Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Wouldn’t describe as inspiring, but enjoyed the fantastic scenery as we cycled along the Atlantic coast - often with the wind behind us. Being there in May we were blessed to see carpets of different wild flowers - beautiful! Good to reach the end in Sagres and visit the lighthouse at Sao Vicente - the start or end of route 1 - we’ve previously ridden other parts of it in the UK

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ricardo was a great guide. Organised and knowledgable. He wanted us to have a good experience in his country and on a part of the coast that he is passionate about. He regularly sought feedback during our end of ride debriefs each day which was good. He planned good restaurants for us to eat together and we didn’t have a bad meal all week. Vitor, his partner in crime was a lovely man. Considerate and hard working. They worked very well together for our benefit. Both showed great patience!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Understand that off-road biking can offer up a variety of surfaces and can be technically challenging at first. It may be easy to those of us who enjoy mountain biking, but for those less experienced, take the advice offered by the guide on day 1 and give it a go. It’s great fun and off road means no traffic. Two of our group acknowledged this was a first for them, but had great fun because they were willing to get stuck in.

Most Inspirational Moment

The fact that I actually managed to complete the trip in what were the worst conditions that any of us (including the group leader!) had ever encountered! The whole trip was a sense of achievement!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joao Colaco was absolutely brilliant and deserves a huge bonus!! He was always around when needed, and full of local knowledge. He fully understood the cycling conditions, was careful with the health and safety aspect, catered for all our needs and always went the extra mile. He managed to quickly repair punctures and changed itineraries (restaurants and arranged fado etc) without fuss and always with a smile. He has become a friend and someone who we all deeply admired! Excellent and without fault or compare!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring wet weather gear!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Yes the big animals we saw, but also some of the smaller ones. Seeing a Pied Kingfisher hovering before it dived to catch its breakfast! Being in the ocean off Mozambique when a pod of bottle nosed dolphins swam up to the group, swam around us, some of them swimming belly up past us. Seeing dwarf mongoose sunning themselves on a tree stump, warming up in the early morning sun. Hearing lions calling in the night, hyenas “yipping” to each other, the rumble of elephants, in a herd, talking to each other. So many different experiences, for all the senses. Magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrew and Trimore were excellent. Friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and good fun. Willing to listen to the group, in an effort to see specific animals on the safaris. Nothing was too much trouble. Thank you both for making our trip such a great one.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it. You will not regret it. Early morning starts felt chilly, so do add extra layers, windproof top, hat, to feel more comfortable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the wild flowers and the Camino del Rey gorge. Each day was different and very enjoyable with beautiful and striking scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Miguel (Michael) was so knowledgeable especially about the plants and birds of prey. He even organised a tapa lunch for us in Seville although it was his day off. Friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take some warm clothing if going in early May. Unfortunately the weather although sunny was cooler, ideal for walking but not for sitting at the pool. You don’t need to bring your own tea and coffee as this is provided free with biscuits. You just help yourself.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent throughout

Most Inspirational Moment

We particularly enjoyed our days in Venice and Treviso with Cleo, but the walks were also all excellent, especially with a well situated hostelry at the end!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Having walked with Vania in Amalfi we had hoped she would be the leader (not least because we did this trip on her recommendation!). We had Mattia instead who did not disappoint, with a relaxed, affable style and a love of the mountains. Mattia’s walking leadership is excellent - attentive, well paced and allowing everyone to walk at their natural pace. Clearly trained well by Vania!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking is entirely straightforward and easy, although in wet weather or extreme heat they could become more taxing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The beauty of Madeira, the challenging last day, and the fact that we all did it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very careful to ensure that we all were well supported and safe.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Varied day by day. Reflected difficulty grading, challenging but possible. We enjoyed it

Most Inspirational Moment

Matera. Seeing it from across the ravine and then up close was breathtaking .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ioana was outstanding. She was professional, deeply knowledgeable, and great company. She anticipated the needs of a disparate (but very agreeable) group of walkers and made an excellent trip into an unforgettable experience. Exodus seem to have a knack of engaging outstanding tour leaders for their Italian holidays - she is the third we have met, and all have been outstanding.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although the walks are not excessive, and the ascent/descent is moderate, it's well worth packing your walking boots. I found the combination of hard services and occasional rocky sections were surprisingly tough on the feet, and I was glad of the thicker soles on the days I wore my boots. Poles are definitely an optional extra, unless you are an habitual user.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having my very own log burning stove in my cabin at the trout farm!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erlis was amazing. Excellent English, higly educated and looked after every aspect of our wellbeing

Advice for Potential Travellers

Albania pretty much accept euros everywhere. There are some big steep climbs so unless you are super fit or a regular hill climber take an e-bike! Out of 16 on our tour 11 were e-bikes.