Hi~ Trying to decide between 2 cycling companies: Expierence Plus and Ciclismoclassico to tour either Piedmont or Tuscany. Going for 6-8 days. Has anyone used either of these compaines or heard anything about them.
Thanks, Suzanne
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1 posts
Suzanne, Sorry you've had to go so long without a reply. I'm just about to do my 5th bike tour with ExperiencePlus, and I absolutely love those guys. I say this having used three other bike tour companies that can't hold a candle to ExPlus. Every bike tour company takes you through wonderful and historic sites, provides great food and knowledgeable guides. But ExPlus does something totally unique to all of them. All other tour companies begin each day's ride by handing you a cue sheet that offers turn-by-turn instructions. If that sounds good, imagine you're in a foreign country, your sweaty cue sheet is folded in your back pocket, and you've got to stop the bike and take out the cue sheet every quarter mile to make sure you haven't missed your turn. Fun? ExPlus forgoes the cue sheets and instead provides arrows to show you where your turns are. Having used both cue sheets and arrows extensively, I can tell you that the arrows are a godsend because they free you up to enjoy the scenery, without having to worry about whether or not your cue sheet agrees with the foreign street signs. Arrows rule! And so does ExPlus. I consider ExperiencePlus a mid-priced bike tour company there are some that are cheaper and some that are more expensive. But from my experience, no bike tour company gives you nearly as much for your money as ExPlus does. I've done the Loire Valley, Ireland, Venice-to-Pisa, Burgundy and, this June, Piedmont. And I've had perfect experiences every time. I suspect you will, too
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1895 posts
I've found both of these companies to be kind of expensive. Have you finalized your plans yet? I can recommend 2 other companies that I've used in Italy, http://www.nicholsexpeditions.com/italy.htm http://www.cicloposse.com/guidedbiketour.php My husband and I do self guided bike tours, so the cost is much less than guided tours. We are experienced bike riders and have been on 7 tours in Italy so far. I highly recommend cicloposse, have used them 2x. Piedmont riding is not that exciting...Tuscany is harder riding, but worth it. You might also check into Umbria, that was wonderful!