Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing nesting birds on the edge of a cliff...this was amazing
Thoughts on Group Leader
Francisco Simoes
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go with an open mind, be fit and enjoy yourself.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Excellent and informative
Thanks again for another excellent trip. Yet again the guides are the local knowledge and the key to all the knowledge. They went out of their way to show us places that you would never find on your own , explained local customs and took us to local restaurants.
Glorious Portugal
I highly recommend this holiday. Daily walks through beautiful and varied countryside in the hills and along the fishermen’s coastal path. Time to stop and admire the views and wild flowers in full bloom, watch the seabirds and
learn about the environmental challenges from our 2 wonderful guides Francisco and Rafael.
Most Inspirational Moment
The spectacular coastal views.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Francisco and his colleague Rafael are excellent, thoughtful and well organised guides. They introduced us to very interesting local olive oil and drinks producers and took us to fabulous seafood restaurants and we had fun along the way.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of Euros to pay for most meals as advised in the trip notes and comfortable walking shoes or boots for walking on rocky paths.
Lovely holiday
I really enjoyed this holiday, and would recommend it to others.
I would confirm (in my opinion) that this is a level 2 walking holiday, however I do need to caveat that with I missed the day 4 walk, which was apparently the hardest.
I liked the mixture of inland and coastal walks, as a whole week of just coastal walks may have been a bit “samey”.
I was quite rainy (off and on) for the week we went in March, sunglasses for 5 minutes, then hood up for 5 minutes, but this didn’t spoil the holiday at all (but bring waterproofs if coming early or late in the season).
Even though we stayed in 3 different places, this tour did not feel rushed.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cant think of one specific moment, I enjoyed all the walks, and the local cuisine.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both guides (Francisco and Raphael) were very professional, well organised, and a pleasure to walk with. A lot of effort is made to support local businesses, and the food was the best/freshest/authentic for that reason, which is an added bonus. Also thoughtful - I was not well on day 4 and missed the walk and wine tasting. They checked up on me during the day to make sure I was ok, and I was brought a bottle of wine to make up for the missed tasting experience, which was lovely, and not expected.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The first hotel, nice looking rooms, but some were was a bit damp (it was March and rainy). Didnt live up to expectations, but I know this is being addressed by Exodus, so dont let this put you off. Also worth noting that the thermal spa in the first hotel is currently closed for renovation (with no mentioned reopening date), just to set your expectations. The second hotel (Hotel Vale da Telha) I liked, lots of Moorish touches, dont be put off by the official 2* rating. Third hotel is very nice, I could easily have done 1 more day there after the tour ended just to wind down (and enjoy the excellent breakfast). Hairdryers in all hotels. If you want to travel hand luggage only, the guides have plenty of poles that you can borrow if needed.
Stunning Algarve Coastal Views
We spent 5 Algarve hiking days with two wonderful tour leaders. Each day provided an authentic hiking experience through local forested trails and breathtaking costal paths in the Algarve. Many other unique Portugal experiences were included and at the end you will definitely want to see, taste, and hear much more of this warm friendly country.
Most Inspirational Moment
The incredible Algarve coastline
Thoughts on Group Leader
Francisco and his co-leader Raphael were over the top prepared and accommodating for our group. They included many extra special events during the tour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring small pair of binoculars for viewing. The activity rating is more like a 3 than a 2, so prepare a bit beforehand. Some of the restaurants only accept cash, bring enough.
Wild Algarve
The hike combined a holiday, a historical introduction to the Algarve, active coastal sustainability and a promotion of local businesses.
Most Inspirational Moment
Most of the trip was inspiring. No particular moment stood out more than others.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Francisco and Raphael
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go on the trip and enjoy the beauty of the Algarve, the knowledge and skill of the guides as well as an insight into the area’s past, present and developing future.
Excellent inspite of some heavy rain
Excellent mixture of some hill walking for the first three days and then some spectacular Atlantic coastal scenery for the rest of the trip.
A very nice group who got on well together.
Most Inspirational Moment
Celebrating with the whole group with some sparkling wine at the castle of Aljezur out in the open in the pouring rain
Thoughts on Group Leader
Francisco and Rafael were brilliant. Organised, well informed, friendly and fun. Always willing to share their knowledge about history or politics or flora and fauna or whatever.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The weather will probably be good but be prepared for some rain. I have gone on about the rain but there was some pleasant sunny weather as well!
Very well-organized trip in the stunning Algarve of Portugal
My first group tour walking holiday and I enjoyed it immensely. Every walk was different – a really nice mix of mountains and coast – and the scenery was stunning. Interesting bits of history, geology, and biology from Francisco, the trip leader, who is from the area, added a lot to the value of the experience for me. Perfect amount of walking each day, peppered with rest stops at cafes (the best parts of the trip, in my opinion) and visits with local artisans, plus a couple surprises that made the experience more memorable. Francisco and Raphael were great guides and it was awesome to just relax and let them take care of all the logistics.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking the streets of Monchique
Thoughts on Group Leader
Francisco and Raphael were well-organized, attentive, and fun
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring both raingear and sunscreen
Perfect! The area is so diverse, historical, profound and exceedingly beautiful!!!
An amazing trip to share a spectacular area of Portugal with 10 others and 2 exceptional guides. The Tour was well organized; flowed well; prompt; lovely hotels each quite diverse.
Appreciated the “eco” focus of our guides and also the introduction to local artisans and businesses. My first trip to Portugal and I learned so much!
Really appreciated the guides providing poles to hike with as I couldn’t bring in hand luggage from Canada.
Guides worked well together and were well attuned to what was happening and knowledgeable.
Amazed at the differences of each hike despite the proximity and being a “mountain girl” I also appreciated our start there.
Highly recommend this tour for anyone who love nature and hiking!!🥾
Most Inspirational Moment
The end of the hiking at the Lighthouse. Felt very blessed to have experienced such an amazing holiday with some very nice people from other parts of the world.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very professional, knowledgeable and obviously passionate about his job. Worked very well with Rafael. Excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Wear good footwear…I was glad I brought my more supportive boots. Delighted the guides had poles for me to use. And…it “can” really rain…be ready!
Perfectly Curated
Francisco & Rafael delivered a perfect flavour of the Algarve. Just the right amount of walking, visiting artisans and local producers & restaurants serving delicious regional specialities and wines as well as sharing their knowledge and passion for their country in a fun, safe environment.
Most Inspirational Moment
Starting in the beautiful mountain region around Monchique to the awe inspiring power of the Atlantic Ocean, the scenery is utterly spectacular.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Francisco is professional, always on time, works hard to ensure everyone in a mixed ability group had the best experience. While, behind the scenes, keeping the transport clean and continuing his environmental work during his free moments between guiding.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for all weathers and underfoot conditions. I found my trail shoes were perfect for sand, rock and the odd water crossing. Take this tour, you won't regret it.
Great trip, brilliantly led
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.
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.