Internationale groepsreis Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice Ride

A quite wonderful and truly memorable experience!

A quite wonderful and truly memorable experience, lead by a superb guide (Michele) and accompanied by a great group of fellow cyclists. There was some apprehension before the trip that the ride from Bolzano to Venice might be too challenging – at least, for a relatively inexperienced cyclist like myself – however we need not have worried. The big hill on day four was a particular highlight for those that did like a challenge, though. The bikes supplied, were excellent. The hotels were well picked by Exodus, providing everything needed at the end of a day’s ride – air-conditioning, comfortable beds, good hot showers, nice breakfasts and friendly staff. And ultimately, there was enough free time to take-in and appreciate the beauty of that part of Italy (including the well-earned pizzas, pastas and local red wines!) We are sadly back home now but already planning the next Exodus cycling trip, so highly recommended.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

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.

What did you think of your 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!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you Exodus and hopefully see you again soon.

Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice Ride

A really enjoyable trip, which packs in beautiful scenery, fascinating history and culture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and typical Italian cuisine, all led by a fantastic guide.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

If I had to pick one it would be seeing St Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace for the first time when travelling by boat along the Grand Canal in Venice. But encountering a range of historical influences from Austrian-influenced Bolzano / Bozen to Palladian Vicenza to the Roman structures in Verona was also fascinating

What did you think of your group leader?

I couldn't imagine a more energetic or enthusiastic trip leader - from offering the early-birds extra rides to take in sun-rise views before breakfast, to introducing us to his lovely family in his home-town Vicenza, to packing in a huge amount of highlights when taking us on a walking tour around Venice, Michele made sure that we enjoyed every minute of our trip. Michele was a really good-natured, uplifting guy for whom nothing was too much trouble - he made everything run so smoothly and did everything with a friendly smile. It was such a pleasure to spend a week with him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you have the time spend an extra day before / after the trip in Verona and Venice – stunning cities in which there is plenty to see and do. Or catch an early flight to Verona on the Saturday, spend the day in Verona (leaving your luggage at the railway station) and then get a train (one and half hours with German rail (www.bahn.de) to Bolzano) before joining up with the group arriving from Venice in the evening. Then add an extra night in Venice onto the end of your trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Reasonably easy cycling giving you time to enjoy the scenery combined with a full and varied sight-seeing itinerary.

Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice Cycling

Overall an amazing trip which I would fully recommend. The first two cycling days are fairly flat which was a good warm up for the more undulating and varied cycling from day 3 onwards. The group were great company and the guide was instrumental in the success of the trip. Beautiful countryside and stunning cities combined into one trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It is impossible to say. In terms of cycling Days 4,5 & 6 are the most enjoyable with varied terrain and the challenge of the longest climb. The visit to Venice at the end was amazing as was the opportunity to go to the opera in the Roman amphitheatre in Verona.

What did you think of your group leader?

Michele was a fabulous leader with a great sense of humour and significant knowledge about the areas visited. He made the effort to fill every minute with optional extras such as an early morning Verona tour and organising tickets to the opera.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Book it! Other than that a little training will make the cycling more comfortable along with plenty of padding. You will not need a daysack as mentioned in the trip notes as a handlebar bag and a pannier are provided.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Exceeding Expectations

This trip was wonderful. A great group, from early 20's to early 80's, couples and singles, from three continents. Wonderful scenery, great camaraderie and and guide that put it all together to make the trip as good as it gets.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

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.

What did you think of your 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.

Do you have any 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.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great trip. Michele, Marta, Aurora and Mattia all contributed. Well organized. Hassle free.

Gentle riding, stunning towns, fantastic guide

This is an ideal trip for anyone that doesn't want a heavy slog all day....I would have preferred a slightly more challenging route as the biking is pretty easy, lots of it flat or on cycle paths, but you arrive in lovely towns each night with the opportunity to explore them, and Michele puts his heart & soul into the trip, so overall great fun.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Venice, Verona, Vincenza, Lake Garda...all beyond beautiful!

What did you think of your group leader?

Michele is a superb guide; enthusiastic, funny, determined that everyone will find love and adore his homeland as much as he does...fantastic!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you're looking for challenging riding on slick bikes, then you should note the bikes are heavy, the gears not great though you barely need them most days....so if you're an aspiring Tour cyclist (all you middle-aged men in lycra!!) then this might not work for you. But if you're happy to put aside your competitive side and explore the amazing towns in the area; Trento, Verona, Lake Garda, Venice and of course stunning Vincenza then relax and you'll love it. Share a lock between two every day - don't bother carrying one each - they are super heavy and hardly ever needed. Stay on in Venice for a few days even if you're on a budget - get a cheap Airbnb in Mestre and a travelcard and it's super quick & easy to travel in each day - you'll have an amazing time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The bikes take some getting used to...they are heavy & the saddles huge so bring your own, plus the ladies ones are Mary Poppins style sit-ups. You get given a panier bag, a guide book, a big heavy lock that weighs about 2kg - all in all, you're a tonne weight before you go anywhere!!

Bolzano to Venice

This was my first cycling holiday and hopefully won't be my last. I had a fabulous time, saw some wonderful sights and met a great group of people on this trip. The cycling wasn't too hard, but enough to make you appreciate you had earned your distance each day. Being the last trip of the season, the weather could have been a problem, but we were lucky until the last day when the heavens opened. The scenery, towns, cities and villages were superb and the food and drink fantastic. The bikes were good for the kind of terrain we were travelling and the majority of the trip was on cycle paths and quiet roads.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were many, but the one that stands out for me was the ride down through the vineyards and into Soave. The sun was out, the grapes were being picked and the castle overlooking the town all came together and I thought 'this is the life'

What did you think of your group leader?

Michele is a legend. He couldn't do enough for us, always smiling and with a great sense of humour. He took us to some super restaurants and cafes, advised us on the local food and drink and his local knowledge on the history, architecture and culture of the area really added to our enjoyment of the holiday. We also got to meet his beautiful family in his most beautiful city.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you are thinking about it, just do it. And when you do, take time to look around, take it all in and enjoy every minute because the week goes too quickly.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you are worried about riding with a group of people you've never met, don't. We had a great bunch, all different ages and abilities, a real diverse group, but we all gelled so well. It was another highlight of the holiday enjoying their company, having a lot of fun both whilst riding and after in the bars and restaurants.

Dolomites to Venice

This was a truly outstanding tour with the most exceptional tour guide - Michele Quaresimin. I have already recommended this tour to numerous friends. It's a great way of getting a taste of the Tyrol and Italy. I'd also highly recommend the Puglia trip with Michele and the Girolibero bicycles! All round excellence.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

We lost two days of cycling due to rain but Michele quickly sorted a new itineray and in each town he found excellent restaurants and the best tourist sites to visit. In Padova the Scrovegni chapel painted by Giotto was a marvel to see.

What did you think of your group leader?

Michele Quaresimin is the best guide I have ever come across and I have travelled the world and come across many guides! He is professional, friendly, caring, resourceful, gives 100 % every time - he brings back customers to the Exodus tours because he makes the trips come to life.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you like cycling and love Italy and Austria - do this trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A huge thank you and I'm sorry to hear that Michele is no longer doing the Puglia trip and another company is being used for bikes. I'm very surprised because Girolibero bikes are excellent. Also, congratulations to whoever chose the hotels on this trip - the 2 and 3* hotels were simple but clean and practical and very nice and well located.

Bolzano to Venice

Having never done a cycling holiday before, I needn’t have been apprehensive. The riding was easier than I imagined it to be, going through beautiful countryside and visiting historic towns (albeit for short overnight stops) was just fantastic. Sadly, we missed the longest and most challenging day cycling due to bad weather which was a disappointment but Michele did his best to ensure we still got to do things during that day. The overall company of the group was great, there were lots of laughs and Michele was a superb leader. It proved to be a memorable trip and I thoroughly recommend it.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Hard to define one particular moment, as there were so many The scenery, the mountains, a fantastic ride down towards Lake Garda and picturesque, historic towns. Oh, great food and drink too.

What did you think of your group leader?

Michele couldn’t have been a better tour leader, he was enthusiastic, patient, knowledgeable and keen for us all to get the most out of the trip, even on the days when the weather wasn’t great. His love of the local areas, especially his home town of Vincenza shone through. His choice of coffee stops, gelatarias and restaurants along with local food and drink recommendations were excellent and these added to the overall enjoyment of the holiday

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Ensure you bring layers, including waterproofs, maybe an umbrella in case of showers in the evenings. The biking is not difficult, with the majority being flat. The new bikes were good, and comfortable to ride, without the need for a seat cover to be brought. The panniers were good, easily removable when you got off the bike which meant there is no need to carry a day sack. We were also supplied with a small bag to attach to the handlebars which was useful. Some of the hotels were on main roads, and noisy at night so may be worth asking for room not overlooking the road.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If possible try and extend your trip in Venice, which builds on the time you have already spent exploring there with the group and the information gained from the tour leader.

Dolomites, Lake Garda and Venice Ride

A great tour which my wife and I enjoyed immensely. This was our first bike riding tour and were unsure of what to expect but we were very pleasantly surprised. Cant wait for the next one now! The level of skill and fitness required is not high and easily completed by someone who does leisurely social riding. There was a great cross section of people with lots of fun and laughs during the rides, which continued late into the evenings at dinners.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Watching my wife who does little riding thoroughly enjoying all the scenery and small historic towns, and the big grin on her face when she completed the tour.

What did you think of your group leader?

Michele was fantastic and can't thank him enough for the way he led us through the tour. His local knowledge and enthusiasm was contagious (especially for Vicenza!), and he was always up for an early morning ride for those looking for a bit of an extra challenge. His choice of cafes and restaurants was great, along with local wines - "cin cin" (look into the eyes!)

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Advice in trip notes is pretty accurate - take your own pedals and shoes if possible as they really do make the difference. Bikes are fine for the type of riding allowing you to have a good look around with ease. Take layers of clothing and a few changes - the weather was variable. Late April early May was cool in the mornings, warm during the day, then cool in the evenings. My wife arranged for an electric bike which suited her perfectly and allowed her to really enjoy the trip

Is there anything else you would like to add?

When is our next trip?

cycling Dolomites to Venice

Excellent holiday, great guide, lovely bunch of fellow cyclists. Lovely views, cycles were great and the route wasn't as hilly or as hard as expected. Shame we lost a day to the rain but at least we got a cycle in the morning and the villa in the afternoon was lovely.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Too many to mention, first visit to Italy and hopefully will be back in the future. Loved the food, the views, the company.

What did you think of your group leader?

Michele was excellent, looked after all of us, regardless of our ability. The organisation was great.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring layers, prepare for all type of weather. If a tea drinker bring your own.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Only slight drawback was length of time on the ferry, a bit too long, would have preferred to cycle longer. The picnic on the second boat was great but too much time was spent shopping for this which could have been spent exploring. There was also a lot of waste. Maybe going forward Exodus could supply the picnic

Dolomites, Lake Garda, Venice cycling

A truly brilliant holiday. I loved every minute - even the 5km hill in 28 degree heat wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Scenery was stunning, cycling was fantastic (I'm not a regular cyclist but it was all very manageable with a few challenges and lots of flat bits), great restaurant choices, a brilliant guide and a fun group. And we were so lucky with the weather - blue skies everyday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Tricky one! Getting to the top of That Hill. Seeing Venice for the first time was jaw dropping. I loved the countryside - fields of vineyards, scattered villages, snaking rivers, limestone cliffs - it was beautiful. But I also loved the smaller towns, especially our evening in Vicenza. Oh and I absolutely loved Michele's favourite shop in Venice - I won't say what it is, but a lovely surprise.

What did you think of your group leader?

Superb. Michele is a seriously good guide, a seriously good cyclist and a seriously good guy - although not serious most of the time. He was fun, encouraging, knowledgable and thoughtful. We also met his adorable family. His daughter, Aurora, will make a great guide one day - if she's not being Prime Minister!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you're worried about fitness, don't be, as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness. Our group ranged from ages 23 to 83! But the 83 year old was an experienced cyclist and very fit! Exodus have thought of everything. The trip notes are comprehensive and there is nothing else I can suggest. Except padded shorts, of course! Oh and take your swimmers for Lake Garda - icy cold in June but a refreshing plunge after a morning in the bike!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for a truly wonderful, unforgettable trip. I have fallen in love with Italy and with cycling. And a special thank you to Michele (and family!)

Best holiday ever!

Beautiful scenery, excellent cycling, great group, good food and wine, and an enthusiastic leader. What more could you ask for!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Hard to pick just one with so many great aspects to this trip - particularly enjoyed Lake Garda, Verona & Venice, which I expected, but Vicenza and Padova were lovely places too, and much less touristy! ;p The cycling in general was enjoyable due to being on excellent, safe and well maintained off-road tracks for the most part. I think the food and wine were a particular highlight of this trip, especially the ice-cream. Hmmm...ice-cream....

What did you think of your group leader?

Michele was one of the best leaders I've ever come across - this was a fully booked trip and he lead the whole thing by himself with remarkable enthusiasm, energy, good humour and excellent organisational skills. Nothing was too much trouble for him in ensuring that everyone in the group was well looked after and enjoyed the trip, from organising extra cycling for those who wanted it, to making sure we always went to the best restaurants and even introducing us to his lovely family in his home town.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Weather was very variable so bring layers/waterproofs - most of the rain we had was in the evening and the days were generally sunny but not too hot, so mostly perfect for cycling but we did have one rainy/cold day. The cycling was generally flat and very moderate but there were a few hills and the bikes were heavy so a reasonable level of fitness is required. The bikes had good waterproof panniers to carry spare layers etc. during the day and we were given a small handlebar bag and water bottle ( although most people preferred their own), also no need to buy maps as a booklet and full route details are provided for this trip, a very nice touch I thought!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Can't say enough good things about this trip, get it booked!

Lake Garde and Venice

The trip was particularly well organised and our guide Michael was brilliant, a consumate all rounder. Its challenging running the trip for a group of 16 on your own but Michael showed a very high degree of regard for everyone, and went above and beyond the job description. Making the group feel like a group and supporting everyone to get the most out of the experience. Michael is definitely one of the best Exodus guides we have encountered so far. Lovely guy, great temperament

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Michael laid on early morning rides for those who wanted them and these were amazing. The world is a different place at 6am and the rides were both challenging and exhilarating. I will never forget riding up a steep hill outside Trento, the numerous turns of the "Salita Charly Gaul" on the Monte Condone, 50 minutes climbing and 8 minutes descending... fabulous

What did you think of your group leader?

Michael is one one of the kindest and most sincere individuals I have met. He loves cycling and loves his job. He deals with problems and looks after everyone. He certainly goes the extra mile arranging celebrations for birthdays and helping out when unexpected things occur, like problems booking hotels at the end of the holiday.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a great ride and you will enjoy the experience, the food and the company

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A wonderful experience

This was a well planned journey suitable for all levels of ability.I was fortunate once again to be travelling with an interesting and entertaining group out to enjoy themselves and never taking the cycling part too seriously. The whole holiday was made exceptional by the contribution of our guide Michele ( Michael) who carried out his responsibilities far and above the call of duty. He was very well organised,kind and attentive to all guests with no favourites,funny, informative about the areas we visited as well as the Italian way of life ,found the best restaurants - in fact everything we could wish for from a guide- for me the best in ten Exodus trips worldwide and I know this view was shared by all of my party.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I loved the rides from Desenzano to Verona and then Vicenza through beautiful villages and vineyards along cycle paths that took you right away from the noise and pollution of major routes.

What did you think of your group leader?

Five stars - see above

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take this trip and if you are a bit inexperienced in the cycling part don't worry - there's only one quite challenging climb and if you are really worried order an electric bike - they're brilliant as one of our group will testify

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A great experience

Wonderful first cycling holiday

This was my first cycling holiday so I was not sure what to expect. Since the trip is rated Moderate I thought it may be challenging as I have not done much cycling before and only bought a bike a month ago. At times it was a bit tough with windy conditions and since I wanted to stop and take photos to make it easier for myself Michele arranged for me to get an E-bike on the second day. This made a huge difference especially for the hills and I didn't have any worries anymore.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I loved the last 2 days, very flat and easy leading to the highlight was of exploring Venice, a city I've never been to but always wanted to visit.

What did you think of your group leader?

Michele is an excellent tour leader and took care of the group and made sure that everyone had a good time.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Get an E-bike!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The group was great fun, I would definitely go on another cycling holiday and hope it will be as good as this one!

DOLOMITES JULY 2016

This was my first vacation since I was a little girl and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. This trip included so much natural beauty, history, and cultural exposure that I feel I got more exposure to Italy in just a week than some people get in a month. I didn't find the trip to be terribly physically challenging, which enabled me to appreciate the beautiful scenery and company that much more.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I completed a "bonus climb" with 4 of my fellow travelers up a very steep hill after we'd reached one of our destination cities. Shortly before completing the climb I first uttered the words "I don't think I can do this" - and I've never been happier to have been proven wrong!

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader Michele was excellent and went above and beyond anything I would have expected. Besides being an experienced and capable cyclist with a great sense of humor, he also had a strong knowledge of history and made sure to point out areas of historic significance during the trip. He organized many other optional events activities including group dinners, walking tours around our destination cities, and even bonus early morning cycling trips around the towns that we were staying in. Lastly, I am vegetarian and Michele always helped me find vegetarian options whenever we stopped to eat.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Great beginner trip. If you're relatively new to destination cycling trips this is an excellent first step.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A few small things. There was a transit strike in Italy on the first day of the trip that made the meeting in Venice a little chaotic. If you could please provide us with a local contact prior to departing, it might help mitigate any confusion at the airport. This is especially true for overseas participants such as myself, as the only exodus contacts I had were in Canada and there is a 6 hour time difference between Canada and Italy, so if I have any problems it may take a long time before my contacts can follow up with me. Also, just wondering if it would be possible to create an exodus app - maybe something compatible with Google Maps - that shows the cycling route? We all received maps upon arrival and there were arrows en route directing us to where we were supposed to go, but I understand the competition has been tampering with the arrows and map reading is a skill. If there is a way to locate the route on our phones, it might help people who get lost. Cheers!!

Sunny Italy

Another fantastic cycling adventure with Exodus. Hotels were all ideal for the nature of the trip. The cycling was a good level of exercise with chances to opt in to extra cycling or opt out to put your feet up. Beautiful views and fabulous cities.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The cycling was just fantastic a great route. Amazing cities to explore.

What did you think of your group leader?

Michele was exceptional. A great cycle guide as well as a wealth of knowledge and passion for the area.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

There were a number of travel issues completely out of control of Exodus both before and afterwards and Lucy Crabb was absolutely brilliant in solving these for us.

A lovely ride

This was a really lovely ride through contrasting scenery from the mountains, through several different cities to Venice. The riding was easy, mostly on lovely cycle paths with regular water fountains and cafes. There were only a few climbs, although some of the days were quite long, with headwinds. The food was good and the hotels variable, but always comfortable.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Coming over the pass and getting a first view of Lake Garda was pretty breath-taking. Venice was very memorable too.

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was great, on the go from organizing extra rides before breakfast to taking us out to dinner somewhere special in the evening. He controlled the traffic and the long snake of cyclists really well, and never lost any of us despite the best efforts of some of us! Always full of information and passion for his country.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take clothes for all weathers. We needed sun cream and a hat one day, then the next day got caught in an unforecast spell of freezing cold rain and got soaked, which led to me catching cold. Have proper waterproofs always on you. A couple of the days are quite long, and a headwind is common, but mostly the riding is easy and flat. There are about 6 big climbs over the whole ride, the first being as soon as you set off! If you are going to take a day off, make it day 5, which is very long with quite a lot of urban riding, although you will then miss Soave, which is beautiful. There is not much time to look around the cities, so it would be a good idea to allow an extra few days not just to see Venice, but also to take the train back up to Padua, Verona and Vicenza for a good look around.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Bolzano to Venice

This was my first cycling holiday with a group , normally I cycle self guided which allows me time to stop and stare and take photographs. From day one I found myself way behind the other members, my pace was averaging 19 - 20 kph, which is above the advertised “Moderate: 13-16km/8-10miles an hour”, but this was not fast enough. I must emphasise that for me, it was not a problem as exodus provide some excellent maps and I am used to cycling alone so I never felt lost. However, I still had a great 6 days, saw some brilliant scenery passed though great villages and towns. The restaurants and cafes we stopped at provided excellent choice of food and drinks at a reasonable price. All hotels were comfortable and well located. Evening meals with this diverse group were in well chosen restaurants and I thoroughly enjoyed their company as well as the food and drinks

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most memorable was the ride (glide!) down to Lake Garda, excellent views of the Lake as I descended

What did you think of your group leader?

I didn’t really have that much contact with the Leader Michele, but from my perspective he is one of life’s gentleman, and seemed generally concerned about the group members enjoyment. His family that we met in his home town of Viceza are delightful.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you want more time to visit the cities and towns then I would suggest self guided with a day’s stop over in the places you would want to investigate

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Would I cycle with exodus again, yes absolutely? Would I cycle with a group again - only time will tell?

Dolomites Lake Garfa

A fantastic trip full of changing scenery, reasonable daily distances to cover cycling with a few challenges

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the Dolomite mountains so close on the ride

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent, very knowledgeable of the history of the area and passionate about his country and willing to share this with everybody at the same time trying to accommodate each persons needs and expectations of the ride

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

A reasonable amount of training ( though not excessive) on hills will make ride more enjoyable. Distances are okay for peoples who do regular cycling.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Would have been good to have been able to purchase a cycle jersey with the route of the ride marked on it . Always a nice souvenir especially for those of us who came a long way to do the ride i.e. Australia!