This was our first experience with KimKim.. Our local specialist Marta was superb! She was knowledgeable and utterly responsive, even on a Sunday afternoon when we contacted her because our flight to Lisbon was delayed. She also reached out to us during our time in Lisbon to ensure things were going well, something we very much appreciated.
We were grateful for Marta's recommendation of an outstandingly beautiful and relaxing Lisbon hotel (Torel Palace), her close coordination of many... read more
This was our first experience with KimKim.. Our local specialist Marta was superb! She was knowledgeable and utterly responsive, even on a Sunday afternoon when we contacted her because our flight to Lisbon was delayed. She also reached out to us during our time in Lisbon to ensure things were going well, something we very much appreciated.
We were grateful for Marta's recommendation of an outstandingly beautiful and relaxing Lisbon hotel (Torel Palace), her close coordination of many activities, and arrangements for an incredible guide/driver, Marta Sophia George David, for two amazing days of out-of-Lisbon tours--one to Obidos, Fatima, and seaside towns and the other to Sintra, Cascais, and Belem.
A word about our guide/driver: we cannot compliment her enough! A former journalist, Marta David has encyclopedic knowledge tempered by deep love of Portugal and the ability to speak to history and current events with deep insight. Her contextual passion touched our souls in an soul-expanding way. She also knew where to find the best gelato shops!
Based on our experience, we will use KimKim again and recommend it to others.
Hotel Review
Hotel Review
Torel Palace is an accessible retreat in the midst of Lisbon.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bathroom was a bit cramped, but then what can you expect in a 1902 palace?
Staff
So pleasant, helpful, caring, and accommodating!!!!!
Authenticity & Character
Every part of this property is gorgeous! Beyond charming . . .
Location
The fact that we really could walk to various neighborhoods but nevertheless could retreat from the busyness in an extraordinarily beautiful place with some of the best views in the city!
Activity Reviews
Sunset Sailing Cruises in Traditional Boats
Lisbon
Activity Review
Interesting and informative--but the cruise was crowded, uncomfortable, and cold.
Transport
That's just it: we had been in Lisbon for our first time for less than two hours before the cruise began, and finding transportation (cab) back to our hotel after the cruise was difficult.
Guides, drivers and staff
Quality of Experience
The traditional boat was way too crowded!
Lisbon by Tuk-Tuk
Portugal
Activity Review
A good overview.
Transport
Pick-up at the hotel (again, this was our first time in Lisbon).
Guides, drivers and staff
Activity Review
Great music; too lengthy an experience.
Food
Cod (the specialty of the house) has bones and gristle in it.
Transport
Difficult to get to for newcomers to Lisbon. We tried to walk from the Torel Palace and ended up looking for a cab after getting hopelessly lost.
Guides, drivers and staff
Our waiter literally disappeared!
Quality of Experience
Music was great! Timing was slow. Food was okay but not great. Probably not the experience for first-time fado attendees.
Cooking Class in Lisbon with Market Visit
Lisbon
Activity Review
A fun morning with an interesting an eclectic group!
Food
The lunch we prepared was great!
Guides, drivers and staff
The cooking teacher was personable and a good cook--but she didn't offer many explanations about what she was doing or why,
Quality of Experience
A good experience, It would have been better if we'd been given copies (or received by email) the recipes we prepared.
Private Excursion to Fatima
Lisbon
Activity Review
Our guide Marta was exceptional.
Guides, drivers and staff
Group Excursion to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril
Lisbon
Activity Review
Sintra is a must-visit. The castle in Old Sintra is incredible--a great self-tour. Our guide took us to a second palace/garden to tour in Sintra (not Pena Palace). It was breathtaking, but physically very, very challenging with steep, uneven cobblestone "steps" (or drop-offs). Lunch was at a local restaurant that was delightful! We loved visiting the westernmost point in mainland Europe; thought Cascais was interesting but little more than an overrated "mall" with a good gelato shop; did an Estoril drive-by, and were very grateful for an add-on, half-an-hour stop in Belem.
Guides, drivers and staff