Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It was interesting and moving to learn about and see evidence from the recent Balkan war and hear our guides talk about their experiences during this time. I enjoyed the scenic views of glacial lakes but due to poor weather conditions and terrain reaching the top of Maglic Mountain (Bosnia's highest peak) was not possible. Since I went for the challenge of such an opportunity this was disappointing. Rafting down the Neretva river.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders were good. They were extremely knowledgeable about their country and provided a very balanced view of its recent history. Well organised, happy to answer questions and their health and safety considerations were very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be well prepared for wet weather. Gaiters were a great investment. It is worth considering adding a couple of days before or after the trip to see a bit more of this beautiful city. It is worth considering adding a couple of days before or after the trip to see a bit more of Dubrovnik- I visited the city walls as well as taking the boat across to Lokrum island. It is also worth taking a ferry boat ride to the island of Lupad. I organised a day trip to Montenegro- visits to the Bay of Kotor for wonderful scenery and a good climb along the city walls of Kotor up to the fort is good if you like a challenge but be prepared to race down in time for the pick up time. Budva for wonderful beaches definitely worth visiting again for a longer stay.

Suggestions

I would recommend this trip if you like exploring unspoilt places.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved th Maglic Mountain Hike, walking around Mostar at sunset

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samir was a gem - one of the best leaders I've ever had. Charming, thoughtful and most importantly a great ambassador and teacher abotu his country and its history

Advice for Potential Travellers

bring some bug spray bring shoes/sandals for white water rafting

Suggestions

no

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk through the gorge near Sarajevo. the flowers were amazing, the views great and the lunch at the end in the village was really good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lorenc was really good. He was very interesting on local history and everything was really well organised.

Suggestions

we were a bit unlucky with the weather as it rained a lot at the start and the first two days' walking was shortened.

Most Inspirational Moment

The rafting trip down the Neretva River.  This was my first experience of white water rafting and I found it exhilarating.  The Neretva canyon itself is magnificent - with plenty of rapids punctuated by really peaceful sections between vertical rock walls. The walking in the Sudjeska National Park was a wonderful experience - rocky peaks and grassy hills.  It was so quiet you almost felt that our party had the mountains to ourselves.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer was simply outstanding - the best guide I have had on any of my trips.  He is extremely knowledgeable about his country and provides a very balanced view of its recent history.  He has a great love for the mountains of Bosnia and is sure to inspire you.  He ensured that all the trip arrangements went smoothly and is an extremely patient guy - despite us probably asking the same questions several times over. During our visit to Bosnia Samer was ably assisted by Srdjan - a tower of strength, whose "Tardis" like rucksack produced flasks of hot water (tea/coffee), biscuits, fruit and all manner of nibbles to keep us going on the walking days.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind and do not expect gourmet cuisine (especially at the start of the holiday in the first two hotels).  The restaurants in Sarajevo and Mostar are very good, however, and the prices cheap. 

Suggestions

Book today!

Most Inspirational Moment

There's a few highlights - perhaps the best was the Day 4 walk to Maglic peak. Something that I couldn't have completed without a guide. Fabulous views at all stages on the way up and the way back down!Also eating Bosnian pie cooked by one of the villagers in Lukomir - mmm lovely!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer is a great ambassador for both his country and Exodus. A fountain of knowledge on Bosnia's geography, history and culture - his commentary gave added richness to the experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take insect repellant - mosquitoes were abundant in the national park and walking poles are a must on the Maglic walk.

Suggestions

This is a fantastic trip for anyone who likes walking but is also interested in history. The fact Bosnia doesnt have a well-developed tourist infrastructure makes it all the more interesting to visit.Plan a trip now before it obtains too much of a 'polish' like the neighbouring Croatia.

Most Inspirational Moment

The wild flower meadows in the Sutjeska National Park were my favourite thing, there aren't many places left like this. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer is such a nice man and a great group leader. He knows the area inside out so was able to take us on fabulously scenic walks but was also able to give us lots of interesting information about the history of his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bosnia is not the most popular holiday destination but it could be before long! Get yourself there before it gets too busy, it really is totally stunning and it isn't packed with tourists.

Most Inspirational Moment

The beauty and peace of the Sutjeska National Park and the sumit of Maglic. You feel as if you have the whole park to yourselves it is so quiet. From a cultural point of view the first drive into Sarajevo was breathtaking and the old part of the city has a fantastic atmosphere.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Samer Hajric and as I mentioned before his friendliness and enthusiasm really made this holiday one to remember.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would strongly advise that you take a walking pole even if you don't usually use them. I don't use them and had to borrow one for the decent of Maglic. Also, pack one pair of long trousers as on the first day of walking you will go through a meadow with long grass and we all suffered from mosquito bites even with the use of insect repellent.

Suggestions

This is a fantastic holiday which provides a great opportunity to see the beauty of Bosnia and the Sutjeska National Park but also to sample Bosnian culture. I will recommend this holiday to my friends.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meadows full of wild flowers and butterfliesOld forestsImpressive mountains - and getting to the top of someInteresting old cities

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Helpful, knowledgeable

Advice for Potential Travellers

The climb of Maglic has a section that is quite hard and exposed but there are fixed ropes on most of it.Be prepared for drives on very rough roads in Sutjeska National Park

Suggestions

Highly recommended if you like quiet places to walk. (The last night in Dubrovnik was a bit of a contrast!)Besides the great walking there was the variety of historical cities to visit

Most Inspirational Moment

The ascent of Maglic - an exhilarating and challenging mountain day. It had everything - forest, flowered meadows, high rocky mountain, lake, stupendous views.But it doesn't seem right to pick out one day from all the mountains, forests, profusion of flowers and butterflies, visit to the traditional highland village of Lukomir - not to mention the beautiful cities of Sarajevo and Mostar, essential to understanding the country. There was Dubrovnik too - a fascinating place but too many people! History - ancient and modern - is in your face all the time!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer is a superb leader - this was our second trip with him, having already done the snowshoeing one, and he was a significant factor in our decision to go back to Bosnia. You always feel well guided and well informed on the landscape, wildlife and the history which is so much part of his life.He was ably and very willingly assisted by Srdjan. Two top guys. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go!!Better take some insect repellent, the mosquitoes were bad in the Sutjeska National Park, though Samer said that was unusual and caused by a wet spring and early summer. And make sure you're prepared for hot sunny weather, chilly weather and a bit of rain. Just in case.

Suggestions

Did I mention that Bosnia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, the people are some of the friendliest, the walking some of the best, the group leaders some of the best, and anybody with a taste for adventure should go NOW?And by going, perhaps you're doing a little bit to help this leautiful place and these wonderful people move forward after being so tragically torn apart. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Scrambling up Maglic and finally getting to the top of Maglic Mountain - a fantastic challenge and experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alen was a brillant guide very knowledgeable, passionate about his homeland and had a good sense of humour. The biscuits he brought along for our coffee breaks were appreciated!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a very long day going up Maglic Mountain but don't miss it as it's definately not one to miss. I went in September and it was freezing in Bosnia - take warm clothes! Weather very mixed - sun, rain, wind, freezing!

Suggestions

Walking in Bosnia & Herezegovina was a wonderful trip. I've done quite a lot of walking trips with Exodus and each year I think the next holiday will never match the previous one but this one did. Read the Cellist of Sarajevo and Beseiged both about Sarajevo.  Best part - seeing the minibus to take us home at the end of a very long 10 hour day up Maglic Mountain! Enjoy the pivo!