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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48 Reviews
4.6 out of
5
Reviews
Catherine McAleavey
Reviewed June 2024
MEO.240609 - June 2024
My first Exodus trip and it will not be the last. In terms of route, hotels, distances covered, cycle paths etc the trip notes are completely accurate. We were an unexpectedly small group of 6 which gelled quickly and had huge fun, with everyone making a real effort. The whole trip was extremely well organised and well thought out. Wonderful coastal scenery and visits to some really lovely small towns and village. I liked the few hours of down time when we arrived at each new hotel.
Most Inspirational Moment
It's difficult to single out just one moment. Some of the restaurants were definitely highlights. The beaches are stunning but we were were warned that the sea was too rough to allow swimming which was a shame.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader Joao Colaco and driver Dinis were a really superb team. They could not have been more helpful - wanting everyone to have the best possible experience of their beautiful country. Joao was a charming, unflappable, well informed, considerate and patient group leader who went out of his way to make sure everyone was having a good experience. Nothing was too much trouble. He was funny and well informed.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you are in any way concerned about the hills on days 3 and 5, opt for an e bike. I didn't expect to need but was able to switch mid week. A miracle on the hills! Try to add on days in Porto and Lisbon. So worth it.
Robyn Turner
Reviewed June 2024
What a wonderful time with lovely people in a beautiful country
I did this trip in early June. Our route took us through a variety of gorgeous landscapes – cliffs overlooking the ocean, small towns with roosters crowing, a medieval town encircled by fortified walls, beach towns painted bright colors, pine forests, sand dunes, and marshes. I believe there’s no better way to appreciate that kind of scenery than by traveling on a bike.
We were a group of 16 guests – Americans, Britons, and Canadians – and three Portuguese guides. I traveled to Portugal alone and had a roommate assigned to me. She was lovely, and, really, all of us hit it off. I think this kind of trip attracts like-minded people, and the tour leader, Ruben, told us at our initial briefing in Porto that many of us would become friends. He was right.
The first night, Ruben led us on a walking tour to a port tasting. Afterwards, the group split in half and went to two different restaurants Ruben had recommended. After that, most of us had our dinners together till the end of the bike tour. The food was always great, thanks to Ruben’s recommendations. He always sent us to places with excellent hospitality.
All three of our guides were highly professional – well-prepared, helpful, supportive, friendly, accommodating, flexible, and organized. They kept us informed, entertained, hydrated, and roughly on-time. Every briefing was clear and succinct. We understood where we’d be riding the next day, what time we’d leave, and roughly what time we’d arrive at the next hotel. Ruben was a font of information about Portuguese history, culture, flora and fauna. He held forth on topics ranging from Portuguese royalty to the efforts of environmental activists following the devastating forest fires of 2017. Margarida was a strong cyclist and reliable sweeper, and clearly cared deeply that everyone had what they needed and enjoyed themselves. José drove the van with the bike trailer and reliably had our bags waiting for us in the lobby each time we arrived at a new destination. Every time we saw him he was smiling. They prepared healthy and delicious picnic lunches for us on a couple of occasions, and it was obvious they’d put a lot of thought into them.
Anytime there was a problem, such as a mechanical issue, our guides were equipped to handle it. One day, during a coffee break in Nazaré – we had a coffee break most mornings, which I loved – I watched Ruben fix the electrical connection on another guest’s e-bike after they had taken a small spill. I have a bad knee, so I requested an e-bike from the start. A few others decided along the way to switch to one. When we started in Porto, there were four e-bikes out of 16. By the time we got to Óbidos, I think there were 10 e-bikes. Portugal A2Z, which is contracted by Exodus to run this tour, has its headquarters along the tour route, so I guess that made it easy enough for our guides to switch out the bikes overnight on request.
Overall, this tour was everything I expected after reading the itinerary, trip notes, and reviews on the Exodus website. I found the price reasonable, the guides excellent, the scenery stunning, and the hotels clean and comfortable. I will always remember how much fun I had on this trip and the great people I met. I definitely plan to book with Exodus in the future.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Top notch - knowledgeable, friendly, organized, versatile.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Exodus gives this trip an activity rating of 2 on its website. That was probably accurate for me, and I thought the pace was good with an e-bike. But I do think I would rate the activity level a bit higher than that for anyone using a standard bike, based on comments I heard from some of the other riders. Everyone on this trip was in pretty good shape, but the Porto-to-Óbidos bike route can be quite hilly at times, and we rode as much as 40 miles some days. Whether you choose an electric or standard bike, definitely get some long rides in before you do this trip. Some of my fellow riders complained of saddle soreness, but I was fine.
Alan Doyle
Reviewed June 2024
Armando’s Avengers
Pure class! A truly SENSATIONAL tour. Every care was taken to make sure that all the equipment, accommodation and schedule was of the highest quality ensuring that all the participants’ individual needs were catered to. The coast line is simply stunning and Armando’s local knowledge and investment in delivering personalised features ensured for a fabulous experience. The passion, pride and enthusiasm all the staff demonstrated in showcasing their country was tremendous. I would recommend this trip in a heartbeat.
Most Inspirational Moment
The drive that Armando, Inês and Marieanne illustrated in terms of their commitment to sustainability, the environment and making the planet a better place was refreshing, re-assuring and delightful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Armando showed unlimited patience. He exuded calm. His attention to detail was exceptional. His tour was very well planned, organised and structured. He attended to the needs of his customers in a quiet but thorough manner. When required he demonstrated great sensitivity and discretion. Further, his delivery was laced with a very dry, always appropriate, sense of humour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
In May, the mornings were cool. Make sure you have a warm item of clothing. Bring layers
Dave Kohn
Reviewed June 2024
Unforgettable bike tour from Porto to Lisbon
The bike trip from Porto to Lisbon was amazing. The Exodus team took care of everything, making sure we had the right equipment, transported our luggage efficiently, and most important made sure we had a great trip. Our Exodus team (Ruben, Margarida and Jose) were outstanding, providing local knowledge and helping bring the group together. By the end, we were friends as well as travel companions. I highly recommend this tour.
Most Inspirational Moment
Getting to the top of the steep hill on Day 3 and cheering as everyone made it to the top.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ruben was fantastic. Great local knowledge; passionate about Portugal and the environment; and very caring and supportive to everyone on the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you like cycling and travel, take this tour!
Catherine Brazier
Reviewed June 2024
Great trip with wonderful guides
I booked this trip only 2 weeks before & so happy that I did … I’d never been to Portugal & really glad that I finally have seen it by cycling .. Porto was beautiful & really wished as others have suggested that I could have come earlier .. the days on this trip were full on. we would cycle from one hotel to the next normally starting out at 9.30 ending at 4.30ish with lovely lunches each day paid for out of the kitty that is collected at the start of the week .. (75euro ) then a group meeting about the next days cycle & finally our group leader ( Ruben ) would book a restaurant for us. inevitably we would be back out the door for 6pm for drinks with eating around 8ish for those who wished to join … so very lucky with our group such a great bunch of people who were all very sociable
Most Inspirational Moment
Enjoying the scenery by e bike
Thoughts on Group Leader
I always think it’s the guides that make these trips so special & I honestly couldn’t praise Ruben , Maggie & José enough for their knowledge & the care they took of each & every one of us, all of them are a credit to exodus
Advice for Potential Travellers
If your not a regular cyclist book an e-bike there simply are no hills
Tim Lyth
Reviewed June 2024
A Belter of a Trip!
First, a couple of days in Porto before the trip – what a fantastic city! Great energy, diverse people and buildings, fascinating and quirky places – and brilliant music, food, shops and markets!
The riding was gentle, with so many changing views of the Atlantic, sandy beaches, rolling fields, cliffs, woodlands and grassy swamps. Someone once likened cycling as being like a meditation – I definitely was there!
And cycling with such a bunch of lovely people was a joy – despite our varied backgrounds from so many different locations, there was a commonality in our outlook and spirit and humour – we made some great friendships and had such fun!
But it all worked so well due to three amazing group leaders – Armando, Ines and Marianna. Due to them, everything was so well organised – daily briefings, food snacks in beautiful locations, full scale lunches with amazing salads, lots of chats, gentle banter and laughter!
Lisbon was beautiful, we should have had longer – but then we have another excuse to revisit this wonderful country!
All in all, it was a Belter of a Trip!
Most Inspirational Moment
After a morning of cycling, we all sat by the lake (Lagoa da Ervedeira), eating our snack (prepared by the team) - watching the gentle waters of this beautiful inland lake, listening to the birds, absorbing the scene - such a huge sky!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Armando was a lovely guy. He was very well organised, an amazingly good communicator, incredibly knowledgeable and great fun. But he led a team which was also very impressive. They each had their jobs and responsibilities and they really did work as a team. But one of the most impressive things is that they all were so passionate about their country and about the importance of sustainability and of supporting their different communities - such lovely young and energetic people!
Advice for Potential Travellers
I had an ebike - which was great. But don't forget to take your silicon seat cover!
Melanie Hearn
Reviewed June 2024
Great trip
Very enjoyable trip. Varied countryside and wonderful coastal views. Good hotels and access to fab food and wonderful wines. Lovely to have a bit of time in Porto, Obidos and Lisbon. I would advise to arrive early and/or stay on to really get the benefit of being This is marked as a level 2 but has two parts that are definitely a 3, but it is all totally doable. The bikes are good and up to the task. Altogether I can fully recommend this tour.
Most Inspirational Moment
Difficult to pick one as there were many. The coastline, Porto, Obidos and Lisbon as well as cycling through beautiful countryside.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent. Attentive, supportive, approachable and knowledgeable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It can be windy so take lots of layers. Arrive early and stay on to take advantage of Porto and Lisbon.
N Carter Noble
Reviewed May 2024
Porto to Lisbon
Well organized, well lead, and great way to maximize exercise, viewing and discussion of the northern coast of Portugal with a small group of likeminded travelers
Most Inspirational Moment
Final day of biking with several moderate hill climbs and ocean views
Thoughts on Group Leader
Armando was always always organized, prepared, joyful and funny, and knowledgeable about restaurants and local culture. His support guides were equally happy and helpful throughout.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Enjoy.
John Corson
Reviewed May 2024
A great ride
My 4th Exodus trip did not fail to impress.
Great scenery , good hotels , felt a little harder than the 2/7 rating
Fantastic Guide in João Colaco
Most Inspirational Moment
Nazare
Thoughts on Group Leader
João Colaco is the best, really caring , knows the trip inside out. An inspiration
Advice for Potential Travellers
Well worth the decision
John Simpson
Reviewed May 2024
Very wet but thoroughly enjoyable!
The trip was unavoidably very wet indeed due to unseasonable weather! The wind direction was also coming the wrong way the whole time which meant that instead of blowing north to south giving us a tailwind all the way it was actually blowing south to north giving us a headwind all the way!! This made cycling very difficult for those of us on standard bikes! As a result the tour guide said it was the hardest conditions that he had ever known. Act of God! On saying that, it was an extremely well organised trip and the time we had cycling was fun and full of good humour even though we were soaked to the bone most of the time!
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!
