Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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I loved the hikes on this trip, especially the gorge walk and the hike on day 6. Really enjoyed the week in the mountains with our group and spending the week in Arenas de Cabrales. Most hikes we did not see anyone so it was nice feeling we had the trails to ourselves. The gorge walk is very popular so there are other hikers, but it is a long walk so did not feel crowded. Really impressed with the hikes on the itinerary. I feel I could not do these hikes on my own and find some of these trails so being with an experienced guide with Exodus was the way to go.
Most Inspirational Moment
Getting to the top on the mountain on the hike on day 6 and enjoying lunch with the group on the top of the mountain! This was my favorite hike on the trip. We were lucky with nice weather and clear skies to fully enjoy the day and get the best photos. You get the best views of the Picos on this day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We were lucky with three guides on our departure. Alvaro, Alex, and Adrian did an excellent job leading our group on the trails. Some parts were not the easiest and they helped us. They also gave excellent tips throughout the week in improving my hiking. And I enjoyed getting to know them for the week.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring a camera! You will get the best photos of the mountains here.
Very well organised, great itinerary and outstanding guide. Inclusive food was excellent and plentiful. Transport (bus and driver) were excellent.
Most Inspirational Moment
Stalin museum. Stay in Marco Polo hotel in the Caucasus near to the Russian border. The wonderful scenery. The guide's knowledge and insight into the culture and history of Georgia.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mariam was very well organised. She had obviously given much thought to the trip, preparing resources that were appropriate to the places we visited such as photos and other items for presentation to the group. She was very knowledgeable as far as the history, culture and current affairs of Georgia were concerned and was able to answer all questions very well.
The hike on day 6! We had the best weather, best views, and good terrain. Also the white water kayaking on the free day was memorable!
Thoughts on Group Leader
We were lucky with three guides on our departure. Alvaro, Alex, and Adrian did an excellent job leading our group on the trails. Some parts were not the easiest and they helped us. They also gave excellent tips throughout the week in improving my hiking. And I enjoyed getting to know them for the week.
A fantastic (but challenging!) week in the beautiful mountains of Transylvania
Transylvania is a fantastic destination for hiking with stunning scenery, fabulous views, and so many wildflowers.
The areas we hiked in felt remote and unspoilt. We saw very few hikers on the routes we took and even had one of the mountain huts to ourselves.
As some of the other reviews say, this is a challenging week and requires a good head for heights (some parts are very exposed) and a good level of fitness. The days are long (8-10 hours of walking on the first three days, 6 hours on the last three days as the walks were cut short to avoid afternoon storms) which means little ‘down time’. The terrain is varied (rocks and scree, pastures, meadows, forests).
A significant amount of scrambling is required the first three days, and in particular the third when heading up to La Om. The other days don’t require scrambling but are still demanding in terms of the terrain and elevation gain/loss.
Two nights are spent in simple huts, with basic facilities (outside drop toilets), but the location of Cabana Malaiesti is spectacular as well worth it.
Most Inspirational Moment
The hike and then the long section of scrambling up to La Om peak - a real sense of achievement.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sebi was great - friendly and patient. He paced the group well, and focused at all times on our safety when we were hiking and scrambling. On the more challenging days, Sebi was supported by a second leader, Leo.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for the challenging nature of the trip and just go for it!
This was our second Exodus holiday. Excellent choice of walking/hiking destinations, helpful and reliable guidance for walking/hiking, good communication throughout, brilliant guide, excellent accommodation.
Most Inspirational Moment
The big highlight was a sense of immersion in the mountains and the scenery. The hikes were brilliantly selected and guided to get maximum experience of the mountains. The hotel was fabulous and extremely comfortable to return to after hiking.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thomas was very engaged with the group, had genuine passion for his local area and its history that he shared with enthusiasm. He was clearly technically a skilled hiker and we felt safe with his guidance. He was very skilled at leading a diverse group and generating a positive group dynamic. He gave a clear impression of having passion and commitment for his job.
I travelled as a Exodus staff member – this was fantastic trip that showcased a diverse side of Japan beyond the major cities. The itinerary was well balanced, the food was incredible, and every destination offered something unique. Highlights included staying in a traditional guesthouse in Nikko, relaxing in a private onsen, and visiting places like Gion and Miyajima. Highly recommended.
Most Inspirational Moment
Staying in the traditional guesthouse in Nikko and enjoying a private onsen ( to yourself) surrounded by forest was unforgettable. It was peaceful, authentic, and one of the highlights of the trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Masa was excellent—friendly, organized, and always happy to help. He kept the trip running smoothly, recommended great local restaurants, and made travelling around Japan easy and enjoyable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack light, wear comfortable walking shoes ( lots of steps), and be ready to use Japan's excellent public transport.
Have been on 4 Exodus holidays now and each one has been excellent in their own different ways
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the quetzal at the amazing Savegre lodge along with the beautiful humming bords, and also Drakes Bay Wilderness Lodge with the boat trips, snorkelling and Friendly staff
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alejandro was a perfect gentleman. He was knowledgeable about all areas of Costa Rica. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he looked after us amazingly well from the moment we met him at the airport till the time for us to leave.
This trip to Norway was a really spectacular experience. We did so much and each day we looked at what we’d done and it was amazing discussing how much we had fit into each day. However, somehow the pace felt gentle and relaxing and there was space to breathe and take it all in. It was so more than a sightseeing holiday. I felt that we made true personal connections and learned so much from the local interactions entwined into this journey. The landscapes were of course a huge highlight but learning to cook a local dish, sharing a cider with the owner of a stunning Fjord-side orchard, chatting to our wonderful guide about her life in Norway. These were the things which made this trip extraordinary and set it apart from others. Oh and the food will blow you away!
Most Inspirational Moment
There are so many incredible experiences to draw from on this trip and the combination all rolled into one will stay with me. I loved the sea swim and sauna and the kayaking was so wonderful but simply arriving into the Fjord country and getting our first breath-taking view was a true pinch me moment.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ashild was wonderful. She was extremely well organised, friendly and very experienced. She shared stories and experiences and bought the group together in a very professional but relaxed way. We all felt like we left with a friend in Ashild and she was a real asset to the tour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you are looking for a trip to Norway which offers more than just the views then seriously consider this trip. Be prepared to experience new things, meet some wonderful characters share some magnificent food with equally magnificent people. The weather can be changeable so bring lots of layers, and a waterproof case for your phone. Comfortable walking shoes and walking poles if you may need. For me, these were useful for the downhill walks. Evenings were very relaxed but if you wanted to dress up a little there could be opportunity but equally no real need to worry.
A truly exceptional trip. Louis was an excellent guide. Knowledgeable, organised, often going that extra mile for the group and a great sense of humour.
Most Inspirational Moment
White water rafting on a very full and fast flowing Kicking Horse river. Exhilarating! The final day trek up Sulphur Mountain with wide reaching 360 degree views from the top.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Louis was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, organised and a great guide. He often went the extra mile for our group such as rearranging the itinerary to allow us to experience Canada Day celebrations in Banff. He also treated us all to a sunset visit to Lake Minnewanka on the last evening with a glass of Prosecco to celebrate the end of an excellent trip. Louis joined in all the activities and dined with us every night in a great variety of restaurants organised by him.
