This was my first time traveling for pleasure completely alone, and I didn't really know what to expect. I think I thought it would mostly be a nice break in between jobs, perhaps some time alone for self-reflection and contemplation in a stunningly beautiful place. It was all that but actually so much more for me.
As a self-described "city slicker," I was pretty much a novice at this hiking thing, and the week was full of experiences that kept pushing me, and challenging me to grow. Each day felt special and offered something different. Pictures cannot do justice to what you need to see in person. In these beautiful coastal towns, when the sun melts into the horizon, and the dusky mountains hug the sky, you don't know where one ends and one begins. I went in November, which is the off season, and was anxious about how the rain/weather might impact the tour. But even on the day(s) that it rained, that only added to the atmosphere and sense of adventure. It was special seeing the Amalfi Coast at a time when there were no tourists.
Great trip, difficulty rating a bit misleading Our second trip with Exodus. A really good group of cyclists to ride and socialize with. Leaders Becs and David did a great job supporting us and handling both the expected and the unexpected. The scenery was spectacular.
Having been on another level 3 tour, I would suggest that this one was significantly more difficult. I think Exodus needs to make some changes in the difficulty ranking system. I would be skeptical about the ranking and would want to talk to someone who had been on the trip I was considering.
That said, we would do it again!
My wife an I had the good fortune to join four others for a tour of the Ascoli Piceno area of Italy in September 2018 led by Giovanni and Chantelle. If you are interested in avoiding the touristy of parts Italy, if your are interested in gaining a better insight into the culture and the cuisine of this part of Italy, if you want to visit one of the more picturesque parts of Italy and you want to experience the intimacy of a small group; this may be the tour for you. The accommodation was excellent as was the food experience. It was a well paced tour, a typical day would start shortly after nine, a drive through the rugged country side in the region, a visit a hill-top village, historical site, vineyard, etc. and then on to a wonderful lunch. This would be followed a visit to another site, returning to the hotel in late afternoon. One cannot enough good things about the tour leaders, they are very knowledgeable about the region and most accommodating to the needs of the tour participants. We would likely recommend this tour.