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.
Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!
Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!
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Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.
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17 Reviews
4.5
out of
5
Reviews
Jacqueline Napier
Reviewed May 2026
Stunning Algarve scenery and outstanding guide
We loved this trip and would definitely recommend it. The route (& hotels) start to improve markedly after the first couple of days, where there is a lot of riding on busy roads through some fairly industrial areas south of Lisbon. Hence 4 stars not 5. However, once you get to Sines and head towards the Algarve, the experience really takes off and the scenery becomes progressively more spectacular as you ride south. There is much more off road riding (mainly gravel trails) which we prefer and the standard of accomodation is excellent. The trip ends on a high at a superb hotel in Sagres (Hotel Memmo Baleeira) and some of the most stunningly beautiful coastal scenery in Europe. I do wonder whether the trip would be improved by starting further south eg Sines, then adding in some circular rides on the extra days that creates. We’d happily take the trip again if that was an option.
Most Inspirational Moment
Riding over the hills on gravel tracks under a perfect blue sky and descending to the sea in the Algarve
Thoughts on Group Leader
João was an outstanding group leader. We had met him on a previous Exodus trip a few years ago (Porto to Lisbon cycling, also highly recommended). Always going the extra mile to ensure his guests had the best possible experience, sorting out any issues with great efficiency and he was also a lot of fun. He found us tremendous local restaurants for lunch and dinner, sometimes in the most surprising places, so we ate very well. We had a wonderful team spirit on the trip and João was a very large part of it
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be aware that some days are fairly high mileage and the hills are big, especially in the south. We are veterans of many Exodus trips and felt this was definitely a 3+ rather than a 3. Book an e-bike if in any doubt. A few extra days in Lisbon before the trip starts is worth doing, lots to see and Exodus use a very good hotel.
Kim DuBord
Reviewed May 2026
Better Than I Could Have Imagined!
This trip was just about perfect. Our leader João was fantastic, both passionate about Portugal as well as highly organized. The scenery just got better every day. Food was great especially the coffee and pastry stops. I really enjoyed the dirt and gravel roads on this route, giving us access to the best views. So much fun! 10/10 for sure!
Most Inspirational Moment
All of the amazing ocean cliff views!
Thoughts on Group Leader
5 stars for João! He was organized, professional, caring, knowledgeable and fun.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for dirt and gravel roads. Nothing exceptionally technical but it depends on your experience and comfort level with off-road. These roads were my favorite part of the trip!
Keith Ward
Reviewed October 2025
Excellent trip
Lovely cycling, great scenery, well-guided
Most Inspirational Moment
25% climb Aljezur
Thoughts on Group Leader
10/10 all round
Advice for Potential Travellers
Suitable for a range of cyclists - mixture of road/off-road, plenty of time
Christopher Plint
Reviewed September 2025
Memorable Algarve Experience
Cycling this pristine coastline was an absolute privilege in many ways .The geography was stunning ,more importantly the Exodus leadership , Joao and Victor , our support were superb and facilitated a great group dynamic .The accommodation was very comfortable at the end of a hard days cycling and meals arranged were more than adequate
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving at the 'End of the world' , having completed the cycle with stunning coastlines to take in
Thoughts on Group Leader
He had great awareness and empathy for everyone's particular needs , kept the group together and facilitated excellent group dynamics
Advice for Potential Travellers
Although rated 3/7, be prepared for a great deal of off road cycling
Buddy Burke
Reviewed September 2025
Perfect balance of riding and side activities.
The perfect balance along the gorgeous coast of Portugal! Superb host in Joao and his wingman, Vitor, who led us down beautiful mostly dirt trails. We had just the right amount of side adventures for variety and uniquely enjoyable places to rest our heads each night. Excellent dining with everyone, too! Whether experienced or novice, you’ll love it! We completed our trip September 13th.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to list, but each day had at least one highlight that kept us all smiling. Very few boring stretches
Thoughts on Group Leader
Joao kept the pacing perfect and was attentive to every person and every detail. He kept us happy the whole time!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Whether a newbie or a veteran, you’ll be most pleased. I only heard great things from the others as well.
Robin Williams
Reviewed September 2025
Fantastic in Every Way - You Must Do This Ride!
Why isn’t the southwest coast of Portugal talked about worldwide as a gorgeous destination? The scenery was spectacular day after day. This trip, just completed yesterday (Sept 13, 2026) was easily one of the best cycling trips we’ve ever taken. Our guide João Colaço and support man-of-many-skills Vitor delivered a perfect, memorable experience with every minute detail organized and managed with forethought and professionalism. The riding had its challenges, and I would encourage anyone waffling between e-bike or regular bike to opt for the ebike, which made the climbs very comfortable. Our e-bikes were the best e-bikes we have ever ridden, with ample power and comfort, while taking a beating on some of the gravel roads. The food, organized by João and Vitor, was as amazing as you might imagine, from fresh fish to octopus to lamb, shellfish, and fruits and pastries. Accommodations were lovely and uncrowded, all locally owned and very charming. João’s daily briefings included expectations for the next day as well as updates on weather and wind, and cultural and historical notes. He has a vast knowledge of Portuguese history and culture and entertained us with his orientations to all the local spots. He and Vitor are truly exceptional guides, and I can’t commend them highly enough.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many, nearly all gazing down at pristine beaches from viewpoints high above.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Outstanding in every way! Organized, detail-oriented, quite skilled at leading cyclists in a group across some challenging terrain. Very knowledgeable about Portuguese history, culture and geography. Excellent command of English. Very charming and funny.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The terrain has its challenges from some steep climbs to gravel, sandy paths. If you’d rather not dread the climbs, opt for the ebike. It made all the difference for us, turning the cycling into endless pleasure rather than anxiety over the next ascent.
Sandra Stevens
Reviewed July 2025
Interesting but difficult trip
Beautiful views along the cliffs. Challenging cycle conditions with deep sand sections, rough gravel roads, and several steep climbs.
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving at the final hotel after an extremely hot and dusty day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ricardo is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his country. His English is excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
E-bikes with experienced cyclists struggled more than non e-bikes in the sand sections. 50% off road seems longer due to the slower speeds off road. Porto to Lisbon is €1200 less money per person. Still looking for that extra €1200 in this trip cost.
Reply from Exodus
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the stunning cliffside views and appreciate your comments on the cycling conditions. We understand that deep sand, rough gravel, and steep climbs can be challenging, and we’ll continue working with our local operator to ensure the route remains rewarding and manageable for all experience levels. We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon.
The Exodus Team
Melanie Osman
Reviewed May 2025
A beautiful week in rural Portugal
A delightful mix of road and offroad tracks for our 6 day route south from Lisbon. It was the perfect way to experience the rural and coastal beauty of SW Portugal in May. Our guide João briefed us each evening for the next days ride outlining coffee and lunch stops, the route and profile. Alex provided excellent support with the van to transport bags and provide cycle maintenance when required. João and Alex are local experts in the region and happy to share their experience and knowledge on all local matters, history, flora and fauna. Hotels and restaurants were of high standard throughout. I opted for an e-bike which reduced any worries about holding up the group. Highly recommend.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling by the sea
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book an e-bike if you have any fitness worries
Rachel Scandling
Reviewed May 2025
An unforgettable adventure along the Atlantic Coast
My cycling trip along the Atlantic Coast from Lisbon to Sagres between 18-25 May 2025 was an unforgettable adventure. The detailed itinerary notes provided ahead of the trip were easily accessible online, making pre-planning very easy. The accommodation was generally of good quality, offering comfort and hot showers after long days of riding. We dined at outstanding local restaurants that served high-quality food with extensive menu choices, including regional wines. The bikes provided were robust and well-suited for the varied terrain. The organisational and logistical support from Alexandre Conceição (A2Z) was proactive and efficient (nothing was too much trouble), and João Colaço proved to be an exceptional Ride Leader. My only less than positive observation would be the assessment of the ride’s grading. This is graded as an Activity Level 3, however, given the significant amount of off-road cycling, including stretches on sand, consideration should be give to recategorise this ride to an Activity Level 4. The trip documentation should also highlight that approximately 65-70% of the route involves off-road cycling, as some riders were unprepared /inexperienced with the technical aspects associated with off-road elements.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling up a very high gradient to reach the Moorish castle in Aljezur!
Thoughts on Group Leader
João's ability to connect with every group member, regardless of their skill level, was exceptional. He kept both seasoned, technical riders and novice cyclists equally engaged and motivated throughout the tour. His infectious happiness and encouragement ensured that every rider felt valued and inspired throughout the journey. He was very well organised, conducting detailed briefings each day, ensuring the group were fully informed at all stages of the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is a fantastic trip, great way to get off the beaten track and explore Portugal's villages and towns, but be aware that a lot of this ride is off-road with some sandy tracks.
Susan Lucas
Reviewed May 2025
Lovely coastal views every day
Lovely coastal scenery with time to visit special sites and buildings. Excellent leader Joao with very helpful Alex in support. A lot more off road tracks than I had anticipated and I never really got to grips with them, but the group members really tried to help me. Very good range of decent quality hotels and I especially liked the more rural locations. Very enjoyable evening dinners in a variety of restaurants and mostly very good lunches – and I really enjoyed the picnic on the last day.
Most Inspirational Moment
Ferry trip on day 1.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very professional and helpful. Easy to talk to and friendly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I hadn't fully appreciated how much of the cycling each day would be off road. I had no mountain biking experience and I would recommend getting in some practice in advance .
