A unforgettable wekk in Lisboa thanks to the tour guide.
Portugal
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Sep 13 - Sep 17, 2023
My husbad, and I never had a guide before, but decided to sign up for it, with my sister and partner in order to spend time with them in Portugal. If only we had known, what a difference it could make for a trip! We were quite charmed and impressed with Joel. Although we had little personal contact with Tiago, he was very helpful sending us information and keeping everything organized, between 3 individuals. He even gave us tips on the rest of our trip, on our own in Northern Portugal.
Since culture and history is our main focus on vacations, this was absolutely perfect. We learned and saw different areas of Lisboa and learned the significance of the neighborhood´s architerectual and artistic styles coming from many different cultures. The history was mostly unknown to us, and very interesting. Joel showed us the most beautiful scenery on two outings outside of Lisboa and took us to a castle and to the furthermost corner of the country, which was great between "a head full of cultural and historical information." He introduced us to two unforgettable meals and booked a Fado evening, with about 6 courses, including the two heartful and melancholic Fado musicians, repectively singers. It was local, meaning that it was not a typical touristic "Fado evening." We also had our first food tour, which had much different array of foods, as well as a very enthusiastic guide. It was so much fun, we will do it in other cities, as well.
The tour was a variety of experiences, that were well put together. I could go on and on about how much we learned and enjoyed. Joel love and enthusiasm of Portugal was contagious. Last but not least, Joel thoroughly surpassed all of our expectations. We absolutely recommend booking with Kim Kim. After the tour, we did not find it expensive at all, as originally assumed, after the amazing experience.
Hotel Review
The most important for us, in choosing a hotel in the city is the location. With Dom Carlos, we were not disappointed. It is close enough to the inner city to walk in 10 minutes, but quiet enough that one does not experience the traffic. The neighborhood had a variety of well priced local restaurants, with local cuisine, as oposed to expensive and low quality tourst food. The room was quiet, elegant and clean. The staff was very accomadating and hospitable. The buffet had anything one could wish for, and was hygenic and well organized.
Activity Review
See section 1. What we most enjoyed about the dinner was that it authentic Porteguese, rather something touristic. Our server made us feel at home. The music was captivating and we had never heard anything like it again. The history behind it was also interesting. We are glad that they still keep their traditions in Portuagal, for it was done by young people. The food was dellicious and it was wonderfully organized, with the dimming of the light, while the music played between courses.
Dear Ingrid,
Thank you so much for your words and for your very thorough and detailed review!! Much appreciated I must say, mostly because it shows how much you enjoyed the experience! And that's priceless to us!!
Thank you so very much!!
Best Regards and please extend these to Caroline!!
Tiago