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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14493 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Clive and Jean Parsons

Reviewed September 2018

A Great Adventure

As described, the itinerary encompasses a tremendous range of activities, venues and experiences which provided insights into the country’s culture, history and heritage. We met many interesting people along the way and had great fun with fellow travellers and guides. As usual with Exodus trips there were many early mornings and some long journeys, but these are necessary for the trip to achieve the stated aims! Hotels were comfortable and all had suitable amenities. Food – and drink – was plentiful and tasty and generally good quality. The route was well planned and enabled us to fully acclimatise before attempting the focal activity for us – the Inca Trail. It also put the trail and Machu Picchu into a broader context so that we appreciated it all even more. Support on the Inca Trail, from our guide and ‘porters’ was exceptional. We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed (almost) every minute.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the trail, arriving at and visiting Machu Picchu was the real culmination as that was our main objective, but was heightened as a result of what we had experienced on the trip beforehand. There was magnificent scenery in many places, but especially at sunset and sunrise on the trail. Condors soaring overhead in Colca Canyon were also awe inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike was exceptional. His knowledge enthusiasm and passion for his country and its cultural heritage added a whole extra and very special dimension to the trip. He ensured that everything was very well organized and he managed individual needs particularly well - especially on the Inca Trail. He also ensured that we got full benefit from other local guides and anyone else supporting the trip, such as porters and drivers. There was a real feeling of one team dedicated to helping us to get the most from the trip. He also engendered a real sense of 'family' for us trippers. All this with a 'wicked' sense of humour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Money - we didn't have any need for US dollars. Credit cards were usable in most restaurants. Credit and debit cards gave a far better exchange rate than cash in the UK - especially if you have a fee free card. Climate / Weather - didn't really get a feel for the temperature range from the trip notes and most towns got colder earlier than anticipated. Inca Trail - the packing list for the trail possibly over complicated requirements. Also trip notes were not clear that you need stuff for six days allowing for the night in Ollantaytambo before (as well as the night in Aguas Calientes after) - but you can leave things in the lodge at Ollantaytambo and pick up on return. It is worth doing aerobic activity beforehand as the altitude on day 2 had experienced walkers puffing!

Mats Liliedahl

Reviewed September 2018

Chalet Chocolat - home for a week

A great trip in all aspects! With the stunning scenery all around in every direction, and our very capable guide Sally safely guiding us up and down the sometimes challenging hills on our daily walks around Mont Blanc, days were full and tiring but also fun and energizing.
Our wonderful chalet hosts Zohi and Ben took such wonderful care of us, spoiling us with gourmet meals every evening – and delicious cake after returning from our walks! Really enjoyed the homey feel to the stay as well as the great group of friendly walkers from three continents. Highly recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first view of Mont Blanc when the clouds cleared and we saw the peak for the first time on the hike by Lac Blanc. The Val Ferret on the Italian side was lovely.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sally did a great job leading the walks, making sure we're all doing ok and keeping a good pace. She's also got great knowledge of the flora and fauna in the area. Zohi and Ben were great as chalet hosts.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trails are sometimes quite steep and challenging and with some tricky parts to navigate. The distances are not huge but the trail was sometimes a bit tougher than I expected with the 'Moderate' rating. Good hiking boots and walking poles advised.

David Saltiel

Reviewed September 2018

A great experience

I had never been on an organised walking trip before but I really enjoyed the experience. Travel, food and accommodation were excellent. Our guide was really helpful, knowledgeable and safety-conscious and the scenery was mind-blowing. The days were all set at a level that was fine for the standard of difficulty Exodus had set. All in all a memorable experience that I’d recommend. I’m already thinking of my next Exodus trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through alpine meadows above Val Ferret, full of flowers and crickets, and being amazed by the walls of rock and ice across the valley.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Really good: very conscientious, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not really, just enjoy it.

Matt Walker

Reviewed September 2018

Another one ticked off the bucket list!

Fantastic experience with a great group! This is one of the great hikes in the world and a fantastic way to experience the Alps. The camping element added to the camaraderie of the group and saw us all bond quickly. Paul was an excellent leader, very knowledgeable on the mountains, nature and wildlife, his company and humor were very much appreciated! Kieron managed the camp to perfection with his excellent cooking and organisation, and always ready with an story to share. Don’t expect to lose much weight on this trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

The glacial lakes and passing over the highest point, the Grand Col Ferret.

John Cross

Reviewed September 2018

The must see's of the Five Stans

This is my 17th trip with Exodus and this has been one of the best so far, if not the best. There is so much to see, though there is quite a lot of travelling to enable this to happen. However the scenery, mostly deserts and mountains, are delightful. The accommodation ranged from the sublime (A Sheraton!) to the plain and simple, homestays, which gave us an even better chance to interact with local people. If you have the time to do this trip, do it, the scenery is stunning and the history of this region is the history of the civilised world. Brilliant!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Gur E Amir (Timur's tomb) during the day and then again by Moonlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suzie Grant's organisational skills are simply outstanding. Her experience and endless patience ensured that we all had a fantastic, trouble free trip, without feeling rushed or manipulated in any way. Don't ever let her go, your company will be much the worse for it

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this trip and maybe read John Frankopan's 'The Silk Road' first?

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.

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