Most Inspirational Moment
Final cliff walk to Cabo de Sao Vicente was a fitting finale
Thoughts on Group Leader
Francisco was excellent throughout the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for moderate rather than leisurely walks.
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A fantastic tour with two knowledgeable, engaging, caring and highly professional tour guides, Francisco and Rafael. The mix of hillside and coastal walks interspersed with some visits to local industries and artisans gave us a real insight into the rich culture of the Algarve. Grade 2 is right but definitely moderate rather than leisurely with a couple of more challenging stretches during the walks – take walking poles if you are thinking about using them. The 3 hotels were all very good. Like previous Exodus trips we clicked with enough of the group to have some great conversations and a lot of laughs. Highly recommended.
Final cliff walk to Cabo de Sao Vicente was a fitting finale
Francisco was excellent throughout the trip.
Be prepared for moderate rather than leisurely walks.
Roberta Johnson
September 2024
We have been on many Exodus trips and this one was one of the most beautiful places I have visited. The varied scenery on our coastal walks and paths were breathtaking. This is a very unspoilt, tranquil, cultural region with passionate local people. Each hotel we stayed at was lovely, especially the Aljezur as it was set in a peaceful, uncrowded location with very friendly, fun staff. Francisco and Rafael guided us throughout this wonderful trip doing their utmost to make our holiday special and enjoyable. They were very passionate in every way and extremely knowledgeable. They explained things to us in a kind, caring, relaxed and fun way. They always made sure we were comfortable and happy with what we were doing each day. They worked very hard and well together.
I felt privileged to share this trip with inspiring people, exploring the region and making this a magical holiday.
This was a brilliant walking holiday for me. Always wanting to be near the sea, and not disappointed this time! The walks were well chosen, a mixture of easy and slightly more challenging bits. Our brilliant guides, Francisco and Rafael made sure the pace was right for all of us, pointing out interesting features of nature or history along the way. They seemed to go the extra mile, treating us to a glass of bubbly at sunset on the Castle in Aljezur, a lovely touch!
The sudden view of Bordeira bay was very impressive..Laurence of Arabia land!
Both our leaders , Francisco and Rafael were brilliant.
The walks were really easy, but I found poles were very helpful for the ‘technical’ bits and would advise anyone with unsure feet to bring some , and maybe get used to them beforehand.
This was one of my favorite activity vacations. The Algarve region of Portugal lives up to its reputation–gorgeous, unspoiled, uncrowded, and wonderful seafood. I sing the praises of our guides Francisco and Rafael who made the trip so special. They were knowledgable, passionate about the region, always good-natured, and extremely patient. The daily walks were easily managed, just challenging enough for those who are very casual hikers. The daily visits to various local craftspeople who introduced to local traditions were all interesting, and the food uniformly excellent. One of the three hotels we stayed at was a bit rundown, but the other two were quite lovely. We had a great, international group, small enough to get to know everyone, and they certainly were a big part of why the trip was so enjoyable. A special shout-out to Jess, an Exodus employee who also came on the trip. She was so much fun, and her energy was infectious. Plus she agreed to take a surf lesson with me on our day off from hiking–try it, you’ll like it!
The views, the stork sightings, and getting to see a less traveled part of Portugal.
I cannot say enough good things about Francisco, he is outstanding, as is Rafael. They made the trip truly special.
The hikes were very manageable, but there were some tricky parts. Our guides did have hiking poles, but you might consider bringing your own. And bring sunscreen!
The itinerary offers a wide experience of Portuguese history and culture as well as an education on the biodiversity and the landscapes of the Algarve. The hikes provided beautiful scenery and views that just kept getting better and better.
Our guides Francisco and Rafael were beyond helpful and happy to share their passion and knowledge everywhere we went. I would certainly recommend this trip to anyone who loves walking and being out in nature as well as eating delicious seafood and drinking local wines.
Seeing a dolphin on the last day by the Cape and the Surf Lesson!
We had two group leaders (Francisco and Rafael) Both were very knowledgeable about all the areas we visited and very helpful with any questions we had. They also made sure to go the extra mile for us when it came to recommending different places to eat, providing towels for some of the hikes where we had to cross streams and ensuring we all experienced everything!
Bring longer hiking boots if you can or long socks as some of the walks can be quite sandy.
Excellent break from miserable UK weather
Walking along the algarve coast
Excellent. Best I've experienced with Exodus.
No advice as trip was exactly as described.
One of the best trips I have been on. We were blessed with good weather and the walking conditions were great. April is definitely the best time of year and the flowers were in full bloom. Fransisco was an excellent guide, friendly, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to be with. His local knowledge was invaluable and it was a pleasure to see the local crafts and artisanal trades. An extra bonus, not on the agenda was to his home town, Silves, on day 1. We walked to the old fort via the local market where we bought figs and almonds from his farm with Grandma doing the marketing. He gave good advice on local restaurants with possibly the best sea-food place in the region.
I would strongly recommend this trip with Fransisco
Awe inspiring Atlantic beaches from the cliff hillside, and tranquil woodside meadows
the best!!! Really excellent in all respects
If you enjoy moderate walks with a bit of local culture , than this is for you.
Such a lovely holiday on the Portuguese Atlantic coastline. Walking along beaches and cliff tops, beautiful scenery every day. The guides Ines and Luis, were very knowledgeable, professional and helpful. The hotels were good. Transfer by mini bus to walks and hotels, all included. Would highly recommend.
Dramatic coastline. Visiting a winery.
Both were excellent, I felt very safe.
It's tougher walking, than is described.
I nearly didn’t go on this trip as I prefer longer walks with more challenge, however I’m really glad I went! Who can fail to enjoy themselves where there’s a beautiful view everywhere you look, the weather is wonderful (22 degrees on average over Easter when I was there) and the paths and walking is varied. Even if you’re used to doing level 4 or higher graded walks I still think there’s much to enjoy and yo’d be missing out by omitting it because it’s a level 2. The guides (Luis and Francisco) were helpful without being bossy, knowledgeable without labouring the point and just really easy company.
'Inspirational' is a bit of a strong word isn't it? Being by the coast and seeing amazing views with perfect blue skies and turquoise seas day after day is pretty wonderful. The hotel in Sagres was pretty nice too!
As another review states it was great to see how well known and well liked Luis was wherever we went. He really believes in investing in the local communities and businesses that we visited and they clearly respect and like him for this. Even on the day off Luis and Francisco went out of their way to make sure we were all doing what we wanted to do and were thoughtful and kind beyond what I've experienced on other trips. Francisco is also very capable in an understated way and knows so much about fauna and flora but doesn't over do it (i.e. we didn't have to sit through a botany lecture every day but nonetheless learnt some interesting stuff). They were a great pair of leaders.
Wear sunscreen and SPF lipbalm! It's windy so you don't always feel how intense the heat is but the bathroom mirror lets you know later just how much you caught the sun... Also, there are no kettles in the rooms in the first two hotels.
Hikes along the coastline provided stunning views, coastal breezes, sounds of waves and pristine beaches. Francisco shared his extensive knowledge of the fauna and birds of the region and engaged the group in discussions on the environment. We enjoyed great food and wine and the visits to the Vicentino Vineyard and Junior Jacques Distillery were highlights!
My favourite moment was seeing two Peregrine Falcons in flight.....
Both tour guides, Francisco and Ines were amazing! They were professional and knowledgeable and they took the time to get to know each hiker and provided individualized attention in what mattered most to each. A great time was had by all!