Although described as a fast paced tour(which it was), it was a good introduction to visiting Portugal with many highlights as well as vising some lesser known parts. As someone who had not been to Portugal before and as it is so easy to get to from the UK, it was a taster for maybe visiting the country again and exploring other regions.
Fantastic week in southern Portugal A great overall experience. Fantastic scenery, most cycling on quiet roads , off the beaten track. Really got to have an authentic experience. Exceptional hotel choices.. charming and sometimes quirky. Ricardo (guide) and Vitor (driver) were incredible… very supportive and couldn’t do enough to help. All restaurant choices were excellent. The cycling was straight forward… and there is a significant amount of off road cycling which I hadn’t done before but found to be very enjoyable and it has inspired me to do more.
I read previous reviews prior to going on the trip, and they are all accurate. I would add that I was borderline fit enough for this holiday so found it challenging at times (it was a late decision to go), but I would not have missed a moment of it. I completed all the walks, which are all different from each other. The group I was with was very supportive. Andre the guide made one unit of us from the first night, and was watchful, prepared, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. As he said 80% is in your head, 20% in your walking ability. Apart from Andre, the other essential was walking poles, especially on the long downhill Day 4. I had not been on a holiday with the tour operator before, nor had I been on one without a companion. Any reservations I had were blown away very quickly. It was so enjoyable,I just love Madeira. I am looking for my next holiday already.