Self-Guided Tours in Italy

What made this cycling trip special was our guide. The safety emphasis, local knowledge, and connections the guide has make this trip a wonder. This trip involves cycling every day from Matera, down along the Ionian coast, and ending by the Adriatic coast to the city of Lecce. This my fourth cycling trip with Exodus, and I have to say that every guide on this trips has been fantastic. Cycling is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to be part of the landscape at just the right speed.

John Hornby Cycling the Heel of Italy – Matera to Lecce

This was managed and run by Headwater (Exodus’s sister company who runs the European cycling trips as data s I can tell.
We were both really long forward to this trip, and for the most part it was brilliant. However, there were a couple of issues… (1) This trip really needs a good level of experience in mountain biking. All the rides had long downhill sections on sometimes very loose gravel. My wife actually fell off (fortunately with minimal injury) as did one of the other couples on the trip (more serious – no more cycling for her!). This should be highlighted. (2) For some reason Headwater were unable to book direct trains as advertised, and no pre-booked seats. On the return trip, we were forced to stand for around an hour in the non-air conditioned carriage doorways in 39 degree heat (the aisles were too busy to even get in the air con parts!). This really put a downer on the trip as it was our last part of the holiday! Headwater should have booked earlier to get direct trains – or at least have booked seats!

Christopher Hewson A Taste of Tuscany Self-Guided Cycling

Walks strenuous and views amazing. Had forgotten how hard steps are!

Elizabeth Biggart Walking in the Cinque Terre and Portofino