Walking in Sardinia

Most Inspirational Moment

I stood at the top of the mountain after a long climb of around 2,000 feet and looked across the amazing landscape of valleys, gorges, rivers - green and vibrant. I never thought I would make it to the top - but I did and it was a deeply rewarding experience which will stay with me for a very long time. It has given me the confidence to book more trips - with Exodus of course!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was an inspirational and motivation group leader. He made each and everyone of us feel welcome and included. He was keen to understand what we as individuals wanted from the trip and built the itinerary around that and the weather - which can be variable in Sardinia. He shared his extensive knowledge of the island and the culture so we got a real insight into the place and its people. He had clearly built a good relationship with local people over the years and was keen that we, as travellers, appreciated their environment. Most of all he gave me the confidence to tackle challenging walks and it was a rewarding experience. Go Michele!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Three pieces of advice: Ensure you are fit enough to undertake some challenging walks. The trip is rated 3 moderate but it felt more like a 4 at times particularly on some tricky screen and mountain paths. The coming down is as difficult as the ascent so you need to train in advance - as advised by the website. Take the proper equipment with you including walking poles - you might think you can manage without but they make a huge difference on difficult paths.Bring wet weather gear - the weather can change dramatically and suddenly. Finally go with the flow - this is an authentic experience in a family run hotel - just enjoy it and be grateful the island isn't full of Premier Inns and other chain hotels

Suggestions

The trip was everything I thought it would be - and more. I was stunned by the beauty of Sardinia, an island I had not previously visited. The scenery is beautiful but the beaches are amazing and deserve their world class recognition. I will definitely do a return trip. This Exodus trip is great value for money considering everything which is included.

Most Inspirational Moment

Witnessing the way the group leader was able to help members of the group to improve their confidence on walking on tricky terrain. Excellent wine tasting - the best I have experienced on an Exodus holiday (and there have been a few)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Knowledgeable about the area. Attentive to all members of the group - didn't seem to have particular favourites. Ensured that we were able to carry out our walking safely. Was able to re-organise the order of the planned activities to cater for inclement weather which would have made one of the walks impossible on the originally scheduled day. Enthusiastic about selling the virtues of walking and cycling holidays.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Well worth a go. This is an excellent holiday in a less well known location. There is a good variety to the walks and generally nice scenery.

Suggestions

The holiday cost includes most of the meals, entries to UNESCO sites etc - so there are few extras to pay for over and above what is covered in the basic price.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved our walk in Canyon Gorropu. We visited the cave called Grotto Ispinigoli which was amazing, although I only viewed it from above. On the final day we took a boat from Cala Gonone to some caves and then climbed up on to the cliff top. This was a lovely walk with beautiful views down to the sea. One day we went to Orosei where we had lunch on the beach. There was nobody else about and it felt like paradise. Lots of inspiring moments.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We couldn't have had a better group leader. Michele was the best!! He was very knowledgeable about the country and shared this with us. He was fun and joined in with the group. I struggled a couple of times on the walks because I am not good with heights but he was encouraging and supportive, he helped me to overcome my fears, as did other members of the group. He made the trip enjoyable and interesting. BGLE!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely do this trip! Go to see Giovanni at the gelataria in Dorgali. His ice cream is the best! April is a great month to visit Sardinia.

Suggestions

Thank you Exodus, Michele and my fellow travellers for an amazing trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Clambering into the gorge over rocks and boulders. Great fun and makes you realise how small you truly are. There was also a fantastic cameraderie within the group and so much fun and laughter along the way. This makes a holiday great as much as the fantastic scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was brilliant. Always smiling, thoughtful and one of the best leaders I have encountered, always going the extra mile. Shared his time with everyone and became an integral part of the group with his good humour and laughter. By his hard work we could just relax, laugh and enjoy ourselves. Anyone who can talk a bunch of hikers into a spontaneous Sardinian folk dancing lesson whilst waiting for the bus to arrive must be good! Thank you for making it such a special week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring walking poles as they are very helpful over the rough terrain and don't make the mistake of ordering 2 sandwiches for lunch because they are huge!!!

Suggestions

Brilliant trip that I think we will all remember for a very long time

Most Inspirational Moment

The beach visits

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some of the walks involve a little easy scrambling

Most Inspirational Moment

The gorge walk

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable, easy to get on with and accommodating.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely go to Orgolosi and the Mask museum. Should be included

Suggestions

Hotel food was a bit hit and miss.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the mountain with the mast on it and seeing the view from both sides of the mountain - a real Wow moment and a welcome breeze!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele made the trip extra special, listening to the group and always ready to assist if needed. The group definitely bonded with him and he adapted the trip to suit, for example adding an extra walk to the beach.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hotel is comfortable and the staff make it special. The food they served was locally grown or produced. The wine is from the family vineyard and the cooking was excellent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the beach trip - crystal clear turquoise water, white sand, blue sky, no crowds and a tasty barbecued sandwich.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Could not fault Alexis. Very friendly and knowledgeable, felt very safe in his hands.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scrambling walking route up to Tiscali

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert was an excellent leader, very organised with good knowledge of Sardinia. He was also very good at accommodating the varied needs and walking abilities of members of the group. He responded well to provide an alternative walk when the sea conditions prevented us from landing along the coast on our final walk.