Reviews

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

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14429 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

John Williams

Reviewed July 2023

Good Trip all round

First trip with Exodus Travel. All went pretty much as we expected anbd we had an overall enjoyable experience. Hotel due Torri – set up above Amalfi means you need to do a 40 minute trip down to Amalfi – to get to the various places visited by boat ( Minori – Positano – Capri ) Visits to Ravello, Pompeii, Herculaneum are all done by bus ( or minibus ). On our free day we grouped together and got a minibus to Sorrento – 8 people around 300 euros The Hotel was OK . All staff were pleasant and friendly Room, had Air con , a Safe, En Suite – and we had a nice Balcony. We would never normally opt for 3* but were pleasantly surprised overall. Breakfast was reasonable – selection of hot / cold / fruit yoghurt etc and a coffee machine Evening Meals – taken in a large room – split into one long table for each trip group. 3 or 4 groups most evenings No atmosphere in the dining room – all felt very impersonal but I guess it served its purpose. Long tables – 3 courses most evenings – albeit a bit repetitive ( lots of pasta ) The Pizza evening was an exception – with as much freshly made pizza as you could eat. Wine is around 3 euros per glass for house red – which we liked. Carafe around 6 Euros from memory. Pizza making and pasta making demos were enjoyed by most people. Drinks area outside by the pool – where the groups met each evening before dinner – Cocktails circa 7 euros each but were OK

Most Inspirational Moment

Capri was excellent - don't miss the Chairlift to Anacapri - amazing views from the top of the Island.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Overall Eduardo was a very knowledgeable Guide with a great - if dry - sense of humour. We both liked him and shared a lot of laughs with him. Not all in our group would agree - a few issues with people wanting to change plans left a bit of an atmosphere. One of our group left without telling him - part way around the Path of the Gods - which was not fair to Eduardo who has to account for all in the group - so we understood why he was unhappy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is as described a good way to see "The Highlights " of the Amalfi coast without excessive walking required. Plenty of time to walk around each of the places visited. We spoke to others who did the more strenuous walking trip - some found it too difficult and wished they had been on our trip - as they didnt get to see Capri and have as much free time to enjoy the places visited due to the extra walking involved.

David Martin

Reviewed July 2023

A very enjoyable trip

The holiday is based in Bomerano-Agerola, up in the hills above Amalfi. This means it’s away from the tourist crowds of the coast and cooler as well. The hotel is a friendly family-run establishment with good, though fairly small rooms that, in places could do with some refurbishment (like the slightly odd and unreliable means of flushing the toilet!). Meals are provided in the large dining room and are mostly very good, though perhaps a bit heavy on carbohydrate. E.g. on one day we started with a pasta salad, followed by a pasta dish and then a main course containing potatoes. The walks are good, though the long descents on staircases became something of a joke in our group. There are some wonderful views and there is considerable variety from day to day.

Most Inspirational Moment

I had always wanted to visit Pompeii, so the day visiting Vesuvius and Pompeii was a highlight. The walk around the crater of Vesuvius was really special, though quite scary at times. I was glad of walking poles and strong boots. We all returned covered in grit and volcanic ash.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide was excellent in most respects. He had clearly taken time to explore the whole area very thoroughly and took us on paths that some of the other groups missed. He was very knowledgeable of the area and gave us sensible advice when there were options. E.g. he warned us that the island of Capri is very touristy so those who chose to visit on the day off knew what to expect (and still enjoyed it). His instructions to the group were not always as clear as they could have been, which led to confusion on a couple of occasions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. The trip notes advise long trousers for walking. There was only one walk (the walk to Amalfi) where the undergrowth, for a short distance, had the potential to scratch legs. The weather was too hot for long trousers and most of us walked quite happily in shorts. 2. The notes also advise proper walking boots and walking poles. In both cases I would strongly agree. Walking boots with ankle support help to protect against twisted ankles and worse on the uneven ground and walking poles support where the ground is unstable. Also, for those with weak knees (like me) up to 50% of your weight can be transferred to poles. 3. For anyone travelling, like us, by train to Italy this is an invaluable website: https://www.seat61.com/Italy.htm.

Rose Houghton

Reviewed July 2023

A well organised and interesting trip

This trip included a really good range of experiences in this eclectic country. We feel that we have got to know a bit about how the people of the country live in quite different environments from mountain village to city, desert and seaside. Our guide, Tariq, worked hard at explaining the culture and was keen to show us the many different ways in which Moroccan people live. He encouraged us to explore and shop (and barter!) on our own. There were some long days but they were well planned with coffee stops and visits to places of interest en route. Our group of 16 enjoyed the journeys by coach which was air conditioned and even had wifi available for some of the time. We stayed in a range of hotels, each of which were comfortable and often had something special to appreciate, such as the amazing painted ceilings in the riads.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the village hammam was a fun experience and rounded off a day spent walking in the mountains with amazing views and including a visit to the infant school where we started to understand a little of daily life for the children that live in this mountain area. We also enjoyed the camel ride into the desert to see the sunset. Tariq took some amazing photos of the group in the Sahara that will bring back happy memories (yes, the camels were well-behaved!) for years to come. And buying a mini packed lunch to take on our walk around a Berber village where we saw inhabitants renewing the walls of their houses with mud while donkeys walked by piled high with produce from the plots that families cultivated in the valley.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tariq was diligent and thoughtful. He shared his knowledge generously and was also keen to learn from us. He found many different places for us to eat and planned our days well. Once he was in charge, things went smoothly. He obviously gets on well with people, not just the tour group. Everywhere we went he knew someone who greeted him and often who could help out with things locally. He gave us suggestions for our free time and his sense of humour was delightful!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You are going to enjoy exploring Morocco. Money: There are quite a lot of ATMs where you are charged about £2 to withdraw money, but at a better rate than at the exchange at the airport. If you find a post office ATM machine (there is one in the arrivals hall at the airport and in the main square in Marrakech) then you don't get charged, but there can be long queues. Weather: We were there for the last 2 weeks of May and there had been temperatures of 37degC in the weeks before we arrived. We had much lower temperatures during our fortnight (up to late 20s), which included 4degC overnight when in the mountain hotel. It also rained while we were sightseeing in Fez and on our way into the desert, which was a bit unexpected, by the Moroccans as well as us! Take layers and a showerproof coat.

Keith Ginnaw

Reviewed July 2023

Primates and Dragons June 2023

An outstanding tour giving a very good insight into a number of aspects of Indonesia and some amazing wildlife experiences. From the close up encounters with Orang Utans in Sumatra to the excellent viewing of Komodo dragons in Komodo and Rinca the tour delivered on its main two objectives. The second trek in Sumatra was challenging but the local guides gave adequate information to the group to allow a decision to be made but we had good viewings even on the simpler walks. In addition to this although I am personally a non swimmer the group also experienced close encounters with Manta Rays and turtles. There are a few days in transit which is inevitable given the variety this trip tries to provide and for our tour we had two boats one better than the other but as per the trip notes expect very basic accommodation but worth it for the benefits early arrival on the islands bring and the outstanding scenery around Flores and the neighbouring islands. Nice beach stay at Sanur which is not as hectic as Kuta but still provides ample nightlife. Ubud adds a nice cultural experience to the tour and a gentle trek in the mountains. I would highly recommend the optional cycling trip available from Ubud which is mainly downhill so doesn’t require any high degree of fitness. The cycling is fun but the bikes really just allow you greater interaction with the locals on the regular stops and to see the real Bali which can be harder to find these days. Another must do is the extension to Gili Islands. Absolutely stunning and a great laid back feel. If you want crazy nightlife it is available as is complete peace and quiet with everything in between.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Elly was exceptional and added to the trip considerably with her knowledge, sense of humour and continual concern for the well-being and enjoyment of the group. Also local guides used including Udin and Wayan had tremendous enthusiasm for their country and were two more great examples of the wonderfully hospitable Indonesian people.

Dave Whaley

Reviewed July 2023

A week walking in the Alps

A lovely week walking in the French Alps, based in a chalet in CHAMONIX. Great food, scenery and exhilarating walks led by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

View from Aguille de Midi

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles and good footwear

Chris Wilson

Reviewed July 2023

Ran out of superlatives!

A demanding trip with lots of early mornings and long journeys, but rewarded many times over by the stunning scenery that we experienced. Maybe would be worth considering a rest day mid trip for those of us who do not have endless stamina.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Monument Valley at sunset.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was excellent...well organised and efficient and very helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although the trip is labelled Leisurely/ Moderate in terms of fitness required, to fully experience the places visited I would suggest you need a good level of fitness.

Ann Holmes

Reviewed July 2023

A fabulous adventure

What an amazing adventure this turned out to be. This 14 day trip covered 1300 miles through different landscapes, stopping off along the way and learning about this diverse country. Fez Medina was like stepping back in time with the narrow streets in the souk lined with stalls and donkeys transporting their wares around them. The tanneries were another glimpse into a bygone age. The Roman town of Volubilis was a revelation and the guide was superb. The Sahara experience is one I’ll never forget. Moving on we stayed at Kasbah Oliver in the High Atlas Mountains and had a glimpse into how remote some villages are. We had a really pleasant hike from Kasbah Oliver along a path used by locals starting in the cool of the morning and an unforgettable experience in the local small hammam. Our holiday happened to coincide with a large music festival in Essaouira which added to our experience, although sadly we were unable to stay in the Medina.

Most Inspirational Moment

If I had to pick one inspirational moment it would have to be sitting on the top of a sand dune in silence watching the sun rise over the Sahara. Truly unforgettable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Youssef and Mohammad our driver. Everything Youssef organised was with the group in mind and extremely punctual. On long trips lunch time food was preordered to save time in restaurants. The suggested places to eat at night were always very good. A few occasions we were told it was possible to purchase alcohol and that the venue we were staying would happily refrigerate beers/soft drinks or wine for us. Youssef would always help find an ATM or money exchange if requested. Overall he was a very thoughtful helpful member of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are some pieces of advise I wish I had had: 1. Some of my fellow travellers changed money at the airport and were talked into putting some money onto a card to draw out at ATM’s ….what they didn’t realise until too late was the £30 charge for doing so. As ATM’s are plentiful and also money exchanges there is no need to change money at the airport if you have a prepaid transfer booked. If you are staying at the Hotel Gossassine there is an ATM 200yds from the hotel and a money exchange a further 50yds on. (There is also a Carrefour supermarket located in the basement :100yds from the hotel in a shopping Mall) 2. I wasn’t sure what clothing to take, especially as Morocco is a Muslim country: I erred on the conservative side taking mostly long sleeved tops and longer knee length shorts. You actually only need to cover up when visiting The Hassan 11 Mosque. When in the seaside town of Essaouira there is a beach with people wearing swimming costumes…it had a much more relaxed feel. If I went again I would take more of a mixture of sleeveless/sleeved tops and trousers/shorts for June travel. 3. We stopped at potteries/argon oil/herbalists etc which were very interesting but were on the expensive side, however it was hard to tell if we would see the items for sale elsewhere…. I can tell you with experience that you will. There are good shopping opportunities in the seaside place of Essaouira and back in Marrakech on the final days. I just wish I had known that!

Carolyn Baxter

Reviewed July 2023

Sun, sea and monuments

This tour was a comprehensive introduction to some of the sites of ancient Greece, but also included Mystras, a Byzantine town and Meteora, a spectacular landscape with monasteries perched on top of huge rocks. I would personally have benefitted more from what I saw if I’d read up some information in advance. Lida, the guide was excellent, and she gave a lot of useful information about the sites and the mythology and history behind the sites and the history and mythology about them. The hotels were generally good quality though the Rex Hotel in Naufplio was a little tired decor wise. The Nidimos hotel in Delphi village had the best views! There was plenty to eat, of variable quality. The restaurant for the evening meal in Pylos was not very good; the booked group table was given to others, service was glacially slow and the food uninspiring.

Most Inspirational Moment

Highlights were: The unexpected sites of Mystras, ancient Messene and Meteora. The small towns of Pylos and Naufplio The ferry ride from Patras back to the mainland

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lida was an excellent group leader, sociable, friendly and always ready to answer questions. She looked after the group very well and was very helpful. Grigoris the driver was also excellent, and drove the minibus smoothly and safely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There was not a great deal of 'free time'; one afternoon in Olympia was free of any activity. We often seemed to arrive late afternoon/early evening. The last day from Meteora to Athens airport was very long, though there were stops. It is a very 'packed' tour with much to see; it was hard to take in all the information about the places visited. So maybe read up ia little n advance! It is not strictly speaking an archeological tour; the tour leader was not an expert (this is not a criticism).

Susan C

Reviewed July 2023

The Moonstone Trek

I felt safe and looked after, the trip was well organised and our guide was brilliant!

Most Inspirational Moment

all of it; it was a great variety of walking and scenery

Thoughts on Group Leader

Smithy was an excellent leader. His knowledge extended beyond just the history. He was able to highlight fauna and flora. He showed such a depth of knowledge of Peru, the Inca's etc and his love and pride in his country shone through. Smithy was active in sorting out issues quickly (such as when we had a train cancellation he used his relationships with the train staff to bump us onto a different train). He was engaging and socialised with us all. I felt safe and well informed with Smithy. In my view he is a top rate Tour Guide

Chris Nixon

Reviewed July 2023

Three Baltic Capitals plus so much more.

As other reviewers have said, this is an excellent trip that not only travels to the three capitals but includes other interesting places, such as the university town of Tartu, the eerie Hill of Crosses and the wildness of the Curonian Spit. Each of the tour guides explained the history of each location in a succinct style and the contrast between the capitals. (Medieval Tallinn, Art Nouveau Riga and Baroque Vilnius.) We were fortunate to visit Riga at the time of their Midsummer Festival, which was an added bonus. Plus a Jazz Festival in Klaipeda.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many. The Maritime History museums in Tallinn. The serenity of the National Parks in all three countries (Lahemaa, Gauja & Curonian Spit.) Plus the chilling Cold War Museum in Plokstine Forest and the KGB Museum in Vilnius.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yevgeniya was a very knowledgable guide with over 30 years experience. Her knowledge of both ancient and modern history was extensive. It could occasionally be more than we could take in, especially on the longer coach journeys. A more succinct style would have been welcomed on these longer journeys.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although the pace of the trip can be brisk at times, ensure you maximise your opportunities to visit the excellent museums. Especially the Maritime Museum in Tallinn, the Art Nouveau Museum in Riga and the KGB Museum in Vilnius. And do try the local food and drink.

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