Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Kotor Bay and the Old cCty, Sarajevo and Mostar where we whitnessed a young diver jumping off the famous Ottoman Bridge. Also a visit to the highest and remotest village in Bosnia Hezagovinia where we met Sam's grandparents. A dying village that only has about 50 residents still living there -but not in the Winter.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam was fantastic in every area. Her English was totally colloquial and she had a great sense of humour. I must also praise Sam, the driver. I suffer from vertigo but never felt fearful whilst he was manipulating those hairpin bends through the mountains of Montenegro. We nicknamed them Big Sam and Little Sam.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I felt that one of the highlights listed on the website is not totally accurate. For example the walking in the Durmitor Park was described as 'Enjoy gentle walking in the stunning Durmitor National Park' I was one of the older members of the group and am fairly fit and am a Member of the Ramblers Association and regualary walk 7-9 miles most weekends. However, I found the terrain around the Black Lake extremely challenging insofar as we were walking on a mixture of unsteady and different sized rocks and tree roots. I actually had to be supported by Sam for this walk which was only about 4 miles but a very difficult 4 miles and took longer than expected. I would also like to point out that everywhere we went there were many many steep steps to navigate - mostly without rails.

Most Inspirational Moment

My absolute highlight was the day we travelled up, through magnificent scenery, to the village of Lukomir. The views were out of this world and we were made very welcome in the village and treated to a delicious lunch. It was a privilege to be in such a beautiful, sparsely populated place. A truly wonderful memory.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Evelin Balta, couldn’t have been better. He was kind, courteous to everyone and, above all, passionate about the area and keen to share his knowledge with us. He always made us feel that what he did was not a job - that he was enjoying the trip as much as we were! His enthusiasm was infectious and no one could fail to be fascinated by the history and culture of the region or to fall un love with the beautiful countryside.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip has everything - amazing towns and cities, fascinating history and stunning scenery. Walks are optional but not over-taxing. The many trips in the minibus are kept to manageable lengths with frequent stops but be prepared for a lot of travelling - worth it to see some amazing sights.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day had several highlights and it would be impossible to single out one particularly inspirational moment, but unexpected sights such as a perfect rainbow over the river in Sarajevo, and shepherds with their sheepdogs and umbrellas up, herding huge flocks of sheep in most isolated terrain and unfavourable weather conditions, caused me to gasp in amazement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I echo the other reviewers' comments about Sabina; she is simply outstanding and I feel very lucky to have had her as leader. Her knowledge of the history and culture of the region is phenomenal and her passion for the environment shone through, yet she never overloaded us with information at any one time. Her accounts of her family's experiences in World War II, under Tito and during the siege of Sarajevo brought the history to life. Sabina has a delightful personality; she was always cheerful, showed a good sense of humour and was very helpful and caring. Her organisational skills were excellent and the trip ran seamlessly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We stayed on in Dubrovnik for three more days after the group trip ended and are very glad we did, as there would have been little time to do justice to it otherwise. Others in the group stayed in Cavtat, near Dubrovnik airport, for a night or two before the trip started, which seemed a good idea The centre of Dubrovnik is much more expensive than anywhere else, but outside the walled town we found prices reasonable. Bring mosquito repellent if you are prone to bites!

Most Inspirational Moment

The resourcefulness of the people of Sarajevo during the siege of the city was illustrated in the tunnel museum, also added to by our guide who, with her family lived through it. The city of Mostar was also particularly beautiful, the fallen bridge having been rebuilt exactly how it was before the war

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Sabena was really good, full of information, caring, sociable and organised

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bear in mind Dubrovnik is really expensive, pay in restaurants in the local currency not euros

Most Inspirational Moment

Possibly for me the lunch up in the hills with a very generous and welcoming Montenegrin family, and this was closely followed by numerous "pies" in the wilds of Lukomir following a walk on the hills.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can I say about Sabina! "Hello, hello" Sabrina's passion for the region was clear and she struck just the right balance of giving us information without overloading us. She always put the group first and tried her best to make sure we had an enjoyable and hassle free adventure. I am proud to say she is now a friend and should she be your guide, she will enhance your trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Consider a night in Cavtat before the trip starts and extra time afterwards in Dubrovnik if you have never been there before. Otherwise, don't hesitate to book!

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery - the Adriatic coastline of Perast and Kotor, Tara Canyon, the journey from Zabljak to Sarajevo (thank you Semie for your excellent driving skills) and all the history of the region. Sarajevo has lots to see and do and has so much more to offer than just its war history.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sabina Sirco was an excellent leader - she certainly deserves a nomination for an Exodus tour leader award. She was passionate about her country and through her family history was able to bring the history of the region alive. She put a lot of personal energy and time into ensuring that each of us had a really enjoyable trip. She was always friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, organised and with excellent English and communication skills. This all led to a relaxed and fun filled trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Sarajevo

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was young and enthusiastic

Most Inspirational Moment

There was inspiration to be found in almost everything we did. The journey from Zabljak to Sarajevo was particularly wonderful. The wild flowers were stunningly beautiful particularly where we had a coffee stop, as were the views to and the journey in the Piva gorge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alen was an engaging guide full of useful information imparted with clarity. Always ready to help he came into his own when I slipped and broke my leg! He handled the situation in a very calm manner with excellent first aid skills. Moving on with the rest of the group Alen arranged support for my wife left in Sarajevo. What a guy!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have travel insurance!

Most Inspirational Moment

As a wild flower and especially Orchid lover, the Flora was breathtaking. The unspoilt countryside, meadows and alpine regions were packed full of so many species. Swimming in Kravica waterfalls was an experience never to be forgotten. The walk towards the Rakitnica canyon,views and lunch with one of the main village families sitting out in the open is a memory that will stay with me for a long time

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alen our group leader was over and above anything I could have asked for. He was extremely knowledgeable, interesting and great fun - even his jokes!! Nothing was to much trouble for Alen and he went out of his way to make this a truly memorable holiday. One of our group unfortunately broke his leg at the end of a hike. Alen’s knowledge of making a temporary splint, staying calm and organised and still managing to make sure we were all looked after was very impressive. What a guy and a man of many talents.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do make sure you have suitable foot ware for rougher terrain. The walk down to the Rakitnica canyon was rugged in some parts and some of the cobbled streets are slippery with so much footfall especially Mostar. We made the mistake of arriving at Kotor on day one after a long journey from Dubrovnik and crossing borders etc and went out exploring immediately. This wasn’t necessary as we had a guided tour the next day. It may be a good idea to walk up the steps to St John’s Fortress for panoramic views. This needs to be done earlier or later in the day because of the heat.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sarajevo - walking its streets, visiting its museums and mosques, taking views from its hills and remembering what they were used for, sampling its food and its vibrancy. But there were other highlights such as the view over Kotor Bay, the pleasure of seeing Mostar's restored old bridge from various angles including the top of a minaret and the traversing of a spectacular mountain road only just made passable through snowdrifts.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I can only echo the plaudits given to Sabina in other reviews. She just makes you happy to be in her country/region.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The group hotel in Dubrovnik is on the outskirts of the new town and a bus (approximately hourly) is needed to get to the old town. Don't know about taxis but reception seemed to want several hours notice for a taxi to the airport. The old town is small and almost overwhelmed by visitors. Seasoned walkers may find the walks undemanding (can't speak for the walk outside Sarajevo - truncated because of the weather)