Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The long downhill rides after the steep climbs. The nice beaches and hotels with swimming pools. Having a beer with the group at the end of the ride. The final night as a group in Cagliari.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both the leaders. Simone and Giovani were excellent. Giovani was very knowledgeable about the island and its history, which he was keen to tell us about. He was quite strict but we soon warmed to him and brought out his softer side by using some banter.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hills on day 2 and three are very challenging. I have done grade 3 climbs on previous Exodus trips and these were long and challenging. Knowing that the hills would be a challenge and no longer a spring chicken, I had an e bike. I have embraced e mountain biking at home on the South Downs and it is fabulous. Although the e bike I had wasn't an ideal design, it certainly helped and enhanced my enjoyment. My advice would be to have one if you have any doubt. Why suffer? the e bikers were able to chat on the hills and enjoy the scenery, whereas the normal bikers couldn't talk.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the variety of the cycling, especially the off road bits. Learning about how Sardinia's past was related to the monuments we passed and the food and culture.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lovely, friendly, patient, friendly and jovial hosts who always tried to please everyone, all the time. Great fruit breaks!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some hills were quite long and steep. If you want to enjoy more, consider getting an electric bike! However, the van was available all the time allowing you to hop on and off throughout the day giving a great flexibility.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Costa del Sud was truly spectacular; the annual San Salvatore festival in Cabras; the giant sand dunes of the Costa Verde and the islands of San Pietro & Sant’Antioco. All of it really!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Alessandro & Simone were superb: multi-tasking, great local knowledge, dealing with logistics, accommodation, restaurants, fixing bikes, making us a superb lunch. And they were brilliant when one of our group had a bad fall. They are both passionate about their country & it showed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My knees are knackered (little/no cartilage) and although I cycle at home, my knees would never have coped with this trip without an e-bike. There are some very challenging hills. Even the keen cyclists in our group felt that it would be better described as Moderate/Hard. With an e-bike it was still a challenge but a very satisfying one. Also it was incredibly hot - if the trip was offered mid-late September/early October, I think it could be even more enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of any hill then flying down the other side.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, he managed everything superbly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some preparation.

Most Inspirational Moment

Views of some nice mountains, although nothing to match what we saw further north after the cycling when we hired a car to drive up to Olbia.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good, except that he did not seem to grasp that, for the English at least, the sort of people who go on cycling holidays are in general not the sort of people who want to lie on the beach in the middle of the day. On his last attempt to rouse us from a shady bar to go to the beach 100% of the group declined to go, preferring to push on to the lunchtime restaurant. He was absolutely brilliant is dealing with my dietary requirements as a coeliac.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Difficult to persuade Sardinian restaurants to provide any vegetables! If you are a vegetarian be prepared to live on pasta with tomato sauce, and salads consisting of little but iceberg lettuce.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our final day cycling over the coastal plains of the Costa del Sud, even though challenging at times, the amazing views over the pristine beaches, cliffs and 16th century watchtowers made it all worthwhile.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Michele was exceptional. From the moment we arrived at the airport to our farewell in Cagliari, he was always there to answer our questions, translate and offer recommendations. Even for something as trivial as buying shampoo, he escorted us to the door of the supermarket. Some meals were included with the package but for all others he made recommendations and accompanied us to fabulous restaurants. We also had the flexibility to do our own thing, if we so wished, but we were a very close group and we really enjoyed the company of Michele and Allesandro, our driver. They were great guides, both of them had a great sense of humour but were also exceptionally knowlegeable and professional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The first few days were unseasonally dull with a little rain. Make sure to pack a warm layer and a water proof jacket.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sun finally shining for the whole of the last day; with some stunning scenery to go with it!! The perfect way to finish.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Michelle was amazing. Very knowledgable; able and enthusiastic. He made us feel very safe all along the trip and was an absolute pleasure to have around. Full marks!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ask for a tour with Michelle!!

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely great - loved his island & was very knowledgeable. Efficient, generous, informed, smiley, excellent English - all you'd want. Plus Michele & Alessandro were such FUN!

Most Inspirational Moment

The long day on which we encountered some significant hills, stretches of dirt road and river crossings along with ancient and disused mine sites culminating in a long climb to our serene agritourismo accommodation, was really memorable. We were lucky to have a fantastic group of people with varied backgrounds and cycling experience. The group displayed good humour, patience and collegiality and this was what made the trip more memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was an excellent tour leader. It is clearly not a job that suits everyone but his positive attitude and enthusiasm for his work was infectious. He managed group dynamics with patience, humour and energy whilst working hard to iron out the inevitable problems which occurred throughout the trip. He remained encouraging for all ability levels and was key in creating a good group atmosphere. He should be congratulated because it is the attitude and experience of the personnel which ensures the success of this type of operation. Michele also had a good working relationship with his assistant Alessandro and together they formed a great team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Obviously there is a choice to be made when tossing up between a guided versus a self- guided trip however from our experience it is the knowledge of the guides which provides the real opportunity to learn more about local customs, history, geography etc which makes all the difference. It would be easy enough to navigate ourselves but without the insights of our leaders we would have had a less meaningful experience. I would highly recommend this trip and our guides to all who are considering it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Each of the days contained something interesting. The ride on the second day through the Dune di Piscinas and the disused mine workings near the Miniera di Ingurtosu was both interesting and very scenic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Simone was very good. During a very wet week he remained extremely helpful and cheerful throughout, even lending his own waterproof clothing to a traveller who had brought none of there own. One of the group who had opted out of a particular days cycling because of the weather, and, not wanting to cause inconvenience since his bike had been packed away, was reluctant to rejoin after the weather had improved was positively encouraged to do so by Simone with assurances that it was no trouble. The support vehicle driver Ado was also excellent. Ado is the most proactive support driver we have encountered on our Exodus holiday, always cheerful and ready to help in any way he can. His fruit and lunch stop arrangements were amazing. Together, Simone and Ado make a great team.