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.

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14469 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Cynthia Felice

Reviewed September 2019

Solitary hiking in the Balkans

This was a wonderful exploration of the mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro with knowledgable guides who led us across hillsides and on established trails. The meadows were lovely and the peaks were stunning. It was hot in Tirana but comfortable in the mountains, with only one afternoon of rain on the trail. Even in mid-August there weren’t many other people hiking or at the guesthouses/alpine huts. The proprietors were very hospitable, serving traditional meals with locally grown ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, bread and feta-like cheese. We had a great group of 16, five couples, all experienced hikers who were friendly, considerate and responsible. Given the group size, pace differences, and terrain, it was helpful to have two guides, one who led and the other who stayed at the back of the group. Two members of the group who wanted a rest day were able to catch a ride to the next accommodation with the luggage transport vehicle.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hospitality extended by local owners of the guesthouses/alpine huts and the luncheon in Prilep.

Advice for Potential Travellers

All of the guesthouses provided blankets so bring a sleeping sheet, not a sleeping bag. Some but not all guesthouses provided towels (another useful thing to pack). Fruit is limited and usually not included in packed lunches; bring dried fruit if this matters to you. Herbal tea was the common hot beverage, with Turkish coffee often available on request. There was always hot water if you want to bring your own tea or coffee crystals. Bring medicine for stomach flu and lots of hand sanitizer lotion. Half of our group got a stomach flu on the same day (including one guide) and the next day another person and the other guide got sick. We were unable to determine any specific cause; treating the drinking water didn’t make a difference. Fortunately people only missed a day of hiking.

Stephen Gilmore

Reviewed September 2019

Gastrocycle

A gastronomical experience on 2 wheels. Every day had a culinary surprise including grilled salmon, onion (not the crappy French) soup, onion pie, pink soup, mushroom soup, venison, pork knuckle and Zeplins!

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming in the Baltic Sea in all 3 countries and in Lake Galve by Trakai Castle. Visiting the Cold War Museum and nuclear missile bunker (which really should go on the itinerary).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius is the master of the flexible plan and suggested that we abandon the planned cycle in the rain and crafted an excellent ride in the sunshine. Importantly Andrius is old enough to have experienced soviet occupation and is able to regale many tales of that era. He delivered much more than was expected, with little surprises and optional extras. He clearly enjoys his job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Alcohol limits are much lower than in the UK. Cycling under the influence of alcohol is never a good idea.

Colin Donovan

Reviewed September 2019

Trip of a lifetime.

All ten of our party summited after a long and sometimes difficult tiring trek. This was down to Johns fantastic leadership skills and constant encouragement and help. He has a first class team of assistant guides and brilliant porters who all had a real positive attitude and couldn’t do more for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Uhuru Peak after an 8 hour trek with my fellow walkers and guides. It felt like one big happy and emotional family who had achieved their combined goal together.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was inspirational. From collecting us at the airport to dropping us off 9 days later. John knows the mountain like the back of his hand and his knowledge and information he passes on every day is truly superb. I don’t think I would have got to the top without John or his excellent assistant guides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you train hard. Lots of long walks and try to keep the weight off. Listen to the advice given by the guides always. Walk very slowly, drink lots and lots of water and try to be positive at all times. This is a difficult trek especially on summit night but if you listen to the guides you’ll complete it.

Rebecca Nind

Reviewed September 2019

5 stars - a superb trip!

This was not only my first trip with Exodus, but my first hiking trip and it far exceeded my expectations.
The chalet was well located and buses and trains are easy to get to explore Chamonix and the surrounding area. Chamonix is a beautiful resort to spend time in, and the walks were very varied and the views were well worth the effort.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery on the walks was breath-taking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Adelene, was outstanding - she moved the proposed walks around to different days to ensure that we were able to make the most of our days and whatever the weather had in store for us. She seemed very relaxed and easy-going, but still organised everything well and ensured that the days and using public transport ran like clockwork. She factored in adequate rests throughout each walk and made sure everyone had caught up and had a short break before setting off again. Every morning she gave us a thorough and honest briefing about that day's walk and what sort of gradient and terrain we could expect and what interesting sites to look out for.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles can be borrowed from the chalet - definitely make use of these for the walks. Make sure to stretch after every walk. Chamonix is full of outdoor clothing/sports stores, which is perfect if you have forgotten to bring anything or need a last minute pair of waterproof trousers.

clare mcnulty

Reviewed September 2019

Beautiful Balkans, an epic jouney

A challenging and beautiful journey through Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro with breath-taking scenery. The cycling was challenging with lots of climbing, but the bikes that we were provided with were perfectly geared for and suited to the terrain. There were regular re-groups on the hills as everyone climbs at their own pace and is able to enjoy the holiday at a pace that suits them. Delicious healthy and reasonably priced meals were provided in the hotels and cabins that we stayed in.

Our guide Joshua was knowledgeable and efficient and provided us with information each day about the route and some background history. He arranged for a local guide in each country we visited to give their personal perspective and an opportunity to ask questions about the complex history of the region.

Most Inspirational Moment

The climb through Durmitor National Park in Montenegro with its wild and rugged scenery, exposed to the elements. The very welcome Turkish coffee brewed on a portable gas stove at the top, before the stunning descent through switch backs and short tunnels. At out destination in Rudinice, we were greeted with a dramatic sunset with a double rainbow across the mountains, a delicious roast lamb dinner and comfortable stay in a log cabin. Standing up high on the castle walls at Prizren, Kosovo, hearing the call to prayer from across the city from the many mosques below with the Pashtrik mountains in the distance. The opportunity for quiet reflection on the beautiful climb through no man's land between North Macedonia and Kosovo. The thunder and lightning on the last part of our descent into Berane which thanks to our guide we avoided the worst of.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joshua and drivers Toni and Juli made a great team - very welcoming, funny and approachable. Joshua gave detailed descriptions of the route ahead such as rough roads, descents, metal grids, tunnels, city traffic and any inclement weather. He gave advice on how to negotiate these safely and as a result there were no serious mishaps. We regrouped regularly after climbs and descents. Coffee stops and meals were efficient with a group tab system. We were given some free evenings to explore the area we were staying in and make our own arrangements for dinner which was nice to have a bit of freedom to explore/take a break from the group. This safety conscious but relaxed and friendly approach worked well and it felt like a holiday!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take layers for cycling: the mountains were cool in Montenegro and we did encounter some rain. For the descent from Durmitor I was regretting not having my long finger gloves! Rehydration tablets I did have a slightly upset stomach on a couple of occasions, which was fixed with loperamide! Take Euros with you to pay for meals/settle the tab at the end of the holiday.

Darren Huston

Reviewed September 2019

Excellent trip

Trip was excellent. Leader was highly professional and all arrangements was also superb.

Most Inspirational Moment

Chalet Chocolat

Thoughts on Group Leader

Highly professional

Paul Treasure

Reviewed September 2019

Great guide, great company, great trip

A fantastic trip. Everything I hoped for and more with a great bunch of fellow travellers and a patient, tolerant and lovely guide (Egle)

Most Inspirational Moment

Crossing the many cols in snow and sun, rain and wind. Cold beers at the end and the enjoyable banter!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Egle was excellent. Patient and good humoured at all times

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light but take at least three pairs of socks! Yes you can wash them but we found they didn't dry overnight. Synthetic t shirts are a must. Don't forget fresh clothes for Chamonix. Do take gloves and hats. We had snow! For the same reason good boots essential.

Gordon Towner

Reviewed September 2019

AMAZING

Wow what a way to see botswana on Brians fun bus,from start to finish our every need was met by Brian and his crew,having never camped before we were worried about bush toilets and open fire cooking and wild animals wondering about in the camp,but all of these things are part of what makes this adventure special the bush toilet was fine and discreet the open fire cooking was unbelievable best lasagne fish and chips and beef fillet potatoes and green beens i have ever tasted thanks to Abis the cook ,there are long dusty journeys but is a good time to get to know the other travellers in your group and nature seems to provide all the way to your next destination,the camp beds were comfortable and the kettle always boiling,sitting around the camp fire at night listening to all the sounds and looking up at the night sky really is awe inspiring,the game drives were amazing and Brians knowledge of every animal bird tree plant insect and animal poo was incredible there was nothing we asked that he didnt give a full explanation about, And we saw every animal except cheetahs and Rhinos ,

Most Inspirational Moment

To many,wild camping mokoro rides herds of Elephants on walking safari,bull Elephant not wanting to let us pass in mokoro,wild dogs with pups ,leopard, hyenna family playing with pups ,lions vic falls white water rafting inthe Zambizi,night sky at salt pan Abis cooking and Brians infectious laugh always happy

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brian makes this adventure special,always happy helpfull and cant believe his knowledge and love of his country,Top class guide

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it,you wont regret it ,amazing experience

David Lowe

Reviewed September 2019

A brilliant holiday

We have walked many times on Exodus holidays and this rated at the top of our list of many great holidays. We chose a challenging week and were very pleased that we had. Braccacorti as a base was a delight – views across the valley to distant mountains, really comfortable and delicious food (and plenty of it!). The walking was as it had been described in the brochure – challenging but so rewarding and so varied.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hardly a moment but the two day walk with an overnight in the refugio will be a lasting memory of a great trip. This was a first venture into an overnight stop in a refuge. We didn't know what to expect but "really warm", "good food", "comfortable with plenty of space", "hot showers", "set in the heart of the mountains" all contributed to a wonderful experience. Walking the ridge with some wonderful views into Tuscany and Emiliano with the sun on our backs and good company - wonderful!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was simply great! Nothing seemed to be too much trouble for her in explaining what we were going to be doing, checking we were OK, making sure all arrangements were in place...this we have come to expect from Exodus leaders. Sara added much more - sharing her own experiences as a world wide traveler and leader, telling us about the region in which we were walking, listening to our experiences, introducing us to local people, the family who run Braccacorti, restaurants and watering holes ( the local taxi drivers and guides). Her enthusiasm and passion just shone through!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are ready for wet weather because when it rains that is something special! We had one downpour and then blue skies and sunshine for the week. For those on the challenging week and the stop in the refuge we would suggest taking a light weight towel so you can make the most of the showers. You don't need additional footwear as that is there for you in the refuge. For the light sleepers some earplugs might be helpful.

Delia Forester

Reviewed September 2019

Well done Rosario & Guiseppe!

If you idea of a Mediterranean holiday involves languorous lie-ins & bobbing about on a Lilo with a spritzer, forget it!
We were an international group of 16. We were very busy. We visited places we could not have found independently, and discovered the secrets of wine, olive & cheese production. We sampled lots of lovely Sicilian foods, visited food markets, feasted on caponata & pesto made by ourselves, tried street food (“what IS that?” – “Cow spleen-its very popular….”).
The trip was quite hectic, Rosario our excellent guide had us whipped into shape from the start- NO lie-ins, no matter how much we consumed the night before. We were on the coach by 8 or 9 am, ready to face what the day presented.
It was also full of contrasts, from busy markets to gentle countryside, from chi-chi resorts to the blackened slopes of Mount Etna, we got a real flavour of Sicily, including even a bit of Inspector Montalbarno.
Rosario joined in with us and was both helpful and caring of our various needs, and Guiseppe our driver was just brilliant. A kind, friendly, helpful, careful driver who lugged our suitcases as well as driving and looking after us. The relatively small coach easily negotiated roads that would have been tricky for a bigger bus.
Most of the hotels were perfect for our needs, and mostly very well located.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention- The excellent Archaeologist/guide at the Valley of the Temples, smoky Mt Etna, sunsets over the Mediterranean, the clubby atmosphere around the street bars of Palermo, the Roman mosaics, paddling across the Causeway to Isola Bella, the amphitheatre at Taormina.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rosario was an excellent leader, fully involved with our varied group, caring, fun, sympathetic, well-organised. His English pretty much perfect, and his knowledge of Sicily beyond compare. Crucially he always managed to find us a clean toilet stop without anyone having to ask!

Advice for Potential Travellers

A hat & comfortable shoes, suitable for walking city streets AND climbing Mt Etna, are essential. Don't over pack, you are unlikely to UN-pack. Drink plenty of water. There is a fair amount of time spent on the coach, but it's well divided up. Beware Catania Airport, which is much too small to handle all those passengers.

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