Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Traveling up by cable car and then climbing further for amazing views!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 2 leaders, one for each level. They switch off for the entire week, rather than day to day as has happened on other trips we have taken. This worked out fine, though I think switching more often would allow both leaders to know all group participants better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring clothing for all kinds of weather! We used raingear, gloves, hats, multiple layers, shorts and short sleeves. Be prepared!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many great moments - as various sights came into view. One special moment was the view of Venice from the rooftop terrace.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was an excellent guide and consistently went the extra mile to ensure we got the most out of the holiday. He explained the sites and the history in an engaging and fun way and arranged many extra experiences for us along the way. We will definitely be coming back for another of Michele's rides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take insect repellent as the mosquitos appeared after we arrived at the southern end of Lake Garda. Wear a road cycling jersey with rear pockets to carry phone / money etc so you can leave your backpack in the van. Bring a cycling water bottle - one is enough as there are lots of drinking fountains along the way. Do some riding beforehand to bulid some cycling fitness - everyone on our trip had a good level of fitness which meant that the group stayed close togehter.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking around the crater of Vesuvius was sensational

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania was terrific - so genuine, friendly, knowledgeable and engaged. Nothing was too much trouble for her and she really helped the group to gel, contributing to a fabulous week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes carefully, they are very comprehensive and honest but some people in our parallel group managed to be surprised by the walking levels, etc. Also remember to bring your proof of holiday insurance... you can't take the walks without it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the Col above the Valley Val Ferret

Thoughts on Group Leader

First class. She knew how to deal with the different characters in the group. Highly experienced and clearly enjoyed leading the trek.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be very aware of the dangers of sunburn at the height one treks in the mountains.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Sun gate was awesome. The high passes were stunning and it was very spiritual performing our wee ritual to mother earth. I was so cold on the High Inca that it was hard to camp again for the Rainbow mountains and I did hope that I wasn't disappointed. Bobby and I loved them and it was up there with the Sun gate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rolando was excellent. I would highly recommend him to anyone. Willie the cook was the best I've ever had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lots of layers and a zinc bottle for the evenings.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many but the highlights were the ascent of Maglic Mountain and the river rafting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both our leaders, Kenan and Branko, were excellent. They were happy to share their extensive knowledge of the areas we visited. They were both humorous and engaged brilliantly with the whole group. They were very well organised, very safety conscious and always put in the effort to make sure the trip was thoroughly enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for quite a few hours in the minibus as the transfers are often quite long and the roads can be winding. The ascent of Maglic Mountain is a long day with some steepish sections of scrambling/via ferrata but well worth the effort as it is a very rewarding hike. The steep sections were not difficult but if anyone has not experienced this type of terrain before they'll find it more challenging than a regular mountain path. Take insect repellent, a couple of sections of walking had quite a few midges/mozzies! You can easily change up Bosnian currency once you arrive - there was an ATM and a currency exchange very close to the first night's hotel in Trebinje. There is a lot to fit in to 9 days but you do get to see a lot of Bosnia in that time and it is well worth visiting.

Most Inspirational Moment

When the elephants swam across the lake and came ashore. They were within a few metres of the hotel. Absolutely wonderful!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic. He took great care of us and was a wonderful source of information about all aspects of Sri Lanka

Most Inspirational Moment

There are many on this trip! The day in Italy was a good contrast to the higher walks on the French side; wonderful wild flowers everywhere and delicious hot chocolate and ice cream.... The trip up to the Aiguille du Midi on the free day is really worth doing; it's impressive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark is great! A real, no-nonsense, mountain man with huge experience. Our group included those with different levels of experience, including a fell runner, but I felt he made us all feel comfortable, also ensuring we knew the programme for the day, so we could enjoy the holiday as part of a group.... I feel I learned a lot about the area too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, read the trip notes carefully and then read them again! You do need to be fit and have some hill walking experience (and gear) to enjoy this trip properly. The trip is listed 'Moderate 3' but it is certainly more demanding, because of the ascents and descents, than other trips we have experienced at this level. However, we enjoyed it very much. The views and landscape are worth all the effort.

Most Inspirational Moment

It’s hard to distill all the best bits of the trip into one, but the combination of stunning scenery, personal challenge and top quality leadership and support makes the trip a jewel in the Exodus crown.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John Briggs was a top rate leader. Hugely knowledgable, impressively fit, patient and kind and an all round great guy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip is challenging in parts but that should not deter you from experiencing some of the best views in the Alps, and spending time with a great bunch of fellow travellers. It’s hugely enjoyable and well worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

- Hiking through the beautiful meadows covered with varieties of wild flowers surrounded by high mountains. - Having homemade cheese and potato pie and coffee in Lukomir village made by a local lady. - Arriving at Maglic summit and looking at the breathtaking scenery all around us. - Our guide (Kenan) showing us a personal family album and telling us about his family's contribution towards preserving the national park. - The assistant guide (Branko) explaining about various plants and flowers and mushrooms.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kenan was an excellent guide in spite of being so young. He was full of energy and passionate about his country as well as the nature. His family was in Sarajevo during the siege and he shared with us their experience during that time which provided me a deeper understanding of the history of this beautiful country. The day after the summit he showed us the old family album and how his family specially his grandfather contributed to the Sutjeska national park and the summit. Hearing all these and looking at those old photos was very touching. Branko, the assistant guide was as good as Kenan. They were both lively and energetic and were good friends and both were passionate about hiking/nature/history/etc. Even though Branko is a very adventurous person and does quite dangerous activities in his personal time, when it came to us, he was very caring and considerate and was always alert and aware of our safety. What I enjoyed most about Branko was his passion for nature and the desire to share his knowledge with us. Walking alongside him, you could see his eyes were looking around and then he would point out a unique flower or plant or mushroom and tell you all about it. :)

Advice for Potential Travellers

The summit day can be demanding so ensure you are fit enough before the trip. Also there are sections where you have to use both hands and feet ;) , so once again make sure you are aware of this before you sign up.