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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50 Reviews

4.6 out of 5

Doug Gossen

Reviewed October 2018

Blown away!

Our week in Croatia was a very enjoyable mix of hiking, sightseeing, socialising, food and wine. It also included perhaps a little too much adventure when the bora winds struck. On our second hike the winds, gusting at record speeds, literally blew several of us off our feet. Luckily injuries were limited to bruises and scrapes. Our leader, Zeljko Zarak, managed to get us all safely back despite road closures and emergency conditions.
Otherwise the weather was beautiful, the hikes challenging but satisfying and the companionship of the group very pleasant. Some beach time was also included, as well as historical and architectural experiences in Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar.
Zeljko provided very interesting and informative background on the history and politics of the country.
I liked the fact that dinners were on our own but also appreciated Zeljko arranging several optional meals, particularly a bean soup lunch at the midpoint of one hike and a superb dinner at a family farm in Bol. My girlfriend and I are vegan/vegetarian and were initially concerned by what we heard was a heavily meat-based diet in Croatia. But we were very pleased with the options available to us.
We were also told the hotels were very basic but all of them were excellent and each was better than the last as we moved from Dubrovnik to Bol to Starigrad and then Zadar.

Most Inspirational Moment

When adversity struck in the form of record bora winds I was impressed with the way the group pulled together, helping my girlfriend and I with first aid for our bumps, scrapes and shock. And our leader, Zeljko Zarak, kept everyone together, safe and calm. He got us into a sheltered space and then shepherded us to a nearby inn for warm drinks and comfort while he organised transportation. This wasn't easy as this was a real emergency in that part of Croatia. We heard later about an emergency rescue for other hikers and reports of a windsurfer missing and presumed dead. All the locals said this was very early for the bora winds and that they were stronger than anything in the past 100 years. Roads were closed but Zeljko was able to arrange vans to get us safely back to our hotel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zeljko Zarak was excellent, very personable and helpful. He also provided excellent on the area, its history and politics.

Catherine White

Reviewed September 2018

A great mixture of being active, sight seeing and relaxation

All the reviews provide great advice and insights – I recommend reading them and I’ll try not to duplicate their excellent advice.

It is a Level 3 hike, so it’s not a stroll in the park on flat surface. You’ll enjoy the trip more if you’ve put some training before hand. Look at Exodus’ training advice. As Kathryn mentioned, the Dalmatian Coast is limestone so lots of different size rocks, and lots of going up, and down. Take good hiking boots and poles are really helpful.

For the going up, work on your cardio so you’re not winded and you can enjoy the views.

For going down, work into you daily routine going down stairs. Forward and backward lunges using a bosu is also good to help strength your knees/quads for the descents.

All of the hotels had access to swimming, so bring a bathing suit. There’s nothing better than going for a swim after a long hike. The beach in Bol is lovely and it was so nice to just relax.

Seeing Dubrovnik, Bol, Split and Starigrad were a nice “taste” of Croatia. It was also great to have a couple of nights in each location so you didn’t always feel like you arrived and then had to pack up and go.

Most Inspirational Moment

A lot of people have asked me this and I have a hard time picking one thing. The trip is a great blend of many, many elements from traditional sight seeing to the hiking. I love being active during the day and then going back to the hotel for a swim and a lovely meal at a local restaurant. The people on my tour and our conversations were also a highlight. We were a diverse group (Canada, UK, US and Germany) from mid 30s to 60s, with different backgrounds (artist, engineers, health professionals, IT, lawyer, marketing, publishing, teachers, etc). I know I've made some new friends on this trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ivan is awesome and it's easy to underestimate how good he is. Herding 16 adults is a challenge and he did it with skill and diplomacy. As I mentioned, we're a diverse group and we all had different ideas of what we wanted out of our holiday and he took into account. This was my first Exodus trip and I'm looking to do another trip in part based on Ivan.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As noted above, put in time before hand to do some training so you can enjoy the trip. While going up is harder for cardio, most people have more challenges with going down. A couple of months before add going down stairs. It will help to build up your quads and strengthen your knees. I did this leading up to the trip and I didn't have any problems. I was given this advice before going to do the Inca Trail and I didn't listen to it. On the Inca trail I was stiff but in Croatia I didn't have any issues. (Exodus also rates their Inca Trail trip a Level 3.)

Suggestions

It's a great trip. Highly recommend it.

Sudie Ghosh

Reviewed September 2018

Absolutely amazing.....

The trip was amazing – made so by the friendliest and most accommodating tour guide, great tour group, and the beautiful trails and amazing food.

Most Inspirational Moment

I have done group tours before and this was my first with Exodus, and honestly was the best tour group I could have asked for. Everyone clicked and we all got along and enjoyed our hikes and chats along the way. Needless to say the Dalmatian Coast did not disappoint. I enjoyed our hikes, the picnics, the breakfasts together, the beautiful sea. The van rides were very comfortable too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The tour guide Ivan, was simply the best. He paid attention to each and everyone of us and listened to what we had to say. He sang and chatted with us along the trails, on the bus and the meals. He took care of specific needs and requests as well. It will be tough for future guides to get a better rating.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, do this trip!!!!

Suggestions

I hope that the other Exodus trips are equally good.

Sudie Ghosh

Reviewed September 2018

Absolutely amazing.....

This trip was an amazing trip – made so by the friendliest and most accommodating tour guide, great tour group, and beautiful trails and amazing food.

Most Inspirational Moment

I have done group tours before; this was my first with Exodus and honestly this was the best tour group I could have asked for. Everyone clicked and we all got along; didn't mind who walked next to us; Needless to mention, the Dalmatian Coast did not disappoint. I enjoyed the hikes, the chatting along the trails, singing, the picnics on the trails, the beautiful sea! Our van rides were very comfortable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The tour guide Ivan was simply the best. He paid attention to each and everyone of us; listened to what we had to say, even when we just joked with him; made arrangements for dinners at some of the best local places. Evan sang "Marianne" along one of the trails to keep us entertained. If people had specific needs he took care of them too. I think future tour guides will have a tough time getting a better rating.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, do this trip!!!!

Suggestions

I hope that the other Exodus trips are equally good.

Sudarshana Ghosh

Reviewed September 2018

Absolutely amazing.....

This trip was an amazing trip – made so by the friendliest and most accommodating tour guide, great tour group, and beautiful trails and amazing food.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, do this trip!!!!

Suggestions

I hope that the other Exodus trips are equally good.

Kathryn Jankowski

Reviewed September 2018

Limestone!

Limestone everywhere! Be sure to wear good hiking boots. This rock can be jagged or super slippery. It comes in all sizes, large, small, crushed, pebbled. It’s everywhere! And you’ll be walking on it. There are very little earthed paths in this itinerary.

That aside, I felt I saw a lot of Croatia on this tour. The hikes were varied, but most were ascending, to get the best views of Croatia’s best attribute – the sea and the shoreline.

Food was amazing. And our guide was the best guide I’ve had to date – and I’ve had a lot of guides. Ivan was proactive, considerate and he went out of his way to be available for all our needs – including arranging a doctor’s visit for my daughter when she wasn’t feeling well.

From touristy Dubrovnik to quieter areas, such as Bol and Zadar, this tour offers the best of Croatia. If you are a hiker, I’d recommend this tour. Just be sure to wear good boots!

Most Inspirational Moment

My favourite day was the hike in Paklenica with lunch in the mountains. Homemade brandy and accordion playing topped the day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ivan is THE best! Don't ever lose him!!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hiking boots, definitely.

Suggestions

Yes, much confusion on the last day. The itinerary says the tour ends in Zadar. We had booked a hotel room for the night of the day the tour ended, in Zadar, because of this. We found out, on the last day, that the tour ended in Starigrad. We felt stranded and lied to by Exodus. Truly disappointing. This was my second Exodus tour and it left me feeling that the Brits are better serviced by your company and if us, non-Brits, want to tag along we could but that the itinerary didn't consider us. Not sure I would use Exodus again, on this point. Not happy. Going to Patagonia with G Adventures. More consistent service offering for everybody on the tour.

Heather Willson

Reviewed September 2018

Croatia: Islands and Mountains

Fantastic trip- great combination of hiking, Brac island, and interesting cities. Fun to meet new people: our group ranged from 29-65yrs with Canadians, Americans and just 3 Brits.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many and contrasting to select one: City walls and history of Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar; views from the mountains; swimming in crystal clear sea at Bol and Starigrad.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ivan was the perfect leader- friendly, cheerful, organised and informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take taxi from airport to Lapad, as bus was to central Dubrovnik. Good walking boots and poles needed as very rocky uneven paths in Paklenica National Park, with long descent on the first day there.

Suggestions

Hotels were of good standard and in good locations. Hotel Zagreb (Dubrovnik) set in beautiful gardens, and near to bus stop to town; all 3 had easy access to a beach.

Lee Whyte

Reviewed September 2018

Gorgeous Seasides & Mountains - HOT August temps

Really enjoyable itinerary and the trip leader, Mario, was fun and entertaining and did a wonderful job. The overall rating of “3” moderate is appropriate as a weekly average, although some walks were a “1” and perhaps one day might rate a “4” due to the size of the rocks and boulders along much of the path. The seaside views were stunning and the sea itself lovely for evening swims. Definitely take your togs and plan on swimming. August proved very hot and very crowded during the summer holidays – probably not the best month to see Croatia, and particularly not good timing for Krka N.P. as it was a national holiday and quite honestly over sold for the day. Dubrovnik was beautiful and worthy of adding an additional day on the front end if possible. Accommodations, transfers, flights (we booked our own), and meals were all very good.

Most Inspirational Moment

The coastal views of the towns and villages....... The old city walls of Dubrovnik..... Diocletian's Roman Palace in Split (we arranged our own guided tour, which was well worthwhile)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mario did a great job. He is personable and fun-loving, and everyone enjoyed his company and camaraderie.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If possible, go outside of the peak tourist season and summary holidays. If you enjoy good food and wine, plan on spending a bit more than the recommended allowances, especially in Dubrovnik and Split - it's well worth it! Walking shoes or boots with decent soles and cushion go a long way on the rocky terrain. Carry a few spare coins for public toilets in the cities. Croatia is a beautiful country and easily traveled. If you have the time and inclination - add a few days on the front or back end to explore.

Suggestions

Second trip with Exodus and we are looking forward to the next. Keep up the great work and fun itineraries.

Nina Soorma

Reviewed August 2018

Excellent trip but very hot in August

Wonderful scenery, great food and lovely people. The trips were well organised and Mario our leader was brilliant. The trip is very full on, but the trekking is worth it to see the beautiful country that Croatia is. August was hot so be prepared wear light walking boots and take clothes to wear out in the evenings. Great trip, loved it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views, they were amazing. Most probably one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mario was great. Informative and very sociable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware of the temperatures in August and therefore the heat makes the trekking a little harder. Terrain is tough in places, make sure you have the correct boots.

Kath Singleton

Reviewed June 2018

Treking in Croatia

This was my first trip with Exodus & won’t be my last (says it all really!)
Good overview of many areas of Croatia – cities, National Parks, coastal towns.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the final days walking as it was just a little more challenging - I would have liked all the walks to have been longer as we were often finished by 3-4pm. As I went in May it was still Springtime, so the meadows & hedgerows were beautifully green with plenty of wild flowers to be found. The company was great & our Guide made sure we were all included in decision making for stops, meal out etc.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mario was excellent - informative friendly, willing to walk at a sensible pace. Lots of interesting discussions during the day & at mealtimes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was my first holiday on my own & I was understandably excited but a little apprehensive. I would have no problems going alone again. In our group we were all 'singles', but it didn't matter.It was well organised & meeting up with the Guide & the group was really easy.

Suggestions

On the day of departure we were not being picked up for the airport until 1.30pm. As we were in a small but beautiful coastal village there was not a lot to do, especially as we had been there 3 nights. Unfortunately in May the water was too cold for me! If I had realised earlier that we a long wait I would have arranged a boat trip or something similar. This is something that Exodus could consider as an option to fill the time/occupy a morning if there is a half day wait in a small place.

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