Following this, they spent most of Wednesday visiting the Ria Formosa by boat and were treated to a walk on the Ilha Deserta, where “we learned about the ecology of the area and the conservation work that is done to help the habitat, the wildlife, and marine life.”

It was wonderful to meet with the embark2 group on Thursday 12th of January 2023 in front of the Beato Vicente Statue in Albufeira where they were about to start a walking tour of Old Albufeira Town. The group, a mixture of those who have been part of the group since its inception to newcomers like Chrissie, who affirmed that “The group is brilliant and I am really happy with all the activities and everyone is really friendly.”

Judie added that “August last year, I went on the trip to Keswick and it was so much fun and supportive, in that you could talk about anything that I booked this trip to the Algarve. It was the first time I really laughed since by husband died.”

Another member of the group also called John added that “embark2 is great because John is so relaxed and leads us in a relaxing way, it is almost like a little bit of magic has been thrown in because we all get on so well and everyone is made to feel included, which is hard to find in groups.”

John explained that “Newer members and those recently bereaved when they holiday with us find the group to be very supportive and a safe place to talk. After all, we have all been there and though each journey is different, many of the paths we take are similar. The hardest part of the holiday is usually the end because we become so close during our time together, that the parting can be difficult. Though for many in Portugal, it will only be a few months before we meet up again.”

Following the walk, John said that “We heard a lot about the area's fascinating history as well as the earthquakes which destroyed much of the town and then we had lunch at the harbour in the old town.” John added that “next week is more relaxing. Our plan is to spend an overnight in Lisbon before returning to our hotel and chilling before we return to the UK on Saturday.”

“Another amazing holiday in the Algarve and we are all looking forward to our return in 2024!”

For more information and to get in touch please visit https://www.embark2.co.uk/ or alternatively email enquiries@embark2.co.uk.