Reviews

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

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75 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed July 2013

MONTENEGRO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

My first experience of an Exodus holiday proved to be inspirational. So much beauty; so much to learn; I didn’t want it to end.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Gulf of Kotor takes your breath away and the city itself, with its ancient battlements, was awe inspiring.Walking round the Black Lake, surrounded by glorious mountains, was impressive.Driving alongside the River Piva on the way over to Bosnia was incredible. The wooded mountains, the deep green river and the miles and miles of Alpine meadows covered in flowers with not a soul around. What a contrast to our own overpopulated country. Learning about the siege of Sarajevo; so poignent when we realised that our guide, Anaid, had been imprisoned at that time. And the contrast between the old city and the more modern part. And the beautiful Venetian cafe where we indulged in amazing coffee and cakes. And climbing up at evening to witness the mortor which was fired to mark the end of that day's fast; then all the lights came on on the minarets and the people round us shared their Rhamadam bread and Turkish delight with us.The day at Lukomir. Wild roses and many other flowers grew alongside the canyon where we walked and had a picnic supplied by Anaid's mother. I'm not exactly young,and I found it fairly tough going, but I loved every minute of it.The Kravice Waterfalls: We swam in the clear, refreshing lake below the falls and thought nothing could get better than this!Fresh trout at the restaurant at the source of the Briva River, opposite a beautiful monastery. The river water was crystal clear and lovely to drink.And finally, back to Dubrovnik, to the Old City . I wish we had had time to walk round the walls ; we had to choose between that and a swim in the Adriatic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anaid made our holiday special. He is a historian and even the extremely complex history and politics of the Balkans came alive as he explained it.He was well organised and very personable and chatty; a good combination.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not a strenuous holiday, though there's a lot of fairly hairy travelling. A good job our driver was so careful and reliable.Be prepared to soak up all the information about an area which is unfamiliar to most of us. Enjoy the remoteness and the amazing terrain.

Reviewed July 2013

MONTENEGRO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

Really interesting trip to two beautiful countries.

Most Inspirational Moment

I picked this trip because I thought it sounded really interesting, and it was. To be honest I'd only really heard of Sarajevo and Mostar before I went, and that was because of the war, but there's so much more to the countries than this recent conflict, the scars of which can still be seen in those cities. We saw some beautiful towns, scenery, mosques and museums. Swimming in the waterfall pool at Kravica was definitely a highlight, it's pretty cold but when will you ever get the chance to do that again?! Watching the brave/crazy guys jumping from the bridge in Mostar is something to behold! The lunches with the local families in Lukomir and Zabljak were also a highlight and something you don't get on many holidays. Plus the food was delicious. We also had some amazing thunderstorms in the mountains, which made us feel less guilty about spending our free afternoon watching Andy Murray win Wimbledon! Oh and it's fun to get the local buses and trams in Sarajevo and Dubrovnik.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anaid was great. He always seemed to have things under control - if there were any organisational problems I didn't see them. This is definitely the right job for him, he's very chatty and outgoing, and knowledgeable about the countries' current conditions, and recent and older history. It was also very moving and interesting to hear about his and his family's experiences during the recent Balkan Wars. Our driver Suleyman was great, getting the minibus safely up and down some twisty mountain roads.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take euros from the start. If you arrive, as we did, on the flight that gets in at lunchtime you are likely to go to a restaurant in Bosnia for lunch before departing for Kotor; this restaurant we went to takes euros. You can spend euros in some parts of Bosnia as well as Montenegro, apart from in Sarajevo where it's banned. For the walks, you can do them in good trainers, boots aren't really needed. And take a cagool - see thunderstorms comment! Also do take a water bottle - the tap water is drinkable. We got into Dubrovnik at about 4pm on the Saturday and a couple of us went off straight away to walk round the walls and old town before dinner, as the walls closed at 7.30pm. I'd definitely recommend that as there's not much time in the morning before you have to leave for the airport. You spend two nights everywhere except Sarajevo (3) and Dubrovnik (1) so there's time to settle and the hotels are good, especially the Hotel Bristol in Sarajevo!

Reviewed June 2013

MONTENEGRO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

In our opinion this trip far exceeded expectations in terms of the geography, daily experiences, cultural and historical insights and overall quality of guiding services.

We highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to learn about this amazing part of our world.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several quite inspirational points of our trip. These would include touring the old cities in Budva, Montenegro; Sarajevo and Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina; and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Each place had its own unique character and history, but for emotional impact Sarajevo would be at the top of the list.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our trip leader, Lorenc, was informative, patient, and willing to answer our questions about any topic, whether it was related to our adventure or of a more personal nature. He always made certain that we were well-informed, engaged in our activities and, most of all, safe in what we did. It's always the little things, the unplanned or spontaneous happenings that make any trip memorable, and Lorenc certainly excelled on all counts!

Advice for Potential Travellers

GO! But be sure to plan an extra day or more in Dubrovnik, as this trip does not include much time there. We went early and booked a local guide for a tour of the old city. Be sure to pay extra to walk around the wall of the old city, and take the gondola to the ancient fort atop the hill for an amazing view.

Reviewed June 2013

MONTENEGRO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

This was our first holiday with exodus and it was excellent. The tour was interesting, the tour leader did his best to ensure all our questions were answered and went the “extra mile” to ensure we were satisfied. It was so good we now need to consider what exodus tour we do next.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational part of the trip for us was visiting Sarajevo, our knowledge of Bosnian history was not very extensive, we now have a far greater understanding. The culture is interesting, the buildings in the old town are fascinating and it seems a friendly place. The visit to the war tunnel museum is something not to be missed. There were many things we enjoyed, the lunch with the farmers family was great, the walk by the river to the suspension bridge followed by lunch in a restaurant by the river. Kotor was great and the boat trip back to town enjoyable. The walk to the gorge was refreshing on the way down and hard work on the way back, but the lunch prepared by the family was eaten "al fresco" on a log on the grass behind their home - a great memory. The waterfalls were also really good and the tour leader got us there before anyone else so we had an uninterrupted view.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Laurence (Lorenc) was great, he welcomed us at the airport and tirelessly dealt with our needs, always answering questions and nothing was too much trouble. He always arranged restaurants at lunch and dinner (our expense) and they were always authentic or in a good location for a viewpoint, the view of Mostar bridge in the evening was particularly good. He was knowledgeable and helpful, he did extra things at his own expense e.g. sweets or fruit and gave them to All of us. When we did the arranged walks (two) he carried a large rucksack so that at the stops we had tea or coffee and something to eat. He went what I would call the extra mile, as an example he lives in Sarajevo and it would have been reasonable for him to leave us at the end of the day at our hotel, however he didn't, he arranged the restaurants and went with us on all three nights, returning to his family late in the evening. His English was excellent and his sense of humour was very very good, he made a big difference to the success of the holiday Our driver Suleman, was also really good, he didn't speak English but we conversed and he always made sure we were safe and our luggage was on board.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went in May as we wanted to experience the spring flowers and full waterfalls following the spring / winter rain, we didn't however anticipate torrential rain. It didn't rain all the item but at some point each day (except for the last day in Dubrovnik) it rained, I would recommend that anyone travelling in May/ June takes waterproof jacket and trousers. The hotels are not of a high standard, the rooms can be small and on some occasions we didn't have a wardrobe. When we did have a wardrobe on some occasions we then didn't have coathangers. Sometimes there are no sink plugs and the towels may be worn and small. Don't expect UK standards and you will be OK, just smile and use it as an experience.

Reviewed June 2013

MONTENEGRO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

A great varied trip with beautiful scenery and fascinating history, led by a wondeful leader in Lorenc. As expected there were many tourist groups in Kotor, Mostar and Dubrovnik. I would have loved an extra day or a bit more spare time in the mountains to perhaps do a proper hike.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me Sarajevo and Mostar having just read a history of the Balkans. I could have spent weeks happily sitting in the old town of Sarajevo watching the world go by. The scars of recent history are everywhere and the visit to the tunnel was compelling as was the short video presentation in Mostar on the destruction of the bridge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lorec was superb, as was Suleiman the driver. He simply couldn't have done more.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I've seen comments along the lines of 'why did Exodus tell us to take warm clothes when we never needed them?' Well the weather, particularly in May and June is very changeable in the mountains...we had brilliant sunshine, hot days, cold days, hail and the most ridiculous rainstorm when we were walking around Cetinje.

Reviewed January 2013

MONTENEGRO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

A great trip discovering the variety and beauty of areas off the typical tourist map.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Sarajevo tunnel museum was very moving, the visit to the remote village of Lukomir was really interesting, and the views and landscapes were truly beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anaid and Damir were great, very approachable and friendly with great knowledge of the cultures and places we were visiting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a lot packed in to the trip, but make sure you use the free time to go for a wander, or a swim. Make the most of all the places you visit and try the local specialities!

Reviewed January 2013

MONTENEGRO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

Overall a great holiday, with lots of variety. Beautiful scenery in Montegro and Bosnia, and visits to the fascinating cities of Sarajevo, Mostar and Dubrovnik.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the visit to Lukomir and the walk there. Incredible scenery!The visits to the tunnel museum in Sarajevo and the exhibition about the bridge in Mostar were very moving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anaid was brilliant. His knowledge about everywhere we went was incredible. He fitted in well with the group and made every effort to accommodate what people in the group wanted to do.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are wary about visiting Bosnia, don't be. It is is a beautiful country, and Sarajevo is a lovely city to spend some time in.All of the walks on the trip are fairly easy, you don't really need walking boots, trainers are fine.You really don't have much time in Dubrovnik. Our group didn't plan to go in to town until the evening, however a few of us booked a taxi and went in earlier in the afternoon, which gave us time to walk around the city walls.

Reviewed October 2012

MONTENEGRO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

A nicely varied trip. Some lovely country side with a few moderate walks, many historical sights, both ancient and relating to the more recent conflicts. A great deal of restoration certainly, but of a very acceptable quality. A good balance of touring and free time.

Most Inspirational Moment

I was trying to get a better understanding of the recent troubles, so found Sarejevo and Mostar very interesting as well as quite exquisitly beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anaid was terrific, but this was his last trip as he is leaving Exodus for pastures new. Hope you get someone as competent and friendly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You really have very little time in Croatia - just one evening in Dubrovnik. One of our group was far-sighted enough to book a few extra nights there independantly and I wish I'd done the same. We had a couple with us who had spent some time there and thought it wonderful. If you have the time I would strongly recommend doing the same.

Reviewed September 2012

MONTENEGRO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

A very enjoyable trip in beautiful surroundings. A good mixture of culture, walking, cities and countryside.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many; the one that has stuck with me most was hearing how the siege of Sarajevo effected our guides and their families personally.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable, warm and friendly. Anaid in particular deserves a special mention.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a fascinating part of Europe that is well worth a visit.

Reviewed September 2012

MONTENEGRO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

A very well organised trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Podgora village trip and lunch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledeable and competent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Vegetarian meals are scarce please carry something to eat.

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