Reviews

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

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46 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Mojgan (Nariman) A

Reviewed July 2018

breathtaking scenery

I really enjoyed this trip. Both the guide (Kenan) and the assistant guide (Branko) contributed a lot to this and ensured everything was going smoothly and were listening to the group as well as the individual’s requests and tried to accommodate to those requests as much as possible.

In summary, excellent guides, very good group as well as good weather. What else could I ask for?! 😉 Good weather is important since on a rainy day the climb to the various summits would not be possible as the terrain would be too slippery and quite dangerous.

Bosnia & Herzegovina is a beautiful country with breathtaking scenery. The image of walking through the green meadows covered with variety of wild flowers and surrounded by high mountains will always stay with me and just the thought of it will give me positive energy.

Most Inspirational Moment

- Hiking through the beautiful meadows covered with varieties of wild flowers surrounded by high mountains. - Having homemade cheese and potato pie and coffee in Lukomir village made by a local lady. - Arriving at Maglic summit and looking at the breathtaking scenery all around us. - Our guide (Kenan) showing us a personal family album and telling us about his family's contribution towards preserving the national park. - The assistant guide (Branko) explaining about various plants and flowers and mushrooms.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kenan was an excellent guide in spite of being so young. He was full of energy and passionate about his country as well as the nature. His family was in Sarajevo during the siege and he shared with us their experience during that time which provided me a deeper understanding of the history of this beautiful country. The day after the summit he showed us the old family album and how his family specially his grandfather contributed to the Sutjeska national park and the summit. Hearing all these and looking at those old photos was very touching. Branko, the assistant guide was as good as Kenan. They were both lively and energetic and were good friends and both were passionate about hiking/nature/history/etc. Even though Branko is a very adventurous person and does quite dangerous activities in his personal time, when it came to us, he was very caring and considerate and was always alert and aware of our safety. What I enjoyed most about Branko was his passion for nature and the desire to share his knowledge with us. Walking alongside him, you could see his eyes were looking around and then he would point out a unique flower or plant or mushroom and tell you all about it. :)

Advice for Potential Travellers

The summit day can be demanding so ensure you are fit enough before the trip. Also there are sections where you have to use both hands and feet ;) , so once again make sure you are aware of this before you sign up.

Gina Kramer

Reviewed September 2017

Already Planning my Return with Exodus

Have you ever connected so deeply with a country, you couldn’t put it into words? That’s how I felt about Bosnia and Herzegovina. As an avid traveler, it’s one of the few places with which I felt a bond this strong. Perhaps that’s due to the nature of this tour — you get a taste of various cities across the country, experiencing different energies and landscapes along the way. The one thing that remained consistent was the beautiful people and invigorating culture. Of course, the focus of this trip is the outdoors. I was happy to see the level of difficulty exceeded my expectations; it was more hiking and climbing (and even included a surprise via ferrata route!) than scenic “strolling” which is what I had envisioned — still, it’s fit for those who only hike occasionally. Overall, the trip was a nice balance of active/offbeat adventure (the majority) and opportunities to soak up the culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

During our time in Sarajevo, before our trek to Lukomir, we hiked to that top of a mountain that played a role in the Bosnian War. Our guides were both children at the time of the war, and shared their stories with us -- not negatively, but in an inspiring, positive tone. It was something we needed to hear, from a locals' perspective, to fully grasp the past and understand the present... how it all started, what life was like during the time, how it ended and how far they've overcome and continue to grow from it. It was a powerful, emotional and beautiful moment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Eldar, was a perfect leader. He established an open foundation for communication early on, which was a nice ice breaker for the group. He's fun, humorous, caring and accommodating ... the list goes on. His assistant, Nedim, also contributed to our group's incredible experience -- they're personalities meshed really well together; by the end of the trip, we all felt like family.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring sleeping pills to knock you out the first few days -- the beginning of the trip is the most active/exhausting. You'd think all the hiking/climbing would wear you out, but a few of us actually found it to raise our adrenaline and keep us up at night!

Scott Brohinsky

Reviewed September 2016

Walking in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Great trip with outstanding hiking and informative city visits. Leader was exceptional with excellent support staff. An authentic and exhilarating hiking and cultural experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the peak of Mt. Magic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer was a knowledgeable, professional and caring leader. His knowledge of the mountains was vast and love of Bosnia was inspirational. It was a pleasure and an honor to participate with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for changing weather conditions that are likely to occur in the mountains.

David Strachan

Reviewed September 2016

Everything you want in a hiking trip and much much more!

This was my first trip to this part of the world and went with an open mind regarding the turbulent recent history of the country but what I found was a wonderfully warm, hospitable and friendly country with no hangover from the past.
The walking was truly wonderful with spectacular views wherever you looked, from the magnificent Sutjeska national park where Bosnia’s highest mountain (Maglic) resides along with some wonderful ancient forests to the mountains around Sarajevo and the visit to Bosnia’s highest inhabited village (1469m).
Walking in the Bosnian mountains really is a hidden gem and something anyone that enjoys walking should do before the world finds out about this.
The city trips of both Sarajevo and Mostar were equally a great part of the trip and both city guides were not only informative and knowledgeable but also warm, friendly and answered every question that was put to them.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting the inhabitants of the country's highest inhabited village and having lunch that they kindly prepared for us, the walk to the village was truly spectacular with stunning views wherever you looked, the friendliness and unassuming nature of the villagers was indeed inspirational as it is a tough life living off the land and I can imagine that the winters can be harsh and long!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer was a wonderful leader, his knowledge of the mountains was second to none and he looked after the group with patience and encouragement throughout, even on some of the more arduous climbs. He was more than just a leader though, he was a historian always happy to answer any question the group might have, he was an interpreter when we had problems getting out requests across to the locals and at times he was a comedian with his own brand of humour!....... if you get Samer as your guide you can be reassured that you will be in safe hands!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking is rather strenuous and a fair bit tougher than we have in the UK but it is easily done with anyone that is a regular walker and the views more than make up for the effort!

Katherine Davies

Reviewed September 2016

Variety and challenge

Apart from hiking there is a big emphasis on getting to know the history of the area, which I really appreciated. Bosnia is a beautiful and friendly country and you will enjoy getting to know it better. We found local people really keen to talk, even if we didn’t share many words. We enjoyed really perfect weather.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, by far, was the rafting. A glorious day, peaceful and a little bit different. Working as a team was fun. I enjoyed the walks and the city tours too. We enjoyed eating out in the evening with the group. The town at the top of the hill was very interesting and I enjoyed talking to the people who lived there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was good, but he failed to keep the group together sufficiently during the hikes which was unfortunate. Other Exodus leaders worked harder to be inclusive. Other than that he was very nice, enthusiastic, well organised and informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Practice walking up hills. I used a much smaller pack than suggested which was just fine. The two star hotels are adequate - however we didn't always have hot water. Coffee is really important and generally delicious.

Kevin Wallace

Reviewed July 2016

Walking in Bosnia

Fine walking in a very interesting part of Europe. Lots of turbulent history! But now peaceful and accommodating.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day on Maglic. "Entertaining" climb to the top. A very steep descent down scree to a tranquil green lake. Once at the water it really seemed like paradise. Sarajevo is a great city. Standing at the waters edge in Mostar at night. Looking up at the iconic re-built bridge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eldar and Kenan were exceptionally good Very knowledgable. Friendly. The best!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather in June was blisteringly hot. Take suitable protection.

Pam Peers

Reviewed June 2016

Superb and varied trip in beautiful mountains and historic cities

This was our first trip to the Balkans and we were amazed how much we were able to see in just over a week. The country has recovered exceptionally well from a very tumultuous recent history, and we felt inspired by the warmth and enthusiasm of all the BiH people we met. The countryside is pristine, with absolutely no pollution, and the walking very varied and interesting.

We all loved Sarejevo and Mostar, both fascinating and sophisticated cities.

Most Inspirational Moment

The entire group of 15 reached the summit of Maglic. The ascent included a challenging stretch just below the summit, including some scrambling and a short stretch of via ferrata, but with guidance and support from the guides we all managed this without difficulty. Watching Euro football matches in the open air Fanzone in central Sarejevo was a great experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eldar was brilliant at everything. It would be difficult to find anyone who knows the mountains better, he's a great team leader, all the arrangements worked like clockwork, his communication was clear and unambiguous, and he was very patient with our constant questions (as none of us spoke any of the local languages). There appeared to be no problem he couldn't solve, including repairing my sunglasses, very professionally, when the lens fell out!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get as fit as possible before you go so that you can really enjoy the superb walking on this trip. Maglic is a bit of a challenge but more than worth the effort ... Take insect repellent as the pristine, unspoilt countryside is not at all polluted by insecticides. Don't be put off by this - it's beautiful with wonderful wild flowers everywhere. BiH gets very warm - take light clothes and plenty of sunscreen.

Charlotte Lacy

Reviewed October 2015

Fantastic trip to a stunnning country!

This is another great Exodus trip which we thoroughly enjoyed. We decided to go to Bosnia on our honeymoon and it was a great decision. The country is stunningly beautiful and has so many hidden gems. The countryside is incredible and you barely see another person on the small tracks that you walk along. Each city brings a lovely contrast to the walking. They are unusual and fascinating places to visit. Definitely recommended!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights to this holiday it's hard to single anything out. All of the walks offered amazing views and each city had it's own story to tell. We had a preconceived idea of Sarajevo from the images of the war many years ago. However it is an incredible city which is so full of history and has been beautifully rebuilt. The old city is fascinating to wander around and seeing so many different cultures and religions living side by side without conflict was impressive! A must see city for anybody!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer was a fantastic leader. His passion about bringing tourism to Bosnia and allowing people to see the beauty of his country was so clear to see. He showed us around brilliantly and was a lovely man who made everyone feel valued.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep an open mind throughout the trip and be prepared for the basic accommodation in the National Park. It's completely as described as the rooms are pretty old but the views are stunning and a dip in the swimming pool nearby is a must (although it is pretty damn COLD! Be prepared for some long hours on the little bus as many of the walks can be quite far from where you're staying. Bosnian mountain roads aren't very well maintained but our driver was particularly skilled and determined at getting up them :)

Kathy Ombler

Reviewed October 2015

Walking in Bosnia-Herzegovina

A seven day walking trip starting/finishing in Dubrovnik, visiting Sutjeska National Park, Sarajevo, Neretva river canyon and Mostar. The trip encompassed a mix of strenuous and easy day walks, visiting a remote mountain village, and exploring and understanding the volatile history of the country. An overall highlight was discovering the beauty of the landscape – so many mountains, forests, lakes and rivers.
Accommodation ranged from the basic, Socialist-era style hotel in Sutjeska National Park (though perfectly comfortable and adequate), to the small, comfortable and more modern hotels in Trebinje, Sarajevo and Mostar.
Travel was in a 12 seater van, driven by the personable Gvard, from Sarajevo.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Mt Maglic, Bosnia's highest peak. Walking to and being hosted for lunch in the remote mountain village of Lukomir, near Sarajevo. Sharing the knowledge and experiences of our guides, Samer and Eldar, both in the mountains and their times as teenagers living in the Siege of Sarajevo. Learning about the complicated and volatile history.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer is one of the most inspirational trip leaders I have had the pleasure to travel with. Passionate about his country and its mountains, knowledgeable and open minded about the history, organised and professional, patient, caring, gentle and a tricky sense of humour. Co-guide Eldar also shared his love of the mountains - he is also a keen rock climber, mountain biker and part of the mountain rescue team, so we felt more than confident! Also helpful, going out of his way to show some of us find Sarajevo's specialist biking and sporting shops.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect any pillow menus - however this is five star tour for what it offers in discovering a beautiful country, still recovering from a tragic recent history.

Victoria Adnitt

Reviewed August 2015

Fascinating and rewarding holiday.

A thoroughly rewarding and fascinating insight into the rich history and geography of BH. As a trekker of limited experience but average fitness I found the walks challenging but well within my limits to complete thanks to the expert guidance given. The routes planned by our excellent guide Samer showed us the vast range of climates, ecology and history of the region-within one day we went from a Mediterranean climate to a alpine and back again! Every day was packed full and every aspect well organised. A fantastic mix of rural walking, a couple of interesting city tours and even a day of rafting. I highly recommend this trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Everyday was so different and so packed full it is hard to pick out one moment but probably reaching the summit of Maglić having beaten the looming storm!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer along with his colleague Dino was faultless as a guide. Their, humour, knowledge and enthusiasm for BH made the trip. Every aspect was planned in-depth from the treks to booking lunches/dinners for the group; we were made to feel very looked-after throughout the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for all weather. During August we arrived at the end of a lengthy heatwave but still experienced frequent showers-some heavy. If you get travel sick just be aware that some of the minibus travel is through bumpy and windy roads; most journeys about an hour via minibus to the start of the walk.

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