Spring in Southern Portugal

I cannot speak too highly about our leaders, John and Philip. Both had an outstanding knowledge and understanding of the wildlife in the area and shared this willingly. They both showed great patience in helping us understand what we saw. Nothing appeared too much trouble for them to do and they took great care of the party. I particularly appreciated the extra time they took to arrange our vegetarian diets. Their good humour and generous manner was a key feature in making this a very successful tour. Overall, we had a lovely trip in good company with excellent leaders. We take home many spectacular memories of wildlife that it has been a privilege to share. Many thanks for an excellent trip.

D.K. Suffolk

Thank you to all at Naturetrek for organising an excellent wildlife/birdwatching/flower-watching trip to Southern Portugal with John Carruthers and Phil Thompson. It was most enjoyable from the moment my daughter and I boarded the flight. The two hotels were both excellent and well chosen for their locations, the first set in a spectacular mountain setting and the second delightfully situated in a little town right near the castle. The food in the restaurants was very good indeed and once again the local people were very friendly and helpful. Special thanks from me to John and Phil who organised a lovely birthday cake celebration. It really was very kind of everyone and I was touched by such a thoughtful gesture. So, a wonderful holiday at a marvellous time of the year for the wild flowers and the beautiful birdlife. Many, many thanks to John and Phil for being such entertaining tour leaders and for showing us those sights which will remain with us for a long time to come.

M.C. Cambridgeshire

I would like to commend both leaders on this trip. They were very patient with any of my question on birds or botany. They were very helpful and caring for my welfare as an older client. Their expertise in their speciality was excellent. I thank them both very much.

E.B. Guernsey

I really enjoyed my holiday in southern Portugal. The best holiday I have ever had. The tour leaders were superb in their own field. It was lovely to be with leaders who were so enthusiastic about the environment. The accommodation was also very good, especially at Mertola.

R.S. Warwickshire

This was another excellent Naturetrek holiday in a peaceful and beautiful country. The leaders worked tirelessly to keep everyone happy and every day fruitful. Superb views of many birds and amazing flowers.

E.R. Norfolk

A wonderful week visiting varied Southern Portuguese locations of both botanical and ornithological interest. Excellent, enthusiastic leaders keen to share their knowledge and good quality accommodation and food. An ideal quieter time of year to view the spectacular Algave flora and to see numerous raptors and Great Bustards displaying.

A.E. Derbyshire

We were lucky with sunny weather every day; and good accommodation in lovely locations. The leaders, experts in their field, of course, were brilliant. I don't know how they found such wonderful picnic spots - each one was like being in paradise! Thank you for another super holiday!

We had a lovely holiday with the leaders who looked after us brilliantly. They were wonderful guides and passed their knowledge on to us all. My favourites were the flowers and butterflies; the fields were full of colour.

I had a great holiday with a really good group of interesting people. The leaders were fantastic - their knowledge encyclopaedic and the organisation was very good.

R.J. Essex

Once again, a wonderful and memorable holiday with Naturetrek – timing perfect, glorious sunshine every day, excellent leaders, great birding and botanising in Southern Portugal!

K.B. Co. Kerry, Ireland

Not a moment was wasted - from the time we arrived at Faro until the day of our departure we were fully occupied and interested.

N.A. Surrey

I enjoyed the content of the holiday very much - and saw an amazing variety of birds and flowers in a large variety of habitats.

M.K. Northumberland

I have a balanced interest in plants and birds so the trip suited me fine. Phil's plant knowledge generally, and of this part of Portugal, which has so many endemics is really very deep and I learned a great deal. So many good things to remember. I don't think I would change anything. The meadows were at their best and I particularly enjoyed Henry's fort on the coast and the cork oaks and meadows.

R.B. Leicestershire

This was my first Naturetrek holiday and it exceeded my expectations. The leaders were outstanding; they are both impressive experts but always willing to give friendly advice to a beginner like me.

D.J. Surrey

I am sure you already know that these two leaders are really top notch: very knowledgeable but approachable and not patronising, efficient in all the practicalities like driving, site-finding, provision of picnic etc. These were the best arrangements for picnics I have ever come across in this type of holiday- good, simple, fresh food which they took pains to present in an attractive manner, with the result there was little or no waste.

I.J. Surrey

Another excellent Naturetrek holiday. Very smooth arrangements from start to finish. Both leaders worked hard to ensure that the whole group were catered for (literally with great lunchtime picnics!). They ensured a friendly, happy atmosphere which helped the group to gel quickly.

S.W. Ayrshire