Walking In The Western Dolomites: Italy Trekking Holiday

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...

Average Review Rating: from 11 reviews.

Moira Calderwood

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

Written September 2011
Walking, accommodation (especially the food) and leaders all excellent - BUT Exodus really shouldn't run the trip as late as mid-September - the winter timetable had started a week earlier so some cable cars weren't running, and unexpected heavy snow led to others being shut down - because of this the leaders had to work very hard to find alternative walks and it is to their great credit that they managed to do so.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Walking in deep snow in September....! The views (once it stopped raining and snowing) were amazing!
What did you think of your group leader?
Both were excellent - and they both willingly gave up their free day to take us on walks
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Great trip but don't go later than the first week in September as both cable cars and huts are shutting down - and I don't think it's fair of Exodus to run the trip then and put extra pressure on leaders
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The food in Arnica is fantastic!
John Turnbull

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

Written September 2011
Breathtaking scenery, two excellent leaders, delicious food - what more can you want? Except maybe not getting deep snow in September!
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Coming up to a pass after an exhausting steep climb and seeing the most stupendous array of mountains all around (this actually happened more than once!)
What did you think of your group leader?
Both B and C group leaders (Jem and Albert) were magnificent. They had to cope with lots of unexpected problems - standing in at short notice for Eric who was injured, devising new walks that could be done safely after the heavy snowfall, coping with early closure of cable cars. They not only gave us a wonderful selection of walks despite everything, they both gave up their free day to take us out once the snow stopped. What can you say?
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be aware the weather can be changeable - make sure you have good waterproofs and adequate warm clothing (but shorts and t-shirts as well). Also, if you do the C grade, be prepared for some scrambling and some narrow ridges.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you haven't been to the Dolomites yet, you must go, they are wonderful mountains. And the food at Hotel Arnica is worth going for by itself!
Kate Lloyd

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

Written July 2011
This trip was the perfect combination for me - great scenery, varied walks, excellent hotel, amazing food and a great group of people. Eric led the group B walks and he was the perfect leader.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Drawing the curtains back on the first morning, having arrived in rain and darkness the night before, and seeing the beautiful mountains!
Seeing the incredible views after a slog up a steep slope!
The wild flowers. They were so abundant and beautiful.
Swimming and relaxing in the steam room before dinner - what luxury!
What did you think of your group leader?
Eric was relaxed but in control, which is no mean feat when you have a group of 17 or so. He briefed us about the next day's walk every evening. He had alternatives in case of bad weather.
We had a storm after lunch one day and Eric changed the route so that we got down as fast as possible. Then the bus didn't arrive so he arranged a taxi for us all while we waited in a cafe. He was a great group leader and I'm sure he could handle anything.
He knew lots about the area, plants, etc too. He was a lovely, knowledgable, good humoured guide.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Believe the trip notes when it says take a warm hat and gloves. It was late June and the weather on the last few days was variable. We got caught in a storm and it hailed. I was very glad of my hat, gloves and waterproof trousers!
I had a hydration system and everyone envied it.
Take a walking pole (or two). I'd never used one before and I was glad of it on the gravelly slopes, some of which are quite steep.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
An amazing trip! Fields full of flowers, beautiful mountains, glacial rivers, amazing views, friendly hotel staff who remembered my name after I told them once, delicious 5 course dinners, croissant-eating donkeys, lots of banter, the wonderful spa... I'd have stayed forever!
Soraga is quite small and relatively untouristy compared to other towns we saw. The hotel is away from the main road and I liked the location, next to a small church and older buildings. I found it interesting that the architecture is very Austrian/German and these influences were also reflected in the food. Pasta, knodel, goulash and plenty of ice cream!
We used the bus and ski lifts every day except the first. It was great to be up in the mountains already and then walk even higher up.
Jane Byrne

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

Written July 2011
A fantastic area, the scenery was breathtaking and the hotel was excellent. Using cable cars and gondolas to gain height means that most of the walking has tremendous views. Underfoot the wildflowers are beautiful and there are marmots and chamois to see. At the end of the day the spa area of the hotel was well used. Hotel food was excellent with several unusual dishes and a scrumptious gala evening which was a real treat
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
1 Seeing a chamois crossing the path not 20 ft away
2 Getting to the top of one of the highest peaks at almost 10000 ft on the free day (mainly by amazing cable car)
3 Managing to complete a section to the time specified on the signpost
4 As ever on an Exodus tripp meeting like minded people and having a great time getting to know them
What did you think of your group leader?
Eric was a very good leader - lots of knowledge about the area including the rocks, flowers etc. The routes were chosen to make the most of poor weather forecasts although it turned out the forecasts were unduly pessimistic. He has a good sense of humour and the knack of creating a happy atmosphere in the group
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure to take a swimsuit to take advantage of the hotel spa area. On the free day a good choice is to take the cable cars to the top of Sass Podoi from where the view is incredible and the mountain hut does the usual excellent lunch. I did find the altitude affected me, I had not been this high before and the walking made me more breathless than normal. People more accustomed to heights did not experience this.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I like the holidays with two grades of walk, I think this is especially good for couples where one is stronger than the other and also it enables you to book with confidence that the correct grade can be chosen in the resort. I had previously done a C walk on a different holiday, on this trip I was only able to manage the B grade, I think this was mainly due to the altitude which did affect me. Do not be put off however, this is a fantastic trip to an amazing place.
Michael Child

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

Written June 2011
A really great holiday with varied scenary which was fantastic. A great area for walking.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The fantastic views from the summits and passes in the mountains.
What did you think of your group leader?
Albert was a fantastic group c leader. He took account of weather conditions to plan the best walk for each day with alternatives if weather conditions dictated.
Every day was a great walk with different scenary and fantastic wild flowers and several marmot sitings.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We really enjoyed the walking in this area and the hotel was great. We really enjoyed the food and used the pool and leisure facilities each evening which were great after a hard days walking
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We had a really great weeks walking.
Susannah McCowan

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

Written June 2011
A fab trip - amazing scenery, great company, lovely food, hotel and spa and a very enthusiastic and capable guide (Eric)
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It felt good to get to 'the top' on the days when we had steady climbing and was lovely to see people quietly looking out for each other especially on the steep 'marble roads' where loose stones meant a few of us slipped (elegantly)!
What did you think of your group leader?
Eric was very keen and organised and a lovely bloke. He offered options for those wanting half days or needing to avoid the steeper climbs and even organised a quiz in the bar.
He was keeping an eye on all of us without it being obvious and gently played down how much more climbing there might be - the term 'relatively flat' wil never mean the same again!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take 2 walking poles - I found them really helpful on steep ascents and descents and they stopped me slipping over a few times (although some people didn't use them at all)
You may need more cash than suggested - we ate in restaurants which was better than picnics as we often needed a big bowl of pasta etc
If you want to be as fit as possible then do some steep ascents and descents pre trip!
Don't forget your blister plasters!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Ode To Eric
There once was a man with the knack
Of guiding from the front (or the back)
He shouted as he strode
'Only one more marble road
And after that it's relatively flat'!
Ian Munro

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

Written September 2010
Wonderful accommodation, spectacular scenery, excellent transport links and an exceptional leader who went out of his way to make sure that everyone had a great time. Our first time in the Dolomites, but definitely not the last.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Having our first attempt on a Via Ferrata - on our day off!
What did you think of your group leader?
Exceptional. Eric was calm, reassuring, fun and challenging. One of the most likeable people we have met and a credit to Exodus.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Lose weight before you go, because the food in the hotel is fantastic. Also, most of the food during the day is from mountain huts, Although again of a high quality, it is pricier than taking a packed lunch. Packed lunches are possible, but not easy to organise.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was our third trip with Exodus and we are now official addicts. We love the professionalism and relaxed friendliness of the Exodus trips. Back for more as soon as we can get the pennies together!