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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14479 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

barry tylee

Reviewed September 2018

The Pantanal deliverd

This trip to the Pantanal ranks amongst the best. Yes, Jaguars are illusive but so are lots of big cats. patience and trust are required. Trust in so much that your guide will do his/her utmost to find you a jaguar. If they are there, they will find them. But while you are waiting, just observe the absolute plethora of wildlife, Birds of all sizes and colours, you might encounter a swimming Tapier or be entertained by a family of river otters. While you are travelling you might see a giant ant eater, dont be surprised to be able to see a Cayman with young on its back, or see an Anaconda curled up sleeping after a meal. There is so much to see. Beautiful Macaws, what colours. Its pure entertainment. I cant wait to return.

Most Inspirational Moment

Where does one start. For me it was all inspirational. Although I have to say, when you first see a Jaguar it a heart stopping moment. The two lodges that you will stay in are very well positioned, you are surrounded by wildlife.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was, Tony. Excellent all round. very knowledgeable, for me went the extra mile to find a Jaguar, always prepared to stop when something has been sighted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I travelled in August. Yes this part of Brazil is in the tropics, but. It can be cold on the wide open rivers. Read the trip notes. When it says take a warm fleece. Take one and add to that a wind "shell" head cover and gloves. Once you have moved on to the next lodge, its all change, its gets very hot. be prepared for both.

Kim Maidment

Reviewed September 2018

Stunning scenery, good walking, enjoyable companions, great hotel and an excellent guide

It was a good holiday with an excellent guide (we came across Alex before in 2012 in Corsica) who shares his enthusiasm and knowledge of and for so many things. The group was large (16) but a good mixed bunch of people who gelled well. The walking varied and scenery stunning. The hotel was good however more choice at dinner for those of us who do not eat meat would be good – I did find myself eating the same thing several times/ having pasta for more than one course/ skipping a course (although I am sure the latter did me good!!). Breakfast was superb and being able to make our own lunch very helpful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in snow in August!! Completely unexpected.

Thoughts on Group Leader

See above.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have 'layers' - due to snow/wind/rain it went from cold to hot very quickly.

Heather Willson

Reviewed September 2018

Croatia: Islands and Mountains

Fantastic trip- great combination of hiking, Brac island, and interesting cities. Fun to meet new people: our group ranged from 29-65yrs with Canadians, Americans and just 3 Brits.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many and contrasting to select one: City walls and history of Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar; views from the mountains; swimming in crystal clear sea at Bol and Starigrad.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ivan was the perfect leader- friendly, cheerful, organised and informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take taxi from airport to Lapad, as bus was to central Dubrovnik. Good walking boots and poles needed as very rocky uneven paths in Paklenica National Park, with long descent on the first day there.

Frances Beuvink

Reviewed September 2018

Mont Blanc Highlights tour is brilliant for moderate level trekkers

Never been on an Exodus Travels tour before but after a fantastic week on the Mont Blanc Highlights tour I couldn’t be happier. The scenery was breath-taking, the daily treks were challenging enough and greatly increased my fitness, and the people I met in our group were great. The chalet accommodation was really good. And the food & three course dinners each night were outstanding. Can’t wait for my next adventure!

Most Inspirational Moment

Being up high & close to snowy topped Mont Blanc, with big blue skies, grassy meadows, fresh alpine air all around. Every day was exquisite.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shaun, our group leader, was outstanding. Calm, professional, security conscious, friendly & personable - and super fit! Such a nice man too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Start off with a moderate level trek if you are moderately fit. It will challenge you enough, yet leave you wanting more. A great way to feel when you pack up to go home.

John Mitchell

Reviewed September 2018

Insight into how ordinary people in Vietnam live

I’ve been to Vietnam before, but this trip was completely different. This time I felt that I was really getting under the skin of the country to understand how ordinary people, rather than emperors or presidents, live. At each of the homestays we had the opportunity to chat with the families we were staying with and to ask them questions about things as varied as their daily working routines, the pressures they faced, family structures etc. and had the experience of staying in a typical family house.
In addition to that there was a packed agenda of sightseeing visits, activities and eating that left me happily exhausted by the end of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first homestay was (just) the best part of the trip. The family was so welcoming, so obviously pleased to have us staying with them and so interested in telling us about their lives that it got the trip off to a great start and set the tone for the rest of it. Travelling there, amidst the devastation caused by recent unseasonably heavy rain, was an experience in itself. Close behind this were: the trek from the first homestay to the second, through the hills, with amazing views down mist laden valleys to the lake where the second homestay was, and the dancing with the village dance troupe in the evening at the second homestay (I was grabbed by the village flautist to pair him in the dancing, probably because he thought that as a 64 year old male I would be even worse than he was, but I reckon I - just - edged it!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Linh Vo, was outstanding. He had a compendious knowledge of Vietnam and its culture, people history and food, which he communicated effortlessly, coupled with personal experiences to bring it to life. His organisation was immaculate: everything that was supposed to happen did happen and at the time when it was meant to happen, with Linh on the phone double and triple checking ahead to make sure that it did. He was clearly well known, popular and much respected in many of the places that we visited, which meant that we got extra-special attention that made a real difference to my experience. He had a great sense of humour and was a terrific person to travel with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Vietnamese food is amazing. Make a list of all the food you eat, because at the end you will want to look back on it and maybe cook some of it back home, but if you haven't made a list (I didn't) you just won't be able to remember. Make sure you try egg coffee in Hanoi.

Michelle Burton

Reviewed September 2018

Fantastic 1st trip with Exodus

This was our first trip with Exodus, and first group-led holiday and we thoroughally enjoyed every minute. We had an amazing time, made some great friends and are already planning another Exodus trip next year. Every walk was amazing and each had its own unique points. A lot of us commented that we would not have attempted the walks on our own, but going with an organised group made everything simple, easy and enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views were just incredible, photos do not do the mountains justice. I could have happily stayed on another week to continue doing more amazing walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our two group leaders - Martin and Albert were both superb. They were both excellent guides, very friendly, helpful, informative and good sense of humour. On the week we did, Martin led the Level 3 walks, and Albert did Level 5. Both were excellent leaders - giving enough attention to everyone in the group, and helping those who may have been struggling. We had a good briefing every evening after dinner for the following days plans which gave plenty of information for both levels. Neither let the weather dampen their spirits and were happy to continue regardless, which we all appreciated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its a fantastic trip, very well run, and both level 3 and 5 are great walks. Even in August, make sure you take all-weather clothes as during the 6 days we were there, we had 25C sunny days, as well as rain, and even snow with -7c wind chill !! But you will always wear walking boots as you'll need good solid support. Almost everyone on the trip had one or two walking poles each and they are really useful for both up and down hills. It is worth bringing waterproofs, warm layers, warm hat and gloves just in case ! There is normally a stop or two each day to buy food/drink when needed, but worth taking at least 1.5ltr of water and some snacks.

Vall Lee

Reviewed September 2018

Fantastic 10 Star holiday.

The hosts of Chalet Chocolat, Ben and Zoe, were great. Very welcoming and the food would easily sit alongside anything a top chef would produce in a Michelin restaurant. Plenty to eat all the time, especially home cooked cakes by Zoe. The chalet is just like home from home which is what you want after a days hiking, nice and relaxing. We could not fault this holiday and it was probably one of the best we have had and we’ve had quite a few.

Most Inspirational Moment

Just hiking so high up! Our leader Jim would point to somewhere near a mountain peak and say, that's where we will be having coffee this afternoon and you would think, NO WAY, its not possible to walk up there - but you did. Verrrrry inspirational. Our approach to hiking in the UK has changed dramatically following our holiday with Exodus, it has broaden our horizons.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Jim, was fantastic and fun. He was ever mindful of how each member of the group was faring. He made every walk enjoyable and achievable. All the walks were, although taxing, wonderful. Both my husband and I, both young [we think] 69 year olds achieved far more than we thought we would and never felt better. Jim really knows his stuff, you felt safe in his hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a spare pair of walking boots or walking trainers. Going can get tough. If you damage any of your footwear you can get boots repaired in the centre of Chamonix so no problem really. Exodus covered everything you will need in their literature so no further advice really necessary. Just be prepared that moderate standard is quite tough going but don't be put off - we did it and so can you. Your leader will get you through.

Clare Cheeseright

Reviewed September 2018

A hidden gem

These mountains are not well known outside Spain but are well worth a visit. Verdant valleys of trees and meadows give way to dramatic and soaring limestone peaks. There are lots of walks and the views are always worth the effort. Our days were topped off with fabulous dinners created by Jim and his team at the hotel – four courses each night! The hotel was welcoming and quiet but only a few minutes’ walk from the town. There was an amazing view from the bar patio of the distant mountains which I never tired of looking at.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several - the views from the top of whichever peak or climb we were doing plus sitting in a meadow or on rocks for lunch and loving the scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great, friendly and informative. Nachos also took a lot of care to make sure we stopped regularly to have water and rest as the weather was hot. His philosophy of never rushing also helped to make the holiday very chilled.

Cathy Doyle

Reviewed September 2018

Memorable trek to the legendary Savage Mountain

It takes a large team to support 14 trekkers in their ambition to walk to K2 base camp over the 58km Baltoro glacier. With no habitation and unforgiving terrain everything must be carried in by mule or on the backs of porters. This trek makes it possible for ordinary people to walk in the footsteps of the great mountaineers and experience the magnificence of K2 close up.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the historic Art Gilkey memorial at the foot of K2 after a long and challenging walk in was unforgettable. So many plaques to fallen mountaineers, in a peaceful yet hostile setting. How many non climbers get to experience this special place?

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were in safe hands with Sara who led from the back in more ways than one. She invisibly managed logistics, liaised with our local team and supported us through illness to help us all achieve our best trek. Her respect for our porters and the environment was also very evident.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is accurately described as a tough trek. Most walking days are long and the glacier terrain is difficult with potential river crossings. You might find it to be the most challenging trek you have ever done so previous similar experience will help. Keep hydrated and take it steady to help acclimatisation.

James Baxter

Reviewed September 2018

Great hikes in a beautiful part of the world

A very enjoyable week’s hiking in a truly spectacular part of the world. We had wanted to visit the Dolomites for some time and the Val di Fassa did not disappoint. The pretty towns and villages sitting in the valleys are surrounded by majestic mountains, not least the imposing Marmolada, and the backdrop is really is awe inspiring. The great advantage of this trip for us was the dual grades, enabling you to pick and choose a level 3 or level 5 walk. We chose level 3 on all but one of the days, and unlike level 3 walks we had been on in the past, they provided fantastic views of the surrounding area and a good amount of ascent to get the blood pumping. The level 5 walks tended to involve more ascent and fewer refreshment breaks, and also negotiated trickier ridges and ledges. All the walks made use of the excellent cable cars, chairlifts and gondolas throughout the valley to gain height as well the local buses. These got pretty busy since it was peak holiday season, so on a couple of occasions we made early starts to beat the crowds. Although breakfast was a rush, it was well worth it. The Hotel Enrosadira was clean and comfortable, although the rooms were quite small. The friendliness and efficiency of the staff made up for this, and the buffet breakfast and evening meals were very good indeed. The hotel was a few minutes walk to the centre of Campitello were you can find a supermarket, bars, bakeries etc. A special mention must be made for the mountain refuges, or huts. These are dotted about the mountains and both level 3 and 5 walks frequented these for refreshment and lunch stops. I was surprised at the standard of the food and facilities of these considering their remote nature. I recommend taking along some extra cash and trying out some of the local dishes, particularly the Kaiserschmarrn!

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably standing at the top of the gondola from Canazei and seeing the Passo Pordoi to one side and the Marmolada and it's glacier to the other side, and all around the peaks of mountains stretching off into the distance.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both leaders, Albert and Martin, were friendly, well organised and good company. They both had a very good knowledge of the area, and ensured that everyone was going at a pace they were happy at and everyone was accounted for. I think it is easy to underestimate the responsibility group leaders have, and both leaders were professional but were laid back and ensured we all had a good time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As with any trip involving rocky terrain, a good pair of stout walking boots and walking poles are essential.

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