Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice Ride

12 Reviews

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  Anonymous
  Written on September 16, 2013

  4.0 - Good

  Culture,history,nice scenery(particularly Days 1&2) interesting accommodation and pleasant company made this an enjoyable trip. Except for the traffic and urban business the cycling itself was also enjoyable.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?On day 2 "flying" down the hill,heading for the northern end of Lake Garda.Following several hours cycling,  strolling around Padua's Prato della Valle, possibly the biggest town square in Europe. What did you think of your group leader?He did a very good job getting a disparate group of 16 people ftrom Bolzano to Venice safely.He had an impressive knowledge of the area, it's architecture and history. Perhaps some of the stops could have been briefer or eliminated to allow more exploring time at our destination points.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Ensure that you are "cycling fit" and learn a few (or maybe more than a few") words of Italian, partly because after this tour you are likely to want to come back to Bella Italia and partly because you will feel happier about getting the food you want in the places you fancy ! Is there anything else you would like to add?Lightweight mountain bikes or hybrids would have made life easier.
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  Anonymous
  Written on September 2, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  We did not want this holiday to finish! The scenery is excellent and the towns visited are really interesting. We loved the local food and our tour leader arranged for us to stop in excellent cafes and restaurants. Our group covered both seasoned cyclists and first timers and we all got on very well. The route mainly follows quiet local roads and cycle paths, and when we did encounter traffic, we found the Italian drivers to be very considerate of cyclists. I wished UK drivers were the same!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Lake Garda is so beautiful and Venice is magnificent. All of the towns we stayed in were historic and interesting.What did you think of your group leader?Michele Quaresimin was an excellent tour leader and went out of his way to make this such a good holiday for all our group. He ensured that the holiday ran smoothly and quickly sorted out any problems that arose. He grew up in this area and knows it so well.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?This trip is a very good introduction to both Italy and cycling holidays.Is there anything else you would like to add?We are already looking through the Exodus brochure for our next holiday!
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  Anonymous
  Written on July 3, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  This was an excellent trip. There is a fascinating range of landscapes, vegetation and locations through which you pass. I would recommend it to anyone. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Emerging from the foothills of the Dolomites into the plains of northern Italy was magical, complemented by the vistas over two lakes in the first two days. Trento and Padua were surprisingly attractive (not to detract from Verona and Vicenza -- but their charms were predicted); and the food and drink were remarkably good value throughout. Ours was a wonderful, diverse group of people.What did you think of your group leader?Ricardo was a star. He was clear, good-humoured and tirelessly energetic through the whole week, dealing capably with any problem that popped up. He mastered a complicated route although this was the first time he had travelled along it.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?There was more dust and grit coming at your face than I had expected, partly because there were some stiff headwinds in the week we did the trip. So, with hindsight, I should have brought a pair of wrap-round shades.  
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  Anonymous
  Written on June 27, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  We booked this trip as a present to ourselves for our 50th birthdays and could not have chosen better. Michele was fantastic and very passionate about his job, the information he gave us and our safety, but most of all that we enjoyed ourselves. I can recommend this trip to anyone, almost regardless of their cycling level.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The countryside and the people. I had never been to Italy before but had been told it was beautiful, and once you get there you see why. Our ride through the country from Bolzano (so beautiful) to Mestre was fantastic. The friendliness of the people in the small towns and villages was warming and welcoming. A few words of Italian had us buying bread and cheese, meat and fruit. It was actually fun to go to the markets each day. Sampling the speciality of each region was great and Michele made sure that we ate in good restaurants and even organised some ‘off the menu’ dishes for us.   What did you think of your group leader?Michele made a great trip fantastic. He showed a level of professionalism I hadn’t expected and a level of care for each and every one of us that we’ll remember for the rest of our lives. He explained the individual aspects of every region we rode through and made each of us feel like we were the sole reason he was there. I can’t rate him highly enough. He allowed us to see things that we would have had no idea about had we not had a tour guide. Thanks Exodus for hiring him, he's a real asset to your company.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Just do it. Go, and you’ll be glad you did. Have faith in your guide and just have a good time. Allow a few days at the beginning and end as Bolzano is so beautiful, and Venice was nice too.Is there anything else you would like to add?This was our first cycling holiday, we have been back 2 weeks and are already planning our next trip. Thanks Exodus for the chance to see Italy.
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  Anonymous
  Written on June 25, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  A great cycling holiday through some wonderful scenery with a guide who ensured you got to see everything along the way.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Sailing down Lake Garda and the cycle tours of each town that we rode into each night, oh and not forgetting the group meals at some very nice restaurants that Michele picked out for us most evenings together with the evening tour of Venice, quite magical.What did you think of your group leader?Michele was an excellent group leader, friendly, loved Italy (understandably as he was Italian) and basically couldn't do enough for everyone on the trip. You certainly saw many things that a self guided traveller wouldn't have noticed.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?This ride was rated moderate and that was about right for anyone who likes weekend road and trail riding. The pace was a little brisk at times but the cycleways were mainly flat so it wasn't a problem. Also the whilst the rental bikes at first sight looked a little stade, you soon discovered that they were well built and rolled extremely well. A great week's cycling.
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  Anonymous
  Written on June 17, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  This trip was excellent and we saw a lot of Italy during our week, cycling from Bolzano to Venice. The cycle paths were excellent and the countryside beautiful going from the snowy peaks of the Dolomites to many vinyards as we cycled towards Lake Garda. Then on to Verona, Vicenza,Padova and finally Venice . The trip allowed you to experience rural Italy as well as all the cities with their individual historical past, so it was also for me a cultural experience.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Our visit to the Scravigni Chapel in Padova was a very enlightening experience, where we saw the Frescos by Giotti telling the story of Christ - a story in amazing paintings is what I would call it, well worth a visit. Also in Padova was St. Anthony's Cathedral which was huge and again had many frescos , and sculptures. Seeing Verona from the top of the hill early in the morning it was just beautiful - the guide took me a cycle up the hill overlooking Verona. Seeing Venice and all the waterways busy with water taxis, gondolas and vaporettas it was quite amazing seeing the transport being on boats and not in cars. St. Marks Square in Venice, climbing to the top of the tower seeing a panoramic view of Venice and the islands. What did you think of your group leader?Our group leader was excellent and he took care of us extremely well and ensured that we were altogether when cycling. He showed us rural Italy and took us to places we would not have seen and also suggested that we try the local food and alcohol, both were excellent. He had great knowledge of the history of the towns and cities we visited. He was a great character with lots of personality, charisma and fun and everyone was treated the same. Everything was well organised and we had no mishaps. He also organised early morning rides up the local hills to view points for those who were early birds.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?It's a great trip mixing cycling with the local culture and cuisine. A certain level of fitness is required but overall the cycling was on flat cycle paths and roads. There were one or two hills which some managed easier than others, but the guide always made sure that he was at the back with the slowest to encourage them up the hill and we all made it. Remember your camera as there are loads of opportunities for taking photos of the spectacular scenery, cathedrals and historical buildings. The rural areas were relatively cheap much the same as in Britain, but the cities were considerably more expensive especially Venice which is to be expected. The markets are cheap with amazing selection of fruit, cheese and bread -wonderful. A must do in Venice is going to the bar called DA LELE in Campo Dei Tolentini Santa Croce where you get small glass of red or white wine for 60c, and a ham roll for 90c. Very busy but well worth a visit just for the experience. The cheapest places in Venice for a drink and food in the evening and not too busy are in the Dorsuduro area, away from the crowded restaurants. Take the rough guide to Venice very informative. Remember your rain jacket for the occasional heavy shower.Is there anything else you would like to add?In the Exodus Brochure it states that the bikes are hybrids which is not the case we had heavy touring bikes. They all were well maintained with good components, and we were supplied with a pannier bag, a bar bag and a water bottle. Again this wasn't mentioned in the trip notes and most of us had an extra rucksack and a water bottle to take on the rides each day which were in the end not required. The trip notes should be more precise on what Exodus supply and the kind of bike supplied. The accommodation was all very clean some more basic than others and in Venice the rooms were exceptionally small and very cramped. On hind sight I would love to have spent more time in Bolzano a beautiful Tyrolean town in the foot hills of the Pyrenees where they speak German, there is spectacular scenery, great walks and cycle routes - one for the future. Overall a fantastic trip with a great group of people, an excellent tour leader, a great mix of cycling and culture.
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  Anonymous
  Written on January 12, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  An excellent trip through varied scenery, made all the better by a knowlegeable and friendly guideWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The first view of Lake Garda was truly stunning (and the descent to the shore).The quality of cycle routes was superior to anything we have in the North East.Venice was better than I expected, as were all our cultural experiences (the covered walkway from the hotel in Vicenza was stunning) The misty morning ride along the waterway as we left the bustle of Verona  What did you think of your group leader?Michela was one of the best tour leaders we've ever had. a constant smile, excellent English and more than enough knowlege for a bunch of cyclists. He never wore the same cycle jersey twice - very colourful!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Go and enjoy it! Bring lots of money for Venice and visit very early on the last day to avoid the crowds.
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  Anonymous
  Written on December 3, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  This was a very enjoyable trip; a nice combination of mostly easy cycling and getting a taste of the countryside and cities of Northern Italy.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Venice is amazing - it was on my 'to do' list for quite a while, so being able to combine it with an activity holiday was great.What did you think of your group leader?Michele was excellent.  The guidebook, including maps, and list of hotels provided at the start were also very useful and informative - it would have been possible to find the route and the hotel each day even if you had been separated from the group. Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Go for it.  The days are a bit more 'full on' than on other trips, not due to the cycling but due to the time spent visiting the cities in the evenings, where there is rather more to see than in cycling holidays in more rural areas.  If you want a holiday with more-difficult cycling, chose a different trip, as this was probably the easiest of the 'moderate' grade holidays I've been on, with only one reasonably serious hill on the trip.Is there anything else you would like to add?Much of the first part of the route, from Bolzano to Rovereto, although on a proper cycle path was also alongside - or just across the river from - a major highway.  It may be possible to revise the trip so that more time is spent on country lanes which may give a more enjoyable (and quieter!) journey through the lower parts of the Dolomites.  
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  Anonymous
  Written on October 1, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  All in all probably the best holiday I have ever had and that includes skiing in USA & Canada.Why ?  Scenery, weather (35 deg), good bikes, the people, food, local wines but above all Michele, our guide. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?That's a difficult one ...... something every day, but probably cresting the valley leaving Bolzano and riding through the vineyards or was it cresting the saddle at Lake Garda or was it the last meal in Venice with Michele and family ..... so many things were magical.Overall, the simplicity of going at your own speed soaking it all in ......  What did you think of your group leader?This was my first orgnised cycling trip and Michele has set the standard for my future trips.He was organised, punctual, very knowledgable about the history of the region, really looked after us, had on occassion to be firm but was always fair in order to pack everything in for the day and keep the group together.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?I thought 35 deg would be too hot to ride (coming from Scotland) but it was excellent as the breeze made by cycling was suffient to keep you comfortable.No need to take your own bike on this trip as the hired ones were more than adequate and comfortable.No mechanicals or punctures - 12 people - 220 miles - not bad ? Is there anything else you would like to add?We were given an excellent purpose-made map and guide booklet when we arrived - I think having these before we started the holiday would have given prior information about the towns and cities before we arrived at them.Other than that - perfect. 
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  Anonymous
  Written on September 20, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  This was a well organized event, with two very conscientious leaders.  There were some slip ups, but nothing serious, and not the fault of the leaders.  One was having no hotel in Trento when we arrived, but they found a very good one nearby before too long.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Reaching the top of the last hill!What did you think of your group leader?Personable, organized, and spoke English well.  Michele was an inspiration.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Bring better rain gear.