Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The beaches, the coastal views, satisfaction when finishing the climbs, exhilarating downhill stretches with many switchbacks, the company, the hotels, the pink flamingos, the ferry rides, the table football competition! ... Basically, I just loved the whole trip!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele and Giovanni .... what a perfect team! They work tirelessly (24/7) and seamlessly together, skillfully anticipating the group's needs. Lovely touches such as the fruit breaks at the exact time that you need them, water as you approach the top of a long climb ... Very different personalities, these guys provide a great mix of fun, exuberance, local knowledge, care and support etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't miss this trip! Do some hills training before you go or Days 3 and 4 will be quite challenging but the other days are a wonderful mix of undulating mountain roads, providing some exhilarating descents (watch out for the bends!) ... Take insect repellent, the mozzies feasted on us, but only on the first day when we were in the wetlands area.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to pick one.... Michele getting up at 6am to take me up and down extra hills. Left in moonlight, returned at sun up for breakfast, shower and another idyllic day on the bike - and Strava records. Brand New! Giovanni taking time out from his private time to show us round his home city - Chapeau. Both helping me when I lost my mobile. Together they managed to get it returned - intact! Watching 16 strangers become friends. I would (almost) share my last Rolo with them!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele and Giovanni were the dream team. By swapping driving and cycling each day no-one got tired of the company and we were treated to different perspectives and interests. Their choice of dining spots were excellent and how they managed to keep control of us after so much wine is a gift!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its cooler than you think at night/morning. It was windy - and that can be demoralising so be ready. The bikes are excellent but cycle shorts are a great help. Diet before you arrive because you will eat and drink like royalty.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the longest hill then feeling the adrenalin of the downhill ride after. Oh and mustn't forget the flamingoes! Excellent accommodation, brilliant food

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele and Giovanni worked tirelessly to ensure everybody had a wonderful experience. They both gelled very well with the group, their level of knowledge and organisational/communication skills were excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went in April and whilst the afternoons were pleasantly warm, the nights and mornings were cold so bring suitable clothes for the evenings. Other than that, don't worry if you're not super fit, the vehicle support is excellent if you don't fancy the climbs.

Most Inspirational Moment

Giovanni and Marco's sudden, unexpected picnics; pretty little towns: Carloforte, Calasetta, Pula; a fantastic storm over the sea at Nebida; flamingoes!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were really lucky to have both Marco and Giovanni – they are great guys and they did a fantastic job. They know so much about the local area, and the best places to go and they made sure that everything went really well. They are great company, too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You don't need to train to do this holiday, but if you do a few shortish runs and a couple of climbs then you'll enjoy it even more.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the 6km climb and everyone cheering each other on.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marco and Giovanni were excellent guides and they created a brilliant atmosphere for the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Spin classes and regular running before the trip

Most Inspirational Moment

I wouldn't say there were any particularly inspirational moments, but the last days's cycling was really lovely. The route goes mainly along one of the roads on the south coast, and the views were really something - almost amazing enough to make you forget all the uphill parts! We were really lucky with the weather, especially considering we travelled at the end of October - we had sunny days with 24/25 degree heat all week, with just a few rain showers that passed quickly. The locals did tell us that such good weather was quite unusual for that time of year though.

Thoughts on Group Leader

They were fabulous. We had Marco and Giovanni, and they both went out of their way to make everybody's holiday a good one. They were friendly, yet professional and well-organised. Really nice people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes state that this trip is suitable for 'occasional cyclists who exercise regularly'. I don't think that quite fits the bill. Day three of the itinerary, which is day two of cycling, ends with what is according to the trip notes 'a steady climb'. Think European hill steady climb as opposed to British hill steady climb. It went on for ages - and I do mean ages. I think I was going up what I would class as a bloody steep hill for about an hour. It must have been at least 10kms, if not more. Unless you're a really fit cyclist, it's a killer. Day two is tough too. I found the food quite bland, so you might want to take some chillies with you if you like to spice things up a bit. On the positive side, you definitely won't starve - there was soooo much food. I actually didn't want to even look at another bowl of pasta by the end of the trip. On the last day some of us took the opportunity before the group transfer to visit the nearby ancient ruins of Nora. They are really worth the visit and are right next to the beach, so you can swim too if you want. It's easy to walk there and takes about 35 minutes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving most lunchtimes at an idealic beech for lunch and swim.

Thoughts on Group Leader

V good

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take swimming gear. A couple of stops had a few mozzies, so deet useful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting on top of the hills!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both group leaders were excellent. They really got along with each other and both had a sense of humour.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watermelon elevenses and cake for breakfast. And flamingos (or fenicottero as Giovanni kept saying :-) )

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guides Giovanni and Alessandro were both terrific leaders and very good company too, funny and engaging they felt like old friends. Always willing to answer questions, make sure we were all together and generally make our trip as smooth and trouble free as possible. As well as providing refreshing fruit stops and tasty picnic lunches they made sure all the equipment was in order and organised meals and baggage transfers without a hitch.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although this trip is classed as moderate (level 3) a couple of the climbs were long and quite tiring especially in 30+ degrees! So, do make sure you've got some training under your belt and ticked off a few hills at home to make sure you're up to it. But, failing that the support bus was always there to give water to the parched and to scoop up the weary.

Most Inspirational Moment

Stunning scenery along the varied route.It inspired (!) you most of the time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele and Giovanni worked all hours to ensure an enjoyable time for all the group...... and seemed to enjoy themselves also. Exodus should keep these two at all costs. The diverse ages (~30 - 81) of the group didn't matter at all. In particular the ladies of the group were all helpful and charming.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Early June is a good time to go. Empty roads and not too hot weather. The Exodus advice to cycle regularly is worth following; Sardinian roads have their ups and downs. We ate well in restaurants, bars, picnics, elevenses with the backup bus. And the geletaria !