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.

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.

This was my first cycling holiday with a group , normally I cycle self guided which allows me time to stop and stare and take photographs. From day one I found myself way behind the other members, my pace was averaging 19 - 20 kph, which is above the advertised “Moderate: 13-16km/8-10miles an hour”, but this was not fast enough. I must emphasise that for me, it was not a problem as exodus provide some excellent maps and I am used to cycling alone so I never felt lost. However, I still had a great 6 days, saw some brilliant scenery passed though great villages and towns. The restaurants and cafes we stopped at provided excellent choice of food and drinks at a reasonable price. All hotels were comfortable and well located. Evening meals with this diverse group were in well chosen restaurants and I thoroughly enjoyed their company as well as the food and drinks

My partner and I have been on several group walking and cycling holidays but this was the most enjoyable to date, in large part due to our excellent tour leader, Michele, but also due to the group itself. Michele has excellent local knowledge ranging across the history, architecture and culture of the areas and towns we visited as well as where to eat really good lunches and dinners. We all much appreciated the frequent opportunities to indulge in ice-cream.

A truly brilliant holiday. I loved every minute - even the 5km hill in 28 degree heat wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Scenery was stunning, cycling was fantastic (I'm not a regular cyclist but it was all very manageable with a few challenges and lots of flat bits), great restaurant choices, a brilliant guide and a fun group. And we were so lucky with the weather - blue skies everyday.

A quite wonderful and truly memorable experience, lead by a superb guide (Michele) and accompanied by a great group of fellow cyclists. There was some apprehension before the trip that the ride from Bolzano to Venice might be too challenging – at least, for a relatively inexperienced cyclist like myself – however we need not have worried. The big hill on day four was a particular highlight for those that did like a challenge, though. The bikes supplied, were excellent. The hotels were well picked by Exodus, providing everything needed at the end of a day’s ride – air-conditioning, comfortable beds, good hot showers, nice breakfasts and friendly staff. And ultimately, there was enough free time to take-in and appreciate the beauty of that part of Italy (including the well-earned pizzas, pastas and local red wines!) We are sadly back home now but already planning the next Exodus cycling trip, so highly recommended.

The ride was at a good pace, not too fast and not too slow. We passed through beautiful towns and countryside and there was ample opportunities to take photographs.

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!

This was a fun, leisurely, week-long ride through some of Italy's most beautiful landscapes and cities, full of history, delicious food, and great gelato. I was fortunate that there was such wonderful camaraderie amongst our group, so that there was always lots of laughs, especially when the "easy, flat" sections contained lots of undulations. I would do this trip again if I could!

We booked this trip as a present to ourselves for our 50th birthdays and could not have chosen better. Michele was fantastic and very passionate about his job, the information he gave us and our safety, but most of all that we enjoyed ourselves. I can recommend this trip to anyone, almost regardless of their cycling level.