Reviews

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

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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89 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Juliet Robey

Reviewed June 2023

Wonderful holiday - lovely scenery, delicious food

Cycling route – This is a great 1 week holiday for beginner or intermediate cyclists. I consider myself intermediate. At points Michele lets you go at your own pace so you can go quicker if you wish. Early stages very flat but nice undulations later. The bikes were poor (my only trip criticism) but they might change them. You can apparently pay a little more for a better road bike Accommodation – all nice hotels with good breakfast (excellent fruit, yoghurt, eggs, bread and cakes) Scenery – beautiful. In May we had glorious weather so this does help…

Most Inspirational Moment

Venice - we had some special moments in Venice thanks to Michele especially. Ride through fields of poppies - perfectly timed, only out in May. Approach to Soave is beautiful

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele is so passionate, enthusiastic and patient, a real asset to the trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring cash. You are asked to pay in cash for meals together Bring a couple of nicer outfits for evening. Still casual of course but as opposed to being in say South America or Asia, in Europe it is nicd to be a bit less scruffy when going out to restaurants!

Graeme Steers

Reviewed October 2022

George Clooney

If you are an occasional cyclist then this would be a nice trip, but there are some serious climbs on days 4 and 5 to tackle, but the views are worth it. That said, there is also a lot of flat riding on cycle paths that can get tiresome and mundane. Michele was an excellent guide with lots of little stories and anecdotes to tell. The hotels are ok, with possible exception of Verona which was a bit basic, an upgrade or two would be preferable.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, as a regular cyclist, cycling days 4 & 5 were the best as it involved some hill climbing with spectacular ridge rides, views and descents, especially between Vicenza and Nanto. Unfortunately after Nanto it’s pan flat for 35km with very little of interest until you arrive in Padova.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We’ve been on a trip with Michele before, so we knew what to expect from him. Very friendly and lots of useful stories to tell. Remember to play “buzzword bingo” and listen out for ‘Fidel Castro’, ‘Mussolini’, ‘Romans’, ‘George Clooney’, then shout “house” (or maybe it’s “villa”). Mark was also extremely helpful when my wife came off her bike and had to go to hospital for treatment, staying with her and acting as interpreter.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you can’t or don’t want to climb a 5km hill under your own pedal power (there are at least 2) then you’ll want an e-bike.

Nicole Nield

Reviewed October 2022

Title is fine

We thoroughly enjoyed this holiday. The bikes provided for us were of a good quality. The route was varied with lovely landscapes. The leader ensured that we stayed together as a group whilst on the bikes so that we felt safe at all times.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our guide, Michele, new Venice very well and was able to avoid the crowds and show us parts of the city that we would not otherwise see. Other highlights were swimming in Lake Caldaro and Lake Garda.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was excellent. He was knowledgeable, kept us safe, and went above and beyond what was necessary to ensure that we had an excellent time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do check that you are able to cycle the distances and do follow the training programme that Exodus provides. Accept that you may have to visit some of the towns again to fully appreciate their history and culture.

David Ries

Reviewed July 2022

Nice ride to Venice

Group flight from only one airport; good transportation and support; sturdy bikes; nice cycle routes (puts England to shame); glorious weather; excellent guide with lots of information provided.

Most Inspirational Moment

Descending from the hilltop down to Lake Garda.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was excellent, with lots of knowledge about the history of places/things we saw, plus a real interest in the individuals in the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try and check the weather forecast just before packing - I took some weatherproof items that were never needed as the temperature for each day hovered around 30C.

David Boxall

Reviewed July 2022

Fantastic trip

I have been on many Exodus trips over the years and this one is right up the top with the others.
Stunning views, immersed in the Italian culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling down into Lake Garda. Also the knowledge that our guide, Michellee had really bought so much more to the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michellee was the best guide we have had on any Exodus trip. He went above and beyond to take care of everyone - no easy feat with a group of 16 people but I feel he managed it extremely well. A very knowledgeable man, great sense of humour. Hard working and a joy to around. There were just so many little extra things that he did to make sure everyone was OK and enjoying the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hire an e bike for the hills!

Charlotte Boxall

Reviewed July 2022

Excellent

We have been on many exodus trips and they never disappoint but this trip was extra special because of our guide, Michelle and transport Atilla.
Michelle went above and beyond any other guide we have had to make us feel safe, relaxed, happy and literally nothing was too much trouble for him.
His passion for Italy was a joy as was his knowledge and he was so happy to share with us all he knew. He handled a large group of 16 with skill and humour but made us feel as if we were all able to ride at our own pace which certainly pleased us. He took us to lovely restaurants and was so friendly to everyone.
He is such an asset to exodus and we truly hope we have him again on another trip which we shall book because of our experience as exodus hiring the best guides but as I said Michelle is the best we have had.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling down hill to lake garda

Thoughts on Group Leader

Please see above comments but to repeat he was the best guide exodus have in our experience Atilla on transport was also exceptional- friendly and helpful. Great sense of humour

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hire an e bike if you struggle with hills Made the cycling so much better for my arthritic knees!

Elaine Bradley

Reviewed November 2019

Great trip

This was a lovely ride through a beautiful part of Italy. I liked the fact that we actually rode the distance from one beautiful city to another (rather than bus transfers). This did mean that it was a rush to check in, shower and be ready to join Michele for the evening meal he organised each evening but for me, that was a price worth paying for the cycling place to place. I think Michele did well organising good, mid range restaurants.
Our guide Michele’s home town is Vicenza, so he knows and loves this region – especially Vicenza!
The route was well planned to use cycle paths or quiet roads, so always a handy coffee and lunch stop.

Most Inspirational Moment

Not one moment to single out, but the cycling generally through such a lovely part of Italy was my highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was a very knowledgeable warm and inspiring guide. I believe he added greatly to the trip by his enthusiasm for helping us to see the best of his home region. As we were travelling to join the trip, I started coming down with a chest infection, and wondered whether I should opt for an electric bike. and having talked through the terrain with Michele, I stuck with a bike rather than opting for an electric bike. I was so glad I did but was wavering slightly. Having discussed what cycling we were used to, Michele encouraged me to cycle. It may have been easier for him to steer me towards an ebike, but he helped me choose what was better for me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring your own snacks for during the day if that is important to you, but there are coffee stops along the way. We were very lucky with the unseasonably lovely weather, so my rain jacket was unused, although best be prepared in case.

Jude Watson

Reviewed October 2019

Scenery, cycle paths and canals

A great week of varying scenery and enjoyable cycling. It was lovely to be cycling on cycle paths by the river on the first couple of days. Towns and cities were interesting and beautiful, with enough time spent there to get a feel for places and see the main sights. Food was good and plenty of chances to sample local wines. Cycling was not too hard with most days being undulating, but all hills very manageable (it was probably one of the easiest ‘moderates’ we have done).

Most Inspirational Moment

There has to be more than one! 1) The visit to the winery on Day 6 was very memorable. The family were so hospitable and lunch was amazing. Fantastic wines as well. 2) Our guide, Michele gave the option of a couple of early morning cycles to see the sunrise. These were certainly highlights for us and we'd recommend anyone on a future trip with Michele to take him up on the offer. Don't worry, there is still time for breakfast! 3) Venice - the experience of visiting this fascinating city is not to be missed. 4) The "best gelato in the world" in Vicenza!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was an incredibly enthusiastic leader with an obvious passion for his country. His knowledge about Italy, its history and people was amazing. He organised places for us to eat in the evenings (which were all lovely) and recommended places to go when we were doing our own thing. Nothing seemed too much trouble and he was determined that everyone should have a great holiday. As mentioned earlier, the early morning cycle rides are a fabulous bonus which certainly seem over and above his expected duties as a tour leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a jacket or jumper for the ferry on Day 3 as it can get quite cold if you are on the top deck.

Andrea Shorey

Reviewed September 2019

Glorious Scenery but very rushed

Excellent bikes and Andy always there for any minor adjustments. Glorious scenery but the trip needs some rethinking .
Most days we arrived at our hotel at 5-5:30 pm. By the time we had checked in, had a shower, it was time to head out for dinner. Restaurants, very mediocre apart from the one in Trento, and quite a long walk from the hotel.
It was a large group of 15, so coffee and lunch stops were far too long. Some glorious scenery, climbs longer than we had anticipated. Lake Garda and Venice very crowded.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most enjoyable day was day 6 to Padova, with the stop at The WInery and lunch. A long fast downhill after lunch which was great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jon was very friendly and out going, though not his usual trip. I don't think he is used to managing such a large group and as mentioned coffee and lunch breaks just too long. In any one day, the actual cycle time was approximately 4hours, yet we were leaving the hotel by 9:30 and not arriving at our destination until 5:30 most days. Andy was always there with water.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some long climbs. The trip notes on day 6 are incorrect. We had an altitude gain of 600m not 200m

Bev Chinnery

Reviewed August 2019

Terrific Vacation

Where else do you get the opportunity to meet 15 wonderful people from Italy, England, Australia, Scotland, Belgium and the US and spend long, delightful days riding, taking in beautiful scenery and history, and summer nights eating and strolling the sights and sounds of Italy, capping it off with a long day trip to Venice (bring your walking shoes!) and a delicious evening meal on the canal. This trip is much more than cycling.. it’s a step in time in truly one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was a collective beauty as the miles unfolded.. rivers flowing for miles on end, hilltop castles jutting toward the sky, unending vineyards and apple orchards, and fresh air to breathe in as each new scene came around the corners. Blending this with the group dynamics of idle chatter and laughter along the way and at various stops, and a few short history lessons now and then, made me feel like I was truly a visitor in a magical place for a while.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was a strong leader. His riding skills, group leadership and overall knowledge were exceptional. Michele’s sense of humour was much appreciated and he was a gentleman in anticipating the needs of all group members and took the time to ensure everything was running smoothly. He’s a good communicator and kept us well informed about the expectations of each day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It’s probably best to have completed several 75km daily rides to know the distance and time on the bike. The first day is particularly long and straight, so music and headphones might be nice to help enjoy the miles. We had some triathlete riders in our group who were fabulous.. and strong riders, so even though it’s NOT a race, it is nice to be able to keep up off and on. I didn’t mind falling back at times but was glad I could reasonably stay with the group along the way. Bring mosquito spray and sunscreen. Electrolyte water tablets were helpful. Small, easy snacks for the distances. A cooling towel during hot afternoons made a nice difference. Lake Garda beach is beautiful but rocky ( no sand), so flip flops are good to bring along. If you like scenery, the ferry ride is a pleasure as it criss-crosses the lake and ours was the last stop. We arrived around 9pm and by the time we checked in, a few of us opted out of dinner, so the pre-ferry purchases were dinner too. I stayed a couple of days in advance at Lido and took the boat rides into Venice to wander around. It was a great way to relax into the trip, and Lido Beach is well worth the time!

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