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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84 Reviews

4.6 out of 5

Gail Madeley

Reviewed October 2019

Walking in Puglia and Matera

This is a very non-strenuous grade 2 trip, compared with other grade 2 walking trips I have undertaken. The majority of walks are flat (walked in sandals) as stated in the trip notes and ankle support was only required for 2 of the walks. This was a part of Italy I had always wanted to visit due to its history rather than the scenery on the walks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the streets of Matera - so many ups and downs with sites looking so far away, but then you round a corner and you are on top of it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Selenia was great, vibrant and I only wish I could speak italian as well as she speaks english.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you visit Lecce on your day off a 2 hour tour costs 15 euro, but this does not allow for entrance into any of the churches. It is easy to tour on your own. Take and use insect repellent if you are prone to insect bites.

Suggestions

I would have prefered less time in Ostuni and more time in Polignano a Mare. We visited Polignano following the trip to the beach, but only had 30 minutes to explore once we had eaten lunch, whereas we had 3 hours in Ostuni and as it is visited on a Monday most of the select shops were closed. As the group knew there was a scheduled visit to Polignano we all opted to visit Lecce on our free day.

Julia Bairstow

Reviewed May 2019

Walking in Puglia and Matera

This holiday was an excellent trip of gentle to moderate walking through some beautiful countryside, passing through olive groves, by vineyards, along a few gentle slopes and through the area, where one can see the famous conic ‘trulli’ houses of the Itria valley. As well as walking there was some fascinating culture to see, notably the towns of Locorotundo, Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce (optional) and the beautiful UNESCO city of Matera with its rock churches and many converted cave dwellings. There was a very good choice of delicious fresh, local foods throughout the trip, as well as the wines of the area!

Most Inspirational Moment

The beautiful UNESCO city of Matera with its ancient rock churches and numerous cave dwellings, many of which have been converted into hotels, restaurants and shops. It was fascinating to learn that within the space of almost 70 years, this city has been transformed into one of extreme poverty to what it is today and currently the European City of Culture for 2019.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide for this trip was absolutely excellent. An enthusiastic and sociable young man, with a very good knowledge of English and the local area, who went out of his way to make the holiday a memorable experience for us all.

Pauline Upstone

Reviewed November 2018

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This was an excellent holiday with a good combination berween culture , walking and relaxing

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably Matera

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guiseppe was an excellent tour leader. He was very solicitous to some members of the group who had dietary needs. He went to a lot of effort to ensure everyone enjoyed themselves and that things went smoothly

BRIAN MCGHEE

Reviewed October 2018

RAMBLING IN PUGLIA

Booking efficient; follow up was not – I had to chase; maybe the late switch from Headwater to Exodus was to blame. An interesting and varied trip, with the leader Luigina Geusa contributing a lot to that plus a good group of fellow walkers. Matera hotel (Hotel Sassi) was not good, but the hotels in Ostuni (La Terra) and Alberobello (Ramapendula) were much better.

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspirational is too strong a word, but there were memories to retain from all of Matera, Ostuni, Lecce and Alberobello.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She, Luigina Geusa, was pivotal to the success of the trip. Her network of contacts was excellent, and she made a really successful job of understanding the different participants on the trip and building rapport with each of them. Her commitment and passion for the environment showed through clearly

Advice for Potential Travellers

For this trip in mid October, the weather can fluctuate so think carefully about what you bring. In the event, the weather worked out well.

Suggestions

I think all 16 of the participants on the trip will think back on it as enjoyable

PHILLIP BUCCHI

Reviewed September 2018

Walking in Puglia & Matera

Vanessa was a wonderful guide and very aware of the needs of of all the participants. everyone got along well. The places we stayed were excellent. The overall experience was lot of fun

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the city of Matera

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Vanessa, is a dynamo. She is upbeat and considerate and made the entire experience a joy.

Christine Brown

Reviewed September 2018

Heat among the olive trees

An exploring holiday, not a ‘wow’ one but full of delights. Matera was a long-desired destination, because of Carlo Levi, and spectacular. Sleeping in our massive cave in Hotel Sassi!
Walking endlessly through olive groves brought home to me the privations of former Puglian peasants, but also amazement at the great age and variety of shapes of the trees.
I loved the small towns, their architecture, narrow streets, the ingenuity of the construction of the Trulli.
Hotel Sassi was wonderful, the masseria was beautiful, food good and choice of restaurants gave variety. I liked the multiple starters.

Most Inspirational Moment

Matera, comparing the town at present with the description by Carlo Levi. And exploring Polignano completely alone on our free day

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vanessa was a great leader, knew a lot about the area, encouraging when we were faltering in the heat. She seemed interested in all of us as individuals, talked to each of us separately. Great company, set a good pace, bought excellent picnics.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Possibly August may not be the right time for walking in Puglia - but if you go then, carry plenty of water, a good sun hat, and be prepared to be hot!!

Suggestions

The walk from Montescoglioso would be better reversed, with the difficult walking to the rock villages before lunch, finishing in the town with ice creams and a cool drink.

Terri Markle

Reviewed July 2018

Extraordinary Region of Italy

I chose the walking tour of Puglia & Matera because I had never seen Southern Italy. I was intrigued by the UNESCO World Heritage cities as well as the unusual architcecture such as Trulli houses. It is hard to believe the range of homes and times traveled – from Neolithic to present in just 7 days. My two favorite cities were Matera and Aberobello. The food was incredible. I ate great vegetarian dishes and seafood dishes all week!

Most Inspirational Moment

I was most overcome by Matera and how this city transformed itself from a slum in the 1950s to the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2019. Seeing frescoes of the Madonna & Child painted on the walls of caves where monks lived in the Middle Ages is transforming. Walking the rocky cliffs from cave to cave took me out of this world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I loved Marcella! She clearly loves Puglia & Matera and it shows in her knowledge and exuberance. It was a treat when I could walk with her on a hike and learn about her travel adventures. She also picked the most amazing items at the grocery store for our picnic one day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a hard trip in July as Italy was experiencing record heat. Two of our walks were quite hard due to the heat. You really need to be able to deal with the hot Italian sun and temperatures.

Suggestions

It is amazing how you travel through time on this Exodus tour of Southern Italy - from Matera (Neolithic & Middle Ages) to Lecce ( Ancient Rome) to Aberobello. Every town was charming. I also loved staying in a masseria and eating Mama’s delicious homemade primi and secondi plats.

Ruth Morgan

Reviewed July 2018

A different view of Italy

This trip was exactly what I had hoped for – a fascinating and varied tour of a part of Italy which hasn’t yet become too full of tourists. Our three centres were well chosen and close together – Matera was so interesting just to wander and get lost among the tiny winding lanes and steps, the old fortified farmhouse set in olive groves near Ostuni was so peaceful and in Alberobello we did meet tourism but worth it just to see the trulli. The walks were great – not too challenging and only took up part of the day so we had chance to explore by ourselves as well. I didn’t expect to see so many wild flowers in June. We had excellent food in a wide variety of restaurants, wine-tasting and two super picnics. We used a variety of transport, including local buses and trains, and all went very smoothly.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view of the duomo in Matera from my hotel room (in a cave) window - I couldn't stop looking at it and taking photos in varying light conditions.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vanessa was a super guide, bubbling over with energy and enthusiasm, very helpful and keen to share typical Italian things with us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good walking shoes vital for the rocky limestone paths, and potentially slippy steps in Matera.

Rachel Stanfield

Reviewed July 2018

Fantastic trip

Wonderful trip in a beautiful part of Italy. The walking was not challenging, which was a good thing given the heat in mid-June, and covered some stunning and scenic routes. Great food and accommodation in all three locations.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from Montescaglioso at the start of our walk

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vanessa was fantastic - knowledgeable, patient, and full of passion for her native country and region

Tara Taylor

Reviewed June 2018

Little known gems

Walking in Matera was an interesting and eye opening experience. I knew nothing of the history of this facinating “heel of Italy’ so was extremely surprised and delighted to discover it in the company of 5 other travellers and our wonderful guide Nino.

Most Inspirational Moment

The history of Matera is so interesting and thought provoking. Wandering around the old town and seeing into the 'caves' was such a privilege. The town is incredibly stark built into a cliff with each place a cave transformed into living histories of people going back thousands of years. Alberobello was another wonderful discovery and so beautiful and unusual.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nino was our guide, he is knowledgeable and extremely helpful. He ensured the group knew what to expect everyday and was very considerate of people's walking abilities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect the walking to be particularly interesting. We had extremely hot weather which made the walking unpleasant for me. The walk was 9 June 2018. The walks overall were the least enjoyable part of the trip. They were not long so we had a lot of opportunity to explore on our own which was great. The villages and history was the surprise for me and made the experience wonderful. The food was disappointing to me as it was fairly plain and was very much localised. While its important to discover new foods i didnt really enjoy it. We did eat at a wonderful fish restaurant and we also got to spend half a day at the beach which was fantastic and really energised the group. One thing despite the guide saying one needs proper walking boots or shoes i think a good pair of trainers would be sufficient as long as they have a hard sole. I swapped mine and immediately felt more comfortable especially in the heat. The whole trip was incredible, it was a small group who got on well together and had many great laughs along the way. Nino was a fantastic guide who made everything wonderful, i would recommend this trip to anyone.

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