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

adam wardman

Reviewed April 2018

secrets of sicily: an amazing experience!

This was a wonderful break. You stay at a number of very beautiful places: Scapello, Marettimo and San Vito La Capo. The walking is enjoyable but not too challenging. There are many opportunities to enjoy the food and culture of this part of Sicily; for example the town of Erice and the ancient site of Segasta. We also had a chance to spend an evening in Trapani and i would really recommend this too. I hadnt done self-guided walking before but really enjoyed it.
We went in April and the weather was super. Not too hot so perfect for walking and little rain.

Most Inspirational Moment

The days on Marettimo were just awesome. Its a tiny place. a few hundred people, one bar and restaurant open (sure more open in the summer). The residence you stay in was lovely and the walks lead to amazing views. We particualr enjoyed walking along the coast to the Norman Castle, but it was also lovely going in the restaurant Il Veliero; the menu consisted of laocal pasta dishes and the catch of the day: so charming, friendly and delicious.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As it was self-guided we only met him once. He was very friendly and positive about Sicily. They were very helpful when bad weather was forecast for Marettimo. Rather than have us stuck on the island (as the boat may not have run) they organised for us to transfer to Trapani early and spend the evening there.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We ended our trip with a few days in palermo. This was fantastic and i really recommend it; a great way to round off the trip. Also try cous cous if its on the menu, eat lots of ice cream, visiting the tuna factory at Scapello is worth the walk, the B and B at San Vito La Capo is in quite a secluded spot which is lovely (the views from the garden at brekie are wondeful) but you may want to buy some supplies/snacks to take on your walks.

Oliver Mills

Reviewed April 2018

Varied and exciting tour of a fascinating country

An excellent 2 week trip exploring the culture, nature and history of a beautiful country which, despite its complicated history with war, was one of the most friendly and welcomes places I’ve visited.

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspirational is not quite the right word, but I loved the first hike when we reached the top of a lookout point where all around you you could see mountains and lakes. I also loved cycling through rice fields.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Phi was friendly, knowledgable and easy to talk to. He struggled to motivate the group when the overnight cruise was cancelled due to predicted poor weather, which never materialised, much to our frustration. I liked how he recommended local specialities at each restaurant, they were delicious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light and make the most of the washing facilities provided, as small bags are required for a number of stops. Expect wet weather in the north/centre and very humid sun in the south. Bring a poncho and be aware that the itinerary may be forced to change due to weather conditions.

Jayne Riorden

Reviewed April 2018

A Week in Petra

A great week with a great bunch of people This was the trip just as I expected it – Petra being the highlight, but Wadi Rum coming a close second. Or maybe Jerash? Mount Nebo? Two disappointments – firstly Madaba where we rushed through the town to see only the Ma’daba Map (well worth it) because we had stopped off at a ceramic centre for adults with learning difficulties which turned out to be a large shop with less than half of the items being ceramics and the rest the usual ‘stuff’ you could find everywhere but here the assistants were very pushy. Secondly, Aquaba where, because we couldn’t get into our rooms, we went straight to the private beach for snorkelling, swimming etc. which is supposed to be an additional option but we were told to pay the JD20, with no options. A bit annoying as many of our group were not interested in sunbathing and swimming on a private beach overlooking Palestine on the other side of the Red Sea.a –

Most Inspirational Moment

Inevitably, the two days in Petra, particularly starting early on the second morning (7am), walking through the Siq and reaching the Treasury almost on our own.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Isaa was very helpful, a little earnest to begin with but loosening up by the end. He imparted an enormous amount of information, perhaps too much so! I would have preferred if we had not had to go around as a group at each site. This was particularly annoying at Kerak where we, and other large groups, prevented easy movement of couples or small family groups. Our driver, Jamal, was an amazing driver with a big friendly smile at all times. However much of a character Mohammed was, it was a bit disconcerting having a gun-totting policeman walking around with the group!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do make the effort to make the early start on day 2 at Petra. Do have a torch and wet wipes for the camp - it gets dark very early and the loo block, where you won’t want to spend too long, is a bit of a walk away! Do make sure you not only have your swimming costumes but also your water shoes for the private beach at Aquaba - the sand is far more uncomfortable here than at the Dead Sea.

Neil Baker

Reviewed April 2018

Jordan - Thoroughly Recommended!

A great experience, you get to see so much, from crusader castles to the Dead Sea and the delights of Wadi Rum.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well this comes down to two: - Petra, just amazing, nobody told me it was such a massive site. You will need a couple of days at least to fully explore. - Wadi Rum and staying over in the Bedouin camp, once again an unmissable experience. Just don't bother with the camel ride, that's just slow and boring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eddie was just great, plenty of personality and did a good job of sheparding the group around. He did spout forth a lot history and I know sometimes his facts weren't 100% accurate but hey I wouldn't have it any other way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yep the hardest part is the lack of alcohol, it's not illegal they just do not serve it in the eateries. So beware and brace yourself for an almost dry trip.

David Brady

Reviewed April 2018

Maximum damage, maximum fun!

This was my first group ride and, as such, didn’t know what to expect. However, from arrival at the airport and meeting the group leader, it was obvious that this was going to be fun and a little challenging at times, mainly due to the heat and humidity.

I have to say that the whole trip was very well planned out, with plenty of good cycling, fabulous sightseeing, food and drink sampling, with friendly locals along the way.

Many happy memories, new friends and a longing for the next trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Several of the amazing sights, wonderful temples, massive variety of great food; some good challenges on the bike too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is one of those people who make managing a group of 16 people, bikes, itineraries etc look easy. Calm assurance and reassurance, if need be, along with a permanent smile and sense of humour, helped us all through the cycling even when the going got a bit tough. He’s a great asset to Exodus and I’d recommend him for ‘tour guide of the year’ without a moments hesitation.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own saddle and pedals if possible, as this can make a big difference to you; keep well hydrated throughout and eat sensibly.

S J

Reviewed April 2018

Cycling Puglia and Matera

I have just returned from a fantastic week, exceptionally well organised and led by Michele our superb guide. Through his infectious laugh, confident and approachable manner he quickly developed an excellent group spirit. It was great to cycle through such a rich and varied landscape, visiting many UNSECO sites. He found amazing restaurants for us to eat at every night and organised a fantastic array of dishes for us to try. He was well informed about all the places we visited and for those that wanted to he would show us around.

Most Inspirational Moment

The way the group of like minded individuals quickly gelled as a group and shared many life experiences and loads of laughs!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely superb. This was my first trip of this kind. As a sole traveller he instantly put me at my ease. He was always happy and cheerful, ensuring everyone thoroughly enjoyed the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

With the spring flowers, lack of tourists and a great climate for cycling April was a great time to go. Invest in a good pair of bib cycling shorts - well worth it!! The cycling was relaxed and you could cycle at your own pace.

J John

Reviewed April 2018

Comprehensive

The guide was informative and well organised. We visited all the key sites in the week and had time to explore. Not a lot of time to relax, but the emphasis was on visiting the sites of special interest. There were two afternoons with opportunities to sit, by the Dead and Red Seas.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra and Jerash. Both places were huge and had so much to explore. The time available was insufficient to familiarise oneself with the area properly.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was polite, efficient and friendly. He knew the areas well and how to get the most out of the time available. He also organised a couple of unscheduled treats for us - a picnic and an evening meal under the stars.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t be surprised by early starts and having to keep to a schedule. A rucksack or light handbag is essential for day time use.

Tony Thompson

Reviewed April 2018

Excelllent way to discover Japan ‘s varied scenery, culture and cuisine

Japan is a country I have wanted to travel through for a long time and this itinerary seemed to cover most of the stuff I wanted to see and do. The fact we managed to visit during cherry blossom season, and that the weather was unseasonable kind to us was a bonus. Also, it has to be said that this trip would not have been the same without expert guidance and help from our tour leader, Akemi Nozawa. Nothing was too much trouble, she even managed to find a Fugu restaurant close to the hotel in Tokyo, enabling me to tick off another of my lifetime bucket list items!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several; The shrines and temples The onsen and Ryokan Mnt. Fuji The snow monkeys The food

Thoughts on Group Leader

Akemi could not have done more. She was always cheerful, ever available and sorted out the couple of problems in the group very quickly and efficiently. On our free days she worked out and wrote down train and bus timetables, even down to platform numbers, for our varied itineraries, which made the act of travellng solo so much easier and enjoyable . She even had time to help me improve the little bit of Japanese I had learned before the trip!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of cash, unless you eat in the bigger places, or at stations, it is difficult to find places that take credit cards. Two places I attempted to use my card, where the signs on the door said that they accepted them, could not process the transaction even though the cards had prior authorisation in the U.K. I was successful in a large chain sushi restaurant though. Don’t depend of free WiFi, especially out and about as it is very patchy and very slow. Some of the hotels we used were ok ish. I hired a mobile WiFi from Nina WiFi (with a discounted deal) in the U.K. and collected it from the airport. The only place it lost signal was travelling through tunnels. In places the connection and upload speeds were better than I get on my home broadband!, The ability to navigate with Google maps was a godsend. Try the local food you will not be disappointed, there’s more than just sushi and noodles.

Judith Simpson

Reviewed April 2018

Jordan Adventure

This trip provided us with a wide range of activities and cultural visits across the Kingdom of Jordan.
An ever-changing landscape is studded with Castles and world famous sights.
From Neolithic artefacts to T.E.Lawrence, we felt we had uncovered some of the long history of the people of Jordan.
We received a very warm welcome wherever we went; the children and teenagers were keen to try out their English lessons with us. Food was excellent (and plentiful) on each occasion, with a range of choices for vegetarians, and our hotels were very good.

Most Inspirational Moment

Attempting to float in the Dead Sea; mud bath to go with it! Reaching the top of the mountain near El Deir / The Monastery, at Petra. Sunset in Wadi Rum. Snorkelling over the coral in the Red Sea......

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eyad / Eddie Banna was an excellent group leader; friendly and efficient, with good use of English. He was very well-informed about the historical / cultural /religious significance of each city / site of interest, and he prepared us in advance for what we were about to see and do. Eyad also retained his sense of humour when we became ensnarled in traffic, and kept us entertained with anecdotes en route.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to wear your sun hat, sun glasses and sun block! As a female traveller I went with a bag of modest wear (long sleeved shirts, scarves etc) but found the dress code did not appear as strict as I had expected. Walking trousers, knee-length skirts / dresses and shirts with short sleeves are fine.

Raj Muker

Reviewed April 2018

Everest Base Camp Trek

An amazing lifetime experience that was challenging which made it all so satisfying. The mountains, terrain and general scenery was breathtaking, never forget the colour of the sky…….deep deep blue!!! The living conditions were definitely NOT like home but that’s part of the challenge and you come away so appreciative of what you have.

Most Inspirational Moment

This might sound selfish but making it to Base Camp and the next morning to Kala Patthar was absolutely exhilarating and the sense of achievement was overwhelming. Also to do it with a group of people who had like minded ambitions was very satisfying and it so good to have someone to hug to share the moment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

There is not enough nice words in the English vocabulary to describe Bikash and his team. Bikash was a great leader, his sense of care game through glowingly very early which immediately gave us assurances that we were in good hands. He made our ambitions his ambition which ensured we all successfully made it to Base Camp. He gave us that extra care and gentle touch when we needed it as it wasn't all smooth sailing in trying to keep healthy. Exodus you have a gem of a person on your team , a person who is so passionate in what he does and makes ordinary peoples dream come true. Hope our life cross paths again Bikash so I can give you another big hug to say thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Have a good level of fitness, be positive and keep healthy and Base Camp is at your mercy!!! Listen to your guide leader, warm clothes, eat and drink well, and enjoy the occasion.

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