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.

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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Reviews

Caroline Woodall

Reviewed April 2015

Vietnam Adventure - another excellent Exodus trip!

An excellent trip around Vietnam – an incredible country which has been through so much but seems to have come through it all remarkably well. The food was fabulous – everything was very fresh – they use lots of fresh herbs – dill, coriander, basil, mint – and lots of fresh vegetables – I particularly loved stir fried morning glory & garlic.

Most Inspirational Moment

The boat trip around Ha Long Bay was fabulous - at first sight the boat looked a little worn , but when on board - the interior of the boat was beautiful - dark polished wood - and looked amazing when set up for dinner. The food was wonderful (although as a non fish eater I had a vegetarian option). Ha Long Bay was stunning - I could have happily spent several days cruising around. We did two cycle rides through the paddy fields , through local villages. This was fascinating as you saw the real life side of Vietnam - not just the touristy parts. Everywhere we went the locals were welcoming & friendly - and the kids loved to give you a wave. Hoi An is a lovely town - although very touristy - but a delight for shopping. My husband had two shirts made in Yally - and I had two dresses made in another (cheaper) local shop. When I collected them, I had another one made as they were so good & fitted well - my cotton dress cost about £12 & was made in a few hours. I would also recommend the cookery lesson in Hoi An.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vinh Bui was a really great tour guide. He was always very helpful & informative - and even tried teaching us some Vietnamese words - and explaining about local culture, life, etc. Vinh took us to many local restaurants to sample the local dishes - not the usual tourist haunts or hotels - which were all very good. They were obviously good as they were full of locals not tourists !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Accept Vietnam as it is - a beautiful country & people - although I think it will change quite rapidly as there is a lot of development being done - so go before it's too late!

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David Anderson

Reviewed April 2015

Seven days of cycling and dining magic

An unexpectedly good cycling trip – on 30 gear bikes which which were very well maintained (bought in Austria) – and suitable for the ‘moderate undulations’ (is there such a thing?) and some lengthy steep climbs on the hills of Albania – although there were more descents rather than ascents. An excellent good humoured group, lead by several well informed local professionals, who showed their country off at its best – the villages, the topography and its food and drink – leaving you wanting to see and do more!

Most Inspirational Moment

I'm a fairly fussy eater and eat to live rather than live to eat - but I was blown away on this trip with the high standard and variation in local food - especially that served for evening dinner. Several of the meals turned out more like banquets and the table groaned with the number of local dishes on offer. Vegetarians (which I am not), were particularly pleased. Wine and beer was more than adequate and very cheap. The lunch and dinner restaurant owners clearly put in a huge effort to give us their best..............how often does that happen? The first day visit into Macedonia was an unexpected pleasure; the final day ascent on the 800m climb over 90 mins in the heat was a real challenge after a previous night's clubbing in a local bar complete with glitter ball!

Thoughts on Group Leader

As it was the first trip we had two group leaders (brothers Armand & Unid) - future trips would have one or the other. They were aided by Manny (not sure of spelling), a mountain tour leader in his own right, but his first cycling. All three guys were excellent - always informative and genuinely concerned for our wellbeing and enjoyment of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was an April trip - at higher altitudes, it is cold at night, so some warm clothing is essential. An effective windstopper is needed on some descents. Don't go with loads of food/snacks - the local restuarants and cafes where we ate on this trip were first class.

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Gary Finnigan

Reviewed April 2015

Cilento & the Amalfi Coast Cycle trip

This early season ride was great as we were out of the hot weather period and no crowds and very little traffic on the roads, Paolo choice of luncheon spots where local food and wine were grown and produced were spot on at very reasonable prices, as were the superb evening meals. The riding was not as hard as I expected and the grades were easily climbed without too much effort, which made for a very scenic and photographic experience of southern Italy

Most Inspirational Moment

Each day was different with hill top villages or down to the water of the coastal villages, and a different view around each corner of this vast Cilento National Park. The last day ride along the Amalfi Coast was fantastic although I was glad it wasn't peak holiday time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paolo was a great leader and kept an eye on all the riders, his history lessons and knowledge of local area, food and wine, and organisation was superb, nothing was a hassle and everything ran on time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be put off by some of the reports of the hills and hard riding, most hills with switch backs were on steeper than 5% (Paolo advice) so slow and steady got you up the hill without to much effort. if this 66Y+ Auzzie can do it anyone can. We went mid spring and all the trees were starting to flower and the weather was mild with only one wet afternoon, a good time to come.

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Helen Jones

Reviewed April 2015

A wonderful introduction to Japan [Ancient and Modern]

This trip balanced history with ultra-modern culture. At one point, I started the day with a traditional bath at our ryokan, then we visited the snow monkeys and by evening we were in the centre of Tokyo’s night life.
The last week of March was cherry blossom time in Kyoto but early April was too late for most of the blossom in Tokyo: I guess you can’t have everything! Also bear in mind Mount Fuji’s modesty: I’ve now visited Japan twice but haven’t caught the slightest glimpse.

Most Inspirational Moment

One thing which will remain with me is the museum at Hiroshima with its depiction of utter devastation and ruin. I was impressed by the many temples, the historical villages and the Hokusai gallery. I also loved the ryokans and soaking in the baths surrounded by women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mayuko was remarkable. She managed to shepherd 17 of us around (using only public transport) for 14 days without losing any of us. She's knowledgeable, interesting, energetic: an ideal guide and leader. She built our confidence: when she led us to our hotel in Tokyo I felt pretty overawed by the public transport system but a couple of days later I was getting around with the level of confidence I'd feel in London (but with a greater feeling of safety). I think we all felt looked after to the level which suited us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you travel in March / April, take suncream, waterproofs, fleeces - everything you'd take if you were going on holiday in the UK in springtime! Don't take an umbrella as you can buy one very cheaply there. If you want to bathe at the ryokans, you will need to take off all of your clothes (single sex facilities).

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Elise Wortley

Reviewed April 2015

Amazing Adventure!

This trip was fantastic, a really great way to see Morocco in a short time. Excellent leader and the food was outstanding!

Most Inspirational Moment

We went early in the season so there was quite a bit of snow, making it to the pass was so rewarding and we all had a great sense of achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Yaya was absolutely amazing. He knew the mountains inside out and was brilliant with the snowy conditions. We also had Mohammed, a second leader while we made our ascent who was incredibly calm and went at a steady pace which the whole group could keep up with. Yaya made sure we were always happy and nobody had any problems and always asked how we were when we got to the higher areas. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you visit the souks in Marrakesh, they are amazing and don't forget to haggle! Definitely worth taking lots of pairs of socks and warm clothes for when you're up high. 

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Helen Lewis

Reviewed April 2015

A great introduction to Japan

This is an excellent introduction to Japan. The days are quite busy but not excessively so and there is a good balance of free time to do your own thing. I found the balance of time in most places to be spot on and there is a good mix of big cities and smaller places. The group size at 18 is too large especially for a tour which is all by public transport. Japan was wonderful – if in doubt go!

Most Inspirational Moment

Several highlights: Nara's big buddha and deer, snow monkeys, neon lights of Shinjuku, Arashimaya early in the morning, Muyijima, cherry blossom everywhere.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mayuko was excellent. She was extremely well organised, friendly, a good sense of humour and utterly professional. Getting 18 people on and off public transport across Japan is no mean feat.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus' pre departure administration was poor (not my usual experience with them) so be prepared to have to double check invoices etc.

Reply from Exodus

We were delighted to read that Helen had an excellent holiday, however we regret that she found the size of her group to be rather large. Exodus has recently agreed on a policy change not to exceed the group sizes stated in our literature other than in exceptional cases and we hope this will avoid future client disappointment.

Megan Devenish – Trip Manager for Japan

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Richard Kelly

Reviewed April 2015

chopsticks and coconuts FIV150405

This was an amazing trip for us, our 12 year old son had a great time and I am sure there is no way we could have possibly covered the variety of sights and activities independently in 2 weeks. The schedule was busy and we really enjoyed the pace and variety. There was a good balance between group activity and excursions and time on our own. Having pools at every hotel was a real bonus as the kids loved having free time to play.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cruising and kayaking and the caves on Halong bay. The boat was spotless and luxurious, the food was amazing and the setting breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thao was extremely professional and very knowledgeable, he really looked after us and went beyond the call of duty on several occasions. He was extremely conscientious and ensured we all had a great time and learned so much about this beautiful country. He managed all the logistics perfectly and we were able to sit back and relax as everything was fully taken care of, from transport to eating out and all the excursions. Anything else we needed Thao arranged and nothing was too much trouble. He was fantastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a camera - there is so much to see. Mains adaptors - they use round 2 prong plugs as the type used in europe - we didn't see any of the flat type that guide books mention. I think for under 10's this is maybe a heavy schedule as there is a lot of sightseeing and travelling.

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Michael Cooper

Reviewed April 2015

MVA CYCLING IN ALBANIA

This tour was the first Cycling holiday by Exodus and I am sure it will prove to be very successful if this last week was anything to go by.

Most Inspirational Moment

Successfully cycling/climbing up 1000m to the Llogara Pass. It was physically challenging and it helped to have the correct physiological approach. The Beauty of the countryside from the Snow capped mountains, the River Gorges and to the Coastline.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand and his team from Cycle Albania were very supportive of all group members and were very anxious that we should all be satisfied. Nothing was too much trouble. They were well organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, forget about your or anybodies else's perception of Albania because you will be proved wrong. Whilst rated Moderate the optional ride on the last day requires a certain level of fitness.

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Timothy Greg

Reviewed April 2015

Cycling in Sicily

Good trip, well organised, easy going helpful leader and support staff. No permanent cycling back- stop meant a few of the group got a bit lost an a couple of occasions. Very good choice of Hotels and food everywhere. Hotel in Syracuse needs finishing off !!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cooking class at the Agri-turism hotel

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thomas was very helpful, well informed, spoke good Italian and English. Put up with a couple of awkward clients with humour and discretion. A joy to be on his trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take insect repellent, we all got badly bitten during a freak sand fly moment at the beach

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Sarah Bynum

Reviewed April 2015

Be challenged and inspired amid jawdropping scenery. Even if you're not an athlete........

This was a trip that surpassed my expectations. I am not terribly athletic and i was concerned about the cycling but in the end I managed well and the bus was there to help at the hardest bits….It combined stunning scenery, fascinating history, a friendly group that gelled together under the care of exemplary guides.

Most Inspirational Moment

If I had to pick one it was cycling along the roads across from the majestic Nemercka mountains. This alpine scenery was truly breathtaking and the more enjoyable for the absence of tourists and crowds on the roads. The route across to the Ionian sea, through citrus groves, little towns and finally glimpsing the ocean in the distance was wonderful. I loved our private visits to Butrint and GiroKastra and the warm welcome from everyone wherever we went.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand was beyond exemplary. Always considerate about our needs and as courteous at the end of the day as at the beginning, nothing was too much trouble and it was evident that it came from his heart. He is a leader who loves and is proud to share his country with visitors and ensure everyone gets the most from their visit.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a comfy gel seat. Keep your day accessories to a minimum. Using packing cubes to help pack and repack every day. Above all don't be put off because you don't fit society's image of an athlete or cyclist. Yes you need to be able to ride a bicycle, you don't need to be Bradley Wiggins. I'm candidly somewhat overweight and I did this trip and I loved every second. You will get all the help and support you need.

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