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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61 Reviews

4.6 out of 5

Malcolm Aldridge

Reviewed May 2023

Fabulous First Experience

From start to finish I was impressed with this trip. There is so much awful (non-existent) customer service around these days that it heart-warming to speak to real people who really cared and knew how to organise and make things happen to suit me. Only my flights gave me grief (BA was a cosmos away when it came to their customer service) and this was no fault of Exodus, who did everything that could reasonably be expected to resolve the issues. Well done Exodus and the guides. I will definitely be joining you again for some future breaks.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the most magical and memorable moment was lunch on the third day (I think) where I swam in the clear spring water pool before enjoying a delicious lunch organised by the guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, just excellent. So attentive, aware of the groups needs and a nice friendly guy all round. He and the other guide (bus driver, bag man, picnic maker) made a perfect team. They worked so well with each and for us; great professionals and much appreciated. My only suggestion is that they shouldn't worry so much, what they did was perfect, first class.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't overpack! (okay, so that advice is aimed at me!)

Maggie Stanton

Reviewed May 2023

One of the best yet.

A relatively short trip from Porto to Lisbon – only five days cycling but excellent nonetheless. It helped that I was with a terrific group of people who all enjoyed each other’s company and the tour leader, Cristovao and support driver Joao were probably the best team I’ve encountered on my many trips. The ride is fairly easy, with one ‘mountain’ and a few minor hills but an absolute doddle on an E-bike. The Atlantic coastal scenery was breathtaking and we rode for 99% of the time on secure bike paths. Portugese cycling infrastructure is very good and whenever we approached a small town, car drivers always gave way to cyclists – quite a treat after riding in the UK where many drivers treat cyclists as a nuisance. Some of the pathways were unmade – in other words, rocky and bumpy and the cobbles in town were a nightmare, although, in fairness, we only encountered them a few short times. We rode through nature reserves on boardwalks and through forests, some regenerating after recent forest fires. There were lagoons, rivers, lakes and a short ferry crossing. We spotted flamingos and storks nesting on telegraph poles and plenty of wildflowers and butterflies. But the beaches with dramatic waves were the high spot for me and it was glorious riding along for miles with the Atlantic in sight. All the hotels were extremely comfortable with varying degrees of facilities like kettles and refrigeration in the rooms. We ate out every night and enjoyed a variety of meals, not to mention wine. Unsurprisingly, Port is quite a feature and we went to a tasting in the first evening which was included as part of the trip. We had two picnic lunches provided by Joao which were really sumptuous and it was hard getting back on the bikes after over indulging. (It wasn’t mandatory, but the food was so good…)

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding along independently, looking down on the crashing Atlantic waves and beautiful sandy beaches.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cristavao was a delight! Hard to believe this was only his first trip as a leader, having previously been a support driver. He gave briefings for the next day when we arrived at each location and always followed up with a resume of the day via WhatsApp. (He set this group up on the first evening by using a QR code which was really sensible). He was very caring and thoughtful and always enabled us to ride independently of the group whenever it was safe to do so. His restaurant suggestions were spot on and he was always able to give a brief informative insight into whichever location we visited. On the two occasions when he had to use his medical expertise he was calm and efficient and always considerate of our abilities after these minor events. I believe he will go from strength to strength. Our support driver, Joao was a lovely man who was always there when we needed him and a great help. His picnics were a delight and he also took many photos of the group which he sent to us after the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I went in mid-May and whilst it was great weather - sometimes hot - it did become cool in the shade and quite chilly in the evenings. The wind was strong during the rides, which added to the comfort level so take a cycling jacket to put in the bike bags which fit on the handlebars. These are quite roomy and could easily contain everything needed for the day. Take a water bottle - there are holders on all the bikes, including the E-bikes. The saddles were surprisingly comfortable but it’s ok to take your own. I would say this trip was perfect for those who don’t cycle too often and the E-bikes make it easy for those who find hills difficult. Having said that, even the confident, regular cyclists in the group enjoyed the trip and we all managed to set a good pace.

Cathy Burnstone

Reviewed March 2023

Excellent ride and scenery and great guides but very cliquey groups

What prompted me to write was returning from another excellent trip with a different company where the group was constructive and the guides understood the needs of the group. The Porto to Lisbon ride with Exodus was rather different. There were several couples who were delightful but went off on their own at dinner. The other folk who were travelling on their own quickly formed a clique leaving out one woman and me. Some nights we eat on our own and other nights we went out together. The guide and the driver though good at their jobs chose not to go out to eat and didn’t understand Group process. I’d happily go on another exodus trip where the group eats out together like the other company I often go away with.

Most Inspirational Moment

Beautiful scenery and the Portuguese are very kind and friendly.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great but didn’t understand Group process.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Even if you are a friendly person you may find yourself excluded if the group is cliquey.

Reply from Exodus

We’re grateful for Cathy for taking the time to leave a review, and are glad to read that she enjoyed cycling across beautiful Portugal. However, we are sorry to hear that she didn’t feel her group gelled as well as she had hoped; while from our experience our trips attract like-minded, sociable travellers who bond during the time they spend together, and we find that Cathy’s experience is a rare one, we do regret that she felt this way during the trip. We would like to mention that on all our trips, our groups go out to dinner together on most nights accompanied by their tour leader, though on some days we leave the evening free for travellers to make their own arrangements if they like, with their leader’s help. We are confident that Cathy would have a much more positive trip if she travelled with us again, but we have taken her comments on board, and have spoken to our local team to remind our leaders to facilitate a sociable atmosphere within our groups as best they can, and to provide support if necessary.

– Danny Bell, Exodus Product Manager

Richard Ameli

Reviewed November 2022

A Good Ride

A very good trip with excellent guides. Weather was not as good as expected but very enjoyable. Hotels were good and food recommendations by our guide were also excellent and memorable. All except for the last hotel and the dinner. Not up to the Exodus standard.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the waves on the coast.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Reuben performed his duties in an exemplary manner under difficult weather conditions. He was always positive and looked for solutions to any problem. Commendable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If cycling in Portugal in October, take your rain gear.

Karin Yip

Reviewed October 2022

Great Trip In Spite of Weather!

We apparently had the worst weather, ever, for this cycle trip along the Atlantic coast of Portugal. After a year without rain in the region, we found ourselves fighting rain and high winds for a good portion of the tour. However, our group had a great time due, in large part, to our amazing team of Ruben, Armando and Tiago. In spite of the weather, they helped us to enjoy the amazing scenery, food and people of Portugal! They were extremely well organized and flexible when the weather was bad – even arranging to have downpours while we were inside having coffee/lunch 🙂 The kitty system for lunches was brilliant and the food was varied and delicious. Cycling was more difficult than expected due to conditions but still pleasant, for the most part on separated cycle paths and quiet country roads. With the exception of the Literary Man in Obidos, accommodations and dinner recommendations were excellent. Will definitely return for another bike trip to experience Portugal in the sun!

Most Inspirational Moment

First sight of the Portuguese coast with its spectacular beaches and waves!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruben is an excellent group leader, head of a fantastic team that took great care of us. One of the best we have had with Exodus!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Spend time in the saddle before the trip. Though the cycling is not that difficult, long periods of riding can make for sore behinds.

(Joseph) Desmond Smyth

Reviewed October 2022

EXCEPTIONAL TRIP

This was my 10th overseas cycling trip and none were better than this one-the scenery, food, accommodations ,the local people, the ride-all of exceptional quality. A top experience on these trips though depends on the cohesion and dynamics of the group and the interaction with the Exodus team-in this regard we were exceptionally fortunate as the entire group quickly bonded and we all clearly enjoyed each other’s company. The nationalities ( 10 Canadian and 6 British ) mixed perfectly- all good ,cheerful people intent on having a great holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

No single moment, but I was inspired by the personal stories of some members of our group. Their determination to enjoy life to its fullest was indeed inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rita and Dinis were an excellent and charming team. Rita stepped in at the last minute as the original guide took ill so her leadership was particularly remarkable-never a wrong turn, and a good level of knowledge about local history, sights and culture. And local restaurants ! Dinis was always on hand to ensure the bicycles were well maintained, and his al fresco lunches were a highlight of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A couple of points 1. this trip is probably correctly rated overall as Leisurely/Moderate as most of it is flat, but be aware that there is a testy, but short, hill on the afternoon of 3rd day of cycling, and on the final day also some short sharp inclines. Nothing to trouble a reasonably fit cyclist though ( I'm on the wrong side of 70 and managed ok ). 2.On this trip Exodus provided a pannier bag at the front of each bicycle with generous space for a mac and other useful items to carry with you whilst cycling.

Monique Zwack

Reviewed October 2022

Absolutely amazing

This trip was absolutely amazing! I can’t think of a better way to experience a beautiful country like Portugal. The people were friendly, the views breathtaking and the food, coffee, wine and beer were amazing. Our guides, Ruben and Armando were excellent. They were organized, knowledgeable and enthusiastic and went out of their way to provide us with an exceptional experience. I chose to ride a regular bike and would recommend choosing an e-bike if you are not an avid biker, regardless of fitness level.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the ascent into Obidos on our last day. We all felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment at having completed such a journey together!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruben was absolutely amazing. He showed great passion for his job and pride for his country and went above and beyond to make sure everyone was looked after and having a good experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Choose an e-bike if you are not an avid cycler. I recommend pooling together money for the guides to purchase picnic food and snacks along the route.

Lisa Schatkoske

Reviewed October 2022

Fantastic Ride

Loved every minute of this trip. Glad I had an e-bike. Was able to bike manually most of the time but liked the ebike for the hills. Ruben was a fantastic guide, so positive, enthusiastic and informative. And Armando the van man fed us all very well and researched and accommodated for all the allergies some of the other riders had. Highly recommend throwing in extra for the lunches. Most of the ride was on paved cycle paths which made for an excellent ride. Best way travel this beautiful country❤️

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruben was fantastic! 5 stars all the way. Informative, enthusiastic and encouraging. Always a smile.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If in doubt, get an ebike.

Karen Holub

Reviewed October 2022

A great experience

It’s incredible that you can cycle along the coast from Porto to Obidos on mostly cycle paths. The views are great for the most part. It’s a shame about the destruction of the once beautiful pine forest by fire. The 5 km hill on the 3rd day was quite a challenge and several experienced cyclists in our group felt that this trip should be rated higher than it is. (There were a few other challenging hills in subsequent days). Our group always had the opportunity to ride in the van and e-bikes were available for an extra charge. Breakfasts and lunches were very good. Our van driver put on wonderful picnic spreads for us. All in all this is a great trip with a reasonable length of 5 days cycling. I felt most of us were ‘done’ by day 5. If you can add some days on at the beginning/end to relax and enjoy Portugal.

Most Inspirational Moment

After the 5 km hill we had a beautiful view overlooking the countryside and fun hills to coast down afterwards.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I thought Rita did a good job for the most part. She slipped up a few times by not telling us the correct kilometres to ride when we would set out on our own as she had to stay back with slower cyclists and that led to some confusion. Joao was fantastic. He works so hard yet makes it look easy. He was always very cheerful and has a very kind aura about him. His english is perfect. I think he would be a huge asset to your company if you put him in charge of the tours.

Louise White

Reviewed September 2022

Absolutely PERFECT

Wow! What a ride. The BEST way to check out a country and see the people and natural landscapes from ocean front to the hills. Everything was so organized (thanks, Exodus!) and our tour guides Ruben and Amando were excellent. Our bikes were new or in like-new condition. We had 15 very satisfied cyclists on this ride, who want to do another❤️

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruben es perfect. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Armando was a big help, too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to experience the REAL countryside (not just the stuff for tourists) try Exodus Cycling expeditions.

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