Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Besides making it to the top of some longer hills, as well as one 25% grade, we had one cyclist crash and damage his shoulder and ribs. I was impressed with my fellow travellers who looked after him until the leaders arrived on scene. I was impressed with Becs and David for the way they looked after him, his partner and still managed to look after all of us. Most of all, I was impressed with the injured cyclist and his partner. He stayed with us, rode the van, came out to dinner and kept participating despite what must have been a lot of pain. She rode the rest of the trip with us. I thought they both showed determination and toughness and it was great having them on the trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

David and Becs did a great job of handling our group and dealing with issues that arose. Lots of energy, a few necessary untruths (undulating), great support and good fun. As did our last trip leader, I think they went above and beyond in supporting our vacation.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be skeptical of the difficulty rankings and try to find someone you can talk to about the trip and the difficulty. This one, Exodus got wrong.

Suggestions

The bikes were adequate for what we were doing. Given the heat we experienced and the fact that we saw the van often, but not always, I would really like to see a second water bottle cage on each bike. The cost is very little, but being able to have a second bottle with you is important anytime, but especially in temps over 30 degrees. On our last trip, each bike had a pannier for carrying small items. These bikes had nothing. I suggest a small handlebar bag to be able to carry, for instance, some sunscreen and a wallet, maybe a few other items. The van was gone one morning for repairs and we carried a knapsack which would not be my choice. We did get frequent meet ups with the van, but sometimes not when it was needed and wanted. All in all, we like this company and the tours we have been on and hope to go on more.

Most Inspirational Moment

Not one specific thing but generally enjoyed the challenge of the cycling with a nice group of people coupled with the rewards of the beautiful scenery, plus nice food and wine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both group leaders were professional, organised, and supportive of individuals and the needs of the whole group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This tour is on the harder side of moderate rating taking in to account the height gain coupled with the heat at certain times of the year. Travellers will need a good level of fitness for this tour to complete the hill sections.

Suggestions

I suffered an injury on this tour and was well supported by the group leaders when I had the accident and afterwards.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tjoo many to mention

Thoughts on Group Leader

Really good

Advice for Potential Travellers

No

Suggestions

No

Most Inspirational Moment

Tjoo many to mention

Thoughts on Group Leader

Really good

Advice for Potential Travellers

No

Suggestions

No

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to say - perhaps the views to the next town, perhaps the food. Perhaps the towns themselves. Maybe an ice cream in Sienna. All were truly impressive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get reasonably fit, take plenty of sun tan lotion & insect spray.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the company of the other riders. I am so glad I took this trip instead of a self-guided trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jon Hobson is very easy to get along with and to talk about anything we want. He took good care of us, riding at a good pace, stopping frequently for us to regroup and to refill our water bottles. At lunch and dinner time he provided us with great suggestions on places to eat.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would suggest you have a good fitness level as there are some hills which are hard to ride up.

Suggestions

Martino Falsini, our support person, did a stellar job when one of the other riders came off his bike and broke his collar bone. He arrived very promptly in the support van, took control of the situation, checked the rider for head injuries and took him to hospital. Great work.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the tops of some of the more challenging hills

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jon was a fabulous group leader, well organised and motivating. Alexis was great fun. Both made the trip really enjoyable

Most Inspirational Moment

This was my daughter's first cycling trip. She is athletic but not an experienced cyclist. She had a wonderful experience without injury because of the excellent leadership and great bunch of other cyclists in this group. We enjoyed every moment! Kyung and Lea

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz the group leader was an excellent person in every way. She is one of the best cycling leaders I ever had. She is very responsible, knowledgeable, and professional. Suzy was also very fun and caring.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Excellent tour company.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of some challenging hill climbs and realising I could do it, the views of the countryside, the medieval towns we visited and the panoramic views of the city when we arrived in Florence.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both guides (Radu and Jonny) were professional, helpful and extremely friendly and approachable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some hill training before you come as it's very hilly in this area but it was nothing I couldn't handle and I'm just a casual cyclist who usually goes out once a week for 20-30 miles, but I do live in the Chiltern hills so I'm used to peddling up hill.

Most Inspirational Moment

The spectacular scenery every pedal of the way. It kept you going up those hills! Arriving into the Campo in Siena in the golden glow of the afternoon sun - beautiful. Also, the first sight of the whole of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo was breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Radu, our guide was excellent, as was Jon, our support. The route was well thought out & Radu's attention to detail was second to none. We mostly ate at restaurants chosen by the guides - all good. Rada & Jon made you feel safe, well looked after & well informed. Radu's wit & sense of humour were brilliant. Jon looked after us with snacks & water at our frequent stops & also took great care of the bikes. Nothing was too much trouble & everything was done with a smile & an encouraging word. A great team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do train for those Tuscan hills. As the travel notes say, some of the route is the top end of moderate! It was especially tough on the white (gravel) roads & with high temperatures to cope with (for us it was an unseasonable 36* on the first couple of days!). That said, you can always hitch a ride on the support vehicle if the going gets too tough.

Suggestions

All in all a great trip I'd strongly recommend.