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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14505 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

John Ratcliffe

Reviewed May 2018

We Had Fun On The Camino

I thoroughly enjoyed walking in rural Galicia (whatever the weather), and the company of our international group. It was good fun and we had a great time. Thanks to Jose for looking after us so well and also to Exodus for the logistical arrangements. Walking the Camino is such a unique experience and one which I would recommend particularly when you belong to a group who you can easily walk and socialise with. Glad I went.

Most Inspirational Moment

On top of the steps leading into Portomarin, the group raised their poles/sticks and formed an impromptu “Guard of Honour” for Jose. He was touched by the tribute and it confirmed to me that we had all well and truly bonded as a group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose Manuel Garcia. In addition to above, I would like to add that Jose is very experienced and knowledgeable about the Camino (he’s done it for 7 years!). He also puts in a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure things run smoothly e.g. tables were reserved or lunch was ready when we arrived.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Use your baggage allowance to take spare footwear and clothing. Recommend wearing well broken in walking boots or trail shoes. Walking continuously in trainers can lead to blisters especially when the weather is hot or is wet underneath.

John Floy

Reviewed May 2018

Walking the Great Wall; and Xi'an

We recently returned from the Great Wall tour and the extension trip to the city of Xi’an to see the terracotta warriors (14th-26th April). The Great Wall experience opened our eyes to the hinterland of Beijing where we trekked the rugged sections of the wall, some of them challenging, staying in local homestays along the way. The families who run the homestays provided authentic hospitality in the most fantastic locations in and around national parks. Throughout our trip, under the inspirational leadership of our guide Jerry (who looked after our every need with inexhaustible attention to planning and detail) we learnt about China’s fascinating history and culture as well as entertaining asides on the economics of China. The weather was brilliant. Following the tour of Beijing (mainly Forbidden City) at the end of the walk, we took the extension to Xi’an, under a new guide. The sleeper train from Beijing was an extra experience (it was fine!) not to be missed. The terracotta warriors are housed in a purpose-built heritage site; the numbers and scale are massive; you feel you are right back in the 2nd century BCE during emperor Qin’s rule. Xi’an is also worth exploring, including the city wall, which is in perfect condition. Food on the Great Wall was excellent – invariably eating in local restaurants along the way – all food freshly cooked and washed down with the ubiquitous “cold beer”; always with fast and friendly service. This review is just a snapshot of a truly memorable holiday. Well done again Exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult question. Some parts of the Great Wall after a steep ascent revealed wondrous scenery. The terracotta warriors are so life-like and the scale and detail have to be appreciated. Connecting with local people far removed from our British culture and way of life.

Peter Jones

Reviewed May 2018

Cycle Albania

Albania totally surpassed my expectations. The scenery and cycling was fantastic. Inland its a bit like the Alps and towards the coast it get more like mountainous meditterannean. But the beauty of it is that the roads are really quiet which is just great for cycling. The trip notes had said that some of the accommodation may be a little basic, but this too was a lot better than I was expecting. I think this trip had the best days cycling I’ve had anywhere.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the end in one piece. Its a 6 day trip. We had 5 glorious days of sunshine, with some big climbs, and on the final day a little rain, which made the roads very slip after a prolonged dry spell. Two of the team had a spill

Thoughts on Group Leader

They were great as usual on all exodus trips. They were from a local company 'Cycle Albania'. Everything was well organised, the bikes were good, and they coped well with a few unexpected events. People could cycle at their own pace and then re-group at specific points.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not really. The only thing I would say is that I wouldn't go to Albania for a gastronomic experience. There is a lot of really good seafood, always fresh and readily available. Otherwise the food is uninspiring.

Daniel Fletcher

Reviewed May 2018

Mt. Toubkal Climb - A Tale of Two Peaks

The Mt. Toubkal Climb provided a wonderous view of the Atlas Mountains. A straightforward trek, the trip offered many picturesque vantage points. This trek may not be the best trip for the more aspirational mountaineer as this trek could be done outside of group travel. However, I was lucky that the group provided a camaraderie that made the trip. Our guide, Hussan and the muleteers were hardworking and exceptional throughout, ensuring that our best interests were met. A questionable hotel in Marrakech was tolerable due to the short length of time there and the rest of the accommodation was good when compared to the alternatives on offer in the region.

Mt. Toubkal Climb was a start of an even bigger aim for myself, a trip that I shall look back on with fondness.

Most Inspirational Moment

Three moments stand out for me; Lorna, a group member, suffered from sunstroke the previous day and on climbing Mt. Toubkal was evidently struggling with altitude sickness. With the help of our guide and the conviction of spirit, Lorna made it to the top and we were there to give her a guard of honour. Brian, 67, managed to summit bot Mt. Toubkal and Mt. 0uanoukrim. This showed me that a life of adventure can be a long and healthy one. Inspiration taken from my own success in easily summitting the first and second highest peaks in the Atlas Mountains. This showcased that the dieting and training had paid-off. Giving me the confidence that I can push the limit further next time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It was evident that Hussan was widely respected amongst the local guides. All eager to stop and embrace him, holding him in high esteem. Geologically not the greatest, Hussan was able to tell us information regarding the mountains upon request. Pleasant at all times, he was a delight to converse with and always looked after his heard of tourists.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are an experienced hill walker with a good level of fitness, you may want to consider doing the trip on your own. This is an easy trek, with the only challenge being the altitude.

Margot Halliday

Reviewed May 2018

Ancient and Modern Japan

Very interesting trip using public transport to get around. We got a fascinating insight into the culture of Japan and enjoyed the variety of cities visited in contrast with a lovely few days spent in the mountains.

Most Inspirational Moment

The temples in Kyoto, particularly the Golden Temple. Loved walking in the Alps which was so beautiful in peach blossom season. Takayama and staying in the ryokan was interesting. Hakone with it's views of Mt Fuji was a great day trip from Tokyo. The markets and shops were fascinating with everything so beautifully packaged and presented.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ayaka was incredibly enthusiastic and friendly and went the extra mile to ensure we all individually got the most out of our trip. She marked up my Tokyo map with good cafes so I could enjoy my daily dose of caffeine and ensured we tried every type of Japanese food! She even accompanied some of us on free days which saved us so much time trying to work out which trains to catch. Her infectious laugh kept us all smiling all the way!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Found everyone extremely helpful and polite and willing to point you in the right direction so it's hard to get lost. The toilets are amazingly clean but lots have no handtowels as locals bring heir own. Bring cash as cards not widely used. Our luggage transfers all worked very smoothly for the few days we had a day bag only and cases were ready and waiting for us when we got to the hotels.

John Mitchell

Reviewed May 2018

Total harmony

There is a cast of ancient towns, beautiful countryside, fantastic food, tremendous wine and 16 highly sociable cyclists. Nevertheless, you need a guide like Michele. “Why?” you ask, as would Michele himself. The answer is because every orchestra needs a conductor and Michele is up there with the Italian greatest, creating, with his never-ending good humour and meticulous organisation, the happiest of harmony between the cyclists, the towns, the countryside, the food and the wine. Overlook this trip to your eternal regret!

Most Inspirational Moment

Every evening meal: we were such a close group that we all dined together every evening but in different combinations: the conversation and laughs were loud and inexhaustible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He made the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You spend a lot of time in the countryside. When we were there the fields and orchards were a riot of wild flowers and blossom and I would guess that April is the best time to go.

Amanda Soper

Reviewed May 2018

Material/puglia

Fantastic trip and bothe the tour guide and minibus driver were very obliging

Most Inspirational Moment

The wonderful scenery along the way

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Neal Scott

Reviewed May 2018

Great trip; great walks; great guide; great scenery; great food and wine

Late April/early May weather made for great walking without heat and humidity. Fantastic walks, food, and scenery plus Prosecco…what’s not to love!

Most Inspirational Moment

Traveling the Prosecco Road. Love stepping back into history.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide grew up in the area and lives there now. She was beyond terrific.

Des Cassidy

Reviewed May 2018

Great time

Stars aligned for this trip, Outstanding Lead, Landscape, hosts and crew.
Our guide Dan, had a bit of style and swagger. instilled confidence in all the group making all the walks of Sierra Nevada a stroll in the park.
Hotel Los Berchurles a welcome retreat full of charactor and warmth. Wendy, Shelia, Alejandro and Omar,all served us well.
Our fellow guests was the final part in the alignment and it was great to share anniversaries, quizs, horse wrestling with them all.