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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39 Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Nick Corble

Reviewed June 2016

Walking and More in Albania

This trip offers a combination of (fairly serious) walking and culture, and as such might be slightly mis-named, in that the walking is concentrated at the start and the trip then becomes more of a mix – this is worth pointing out in case you are expecting heavy duty walking every day. It didn’t bother me though, I loved the mix and exploring this fascinating country still struggling with its new freedom whilst also giving the old legs a bit of a stretch. There’s a fair bit of travelling around, but nothing too serious, and I found the day trip into Kosovo provided an extra dimension.

Most Inspirational Moment

Two things - the sense of achievement on reaching the summit of the mountain pass, which provided a rewarding view for the considerable effort involved to get there, and connecting with the locals. Dorian, our guide, seemed to know someone wherever we went, and these contacts were free with their thoughts and feelings and didn't mind how many questions we asked them. They were also extremely free with the raki! These were experiences I seriously doubt I'd have got if solo travelling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorien is a great guide, very eager to please, maybe even too eager. He could afford to relax more, maybe eat with the group, but he is always thinking about how to make the trip better. This a laudable aim, but for now let's enjoy it as it is!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely pack good walking boots and wet weather gear. Otherwise, no need to overdo it (as I did). Also, make sure you are relatively fit or you won't get the most out of the trip. Finally, to reiterate if you want to do 10 miles every day, this may not be the trip for you. If you want a mix, it is.

Lynn Guy

Reviewed September 2015

Amazing Albania

A challenging experience in the most stunning scenery which offers a reasonable balance between walking and sight seeing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The moment I stepped foot on the top of the Valbone Pass - a real achievement for me to have conquered the climb!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorian is an inspirational guide who is passionate about his country. He is knowledgeable, encouraging and supportive. We all learned so much about Albania and its history, as well as experiencing a fantastic, if challenging holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure your own fitness level. The early days of this holiday are challenging. I found them really difficult - primarily because I was inadequately prepared.

Anonymous

Reviewed September 2015

Walking in Albania

Stunning drives and stunning walks in the Albanian Alps will live with us. And also the group, which was a very successful convivial and complementary collection of personalities.

Most Inspirational Moment

The folklore evening was probably the best evening I've ever spent on an Exodus trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorian was an enthusiastic and energetic walk leader, thinking on his feet and doing his best to cater for the interests of each member of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to enjoy copious amounts of local feta cheese! Food generally is not greatly inspiring, especially for vegetarians.

Paul Holtham

Reviewed September 2015

Discovering a beautiful country

Overall an enjoyable holiday with a mix of scenery/walking/culture. The hotels were generally very good -better than I expected-except the last one Teater Kame. It had a nice swimming pool but the chalets had a rather run down feel. The shower head in my room was broken -more water went over the shower room ceiling than over me- although at least the water was hot. Also the hand rail outside my chalet was broken -with nails and screws exposed. The food was generally good although 5 people (luckily I was not one of them) suffered food poisoning at one hotel.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the vicinity of Thethi -particularly the walk from Thethi to Valbona. The contrast between the two sides of the pass is quite striking. Both are beautiful -but very different scenically. It was a tough walk but well worth it for the views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I thought Juri was a very good leader. She was kind and caring throughout and looked after us well. There were eight in our party and we were all very different temperamentally- but I think we all agreed that Juri was a good leader-and will get even better with more experience.

Jane Byrne

Reviewed July 2015

Walking in Albania

This is the third time I have walked in Albania and it was the best. The revised itinerary with more walking in the Theth National Park and the contrasting landscape of Rubik improves the experience. Each year the accommodation and food improves so now the while holiday is a really high standard, yet Albania still retains a “different” atmosphere making it still an adventure, and the people are all really welcoming to visitors.

Most Inspirational Moment

Achieving all the walks without feeling stiff the next day - this has taken several months of training. Mastering a few more words of Albanian. A superb fun-filled evening in Berat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nothing is too much trouble for Dorien, he constantly made sure that everyone was happy by discussing and explaining options for meals, stops etc. He completely gets the English sense of humour and helps to generate a good group atmosphere from the start. His knowledge of Albanian history is extensive but not overbearing. He is able to get the best from the local providers - guides, horse owners and guesthouse staff because of his long experience and good reputation.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a head torch for the occasional power cut and the cave visit Take walking poles Above all - go to Albania and experience the wonderful scenery and friendly people for yourself. See a country that although almost on our doorstep still has something a little undiscovered to offer.

Elsbeth Linnhoff

Reviewed June 2015

Walking in Albania 16.-26.June 2015 TVZ booking 4693199

An excellent trip prepared by Albanian Company Sondor . Guide Dorian worked his socks off for the group .

Most Inspirational Moment

The mountains in the north (Theth and Valbone region ) flora , clear water , hospitality , traditional food . Variety of itinary (walks in the mountains, history, seaside .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorian had the trip well prepared , very knowledgeable , nothing was too much for him. Excellent minibus and safe driver .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travers the pass Theth to Valbone = strenuous but possible = 7 hours .

Michael Allen

Reviewed June 2015

walking in albania

very good trip showing the best of albania

Most Inspirational Moment

prizren mountains pellumbas cave

Thoughts on Group Leader

very knowlegable and attentive to everybodys requirements

Advice for Potential Travellers

do not take too much luggage as it is not required

Annie Charlotte Arkell

Reviewed October 2014

Walking in Albania

A wonderful holiday. Exceeded all my expectations. Fantastic itinerary, well balanced between active and cultural activities. I can’t recommend this holiday enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the Valbone pass, I'd injured my leg and the rest of the group went on ahead. I managed to finish the walk when I imagined myself stuck on the mountain! Albanian dancing in Berat!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorien was wonderful. Incredibly knowledgable, enthusiastic and proud of Albania. He really went out of his way to make us welcome and comfortable, organising restaurants to eat at, helping and advising with onward travel etc.... Special thanks to him for encouraging and helping me complete the Theth to Valbone walk.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles would probably be helpful.

Philip Thompson

Reviewed October 2014

Walking in Albania

A well thought out itinerary to show various places of interest as well as good walks off the beaten track

Most Inspirational Moment

The family home at over 5,000 feet self sufficient having cows, sheep and chickens.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A friendly informative chap but let too much time slide by to miss a few things

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you book this for the walking and after all it is called walking in Albania you need to get at the guide about time to get everything done

Mary Parker

Reviewed August 2014

Walking in Albania

The ‘Walking in Albania’ trip provides a wonderful opportunity to glimpse many different aspects of a fascinating and beautiful country. This is a busy and exciting holiday with never a dull moment! Most people in the group started out knowing very little about Albania because, of course, it was ‘out of bounds’ until Communism was overthrown in 1991. We learned such a lot! If you love climbing mountains, walking in beautiful scenery, learning about culture, history and traditions, then this is the trip for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Enduring memories: Watching a World Cup football match on a warm evening, in a restaurant in a beautiful park in Tirana. Reaching a beautiful mountain pass after climbing over 3,000 feet in stunning scenery and torrential rain. Driving over dry river beds at quite a speed! Learning about the difficult recent history of Albania from an excellent guide and excellent displays in Tirana Museum. Wonderful evening meal with a myriad of delicious dishes eaten in a cafe in the grounds of Berati Castle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader is extremely proud of his country. He took a lot of trouble to explain Albanian customs, culture and religious tolerance to us. He was friendly and knowledgeable. Occasionally, he appeared slightly disapproving but always with a sense of fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to use a soft bag for luggage. The mules have to carry our bags up and over a high mountain pass.

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