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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14485 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Mark Watson

Reviewed April 2016

Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama

This was an outstanding 3-countries adventure. From landing in Managua to departing Panama City, the cycling, hotels, food, scenery and companionship was without parallel. The itinerary takes you from coast to coast, with the chance to paddle in both the Pacific and the Atlantic. The vistas are huge and varied, from primary rain forest to the hot and arid plains beyond the Continental Divide. The hotels are great and the food diverse (and adventurous as you make it).

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting a local indigenous school. We were there over Easter, so our planned visit in Costa Rica was delayed to Panama. Also, from another perspective, the Panama Canal is also up there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The whole experience was enhanced by Roberto, our guide. He quickly formed a bond with each group member and put us at our ease. Early starts were shared with a smiling and cheerful Roberto, and his enthusiasm was infectious. Roberto's organizational skills saw prompt departures and timely arrivals; essential for a journey of that length. Throughout his emphasis was on safety, which was very well balanced with ensuring we had memorable days. His knowledge of Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama was first class, which all added to the experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get plenty of small dollar notes before departure, so much easier that trying to get cash en route. Bug spray not really needed and I only got bitten a couple of times. Take your own water bottles, with a covered mouthpiece, and even better one of the newer insulated versions. There are two chance for doing some laundrey - so you can pack more lightly than you usually would for 14 days.

Ian Sewell

Reviewed April 2016

Cycling Nicuragua - Costa Rica - Panama with Roberto and friends :-)

This was our second cycling trip with Exodus, and the attention to details, knowing clients needs and wishes was second to none. From start to finish we didn’t have to worry about a thing, the biggest decisions we had to make was what we were going to eat at meal times, everything else was well planned and executed by Roberto our tour leader. You certainly need a good base level of fitness, some of the climbs were long and hard, so the fitter the better, however it didn’t matter of you were last, you were looked after by the mechanic and the minibus was never that far away.

Would I recommend this trip … YES I certainly would.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were some good climbs in Panama and the scenery and wildlife on the way up was amazing .. Sloth, toucans, monkeys, and cute children. Visit to local school. Panama Canal ... What a marvel for sure.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were very fortunate to have Roberto as our tour leader. A man passionate about making sure his clients had an excellent holiday. He delivered on all fronts. Within 24hrs he had learnt all our names and knew the groups personalities as well as standard of cycling. Roberto loved loved cycling and the three countries we cycled through. His knowledge of the countries culture was shared, and certainly added value to the trip. He is a H&S aware, and was flexible in his plan which was always well executed. We went in the Easter break, which meant the school we had planned to go to in Nicuragua was closed, so as we passed through Panama we went to a school, it was a surprise visit for the children and teachers and first time Roberto had been there. The children were amazed to see grown men and women in Lycra... The 30 mins at the school was lovely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of dollars with you, although the hotels will change monies for you, and when you need to change to the local currency, dollars the easiest to exchange. If you SPD pedals and MTB shoes, there is no problem for the mechanics to fit them for you. Having the pedals certainly helped over the rather bumpy trails in Nicuragua. Two water bottles were supplied, but of you have your own with a flip dome type cover, would recommend you take it, as some tracks are rather dusty. Plenty of sun cream. Take some crayons, writing books and school stationery, as no doubt you will have the opportunity to visit a school. You cover some 1900 miles by bike and minibus, so if you do have travel sickness, take some tablets. You live out of your suitcase, and it never gets unpacked due to the frequency of moving from place to place. There were two locations for laundry, so you can afford to reduce the amount of cycling gear / clothes you take.

Michael Eddison

Reviewed April 2016

Essential Peru

As others have commented, this is a pretty tiring trip as there are a lot of long drives and some very early mornings.
In my view, this is completely essential to see the massive variety of landscapes, wildlife and views that the country has to offer and there’s no way it could be acheived in 2 weeks any other way.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip to Machu Picchu was the definite highlight of the trip as this was the main reason for visiting the country. The walk up the Sun Gate was unmissable. I also loved the homestay on Amantani Island. The welcome received from the islanders, the hospitality offered and the views from the optional walk to the top of the island were extremely memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Daniel was a fantastic leader. He was extremely patient with the group and communicated his knowledge of all things Peruvian in a very entertaining manner.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would recommend taking an old hat and some expendable clothing for the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. It is only apparent that there's a high likelihood of the birds creating a 'mess' when you get there and this is on Day One of the trip! The optional trip in Nazca to the Cahuachi pyramids is well worth a visit for those not taking the flight over the Nazca Lines. It was a real hidden gem but beware the dune buggy ride there could be a bit bumpy! The optional culinary experience in Cusco was one of the trip highlights. This consisted of an explanation of Peruvian foods, tasting of various dishes and the making of two dishes and a local cocktail.

Matthew Pearce

Reviewed April 2016

Trip of a lifetime

A fantastically varied trip that highlights the best that Vietnam has to offer. The hotels are great on the whole (special mention to Silk Village in Hoi An), the food is delicious and the people incredibly welcoming. If you have small children, be prepared for them to be patted, kissed, lifted up and posed for hundreds of photos! The pace is quite hectic at times with a few early starts and some long road trips, but the activities more than compensate for this. I would do it again tomorrow!

Most Inspirational Moment

Snorkelling with my 6-year old twins for the first time in open water in Nha Trang. An amazing homestay in the Mekong, where we were the only guests. Our kids helped to cook the evening meal and the wonderful guide Chinh entertained our kids all evening.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He organised everything, picked some great restaurants that we would not have found ourselves and went out of his way to find some Tiger balm for us in Saigon. We even met his family. Occasionally maybe did not make enough allowances for the extra time required for organising travelling with small children.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If your kids are not great at getting up early without complaint, travelling long distances and moving on frequently, this is probably not the trip for you. The War Remnants Museum in Saigon, although a highlight of the trip and a must-see exhibition, shows graphic pictures of death, mutilation and deformity and in our opinion was definitely not suitable for young children. Other than that, just book it!

Margaret Williams

Reviewed April 2016

Spice Trails of Kerala

Have just returned from the 14 day Spice Trails of Kerala tour with Exodus. Having travelled with Exodus before, we were familiar with the format and this trip certainly did not disappoint. Accommodation was good, the programme was varied and interesting and the support was excelellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were lots of inspirational moments on the trip but the 5 day trekking and camping was a highlight, along with the houseboat experience on the backwaters. The support group for the camps were amazing and produced the most fantastic meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner with additional 'snacks' along the way. Also, our travel companions were great company!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was an inspiration and I cannot speak highly enough of him. He was experienced, patient, professional, knowledgeable and a lot of fun. We have travelled with the award winning Adventure Travel Guide of the Year when we were in Sri Lanka, and Santosh would be equally worthy of such an award.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Come to India with an open mind and be prepared for anything. Our drivers were exceptional, but the traffic is crazy. Camping is not going to be like staying in a 5 star hotel and food can be spicy. Having said that, our tour leader still managed to cater for all requests thrown at him!

Anne Hammond

Reviewed April 2016

Cycling in Sardinia 2016

The whole week was one of sun, fun, food and good biking. Sardinia has some stunning views and vistas which take away the pain of the hills. Each corner turned offered another surprise. It just kept on giving. The beaches of white sands invited the weary cyclist to take a rest and enjoy a picnic before continuing with their journey. The Sardinian people were welcoming and the car drivers patient and considerate making a refreshing change!

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was different and memorable in its own way. I particularly liked the off road part but understand that its not for everyone. The wall was tough but once at the top the view made it all worthwhile not to mention the following decent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Michele and Riccardo were excellent leaders. Their organisational skills for coffee and lunch stops and the evening meal meant that we could concentrate on the cycling and having a good time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The fitter you are the more enjoyable the holiday.

Roger Skelsey

Reviewed April 2016

Busy Two Weeks

Came away feeling that I saw and experienced heaps more than I would have done as an independent traveller. Added bonus was having a good group of fellow travellers which is always a bonus as everyone seemed to gel pretty well.

Most Inspirational Moment

The smiling faces of the children as we cycled through many of the villages notwithstanding the high fiving which played havoc with my tennis elbow!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rit is a true gentleman with a good sense of humour and top class organisational skills.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Potential for saddle soreness should not be underestimated. Padded cycling shorts, gloves, water bottle and sunglasses are essential. Best do this tour during rainy season as landscape will be likely be green and lush. For non-cyclists such as myself, I found the cycling quite demanding particularly the first few days though there's always the support vehicle should it be needed - though thankfully I never succumbed to the temptation!

JIll Marquis

Reviewed April 2016

Amazing - I loved the desert

What an experience – trekking in the desert is like nothing I have ever done before. I loved the space, the quiet and the rhythm of the actual walking. The stars at night were unbelievable. The food for us veggies was excellent and really varied and tasty. I felt that I had grown by this whole experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved it all - but the actual walking in the desert was really the highlight for me - I didn't want to leave the desert on day five! Burdah Bridge was fun ( when I had struggled to get to the top). Petra is huge and awe-inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had a very knowledgeable group leader who was passionate about his country. At Petra he was an excellent guide with all the historical facts at his fingertips. He also had a wicked sense of humour at times!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a large hat, suntan lotion, walking trousers with legs that can unzip, a good camera, numerous changes of clothes and a sense of adventure.

michael o'leary

Reviewed April 2016

Trekking the Great Wall

Fantastic mixture of walking and cultural insights into Chinese culture and history

Most Inspirational Moment

Loads!!!! But watching the sun come up on the Great Wall was pretty special. Also, loved the early morning visit to the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dennis was fantastic - was great to have a Chinese guide with to provide such informed insights into China- past and present. Also helped that Dennis had a great sense of humour and nothing was too much tropuble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Food was variable and some accommodation was a little nippy at night. But no real complaints as came prepared and the trip was excellent value for money.

Zoe Jackson

Reviewed April 2016

Walking the Amalfi Coast

A lovely trip in a beautiful part of Italy, the walks were well planned and thought out with good variety of scenery and challenge. The group leader was brilliant and helped make the trip a really enjoyable experience. The family run hotel was warm and welcoming and the chef provided an excellent variety of meals. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, who even got up extra early on our last morning to ensure we had breakfast before leaving at 6am. There were extra treats such as a seafood demonstration and a pizza night on two of the evenings, with guests invited to take part. In all my years of walking holidays I would say this was definitely the best one.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to pick one out from a number of such moments. The first view of the Amalfi coast on our first outing, and many subsequent views as we took the various walks were all breathtaking. As we ascended to the top of Monte Tre Calli, the Sorrentino Peninsula came fully into view and that was well worth the steep path to the top. The Walk of the Gods must be one of the most beautiful individual walks with the amazing views of Positano, and also the walk through Valle delle Ferriere N.P. to Ravello was a memorable experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was without doubt the best leader I have met on all the walking holidays I have taken over the years. He was well organised, whilst calm and unflappable, and very considerate to the needs of all the group. His knowledge of the countryside and the flora and fauna, as well as the language, was most impressive. He was also a very likeable character, with a great sense of humour, who got on well with all the group members. And he was very thoughtful in judging when people needed a rest or a drink etc. He earned the respect of all the group and his efforts were greatly appreciated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would encourage prospective travellers to ensure they read the trip notes thoroughly, and make sure they take walking boots as well as lightweight walking trainers, and also a walking pole for the steeper sections of the walks.

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