Europe Trekking and Hiking Trips

Our 12-day self-guided tour from St Ives to Mevagissey was everything we hoped it would be! The scenery was so dramatic, and the path was rugged and challenging, the views from the cliffs of the water and the sky were delightful and gave us peace and a sense of wonder. Our accommodations were wonderful, and we ate some very good food at them. We had a long year of personal loss, and it was the best place to help us heal. We are never disappointed when we travel with them, they are always just what we need.

What an excellent trip! The hikes varied in terrain and vistas, from coastal walks to levadas to mystical forests to mountain tops, but all were spectacular and each day was as good as or better than the one before. Paulo was a wonderful guide, knowledgeable about the island, its history, culture, flora and fauna. We were fortunate to have very good weather, and even more fortunate to have a group that gelled beautifully. Not only did everyone get along well, but everyone was fit and hiked at a similar pace. (We understand from other reviews that that's not always the case.) First hotel in Machico was pretty dated, but good location and breakfast. The hotel at Porto Moniz was the best of the trip, modern, well-equipped, great food - and right across the road from volcanic pools. Very scenic. The hotel in Funchal was fine and in a great location.

This was our first Exodus trip. We loved the group size (11) and its compatibility, mix of activities, and the incredible knowledge of the tour leader, Michael/Miguel. On most days we were out and about from 9 to 5. The terrain was lovely - hills and mountains surrounding rolling pastureland and olive farms. We saw and walked through so many white villages, and some of us took an extra 4 hour trip to Ronda, one of the most famous. The hiking was moderate. For me, the oldest by several years at age 75, it was at times tough because of the many ups and downs with the inclines occasionally too steep and long. The other 10 handled it with less trouble. Our tour leader, Michael/Miguel, knew everything about farming, geology, plants and animals and birds, and the history of the area. We all marveled at the extent of his knowledge! The farmhouse we stayed in was lovely with good food (the paella the last night was the best!), though the rooms lacked good lighting and the beds seemed a bit soft. This is a fun trip to go on for the activity, lovely scenery, and variety. We combined it with 2 days in Malaga and 4 in Granada and found every day rich and magical.

We were a group of nine mostly strangers to each other who bonded during this wonderful adventure. Francisco and Raphael could not have been better trip leaders. They were very gracious, helpful. knowledgeable and fun to be with. We did not just hike but about new Flora, Fauna, and Portuguese customs, including food, cork , olives, ceramics, wine and medrano distillation.

Well organised which made the whole trek lot more pleasant. The accommodation was all very good except for one that was average but quite doable. Overall, very pleasant experience, thanks!

The Dordogne trip was outstanding - beautiful scenery, quaint and comfortable hotels, excellent food and days longs enough to feel the benefit of walking but not so long to make you too exhausted to enjoy arriving. Added bonus was our ability to enjoy a “coupe” everywhere we landed.