Internationale groepsreis Cycling in Sicily

CYCLING IN SICILY

A very enjoyable trip which took in a lot of the sites and peaceful countryside of South Eastern Sicily whilst giving access to a couple of pleasant towns - Unesco town Noto and Siracuse.  A number of challenging hills but nothing extraordinarily tough, leaving the satisfaction of having made it up that hill!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

On the journey from Palazzolo to Noto, as we came down from 500 metres or so we were able to cycle down a road which zigzagged down the hill face and which had views for several miles out to the towns below and out to sea. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Whilst Sebastiano's English wasn't the best he was knowledgeable and helpful as far as possible, and stopped at all appropriate places to prevent cyclists from taking too wrong a turn if the direction wasn't clear.  In all a good tour leader.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you enjoy the wine at Colle Acre in Pallazolo do try and arrange to buy it there.  Make sure you visit the archeological sites in Siracuse at the end of the week, they are definitely worth the effort.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The holiday was almost spoit by the fact that as our plane was delayed, no transfer from the Airport to our initial starting off destination was waiting for us and we had to get there by taxi at some cost to ourselves.  It took several days before we were reimbursed for this error as various parties would not accept responsibility.

CYCLING IN SICILY

A good relaxing holiday. Programme not too full, which allowed time to relax and chill out (literally, given the cold wet weather!).

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Coming down to Ragusa Ibla with the sun poking through the clouds, and the promise that the cold wind and rain might pass.

What did you think of your group leader?

Dario was excellent. Attentive to detail, sensitive, hard working, anticipating our every need.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring warm clothes and cycling gear, even though it's mid-May and Mediterranean.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The hotel in Noto was clean and alright, but totally lacking in imagination. The other places where we stayed and ate were very good (though some of us have reservations about chocolate with prawns).

Cycling in Sicily

This was one of my best Exodus Holidays. This was my first cycling one with Exodus and I can highly recommend this trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The cycling was fantastic. Not too difficult climbs although you had to be quite fit. The acommodation and food was excellent.

What did you think of your group leader?

We had three leaders to which everyone was fantastic in looking after us. They made sure the bikes were safe and were very attentive to all the group. Also gave a lot of history about the Island.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I will certainly be going again next year on a cycling trip with Exodus.

Cycling in Sicily

Good trip, well organised, easy going helpful leader and support staff. No permanent cycling back- stop meant a few of the group got a bit lost an a couple of occasions. Very good choice of Hotels and food everywhere. Hotel in Syracuse needs finishing off !!!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Cooking class at the Agri-turism hotel

What did you think of your group leader?

Thomas was very helpful, well informed, spoke good Italian and English. Put up with a couple of awkward clients with humour and discretion. A joy to be on his trip

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take insect repellent, we all got badly bitten during a freak sand fly moment at the beach

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Cycling in sicily

Fantastic guide,great crowd of people,good hotels.great weather,good food

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The cycling and seeing Sicily.

What did you think of your group leader?

Thomas Gorblich is such a lovely guy with a good sense of humour.he looked after us well.i found him very informative.he had great patience with us all and he's such a good sport.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Only to take a gel seat

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would recommend this holiday.it was nice to meet new people.i am already looking out for the next one.

sicily

The holiday got off to a rocky start, as the flight was shifted to arrive very late and we just arrived at our hotel in time for bed on the first day. Similarly, the flight back was also very late. Maybe this was due to BA, but Exodus should consider how to avoid this in future. We landed in unusually hot weather, in the 30s, but the riding was pretty manageable, albeit the toughest day first. Food was excellent throughout and a real highlight. Thomas was a fine leader.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

probably the food!

What did you think of your group leader?

Thomas was pretty much perfect. He was very helpful and always conscious of our needs in what turned out to be very hot weather. He was also charming and amusing, which oiled the wheels. A great deal of care and thought went into his restaurant recommendations, which surprised us by how good value they were.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Try and learn at least a little Italian, as English is certainly not that widespread in Sicily.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

SICILY - Group tour

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. The time of year was perfect in that the scenery was green and the verges full of flowers. The people in Sicily were extremely friendly and the food we had was delicious (local knowledge of the tour leader and local operator obviously need to be thanked for this). I wouldn't call this "moderate" as there are many hills so a good level of fitness is required. We'd expected temperatures to be mid-late 20s but instead we had mid 30s!! Beautiful weather but tougher for cycling up the long hills. I'd definitely recommend this tour.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

n/a - can't imagine what you want to know with this question....did I have a vision!?

What did you think of your group leader?

Lovely tour leader with a great, dry sense of humour. Then again, I'm half Bavarian so I would say that! He was very keen to please his very big group of 16 and I believe everyone really liked Thomas.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you're fit for this one! There are long stretches with no breaks as people seem to race along. I took my time and stopped for photos and drinks but it meant I was constantly at the back. Take your own gel saddle and think about protection for your poor behind.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The bicycles gears could have been better! They were clonking all over the place but I got used to how they worked and dealt with it.

Cycling in Sicily was INCREDIBILE!

Cycling in Sicily is the first cycling trip my husband and I have taken. We both absolutely loved it and are anxious to start planning our next one with Exodus. Everything from start to finish was terrific; the itinerary, accommodations, events, FOOD and FRIENDS!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were many unforgettable events on this trip! But, some of my favourite times were the coastal drives drives, swimming in the Mediterannean and enjoying lovely, long evening dinners with our travelling companions.

What did you think of your group leader?

I could not say enough wonderful things about our group leader Thomas. Attentive, knowledgable and engaging! Our 2 accompanying drivers, both named Guiseppe, were also terrific.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Cycling in Sicily is classified as a 'moderate' level. I would suggest that it is leaning towards challenging, due to the regular steepness of hills. I am a regular cyclist and am comfortable with distances, however, my experience was for the most part on flat roads. I thought this would put me into a 'moderate' category but, I was incorrect. I would make sure that you are comfortable with long, very steep climbs if you are considering this trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great trip

The trip was great with a decent amount of hills! The distances were doable and the cycles by the coast wonderful! The hotels were all very good especially the Agriturismo which was amazing!! The only gripe about hotels was the one in Syracusa which was ok and had no outside space! We had thee most fantastic lunches courtesy of Giussippe which were better then any dinners we had!! All in all a great trip!! Great group of people helped!!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Not applicable.

What did you think of your group leader?

Thomas was such a lovely guy! An absolute gentleman! He looked after us so well! Good leaders really matter!! Great sense of humour!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

No.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

No.

Beautiful scenery, amazing architecture, tasty food, great cycling.

This was one of the better cycling trips I have done. Cycling was challenging only 1 or 2 days. We cycled through some amazing scenery. The architecture in several of the towns, especially Modica, was extraordinary. Some hotels were better than others, but that is what to expect on an Exodus trip. And it goes without saying that the food, especially the seafood and deserts, was yummy!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the most southern tip of Sicily, and putting my left foot in the Mediterranean, and right foot in the Ionean Sea. It is my Facebook cover page, and the wallpaper on my computer at work.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our guide Thomas was so thorough, organized, and especially caring of all travelers. He encouraged the less experienced cyclists as they struggled up the hills. Any request was looked into and honored.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

BRING BUG REPELLENT! The mosquitos are relentless, and they are everywhere, even in the larger cities like Catania. If you have extra days in the beginning or end, visit Taormina.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you are looking to train for the Tour de France, this trip is not for you. Conversely, if you are not used to cycling on hills, you will have a hard time on 2 of the days.

Sicilly

Cycling holiday

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Lovely scenery - so varied Loved cycling down to the coast and see the lovely blue see Learning from others in the group how they approach different challenges

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent. For the whole week, he had exactly the right balance. We had a really mixed group of some really keen cyclists and others (like myself) that would like to be on my bike more but have little time. Thomas ensured a really great pace and waited for those at the back, always ensuring we kept together and he was encouraging in terms of doing well and doing the right pace. He was extremely helpful, always paying each one of us his full attention.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do some practice cycling up hills!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Food was so lovely Weather was perfect Could do with an additional guide at the back of the group but van driver Guiseppe ensured that we also kept together

Jane Stirling

I have just returned from a week's cycling in Sicily that covered 45-65 k a day. The 15-person group - Icelandics, Canadians and Brits - were immensely kind and supportive.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Improving in fitness over the week and not being too far behind the real cyclists was, for me, inspirational. Off the bike, the historical sites, especially the catacombs at Syracuse, and the beautiful coastline, were also stimulating.

What did you think of your group leader?

Leah was a an excellent leader and very knowledgeable on the history of Sicily. Giuseppe provided wonderful lunches and van back up.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I am fit, but not particularly cycling fit. I did intend to get cycling fit but the poor weather meant that I cycled in the gym whilst watching a film on the TV screen. Reality was much tougher and Sicily was hillier than I expected! So my advice would be to prepare a little better than I did. A 'moderate' ride was for me 'challenging'.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Cycling in Sicily

Lovely Holiday in Sicily. Lea the guide was very good, friendly, patient and very knowledgeable. There were 13 in our group, many were club cyclists who left me behind on the hills. For me the hills were steep and some very long! I think that was more to do with my level of fitness than anything else. That said I enjoyed the challenge and I didn't give in! For me the highlights were Modica, Noto and Syracuse. I thought the accommodation was of a high standard overall. Loved the farmhouse, we had a lovely suite. The picnic lunches were excellent courtesy of Giuseppe who travelled with our luggage and looked after us and the bikes. I have to say the bikes were in excellent condition. The weather was fantastic all week, temperatures ranged from 25 to 30 degrees. Pretty hot for someone from Shetland!! The only area I felt could be improved was the choice of venue for evening meals, They were fine and I think chosen to cater for all tastes. This was a minor gripe in an otherwise fantastic trip. I met some lovely people, took some awesome pictures, got fitter, saw the sun!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The historic town of Syracuse and the sunset. I enjoyed it all really!

What did you think of your group leader?

Lea was great.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Get some hill climbs in before you go!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Cycling Sicily

Country is beautiful with so much history. Great for historical buffs and scenery lovers. Everyday was different with scenery and great variety of hills. Going through farmlands and cycling along the waterfronts.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The city of Syracuse is spectacular.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our guide Daniela was amazing, very knowledgeable of the country's history and areas. You can see her love and passion of the country come out in everything she said and did. She went out of her way to make sure we all enjoyed ourselves. Giuseppe our driver, bike repairer and lunch maker was also fantastic. Though Giuseppe did not know much English none of us had any problem communicating with him. The lunches he put together were spectacular, healthy and sometimes too much. Daniela and Giuseppe worked so well together.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Some of the hills are challenging so preparing ahead of time would be advisable but very doable.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Sicily is definitely a country to see. You will eat like kings and queens everyday. If you are doing a cycling trip try to add some time at the beginning or end to see other parts of the country.

Cycling in Sicily

It takes a lot to come together to make to make a perfect trip but this one succeeded. The group gelled perfectly although there was big range of cycling abilities. The leader was excellent, the accommodation good and last but not least he hire bikes were very good, which is not always the case.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The best moment was the exciting descent down a series of hairpins on the penultimate day of the trip

What did you think of your group leader?

Daniela and Guiseppe took very good care of everyone. Daniela's knowledge of the places we visited also enhanced the quality of the trip

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?