Most Inspirational Moment
Dawn walk to 3 chimneys
Thoughts on Group Leader
Friendly informative and understood her groups abilities
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book early
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Classic Dolomites
Good itinerary on holiday
Good in Parts
The Dolomites are amazing, rugged and beautiful; no one could fail to be impressed by them. Still, it would have been better if there had been less rain, then we might have seen a bit more of them! But mountain weather is often unpredictable and not something anyone can complain about; you just have to take what comes. Anyway, best to remember to take decent rain kit.
Hotel Adler is a nice place. The superior room that my wife and I opted for was roomy and very comfortable. Houskeeping was good and the staff in the hotel were friendly. However, the food was, to say the least, undewhellming. While breakfast was fine, the food at dinner was not great. Food was, while usually edible (although a piece of raw veal I was served was not) it was too often poorly cooked. We got the impression that the kitchen was a bit stressed, probably a result of being understaffed. Indeed, the hotel as a whole seemed to be shorthanded. Service in the bar, for example ,often seemed chaotic, with bar staff running around in the morning asking guests if they had purchased such and such. My guess is that it was a little early in the season and the hotel was operating without a full complement of staff. Frankly, the food was not what one would expect on what is described as a ‘Premium’ trip. We would have preferred to eat in the Adler’s a la carte restaurant, but when we were there it was closed, although were informed by hotel staff that it would be reopening later in June.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the Dolomites and deciding we need to go back
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide, Kris, was really first class, knowledgeable and nice lad with it. Definitely a 5 star guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you want to make your journey to the Dolomites a little greener, we have learned that it is possible to fly to Munich and take the train to Villabassa. The journey goes via Franzensfeste where you need to change for Villabassa. But you may find it tricky to find trains going to Villabassa. That is because Villabassa is more commonly known to the 92% of its ethnically German residents as Niederdorf and on road signs as Niederdorf/Villabassa. (Indeed, I could not find anywhere called Villabassa on google maps although I could find Niederdorf. If only I had known they were one and the same place). Anyway, the train journey from Munich to Niederdorf takes about 5.5 hours, changing after about four hours at Franzensfeste/Fortezza.
The best Exodus Adventure I have been a part of!
I took part in this tour from May 25-June 1, 2024. We had a fantastic tour leader, Stiina, who fit in so well with our group. She looked out for us during the hikes, making sure the group was safe and together and she had a great sense of humor and bonded very well with each of us. We had to be a bit flexible with a few days of hiking due to some rainy weather, but this is to be expected in the mountains. Flexibility and trust in your tour leader is KEY! She suggested alternative walks when it would not have been safe to do the ones as planned and we were able to still see amazing mountain views and partake in walks that have not been done before! Our group was great with the flexibility as well and we even as a whole decided to switch our free day so we could walk during a nicer day and explore nearby areas on a slightly more rainy day. The Hotel Adler is also fabulous! The staff are very attentive and go the extra mile for the guests. The rooms are beautiful, comfortable and clean. The spa was such a nice thing to come back to at the end of each hiking day as well. The food was phenomenal the entire week and they did an amazing job to cater to different food restrictions such as gluten free, vegetarian and vegan! We had two groups doing this tour during the same week and the leaders did a fantastic job to not make us feel like we were part of an overall large group. The other tour leader, Kris, was also fantastic and it was so nice at the end of the day to recoup with the other group members during dinner and chat about what they did and saw that day. Fantastic trip, great leaders, amazing hotel and the food will not disappoint!
Most Inspirational Moment
Summiting on our second hiking day and seeing the most amazing mountain views I have ever seen!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Stiina was top notch, 10/10!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring waterproofs as the weather can change at any moment and always better to be prepared. Many walking poles are available to borrow at the hotel and I do suggest using them, especially if concerns with joints on downhills. Be flexible! This is so important as you will never have a bad day of hiking, even if not exactly to the trip notes.
I'll Be Back
I have heard about the Dolomites for years. I wasn’t prepared for how majestic they were. They are unique and a must see for any hiker.
Most Inspirational Moment
Waking up everyday to sunshine and knowing that each hike was going be special. Here it was the second week of October and hiking in shorts and a short sleeve shirt. Six weeks earlier I had done the Tour Du Mont Blanc in rain and snow. How exhilarating to actually see mountains at their finest.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had 24 hikers and 2 guides--that was a first for me on an Exodus trip. It turned out to be a great idea. Our leaders--Jeff Oonk and Jenny Smith--on a daily basis put together 2 separate hikes that offered us an option of scenery and challenge. We would meet up somewhere on the trail and finish out the day together. They put a lot of thought and effort into planning our hikes and it was great to have a choice depending on your hiking mood for the day. They were some of the best leaders I have ever walked with.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I totally agree with my fellow walker, Mala, and her comments. It is a 3+ hike and more so if the trail became wet or muddy. The trails we were on had a lot of up and down portions plus loose scree and slabs of rocks. Poles were a must and if need be could be borrowed from the hotel. Having the right boot and sock combination is always a must. Your feet have to be toughened up for these kind of trips--more blisters than I have ever witnessed.
Amazing in every way!
Great trip, hugely helped by weather in first week of October (blue skies. mid 20s with hardly any clouds!); stunning picture perfect scenery, great guides and group.
Most Inspirational Moment
I don't think I can find 1 moment ! I was really happy to be there all the time and to be able to complete the walks.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had 2 - Jeff and Jenny. Both amazing. Jeff is very inspirational and his knowledge of nature and his willingness to impart this to us is special. Both guides were very caring and motivational...they helped the group members a lot in various ways eg best techniques with poles, after falls (yes we had some) and how to overcome fear or just complete the walk at your own pace.
Advice for Potential Travellers
- it's a 3 walk but more like 3+ really so be prepared for some fairly steep ascents in sections; (and descents with loose scree). -having all the gear helps especially poles and sun hat/cap and also a bladder plus a bottle as many of the walks don't have the facility to refill. -definitely visit the museums in Brunech on day off. So worth it.
Wonderful walking in the spectacular Dolomites!
We thoroughly enjoyed this trip! Beautiful scenery, great variety of walks, lovely hotel, great, knowledgeable leader and a lovely group to share the experience with!
Most Inspirational Moment
We loved the early morning sunrise walk to the Tres Cimes de Lavaredo - walking in the moonlight was magical. We had the place to ourselves and could watch as the sunlight transformed the landscape - thank you Jeff for suggesting and organising this! It also meant that as most people were making their way up, we were on our way down! We also really enjoyed the climb up Mount Piana and wondering around the remains of the WW1 trenches - spectacular!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jeff was a wonderful leader. Helpful, enthusiastic, kind, organised and willing to share his knowledge. He was always willing to go that extra mile!
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you have a reasonable level of fitness - go on this tour! Take some walking poles - I found them a great help. Take lots of layers as the weather is always changing!
Wonderful trip
A wonderful walking holiday in arguably the most stunning mountain range in Europe. Despite some mixed weather, the range and quality of walks was excellent. The base hotel is excellent, with very good facilities, including small gym, pool, sauna and steam rooms. All staff are friendly, helpful and welcoming. The restaurant provides good quality food generally but less so for vegetarians. Rooms are very clean and comfortable.
Most Inspirational Moment
The dawn walk to Tre Cime - simply stunning!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jef is outstanding. He shares his knowledge of the area and environment and his enthusiasm is infectious. He is extremely well organised and provides excellent support and guidance to the group as a whole and very sensitively to individuals which was greatly appreciated. He is very approachable and sociable and certainly helped our group to simply focus on enjoying our holiday in good company.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you enjoy walking in spectacular mountains then just book, you won't be disappointed. Remember the weather in the mountains can be very varied. We travelled in August and the weather ranged from warm and sunny in the valley to very cold up the mountains. Take full waterproofs, plenty of layers and hat and gloves - you may need them all! Take swimwear for the excellent pool, sauna, steam rooms etc in the hotel. If your guide offers you the opportunity to go on a dawn walk to Tre Cime, do it! One of the most spectacular and memorable walks I have ever been on. Certainly worth the early start.
Another great Exodus trip
A great holiday. Stunning scenery, great hikes and an excellent leader. The spa at the end of the day is a great place to relax.
Most Inspirational Moment
The sunrise walk to the Tre Cime (Drei Zinnen) - one of the best hikes I’ve ever done. It was well worth getting up very early to start walking at 4.45am. We had the benefit of the full moon and didn’t need to use torches as we began walking under the Tre Cime. We reached the saddle and the Tre Cime hut before sunrise and then settled down and watched as the day’s first rays of sunlight hit the top of the peaks. An absolutely magical moment. One of the other benefits was that we were at this iconic area before the crowds arrived. As we descended, the rest of the hiking world were climbing up. Thank you Jeff for proposing this.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jeff was an excellent leader. His briefings were clear and he commanded respect from the group. I felt safe hiking with him and felt he would be able to deal with any eventuality. He bonded well with the group and had a good sense of humour. He was passionate and very knowledgable about the natural world. He imparted his knowledge in an interesting and enthusiastic way.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take your swimming stuff so you can use the spa. Even if you don’t feel like swimming you can relax in the sauna or steam room at the end of the day. Consider hiring bikes on the free day. It was our first experience of e-bikes. They were great on the 20 mile, traffic free cycle route to Cortina. If you want to get some exercise use ‘eco’ up the hills, if you want a more relaxing experience put it into ‘turbo’. Take plenty of layers and hats and gloves. It can get cold when you stop at the top of the mountains even in summer. If you get offered the sunrise walk - go for it!
Wonderful holiday
Great walks, spectacular views, wonderful company, enjoyable food, fine wine, exceptional leader, all the ingredients for a memorable break.
Most Inspirational Moment
Nothing specific, just a thoroughly enjoyable experience
Thoughts on Group Leader
Exceptional
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get on and book that adventure, you wont be disappointed.
Amazing trip and guide
A truly amazing week in Italy. Our guide, Jeff, was extremely knowlegable and made sure that any issues or concenrs we had, were resolved. The planned walks each day were perfectly suited to the group and jeff was able to switch the areas we walked, depending on the weather. I’d recommend this tour to anyone who would like to enjoy walking in the Dolomites, see the best parts and stay at a very nice hotel with excellent food.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking early on a day to see the sunrise over the Three Chimneys
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jeff was an excellent leader. He was able to answer all our questions, either about the area or ecology or historical references and nothing was too much bother.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take waterproofs as the weather can change quickly. It's worth hiring bikes on a day off and use the excellent cycle paths to visit nearby towns.