Reviews

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

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14484 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Leonard Raphael

Reviewed October 2015

Festivals of Bhutan

A long awaited trip became a reality and the reality is now a memory. But not just a normal travel memory, moreso something out of the ordinary, as I had probably anticipated. Unusual architecture. People with a different outlook on life. Different pursuits. Simpler pleasures. Happy people. Clean air. Wholesome food – spicy if desired. A lifestyle in flux as the county and the people join the 21st. Century. A tinge of regret that what makes Bhutan unique will not last. I’m glad to have experienced this unusual place before it disappears into the “Global Village”.

Most Inspirational Moment

* Climbing to the Tigers Nest monastery ,,, physically challenging ... mentally and spiritually stimulating. * Witnessing the festivals at Thimpu (capital city) and Phobjikha (small village) and interacting with the people in festive mode at each event. Calm and reserved people give way to excited participants. * Being in a country where the "National Highway" is an abominable "track" and everybody (locals and tourists) enjoys it ... part of the Bhutan's famous Happiness Index.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was a quiet man with a calm personality, ideal for his situation in this unique country. He was helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and humorous, willing and able to expound an all aspects of Bhutan, the people, the way of life, the history and the cultural changes that tourism in introducing . His input at every level enhanced our experience and added to the enjoyment of our trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

* Don't have expectations or preconceptions of Bhutan. The reality will in all likelihood be different. Accept the calm of the place and the people. Enjoy the uniqueness for what it is. Be part of it while it is as it is. *Try for a window seat on the left when flying in to Bhutan and the same on the right when flying out. Hope for a clear sky and you'll enjoy a magic view of the Himalayas.

Gregor Paterson

Reviewed October 2015

Highlights of the Dolomites

We have been on several Exodus trips and always choose the challenging grade but sometimes we have been disappointed, as the walks have not been as demanding as we thought they might be. However, this was not the case on this trip – the level 5 walks were very challenging.

This is the first multi-level trip we have been on and it worked well. We had an informative briefing from both leaders in the evening and people could decide which walk they wanted to do the next day – this was very helpful.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery on all the walks was stunning. The village of Moena was very Alpine in style and lovely.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We did the level 5 walks all week with Albert. He was very knowledgeable and knew the area very well. We had to change routes several times due to weather conditions but he still provided great walks. Eric led the level 3 walks and was also very knowledgeable and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great trip if you are unsure of your ability as you can choose level 3 or level 5 each day. Level 5 walks were mainly 16 - 20 km long and 800 - 1000 metres ascent. Lunches are normally bought and eaten in the Rifugios. One day we took our own lunch (bought from local bakery) and ate outside to sit and admire the scenery and this was a not a problem.

Richard McFeeters

Reviewed October 2015

Carpathian, Walking, Bears & Mushrooms

A superb week which unfolds in dramatic scenery almost everywhere you look

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing 5 bears including a mother and cub at the bearhide. Generally admiring the scenery on our hikes. Pastries and schnapps at the Saxon village! Seeing the Bears and learning some of their sad stories at the sanctuary.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Udo was charismatic, knowledgable, principled and possessed a wicked sense of humour. Crucially on the walks he ensured there were plenty of breaks and waited for everyone before imparting information. In the hotel Katharina was a very inspirational person to talk to. I recommend group members try to grab 20-30 minutes of her time to talk about conservation in the region.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I got away with walking shoes but ideally you should have waterproof hiking boots. The weather forecast doesn't apply to higher levels of the Carpathians! Lunch most days consists of ham and cheese sandwiches which you prepare yourself at breakfast. I was grateful for the snacks I brought with me as there is no food (officially!) available at the hotel between mealtimes. If you are unfit do not consider this trip. The walks are tough in places if you do not have a decent level of fitness. There are hiking poles available to use at the hotel. Most of our group used poles at some point and given the volume of slopes encountered I would recommend all but the most experienced hikers consider using them. The cable car to the top of the mountain in Brasov is not part of the itinerary but it is highly recommended for your free time there.

Janet Hardiker

Reviewed October 2015

Walking in Tuscany

A wonderful way to explore the mountains of Northern Tuscany and experience “agritourismo”, the views at the top Monte Sumbra and Monte Prado and stunning and breathtaking. The colours as we walked up through the beach woods and the up to summit of Monte Prado and Monte Sumbra were amazing. It has really awakened my appetite for mountain walking in Tuscany.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit and seeing the views across the mountains and valleys of Tuscany was inspirational, the walk through the beach trees on the way up was stunning too, such an array of colours. We also enjoyed taking the train into Lucca and Florence, respectively and cycling around the walls in Lucca, visiting the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio in Florence and of course enjoying a leisurely Tuscan lunch with wine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing, nothing was too much trouble. Very knowledgeable about the mountains, health, local agri tourismo, environment etc. Very good driver, we felt very safe with her at all times and that we were in capable hands. She was also very caring and creative too, speciality in local jams and cake. Also loved the dogs Dora and Elvis too, really made my trip going out all together.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks to Monte Prado and Monte Sumbra, do not have any toilet stops, so if you dont like going "au naturelle" this could cause you a problem as there aren't any facilities along the way.

Debbie Shles

Reviewed October 2015

Wonderful hike with great views

The Sierra De Aitana is predominately limestone, so there is lots of loose rock underfoot. The walking is not too tough if you are fit, have a head for heights, are careful with your footing and can manage as much downhill as uphill.
For the rest the views & mountain summits and ridge walk are breath taking and worth every step you take.
The history of the area with terracing farmlands & the plight of the people is extremely interesting.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being a regular hiker, rock formations always fascinate me. The jagged limestone ridge of the Castellets and other rock strata are intriguing & inviting to try & climb. I love every summit and every sheer cliff and the two together make for an exciting adventure. Enjoying each day with your fellow hiker, learning from them , laughing with them & helping each other is part of the adventure that makes you long for more.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose' Miguel is passionate about his hike, the land & these mountains. The maginficent power of the rock flows through his veins and feeds his soul. He imparts this to everyone interested in loving the adventure. Jose' contiuously feed us with treats & sandwiches, and interesting information past & present.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't try a challenging hike if you are not sure if you are capable or fit enough. Be sure of your capabilities. This hike is not tough. It is a beautiful adventure.

gary collard

Reviewed October 2015

Walking in Picos de Europa (challenging week)

This was an amazing week of walking with stunning views which just got better and better as the week went on. There was a bit of rain at the start of the week but this also improved as the week went on and the last 3 days were spent in the glorious october sunshine. You really felt on top of the world at times and apart from the Cares Gorge we barely saw another soul on the walks so felt like we had the whole Picos to ourselves.
Jim and Pilar run a great hotel and really make you feel at home. The rest of the staff are great too.
Jim was great with giving everyone all the info for options on the free day and was happy to do anything to make sure everyone could do what they wanted even if only one person wanted to do a particular thing.
Really enjoyed the hotel food, some of the best I’ve had on an Exodus trip which is no mean feat.
A fantastic part of the world of which i knew little about and would love to go back to at some point.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the twin summits of Mancondiu which was a bit of a challenge but not as difficult as it looked.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro was a brilliant leader full of enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for the area. He was a very friendly and funny chap to have lead us during the week and must have walked so much further than us with all his running round checking the group were all ok from front to back and making sure everyone was enjoying themselves. He even carried extra water in case anyone ran out which was rarely needed but showed he was doing everything he could to look after us all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you feel you can do the challenging week then do it as I think you will be missing out on the full experience although I'm sure a standard week would be amazing too. Vegetarians need not be worried about food choices. The 2 vegetarians on our group thought the food really good. My favourite main of the week was actually the vegetarian choice on the last day. Make sure you are in the bar for some of Jim's evening tales.

Jo Dolan

Reviewed October 2015

4WD Desert Explorer

A fantastic trip – which more than lived upto my expectations. We covered a lot of miles, and got to see so much of this fascinating country, its wildlife and people. We travelled in Toyota Land Cruisers which had been adapted – so the roof lifts to give excellent game viewing to all passengers. The support vehicle carries all the tents and camp equipment – so space is never an issue!

Most Inspirational Moment

It's impossible to say, as there were so many, each time we thought the wildlife could not get any better, it would. However for me it had to be sitting in the middle of nowhere under the clear star filled southern hemisphere night skies, no light pollution and no "man-made" noise. We were also lucky enough to be able to view the Desert Elephants in the Hoanib river from a hill-top, which gives a totally different perspective on these fascinating creatures.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Like Graham said, Hans and Richard were just great. They did a fantastic job of looking after us, I am sure Hans could see Rhino even before they came over the horizon! nothing seemed to escape his eyes. I would also add that the support crew were fantastic, each evening when we arrived at camp, the tents had been erected, camp beds made up, fire lit, table set etc etc etc. And then each morning we moved on, the reverse, after breakfast as we headed out on our next adventure the camp crew would pack up and move on to the next site.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yep take plenty of batteries and memory - you will be amazed at the number of pictures you will take. In the group I travelled with most people took over 2000 pictures. I'm not much of a photographer so I used my binoculars most of the time. The tents, bedding, towels, toilet-rolls etc and just about all your meals are provided, so yes pack light. We travelled in September - and at times it got incredibly hot - so if you don't like the heat, choose the time of year for your trip carefully.

jimmy dippnall

Reviewed October 2015

trails of Vietnam

I have just had 2 of the best weeks of my life absolutely amazing a group of 16 different people from all walks of life come together and get the chance to experience a culture unknown to any of us no negatives whatsoever still buzzing from the trip thanks to exodus and all my traveling companions

Most Inspirational Moment

In one word our wonderfully humble guide lin

Thoughts on Group Leader

lin an incredible interesting gentleman a man who will remain in my memory bank forever thank you sir

Advice for Potential Travellers

go for it you will never regret it tip take powdered tea

Barry Gee

Reviewed October 2015

Cycling in Sardinia

This was our first cycling holiday – so we weren’t quite sure what to expect – we did not need to worry it was an excellent holiday and we were looked after from the moment we arrived in Sardinia until we left the island a week later. Everything was organized and arranged and all we needed to worry about was choices for lunch, our evening meal and what flavor of gelato we should try next.!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Day three was the day we were introduced to 'the wall' - everyone in the group was concerned and a little apprehensive, lots of hard work, and sheer determination meant that the vast majority of the group were able to achieve the climb - the inspiration came from those who had to work that little bit harder and the way that the whole group gelled and willed, cheered and cajoled everyone to make it to the top - a great days work and followed by a fantastic down hill section..!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two group leaders and they were fantastic - nothing was too much trouble and they went out of their way to ensure we were well and truly looked after - Michele and Michele true gentlemen and a credit to the Exodus team

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it - don't worry about having the ability and or the level of your experience as a cyclist. Our group had a complete mix of riding abilities, some hardened and experienced riders and some with little or no experience it did not matter as there were plenty of opportunities for individuals to go that little bit faster or sprint and race before we all met collectively again before moving off - it worked a treat

Corine de Groot

Reviewed October 2015

Great trip!

A very beautifull trip to the High Atlas. The 3 walks are all very different and all very beautifull. The food (at evening and cooked lunches allong the way) are very good. Hassan is a very responsible guide with a lot of knowledge and a very nice person.

Most Inspirational Moment

Gazing at the stars from the balcony of the Gite. Never seen so much stars and never had such a good view of the milkyway before.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan is really good in keeping everybody safe and on time. He has a lot of knowledge of the surroundings, and of may other places outside Marokko. His advice on how to deal with taxi drivers in Marrakesh really helped and kept us from paying to much. When one of us got stomach problems he was really concerned about her wellbeing and he made sure she took all the precautions to not become sicker. His guidance of our little group made this holiday very pleasant and relaxing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you read the trip notes and come prepared. The gite was equiped with head cushions, so no need to bring your own.

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