Have been on 5 Exodus trips and this was by far the best of the best. Sicily itself is utterly breathtaking, wonderful scenery, great group of people to cycle with and our guide Davide was the best tour guide I have had the good fortune to meet. He was really knowledgeable, funny, supportive to everyone who were at all different levels of cycling ability and treated us all as individuals. The routes he took us had some of the best views ever and every day was totally different. He picked out wonderful restaurant choices and stayed with us until the bitter end. On the penultimate day I was looking to the left coming down a steep hill instead of keeping my eye on the road and fell off my bike (I really am the clumsiest person alive). I injured my arm and Davide quickly came to the rescue and ensured that my safety was paramount. He went over and above, even offering to drive me to restaurants in the evening to ensure I didn’t miss out, he is one in a million and made our holiday really special (it was our 33rd wedding anniversary and my husband’s birthday). If Davide is still there next year we will return as we both fell in love with Sicily’s charm, architecture, coastline and of course the wonderful cuisine. If I could give this trip 10 stars, I would. Also a huge shout out to the lovely driver Sebi/Sepi not sure which, who kindly ferried me around in his van after my accident and really looked after me.
Cycling in Thailand
Thailand Cycling Tours
Top 5 Places to Visit on Thailand Cycling Tours
Ayutthaya: The UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Ayutthaya is the ancient capital of Thailand and dates back to the mid-14th century. In the 18th century a large part of the old town was destroyed by the Burmese. Today it remains an historic site of interest with its splendid monasteries, temples and shrines which define its rich heritage. In the old part of the city you’ll find three of the most significant temples including Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which stands on the site of the old Royal Palace. Wat Chaiwatthanaram lies on the riverbank and is one of the most famous of the temples, attracting travellers wanting to see the beautiful sunsets over the water.
Chiang Rai: A tour of Chiang Rai introduces to the more rural region of northern Thailand with its impressive mountain backdrop. Unlike the frenetic Chiang Mai, its older counterpart, Chiang Rai remains relatively free from tourists and enjoys a much calmer pace that inspires artists and a more creative crowd. The temples of Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) and Wat Rong Sue Ten (The Blue Temple) are nothing short of spectacular and it’s worth spending some time exploring the gardens too. If you want to delve into the past, the Mae Fa Luang Art and Cultural Centre is an unspoiled park that houses a traditional Lanna pavilion, museum and gorgeous landscaped gardens.
Aranyaprathet: Bordering Cambodia and Thailand, Aranyaprathet is a more modern, vibrant town. Here you can wander through a maze of market stalls at Talad Rong Khlua where the locals sell all kinds of goods, from handbags and clothes to homeware. But if you want to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some tranquility, head for Kanchanaphisek Park, home to various species of birds and plants. In the centre of the park’s small lake standsWimansarannawamin, a beautiful Thai pavilion.
Chiang Mai: In stark contrast to its wild, mountainous setting, Chiang Mai is a sprawling city known for its hectic markets and ornate temples. Among the backdrop of lush countryside and rainforest, you can see the strong Burmese influences in the architectural styles of the buildings. In the evenings, the streets are filled with market stalls where the hilltribes sell their artisan crafts and you can immerse yourself in the local culture. The old part of the city is much more blissful, and you can visit the Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Centre to learn about the history and culture of the city and its hilltribes.
Bangkok: World renowned for its modern skyscrapers and temple spires that pierce the skyline, Bangkok is a soul-stirring city of contrasts. At every turn a magnificent temple steals your attention as you try to dodge a tuk tuk, and the smell of Thai street food that wafts on the air makes you succumb to the aromatic flavours. There are so many sights to explore that it’s hard to know where to begin but we recommend visiting the Grand Palace, Wat Arun Temple and Wat Pho Temple with the famous reclining Buddha.
Exodus People – Rit Aphiwatthanakul
Fay Fenwick Cycling in Sicily
Niall Campbell Cycling in MongoliaAn amazing trip across the steppes of Mongolia. Each day revealed new horizons and a greater appreciation of the vastness of this remote country.
Ruairi OConnor Cycling in SicilyWonderful holiday with a great leader, Davide. Superb scenery with enough challenging cycling
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