Como, Stelvio & Dolomites Testimonials
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once again exceptional
After a fantastic experience on A’qto’s Tuscany tour, friends and I were back to tackle the Como, Stelvio and Dolomites tour. While different to Tuscany, the quality of the experiences that Damian and Nancy put together on and off the bike was once again exceptional. It didn’t hurt that we were in magnificent landscapes that really have to be seen to be believed. And if you like a challenge on the bike, you’ll love this tour. Maybe you will have to “find another gear” like I did on the Mortirolo, when the body was struggling but the camaraderie of friends prevailed. All up, an awesome trip and one I would highly recommend for the cyclist who wants to push themselves on the bike and enjoy a superb Italian experience off it.
Charles M
Authentic Italian experiences in beautiful locations
The Como, Stelvio & Dolomites Tour visits some really stunning locations that offer some great opportunities for day trips and hiking on the Non-riding Partners Tour. The hotels and evening meals throughout the tour were also lovely. At the time of our tour, Lake Como was inundated with tourists – the fast ferry was out of action, the regular ferry and bus services were not coping with the extra pressure and a large tour company had bought up all of the tickets to Villa Balbianello.
Nancy worked really hard against this challenging background to re-arrange our itinerary so that we could still enjoy some of the real gems of Lake Como (Villa Balbianello included!) before heading off to explore the Alps and the Dolomites. The morning spent at the Ladin family cheese factory in the Dolomites was a real highlight of the trip, a fascinating insight into a very different way of life and an opportunity to see first-hand the skill and dedication required to produce these artisan cheeses.
This is not the tour for you if you are looking for a slow-paced leisurely holiday – but if you enjoy walking and want to experience some really authentic Italian experiences in beautiful locations, it could be just right for you.
Rachel W
Loved it, loved it, loved it. A'qto is a class act.
Loved it, loved it, loved it. A’qto is a class act. I was a rider and my wife a non-rider on the Como, Stelvio, Dolomites tour. We both enjoyed the experience immensely. A relief for me that the non-rider activity was as well organised and run as the rides. Every venue – the hotels, restaurants and evening locations for aperitivo were beautiful and a credit to Damian and Nancy who hand selected them all. It really was a luxury riding holiday that I would recommend to everyone.
Dom D
I enjoyed the A'QTO tour so much more.
“Thanks again for a lovely experience. I just thought I’d give you my feedback and comparison after doing a tour straight after yours.
I enjoyed the A’QTO tour so much more.
The hotels were better.
The meals were better.
The smaller group was much nicer.
The non-rider program existed and was really lovely. (It existed on the other tour but it was basically following the riders around)
The rides started from the accommodation.
You and Damian really organised us and looked after us well and made us feel special. (On the other tour they didn’t really “host” their guests anywhere near as well as you guys do.)”
Deb – Non-Rider
We can't wait to do more tours
Having waited two years for Covid to ‘end’ we were very excited to head to Italy on the Como, Stelvio, Dolmites tour. We’d previously joined Damian & Nancy on a tour in Bright, Victoria so we knew the level of professionalism and dedication they are all about.
Italy was magical from the spectacular scenic cycle routes to the thoroughly delicious meals each night at carefully selected restaurants. The cuisine is a truly memorable part of the tour bringing the group together reminiscing about the days events.
We stayed in stunning accommodation again carefully selected.
The non cycle program is fabulous and Nancy goes the extra mile to make sure you feel part of the tour experience. Excursions included guided tours & visits to iconic sites, amazing hikes (so you can justify the amount of food you’re eating that night!) a cheese making experience and of course some shopping.
We were lucky to have our 21 year old son join us on this tour and he thoroughly enjoyed the challenging climbs and descents and the camaraderie of the group. Matteo & Stefano the two assistants on tour add to the dynamics of the A’qto group.
Damian & Nancy are true professionals passionate in what they do to give you the most unforgettable experience.
We can’t wait to do more tours in the future.
The Stirlings
ENTHUSIASM, PROFESSIONALISM AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL
We were very excited about our trip to the Dolomites and Prosecco Road with A’qto in July, 2019. We had high expectations, but with Nancy and Damien’s enthusiasm, professionalism and attention to detail the whole journey far exceeded those and made the trip truly memorable. Mauro and Andre, our local guides added to our feeling of being cared for. It was the total Italian experience – cultural, gastronomic and the cycling and hiking mountain way of life. They catered perfectly to the various idiosyncrasies within the group and if an issue arose or something had to be quickly changed due to unforeseen circumstances they found the solution calmly and promptly.
We would highly recommend A’qto to anyone contemplating a cycling tour to Italy, and especially those with a non-cycling partner who normally wouldn’t be included in such an adventure. Our best wishes to Nancy and Damien and their team for the continuing success of A’qto Cycling.
Vivien & David
A TRULY MEMORABLE WEEK
Thank you to Damian, Nancy, Mauro and Andrea for a truly memorable week through the Dolomites and the Prosecco region. Not just a cycling trip but more of an immersion into Italian culture, food and way of life. The cycling was tough but thoroughly worth the effort when you reach the top of the mountain passes. Hope to plan another trip with you again soon.
Anthony A
