Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Walking holidays in Portugal, independent reviews
 Reviewed 28 Oct 2008 by Merv and Helen Wilson |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The fabulous coastal views, the variety of terrain/countryside we walked through, the opportunity to spend time in places that were a true reflection of life in the area rather than a tourist view, the great people at the tour company. If we had to pick one thing, which is near to impossible as the whole experience was fabulous; maybe the sight of lone local fishermen way out on the tips of horrendously dangerous looking rocks with waves crashing up to them will be a lasting memory. And the sound of cow bells.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Have a 4G photo card - you will take lots of pictures! Don't rush - there is so much to see and there are no prizes for doing it in record times. Ladies - wear cotton underwear rather than synthetic! Use the recommended restaurants, they were all good. Walking gaiters for lower legs would be useful on the last day as there is quite a bit of very prickly blackberry to push through on quite a long section. Carry water and nibbly food. And my biggest and craziest tip is this - take an umbrella! Of the 6 days walking I used mine for 5 of them - 4 as a sunshade and 1 for rain protection. It is so much more comfortable than a sunhat on your sweaty head. It looks nerdy but makes comfort so much better and all tracks were wide enough for it not to be a hindrance. Just do this walk - it will add a whole new perspective on your experience of Portugal.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we spent money at cafes along the way as well as in the towns we stayed in, we left no trace of our presence in the way of rubbish (although unfortunately it seems the local tourists to the coast don't get this as the entire coastline was disappointingly littered with trash in spite of an abundance of rubbish receptacles everywhere we went - it was much better inland) and we will promote this experience to all who will listen, hopefully bringing more tourist dollars into the economy. We feel we have compensated for our horrendous air miles footprint from New Zealand by spending 7 weeks on the other side of the world adding to local economies with our tourist dollars.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This walk added a whole extra dimension to our holiday in Portugal, we feel our understanding of the people and their lives, especially in the Alentejo area, is so much more realistic than it would have been if we had just done the usual tourist destinations without this being part of it.
| Reviewed 25 Sep 2007 by Lynne Lamstein | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I couldn't single out any part. It was all wonderful...the landscape was exquisite, the arrangements were perfect, the company personnel personable and responsive, even the weather was great.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Consider flying into Faro or Lisbon, sometimes one is better, sometimes the other.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. We provided some economic benefit from our food and lodging. We were polite and appreciative guests. Other than the flight over, our impact on the environment was minimal.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent!!
| Reviewed 8 Oct 2008 by Harvey May | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We were impressed with the operators handling of all aspects of this trip... i.e. baggage handling, choice of hotels... briefing and trip instructions and maps… this was a self guided trip. All staff encountered were friendly and efficient and eager to offer assistance... a great trip. I would definitely recommend this operator to anyone.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just do it... you can trust this operator completely.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great.
| Reviewed 11 Jan 2008 by Peter Nash | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing Storks on their nests. Walking along magnificent cliffs with the Atlantic ocean crashing below. Walking through Eucalyptus and Cork-Oak woodland.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Think about the time of year. It will be far too hot in the summer, but January may not be the best time as we didn't see a huge amount of sun. On the other hand, the place was deserted and very quiet. It was warm enough to walk in T-shirts a lot of the time. Take a flask if you like a hot drink during the day. Take a phrase book. If you are a vegetarian be prepared to ask around.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, and the people organising the walk were wonderful and helpful. We stayed in small guest houses and ate in local restaurants. Obviously the flight has an environmental impact.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A great break. Lovely and varied scenery. I would like to spend more time in Portugal.