Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Many, including cycling through the mountains, alongside the Adage River; getting to know everyone else during the Lake Garda boat trip; making it to the top of the big hill and generally the beauty of our surroundings.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was superb in every way – in fact we could not fault him. In many ways, he made the trip; with his enthusiasm, encouragement, sense of humour and passion for both cycling and that part of Italy. We learned very quickly that Vincenza is the most beautiful city in the world (or at least not to argue with that fact!) On a serious note though, it was clear from day one that our safety was his priority at all times and his skills at leading fifteen of us through the city centres in the early morning rush hour was impressive. Lastly, on a personal note, he was great fun to be with, as was his lovely wife Marta and their two children. Cin Cin!

Most Inspirational Moment

We visited Mijet and I loved it. The island was amazing and did some great swimming in the sea

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ana went over and above to meet all of the groups needs which were varied.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take padded shorts and a lot of change of clothes

Most Inspirational Moment

The Holocoust Museum in Lithuania, just outside Vilnius was absolutely humbling and eye-opening. This history was not something I was aware of and the museum was extensive about the history of the Lithuanian Jewish people's treatment at the hands of the Nazis, as well as the Lithuanian people's struggles and persecution during the Soviet occupation.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lukas was great. He was so knowledgable about the Region and shared it enthusiastically. He made sure everything went smoothly and that everyone arrived at their destination.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you bring bug spray for the first days of cycling in the National park in Estonia. Also, make sure you have rain gear.

Most Inspirational Moment

Was it the mushroom tagliatelle at the Hotel Soligo or was is it the porchetta starter at the Osteria Stella in Conegliano? The food throughout the week was a delight. The walks were varied and enjoyed by the group of mixed age and experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were pleased to have an Italian ( Sicilian/Greek) group leader because of his insight into the richness of the nation's culture. Severio has a relaxed and engaging manner that was much appreciated. When faced with incidents he dealt with them sympathetically and expeditiously.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Leave plenty of space in your luggage for Prosecco! The quality, variety and prices make it a must. Conegliano is well worth a visit on the free day - the 4k town trail was real find.

Most Inspirational Moment

Achieving the Crypt Lake walk (not on the itinerary, but offered as a choice instead of Lineham). We were limited in time as only one boat each way across the Lake and the walk included exciting time climbing iron ladder, going through tunnel and precarious ledge walk! Very pleased to have done it - and bought the T-shirt!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb - Mac was a great cook, and full of knowledge about the history, geology and fauna of the area. Not so hot on plants, but we had plenty of reference material to check up with. Also Mac introduced us to CBC Radio programme The Debaters which was excellent for passing the time on some of the longer journeys between camp sites. As a leader, he was very capable and hard working, always ensuring everyone was included and treated fairly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not believe the trip notes regarding shoes - trainers would not be suitable for this terrain, esp when snow on the ground. Walking shoes or boots are better. Take a pair of flip flops or similar, for camp and one of the walks involves a stream crossing. Don't bother to pack a hairdryer. Don't need anything smart for eating out - casual is fine. Pack a pillow of some kind. In June the Lake Louise camp was very cold at night, but the later camps were not so bad. Expect mosquitoes - don't forget your insect repellent. Most people found walking poles very useful. There are sometimes secure lockers for charging items at the camp site - otherwise there were sockets in the shower/toilet blocks, but not secure.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were there to celebrate our 25th anniversary. One evening, our guide, Michele, showed up in a convertible VW decorated, and two glasses of wine, and drove us to a place to snap a picture, one where he went on his own wedding, and then to join our group for a great dinner. This gesture, the thought, time and effort, simply was the icing on the cake.

Thoughts on Group Leader

If you can go with Michele, go. Organized, friendly, knowledgeable about the route, the history and group dynamics, all will feel welcome. You can turn off your brain, relax and take in the scenery knowing that he can and will look after anything that comes up. As wonderful as the trip is, the group members and the guide really determine the outcome. We lucked into a great group of fellow cyclists and a wonderful guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For long haul travellers coming into a place like Venice and landing in the morning, it is probably worth getting a hotel near Marco Polo Airport and going to relax there while waiting to meet the others. The airport is very congested, under construction and it is not a great place to spend the day waiting.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the top of a long climb and having a long downhill to look forward to, followed by a dip in the sea to cool off.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was great, very knowledgeable and accommodating and always went above and beyond for everyone in the group. Great to have someone from the local area who understands all the best places to go.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect stunning scenery, some challenging hills and amazing local food.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many great moments.... the colour of the water, the white sandy beaches, the rolling hills and gum trees (reminded me so much of Australia!). But the thing that sticks in my mind was swimming in the sea at the bottom of the cliff upon which our hotel was located in Nebida and later having dinner watching the sun sink into the Mediterranean Sea. It was quite stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was a key reason I returned to Italy this year to do this tour - he is a really nice guy. After travelling with him in 2015 the opportunity to travel with him again in Sardinia was a no-brainer. Michele gave 110% for the entire tour and often did things (such as early morning "extra" rides before breakfast) that were above and beyond the call of duty. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Michele. Ado, Michele's assistant, was also fantastic. He really made everyone feel welcome and was very efficient doing all the van, bike, luggage and drink tasks. Ado's warm friendly nature just made the trip so much fun. We were really fortunate to have Michele and Ado as our tour leaders on this trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The riding on days 2 and 3 was quite challenging (I ride a road bike regularly). There are a few long hill climbs that will test your fitness especially if you're not used to warm Mediterranean weather. So I would recommend you do a bit of training before doing the trip if you're not used to riding big hills.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk of the Gods...an amazing experience and though it was 6 hours, the time flew and the scenery was spectacular. Positano was a nice finishing point.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable and well versed on the area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Use your free evening to get out of Bomerano and perhaps have dinner in Amalfi, which has a bus sevice. Though the hotel was fab and food perfect, Bomerano is not a typical Amalfi town and I feel.that people should be encouraged to have a break away from one night. There was no encouragement to move from the hotel and we were presented with a hotel menu the night before rather than alternative options offered I choose Amalfi and had a lovely evening with a chance to soak up the lights of this little town at night.

Most Inspirational Moment

The float plane trip and the grizzly bears. We were mesmerised for most of the day by a sow and her three cubs - all looking very healthy - apparently the salmon run has been earlier this year. The return flight was particularly picturesque. Also the nearest and safest way to photograph grizzlies is from a boat and I got some fabulous pictures.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vicky is an all-rounder. Always upbeat, great cook, so knowledgeable and highly respected by local guides/locals - practically perfect in every way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Use lots of mosquito repellant and be prepared to dress for all weathers