1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

We had the most fabulous weather. The first place we stayed, Quinta dos Valedos, was a really great start to the holiday, as Marie-Jose and Sergei are French Portuguese, and introduced us to many culinary specialities of the region, including carob and arbutus berry schnapps! It was right in the heart of the Algarve countryside, very unspoilt, and had a lovely pool. We also enjoyed the personal touch from Bert, the 'tour operator' and the wonderful views from our hotel bedrooms on other nights. Our trips to the coast were also memorable, as they visited smaller, more out of the way places.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

There are hills, but the bikes are well geared, and neither of us had to get off! If you are susceptible to being bitten, don't forget to bring your anti midge cream and use the mosquito nets at night! The second trip to the coast is the one to take your beach wear to - there is a lovely peaceful bay in a little harbour where the water is shallow, and should be warmer than the ocean. There is also a wonderful beach further on, with beach bars for refreshments. If you are in Silves on Thursday, there is Fado music at a cafe on the river front, or at the weekend you might be lucky to find other live music at the Cafe Ingles.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

For the first 2 nights, all the produce was home made and most ingredients locally sourced, and we felt this was very beneficial for the local economy. The hotels had dual flush loos, although the one at Alte was not working properly. Some places didn't have waste bin liners, so less plastic. We were able to eat out in the town at Silves and chose local dishes.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Brilliant!

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Being able to breathe the fresh air and feel the sunshine on our skin as we cycled through the countryside, through small villages, along the coastline, and up into the hills. Peace and quiet, and feeling like the holiday added to our health, rather than just sitting around eating too much as people so often do on holiday. Being able to relax and cruise along at our own pace was lovely.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

We cycled together as a family - with a seven year old and an 18 month old both joining us, sitting on seats on the backs of our bikes. We are not "fitness freaks" but found the cycling pleasant and fairly easy. Bert helped us avoid the hardest section by driving us uphill on the third day, which was a great idea, as it looked like a very long climb otherwise! Bring lots of sunscreen, as the sky is always blue. Remember that the shops/restaurants will likely be closed between lunch and 7pm, and on Sundays it may be hard to find anywhere to stop and eat. Take snacks with you if you have children, and lots of water.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes. We stayed in mostly small, local places, and we cycled everywhere, so no fossil fuels burned!

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Excellent. Bert was fabulous, and very helpful. We had great information provided before we arrived, with frequent updates as to what was happening with the planning of the trip. When we got there, we were picked up and taken to our first hotel. Bert had arranged to rent bike seats for our children. The bikes were in great condition, and the routes very clearly described so we never got lost. It was early July so it was very warm but not too hot, and a cooling breeze was blowing most days. The accommodations were excellent - varied and friendly, not impersonal hotel-type places. And very comfortable.

The riding was more challenging (i.e. hilly) than the previous cycling holiday we have done (on the Danube in Austria, where there we NO hills), but it was still easy enough to be fun rather than exhausting. Bert was very concerned about our welfare (and the safety of the children) and did all he could to ensure it all ran smoothly, which it did. Each day we only cycled about 30km, which isn't that far. And we stayed in each hotel for 2 nights, meaning we could have taken every 2nd day off from cycling if we were too tired (but we never needed too, even though I hadn't done that much exercise since our baby was born).

All in all, we had a great time. We'd recommend this to anyone (either with or without children). As long as you aren't a completely unfit couch-potato, you'll cope fine and you'll really enjoy it - returning feeling refreshed and like you've done your body a favour with this holiday. I would give this 4.5 stars. We travel a LOT so it would be almost impossible to be better than all of our other holidays (which is what is says next to the 5 star rating). But if you're considering this type of holiday, or you want to go to Portugal, then this would be a great choice!

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Cycling through the Eucalyptus trees in the hills and the citrus fruit groves in the low lands. Also really nice having a day at the coast to get some beach time in! Moving on every day gives a real sense of travelling and getting to see the most possible. Bert (the organiser) was very helpful and accommodating.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Oct is a really good time of year to go. The roads are nice and quiet and the temperature is perfect.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

The smaller local hotels benefited.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Very good. Thoroughly good way to see Portugal off the tourist trail.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Curiously arriving at the next accommodation place and being served gorgeous food every night.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Try to cycle in the morning on hot days.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Two of the four accommodation places were with locals and in one of the hotels we had tickets for food in local restaurants. Lunch was not included and taken en route.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Very good. A 30 km a day mostly easy cycle ride and lots of relaxing at the pool with a good book. Bert transported our luggage and wrote us a little note regularly. He and our hosts told us lots about the country and its people.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Cycling through the orange groves.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

If coming from UK consider how hot it might be cycling midday. It was hot in October.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Benefited the smaller places we stayed at.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Enjoyable holiday. The distances were just about right as it gave us time to look at things, take photos etc. We found it hillier than we thought, but just pushed the bikes up the hills.