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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14440 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Roz Forster

Reviewed July 2019

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Having done this trip before I knew what to expect but it was even better second time around. The walks were spectacular, the weather fantastic and the guide made every bit of the trip memorable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Most definitely plucking up the courage (with Vania's support) to walk the rim of the crater on Vesuvius. The boat we rented on our day off and swimming off the back of it was a very close second!

Thoughts on Group Leader

She's amazing. She's knowledgable, fun and full of energy. She constantly keeps up with the different needs of the group and makes every walk so enjoyable. Nothing is too much trouble for Vania, whatever you ask of her she arranges to make sure you have the best, most memorable experiences on holiday. Its a pleasure to spend time walking in one of her groups.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book a boat for a day to see the Amalfi coast from the water.

Hannah M

Reviewed July 2019

A nice holiday in a beautiful region

This is an enjoyable trip to a beautiful region. There is a combination of stunning mountain scenery, church architecture, and an overview of the history of these two interesting countries. It’s a comfortable trip with decent hotels, nice transport, and not too much waking (although it would not be a good option for travellers with limited mobility). The days, particularly in Georgia, are long and there isn’t much ‘downtime’.

Most Inspirational Moment

My favourite places were the monasteries of Sevanovank, Norovank and Haghpat in Armenia. The Armenian scenery in particular is really impressive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The trip has two leaders, one for Georgia, one for Armenia. Both were very competent and well organised and ensured the trip ran smoothly throughout.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are lots of long drives. These are on good roads in a comfortable bus so aren't difficult, but take something to do e.g. a book or ipod. The walk up to the Gergeti monastery is steep on rough paths and requires a small amount of scrambling. I managed it despite being unfit (but otherwise physically able), but it's not one for people with limited mobility. The walk itself doesn't really offer much in terms of things to see, it's just about the physical challenge and exercise, so don't worry about missing out if you're not sure. The penultimate day finishes mid afternoon so you get free time in Tbilisi afterwards - this is most useful if you travel when the days are longest. The last full day is very long and we didn't get back until nearly 10pm, so don't expect to do anything then. However the most common flights used don't leave until late afternoon so you do get the morning free on the day you go home.

Ruth Peat

Reviewed July 2019

Walking the fjords

A stunningly beautiful adventure exploring Norway. Such a great variety of treks and landscapes led by an excellent, v natural guide who is v passionate about his country. If you love trekking and the outdoors, then Norway should be on your bucket list!

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was different offering a wide variety of treks on different terrains, seeing an amazing variety of landscapes - you really get a real taste of what Norway has to offer trekkers. We scrambled over rocks to get quite close to the mouth of a glacier, peaked Mt Molden above the clouds, walked through the dreamy green valley (still a few ups - not all flat!) and even trekked through a bit of snow in the mountains. We also had a few ferry rides too so we got to experience the fjords close up (a couple of us even took a dip in the 'refreshing' fjord back at the guest house). A well paced tour - not too quick, not too slow and great bunch of travellers to share this experience with.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Einar was a brilliant and v natural leader. He knew the area extremely well and took great care of the group, his passion for his country always shining through. Led an excellent pace that suited everybody and encouraged a v supportive environment where everyone helped each other.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure your fitness level is suitable for this grade of holiday (Exodus training guides are a great starting point). You are trekking every day with many upward slopes (you get the great views tho!). There are options given for some days e.g. you don't have to scramble over all the rocks at the glacier if you don't want to etc. The pace of the days are good and it's a supportive walking environment (not all of it is up slopes). Take waterproof boots - we walked over boggy ground and through streams - and ankle support is advised as you will walk on quite a lot of uneven ground. But above all - enjoy every moment! It's a spectacular place to trek in and you cram a lot in the five days of trekking. Walking poles are useful too for those not blessed with a natural sense of balance!

Tim R

Reviewed July 2019

Immersion in the high Andes

Really excellent trip. Altitude is an issue. We needed the first few days acclimatising in Cusco, where walking up hills seemed an effort. But we were acclimatised when the trek started. There are two parts to the trek although they merge seamlessly. The Salcantay trek is more remote, higher and supported by horses. Highest pass 5k metres. Highest campsite is cold enough to freeze your bootlaces (even Cusco is hot water bottle cold at night). Then you join the Inca trail which is more mainstream, less wild but still breathtaking, no horses but plenty of porters who skip up and down the trail carrying their loads. Not the most challenging walking, probably half the days were proper level 5 and the other half more like level 3. But on the Salcantay part of the trek you really do feel that you are in places where humans are not supposed to tread. Macchu Pichu is very touristy but stunning. The nights at Agua Calientes and Olanta are delightful and Cusco is a fabulous city to spend a few days. Lots of Inca sites – possibly a little too many history lessons for some. We were humbled by the care provided by the leader Edwind and his crew of chefs, horsemen and porters. A wonderful crew who really added to the trip. We felt safe and very well fed. Oh and Peru is a very welcoming country, no litter (pachamama), no smoking and very pleasant people.

Most Inspirational Moment

The massive unclimbed peaks of Saltancay, the avalanches, the black Llama in the night sky

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edwind was terrific. He became our friend. We spent a lot of time together in the food tent and he gets everything just right. Well maybe he could prune the history lessons a tad.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The altitude is a potential game changer. Walk slower than normal going up hill. Think carefully about packing. It gets down to minus 10 at night in the highest camp. The 10kg limit on the trek includes sleeping bag but not the mat. Take a powerbank as not electricity on the trek. Long nights in the tent so take something to read. You get a cold shower on night 4. Enjoy.

Mel M

Reviewed July 2019

Fabulous! Great value for money!

I absolutely loved this tour! Got to see all the gorgeous towns and beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast. Our guide Eduardo was a real gem! So were the drivers and the hotel staff. The hotel food was great! The location of the hotel was pretty too, and the town itself was a gem.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sorrento and Ravello were my favourites...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo was amazing!!!! Can't fault him at all!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The roads are very windy. I didn't mind, but thought to mention it for anyone who suffers from motion sickness. A reminder to anyone who does this tour during one of the hot months; remember to stay hydrated and wear loose clothing as we do a decent amount of walking. Do try to have a lemon sorbet in Positano

Julia Burchell

Reviewed July 2019

Prosecco Hills

My first Exodus trip and I wasn’t disappointed. Very well organised with excellent variety each day. Beautiful walks in an amazing landscape.
I wanted to know more about Prosecco and on this tour you will do just that with tasting opportunities. Both wine tasting events were a joy with excellent food.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having walked for couple of hours in an undulating landscape and reaching our lunch stop we sat eating our simple packed lunch looking down on endless vineyards basking in the heat of the day. Perfect...

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was pleasant, leading the walks with patience and she had good knowledge of the area. She was sometimes uncommunicative and didn’t want to engage in conversation but upon reflection this may have been self preservation in that with one tour after another she had to pace herself.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take insect repellent! The hotel does not have a restaurant.

Belinda Oh

Reviewed July 2019

Tough but worth every drop of sweat!

I wanted a challenging but fun cycling trip and that’s exactly what I got! Cycling past beautiful scenery, idyllic towns and villages, on largely quiet roads, was absolutely fantastic and not something I could experience at home. The roadside freshwater springs that we used to cool down and refill water bottles was a fairly unique experience for me as well. There was a decent amount of uphill every. single. day. But as the week progressed, it felt as if I were getting a little bit stronger and almost used to climbing. And the thrilling downhills made the grueling uphills worth it! We stayed in what I thought were very nice hotels every night, often with beautiful mountain or lake views! The food was great—it may have been the healthiest I’ve ever eaten on a trip before! 🙂 The hybrid bikes we used were great and made me feel confident and secure on the occasional bits of road that were less than perfect.

Most Inspirational Moment

After the big 12km climb, having lunch al fresco on the mountainside with amazing views of Lake Ohrid – I was able to really take in the distance and elevation we had just successfully climbed!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Arjan had an amazing pride and love of country that I found admirable! He shared a lot of his knowledge of Albanian and regional history and politics that provided the extra touch that I appreciate from local guides/leaders. He admitted when he didn't know the answer to something we asked--good since he probably could have just made up anything and we would have been none the wiser! :) Arjan was also a strong cyclist and (along with the other extraordinary cyclists in the group) inspired me to make sure I’m in better cycling shape for the next trip I take! And Elvis (our driver) was always at the ready to help us out and provide the fueling snacks and water we needed to get through the week--I enjoyed chatting with him in the evenings!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a lot of uphills! But after most of the uphill climbs, there was a downhill, so power through the climbs and your efforts will be rewarded with exhilarating downhills! Overall, go with the flow, try not to think/worry so much about each day's climbing or distances, cycle at your own pace, and remember to enjoy the views as you go along!

sharon hicken

Reviewed July 2019

the best one so far

Loved everything about this trip, the chalet, the staff, the food and of course the hiking. Chalet holidays bring out the social side of people and the 13 guests made this trip fabulous and so much fun. Zoe and Ben, your food exceeds expectations!

Most Inspirational Moment

The fantastic scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very professional and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do ensure you are fit to hill climb.

Peter O’Gorman

Reviewed July 2019

Walking the Prosecco Hills

The group of 15 people were good as we all got on well with one another.
The Hotel Villa Soligo at Via Marconi Soligo, from the outside it looked impressive & from the entrance & reception also. It had 4 floors & my room 302, as well as others was on the top floor. However I paid a supplement of £190 not to share & have own room & expected a larger room than size actually given 3m x 4m with bathroom attached that had brown old fashioned wall tiles. My toilet seat & rim came off on the first night as the fittings were loose. Toilet stayed like that all week despite daily bed & bathroom maid attendants. There were no tea – coffee facilities in the room for late night refreshment. Instead you had to go down to reception & pay Euros 3:5 for tea plus drinks at other cost should you need them.
My air conditioner was faulty & reported twice with receptionist, they visited the room & tried it however it ran for 2-3mins & stopped each time.
Breakfast selection was limited cold meat, cheese, yogurts in pots, bread, croissants & strange very thin bacon slices & egg. There tea bags were compared to uk tea very week, I used 3 per cup & milk was not fresh milk & small selection of fruit in a bowl. It lacked a larger choice for daily walkers who needing to have a substitute start to the day.
Also no restaurant in the hotel, at breakfast or other times sitting outside you were lucky if you didn’t get pigeon droppings on you as these were many on the room window ledges above where the seating area was situated.
Swimming pool maintenance was poor as many insects were floating on the surface, also found scorpion in the water, plus water level on my last 3days was low. Meaning you could stand in the deep end & water was only waist high !!
Limited number of restaurants 2, within walking distance of hotel & no shops other than pharmacy across the road & further on ice cream & cake shop.

Most Inspirational Moment

The winery visit called San Gregorio. The owner has 5 daughters & the oldest girl, was so pleasant & welcoming in her presentation. Always with a smile giving full information on the vines & production process. To tasting the selection of Prosecco from basic to the superior DOCG Brut & table laid out with plenty of food between tastings.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader : name Serena She was uninspiring & seemed distant most of the time & never fully engaging with the group or telling us when on the coach as it past through villages or small towns any of there names. On the coach she very rarely spoke about the scenery or towns & seemed to be always on her mobile phone as she sat on the coach front next to the driver both talking to one another in Italian. Also on the walks there was little conversation between her & the group as she rarely volunteered information about the walk or scenery we were passing through, we had to ask her questions & I felt most of the group didn’t bother as she was distant & lacked engagement.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Each group to try & see if they can get better team leader & improvement from Hotel There is only 1-2, restaurants within walking distance of hotel No actual tourist shops close by Has pharmacy across the road from hotel Taxi service from hotel is limited & expensive as I found out having to return to airport to collect my lost luggage .. BA & baggage in Venice airport despite many phone calls, never answer then ... hence taxi back to airport euros 150 rtn.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Peter for his review, although we are very sorry that he was disappointed with the hotel, and the tour leader’s performance on this departure. We have used the Hotel Villa Soligo for the past three years and, whilst it generally receives positive feedback from our clients, we constantly review the suitability of our accommodation. In fact, from 2020 due to renovation works taking place at the villa, we will be using an alternative 4-star hotel which we are confident will deliver great service and standards. We regret that Peter was disappointed with the leadership on this tour. Serena is a very experienced and knowledgeable tour leader, who has led for Exodus for three years, during which time she has excelled in the role and always received excellent feedback above our global average. However, we will continue to closely monitor the feedback we receive from clients who join her trips to ensure that she is meeting our expectations on every departure she leads. Marta Marinelli – Product Manager

Erik Baijards

Reviewed July 2019

Challenging and wonderful trip

It’s a great trip, if you like to go to remote places where you hardly meet other tourists this is the place to be. The scenery is beautiful and every day was different. The walks are challenging as described in the trip notes. The guides were great and everything was well organised.