Classic Dolomites

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

• 

  Boyd Taylor

  CLASSIC DOLOMITES

  

  Written September 2012

  The scenery was even more spectacular than we expected. Villabassa is a good base with every amenity on the doorstep. It is a very picturesque and friendly town. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The Three Chimneys walk and the ascent up Monte Piana both provided amazing awe-inspiring views. The archeological features relating to World War 1 were also very fascinating and surprising.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Karl was a very friendly, sociable, and amusing leader and ensured we were all well informed. He also went at a pace allowing us to enjoy the many varied views and to take photographs. He clearly wanted us to enjoy our time there to the full.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't forget your camera!!!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The group flight arrived far too late at night (11.00pm) and was followed by a 2.5 hour coach trip to the hotel, arriving there at 2.30 am. It meant that Karl had to cover reception duties at the hotel and there was no opportunity to have a refreshing drink before flopping into bed! Even Karl was tired the following morning. The first day (i.e. the travel day) is therefore a total write off!

  We circumvented this as we travelled from Manchester in the morning rather than Gatwick in the evening and had a pleasant day in Venice whilst awaiting the group flight, although this did incur extra costs for left luggage at the airport. If Exodus arranged earlier flights the holiday would have an extra boost with time to spend in Venice or a pleasant afternoon / early evening in Villabassa.

   
• 

  John Midgley

  CLASSIC DOLOMITES

  

  Written September 2012

  Great friendly hotel, super but not too demanding walks in great mountain country led by a knowledable and competant guide with a sense of humour.  Pity it only lasted a week! 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Tre Cime & Monte Piano walks.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Karl was more like another group member, only one who knew the way!  Kept the group entertained with fact and fiction.  The skill was to distinguish between the two!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Poles & stout boots are very useful.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Some walks ended with a downhill forest/road walk that could be avoided making the walks less strenuous than the notes imply and easier on the knees of the aged.

  Some reviews refer to noisy bells near the hotel - don't be put off - we were at the back of the hotel and hardly heard them

   
• 

  Claire Walker

  CLASSIC DOLOMITES

  

  Written September 2012

  A brilliant way to spend a weeks annual leave, amazing scenery, fantastic food (and drink) and good company 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Getting to the top of Mount Piano - worth the effort.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Karl was very informative of the local area and was always on hand to answer questions and arrange things.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't forget the Radox (that's if you have a bath in your room)!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This was my first Exodus and group trip that i have gone and it is one of my best holidays.  The company was top notch and made the holiday even better

   
• 

  Matthew Probert

  CLASSIC DOLOMITES

  

  Written September 2012

  Overall, an excellent trip. Highly recommended.   

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The walk around the 'three chimneys' was one of the best one days walks I've done - beautiful weather, rugged walking and great scenery.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Karl was great - very knowledgeable and with a dry sense of humour. One of the best Exodus leaders I've encountered.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  I did a 'C' grade week.  I'd say it was on the easy side of C grading, so not too difficult.

  Flight timings are just silly - you end up arriving at the hotel around 2.30am (or later if the flight is delayed) and don't return to Gatwick until after midnight.  This means the first day is spent bleary eyed and you get an extra rest day on the last day before heading to the airport in the early evening.

   
• 

  Megan Lindsay

  CLASSIC DOLOMITES

  

  Written August 2012

  This walking tour surpassed all my expectations.  Apart from the spectacular scenery of the area, the whole trip was professionally arranged and caried out.  Our leader, Karl, was just brilliant and really made it for us all.  I would rate this trip as right up there and would love to see it all again in snow!  Thanks guys :)The hotel was second to none  

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Every day, we challenged ourselves to go higher and see more spectacuar sights.  Every day we had awesome picnics in stunning surrounds.  We walked hard but very doable, to get up t the peaks and then drink it all in!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Karl was brilliant - he is just one with the whole area and his quiet confidence was very reassuring and inspiring.  

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  It was sunny and rainy everyday - so take your raincoat and a good walking shoes with ankle suppot.  

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I'm converted to exodus! Love to do more with you!

   
• 

  Peter Louis

  CLASSIC DOLOMITES

  

  Written June 2012

  Villabassa is situated in a most beautiful valley in the Dolomites. In early June the flowing streams, the spring flowers  butterflies and insects completed the picture witih the snow topped peaks 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  We had a most wonderful day of full sunshine when we climbed the Strudlekopt. The visibility was good and the views around were stunning.
  

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Karl knew the ropes and instilled confidence. He also had stories to tell. He joined us each evening at the communal dinner. His advice was much appreciated.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Do take clothing for all weathers. We were unfortunately walking one day in rain and sleet at high levels so invest in a few fleece layers and gloves.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The holel Adler was exceptional for hospitality, facilities and food.

   
• 

  Kieran Arthur

  CLASSIC DOLOMITES

  

  Written June 2012

  Really enjoyable week in the Dolomites.  Nice hotel (ok rooms, lovely pool and spa, superb food and wine), great company and walking (C-grade week) that ranged from above average to outstanding. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Highlights:-

  The final day walk around the Tre Cime Di Lavaredo - probably the nicest walk I've ever done!  Fantastic scenery in the background, 3 or 4 different valleys so scenery constantly changing, close ups of marmots, a small peak, stop at a mountain hut, rock tunnels, mini-lakes, everything.  Climbs of Monte Piano and Durrenstein were also pretty special.

  The food at the hotel ranged from good to exceptional.  The home made ravioli filled with soft cheeses, and the goats cheese strudel with strawberry sauce were phenomenal (and I'm not normally a huge cheese fan).

   Hotel pool / spa area was great for unwinding after a long day in the hills.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Karl was a very good group leader.  Obviously experienced in the mountains, got on well with everyone in the group, and had a very dry sense of humour.  Managed to tailor each day of walking to accommodate all the different levels of ability in our group very well, while ensuring everyone's safety.  Built good relationships with the hotel / mountain huts we visited.  Tweaked the itinerary slightly (we did the same walks as in the trip notes but in a different order) which I thought worked well.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  'Official' flights were at awkward times, especially for anyone not based around London.  Would recommend investigating flights of your own, and then making your own way to the hotel.  I flew from Edinburgh direct to Verona, then took a bus to the middle of the Verona, and then the train north to Villabassa - hotel was only 100 yards from the station.  It's not that difficult to do (www.trenitalia.com gives all the train times) and saved me the hassle of changing plane / staying overnight in Gatwick on the way home (plus the environmental impact of taking another flight).   

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Only slight criticism was of the 2nd days walking (Kreutzberg pass).  Would suggest that the ascent is lengthened, allowing extended time to visit the Austrian border and/or climb a peak; and also shorten the descent we took (as this was through a forest and a little disappointing).  Otherwise, walking was very good indeed.

   

1 | 2 | 3 | 4