This was my first cycling holiday and hopefully won't be my last. I had a fabulous time, saw some wonderful sights and met a great group of people on this trip. The cycling wasn't too hard, but enough to make you appreciate you had earned your distance each day. Being the last trip of the season, the weather could have been a problem, but we were lucky until the last day when the heavens opened. The scenery, towns, cities and villages were superb and the food and drink fantastic. The bikes were good for the kind of terrain we were travelling and the majority of the trip was on cycle paths and quiet roads.
This was my first cycle tour with Exodus and my first cycle tour in Italy. It will not be the last with Exodus or in Italy. The experience was awesome! I flew across the pond from the states expecting a great trip with two friends. It wasn't just a great trip it was awesome! We met the other members of our tour group and our fantastic guide Michele at the Mestre airport and traveled to Bolzano for our first overnight. We were fitted for bikes the next morning. Michele installed my seat and pedals from my bike at home. We were given a handlebar bag to keep and a pannier and lock to use during the tour. My bike was great and performed flawlessly for the week!
The Dolomites and the Adige river valley are very scenic to say the least. The cycling was primarily on cycle paths. We didn't need to worry about traffic, we could just take in the beauty of Italy. The times we did cross or use roadways or roundabouts Michele was very careful to insure the group's safety.
After a day on the bikes we bonded as a group. I came with two friends. I left at the end of the week with eleven other friends! The lodging was comfortable and the food was great! Michele even gave the option of a pre breakfast ride a couple of times to those that desired more saddle time. That's me! Michele definitely has a passion for Italy, people, and showing others a great time! He has a wealth of knowledge about Italy, and the towns and villages we passed through. Michele introduced the group to his family at dinner in Vicenza! The group enjoyed getting to know them.
I strongly urge anyone with a spirit of adventure to take this tour. If you cycle at all you are set. If not grab a bike and cycle a bit or go to a spin class for a few weeks prior to your tour. It's relaxed paced cycling with a couple of challenges thrown in for spice. Michele will insure you will be a survivor and what views you will see and memories you will make!
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!)