My brother and I had a very satisfying and fullfilling experience of the Via Francigena from the Great St Bernard Pass to Ivrea. The route was well defined and the distances were very doable. The ActiveNav app proved effective and helpful in several instances. The arrangement for transport of our baggage and accomodation was successful in every instance. I would confidently recommend Utracks and look forward to another adventure with the company.
Amazing sights, great food, but accommodations/communication leave a lot lacking I took this trip expecting to see a lot, four countries in 10 days. Knowing we'd be on the move was expected and I was looking forward to getting to see so many locations on one trip. My trouble started early on tho, with a delayed flight causing me to miss my transfer to the airport. I'd communicated with the tour company, who insisted it was my fault and I had to take a taxi at my own expense to the first hotel. Not a great way to start a trip. The hotel we stayed at started an unfortunate trend, as every one is far outside the city center and quite dated. Black mold in showers was common, as was one power outlet per room and no air conditioning/windows that didn't open. I understand options to lodge so many people may be limited, but moldy bathrooms and hot rooms aren't acceptable at this price point. The locations being far from city centers prevent you from going out in the city at night to have nice meals/shop, and there are often no/very limited food options near these hotels and even they may be closed by the time you reach hotels. Perhaps an upgrade to nicer hotels could be offered. Also unfortunate is the bus that you are sometimes on for 5+ hours at a time to reach different countries has no wifi, even though its advertised to have it, and there are no power outlets at your seat. Having said all this, I felt the sites themselves were beautiful and amazing. I loved the cities we saw, and felt this trip helped me plan where to come back to and spend more time. Grindelwald and the Alps were a big highlight.
As a newcomer to Exodus travels I was pleasantly surprised how well structured and organised this trip was.
The team John B. (our intrepid hike leader) and Emily S.( camp organizer and chef par excellence )was exceptional with their cheerful ,easy going approach yet professional on every level.I so appreciated the smiles and jokes- even in adverse weather conditions .
Their engagement made this tour through this magnificent landscape even more memorable.Thanks again to both !!
