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

Jakki Foote

Reviewed May 2018

Fabulous holiday, shame about the boat!

The two-week wildlife cruise was the holiday of a lifetime. We both enjoy science and wildlife, we are also sailors and have our own boat. Most days the itinerary was full on and wonderful, and we were delighted with the amazing wildlife both on land and in the sea. The crew were very friendly and worked amazingly hard. There was a generous amount of good food for every meal, including much fruit, vegetables and salads. Unfortunately several of us had stomach upsets for 1 or 2 days.
The boat was the main cause for concern. The A/C in the dining room failed for a couple of days, and dripped water on the seating so we had several wet seats for a few days. The Dining room ceiling also dripped water on several occasions. Our A/C also dripped on the carpet, or anything that was on the carpet nearby, and also on the shelves under it. Many things were wet or smelled musty. We had room 1 and our toilet was often malfunctioning from the start, and then blocked completely for a whole day (happily the crew worked very hard and managed to repair it by bedtime). There were no other toilets except the ones in other guests cabins.
Exodus gave us only 24 hours to decide whether to abort the holiday as the original boat the Cachalot was out of commission but we were told that the substitute boat was also a “first class boat”. We now discover that according to Galapagos Islands.com the ‘Astrea’ or ‘Pinguino Explorer’ is down as a “mid-priced boat” and costs 650 dollars per week less that the ‘Catchalot’ did, so we are not amused as no refund was offered for this cheaper accommodation.
Exodus were unable to give us useful information regarding laundry (they said there was none) or the ability to wash things ourselves and hang them out. Also, they were unable to answer queries about the flight from Quito to the islands or the baggage allowance for that flight. We therefore took far too much luggage!
We were only told about the need for US dollars to pay the bar bill within the last week when we had already ordered and collected our dollars.

Most Inspirational Moment

So hard to decide as most days exceeded our expectations. I loved the seals, so amusing and entertaining, as were the Penguins but the Hammerhead sharks took my breath away. We saw about 100 Mola mola (sunfish) I also was blown away by the Siera Negra Volcano – so huge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable about so many things, but not easy to get a straight answer from, and also rather creepy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Find out who the local agent is and check their website, it answered many of our outstanding questions. You can wash for yourself, a plug is useful, and hang out clothes on the rail outside.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Jakki for her feedback. We are pleased that she enjoyed her trip overall, but we regret the disappointment that the Astrea caused. We were very sorry to learn that Jakki experienced issues with the air-conditioning and plumbing, as we appreciate the frustration and disappointment this caused. Following the feedback we have received, I can confirm that we will not be using the Astrea for any future departures and we have been in touch with Jakki on an individual basis.

Sarah Ahern – Product Manager for the Galapagos

Michael Littleton

Reviewed May 2018

Great Experience

This was a wonderful trip through the countryside of Tuscany. The Villa Casalta owner and her staff member was friendly and caring.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the hiking. The countryside was beautiful! It reminds me of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in NC.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz Proctor was a great group leader. She is a very good organizer and "den mother" for the members of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We boarded the wrong train going to Pisa before the start of the tour. It was on the same track and approximate departure time for our train. We had tickets for a regional train and it was a express train. The conductor charged us the cost of the ticket and 50 euros penalty for each person. It appears to be a money generator from the unwary!

YIM FUN Mamie XHAN

Reviewed May 2018

Puglia: Discover Heel of Italy

excellent itinerary in covering Puglia in terms of scenery, landscapes, seascapes, distinctive landmarks in towns as covered, participating in or sharing local experience e.g. visit to olive tree groves; olive oil and wine tasting. accommodation in Trulli and formerly cave dwellings in Matera….

Most Inspirational Moment

Castellana limestone cave; stay on Trulli in Alberobello

Thoughts on Group Leader

very efficient, responsible, comprehensive as well as detailed in taking care of needs, requests, meeting expectations, providing and obtaining information for all participants, very knowledgeable on all areas and aspects covered by the tour, full of energy and initiatives in guiding, offering help to and motivating participants.. recommending very good restaurants and regional food

Advice for Potential Travellers

will base on or along my above comments

Julie Hohmann

Reviewed May 2018

AIL 180415

Amazing trip around Sri Lanka

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing all the wild animals in the Yala National Park. We even saw a Lepard with her babies having lunch. It was just amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujan was a great tour guide. He knows his county by heart, is sharing all his knowledge (he was even teaching us some local words). He has great humour and was always there to help if needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a lot of sunscreen and insect repellant :) The best is to change your cash at the airport. There are not that many ATM possibilities during the trip

Mandy R

Reviewed May 2018

Most amazing stunning cycling

For anyone looking for a cycling trip with stunning views, coastal roads, beautiful fields, topped off with delicious food and wine, then look no further than Cycling in Sardinia. It is simply one of the most gorgeous destinations. I loved it – despite the rain at times. You do need to be fit enough to make it up some quite long hills, but they were generally a good gradient that you could just stick in a low gear and keep turning those wheels. Plus you can get a good sense of achievement at the top. Definitely recommend!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of some of the hills! Watching a 79 year old get to the top of those same hills! Lovely people to share those moments with.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simone, our tour leader, and Ado, our driver/lunch chef, were both brilliant. Really fun to be with and always ready to help. I would love to be led by them again.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes so that you know what to expect and come prepared. Because some of the hills are quite long, it is worth doing a little hill cycling in the weeks before but, like I said above, the hills are generally a good gradient. Also don't be afraid to use an electric bike on this trip. Personally I did not need to, but one of our fellow travellers did and it really made her week more pleasurable. There was unseasonably bad weather on our trip (end April, beginning of May) and we actually had quite a lot of rain on several days, but it was still an excellent trip. I would recommend bringing lots of layers and a waterproof jacket in case this happens to you.

Helen McNaught

Reviewed May 2018

Loads of fun

It was a wonderful way to see this part of italy. Our guide Fabrizio was informative, committed and funny. It was a wonderful week.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in Matera and seeing the wonder of the place and what is being done to maintain it. Alberobello was also extraordinary. But most of all the countryside was enchanting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabrizio is a delight. He took interest in every individual. He was informed about the region and showed his passion for Puglia and sharing it with others. He was full of energy and humour. He also had the sensitivity to adapt to each individual.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light. Have good walking boots and in the hot months take the very best of sunblock and reapply it often. The sun can be strong. I also put in a light dress to wear in restaurants because I like to dress up a little even in a walking holiday. Also remember that it is impossible to please all the people all the time. Go with the flow and focus on the place you are visiting. If your toast is a little too crisp just remember that's not what the trio is about. Embrace the local cuisine and ways of doing things.

Nigel Goddard

Reviewed May 2018

Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike

A well organised trip with lots of activities packed in. Inside a week our guide ensured we experienced/saw all the highlights of Jordan. However the organisation was such that I never felt rushed or under pressure.

The cycling was very easy. We were transported to the nicest areas to cycle, avoiding the big hills and busy roads. The bikes were brand new and mine was perfectly adjusted. The cycle team were very friendly and competent mechanics. Nothing was too much trouble for them. I’d say this trip is great for leisure cyclists. Anyone looking for a tough physical challenge would not find this tough enough.

The accommodation was great. Clean hotels all en suite. Good food.

All in all a great experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tough to pick one out. Walking down a Roman High street, floating in the Dead Sea, snorkelling in the Red Sea, the religious sites, Petra, staying in the desert, camel rides, they are all great!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Had everything sorted. Great attention to detail to ensure that all our needs and wishes were met. Put in a great deal of effort to arrange the activites for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I didn't need my bicycle repair kit at all as, had my bike broken, the team have everything sorted. The bikes were flat bar Trek bikes, tyres must have been about 35mm wide, brand new. I've got lots of bikes of my own and I am glad I didn't take one as the ones provided were perfectly adequate to the job in hand. Same for pedals/saddle. Ensure you take a decent sun hat, sun screen and good shoes. To get the most from the Petra days there is lots of walking and you will spend a long time outside with the sun bouncing off the rocks! There was a lot of food and snacks! I found there to be absolutely no need for energy gels etc during the cycling.

Bob Karnofski

Reviewed May 2018

Wonderful Vacation tour

First tour with Exodus and Im very impressed. From the initial communication, information prior to leaving and the ease with which everything was accomplished. The hotel was great – clean rooms (there was a norovirus outbreak among several groups and I noticed my room was thoroughly cleaned when it occurred.) The only thing was the pool wasn’t heated – so it was FREEZING. So only used once and very quickly! The hikes were amazing, but I believe this should be rated at a Level 3 not 2. Some hikes were very challenging, averaging 7-8 miles each hike and steep areas, loose shale, etc. One hike had 3,000 stairs along the way, another like 2000. It is a VERY steep area. But our guide was awesome, arrangements were made for one hiker who it was too difficult for. The food was EXCELLENT. The staff amazing and very accommodating and friendly. Visited Capri on the off day and was given lots of information on how to navigate. Pompeii and the hike up Vesuvius were a highlight!!

Allin all I had a great time, meet some incredible people from around the world whom Im sure we will stay in contact with. I will definitely take another Exodus trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery was stunning. I love history so how (and why) people chose to settle here and just the construction of the trails, stairs, terraces. Pompeii was simply stunning. How people could accomplish what they did and the ingenuity.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mikala was just incredible. Outgoing, friendly, great sense of humor. Felt very secure with her and also the sharing of her knowledge of the region.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great trip - you will be well taken care of by not only Exodus staff but the hotel and restaurant staff. Just a caution - while the trip was amazing - would probably be rated one level higher. You will need trekking poles. They do have some at the hotel to loan

LINDA REID

Reviewed May 2018

CYCLING HO CHI MIN TO HANOI

Cycling Vietnam was an excellent way of seeing the countryside and meeting the local Vietnamese people who were extremely friendly and always willing to help.
The cycling involved flat, undulating and hilly sections so there was a good mix and the road surfaces were all remarkably good. The guide Lam gave you the opportunity to cycle at your own speed, with plenty of stops for rehydration and refuelling as it was incredibly hot and humid. At any junction the bus or the truck was there to point you in the right direction. It was extremely well organised and everything went like clockwork from start to finish. We were well looked after and well fed.
The countryside varied from paddy fields to more mountainous areas which were green and lush, but not as picturesque as I had anticipated.
We had to spend a fair amount of time on the bus, due to the large distances we had to cover, however, we would never has seen or done so much without doing so. The bus was comfortable with plenty of room for us to spread out.

Most Inspirational Moment

Halong Bay was quite amazing and we had a lovely over night trip on a boat, we went sea kayaking which was great fun. We had a trip out to an island TITOP ISLAND, and had fantastic views of the bay from the top. Cycling up the HAI VAN PASS was also a great experience and seeing everyone completing the ride when it was 33C. The group was excellent and we had lots of fun and laughs along the way, so that made the trip for me, along with sights and sounds of Vietnam.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam our group leader was just excellent - so organised, pleasant, cheerful, always smiling and nothing was too much trouble for him. The mechanic Y was brilliant - the bikes were well maintained and kept clean, if there was a problem it was sorted immediately. The truck and bus drivers were always there to lend a hand, giving out drinks and food and always smiling. A great team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to do some cycling before you go as it is harder when conditions are hot and humid, especially if you want to climb the HAI VAN PASS - a challenging 10km climb. Be prepared for crazy drivers both cars and scooters - there are thousands of scooters going in any direction and popping out from side roads, riding in the opposite direction so you have to be very careful on all roads, especially in busy cities. Not for the faint hearted. However, it is Asia and anything goes. If you want to spend time in Hanoi book an extra day, as we didn't really have time to explore the city.

Graham Mosley

Reviewed May 2018

Sicily enjoyed

This trip opened my eyes; I had thought of Sicily as a hard, arid kind of place, but six days of enjoying the lovely people, wonderful food and interesting sights along the way changed all that. It started well, and then got better and better.

Most Inspirational Moment

The lunch on the day we biked to Noto. Can't remember where it was but we'd had a good ride, hot and tired, and then we arrived at a quiet oasis of dappled shade. We were presented with a range of tasty Sicilian dishes. Lovely atmosphere - I didn't want to leave.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Others have commented on how good a leader Iris has been. She was very, very good, in a quiet and considerate way. She handled a large group of 17 easily but still had time for individual's issues. In particular, she was well organised and always gave just the right amount of useful information at the right moment. Thanks Iris!

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