Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Michael laid on early morning rides for those who wanted them and these were amazing. The world is a different place at 6am and the rides were both challenging and exhilarating. I will never forget riding up a steep hill outside Trento, the numerous turns of the "Salita Charly Gaul" on the Monte Condone, 50 minutes climbing and 8 minutes descending... fabulous

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael is one one of the kindest and most sincere individuals I have met. He loves cycling and loves his job. He deals with problems and looks after everyone. He certainly goes the extra mile arranging celebrations for birthdays and helping out when unexpected things occur, like problems booking hotels at the end of the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great ride and you will enjoy the experience, the food and the company

Most Inspirational Moment

I don't recall one

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very competent and knowledgeable but also very busy . I got the impression that looking after !5 people was a big task'for him. After a day's cycling he would some times lead us on interminable walks, Perhaps to a restaurant when there were adequate restaurants much nearer.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring cycling shoes you can walk in!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the hidden gems of Venice

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, confident, organised, knowledgeable & a very nice person. He also gave us extra cycle ride options & the walk around Venice

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ride & enjoy Italy

Most Inspirational Moment

Many, including cycling through the mountains, alongside the Adage River; getting to know everyone else during the Lake Garda boat trip; making it to the top of the big hill and generally the beauty of our surroundings.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was superb in every way – in fact we could not fault him. In many ways, he made the trip; with his enthusiasm, encouragement, sense of humour and passion for both cycling and that part of Italy. We learned very quickly that Vincenza is the most beautiful city in the world (or at least not to argue with that fact!) On a serious note though, it was clear from day one that our safety was his priority at all times and his skills at leading fifteen of us through the city centres in the early morning rush hour was impressive. Lastly, on a personal note, he was great fun to be with, as was his lovely wife Marta and their two children. Cin Cin!

Most Inspirational Moment

We were there to celebrate our 25th anniversary. One evening, our guide, Michele, showed up in a convertible VW decorated, and two glasses of wine, and drove us to a place to snap a picture, one where he went on his own wedding, and then to join our group for a great dinner. This gesture, the thought, time and effort, simply was the icing on the cake.

Thoughts on Group Leader

If you can go with Michele, go. Organized, friendly, knowledgeable about the route, the history and group dynamics, all will feel welcome. You can turn off your brain, relax and take in the scenery knowing that he can and will look after anything that comes up. As wonderful as the trip is, the group members and the guide really determine the outcome. We lucked into a great group of fellow cyclists and a wonderful guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For long haul travellers coming into a place like Venice and landing in the morning, it is probably worth getting a hotel near Marco Polo Airport and going to relax there while waiting to meet the others. The airport is very congested, under construction and it is not a great place to spend the day waiting.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tricky one! Getting to the top of That Hill. Seeing Venice for the first time was jaw dropping. I loved the countryside - fields of vineyards, scattered villages, snaking rivers, limestone cliffs - it was beautiful. But I also loved the smaller towns, especially our evening in Vicenza. Oh and I absolutely loved Michele's favourite shop in Venice - I won't say what it is, but a lovely surprise.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb. Michele is a seriously good guide, a seriously good cyclist and a seriously good guy - although not serious most of the time. He was fun, encouraging, knowledgable and thoughtful. We also met his adorable family. His daughter, Aurora, will make a great guide one day - if she's not being Prime Minister!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're worried about fitness, don't be, as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness. Our group ranged from ages 23 to 83! But the 83 year old was an experienced cyclist and very fit! Exodus have thought of everything. The trip notes are comprehensive and there is nothing else I can suggest. Except padded shorts, of course! Oh and take your swimmers for Lake Garda - icy cold in June but a refreshing plunge after a morning in the bike!

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention, first visit to Italy and hopefully will be back in the future. Loved the food, the views, the company.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was excellent, looked after all of us, regardless of our ability. The organisation was great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring layers, prepare for all type of weather. If a tea drinker bring your own.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching my wife who does little riding thoroughly enjoying all the scenery and small historic towns, and the big grin on her face when she completed the tour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was fantastic and can't thank him enough for the way he led us through the tour. His local knowledge and enthusiasm was contagious (especially for Vicenza!), and he was always up for an early morning ride for those looking for a bit of an extra challenge. His choice of cafes and restaurants was great, along with local wines - "cin cin" (look into the eyes!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Advice in trip notes is pretty accurate - take your own pedals and shoes if possible as they really do make the difference. Bikes are fine for the type of riding allowing you to have a good look around with ease. Take layers of clothing and a few changes - the weather was variable. Late April early May was cool in the mornings, warm during the day, then cool in the evenings. My wife arranged for an electric bike which suited her perfectly and allowed her to really enjoy the trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to define one particular moment, as there were so many The scenery, the mountains, a fantastic ride down towards Lake Garda and picturesque, historic towns. Oh, great food and drink too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele couldn’t have been a better tour leader, he was enthusiastic, patient, knowledgeable and keen for us all to get the most out of the trip, even on the days when the weather wasn’t great. His love of the local areas, especially his home town of Vincenza shone through. His choice of coffee stops, gelatarias and restaurants along with local food and drink recommendations were excellent and these added to the overall enjoyment of the holiday

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you bring layers, including waterproofs, maybe an umbrella in case of showers in the evenings. The biking is not difficult, with the majority being flat. The new bikes were good, and comfortable to ride, without the need for a seat cover to be brought. The panniers were good, easily removable when you got off the bike which meant there is no need to carry a day sack. We were also supplied with a small bag to attach to the handlebars which was useful. Some of the hotels were on main roads, and noisy at night so may be worth asking for room not overlooking the road.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first days cycling with fantastic views of the Dolomites and the final walking tour of venice.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michelle was first class. Gave 110% from the moment he met us at the airport to the last day of the trip. Although leading a large group he managed to ensure his approach was person centred. Organised excellent group meals (lunch and dinner), ensuring we were fully briefed on the local delicacies on the menu. Extremely competent as a cycle leader ensuring 100% safety on the the roads and cohesion of the group throughout the whole trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Nice relaxing trip, not too arduous so don't worry unnecessarily if you feel you are not fit enough.