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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13484 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Caroline Bilbrough

Reviewed May 2024

Amazing holiday - poor pre-joining support

The actual holiday was amazing, but the prep support was poor.

Most Inspirational Moment

Great cycling routes & amazing scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alan Skulic was a brilliant guide - calm, supportive & always ready with a smile to lighten the moment. He was very kind & helpful to me, as the slowest member of the group, & he made the experience a pleasure rather than a competition. The driver was also excellent & very organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring your own saddle!

Suggestions

The pre-trip support was disorganised & misleading. Responsibility for my booking moved between 3 people. You actually offered me flight prices significantly higher than those on the BA website - a first from a travel agent! So I booked my own. Despite agreeing a specific meeting point to join the tour (one of 3 options you offered me) this was not confirmed - instead you sent me standard joining instructions which meant I had to phone up on the start day to confirm. 'Yes I can see you've arranged to meet at the port' said your phone support - so why couldn't you confirm that in my final joining instructions? At least say that the joining instructions apply unless you've agreed otherwise.

Jonathan Stephenson

Reviewed May 2024

Beautiful Landscapes and incredible historical sites

A full on trip on the Silk Road , visiting three countries (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan).Former Soviet countries enjoying their independence, but not quite shaking off the influence of this former ruler. The clash of Soviet and Persian culture is fascinating. Travelled through enormous unspoilt landscapes, sometimes mountainous and sometimes vast plains , once a dried up sea 200 million years ago. The iconic Persian buildings of Samarkand and Bukhara were breathtakingly beautiful . There was also great group dynamics . Loved it.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many . Waking up in the mountains in a Yurt and seeing the sun rise. The stunning tomb of Amir Timor in Samarkand. The floodlit Madrassas and Mausoleums in Samarkand. The ancient bath house in Bukhara.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two. Both were extremely knowledgeable, Vitaly in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and Dilshod in Uzbekistan. A good leader helps the trip go well and is so important. No complaints at all with these two excellent leaders

Advice for Potential Travellers

This journey is exciting and well coordinated but is full on so very much an adventure rather than a holiday to rest . Bring a power pack for your phone for the night in the Yurt and also overnight on the train. Bring warm weather and cold weather gear and good walking shoes. debit cards are widely accepted and US Dollars for changing to local currency .

Suggestions

Generally the accommodation and food was good. The train journeys (three including one overnight) were better than expected . Very modern comfortable trains. A good mixed group who got on very well together enhanced the trip .

oren blindell

Reviewed May 2024

Crystal Clear Waters & Awesome walks!

This trip was fast paced, very active and jam packed but stunningly beautiful! I am not sure what i was expecting from Crete but it wasn’t this, this was even better! We got to swim in crystal clear waters, hike the famous Samaria Gorge, as well as visit archaeological sites, it had a bit of everything.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the Samaria Gorge, definitely. It really was stunning!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Enthusiastic and friendly, we visited his home town which he was very excited to show us and very passionate about, it was nice to see a snippet of his home life too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It gets hot, with not a lot of shade on some walks, bring your hat and carry plenty of water - Oh, and also always have your swimmers handy in your bag just in case you get a chance to cool off!

Sarah-Jane Ellis

Reviewed May 2024

I loved my visit to Jordan

I loved my visit to Jordan, I feel enriched by the opportunities offered in this itinerary. To experience some of the grandness of Petra, the timelessness of Wadi Rum and the warm hospitality from hoteliers and local families who cooked delicious food.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved walking into Petra for the first time and sitting on a rock in Wadi Rum late afternoon with my eyes closed feeling the desert.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I feel fortunate that Amer was our group leader, he shared with us his global knowledge and love for his country with passion and a sense of fun. I value the opportunity to learn about the world from a different point of view. He guided our group with clarity, sensitivity and kindness.

Advice for Potential Travellers

GO! It is important to know it is safe and Jordan is so safe, welcoming and inspiring.

Suggestions

Pack your water shoes for any beach experience.

Jo Lisowska

Reviewed May 2024

Hidden gem near Costa Blanca

Really enjoyed this hiking trip. Often travelling to Spain but it was the first time for me to experience Sierra de Aitana. Very close to Costa Blanca but felt secluded and peaceful. Hikes are interesting and varied; not very demanding, but i guess this is more of personal view as all depends on person’s fitness and hiking experience (also the weather could be a factor). We started our week with rainy weather but finished with plenty of sunshine. Paths vary, some have lots of scree and stones, some approaches are very rocky…this variety keeps things interesting. I found some hikes were easier in terms of approach than expected but anyway José was always on hand. Hotel is located away from everything and this provides tranquility and peaceful environment…really enjoyable moments sitting on the terrace after hike soaking up beautiful views. Great service from friendly Raquel (the owner) who prepared our tasty meals and provided us with freshly squeezed orange juice. The sandwich lunches were impressive and this comes from someone who is not a sandwich person – freshly prepared with plenty of variety – very tasty and nutritious.
The highlight – hiking in the company of Bobby (the dog).

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiking Sierra de Serrella (my favourite hike, away from crowds, varied terrain, a bit of scrambling on the top, beautiful views). I also enjoyed Puig de Campana ascent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

José Miguel was very professional, well organised, approachable, upfront about hikes challenges and always on hand.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take hydration bladder (plus water bottle), thermos (if you like hot drinks at hotel /on hikes), hiking poles and plenty of varied layers; even at the beginning of May the weather was rapidly changing from rain / cold at the start of the week to rather hot weather on the final ascent. Note that there is no nearby shop, the closest village is about 1hrs walk or you need a taxi to get there. You can buy some local products at hotel - honey, olive oil, chocolate etc.

Chitra Ganesan

Reviewed May 2024

A beautiful country.

A wonderful walking holiday in a beautiful part of the world. The highlight for me will always be the castles. Spectacular location and amazing views. Our guide Gizer was amazing and gave us a wonderful overview of North Cyprus.
Very centrally located accommodation with easy access to the charming centre of Kyrenia.

Most Inspirational Moment

The castles and the views from the top.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gizer was very helpful and a font of knowledge.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Generally an amazing holiday. However, I wouldn't call the two walks listed as "moderate" moderate. They are serious hikes and I thoroughly enjoyed walking them. But some may actually find it "strenuous". Also, if you have a problem with heights, the castles are not for you. I just loved them!

Suggestions

My only complaint was the serious mix up with the vegetarian packed lunches. I'm not sure why it was so confusing and very average. I would have been quite happy to buy my own packed lunch.

Anthony Turner

Reviewed May 2024

Hotter Than The Sun

Good points about my trip:
The local organisation was very good. Our guide ‘G’ and the support staff provided an excellent service.
With the exception of Whale Island and the overnight trail, the trip accommodation was excellent.
Varied landscapes with a good mix of beaches, rice paddies and mountains.
The equipment provided was of a good quality and well maintained, with very few mechanical issues for the group.

Bad points about my trip:
The trip notes did warn that ‘The weather will be hot and humid throughout’, but the heat and humidity was of another level, with 35-40 degrees c each day. Do not go on this trip unless you can tolerate cycling in extreme heat.
90% of the roads used were busy, with significant traffic. Drivers in Vietnam are very considerate, but you need to be confident riding in busy traffic to go on this trip. The lack of quiet back roads was a real disappointment.
I have travelled in Thailand, Malaysia and Laos and in comparison the food in Vietnam was rather disappointing, being generally bland and reparative. As a vegetarian option were limited and I would strongly challenge the guidance from Exodus that ‘Vegetarians are well catered for’. If you are a vegetarian or vegan I do not recommend this trip.
Overall the service from Malaysia Airlines was very poor, with an 11 hour delay to the group flight from Kuala Lumpur to London. Service on both flights from KUL to LHR was also poor. I recommend that you arrange your own flights to avoid Malaysia Airlines.

Overall: An interesting time to visit Vietnam considering the rapid pace of change. However I cannot recommend this cycling holiday due to the extreme heat and busy roads. If you want to visit Vietnam with Exodus I recommend you book onto ‘Vietnam Adventure’ or ‘Trails of Vietnam’.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycle through Bidoup National Park

Thoughts on Group Leader

The local organisation was very good. Our guide ‘G’ and the support staff provided an excellent service.

Advice for Potential Travellers

What to take recommendations: If you use SPD pedals I strongly recommend bringing them with you. Walking whilst in cycling shoes was very limited. The UV throughout was extremely strong, where due to the high levels of perspiration it was very difficult to reapply sun block. I therefore strongly recommend bringing with you a set of light coloured thin arm warmers to keep the sun off your arms whilst cycling and a long sleeved swimming top. There are sea urchins on a number of beaches. You therefore may want to bring a pair of beach shoes.

Fiona Kaplan

Reviewed May 2024

Fabulous first walking holiday!

This trip exceeded my expectations in both the excellent organisation and expert talks by Ioana and the wide range of activities around walking, sightseeing, free time and gastronomy! 💚

Most Inspirational Moment

First view of Matera town across the ravine

Thoughts on Group Leader

Perfect! Ioana has the ideal mix of careful attention to detail, awareness of different individual needs and preferences, ability to bring the history and culture of the region to life, lovely sense of humour and complete unflappability. 10/10.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring layers you can peel off as you walk if it is a hot day; bring a serious sunhat with brim and UV protection; something to cover shoulders; strong boots or trail shoes for support on any uneven ground; large water bottle.

Suggestions

Superb local specialities available, both food and wine, do not miss these! No formal clothes required for restaurants, I managed with just one carry-on case.

Louisa Chowen

Reviewed May 2024

Spectacular

One of the most beautiful places I’ve been from the turquoise blue mosaics and the hand crafted embroidery and silks to the art deco style space metro station and Soviet constructivist sculptures

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tahir was kind, knowledgeable and consistently there for us whether it was endlessly changing money from one currency to another or patiently waiting for one or other of us, his recommendations of where to eat and what to eat, moving is between local eateries to internal flights and local trains and finally using his contacts to reclaim my coat after I left it on the last day in the train station hundreds of miles from Tashkent ~ a remarkable human being