Lisbon

My second exodus trip in portugal and once again the food (especially the picnics) was exceptional. Not quite enough cycling to burn off all the calories from the pasteis de natas and other delicious pastries/cakes! The scenery on this trip was the best I have experienced on an exodus trip – on other trips I’ve found some great scenery interspersed with longer stretches on roads with nondescript views, on the porto to lisbon trip it was multiple stunning beach/cliff views with forest, boardwalk, bays and quaint villages. Hotels were generally of very good quality (worth the superior comfort level advertised). The start hotel was changed to the Hotel Vila Gale which was OK but could do with a refurb of the rooms (doesn’t look as good as the planned hotel neya).

Philip Murray Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride

Really fantastic food on this trip. Excellent lunches organised by the tour company – almost too much food but it was all delicious especially the Octopus. Loved the cafe stops for coffee and cake with the many Portuguese pastry options. Scenery along the coast was stunning but this is a relatively small proportion of the cycling. Most of the cycling is on inland off-road gravel tracks with some on quiet roads. I did enjoy the cycling and for me riding more off road was great fun. Hotels were generally of a good standard – the setubal school was exceptional. Hotel vila park bathroom a bit run down. The Aldeia da Pedralva was very rustic (some folk will like this and some may not). Bikes of really good quality and well suited to the terrain. If the option was available I’d have given this trip 4.5 stars.

Philip Murray Lisbon to Algarve Ride

This was a memorable trip. With torrential rain and gusting head and cross winds, our spirits weren’t dampened. Dinis, Teresa and Leonel were the perfect team, all dedicated to making our holiday special. The route was interesting and the pace comfortable with plenty of coffee shops in lovely locations.

Joan Kilsby Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride