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

Bev Wickham

Reviewed June 2019

Exceeded my expectations

An amazingly diverse trip taking in wonderful UNESCO world heritage sites. From cities to isolated mountainous hikes, swimming at Kravica waterfalls and lunches in out of the ordinary hidden gems. I now have a much greater knowledge and understanding of the war in these countries.

Most Inspirational Moment

As a wild flower and especially Orchid lover, the Flora was breathtaking. The unspoilt countryside, meadows and alpine regions were packed full of so many species. Swimming in Kravica waterfalls was an experience never to be forgotten. The walk towards the Rakitnica canyon,views and lunch with one of the main village families sitting out in the open is a memory that will stay with me for a long time

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alen our group leader was over and above anything I could have asked for. He was extremely knowledgeable, interesting and great fun - even his jokes!! Nothing was to much trouble for Alen and he went out of his way to make this a truly memorable holiday. One of our group unfortunately broke his leg at the end of a hike. Alen’s knowledge of making a temporary splint, staying calm and organised and still managing to make sure we were all looked after was very impressive. What a guy and a man of many talents.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do make sure you have suitable foot ware for rougher terrain. The walk down to the Rakitnica canyon was rugged in some parts and some of the cobbled streets are slippery with so much footfall especially Mostar. We made the mistake of arriving at Kotor on day one after a long journey from Dubrovnik and crossing borders etc and went out exploring immediately. This wasn’t necessary as we had a guided tour the next day. It may be a good idea to walk up the steps to St John’s Fortress for panoramic views. This needs to be done earlier or later in the day because of the heat.

Hi Marina Hill

Reviewed June 2019

Very sad

Flight was cancelled, accommodation is unacceptable, staff pushed to their limits, everything was in a rush, and all what Exodus can say – we are very sorry and will not consider any form of compensation

Most Inspirational Moment

Exchanging emails with you guys

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was under too much pressure

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, avoid it, use Exploor, Intrepid or Tucan instead

Stephen Mardon

Reviewed June 2019

Great way to visit three countries with long histories and appreciate their cities and countryside

This was an excellent way to visit 3 countries, including the opportunity to explore their capital cities as well seeing the best parts of the countryside. A mixture of cycling and culture which appealed to me.
Having made my own travel arrangements, I arrived at the hotel in Tallinn in advance of the main party flying in from Gatwick so had a chance to explore the city that evening myself.
After meeting up with the others at breakfast on Sunday morning our leader gave us a short guided tour of the city before our minibus took us to the Lahemaa National Park where our cycling started.. The bikes we had were brand new sturdy Merida trekking bikes with water bottle holders, rear pannier frames and front suspension. Everyone was given a waterproof pannier to carry their belongs and a number of cycle locks were distributed to secure cycles when parked up unsupervised at stops. The bikes were well suited for the cycling which was primarily on flattish terrain with mostly tarmac roads, but with some gravel trails. The cycling was mainly on rural roads and cycle paths, with a small percentage of urban cycling.
Maps showing the route were given out each day, and there were regular stops during the day to get water(supplied) from the minibus and to allow the group to come together.
Apart from one day when we bought a picnic in a supermarket, daily lunch stops were at cafes or restaurants where food selections could be limited but there was always a vegetarian option.
The leader suggested a restaurant for an evening meal which group members were welcome to join him at. These were local establishments which served local dishes which were well worth trying.
There were a couple of long vehicle transfers towards the end of the holiday but these were broken up by stops along the route to stretch legs and buy drink and snacks.
Overall prices of food & drink were very good value.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the 2 days of cycling in the Lahemaa National Park, Estonia right at the start of the holiday. Beautiful coastal, woodland and farming scenery, quiet roads and cycle trails, and a stay on a historic mansion in the country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius was the consummate host, cheerful, welcoming and willing to go the extra mile to ensure everyone on the trip got the best out of their holiday. His stories about the histories of the 3 countries and of growing up during a time of massive change as they regained independence brought the realities of life alive. His suggestions as to where to stop for meals, and where to eat in the evening were (with one exception) excellent, while his mini-tours of the 3 capitals and Tartu were informative and really helpful, allowing people to orientate and thereafter explore themselves. He also gave the group options as to routes so we had an excellent city cycling tour of Vilnius rather than a less interesting route.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a good insect repellent (and anti-histamine) as Baltic mosquitoes and other biting insects are voracious. None of the hotels where we stayed have sink plugs, so carry a universal one. Make sure you have cash in low denomination notes. A number of the places where we stopped only accepted cash. Cash is available from ATMs in the cities. Take some fruit or bread,from the breakfast buffet, in your pannier in case you need an energy boost.

melanie port

Reviewed June 2019

Fantastic - and challenging!

This is basically a nine day continuous hike – trekking at least 88 miles over those nine days, up over 8000 metres, and down a lot more. There is no rest day in the middle. The speed is fast, with few sitting-down rest stops (just quick water/snack breaks standing up). Most days involve a fast steep ascent, and 7-8 hours of trekking. The views of mountains, alpine meadows, and flowers are unbelievable. There are very few people, as a lot of the route is taken on local tracks. Highly recommended, but only for the very fit.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final day of trekking (day 11) when we lunched by the Jerveca Lakes; criss crossed the borders between Montenegro and Albania; scrambled up rocks and across snow; coped with the very long steep scree downhill; ate wild strawberries; delighted, as always in the incredible views and fantastic flowers; found bear scat - all with the backdrop of the Accursed Mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bleard Y was a very good leader of people. He was friendly, supportive, on time with departures, good information in the briefings, good sense of humour. Very interesting person because of his Albanian military profession.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Agree on one person to collect all tips on day 2 (when you have recovered from the short overnight on day 1, but before you leave the guesthouse on the morning of day 3). That person should then consult with the group leader ON ARRIVAL into each guesthouse/hut, to find out what to tip the guesthouse for that night, and the driver/horsemen/local guide the following day. No need for a sleeping bag - just an inner sleeping bag. No need for sterilising tablets etc as good water is readily available. Get very few leks. If vegetarian, bring own interesting food. Bring Vit C tablets/dried fruit.

Marion Watkinson

Reviewed June 2019

Tour of epic proportions

The only criticism of the trip was that a number of hotels which were a good standard and a wide variety of styles and locations had very poor breakfasts of mainly cakes and issues with the rooms. Plumbing problems air con not switched on and difficult to control. One hotel set in a cave was wonderfully appointed in an ultra modern style but the toilet flush was problematic and plaster dropped all over the floor and beds and our hair and faces due to the damp. More attention to detail is needed on the part of management. I was very pleased overall and the tour certainly lived up to expectations in all other respects. This is a very expensive tour and difficult to justify but I loved all the places we went to and would certainly go back for more.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to say as it’s all so inspirational but probably the mosaics and the engineering achievements in construction of the temples and villas. The museums offered a staggering array of artefacts especially the one housing the Morgantina findings. Sadly a grass fire prevented us from seeing the site itself but do go on this optional visit if you can.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mileena was passionate and knowledgable about all aspects of the tour. A geologist by profession and a highly experienced tour organiser. A real gem of a guide which was all I had hoped for from Exodus and the reason I chose this tour over other companies offering cheaper options.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes. June was not the best choice for sightseeing as it was unbearably hot but good for the beach visits if you have time. Mileena advised that November could be good for both activities but the weather is so unpredictable so difficult to generalise. There are many steps to visit the baroque churches in tour but hop on hop off buses and land trains can get you to see most places if you have trouble with knees and feet. You need incredible stamina for this tour but no more than most Exodus trips. I found it easier than my previous excursion to the Greek islands last year rated grade 1 and this was grade 2.

Hazel Baughan

Reviewed June 2019

TVR190615

Super well organised, fabulous walks, stunning scenery, great guides and all round awesome trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day trekking going over the big pass after a long and steep climb.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was brilliant, very friendly, very knowledgeable and supportive throughout

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take insect repellent!!!!

Caroline Robinson

Reviewed June 2019

Fabulous walking

Great leader, Liz Proctor, fabulous walks in great scenery. Good hotel with great food.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking up the Tre Cime

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz Proctor was brilliant. Informative, friendly, personable and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have done some walking beforehand as you'll be on your feet for 6 hours a day. And be prepared to walk up!!

Terry Cole

Reviewed June 2019

Awesome

Our guide Machele and back up driver Andy really looked after us , Michela went the extra mile with the history of Italy 🇮🇹 and Venice the best price wise restaurant , though the weather was extremely hot , looking forward to next year to come back again , thank you Exodus for a awesome holiday . One very happy cyclist 👍🇮🇹🍺🍺🍰🚴🏿💕

Most Inspirational Moment

Awesome place to ride your bike

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michela , went the extra mile to look after everyone looking forward to be on his next guided trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

Tacke extra cycling clothes for wen the weather is hot , , sun cream , drink plenty of water or a hydration tablets in your bottle

Linda Richardson

Reviewed June 2019

Interesting Cultural Trip

A very well balanced trip with visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, free time to explore our own personal preference areas and introductions to Albanian culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

Exploring and eating local dishes in restaurants with a view in Berat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very average actually but I believe this was his first tour for Exodus. He led our tour straight after finishing one for another company and planned to start another group within an hour of ending ours. His timings didn't work out however and we had to have a replacement Tour Leader from the last night and for the final day - our replacement Leader was fanrastic - so professional, spoke excellent English and did extras to make our holiday special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that there are more hours of small coach travel than is stated in the write-up. It was lovely to see the countryside though and all travel was broken up with visits to intetesting places.

Sarah Dallinger

Reviewed June 2019

The perfect trip!👌

This was a great trip! It was very well organised and we had a great tour leader in Edvardo. He was personable and very funny.it was a good mixture of leisure and walking. I would thoroughly recommend.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Pompei as I learnt a lot and found it very eye opening

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edvardo was a fabulous group leader. He was funny, down to earth and personable. He was very helpful when organising the free day too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of summer clothes if you go in June!! It was so warm! Make sure you get Edvardo as your leader! Chose the highlights trip, it is just the right balance between walking and leisure Bring extra spending money for transport costs.

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