Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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39 Reviews

4.9 out of 5

Sue Taylor

Reviewed May 2023

Walking in the sun

Having spent a couple of days in Lisbon arranged by ourselves prior to the start of the holiday, we joined up with the group tour back at Lisbon Airport at the start of the trip. We thoroughly enjoyed the week walking along the cliff tops and down to the beaches; the group was so friendly and dynamic. This was a full group with 15 people which really added something with people from other parts of the UK, US, and Canada. Francisco and Ines were amazing and probably two of the best leaders we have ever had on a group holiday; they were very thorough with their briefings and couldn’t do enough for us all. Their knowledge of the flora and fauna was very extensive, and what they weren’t sure of they looked it up instantly in a reference book! The three hotels we stayed in were all very good quality. The weather was fantastic, sunshine every day with a cooling breeze.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the storks nesting along the cliffs perched on pinnacles of rock in what seemed to be precarious positions; raising their young.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Francisco and Ines were very professional, very caring about the group getting the most from their holiday and sharing their knowledge of the local area and the wildlife. Their choices of restaurants when we wanted to have group dinners were excellent. The number of photographs they have shared with the group both during the trip and since we returned has been fantastic and it has been great to see the close ups that they were able to take with their ultra professional kit!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be reasonably active in terms of walking; there are some considerable distances walking on sand. Wear a hat as the cliff tops are quite exposed, so best to use plenty of sunscreen.

Lynne Arnold

Reviewed May 2023

Beaches, cliffs, sand and storks

A really enjoyable holiday in a beautiful location. It was fun to have the opportunity to visit different areas and staying in multiple locations meant that we got to see more of the area. The organisation was super smooth in every aspect. The coastline is very unspoilt with the most amazing views, and the beaches seemed never ending; one more beautiful than the next. The storks perched on the ends of the rocks are just amazing and with binoculars and zoom lens we could get really close to them. Our expert guides were passionate and enthusiastic about this lovely region and brought it to life with their knowledge of the landscape and history.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's really difficult to pinpoint a particular moment - the holiday as a whole was just so enjoyable. The three hotels in the different villages were lovely - very well chosen and all with great facilities, but the one in Sagres was a particularly nice treat. Restaurants were also great, including the recommendations for the free day / evenings. We had great packed lunches, delicious and sourced locally.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two group leaders - Francisco and Ines - and they were fantastic in making sure that everything ran smoothly in the background - nothing seemed too much trouble and they were super patient looking after us all. I was very impressed at their knowledge of the area and we gained a lot from the walks from Francisco's expertise in all things flora and fauna, not to mention the birds. We all learnt a lot about the challenges to the landscape and stories of local history which brought the place to life.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would highly recommend this trip. The walks are not over long, and are well paced, but you do need to be fit to enjoy them. The stops and lunch breaks were well placed, with opportunities to swim at points at glorious beaches. Walking on some of the dunes was quite hard work! so walking boots or shoes are definitely the best footwear.

Carol and Paul Petela

Reviewed May 2023

Portugal’s Coast and Beaches

An excellent week walking down the south west coast of Portugal. The views were stunning, hotels were comfortable and food was amazing. A special mention for our guides Francisco and Ines who were friendly and knowledgeable, going above and beyond to ensure we all had a wonderful time. The walking is mostly straightforward, but there is some walking across soft sand dunes. Would thoroughly recommend this holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views, and seeing storks and peregrine falcons.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Francisco and Ines were two of the best guides we’ve had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A microfibre towel is useful for drying off after a paddle or swim in the sea. Some people may find a pole useful for some of the rocky sections, although these were not too difficult, also for wading across the river (optional).

Anne Williams

Reviewed May 2023

Fantastic unspoilt location

The coast of Portugal offers varied terrain and great opportunity for hiking and to be guided by Francisco and Ines made it even better. Their knowledge about the area is extensive and they took time and effort to ensure everyone achieved what they wanted from the trip. I cannot recommend this trip enough – it truly was an amazing week.

Most Inspirational Moment

Nesting storks and dramatic coast line

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable and shared a lot of information. So friendly and ensured everyone had a fabulous time

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go - don't miss the opportunity to experience this unspoilt area

Chris Wates

Reviewed May 2023

Sand and Storks - Portugal's Fabulous Coast

A brilliant week hiking Portugal’s stunning south-west coast! Spectacular cliff-top views and fascinating wildlife – from swifts and storks to peregrine falcons. Transport, food and hotels all excellent (especially the hotel in Sagres, wow!). But all made that much more enjoyable and memorable thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our fantastic guides: Ines and Francisco. Their knowledge, professionalism, efficiency and attention to detail was exemplary, going way above and beyond all expectations. Thank you!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ines and Francisco - both truly excellent.

Valerie Merges

Reviewed May 2023

Fantastic scenery, wonderful guides, charming villages

You can’t imagine how beautiful Portugal’s coast is until you do this trip. The beaches are so scenic and uncrowded. The trails were not difficult and everyone in our group was able to keep the pace. There were adequate stops to enjoy the views and take a swim in the water. Our guides Francisco and Ines were absolutely wonderful. I have a special interest in birds and plants; both were very knowledgeable. They even carried a bird book and a plant ID book. The guides brought a camera with a very long lens, so they were able to share close-ups of the baby storks with our group. The guides were always available on WhatsApp if we had any questions (during our free time). The trip was very well organized; the guides did a lot of work behind the scenes coordinating our drop off and pick up locations. I also really enjoyed the smaller villages we passed through and I was able to get some wonderful photographs. Portugal’s food is fantastic, and the guides helped me to find a restaurant to sample barnacles (highly recommended). The wine and distillery tastings were very enjoyable. I combined this trip with the Highlights of Portugal; it was easy to take a public bus from Lisbon and back again. This was one of my favorite Exodus trips (and I’ve done many) thanks to the competent guides and lovely scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

Passing by an extremely beautiful section of coast line which looked like the Grand Canyon - if the Grand Canyon was next to an ocean. And our guide Francisco explained the geology of this area

Thoughts on Group Leader

Francisco and Ines were top notch! They get the highest rating from me! Both were very knowledgeable, friendly, and caring. Both were highly organized and always available on WhatsApp. The briefings were very good, as were the shared photographs. I appreciated them carrying the bird and plant ID books on the hike.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wear hiking boots with ankle support (not hiking shoes). Wear hiking gaitors to minimize sand getting inside of your boots for the first day of the hike (it started out sandy). Bring a wind-proof sun hat and plenty of sunscreen.

Suzanne Dalton

Reviewed May 2023

Amazing week in Portugal!

What a stunning coastline to walk, combined with amazing food, wine tasting and brilliant company. The hotels were great too, way above my expectations. What more could you ask for! Our guides Francisco and Ines were fantastic, so knowledgeable and making sure we were safe on our walks. Would definitely recommend this holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to choose from! Sitting on a near deserted beach during a walk eating my packed lunch. Spotting Storks in their nests with their baby Storks. Seeing a couple of Peregrine Falcons.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Honestly, Francisco and Ines were the nicest, most caring guides I’ve travelled with. I was a bit wobbly on a couple of parts of the walks and they were always there to help me. They were also taking photos along the way and sharing them with us at the end of the day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The coastline is beautiful to walk along. Be prepared to walk in some sand which can be a bit more difficult. There were a few parts of the walk which were a bit rocky, but help was always at hand!

Karin Thomas

Reviewed May 2023

The Most Fabulous Trip!

This trip went beyond my expectations. I mean I was hoping for a lovely week given that we were walking along the wonderful Portuguse coastline but it delivered beyond my expectations. Seeing the incredible coastline, the huge pristine beaches and the STORKS nesting on the rocks knocked my socks off. And each day was different – different terrain, different flora and fauna – it was a feast for the senses. But what made the trip so very special for me were our two guides – Francisco Simoes and Ines Monteiro – they were incredible! I can’t praise them enough for their care, friendliness, patience and knowledge. They’re a massive asset to the trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the storks nesting on the clifftops was a showstopper for me. Just breathtaking! After this the vast and stunning Praia do Brejo Largo.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two guides - Francisco Simoes and Ines Monteiro - two very special and very personable people. They were easily the best guides I've had on an Exodus trip. Nothing was too much trouble, no question too much, however often it was asked. They were so personable and yet still professional making everything happen seamlessly in the background. They have a passion for showcasing their country and this trip, and it shone through. On the first evening they provided a Powerpoint presentation of the itinerary (I've never had this before on a trip and it was brilliant) and then a glass of bubbles afterwards to break the ice and allow people in the group to get to know each other a bit. Another really nice touch.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for walking through sand - sounds obvious but for some in the group it was quite hard work. Be aware that they're are two guides so you need to budget for two tips at the end of the week. Also there's a group kitty - we paid 45 Euros each, to take into account a wine and medronho tasting trip, tips for restaurants and some drinks whilst out walking.

Mr Raymond Krystofiak

Reviewed May 2023

Fantastic week away

We both had a wonderful week in May 2023, Walking Portugal’s Coast and Beaches, guided by Francisco and Ines. It was theses guides that made a good walk into a fantastic walk. They are a great team, passionate about the history, nature and conservation of the area. They complemented each other like 2 pieces of a jigsaw. We were briefed each preceding evening on the appropriate clothing, type of terrain, difficulty and interesting features to expect. At the end of every day, they encouraged feedback to gauge if we were happy with the speed and terrain. The lunch packs were made up by local bakeries and were appropriate to everyone’s needs. Their choice of hotels and restaurant recommendations were excellent. The coast line is both scenic and dramatic, with every bay and cliff top being pristine and litter free. We visited a vineyard and a Medronho distillery with tasting and snacks provided. We also visited a reconstructed castle in Aljezur, an abandoned village, Aldeia Da Pedralva, which has been restored to its former glory and a huge wall mural dedicated to Amalia Rodrigues a famous female Portuguese melancholic singer. All these visits were very informative. On the first day Francisco and Ines had asked us to share our particular interests and unusually I said “Rocks”. To my surprise and delight both Francisco and Ines made a point of showing me some unusual geological features everyday. They were both careful and courteous and drivers. Had we opted for a self-guided tour we would not have seen, enjoyed nor learnt so much about the region and its excellent well priced eateries. With their local, inside knowledge they were able to tailor the walks, activities and suggestions to take account of the most up-to-date information. All in all, an excellent week of walking rendered outstanding because of the ethos of these 2 guides.

David and Susan Katzman

Reviewed May 2023

Expectations Exceeded

We are both in our mid-sixties and this was our first walking tour. We loved it. We always felt safe (even when going up a very daunting slope) and knew that our guides really, really wanted us to have a brilliant experience. Luis was extremely knowledgeable, energetic, friendly and always in good spirits. We were impressed with how the local restaurant, bar, and hotel people interacted with him; there was genuine mutual respect and appreciation. Francisco was also so knowledgeable and patient, and his grandmother makes wonderful Easter Bread. We will never forget our joy at seeing Luis and Francisco drive up to us at 10 p.m. to offer us a ride back to our hotel after another late-in-the-day Portuguese Dinner. Together, our two guides set a very upbeat, positive tone for our week together. They constantly and sincerely listened to our feedback and adjusted to our idiosyncrasies.

Most Inspirational Moment

When my wife and I were finally standing at the top of a steep climb, we knew our adult children would never look at us the same way!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Luis was brilliant. He bent over backwards to make sure we had the trip of a lifetime.

Advice for Potential Travellers

These walks are not meant to get you into shape; make sure you do the work ahead of time so your body will let you enjoy the walk. This is not the time to "break in" a new pair of shoes; make sure you have trustworthy footwear.

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