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

Lesley Dixon

Reviewed November 2017

Fantasitc trip

Three countries with fabulous experiences in each. A great group and a fantastic group leader made this a truly great trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many. Angkor Wat is a sight to behold; the Mekong Delta is fabulous and the lovely feeling you get when children in rural villages literally jump up and down with joy as you pass by will stay with you for a long time. However the most inspirational part of the trip - as well as the most difficult - was our visit to the Killing Fields and TS21. Our guide helped us to understand this terrible part of Cambodia's history, but also how the country and its people have moved forward.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chai made the trip. He is genuinely one of the nicest people I've ever met. He went out of his way to make this a trip to remember and always had a smile on his face.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You can buy cycling tops in both Cambodia and Vietnam - both tops are very colourful and a great memento of the trip. There are some great restaurants in Seam Reap, Phnom Penh and Saigon that work with street children - giving them opportunities in the hospitality industry; Lonely Planet book has details.

Tracy Dean White

Reviewed November 2017

A great 2 week adventure in Malaysia

I truly enjoyed the 2 weeks that I spent in Malaysia, on Borneo at the beginning and on the Malay peninsula at the end. Accommodation was of a high quality with the possible exception being the long house for 1 night in Borneo. There were separate guides in the 2 halves of Malaysia, and both were simply excellent: Aldrin in Borneo and Ant on the peninsula. The trip was mostly at a leisurely pace which is what I like, and there was an ample amount of free time on some days, and that includes 1 total free day at the end on the island of Langkawi. This trip is a new one, and I think it’s excellent. I highly recommend it.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was great to be with the orangutans at Sepilok.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Aldrin and Ant were excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring lots of sun screen! I found mosquito bug bites to be a relatively minor almost non existent issue, but other people might have different experiences.

Catherine Cooper

Reviewed November 2017

Lovely walking holiday on a rural Greek island

I really enjoyed the week on Evia in October, made all the more special by excellent leadership from Cecile Deltreil.
The walking is good, scenically varied and very rural (we only saw one other walker the whole week!). Paths were sometimes good, sometimes non-existent on hilltops and sometimes through scratchy scrub – take your long trousers or gaiters. The trip is rated leisurely-moderate and whilst I felt the 4 day walks were ‘moderate’ in difficulty, partly because of the rough paths, the whole trip is fairly leisurely because you are based in one hotel and have some relaxation time at the end of each day (gin and tonics on the beach!).
The Galaxy hotel in Karystos was fine with friendly family staff, good breakfast, but awful showers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Roman quarries where they chiseled out whole columns of rock and transported them down the mountain to ship to Athens, and then seeing some of those very same columns in a temple in Athens!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fab, great fun and quietly assertive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Two bits of advice: take a good jacket/fleece for October because you will be sitting outside to eat in the evenings in restaurants and it's a bit chilly; the ferry across from the mainland is a large car ferry so there's almost no risk of sea sickness.

Trevor Hoyland

Reviewed November 2017

Japan - Ancient and Modern

Having wanted to visit Japan for some years my wife and I picked the Exodus trip – ‘Japan – Ancient and Modern’ because it seemed to offer an interesting range of locations and was a few days longer than trips offered by other companies. The opportunity to spend nights in ryokans sleeping on the floor, bathing in onsens and experiencing traditional Japanese hospitality was also a factor as were travel by train between destinations and sightseeing on foot. The reality lived up to and beyond our expectations, we loved Japan and its people. The country is safe, ordered and steeped in a unique culture with a wealth of sights and sounds so very different from western societies. The trip took us to many historically important sites, to places of religious significance, both Buddhist and Shinto and to the quiet back streets and public spaces and gardens of ancient towns and the serene districts of the bigger cities. These were juxtaposed with the ultra modern cityscapes of Tokyo, a city which would take half a lifetime to explore and the reality of travel by bullet train and the technological wonder that is the Japanese toilet. Although the trip is full on, up early and off most days, there is also built in some time for personal exploration or just resting and taking in the passing scene. My only negative comment would probably be about the snow monkeys, which are never at Yudanaka at the time we visited, they are still feeding in the woods and have recently had their babies and don’t come down to the hot springs until later in the year when the snows come. I suppose the clue is in the name. In any event Yudanaka itself is not to be missed and the hotel and onsen at which we stayed were superb. Through Exodus we arranged to fly home seven days after the 16 day trip had finished and spent a further week visiting two locations of particular interest to us with an extra day and night in Tokyo. Exodus staff were extremely helpful during our researches and the success of this extra time was in no small way down to their expert knowledge and readiness to give advice. All in all a wonderful experience which has whetted our appetite for a return visit to Japan to explore some of the many fascinating destinations it has to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspirational moments, first ride on the bullet train, the view from the top of a skyscraper of Tokyo at night, monks moving quietly through the grounds of their temples, watching the devotions of local people at the various shrines and temples, the sudden view of Mount Fuji from the window of a train and entire hillsides covered in trees in their autumn glory illuminated by the afternoon sun. There were inspirational moments around every corner.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Alena Eckelmann and the success of the whole trip was linked directly to her hard-work, enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the country. She has excellent language skills, has lived in Japan for the last 10 years and was able to move us around the country safely, despite the obvious pitfalls in moving a group of 18 on and off crowded Japanese trains and buses. Her priority at all times was for the group to get the maximum enjoyment from their holiday whilst keeping us safe and well. This she did with a gentle sense of humour, clear historical and cultural information when appropriate and precise instructions about what was happening next, where we would meet and what our options were for our free time. Always patient, always good-humoured, flexible when necessary, Alena was the cornerstone of what was for us a wonderful experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As a taster experience for what is a fascinating country with many, many regions to explore I believe Japan - Ancient and Modern is excellent. A well chosen itinerary with good accommodation and comfortable travel arrangements for a pretty full-on trip. Much of the exploration is on foot and days start early and sometimes finish late. Pack light, bring your comfortable walking shoes, an umbrella and an open mind and you will have a great time.

Rob Robinson

Reviewed November 2017

Captivating Japan

A brilliant introduction to Japan, its people and its culture. A top notch guide and a friendly, cohesive group made up for the terrible but unseasonal weather. Despite raining for 15 out of 18 days it didn’t stop us from completing the itinerary (except for a landslide which closed the park where we were due to see the snow monkeys). And it was a packed itinerary, so not much downtime (which you might or might not prefer). The biggest disappointment for me however, was the lack of autumn colour. It was really too early in this part of Japan so I think Exodus should revise their note where it says “Best for autumn colour”. I was expecting to find the food to be a challenge but it wasn’t, the food was good with plenty of choice and variety. The Temples, shrines, gardens and parks are exactly as you would expect. What you might not expect is that some ancient sites sit cheek by jowl with modern high-rise buildings but usually not the main tourist sites. The Shinkansen was actually better than expected, not to be missed. Plenty of ordinary folk wearing traditional dress, especially in Kyoto.

Most Inspirational Moment

The "matter of fact" video testimonies of the survivors from Hiroshima. I felt that, although the city will never forget and the degree of forgiveness is hard to assess, it has, nevertheless, "moved on".

Thoughts on Group Leader

If you get Akemi you will be in very good hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are unlucky enough to get bad weather make sure you have packed some waterproof shoes.

Judy Groome

Reviewed November 2017

Nile Cruise Premium

I have always wanted to visit Egypt to see the antiquities, but because of the political instability I thought it would be unlikely. So when I saw this trip advertised I jumped at the opportunity. I felt safe thoughout the trip.

The first day was a whirlwind visit to the Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Museum in Cairo, the mosque and the bazaar. We then flew to Luxor, visiting the Temple of Karnak and the Temple of Luxor and later boarding the Mirage 1, our cruise boat. This was a great experience, partly because of the wonderful group of people on the trip (19 of us in total), partly because of the comfort on board, the trips and also because the boat had only 40% occupancy so we almost had the boat to ourselves. I think we were all sorry to leave the boat after the 4 nights on board, but the next hotel in Aswan was very comfortable.
In spite of visiting many temples and tombs, I never tired of hearing about the Egyptian gods and Pharaohs and looking at the wonderful carvings and art.

Most Inspirational Moment

This was a trip I will never forget. So many memories, including "Dress up like an Egyptian" evening on the boat, trips in the horse drawn carriages (poor horses), the felucca rides on the Nile, the sharp contrast between the fertile Nile valley and the desert, the very pushy and persistent vendors, sunsets and sunrises on the Nile, the "towel sculptures" that greeted us when we went into our cabins, not to mention the great group of people! But for me, the highlight of the trip was a visit to Abu Simbel. This was an extra excursion and I opted to travel by road rather than fly - 300 km through flat, sandy, relentless, nothing-grows-here desert, which in its own way was beautiful, especially the sunrise and the mirages. Abu Simbel was probably the most amazing site of the whole trip (I actually think it more wonderful than the Taj Mahal!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Fouad, was great. He was extremely knowledgable and we learned so much from him. Throughout the trip he managed to take us to places at times when most other visitors had not yet arrived, or had left, so we often had almost exclusive access.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go now before the crowds descent on Egypt once again.

Steve Taylor

Reviewed November 2017

Sicilian volcanoes

A brilliant trip, full of interest and topped off with a marvellous night view of the fireworks of Stromboli.

Most Inspirational Moment

Obviously the night climb of Stromboli with spectacular eruptions. However all the walks on Volcano, Lipari and Etna on the Sicilian main island were great too. A great week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Federica was a great leader. Well organised, sociable, great sense of humour and well aware of how every member of the group was doing. She took us to some great restaurants too. A candidate for leader of the year. Thanks for the Italian lessons Federica.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Nothing too difficult on the walks, but protection from the sun advisable. Good opportunities for keen photographers.

Rich Clubley

Reviewed November 2017

Everest Base Camp/Kala Patthar

An awesome and successfull trek to Everest Base Camp

Most Inspirational Moment

The early morning ascent of Kala Patthar for amazing views over Everest and surrounding peaks Also the trip to the Edmund Hilary school was a real insight local life and the history of the area

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leader Tsherten was excellent, nothing was to much trouble and he looked after us superbly, truly passionate about his work in the mountains and helpfull in everything over the 12 day trek along with awesome local Guide “RB” who looked after us on the mountain. We couldn’t have done it without these guys!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes and research what you are about to do, this definalty set our expectations before we departed (which were exceeded) and made for a successfull trip

Kathleen Ramsey

Reviewed November 2017

Challenging off-season walking on the Costa Blanca

A wonderful week of challenging walking in stunning limestone scenery. The November weather was perfect for walking, and we were not troubled by high winds on the summits and so were able to enjoy leisurely late lunches and take in the magnificent views. We stayed in the comfortable family-run El Trestallador Pension which had splendid views from the terrace down to the coast. The evening meals were more than adequate for a group of hungry and tired walkers and consisted of a variety of regional specialities. There were very few other walkers out on the hills during the week and it all felt very remote, despite the proximity to Benidorm.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had breathtaking views on every walk and I particularly enjoyed the short sections of rock scrambling. One of the highlights was looking down on the skyscrapers of Benidorm from the summit of Puig Campana and realising just how much unspoilt and deserted countryside there is within such a short distance of the tourist areas of the Costa Blanca. On our final day we walked the length of the Sierra de Aitana ridge, and could see everywhere we had walked during the week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was an entertaining and knowledgeable guide who worked very hard to make sure that all his group had a good experience. His briefings made clear what we were to expect from each day's walk, and we learned a lot about local flora, farming, and geology (and eateries). His sandwiches were pretty impressive too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes carefully as they accurately reflect the degree of difficulty (terrain, exposure, length of walks). A good head for heights is essential and you need to be confident about walking on rocky and exposed paths. This is a good winter trip for experienced walkers who don't want to travel long distances to get some off-season sunshine.

Meena Jefferys

Reviewed November 2017

Annapurna circuit

I have just returned from a very exciting three week trip to Annapurna circuit. Every day was different and full of adventure. With excellent guide in Gum, we all managed theTharong La pass without any altitude problem. The people of Nepal and all the staff including porters are really happy to help and always smiling. Just make sure you take enough clothes for the cold weather. If you forget there is plenty of opportunity to buy anything you need.