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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90 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed July 2012

CLASSIC DOLOMITES

Really enjoyable week in the Dolomites. Nice hotel (ok rooms, lovely pool and spa, superb food and wine), great company and walking (C-grade week) that ranged from above average to outstanding.

Most Inspirational Moment

Highlights:-The final day walk around the Tre Cime Di Lavaredo - probably the nicest walk I've ever done! Fantastic scenery in the background, 3 or 4 different valleys so scenery constantly changing, close ups of marmots, a small peak, stop at a mountain hut, rock tunnels, mini-lakes, everything. Climbs of Monte Piano and Durrenstein were also pretty special.The food at the hotel ranged from good to exceptional. The home made ravioli filled with soft cheeses, and the goats cheese strudel with strawberry sauce were phenomenal (and I'm not normally a huge cheese fan). Hotel pool / spa area was great for unwinding after a long day in the hills.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was a very good group leader. Obviously experienced in the mountains, got on well with everyone in the group, and had a very dry sense of humour. Managed to tailor each day of walking to accommodate all the different levels of ability in our group very well, while ensuring everyone's safety. Built good relationships with the hotel / mountain huts we visited. Tweaked the itinerary slightly (we did the same walks as in the trip notes but in a different order) which I thought worked well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

'Official' flights were at awkward times, especially for anyone not based around London. Would recommend investigating flights of your own, and then making your own way to the hotel. I flew from Edinburgh direct to Verona, then took a bus to the middle of the Verona, and then the train north to Villabassa - hotel was only 100 yards from the station. It's not that difficult to do (www.trenitalia.com gives all the train times) and saved me the hassle of changing plane / staying overnight in Gatwick on the way home (plus the environmental impact of taking another flight).

Suggestions

Only slight criticism was of the 2nd days walking (Kreutzberg pass). Would suggest that the ascent is lengthened, allowing extended time to visit the Austrian border and/or climb a peak; and also shorten the descent we took (as this was through a forest and a little disappointing). Otherwise, walking was very good indeed.

Reviewed June 2012

CLASSIC DOLOMITES

Villabassa is situated in a most beautiful valley in the Dolomites. In early June the flowing streams, the spring flowers butterflies and insects completed the picture witih the snow topped peaks

Most Inspirational Moment

We had a most wonderful day of full sunshine when we climbed the Strudlekopt. The visibility was good and the views around were stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl knew the ropes and instilled confidence. He also had stories to tell. He joined us each evening at the communal dinner. His advice was much appreciated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take clothing for all weathers. We were unfortunately walking one day in rain and sleet at high levels so invest in a few fleece layers and gloves.

Suggestions

The holel Adler was exceptional for hospitality, facilities and food.

Reviewed September 2011

CLASSIC DOLOMITES

A totally enjoyable week in the Dolomites with great company and a simply fantastic leader!

Most Inspirational Moment

The true story of the Giant Marmots gold.. told with all seriousness by our leader at Pragser Wildsee.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic - informative, knowledgable, entertaining - the complete package!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles might be advisable...

Suggestions

I'll be going back someday to do the Snow Shoeing trip run with the same leader based at the same hotel.

Reviewed August 2011

CLASSIC DOLOMITES

A well supported/guided dolomites walking holiday. Good choice of local walks, especially those around Misurina.

Most Inspirational Moment

The graveyard in the older church in Innichen - amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ear plugs essential for Villabassa if you value sleep. Fly swatting equipment for the hotel restaurant.

Suggestions

A really good walking holiday in the dolomites.Local Italian rail system excellent.

Reviewed July 2011

CLASSIC DOLOMITES

awesome scenery , fantastic weather , everything went according to plan and exodus did what it said on the tin … all I had to do was relax , walk and soak up the scenery .. which I did !Then there was the beatiful quirky spa and pool … just hit the spot after a long days walk.

Most Inspirational Moment

Can't pick one moment ... so many amazing views . I shall never forget the beautiful lush wild flower meadows, the dazzling bright minature alpine flowers seemingly growing out of bare rock . The feeling of freedom , after walking up to just below the peaks ,and surveying all below me . I didnt want to leave .

Thoughts on Group Leader

What a liitle gem was Karl Mather ! A true Gent who oozed enthusiasm and love for the region . He clearly knew the paths like the back of his hand and he looked after us like a shepherd on the hills . He had taken the time to learn about local history and culture and it was very interesting to learn aout the Italian and Austrian fight for the peaks and to see the remains of fortresses and trenches.He told some strange but true local legends and myths which kept him amused and us bemused !

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip was accurately described and exodus provided good support and communication before , during and after the trip . Pack your swimming costume and try the sauna etc at the lovely quirky hotel .Don't be put off by the Rest day ... make the most of it and hire a bicycle and ride around villebasse or the adjacent valley ... so beautiful . take your ear plugs if you are a light sleeper... those chuch bells are loud if you are facing the square.

Suggestions

thank you Exodus I will travel with you again. Already planning to return to the area on your snow shoe trip

Reviewed July 2011

CLASSIC DOLOMITES

The hotel situation meant that this was not a holiday for anyone who values sleep. On a square with a nearby church the bells of which sounded evey quarter hour night and day, I was desperate for a decent night sleep by the time I arrived home. Food well over rated. Also the Wellness centre – a major attraction for me was not in fact available when we were there.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting home to my own bed! generally the whole trip felt a bit tame but I was exhausted through lack of sleep..

Thoughts on Group Leader

OK seemed to know the local area well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not go to this hotel/ pack ear plugs

Suggestions

I have been on quite a few Exodus trips and to date this has been the most disappointing

Reply from Exodus

We are very sorry that this reviewer did not enjoy their stay at the Hotel Adler and that the Wellness Centre was not available during their stay. We have been working with the Adler for over 10 years and we get lots of great feedback about the hotel itself and in particular the food. Our Dolomites programme manager has stayed at the hotel and although she appreciates that church bells can be heard from the front of the hotel, it is very rare that our clients don’t enjoy their stay.

Reviewed July 2011

CLASSIC DOLOMITES

Excellent range of walks in a short period of time gives a taster for more and we are likely to return to the Dolomites. Good hotel accommodation with excellent variety of food and facilities.

Most Inspirational Moment

Monte Piano and Tre Cime, good walking with spectacular views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was friendly and knowledgeable of the area. He kept the group well informed and was flexible with the itinerary following the flight delay which resulted in a enjoyable first day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your walking polls and don’t forget your bathing costume for the hotel swimming pool, Jacuzzi etc.

Reviewed July 2011

CLASSIC DOLOMITES

The trip was brilliant – non-stop action from morning til night with not one drop of rain. The hotel was excellent – fantastic breakfasts, picnic lunches and four course evening meals – even though it was opposite the church whose bells struck EVERY quarter, half and full hour ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT! We managed to drag ourselves to the wellness centre – pool, steam room, sauna, herbal shower – 3 of the nights in preference to having a pre-dinner beer in the bar.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide was very knowledgeable (I wasn't keen on his sense of humour) and went beyond the call of duty in looking after us. However, we're even thinking of doing the snow shoe trip in October with the same guide. The staff were fantastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking was strenuous (I haven't done much exercise this year so did suffer from stiff legs by day 2) which is what we wanted and the Antipodean mountain goats that we had as company were more than satisfied.

Suggestions

Having done 'Explore' trips in the past, Exodus absolutely scores higher.

Reviewed June 2011

CLASSIC DOLOMITES

At first I did wonder if, in my haste, I had chosen the wrong trip…I desperately needed a rest and the itinerary seemed packed. However, there was time for both, I had a day to myself in the wonderfully relaxing Hotel Adler and when I was ready to walk the pace was ideal. In the end I was sad to leave so early.

Most Inspirational Moment

In terms of the trip itinerary then the final days walk up to Monte Piano and the stunning views from the top, however, a lazy afternoon walk around a balmy Villabassa, the tranquility of the park, the green mountains against an azure blue sky and the beautiful dome of the church were just as fulfilling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I've lead groups before and what impressed me were the little things, a very experienced walker and leader, always making sure the pace was right which can only come from experience. Very knowledgeable and approachable and someone you'd have total confidence in, in terms of walking up a mountain.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles, I've fell walked for years and never used any but did buy some locally and they made a huge difference. Would also thoroughly recommend the crazy golf and funbob at Innichen for a day off.

Suggestions

Yes... I did miss the first two walks which was in no small part due to being absolutely shattered by being kept awake on both nights by an Olympic level snorer. I know it seems trivial and quite funny but when you've paid a lot of money and the walks are the highlight of the trip, you need to be refreshed in the mornings and instead I had two nights with barely a wink of sleep. I suffered this once before on a 5 week overland trip through Western China and it's not funny!! I'm not sure what you can do, there were no spare rooms, my room mate was a lovely guy and very apologetic (and it's not his fault) but it really did threaten to ruin the whole trip for me...I do wonder if there is any way in which heavy snorers can discreetly make themselves known. I guess I could pay a single room supplement but having a room share with someone new is half the fun of a holiday. A fellow traveller also missed one of the walks due to the same problem!

Reviewed June 2011

CLASSIC DOLOMITES

– Location : Beautiful, magnificient views during the walk.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting lost while mountain biking on the day off my walking holiday. I somehow ended up on the walking track and struggled to ride up (actually push the bike up two thirds of the way to the top of Putzalm. It started to rain soon after I reached the top and I had a white knuckle ride down the wet mountain track as I nearly flipped the bike over a couple of times due to the steepness of the descent.I am more of a biking holiday type, but I still enjoyed my walking holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Terrible taste in music, we all had to listen to the Macdonalds/Pizza hut/KFC song everyday on our way to and back from the walks in the Exodus van. For my trip mates having withdrawal symptons (especially IAN) the link to the song is below... enjoyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTaJ7fmH9qE

Advice for Potential Travellers

- Put plenty of sunscreen, especially on your lips. The sun is deceptive strong in the cool mountain air.

Suggestions

As this was my first "Solo" holiday I did not know and I was not told I would be sharing a room. Thankfully my room mate was a top bloke. I was apprehensive as I snore and although he is a light sleeper he did not even once complain about it.

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