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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14510 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Patrick Mcateer

Reviewed September 2016

Kilimanjaro conquered through inspiration and song

My trip to kilimanjaro was another one of my bucket list challenges and one where head and body was truly tested. The 7 day trip provided testing hot days, and cold nights and where darkness from 18.00hrs to 0600hrs played havoc with my inability to sleep while trying to keep warm despite the numerous layers.

I journeyed with a wonderful group of people from England and Ireland, all of whom had one desire, To ascend Kilimanjaro. We all did it, supported each other through the trials and tribulations and left the mountain with a new sense of achievement and camaraderie

Most Inspirational Moment

We left base camp at 00.00hrs, full of trepidation, not knowing what was ahead of us but our feet had hardly taken 2 paces when all of a sudden one of our assistant guides, Alfie began to sing. in the most soothing and calming tone I have ever heard. We were all bewitched by the sound as it echoed up the valley, our names were woven into the lyrics and we knew that he was calling on us to be strong. We were all conscious of our breathing and at times discomfort but Alfie carried us through, As we climbed higher and higher we began to overtake the earlier climbers, they stepped aside for the group with the singer and it was so obvious they envied the momentum Alfie was generating. For 6 hours he kept up the singing and for 6 hours we knew our Angel was with us. We all made it to the top where we all acknowledged the chanter and how much he inspired us to achieve our goals. I have never been in awe as much of a person with a golden voice and I would highly recommend his company on any future trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent group leader, very knowledgeable and inspiring. We knew exactly what each day would be like and were never disappointed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Always take a hot water bottle as this is a must for the cold nights. Get as fit as you can as this makes the climb much more comfortable

Anne Marie Bailey

Reviewed September 2016

TSO170916 Camino de Santiago de Compostella

This is a walk mainly along roads and tracks. It is well signed and walking is good. You meet many people en route of all nationalities and abilities, young and older. We enjoyed the experience. Lots of places to eat and drink along the way. Lovely countryside, villages and small churches. Santiago is a wonderful end to the walk. Mass in the Cathedral was amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

An old lady walking very slowly, using sticks, with so much determination. I do hope she made it. Also we saw a group of people on our next to last day paddling in a stream. That was a vision of bliss!!! Unfortunately we had more walking to do.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose Bartolome was a gentleman, he was very attentive to the group. We were of very differing abilities but he was brilliant with everyone. He looked after our food, wounds and kept up morale when necessary which wasn't often. He even tended other pilgrims blisters etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walk doesn't need mountain boots. Strong trainers would have been more comfortable on this trip. I took boots as advised but my feet got far too hot and I got blisters. Some people walked in sandals but I don't think that is the answer as there are loose stones on the tracks.

Sarah Brandon

Reviewed September 2016

Wonderful trip

5 days of cycling through the beautiful Tuscan countryside with an opportunity to see Siena. Well organised and well supported with good bikes that were very adjustable to suit different needs.

Most Inspirational Moment

The morning descents from Castellina in Chianti trying to stay on the road at high speeds while the mist rose off the breathtaking scenery on either side. Truly exhilarating.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Radu and Reese were excellent in lead and support. Nothing too difficult for them and they kept the group informed as to the route and what to expect and allowed people to go at their own pace while keeping us together with regular stops for coffee and bananas! Any complaints or comments were dealt with quickly although to my knowledge there weren't any of any consequence. Very professional at all times and great company too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are hills in Tuscany and although not necessarily really steep, they can go on for a while. I was very glad that i had done some training in preparation. I would recommend being fairly fit and comfortable covering some distance on your bike.

Peter Pattison

Reviewed September 2016

Cycle the Baltics

Excellent trip with brilliant tour leader, with surprisingly good weather for the time of year.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Tallin, and the pretty villages as we cycled down the coast around Klaipeda. The Castle at Trakai was lovely as much of the architecture in all the many "Old Towns" that we visited.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vaida Jusaite was just the best in everyway possible,she has lead this trip many times,so knew all about everything and everywhere in detail. Vaida also selected the very best restaurants everywhere that we went, all were excellent and we would have never found them had we travelled independently.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For an easy cycling trip without challenging conditions as the roads are very quiet,do try this trip as if you enjoyed it as much as we did, you will be very pleased that you went,especially if you are lucky enought to have Vaida as your tour leader.

John Morris

Reviewed September 2016

Bosnia and beyond

Wonderful scenery-mountains,high valleys and gorges and also cities-Kotor,Sarajevo,Mostar and Dubrovnic.

Most Inspirational Moment

The tunnel at Sarajevo and the story behind it,also the visit to Lukomir,the highest village in Bosnia,and now sadly only permanent home to 8 people.Lovely friendly people and a superb lunch provided by our hostess.From there we did a good walk down to the edge of the Rakitnica Canyon-fine views.The drive to the village was excellent,on an unsurfaced road through remote valleys with just an occasional flock of sheep.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Couldn't be bettered.Very personable,humourous,excellent English,spot on organisation etc,etcHis knowledge of his country was encyclopedic in all aspects.Our driver,Vildad,was also excellent-safe and very competent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sanna Heinsalo

Reviewed September 2016

September week in Chamonix

Beautiful hikes in wonderful Chamonix! Charming chalet with wonderful hosts (Sarah & Rich) and great cooking! Not luxury accommodation, but ok for the purpose. Tt was the end of the season, so not perfect weather but good enough. Well-planned hiking week. The only complaint is the same breakfast and the same lunch bread & meats every day, no variation – as well as the coffee: I was expecting great darkroast French cafe au lait at the chalet, but was offered weak British-style (?) coffee.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiking day in Italy - warm sun, the best hot chocolate, beautiful scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He know the mountains well, and could tell interesting stories. I felt a little RUSHED at times:once we had made it up the mountains, I would have liked to take time walking down in the beautiful scenery, enjoy the moment more - not going as fast as possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It does require you to be fit - I think it is more strenuous than the categorization suggests. You need to be able to climb (not just walk) for 2-3 hours, then lunch, then walking down, which may be hard on your knees. Poles recommended!!! for late September you might need rain gear, but it is nice and quiet in the mountain, so I highly recommend going at that time.

Marta May

Reviewed September 2016

Inca Trail and the Amazon

The holiday was a wonderful adventure.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed staying in the lodge in the Amazon. The day walk through the rainforest and canoeing on the lake was my favourite part. On the inca trail, getting to the top of dead woman's felt like a huge success and a memorable moment. Seeing other Inca buildings in particular winaywayna was most spectacular. The home stay at lake Titicacca was very enjoyable. It was really interesting how people lived on the island and the views were beautiful. Had a very peaceful time after all the hard work on the trail.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group leader Wilbert Ramos was wonderful. He really knew his stuff about the Incas and was very informative about the vegetation around as well. He was very easy to get along with and talk to and made our holiday very memorable. When I became ill in Cuzco due to altitude he knew exactly what to do and responded quickly and effectively. I always felt safe in his care.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack more warm things instead of shorts and t-shirts. Have layers.

Gillian Mcfall

Reviewed September 2016

High Inca Trail

Fantastic trip … Challenging enough without killing you! It is your holiday after all!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Lying in the tent listening to the glacial avalanches on Salkantay was pretty awesome and of course getting that first sight of Machu Picchu.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rolando was great, so passionate about his Incan heritage and very knowledgable. He loves telling the story of the many sites you visit on this trek and really brings it alive. With regards the walking and the altitude, he was always looking out for everyone in the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was colder than I expected in the evenings so if debating whether or not to take the 3 or 4 season sleeping bag or the down jacket - take the warm stuff!! The early start for Machu Picchu is definitely worth it - by 9am the place is packed!

Marilyn Bremner

Reviewed September 2016

Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise

This trip was all that was described to a “T”. For only one exception and that was the stairs at some of the rail stations that did not have elevators, my expectation was much lower than what actually existed, so my advice would be pack very lightly and ensure that you can carry your luggage up and down those many stairs. Yes they prepared us for stairs, …..but not how many !! I was a solo female over 60 so did struggle sometimes and I am reasonably fit. Nevertheless the trip overall was excellent, and the experience on the sleeper trains was lets say “different”, but at the very least, you are seeing life as the Chinese people live it and after all, isn’t that what we travel for.

Most Inspirational Moment

No doubt for me, the 3 Gorges on the Yangtze River Cruise, this was a fascinating part of China, and I likened it to my experience of Milford Sound in South Island of New Zealand, (breathtaking) but this was unique to China, and I would describe it as a "moving" experience. When one considers how mighty the Yangtze is and how so many people lost their lives there in the floods, you really experience one of the great rivers in the world up close.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was a fine, very knowledgeable, and very personable young man. His guidance of us and acting as an translator when needed was exceptional, and unquestionable. Our group presented some challenges from time to time, however he handled himself with grace and diplomacy. And he had a wonderful sense of humour!! He certainly made my trip experience a memorable one.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you read up on what is expected on this tour. Although it is described as "Leisurely", there is a lot of activity and adventure (depending on your limitations). Our leader gracefully explained from the outset that Exodus tours are "different" from the run of the mill, and that was certainly what we got. So make sure you are fit and healthy, and ready for adventure, when you want it !! Personally I very much appreciated and enjoyed the level of walking and "other" activities, like climbing up into temples and walking on the Great Wall. And I am over 60.

Sharon & Scott Forsyth

Reviewed September 2016

Inca Trail, Titicaca & Nazca (plus Amazon extension)

This was a wonderfully varied trip, taking in the many different cultures, scenery and cuisine that define Peru. From the coastal regions, up into the Andes and down into the Amazon jungle.

There are some long bus trips, but the scenery more than makes up for it. The sense of achievement at completing the Inca Trial, as well as the many, quiet, Inca sites along the route made the trip worthwhile.

We added the 5 day Amazon trip to the end of the holiday and are glad we did. Although basic, the lodge was well appointed, with wildlife literally on the doorstep (resident tarantula under picnic table, two-toed sloth passing overhead and fireflies everywhere!).

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the Sun Gate and getting the first glimpse of Machu Picchu, after 4 tough days of walking. Spending the day on Lake Titicaca, meeting the local Uros people on the reed islands, and the visit to Taquile Island on their national holiday was also a highlight. Seeing 3 condors on the road to Abancay. Coming face to face with an 8m long anaconda (luckily fast asleep!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding. Frank Farfan is one of the best guides we have ever traveled with. Right from the outset he encouraged us to operate as a 'family' and support each other. In the face of many challenges (dealing with road closures and stranded bus due to a national strike, losing the second guide on the Inca Trail due to 2 members of the group having to turn back, bus breakdown and security challenges at airports) he always remained positive and took charge of situations where he was able to. He never lost his sense of humour and was an integral part of our 'family' group. His love of his country and his wide knowledge of the cultures and flora & fauna of Peru really contributed to making this a truly memorable holiday for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take double the amount of money you think you might need and take this mostly in Nuevo Sols (some US Dollars are useful for optional trips e.g. flight over Nazca Lines). ATMs were available in the bigger places (Cusco, Puno etc.) and the exchange rate far better than changing US Dollars in a Casa di Cambio. Beware of the black midges at Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes! They are hard to spot until they have bitten you (leaving a small blood blister) and also appear immune to Deet!!! Get cream on/take antihistamines as soon as possible to prevent the worst of the itching!!!

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