Reviews

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

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14330 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Steve Adams

Reviewed July 2014

Walking the Fjords

The superb walking with plenty of spectacular and varied landscapes along the way would by itself make for great trip, but what makes it special is staying at the guest house at Nes Farm. The accommodation is comfortable, the location is wonderful and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Asbjorn & Mari, are the perfect hosts and together with their staff, work hard to keep their guests happy. They also have a good chef, so the standard of the breakfasts and dinners is excellent.

As a cautionary note, the ‘wow’ factor on this trip may depend on the weather. I’m not sure if we were particularly lucky, as we did have rain on some days, but generally it was only for a short duration and nothing that detracted from the enjoyment of any of the walks. There again, they had just experienced two months without much rain before we arrived, so you never can tell.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed the Molden peak walk the best with its stunning views of the Sognefjord, closely followed by the Vigdal to Navarsete walk in Breheimen National park with its glacial landscapes and changing scenery. Meeting the Norwegians and listening to their stories. Beyond that, just enjoying the serenity of Nes Farm! Taking an early morning swim in the fjord (very cold but just about bearable for a short dip), then relaxing with a coffee in the living room before breakfast. Enjoying a glass of wine or a beer, at the end of a satisfying days' walking or after dinner, while taking in the lovely views over the Lustrafjord. I'm sorry, but I could drone on about this endlessly...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Asbjorn was the guide for the duration of our trip. As well as being an exceptional guide, he's also a lovely man and it was a great pleasure to have met both him and Mari. As you might expect from a former teacher, he was knowledgeable on all matters relating to the trip and good at imparting it with a sense of dry Norwegian humour. The itinerary was tailored to the weather conditions on the day rather than following the order in the trip notes, although to be honest, I wouldn't have put it past him to have fixed the weather for us as well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although the trip is correctly graded as moderate, it does require a reasonable level of fitness to cope with the uphill sections, especially if it gets warm, so read the trip notes and be honest about your own abilities. Be prepared for sun, warm, cold and wet weather. It can get cool in the evenings so a fleece is a good idea, but I don't think that thermals or gaiters are required. Poles can be useful when going over streams or very brief sections on snow, but if you don't normally use them then they are not necessary. I would definitely take eye shields as it hardly get dark at all during the evening. Waterproof boots are are must for crossing very wet ground, snow and streams. If you want to take energy food on the walks, then ask Asbjorn if you can stop at a local supermarket to stock up rather than take it with you. A word on tipping, which does appear to becoming more commonplace in Norway in restaurants and so on. Our group didn't tip Asbjorn as he and Mari own Nes Farm; however, we did take a collection for the staff - this was not expected but was very much appreciated by them.

Dave Shephard

Reviewed July 2014

Mont Blanc Circuit 12th - 26th July

A fantastic experience from start to finish. Long days (8.30am to 5pm) with plenty of breaks, magnificent scenery and great company. Plenty of ascents and descents along the way, forest trails and rocky paths. If you are used to walking in the Scottish / English / Welsh hills then this trip shouldn’t bother you. We had a mixture of participants of differing ages but all were able to keep up easily. The weather was pretty kind to us and we only had a couple of days rain. You won’t regret doing this trip and it will inspire you to do more.

Most Inspirational Moment

There wasn't really one - every day was different and in the early stages each day surpassed the previous one. If you haven't done it before, the fact that you don't know what is round the next corner inspires you to keep walking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John the group leader was superb. A very experienced guide, he was patient with our different walking speeds from the outset and when he got to know us a bit better, gradually let some of us venture out ahead when the conditions allowed. He was eager to impart his local knowledge on us and looked after us conscientiously. Totally trustworthy and a good bloke.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. Pay for your own tent instead of sharing with a stranger - I'm glad I did - you'll need the extra room. 2. Bring a biggish rucksack - mine was a 25L but I could have done with a 35L (to load waterproofs, lunch, etc) 3. All the local walkers wore waterproof ponchos that also covered their rucksacks when it rained. They didn't care what they looked like as long as they stayed dry. If you don't fancy one, make sure your backpack has a cover / liner because when it rains it rains hard. 4. There was no wind on the hills so a portable umbrella would have been useful. 5. Bring lots of easy dry wicking tops - they don't smell even after a few days, are easy to wash and dry and don't crease. 6. Bring two towels - biggest problem with camping is keeping stuff dry and when it is damp it starts to smell. 7. Spare plastic bags to keep stuff dry or put damp stuff in eg Tesco sandwich bags, carrier bags for dirty clothes. 8. Compeed for blisters, spare dry socks, woolly hat and gloves for high climbs in low cloud as it gets cold. 9. I walked in shorts most of the time - it was cooler to walk in shorts when wearing waterproof trousers.

Ann OBrien

Reviewed July 2014

Lovely towns and countryside

This ride visits beautiful cities and villages as well as travelling through lovely countryside especially in the Czech republic. It also gave us a chance to learn more about the remarkable history of the countries we passed through.

Most Inspirational Moment

We just loved all the villages and towns we were able to visit, as well as riding through the National Park in Czech on quiet roads with great company. Inspirational moments included the day we crossed the border into Austria and understanding more of the political history of this part of Europe. We were also lucky to be in Cesky Krumlov for the yearly festival.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jan was excellent. Very enthusiastic and he provided us with much detail and information about the history of the towns and countries we passed through. We were very happy with the way he led the group and was able to relate to us all, as well as finding us the best cherry tree stops.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The last part of the trip is much flatter than the first few days. We had some great coffee and lunch stops during our 11 days. There are lots of beautiful villages and towns to add variety to each day as well as some lovely countryside.

Patricia Bassett

Reviewed July 2014

Satisfying experience

It was a very last minute booking and I was really interested in the cycling. Not that I’m a good cyclist but I thought an active holiday would be fun and expected to see much more of the country passing by at a slow pace.
In reality we went at quite fast pace through the villages – maybe next time a walking holiday!
But the experiences were unforgettable. The landscapes first and foremost, the food, the companionship – everything was a feast for the senses. Most of all the night in Wadi Rum in a Bedouin Camp was unforgettable as was our exploring ‘off the beaten track’ in the vast site of Petra.
Full credit to Exodus for a well run holiday and thanks to our fantastic guide, Danny.
Jordan is one of those places that merits more than one visit. I will be back!

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra, Wadi Rum - hard to decide...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Knowledgable, fun and a great person to be with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can rain and it can even snow in Jordan. It did while we were there. Unlikely you will experience the weather we did, but be prepared!

Gérard Robert

Reviewed July 2014

Land of tiger

This pass march trip in India with Exodus wa our second trip in 6 months in India to see the tigers. And it was magical, and both time our guides where doing every thing ine their control to give us a experience we will remind for ever

Most Inspirational Moment

To see that female tiger in Bandhavgarh Park in a water pound for almost an hour. And in the three parks Pench, Khana & Bandahvgarh where unique place to visit, but most important for me was the contact with local peoples at the resort, in the parks also in the villages near those parks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was a great guide, i was looking after us all the time to make sure the trip was a unforgettable trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a wildlife trip so be open mind to any oportunity you may encounter. And enjoy the contact with Indian peoples and natures

Arthur Norton

Reviewed July 2014

Hidden Treasures of Jordan

A huge amount to see and experience, from museum in Amman with 400,000 year old flint tools and Dead Sea scrolls to as good Roman remains in the vicinity as there are in Rome (where we went a few months before). Trips out from Amman not too long and plenty to see, explore and experience. Quite sobering to see the Golan Heights and later in the trip a Syrian refugee camp in the desert. Travelling south to see the St John the Baptist baptism site and nearly touch Israel across the Jordan, arranged as an extra by our very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide Ali. ‘Sinking’ in the Dead Sea at the beach of our 5* upgrade hotel, plus another addition by Ali of a late afternoon visit to Little Petra. Two days of heat in Petra, setting off early for the climb to the Monastry with the shade temperature of 32C at 0715. Found remains of the oldest purpose built Christian church in the world in Aqaba; not to mention crusader castles, the ‘Promised Land’ lost in the haze, Madaba where we would have liked a bit more time to wander and Wadi Rum. Food different and very good all the way and all the Jordanians we met were very friendly. A diverse and very friendly group made this and excellent trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Monastry at Petra and Al Karak castle with its history, plus an unscheduled visit to a local bakers as a request to see bread being made and to buy some local produce.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ali was always alert to the individual needs of the group and was very willing to arrange what we wanted to do. He was very clear on the schedule and made sure everyone had understood what was happening. He was always approachable and gave us some good insights into the culture of the country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try and keep with the history as it puts all the different sites you visit into context.

Liam Curran

Reviewed July 2014

Cycling from Split to Dubrovnik

Some short / medium distance cycling, up and down hills, surrounded by stunning scenery during the day with wonderful sightseeing, food and drink in the evening.

Most Inspirational Moment

Dubrovnik old town is a stunning place to end the trip and there were loads of pretty villages/towns on the way there. Two places that stood out in particular were Hvar and Korcula. Then of course there is the absolutely amazing coast line in-between. Oh and yes the speed boat to Mljet island and cycling around the lakes. Basically every day was great!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ana was fantastic. She was very friendly and chatty; she knew lots of great places to eat and was really enthusiastic and passionate about her country. One of the best Exodus leaders I’ve met.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whilst the cycling in relatively short each day it is quite steep in places both going up and down hill. Get some practice in! Once you’re at the top of the hill you’ll realise it’s all worth it when you see the amazing views.

Robert Selby

Reviewed July 2014

Essential Peru June 2014

An excellent holiday, well organised, great venues and good company. Recommended to anyone else who wants to see the essential Peru.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to say what was the most inspirational moment of the trip - there were so many. Looking out from a Cessna over the Nasca Lines, the first site of Machu Piccha, Lake Titicaca at sunset, the Flight of the Condors. Impossible to choose but future travellers, you will be inspired.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have been on a number of guide-hosted trips before but this was the first one with Exodus. I can honestly say that our leader Aleks was the best I have ever come across. Nothing was too much trouble, any issues that came up were professionally and promptly dealt with and his recommendations (both trips and eating venues) were always spot on. 10 out of 10 without a doubt.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax and enjoy! You do need to be aware that there will be people trying to sell you things everywhere you go (even at the top of Amantari Island) but nowhere near as bad as Egypt. A polite refusal will normally do the trick and take notice of the advice of your guide as he will let you know the possible pitfalls of buying in some areas and where it is good to buy. The holiday fact sheets warn you of long coach journeys but these are broken by visits to interesting sites and viewpoints with regular food and toilet stops.

James Simmie

Reviewed July 2014

cycling Greece

Great trip. Cycling quite challenging but scenery was spectacular. Guide was delightful. Nothing was too much trouble.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were invited into a family's house for coffee and juice in a little village in the middle of nowhere.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Delightful

Advice for Potential Travellers

Terrific way to see some of the real Greece

Iain Stewart

Reviewed July 2014

Iain, Glasgow

I went on the Picos de Europa trip during the first week of June 2014. On day 1 we were driven to the hotel and pretty much left to our own devices. Then over the next 6 days we had 5 days of trekking with 1 day off in-between for R&R. The walking was challenging but there were no technical difficulties and everyone completed the walks. The scenery every was stunning and we were pretty lucky with the weather. This is apparently the wettest bit of Spain and it did rain on 2 of the 8 days but on every other day it was warm and sunny with excellent visibility. Temperatures generally low 20s C. Warm but not uncomfortable. The hotel is pleasant with very friendly staff and the food is excellent. The hotel bar is good value,, however but there are a number of good bars and restaurants (and touristy shops) in the town of Arenas.

Most Inspirational Moment

The mountain walks very rewarding but for sheer drama it would be hard to beat the Cares Gorge walk. We started on a fairly misty morning so you do not really get a sense of how deep the gorge is. Then as the day progressed the cloud lifted we saw all the cliffs and mountain peaks. The walk itself starts off fairly steeply but this only lasts about 30 minutes and then the rest of the walk is fairly gradual on a good quality mining path. At the top of the gorge is a village where you can have lunch at a café and re-stock. This is by far the longest walk you do and it can get very warm in the gorge but take your time and plenty of water and you will enjoy it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Alvaro was excellent. He is local to the area and not only is he familiar with the routes, he was able to share his considerable knowledge about . It really adds to the general experience. He set a reasonable pace for the group and if we were allowed to go on ourselves he always identified clear points to stop to allow others to catch up.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a good hat and plenty of sun cream as shade is limited and the sun can be strong. On some of the walks there are streams where you can safely drink the water but always check with the guide. I took about 2-2.5 litres a day on the walks.

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