Cycling Through Istria

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Paul McCormack

  CYCLING THROUGH ISTRIA

  

  Written June 2012

  This is a tough cycle trip, to put it in perspective you climb 9000 metres and although the distance covered is 400 miles over the week you certainly need to take your climbing legs with you. This " holiday " very much about the bike.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Coming out of the cafe stop which we entered in the pouring rain to warm sunshine.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Good as a cycling coach

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Get very cycle fit !

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Good road surfaces, alpine type climbs longest 23 km some fantastic descents. Hire bikes are good but are MTBs and therefore quite heavy. One stretch of off road descent ( optional ) quite gnarly on slick tyres.

   
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  Nicola Mccormack

  CYCLING THROUGH ISTRIA

  

  Written June 2012

  This is a tough week. Daily distance 110k, hilly - not really undulating. 9000m climbing in all (more than Everest). Good if you are cycling fit and are training for sportives etc, much less good if you just want a cycling holiday. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Not the cycling. Probably the views from the high points when we got to the top of the climbs.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Passionate about cycling and his country. Possibly not flexible enough to accommodate all the clients wishes.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Only book this trip if you want to cycle pretty much all day in hilly terrain. There is virtually no time for sightseeing.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Consider changing the grading to challenging + or even tough (although apparently not quite as hard as the Pyrennees Raid.)

   
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  Katie Sherwood

  CYCLING THROUGH ISTRIA

  

  Written May 2012

  Our Tour of Istria was all I had hoped for in terms of spectacular, unspoilt scenery and long rides. Croatia is a beautiful place to explore by bike and the route was along usually empty roads. The route was challenging in terms of some of the climbs but the pace of the ride was usually governed by your slowest rider, which can be a frustration at times. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Long climbs with breathtaking views to reward you at the top.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  He was passionate about his country and knew the roads like the back of his hand. The route was devised by him and his love for cycling and nature showed no bounds.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take snacks with you to have on the route as at times you can be in relatively remote places where shops are infrequent, so it's good to have your own supplies to fall back on.

  Bring clothing for all weathers as while it can be sunny and hot, it can change overnight to heavy rain!! 

   
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  Charlotte Taylor

  CYCLING THROUGH ISTRIA

  

  Written May 2012

  This is an excellent trip offering an insight into a little known area of Croatia. Many people naturally think of the Dalmatian coast when they think of Croatia, but this trip allows you to explore the beautiful Gorski Korta mountain region that offers virtually traffic free roads and captivating rides through rural communities nestles into the mountains. The trip then takes you on a journey through the Istrian peninsular, with its mixture of Italian and Croatian influences it is a fascinating area and the riding is simply fantastic. The route includes a bit of everything from inland riding in the hills, to coastal stretches and island hoping. It is a trip totally dedicated to the cycling and the open countryside that you are exploring. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the top of every pass was fantastic, however, my most favoured memory is reaching the top of the climb on the island of Cres before descending into Beli and being presented with 360 panorama of the surrounding coast and the Croatian mainland, it was just breath-taking!!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Absolutely fantastic! As 15-time national champion of the former Yugoslavia and former Olympian the man really knows his cycling. He has an undeniable passion for showing off his beautiful country by bike and for the wilderness that is so well preserved in this area. I don't think there is a road he hasn't cycled!! His expertise and knowledge will put you totally at ease.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared for all weathers and pack your kit accordingly. As you are starting in the mountainous region there is a possibility for mixed conditions so it is worth packing some warmer kit and certainly a windproof and waterproof layer.

   I would also say that it is a good idea to get some hill practice in and be ready for 6 full days of cycling. Some good preperation will really allow you to enjoy the beauty of the area.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Go for it!! It is a fantastic trip and if you love seeing a country from the saddle it doesn't get much better than this. You will ride from point to point filling you with rewards and satisfaction and each climb will become a conquest rewarded with fantastic views.