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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

14440 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Irene Murray

Reviewed June 2014

Loved this Trek

We went in March and had the most fabulous weather which added to the joy of this trip. The Wadi Rum is just magical. We found the walks quite leisurely and spent the days gawping at the scenery and chatting to others in the group. The guided trip to the arch of Burdah was more challenging but we had a lot of help and reassurance from our guide, policeman and local staff and there was no pressure to do more than you wanted. The food was good and the tents were basic but comfortable enough. The last day of the trek started with an optional camel ride followed by a short trek then the bus to Petra for a wash and then Petra by night. Petra was a great contrast to the trek and a lovely way to end the week.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery during the days and the stars at night on the trek were spectacular, so it is difficult to pick a moment of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was very welcoming from the start. We learned a lot from him about life in Jordan and had some good stories from him at night around the camp fire. He was very attentive and patient and I felt that he really wanted us to enjoy our trip and appreciate his country. He also had a good sense of humour and got the know the foibles of the group pretty quickly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We found the evenings in March pretty cool, so take some layers, especially for sitting gazing at the stars after dinner. Take plenty of baby wipes, a head torch, something to read and a good first aid bag in case of tummy upsets, blisters etc. It's good to have some open toed sandals for the camp site to give your feet a breather after a long day's trekking. Do the camel ride and the hamman if you can, both were a great giggle. Do your shopping the evening you arrive in Petra town, the shops near the hotel are good and you won't have much time after that unless you miss out a bit of the tour of Petra the next day. It is also worth considering adding a trip of your own to the week to see a bit more of Jordan.

Radhika shah

Reviewed June 2014

fantastic trip, well organised and great guides

the guides ( giovanni and Michaela ) were a fantastic duo who complemented each other well. they ensured that everyone in the group was looked out for. the pit stops of the orange van perched usually on the edge of an amazing vista with fresh fruit and cold water was one of the highlights, again organised by the tag team guiding duo. the cycling was slightly more strenuous than i had envisaged , but with the support of the group and the guides it was a great sense of achievement finishing the trip …

Most Inspirational Moment

the amazing vistas, the beach stops after a hot days cycling, the guides and how the group looked out for each other

Thoughts on Group Leader

they worked fantastically well together, giovanni , the cool, calm type who balanced michaelas energy and between them you always felt safe and secure with their knowledge of the bikes, routes, people, restaurants and accommodation. the trip worked well because of their skills and team work .,

Advice for Potential Travellers

perhaps try and cycle up a hill before you go .. a big one

James Horsfall

Reviewed June 2014

Walking in Albania

An excellent mixture of walking and sightseeing in a country I knew very little about. Theth / Valbona have spectacular Alpine scenery, very green in June but with snow still on the peaks. The people were really friendly, the food was superb (salads, grilled vegetables, aubergines, lamb, and one of the best steaks I’ve ever had – in Kosovo – the Pinot noir there was a bargain too), prices cheap….go before more people discover it !

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking in the north of the country is the highlight and I think Exodus should incorporate an extra night there, miss out Llogara national park which does not really justify the long drive that far south. I enjoyed the sights in Berat, Apollonia and Ardenica but that's enough driving time without going further down to Llogara / Vlore.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dori was indefatigably enthusiastic, knowledgeable and great company, he seemed to know everyone everywhere we went ! Our driver Timo was really helpful too and often came with us into places and on walks

Advice for Potential Travellers

As others have commented, there are some long drives but don't go to Albania without seeing the north. Take euros, they are accepted in many places as well as lek. Forget any preconceptions about the country, it is a very safe country to travel to. Raingear useful, we had storms at some point most days. And read up a bit on the history before you go.

Nick Whitehorn

Reviewed June 2014

Walking Pecos de Europa

This was my first experience of Exodus and was supposed to be with a friend who had to cancel through health issues. I found the group all good company and being a lone traveler was not an issue. The hotel, while small and simple, was comfortable and the hospitality outstanding. No opportunity to cater for every need was missed and the quality of food and service was exceptional. The weather was unseasonable and there were frequent storms but the knowledge and concern of the leader ensured every day was productive, enjoyable and safe as he assessed the likely weather in changeable circumstances and adapted the plan accordingly so not one day was wasted.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the Cares Gorge and seeing at close hand the engineering involved in building the canal/aqueduct to deliver water to the hydroelectric power plant. Walking the Roman mining trail to the isolated village of Bulnes and beyond to the col for lunch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro was outstanding. Not only knowledge of every track and trail in the region, which gave him the ability to vary the daily program to make the most of the weather and ensure we were not left exposed in the electrical storms prevailing at the time but also of all the flora and fauna, thus adding another dimension to the treks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not assume Spain in summer means sun and dry conditions. Take a light waterproof and over trousers and a fleece or sweater as just walking in cloud can be cool and wet. If you want to do the canoeing option (something of a highlight for me) on the free day take a swimming costume and shoes you are happy to get wet. Make sure you are protected against the sun, especially the tops of your feet. I found the waterproof product P20 excellent and it only has to be applied once per day. I noticed P30 and 50 are now available.

Richard Carter

Reviewed June 2014

What a trip

The inca trail has it all, the best views, stunning trails and the most amazing scenery I have ever had the pleasure to visit. The camp sites (days 1-3) are mind blowingly beautiful. The ruins are fantastic and the first view of Machu Picchu permanently imprinted on my brain, amazing!!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the sun gate and gazing upon Machu for the first time, hot and sweaty after a great days trailing. Breathtaking and emotional. Completing some of the trails, tunnels, passes, monkey steps, this trek has it all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar was outstanding!!! Calm, knowledgable, funny and great company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is actually more challenging than you might think. The ascents and descents are steep. The steps, especially the monkey steps, are challenging. So train for it, don't let fitness spoil an amazing trip. Pack light, you need less than you think, but keep a clean set of gear for the last day of the trip. The last day involves a train trip, a morning in Machu and a coach journey back to Cusco. Research and book the restaurants in Cusco, they are excellent, especially Marcello Batata and Ciciollina.

Sue Clarke

Reviewed June 2014

A challenging climb and descent

A good compact trip which was part of my preparation for Kilimanjaro. Good to experience altitude and a variety of walking surfaces from loose scree to climbing over boulders. Also very useful for realising what you might add or omit from your packing list for a bigger trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely making the summit after having trouble with my breathing on the way up.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Not the most sympathetic of leaders. Seemed in a race to get each leg of the trip completed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely get some hill climbs in before doing the trip. Having said that most people had very sore legs afterwards.

Lorraine Martin

Reviewed June 2014

Amazing Trip

Amazing holiday from the Rainforest, Inca Trail and homestay – felt like three holidays in one!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Inca Trail - and in particular day 2. Reaching Dead Woman's Pass was the most difficult and rewarding thing that I've done to date. The sense of achievement and the views made the long, uphill trek worth it. The night skies for all the campsites were amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilfredo was an excellent group leader leaving you with the impression that he really wanted to ensure that everyone had a great experience and he would try and accommodate most requests (he managed to get me a room at a local hotel while we were on the trail!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is quite a full-on trip with some particularly early starts. Others on the trip that I went on booked an extra night in Lima so that they could rest up before the trip starts proper - I'd recommend doing the same. While most of the group that I was with opted for additional nights camping at the end of the Inca Trail - I was very pleased that I opted for a night in a hotel - hot showers, comfy bed - felt well rested for the remainder of the trip. Its an extra cost but I would say go for it. You don't need to bring as much as you think - there are opportunities to do laundry in Cusco. Do think about the different areas you'll be going to and try to organise your bag with the right clothing as there is a fair bit of packing, unpacking and re-packing during the trip. If you want to do any souvenir shopping, there are two opportunities - free day in Cusco (start of trip) and homestay/island visit (end of trip). Try and not spend too much in Cusco as items on sale on the island are pretty good too! WALKING POLES - if you think you won't need them, you will (especially if you are shorter height wise like me!!)

Amanda

Reviewed June 2014

Fab week

A wonderful week in fabulous, varied scenery with walks that always exceeded expectations, with plenty of laughs with a great group of fellow walkers, made all the better by having great weather and an exceptional leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole of the twin summits of Mancondiu walk, a great scramble up a gully to the first peak, a knee trembling ridge walk to the second peak, and a bonus peak later in the day up to San Carlos at 2212m, where we had a amazing 360degree vista, including watching two vultures gliding beneath us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro was a real star, very knowledgable and with a great love of the area. Nothing was too much trouble, this was a challenging week and Alvaro managed to guide us up some tricky routes in a manner that empowered all of us. He managed to engage on a personal level with everyone from day one. Probably the best group leader I've ever walked with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go, the first big reveal of the amazing scenery from the top of our first ridge just carried on getting better each day. Our experience was greatly enhanced by having a group where all the members were physically up to the challenging walks, some of the days were in excess of 9 hours, but the effort to get fit is so worth it.

Kat Burke

Reviewed June 2014

Beautiful........................................

I wasn’t sure what to expect of Romania, but was lured by the wildlife I might see. Romania exceeded my expectations in every way- the scenery, the wildlife, the food, the people.
The Transylvanian countryside is stunning- serene and peaceful, the rural areas were full of flower meadows and woodland. Cows and sheep grazed with shepherds and their dogs, birds sang as the people hand scythed the first hay harvest of the year. There were few cars on the road so the only ambient noise was the birds, the dogs, the cowbells and the church.

Most Inspirational Moment

Two- seeing brown bears in the forest and the sun setting red over the mountains to the rear of the guesthouse

Thoughts on Group Leader

Udo was very knowledgeable about the local area and the flora and fauna. He is also an excellent photographer and did show us some 'off the beaten track' sights we wouldn't have seen without him. Only (very small) minus that he does have a tendency to set a rather brisk pace at times- forgetting that some of us lowland Brit's are unused to mountain hikes!! :-)

Advice for Potential Travellers

The 'moderate' activity guide in the brochure is fair- but it is not an easy moderate! The weather last week was warm (28-30ish) and some of the hills were very steep, both up and down! If unused to mountain walking (like me!) it'll be a good workout- this is not an easy, take-it-at-your-own-pace stroll. Take suncream and a hat if going in the summer. water bottle is essential I found I didn't need too much spending money- except for bear watch (40 euros) and one meal out (about 60 Lei - 15 euros) there were no 'hidden' extras. The only other expenses were drinks at the guesthouse, beer/wine was around 6 Lei (1.5 euros) and tea and coffee about 4 Lei (1 euro). There was shopping time available on one day in Brasov. The duty free at Bucharest airport doesn't take Lei, only euros. However, Lei is taken at the café places at the airport.

JASON POTTS

Reviewed June 2014

INCA TRAIL

Having never been away on my own before or done any trekking, I was a little anxious about what to expect, I am 43 an reasonably fit but was still a little worried, but after meeting the rest of our little gang I relaxed a lot as we were all about the same age and all looked in the same sort of physical fitness and from that moment the whole trip was incredible the organistion, our tour leader, food, porters (one of them was 71 yes 71) and people I was with were all exceptional, It turned into the best thing I have ever done and I loved every minute of it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Its dificult to say the most insiprational moment, from getting to the start and crossing the river to reaching the sun gate there were so many, getting to the top of dead womans pass on day two (which is by far the hardest part of the trip) waking up on day four to be surrounded by snow top mountains and finally reaching the sun gate and seeing Machu Picchu all were pretty amazing but the most inspiration for me came from my fellow travellers we all got on so well from the very start, there was no split at all, for the whole trip we helped and encouraged each other, we ate, drank, laughed ( so much) and on more than one occasion shed a few tears together, we even had a little disco in our dinner tent one night with the music from the phones and the flashing lights from our head torches much to the bewliderment of the other trvellers on our campsite. The whole trip was an incredible, exhilarating and inspirational journey and I feel very very lucky not only to have done the Inca Trail but to have done it with 12 other fabulous people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar who we christened Top Cat and Anthiny (chicken legs) were absolutely first class, their sense of humour, patience and knowledge was amazing and the pride that they clearly have in not only the Inca Trail but also Cusco and the country itself was evident for all of us to see and really enhanced the whole experience. In my opinion they are a credit to Peru and its fantastic culture and Exodus are very lucky to have them both. Also a special mention for Paloma who met us a Lima airport, took us to our hotel and then went out of her way to give us a little tour

Advice for Potential Travellers

Follow the trip notes, DO take at least one walking pole they really help espescially going down hill. buy a poncho (£2) and buy a scarf, there are people selling them just before you start for 8 soles (£2) it will keep the sun of your neck. Bond with your fellow travellers help and encourage each other all the way, don't rush take your time( there were other groups who seemed to think it was a race, surely not the idea) if you feel tired turn around take in the amazing scenery it will inspire you to carry on And most importantly try the pisco sours they are lovely, but dont have more than two or maybe three, or you may end up like one of our group who tried playing musical chairs......... on her own......... with one chair....... and still lost.

Prev 1 … 1,058 1,059 1,060 1,061 1,062 … 1,445 Next