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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

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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14457 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Judith Ridout

Reviewed October 2018

Vietnam and Cambodia - Tailor made

Our trip was arranged by Thidara for our family of four – my husband, myself and our two 20-something daughters.
We asked for a trip which incorporated sight seeing with some more adventurous activities and some opportunities to do things independently.
The itinerary met our brief perfectly. We were able to see the main sights on our list with interpretation provided by our excellent guides and also do kaiaking, cycling and visiting a cave which was off the regular tourist trail.
We travelled by boat, overnight train, plane, bicycle, tuck tuck as well as dedicated minibuses with our trusty drivers braving the incredible traffic!
It was a fabulous trip which was made all the more enjoyable as all the stress was removed due to the reliability of our guides and the detailed organisation.

Most Inspirational Moment

The two highlights had to be cruising and kaiaking on Halong Bay and seeing Angkor Wat at sunrise, however learning about the history of both Vietnam and Cambodia was also fascinating. Travelling south by road meant that we crossed the DMZ and could visit the museum there. We also went to the War Remnants museum in Ho Chi Minh. We did a cooking class in Hoy An which was another must do. Our guide helped us out with finding an excellent class which we thoroughly enjoyed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had four guides during our trip and all were excellent. Helpful, informative and passionate about their country and its treasures. It really added to the enjoyment of the trip that they were able to answer our questions and guide us through the process of getting to know the culture and lifestyle of this fascinating area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Vietnam and Cambodia are great places to visit. They feel very safe and there is so much to see and do. The tailor made trip worked very well for us as we had our two daughters with us who are 21 and 23. They enjoyed the freedom of being able to choose places to eat in the evenings but were also keen to do all the activities

Helen Maybee

Reviewed October 2018

Breathtaking scenery and super smooth cycling!

It really was as described on the label – fabulously clear seas teeming with fish, gorgeous vistas of islands, vines and historic villages, with hidden gems of frescos and facades. We rolled out over beautiful quiet lanes and trails, reassured with water and snack stops and very clear landmarks enabling us all
To reach our destination in our own time having enjoyed sun drenched countryside and seascapes. Thanks to Alan and Marion it all ran like clockwork- just time for super gelato before a ferry, light fading as we entered old Dubrovnik enhancing the city’s beautiful architecture. Lovely fish, more fish and pork kebabs overlooking beautiful ports. What’s not to like! Give it a go….

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the first tough summit and realising I am still pedalling the bike with gentle encouragement!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lovely thoughtful person- at ease and aware of all of the party. Good organisation skills ensured a very smooth trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Early October weather was perfect- warm enough still to Enjoy a week of fresh air and swims . We saw one amazing storm from the van but we’re back on bikes within the hour riding home happily!

Jennifer Ford

Reviewed October 2018

Amazing adventure!

This was my first cycling tour and tour with Exodus. I had an amazing experience! The trip was well planned and I feel like it had the prefect balance of cycling, exploring towns on foot and good food. The level of difficulty was more than I thought. I trained in advance, which served me well, but I recommend others do the same, especially if this is your first bike tour.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of each hill is so rewarding. You definitely earn the views!

Marjorie Barnes

Reviewed October 2018

SELF GUIDED CAMINO

A fantastic trip with easy to follow detailed notes. No map really required. The accommodation and transfers arranged by Headwater were first class. Blessed with great weather.

Most Inspirational Moment

The second day of walking going to O Cebreiro. The mountain scenery was stunning. Also the most wonderful groups of people met along the way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

N/A

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't pay 30 Euros for a taxi from Madrid airport to Charmartin Rail Station. If you have your rail ticket to Leon then just go by free shuttle bus to Terminal 4, use the machines and get a free rail transfer to Charmartin. Staff are at the machines to help if you get stuck.

Steve Fulton

Reviewed October 2018

Just Fantastic!

Recently returned from this wonderful trip. Everything was perfect – The Mountains are beautiful and have a remote feel (we saw very few other walkers); The Hotel (El Trestellador) was basic but comfortable with stunning views of the mountains and sea and the food was just superb. Our two guides were excellent – knowledgeable, informative, amusing and very professional. The walks were great and well designed, especially the more challenging walks later in the week.

I can’t think of anything negative to say – this was a fantastic trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Just being in these delightful and beautiful mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two leaders during the week, Jose Miguel and Jaime. They were very different, but both were superb - helpful, very knowledgeable and informative, very amusing and totally professional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great trip - go for it!

Sally Bruce

Reviewed October 2018

A Week in Jordan

Highlight was night in the desert. Trek round Petra also very good. Trip to Aqaba seemed a bit superfluous. Maybe cancel that and have two nights in desert camp instead?
Plumbing in hotels variable in efficiency. Likewise air-conditioning on buses.
Attempt to reduce use of plastic bottles laudable but unfortunately we found that we needed more than our own flask-full of water when leaving the coach for expeditions which meant we ended up buying plastic bottles as well. Could suggest having water ‘on tap’ in the hotel foyers as well as on the coach?

Most Inspirational Moment

Night in the desert

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very conscientious, considerate and polite.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of loose, comfortable long-sleeved garments, not your best clothes!

Kay Rutherford

Reviewed October 2018

One of my favourite trips

This cycling trip is up there as one of my favourites. There are some challenging sections of cycling but you are rewarded by great views as you cycle up volcanoes, through coffee plantations, past rice fields, and watch farmers harvest spices with the pungent smell of cloves as they are dried on the roadside. The mix of other activities makes the trip a real holiday adventure. Snorkelling off Mengangan Island was fantastic, with the colours and variety of fish breathtaking. We even were lucky enough to see a turtle. The.camping on the beach at Rajewesi Beach was a highlight, watching the sun set and rise over the beach was magical.
Wira and his team were extremely well organised, cooked lovely food, very encouraging on the tougher sections and nothing’s too much trouble for them. Their love of their country is very evident.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sun rise over Rajewesi beach

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wira is an excellent leader. Organised, knowledgeable, handles whatever incidents thrown at him with expertise and sensitivity. He also makes the trip great fun.be

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for basic facilities at the beach and coffee plantation home stay but their locations more than make up for it.

Susan Munro

Reviewed October 2018

Smooth, easy, organised

Long Le was the rock star of tour guides. Ably supported by a team of drivers and bike mechanic, Long Le was charming, funny, intelligent and informative. I’m a bit of an anxious traveller but I felt 100% looked after and supported during the entirety of our journey. Long Le was great at bringing our group together to enjoy shared experiences. We started as strangers and ended as friends.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling up Hai Van Pass. I had almost not even tried but with support from Long Le, bike mechanic Lee and drivers Tan and Trin I knew that I could give it a crack and they would be there if I failed -but I succeeded and it felt great!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had the chance to observe other tour guides along the way and in the cities we visited which emphasised to me that we had lucked out with the A team and an exceptional group leader in Long Le

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring your swim goggles-there are beautiful pools at every stop. Don’t be scared to bring your own peddles and other gear-bike mechanic will install and remove for you and super quick.

K R

Reviewed October 2018

Qué paja el Perú !

Before I went on this holiday, anyone I talked to about Peru seemed to equate it principally with Machu Picchu and Inka trails. Frankly, as beautiful and wondrous as MP is, there is SO MUCH more to Peru. At every level of altitude, the country offers different scenery, flora, fauna, cultures (indigenous, colonial, urban, rural, affluence, poverty, religions, food, drink etc) and different experiences in general including star gazing.
The itinerary of this trip gives a very good spread of exposure as to what is available to enjoy/sample in Peru. Yes, it is fast paced but it is invigorating for those of us who think a change is as good as a rest.

Most Inspirational Moment

Staying with Flora, our homestay host. She was a true joy to meet and talk with. She is a tough, extremely hardworking, gentle and warmhearted woman and an excellent cook. She was full of determination to do the very best for her children (they were studying medicine and law) even though it meant an incredibly hard life for her to meet those costs. It was an privilege to be able to stay with her and she made our stay as comfortable as she could.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sebastian a) has an excellent command of English, is well informed and was informative without boring us with a litany of facts b) did not B.S. (very important) if he didn't know but checked and came back c) was enthusiastic about his country d) was effortlessly highly efficient/organised e) warm, charming, friendly with a good sense of humour f) accommodated the various needs of the group and looked after us extremely well without being suffocating; plus guided those who needed it and didn't cramp the independence of those who wanted it g) chatted with each of us to find our particular interests and helped us achieve them eg wine tasting or dancing etc (over and above requirements) h) is an excellent ambassador both for Peru and equally importantly Exodus - many in the group were new to Exodus and are now wishing to continue with using Exodus i) took a very responsible approach to tourism within Peru and gave what seemed a balanced view of the cultural situation in Peru j) had inexhaustible energy throughout the trip k) spoke to those of us who wanted to improve our Spanish in Spanish where appropriate ie not excluding others who did not speak Spanish from the conversation. Very impressive and up in the top two of best guides I've had both as a seasoned Exodus customer and an independent traveller.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you suffer from motion sickness, consider whether you want to do the Nazca flight. It is quite nauseating and somewhat hot and claustrophobic in the Cessna planes used. Due to all types of weather encountered, the previous advice concerning layers is key. Good waterproofs also should be taken because when it rains it is likely to be a deluge.

Alicia Pennings

Reviewed October 2018