Reviews

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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17 Reviews

5 out of 5

Hope Smith

Reviewed October 2024

Add Carla's Douro Valley to your Bucket List

Why is Carla’s Douro Valley tour so uniquely magical? Because she grew up here and still lives in the region, therefore she knows the nature trails, the roads, and the hidden gems like the back of her hand. Plus the itinerary is educational AND a lot of fun!

Most Inspirational Moment

The most awe-inspiring moment for me was our first hike along the Corgo River walking trail. The panoramic views of the terraced vineyards, gardens, mountains, river and valleys under a bright blue sky were like being in the middle of an IMAX movie, surrounded by beauty so breathtaking, it almost made me dizzy!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carla has set an impossibly high bar. I cannot commend her and thank her enough for making my first visit to Portugal the fabulous vacation that it was. Thanks to Carla, not only did the beauty and culture of the Douro Valley meet my expectations, it exceeded them from day one and just kept getting better! You can tell she loves what she does - her tour is truly one-of-a-kind (you'll see what I mean).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring layers, comfortable non-slip walking shoes, rain gear just in case, and be flexible if the weather doesn't cooperate. TRUST CARLA!!! She will make it special no matter what.

michael Madden

Reviewed October 2024

Outstanding Tour

Our Wine & Walking tour was superb on many levels; scenery, wine, food and companionship. Notwithstanding, the apex of our endeavor was the non pareil service provided by our guide, Carla Costa. She personifies service, kindness, local knowledge and critical attention to details. She is truly a provider of service above and beyond.

Most Inspirational Moment

Carla, on her own, provided a gracious lunch for us one day after a material hike. This was a most kind and moving gesture.

Thoughts on Group Leader

See above; non pareil.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ask for Carla; no INSIST ON CARLA!

Hannah Chismar

Reviewed September 2024

A truly special trip

I couldn’t believe it when I stumbled on this tour. Walking and wine! Two things I love and a journey through the countryside. For months, I anticipated the trip and planned. A friend decided to join me. And what a trip it was! Wonderful in every way. Our tour leader Carla and her husband Fernando were the perfect hosts. Because they grew up & live in the region, I felt like we were getting a hyper local, personal experience. We were able to see their home through their eyes, as Carla told stories of history, culture, recipes, current community challenges. Every day was a different landscape -all beautiful- and the food & wine was fantastic. I don’t want to give away the little surprises that were along the way, but I can promise enjoyment of them. Most days, we had a walk in the morning (a few steep hills, but mostly flat, minimum 5 miles) followed by a lovely lunch, and then we had free time in the afternoon. I really liked that we only had 3 hotels for the week. I could settle in, and the views from the rooms were something else! Weather was hot in September. I highly recommend this tour if you want to really get to know the friendly, welcoming country of Portugal and make new friends along the way!

Most Inspirational Moment

Al fresco lunches at wineries

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely fantastic! I can’t imagine this tour without her experience of the region and connections to the wineries, restaurants,and locals.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready to walk! Bring good shoes and a hat. On the hillsides, the sun is hot. Save space to buy wine along the way. I brought home 4 bottles. Approach the trip with an open heart.

Stephanie Heal

Reviewed September 2024

Excellent trip with Luis and Teresa

We had a fantastic tour with Luis and Teresa! They were both very attentive and had a wealth of knowledge about the places we visited. The walking was varied and the views were spectacular. Although the weather was not always the best, Luis and Teresa adapted the itinerary to ensure we could still have all the experiences promised. Would highly recommend.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic!

Adeline MannettaGolloub

Reviewed September 2024

Portugal:Walking & Wine

I thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour through the Douro valley and Porto with our guide Carla and her husband Fernando. It was so beautiful and made into a very special experience because of the guides. Carla made you feel like you were part of the Portuguese family because she introduced you to the culture and traditions that are so important to her and her family. They worked together so well and Fernando seemed to be there whenever you needed him!
The walking destinations were remarkable and in spite of the forest fires we encountered (during our time there) Carla worked hard to make the rest of our tour interesting and satisfying. That could not have been easy!

Most Inspirational Moment

I felt very inspired by Carla’s love of her country and its people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carla was a warm, giving, intelligent guide who filled our tour with as much information as she possible. Also she was a very responsible and caring for each individual situation. Fernando too added to this with his caring nature and great ability to capture our adventures in pictures. They make a fabulous duo!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I do feel (and I spoke to 1or 2 other tour members) who felt the tour we experienced was more like a level 2 than a 1.

Jane Ades

Reviewed September 2024

Wonderful trip

The trip to the Douro Valley was excellent in its variety of terrains, wine tastings and walks. But what made the trip were the 2 leaders -Carla and Fernando. Carla not only has a wealth of info to share but she really cared that we all were getting the experience we wanted. She took so much of her personal time for us and totally extended herself to make our time memorable. Fernando was always there when we needed him. He seemed to pop out of the corner at just the right moments-in our walks or when guiding us. He’s a fabulous naturalist and photographer. I can’t speak more highly about the two of them!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved our walks thru the villages. It was like going back thru time. Also the trip to the beekeepers’ house was stunning!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing! See above

Advice for Potential Travellers

There was a good amount of walking. A few places were a tad more strenuous which made the walks more fun. The hotel in Régua could have been better. It was very dated. Tho I t has a wonderful location

Maria Ilma Saavedra

Reviewed June 2024

Unforgettable time!

I enjoyed the experience with wonderful scenery, and relaxing walks around glorious fields, and vineyards. The hotels are also comfortable with good views of lakes and nature. Good food and delicious wines and very kind staff.
The group was also very nice, we shared and laughed all the time.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed every second, of the fresh, healthy, and renewing environment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Luis Coelho and Teresa, our trip guides, were very kind, they always made sure that we were all well. Good teamwork.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was my first experience with Exodus and I highly recommend it.

Peter Jones

Reviewed May 2024

Great holiday in beautiful surroundings with excellent leaders

Five days of short walks in fascinating and varied countryside, brought to life by our great leaders Lina and Carla, with instructive wine tastings, followed by a day and a half in vibrant Porto.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too difficult to select from so many great experiences, but the wild flowers and lack of crowds in the Basto region, and three memorable lunches including Carla's home-made picnic, will stay in our memories for a long time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lina was very well-informed and made every effort to ensure we enjoyed our first three days despite some personal difficulties. Nothing was too much trouble for Carla and her knowledge of and love for her home district of Basto were an inspiration.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Late April is a great time to do this trip as the wild flowers are stunning at this time of year, but the walks are very definitely "leisurely". Note that it is, in fact, very easy to get to the start hotel in Regua by direct train from Porto.

Karen Z

Reviewed October 2023

Portugal: Walking & Wine - Premium

Very knowledgeable trip leader. She took great care of us.

Most Inspirational Moment

The dinner at the restaurant in that way out place. Picnic lunches. The hike through the forest. The lunch at the winery on day 2. Swimming in the pools. The stars and the sunrise on the first night.