Reviews

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

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Reviews

Reviewed May 2014

WALKING IN ALBANIA

The holiday is a mixture of walking and cultural sightseeing rather than a purely walking holiday. Albania is a wonderful country, with incredible mountains and superb History. Its tourist industry is only just beginning, meaning that some features (e.g. hotels) were less well developed than in other countries, but there was nothing which caused problems compared with the huge advantage of having people who were proud of their country and who were so keen to make tourists feel welcome. 

Most Inspirational Moment

This has to be the two days' glorious walking in the mountains of the North. The mountains are huge, high, dramatic and virtually free of signs of human habitation for hours on end. We saw a wide range of plants and bird life, but the main excitement was just being up there. The other highlights for me were a marvellous evening being entertained by traditional musicians and dancers after the second long mountain walk - I haven't laughed as much in months - and visiting Berat, a beautiful walled town which is just like walking back in time. It reminded me of Carcassonne but without the tourists - and with significantly more free raki from the most welcoming restaurant owner in Albania. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorien is extremely knowledgeable about Albanian life and History, and is able to tell a story in such a way as to make it sound interesting to anyone. He is willing to talk about almost anything as well as remaining calm and cheerful all week. He was willing to listen to people's requests to alter little things, and is keen to take suggestions to keep improving the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

To get the most out of this holiday, you need to be a keen walker and interested in History, as well as not mind fairly significant bus rides. Most of our group had a walking pole and found it useful. Expect on the best walking days to be climbing continually for several hours as well as doing the same on the descent, over rocky ground. On a different note, we found that we only needed about £80 spending money as so much is included and everything is so relatively cheap. Oh yes, and take a raincoat into the mountains even if the weather is glorious, as it can become an electric thunderstorm in minutes.

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Paul Cartwright

Reviewed May 2014

Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice Ride

What a truly amazing week – stunning landscapes, beautiful historical towns and cities, great food and drink (especially the grappa!), such a lovely friendly group and a wonderful guide.
As this was our first cycling holiday we were rather daunted, when we all met for the initial briefing, that the majority had been on numerous cycling holidays before, many to exotic locations worldwide. We were also surprised at the age range, having been told by Exodus that the median age was around mid 60s, as there were several who were clearly much younger and fitter! However, once we got under way we were very relieved to find how friendly, generous and accommodating our companions were, never complaining at having to wait for some of us to catch up. It was lovely the way everybody made the effort to ride alongside and chat. The first day proved to be one of the toughest. largely due to the headwind as we cycled down the Adige Valley, which in the afternoon turned a level cycle path into the equivalent of a continuous climb! However. it was a real delight to reach our first hotel, right on the edge of the central piazza of Trento, surrounded by beautiful architecture and apparently the best ice cream shop in Italy. After the struggles of the first day the cycling became easier and the group seemed to keep together much more closely, that is apart from the 4km climb as we approached Vicenza.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to pick out just one moment in a week packed with so many. Undoubtedly, just cycling through such amazing landscapes, with snow-capped mountains visible throughout must rate as one of the best parts. Also, wandering through the streets of each of the towns and cities in which we stopped was very magical. As were the many coffee stops, lunches and suppers we had together, particularly on the last night in Venice.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was a fantastic leader, who ensured that everybody had the best possible experience during the week. On the very few occasions when there were problems he was quickly there to deal with them efficiently and with very good humour. His local knowledge and enthusiasm was invaluable, particularly when it came to finding lovely cheap places to eat and drink really great local food and wine. Everybody was clearly in awe of his fearless approach to managing the group and traffic when we came to major roads.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus were very helpful in providing encouragement when we were beginning to have doubts whether we'd bitten of more than we could manage, as well as advance information about the kind of bicycle we would be riding. So getting in touch is always worthwhile. We were extremely lucky with the weather. It only rained once in the centre of Verona, but it was a torrential downpour, so a good range of clothing is essential. Wraparound sunglasses are also a must, not just for the sun but also dust and insects. Some in the group brought their own saddles. We brought gel covers, which worked quite well in conjunction with padded shorts, but even so sitting on the bikes for a whole day was certainly a bit uncomfortable at times. Most of the hotels were good, with some in excellent locations and with terrific views, but at times they were fairly basic. It's worth specifying if you'd prefer twin or double bed accommodation, as most seemed to be rather narrow twin bedded rooms.

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Jenny Rushmore

Reviewed May 2014

Trip of a lifetime

This was my first cycling trip – but it won’t be my last! I had a fabulous time traveling with my friend and 2 other people (a very small group) the past few weeks. The highlights were cycling in Thailand – the roads are fantastic (seriously, they’re better than in the US/UK…) and the countryside is beautiful, and the support team are fun and helpful; then Angkor Wat in Cambodia – just unmissable, and super to be able to experience them on bike; and then cycling down the Mekong Delta in Vietnam – literally hundreds of children running out to say hello, and an amazing variety of sights and smells as you cycle along tiny back roads.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our first day cycling in Vietnam, though tiny villages of people who were just delighted to see us. Totally unforgettable! In addition, Angkor Wat, which makes you feel like Indiana Jones and is just mind blowing

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had Rit - and what a great guy! He was a monk until the age of 25, and told us all about his background and Thai culture which was fantastic (we also benefitted from being such a small group). His organization was flawless - everything was always ready, prepared and on time, so all we had to do was get on the bike and pedal. He was also very funny and genial, which made the whole trip a real pleasure. I can't recommend Rit highly enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

So here are some must-takes and don't-takes! Must take - padded cycling shorts - you would be *even* sorer without these! - cycling gloves - otherwise your hands start going numb..... - lots of sunscreen - cycling/sport sunglasses - we discovered that regular ones don't really work well with your helmet... - hand sanitizer and tissues - about a third of the toilet stops are drop-toilets with no running water... Don't need to take - snacks - even though this is in the packing list, the team goes out and buys crisps, fruit and chocolate bars every night, and they're available every hour when you stop. I ended up not eating the ones I'd brought with me - too many clothes -there are 3 opportunities to wash clothes, so you only need a week of clothes, max - electrolyte powder - again, they have this on the support van, although if you like a particular kind, then definitely bring that You also might consider - a handlebar bag - we brought these, and were glad we did. They gave us instant access to our camera, sunblock, hand sanitizer etc., even between the van stops. However, you can also get into your daypack on the bus during the breaks so it's not something you *have* to have. - I cycled mostly in Tevas (sport sandals) and found it more comfortable and cooler than wearing sneakers.

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Jenny Scotcher

Reviewed May 2014

Atlas Panorama

Fantastic mountain views, great company, plenty of tasty food and a superb guide!

Most Inspirational Moment

I was by no means as fit as I should have been for the steeper parts of the walks, but that made simply completing them inspirational, even if only inspired to come home and get fit for next time! Reaching our summits to look down at the views stretching out below us was brilliant and made me feel so good!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan is just such a lovely man. He answered all our questions - very knowledgeable - and was good-humoured throughout the week, whether guiding us through the mountains or serving us our meals. He could have easily run all of the routes we walked - he was so fit and knew the paths and terrain like the back of his hand - but he kept a relaxed pace in the heat and on the steeper parts, so that even for me (the constantly out-of-breath one!) it was an enjoyable challenge!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget the toilet roll - you will need it at the gite and sun-screen too. There was plenty of refrigerated bottled water to buy at the gite. I know it's recommended to use water tablets to help prevent masses of empty plastic bottles piling up in landfills but I heard other travellers had suffered bad stomachs from treated tap water - treated water is better than no water but it's not guaranteed to keep the bugs at bay. If you are conscious about helping with recycling save some room in your kit bag to bring some plastic home!

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Mandy Riches

Reviewed May 2014

Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice Ride - Excellent Trip

Amazing holiday! A trip full of fantastic cycling, beautiful scenery, an excellent tour leader, a great group of like-minded fellow travellers, lots of laughs, and all that lovely food and wine (guilt free ‘cos you burn it off cycling – yay!)

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspirational moments on this trip that it is hard to pick out one. Every time we turned a corner, there was another great view or some stunning scenery or the lovely Lake Garda. Every time we stopped, there was some great food and wine to be had. We kept thinking it can't get any better - and then it did! We also enjoyed an additional short early morning ride to take in a view over Verona, and the achievement of the 4km hill (day 5 we think), which was easier than we expected it to be - just keep turning those wheels!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was probably the best tour leader we have ever experienced (and we have been on lots of similar types of trips). His knowledge of the area is fantastic, including all the great places to stop for a well earned coffee or lunch, and he certainly goes out of his way to ensure everyone has the best holiday. Not only is he a complete professional, he is great fun to be with. We would recommend him with all our heart (and it was lovely to meet his beautiful family too).

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes were not clear enough about the fact that a pannier and handlebar bag were included so we brought some things we simply did not need (e.g. a bum bag). The pannier was excellent too, large enough for a couple of extra layers of clothing, and so easy to use, take off and carry around when necessary. We would encourage other travellers to check with Exodus as to what to bring (just in case bike hire company changes). When we first saw the bikes, we were a bit dubious, but actually they were great - good gears, tyres, saddle etc, an easy ride, and quite comfortable (although we'd still recommend bringing some chamois cream!)

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Nigel Bradshaw

Reviewed May 2014

Walking the Amalfi Coast

An excellent & varied trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The boat trip from Positano to Amalfi where we saw how far we had walked along the coastline & how much we had descended. Interacting with the local people who were warm, friendly, welcoming & keen to share with us their customs & way of life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suzi was enthusiastic, fun, approachable & well organised. She did little extra things for the group, such as handing out sweets, or surprising us with bottles of prosecco, which made us feel valued. I cant fault her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are a LOT of steps & hills, both ascending & descending, in addition, many steps are large, uneven or both, but that is the price to pay to experience such spectacular scenery. The Amalfi Coast & its coastal towns is both truly beautiful & impossibly romantic. ( & maybe even a little James Bond-like!) Whilst I would recommend a visit to Capri as an option for a free day, the Blue Grotto trip on Capri is definitely NOT worth the 30 Euros it costs & my friends & I felt ripped-off.

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Ross Pezzack

Reviewed May 2014

Not many tigers

Limited sightings of tigers on our trip, the occasional ear in tall grass but over trip one great encounter early one morning only disturbed by multiple trucks running into each other and guides yelling at each other. One other fair sighting from a distance but we had to leave because of closing time. This is not anyone’s fault, but with vehicles limited to roadways, no elephant safaris just be prepared for few tigers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our morning encounter was fabulous. Taj Mahal was very unique as well.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tried hard but trouble finding tigers. Beyond exodus control but mandatory local guide on each safari was generally a waste of time, money (we had to tip, not sure why), and space in vehicles which can be tight. Most local guides just sat there, said very little, took up room.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lots of other wildlife but can be frustrating not to see tigers. Train trip was pretty bad, people in and out of cabin, lights on and off, constant noise, NO privacy with people opening curtains constantly thru night, and then soldiers came on board with guns, took over any empty spaces, kept opening curtains, slept on floor so u could not move.

Reply from Exodus

Tiger sightings throughout last season were generally very good so we are sorry to hear that Ross didn’t see as many tigers as we would have hoped or expected. A local guide is obligatory within the National Parks and Exodus is compelled to follow the rules and regulations of the parks we visit, however we regret that Ross found the guides to be disappointing. We are sorry that there was some disturbance on the train on this occasion; this is not normal and most clients find the opportunity to take an overnight train to be an interesting and rewarding experience.

Katherine Tory – Product Manager for India

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Cathryn Davies

Reviewed May 2014

Something for everyone!

A great trip providing an insight in to the culture of morocco and a wonderful variety of locations.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved being in the mountain village with beautiful views, sunshine and a chance to meet some locals.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Mustapha was efficient and friendly. He always tried to meet our requests and did his best to keep us happy. He was a proud ambassador of his country!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make the most of souk shopping in meknes - it's cheaper, less crowded and you have more time than in any of the other cities.

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Denise Martins

Reviewed May 2014

A great insight into what Jordan has to offer

Jordan is an amazing country with lots of beautiful sights and great experiences to be had. It exceeded my expectations, each day was a new adventure and I enjoyed every minute.

Most Inspirational Moment

2 days in Petra were fantastic, I thoroughly enjoyed the hill walks as the views are incredible. There is much more to it than the Treasury. Snorkelling in the Red Sea was brilliant, this was the first time I have done it and it was beautiful. This is part of the boat trip in Aqaba. Wadi Rum is great, watching the moon, stars, sunset and sunrise is fabulous. A falafel sandwich lunch looking out over the canyon was simply gorgeous. Floating in the Dead Sea and covering myself in Dead Sea mud.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sami was a friendly guy who is passionate about his country and had a lot of knowledge that he wanted to share with the group. I wouldn't do this trip without being part of a tour as it is so rich in history, reading a book isn't enough. There were a couple of birthdays in the group during our trip and Sami made sure that it was a special day, a very nice touch. He was always happy to answer any questions and provided humour each day, Sami made the week a great one.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wet wipes come in very handy for keeping hands & face fresh plus good for cleaning my sandy sandals at the end of the day. Take lots of tissues, as the toilets aren't great. Flip flops for the visit to the Dead Sea, also wore them at the turkish bath and on the boat trip in Aqaba. I felt comfortable wearing trousers that covered my knees and wearing t-shirts with capped sleeves. I only wore a vest top once but this was with a scarf wrapped around my shoulders. I wore sandals the whole trip apart from day 2 in Petra and the day in Wadi Rum when I wore my Converse and they were absolutely fine but everyone else was in walking shoes/boots. Water can be bought everywhere you go but you are given a free small bottle each day by your tour leader. When I went to the Dead Sea I took the bath towel from the Amman hotel with me as we were going back there for a second night. I also took a bikini and swimsuit with me as I didn't know what I would be comfortable wearing, I wore the bikini as others in the group were doing so. This also applied when I went on the boat in Aqaba. Lunches cost about 10 JD, this covers food and a fruit juice. Dinners cost about 12 JD, this covers the food. Juices are 3 JD, a large bottle of water is 2 JD and wine was about 25 JD per bottle. I always tried to have a few 1 JD notes with me for tips for restaurants staff as well as toilet attendants that always expect it. I don't like wearing a sun hat so a scarf did the trick for me when I needed it, also came in handy when in the open top cars taking you to your Wadi Rum camp. I didn't take a sleeping bag or liner for the desert, I slept in my clothes and used my scarf to cover the pillow provided and this worked fine.

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Ruth Adams

Reviewed May 2014

Cannot Recommend This Trip Highly Enough (ACE)

This was a busy trip with some slow relaxing days thrown in during the cruise and on the overnight train journeys- giving us a chance to catch our breath. Because we packed so much in, we saw highlight after highlight. I would highly recommend a trip to China to see a country in the middle of drastic changes- so much vitality is unmistakable.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational trip was likely seeing Tai Chi and dancing in the parks on a constant basis......as for the sightseeing- probably Leshan with the Giant Buddha and the park surrounding it- despite the crowds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kris Cheung was absolutely fabulous as a trip leader- kept her cool, and kept us moving forward......made us feel comfortable, and had a ton of information for us. I really enjoyed travelling with her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the busy periods knowing it will be off-set by the slow periods......throw yourself into the trip, and enjoy the food......I am afraid that is one thing I really miss! Try it all- be adventurous......you only live once!

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