Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the remains of the walled cities.

Thoughts on Group Leader

1) He clearly had problems with communications, and this has nothing to do with his language skills as he was fluent in English. He was reluctant to let us know what to expect and how to plan for the activities. It appears that he just expected us to follow his every instruction at the last minute, without realizing that the group consisted of seasoned travelers who appreciated being briefed about what to expect ahead of time. 2) His manner of communications with us was also inappropriate. He always wanted to have the last word in every conversation, and many of us just decided not to contradict his opinions after some time, in case he made things difficult for us for the rest of the trip. I would have expected a certain level of professionalism in his communications with us, his customers. 3) His affections towards a particular group member also clouded his professional judgement on many occasions. His public display of affections made several of us extremely uncomfortable. While I am not against him developing feelings for an attractive customer, he should only act on his feelings during "after hours".

Most Inspirational Moment

I particularly enjoyed the day walk on Korcula and visiting the old town of Dubrovnik.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dalibor was excellent. He understood the group very well and made sure everyone was looked after. He was calm and very well organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take good walking shoes for the two day walks as the ground can be very rocky. This is a relaxing trip for those used to third world destinations in that the toilets are nice, the water is safe, people speak English and you can relax!

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip to Mostar

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was excellent. He was very knowledgeable of the areas and gave lots of advice. He was also very friendly and mixed well with the group

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take waterproof jacket and shoes because when it rains it is torrential. Water resistant shorts that dry quickly are ideal for daytime wear

Most Inspirational Moment

Our 2 city guides (in Split and Dubrovnik) were both outstanding and really highlighted the best parts of the cities, as well as being humorous, knowledgeable and interesting. The scenery was stunning everywhere and the food was absolutely sublime. We certainly ate well on this trip and, actually, this has definitely been my best Exodus trip in terms of food!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Marija Serdar and she was absolutely excellent-again, one of the best leaders I have had with Exodus. Marija was extremely welcoming, friendly, helpful, easy to talk to, organised and always kept us well informed. Unfortunately, my luggage got lost en route and was not reunited with me until the day before we came home. Marija dealt with all of the calls to Croatia Airlines and the airport in Split to try and locate my bag-I did not have to do anything at all. She also made sure I had everything I needed while my luggage was missing, offering me the loan of some of her clothes as well. Marija took us to some wonderful places to eat-she just seemed to know all of the best places to go to. Any group that has Marija as their guide will be extremely lucky indeed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Previous reviews have mentioned the need for walking boots on the walks-I actually found trail shoes to be completely adequate. I suppose it depends whether you like to have ankle support or not. We did have rain on one day so it is definitely worth packing a light waterproof just in case. There is a reasonable amount of walking and moving around on this trip (thank goodness, considering all of the food we ate!!) so a reasonable level of fitness and mobility is needed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Dubrovnik was amazing

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was a genuinely nice guy, but... The information on what was happening the next day was sparce, late in the day and inconsistent. He also shared little knowledge of Croatia's history and culture. In comparison to the many other exodus trips I've been on, it felt as though we had an escort on a would-be 18-30 trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You do need good walking shoes for the walk on Korcula. The Prosek is lovely!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Dubrovnik from the view reached by going by cable car to the top of mountain - beautiful. It made it all the more spectacular as it took us three tries to go up the cable car due to a thunder and rain storm - definitely worth the wait and patience!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take jelly shoes if you want to swim - you can buy these quite cheaply when you are in Croatia when you're at a coastal location. Remember your sunscream!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the Island of Korcula, which is lovely out of the main town. However, the old town has turned into Ibiza! The old town of Dubrovnik is amazing. Just wander and get lost in the old streets. It is very crowded, but don't let that put you off.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. She was amazing. It wasn't the most cohesive group we have encountered and the holiday did have problems. However, she sorted them all with humour and patience. Her knowledge was superb.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Organise it yourself!

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to pick just one, but first entering Dubrovnik in the evening, with the walls floodlit and alpine swifts screaming overhead takes some beating.  Trogir, Diocletian's Palace at Split, Korcula Island (Agroturismo Grubinjac evening meal not to be missed!), Ston, and everything about Dubrovnik will linger long in the memory. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marija was extremely knowledgeable about the area (she lives in Split) and about Croatian culture and history in general. She inspired confidence from first meeting at the airport and kept everyone informed and supported individuals as and when required. Her varied choice of restaurants provided the venue for an entertaining group meal every evening if desired. She ensured that the group gelled from the first evening at the Tragos Hotel in Trogir Old Town.  The city guides she fixed up for Split and Dubrovnik were excellent. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you stay at the Hotel Liburna in Korcula, try to get a sea-view room from an upper floor; these were (reputedly) very nice.  Our ground floor room facing in the opposite direction, looked out on an overgrown grass bank and the bathroom was smelly, with original communist era fittings and plumbing.  The room itself was fine and the Hotel interesting in style and ideally located. Walking shoes/boots advisable for Korcula walk on loose stones for much of the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

Trogir, Korcula and Dubrovnik are beautiful old cities. Korcula , Mijet and Lokrum are gorgeous islands with lovely walks and scenery. The wine tasting was excellent, such a wonderful building inside and plenty to taste. Walking round the walls of Dubrovnik was a highlight . The day I spent on Lokrum on the free day was lovely. It may be small , but it has a lovel restaurant in the grounds of the old monastery , lots of paths to walk on and barely see another person with good views,good swimming off the rocks and an interesting botanical gardensand peacocks! It was recommended to us by a couple of locals who said it was where they go to chill out, and it certainly delivered.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hotels were good and varied. The hotel in Dubrovnik is out of the old city but it is really easy to get a bus into town and they seemed to run every 10 minutes or so. Get a 3 day bus ticket , it will work out cheaper and includes free entry to various museums and the cable car.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved swimming in the Adriatic. It was so refreshing!The fresh seafood was delicious!The narrow, winding corridors had a surprise around every corner!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marija was very prepared and well organised. She found fabulous restaurants for our group dinners each night and made sure we were comfortable and knew the plan for the day.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take hiking boots (and walking sticks) for the 2 hiking days. The paths are quite rocky and some are fairly steep. Take lots of water with you too!