Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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29 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Sue Totterdell

Reviewed May 2018

If you go down in the woods today....

A superb holiday in beautiful countryside, staying in an excellent local hotel with walks that make the most of what the region has to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

Realising that bears were probably within a kilometre or so of us as we walked through the forest. Julian's enthusiasm about all things 'bear' was catching. His expertise was not, however, limited to bears. The most photographed moment was on the last night when a small group of ladies from the village came to share traditional songs and dances. Seeing fellow walkers joining in with enthusiasm was a special moment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julian is a superbly knowledgeable leader. His long association with the region makes him an expert in the area's cultural heritage, as well as in local flora and fauna. His extensive knowledge of the mountain tracks and paths meant that there was always an alternative possible if weather conditions dictated a change of route.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for changes in the daily routes - the mountain weather is unpredictable and thunderstorms meant we had to abandon one climb for a more sheltered walk. Late snow also meant we did not reach the highest point described in the trip notes. The alternative were always carefully explained and fascinating. Bring waterproofs. Delicious four course meals can become a habit. Be prepared either to keep up the strenuous walking routine at home or suffer hunger pangs for the first few days at home.

Suggestions

This is a great way to visit Bulgaria. You could add on a day or so to see Sofia but the mountains are sufficient to justify the trip. The orchids were plentiful and the traces of bears were a wonderful reminder of the varied wildlife that makes its home in the region.

Joanna Z

Reviewed November 2016

Beautiful walks in a remote part of Bulgaria

It was a very enjoyable trip in a remote part of the country. I didn’t hear about Rodopi mountains before so didn’t know what to expect. The scenery is absolutely stunning – mountains, forests, gorges, caves – all so untouched and beautiful! I enjoyed all the walks and we never saw any other walkers – it was amazing to have it all just to ourselves. We also had a chance to see how local people live. It was a nice, relaxing week and the group bonded pretty quickly!

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to choose one moment as the whole trip was so beautiful. But I really enjoyed Sveti Ilia hike, the views were breathtaking and we even managed to see some wall creepers!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was great, very informative and knew the area really well. Nothing was too much trouble, she was always willing to help. It was easy to see that she was passionate about what she does and that she really enjoys showing her country to foreign visitors.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You might want to bring a lunch box with you. And don't forget a sunscreen!

Suggestions

You will never be hungry - every meal I had in Yagodina was absolutely delicious and the portions were huge. It was good to try local dishes, it was all home-made and very tasty. Alcohol was very cheap, everybody was pleasantly surprised at the end of the stay that our bills were so low!

Robert Walden

Reviewed September 2016

Bulgaria Rodopi Mtns

Good walking in the Rodopi hills -Derbyshire on a larger scale (but with a lot more trees).

Most Inspirational Moment

The walks were a little "samey" as many of the individual views are masked by the extensive conifer plantations but the viewing platform from St Elijah (Sveti Iliya) Ridge on Day 6 gave an impressive and unique aspect and from where we saw wall creepers on the rocks just below and could watch their red flashes in flight. Later the Yagodina Cave was an impressive side attraction.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good. Cheerful and willing - mixed well with the entire group. (Danced really well!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you take a large lunch box. The food is hearty but dull (a lot of cheese with every meal - especially breakfast!) - I would seriously suggest taking a bottle of ketchup or favourite brown sauce plus a supply of your favourite tea bags if you are not an avid coffee drinker. Beer, wine and coffee is very cheap - your bar bill will be a pleasant surprise!

Suggestions

The scenery is potentially stunning - much more dramatic than my favourite Derbyshire. However, some limited management of the trees is required to provide more open vistas and specific viewpoints, especially in and above the steep gorges. Imagine going to the English Lake District and being unable to see the lakes? As a consequence I am unlikely to return .

Linda and David S

Reviewed August 2016

Rodopi Mountains

This trip was delightfully different from other European trips that we have enjoyed. The local people were warm and friendly and appeared content to work in the fields or sit with the cows in a high pasture all day. The difference between our fast paced life style and their post communist lives was marked.
The scenery was beautiful, very ‘vertical’, with rare pre-ice age flowers. Even the long drive from and too Sofia was interesting and our driver surely the most competent in Bulgaria.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is a difficult one. Was it seeing ancient Soviet agricultural equipment, people working in the fields, the prospect of seeing bears and wolves? Maybe it was meeting local ladies who were chatting and embroidering slippers, or dancing with the folk singers from the village? Probably, it was just the sheer beauty and tranquillity of the area.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nelly's love and knowledge of Bulgaria shone through at every meadow, mountain and forest. Nothing was too much trouble and her care was always evident. She was an outstanding leader and made this a wonderful and exciting trip for us both.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take an empty plastic sandwich box for packed lunches, and lots of memory for your camera.

Suggestions

Food is local, traditional and good - don't expect to loose weight!

Ronald Bowater

Reviewed June 2016

Rodopi Mountains

Excellent trip walking in the mountains and meadows of the Rodopi mountains. Lovely family run hotel with exellent food – very welcoming.
We had a very peaceful and relaxing time in Yagodina and the walks were lovely – especially the time spent in the beautiful wildflower meadows.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the fantastic wild flower meadows with no one else around.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Nelli is a superb leader in all respects. Very kind and caring of her group at all times. She made our stay something special to remember. Many thanks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy the scenery and the relaxed atmosphere.

Suggestions

This trip is very good value for money - would recommend it to anyone who enjoys walking in beautiful scenery.

Beccy Reese

Reviewed May 2016

A wonderful get away in the mountains

A good week’s walking in a rural location hosted in a great locally run hotel. This week was everything that I expected based on the detailed trip notes, the walks and the hotel were as described and ticked all the boxes for me. I spent a couple of additional days in Sofia which was a good balance.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting the local women for an evening of song & dance was fantastic and the cave trips were a fabulous bonus. Being out in great countryside away from the city was the best part - day after day of lovely tranquil walks

Thoughts on Group Leader

Svetla had a great sense of humour and was a lovely, calm guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'd suggest taking a walking pole, although as lots of the walks are through forest a suitable stick can be found en route. Some of the ascents are steep and in wet weather pretty slippery. The group return flight was very early so would advise booking your own. If you stay in Sofia check out the restaurants Made in Home and Made in Blue - although you may need to make a reservation.

Suggestions

Read the trip notes & if it sounds like a holiday for you then I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Peter Jackson

Reviewed August 2015

Rodopi Mtns

A very good holiday with good mix of people

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day in the mountains was great

Thoughts on Group Leader

svetoslava was a very cheerful and a caring leader. she ought to have got us to introduce us to each other on first night and to our very good bus driver. Also to have got us to exchange e.mails before we left. We left at different times so was a little difficult.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just to order a brochure!

Suggestions

Peter Jackson

Reviewed August 2015

Rodopi mtns

A very good holiday ,good mix in group. Good hotel food and service.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day in mountains

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good, but could have got us to introduce ourselves, and to our very good bus driver, and arranged an exchange of e.mails as we all left at different flights.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just to order your brochure!

Peter Jackson

Reviewed August 2015

Rodopi Mtns

A very enjoyable holiday with a good mix of people. Good hotel and food ,service was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day in mountains, great scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was good, but could have got us to introduce us to each other, like other trips I have been on, also to the very good bus driver, she ought to have arranged to have us exchanged e.mails, we left at different times for flight back so was a rush.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just to order your brochure !

Suggestions

Judith Orr

Reviewed June 2015

Rodopi Mountains review

Lovely part of the world with stunning scenery. The wild flowers were at their best when I visited in May. A very different pace of life to home but interestingly even the cow herds on the upper meadows had their smartphones. My son loved the first and last days best with climbing under/over all the fallen trees and fording the fast running river – such a contrast to the ridge walks and alpine meadows. Our guide Neli was very knowledgeable about the area, flowers and birdlife, and very patient with all our questions. It would have been very difficult to find some of the paths on our own. The walking pace was accurately described as leisurely. The accommodation was comfortable, the wifi better than at home, the food excellent and the beer just so cheap!

Most Inspirational Moment

The visits to the caves were an added bonus and such a contrast after our walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Neli was a star throughout.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You don't need very much currency with you for this trip, but make sure you get it in advance - there is no access to banks, ATMs etc once you are there..

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