Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Maglic Mountain felt like a real achievement but the most moving part of the trip was seeing the evidence of the recent Balkan war and hearing some personal stories from the leaders. They brought the conflict alive in a way that is not achievable by films or the written word.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eldar was very calm and capable and he coped with every situation. He was exceptionally good at managing people and had a fun dry sense of humour. His knowledge about the history of the country added a rich dimension to the trip. Benjamin - the assistant guide was full of energy and good humour but when necessary he was supportive and patient. Both guides were very safety conscious. I have been on many group trips and they have been amongst the best leaders that I have encountered.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Day 3 is a long arduous hike - much more strenous than the other days. If you have any doubts about your ability have a rest day. Note that there is quite a lot of time spent on the bus travelling to and from the start and end of the walks and between the various overnight stops

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of Mt. Maglic after an arduous and long hike along many differing terrains. The descent was just as thrilling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eldar Fazlagic was one of the most patient and laconic guides we have spent time with. He was aware of everyone's capabilities and nuances and wisely managed the group to accommodate these points. He was informative and helpful when asked. He gave personal and interesting insights into the history of his country and the troubles that beset it during WW1 and the 1992-95 war. He gave the trip an "edge" that helped Andrew & I know we chose well in making the journey.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We did this trip when there was record heat in Eastern Europe, temps of 32-38 deg. I know this is unpredictable but another time of the year may reduce this possibility. Some of the walks are exposed and lengthy and in that heat a challenge. Listen to the guide. If his advice is that you may be better to have a day off, listen to him as day one is a good measure of a clients stamina and he goes from that. They will accommodate but if a less fit client makes the day 3 hike, it really slows the group and makes for a most difficult day. Also be aware there are lengthy trips in the bus that are necessary to get to starting and end points of day's hike. If this is not your zone, think again.

Most Inspirational Moment

Eating the pastries on a hillside in a village that time seemed to have forgotten.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent he was very good to ensure we always had a plan b as the weather let us down a few times but we were not disappointed ,

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep an open mind as your trip may need to be changed.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was interesting and moving to learn about and see evidence from the recent Balkan war and hear our guides talk about their experiences during this time. I enjoyed the scenic views of glacial lakes but due to poor weather conditions and terrain reaching the top of Maglic Mountain (Bosnia's highest peak) was not possible. Since I went for the challenge of such an opportunity this was disappointing. Rafting down the Neretva river.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders were good. They were extremely knowledgeable about their country and provided a very balanced view of its recent history. Well organised, happy to answer questions and their health and safety considerations were very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be well prepared for wet weather. Gaiters were a great investment. It is worth considering adding a couple of days before or after the trip to see a bit more of this beautiful city. It is worth considering adding a couple of days before or after the trip to see a bit more of Dubrovnik- I visited the city walls as well as taking the boat across to Lokrum island. It is also worth taking a ferry boat ride to the island of Lupad. I organised a day trip to Montenegro- visits to the Bay of Kotor for wonderful scenery and a good climb along the city walls of Kotor up to the fort is good if you like a challenge but be prepared to race down in time for the pick up time. Budva for wonderful beaches definitely worth visiting again for a longer stay.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved th Maglic Mountain Hike, walking around Mostar at sunset

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samir was a gem - one of the best leaders I've ever had. Charming, thoughtful and most importantly a great ambassador and teacher abotu his country and its history

Advice for Potential Travellers

bring some bug spray bring shoes/sandals for white water rafting

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk through the gorge near Sarajevo. the flowers were amazing, the views great and the lunch at the end in the village was really good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lorenc was really good. He was very interesting on local history and everything was really well organised.

Most Inspirational Moment

The rafting trip down the Neretva River.  This was my first experience of white water rafting and I found it exhilarating.  The Neretva canyon itself is magnificent - with plenty of rapids punctuated by really peaceful sections between vertical rock walls. The walking in the Sudjeska National Park was a wonderful experience - rocky peaks and grassy hills.  It was so quiet you almost felt that our party had the mountains to ourselves.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer was simply outstanding - the best guide I have had on any of my trips.  He is extremely knowledgeable about his country and provides a very balanced view of its recent history.  He has a great love for the mountains of Bosnia and is sure to inspire you.  He ensured that all the trip arrangements went smoothly and is an extremely patient guy - despite us probably asking the same questions several times over. During our visit to Bosnia Samer was ably assisted by Srdjan - a tower of strength, whose "Tardis" like rucksack produced flasks of hot water (tea/coffee), biscuits, fruit and all manner of nibbles to keep us going on the walking days.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind and do not expect gourmet cuisine (especially at the start of the holiday in the first two hotels).  The restaurants in Sarajevo and Mostar are very good, however, and the prices cheap. 

Most Inspirational Moment

There's a few highlights - perhaps the best was the Day 4 walk to Maglic peak. Something that I couldn't have completed without a guide. Fabulous views at all stages on the way up and the way back down!Also eating Bosnian pie cooked by one of the villagers in Lukomir - mmm lovely!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer is a great ambassador for both his country and Exodus. A fountain of knowledge on Bosnia's geography, history and culture - his commentary gave added richness to the experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take insect repellant - mosquitoes were abundant in the national park and walking poles are a must on the Maglic walk.

Most Inspirational Moment

The wild flower meadows in the Sutjeska National Park were my favourite thing, there aren't many places left like this. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer is such a nice man and a great group leader. He knows the area inside out so was able to take us on fabulously scenic walks but was also able to give us lots of interesting information about the history of his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bosnia is not the most popular holiday destination but it could be before long! Get yourself there before it gets too busy, it really is totally stunning and it isn't packed with tourists.

Most Inspirational Moment

The beauty and peace of the Sutjeska National Park and the sumit of Maglic. You feel as if you have the whole park to yourselves it is so quiet. From a cultural point of view the first drive into Sarajevo was breathtaking and the old part of the city has a fantastic atmosphere.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Samer Hajric and as I mentioned before his friendliness and enthusiasm really made this holiday one to remember.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would strongly advise that you take a walking pole even if you don't usually use them. I don't use them and had to borrow one for the decent of Maglic. Also, pack one pair of long trousers as on the first day of walking you will go through a meadow with long grass and we all suffered from mosquito bites even with the use of insect repellent.