Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast

Most Inspirational Moment

Learning about the history of the country, from Ivan and the 2 local guides

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ivan, our guide was absolutely superb and so informative in the history of his country. His patience, assistance and management of such a large group was off the scale. He also had a great sense of humour and appeared to enjoy our company individually as well as the group as a whole. On some of the more tricky walks, he always made sure myself and others were OK and helped where needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hotels do not have lifts, so be prepared for hiking your case up a few flights of stairs. Almost everywhere is accessed by countless steps and some of the terrain had large boulders to manoeuvre. The pavements in Dubrovnik are polished limestone and are slippery if you don't wear shoes/sandals with grippy soles. We were very luck with the weather and only had sun, but they would be lethal if raining.

Suggestions

Just GO!

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed visiting Dubrovnik and hearing about its history, walking the walls in Dubrovnik is a must.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ivan the group leader was brilliant, really well organised and super helpful to all of us in the group. Arranging great places to eat and unique experiences along the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack some beach shoes as some of the beaches can be made up of sharp stones.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tough to choose just one but the day on Mljet island hiking to the Peak and the beautiful views was special particularly as I got to swim in the small lake at the end of the walk its stunning and very refreshing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vanja was great she had a knack for organising us and yet allowing us all space to do our own thing. She picked great restaurants and I actually looked forward to activities with the group. She’s one of the best tour leaders I’ve experienced with Exodus in a while and good fun to boot. We loved that she set up a WhatsApp group so we could send messages and pictures we had taken to each other. Vanja took several group photos and very generously gave us a copy at the end. She’s a credit to Exodus and Croatia !!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a pair of sandals or reef shoes for swimming in the sea or lakes as the water is crystal clear and so inviting but the ground is stony. Also have a good budget for eating out. The food in Croatia is delicious but it comes at a fair cost. The Exodus budget of £50 a day was about right I personally spent more!

Suggestions

I would have liked more time in Split. Dalmatian’s Palace takes time to explore and we only had 3 hours including lunch before we had to leave on the ferry.

Most Inspirational Moment

Mljet Island; walk to the peak of Montokuc. Beautiful island with its internal 'lakes' and pines. The climb was not difficult (256m) with steeper sections interspersed with level ones. Lovely views at the top. We did one leg of the journey by boat on the lake, stopping briefly on an island with a monastery. With the walk around the small and big lake + the climb approx. 8.5 miles - a good leg stretch without being overly demanding. Those who didn't want to climb had the option of remaining at the lakeside for an afternoon's swimming.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ivan was a warm, friendly and organized leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Dubrovnik card is not necessary. The city tour includes a couple of museum visits and we were then given a museum pass to use during the rest of our stay. The entry ticket for the (optional) walk around the walls also includes the fort, which can be visited that day or the next. Steps are definitely a feature of this coastline - even within the hotels. For anyone with knee problems, a stick or walking pole might be helpful. Mussels and oysters are specialties along the coast, but I found both overly salty. But the langoustines (scampi) at the More restaurant on Korcula were delicious. Because the coast is steep and rocky, there are few sand beaches and entry into the water for a swim can be hard on the feet/ slippy. Protective shoes are available for sale, or if you have some, bring them.

Suggestions

There is also a darker side to the history of this region. A map in Dubrovnik shows the damage caused by the war with Serbia etc. and the bright red of newer roof tiles stands out as you walk around the walls. The small Jewish synagogue and museum are worth a visit.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking tour of Dubrovnik, which included the Franciscan Monastery and the Rector's Palace, was excellent, I could have spent a lot longer learning about the history of the city.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zeljko was an excellent leader. He was patient and knowledgable, and always had time to help members of the group. He was well-organised without being dictatorial, and his hard work was a major factor in making the holiday a success.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's worth taking swimwear, Hotel Borik in Lumbarda on Korcula has a nice outdoor pool, and the Hotel Splendid in Dubrovnik has a beach on the Adriatic you can swim from.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walks along the sea

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very personable and involved. Went the extra step.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Compared to other Balkan countries, this is a pricey area. Prepare for crowds. I’d go off season, but then swimming in the sea would be challenging. Croatia is certainly ready for the tourist

Suggestions

B

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved the buildings in Dubrovnik being a craftsman I really enjoyed some of the stone work

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Sanja was fantastic ,very good at her job and always smiling .i would also like to single out the tour guide we had in Dubrovnik, Antia was excellent she was very informative but also entertaining and funny ,the two hour walk round flew by .

Advice for Potential Travellers

The food in Croatia is great but if you are vegetarian and don't eat fish you will struggle also the trip notes state there is filter water supplied ,this is not the case but we were assured the tap water was safe to drink so we all did with no ill effects .There are no kettles in hotel rooms in Croatia so if you want tea in bed bring a kettle and bring a good insect repellent for Korcula they really liked the taste of me.

Suggestions

No very early starts on this trip ,730 am was the earliest

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment for me as a someone who is not the fittest was completing the epic walk to see the fantastic panoramic views at Mljet National Park and then having a splash in the water after.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Dino who was always friendly, approachable and took the responsibility of leading a full group very well. The city tours we had were informative and I appreciated the Dubrovnik tour guide (Anthea?) always looking for places in the shade.

Advice for Potential Travellers

On this trip the notes were misleading - water is not provided. Start walking especially if your not used to walking especially fast paced, lots of steps, uphill walking in the heat. But the views, ice cream and swim make it worthwhile. Do bring swim wear. If you do walk the walls in Dubrovnik and you want to miss the cruise crowds go after 13.30

Suggestions

The trip has an optional day trip to Mostar - please consider this. To anyone who is interested in this holiday I would say as an introduction to Croatia book it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The walls of Dubrovnik, and Ston...and Mjlet

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great. Dino did everything possible to make the trip what we wanted it to be. His first trip too, our group will be forever emblazoned across his memory!

Advice for Potential Travellers

OK, see above re walking poles and trainers.

Suggestions

I would have liked a little more information during our walks about the history, flora and fauna...what were those abandoned enclosure walls on Korkula? What is this plant? That's being super picky, it was a great trip.