take it out of your knees somewhat. Plus be prepared for the bun fight to get on the local bus back from Amalfi, this for me was the low point of the trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I enjoyed the week overall although I was alittle disappointed in this part of Italy, I think this was due to the fact alot of people had said how beautiful the Amalfi coast is and that my expectations were very high. On the other hand the Valle del Ferriero National Park walk and the 'Walk of the Gods' were both lovely walks and Positano although very quiet on the day we were there was beautiful.
On our free day we opted to do the trip that included a visit to Herculaneum and Ravello which I thoroughly enjoyed, managing to fit in visiting both Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufalo in Ravello - we did skip lunch though to fit in both Villas without feeling like we were running between the two.
Wonderful week away in the Amalfi, the walking was varied and interesting with fantastic views. The group leader Christine was passionate about the area and really bought the trip to life. The hotel were great and they couldn't do enough for us, really making the effort to make the trip special and make us feel at home.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
For me i loved the day in Pompeii which was so interesting, the guide was the best investment of the holiday and really bought it to life showing us all the key things and explaining things that you wouldn't even think to ask. Also the walk of the gods on the last day was wonderful with amazing views.
What did you think of your group leader?
Christine was friendly, professional and passionate about her job and the area which really made the holiday. She made the whole holiday very easy and relaxing and was a lot of fun.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The food at the hotel is fantastic so don't worry about going hungry.
On the day off we went to Herculaneum on the hotel arranged trip which was wonderful, we had the same guide as for Pompeii who was excellent and this was a thoroughly interesting trip, would definately recommend.