Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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.

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83 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Karen Shackleton

Reviewed November 2016

Sardinia cycling

The best way to enjoy amazing scenery with great company. I do cycling to train for sprint triathlons and found the pace of cycling and hilly days extremely challenging for the rating given. We did get an opportunity to relax and swim in the sea each day which was an unexpected bonus.
I would definitely do this or a similar trip again although I would do more cycling before I went in preparation.

Most Inspirational Moment

After I got the electric bike I reached the top of one of the really steep challenging hills first with only half the power to help, after struggling the previous day on my normal bike and getting in the van this felt great. Being able to swim in clear sea and float around relaxing tired muscles was also a highlight for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both group leaders were enthusiastic and informative both about the cycling and Sardinia - it's history and it's culture. How they dealt with the challenge of differing cycling capabilities within the group varied, I much preferred it when our leader cycled in the middle of the group and gave those at the back chance to catch their breath before setting off again. Some days it seemed our leader spent all his time at the front and did not appreciate how tough some of us were finding the pace. We all chipped in a small amount to fund snacks and this meant our leaders organised fruit, nuts and snacks every day along our route which went down really well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would definitely recommend training with some longer trips out on your bike before you take on this trip. I took my own pedals and cycling shoes but would not recommend this as it was actually more of a problem on the tracks and little benefit overall. A gel saddle cover is definitely worth taking. There was an option for an electric assisted bike - I used this for a few days and loved it. I hardly used the power as you could turn it off but I did feel more confident stopping to take photos knowing I could always catch up by adding power if I needed to. I would definitely recommend getting this for anyone who is fit but maybe not too experienced with cycling. It's a heavier bike so takes more leg power to keep it moving when the power is off but with a bit of power it massively improves the speed and your ability to get all the way up the steeper hills.

Karen Williams

Reviewed October 2016

Cycling in Sardinia

What a fantastic trip! Great rides taking in beautiful countryside, sparkling blue seas and white sandy bays with a lovely group of people, all topped off with more fabulous food and drink than we could work off. All the hotels were perfect too. I was expecting the local people to drive like they do in Rome, but they were always so courteous, giving us a wide berth. It really was a faultless trip and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of "the Wall"

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele and Giovanni were perfect hosts and made it their business to make sure everyone had a great time whatever their pace. Their local knowledge ensured we went to the best places which we'd never have found otherwise

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely book this trip!

Rebecca Davis

Reviewed October 2016

Stunning coastal scenery in remote Sardinia

This was my first exodus trip and as I usually travel independently I was unsure what to expect. The group was large at 16 but all lovely and all super fit! I got used to being at the back but don’t worry, someone has to be there…..The food was excellent due to local knowledge on where to go etc. this is the first cycle trip where I have put on weight!. All extremely well organised, well paced and we swam every day at gorgeous beaches. I was shocked how hot it was in October. Some BIG hills to be done, train hard!

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming at a stunning remote beach near Calaforte in crystal clear water and no tourists.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader Michele was outstanding in every respect: kind, patient, knowledgeable and funny! He genuinely cared for everyone and allowed flexibility eg the super fast pack could go ahead and I was allowed to stop for photos etc at the back.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring sunscreen, hat and mosquito repellant (even for dry Sardinia) and sarong for the beach. A gel seat really helps with pressure areas and I am sure that clip on shoes help up the hills Train as much as possible!

Brad Bocking

Reviewed July 2016

7 Days of Fun and Sun

A great group, a fantastic tour leader and support guide, breath-taking scenery, and interesting cycling….. this was almost the perfect cycling trip. The accommodation and food was also first-class. South-west Sardinia was a real surprise. Coming from Australia I was not expecting to find a place in Europe that felt so much like home. This was my third Exodus cycling tour in Italy and definitely the best.

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.

Katherine Criswick

Reviewed June 2016

Like Amalfi without the cars!

This was one of the best cycling trips I have done. Exhilarating descents, sweeping bends, beautiful coastal views and very few cars. There was an opportunity to swim in the sea every day (although the water – in early June – was very ‘refreshing’). The food was good throughout, with the best Lasagne I have ever had in Cabras.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many: Managing the steep climb up to the agriturismo, which although hard work made the dramatic ride down the next morning all the more enjoyable. Many exhilarating descents with fantastic scenery and lovely sweeping bends. Swimming off the rocks and through a cave near the hotel at Nebida and then watching the sun set over the sea during supper.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was an excellent guide – everything organised very smoothly and his enthusiasm for the country was infectious (although I’m not sure every beach could really be ‘the best beach on the island’)! He was ably assisted by Ado who drove the support van and kept us supplied with refreshments including beautifully prepared fruit buffets laid out on the back of the trailer.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A couple of the days are quite challenging (but there is always the option to go in the van). Don’t forget to pack a trek towel as there are opportunities to swim during every ride.

Madeleine Hill

Reviewed June 2016

Cycling in Sardinia

This is a fantastic, well organised trip. If you enjoy cycling and don’t mind putting in some effort to get up a few tricky hills, you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery and lovely food. We had a mixed group of cyclists, some of whom were doing their first cycling holiday and I think everyone enjoyed it. The organisation and encouragement of our tour leader Michele Q and his assistant Ado helped to make this a really memorable trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling along the coastal roads of the Costa del Sud on day 7 was superb, so many beautiful views at every turn. Cycling down to the village of Nebida after a challenging climb on day 4, the lovely views, and a rewarding swim in crystal clear waters made it worthwhile!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele Q was very professional and his English and knowledge of the area is superb. He obviously loves what he does and was great at keeping us all motivated, even on the tougher climbs. He even added extra hill climbs for those wanting to put in some extra miles! He and Ado (our support driver and provider of some very welcome refreshments) made a great team, both were fun, friendly and keen to ensure that everyone enjoyed their holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You do need some level of fitness to enjoy this trip but don't be put off by the reference to hilly climbs, it's really only on days 2 and 3 and it isn't continuous. The scenery (and ice cream!) will make it well worth the effort.

Alison Thompson

Reviewed June 2016

Fantastic Sardinia June 2016 Guided Cycling tour

An excellent, well organised trip, with stunningly beautiful coastal rides and some challenging climbs, a great group of people where all got on very well , excellent tour guide Michele and fantastic support from Ado,

Most Inspirational Moment

Encouragement from our guide Michele as he encouraged, motivated and supported us in some quite difficult climbs. And the safety and relief in knowing that reliable Ado in the support vehicle would be there to help you and take care of you, if you needed it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group leader Michele was encouraging, informative, professional, fun, spoke excellent English, had a great sense of humour, and was very supportive to all the group. Michele was supported by Ado Sanna, who was friendly, extremely helpful, generous, kind and he looked after everybody well, particularly on the more challenging elements of the tour. Nothing was too much trouble for these guys and we were thoroughly looked after. They made our holiday the more enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great tour. It is graded as moderate. I would say that days 2 and 3 are challenging in the heat and need a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy.

Peter Bull

Reviewed June 2016

Challenging Cycling on a Wonderful Island

This was our second Exodus cycling holiday, and the best so far. We went to Cuba last year which was also designated as “moderate” but the Sardinia profile was much more challenging. However, we chose to go early in the season which meant that it was quiet and the temperature was much more conducive to cycling. Most of the days were much more reasonable from a cycling point of view and the scenery was stunning. Sardinia seems particular uncommercialised and the food was generally excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

An extra early morning optional ride with MicheleQ back to the top of the Passo Montecani from the steep side. By far the toughest climb I've done, but a real sense of achievement. And what a descent!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both our guides, MicheleQ and MicheleZ were terrific. Real gentlemen who made a real effort to look after us and keep the group reasonably together on the road.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There were some very casual cyclists on this trip, who amazed me with their fortitude. I cycle regularly and found it tough, and I think the more practice you can do the better, but don't be too proud to get in the ever-present minibus. Make sure you enjoy it and don't make it a trial! Don't hesitate to stop and take photos.

Gavin Philp

Reviewed May 2016

Fantastic trip

This was a fabulous trip with a great group of people and two excellent guides. The island is stunning and whilst the cycling is challenging at times , the downhill parts and the undulating terrain made the whole experience really enjoyable.
This is our fifth trip with Exodus ( first cycling one) and they seem to get better and better – using local guides has really made a difference as their passion for the area really comes through. We’d recommend this trip to anyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

Long descent, into a hidden valley with poppies in field then turned a corner to see turquoise sea in front of us.. just stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Giovanni and Michele were fantastic - both excellent cyclists and their care and attention was exceptional. They made sure that everyone got something from the rides. They took time to explain about the area, the customs, the food as well as making sure that every ride was enjoyable. The evenings were always entertaining and the meals that they organised for us were wonderful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You do need to have some miles in your legs before going and being used to hills would be a distinct advantage but that said, you cycle fitter by the end of the week! Also.. pack light, it's a different hotel every night so you are living out of your suitcase.

Hannelore Ridley

Reviewed May 2016