Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Combined with stunning scenery, insightful local guiding, and the chance to visit destinations that remain largely untouched by mass tourism, this was a truly enriching and unforgettable journey.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was exceptional and really brought the destinations and their history to life.

Advice for Potential Travellers

One tip I'd give is to pack for a range of temperatures, especially depending on the time of year you're travelling. The tour combines Mediterranean coastal regions with higher-altitude areas inland, so the weather can vary much more than you might expect.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many highlights, but the drive through Durmitor National Park was stunning, and Sarajevo old town and the Tunnel Museum were interesting too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lorenc was very professional and experienced, with excellent English. He was extremely helpful and looked after us all. He gave suggestions for restaurants to try and made bookings for some of us. We had a noisy table at one restaurant; he was passing and negotiated moving us to a better table. He also arranged a late check out for us at the end of the trip when my wife was unwell. Semir, our driver, was brilliant too, carefully negotiating some narrow roads and tight bends.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack for all weathers and bring comfortable walking shoes. Land border crossings can be time consuming – on our trip they varied from taking over an hour to passing straight through. There are some long drives, but with stops along the way. Smoking in restaurants is normal in this area so be prepared for smokers at the next table. Portion sizes are often very large. Most places will accept cards (they often ask: payment by cash or card?), but carry some Euros with you for those that don't. If you're interested in spomeniks, the former Yugoslavia's huge brutalist concrete monuments, we recommend the 20-minute walk to the Partisan Memorial Cemetery during your free time in Mostar. We arranged flights and accommodation (the excellent Hotel Lero) through Exodus to give us an extra couple of days in Dubrovnik. The trip doesn't allow much time there and adding on a couple of days allowed us time to explore the old town at our leisure.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting 3x different Balkan Countries, Bosnia, Croatia and Montenegro. Visiting Sarajevo, Lukomir village. Kotor and Zabljack. Not forgetting Mostar and Dubrovnik.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent throughout. Really enthusiastic about his country ( Bosnia) and passionate about the landscape,people,food etc. He gave a really passionate summary of the complexities involved with the history of the places visited. Very optimistic about the future of the Balkan Countries and people.

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming at Kravice Waterfalls was a real highlight of the trip and a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I also particularly enjoyed Sarajevo, with its unique atmosphere, fascinating history and excellent food, followed by Mostar, which was equally charming and memorable. The knowledgeable local guide added greatly to the overall experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader was outstanding and one of the main reasons the trip was such a success. He was knowledgeable, professional and highly organised, with excellent English and a genuine passion for sharing his country with the group. What impressed me most were his exceptional people skills. He was able to adapt to different personalities, manage group dynamics with patience and good humour, and ensure everyone felt included and supported throughout the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Beautiful scenery, interesting culture, history and politics

Thoughts on Group Leader

Incredibly helpful, very good language ability and local knowledge. Always available even when off duty.

Most Inspirational Moment

The old bridge at Mostar had always been a bucket list objective from pre-Balkans conflict and was a deal breaker from the outset. Our guides were all very knowledgeable and in good humour helping an understanding of a complex history. The mountains of Montenegro are impressive, Sarajevo was a pleasure, again a part of the bucket list, but every location was enjoyable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fatima was such a thoughtful and integrated part of the group, very patient, good fun, energetic and informative. always coming up with suggestions to suit individuals and everyone loved her. A genuine, lovely person.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many highlights but Sarajevo and Mostar were wonderful

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Fatima was very good. She was very competent and enthusiastic, with excellent communication skills. Samir was an excellent driver.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go now as the region is not yet overly touristy apart from Dubrovnik (where everything is very busy & expensive) and, to a lesser extent, Kotor. Many places took credit cards, but take a good supply of Euros. You’ll need to get Bosnian Marks in Sarajevo but you can change sterling there.

Most Inspirational Moment

The leader, Fatima. Durmitor Nat Park, some of the places we stopped for lunch and lunch with the local family. Though in reality the whole trip was superb!

Thoughts on Group Leader

She completely made the trip. Vast knowledge, passionate about the region with an amazing, inspirational outlook on life. She made the effort with everyone, took their individual needs into account and tweaked things, like treats, walks, to ensure everyone benefitted. A complete asset to Exodus and a truly wonderful soul

Most Inspirational Moment

Learning from the leaders vast knowledge and enthusiasm. Views in Durmitor Nat Park were breathtaking and drive down to Bosnia equally stunning, as well as lunch with a local family

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fatima was an exemplary tour leader for me. Her knowledge and outlook on life were inspirational and pretty life changing. She always ensured everyone was comfortable and often surprised us with unexpected treats. The weather was v v hot & she made small tweaks to ensure we didn’t suffer in the heat too much. Along with the group we had, she absolutely made the trip!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whilst you can use cards, cash is often preferred in many places. We took euros & Fatima took us to an exchange/atm in Sarajevo for the Bosnian convertible marks

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed Sarajevo with its fascinating history & beautiful culture. Taking the cable car up the mountain and walking back down amongst the old winter Olympic tracks was really amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was great - he was enthusiastic & knowledgeable and really wanted us to experience the culture of each place we visited. He had great recommendations for places to eat and things to see when we had free time in the afternoons. Our driver was also lovely. He navigated some very small mountain roads with confidence and he & our group leader were a fun double act!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack for varying weather - some days you will go from sunny coastal towns to cold mountain destinations so layers and wet weather gear is handy