Reviews

Unique

An amazing and varied cycling adventure spent with a really lovely group and a fantastic local support team. This trip is filled with cycling challenges while riding both up and downhill on various terrain, cultural stops at temples and through villages as well as well deserved downtime by beautiful beaches. Wholeheartedly recommended to the adventurous curious minded cyclist.

Great Cycling, Food and Sights in Southern Italy - Cilento & Amalfi Coast

Fantastic trip. This was our first guided group cycling trip and our first trip to Italy. Loved the mix of cycling and culture. We enjoyed interacting with our fellow travelers very much as we shared the journey.
There is a great variety of cycling with beautiful views throughout: from steady climbs, fun descents, undulating rolling and winding roads, long stretches in the quiet countryside, and exciting sections of busy but good flowing coastal traffic, Besides cycling, we also got to do some swimming and to boat into a lovely blue grotto.
The food and scenery on this trip is really wonderful. We had amazing lunches in beautiful spots every day.
Our bikes worked very well and were well cared for.
On our final free day, Paulo led a (steep) hike up to Ravello and down to Amalfi. This hike into the orchards and quiet areas above the tourist-heavy centers was a beautiful trek that deepened our appreciation for the region’s culture and history. Others in our group enjoyed their free day in Pompeii or Capri.

Lots of variety and stunning scenery

This was the second trip to Bolivia that Exodus organised, and there are still perhaps a few things that could be changed in terms of the itinerary, that said we had a brilliant holiday which exceeded our expectations in terms of what we saw and did.

From crowded cities, to the countryside, the salt plains and iconic Lake Titicaca, with flamingos and lamas along the way. It is a very scenic and vibrant country with people dressed in fabulous colours.

There is something for everyone in this trip, history, culture, nature and different food to try. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending a trip to Bolivia to experience all it has to offer.

Review of Cycling Morocco's Great South

Itinerary: This trip leads through the Atlas Mountains, a geographically striking region formed with crumbling sedimentary rock (frequent rocks on the road). It has relatively few people, with homes nestled on mountain hillsides and very limited architectural diversity (and confusing abandonment of homes never explained by guide though asked several times). There are very limited crops (confined to irrigated areas).

Traffic was generally limited but roads were very narrow with crumbling edges leaving limited space for bikes and vehicles and many potholes (especially down from peak on Day 3). Vehicles were consistently courteous and safe in passing. Inclines were long and steep, especially Day 3 (elevation gain 1009m to Tizi n’Test Pass) and Day 6 when ½ the group quit cycling. Wind was a major factor on Day 3. Some rain but not a factor. Day 6 included a long muddy road (under construction) no one was prepared for so everyone got muddy (why not load up the bikes to get around?). The bikes were fine: hybrids with triple cranks and disk brakes. Almost no facilities while enroute; no complaints including from ladies in group. No maps provided.

Accommodation: This was diverse from rustic to exquisite. The group appeared satisfied with this mix. Service was generally very good.

Food: Again some range with generally very good food and service. Most meals were included making overall costs for this trip very reasonable and a number of very good meals were had in our hotel (easy access after a long day cycling).

Communication: This was the weakest element of the trip. Our guide, Marouane Bagaz, provided vague and sometimes misleading cycling information (how far; how steep) and provided little or no cultural or historic information. He routinely put off questions asked or gave mumbled responses. There was a mike in the bus but never used. This frustrated everyone. I left Morocco with no added understanding besides what I read or observed. This was, without question, the weakest cultural experience on any Exodus trip I have taken.

Overall: I would not recommend this trip. The terrain is dry, hot and almost barren with limited interest among flora and fauna (besides goats). The roads are narrow, rough and hard on bodies especially wrists. The climbs are long and steep raising questions about whether this is a “4” or “5” trip. It is suitable only for very-trained intermediate and advanced rides. And, unless the guide situation is improved, I will recommend a number of other Exodus cycling trips with none of these caveats.

Most Inspirational Moment

Surviving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Not competent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Find another Exodus trip. This one does not currently meet the Exodus standard of excellence for tour guide.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Terry for his feedback, although we are sorry that he was disappointed by aspects of the tour’s leadership. Whilst Marouane is a relatively new Exodus tour leader, the feedback we normally receive about his leadership is positive. We have, however, followed up with Marouane regarding the importance of providing clear and concise briefings on the day ahead and of ensuring that his groups are well informed with local knowledge; we trust he has taken this feedback on board, but we remain sorry that Terry was left disappointed.

Frances Spowart – Product Manager

 

Cycle Namibia

Great scenery and opportunity to see wildlife. Some hard hot slogs on slippery and dusty gravel roads.

Bucket list trip

Everything was seamless. The balance was excellent: two days hiking, a day of Pompeii and Herculeneum, a hike, an optional day in Capri or Naples, and a closing hike. The hotel and its staff were welcoming. The views are stunning in Amalfi, and when you look back at where you came from you are amazed that you did it. I travelled to and from Agerola off the Exodus schedule and the hotel arranged it perfectly.

Walking in Puglia and Matera in reverse

The information about the trip was inaccurate. The length of the walks were longer than given in the information and the difficulty was underestimated.

Great times in Italy

I flew from Manchester and made my own way to the hotel in Moneglia. The travel instructions were easy to follow. I met the rest of the group later that evening. Michela Wicks was our excellent guide. She put no pressure on us to do the walks and offered alternative activities. The walks were as tough as I expected but the weather was good for walking. We had lots of stops and time to enjoy the various villages. Michela took us to various restaurants at night in Moneglia but it was not compulsory to join the group. As a group we gelled well and enjoyed everyone’s company. The Hotel Piccolo was very comfortable, a good breakfast choice and a small pool with waterjets to ease the aching muscles and knees. Bathing in the sea was also pleasant. The weather wasn’t good on our day off so on Michela’s advice a group of us went to Chiavari which was very interesting (although most shops and the cathedral were shut between 12-3.30). We had a lovely pre-dinner wine tasting one night which was included in the trip.

My etna

Excellent brake saw lots great experiance

Fantastic

Stunning scenery, great guide, very well organised.