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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Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!
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14217 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Grace Fryml
Reviewed August 2024
AMAZING!!!
This week was absolutely perfect. You get to see the best parts of the TMB, and each hike itself was different with a different perspective/landscape! Our hosts, Tom and Sol, did an amazing job making us delicious food and hosting us all week. It was so wonderful staying in the same spot all week!
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the Alps for the first time when the clouds cleared on our way up to Lake Blanc!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Adrian was INCREDIBLE!!! He was the best leader we ever, and he looked after us, joked with us, and kept high energy even when he was tired.
Advice for Potential Travellers
As a fit 27 year old, the week was a good combination of hiking and rest. I had injured my knee the week before, but I was able to complete all of the hikes with no problems. If I had been at full health, I could have completed a difficulty level of 4 or 5 out of 7. My group was incredibly kind and came together as a team looking out for one another immediately. I would recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys mountains, hiking for 6-7 hours a day, and good food! We had people in our group in their 60s and 70s who were also able to successfully complete all of the hikes. They had trained beforehand or were regularly exercising already so they were ready!
Bee A
Reviewed August 2024
Seeing Vietnam by bike was a dream come true!
This trip is about experiencing all that this amazing country has to offer. Vietnamese cuisine is amazing, the people are kind and the cycling is varied cycling from the city streets, to rural roads and national parks. I am used to riding in the city and surprisingly, some of my favourite highlights were the few short sections riding through the city (Dalat, Hue). Seeing our group weaving around some locals on motorbikes was really fascinating.
Most Inspirational Moment
High-fiving the locals as they greet you while you ride by on the more rural side of the country.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Chi was a lovely leader, so passionate about his country and kind. He was calm mannered, yet knew how to manage a full energetic group of 18. It was impressive!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Leave your expectations at home. Lots of time spent on the saddle so pack those padded shorts and add a gel cushion too. While July was extremely hot, it was an experience! Go e-bike during the hotter months, it's fun. Thouhhis trip is totally doable on the standard mountain bike.
Sarah Hibbert
Reviewed August 2024
A great week in India
Just got back from India, and a few things really stood out: seeing the Taj Mahal up close was just incredible. I also ate so much delicious Indian food—each meal was a highlight on its own. And our local leader, Ajay, was fantastic; his sense of humor and all the interesting cultural insights he shared added so much to the experience.
Michael da Silva
Reviewed August 2024
Unforgettable adventure!
A brilliant trip with every venue and activity providing an amazing chance to see many types of wildlife in their own environment and in different ways, from comfortable lodges to camping, trekking and jeep safaris, mokoro canoes and boat trips
Most Inspirational Moment
Nearly every venue inspired us so it is difficult to pick out just one! There were so many amazing experiences that we enjoyed from the walking safaris, safaris in jeeps and boats, wild camping in the Okavango Delta as well as staying in comfortable lodges - all in breath-taking settings - including one where you had to be taken back to your room in a jeep if if was dark! Our favourite moments were the Chobe River Cruise, the walking safaris in the Okavango Delta, looking for rhinos on foot in the Matobo NP and witnessing the stunning scenery around Cecil Rhodes' grave, the day jeep safari in Hwange and the whole Victoria Falls Experience
Thoughts on Group Leader
Siza (Siziba) was a brilliant group leader and organiser and the group gelled really well under his care. His cooking and organisation of our food for the camping was first class and his preparation before we arrived at new destinations - i.e. getting our menu choices in advance - helped the days go smoothly. He gave us time to stop, look and take photos of animals or interesting sights along the way when we were travelling between lodges. Our driver, Trimo, was also an integral part of the holiday, joining the group on many activities, as well as at mealtimes - and both were so friendly and knowledgeable about the wildlife and places we were visiting.
Advice for Potential Travellers
As others have suggested; bring plenty of layers of warm clothing if you are visiting in the winter - even though the forecast temperature seemed manageable to me without gloves and woolly hats etc, when it is first thing in the morning in an open sided jeep, you will wish you had them! The number of layers I wore when it was cold increased (to 5) as the holiday progressed! Also bring plenty of small denomination US dollar notes as they are scarce in Zimbabwe and note that in Botswana they will not accept US dollars dated prior to 2013 (though they are accepted in Zimbabwe). In fact, we took too much cash as we were able to use cards in most lodges and restaurants. Another thing to note is that the lodges were all of a very high standard - comfortable and with good food - although in the evening, some rooms were a bit dark so your camping head torch may come in handy!
Adam Felgate
Reviewed August 2024
What an Amazing Trip!
The title says it all! A well-paced journey through one of Europe’s hidden gems. A great mix of moderate and challenging treks through truly breathtaking scenery.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the top of Maglic, the highest mountain in Bosnia. It is a challenging trek, with sections of scrambling and cables, which made reaching the top even more special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Saudin was incredible. He had such passion for everything Bosnia, and was always on hand to fix any issues, although there were hardly any. He was great at managing the levels of the group and making sure everyone was included. Our second leader, Fatima, was the same and displayed all the features of a great Exodus leader.
Our group's driver was also fantastic, with some of the transfers having to navigate tricky mountain roads.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Walking poles are definitely needed to help with some of the ascents, particularly Maglic. The day the group summits Maglic is very long and tiring, so be prepared!
Bob Stephenson
Reviewed August 2024
Varied tour in a beautiful and friendly country
We enjoyed a wide range of experiences – very much as described in the trip description. Many years ago a friend who cycled through many many countries came back and declared Sri Lanka to be the most beautiful place he had visited. Indeed he was right – the parts of Sri Lanka we visited were really lovely and also very friendly. We would have like more extended opportunities for walking and cycling but there’s no doubt we packed in a lot (sometimes I felt we were a little rushed on eg at Lion’s Rock). Hotels were of a good standard and generally very friendly. Highly recommend a visit to Sri Lanka whether on this trip or independently.
Most Inspirational Moment
Great to climb Lion's Rock and see the volcano rim surrounding us.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roshan was very knowledgeable and interacted well with the group. He was particularly good at seeing wildlife and when we had to change a day of the trip explained the alternatives clearly. We are vegan and he asked the chefs at the hotels to show us which parts of the buffets were vegan.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The trip notes and reviews we read gave a very accurate view of the experience. Definitely go to Sri Lanka, your experience will be defined by the time of year you go. We enjoyed getting out of (most of) the hotels when we could.
Michelle Claxton
Reviewed August 2024
So many 'wow' moments!
If you are a seasoned walker not afraid of some big hills, and enjoy seeing spectacular views, then this is the trip for you. Each of the 10 days of walking brought with them different challenges, offset by the amazing views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks. Ably led by our Exodus leader, Maria, the group were encouraged to walk at a sensible pace each day, enabling us to reach our campsite mid-afternoon to enjoy some down time, before doing it all again the next day! Maria was incredibly supportive, checking in on everyone, yet took a sensible and safety-first approach when due to various reasons, people couldn’t walk for a day or so, advising them not to try and to re-join the tour in a day or so. His knowledge of the trails and the area was excellent. The tents and sleeping mats (we hired) were fine for the trip. The tents were roomy enough for 2 and the mats comfortable enough for our weary bodies to get some decent sleep! 2 nights of heavy rain and not a single leak in the tent was also a bonus! The campsites are fine – 2 are very basic with no showers (be prepared for a cold wash!) and only a couple of basic toilets (lots of flies!), but the remainder have showers and often laundry facilities too. The two basic campsites are next to very refreshing rivers so this was also very welcome to cool off!
Maris was assisted in camp by Albert, cooking us some delicious meals and taking into account dietary requirements. Vegetarians were catered for well but as a big meat eater, I did struggle having vegetarian meals for several of the nights. Be warned, Albert loves adding mushrooms to everything!! In Albert’s van he had a fridge with an honesty bar (beer, wine, coke, chocolate) and also an extension lead to charge phones and devices. In the morning, we had to help load our bags and tents plus cooking bits into Albert’s van. If everyone helps it is a 10 minute job.
Walking days were challenging. Some days long and moderate, other days shorter but tough. The hardest day comes near the end of the trip, in my opinion, with 1500m plus of altitude gained! For those of you familiar with Snowdon, this is up the Pyg track twice consecutively, with similar gradients to match the top section! Lots of breaks make the walking and ascents achievable.
Most Inspirational Moment
Aside from finishing the whole trek on the last day after a very long, tiring day with lots of ascent I would have to say just the views! Most days you get a glimpse of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks and the sunrises and sunsets over the mountains are just incredible at the start and end of each day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Maria was great. He was down to earth, took into account everyone's walking abilities and experience and also had a great sense of humour which we noticed more and more as he got to know us during the trip. Considering he had only done a few trips for Exodus, he seemed extremely knowledgeable and it was as if he had been leading TMB trips for many years.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for long days (7-8 hours) and lots of uphills! Do not underestimate the info in the trip notes! Because you have to re-pack your bag every morning to be loaded onto the van, this can be tricky if your sleeping bag had to go into your kit bag first. If possible I would suggest hiring a sleeping bag as others in my group did - they are warm and of good quality, plus they gat transported outside of your kit bag. Your own sleeping bag does not (despite the trip notes info! Hire a sleeping bag to make packing less stressful in the morning!! Bring Euros for the refuges, for drinks and snacks, as not all of them take cards (most do but internet and wifi is patchy). Bring both a European and UK plug for your devices as there were both types in the van and if all the UK ones are full, you can use the European ones - Even better, bring one converter with 2 or more USB ports and everyone will be your friend!
On rest days visit La Contamines for the market - buy some cheese for the evening, then get the bus to Saint Germaine for lunch - it is a lovely town with lots of bars and restaurants. If finances allow, take the cable car from Courmayeur to Pont Helbronner, then buy a ticket (can't buy in advance) to go across to Aiguille du Midi - amazing views of the glaciers and Mont Blanc. As of Aug 24 the complete ride on the two cable cars cost around £80. On the final rest day we went paragliding in Chamonix. Again this is a must do if finances allow and you have a head for heights! Plenty of lovely bars and restaurants in Chamonix too for your last day.
Nadia Ghafoor
Reviewed August 2024
Wonderfully surprised!
I have never been to Croatia and did not know what to expect and was wonderfully surprised! It is a beautiful country with so much history and natural beauty. There is a lot of Italian architectures, beautiful beaches and history. The walks were gentle walks except went walking up the peak of Montokuc on Mljet Island which is challenging but there are other things to do on the Island. The food was amazing and produce locally. There is a good choice of vegetarian and vegan meals. I would definitely recommend this trip as it’s a nice introduction to Croatia.
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing the peak of Montokuc in the heat! It was hot and humid with no breeze. Once you got to the top, the view was amazing. Walking the City walls in Dubrovnik at sunset. The views were amazing especially when the sun was setting.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Vanja was amazing! She is funny, enthusiastic, energetic and knowledgeable. She loves sharing her passion with the group. Such a wonderful lady!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Good walking shoes as the paving in Croatia is slippery. Need walking boots as the trek up and down Montokuc was trip and slippery at times. There are no lifts at the hotels and there are loads of stairs. Purchase the Dubrovnik pass as it’s value for money. It’s you bus ticket for 3 days and have free entrances to the museums and city wall.
FIONA JUBY
Reviewed August 2024
Stunningly beautiful country with fascinating history
My first Exodus trip and what a wonderful trip it was. Such a great insight into this wonderful country which has stunning scenery, amazing historical sites, wildlife, interesting fauna and flora, beautiful beaches and above all very friendly people who are desperate for tourists to return. As a single female traveller I always felt safe, and never felt hassled or threatened when having free time on my own.
The tour gives you a real mixture of scenery, temples, wildlife, activities, interaction with some local families, free time, beach days – although we covered about 1500 km in 2 weeks it never felt like we were in the bus too much – and there was so much to view outside. A couple of long days were nicely broken up with different activities.
Several of the hotels had stunning views and nice swimming pools – perfect for an early morning or late afternoon swim.
All in all a fabulous trip!
Most Inspirational Moment
Having lunch with a local family in their garden after a wonderfully peaceful cycle ride through the beautiful local countryside.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our local guide Roshan was wonderful - so knowledgeable about everything. He brought the country and its people to life in an engaging and entertaining way so I came away with a real understanding of his country. His great sense of humour went down well with our group ! Nothing was too much trouble for him
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for hotel buffets ... but its 90% Sri Lankan food so a good chance to try numerous things and far quicker than a la carte (can take 90 mins from ordering!)
Take trainer socks for your feet in the temples as the ground is very hot
Remember a good sized water bottle with large opening - the bus had huge water containers at the back with a pump system so we could refill whenever we wanted rather than buying loads of small bottles of water.
A fleece needed for Nuwara Eilya as its much cooler - we had rain and it was actually cold up there
Elliott Brown
Reviewed August 2024
ADC Discover Tuscany: Culture, Food & Wine
A fantastic trip – a great variety of winemakers and local artisans visited, with some really interesting historical sites visited too.
Most Inspirational Moment
Learning all about Sienna's rich history - the Contradas, and who could forget the Palio di Siena!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Teresa was absolutely brilliant - very accommodating and sensitive to the groups needs, as well as being very knowledgeable about the area. No ask was too big!
Advice for Potential Travellers
The accommodation used for this trip is relatively remote. If you're thinking of extending your stay be sure to check out Florence!
