Non Riding Partners Testimonials
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I will never forget this tour
My husband booked a bucket list cycling tour with Aqto cycling to explore the beautiful Como, Stelvio and Dolomites in July this year (2024).
As I am not a cyclist I was not sure what my 10 days on tour would be like as a ‘non-rider’ , I need not have worried as the moment I met Nancy I knew she would be great company. Nancy organised our 10 days together ( I was the only non rider on this tour) and every day I woke up keen to explore the beautiful breathtaking scenery and wonderful experiences she had planned that I could never have enjoyed as much without her. I knew there would be lots of walking through gorgeous scenery and being in my late 60’s I hoped I would keep up and not give up.
Nancy takes it at a comfortable pace and doesn’t make you feel like you are holding her back, we talked along the way and got to know a bit about each others lives which after just meeting someone for the first time makes you understand what a lovely person she is.
Each day we explored with local guides (or just Nancy and myself) areas in the Italian alps that gave an insight into the history and culture of the area.
Our day spent learning about the Ladin culture was exceptional. I did not know that this culture still exists and the history behind it is amazing. The tour ended with an authentic traditional lunch cooked and served in the oldest standing cottage built in the 13th century in the hills where the Ladin people settled. I will never forget it.
Being summer in the alps, I was blown away with the wildflowers growing everywhere, I love flowers and gardening, this was like a dream come true to see the colours and varieties of beautiful flowers growing wild, made the day perfect.
When we reached the Dolomites, I thought I had seen landscapes like never before. This was now next level.
Nancy and I took on an approx 9km hike to reach the beautiful church perched high on the hill. The walk up was tough in parts but every step was worth it to see the view and capture the moment. Then it’s all down hill from there.
Because Nancy speaks fluent Italian and English, it was a major factor in being able to understand the history and communicate with Italian speaking people.
I know I will never forget this tour for the rest of my life …
You know it was special when you are crying sad tears as you are dropped off by Damien and Nancy when the tour ends and feel like you have know Nancy for years and hope to experience a tour with her again one day.
Sharon P
our third with A'qto.....where to next?
Being on an A’qto tour with Damian and Nancy is like going on holiday with your best friends, family and their friends.
With Damian and Nancy as hosts, everything is taken care of… stunning accommodation, incredible local food and wine experiences.
At the end of the Piedmont tour you are left with a sense of achievement having pushed yourself on Damian’s challenging rides (always fully supported. Thankyou so much again Sergio and Silvia) through captivating countryside on quiet country roads, and your cup refilled with a whole new circle of like minded friends, who you have bonded with each evening over aperitivo in diverse settings, could be the piazza, could be the courtyard of an old but beautifully restored convent before moving onto dinner often with a stunning view or backdrop and always showcasing local produce, dishes and cooking techniques.
Nancy’s generosity of time, offered friendship, explanation and guidance through a range of activities unique to the region are a joy for the non riding partners.
Piedmont and Tour de France tour is our third with A’qto…..where to next?
Kate and Brad S
a bespoke, authentic Italian experience
We were excited for our 4th tour with A’qto and Sicily certainly met our expectations and more. Nancy and Damian have once again crafted a bespoke, authentic Italian experience.
We travelled from the West to the East experiencing the diversity in the landscape, people and delicious cuisine, staying in a great selection of varied and stunning accommodation.
The cycling was varied with challenging days and plenty of climbing in particular Mt Etna. Damian’s back road choices are always a highlight finding unusual off the beaten track treasures. An amazing pasta in a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. Always great support from two very experienced guides with a fully stocked back up van.
The non cycle program highlighted the island’s culture and history visiting several Unesco World Heritage sites. A beautiful hike along the coastline in the West, tours through majestic towns, enjoying the views of ancient hilltop towns, a visit to an olive farm, a chocolate tasting experience, a tour of a winery on Mt Etna which included a delicious long lunch and a thoroughly enjoyable cooking class in an authentic Italian home on Mt Etna. Truly memorable daily excursions.
We still have a few more regions to experience with A’qto so will be back.
Andrew and Sue
every trip with you is a lifetime experience.
Easily the best part of our five weeks in Europe this year was joining Aqto’s tour following the Giro d’Italia in the Dolomites.
Breathtaking scenery every day, great company, truly magnificent riding, beautiful accommodation and the most delicious local food. Aqto offer far more than a cycle tour; every part of the trip is chosen by Nancy and Damian to ensure we had the best, and most authentic experience of Italy: the language, the food, the history and the culture.
As a non- rider I had the most amazing holiday enjoying all the places on my to-see and to-do lists; while Simon’s riding experience exceeded all expectations, it was magical, we loved it.
Thanks so much guys, we’re telling everyone we know about how your in-depth knowledge of Italy means every trip with you is a lifetime experience.
Jeannie
Our Tuscan experience was truly amazing
Our recent Tour of Tuscany was everything we had hoped for and more!
The thought and attention to the detail of the itinerary for both the rider and non-rider programs was second to none. The riding, sights, scenery, activities, accommodation, food, and wine provided so many wonderful experiences for us to be fully immersed in what Tuscany has to offer.
Every corner turned, every road ridden on, every town visited and experience presented us with another ‘wow’ moment and memory to cherish.
Damian and Nancy were great hosts and certainly know how to ensure their guests experience everything that Tuscany has to offer.
Our Tuscan experience was truly amazing, one full of so many highlights!
Chris and Simone
The experience exceeded our every wish.
David and myself were fortunate to be doing our third A’qto trip this year. The experience exceeded our every wish. The accommodation was exquisite in the most beautiful towns. We were treated to delicious food and wine every night – yes, every night. David’s legs may have been tired after some riding days but his heart was very full.
The non-riding programme was delightful – despite having to juggle to accommodate the weather. The non -riding experience was made so much better by the kind, enthusiastic and most hospitable business owners.
There were so many highlights on this trip but perhaps for us, the experience of seeing the Tour de France and all the festivities that go with it was truly magical. The company of like minded individuals who share our love of food, wine, cycling and having a terrific time just made it that much more special.
Everything was seamless and nothing was too much effort for Nancy and Damian. Grazie mille.
David and Jenny M
A 5 star experience for a non rider
A 5 star experience for a non rider
Nancy and Damian have crafted a bespoke, authentic Italian experience which totally exceeded my expectations.
As a non rider I enjoyed guided hikes in the wonderful towns and surrounding areas. Nancy uses local guides who are passionate about their home town and incredibly informative. We experienced the beauty of the Dolomites on foot, visited a cheese farm near Bergamo and met some of the wonderful people living their daily life.
Taking the funicular to the top of Mount Baldo showed me some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever seen. The mountains of Lake Garda smack you in the face with their beauty. Seeing 50 paragliders jump off Mount Baldo with their colourful shutes to drift over Lake Garda was amazing.
We explored local lakeside towns via the ferry and enjoyed hearty (and healthy) lunches as a small friendly group of non riders. Nancy speaks the language fluently and aims to meet individually curiosities. She’s been doing this for 8 years so she knows where to go and who to speak to
Nancy and Damian have a chillax approach but you know everything is under control and the groups’ needs are considered. This sets a comfortable tone for the entire trip.
As someone who is GF, I really appreciated the great variety and tasty food throughout the entire tour – I never felt like I was missing out on authentic Italian cuisine.
Group activities with the riders included wine and olive oil tasting (so good!) and cheering on the cyclists in the Giro d’Italia during the tour. Even as a non rider, you couldn’t help but get swept up in the excitement of this international cycling event.
The quality and variety of the accommodation was excellent from a 14th century converted townhouse overlooking the cobbled streets of Bergamo to a modern lakeside boutique hotel in Lake Garda and our personal favourite, the chalet in Cortina – a colourful Arthouse chalet that punches colour and oozes cool everywhere you look.
We researched lots of companies before deciding on A’qto. This tour offers the best of both worlds. While we enjoyed the excitement of the Giro, we also experienced the different regions of Italy through carefully considered planning of meals, accommodation, transfers and all non riding activities.
For non riders, you’ll need to feel comfortable in small groups, happy to meet new people and enjoy walking. This is not the tour for individuals who aren’t team players and don’t want to share the lived experience and cultures of the Italian people. I was lucky to be with a group of non riders who embraced all that Nancy had on offer and together we created special memories.
We don’t usually go on tours, but this one gets a 10/10 rating – all the decisions are made for you and you realise that what Nancy and Damian have in store for you is exactly what you would have planned – only better.
Belinda D
Authentic is the word that best describes this trip
Authentic is the word that best describes this trip for me. I felt I experienced a genuine view of Puglia Italy – many layers beyond what tourists generally see. Thanks to Nancy and Damian for offering such a wonderful tour.
I chose this tour for its non-riding activities, hoping I would enjoy going along with my husband on his cycling tour. I’m so happy I did. We have visited Italy and other European countries in the past. This highly curated tour was the ultimate experience of a region. We had the most amazing accommodations, delicious native meals and true cultural experiences.
We stayed in lovely rooms in converted abbeys and palaces located right in the heart of the old town, and beautiful country masserie. It would be hard to find these accommodations through general online searching. This is an example of how the many hours spent by Nancy and Damian to find the best of everything around the cycling routes is very obvious.
Evening dinners were a highlight of the day – great conversation of the day’s events with the entire group, Nancy, Damian, and their wonderful ride team expert cyclists, Sergio and Sylvia. The food was amazing… authentic Puglian specialty dishes with many courses of antipasto, fresh fish, local vegetables, excellent drinks, wine, and desserts.
Daily non-riding tours were phenomenal. Nancy requested our interest in activities prior to the tour. We then enjoyed the best small group guides of Trulli in Alberobello, Tuk tuk tour of Ostuni, Orecchiette making/delicious dinner with Nonna Anna and her family on their farm, hiking, and many other wonderful activities. With Nancy’s Italian heritage and language, it was like having a fun, Italian cousin guiding you through all the very best her country could offer throughout the entire day. Nancy showed us the more genuine experiences of the region, not just the top tourist spots. Touring with someone who understands the language, people, and the region gives you freedom to go beyond English speaking tourist spots with ease. Priceless!
Already trying to figure out which A’qto trip we can do next.
Chris K
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
an absolute treat....
We recently returned home from A’qto’s inaugural 10 day Tour of Sicily with Damian and Nancy – what an absolute treat. As with our previous A’qto experience in the Dolomites several years ago, this adventure was exceptionally well researched and planned by Nancy and Damian, who, as always, put their hearts and souls into ensuring that every aspect of the trip is truly memorable. From the delightful boutique accommodation, extraordinary food and wine opportunities, to the fascinating cultural and local experiences for the nonriders. The question is how do they find those little lunch venues, up a side lane without any signage, in a village with two residents, in the middle of nowhere!
Whilst Dave was expending all his energy on the road with the other cyclists, we nonriders shared a plethora of amazing experiences – hiking in national parks and up Mt Etna, wandering around medieval villages soaking up the atmosphere, wine and food tastings and experiences (wine, olive oil, pasta and chocolate), and archeological and cultural tours – many of them with exceptional guides to complement Nancy’s knowledge. Though I can’t personally write on the cycling component of the trip, from all accounts Damian (and the team) provided an equally excellent experience.
As well as truly satisfying our individual interests Nancy and Damian provided us with a wonderful introduction to Sicily and all it has to offer. An additional and very enjoyable bonus was to meet other likeminded travelers to share this journey with. Congratulations Nancy and Damian and our heartfelt thanks.
Viv and Dave
Loved the mega 5 star ‘wine and dine’ experience.
I recently undertook the Giro Tour 2023 as a non riding partner and was thrilled with the variety of experiences and the fantastic support throughout the tour. Loved the mega 5 star ‘wine and dine’ experience every night as well. Being a regular hiker I found the forest and mountain trail walks perfect for me. Thank you Nancy!
Maria W
highly recommend the Tour of Tuscany
A thoroughly enjoyable trip both for the cyclist and non-cyclist. A great small group adventure with like minded participants and very supportive hosts. Nancy and Damian have done a great job in crafting this experience and we can highly recommend the Tour of Tuscany. Based on this experience I have no doubt their other tours are equally brilliant.
Elizabeth L
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
Tour of Como, Stelvio & Dolomites 2022
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
Tour of Como, Stelvio & Dolomites 2022
LEFT ME SMILING EVERYDAY.......
My daughter(Jenny) and I enjoyed ourselves very much. I was the non-riding partner.
On the tour my days included: pleasant walks, interesting & varied tours, and in the evenings great food & wine, and much laughter.
The cooking lesson with Andrea & Ruth at their home was literally a day to remember. We ate what we made and drank beautiful wine.
The whole tour left me smiling everyday with the memories.
Rosemary V
another fantastic A’qto tour
Having just completed another fantastic A’qto tour, I would recommend it if your partner rides and you don’t. The daily activities were varied, interesting and highlighted the region’s local culture and environment. Nancy and Damian are excellent hosts who know how to give their guests the optimal Italian holiday experience on and off a bike.
Mary F
A lifetime of many wonderful memories!
As a non -rider on the recent Puglia tour I was thrilled with the rich variety of experiences with Nancy. I especially appreciated the active walks to new places off the beaten track and my enjoyment was greatly enhanced by Nancy’s enthusiasm, experience and local knowledge.
I can heartily recommend non- rider participation in this tour. It exceeded my expectations. A lifetime of many wonderful memories!
Anita N
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
TRULY GREAT EXPERIENCE
We signed up to do the Tuscany tour for a friend’s 50th birthday. Karen was not a rider so the non-riding element of the tour was quite important to us.
In the months leading up to the tour Damian and Nancy were in regular contact. Damian with training advice and ensuring he had all the information necessary to equip me with the right gear (which was of a very good quality) and Nancy to discuss the types of activities and experiences Karen wished to do as a non-rider.
The trip itself was excellent and it was a truly great experience.
The cycling routes were well thought out, the cycling support was great, the scenery breathtaking, the accommodation hosts so welcoming, and the food magnificent. Karen enjoyed the non-riding side of the tour so much she’s eyeing off our next tour!
Damian and Nancy clearly put a lot of time and thought into their tours and it certainly shows in the quality of the product. We would thoroughly recommend A’qto Cycling to anyone wanting to do a European cycling trip.
Sean & Karen
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE
I was a non-cycling partner on the A’qto Tour of Puglia and was left wanting more; so sad to part ways with a great group of people that Nancy and Damian assembled to share their knowledge of this wonderful area. Each day Nancy unveiled a different experience for us from a cheese making factory to a 3 hour forest walk, culminating in a cooling off swim in the beautiful clear ocean.
Each night we were treated like royalty with pre-dinner drinks to culinary delights that would please the most discerning palette, accompanied by tasty wines from the local area. Everything ran smoothly and more than met my expectation as a non peddler.
I can highly recommend this fantastic experience, thanks Nancy and Damian.
Greg
SUCH A MEMORABLE HOLIDAY
Picturesque destinations.
Delicious local foods.
Quality local wines.
Fantastic and unique accommodation.
Interesting and varied regional activities, giving a great insight into local culture.
This is what I have experienced as a non rider with A’qto Italian riding holidays on the recent tour of Puglia and also on previous Tuscany and Giro tours.
Special thanks to Nancy and Damian for creating such memorable holidays
Mary
WE ARE ALREADY CHOOSING THE DATES FOR OUR NEXT A’QTO TOUR.
Rod is a keen Cyclist – I’m not.
He has talked about doing a cycling tour of Italy (I wasn’t that keen as – what was I going to do?) He had liked an A’qto cycling Facebook post, I saw this and downloaded the itinerary (as I have always wanted to go to Italy).
I was impressed!!
I placed it on his computer at work with a sticky note saying “Choose tour and date and I will book”.
Welcome Tuscany!!
We incorporated the bike ride with an extended holiday in Italy and to say the Tuscany part with A’qto Cycling was the best part was an understatement.
Damien had chosen rides that were challenging but rewarding and achievable with great back up support. Nancy had tours and days that catered for all the non riding partners in the group and we were totally immersed in what Tuscany had to offer. Their attention to detail and thought in choosing Local menus, wines and accommodation locations (even massages) is what made it so memorable for us
We are already choosing dates for our next A’qto tour.
Meg & Rod
A UNIQUE AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
Italy is a wonderful country to visit. The Giro d’ Italia Tour organised by A’quto Cycling made our recent visit unforgettable. From our initial contact with Damian and Nancy we had full confidence that this would be a tour to long remember.
Every aspect of the tour was well organised so all we had to do was enjoy each day. From communication with us prior to departure, bike hire and adjustments for each rider, checking into our very comfortable hotels, communication with all participants to arrange the daily events and departure from venues, everyone was kept well informed of what was happening, when and how. If there was a need to be flexible with plans, Nancy and Damian adjusted them to meet the needs of all participants, weather conditions or time constraints. If there were problems behind the scenes, these were never obvious and everything ran smoothly and enthusiastically.
Mention must also be made of the excellent way Damian and Nancy catered for a gluten free diet, both when riding and all meals on the tour. The small size of the tour group also provided the opportunity to get to know and enjoy the friendship of others.
Nine days of outstanding bike rides, fantastic and varied non rider activities, great food, wine and amazing scenery ensured everyone had a brilliant time. Watching, cheering and enjoying the Giro certainly added to the Italian experience.
Thanks Damian, Nancy and your very efficient and capable staff for an amazing nine days. We hope to be back in Italy again next year for more great rides, interesting Italian experiences, wonderful friendships and lots of fun. Your personal touch set you aside from other tour groups and makes a trip with A’qto Cycling Tours a unique and memorable experience.
Greg & Fran
EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS
Thank you to the A’qto team for a wonderful tour. Nancy looked after the non riding partners so beautifully. She was a delightful companion. In each area Nancy listened to our suggestions, offered her own suggestions, expertise and local knowledge then took us on guided sight seeing tours and scenic walks which were most enjoyable. Our accommodations were excellent and the included meals absolutely delicious! The tour exceeded my expectations. We will definitely book with A’qto again.
Marianne P
BY FAR THE BEST PART OF OUR TRIP
My husband Michael and I went on the A’qto Giro Tour. It was part of a five week holiday in Europe, and it was by far the best part of our trip. Michael, a keen cyclist, has always wanted to participate in a cycling tour in Italy and on hearing about the A’qto trip that coincided with the 100th year of the Giro, thought it would be a good year to go.
I initially thought I would meet Michael after the tour, until I found out I could participate as a non rider. I want to reassure all non riding partners, you can go on a bike riding holiday and have a fantastic time.
I felt part of the group, whether I was travelling in the support van enjoying the fantastic scenery and being amazed at the climbs the riders were achieving, or enjoying the non-rider activities such as treks in the countryside with Nancy.
Nancy and Damian put a lot of research into sourcing restaurants that emphasise local produce and quality local wines. The food we enjoyed was excellent ranging from aperitivo, to pizza, to five course banquets.
Thank you, Nancy and Damian for a wonderful trip that has left me with many fond memories and unique experiences.
Mary F
THANKYOU FOR A LIFE AFFIRMING EXPERIENCE
What an amazing time I had in Italy. As a non-riding partner I really didn’t know how my holiday was going to turn out. Even though you made contact with me a few weeks before the trip, it was impossible to really know. As it happened, my expectations were well and truly exceeded.
The accommodation was wonderful and the activities you arranged were just fantastic. I would never organise these things for myself and they just opened me up to different experiences.
The truffle hunt was the most memorable, the cooking class was just complete fun, the chocolate tasting was lovely, made even better with the young chocolatier telling us his life’s journey and the beautiful guide we had through Monforte and Alba was a delight. Our walk through the vineyards was also fun. Finding fruit trees along the way and encountering local workers happy for a chat was great.
Coming together with the riders every evening meant that we could share our stories. I think they were just a little jealous of us. Nancy, you really made my non-riding experience a joy. People connect so much with you, your own Italian heritage and your wonderful personality.
Thanks again for a life-affirming experience.
Lydia JP
