We went on a holiday to Portugal - Walking in the Algarve - with high hopes when we read the reviews on this company. We were more than disappointed to the point that we made a formal complaint requesting compensation. One hotel had cockroaches, mal-functioning bathroom and terrible buffet food. Another hotel that we stayed in for our last night had a plywood boarded up window attached with parcel tape and mouldy bathroom walls. The company claimed that we would experience warm Portuguese hospitality but in the two of the hotels staff were rude and unhelpful. “I’ll send the housekeeper to kill the cockroaches!” was the extent of the sympathy that we received about our reasonable complaint.The walking plan on two of the days fell short of expectation - a two hour walk on one day, stretched to 3 hours, left us waiting for a pick up in a small town with no visible attractions.Their web site listed a pick up from a point that avoided a 5km walk along a tarmac cycle path (well used) beside a busy road. However, despite confirming this twice, the taxi driver still went to the wrong end of the cycle track.We have been offered money off a future holiday but such was our experience that we cannot risk more disappointment. The company don’t accept responsibility for any of the shortcomings caused by their agents in Portugal.In short, accommodation, trip logistics and value for money fell well below expectations.We are very experienced walkers both in UK and overseas. We have used many different companies to route plan and we have never had such a disappointing experience like this.
Claim your business profile now and gain access to all features and respond to customer reviews.
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places, remote communities and responsible tourism, they founded the company inspired by the responsible travel values they stand (walk and cycle) by. The company now offers over 700 self-guided and guided adventures in over 50 countries. As well as classics, such as the Camino de Santiago and Tour du Mont Blanc, they offer adventurers many lesser-known destinations, such as Balkans and Bali, Pakistan or Vietnam. See more
