This was my first Exodus trip and I loved everything about it. I was travelling solo which I had never done before. I was full of trepidation but I need not have worried. The trip far exceeded my expectations. The cycling is tough with plenty of hills to climb. However the group were lovely. I had so much fun, there was plenty of banter all week.
Our Backroads to Venice self guided trip was absolutely fantastic. The bike paths In northern Italy are incredible and so well maintained we were on a few minor back road but never with a lot of traffic. Scenery was absolutely incredible all the way, much of the path was along the Adige river which was stunning. We upgraded to electric bikes which we were extremely happy with. We had no problems at all. They were easy to use and very long battery life. We were also provided with a lock to lock the bikes up in town. They also had a lock as a part of the bike frame, so we always felt safe leaving them
The week of our ride was 35 Celsius plus every day which was a little unfortunate but we were thankful for the electric bike, we just had to leave earlier to avoid the heat of the day
We upgraded to the better quality Hotel. They were all excellent, particularly the Bolzano Hotel. All of our breakfasts were delicious and plentiful.
The app was very easy to use and very accurate. Highly recommend a handlebar holder for your phone. We took a padded seat cover, which I’m very thankful for.
Highly recommend this ride.
Fairly flat cycle ride of approximately 40 miles/day on mainly quiet roads or off road on the Via Verde, though there was some cycling on busy main roads. We had non stop sunshine and temperatures in mid 30s for our trip in late September, but felt that some of the Via Verde route would be almost impossible if it was wet. There were some good hills to ascend most days.
What a wonderful e-bike and barge tour from Paris to Epernay. Highly recommend. The conduct of this tour was professional in every way. The scenery so beautiful, the guides so knowledgeable and expert in their roles and the Zwaantze barge itself a wonderful barge to call home for such a tour ably managed by the captain Bart and his team. We loved the experience. Also second tour we have been on the Zwaantze as we did the Bruges to Amsterdam bike and Barge tour in 2018. These tours are wonderful ways to travel and enjoy being active at the same time.
From the turquoise waters of Lake Bled and the white peaks of Julian Alps to the emerald Soča river and green Karst vineyard, finishing at the blue Adriatic Sea. Cycle through traditional villages around Lake Bled before taking a scenic railway journey to Avče from where you'll reach Goriška Brda, the 'Tuscany' of Slovenia.
Explore the local vines and wines before discovering the Karst region and visiting the hilltop village of Štanjel, a medieval stonemason settlement with narrow, stone alleys that wind among the buildings built on terraces and the UNESCO-listed Škocjan caves. Next stop is Lipica, home of the original Lipizzaner horses with the stud farm dating from 1580 to the time of the Hapsburg. It is possible to join a guided tour to see the horses before cycling on to the edge of the border with Italy for views out to the coast towards Trieste in Italy and your destination. the city of Koper. A scenic path takes you along the Parenzana railway line to Koper from where you cycle on to Piran - looking back to the distant mountains gives you a great feeling of achievement.
Explore the beautiful, culturally-rich but lesser-known and uncrowded area of the Cilento National Park by bicycle on this self-guided 9-day cycling tour.
The region of Campania has been known as a paradise on earth since ancient times. The Greeks built some of their most impressive temples here and under the Romans it became known as ‘Campania Felix’, or the Happy Land. When travelling through this region it is easy to be overwhelmed by the wealth of cultural and natural attractions, from the great city of Naples to the well-known Costiera Amalfitana, with its towering cliffs and picturesque coves.
But Campania’s real secret is located south of Salerno. Here, the coastline bulges out into an expanse of mountainous landmass known as the Cilento, now one of Italy’s biggest National Parks, with World Heritage listing.
This tour brings you into the real ‘Heart of the Cilento’, from ancient Paestum up to Monte Stella, and along the pristine Cilento coast towards the impressive Alburni Mountains. Inland, the Cilento is largely undisturbed by the 21st century and you will encounter few other tourists along your way. You will cycle past world-famous cultural sites, through pristine natural areas and dreamy coastal scenery. Your trip will take you on small country roads passing through rough mountain scenery, as well as attractive countryside, with vineyards and olive groves.
The first few days you will stay close to the coast, only occasionally reaching some small hamlets on the foothills further inland. You will go past the archaeological site of Paestum on your way to a genuine mozzarella farm and climb up to some nice viewpoints on the coastal plain. Further on you will cycle around Monte Stella, dotted with several typical medieval hamlets, and continue along the coast towards the tiny fishing villages of Acciaroli and Pioppi to the Greek site of Velia.
You then turn inland and discover the rolling foothills around lovely Ceraso before climbing up along the Calore River to the hamlet of Piaggine, located in the very heart of the Cilento National Park. Here you’ll visit some of the nicest medieval villages in the area, where the traditional way of life is still evident. And you’ll enjoy visiting some of the Cilento’s greatest (but unknown) cultural treasures, like St. Michael’s cave church in Sant’Angelo a Fasanella, the ruins of Roscigno Vecchia and the castle of Laurino. All connected by great well-paved and quiet roads, ideal for cycling.
Your route back to Paestum takes you along great panoramic roads on the slopes of the Alburni Mountains.
Cycle through the historic Dordogne region of southwest France visiting La Roque-Gageac, Sarlat and the Lascaux Caves. The Dordogne, as the French say, is a land with 'un peu de tout', a little of everything; a gently meandering river, lush pastures, wine, walnuts, geese, the warm southern sun and of course a web of country roads linking the historic hamlets and towns, all just ideal for a stimulating cycling holiday. From Souillac in the valley of the Dordogne River, the cycle route follows tiny lanes and byroads, initially following the river, which winds through a landscape of steep green wooded hills, patchwork fields and terraced slopes. This area of France is rich in scenery, architecture, history - and of course has a famous gastronomic reputation, as this is the home of the truffle! Spend two nights in Sarlat the capital of Black Périgord; it is an exceptionally well-preserved city. The second half of the circuit is a little more rural and there is a chance to visit the world famous Lascaux Caves. Staying in a selection of hand picked hotels, there is ample time to relax and enjoy the villages and scenery for which the area is famous.
Rich with medieval villages, historic castles and churches, Catalonia (Catalunya) is contrasted with an impressive rocky coastline, dotted with pretty fishing villages, crystal-clear waters and beautiful golden sandy beaches. Steeped in culture and history, Catalonia's traditions date back over thousands of years.
