Cycle Spain's Castles & Canyons

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...

Average Review Rating: from 7 reviews.

Harry Smith

CYCLE SPAIN'S CASTLES & CANYONS

Written November 2012
A very good and well organised trip; takes you through and overnighting at places you might not ordinarily go yourself, staying at small hotels, using local knowledge making it all very easy to go with the flow, not having to think or worry about a thing, even to the point of not having to find cafes and restaurants, as our guide sorted everything.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The highlights of the trip were some of the medieval villages and towns, the roman and moorish influences being prominent, but the most impressive and splendid was the aquifer at Segovia, I just didn't expect it to be so dominant in the town. Also need to mention the family run hotel we stopped in for two nights in the middle of the tour, they did a very good job at keeping us warm with a huge log fire each night.
What did you think of your group leader?
Jaime was brilliant, super fit, very knowledgable on all things Spanish, be it history (specialising in the second greatest empire in the history of the world!), the environment and wildlife. He looked after everyone on the trip, sorted out issues, translated menus, in fact he was our personal translator; not to forget his sense of humour. Edward looked after all the baggage moves and did a good job on maintaining the bikes as we progressed.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The brochure says this is suitable for beginners, it's not, you need to be fit and bike fit to manage some of the hills, one day was 40 miles (in the cold and rain for us), you needed to be used to cycling to complete this day. Although the bikes were in very good condition they do have nobbly tyres and as 90% is on road then this adds to the fitness requirement (some of the ladies bikes had semi slicks, so not too bad).
Is there anything else you would like to add?
As usual when you book a trip like this you will inevitably be amongst like minded individuals, and we weren't disappointed, everybody was good fun to cycle and socialise with. I must admit I wasn't too enamoured with my initial contacts (or lack of) with Exodus, but once they took things seriously then the booking process was fine; can't work out why I had to pay flight supplements on top of the price advertised for that week (I'm used to another tour operator that quotes "the price stated is the price you pay"), referring to the small print and saying it was half term week isn't really good enough, I'd have thought you could easily update your website to reflect this. I'd happily book another Exodus trip, though.
Bridget Ryan

CYCLE SPAIN'S CASTLES & CANYONS

Written June 2012
I loved this trip - it was absolutely the highlight of a four week trip around France, Spain and Italy that I took with my partner. On the 8 day trip north of Madrid from Guadarrama to Sepulvada the company was entertaining and fun, the food was good, inexpensive and always more than we could eat...we did take our own snacks as suggested, but didn't really need them much. Our guide, Javier was great - a good rider, racconteur and very knowledgable about the local area and history. Distances were good for regular (not necessarily long-distance) cycyclists and the bikes of good quality so even on the (few) hill climbs sticking to "1/1" made it possible. We shared Spain's early triumphs in the Euro2012 cup and were chuffed they won it! Ole Espana!! We will be back!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Even though I had a cold at the start of the trip, making it to the first hotel climbing over the mountain-pass was a highlight and on day 4, riding through the plains of sunflower fields and being able to look back at that pass and see how far we had ridden was fantastic.
What did you think of your group leader?
Javier was great. Support bike mechanic/driver Eduardo was also a fantastic help (even helping to discourage (politely) my serenading Spanish grandpa when I just wanted to go in and have a shower).
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I would say, don't worry about getting snacks until you are in Spain (they're cheaper than Australia for sure!).
On this trip we stayed 2 nights in most places, so you have time to wash smalls and cycling gear - best to take 2 pairs of nix but you don't need more than that.
It can be cool in the mountains and early in the morning, so a jacket with removable arms is good or a light wind/water proof shell also good.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
One of the least noted but well appreciated things was that everywhere we stopped, rest stops included, the bathroooms were clean and well maintained.
The meals that arent included were reasonably priced and the food really good...I did get a little over jamon and cheese rolls, but six months later I'm quite keen on them again...perhaps absence making the heart grow fonder?
Nicola Lockyer

CYCLE SPAIN'S CASTLES & CANYONS

Written May 2012
So much fun - I'm not sure which exhausted me most the cycling or the constant laughter. An extermely well organised cycle trip through stunning and varied scenery on very quiet roads and tracks. Be prepared (and fit enough) for some lenghty and steep uphill climbs, but well worth the effort.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Actually completing the entire trip! This was my first cycle trip ever and, in hindsight, cycling on the gently undulating roads of Warwickshire was not sufficient preparation for the many arduous uphill climbs of this trip. There were, however, many many rewards: the scenery is beautiful, the outstanding views and historic buildings make this trip so worthwhile. My personal highlights were the Duraton Canyon, the bountiful wild flowers - especially the wild peonies, the storks with their precariously perched nests and jumping into an icy-cold spring fed pool after a hot day's cycling - total bliss!
What did you think of your group leader?
Jamie's cheerfulness, good humor and orginisational ability are outstanding. My husband and I were the slowest riders on this trip, often (especially in the first few days), having to push our bikes up the very steep uphill sections. Jamie rode alongside keeping us motivated and entertained with his vaste knowledge of the local wildlife and geography. He was also extremely careful to ensure that my dietary requirements were taken care of and taken seriously and patiently waited for us on the last off-road section of the route.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I took my own bike on this trip (a hybrid Trek) which was nice and light and nippy for the on-road sections but near useless for the stoney tracks.
Breakfast consisted of coffee and bread. If, like me, you prefer something more substantial you will need to prompt Jamie to ask the hotel to provide cheese, ham, fruit etc.
Bring your own snacks as there is little opportunity to shop.
It snowed on the first day of our trip (even though it was late May and had been 27c in Madrid the day before). Don't forget to pack warm weather clothing, especially the long trousers, gloves and waterproofs - even though it's the height of summer the weather can change.
Don't forget to take your camera as there a so many photo opportunities not to be missed
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I'm now hooked on cycling holidays. This trip was so much fun I can't wait to go again!
Stephen Westall

CYCLE SPAIN'S CASTLES & CANYONS

Written May 2012
A cycle ride in a truly outstanding country setting.Challenging yet enjoyable due to the fantastic support of our guide Jaime.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Probably completing it!
It was much tougher than I imagined with a difficult mountain pass climb on Day 1 of the cycling in the Snow (now that was not in the brochure!)
Heartland Spain is just so stunning - the flowers, the wildlife, the castles and the group too made it so much fun.
Although at the back of the group I enjoyed the personal challenge of the ride in excellent conditions.

The people on the group were fabulous too.
What did you think of your group leader?
Amazing.
He was supportive, knowledgeable and always willing to fix things. Great sense of humour and very responsive to the group's needs throughout. An inspirational guy who loves his job.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do not get fooled into "steady climb" references - this is a mountainous district and you need to train on some hills before setting off.
Weekly spinning classes and the odd bimble about at weekends on UK flat roads is not adequate preparation. But if you can prepare for this aspect, the experience is magical.
Take a couple of cameras and a large memory card too :-)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to have seen more bottled water being distributed throughout the ride and more regular "pit stops" during the days
Be prepared to pack a few fleeces if you are climbing up the mountain pass on day 2 in snow!

If you want a truly amazing experience of mainland Spain this is the trip for you!
David Thomas

SEGOVIA: CYCLE THE SPANISH HEARTLAND

Written October 2010
This is a perfect balance of cycling, scenery and culture in a part of Spain which I had no idea had so much to offer. Jaime is an excellent tour leader. I had the most fantastic time.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Tearing up the roads under the biggest blue sky on the 3rd cycling day. Also, laughing so hard it hurt.
What did you think of your group leader?
Jaime is the best.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be aware that mornings can be very frosty in October so you need at least 2 layers.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
GREAT
Maurice Bard

SEGOVIA: CYCLE THE SPANISH HEARTLAND

Written April 2010
The trip from start to finish was well organised, taking in spectacular scenery, local hotels and food, accompanied by our guide Javier who clearly took a personal delight in showing us the special places of his homeland. I didn't know it was possible to have so much fun and will remember it always.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
We were taken along quiet backroads and off-road on the Camino de Santiago, seeing beautiful countryside flowers and wildlife that none of us would have found without Javier's local knowlegde.
The Duraton gorge was spectacular with Eagles and Buzzards nesting and soaring.
We met local people in small hotels and were treated to lovely regional dishes like slow baked lamb and suckling pig.
Storks nested on every church tower and tree, like a picture in a gallery.
What did you think of your group leader?
Javier assisted by his brother Jaime were charming and took a personal pride in looking after us and showing us the best of their homeland. They had carefully reconnoitered the paths and hotels and had lots of local knowldege and information regarding the wildlife.
The schedules were well thought out, the hotels carefully selected, each day's itinerary just pefect.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for a smashing time, you won't be able to better this one.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The rides each day were exactly the right amount of challenge, plenty of small hills to get the blood flowing and after every climb comes a screaming downhill.
The group was fantastic, we drank every night to replenish our fluid and yarned until the early hours.
I have consequently booked 2 further tours and am planning to take some other of Javier and Jaime's tours.
Simon Wilkins

SEGOVIA: CYCLE THE SPANISH HEARTLAND

Written April 2010
This was a fantastic holiday that combined beautiful countryside, quiet roads and a tour leader that went out of his way to look after us and make the holiday a memorable one.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling along a quiet country road and suddenly arriving at a royal palace then cycling through its grounds with deer close by. Travelling along through beautiful, almost car-free roads through the foothills of the mountains; stopping to refill at village fountains and eating delicious greengages; bathing in a cool, natural pool one evening. You feel inspired almost as soon as you get on your bike in these surroundings.
What did you think of your group leader?
Jaime, our group leader was second to none and really went out of his way to make the holiday really memorable. From making sure everyone's bikes were in good working order and doing running repairs to making sure everyone was looked after (quite a challenge with a group of fourteen) Jaime did a terric job. Jaime was friendly and helpful, as was his brother Javier, who provided vehicular support and together they made it a seamless holiday.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was our first cycling holiday and we'd thoroughly recommend it