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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14330 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Karin Barter

Reviewed August 2014

Cycling the back roads of Sri Lanka

I’ve done a number of these cycling trips and this was way ‘up’ there compared with some of the others – all of which have been fabulous. It was fairly challenging in that it was hot and a number of roads were ‘under construction’. I almost didn’t go, being recently diagnosed with a condition but am so glad I still went ahead. It helped knowing that the van was behind, just in case.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were quite a number of these, from the beautiful and varied landscapes, the ridiculously friendly and polite people, seeing a leopard, the elephant orphanage and the food. I didn't do the hill climb in the end, due to the rheumatoid arthritis but took the local train up - that was also a fantastic trip being befriended by Sri Lankans and plied with endless gifts and food! Had a great group of travellers too!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh and his team were beyond amazing. Suresh will go out of his way to help in any way he can, including adding in extras that aren't on the trip notes. Always smiling, always friendly, very knowledgeable and passionate about his country and the trip. He will always talk to everyone, getting to know you and making you feel that you matter.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is fairly challenging - mainly due to the roads and the heat (depending on when you go) but it is well doable for the averagely fit person. Take a padded seat and or shorts, good gloves to help with the vibrations on the bad roads and stay hydrated. Wet wipes are also good!

Annemarie Doolan

Reviewed August 2014

Mont Blanc Circuit

This holiday was a first for me in many respects – first group holiday, first trekking holiday and first time camping for more than a night or two. And I can honestly say I would do all of the above again. It was definitely a challenge but an achievable one for anyone with a decent level of fitness combined with a little determination! There is a great sense of achievement from having completed the circuit.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sense of achievement from reaching summits was great together with a fantastic group camaraderie when the weather was not so good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was friendly and helpful. He was very experienced and knew how to judge the overall level of the group without excluding members at either end of the fitness range. His does need to work on his word game skills - we're still waiting on a dessert beginning with Y !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring wet gear and a warm sleeping bag even in the summer months. A head torch is a must (in life in general!). I was a little anxious about camping but it was great! We definitely had a lot more fun than the hotel group doing the same trip. It may not be glamorous but if you're willing to forget about straightening your hair for a couple of weeks, it's the way to go!

Christopher Cano Suckling

Reviewed August 2014

Exodus Cycling Tour - Sri Lanka August 2014

The trip was brilliant; the mixture of cycling and cultural activities showed us the country from a whole other aspect, which many tourists probably don’t get to see. The trip was packed full of activities which fitted around the cycling very well. Integrating into a group was also really fun and we became a strong team after 2 weeks; lovely people. The highlight was our guide, Suresh, and the special efforts he made to make our trip memorable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably just cycling through the countryside and seeing the people; I loved it when the little Sri Lankan boys and girls came running out of their houses shouting 'hello!', 'bye!' and 'how are you?!'. Seeing the real people of the country was a plus; tea stops and wonderfully surreal cafes, excellent street food and off-the-beaten track hotels.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Flawless. Suresh made every effort in referents to our wants an needs. We had amazing food, which he made extra effort for (his cooking demonstration and the street food was a highlight), he excelled in his skills as a communicator and always tried to make us feel comfortable, both on and off the bike. He additionally made little extra efforts to make our trip that bit more special; he had us made personalised templated cards with our photo on, as a souvenir for the trip. He also made us a cake as a reward for our challenging hill ride, with our names on. On our penultimate day I asked if there was anywhere I could get a map because I wanted to note down the route we had taken, and on our last day he gave us all this very map with our route drawn on. What was really refreshing was his clear passion for both his job and country, and I'll never forget it. He would make the effort to explain everything to us whenever we had doubts. He was very kind, generous and friendly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do a little training beforehand, there were some challenging days. Apart from that, I would recommend this to anyone because as I said before it's an amazing and unique way to see a country; you really get to know the country.

Charlotte Charlotte

Reviewed August 2014

Cycling Cuba

A grand tour of the beautiful and fascinating island of Cuba. Colourful characters, stunning scenery and a unique culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

Learning about the fascinating history of this country and the personal commitment and sacrifice made by so many. Cycling through towns and villages, waving to friendly passers by and chatting with the local people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Laz was passionate about his country and totally committed to ensuring we all had the best holiday possible. He organised us marvellously and communicated clearly about each aspect of the trip as we went along so that we all knew what to expect and were able to make the most of our experience. Thank you Laz!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are cycle-fit before you go. That way you will be able to enjoy all the stunning scenery and appreciate every aspect of each village you pass through, waving at passers by with a smile on your face! Learn some Spanish before you go so that you can chat to the locals.

emma atkinson

Reviewed August 2014

Mont Blanc Circuit

A very enjoyable holiday, with great walking, scenery, food and company. Graham’s cooking was exceptional, particularly his ability to cook meat and vegetable options, and rustle things up from seemingly nothing! However, this holiday isn’t for the faint-hearted – the walking is indeed challenging at times, the days are long, and you have to be prepared to contribute to camp tasks (washing up, taking your own tent down etc)

Most Inspirational Moment

There are too many to name just one but if I have to it's completing the final climb to be rewarded with amazing clear views of Mont Blanc.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was a helpful and informative leader with a good knowledge of the mountains and local area. He also knows a lot about trees, but not so much about caterpillars! He had a very good sense of humour and amused us trying to analyse Graham's jokes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking days are long so it is vital that you are fit and a relatively experienced walker. You also need to be able to cope with a variety of terrain - from grassy tracks to rocky and steep ascents/descents, ladder sections, and basic scrambling. However, if you are happy with this you'll have a great time!

Mark and Hilary Carless

Reviewed August 2014

Tropical Island Wanderer - Family

This is a full on trip where you feel like you’ve had a real taste of Sri Lanka. It ticks all the boxes – wildlife, adventure, culture, food, local life and makes you fall in love with a very beautiful country.

Most Inspirational Moment

We thought that cycling around the locality of Sigiraya rock one day and then climbing up it the next was phenomenal. It built everything up and fired the imagination once we were on top of the rock, taking in the tremendous views. We were lucky enough to be in Kandy when the Esala Perahera was on and our wonderful guide, Sujee, arranged seats for us to watch. The significance of this ceremony to the Sri Lankan people and their mass involvement was inspiring. Visiting the spice garden and seeing all the things green and growing that are bottled and dried in the kitchen cupboard at home. The oils and remedies are wonderful too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujee, our group leader, was brilliant. He was full of information, avidly promoted responsible tourism and was always available if we needed anything - or had more questions. He was wonderfully flexible too - helping our group to arrange alternative trips to the usual optional ones. We all loved how he bought us unusual fruits etc from the roadside for us all to try. He was greatly complemented by Nisha, who looked after us excellently too, and Gama, our very, very skilful and safe driver.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Water is provided on the bus so you don't need water bottles. Take lots and lots of high factor sun cream and insect repellent. Hotel standards way exceeded our expectations - so no 'roughing' it! The trip is quite exhausting with lots of travelling so the time on the beach at the end is much appreciated. Opportunities to obtain cash from ATMs are identified by the guide so you can plan withdrawals.

Fiona Fiona

Reviewed August 2014

Fascinating trip and introduction to India

An interesting trip that gives a real flavour of Southern India and its wonderfully warm people and culture, but be prepared for several very long travelling days.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding on an elephant thought the jungle, eating curry off a banana leaf, seeing a hornbill flying through the forest, seeing the children running out to see us in Madjurai and beautiful temple, and walking in the tea plantations. Cookery class with a local family.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely wonderful - Santo was fantastic, going out of his way to plan extra activities, taking us to local places of interest and to eat. He really made the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some long coach travelling days, and make sure you take long trousers and proper walking shoes - there are leeches in the plantations and forests!!

Mark Thomas

Reviewed August 2014

A good quick cycle through Cuba, avoid the crabs !

Cuban Highlights is a good leisurely trip through Cuba. The cycling itself is fun, fairly easy and the views are great, certainly the highlight being when the crabs are crossing the roads and you try to avoid them!

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it up the highest climb with the sun beating down in 35c heat was an inspiration. Along with the locals who always have a band striking up nearby, always do salsa and smoke cigars.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was very informed, knew everyone was funny and kept everyone organised involved.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go, definitely go while the Castro's are in power as without doubt the country will change drastically after that point.

Robert and Jan Nettleton

Reviewed August 2014

Cycling Drakensberg and Kruger

The trip has a blend of cycling and other activities that provides an excellent experience of the landscapes, cultures and wildlife of the parts of South Africa that are visited.

There were only three guests on our trip but we do not doubt that a larger group would have a smilar quality of holiday experience. The level of cycling confidence and fitness in our small group was quite varied, but we were all both stretched and encouraged by the leadership of the tour and all shared a sense of achievment.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wildlife encounters, notably a cheetah walking across our track within 10 metres of our vehicle on our Kruger game drive. Awesome and varied landscapes; exhilerating descents (as well as some long ascents) on the bikes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both group leaders were very experienced and focussed on making each day an excellent experience. They had enthusiasm for cycling, wildlife and the cultures of South Africa that they were glad to share. Tallis' expertise as a safari guide is outstanding. Sifiso kept us extremely well fed with delicious meals and snacks. They make a brilliant team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

August is a great time for this trip because the weather is not too hot and it is dry (hardly any insects!!). Remember it can be cold in the early morning and night, especially in the higher altitude areas.

Elizabeth Hobbs

Reviewed August 2014

Uzbekistan Uncovered

A brilliant tour to a wonderful country. The itinerary is very thorough and gives a comprehensive view of the life, landscapes, and culture of Uzbekistan. Recommended to anyone who likes to see a unique country and travel off the beaten track.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was fascinating! I enjoyed visiting different areas, riding on a camel, wandering through the bazaars, and watch life go by in a tea house. The people are very friendly and welcoming, and the food is a great mixture from Middle Eastern stews to dumplings from the Far East. Most of all though, the architecture is breath-taking and was very inspirational. The tilework, patterns, colours, and wood carvings are beautiful and showcases traditional craftsmanship.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dilshod was an excellent leader - full of information, happy to answer questions, and helpful with arranging our requests. He nearly always had a smile on his face! Our drivers Valenteen and Aziz were also good; getting us safely from A to B on both easy and difficult roads.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to be amazed :) If you travel in the summer months beware of high temperatures from late 30s up into the 40s (but it is do-able and air conditioning is available to help). Pack a torch for the desert camp. Also be prepared to pay small amounts throughout the trip for camera fees and toilet fees.

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