Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro have for centuries been at the crossroads of ancient civilisations, with a magical mixture of European and Near Eastern culture. The diversity is very clear, from the vibrant cities to the tiny traditional villages. Here we find a unique fusion of traditions, religions and architecture. Outside the towns and cities the raw natural beauty is breathtaking, with ancient forests, rugged peaks and the beautiful Adriatic coastline where we explore the magnificent Bay of Kotor, and make a final stop in the wonderful Croatian city of Dubrovnik.

Highlights

A stunning mix of Balkan countries with beautiful scenery and fascinating cultures

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Dubrovnik in Croatia; transfer (approx. 3 hours) to the beautiful sea-faring town of Kotor. Neatly tucked away in one of South East Europe's largest fjords, Kotor is a cultural treasure dating from the 12th Century and still retains the unique Mediterranean ambiance of the region.Hotel Splendido or similar

Meals included:
Dinner

Day 2

Today we visit Kotor's 4.5km long fortification walls and its many churches and palaces. These are the main reasons why in 1979 Kotor was included on UNESCO's list of natural and cultural heritage sites. Our approx. 2 hour walk will take you through some of Kotor's spacious squares, lined with grand town houses, known locally as palaces, and various impressive religious buildings. After our tour we take a short transfer to Perast, a town once owned by the Venetians, a fact which explains the distinctly Italian feel. The panorama of Perast is dominated by the 17th Century church of St Nikola, protected by a Venetian fortress and surrounded by beautiful palaces and gardens once built by the famous sea captains of the Adriatic. Here we have lunch overlooking the bay. Following lunch we take a boat ride to the 'Lady of the Rocks' island and visit the chapel. The views of towering cliffs of the Dinaric Alps from the boat are truly impressive, giving us a different perspective of the Montenegrin coastline. We transfer back to our hotel by boat, the best way to really enjoy this fabulous setting. In the evening we will visit Budva, one of the oldest settlements on the Montenegrin coast with perhaps the best nightlife of the entire area as it is now a popular stop for tourists. Hotel Splendido or similar

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 3

We transfer (approx. 2 hour) to Cetinje for a city tour. The town of Cetinje lies at the foot of Lovcen Mountain and was the ancient capital of Montenegro. Since 1485 Cetinje has been the sacred centre of Montenegro, and as a result the city houses more museums and cultural heritage sites than any other city in Montenegro. Our tour will take us to some of the main sites in this lonely cultural oasis in the Cetinjsko fields.

From Cetinje we set off towards Montenegro's mountainous interior, en route visiting the holy shrine of St.Vasilije high up in the shady Ostrog Mountains. Few people expect to witness such a marvellous spectacle when they arrive. Intricately carved into the rising rock face the Ostrog Monastery is considered by many to be the most inspiring Orthodox sacred place in the former Yugoslavia. The monastery has become the largest religious pilgrimage site in the country, with many Orthodox Christians and even Catholics and Muslims paying homage to St. Vasilije, the founder of the 17th Century monastery. The day culminates with a drive (approx. 3 hours) through isolated villages and high mountain passes to the small ski resort of Zabljak. Zabljak sits neatly on a plateau at 1500m, surrounded by beautiful pine wood forests, high alpine mountains, and the deep Tara Canyon.Hotel Zabljak or similar

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 4

Today we explore the Zabljak Plateau with its numerous lakes and traditional villages. We start with a walk around the area's largest lake, a beautiful spot with crystal clear waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. Around lunchtime we transfer to the village of Podgora. The village has recently become part of a regional ecovillage network helping to promote tourism in rural communities. A local family provides us with a tasty lunch of traditional Montenegrin mountain food. We will also visit and enjoy views from one of the numerous viewpoints above Tara Canyon, which is considered as the deepest European Canyon and as such is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

We then transfer back to Zabljak and have the afternoon free to explore, enjoy a scenic walk, go for an invigorating dip in the lake, or perhaps drink a glass of local wine or beer in one of Zabljak's cafés.Hotel Zabljak or similar

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch

Day 5

Transfer (approx. 2-3 hours) to the border between Montenegro and Bosnia, via Durmitor's interior with its impressive peaks, isolated mountain lakes and deep canyons. The mountain roads are narrow and we will meet the occasional shepherd with his sheep moving up to the higher grassy pastures of Durmitor. This seasonal migration has taken place for centuries and is very much part of Montenegrin culture and tradition even today.

We wind our way out of the Piva Gorge down to Scepan Polje, the border crossing into Bosnia & Herzegovina, stopping where possible to enjoy the views in this wild and uninhabited part of Bosnia. Before lunch, we take a walk along the Piva River to an old suspension bridge, which for a long time was the only connection between the two river banks. The water here is wonderfully pure, and offers a great setting for a photo. After lunch above the Piva River, we continue through an empty and mountainous part of east Bosnia & Herzegovina to Sarajevo.Hotel Astra Garni or similar

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 6

A full day exploring Sarajevo on foot and by bus. One of the most oriental and culturally diverse cities in Europe, Sarajevo spent over 400 years under Turkish governorship until the Austro-Hungarians arrived in the late 19th Century. Forty years later, the empire collapsed when Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated here, hastening the outbreak of the First World War. The late 20th Century saw Sarajevo host the Winter Olympics in 1984, and the long siege of the city during the recent conflict. Our tour of the major historical, cultural and war sites in the city will help you to piece together its complex history.

Our day involves a walking tour of the main sites, and a visit to the famous Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. The tunnel provided the citizens of Sarajevo with a lifeline during Sarajevo's 1400 days of isolation and was the only reliable way of supplying goods and electricity to the city as all other supply lines were cut off by the Serbian Army. This is a sobering and fascinating visit.Hotel Astra Garni or similar

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 7

Transfer (approx. 2 hours) to Lukomir, Bosnia's highest village at 1469 metres, with its ancient 'stecci' (mediaeval tombstones). Here we get an insight into the traditional way of life. Traditional dress, the occasional turban and fez are still worn and go hand in hand with the more contemporary features of everyday life such as electricity and running water. The traditional village houses here are a powerful image of a simpler time. We take a walk down towards the Rakitnica Canyon nearby, and find some excellent viewpoints to admire this majestic scenery. The scale of the mountains, coupled with the canyon far below, really are sights that live long in the memory. Lunch is taken in the village, prepared by one of the main families still living there and will be traditional and filling. We return to Sarajevo at the end of the day.Hotel Astra Garni or similar

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch

Day 8

Transfer (approx. 2.5 hours) to Mostar for a city tour and a whole day visit to this beautiful Herzegovinian city. Mostar was founded in the 15th Century and the architecture is a precious combination of Turkish ingenuity and Herzegovinian and Dalmatian workmanship. We spend the morning and afternoon exploring Mostar, a city that was famously split during the conflict of the early 1990s. You will still see the scars of war, but these days Mostar is once again a warm and bustling place with an intriguing history. The rest of the day you will have free to explore the city on your own.Hotel Almira or similar

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 9

Our first stop today will be Pocitelj. This oriental style town has recently been added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites and also hosts the longest operating art colony in southeast Europe. The most striking object in Pocitelj is the Sahat Kula, a silo-shaped fort that dominates the skyline from a hill above the town. It used to house watchmen and military guarding against possible invasion from the Neretva Valley. Our next stop will be Kravica Waterfall, a wonderful green oasis in the rocky Herzegovinian landscape. After a short walk and perhaps even a cooling swim we head off for lunch to Blagaj.

Blagaj's highlights are the Buna Spring and the adjacent Ottoman house/monastery. The spring here is amazing. It flows out of a 200m cliff wall and single-handedly creates the Buna River. Unsurprisingly, the Ottoman sultan was impressed, and ordered a Tekija to be built right next to it. This 16th Century house/monastery was built for the Dervish cults and is still one of the most mystical places in all of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Blagaj's Old Town is worth taking a walk through. This lazy Herzegovinan town moves at a slow pace and many of its old structures are reminiscent of Ottoman days. In the vicinity are also old flour mills that the strong Buna River used to power. We spend the late afternoon and evening in Mostar.Hotel Almira or similar

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 10

Our journey now takes us back to Dubrovnik via Radimlja with its numerous beautiful mediaeval Christian tombstones, and Trebinje - the southernmost city in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Trebinje has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Here we will visit the Orthodox Monastery of Tvrdos, built in the 15th Century, and get a taste of life in old Herzegovina. At the monastery we will venture into the cellars for an intimate taste of the rich, earthy, bold tastes of the red wines.

Herzegovina's wines are amongst the newest in the 'second world' wine category. This tradition, however, has been in existence since Roman times. Herzegovina's sunny Mediterranean climate and rich hinterland soils produce the finest wines in southern Europe.

After the lunch break we will travel south to our final destination Dubrovnik; a magnificent walled city that lies at the southernmost tip of Croatia. Formerly a prosperous trading centre, Dubrovnik is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its perfectly preserved Old Town and rich cultural life draw many visitors each year. We end the day with free time in Dubrovnik, so you might either go swimming in the warm Adriatic or explore the Old Town on your own and take a walk along the ancient walls of Dubrovnik.Hotel Komodor or similar

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 11

You may however wish to extend your stay in the Croatian capital to further explore it’s cobbled streets or enjoy the beautiful coastline. Should you wish to do so please ask a member of the sales team about our post tour nights.

Meals included:
Breakfast

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Essential Info

Visas

Bosnia & Herzegovina

No visa required for British passport holders.

Croatia

Visas are not required by the following nationalities: British and other EU countries, Nationals of Australia, New Zealand, United States and Canada. Other nationalities should check with the relevant authorities.

Montenegro

No visa required for British passport holders.

Vaccinations

Bosnia & Herzegovina

There are no specific health risks.

Croatia

There are no specific health risks.

Montenegro

There are no specific health risks.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner are included.

Breakfast will usually be either hot and cold buffets or a choice of set meals.

Breakfast in Bosnia and across the Balkans usually consists of bread and pastries, dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese, cereal, eggs cooked in a variety of ways, smoked meats, honey, tea and coffee, milk and juices.

Typical Bosnian cuisine consists of ingredients such as tomatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, cucumbers, mushrooms, spinach, courgette, beans and dairy products such as milk, cheese, pavlaka (sour cream) and Kajmak (similar to clotted cream). Meat dishes usually consist of beef and lamb and specialties include cevapi, burek, dolma (stuffed vegetables with meat) and goulash. Desserts often have an Eastern influence with baklava being very popular. The alcoholic drink rakija made from apples or plums is common in this region also.

Vegetarian and special diets can be catered for, but options are limited throughout Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro - please advise of any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.

Weather

Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro enjoy a similar climate to most of Central Europe - hot summers, cool springs and autumns and cold winters with considerable snowfall. We visit from July to August, when temperatures will be generally warm (25-30ºC). However these temperatures will be a little cooler in the mountains. It is here that we are right in the middle of the Central Dinaric Alps, a rough and unpredictable place where Mediterranean and Continental Alpine Climates vie for supremacy. The result is an extremely unstable climate even in summer. Rain can fall at any time of the year, although in mid-summer it is more likely to come as short, sharp thunderstorms.

Sarajevo

Is this trip for you?

This trip is Activity Level 2- Leisurely/Moderate.

This is a cultural discovery trip with some walking. You don't need to be an experienced hill walker, just of average fitness. Walks are optional so the trip is still suitable for anyone. Travel is by private bus, generally on good roads.

Accommodation

Hotels

Tourism is still developing in this region however with increased tourism has come increased investment in the infrastructure. There is however a difference between some of the city hotels available and the more rustic hotels and pensions in the smaller towns. All accommodation will have en suite facitilies and free Wi-Fi.

Please be advised that the below accommodation listed in each location are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.

Reviews

Great trip!

A very enjoyable trip with lots to do and a full and varied itinerary. This was our fifth Exodus trip and once again we had a great group with a mix of ages and nationalities.
Organisation was excellent and you'll get to see a lot of the Balkans.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Our stay in a Sarajevo and a tour of the "Tunnel of Hope" was both horrifying and uplifting at the same time. It was interesting to hear personal stories from our guide who lived through the brutal siege.
I now understand much more about how and why this conflict started, the complex politics of the region and ongoing issues that still need to be resolved.
Another highlight for me was a trip to a mountain village for a hike and locally prepared lunch. The views were magnificent and it was great to see how the locals lived.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alen Causevic was an excellent leader. Nothing was too much trouble and the whole trip ran very smoothly. He knew all the best restaurants and had plenty of suggestions for things to do in our free time.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for a fair bit of sitting in a coach and take car-sickness pills if you are that way inclined!
Our first bus was a bit too small for a full group of 18 including driver and guide with luggage having to be squashed into the passenger space. It was very quiet and comfortable though, as one would expect from a Mercedes. The the mountain roads were pretty challenging and a larger vehicle would have struggled to negotiate some of the bends and oncoming traffic.
Take some walking boots or trainers and a waterproof jacket.

Bosnia & Beyond

A very good trip, not only do you learn about the beauty of the country side, but also you learn a lot about the history and the last war in 1992-1996. A lot to see in the cities. It is one of those regions where you want to go back to.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most inspirational was our trip from Sarajevo to Lukomir, Bosnia's highest village at 1469m. From the village we went on a walk to the Rakitnica canyon. The mountains and the canyon are breath taking. After the walk, we had lunch in the village, the lunch was prepared by one of the families who still lives there.
Another highlight are the Kravica waterfalls and the swim in the lake. Be aware that the water in the lake is ice cold, but still it is nice to have to opportunity to swim under the waterfalls.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader, Alen, was fantastic. You couldn't wish for a better one. He knew a lot about the history of the country, and what was going on during the war.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

When you arrive in Zagreb, even that you are in transit for your flight to Dubrovnik, you are not allowed to take drinks through, not even bottles that you might have bought in the tax free. The security will take it off you. You have to go through security and passport control again. However the flight from Zagreb to Dubrovnik will wait even if you only have ½ hour between 2 flights, or even if you flight arrived with a delay. So, you don't have to worry about it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Bosnia and Beyond

This trip was full of remarkable contrasts - the Bay of Kotor and travelling back to our hotel by boat; the windy climb by road to Ostrog Monastery; the wooded walk around Montenegro's beautiful Black Lake; a lunch feast at Podgora; crossing borders on a suspension bridge over the Piva; Sarajevo - an extremely moving place to visit and stay; the Tunnel of Hope; Lukomir and the people who continue to live there (wonderful hospitality); the beauty of Mostar; climbing the fort at Pocitelj; the Dervish house at Blagaj, and our guide Alen's inspired/inspiring talk there following the call to prayer... and so much more. The group was large: 18 - but with such a brilliant guide and such a lovely bunch of people - I am not complaining (though generally prefer smaller groups!).

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Too many to mention, so can't single out just one. All of the above! My walking boots (at least that's what they were supposed to be) decided to fall apart, the beginning of our walk at Lukomir in an area of truly outstanding beauty! So, I stayed behind in one of the villager's houses with another in our party; although disappointed to miss out on the walk, we were privileged to be invited into this home. We watched the women prepare lunch and were given refreshment; more than that - we were warmly embraced by smiles, laughter and kindness - an exceedingly memorable morning.

What did you think of your group leader?

Where to begin? Alen really was a five stars guide and leader; he kept on 'conjuring out of the hat' in terms of knowledge, stories, insight, jokes! attention to detail, consideration, organisation and... the list could go on. I was very impressed by his skill in managing such a large group - though we were well behaved! And he was plain likeable too.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go with an open mind and come back to spread the word about the fabulous people and places of this region.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes. Sounds corny perhaps - but may peace reign in Bosnia and Beyond. Such a mix of culture and beauty - the manmade and the natural - should be respected, nurtured and cherished.
In summary, this was a brilliant trip (over too soon).

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bosnia and beyond

Wonderful scenery-mountains,high valleys and gorges and also cities-Kotor,Sarajevo,Mostar and Dubrovnic.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The tunnel at Sarajevo and the story behind it,also the visit to Lukomir,the highest village in Bosnia,and now sadly only permanent home to 8 people.Lovely friendly people and a superb lunch provided by our hostess.From there we did a good walk down to the edge of the Rakitnica Canyon-fine views.The drive to the village was excellent,on an unsurfaced road through remote valleys with just an occasional flock of sheep.

What did you think of your group leader?

Couldn't be bettered.Very personable,humourous,excellent English,spot on organisation etc,etcHis knowledge of his country was encyclopedic in all aspects.Our driver,Vildad,was also excellent-safe and very competent.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Bosnia and Beyond

I was impressed by the variety of landscapes and places on this trip: lakes, waterfalls, forests, mountains, canyons and rivers, as well as monasteries, mosques, churches, famous bridges , palaces and fortresses. And all in 11 days without ever feeling rushed!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I really enjoyed our time in Sarajevo learning about its recent history and observing how the city is slowly getting back on its feet.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alen was an excellent leader with near perfect English. He was professional, efficient and knowledgeable. He shared his personal experience of the siege of Sarajevo with us which was very nice of him considering how dreadful it must have been to live through it. He was also good fun with a nice sense of humour.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It might be preferable to visit this area at a quieter time of year. In late July Mostar and Dubrovnik were particularly crowded with tourists,

Stunning scenery & welcoming countries await.

This trip exceeded all my expectations.
Having done the Balkan Discoverer tour last year I was intrigued what the other Balkan countries had to offer. The scenery was stunning and the choice & quality of food was great. As we were a small group our guide Evelin was able to recommend & take us to lots of different restaurants. Each one was better than the last so we sampled lots of local cuisine. The area is full of interesting history & hardships especially in Sarajevo. The travelling was no hardship, although the times in the trip notes are not accurate as on occasion the roads were very windy. The bus was adequate & the driver very careful. The mix of walking activities & sightseeing with very knowledgeable local guides was just right. The weather was very hot & some of the timings did mean that we were out in the midday sun walking. Lots of opportunity to swim in the sea & a beautiful waterfall (rather a commercial set up) but definitely worth a swim.
I cant recommend this trip enough.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Visiting Sarajevo and understanding the history. its was very moving to see first hand the hardship & how the city is recovering & now living with a mix of cultures. Brilliant!
The scenery is just beautiful along with the various old towns built into hill sides.
The sea was lovely to swim in & the waterfall great. The lake & river were rather chilly but worth if it you are feeling brave :)

What did you think of your group leader?

Evelin Balta was the guide on my previous trip the Balkan Discovery too so I was pleased to find him leading this trip. He is very knowledgeable & more than happy to share lots of information about the area. Always offering to help he is the perfect host ensuring we were all ok. He never stopped! Something Ive not seen other guides do was he always kept calling the next stop/hotel/local guide to ensure they were ready for us so that we didn't have any hitches. A great extra touch to ensure our experience in his country was the best it could be.
Really appreciated it. Fantastic job Evelin. Thank you.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Ensure you have plenty of water for the walking in the heat. For some of the mosque visits shorts had to be covered up so be prepared gents to put on a skirt! These have been some of the best countries I have visited, very accommodating for visitors. English is widely spoken & the range of food available will cover even the fussiest eaters. There is tons to do in your spare time, lots of places to explore or relax having a swim.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would urge anyone to take this trip it is so interesting. Even if you don't fancy the walking (I didn't do them all) it was fine to wonder around yourself. Evelin made sure I knew where I was & what I could do whilst I was waiting for the rest of the group.

Great way to see stunning Balkan scenery

It was well thought out, with a comfortable vehicle and good hotels (with the exception of the Hotel Komodor in Dubrovnik) and both the driver, Damir, and the tour leader, Evelin, were excellent. The trip is basically an extended taxi ride through stunning mountain scenery, punctuated by a few short walks, so getting a good view from every seat in the vehicle matters. Having air conditioning that worked well both in the vehicle and in the hotels is also important. Of the four trips I have done with Exodus, this was the one that most exceeded my expectations---indeed it was one of the best organised trips I have done in thirty years of group travel. Full marks to Exodus, local agent Green Visions and tour leader Evelin Balta

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Balkans: Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina

This was a trip covering a wide range of experiences. Starting in Dubrovnik, the transfer to the very attractive Kotor was in itself a taster to some of the superb scenery we were to encounter later in the tour. Kotor and the old town of Bdva enabled us to sample the Montenegro coast followed by some spectacular drives into the interior. The Durmitor National park provided opportunities for walks for many of us and then further spectacular drives took us into Bosnia & Herzegovina visiting the very interesting cities of Sarajevo and Mostar. Having 3 nights in Sarajevo and 2 nights in Mostar gave us the chance to get to know these cities reasonably well. All of the drives were broken up with interesting places to visit including some wine tasting at the Tvrdos monastery on the return to Dubrovnik.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Many highlights especially the stunning scenery. The visit to the isolated village of Lukomir and the hike to the Ratinica canyon in the area.

What did you think of your group leader?

Evelin Balta was excellent. He took great care of the group and was always keen to discuss some of the turbulent history of his country(Bosnia) and particularly showed a great passion for the great outdoors. He was always very helpful in deciphering menus and took us to some interesting restaurants.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Stay a few extra days in Dubrovnik. Although we had been there before, we found it was an excellent wind down after the tour, especially by visiting Cavtat and Lokrum Island(by boat) to avoid the cruise boat crowds during the height of the day. We stayed at the Hotel Aquarius, a very pleasant small, family run establishment.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

An excellent trip. It now needs following up with either the Serbia/Macedonia/Albania trip or the one going just to Albania. They are all interesting and have not yet succumbed to mass tourism.

Great Balkan Adventure

Starting from Dubrovnik airport we crossed quickly intoKotor, Montenegro. Having enjoyed the beautiful city of Kotor we then drove to Cetinje through a series of 25 hairpin bends! Spectacular!
Durmitor National Park and its gorges was our next highlight. Then came the Zabljak Plateau and finally into Sarajevo.
Apart from this great city we saw the remote and semi-nomadic village of Lukomir, a not to be missed experience.
We next found ourselves in Mostar another great place.
Finally it was back to Dubrovnik!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The visit to the remote and semi-nomadic settlement of Lukomir in Bosnia. Also Mostar and Sarajevo itself!

What did you think of your group leader?

Evelin Balta was a very nice guy with a great sense of humour. He also was good at keeping his sheep together and was good at organising things for us

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Spend an extra few days in Dubrovnik

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I combined this trip (Bosnia and Beyond) with another trip (Balkan Discoverer). Others might want to do the same.

Dates & Prices

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An overview of flight options

Exodus is committed to making joining our tours as easy as possible, wherever you live. We generally only block book seats from London, but this certainly does not mean that you need to fly from there. Depending on the route and airlines available, there will usually be various options available for those who want to fly from their local airport.

This page aims to provide a useful overview of the options available to our clients. However, the best flight arrangements should be tailored to your personal requirements, so please contact our Sales team for expert advice.

What kind of options do I have ?

1. We can book for you: Flights from anywhere in the world - not via London

Depending on the route, this may be direct or via an overseas hub like Amsterdam, the Middle East or elsewhere. On short haul routes there may be direct flights with low cost airlines, charter flights or scheduled airlines. Exodus can book most, but not all, of these for you. The most appropriate airline may be different to that which we use for the group flight from London, but many people now travel on different airlines and meet up with their fellow passengers at the destination.

Pros

Cons

May be the most direct route

Often the extra fare compared to the London flight is minimal.

As you will be in the hands a single airline for your entire journey, the airline will be responsible for your bags and your connections.

You may not be able to join the group transfers. However, we can usually arrange private transfers, or book your flights to try and coincide with the group transfers. See notes on transfer arrangements below.

2. We can book for you: Connecting flights from your local airport to London

Exodus can book connecting flights to London so you can join the group flight there. Connecting times will be followed according to airline advice, or as requested by clients. There are two types of fares we can use for this option: a 'through-fare' or a 'published fare'.

a) A 'through-fare' is where you will be in the main airline's care throughout. You change planes, but your bags are checked all the way through to your final destination.

b) A 'published fare' ticket is completely seperate from your onward ticket from London. It is usually cheaper than a through-fare but will need to be paid for and issued as soon as it is booked. This can be a problem if your tour has not yet reached minimum numbers. On 'published fares' neither airline is aware that you have connecting flights, so Exodus is responsible for timing your connection, not the airlines involved. The tickets are also usually non changeable and non refundable.

Pros

Cons

Depending on the fare type, Exodus or the airline is responsible for flight connections.

Through fare tickets can be expensive.

On a published fare, tickets must be issued immediately; tickets on published fares can be very difficult to change if onward flight times change; bags are not checked though to your final destination.

Published fares are non-refundable.

3. Booking some or all of the flights yourself

You can also book connecting air travel yourself, either to London, or all the way to the start point. There may be certain airlines or routes we don't have access to, so this is always an option. However, if you make your own travel arrangements you become liable for any delays, cancellations or missed connections, and Exodus is not required to offer refunds if you have trouble reaching the start of your trip.

Pros

Cons

You might find cheaper fares, or routes not available to Exodus.

You are responsible for any delays or missed connections, and the cost of the tour is not protected should you miss your flight be cancelled.

Notes on transfer arrangements

Sometimes it is possible to travel on a different airline to the group flight from London. Where this is the case, we need to think about ensuring you meet up with the group with minimum extra cost and hassle.

On certain trips, it is easy to arrive on a different flight and still meet the group at the hotel with time in hand. We can usually arrange private transfers (at extra cost) or offer advice on taking a taxi to the start hotel.

On other trips (especially in Europe), the transfer meets the group flight and then travels some distance to the first night's accommodation. Where this is the case, our Sales team will try to arrange flights that arrive before (and depart after) the group. However, we do have to make it clear in your final documentation that if your flights are delayed, the transfer cannot wait for you. While Exodus or our local operators will do what we can to help you reach the start point of the tour, any additional costs must be paid by the client.

Next steps?

Not found the date you’re looking for? We can organise this itinerary as aPrivate Adventure– just click on the tab above the list of dates and prices, let us know your preferred dates of travel and how many people are travelling, and we’ll do the rest!

Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate If you book arrangements other than an ATOL protected flight or a package holiday, the financial protection referred to above does not apply. Our ATOL number is 2582 and our ABTA number is Y0751.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the NHS has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk