Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14485 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

David Martin

Reviewed September 2017

Some fairly challenging walks with fantastic views followed by more leisurely sight-seeing

The trip notes warn: “This trek is suitable for the average walker who is prepared to put in some physical preparation”. For us, as a family of 5 adults, the longer walking days provided more challenge for some than others. However, worries (suggested to me by my doctor) that my creaky 60-year-old knee would give up were unfounded, though I found walking poles essential.

The trip notes perhaps understate the poor state of the remote mountain road down to Theth, with vertiginous drops off the side of the road and some scary moments passing other vehicles. It is not only on the walks that you need to be able to deal with heights!

The ‘basic hotel’ in Theth is, in fact, delightful: rooms are simply-finished but very attractive and the view from the terrace down the valley as you sip raki or a cold beer, or both, is lovely. Service is slow at busy times but the family who runs the hotel make up for any failings by their warm welcome.

Most Inspirational Moment

We went for the walking more than the sight-seeing and the walk over the Valbona pass was, despite its challenges, the high point. The views up from Theth were very different from those on the way down to Rragam and Valbone. Everywhere we looked there were jaw-dropping views. The drive down to Berat was very long but the city is beautiful and well worth it once we got there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It would have been great if the guide had been more knowledgable about the basics of the geology, flora and fauna of the mountain area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do assess your own level of physical fitness and do some preparation, even if a stiff climb up the South Downs is rather tame compared to 1000m ascent in the Albanian Alps. Don't be put off by any enduring reputation that Albania has for violence. There are probably still a great many guns in private hands but we didn't see any. The political situation described most eloquently by Robert Carver in 'The Accursed Mountains' no longer applies: the book is well worth reading but not as a guide to modern Albania. A lot has changed in 20 years!

Julian Ainley

Reviewed September 2017

Fantastic country and cycling tour

The country was wonderful – everyone was very friendly, the views were stunning, and the new roads made it perfect for cycling around. Don’t be put off by preconceptions about Albania – we were all delighted to find it much more pleasant to be in than many other European countries, and will no doubt be full of tourists in the next 5-10 years. Definitely go before everyone else realises how good it is. It’s very cheap too, especially in the more rural parts.

My only complaint would be the repeated promises of ice cream, which mysteriously never materialised!

Most Inspirational Moment

The long descent on the second day, speeding down a mountain with amazing views, a new road surface, and no cars!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very sociable, organised, and clearly passionate about his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Withdrawing 30,000 LEK at the airport should be sufficient for the whole week.

Ann T

Reviewed September 2017

Brilliant family adventure

We travelled with children aged 11 and 14 and found ourselves in a lovely group of 4 families from across the UK. We totally lucked out with our amazing coach (and driver, Ohman) and our wonderful guide, Gustavo.
Every day was different and we learned so much about where our food comes from, nature, and all types of wildlife. Accommodation was slightly basic at times but we coped and all pools were lovely.
The 14 KM white water rafting is not to be missed and we also enjoyed the night walks and boat trips. Had an amazing trip on a catamaran and swam with tropical fish and the kids jumped off the boat back into the blue sea. We always felt very safe and well looked after with Exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the green turtles lay their eggs and watching the kids follow her back to the Caribbean sea.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing: Gustavo looked after us so well and knew so much.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take warm clothes, when it rains it's quite cold (we went in Aug) - it rained most days but was manageable. If you need special diet food take your own.

francis josephs

Reviewed September 2017

An outstanding cycle trip

If you’d like a highly scenic ride in a lovely country, then this is the trip for you. We cycled up and down hills with amazing sea views, and visited stunning towns, villages and vineyards. We stayed at some lovely places, swam in the sea and ate very well. Alan was one of the best leaders I’ve experienced, and our group was lovely. They ranged in age from 30s to 70s; some were strong cyclists, others not. However all were catered for, and the support bus was always available. There were no long transports, and the ferry trips were great. The climate was pleasantly hot, and the wine flowed.

Most Inspirational Moment

The islands were great, especially Korcula, and the town of Korcula- a medieval gem. Dubrovnik is unforgettable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alan was wonderful: kind, attentive, and highly knowledgeable, with a great sense of humour. On the road he ensured our safety, supported the weaker riders and also enabled the best riders to go for it!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't miss this

S Patel

Reviewed September 2017

So beautiful.

Such a beautiful week of walking made special by a great group and a fantastic guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

The beautiful views along the coast line of Cinque Terre and Portofino made every step along the trail worthwhile.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Michela Wicks was fantastic. Although our main reason for going was to see the fantastic views, the trip was made even more perfect by Michela, who worked hard to make sure we got to each place in good time to make the most of our day. She made sure we understood what was expected on each day of walking and was clear about what we had to take on our walk. She made sure we stopped to drink water and because of this made sure we got back to our base town safely and in good health.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Follow the guides given by Exodus on making sure you choose the right level of walks for your fitness and make sure you listen to your guides expert knowledge to keep safe on some of the more energetic walks.

Barry Tylee

Reviewed September 2017

realise your wildlife dreams

This tour is where you realise your every wildlife dream. This is where dreaming stops and reality takes over. From the beginning to the end, it is a non stop thrilling adventure. Poling past grumpy Hippos, listening to Lions roar while wild camping, seeing giant elephants wade across the water in front of you, Seeing the same cross a deep river with just their trunks showing. That’s just for starters. No need to imagine standing just five meters away from a grazing white Rhino with her baby, it happened, with a few more sitting behind. Horn bills, Kingfishers and a variety of other water birds. As you drive along the road between stops view the Giraffes, Zebra, Elephants, the list goes on. Most nights “we” gather around a roaring fire to eat lovely cooked food, compliments of our tour guides (Marco & Mira) so knowledgeable, really in safe hands. You don’t really want to sleep, because closing your eyes means that you will miss something. Just when you think its all over and the last day arrives, there are still some amazing opportunities to experience. Victoria Falls, just amazing. Try the optional safari, with luck you can view close up Black Rhino, again mother with baby. Mother walked right up to the jeep to check us out. Great photo opportunities. Last but not least, don’t miss the optional sunset cruise, it is just simply an amazing sight.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many, but the four Elephants crossing the Chobe river, one after the other, snorkelling, then climbing on the back of the one in front as they arrive at the more shallow part of the river. Being so close to the Black and White Rhino, (sadly they have been de-horned) for their protection against poachers. But still guarded 24 hours a day. Sitting in the jeep looking at a 10 strong pride of Lions, relaxing in the shade The photos that I have from the sunsets are for me a great reminder of this wonderful, exciting adventure.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader(s) were Marco & Mira, a husband and wife combination from South Africa. Really nice people. Always in control, whether driving or cooking or simply managing your day. Both extremely knowledgeable in respect of all the creatures that you might see and only to happy to tell you about them. I would be delighted to see them on any future tour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not be put off by the 2 nights wild camping, bushy-bushy loos are not so much a problem. July in Botswana and Zimbabwe during the night and early morning is cold and I mean cold. Make sure that you have packed some warm layers, you will need them. When I did the optional early morning safari in Victoria falls (which i would not have missed for anything) I could not believe how cold it was until the sun came up. be prepared, its worth it. Hot tea/coffee and biscuits helped, followed by a cooked breakfast, while observing feeding Horn bills. Yes there are a couple of long drives, don't fall asleep !! Be patient when you arrive at immigration in Zimbabwe, it can be very slow.

Eileen Cooper

Reviewed September 2017

The Lost City of Choquequirao

This trip challenges you physically, mentally and emotionally. It provides breathtaking scenery, camping in cloud forests, visiting Inca sites in beautiful and inaccessible places and the chance to observe how humbly people live in the harsh landscape. It fulfilled all of my expectations and more, spectacular scenery, challenging walking and indulging in the Indiana Jones experience. There was great camaraderie and our guides, Michael and Vladimir were just the best. They had infinite cheerfulness and patience and were determined that we would understand as much as possible about Andean culture, past and present. My only regret is that this trek may be ‘it’, the best one!

Most Inspirational Moment

One every day! Camping on Inca terrraces, learning about how the Incas viewed the Mayu, the Milky Way, standing on the usnu, the ceremonial platform at Choquequirao surrounded by mountains, ravines and sparkling rivers whilst clouds swirled around, the cardio workout exploring the Llama terraces, walking down to Yanoma amongst wild lavender with horses passing, sitting on a rock edge at San Abra pass at 4200m, surreal bathing in hot springs at Santa Teresa with bats flitting overhead.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael ensured we had the best time. He made everything as easy as possible for us. He was so patient taking photos of us at iconic spots and being an archaeologist, we were in the hands of an expert. He has a great approach to life and was always conscientious. A very genuine man who worked extremely hard on many levels to make sure our holiday was perfect, which it was.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For those who are not super fit, do some training, legs, core and walking of course. Take extra clothes, it is hot and sticky and not easy to wash or dry clothes or towels.

Jill Moore

Reviewed September 2017

Chimps & Gorillas of Uganda

An amazing holiday, made special by our excellent guides, David & Lawrence. The lodges we stayed in were very comfortable & unique, with helpful & friendly staff.
I cannot begin to list the variety of wildlife seen on this trip & also the variety of ways to view the wildlife -walking safaris, boat safaris, sunset & sunrise safaris.
The highlight was obviously seeing the chimps & gorillas in their natural surroundings & at close quarters.
A wonderful holiday all round!

Most Inspirational Moment

On the second Gorilla trek, observing them as they came down from the trees for breakfast. Being so close as the silverback went by, with his young followers close behind him. Also on our return to Entebbe, seeing the almost prehistoric Shoebill in the wetlands. As someone who is not particularly "into" birds, I found this one fascinating & to be able to observe it at close quarters was truly astounding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

David was an excellent group leader. A very open & friendly man with an amazing knowledge of the animals we saw & where he could find them! Nothing was too much trouble & he was always in good humour. Both he & Lawrence worked extremely hard, & always with good humour, to find as many species as they could for us to see. They obviously knew the area extremely well & had good links with other park workers regarding where animals (such tree lions & leopards) may be. Therefore ensuring that we were able to see as much variety as possible. They were both absolute stars & went the extra mile to make our experience special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is important to have appropriate clothing & footwear for the Chimp & Gorilla treks. we were lucky as all of our visits were dry, but rain had fallen at night, so good waterproofs are needed. I strongly recommend booking the additional visits offered. We all did 2 Chimp & 2 Gorilla Treks. All 4 visits were very different & our second visits gave us better encounters (which could have been coincidence of course!). On our 1st Gorilla Trek the group took a long time to find & the terrain was very steep, so be prepared for tough terrain. The porters were a fantastic help. As well as carrying your rucksack, they help & support you all the way. Well worth employing them & helping the local economy too!

Irene Neilson

Reviewed September 2017

Stunning scenery, great walking

Very enjoyable walking in varied scenery with occasional need to use extremely well placed metal ropes and a bit of scrambling. Bus and cable pass enables rapid access to many different areas of Val di Fassa.

Most Inspirational Moment

Torri del Vaiolet walk. Wonderful majestically scenery enhanced by watching some climbers ascend the statuesque towers. It was the hardest level 5 walk but well worth the effort.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good as always with Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for any weather conditions. It had snowed just as we arrived (end Aug) so Day1 was quite cold and involved treking in some snow of varying depth. The north route up Piz Boe retained snow till the end of the week so we ascended that by the south route. When the sun was out it could be very warm on other routes. Layering essential.

Lesley Pearson

Reviewed September 2017

Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast - please use direct flights!

The 8 hour layover at Zagreb was not a good start to this trip. I raised the short transfer time as a concern when I booked the trip and my worst fears were confirmed when we were greeted in Zagreb by a handling agent to be told this is where we would spend the next few hours with one food voucher, and eventually the offer of a free bus ride into the city for myself and 8 other stranded members of the group flight! Zagreb airport maybe brand new, but it offers just one snack type cafe landslide, and absolutely nothing airside! This is unacceptable, Exodus! Please use direct flights!

On arrival in Trogir our tour leader did provide us with a very welcome snack. The first night hotel was woeful, no air conditioning, and very noisy. We transferred to Korcula the next day (the ferry was very uncomfortable, again no air conditioning, and no open deck space). The pension on Korcula was very noisy too, the breakfast was inadequate and sparse. The island and tiny city was beautiful.

On to Dubrovnik, the minibus driver was to young and dangerous, we had to ask more than once that he DIDN’T use his mobile phone (and he was tailgating the car in front). The hotel was very good in Dubrovnik though I would like to challenge why I had to pay my bus fare for an included tour of the city?

Our tour leader was excellent as well as the trainee tour leader who accompanied us.