Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The climax to me each day was when we reach the the apex of each hike and took in the breathtaking sceneries. The way up was not easy for a novice to mountain hiking but the reward was well worth the efforts. The Dubrovnik Old Town, Zlatni Rat, Diocletian's Roman Palace and Skradinski Buk Waterfalls will all leave me with lasting memories.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent is the only word I would like to describe Zeljko Zarak. He has a very pleasant personality and was able to build up an amicable relationship with everybody in no time. You know he cares like helping the ladies (10 in our group) to transfer their luggages all by himself when the hotels did not offer lift service, taking breaks and pacing the hike so that everybody can manage and giving us loads of information related to the tour and about the country. He also made special effort to arrange for our dinners at night to get a taste of Croatian food at reasonable costs. All in all, he made me feel relaxed and in good hands since the very first day. I will definitely not mind to have him as my leader in future adventures.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Since it was my first hiking adventure, I had no comparison at all except feeling good that I could still manage the six plus hours of walking on gravels, rocks and some not well defined trails. But I must say that one has to assess his/her physical strength to embark on this adventure especially on some rather rocky terrains and proper gears are a must like hiking boots and protective wears from tree branches, some rather spiky along the way. Hat and sunscreen are also a must.

Suggestions

The only complain I might have regarding this tour is Hotel Sumratin where we stayed while we were at Dubrovnik. The hotel did not even manage to provide the basic breakfast requirements and the second morning we were there, we have to wait quite a while for replenishment from the kitchen.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of a hill that I didn't think I would manage! Getting to top of the belltower in Split. Walking the city walls in Dubrovnik.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zeljko Zarak was excellent - unfailingly good natured, kind and an inspirational guide and leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for heat! If older, make sure you are fit enough to cope with rough mountain paths - down often more difficult than up. Don't forget about mosquitoes.

Suggestions

The outward journey from London was a trial - didn't get to our hotel until midnight and we had to be up and fit for walking at 9am - not a relaxing start! The homeward journey was also a trial - we had to be up and ready to leave the hotel at 5am.

Most Inspirational Moment

nothing inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent. zeljco was well organised. He gave good advice about each day's hike. He wasn't just a tour guide - he acted as a waiter (organising orders at group meal to hurry things along at group meals) or porter- helping people with suitcases etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

take swimming things as there is lots of chances to swim if you want to. walking poles are useful but probably not essential. I used one which meant i always had a free hand. take plenty water each day.

Suggestions

have a careful look at the group flights offered before booking. I thought using them would make things easier. It didn't really. Every flight was late, and with all ready tight connections things didn't really work. We arrived quite late on the first day. On the flight home i was due to get connections after arriving in London. However the flight into london was several hours late, I missed my connection, spent several hours trying to track down my bag. Eventually i got home a day late and my bag came home five days late. Exodus gave me a small refund and a voucher as good will.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the Paklenica National Park introduced us to some stunning scenery with varied wildlife and interesting geology. Stopping at a mountain restaurant, surrounded by meadows of autumn-flowering crocus, to taste traditional bean soup was a special moment. The owner and our guide then entertaining us with a traditional Croatian folk song was the icing on the cake.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zeliko is an excellent guide. His ability to manage a group of 16 hikers was impressive and the way he helped forge links between us, sharing in some great laughs (is everything really 10 minutes away?) was fundamental to the great atmosphere that developed within our group. Everyone was sorry when the week ended.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Poles were useful over the sometimes rough terrain, decent walking boots essential. The walks were well-paced, especially on the climbs, and the moderate rating is appropriate. Listen to the guide when he tells you it might be cold - we had one very windy day when jackets were essential. Otherwise, the weather in September was warm and sunny. In our experience, the restaurants recommended by our guide were excellent and our group ate together every evening - something single travellers had worried about.

Suggestions

This is a great holiday. You get to visit Dubrovnik and Split, although both were crowded. There is a chance to swim every day as hotels are near the beach. In summary, a holiday we would recommend to anyone wanting to enjoy spectacular coastal scenery but is not happy sitting on the beach all day.

Most Inspirational Moment

The accomplishment of managing the hikes in 32 degree weather! The views were beautiful

Thoughts on Group Leader

Helicopters was a fabulous leader. He was helpful and available and he always made sure everyone was looked after.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have enough water as it was hotter than we expected

Suggestions

Wonderful trip. Don't hesitate to go!

Most Inspirational Moment

The hikes in Paklenica National Park and on the island of Brac - the scenery was stunning. I also loved Dubrovnik.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zeljko was absolutely brilliant in every way: friendly, charming and fun, great company, a very experienced leader and hiker and extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the country, as well as the local flora and fauna. He made everything so interesting and enjoyable for us. Everything went 100% smoothly thanks to his perfect organisation. I fell in love with Croatia thanks to Zeljko and look forward to visiting the country again.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do go on this tour, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did! The hiking was not difficult, it was interesting and varied, and the visits to Dubrovnik and Split were perfectly timed. There was a bit of travelling during the week but it meant we saw a large area of the coast, two major towns and the glorious National Park.

Suggestions

Thank you for a wonderful week!

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing all the walks, so being able to appreciate the stunning views. On a personal level, our fantastic leader Željko encouraged me to get over my fear of heights

Thoughts on Group Leader

Željko. An amazing leader, and a very knowledgeable and interesting man. He personally ensured every member of the group was looked after, especially those who had some difficulties.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Croatia is a beautiful country, and this trip gives a great opportunity to see some of the Dalmatian coastline. The walking involves quite a lot of fairly steep ascents and descents, but the views are well worth it. Dubrovnik is not to be missed...the old town is beautiful.

Suggestions

Highly recommend. Beautiful country, an excellent leader who also recommended local food and drinks every night, and liveky weather...I want to go back!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to the top every day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader had great local knowledge of all the walks and places we visited.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip is graded moderate for good reason. All the walks are achievable for those of reasonable fitness, but a couple are quite challenging and proper boots and equipment are recommended.

Suggestions

Food and drink were of high quality and reasonably priced, you won't need much spending money to enjoy this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The island of Brac and town of Bol.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader,Zeljko, was just wonderful with an amazing awareness. He set a very reasonable pace on the hike to make the experience very enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have good shoes and attire for hiking.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the walks and enjoying the scenery

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was wonderful, you have a really good guy working for you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I personally found the walks quite difficult, I think it was a mixture of ascent and heat that caused me problems, having said that, I would do it all again

Suggestions

Just a big thank you, our accommodation was excellent and the whole trip was organised and delivered brilliantly.