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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14460 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Heinz Kobler

Reviewed March 2019

Hungry for more

This has been another memorable Exodus holiday. An excellent package, in line with the trip description, but made outstanding thanks to Sara our group leader and an exceptionally nice group of people. The trip offered exactly the right combination of manageable adventure and physical challenge with time to relax in the hotel’s wellness centre, eat excellent food and engage in conversation with likeminded people.
The hotel staff were also very friendly and attentive.

The equipment provided (snowshoes and poles) were of an excellent standard. In addition safety equipment (avalanche transponders, probes etc.) provided reassurance that attention was paid to potential risks in the mountains. At the same time it was clear that Sara made appropriate risk assessments before embarking on a specific route.

Having received a free public transport pass prompted us on the free day to travel by train to Bolzano to visit the Oetzi museum (highly recommended) and use the pass on a couple of other occasions. This is an excellent promotion by the local tourist board.

Most Inspirational Moment

No single moment, rather a series of moments. Each day offered a new delight, a new challenge, through the change in weather, the landscape and the connections with the group and Sara our exceptional group leader.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara offered an outstanding combination of skill, expertise and attention to us, both at the group and individual level. All of it presented with humour and humility. Sara's enthusiasm for the outdoors and the local area and history was highly infectious. I shall treasure the conversations we had as a group and individually. It was also evident that Sara adapted the daily excursions to the weather conditions and the group as a whole which made each day such a success.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip description - it provides a good guide to what to expect.

Harriet Woodcock

Reviewed March 2019

Everyday a highlight

We’d wanted to go to Costa Rica for some time and this holiday did not disappoint. In two weeks we saw amazing things on the coast, in the mountains, in the jungle and in the cloud forest. Our guide, Katia, was extremely knowledgeable and was excellent at spotting wildlife and explaining all about it. Indeed all the drivers and guides we encountered on the journey were excellent and also good at spotting wildlife. The accommodation was good all round including some great jungle lodges. We really felt that we ‘discovered costa rica’ and were really impressed with the whole holiday and the country.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to pick the most inspirational moment of the trip as there were so many of them. Esquina lodge was special. It was a small lodge in the jungle and everywhere you looked there was wildlife. The afternoon we arrived we had a fantastic thunderstorm so we got to truly experience the rainforest. At night the jungle came alive with the sound of frogs and other wildlife. But we also were captivated by the sloths in the cloud forest, the monkeys at Manuel Antonio, the humming birds everywhere ( who knew there were so many varieties?), colourful toucans at Tortuguero, and of course the quetzal in Savegre Lodge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Katia was so knowledgable about the wildlife and very patient with those of us who aren't natural 'birders' . She also gave us a great insight into the country with lots of information and stories to bring the history and politics to life. She was very personable and one of the best guides I've had on a holiday like this. A big shout out to Juan Jose our driver who was also good at spotting bird and kept the bus immaculately clean and tidy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a fab holiday with lots of opportunities to spot wildlife so book it now! The walks are undemanding compared to what we are used to doing, they use made paths or boardwalks and can easily be done in approach shoes or trainers. There are some steps and inclines and some of our companions found sticks useful but we didn't feel we needed them. All the lodges are designed to keep out bugs and beasties but occasionally some creep in (you are in the forest/jungle after all) so check your room before you go to sleep! The hotel staff are on hand to extract any unwanted creatures. Do try the coffee, it's excellent everywhere- non of this instant coffee stuff. There's lots of nice fish to eat fresh from the sea. You have to eat gallopinto at least once - I got quite addicted to it and will be cooking it at home. Only one downside and that was San Jose Airport. We waited three hours to get through customs on the way in so be prepared for a wait. We were told the average is around two hours.

Richard Anderson

Reviewed March 2019

Excellent active and cultural holiday

This is a great addition to exodus’ portfolio, with cheese, wine and local food as well as superb walking and snowshoeing. A visit to a mountain hut in the Aiguestortes National Park, not currently in the trip notes but very much in Miguel’s area of walking knowledge, was stunning. MIguel is a gentleman, a true Catalan and boasts a fine Scottish hat as well as some surprising Hebridean anecdotes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Doing the conga with the villagers in Rialp during Carnival.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As above

Advice for Potential Travellers

Best to bring a rucksack either with plastic straps/clips down the sides, or one with enough space under the top to wedge snowshoes under. Just that it's a nuisance to have to tie the snowshoes on and then undo them again.

Tony Rose

Reviewed March 2019

In a trail of the Middle East

A fantastic experience, trekking through Wadi Rum, camping with the Bedouins, walking in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia.
The jewel in the crown of this trip was A full day in Petra ,The red rose city.
The people of Jordan were warm and friendly adding to an all round enjoyable trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

First sight of The Treasury, amazing. We set off at 6 am to beat the crowds, and was not disappointed, as we were one of the first groups there and managed to get some photos without anyone in the background

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Abdallah, was passionate, knowledgeable with a wicked sense of humour and a cheeky grin.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a hip flask, it is a job to get a drink outside of Amman

Rita Clark

Reviewed March 2019

Cycle Vietnam with Cambodia extension

We have taken numerous bike tours before. This tour guide was fantastic, the tour was very well organized, the support team was second to none and the whole experience was awesome.

Very much enjoyed Vietnam.

The Cambodia tour portion that included the temples was also very good.

Most Inspirational Moment

In Cambodia - the first day arriving at Angkor Thom. Was very happy to reach the top for the 10k hill, the whole bike group was there cheering everyone on. Ha Long Bay scenery was favorite scenery. The kids all along our bike route who came running our to shout Hello! will be ever remembered as a favorite part of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Loc. Loc is a very amiable, conscientious team leader. As mentioned we have been on numerous tour before, Loc stands out as a great group leader. He answered every question, made every arrangement asked and made sure that everyone in our large group was taken care of. Especially appreciated was on our return flight home pick up the American/Korean summit in Hanoi had all streets around our hotel blocked off. Loc came to the hotel, made sure we had transport to the airport and helped carry luggage the number of blocks away that our taxi had to park.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For the Cambodia portion - Exodus trip notes are incorrect, you do not need to provide a passport photo for your pass. You can buy a sleeping bag liner for the train trip in Da Nang although the berth was pretty clean I felt better sleeping in the sleep sack vs directly on the provided sheet/blanket. The night on the train was pretty cold and provided blanket was not warm enough, get you fleece out before lights out. Bring a change of clothes onto the bus each day as sitting in your wet bike shorts for hours can be uncomfortable.

Maureen Pearce

Reviewed March 2019

Wacky Races in the National Parks!

Our trip specifically aimed at maximum attention on wildlife was somewhat disappointing. The reason for the disappointment was especially the complete lack of control of the amount of safari vehicles allowed in the national parks and the drivers disregard for speed control (25K per hr) we must have been doing at least 35 – 40 mph and overtaking masses of other vehicles all racing to see either the sighting of a sloth bear or latterly the sighting of the leopard in a tree about 300 meters away in a tree. I wouldn’t be surprised if all the animals scattered during visiting times of tourist knowing what mayhem was in store! Once in view of the leopard (only seen with binoculars at that distance) passengers then suffered from carbon monoxide fumes whilst drivers went past the area not once, not twice but three times!. It is difficult to know how you can change the culture of such behaviour of the guides/drivers as it seems to be inherent. Walks in the Udawala were along the road track leading to the eco lodge were ok but not astoundingly memorable. The birders in the group were enthused.

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspirational moment of the trip was seeing a blue whale right up next to our tourist boat. We shared the morning sightings of our whale with about 12 other loaded boats, but having said that we saw our whale dive several times showing it's fluke and blowing before diving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dilshan Chathuranga was the most uninspiring Exodus leader I have ever had the chance to come across in all of our trips. He did the basic essential travel connections without any problems but seemed to lack the passion of other group leaders. When asked a question by clients he would often retort "I have told you that, wern't you listening?". His English was OK but sometimes difficult to grasp. I know that he caused offence and anger amongst at least 4 of the clients, reducing one Canadian guest to tears because she complained about the inept guide on their safari vehicle! He took the complaint personally and attacked her verbally insinuating that she was making a fuss. "what is that in the tree?" a monkey - was the response by the safari guide! when they wanted the type of monkey. He also gave incorrect names to birds seen and had little knowledge. It is the first time I have been on an Exodus trip where there had not been a thank you speech and presentation of tips etc. at the last evening meal end of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Contrary to your trip note you do not worry about leech socks as the Eco Lodge provides them. The whale watching trip organisers also provide sea sickness pills.

Marie Longworth

Reviewed March 2019

Great trip!

Great opportunity to see 3 countries! Great leader!

Most Inspirational Moment

While sad it was wonderful to bear witness to the relatively recent history of both Cambodia and VIetnam and also great to see the lovely welcome we got!

Thoughts on Group Leader

I returned from Sri Lanka in October and thought the legendary Suresh was thee best Guide ever, Where to start with Is!! She was just fabulous! She looked after us so we’ll and was always one step ahead in organizing everything. At the border crossings she brought pens for filling out the forms and even spelled out the names of the hotels that we had to put on the forms. She stopped the traffic with a firm hand which made us feel very safe but she was always very gracious in her acknowledgment of those that stopped! Her Tinglish (English) was excellent and she was never off duty. She never stopped and was unfailing courteous at all times! The support team in the three countries were great too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the heat! The cycling was very doable but oh soooo hot!

Gill Young

Reviewed March 2019

Crampons were also used due to the snown conditions.

Magnificent in every way – some of the finest scenery in Europe. Variety of walks with an afternoon stop at an Alpine hut for refreshments. Comfortable accommodation with health spar and plenty of food.
One small niggle, you had to buy a bottle of expensive wine rather than a glass of Hauswein.

Most Inspirational Moment

Monte Piana - we were lucky to go to both summits with superb views of 3 Cime. Also Strudelkopf, Lutterkopf and Durakopf walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara Bull was fantastic. She was so encouraging and helped people discretely without them feeling embarrassed. She ensured everyone reached the summits. After the second last days walk in order to see what the conditions were like, she went on the walk she was thinking of doing on the last day, returning at 10pm.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Plenty to do on the free day using free train/bus passes. You can even go to Bozen to see Otzi

David Hill

Reviewed March 2019

Disasterous week 1; OK 2&3

Supplied with the wrong vehicle which was both unsafe and very uncomfortable and guides who didn’t know where they were going. It took a week to replace both.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wonderful Africa

Thoughts on Group Leader

First week useless, second and third weeks brilliant

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ask questions : 1) is the vehicle safe?; 2) is there 'working' air con?: 3) how old is it?; 4) has the guide/driver done the trip before?; 5)are the trip note 'driving' times reasonably accurate?; 6)if you are tall, how much leg room is there? 7)is there room to move on the bus?.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank David for his review, however, we are genuinely sorry to learn that the first week of this holiday did not meet his expectations. Regrettably, due to a miscommunication on the ground in South Africa, our local team provided a smaller vehicle than is usually used on this tour; while we would like to clarify that this vehicle was serviced and signed off by qualified mechanics as in a safe condition prior to the trip starting, we acknowledge that it would have been slightly cramped and uncomfortable, for which we remain very sorry. Upon being made aware of this issue, a larger vehicle was supplied, and we would like to assure any future customers considering joining this tour that this unfortunate error has not recurred since this trip. We were delighted to read that David felt the second two weeks of the trip were brilliant, which we find is much more in line with the feedback we usually receive from this tour. John Penge – Product Manager

Lucy Chaldecott

Reviewed March 2019

Sunshine in Spain

I have just returned from this trip. What a beautiful escape from the wet and wild UK in March! We enjoyed superb, varied walks, often with 360′ views on the summits and not another sole in sight! Although the walks were quite challenging, the pace was ideal and our guides provided the perfect number of rest stops. Generally we had very good weather although layers were needed on the peeks in the wind. In terms of food, we enjoyed tasty, plentiful meals together in the hotel for breakfast and dinner, and filling picnic lunches. Being centre-based in a comfortable hotel felt like a real holiday, and the timings were in-keeping with this; due to minimal transport times, we could start walking at 9/9.30 each day and return at 4/5pm to enjoy a relax before dinner. I would highly recommend this trip for those with good levels of fitness who wish to discover quiet, varied mountain walks with good food, super views and a really chilled-out leisurely feel.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching so many beautiful summits with amazing 360' views. Another highlight was the hotel kindly baking me a cake for my birthday!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders (Jose and Jaimie) were excellent - very knowledgeable, friendly, and laid back yet extremely competent. I had complete faith in them but could also enjoy a laugh together. They provided a briefing for each walk on the night before and provided useful information for the "free day" and our departure day which we spent in Alicante. As mentioned in previous reviews, very good picnic sandwiches at lunch!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this trip! I hand't previously heard of hiking in the area, but it far exceeded my expectations. Other advice.. -when we arrived we had time to explore local Guadalest which is a lovely town with a hilltop castle and a good tapas bar! -highly recommend visiting Aitea on the free day, especially in good weather -we had a late flight back on the Sunday so spent the day exploring Alicante (the hike up to the castle is worth it!) -no need to take extra cereal bars as plenty are provided!

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