Reviews

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

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88 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

stephen roberts

Reviewed March 2019

Just as good the 2nd Time

This is the 2nd time I’ve done this trip, last time was only 12 months ago. I pleased to say I had a fantastic time this time around as well.
There were issues with the flight out due to bad weather, so nothing Exodus could have down about that. But they did re arrange the pick up from the airport, and kept us informed informed of what was going on, so top marks for their effort there.
The hotel is very good, the dinner is filling, if sometimes a little unusual. I think a would have preferred a simpler menu. The rooms seem to vary greatly. Last year I had one of the superb rooms that you’ll see on the hotels website, this year I had a room towards the rear of the hotel that was more traditional Tirol style, that was clean but a little tired, specially when compared to the other rooms. However it was more than adequate, after all you don’t come here to sit in your room, you come for the great walking, and you get that in abundance. The walks are well paced , and gradually increase in difficulty as the week progresses. The views were fantastic, there was plenty of time to admire the view, take photos, and stop in the mountains huts for a hot chocolate or something stronger.
There wasn’t enough deep snow to make it worth taking the snow shoes, so we were supplies with crampons, which worked well. On the Friday there was plenty of deep snow, which great fun. Even if I did face plant a few times.
There was plenty of advice and ideas on what to to do the “rest day” and the free travel pass was very helpful here and on the day of the departure when you have the morning to entertain yourself.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me it was the views from Durakopf on the Friday. Last year couldn't see anything, this year, this time we could see for miles, it made the long slog up worthwhile. Then coming part way down on a wooden sleigh. Great fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cant praise Sara's skills enough. Adept at keeping the group together, and encouraging us all to get to the top. Supplied us with loads of local history, and made every effort to speak to everybody to ensure we all got the most we could out of this holiday. She is a very experienced leader , and it showed. Nothing is to much trouble for her. I sustained an injury on the Tuesday, (tripped over my own feet) and needed assistance to get off the hill. Thanks to to her care, and advise I was able to make it back out on the hill after the rest day. She went well above and beyond to ensure I had a speedy recovery.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you haven't done any winter walking before, you might find it a bit harder than your normal walking, so be prepared for that. Don't forget sunscreen. Make sure your boots are well worn in!

Suggestions

The only reason I'm not going back next year, is that there are so many other things I want to do. But I will be going back

Simon Allen

Reviewed March 2019

A week in Winter Wonderland

A fabulous, varied week of snowshoeing in the Italian Dolomites lead by the inspirational Sara Bull. If you haven’t used snowshoes or crampons before, don’t worry. If you’re reasonably fit, don’t worry. We experienced a wide variety of weather conditions during our stay at the welcoming Hotel Adler, from warm sunshine to freezing blizzards and our leader Sara selected the perfect trek for each occasion, providing all the instruction, encouragement and support that our group required, regardless of their level of experience and fitness. Her catchword is ‘enthusiasm’ and hers is infectious. If you want to enjoy the Dolomites at their most dramatic and beautiful, then this is the trip for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

I find it impossible to pick an individual moment, as there were so many. But I suppose standing in glorious sunshine enjoying expansive views of some of the most beautiful and dramatic snow encrusted mountains on the planet takes some beating. And fortunately that moment occurred again and again during the course of the week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I've been on quite a few guided treks over the years, many of them with Exodus. I have generally been very impressed with the group leaders, but none have proved to be as inspirational as Sara Bull. She has boundless energy and enthusiasm, and whilst her levels of care and support for the group know no bounds, she feels more like a member of that group and a friend rather than an employed guide. That is a very difficult feat to achieve and adds immeasurably to the overall experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I think Grade 3 is appropriate for this trip, but walking through snow for prolonged periods can be physically testing so, as the trip notes state, it is important that you are comfortable with your own level of fitness. I regularly go hill walking in the Lake District and found the treks to be perfectly manageable.

Sue Duncombe

Reviewed March 2019

Great snowshoeing in stunning scenery

Great variety of walks to mountain summits with fantastic views of the beautiful Dolomite scenery. Walking included a couple of ascents of 650m. We walked through wooded hillsides to mountain tops. On most days we stopped in mountain huts for a drink whilst we admired the scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from Lutterkopf - 360 degree panorama of the Dolomites and Austrian Alps. Reaching the top of Monte Piano with views of Tre Cime

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sarah was professional and friendly and dealt with the range of individual abilities in the group effectively. She was knowledgeable about the area’s geography and history. We had utmost confidence in her. On top of this we appreciated the biscuits she provided en-route!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have a decent level of fitness to get the most out of the 5 days snowshoeing as a couple of days have ascents of 650m

Suggestions

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone who enjoys walking and mountain scenery. It would take a lot to beat snowshoeing here!

Fiona Walters

Reviewed March 2019

Fantastic holiday

This was a great holiday for our mixed group of complete snowshoeing beginners and those who had tried it before. The scenery was stunning, helped by perfect weather! Sunny all day with brilliant blue, cloudless skies. The family run guest house was perfect for relaxing after a hard day walking. The pool and spa area were great, food delicious and a couple of warm bar areas for socialising.

Most Inspirational Moment

The best thing for me was being able to enjoy stunning mountain views without having to ski. I think I have found my perfect winter holiday! It was so peaceful, despite being half term school holidays. I also enjoyed the days we used crampons to walk rather then snowshoes, and the 4km sled run was great fun!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was a great leader, very knowledgable of the area, attentive to the group and lots of fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is hard work, so ensure you are reasonably fit. If your leader says you must drink 2-3l of water, then do it!

Rachel Dixon

Reviewed February 2019

Fabulous

Having tried snow shoeing for a day last year, I was keen to give it another go but was slightly concerned that a full week of the same thing would be a bit monotonous. I needn’t have worried-Sara our guide made the week varied and fun. We walked through woodland, along ridges, from peak to peak, along old military roads and even finished one walk on a sledge with the snow shoes strapped to our backs.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being at the top of the mountains with spectacular views made the walk up worth every step.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Exceptional. She was fun, knowledgable, caring and experienced. Sara went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a good time and was very patient with a group of adults with poor listening skills!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

A bit of training before you go will make the walking more enjoyable. We had unusually warm weather so layers to peel off and put back on again when the sun went down we’re essential.

Suggestions

At the end of every walk we had the option of doing some stretches, led by Sara, and I would recommend you do them- they helped hugely with stiff muscles! Everything at the hotel was of a high standard, from the swimming pool to the breakfast, and the staff were helpful, friendly and welcoming. I am so glad I went on this trip (my first Exodus holiday) but I am sure it won’t be my last.

Deirdre O'Connor

Reviewed February 2019

Great week in beautiful area

This was a great active week, in beautiful surroundings. The hotel is very comfortable and the food is great. Sara is a fantastic leader who looked after us really well.

Most Inspirational Moment

The 360 degree views on the top of Durrakopf. The beauty and desolation of the top of Monte Piano. The strudel in the hut during the Narnia walk.The sled ride down the mountain.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara is a fantastic leader- such a professional guide who takes pride in her profession. Her attention to detail is second to none, and made sure each person in the group was looked after.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take layers- the weather was warm when we were there, and we were constantly taking on and off clothes. Very warm ski type clothes would have been too warm. Use the pool, try all the food and stretch!!

Suggestions

Great holiday- would love to go back in summer or winter!

Jackie Kilding

Reviewed February 2019

A fantastic holiday

This was a fabulous holiday taken in February half term week. I cannot praise the guide highly enough. Great variety of terrain and scenery. Comfortable hotel with good food. Free travel pass a real boon on free day. I shared a room and that worked well. Nice pool. Useful free day to explore and rest feet and legs

Most Inspirational Moment

It was all fab

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant. Sara was knowledgeable, helpful, paid attention to safety and detail, fun and kind.

Advice for Potential Travellers

take clothes for every eventuality weather wise. We were lucky with the weather being warm but it can be very cold

Suggestions

You do need a fair degree of fitness

Elizabeth B

Reviewed February 2019

A wonderful week

The snow-showing was hard work but really worth the effort to get off the beaten track in deep snow and to see the magnificent scenery. The itinerary varied depending upon the weather conditions and included forest walks past WW1 chapels, battle grounds and monuments and more exposed walks to higher areas, usually incorporating a welcome drink in a mountain hut and the opportunity to sample local goodies.
Lots of opportunities to see the local villages and towns, the free train and bus pass for visitors to the valley was very welcome.
Several people in the group had walked in the area with Exodus during the summer and enjoyed it so much they were returning for the winter experience , which seems a great recommendation.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk on the last day to Mudlerhof, Lutterkopf, Durakopf and Taistneralm in glorious sunshine, enjoying lunch at the summit with a 360 view of snow covered peaks and no other people, other than our group, in sight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Sara Bull was fantastic, her extensive experience in the region, her attention to detail and her ability to read the group and offer challenge or encouragement where needed ensured we all had a wonderful time. She not only looked after our safety and well-being but offered help and advice about travel on the free day, she provided arnica for sore feet and sweets and treats to incentivise us whilst snow-shoeing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for varied weather, takes lots of layers. The double strength arnica offered by Sara and the local pharmacy is is instant cure for aches and pains. The village offers most things you could want and there is an outdoor shop for any extras you may need, gloves, replacement sunglasses etc. Make use of the free bus and rail ticket for tourists, its a great way to see the valley and public transport is very efficient.

Suggestions

The hotel is friendly. family run, relaxed, comfortable and welcoming. The spa provided nice facilities to relax at the end of the day and was very quiet. The restaurant menu was varied and the portions very generous.

Liz Stokes

Reviewed February 2019

Amazing views with peacefuness

A really beautiful place to walk; each day gave us different views of the Dolomites and Austrian and Italian Alps. Our guide, Sara, was excellent, she encouraged all of the group to get the most out of the trip and despite the challenging weather (very deep snow and recent fresh avalanches which closed off many routes) devised an interesting, varied and very enjoyable schedule for us all. The hotel was good, the room was comfortable, spa was very welcome after long days walking and the food was very good- they catered for my gluten free diet really well with the minimum of fuss. Loved the breakfasts and lunch boxes. The group were lovely- this was my first group trip and I was quite apprehensive but I was really happy to meet such a diverse group of like minded people. The peacefulness in the mountains was wonderful- I’m so happy that our routes were altered because it gives me another good reason to go back again!

Most Inspirational Moment

The 360 views from the Durrakopf and the peacefulness

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb. She encouraged and challenged us every day and made the trip for us. She made us feel happy to push ourselves and inspired confidence in the way she adapted to different conditions and thoroughly assessed and determined appropriate activities. She gave great insights into the area and was very interesting to talk to. She responded to different needs within the group and sorted out problems for people quickly and effectively.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t pack alpine ski-wear, it is too hot; better to have light layers to take on and off through the day, walking gear is best. Do some hill walking before you go to get fit! Really enjoyed the cross country skiing on the day off and shared lesson with local guide Iris.

Suggestions

Thank you to Sara!

Jane Wilson

Reviewed February 2019

Beautiful scenery

Lucky to have so much snow making the scenery very beautiful. Challenging walks led by very good guide, sara, she worked very hard to ensure everyone was supported and also to find us safe routes as high avalanche risk this week. Stunning region, will definitely return. Hotel clean and comfortable, breakfasts and packed lunch great with good choices. Evening meals good most nights. Spa was very welcome at end of the day. Our group were all lovely we had a great week. Enjoyed the free day trying cross country skiiing. Snowshoeing is great way to explore mountains and challenge yourself. Thank you

Most Inspirational Moment

All walks were good and reaching the peaks were a highlight, Bonnerhutte 2340m,and Durrakopf 2275m,

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was great very experienced and interesting to learn from. She works very hard to ensure all have a great holiday

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try to do some hill walks to prepare

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