Highlights of the Dolomites

Mana Ziapour   -  Traveled, September 2023

Amazing trip It was my first multi-day hiking adventure, and initially, I hesitated, unsure if it was the right choice for a beginner like me. However, it turned out to be an absolutely wonderful experience. Thanks to our exceptional guides, Rob and Jenny, along with a fantastic group of fellow travelers, this journey became truly unforgettable. A heartfelt THANK YOU to Rob and Jenny for their expertise, knowledge, unwavering support, and uplifting encouragement. Thoughts on Group Leader Rob and Jenny are absolutely amazing! Without Rob's unwavering support and encouragement, I wouldn't have had the courage to attempt the Level 5 hike. His presence made me feel completely safe and well-guided throughout. As for Jenny, she was my go-to person for any questions or assistance I needed. Her genuine commitment to helping and supporting every participant made it feel like she was there just for you. They both played crucial roles in making this adventure so memorable. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't hesitate, simply book the trip, and you're in for an incredible journey.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/28/2023

David Williams   -  Traveled, July 2023

Wonderful part of the world A great hiking trip in the dolomites, a choice of great walks each day, a good quality hotel to stay excellent knowledgeable leaders, fantastic scenery . Most Inspirational Moment The dolomites themselves. Thoughts on Group Leader Jen was a great team leader. Advice for Potential Travellers A brilliant trip in a fantastic part of the world, just enjoy it.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/28/2023

Rebecca Sullivan   -  Traveled, July 2023

Highlights of the Dolomites This was by far one of the best trips I have been on. Hiking the Dolomites is challenging, but the hikes chosen gave us spectacular views and I highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys a challenging hike. We had 19 hikers, 6 from the USA and 13 from the UK. EVERYONE got along. We all talked with different group members all day long. Most Inspirational Moment The spectacular views, being out in the fresh air and just taking in the panoramic views. Thoughts on Group Leader Jenny Smith was our group leader, and she was the quide I hiked with daily. She was professional, friendly, knowledgeable, let us know exactly what to expect each day and had a great sense of humor. She was patient, wanted us to have a wonderful hike and talked with everyone. She was very easy to talk to and she was enjoyable to spend the day with. She also made sure we knew what was available to us on our day off and how to get there. She is incredible fit and made sure everyone felt safe with the challenging parts of the hikes. When one of the hikers slipped, she was right there to help out. Advice for Potential Travellers You need to be in good shape. The views are simply amazing.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/29/2023

Jim Watson   -  Traveled, July 2022

Massive Hailstones The Dolomites are special. Even when we were caught out by thunderstorms with massive hailstones on two days the enjoyment wasn’t diminished. The choice of walks ensured that we enjoyed a variety of views of a unique area. Most Inspirational Moment Going up Piz Boe with some of the other walkers who were nervous of the cables but thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Thoughts on Group Leader Paul, who I've walked with was his usual extremely competent leader. He didn't hesitate to discuss options with us to cope with some weather difficulties. He provided some good information including telling folk tales including some singing! Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure that you have really good waterproofs as the weather can change extremely quickly.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/13/2022

Jane B   -  Traveled, June 2022

Highlight of the Dolomites A very good trip. Scenery magnificent , explored well by both grades of walk. Walk routes well devised using a good network of cable cars, chair lifts and local buses and lovely mountain refuge stops. Family run hotel, so friendly, helpful, very clean, good choice of food. The holiday was made by the two fantastic guides- Jenny and Alejandro – professional, caring, knowledgeable, fun, encouraging and very capable.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/24/2022

gary george   -  Traveled, June 2022

Highlights of Dolomites Hi, Awesome trip, thanks to Paul and Jenny (expert guides) Hotel staff wonderful people. Cheers Gary Most Inspirational Moment Piz Boe summit, superb. Thoughts on Group Leader Paul, expert guide and top laugh. Advice for Potential Travellers Go for it Suggestions N/A

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/25/2022

Yvonne Carson   -  Traveled, June 2022

Excellent walking holiday What a great holiday. The scenery is just amazing, and the walks each day show the best of what the area has to offer. The group leaders are very knowledgeable on local wildlife and I throughly enjoyed looking at the alpine flowers. Very well organised trip, hotel was comfortable and staff were so kind. Big thanks to Paul and Jenny for looking after us all, but thanks especially to them for looking after me! Most Inspirational Moment The walking, the scenery and the wildflowers. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent, couldn’t fault Paul and Jenny.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/27/2022

Mark Saunders   -  Traveled, June 2022

Highlights of the Dolomites What a fantastic trip, loved every single minute of it. Fun was had in abundance and it was definitely the best group of people I’ve ever met and walked with. In fact I’m laughing to myself as I’m writing this I had that much fun! The Dolomites are stunning and Campitello is the ideal location from which to explore them. The Sporthotel Enrosadira was brilliant, a lovely family run establishment where they couldn’t do enough for us. Dinner was great, all five courses of it! Would I recommend this trip to others….. absolutely! Most Inspirational Moment There were too many moments to list but just being able to admire the beauty of the Dolomites for a week was enough to inspire me to do more! Thoughts on Group Leader Paul and Jenny our two leaders for the week were absolutely brilliant. Their knowledge was exceptional, they were so helpful, very organised, friendly and great fun. Two genuinely very nice people. Mind you Paul's singing is a bit dodgy! Advice for Potential Travellers Quite simply book this trip and you will not be disappointed

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/27/2022

Chris Millward   -  Traveled, August 2020

Superb trip You get out of something what you put in, and that is 100% the case for this holiday. The walking was challenging but so rewarding in terms of scenery and atmosphere. The weather was excellent bar one afternoon and the leaders (Paul and Louise) and the other people on the trip made the holiday outstanding. Plus, finally, the fact that you’re in Italy – what more could you ask for. Most Inspirational Moment The scenery, stretching for miles all around near the summit of one of the mountains. We stopped as a group for a minute or two, on a rocky 'plain' before the final steepish climb to the top with the sun warmly shining in blue skies and I thought (and said out loud), 'it doesn't get any better than this'. Thoughts on Group Leader Paul and Louise were outstanding - knowledgeable, helpful, great sense of humour and highly professional Advice for Potential Travellers There are two levels of walks so don't be worried about whether it will be too hard. You'll be fine. Suggestions I've already asked Exodus, 'where to next please?'

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/15/2020

Angela Edwards   -  Traveled, August 2019

Amazing Experience This trip was an amazing experience. The guides were excellent and the scenery was like something out of this world. The trip wouldn’t be great for someone that surfers from vertigo as there are some steep drops, high mountains, mountain ledges and some mountain ridges. There are some steep ascents and also steep descents however the guides were very patient and gave even the least confident walkers the confidence to tackle the more difficult bits. The guides made this trip one i will remember for ever. Thanks to Albert and Martin. You were great. Most Inspirational Moment Being given the confidence by the guides to tackle some difficult ledges on some steep mountains. I wouldn't have been able to tackle these with our them. Thoughts on Group Leader The group leaders, Albert and Martin were brilliant. Their positivity, encouragement and sense if humour made this trip an experience i never want to forget. Advice for Potential Travellers Be confident with steep drops on some very high mountains. If you suffer from vertigo or are afraid of hights you may find this trip mentally challenging however the experienced guides would give you the confidence to tackle things you may never have thought you could. We did this trip the second week of September and there was snow on the higher mountains which added an extra level of difficulty to the walks.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/27/2019

peter mccullagh   -  Traveled, July 2019

what does 'review title' mean? i really enjoyed my trip. Most Inspirational Moment there is no most inspirational moment. i enjoyed it in the round. Thoughts on Group Leader both of them were excellent Advice for Potential Travellers it is an excellent trip Suggestions no

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/27/2019

Nicol Lumsden   -  Traveled, August 2019

A wonderful week in the Dolomites An excellent week’s walking in the dolomites from a charming centre in Campitello. The walks were always interesting and the grade 5 walks were all comfortably doable to anyone with experience of walking in the Scottish Highlands. The use of lifts meant that we were always walking with excellent views and could spent more time at high altitude. Most of the trips were well planned to use the excellent local refugios for lunch which added a bit of luxury to the day’s tramp. The hotel was very comfortable and the food was generally good. Most Inspirational Moment It was all very pleasant. The scramble to the summit of Piz Boe was fun. Thoughts on Group Leader Martin and Albert were great. Professional, good humoured and patient. Also interesting fellows to talk to, which is what I have come to expect from Exodus over the years. Made us feel instantly welcome and at home. Advice for Potential Travellers Eat, drink and be merry! Suggestions This trip had a wonderfully mixed group of people, Irish, Australian, American, Scots. Oh, and some English who were actually really nice!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/18/2019

Sam Segar   -  Traveled, August 2019

Excellent walking trip This was one of my favourite holidays so far. The guides, Martin and Albert were knowledgable, supportive and enthusiastic. The hotel was hosted by the best staff and owners. The hikes led us into the most amazing scenery you can see in Europe. They were suitable for the level 3 and 5. It would be a good idea to put some training in for both. The days were long but therefore fulfilling. The breakfast and dinner were plentiful provided by the hotel. There was a good bar for evening socialising before an early bed for the next days activities. If you go on this trip you will not be disappointed. Most Inspirational Moment The stunning views of the Dolomite region The other group members The enthusiastic and knowledgable guides The kind and pleasant hotel staff Thoughts on Group Leader excellent Advice for Potential Travellers Train for both levels - see the training and fitness guides provided by Exodus

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/28/2019

Stephen Low   -  Traveled, July 2019

Outstanding day walks in a beautiful part of northern Italy! I really enjoyed my recent walking holiday in the Dolomites! After dinner each evening, the leaders gave an overview of the moderate and challenging walks on offer for the following day. I chose all moderate walks and enjoyed them immensely. Each walk took place in a different part of the valley in which we were staying and the views on offer were always stunning. There were plenty of opportunities to visit mountain refuges for refreshments and the area had a good number of chair lifts and cable cars which were used at the start and sometimes at the end of the hikes. The hotel was comfortable and the food; tasty and plentiful! Everyone in the group was friendly and sociable so overall it was a fab holiday! Most Inspirational Moment The views on the walks were all awe inspiring! I also really enjoyed my visit to Bolzano on the free day to visit 'Otzi - The Iceman!' Thoughts on Group Leader Albert and Martin alternated between the moderate and challenging walks each day and both were highly approachable and knowledgeable about the area. They were also very sociable within the group on the walks and at meal times. Overall they did a brilliant job in ensuring the success of the holiday! Advice for Potential Travellers If you like day walks in mountainous areas then this is a great trip to do!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/26/2019

Lucy Chaldecott   -  Traveled, July 2019

A marvellous week in the mountains! My dad and I have just returned from the Dolomites. We had an absolutely amazing week and I cannot rate it highly enough for keen mountain walkers. With varied walks, beautiful views, excellent guides and cheerful company from fellow hikers, it has been a very memorable week; I am so pleased that i chose this spectacular trip. Thank you to everyone for making it such a happy holiday. Most Inspirational Moment The beautiful, high up ridge walks with undulating paths stretching for miles ahead, with dramatic views down into the valleys. Standing in the snow at the top of Piz Boe at over 3,000m was also pretty inspirational! Thoughts on Group Leader Both Albert and Martin were outstanding leaders, and they swapped between the grades of walks each day so we got to know them both. They proved to be not only organised, knowledgable and highly competent, but also kind, friendly and funny. Thanks for all the excellent mountain refuge stops! Advice for Potential Travellers Go prepared for all weathers and temperatures - sometimes we needed shorts, sun hats and sun cream, and sometimes waterproofs and gloves. Best be prepared and take it all! Dad and I hired bikes for half of our free day which I would highly recommend. Also enjoy the sauna downstairs in the hotel, and take a kettle for your room if you’re a keen tea drinker! Suggestions Best to stick to either grade 3 or 5 for all of the week to avoid overlap in the walks between days. Other than that, just book this trip, it is beautiful and you will love it!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/27/2019

Joan Murphy   -  Traveled, July 2019

First Exodus Adventure Highlights of the Dolomites was a week long tracking holiday with one rest day, mid way through. the walks were varied in length, ascent and intensity. Each day was a different walk within the valley where we were based. We used the ski lifts to take us up the higher areas from where we started our walks and we usually walked down to the valley at the end where we would find a hostelry to quench thirsts and to discuss the days’ highs and lows! We used public transport when required as well as ski lifts; the purchase of a pass for each form of transport certainly kept us moving smoothly , with no queuing” Our hotel was excellent with a wide variety of breakfasts and dinners. Food was in abundance! No one went hungry, unless by choice. The staff were friendly and always eager to assist when required. Most Inspirational Moment Each day brought its own "moment" where you felt you had done or seen something special. Whether it was reaching the top of the mountain and looking out on the Dolomites or further afield to The Alps, walking through meadows carpeted with spring flowers, sliding down a snow filled gully on one's behind, jumping into mountains lakes, cruising down on a fly wire in silence, scrambling on steep paths, using a precariously situated toilet at 3000metres ............... Thoughts on Group Leader Albert, our guide, was very knowledgeable and the group felt safe in his care. He let people go at their own speed, encouraging those who needed it and recognising those who wanted to stretch themselves and go faster. Albert knew the history of the area, could name the flora and the fauna. He had a great sense of humour and was a font of knowledge about all things local from best bakery to best hostelries on our bus routes! Advice for Potential Travellers Potential travellers should make sure they have decent gear, particularly socks and boots. Poles were also very useful, especially for hanging onto when you had run out of breath! Suggestions This was my first organised walking holiday and was anxious on how I would manage on the walks and which level I should choose. However, as there were two levels (3&5), we were able to move between them if we wished, depending on the walk which was detailed the night before.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/27/2019

Debbie Tasker   -  Traveled, September 2018

Memorable week in the Dolomites This was my second Exodus walking holiday and I had a wonderful trip in the Dolomites. The week was well organised with great leaders and a lovely group of fellow travellers. Having the choice of two walking grades is a great idea so you can see how you’re feeling each day and then decide which group to join. Each walk offered something new and the mountains are truly spectacular with amazing views. We were well looked after by the friendly staff at Hotel Enrosadira. If you enjoy the outdoors and fancy some mountain walking, I’d recommend this trip Most Inspirational Moment It’s hard to pick out a single moment as I enjoyed every day (with the level 3 group), but a particular highlight was the morning walk down to Lago di Fedaia. We had a slightly earlier start that day but it was well worth it as it was so peaceful and tranquil that it felt like we had the mountains to ourselves. The longer walk on Thursday from Pozza to Penia was also special. Thoughts on Group Leader We were well looked after by both Albert and Martin throughout the trip. They are friendly, helpful, professional yet relaxed with excellent knowledge of the area. Albert led the level 3 group and he was attentive to the group’s needs and ensured everyone had a good time. I really appreciated his support in guiding me down the descents when my knee was playing up. Thank you both. Advice for Potential Travellers Take all-weather clothes as the weather can change in the mountains, along with sturdy walking boots and walking poles. Once there – enjoy every moment and soak it all up! Suggestions It was good to be based in Campitello at Hotel Enrosadira. Stefano and the team were welcoming, friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble and I appreciated the loan of the ice pack for my swollen knee. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the food was great all week. It was a fantastic holiday – thank you!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/25/2018

Jane Willock   -  Traveled, September 2018

Fabulous holiday The holiday was very well organised. At the beginning we were met by one of the leaders at Venice airport, who accompanied us on the coach to the hotel. The hotel was comfortable, excellent food, and friendly staff. It was really good to have two grades of walks to choose from. Both had a good variety of fabulous scenery scenery and mountain experiences. The two leaders were very helpful, accommodating, competent and knowledgeable, and worked hard to make our holiday so wonderful. I would recommend this to anyone who loves mountain adventures. Most Inspirational Moment All the amazing scenery, and the camaraderie of the group and leaders. Thoughts on Group Leader Very friendly and approachable. Knowledgeable about flora, fauna, geology, landscape and local communities. Very competent, skilled leader who worked hard to ensure that everyone was safe and enjoyed themselves. Advice for Potential Travellers This is a fabulous holiday in stunning scenery. Suggestions Brilliant. Thanks for a great time

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/26/2018

Michelle Burton   -  Traveled, September 2018

Fantastic 1st trip with Exodus This was our first trip with Exodus, and first group-led holiday and we thoroughally enjoyed every minute. We had an amazing time, made some great friends and are already planning another Exodus trip next year. Every walk was amazing and each had its own unique points. A lot of us commented that we would not have attempted the walks on our own, but going with an organised group made everything simple, easy and enjoyable. Most Inspirational Moment The views were just incredible, photos do not do the mountains justice. I could have happily stayed on another week to continue doing more amazing walks. Thoughts on Group Leader Our two group leaders - Martin and Albert were both superb. They were both excellent guides, very friendly, helpful, informative and good sense of humour. On the week we did, Martin led the Level 3 walks, and Albert did Level 5. Both were excellent leaders - giving enough attention to everyone in the group, and helping those who may have been struggling. We had a good briefing every evening after dinner for the following days plans which gave plenty of information for both levels. Neither let the weather dampen their spirits and were happy to continue regardless, which we all appreciated. Advice for Potential Travellers Its a fantastic trip, very well run, and both level 3 and 5 are great walks. Even in August, make sure you take all-weather clothes as during the 6 days we were there, we had 25C sunny days, as well as rain, and even snow with -7c wind chill !! But you will always wear walking boots as you'll need good solid support. Almost everyone on the trip had one or two walking poles each and they are really useful for both up and down hills. It is worth bringing waterproofs, warm layers, warm hat and gloves just in case ! There is normally a stop or two each day to buy food/drink when needed, but worth taking at least 1.5ltr of water and some snacks. Suggestions The hotel was just right for our needs - great location for town and bus stops. Plenty of food at breakfast and dinner, and lovely biscuits provided when we returned back from our walks. Very helpful staff, and rooms were always cleaned well. The only downside was the rush when breakfast and dinner first open at 7:15am and 7:30pm. The hotel was full with our group of 20, plus a very large group of Spanish. Therefore there was always a queue for the restaurant to open, always a rush to grab all the food, and it made it feel unnecessarily rushed and uncomfortable. On the days we were catching the 8:14 bus, it felt very rushed to join the queue for breakfast at 7:15, so it would have been better if it could have opened at 7am. Likewise, it might have been better to stagger the dinner times for different groups as it was so rushed to get in at 7:30 for the salad bar. As all the mains came with veg served on a large tray by the waiters, it usually meant we got very little veg - usually 3-4 pieces which did not feel enough. A few people commented that the twin rooms were 2 separate mattresses, but joined together on a wooden base and could not be separated. Not ideal for 2 friends, or even 2 strangers sharing a room. These were just very minor points for some feedback, but it would not stop us recommending the hotel, the trip, or Exodus.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/24/2018

James Baxter  -  Traveled, September 2018

Great hikes in a beautiful part of the world A very enjoyable week’s hiking in a truly spectacular part of the world. We had wanted to visit the Dolomites for some time and the Val di Fassa did not disappoint. The pretty towns and villages sitting in the valleys are surrounded by majestic mountains, not least the imposing Marmolada, and the backdrop is really is awe inspiring. The great advantage of this trip for us was the dual grades, enabling you to pick and choose a level 3 or level 5 walk. We chose level 3 on all but one of the days, and unlike level 3 walks we had been on in the past, they provided fantastic views of the surrounding area and a good amount of ascent to get the blood pumping. The level 5 walks tended to involve more ascent and fewer refreshment breaks, and also negotiated trickier ridges and ledges. All the walks made use of the excellent cable cars, chairlifts and gondolas throughout the valley to gain height as well the local buses. These got pretty busy since it was peak holiday season, so on a couple of occasions we made early starts to beat the crowds. Although breakfast was a rush, it was well worth it. The Hotel Enrosadira was clean and comfortable, although the rooms were quite small. The friendliness and efficiency of the staff made up for this, and the buffet breakfast and evening meals were very good indeed. The hotel was a few minutes walk to the centre of Campitello were you can find a supermarket, bars, bakeries etc. A special mention must be made for the mountain refuges, or huts. These are dotted about the mountains and both level 3 and 5 walks frequented these for refreshment and lunch stops. I was surprised at the standard of the food and facilities of these considering their remote nature. I recommend taking along some extra cash and trying out some of the local dishes, particularly the Kaiserschmarrn! Most Inspirational Moment Probably standing at the top of the gondola from Canazei and seeing the Passo Pordoi to one side and the Marmolada and it's glacier to the other side, and all around the peaks of mountains stretching off into the distance. Thoughts on Group Leader Both leaders, Albert and Martin, were friendly, well organised and good company. They both had a very good knowledge of the area, and ensured that everyone was going at a pace they were happy at and everyone was accounted for. I think it is easy to underestimate the responsibility group leaders have, and both leaders were professional but were laid back and ensured we all had a good time. Advice for Potential Travellers As with any trip involving rocky terrain, a good pair of stout walking boots and walking poles are essential. Suggestions The pizzeria we stopped at for lunch by Lago di Fedaia on one of the level 3 walks, probably the best pizza I've ever had!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/27/2018