Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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89 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Angela Wallace

Reviewed September 2014

Best holiday ever!

Beautiful scenery, excellent cycling, great group, good food and wine, and an enthusiastic leader. What more could you ask for!

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to pick just one with so many great aspects to this trip - particularly enjoyed Lake Garda, Verona & Venice, which I expected, but Vicenza and Padova were lovely places too, and much less touristy! ;p The cycling in general was enjoyable due to being on excellent, safe and well maintained off-road tracks for the most part. I think the food and wine were a particular highlight of this trip, especially the ice-cream. Hmmm...ice-cream....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was one of the best leaders I've ever come across - this was a fully booked trip and he lead the whole thing by himself with remarkable enthusiasm, energy, good humour and excellent organisational skills. Nothing was too much trouble for him in ensuring that everyone in the group was well looked after and enjoyed the trip, from organising extra cycling for those who wanted it, to making sure we always went to the best restaurants and even introducing us to his lovely family in his home town.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Weather was very variable so bring layers/waterproofs - most of the rain we had was in the evening and the days were generally sunny but not too hot, so mostly perfect for cycling but we did have one rainy/cold day. The cycling was generally flat and very moderate but there were a few hills and the bikes were heavy so a reasonable level of fitness is required. The bikes had good waterproof panniers to carry spare layers etc. during the day and we were given a small handlebar bag and water bottle ( although most people preferred their own), also no need to buy maps as a booklet and full route details are provided for this trip, a very nice touch I thought!

Ian Ian

Reviewed September 2014

6th Sep' 14 - MWD - Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice Ride

Fantastic trip, fantastic scenery, fantastic food, fantastic company, fantastic guide – I guess that means I may have enjoyed this trip

Most Inspirational Moment

The beauty of the Dolomites, and after two previous visits to Venice where I have described Venice, in my opinion to be overrated, most definitely Venice. I loved Vicenza nearly as much as Michele, definately the most beautiful town in the world

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was an absolute star, probably the most knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and likeable guide I have had on any previous trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As with all trips, read the trip notes to know what to expect. This level of cycle trip is not too much for the occasional cyclist, it's not a race, it's a chance to enjoy with like minded people.

Claire Finnigan

Reviewed September 2014

Dolomites Lake Garfa

A fantastic trip full of changing scenery, reasonable daily distances to cover cycling with a few challenges

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Dolomite mountains so close on the ride

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, very knowledgeable of the history of the area and passionate about his country and willing to share this with everybody at the same time trying to accommodate each persons needs and expectations of the ride

Advice for Potential Travellers

A reasonable amount of training ( though not excessive) on hills will make ride more enjoyable. Distances are okay for peoples who do regular cycling.

Sarah Parker

Reviewed July 2014

Dolomites, lake Garda & Venice ride

A great trip good group, food and wine, brilliant cycle paths fantastic scenery a really good insight into Italy

Most Inspirational Moment

The stunning scenery, lovely towns and the view of Lake Garda from the top of the hill. We also met,spoke to and cycled with Marino Basso a brilliant experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was a very good leader nothing was ever too much trouble. We really enjoyed his company and listening to his passion for his country and his family . His organisational and communicational skills are brilliant as is his local knowledge .

Advice for Potential Travellers

A great trip, hills are not too bad but a good level of fitness would make a wonderful trip FANTASTIC . You are provided with panniers to put your daily stuff into. There is plenty of water available as in most places tap water is safe to drink. Take your own water bottle as the ones Exodus provide aren't very watertight! Make sure you sample the ice cream in Vicenza it is 'the best in the world'

June Wright

Reviewed July 2014

Dolomites,Lake Garda,Venice

I travelled from New Zealand and joined this tour on my own. I met a great group from the UK and had the most fantastic time the entire week. I would recommend this tour to everyone, even those who do not cycle a great deal as the trip was mostly down hill on excellent cycle paths and secondary country roads. The views were amazing..

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming through the vineyards to a lookout and seeing Lake Garda appear in front for all to see was amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele is "the best guide in the whole world", he always makes sure everyone on the tour is absolutely happy with everything and if not he will sort it out for them. He has a vast knowledge of everything, he has an amazing personality, is always happy and that is why he deserves the title.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The best advice I can give anyone is to "Just do it", this trip is rated as moderate, however it is doable to all cyclists even those who have not ridden very much, fitness is important as we ride everyday. The terrain is easy apart from one hill climb of about 4 kilometers however the work to get to the top is rewarded with the most amazing views. Ask yourself, when was the last time you did something for the first time?

Geoffrey Cooper

Reviewed July 2014

Fantastic way to spend a week.

This was the first time we had gone for a shorter 1 week trip. We were joined by our 18yo daughter who also had a great time. Michele our trip leader was amazing. He managed to organize, motivate and cater for all 17 guests on the trip.
The cycling was relatively straightforward and would be comfortable for anyone of reasonable fitness. You wouldn’t have to be a cycling fanatic to enjoy this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in Venice for the first time was fantastic. The evening we spent in Vicenza was excellent. The hotel was very simple but it was the best hotel of the trip. Very atmospheric and picturesque. The first time we saw lake Garda was also a special moment. Incredible views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was so committed to ensuring everyone had the best time. He never seemed to stop and was always around when you needed him. Meeting his family in Vicenza was very nice and everyone on the trip enjoyed this insight to Italian Life.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't worry too much about the cycling - it was very straightforward. One tougher day but nothing too much.

Paul Cartwright

Reviewed May 2014

Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice Ride

What a truly amazing week – stunning landscapes, beautiful historical towns and cities, great food and drink (especially the grappa!), such a lovely friendly group and a wonderful guide.
As this was our first cycling holiday we were rather daunted, when we all met for the initial briefing, that the majority had been on numerous cycling holidays before, many to exotic locations worldwide. We were also surprised at the age range, having been told by Exodus that the median age was around mid 60s, as there were several who were clearly much younger and fitter! However, once we got under way we were very relieved to find how friendly, generous and accommodating our companions were, never complaining at having to wait for some of us to catch up. It was lovely the way everybody made the effort to ride alongside and chat. The first day proved to be one of the toughest. largely due to the headwind as we cycled down the Adige Valley, which in the afternoon turned a level cycle path into the equivalent of a continuous climb! However. it was a real delight to reach our first hotel, right on the edge of the central piazza of Trento, surrounded by beautiful architecture and apparently the best ice cream shop in Italy. After the struggles of the first day the cycling became easier and the group seemed to keep together much more closely, that is apart from the 4km climb as we approached Vicenza.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to pick out just one moment in a week packed with so many. Undoubtedly, just cycling through such amazing landscapes, with snow-capped mountains visible throughout must rate as one of the best parts. Also, wandering through the streets of each of the towns and cities in which we stopped was very magical. As were the many coffee stops, lunches and suppers we had together, particularly on the last night in Venice.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was a fantastic leader, who ensured that everybody had the best possible experience during the week. On the very few occasions when there were problems he was quickly there to deal with them efficiently and with very good humour. His local knowledge and enthusiasm was invaluable, particularly when it came to finding lovely cheap places to eat and drink really great local food and wine. Everybody was clearly in awe of his fearless approach to managing the group and traffic when we came to major roads.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus were very helpful in providing encouragement when we were beginning to have doubts whether we'd bitten of more than we could manage, as well as advance information about the kind of bicycle we would be riding. So getting in touch is always worthwhile. We were extremely lucky with the weather. It only rained once in the centre of Verona, but it was a torrential downpour, so a good range of clothing is essential. Wraparound sunglasses are also a must, not just for the sun but also dust and insects. Some in the group brought their own saddles. We brought gel covers, which worked quite well in conjunction with padded shorts, but even so sitting on the bikes for a whole day was certainly a bit uncomfortable at times. Most of the hotels were good, with some in excellent locations and with terrific views, but at times they were fairly basic. It's worth specifying if you'd prefer twin or double bed accommodation, as most seemed to be rather narrow twin bedded rooms.

Mandy Riches

Reviewed May 2014

Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice Ride - Excellent Trip

Amazing holiday! A trip full of fantastic cycling, beautiful scenery, an excellent tour leader, a great group of like-minded fellow travellers, lots of laughs, and all that lovely food and wine (guilt free ‘cos you burn it off cycling – yay!)

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspirational moments on this trip that it is hard to pick out one. Every time we turned a corner, there was another great view or some stunning scenery or the lovely Lake Garda. Every time we stopped, there was some great food and wine to be had. We kept thinking it can't get any better - and then it did! We also enjoyed an additional short early morning ride to take in a view over Verona, and the achievement of the 4km hill (day 5 we think), which was easier than we expected it to be - just keep turning those wheels!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was probably the best tour leader we have ever experienced (and we have been on lots of similar types of trips). His knowledge of the area is fantastic, including all the great places to stop for a well earned coffee or lunch, and he certainly goes out of his way to ensure everyone has the best holiday. Not only is he a complete professional, he is great fun to be with. We would recommend him with all our heart (and it was lovely to meet his beautiful family too).

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes were not clear enough about the fact that a pannier and handlebar bag were included so we brought some things we simply did not need (e.g. a bum bag). The pannier was excellent too, large enough for a couple of extra layers of clothing, and so easy to use, take off and carry around when necessary. We would encourage other travellers to check with Exodus as to what to bring (just in case bike hire company changes). When we first saw the bikes, we were a bit dubious, but actually they were great - good gears, tyres, saddle etc, an easy ride, and quite comfortable (although we'd still recommend bringing some chamois cream!)

Reviewed September 2013

DOLOMITES, LAKE GARDA & VENICE RIDE

Culture,history,nice scenery(particularly Days 1&2) interesting accommodation and pleasant company made this an enjoyable trip. Except for the traffic and urban business the cycling itself was also enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

On day 2 "flying" down the hill,heading for the northern end of Lake Garda.Following several hours cycling, strolling around Padua's Prato della Valle, possibly the biggest town square in Europe.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He did a very good job getting a disparate group of 16 people ftrom Bolzano to Venice safely.He had an impressive knowledge of the area, it's architecture and history. Perhaps some of the stops could have been briefer or eliminated to allow more exploring time at our destination points.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure that you are "cycling fit" and learn a few (or maybe more than a few") words of Italian, partly because after this tour you are likely to want to come back to Bella Italia and partly because you will feel happier about getting the food you want in the places you fancy !

Reviewed September 2013

DOLOMITES, LAKE GARDA & VENICE RIDE

We did not want this holiday to finish! The scenery is excellent and the towns visited are really interesting. We loved the local food and our tour leader arranged for us to stop in excellent cafes and restaurants. Our group covered both seasoned cyclists and first timers and we all got on very well. The route mainly follows quiet local roads and cycle paths, and when we did encounter traffic, we found the Italian drivers to be very considerate of cyclists. I wished UK drivers were the same!

Most Inspirational Moment

Lake Garda is so beautiful and Venice is magnificent. All of the towns we stayed in were historic and interesting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele Quaresimin was an excellent tour leader and went out of his way to make this such a good holiday for all our group. He ensured that the holiday ran smoothly and quickly sorted out any problems that arose. He grew up in this area and knows it so well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is a very good introduction to both Italy and cycling holidays.

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