Internationale groepsreis Walk The Prosecco Hills & Hidden Venice

Walking in Prosecco country

Walking on this holiday is varied and well within most people's grasp. Aside from the rolling hills of Prosecco vineyards it includes forest walking and following along side a river. The hotel is most comfortable with large airy bedrooms and updated bathrooms which do not detract from the historic building. It sits within its own grounds including a large swimming pool and a bookable spa. The village of Soligo is small with 3 cafe's and a small shop which stocks a wide range of biscuits, soft drinks and bottled water. There is one sure thing about this holiday and this is you will not go hungry. Lunches are freshly made by the local shop and will keep you going during the walks. The hotel food is second to none and the other resturants we eat at also supplied delicous food. The highlight of this trip is Prosecco in all its forms. I learnt a lot about how the wine was made and how to tell one bottle from another.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Gazing down across the prosecco vineyards basking in the sun while a thunder strom rages behind the hills you have just climbed. We stayed in the sunshine all day. Siting in the sun with a perfect cup of coffee in the historic heart of Conegliano, it was so peaceful and quiet, I felt I had left the 21st century behind and returned to a simpler age. Discovering Italy has more cheese than just parmesan and mozzarella, not sure what the local cheese is called but it goes really, really well with Prosecco.

What did you think of your group leader?

Bob Mason is a brilliant leader who keeps the walking to a reasonable rate so the group remains in contact with each other. He explains the route and points out views so you know where you are. Bob has a friendly working manner with all the hotel staff and with the local taxi service which takes the group out to the walks so everything goes smoothly. He is also a font of knowledge of useful things such as bus timetables etc. We were also very lucky to have Christine Rooney who was learning the walks so she could lead them as well. Christine is a great person and worked as translater for us when it came to menus, waiters etc and took so many notes about the walks she must be still dreaming about them.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

There is no chemist in the village so make sure that you have plasters, compede etc with youbut as most of the walks start or end in towns so supplies can be bought if needed some where on route. You need to do a bit of research for what you want to do on your day off as the three options available are all worth doing and it will be hard to make your mind up as how to spend your time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Leave your diet at home this is not the holiday for anyone who is watching their calories. You will work off some of the delicous food on the walks but mostly you just work up an appetite for the next meal. You will need a light jacket or cardigan for a couple of the Prosecco tastings as they take place in cool basements.

Fantastic Fantastic Fantastic

This was my first walking trip with Exodus (first walking trip ever actually) and I could not have been happier. Exodus was fantastic from my initial email inquiring about the trip all the way to the end. The trip itself was absolutely perfect. From meeting the group at the airport to leaving the following week. I met so many really great people within the group and many I hope to remain in contact with. The walks each day were planned very well, leaving the hotel around 9 or 9:30 each morning and returning normally by 4 or 4:30. The picnic lunches were excellent as well as the hotel dinners. The restaurants and prosecco tasting chosen by Exodus were top notch. The hotel accommodations were beautiful and very spacious although the wi-fi in my room was very spotty, but hey I wasn't there to be on my computer or phone so I was definitely ok with it. The front staff at the hotel were very nice and spoke great English. The hikes were perfect for me, challenging but not so much that you couldn't have fun. With this being my first walking trip I could have been better prepared with proper walking attire and maybe walking poles.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Meeting the fellow group members. They were really fantastic. I haven't laughed so much in such a long time. I have so many great memories from the trip. Maybe the most inspirational part of the trip was the walks themselves and just being out in nature and enjoying the quiet. Sometimes getting off the beaten path is exactly what you need.

What did you think of your group leader?

Bob Mason was our tour leader and he was really great. Extremely well organized and really on top of things. I think our group really tested his patience from time to time but all in good fun. He rolled with the punches and kept us all right on track. I give him an A +++.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for an adventure. Spend time getting to know your fellow group members and just let all the outside distractions melt away and focus on what you are doing that day. Also, be prepared with sunscreen, rain gear, walking gear as in back pack, poles, hat etc. Bring your appetite! Lots of great food and prosecco!!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I'm extremely happy with my experience with Exodus and have already been looking at other trips that might fight my schedule. They really put together a wonderful trip.

Prosecco hills

Lovely relaxing holiday, loved the hotel and the walking was varied.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Just walking with great views everywhere.

What did you think of your group leader?

Christine was an excellent leader. Friendly and humorous.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Couple of steep bits - but all very doable!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A big thank you.

Prosecco, a must

The holiday was an excellent introduction to walking in the foothills of the Italian Dolomites and learning about Prosecco wines. The Prosecco area is stunningly beautiful and the walks were generally leisurely as graded. The opportunity to eat at local restaurants provided variety food and setting.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Was it the mushroom tagliatelle at the Hotel Soligo or was is it the porchetta starter at the Osteria Stella in Conegliano? The food throughout the week was a delight. The walks were varied and enjoyed by the group of mixed age and experience.

What did you think of your group leader?

We were pleased to have an Italian ( Sicilian/Greek) group leader because of his insight into the richness of the nation's culture. Severio has a relaxed and engaging manner that was much appreciated. When faced with incidents he dealt with them sympathetically and expeditiously.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Leave plenty of space in your luggage for Prosecco! The quality, variety and prices make it a must. Conegliano is well worth a visit on the free day - the 4k town trail was real find.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Hotel Soligo, our base was delightful and the staff were most helpful and friendly. We would recommend rooms at the ground floor level for their space, airiness and en-suite facilities. Being able to relax in and by the pool after the walks was an added attraction.The wifi was most reliable in the public reception areas. We would certainly stay at this hotel again. Temperatures in June were in the mid to high thirties - so be prepared.

Prosecco Paradise!

A memorable and very beautiful sojourn into the foothills of the Dolomites. The hotel was very comfortable with delightful staff. The Prosecco tasting was excellent: informative and delicious! I thoroughly enjoyed walking the various paths and tracks although some had obviously not been investigated previously by our guide and were tricky and could have been treacherous had it been wet. Which leads me to the reason for 4 stars and not 5, namely our guide, Severio. He went through the motions but his heart wasn't in it, we received very little local information from him, his main aim of the day seemed to be to reach a bar.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Our final walk on mount Cesen which combined walking through woods, across the most glorious meadows and then up the mountain to a stunning view. Our farewell dinner was absolutely scrumptious too!

What did you think of your group leader?

Not a lot to be honest! As I have previously stated, he fulfilled his brief but I felt he was not enthusiastic or very informative.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you're travelling in June/July prepare for hot/muggy weather. Take plenty of t shirts, shorts, dresses for the evening. Some of the walks are through fairly dense undergrowth and you'll need long walking trousers for these.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It is a fabulous trip to a beautiful area of Italy. I would strongly recommend a day in Venice too.

Walking and Prosecco Bubbles

Foothills of the Dolomites are a beautiful and unspoilt area of Italy with the added bonus of tasting the delicious Prosecco bubbles. Hotel Villa Soliga is comfortable, clean , excellent food , with a delightful pool area and staff who are extremely helpful . All the Restaurants Exodus took the Group to on the evenings we didn't eat in the hotel were excellent and the final evening at Al Roccolo was superb set high up in the hills overlooking the vineyards . Walking overall was good , however, disappointing on occasions when the guide lost his way and part of the group. Also we often seemed to be walking "off piste" which turned into scrambling on tricky terrain. Group on this trip were a fantastic bunch of people and made the trip for me personally .

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Several of the walks including the walk from Cison di Valmarino to Castelbrando , very pretty village and impressive views up to Castelbrando , lovely place to stop for refreshments. Castelbrando was stunning , although little information given . Valdobbiadene gorgeous area and the wine tasting at San Gregoria . Guided sightseeing walk around Treviso was very enjoyable . Route around Asolo which is one of the strategic areas from the Great War , stunning views of the Dolomites . Again , disappointed little detail given apart from what information you picked yourself . Asolo tuned out to be a beautiful village and an area well known for producing superior Prosecco . Experienced a new drink here made with Prosecco, Elderflower and mint called a Hugo - delicious.

What did you think of your group leader?

Very disappointed with Group Leader , Severio . He spoke excellent English and was a pleasant enough character . He fulfilled the basic requirement and no more. His heart didn't seem to be in it and was unenthusiastic and lacked passion , his aim was to get to a bar. Compared to previous experiences on Exodus trips the Leader would be more social and share his time between the group and would impart knowledge , interesting facts and details of the places visiting . Leaders in the past have always been aware of the group and their capabilities and listened to their requests. Whilst walking there was one pace, Severio's pace. Walk along the River from Treviso seemed like a "frogmarch" in what was an incredibly hot afternoon , again little information given about the area or flora/fauna. At end of walk , the bar we had been told we were heading for was closed- this was a 3 hour walk . Walk around the Valdobbiadene area , lost his way on occasions and one of the trails was definitely not a marked route and ended in scrambling through a wooded area. Again a very hot day and some members of group experienced heat exhaustion , resulting in needing to take a break until they felt able to carry on . Severio had gone on ahead and remaining group arrived at the refuge a good 30 mins later he hadn't come back down the path to find us . After lunch he set off at such a pace he lost a majority of the group as we didn't know which direction he had taken. We had to phone him. On arrival at Villa Barbaro , he said we had 15 mins to look around which many said wasn't long enough and we needed a little more time. Also thought this was insulting to Villa Barbaro and felt time pressured. Severio needs more guidance and support and needs to appreciate the difference between being a guide for one of the mass market holiday companies and working with Exodus.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Incredibly humid in June and July , ensure you have breathable walking gear and carry a camel back for water . Take poles , they are useful and needed at times. Be prepared for mosquitos and take repellent and a plug for your room.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Prosecco region is well worth visiting , very unspoilt and you do learn about this fabulous sparkling wine. On the free day do go to Venice , it's very easy to get their by train or a visit to Conegliano which has a lovely walk up to the castle. Some great restaurants and shops if you feel the need for Retail therapy. It's a 20 to 30 min bus ride with one change or a taxi spilt between a few people makes it very economical.

Lovely Region

We really enjoyed this walking holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The views from the hills and visiting Venice.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do take the time to go to Venice.You can easily extend the trip and go before or after the holiday or go to Venice on your free day.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Despite the walking you will put on weight!

Walking in the Proseco hills

A delightful week - our first adventure with Exodus. We'll be back for more.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Being part of a group of 16 people who, from the outset, treated one another as friends.

What did you think of your group leader?

Sevi was an ideal leader for the group. He was always happy and enthusiastic and engaged well with all of us.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Heed the advice of Exodus and have walking boots with a good grip and / or sandals with closed toes. We were also glad that we took our walking poles.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for a great holiday.

Walking the prosecco hills

Overall, it was a very enjoyable trip. The beautiful countryside, good hotel, with friendly and helpful staff together with top quality food and drink were super. Personally, I would have enjoyed longer and more varied walks. At times, in the latter part of the day, after our walks, it would be good to break the journey home with a stop either at a place of interest, like a local village or refreshment stop. (If the weather was wet, there wouldn't be a great deal to do back at the hotel).

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It is very hard to pick a highlight. The Villa Barbaro was outstanding and memorable. The overall quality and variety of the food and drink was terrific. The last night meal at The Swallow, was a corker!

What did you think of your group leader?

Severio was pleasant, with an easy going style but he could have been better. As a native of Italy, it would have been good if he could have told us more about the culture and history of the region. I didn't expect him to be an expert in all areas, but he would sometimes make up answers to questions instead of just saying, 'I don't know, perhaps I can find out'. His knowledge of flora and fauna, for example, was poor, which is not a problem in itself. LWhat I found irritating was,for example, that when we came across the body off large black snake and asked what type it was; rather than admit that he didn't know;he told us that it was a grass snake. A couple of days later we discovered that it was actually a European whip snake! Generally, he was a bit too casual. At lunch stops, we rarely knew how long we had to eat; he would often just say, after a while, that we'd be leaving in five minutes. Severio always got us where we needed to be on time, but didn't volunteer the sort of additional information that would have added a great deal to the holiday. A simple map of some the places where we stayed and visited would have been helpful or a verbal outline of recommended places to see or things to do , would have been useful.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The trip to Treviso didn't allow enough time to have a good look round. The walk by the river, particularly the return leg, shrouded in trees, was really dull. Annoyingly, at the end of the walk, we stood outside an ancient and intriguing building which Steverio told us was supposed to be wonderful but was only accessible by prior arrangement with the council. If this building if this great, wouldn't it be a lovely idea to incorporate it in the guided walk that we did on arrival?

Walking the Prosecco Hills

Almost everything about this trip was excellent: our leader (Bob Mason); the walking and scenery; the restaurants we ate out at; and the visits - particularly to the San Gregorio winery and to Treviso. The weather was mostly warm and sunny which added to the experience. The Hotel Villa Soligo was well appointed, comfortable and the staff were attentive and helpful. It was only let down by the rather odd restaurant run by the eccentric hotel owner. They rarely served exactly what was on the menu.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The walking planned and led by Bob and the visit to Treviso with a great local guide.

What did you think of your group leader?

As already mentioned above, Bob was everything which a good leader should be. He knew and led the walks well, was always attentive and helpful, even on the free day, and was very much part of the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you have not travelled with Exodus before make sure you understand what the gradings 'leisurely' and 'moderate' mean. If in doubt speak to someone at Exodus before you book. If you have special dietary needs, take an appropriate Italian language cook book and point out what this means. There is lots of good, meat or gluten free Italian food but many restaurant kitchens don't really grasp the concept.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A really good trip. Go for it.

Walking in the Prosecco Hills

Pleasant walking, late September sunshine, plentiful food.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Finding a Prosecco vending machine on the side of a hill in the middle of nowhere. Italians have their priorities right!

What did you think of your group leader?

Bob knew the area very well and outlined each day in great detail beforehand, so we knew what to expect. We had a free day in Venice at the end of the tour too (as our flights were coming back in the evening rather than the usual morning flight) and he went above and beyond the call of duty, taking us to Venice airport, putting our luggage into storage, then getting us a return bus ticket into Venice, before accompanying us there and showing us to the water taxi.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for vast amounts of food at the hotel! The chef is a lovely old guy in his 80s who seems to see it as his duty to come and pile more food onto your plate at every opportunity. As most meals are 3-4 courses, there's no reason for seconds!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I wasn't a fan of Prosecco before doing this trip...but during the two tastings we had on this itinerary, we learnt there's a whole range (rather than just the fizzy stuff we get in the UK) and I stumbled onto a few I liked. I came home with 3 bottles!

Walking the Prosecco Hills

A really wonderful trip overall, great to get off the beaten track in areas of Italy with very few tourists. Well planned walks in beautiful scenery and towns, plentiful wine and interesting conversation made for a very relaxing week, you really felt far away from the pressures of day to day life.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The second full day walking through the vineyards, having a cold beer (do try some Italian beer as well as prosecco!) overlooking the hills followed by the fascinating and beautiful winery tour and tasting. The lady who ran it was hugely knowledgeable and warm. Day two is a perfect day. Also Venice on the free day, I still can hardly believe I've been to Venice now, it was amazing.

What did you think of your group leader?

Bob was immense. The group was more diverse in terms of ability and expectations than I thought it would be and he dealt with resulting challenges calmly and professionally. His knowledge of the area and history added a huge amount to the walks and the sheer amount of information he provided for the free day was amazing, it made it so much easier and took any potential stress out of the day, I just did what Bob suggested, job done!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

As always, read the reviews and the trip notes carefully. Exodus will never be able to win with the ratings, but the clue is in the title, there are hills involved, but only moderately. If you never walk at home you'll find it a little hard, if you scale Munros then the walking will be easy and you'll be there for the scenery, company food and wine. A couple of the restaurants struggled a bit with the concept of vegetarianism for the 3rd course where they would usually have meat which is a shame in an area with such beautiful produce that so much went to waste, and when we had so much lovely food in the other courses that we didn't need 4 anyway! It would almost be worth seeing if your leader can negotiate not to have the 3rd course (or in one case Bob asked for a simple omelette which was lovely.)

Is there anything else you would like to add?