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.
Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!
Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!
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14485 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
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.
Most Inspirational Moment
Dubrovnik, such a beautiful city, and so well restored following the war.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our tour leader was first class, as was the trainee tour leader. The both worked tirelessly to satisfy some quite demanding guests.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bokk direct flights to Split and from Dubrovnik!
Kavita Chandra
Reviewed September 2017
Walking the Greek Isles
Really enjoyable vacation. Cecile was a wonderful tour guide and all the three islands that we visited on the trip were lovely. I liked Paros the most but only by a hair. Naxos and Santorini were beautiful and was happy that we got to visit Akrotiri in Santorini. All very scenic and relaxed.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved the metal charms that one could buy in Paros and make wish at the church from the 4th century. The wooden windmill bar by our hotel in Paros was beautiful and we had a lovely dinner at Levantis in Paros. All spectacular.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I would stay an extra day in Paros.
Robin B.
Reviewed September 2017
Another great trip with Exodus!
To start, I would have given an excellent review but for the fact (1) that it’s not very well vehicle supported because of where we were riding. No one had any issues, but for those who would like or are used to significant vehicle support, this is not. It is less than posted in the website; and ((2) the bikes were not very good. (We did the Vietnam bike ride and that was fully supported and had much better bikes). But, the bikes were serviceable.
That being said, the trip was wonderful as the route was beautiful, the places were interesting, the guides were nice, and Peter had a wealth of knowledge about the places. And, to boot, our fellow riders were a great group.
The weather varied, so be prepare for heat and rain. And, the small towns frequently did not take credit cards so be sure to bring lots of cash (or get it from ATM).
The hotels were fine but I think some US travelers would find it significantly different from what they’re used to if, for example, they went with Backroads. For example, a couple of the places had no hair dryers, and one only provided soap. But, we wouldn’t trade this trip for one with the US companies. You ride more with exodus and you get more days. And, who needs a hair dryer when you’re going to have helmet hair anyway? But, I know some people care.
I wished the trip was longer so you could have spent, for example, another night in Vienna. We arrived early and spent time in Prague before the trip started and stayed an extra day in Budapest at the end. We highly recommend that, if you can swing the time. (I guess we’ll have to come back on our own and do Vienna again!)
Overall, great trip. Our second with exodus. Our first was through Vietnam-that was an awesome trip!!! We’ll be back!
Most Inspirational Moment
Vienna-magical! Loved the symphony and the palace!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Peter was great. Hard working, sweet, and knowledgeable. I think we may have overwhelmed him at times with our antics!
Advice for Potential Travellers
See above.
PETER WATKINS
Reviewed September 2017
Peru adventure
A challenging trek in Peru that managed to combine quiet trekking, magnificent scenery, the remote city of Choquequirao and the spectacle of Machu Picchu. Walking in remote areas of Peru, at times surrounded by snow-capped mountaings, or maybe cloud forest, or then again coffee plantations. Very varied and interesting at all times.
The guides and support staff added to the atmosphere, providing a friendly and informative company. Helpful at all times, providing surprisingly good food in very basic conditions and unexpected “extras” – like the very welcome visit to the hot springs!
All-in-all and excellent trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Having a wild condor effortlessly flying past us at a distance of only 20m!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent! Knowledgable about the Inca history, although sometimes a little to mystical. Always in control and adaptable to changing situations. Always felt safe with him, and the other support team around.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Walking poles essential. The bugs bite a lot so bug spray essential, recommend always wearing long sleeves and long trousers.
Ali Farrall
Reviewed September 2017
Cycling in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama
This was an amazing trip. The leader team were extremely professional but also really friendly and helpful – a perfect balance. The cycling was superb; routes were varied in terrain, views and challenge and so much thought had gone in to the itinerary. We saw so much in a short time that it was one of our best ever trips.
Most Inspirational Moment
I think there were too many, but body surfing on the Caribbean coast was a highlight, as was seeing a whale from a beach in Panama, cycling like a demon down fast roads through a short downpour, managing to get up a really big hill in 35 degree heat or singing the Hokey Cokey with a class of Nicaraguan primary school kids- take your pick!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roberto was brilliant. I will be looking out to see if some future trips can be arranged as I would love to go on more adventures with him and his team. We learnt lots about the history, geography and culture of the places we went to, and always felt very safe in his hands.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Your kit will get soaked in sweat and won't always dry in the humidity, so use the laundry when available and take old stuff that isn't too precious. We are fairly fit and did some extra cycling beforehand and I'm really pleased we did as it made it all the more enjoyable, so do try and be ready for the distances.
Roger Willis
Reviewed September 2017
Fantastic tour of Costa Rica's top sites
A fantastic tour of all the best sites in Costa Rica from coast, to volcanoes, to cloud forests. The tour exactly mirrored what was described in the itinerary and the itinerary delivered lots of opportunity to view not only the tremendous wildlife on offer, but also the different landscapes and eco systems.
Most Inspirational Moment
We joined one of the optional tours on offer to see turtles coming ashore at night to lay their eggs. We were not disappointed and got the chance to see a green turtle scraping out its nest and laying its eggs. The included boat trips along the rivers provided the opportunity to experience the tranquility of the verdant forest bordering the rivers but also the skill of the boat skippers got us in the best positions, up close to view the wildlife.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Guillermo was an excellent group leader who had an extensive knowledge of all things Costa Rica and was energetic and enthusiastic in sharing that knowledge with the group which made the trip enjoyable and informative, this was particularly important whilst travelling between locations. He provided information on the wildlife, the culture, the crops, and the eco systems. He was passionate about the environment and proud of the efforts Costa Rica has made in conservation. Guillermo and his company also provided an excellent driver, Juan, who made an excellent wingman to the group leader and was an integral and welcome part of the group. Juan was as passionate as Guillermo about his country.
Advice for Potential Travellers
In Costa Rica, and Tortuguero in particular, they take the conservation of the turtle population very seriously and the tours at night are rigidly controlled by the wardens with no cameras or torches allowed, to prevent disturbing the turtles. There can be quite a bit of time spent waiting in the darkness to be called forward by the wardens and tour leader to view the turtles. Light waterproof jacket, dark clothing and closed toed footwear is recommended. Secondly, although it is best to just watch the local wildlife on offer, to preserve the memories it is best to take a camera with some form of telephoto lens. Lastly, and most importantly ! They always say it is best to learn some of the language to make the most of any trip. I discovered a little known, local, Costa Rican response, to the greeting: "Como estas ?" The local Costa Rican response is: "Con toda la pata". I guarantee that if this response is used it will make any local smile, not that that is too difficult ! Apparently it is difficult to translate this into English but apparently it means: "Fantastic ! including the whole paw" (?)
wendy clarke
Reviewed September 2017
excellent first experience
My first exodus holiday was fantastic.The picos were simply beautiful, the hotel was great, the company (my fellow travellers) were great fun and my experience was much, much better than I had anticipated. If you are nervous of travelling alone ,like I was, then dont be. It is well worth pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Go enjoy!
Most Inspirational Moment
Coming down from Mancondui peak, walking through a beautiful alpine meadow, the trail blazers were well ahead and the chatty ones well behind and I had ten minutes of peaceful blissful solitude just to.......be.
Thoughts on Group Leader
What can I say? Alvaro is one in a million. A really nice guy whose passion and knowledge shines through. The holiday would not have been the same without him.
Michael Lawless
Reviewed September 2017
Sun, Sea & Scenery
This is our first Exodus trip , me and the wife fear we have experienced the best trip on our first tour!
This trip was outstanding.
The guide Marijo was fantastic, he is professional, knowledgeable and great fun! A real asset to Exodus. The trip is great for the leisure cyclist, mixing the right amount of cycling with sightseeing and socialising.
The country is truly beautiful, the people have a sunny temperament which matches the fantastic weather. We met a wonderful and diverse group of people, who were great company and a joy to holiday with. We are now already planning our next Exodus trip!
Most Inspirational Moment
So many it's hard to single one out. Mijet is a must, do not be tempted to take the rest day as it is a very gentle days cycling and you will miss out on a stunning island and a great day out.
The first two days are the hardest but you do need to justify all the great food and drink you consume.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marijo will be an impossible act to follow. He is so personable that any little problem with the ferries, restaurants etc are so smoothly dealt with that it all ends in handshakes and laughter.
In danger of missing a connecting ferry which would have meant a three hour wait, he sweet talked a van driver in front of us to let us take his place on the ferry! Marijo is not just a guide but becomes part of the holiday group, great fun on and off duty! Truly an exceptional guide. Tome the driver needs a out shout as well. A very happy chap who couldn't do enough for everyone. He also distills a mean homemade grappa!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do not expect too much from the hotels and breakfasts!
The holiday is great value for money. When you consider the amount of great staff care, great equipment, the cost of the ferries and the comfortable van used to carry us and the bikes, savings had to be made somewhere.
This is a full on holiday so you do not spend any time at the hotels anyway!
Best tip: most restaurants / bars don't like credit cards. So take cash or get it from ATMs
Rosemary Dan
Reviewed September 2017
Excellent trip
This is one of the best trips I have done. This was my first visit to South America – Peru is a beautiful country with fascinating history. The trekking is hard but well worth the effort.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were several, including Choquequirao where it was so quiet (only our group plus 3 other people) and Machu Picchu, which although crowded is spectacular. However, the most inspirational moment for me was the San Juan pass; the conditions were perfect, the 360 degree views breath taking and several Condors flying around when we arrived.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Frank was very passionate and knowledgeable about Peru and the Inca culture. Jonnie was a great and enthusiastic co-leader on the trek.
The support team worked very hard to make sure we were comfortable on trek.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Prepare for the trek - it is hard with long ascents and descents but very rewarding. Take plenty of insect repellent - mosquitos are prolific particularly on the trek.
I was worried about arriving in Cusco and coping with the altitude, however, the time spent in Cusco at the start of the trip was ideal to acclimatise.
Mark Hooper
Reviewed September 2017
Fantastic week!
Fantastic week! The whole week was brilliant from start to finish, the hotels were cosy and welcoming.
The food was lovely especially the surprising stops that were sometimes at the top of a col.
The scenary was beautiful, we especially loved seeing the snow capped peaks! We were very lucky to have a small group and we got on very well. We also had amazing weather, sunny everyday!
Most Inspirational Moment
Everyday was so different, we loved seeing the differences when walking through Switzerland, Italy and France. The final day views of Mont Blanc were spectacular!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rupert was a great leader, he was so knowledgable and passionate about the trip. He always made sure everyone was happy and okay. We especially enjoyed his games and local knowledge of where to get the best cheese from! He really did go above and beyond!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack lightly as you do need to carry everything and you can wash things in the evening.
Most hotels have shampoo and shower gel so you don't need to carry much.
You have two nights in the same hotel at the end so you can take extra clothes for those nights.