Portugal Travel Review: Lisbon, Hiking, 8-Night Tour

This travel company was very responsive during the initial planning and booking stages. Mariana was able to answer our questions, offer suggestions, and customize our trip. Jose reached out to us at the beginning and recommended not to cram so many cities in one week. Once we paid for our services we noticed the company was not so responsive. We were told we had to pay in full one month before travel but then didn’t hear back about our final itinerary until I sent several emails and called the company line. I was told that the last couple of weeks were so “hectic” in the office and it’s not normal for them not to respond. So, we took this as a one off.

When we arrived to Lisbon, we received a text and email saying our first excursion on the first day was canceled due to a sick tour guide. We were offered to reschedule, receive a credit, or take a different excursion. This was all done via text, not even a phone call. They didn’t disclose the price of the substituted last minute Tuk Tuk  excursion. We thought it would be less than what was canceled, but later found out it was, surprisingly, more expensive than the dinner show excursion. 

The tour guide in Lisbon was awesome! He was very knowledgeable and cordial. Overall, our guides were very good and we had no complaints with them. 
We had another last minute change when our train to Lisbon was canceled. I understand this was not necessarily our travel agency’s fault, but perhaps it could have been communicated earlier as it appeared the train was canceled for that time all week. The only suggestion was to take a train at a different time. The problem was it affected our last day in Lisbon. No other solutions were offered. 

When we tried to find out about settling the first day’s substituted excursion, we called, texted, emailed and after many attempts someone finally responded that our substituted excursion was more expensive but we wouldn’t have to owe money. Prices should be disclosed upfront. 

Finally, we were provided a number to call 24/7 should we have any questions or problems. On at least two different occasions we had to make multiple calls or send texts until someone finally returned our call. 

Overall, we would rate this travel company a 3.5/5.