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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14484 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Carlo b

Reviewed October 2017

MWV - Cycling Puglia and Matera

This was my 8th cycling trip and my first time in Puglia and it was a very enjoyable tour. The overnight towns were all very beautiful each with their own special charm. All the hotels were located in or within a 15-20 minute walk to the historic centre. Our group was lots of fun and got along well. The cycling was fairly relaxed overall but there were some short hills and one day was quite windy so it was more challenging than other days. Highly recommend this tour for the fabulous food, wine and sights.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many but here are a few: 1) view of Matera during breakfast and at night from Il Belvedere hotel 2) Matera at night 3) group dinner at "Soup Kitchen Ristorante" in Matera 4) Ostuni 5) the picnic lunches 6) so many great views of the sea 7) gelato 8) staying in a trulli home in Alberobello 9) coffee stops 9) last but not least: Italian caffe

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emanuele was great. He was very organized with a calm and laid-back demeanour which made the trip a true vacation. He kept an eye on everyone and dealt gracefully with all requests for bike adjustments. Nothing fazed him. The coffee stops and restaurant suggestions were all wonderful with excellent Italian food and wine and great-tasting espressos. And Piero, who drove the support van, prepared very tasty picnic lunches with plenty of local Italian delicacies and even took special requests -straciatella!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I always tell people who want to do a bike tour that they will enjoy it a lot more if they are at least comfortable riding a bike - it's not the time to learn how to cycle. We were lucky because the weather was perfect for cycling every day but one day we missed a potential rainstorm so rain gear would be a good idea. Arrive in Matera a day early to explore the town and stay in Lecce an extra day to explore that town too.

Lesley Prosser

Reviewed October 2017

Very well-run tour of a great destination

This was a fascinating insight into a country I knew little about. The pace was good, and both the sites and the sights were interesting and varied. With one exception, the accomodation was better than my expectations. We were 15 people in a full-size coach, a real luxury for the several long drives. It was great to be able to swap sides to see a better view, or join others for a chat. The group were a pleasant assortment of people who got on well with each other and were enjoyable company.

Most Inspirational Moment

What can one say? The Registan at Samarkand. Just when we thought we were all mosqued out, there it was...

Thoughts on Group Leader

I generally prefer solo travel, as I like to go my own way, but Dilshod had made a convert of me. He is a brilliant leader. His long experience shows in the effortless ease with which he performs this very demanding job, but nonetheless, he injects his presentations and information sessions with a freshness and enthusiasm that never, ever sounds like he is just playing a tape recording in his head. He is an immensely likeable person, and a pleasure to chat with out of hours. He is the first leader I have come across who was willing to spend dinner with his group every night to make the ordering and paying a painless process in restaurants where English was rare.

Advice for Potential Travellers

While standards of hygiene are generally good, some public toilets really require you to have a supply of tissues and sanitiser. Oddly, if you wanted to buy a roll of toilet paper, it would be easily found in any little local shop. Kleenex, on the other hand, is hard to come by - you really need to find a pharmacy to buy that. So take plenty of Kleenex.

Alicia Bjerkseth

Reviewed October 2017

Surprisingly Disappointed

Armenia & Georgia were countries #36 & #37 for me…I have never been so disappointed and discouraged by group travel, thus I am re-thinking all future travels as independent or highly-active tours only. While both countries are absolutely beautiful in their own ways, and working hard to recover from Soviet times, a better experience interacting in these countries, other than just sight-seeing, would have been a welcome opportunity. The majority of each day was spent in the bus traveling long distances between locations, with little time offered at the actual site being visited, compounded by the tour leaders using the majority of that time to give historical explanations. I was truly disappointed to finally reach some of the sites I had read about, and having little time to explore, for example…a very rushed hour at the Armenian Genocide Museum, and ten minutes in almost-darkness at Noratus cemetery…two places I really was looking forward to exploring fully. The days in Georgia were equally long in the bus….arriving after dark to mountain villages that were likely beautiful places to explore, but really only being there to sleep in a chalet and leaving the next morning. While I’m sure this provides income to the locals, the visit to Gergeti Church with jeeps destroying the mountain-side terrain and the monks feeling worried about the large number of tourists visiting their site does not feel like responsible tourism to me. I honestly think a better itinerary with more meaningful experiences could be developed for these two countries….with exceptional time in great locations….quality versus quantity. Maybe seeing the whole of the country is not what matters. There is little interaction with the people who actually live in these countries….one of my favourite and really brief moments were those where locals showed us how they made breads in both countries and the lunch visit to the Molokans. I grew bored with the numbers of daily church and monastery stops…some of them really were not fascinating or unique and could easily be left off the itinerary….unless seeing 3-4 churches every day is your thing. I originally purchased this trip through Imaginative Traveler, and did not realize until the first day of the tour that it was being operated by Exodus….the travel group was a completely older demographic than I am accustomed to traveling with and activity was a slow pace. The tour leader for Armenia was exceptional with his historical knowledge and concise explanations that made sense, while the tour leader Nik for Georgia had a very confusing tangential way of giving information, so I never really knew what he was talking about. I would have appreciated meeting instructions in Armenia at the hotel for the morning of the tour, but none were left for guests who had arrived earlier on day one….I made several trips back to the hotel to continue checking in, and only found out we were meeting at 9am the next morning when my roommate barged in at 2am from her flight….unacceptable.

Most Inspirational Moment

I arrived to Yerevan a few days early and did my own visit to Karahunj...the Stonehenge of Armenia...this place should be included in the trip....and the bus goes right past it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Daniel, the tour leader for Armenia was exceptional with his historical knowledge and concise explanations that made sense, while the tour leader Nik for Georgia had a very confusing tangential way of giving information, so I never really knew what he was talking about.

Shannah Murland

Reviewed October 2017

Machu Picchu combined with rugged peaks

This tour spends a few days in the “big” mountains and then joins in to the Inca Trail, so you get a bit of everything. You also arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon, so you avoid all the groups who get there for sunrise. Instead, you have some time in the afternoon and then camp down by the river (instead of leaving right away like the other tours do), and then you go back up for the majority of the next day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Camping up near the glacier on Mt. Salkantay.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She had amazing knowledge of history and culture in the region.

Shannah Murland

Reviewed October 2017

Well-supported hike

The guide-to-guest ratio was excellent and we were well-fed and taken care of. Others in the group had altitude sickness symptoms and the staff were great at recognizing and managing these situations.

Most Inspirational Moment

My burst of energy near the top that had me free-climbing to the finish just before sunrise (I had lost the trail because I went around someone who was sick...).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very capable and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A great route that has less people on it.

Hugh Price

Reviewed October 2017

What an amazing holiday

Brilliantly lead, excellent fellow travellers and a very full and varied itinary. Probably the best of many great Exodus holidays…so far.

Most Inspirational Moment

The fact there were so many speaks volumes, nbut the 34km downhill definitely was one of the best

Thoughts on Group Leader

Extraordinarily good. Nothing was too much and he never faltered. Without doubt the best of many good leaders.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its hot and it is humid so nothing dries. The humidity can really limit your physical ability, certainly around mid day, but there is always the support vehicle to jump into.

susan brown

Reviewed October 2017

classic dolomites premium

This was my first Exodus holiday and first trip on my own, so i didn’t know what to expect. I need not have worried. the trip was absolutely first class five star. the Group leader was a real character, very knowledgeable about the area, the walks were very cleverly thought out and the views were spectacular. The Hotel Adler was very welcoming and the staff were very helpful, the food was delicious. and catered for vegetarians and food sensitivities.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment of the trip for me was the actual walk programme, which was perfect for a level 3. As a group of strangers we all got along very well.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was a real character, bringing a great deal of knowledge about the area in which we were walking. He was very tentative and ensuring the safety of all the group members.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to be wowed by the scenery.

Roma Fernandopulle

Reviewed October 2017

An unforgettable experience!

The highlight was the Gorillas, but the whole trip was an experience never to be forgotten. We saw the big 5 in the Masai Mara and other animals in their natural habitat that you only ever see on the television. I can also now identify exotic birds I never knew existed! And we had a hippo join us at the campsite for dinner!

The trip was made more memorable through the wonderful Exodus team of Jacob – our guide, Boniface – our amazing driver, Godfrey – our wonderful chef & Esther -his assistant, who was learning the ropes & always smiling.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking into the eyes of a Silver-back gorilla. I didn't think that we'd get so close to them, they brush passed you as they walk by. Just watching them interact with each other - grooming, playing and feeding, was amazing. The hour we had in their company flew by and was truly unforgettable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jacob was our tour leader and he was excellent. He was very knowledgeable about where we were travelling, always full of good advice and very patient & professional. Seat rotation was suggested for the truck and all worked smoothly. My wristwatch broke in Doha on the way to Nairobi and he was very helpful in ensuring that I could buy a replacement at the earliest opportunity and so stay on time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel with an open mind, be prepared for anything & you'll have an amazing unforgettable experience. Take advantage of hiring a porter for the gorilla trek, as he will be invaluable in helping you. I was a little apprehensive about the camping since I've not done any before but it was fine. The group were all well travelled and we all gelled together, helping out with the washing and air-drying of plates!

Pam Peers

Reviewed October 2017

Interesting trip to a fascinating country

A good combination of an interesting, short trek and cultural visits, including the Thimpu festival.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hanging lots of prayer flags at various of the summits. The momos at the end of the trek were very welcome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Norbu and Ganga were excellent guides! Great fun to be with and very informative about the country they are so passionate about. The team as a whole was excellent and looked after us really well

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take gaiters ... we didn't and regretted the omission. The descent on the final day was very muddy. Definitely take walking poles ...

Steve Gilbert

Reviewed October 2017

Wow, Wonderful Place and Excellent Holiday

I travelled there with some expectations regarding wildlife especially. These were exceeded.
I was amused, impressed and very pleased at the number of wildlife sightings and especially the great opportunities I had for some brilliant wildlife photography.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was no single moment I can identify. It was each occasion we went for a walk and encountered the Lemurs and Reptiles. Through the choice alone of the Lemus and Chameleons we got very close on more than one occasion. I will emphasise this was the animals choice not mine. Brown & Ring Tailed Lemurs can approach up to an arms length away. I didn't get bitten but I was wary. But it was exciting!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rija was one of the most enthusiastic and happy tour leaders I have had the pleasure of travelling with. Not only was she informative and organised she was also an expert wildlife spotter. She had an ability to spot something, when all we could see was undergrowth. I distinctly remember the rare 4 inch chameleon in the dark that she spotted from 10 paces when actually it was under a large leaf? I've never travelled with a leader equipped with xray infrared vision before, but I have now.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The tour company was good and supplied bottled water every day. Don't throw away the bottles. They are a desired commodity to the people in the hills and they are very happy when you hand over the empties for them to put their local produce in, honey, oil or similar. You may like to hand over other stuff too but the children can get a bit boisterous so choose your moment carefully if its something for them. Dont forget the adults, they are poor too. In a couple of areas during September it got chilly in the evening, please remember a light fleece or jumper.

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