Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice Ride

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, as a regular cyclist, cycling days 4 & 5 were the best as it involved some hill climbing with spectacular ridge rides, views and descents, especially between Vicenza and Nanto. Unfortunately after Nanto it’s pan flat for 35km with very little of interest until you arrive in Padova.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We’ve been on a trip with Michele before, so we knew what to expect from him. Very friendly and lots of useful stories to tell. Remember to play “buzzword bingo” and listen out for ‘Fidel Castro’, ‘Mussolini’, ‘Romans’, ‘George Clooney’, then shout “house” (or maybe it’s “villa”). Mark was also extremely helpful when my wife came off her bike and had to go to hospital for treatment, staying with her and acting as interpreter.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you can’t or don’t want to climb a 5km hill under your own pedal power (there are at least 2) then you’ll want an e-bike.

Suggestions

The ferry ride down Lake Garda was interesting for a while but took the best part of 3 hours, and also chilly in October (take a proper coat). An option could be to cycle down the length of the lake (it might actually be quicker), but that adds another 75km to the day and is on busier roads (east side is preferable).

Most Inspirational Moment

Our guide, Michele, new Venice very well and was able to avoid the crowds and show us parts of the city that we would not otherwise see. Other highlights were swimming in Lake Caldaro and Lake Garda.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was excellent. He was knowledgeable, kept us safe, and went above and beyond what was necessary to ensure that we had an excellent time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do check that you are able to cycle the distances and do follow the training programme that Exodus provides. Accept that you may have to visit some of the towns again to fully appreciate their history and culture.

Suggestions

Just to reiterate that this was a lovely trip. We were lucky with the weather and so were able to appreciate the beautiful landscapes. Michele's enthusiasm kept us all going when we were flagging on the hills. The hotel in Vicenza was not of the same standard as the other hotels and we would suggest that alternatives are looked at. The room in the hotel in Mestre was so small that we struggled to find room for our suitcases.

Most Inspirational Moment

Descending from the hilltop down to Lake Garda.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was excellent, with lots of knowledge about the history of places/things we saw, plus a real interest in the individuals in the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try and check the weather forecast just before packing - I took some weatherproof items that were never needed as the temperature for each day hovered around 30C.

Suggestions

Need to arrange group flights for people living in the north - i.e Manchester, Liverpool, or Leeds/Bradford. It’s very inconvenient to have to travel to Heathrow or Gatwick - something I won’t do again for a short haul flight.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling down into Lake Garda. Also the knowledge that our guide, Michellee had really bought so much more to the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michellee was the best guide we have had on any Exodus trip. He went above and beyond to take care of everyone - no easy feat with a group of 16 people but I feel he managed it extremely well. A very knowledgeable man, great sense of humour. Hard working and a joy to around. There were just so many little extra things that he did to make sure everyone was OK and enjoying the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hire an e bike for the hills!

Suggestions

Worth saying that Attilla the transport support was also a great guy. Very friendly, supportive and knowledgeable. What an asset to the overall trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling down hill to lake garda

Thoughts on Group Leader

Please see above comments but to repeat he was the best guide exodus have in our experience Atilla on transport was also exceptional- friendly and helpful. Great sense of humour

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hire an e bike if you struggle with hills Made the cycling so much better for my arthritic knees!

Most Inspirational Moment

Not one moment to single out, but the cycling generally through such a lovely part of Italy was my highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was a very knowledgeable warm and inspiring guide. I believe he added greatly to the trip by his enthusiasm for helping us to see the best of his home region. As we were travelling to join the trip, I started coming down with a chest infection, and wondered whether I should opt for an electric bike. and having talked through the terrain with Michele, I stuck with a bike rather than opting for an electric bike. I was so glad I did but was wavering slightly. Having discussed what cycling we were used to, Michele encouraged me to cycle. It may have been easier for him to steer me towards an ebike, but he helped me choose what was better for me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring your own snacks for during the day if that is important to you, but there are coffee stops along the way. We were very lucky with the unseasonably lovely weather, so my rain jacket was unused, although best be prepared in case.

Suggestions

The choice of hotels was a little disappointing, particularly ( sorry Michele) the one in Vicenza.

Most Inspirational Moment

There has to be more than one! 1) The visit to the winery on Day 6 was very memorable. The family were so hospitable and lunch was amazing. Fantastic wines as well. 2) Our guide, Michele gave the option of a couple of early morning cycles to see the sunrise. These were certainly highlights for us and we'd recommend anyone on a future trip with Michele to take him up on the offer. Don't worry, there is still time for breakfast! 3) Venice - the experience of visiting this fascinating city is not to be missed. 4) The "best gelato in the world" in Vicenza!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was an incredibly enthusiastic leader with an obvious passion for his country. His knowledge about Italy, its history and people was amazing. He organised places for us to eat in the evenings (which were all lovely) and recommended places to go when we were doing our own thing. Nothing seemed too much trouble and he was determined that everyone should have a great holiday. As mentioned earlier, the early morning cycle rides are a fabulous bonus which certainly seem over and above his expected duties as a tour leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a jacket or jumper for the ferry on Day 3 as it can get quite cold if you are on the top deck.

Suggestions

Nothing other than - book it! It's a fantastic way to get a taste of this part of Italy.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most enjoyable day was day 6 to Padova, with the stop at The WInery and lunch. A long fast downhill after lunch which was great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jon was very friendly and out going, though not his usual trip. I don't think he is used to managing such a large group and as mentioned coffee and lunch breaks just too long. In any one day, the actual cycle time was approximately 4hours, yet we were leaving the hotel by 9:30 and not arriving at our destination until 5:30 most days. Andy was always there with water.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some long climbs. The trip notes on day 6 are incorrect. We had an altitude gain of 600m not 200m

Suggestions

On previous Exodus cycle trips the leaders have organised amazing lunch time picnics and also carried snacks in the van I don't see why the arrangements were different on this trip, the picnics were delicious and much quicker than booked restaurant meals

Most Inspirational Moment

There was a collective beauty as the miles unfolded.. rivers flowing for miles on end, hilltop castles jutting toward the sky, unending vineyards and apple orchards, and fresh air to breathe in as each new scene came around the corners. Blending this with the group dynamics of idle chatter and laughter along the way and at various stops, and a few short history lessons now and then, made me feel like I was truly a visitor in a magical place for a while.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was a strong leader. His riding skills, group leadership and overall knowledge were exceptional. Michele’s sense of humour was much appreciated and he was a gentleman in anticipating the needs of all group members and took the time to ensure everything was running smoothly. He’s a good communicator and kept us well informed about the expectations of each day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It’s probably best to have completed several 75km daily rides to know the distance and time on the bike. The first day is particularly long and straight, so music and headphones might be nice to help enjoy the miles. We had some triathlete riders in our group who were fabulous.. and strong riders, so even though it’s NOT a race, it is nice to be able to keep up off and on. I didn’t mind falling back at times but was glad I could reasonably stay with the group along the way. Bring mosquito spray and sunscreen. Electrolyte water tablets were helpful. Small, easy snacks for the distances. A cooling towel during hot afternoons made a nice difference. Lake Garda beach is beautiful but rocky ( no sand), so flip flops are good to bring along. If you like scenery, the ferry ride is a pleasure as it criss-crosses the lake and ours was the last stop. We arrived around 9pm and by the time we checked in, a few of us opted out of dinner, so the pre-ferry purchases were dinner too. I stayed a couple of days in advance at Lido and took the boat rides into Venice to wander around. It was a great way to relax into the trip, and Lido Beach is well worth the time!

Suggestions

Day 3 was a great mix of riding. Day 4 was the longest uphill climb (1 km, then 5km), but day 5 also had some long climbs in the morning. Well-rewarded by the winery tour and magnificent lunch. Breakfast at all hotels was excellent. All evening meals were fabulous too.. you’re in Italy after all. With coffee stops and a few snacks here and there, $40 to $50 Euros a day was lots.. plan extra for museums, etc. in Venice on the last day. Accommodations were clean and comfortable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching everyone on the group achieve those hills. With love and laughter, you can all get there and enjoy the rewards, be it gelato, carafes of Prosecco or a stunning view.

Thoughts on Group Leader

THE BEST

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was my 1st trip since being on my own - I couldn't have done anything better. It was scary clicking that 'booking' tab but my life restarted as soon as I met the Exodus crew. So if you're not sure -honestly, do it!

Suggestions

I've probably gushed enough but just to say, thank you Exodus, thank you Andy, thank you Mario and thank you to my new friends who are still making me laugh out loud until my ribs ache!