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 17 reviews.

Yvonne Pollard

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

Written September 2012
This was a great holiday it was the first time I had gone on a guided walking holiday and my reservations about walking with people I didn't know and that they may walk a lot faster or slower soon disappeared as we were split up into two groups and the guides knowledge of the trip was very good
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The stunning scenery did it for me every day. The hotel food was great the staff at the hotel were very good the spa facilities were amazing!
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader was fine very knowledgable polite listened when appropriate
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The flight times from Gatwivk to Venice were tenable to say the least it made for a poor end to an otherwise perfect holiday
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I'll certainly be choosing exuadus again
Catherine Gormley

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

Written September 2012
This was a fabulous holiday; good accommodation, great food, well organised walks and fabulous scenery.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
On our free day Eric offered a Via Ferrata trip. Although the wether forecast was not great we took the risk of walking up to the first hut before we decided if it was safe to continue. A little wet and chillier than previous days, but no one was turned away by the less than desirable condiditons. Along the Via Ferrata the sleet and then the snow arrived. Despite the poor conditions we had a great day! The company was cheerful, Eric gave us all confidence and we all returned exhilarated. Every other day we had clear blue skies!
What did you think of your group leader?
Eric was a great leader. He remained good humoured at all times and quickly got to know the abilities of the members of the group.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The spa was a lovely treat at the end of each day.... dont forget to bring a bathing suit.
John Davidson

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

Written September 2012
Fantastic location in a lovely small hotel with friendly staff and the best food I've ever had on an Exodus holiday. Walks are superb and the views stunning
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The scrambling sections were great fun and the views from the top of Piz Buie were second to none.
What did you think of your group leader?
Albert and Eric were excellent leaders and a great laugh. At the end of a walk when Albert's group claimed to have been charged by a bull Eric quipped "How much?" I nearly choked on my beer.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be aware of the very late arrival and departure times. Have a bottle of water with you when you arrive at Venice, the shops aned cafes will likely be shut.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Do it and enjoy.
Mike Linehan

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

Written July 2012
Rewarding trekking through spectacular scenery
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
On the last day climbing up the metal ropes from the morning break
What did you think of your group leader?
Albert was inspirational & made you truly believe everything is possible, just take your time. Eric was like his partner & equally as helpful
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
A reasonable level of fitness is required for this trip but is rewarded many times over
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Though this trip is called the western Dolomites, you could call it the ultimate Dolomites as Marmolada is never far from view. Even on on our day off some went to Sass Pordoi by cable car which simply has to be experienced.
Nick Deeming

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

Written July 2012
A truely awesome holiday that provided plenty of walking variety, great food and company and is based in a really friendly and comfortable hotel with a suprisingly good wellness facility.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
All the walks had moments that were inspirational, especially the constantly unfolding and paroramic views.
Reaching the top of a long & steep climb that Eric had described as a 'short scramble'!
Finding that the whole group gelled and that we were all very happy to spend virtually the whole of each day together!
What did you think of your group leader?
Eric led Group B and his familularity with the area, his preparation and willingness to adjust routings to suit the conditions and our pace were all first class. He kept us all in good humour without being 'in your face' at all.
He clearly had the measure of us all and gradually increased the walking challenge each day as our pace and condition improved.
Albert, who led Group C, was equally able & great fun. They made a good team.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We walked with in Group B most days as, despite being fairly fit, we found the Group C just a little too strenuous to start with (is was a holiday after all!). Don't think that Group B is for softies - these walks are still demanding, just not as much as Group C!
Bring your swimming things - the wellness is a wonderful way to unwind after a long walk.
Don't expect to loose any weight - the food is just too good.
Add a day or two in Venice at the start or end of your holiday.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
As someone else has remarked, the title of this holiday is a little too modest when compared to the 'Classic Dolomites'. Don't be put off - it is utterly spectacular. You will not be disappointed.
The timing of the outward flight/transfer was not great - we arrived at the hotel at 3am (and left for our first walk at 8:30am).
This was our first Exodus - it will not be our last.
Veronica Harkness

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

Written July 2012
Walking varied and excellent. Good use of cable cars and lifts (thank goodness!).Hotel excellent, food wonderful and spa great.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Walking along the scary ridge (cannot remember its name, but we had walked up from Alba that day)
Meadow flowers in abundance.
Sharing lunch with choughs.
What did you think of your group leader?
Albert was superb. Encouraging without being condescending (I wish my legs were as long as his...)
Knowledgable without being an anorak.
A leader with a light touch (he allowed me to skip the rests and move ahead at my - very slow - pace until the group caught up with me).
Nothing but praise.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If the flight times are the same next year (and I hope they are not, see below) use the last day to go to Bolzano instead of Venice. You can 'do' most of Bolzano easily in a day, and the museum for Otzi, the Ice Man, is worth seeing.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
As mentioned; the very late return to Gatwick added the expense of a hotel to the trip. It's no so bad going out late, but the late return with a long onward journey home was far from ideal.
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.
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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!