Northern Portugal with On Foot Traveller Reviews

We did an On Foot self-guided walking holiday in Northern Portugal. The walk took us along a Roman road through the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres, in the north east corner of Portugal . We did the shorter version of the walk which was over three days (four nights) starting in Brufe and ending at Santa Maria do Bouro. There was a huge variety of scenery which included long vistas down to colourful valleys with mountain peaks in the distance, boulders the size of houses, mountain streams and wooded glades. Accommodation included a converted stone cottage with a traditional Portuguese bread oven inside, a village albergia (basic hotel stop over), a quinta (small chateau), and the superbly comfortable Pousada at Santa Maria do Bouro which had been built from the ruins of a 13th century monastery. Walking was relatively easy with cumulative climbs each day of around 400 metres and daily distances ranging from 11km to 21km. We were extremely lucky with the weather which was 25 degrees or above every day; we were told that this was much hotter than usual for late October in northern Portugal. Overall, we could not have hoped for a better introduction to self-guided walking.

On Foot gave us a very personal service from the beginning. After our initial inquiry it took them 2 to 3 days to confirm that the accommodation would be available for the dates we wanted to go. We were sent a very informative pack which included ways of getting to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the walk, our itinerary, detailed notes and maps for each day's walking, a description of the area we would be walking in, and name and phone number of a local contact if we needed any help when we were away. We were also sent a link to the GPS system that On Foot use with maps for our three days walking pre-loaded on the system. Whenever we contacted On Foot, we got through to a person who knew all about our booking and we were phoned by On Foot the day before we travelled to check that there was nothing we were uncertain about. There were no hitches at all on the holiday - all owners of accommodation expected us, pre-booked taxis met us, luggage transfers worked seamlessly and route maps took us where we needed to go - and we had the comfort of knowing there was a local contact even though in practice we did not need to contact him.

My husband and I did a short hiking trip through Northern Portugal with On Foot Holidays. The preparation was very well done, and the landscape was unmatched! We had a lovely time, and when we ran into travel hiccups On Foot's local contact was incredibly helpful.

My husband and I did a short hiking trip through Northern Portugal with On Foot Holidays. The preparation was very well done, and the landscape was unmatched! We had a lovely time, and when we ran into travel hiccups On Foot's local contact was incredibly helpful.

We walked in the remote Gerres National Park with OnFoot Holidays. The scenery is diverse and beautiful..from lush valleys,Roman roads to steep granite hillsides We saw one other walker in 6 days of walking

This is our second trip with OnFoot. Already planning a 3rd next year. We found them efficient,friendly and informed. Logistics all worked well

On Foot were a joy to deal with. They were very knowledgeable about this walking holiday, and answered all our questions. We were sent lots of useful information in advance to make everything go as smoothly as possible. The accommodation and routes were spot on - a fascinating part of the world, and some really memorable accommodation, including the converted monastery. We really felt that our holiday was important to On Foot, and the personal touch was key to this, before, during and after the holiday. Best walking holiday company we have ever travelled with, by some way.

As above

Our walking holiday in Northern Portugal was everything we hoped it would be. The tour was well put together and extremely well executed by the UK and local operators. We were given extensive and comprehensive information to cover all eventualities and the organisation was excellent. We would definitely use this company again and recommend them to friend and family.

Efficient, friendly and organised.

Self guided walking holiday in beautiful Northern Portugal. A wonderful holiday experience in a magical part of Portugal, unspoilt and truly dramatic scenery and friendly hospitality shown by the locals.

We have used On Foot several times before and are completely satisfied with their services. They take utmost care in the planning of the walks, the accommodation and the provision of general background information necessary for your travel in your country of choice. They know the people providing the accommodation, and have people on the ground in that country who are available should you require their help. Although it must be a large business they have the critical ability to keep the personal touch and ensure that you are looked after very well after a hard days walking. They take customer satisfaction as top priority and look for suggestions and comments to enhance future customer experiences.

Remote walking between sleepy villages in Northern Portugal - wild horses, wild swimming, good wine and characterful local accommodation.

We have travelled with On Foot several times now, and they are always a pleasure to deal with. Their service is excellent, comprehensive and personal. Heartily recommended.

Absolutely amazing walking holiday in unspoilt Northern Portugal! Beautiful villages, stunning scenery and delicious food. It's very hard to beat a lovely walk in gorgeous scenery, followed by an evening in a quiet village with only the odd cow passing along the road for traffic and enjoying good food, good wine and good company!

Everything was organised quickly and efficiently by the extremely friendly and helpful staff of On-Foot both at the office in England and on the ground in Portugal. I particularly appreciated being able to talk to them about the walk before we booked as one of our party has quite severe vertigo and it was great to be able to chat through the walk with someone who had done it recently in order to ensure this wouldn't be a problem. Nothing seemed too much trouble for them, from ensuring allergies were catered for, to adding a last minute addition at very short notice. Would strongly recommend. This was my 3rd holiday with them and I know I will be back!

On Foot has planned a wonderful walk in the northern Portuguese hills with charming local hotels; well catered with local produce and wine. Interesting to be in rural un-touristed areas with outstanding scenery and friendly people.

Very helpful and really well organised and supportive. They have planned and set up unusual walks through out Europe; I have used their holidays before and continue to be impressed with their imaginative walking tours and their excellent communication

We booked our holiday with OnFoot Holidays of Salisbury, England. Starting at Soajo with a circular walk, then walking to Lindoso, Brufe, Campo do Geres, Emaus, and Santa Maria de Bouro. We were enchanted by the scenery in the hill country. Most days, we did not see another person, or hear a motor vehicle, only bird-song, and cow bells. It was delightful.

OnFoot's arrangements were excellent, and we loved the B&B's at which we stayed. The routes are well designed so as to be scenically varied, and challenging but "do-able" within the normal hours of daylight. If a day's route is longer than usual, the route instructions will detail "short cuts". This is the fifth walk that we have done with OnFoot, and we have always found their maps and route instructions to be detailed and excellent. Their instructions give the name of a person whom one can telephone if one needs help or advice. We would recommend OnFoot to anyone contemplating trying a walking holiday for the first time.