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Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers  

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Reviews

Very enjoyable and relaxing level 4 walking trip, spring a good time to go

I really enjoyed this week, Activity level 4 in Early May.

Cortijo Rosario, where we stayed is in a lovely position, perched above Algámitas/ looking across to two large peaks, with a pool (which was warm enough for me to swim later in the week), nice flowers at this time of year and swallows nesting on the way in chittering and swooping around the way in.
I was in room 5, very comfortable as a single person in a twin; facing east-ish so nice for sunrise. Bed was comfortable for me, en-suite with shower, shutters worked, small safe, clean.
Information in room has little in apart from a nice history and safe place instructions. Needs more work; add emergency night time contact (no staff at nighttime which works well, though I wondered what to do if emergency lighting which came to the on once stayed on longer) for instance. Everything else was clearly gone through and the next days info on a whiteboard. Selection of teas, coffees and biscuits were perfect for my needs in the bar area. Dinner inside some nights, outside on others (sometimes need extra layers for those nights). All staff friendly, made us feel welcome.

Activity level 4 has a busy schedule which I liked, lots to do and see; I didn’t use much of the other downstairs communal facilities, though noted games, books, and spare poles for instance. I enjoyed every day, even rain pouring out of first floor pipes in town the first day (Nb unfortunately lots of rain damage to the roads from the past few months storms; did make for a lush green landscape).
Each day is different, a variety of walks/ activities, the two local peaks the first two days, both worth doing, even in some fog on day 2, I still enjoyed the wide variety of wildflowers in early May (spotted more than 30 different ones), bird calls, and butterflies (spotted around 9 different ones). Then we did a meadows, monastery, valley, and the lovely Setinel destination walk, seeing eagles, vultures, mulberries, croaking frogs/ toads, and what looked like it could have been a nightingale perched in front of me briefly.
Worth the 3 hours travel going to/ from Seville on the day off; I liked getting lost in the numerous narrow winding streets, the view of the round tower from a bridge, and the Alcazar that was a nice peaceful end to the day ( Nb buy tickets well in advance if you can navigate the online payments system); I ran out of time for the cathedral and to try out at the recommended restaurant. Also if day 5 gorge tickets are early enough, I can also recommend the 3 hours in Ronda extra; I enjoyed an online trail I found, my favourite was the steep walk down and back up to see the new bridge from a ruined house just above the waterfalls, below the sheer cliffs, which is free ( you also get a good view of what looks like cliff arch); there are many paid for alternatives to what I did; and again I ran out of time.
The gorge wall walk is fun and not scary for me, though busy at times; nb I have a fear of edges with long sheer drops and this didn’t at all trigger me. The last walk is a crags and meadows walk around an hour away; again eagles and vultures, some closer this time; also wild black pigs and a couple of black shapes gliding down in front of me escaping an eagle, and some apricot shaped almonds near the town.
I was really happy with each day and wouldn’t have changed anything except the fog on the top of Pennon crag.
It was a group of 10; all nice, friendly people.

In comparison with the Sierra de Aitana walk I did last fall, this was easier, walked at a comfortable pace for me, with plenty of time for me to look at the things that caught my eye, though each day was further/ longer time out, about 25% more steps, though less difficult climbs/ descents and a lot less slippy. There was much more driving this time. There was less flexibility, using hired mini-buses mostly, not their own, therefore need to stick to the advertised schedule. Food much more refined, veggie meals looked much better/ more varied , though probably food much less authentic. Overall I enjoyed them equally and recommend doing both as different enough from each other.

And I managed to navigate the new EU system, though needed to register again going back home, in plenty of time for the flight.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed all the locality, the activities, the wildlife/ fauna, and the hotel, there wasn't one outstanding moment for me however.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter was an informative and relaxed guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Didn’t read any of the book I brought with me in case of time to fill. Even if the walking was easier I still wore my walking boots each day. If you have lots of energy like me, do all the trips offered, including Seville and Ronda, and have some swims if warm enough. Spend time pausing and looking around, there's lots to see. If flying with Jet2, unless you pay more, you get random seats, their planes did seem even slightly more cramped than even Easyjet.

Amazing experience

It was a well planned and executed trip. All the details were taken care of. We really enjoyed it even though my daughter before the trip had food poisoning. She was taken care of by everyone specially Dinish and Tomaz.

Most Inspirational Moment

Biking along the Atlantic and beautiful views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dinish was really amazing with the right temperament and leadership qualities needed to lead a group of 14 individuals with different needs . He motivated us to keep biking and giving the best. We would love to do more tours with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Training for this bike ride is important or else go with ebike option

Amazing experience

It was a well planned and executed trip. All the details were taken care of. We really enjoyed it even though my daughter before the trip had food poisoning. She was taken care of by everyone specially Dinish and Tomaz.

Most Inspirational Moment

Biking along the Atlantic and beautiful views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dinish was really amazing with the right temperament and leadership qualities needed to lead a group of 14 individuals with different needs . He motivated us to keep biking and giving the best. We would love to do more tours with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Training for this bike ride is important or else go with ebike option

The most authentic experiences with inspirational locals giving a genuine insight to Tuscan life

As an Exodus staff member (Senior Product Manager), I’ve been lucky enough to travel on quite a few trips, but this one really stuck with me. In just a week, I met some of the most passionate, larger-than-life people I’ve come across in a long time.
What I loved most were the Signature experiences. Every one of them felt genuinely personal. We weren’t just passing through, we were welcomed into family-run businesses, spending time with the owners, hearing their stories, and seeing traditions that have been passed down for generations. You could feel how much it meant to them, and honestly, it was pretty infectious. It even made me stop and think about my own lifestyle.
Tuscany is, of course, beautiful and full of incredible history, but what surprised me most was how much the people shaped the trip. Getting that kind of access into their lives, and knowing you’re supporting something sustainable for the future, made it feel far more meaningful than I expected.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a few but I think meeting Sandra, the owner of Podere Il Casale (day 6) and hearing how she ended up with a dilapidated farm in the early '90s and built it to a successful ethical and sustainable business with her family that we find today. She was a brilliant character who had the whole group laughing throughout our tour at her stories. Aside from the jokes, it was probably the most thought provoking in terms of how we source our food and the lifestyles we lead. Also, special mention for the lunch her team prepared, all sourced from her farm, including the meats, cheeses, oils and wines (of course)!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ambra was excellent, she got the measure of our group quickly, where our interests were and tailored her insights and guidance through the trip to keep us engaged and curious for more. At times, we tended to chat over meals probably for longer than the itinerary schedule allowed, just enjoying the food and ambiance but Ambra managed our time so we had those moments to relax and not rush through the whole trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a fair amount of walking up stone steps and around hilly medieval towns. A good level of mobility and stamina is required on some days, particularly when we visit Siena and Volterra. Sensible, comfortable shoes for walking around are essential. I travelled in early May and the weather wasn't ideal, we had a couple of very rainy days and in the Tuscan hills it could be chilly. When it was sunny, it was glorious but I'd recommend travelling with an umbrella in case of showers and some warmer layers for departures earlier in the season (Jan-May).

Outstanding Trip with an Outstanding Guide

I cannot praise this trip highly enough. An amazing and overwhelming historical and cultural experience. Well organised and well-curated with a great selection of accommodation and transport.

Most Inspirational Moment

Trip to the brand new GEM (Grand Egyptian museum), the best museum I have ever visited. Trip to the Pyramid at Saqqara where we were the only group. The tomb of Ramesses V and VI in the Valley of the Kings, the Felucca boat ride and sitting on the top deck of our Nile cruise watching the world pass by.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were very lucky to have our Guide Muhammed S who was outstanding. Personally, Muhammed made the trip for me. He was not only exceptionally knowledgable about Egyptian history and culture but was also caring, proactive, organised , funny, respectful, generous and interesting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is the trip for you if you are interested in Egyptian history and culture. It is carefully curated and packed with trips and activities. While there are opportunities to relax at the hotels and on the cruise boat, I recommend booking a few days in Hurghada or Sharm if you also need a 'holiday' (I stayed in Hurghada for 4 days before the trip started which was perfect and also organised as an extra by Exodus).

Fantastic trip in Vietnam!

This was a really incredible trip! From North to South you get to see the ins-and-outs of this beautiful country, the beautiful sights, the friendly people and the tasty food! I feel that it was the perfect duration for the locations visited – I didn’t feel rushed on any days but also don’t feel that we were roaming around aimlessly at any point! Just an action packed trip from start to finish and one that I would definitely recommend to anyone who is thinking about going for it… you won’t regret it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspiring moment for me was the home-stay visit at Xom Chien village. It's a very tranquil stay, you are right in the beautiful country side and rice fields, and are welcomed and hosted by the very friendly community in this village. The locals are very generous and friendly and are excited to welcome you to their home. This homestay being right near the start of the trip is a very good bit of trip planning as it allows you to slow down, take in the scenery and the culture and really unwind and start your holiday in a refreshed mind state.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Toan was an amazing guide! He was fun, friendly, funny and knew just about everything there was to know about his country! He provided such a deep knowledge on the history and culture of the areas we passed through and also helped us to learn some of the local language to help us communicate with the locals better. Just a really great guide to spend your 2 weeks with!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Depending on what time of the year you travel, bring fewer/lighter clothes than you're planning, it's hotter than I expected! Also bring some thin but warm layers for the overnight train. I personally didn't get very cold, but some of my fellow travelers were quite cold through the night.

Amazing

Great week discovering mountains of Tuscany
Accommodation was great; going back in time, with comfort. Food outstanding.
A family atmosphere all around.
Great hikes, some more difficult, but it was all detailed in notes.
Loved the Medieval walled city of Lucca, on day off.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day hike to Monte Prado Views all the way up, and all around

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was outstanding; a machine of a guide! Including everyone, encouraging all hikers to do their best. Her pride and knowledge of the area is obvious. Very involved with all meals. Great sense of humour. Would go back in a minute. A wonderfully kind human A gem for Exodus

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to read notes with hike elevation; as stated, bring layers for summit. Fell in love with the local “ Farro” grains, brought some back home

An Unforgettable Cultural Journey

The trip was a wonderful experience from start to finish. Every temple and shrine had its own atmosphere and charm, many set amongst peaceful gardens and wooded areas. Although the cherry blossom season was nearing its end, there were still plenty of blossoms and colourful flowers adding to the beauty of the scenery. Everything felt incredibly clean, efficient, and well organised — from the punctual trains to the welcoming hotels. The food was excellent throughout the trip, and the kindness and politeness of the people made the experience even more enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Duke was an excellent leader — knowledgeable, thoughtful, well organised, and always helpful. He took time to understand what each of us wanted from the trip, from experiences and food to shopping and sightseeing. He was patient throughout and even helped with plans beyond the group tour. I really appreciated all the effort he put into making the trip so enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be open to trying local food and experiences — some of the unexpected moments were the most memorable.

very good

excellent apart from tabin wildlife park didnt see anything

Most Inspirational Moment

loved kinabatangan

Thoughts on Group Leader

both guides excellent

Sun, sea, sand, gardens and woodlands - a wonderful walking holiday in the Algarve

This was a wonderful late April holiday in Portugal, my first with Exodus. The itinerary and accommodation were first class. Everything was so well organised and very diverse, the walking covering beautiful countryside and woodland as well as stunning coastal paths. As it was Springtime everything seemed to be in full bloom which was an added delight. As a group of eight coming together for the first time we gelled well together and enjoyed some wonderful walks, meals and activities together. The friendly, gracious and careful way in which our group leader Inês managed the tour was admirable. The additional activities and learning about flora, fauna, and Portuguese customs were perfect additions to the holiday. The bread baking, olives, ceramics, wine and an artisan olive oil producer provided a holistic and rounded experience of the Algarve for us all.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first wonderfully spectacular views of the sea and coastline from the rugged coastal paths

Thoughts on Group Leader

Inês was a friendly, kind and thoughtful leader, passionate about the Algarve. She was very well-organized, hard-working and kept everything running smoothly. She was positive, careful, flexible and very patient and adapted to our various strengths and weaknesses. None of us were aware, until she advised us at the end of the week, that this was her first time working solo with a group. We would not have known! Nothing seemed to be too much for Inês, including accompanying me to the pharmacy when I needed this. I’m very grateful indeed that she was our guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather was ideal for walking, mostly not too hot and only a brush with rain. Shoes or boots with a good grip are necessary for some parts of the coastal and other paths. Also walking poles might be a good addition too. As others have said (and I should have listened!) leave some space in your luggage for wine, pottery, olive oil and gifts.