Most Inspirational Moment
Walking the bobsleigh track.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very efficient, funny and thoughtful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go!
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Superb mix of natural beauty and culture
The trip exceeded our expectations. You start on the coastline of Croatia and Montenegro, which is totally stunning. The drive into the mountain is breathtaking and the scenery continues to delight throughout the trip. The exposure to the impact of the 90’s war is sobering and I was glad to be able to learn so much about it. Our tour guide Sabina did a fabulous job of keeping us running to time but creating a relaxed atmosphere. I would highly recommend this trip.
A little bit of everything at a great pace
Bosnia and Montenegro have it all; beautiful coast line, spectacular lakes which are oh so blue , mountains and charming towns and cities. This trip goes at an excellent pace with at least 2 nights in each place and no early starts or very long drives. Our tour guide Sabina was exceptionally good at explaining the conflicts of these countries enhanced with her own personal experiences. Nothing was ever too much trouble and she anticipated the needs of every member of the group including providing advice post tour. Hotels were of a good standard and well located.
Most Inspirational Moment
I particularly enjoyed Mostar and visiting the bridge but also there were some lovely walks in spectacular scenery by pretty lakes and rivers.
Thoughts on Group Leader
See above. A real ambassador for her country.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The history is complex and although explained by the tour guide and local guides having some pre knowledge of the context of the 1992 conflict would assist. Bring a sarong to cover shoulders / legs for mosques. Need bosnian marks for bosnia. Have to get in the country.
Bosnia and beyond
The trip was everything I had hoped for and more. It is extremely well balanced in that it offers an excellent mix of town and countryside based activities, a mixture of coast, mountains with walking and culture.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking in Ludomir And visiting Mostar
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our tour guide Sabina was outstanding. She brought the information to life by brining in her own stories and memorabilia. I rarely use the term ‘going the extra mile’ but I really think it is fitting here. Sabina went well beyond anything that can be expected of a tour guide, looking after the needs of all individuals in the group, helping with personal crises and even planning beyond the end of the trip,
Advice for Potential Travellers
Maybe read up about the history of Yugoslavia in advance. The trip works very well without this, but you would probably get even more out of it. Stay on for some more time by the coast afterwards
Bosnia and Beyond
The trip was fantastic!!! The transportation was comfortable and efficient, the accommodations were very nice and well organized, the group leader, Evelin Balta, was the best due to his passion of the region, knowledge of the history and sites, and overall concern for everyone in the group. I would highly recommend this trip due to the comprehensive coverage of the region, the excellent food, and great sites and destinations.
Most Inspirational Moment
We were fortunate to be in the country during the World Cup. Watching how passionate the people were about the game and in particular with Croatia advancing, it was really exciting. Also, when we went to the local farms and homes to learn about their lives and have a most incredible meal of the local region was fantastic.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Evelin Balta is one of a kind. His energy and spirit of youth makes you want to join him in everything he suggested. His passion for the region, its history, the people, and overall positive aspects of each country was inspiring and truly educational. His concern for each and every one of us was very appreciated. He made sure we were prepared for each activity, made sure our meals were to our specification, included everyone in the conversation but also went out of his way to connect personally to each and every member of the group. He is a treasure to the company.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just do it. It is a fascinating part of the world, the food is something to experience, and the people are friendly and very diverse. It is a shining example of how different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds can all live together in harmony.
Great trip!
A very enjoyable trip with lots to do and a full and varied itinerary. This was our fifth Exodus trip and once again we had a great group with a mix of ages and nationalities.
Organisation was excellent and you’ll get to see a lot of the Balkans.
Most Inspirational Moment
Our stay in a Sarajevo and a tour of the "Tunnel of Hope" was both horrifying and uplifting at the same time. It was interesting to hear personal stories from our guide who lived through the brutal siege. I now understand much more about how and why this conflict started, the complex politics of the region and ongoing issues that still need to be resolved. Another highlight for me was a trip to a mountain village for a hike and locally prepared lunch. The views were magnificent and it was great to see how the locals lived.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alen Causevic was an excellent leader. Nothing was too much trouble and the whole trip ran very smoothly. He knew all the best restaurants and had plenty of suggestions for things to do in our free time.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for a fair bit of sitting in a coach and take car-sickness pills if you are that way inclined! Our first bus was a bit too small for a full group of 18 including driver and guide with luggage having to be squashed into the passenger space. It was very quiet and comfortable though, as one would expect from a Mercedes. The the mountain roads were pretty challenging and a larger vehicle would have struggled to negotiate some of the bends and oncoming traffic. Take some walking boots or trainers and a waterproof jacket.
Bosnia & Beyond
A very good trip, not only do you learn about the beauty of the country side, but also you learn a lot about the history and the last war in 1992-1996. A lot to see in the cities. It is one of those regions where you want to go back to.
Most Inspirational Moment
The most inspirational was our trip from Sarajevo to Lukomir, Bosnia's highest village at 1469m. From the village we went on a walk to the Rakitnica canyon. The mountains and the canyon are breath taking. After the walk, we had lunch in the village, the lunch was prepared by one of the families who still lives there. Another highlight are the Kravica waterfalls and the swim in the lake. Be aware that the water in the lake is ice cold, but still it is nice to have to opportunity to swim under the waterfalls.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Alen, was fantastic. You couldn't wish for a better one. He knew a lot about the history of the country, and what was going on during the war.
Advice for Potential Travellers
When you arrive in Zagreb, even that you are in transit for your flight to Dubrovnik, you are not allowed to take drinks through, not even bottles that you might have bought in the tax free. The security will take it off you. You have to go through security and passport control again. However the flight from Zagreb to Dubrovnik will wait even if you only have ½ hour between 2 flights, or even if you flight arrived with a delay. So, you don't have to worry about it.
Bosnia and Beyond
This trip was full of remarkable contrasts – the Bay of Kotor and travelling back to our hotel by boat; the windy climb by road to Ostrog Monastery; the wooded walk around Montenegro’s beautiful Black Lake; a lunch feast at Podgora; crossing borders on a suspension bridge over the Piva; Sarajevo – an extremely moving place to visit and stay; the Tunnel of Hope; Lukomir and the people who continue to live there (wonderful hospitality); the beauty of Mostar; climbing the fort at Pocitelj; the Dervish house at Blagaj, and our guide Alen’s inspired/inspiring talk there following the call to prayer… and so much more. The group was large: 18 – but with such a brilliant guide and such a lovely bunch of people – I am not complaining (though generally prefer smaller groups!).
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to mention, so can't single out just one. All of the above! My walking boots (at least that's what they were supposed to be) decided to fall apart, the beginning of our walk at Lukomir in an area of truly outstanding beauty! So, I stayed behind in one of the villager's houses with another in our party; although disappointed to miss out on the walk, we were privileged to be invited into this home. We watched the women prepare lunch and were given refreshment; more than that - we were warmly embraced by smiles, laughter and kindness - an exceedingly memorable morning.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Where to begin? Alen really was a five stars guide and leader; he kept on 'conjuring out of the hat' in terms of knowledge, stories, insight, jokes! attention to detail, consideration, organisation and... the list could go on. I was very impressed by his skill in managing such a large group - though we were well behaved! And he was plain likeable too.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go with an open mind and come back to spread the word about the fabulous people and places of this region.
Bosnia and Beyond (AVB:2016-09-13)
Very good all around experience
Most Inspirational Moment
The Tunnel Of Hope
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was very good.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Watch Out For Pick Pockets In Sarajevo
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
Go
Bosnia and Beyond
I was impressed by the variety of landscapes and places on this trip: lakes, waterfalls, forests, mountains, canyons and rivers, as well as monasteries, mosques, churches, famous bridges , palaces and fortresses. And all in 11 days without ever feeling rushed!
Most Inspirational Moment
I really enjoyed our time in Sarajevo learning about its recent history and observing how the city is slowly getting back on its feet.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alen was an excellent leader with near perfect English. He was professional, efficient and knowledgeable. He shared his personal experience of the siege of Sarajevo with us which was very nice of him considering how dreadful it must have been to live through it. He was also good fun with a nice sense of humour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It might be preferable to visit this area at a quieter time of year. In late July Mostar and Dubrovnik were particularly crowded with tourists,