Kimkim Trip Reviews for Portugal

4.9
Based on 632 ratings
Read 632 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip to Portugal on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

If you are looking for stress free and a well planned vacation
Portugal | Aug 19 - Aug 28, 2025

D
David V.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 31, 2025
We recently booked our vacation to Portugal through KimKim. We are very impressed by the support received from our agent Tiago. From the very beginning, Tiago listened carefully to our preferences and put together a personalized itinerary that matched our interests and budget. Communication was smooth and prompt. All of our questions were answered with patience. Tiago created a roadbook (with recommendations for places to see) that exceeded our expectations. We felt completely supported... Read more

We recently booked our vacation to Portugal through KimKim. We are very impressed by the support received from our agent Tiago. From the very beginning, Tiago listened carefully to our preferences and put together a personalized itinerary that matched our interests and budget. Communication was smooth and prompt. All of our questions were answered with patience. Tiago created a roadbook (with recommendations for places to see) that exceeded our expectations. We felt completely supported throughout our trip and especially appreciate all the insider tips. We highly recommend KimKim to anyone looking for stress-free and well-planned travel.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Britania Art Deco
Lisbon
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff at the hotel were fantastic.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Infante Sagres
Porto

The hotel surpassed our expectations! The staff was welcoming and accommodating right from the moment we checked in.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff at the hotel were fantastic. Great attitude, helpful and always available. We specially apprecite the kind gestures form manager on duty, Ana Cristina Silva. She went above and beyond to make sure that everything was 100% perfect and to our satisfaction. Thank you again Ana.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico
Ponta Delgada
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very friendly, aim to please
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Tiago Filipe
Tiago
Tiago Filipe
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Sep 01, 2025

Dear David,

Thank you very much for your review! It means a lot!

Very happy that you and Caralyn enjoyed your trip!

I'll forward your reviews to each hotel too!!

All the best and good travels!!

Tiago

Exceptional local service for our family trip to Portugal
Portugal | Aug 8 - Aug 22, 2025

S
Susan L.
Canada | Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025
Joao and team provided an exceptional service for our family trip to Portugal. Having someone with local knowledge helped us find great hotels and tours. We were pampered with airport transfers, private walking tours in Lisbon and Porto, wine tasting in Duoro region, hiking in the mountains with a guide who shared with us pumpkin jam made by his Mom with local bread and cheese. While using drivers for Lisbon, Porto and Duoro we rented a car to travel to the mountains and Algarve and... Read more

Joao and team provided an exceptional service for our family trip to Portugal. Having someone with local knowledge helped us find great hotels and tours. We were pampered with airport transfers, private walking tours in Lisbon and Porto, wine tasting in Duoro region, hiking in the mountains with a guide who shared with us pumpkin jam made by his Mom with local bread and cheese. While using drivers for Lisbon, Porto and Duoro we rented a car to travel to the mountains and Algarve and Portugal roadways are easy to drive. Our time in the Algarve was our highlight, kayaking, hiking and swimming. We finished off with two relaxing days in Cascais where pool time was a perfect end. Joao and team checked in daily to let us know timing for our next day which was lovely as I didn’t need to think about these details. Their support in planning our trip as we tweaked and changed activities, dates etc was fantastic and took away tons of hours of internet research and gave us the confidence in what we were booking. And they did all the booking. Truly exceptional service and local knowledge. I would recommend Across Portugal to anyone planning to visit Portugal.

Hotel Reviews
Pousada da Serra da Estrela - Historic Hotel
Covilha

Cool location up the mountain. Restaurant was ok, but not great. We found a pub 5 mins up the hill further that had more atmosphere and good food for our second night.

Authenticity & Character
Interesting history.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Montebelo Lisbon Downtown Apartments
Lisboa

Great location to central historic district of Lisbon. Nice 2 bedroom unit. Self check in.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Self check in, so only connection with staff was through What’s App.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vila Galé Cascais
Cascais

A little dated. Very family friendly.

Authenticity & Character
While situated adjacent to historic buildings, this is more of a standard hotel and is dated.
Location
Close to the coast, and the Inferno. About 15 mins walk to town.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Condes de Azevedo Palace
Porto

Wow. We walked into our two bedroom suite and we couldn’t believe how nice. Great location for sightseeing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great access to sightseeing historic sights and river front.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Ponta da Piedade Small Group Kayak Adventure
Ponta da Piedade Small Group Kayak Adventure
Portugal

Great trip….small kayak tour…it was just the four of us. Lovely coastline to explore and helpful guides.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service
Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service
Portugal

Driver was knowledgeable. We learned about cork trees!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Indulge in Elegance on a Guided Winery Tour Infused with Tastings and a Delicious Lunch
Indulge in Elegance on a Guided Winery Tour Infused with Tastings and a Delicious Lunch
Portugal
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hike & Bite with Peaks & Paths
Hike & Bite with Peaks & Paths
Serra da Estrela Nature Park

Local guide shared with us locally made products including his Mom’s pumpkin jam. Our hike was adjusted due to wild fire risk that closed the National Park. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and trails we did at the peak.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Douro River Escape: 1-Hour Exclusive Cruise
Private Douro River Escape: 1-Hour Exclusive Cruise
Portugal
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto

Great way to see the highlights of the city and go back to spend more time inside. Incredible knowledge of the city and history. The train station is beautiful and tells such a story.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Historic Odyssey Walking Tour of Lisbon
Private Historic Odyssey Walking Tour of Lisbon
Lisbon

Be ready to walk with Claudia. We did almost 20,000 steps thru short cuts that only a local would know. Lots of historical knowledge and a wonderful private wine tasting and charcuterie at the end.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner
Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner
Portugal

Very neat experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Portugal

Due to wild fire risk Sintra palace was closed and our driver was hesitant due to traffic to travel into the village. We were a bit disappointed in hindsight. Lovely lunch restaurant recomendation.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lots of personal recommendations and history to share.
Transport
Local specialist: João Branco
João
João Branco
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Aug 26, 2025
Dear Susan, Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We are truly delighted to know that you and your family enjoyed your trip and that the balance of guided experiences, self-driving, and time to relax worked so well for you. It was a real pleasure to assist with your journey and to be part of these special memories, from the walks in Lisbon and Porto, to the Douro wines, the mountains, and of course your wonderful time in the Algarve and... Read more

Dear Susan,

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We are truly delighted to know that you and your family enjoyed your trip and that the balance of guided experiences, self-driving, and time to relax worked so well for you.

It was a real pleasure to assist with your journey and to be part of these special memories, from the walks in Lisbon and Porto, to the Douro wines, the mountains, and of course your wonderful time in the Algarve and Cascais. I’m glad our daily check-ins and support helped make the trip smooth and stress-free.

Your recommendation means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you again in Portugal for another adventure whenever the time is right!

Your friend in Portugal - João

Why Great Platforms and Great Guides Like Tiago make a Difference
Portugal | Jul 29 - Aug 5, 2025

N
Neeraj N.
Sterling, VA | Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025
Thanks to Tiago, and the kimkim concept, we had one of the most memorable, and incredibly immersive trip to Portugal. Tiago, with his patience, client centric and client driven approach, planned a superb trip of 15 people with a mixture of foodies, adventure junkies, relaxers, adults and teenagers. No one felt that their desires and needs weren't met by the trip and everyone relaxed, enjoyed, and got to experience a wide spectrum of activities.
The hotels that Tiago recommended were...
Read more

Thanks to Tiago, and the kimkim concept, we had one of the most memorable, and incredibly immersive trip to Portugal. Tiago, with his patience, client centric and client driven approach, planned a superb trip of 15 people with a mixture of foodies, adventure junkies, relaxers, adults and teenagers. No one felt that their desires and needs weren't met by the trip and everyone relaxed, enjoyed, and got to experience a wide spectrum of activities.
The hotels that Tiago recommended were spectacular with tremendous service. It is the service that is unobtrusive, but the staff was ready to service your needs, even before you knew you had a need. The hotel in Douro was particularly impressive. Tiago also organized a private wine tasting in Douro along with a picnic. We thought the picnic would be few snacks - but this was something straight out of a luxury travel magazine. The table was set on a beautiful shaded perch overlooking the Douro valley with mist blowing to cool us down. A selection of wines, juice, water along with a large spread of healthy and fresh food and desserts. Tiago and the winery even had laid out blankets and pillows under a tree for us to relax after lunch. Simply amazing.
Similarly in Porto, Tiago had arranged a food tour that was out of this world with a great guide in Ricardo. The tour was such a hit that everyone in the group has now decided that no matter where they travel, they will always do a local food tour.
Throughout the planning, which took a better part of 6 months, Tiago was patient, accommodating to our wishes and changes, provided us input when felt it was needed, but never rushed us or pushed us any agenda.

This is our third time we have used Kimkim and as an initial skeptic I am now a total convert.

Thank you,

Hotel Reviews
The Albatroz Hotel
Cascais

Fabulous location, great staff, unbelievable breakfast, rooms with character and good local touches.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Infante Sagres
Porto

Hotel was great as a property, but after coming from Albatroz and Torel in Douro, the service was a let down. We could not get our rooms till 630 because someone was using our room and the hotel not once apologized and acted as if this shouldn't be an issue. Breakfast was "meh" and staff was not at all attentive.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Torel Quinta da Vacaria - Douro Valley
Peso da Régua, Vila Real District

Simply Amazing!! No words would fully describe the amazing property, the simply fabulous staff, and the service that is beyond exceptional, but never intrusive. Your needs are answered and met, always positively, even before you know you have a need.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Portuguese Cooking Lesson
Portuguese Cooking Lesson
Portugal
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Picnic and Wine Estate Visit in the Douro Valley
Picnic and Wine Estate Visit in the Douro Valley
Douro Valley

This was an experience so good that I'd rather not tell anyone about it so this doesn't become what everyone wants and the special, unique and luxury nature goes away.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Food Tour
Food Tour
Porto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Enjoy Dinner with Live Fado Music
Enjoy Dinner with Live Fado Music
Lisbon

Good to have the experience but its too long, and can get tiring if you had a long day already. Food was not at all impressive.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunset Cruise of Lisbon
Sunset Cruise of Lisbon
Lisbon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Azulejo Tile Workshop
Azulejo Tile Workshop
Lisbon

Just know that this takes time so plan the day accordingly.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tiago Filipe
Tiago
Tiago Filipe
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Aug 27, 2025

Dear Neeraj,

Thank you so very much for your words. They mean a lot especially because I was with you and could witness the vibe of the group which made all the difference for the overall success of the trip.

Happy that the group had a good time and hope everybody keeps good memories of their time in Portugal!!

Best,

Tiago

Family trip to Portugal - August 2025
Portugal | Aug 7 - Aug 16, 2025

Lee
Lee G.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025
I booked a family vacation to Portugal in August 2025 using KimKim and our excellent specialist Tiago. From start to finish KimKim offered great service. After filling out an initial questionnaire, Tiago sent me a draft itinerary to give me a better idea of how the trip could be structured. We then hopped on a call to go through the itinerary in detail and discuss potential changes. Once all this was done I received a final itinerary with all the details and booked the trip. Honestly this was... Read more

I booked a family vacation to Portugal in August 2025 using KimKim and our excellent specialist Tiago. From start to finish KimKim offered great service. After filling out an initial questionnaire, Tiago sent me a draft itinerary to give me a better idea of how the trip could be structured. We then hopped on a call to go through the itinerary in detail and discuss potential changes. Once all this was done I received a final itinerary with all the details and booked the trip. Honestly this was the HARDEST part, and it was as easy as could be.

Tiago was able to tailor the trip to my specifications and offered great advice in terms of the amount of activities and traveling within the country we were planning to do. The trip was AMAZING and delivered on every aspect. The guide book that Tiago put together was also extremely helpful. It consolidated all of the necessary information, including booking confirmations, into one place and provided lots of helpful tips about each location. Additionally, we did not want to book all our dinners ahead of time and Tiago was awesome to help us secure last minute reservations throughout the trip.

I highly recommend KimKim and especially Tiago!!

Activity Reviews
Surf Lesson
Surf Lesson
Portugal

The surf lesson in Sagre was perfect for the family.Our instructor Joel was great, and made sure everyone understood how to be safe in the water before we started catching waves. All the boys were able to get up (at least for a bit) by the end thanks to Joel’s help.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Joel
Coasteering
Coasteering
Portugal

One of the Highlights of our trip!!!! This is not something you get to do everyday and offers fun and challenge to all ages. Our guide Francisco was AMAZING and really looked after my boys ensuring they were safe and having fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Fransisco was AWESOME!!!
Sunset Cruise of Lisbon
Sunset Cruise of Lisbon
Lisbon

Beautiful way to see Lisbon without the crowds!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Culinary Tour of Porto
Culinary Tour of Porto
Porto

Amazing way to introduce yourself to Portuguese and Porto cuisine. We took our three sons 10, 13, and 15 along and they really enjoyed learning about the food and tasting new things.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Tiago Filipe
Tiago
Tiago Filipe
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Aug 23, 2025

Thank you for your review Lee,

Truly appreciate it!

And very happy that you enjoyed your trip, the places that you visited and the activities that you performed!

I already forwarded your review to Francisco too!!

All the best,

Tiago

LOVE KIM KIM
Portugal | Aug 4 - Aug 14, 2025

L
Lindsay S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Best experience with Marisa and the other Kim Kim colleagues!

Local specialist: Marisa Agulhas
Marisa
Marisa Agulhas
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Aug 27, 2025

Hello Lindsay,

Thank you so much for your kind words!!
It’s always our goal to make sure your vacation is unforgettable 😊

Your Friend in Portugal - Marisa

Rita was amazing, but so were the other team ...
Portugal | Aug 2 - Aug 11, 2025

K
Kelly T.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025
Rita was amazing, but so were the other team members that would assist in after hours or in Rita's absence. I was very impressed and we enjoyed our trip. The two private tours we had while in Lisbon were 10 out 10. Amazing guides and we appreciated and enjoyed them both. I wouldn't recommend the hotel in Lisbon though. Staff wasn't friendly and rooms/hotel were outdated and old. I would recommend finding another hotel near by. Amazing location though. The hotel in Nazare struggled to... Read more

Rita was amazing, but so were the other team members that would assist in after hours or in Rita's absence. I was very impressed and we enjoyed our trip. The two private tours we had while in Lisbon were 10 out 10. Amazing guides and we appreciated and enjoyed them both.

I wouldn't recommend the hotel in Lisbon though. Staff wasn't friendly and rooms/hotel were outdated and old. I would recommend finding another hotel near by. Amazing location though.

The hotel in Nazare struggled to get hot water to its shower. Other than that, it was great. They don't monitor who eats their breakfast though, so random folks can walk in off the streets and eat/dine for free.

Hotel Reviews
MeraPrime Gold Design Hotel
Lisbon

Hotel is old. Rooms are old and carpet was filthy. No creamer or sugar in room. Room was super small.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Praia
Nazaré

Shower wasn't hot. Breakfast wasn't monitored, so people off the street could come in and eat for free.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Mondego
Coimbra

Room had zero amenities. No robes, slippers, lotion, tissue or washcloths. Rooftop bar was closed as staff didn't show up. I wouldn't recommend this hotel in the future. No water was offered in the room and the mini bar was practically empty.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
NH Collection Porto Batalha
Porto
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril
Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril
Portugal
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Get to Know Lisbon with a Local
Get to Know Lisbon with a Local
Lisbon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Rita Pagano
Rita
Rita Pagano
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on Aug 18, 2025

Dear Kelly, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really glad you had a wonderful trip and that both I and the team were able to support you throughout. I appreciate your honest feedback on the hotels as well, it’s will help us for our furture travelers. It was a pleasure assisting you, and I hope we can work together in the future. All my best, Rita🥰

Fantastic trip with Kimkim
Portugal | Jul 28 - Aug 7, 2025

J
Jeff B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

The trip we planned with Kimkim was fantastic. Anita created an amazing experience for us to see both Lisbon and Algarve and also play a little golf. Everything was very well organized. One particular standout was Nuno, our guide on our tour of Sintra and Cascais. He was very knowledgeable and really made our day so enjoyable. I would highly recommend Kimkim.

Local specialist: Anita Matijasevic
Anita
Anita Matijasevic
Local specialist in Madrid & Florence | Replied on Aug 22, 2025

Hi Jeff and Sutapa,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed your time in Lisbon and Algarve. I’m especially glad to hear Nuno made your tour of Sintra and Cascais so memorable—I’ll be sure to pass along your feedback. It was truly a pleasure planning this trip for you, and I look forward to helping you plan many more adventures in the future! Wishing you all the best! Anita

Outstanding!
Portugal | Jul 29 - Aug 5, 2025

Aditya
Aditya N.
Sterling, VA | Reviewed on Aug 08, 2025
Overall, the booking experience was seamless as always. Tiago, our local specialist did an outstanding job organizing all the elements of the trip, which was no small feat considering we were a large group of 17 people across 4 families. During the booking process, Tiago was on top of all the timings, made sure we were aware of those so that we were able to finalize our key hotel locations. He was also flexible in changing our arrangements e.g. our family were supposed to leave a couple of... Read more

Overall, the booking experience was seamless as always. Tiago, our local specialist did an outstanding job organizing all the elements of the trip, which was no small feat considering we were a large group of 17 people across 4 families. During the booking process, Tiago was on top of all the timings, made sure we were aware of those so that we were able to finalize our key hotel locations. He was also flexible in changing our arrangements e.g. our family were supposed to leave a couple of days early, but then decided to stay longer, which he was quickly able to accommodate.

During the trip, Tiago was excellent in coordinating all our visits - across Tile Painting, to connecting us with a Surfing Lessons company, to the Fado music, to cooking classes etc. He was also a wealth of knowledge on Portuguese history, which we found extremely valuable and interesting. It kept the bus ride from Cascais to the Duoro valley, and then from there to Porto a lot of fun.

Out other local guide in Cascais - Gustav - was also great. He was funny, authentic, passionate and made our stay there a lot of fun. The highlight were the visits to Praia das Azenhas do Mar, and then the lunch at a local seafood place which was out of this world!

The hotel locations (The Albatroz in Cascais and Quinta del Vacaria) were outstanding! The Infante Sagres in Porto was also nice, but the hotel rooms had some issues (e.g. there was water leaking from an AC vent over our toliet), but nothing big to spoil the experience. The food tour in Porto was another highlight!

Overall, we had great time and Tiago played a huge role in enabling that for us. We would highly recommend folks to consider Kimkim and Tiago for your next Portugal trup.

Hotel Reviews
Infante Sagres
Porto
Authenticity & Character
Location
Right in the heart of Porto!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
We had an AC vent that was dripping over our toilet seat.
The Albatroz Hotel
Cascais
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Torel Quinta da Vacaria - Douro Valley
Peso da Régua, Vila Real District
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Food Tour
Food Tour
Porto

Absolutely amazing and fun experience. Got to experience food from a true local lens, and were able to visit a couple of spots that we would have never found out about.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Azulejo Tile Workshop
Azulejo Tile Workshop
Lisbon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tourism Tram Ride in Lisbon
Tourism Tram Ride in Lisbon
Lisbon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tiago Filipe
Tiago
Tiago Filipe
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Aug 08, 2025

Dear Adi,

Thank you so much for your words. They mean a lot, especially when taking into account the thorough review that you wrote! Thank you so very much!!

It was a great pleasure having you here and you were a great group - and I mean polite, interested, funny, easy going ! I need to thank you for that because that reflects your personality and made our task much easier.

Best Regards,

Tiago

Impeccable service on our first trip to Portugal
Portugal | Jul 26 - Aug 4, 2025

Joanna
Joanna W.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 06, 2025
I was truly impressed by the level of constant communication and attention to detail that Joao provided to our family for our trip. This was our first trip to Portugal. Beginning with the early planning and itinerary, I could tell this was going to be a professional and customized adventure. The excursions we went on, the wine tastings, the top notch hotels, the restaurant recommendations — all were excellent. We felt our family mattered again from the regular check-ins each day and... Read more

I was truly impressed by the level of constant communication and attention to detail that Joao provided to our family for our trip. This was our first trip to Portugal. Beginning with the early planning and itinerary, I could tell this was going to be a professional and customized adventure. The excursions we went on, the wine tastings, the top notch hotels, the restaurant recommendations — all were excellent. We felt our family mattered again from the regular check-ins each day and availability. I would highly recommend this team. As long as other teams in different parts of the world would be as good as Joao, Diana, drivers Ricardo and Carlos…I would gladly return to Kim Kim and Across Portugal.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Lisboa Plaza
Lisbon

Very nice classic hotel. I wasn’t as impressed as other hotels though and maybe it was because it was an older hotel. Would have preferred a hotel with a pool even if a small one.

Authenticity & Character
Felt like I was in downtown Lisbon, classic
Location
Close walking distance to downtown
Staff
Very accommodating, professional and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very nice although our room had a slight musty smell
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Lagos

Really loved this hotel. Had I known how great it would be I would probably have preferred to stay longer here than in Lisbon.

Authenticity & Character
Loved the resort feel
Location
Great access to beach
Staff
Everyone accommodating and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bed was the only thing that wasn’t that comfortable but loved the apartment
Eurostars Porto Douro
Porto

Nice hotel, great buffet. Staff was friendly although one was a bit serious.

Authenticity & Character
Like more boutique hotels
Location
Close enough to the city center while remaining just far away enough for a nice quiet stay.
Staff
Can’t remember names. Most very nice
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathroom very nice. Views of river pwere great
Activity Reviews
Private Douro River Escape: 1-Hour Exclusive Cruise
Private Douro River Escape: 1-Hour Exclusive Cruise
Portugal

Really fun boat tour with amazing views!

Quality of Experience
Private with wine to sip
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly and knowledgeable
Transport
Ricardo always was great
Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service
Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service
Portugal

We loved this trip - the scenery, river boat trip and visit to Pacheca. Highly recommend.

Quality of Experience
Excellent overall
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver Ricardo was always amazing from the start. He was patient, stopped at places etc. all excursion staff excellent as well.
Transport
Pick up from hotel and dropped us off same place. Always reliable.
The Flavors of Port Wine - Sip & Discover
The Flavors of Port Wine - Sip & Discover
Porto

Learned a lot about the making of port wine. We were with many people though and when checking in they said we would have a cheese and maybe chocolate pairings but since we’re lumped with many others we were waiting for this. I had to ask and they finally brought us some cheeses.

Quality of Experience
Nice tour
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Didn’t seem to know/remember we had tastings.
Transport
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto

Our guide Sara was super knowledgeable and took us to so many great places on the walking tour. Had we not done this, probably would not have ventured to all these parts.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable, nice, punctual
Transport
We just walked.
Local specialist: João Branco
João
João Branco
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Aug 06, 2025

Dear Joanna,

Thank you so much for your kind words. It was truly a pleasure to help plan your family’s first trip to Portugal! I’m thrilled to hear that everything from the itinerary to the daily experiences made the journey so special for you.

I’ll be sure to share your feedback with Diana, Ricardo, and Carlos as they’ll be so happy to hear it. We’d love to welcome you back anytime, and I hope your future travels with KimKim are just as memorable.
Your friend in Portugal - João

Beautifully Planned, Wonderfully Experienced - Sister Trip to Portugal
Portugal | Jul 27 - Aug 2, 2025

Eden
Eden C.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Aug 04, 2025
I wanted to treat my sister to our first European vacation, and I’m so glad I chose KimKim to help make it unforgettable!
We decided on Portugal but weren’t sure where to begin—thankfully, our travel specialist Helena made the process seamless. She listened closely to how we like to travel, accommodated our dietary needs, and crafted an itinerary that perfectly suited us. Every hotel was well-located, and each experience felt personal and thoughtful.
We split our time between Porto and... Read more

I wanted to treat my sister to our first European vacation, and I’m so glad I chose KimKim to help make it unforgettable!
We decided on Portugal but weren’t sure where to begin—thankfully, our travel specialist Helena made the process seamless. She listened closely to how we like to travel, accommodated our dietary needs, and crafted an itinerary that perfectly suited us. Every hotel was well-located, and each experience felt personal and thoughtful.

We split our time between Porto and Lisbon, starting with a walking tour in Porto led by the amazing Elena. She was warm, knowledgeable, and made our first day so memorable—snapping great photos and sharing local insights. Helena also planned a food tour that introduced us to authentic Porto cuisine we’d never have found on our own. Unfortunately, I can't remember our tour guide's name for the food tour, but he also did a great job.

One of the absolute highlights was our trip to the Douro Valley with João, our incredible driver. I think he has to be one of the loveliest people I’ve ever met. I really could go on and on about how wonderful he was, but I’ll just say that our trip with João was a top highlight of the whole vacation. We learned so much about Portugal chatting with him and we were treated with such kindness. We really felt welcome, like we were family. I could not have asked for a better person to help us explore Porto. He also drove us from Porto to Lisbon, making amazing stops in Aveiro and Nazaré—where he got us local pastries, espresso, and secured a table at Pangeia by the Sea, our best meal of the trip.

In Lisbon, we had a fantastic tour with José, who not only showed us hidden photo spots but went the extra mile by walking us to a special lunch spot, recommending a great dish and wine, and ensuring the staff took excellent care of us. So thoughtful and above and beyond!

When nearby fires forced an itinerary change, communication through the travel app was prompt and seamless. Our hiking guide, Sonia, quickly adjusted our last day, turning it into a rich experience. She took us to Sintra, arranged castle tickets, introduced us to local treats, and even made brownies for my sister’s birthday! She ended the day by driving us to the famous Pastéis de Belém so we wouldn’t miss out on the locals’ favorite.

Every moment felt curated with care. My sister absolutely loved her birthday trip, and I’m so grateful to Helena, Elena, João, José, and Sonia for making it so special. We’ll definitely use KimKim again!

Activity Reviews
Sintra Heritage Hike: Hidden Secrets
Sintra Heritage Hike: Hidden Secrets
Portugal

Sonia was a fanstic tour guide! She shaped a comprehensive experience to make up for a minor change in the itinerary. While in Sintra, she bought us tickets to the National Castle there, she took us to get a classic pastry and latte (which is always a plus), and she showed us other beautiful parts of Lisbon. She even made my sister brownies because she knew it was her birthday! So kind! She even heard me talking about where to get the best Pastel de Nata and let me know that the locals prefer the Pastéis de Belém, so she drove us to the location where they are made to make sure we tried it before we left. It turned out to be such a great day, even with the minor hiccup in the schedule.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Get to Know Lisbon with a Local
Get to Know Lisbon with a Local
Lisbon

José was a fantastic tour guide. He found some special and unique spots for us to take pictures while also sharing the rich history of Lisbon. The highlight was a small lunch spot he recommended for the Red Vinho Verde that is a unique experience in Lisbon. José could have just pointed us in the right direction for the restaurant, but no, he took it a step further and walked us over to the restaurant, gave us the best recommendation to order and actually spoke to the staff to make sure they took care of us and we had the best experience. Just above and beyond what we could have expected.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Transfer {{start_location}} to {{end_location}} via Nazaré & Aveiro
Private Transfer {{start_location}} to {{end_location}} via Nazaré & Aveiro
Portugal

This day was the one I was most concerned about (just because it would be a long day on the road) and it turned out to be a highlight of the trip! Nazaré was absolutely beautiful and Aveiro was lovely as well. But mostly it was chatting with João, understanding more about Portugal and seeing how we are all connected no matter where we grew up, that made the day special for my sister and I.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Everything was great! Just hire more people like João, and everyone will be sure to have a great trip :)
Day Excursion to Douro Valley:  Wine Tasting & River Cruise
Day Excursion to Douro Valley: Wine Tasting & River Cruise
Porto

Our driver, João, was incredible! Traveling with him was the highlight of the trip. He even talked about the NBA with my sister, which is one of her favorite things to chat about! Also, we enjoyed meeting Carla who gave us a tour of the Quinta Da Pacheca winery. She was fantastic and also had us laughing the whole time :)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Just having a kind person to chat with on the long drive was a highlight. I like to chat, and I learned so much about Portugal from João.
Explore Porto's Culinary Scene and Bolhao Market
Explore Porto's Culinary Scene and Bolhao Market
Porto

The tour was a fantastic experience, that exposed us to the wonderful world of Porto cuisine. We were shown classic restaurant locations, that we certainly wouldn’t have been about to find on our own. So much fun, and a unique experience. Unfortunately, I can't remember our tour guides name but he was great!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Guided Visit of Porto
Private Guided Visit of Porto
Porto

. Our tour guide, Elena, was wonderful! Not only was she knowledgeable, and we learned a lot but we also had fun and she took so many memorable pics for us. She made our first day in Porto a great one!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
There was no actual transport for this tour, as it was a walking tour.
Local specialist: Helena Fernández
Helena
Helena Fernández
Local specialist in Madrid, Spain | Replied on Aug 06, 2025

Hi Eden,

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback!
I am delighted that your trip with your sister turned into such a special adventure. It is wonderful to hear how Elena, João, José, and Sonia made your experience personal and memorable—I will make sure they hear your kind words.

I am also glad we could keep things smooth when plans had to change, and that your sister’s birthday was celebrated with care.

I would love to help you plan your next trip whenever you are ready. 🤩

Warmest regards,
Helena

15 days tailored family program in Portugal
Portugal | Jul 18 - Jul 31, 2025

H
Hesham S.
Italy | Reviewed on Aug 02, 2025
Our trip was really planned well, Thanks to Anita. She detailed all our needs and tailored specific accommodation, food, transportation and sightseeings.
On the other hand, there were great people on the ground who facilitated our journey with great knowledge and support i.e Rita, Paulo, Emanuel, João, and Carlos. In addition to great support team on the Trip Plan App answering all our inquiries who were accessible at anytime and anywhere.
Read more

Our trip was really planned well, Thanks to Anita. She detailed all our needs and tailored specific accommodation, food, transportation and sightseeings.
On the other hand, there were great people on the ground who facilitated our journey with great knowledge and support i.e Rita, Paulo, Emanuel, João, and Carlos. In addition to great support team on the Trip Plan App answering all our inquiries who were accessible at anytime and anywhere.

Hotel Reviews
PortoBay Marquês
Lisbon
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tivoli Lagos
Lagos
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa
Evora
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PortoBay Teatro
Porto

Modern, clean and location

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tesouro da Baixa by Shiadu

The hotel management needs to pay attention and invest more on the hotel entrance and upgrade all the room and bathroom stuff i.e cabinets, beds, pillows, towels and etc

Authenticity & Character
Immediately upgrade all the rooms
Location
In the downtown
Staff
Friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Old materials
Local specialist: Anita Matijasevic
Anita
Anita Matijasevic
Local specialist in Madrid & Florence | Replied on Aug 03, 2025

Dear Hesham, thank you so much for your review! It was truly a pleasure designing your family’s journey through Portugal. I'm especially glad you felt well taken care of by our amazing team of guides, and I’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to them.
Thank you again for trusting me with your family’s travel experience. I hope to help you explore more beautiful destinations in the future! Wishing you all the best! Anita

Portugal Adventure
Portugal | Jul 13 - Jul 26, 2025

Carin
Carin B.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Aug 02, 2025
Joao did an amazing job planning our two week adventure and was very patient and accommodating of all our requests and revisions. While we were sad not to meet him in person, he was great about checking in with us throughout our trip.
Highlights in Lisbon were Casa Balthazar, dinner with locals, cooking class and shopping the open air market on Avenida da Liberdade.
Highlights in Porto were dinner at Cantinha de Avillez, the food tour and gelato! Unfortunately we didn't have the intel that...
Read more

Joao did an amazing job planning our two week adventure and was very patient and accommodating of all our requests and revisions. While we were sad not to meet him in person, he was great about checking in with us throughout our trip.
Highlights in Lisbon were Casa Balthazar, dinner with locals, cooking class and shopping the open air market on Avenida da Liberdade.
Highlights in Porto were dinner at Cantinha de Avillez, the food tour and gelato! Unfortunately we didn't have the intel that we needed to purchase tickets to the Lello bookstore way in advance, and Cafe Magnifico had too long a line to wait.
We had high expectations for Nazare and Obidos, and sadly, because of the number of tourists and a Renaissance Fair, respectively, these two stops were the most disappointing of the trip.
Highlights in Monsaraz were the beautiful Montimerso Skyscape (though we were there when the famed restaurant was closed) and the cork tour. The olive oil tour was good, but not exceptional because the oil wasn't being produced at that time, and the ceramics class was good but frustrating, for we couldn't take home our creations.
The Algarve highlight was by far the sailing excursion with Skipper Rob and spending time in Lagos. The Aldeia de Pedralva is great for a family with children, but not super conducive for a couple looking for privacy and quiet.
We visited a friend in Setubal and getting there by ferry was an awesome suggestion. The 34 Guest House was lovely.

We learned some important things to consider when planning our next trip:
1. We were interested in learning about the Portuguese culture overall, but many of the recommended stops and sights centered on visiting castles, palaces, monasteries, convents and fortresses. While we understand that they are deeply rooted in the history of the country, we completely tired of them mid-trip. We found out during our ceramics class, for example, that that part of the country is famous for making pottery, with many, many pottery shops. We would have loved to explore those, but found out about them too late.
2. When renting a car, we need to request a mid-size vehicle since my husband is very tall and could barely fold himself in and out of the Kia Stonic.
Overall, we had an amazing adventure and certainly plan to use Kim Kim again in the future.

Hotel Reviews
34 Guesthouse Setúbal
Setúbal

Great hotel with very accommodating staff. Parking was difficult.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Aldeia da Pedralva - Slow Village
Vila do Bispo

This was an interesting choice for a couple, as this village is more geared to families with children that stay up late and are very loud. There is no privacy - the windows need to stay open for air circulation (no AC) but the windows, including in the bedroom, are at eye level, so passers by can look straight into the bedroom and living area! The restaurants in the village are good, but breakfast was not - it was cold and they did not replenish the food during serving hours, so we were frequently left with very few choices.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was never cleaned during our stay and there is a severe lack of lighting.
Montimerso SkyScape
Monsaraz​

Beautiful location and accommodations. We would have loved to try their famed restaurant, but sadly it was closed during our stay. Good breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pousada Castelo de Óbidos
Óbidos

Dark, dingy room with musty, mildew smell and a terrible, cold breakfast. Accessibility and parking were very difficult, especially in the middle of a Renaissance Fair.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Tomas and Pedro went above and beyond. If it weren't for them, we wouldn't have ended up staying there.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maintenance, updating and a more comfortable bed. Serve pancakes and waffles hot, rather than ice cold.
Torel Palace Porto
Porto

Over the top hotel in a great location with a good breakfast. Our room had some maintenance issues: broken lamp and towel bar and electrical sockets falling off the wall in the bathroom. Surprisingly they updated us to a room with jacuzzi on the balcony, which we definitely took advantage of, but could not figure out how to drain

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Thomar Boutique Hotel
Tomar

Great hotel and location. Loved the free parking and the roof deck.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Balthazar
Lisbon

Fantastic hotel and the most delicious breakfast of the trip. Concierge Ruth went above and beyond and was amazing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Half Day Sailing Tour
Half Day Sailing Tour
Portugal

Skipper Rob and first mate Anatoli were incredible! They made this trip an absolute pleasure, and even served us tapas! A true highlight of our two week vacation.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Gorgeous, beautifully maintained boat!
Pottery Workshop
Pottery Workshop
Portugal

This was a fun activity with an awesome instructor, but we couldn't take home our creations.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Olive Oil Tasting
Olive Oil Tasting
Monsaraz

We learned a lot about olive oil and had even more fun tasting it! Unfortunately they weren't producing the oil when we visited.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cork Farm Visit
Cork Farm Visit
Portugal

We learned so much about this local resource and it was super interesting to visit and learn about the forest and estate.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
He was very knowledgeable but a bit pompous.
Transport
Food Tour
Food Tour
Porto

Loved beginning at the market and having the opportunity to walk the city and sample such a great variety of food typical to the region. Ricardo was exceptional about his knowledge of the region and the food/wine. Very highly recommend!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Dinner With Locals
Dinner With Locals
Portugal

Sofia and her husband Carlos welcomed us into their home with warmth and grace and served us a deliciously authentic meal, from appetizers to dessert with wine pairings throughout. We had a wonderful meal with awesome people who we can now call friends!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Market Visit & Cooking Class
Market Visit & Cooking Class
Lisbon

A great way to learn about the local cuisine and meet others!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The chef ended up being great, but he started off surly and nasty
Local specialist: João Daniel
João
João Daniel
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Aug 02, 2025

Hi Carin, thanks so much for your review! I'm happy you had a memorable adventure. It was a pleasure helping you plan the trip. I truly appreciate your honest feedback about the parts that could be improved—those insights are super helpful, and I’ll definitely keep them in mind for future planning to make each journey even better.
All the best.

Portugal family trip
Portugal | Jul 19 - Jul 29, 2025

Alicia
Alicia G.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025
In an era of self booking trips,if you have the time and bandwidth to research where to go, travel agencies are not extinct and provide a custom experience to those who seek it. My family and I absolutely loved our trip and accomodations. We love to road trip and chose to drive to various places. Our booked tours were exactly what we wanted and still had ample time to explore on our own. Highly recommend booking through kimkim, my agent was attentive and available to answer questions or... Read more

In an era of self booking trips,if you have the time and bandwidth to research where to go, travel agencies are not extinct and provide a custom experience to those who seek it. My family and I absolutely loved our trip and accomodations. We love to road trip and chose to drive to various places. Our booked tours were exactly what we wanted and still had ample time to explore on our own. Highly recommend booking through kimkim, my agent was attentive and available to answer questions or concerns. Will look into more vacation options with this company.

Hotel Reviews
Martinhal Lisbon Oriente
Lisbon

Wonderful hotel and chain. Highly recommend if you have a family.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vila Galé Lagos
Lagos

Great hotel for families with a few exceptions. This is catered to a more resort feel, with that in mind, hotels need to deter guests from staking claim to lounge chairs by the pool all day. The fact is people just leave there towels and disappear for hours or most of the day but block others from using them. Huge turn off if you want to actually use a chair for an hour or two.

Authenticity & Character
Not my kind of style as it feels commercial and lacks some charm.
Location
Away from the touristy side of town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vila Gale Evora
Evora

The hotel is nice and near old town. The two comments: We had 2 kids ( one considered an adult) on a pull out couch that was very hard and uncomfortable to sleep. The other was the air conditioner that smelled horrible when turned on.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Air conditioner smelled when turned on and the pull out couch was uncomfortable to sleep on
Martinhal Lisbon Chiado
Lisbon

Wonderful hotel for families to stay in the old part of Lisbon. Everything is within walking distance if you like to walk.

Authenticity & Character
Comfortable and stylish
Location
Location was great to see the old town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cave Boat Tour
Cave Boat Tour
Portugal

Was a bit hesitant to do this because of preventing experiences. This was a small group and our guides where personable and with great sense of humor. Well worth seeing the coast feom this vantage point.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Winery Visit with Wine Tasting
Winery Visit with Wine Tasting
Portugal

Tour guide was knowledgeable and personable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Street Art Tour in Lisbon
Street Art Tour in Lisbon
Lisbon

Had the most wonderful tour guide ans experience. Great way to learn about the city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: João Daniel
João
João Daniel
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Aug 25, 2025

Thank you so much for the kind words! We're thrilled to hear you and your family had such a great trip and that everything went smoothly. It's great to know the balance of planned activities and free time worked out perfectly.

Magical first trip to Portugal!
Portugal | Jul 8 - Jul 20, 2025

Court
Court D.
San Carlos, CA | Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025
We had such a wonderful trip to Portugal! Exploring and eating our way from Lisbon to Porto to the Algarve, and finishing in Cascais! All in all it was the perfect break from work & school. Diana was a joy to work with from the start; she took the effort to understand what we were looking for, the types of experiences we enjoy, and made many spot-on recommendations for things for us to check-out during our days without any activities scheduled. She booked us unique, lovely places to... Read more

We had such a wonderful trip to Portugal! Exploring and eating our way from Lisbon to Porto to the Algarve, and finishing in Cascais! All in all it was the perfect break from work & school.

Diana was a joy to work with from the start; she took the effort to understand what we were looking for, the types of experiences we enjoy, and made many spot-on recommendations for things for us to check-out during our days without any activities scheduled. She booked us unique, lovely places to stay that were in the heart of the experiences we were after which made getting out super convenient. And she and the team checked-in every day to make sure the trip was proceeding well, and that we had whatever we needed when it came to transfers, activities, etc.

Throughout, our guides and drivers were knowledgeable, friendly, and very steeped in the local culture & scene, resulting in a trip that was very unique and full of color. We felt safe and welcome everywhere we went, and I really appreciated the efforts they each took to provide us options and tailor the experience to something that worked for me and my kids (17 & 14). Specifically there were two drivers who really stood out for myself and my kids; Ricardo (who drove us to/about Douro Valley, as well as our transfer down to Lagos), and Duarte (who brought us from the Algarve to Cascais, as well as our day touring Sintra, and to our very special dinner) — they were exceptional. Both went out of their way to ensure our respective trips and tours really accommodated us, and they created a fun atmosphere, and provided a lot of fantastic recommendations and tips for our trip.

The KimKim team & all of their contacts really contributed to making this a magical & unforgettable first visit to Portugal!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Cascais Miragem
Cascais

Excellent hotel with top-notch service. Beautiful vistas, with very clean rooms, excellent beds, and a delicious breakfast service. Hotel staff were very welcoming, and table staff for dinner, breakfasts, and poolside were always gracious, warm, and very attentive. It’s a lovely sea-side walk from the hotel to downtown Cascais for shopping, dining, etc. The gym (managed by Holmes Place) is a top notch gym with tons of equipment (many multiples of treadmills, stepping machines, bikes, etc.), plenty of free weight, dumbbells, kettlebells, etc. We really enjoyed the splurge of having a private seaside balcony where we could relax and watch the ships go by in the afternoon before dinner.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cascade Wellness Resort
Lagos

Excellent if remote resort, with stunning cliffside views, wonderful swimming pool, and welcoming staff. The rooms were comfortable, with firm bedding, and spacious seating. The ability to walk out cliffside in the morning or evening was a big plus. The resort is located an easy 10 minute ride to the quaint shopping / restaurants of old town Lagos. The gym was very serviceable, with plenty of equipment for a handful of users at a given time.

Location
Really loved being able to walk along the cliffs early in the morning.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Infante Sagres
Porto

Gorgeous hotel in a great urban environment; steps from fantastic restaurants, and a short jaunt to shopping. The interior of the hotel offered a lot of grand character, from the sweeping staircase to the decorated, comfortable rooms. The staff were welcoming and provided great service throughout our stay. The breakfast palette was solid, but the staff was especially attentive and gracious.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PortoBay Liberdade
Lisbon

Fabulous hotel! Great service staff from the front desk, to the bar(s), to the restaurant. We thought the hotel was in a good location, a quieter neighborhood but easy to walk to downtown or the highlight spots. Breakfasts were some of the best of the trip, and we enjoyed hanging out on the rooftop bar for a late day snack & a refreshing drink. We didn’t get a chance to use the spa, but it looked quite well done and appropriate to the setting. Rooms were clean, moderately elegant, but the beds were fantastic!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Exploring Porto's Rich History on an Exclusive Gastronomic Tour Through Time
Exploring Porto's Rich History on an Exclusive Gastronomic Tour Through Time
Porto

What a wonderful exploration this was! Our guide was fantastic, offering plenty of historical and contemporary pieces of color that informed our view of the city, while also offering plenty of tips and suggestions for things for us to check out during our down time in Porto. Each place we visited along the tour was wonderful; the hosts were always warm and gracious, and the food was a unique and fun (and filling!) peak into Porto culture. Meia.Duzia was a very unique stop we enjoyed. We were truly stuffed with delicious foods and wine by the time we made it to the final destination for ice cream (Chocolataria Equador), but that’s probably for the best since if I’d had any more room, I would have gotten another round of ice cream — I had the basil & lemon with sea salt and olive oil which was phenomenal!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Diana Mota
Diana
Diana Mota
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jul 29, 2025

Hey Court,
I’m sooo happy to hear you had an amazing time - especially with the boys! We always try to make sure everything’s spot on, so I’m really glad it all came together. Also, the hotels make such a difference on the trip, so I’m thrilled you liked the ones we picked for your family!

Finally, yep, the drivers are total stars - I’ll definitely share your kind words with them. The same for our guide in Porto 😊
Can’t wait to plan the next trip with you!
Your friend in Portugal - Diana

Amazing Trip to Portugal
Portugal | Jul 20 - Jul 26, 2025

M
Manoj I.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025
Our trip was super well planned and organized. We packed a ton in just 6 days and got to see so many of Portugal’s best spots. The planning was spot on and the timing was perfect so we could do everything we wanted to. We had amazing guides, including our drivers Henrique and Ricardo, who took us on a safe and efficient journey through Portugal. They also gave us great tips, knowledge of the region, and history. We had great city tours with Margarita and Sara who really took us deep into the... Read more

Our trip was super well planned and organized. We packed a ton in just 6 days and got to see so many of Portugal’s best spots. The planning was spot on and the timing was perfect so we could do everything we wanted to. We had amazing guides, including our drivers Henrique and Ricardo, who took us on a safe and efficient journey through Portugal. They also gave us great tips, knowledge of the region, and history. We had great city tours with Margarita and Sara who really took us deep into the history, sites, and culture of Lisbon and Porto. It was an incredible trip. We wish we had more time to spend and explore even more of this amazing country!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Cascais Miragem
Cascais

Amazing resort with fantastic views. Great pool, both indoor and outdoor. Easy to access the promenade to walk to downtown Cascais. Great service. Very luxurious.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cénica Porto Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Porto

received a suite for our family. Amazing size! A little bit on the outskirts of the main city area, but certainly walkable to downtown Porto.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PortoBay Liberdade
Lisbon

Amazing hotel. Super posh and great location. Does require a short Uber ride to get to the cultural areas, but otherwise, great location for shopping and simply walking around. Would stay here again

Authenticity & Character
Location
Near the Avenue de Liberadade
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Scenic Voyage along the Douro River aboard an Exclusive Boat
Scenic Voyage along the Douro River aboard an Exclusive Boat
Portugal

Very scenic and relaxing. The cool breezes with beautiful landscapes made it magical!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Douro Valley Vineyard Delightful Lunch Experience
Douro Valley Vineyard Delightful Lunch Experience
Portugal

Amazing gourmet lunch. Delicious food. Excellent vegetarian options. Huge portion sizes. Left super full!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service
Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service
Portugal

The landscapes here are absolutely breathtaking! The drive into the Duoro valley was excellent. Our driver, Ricardo, was an absolute gem and navigated the difficult roads beautifully. Not only did we learn a ton about the area’s history and culture, but the drive was also super entertaining and insightful. The boat tour was incredible! It was so calm and peaceful, and we got to see the wineries from a whole new perspective. The lunch at the winery was also amazing - it was an experience like no other. We left super full and satisfied, and I can’t wait to come back!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto

Great tour with Sara. Really learned about the history of Porto and saw the city. Was a great experience!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon

Our tour guide, Margarita, was incredible! She totally customized the tour for our 6 and 10-year-olds, keeping them super engaged. The adults had a blast too, learning all about the sights, culture, and history of Lisbon. We even tried Ginjinha and Santini’s ice cream - it was delicious! This tour truly gave us an in-depth look into Lisbon’s rich history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Portugal

Our driver Henrique was an absolute gem! We had an incredible tour of the area, and Henrique took us on a stroll through the charming downtown Sintra. He shared his insider knowledge, telling us what was worth seeing and doing, and what wasn’t. We truly immersed ourselves in Sintra’s rich history and stunning sites, and Henrique made it an unforgettable experience. Thanks a bunch for making our trip so amazing!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jul 28, 2025
Hey Manoj,
Thank you so much for your kind words! :)
I am super happy to hear your trip went so smoothly and that you were able to experience so much of what Portugal has to offer in just six days. It is wonderful to know that Henrique, Ricardo, Margarita, and Sara made such a positive impact on your journey - I will be sure to pass along your appreciation to them. It means a lot to us that the itinerary and timing worked well for you, and that you felt both the planning and the experience... Read more

Hey Manoj,
Thank you so much for your kind words! :)

I am super happy to hear your trip went so smoothly and that you were able to experience so much of what Portugal has to offer in just six days. It is wonderful to know that Henrique, Ricardo, Margarita, and Sara made such a positive impact on your journey - I will be sure to pass along your appreciation to them.

It means a lot to us that the itinerary and timing worked well for you, and that you felt both the planning and the experience were on point. Portugal has so many incredible layers to explore, and I would love to help you dive even deeper the next time you visit.

Looking forward to welcoming you back someday soon.
Your Friend in Portugal - Pedro

Tiago was wonderful. Thorough, patient, and ...
Portugal | Apr 17 - Apr 30, 2025

mark
mark k.
Durham, NC | Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025
Tiago was wonderful. Thorough, patient, and hooked us up with guides through Lisbon and Cascai. Arranged the whole thing. Steered us to the Azores instead of the Canaries. Nice hotels. Evora was terrific and interesting. The Duaro Valley was very beautiful. Cost-effective. Stuff we couldn't have seen without Tiago's guidance. Really, the only way to take a self-driving tour. Highly recommended. Read more

Tiago was wonderful. Thorough, patient, and hooked us up with guides through Lisbon and Cascai. Arranged the whole thing. Steered us to the Azores instead of the Canaries. Nice hotels. Evora was terrific and interesting. The Duaro Valley was very beautiful. Cost-effective. Stuff we couldn't have seen without Tiago's guidance. Really, the only way to take a self-driving tour. Highly recommended.

Hotel Reviews
Sao Miguel Park Hotel
Ponta Delgada

Good value for money. Nice, American-style hotel. Good location.

Location
Walking distance to the ocean and to the mall. The mall, although at first glance a tacky American mall,Turned out to be very convenient with good shops, a food court, and a cinema (!!) We saw a movie!
NH Collection Porto Batalha
Porto

Decent hotel in the middle of the city. But incredibly inconvenient. Hard to find. Parking is inconvenient and makes check-in a horror show. Hotel is nice once you get parked.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Good - being in the middle of Porto. Bad - NOT MADE FOR CARS. Much better if brought there by Uber or taxi.
Staff
They helped us Park! Which was not easy. Desk staff also friendly and helpful.
Quinta do Tedo
Douro Valley

The Duaro valley is spectacular. Beautiful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The views! Memorable and wonderful.
Casa dos Ofícios Hotel
Tomar

Nice boutique hotel. Parking was inconvenient and difficult. Other than that, the hotel was nice.

Location
Right in the city. Parking was inconvenient and difficult.
Hotel Albergaria do Calvário
Évora

Nice, small hotel. Parking was difficult.

Hotel Lisboa Plaza
Lisbon

Very good. Good value for the money

Activity Review
Rabelo Boat Tour
Rabelo Boat Tour
Portugal

A boat tour was a nice change. Pretty river, nice people on the boat. Overall though, a little boring.

Local specialist: Tiago Filipe
Tiago
Tiago Filipe
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jul 26, 2025

Dear Mark,

Thank you so much for your review and for taking the time to still do it after having completed the trip quite a few months after the trip! Truly appreciate it!

And happy that you enjoyed your time and the country!!

All the best and please send Peggy my regards!! Hope you're both doing well!!!

Tiago

Having a local travel agent is the best!
Portugal | Jul 16 - Jul 23, 2025

Paula
Paula K.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025
Tiago set up a great trip that catered to exactly what my family was looking for. The best part was having a local agent while we were on the trip. He checked on us regularly and provided invaluable local beach expertise and and last minute dinner reservations. We were so thrilled to avoid the crazy crowded beaches and head to what felt like locals only spots. His support definitely enhanced our trip. We had a wonderful time! Read more

Tiago set up a great trip that catered to exactly what my family was looking for. The best part was having a local agent while we were on the trip. He checked on us regularly and provided invaluable local beach expertise and and last minute dinner reservations. We were so thrilled to avoid the crazy crowded beaches and head to what felt like locals only spots. His support definitely enhanced our trip. We had a wonderful time!

Hotel Reviews
The Lumiares
Lisboa

Great location in old town

Authenticity & Character
Modern decor with Portuguese influence in pillows and wall decor. Set in an charming old palace but restored to feel modern. Rooftop dining has excellent views.
Location
Central location in old town - driving to the property can be a challenge but reasonably priced parking available.
Staff
Helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
São Lourenço do Barrocal
Reguengos de Monsaraz

Gorgeous property lovingly and stylishly restored. It's been in the same family for over 200 years and pride of ownership shows. Understatedly elegant, farm-to-table meals, top notch service.

Authenticity & Character
So much character and patina everywhere and the food is outstanding and fresh. If it's not grown on site, it is all local.
Location
Magical countryside location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
No detail was left unattended, meticulously restored property that caters to choosiest travelers
Ancora Park
Lagos

Clean and generic. Caters to big tour groups so the breakfast in the dining room is loud and a bit of a zoo. Breakfast buffet is varied, but drinks all come out of automatic dispenser, including coffee. Only place we visited in Portugal that didn't serve fresh orange juice .

Authenticity & Character
No character whatsoever, you can place this hotel anywhere it's just white with a few blue pillows.
Location
Not really walking distance to the beach. Closest beach is a long uphill walk back and it's a small and crowded beach. 20+ mins walk to Lagos town.
Staff
Nice staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, spacious rooms
Surfers Lodge Peniche
Peniche

Charming local hotel, great amenities for the size, good food, nice staff. Would recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Small, every room had a nice unique feel
Location
Easy access to beaches in Peniche via car, bike, or walking
Staff
Staff was super attentive during all of our meals and made great recommendations
Cleanliness & Comfort
Only downside was having to walk through dining room anytime we walked in the hotel. Would have been nice to have a side door to the stairs or elevator. The bathroom in the suite was very small, it felt like the bathroom on a cruise cabin.
Local specialist: Tiago Filipe
Tiago
Tiago Filipe
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jul 26, 2025

Hi Paula,

Thank you for your words!

I'm really happy that you enjoyed your trip! I'm only sorry that we didn't get to meet in person as you seem to be a very happy and active family and I could see that we share many common interests. When we started organizing your trip I had planned for us to meet in Ericeira or Peniche to catch some waves, but it was just impossible for personal and professional reasons...

Anyway, happy that you enjoyed my country!

Muchas gracias!!! ;)

Tiago

We had an amazing trip to Portugal planned by Kim Kim
Portugal | Jul 9 - Jul 21, 2025

R
Robin L.
La Vista, NE | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025
We had an amazing trip to Portugal planned by Kim Kim. The hotels in every city we visited were in the best areas of each city. We had an awesome food tour in Porto, and a great guide for our time in Lisbon. I would highly recommend Kim Kim to anyone who is looking for a stress free vacation. Read more

We had an amazing trip to Portugal planned by Kim Kim. The hotels in every city we visited were in the best areas of each city. We had an awesome food tour in Porto, and a great guide for our time in Lisbon. I would highly recommend Kim Kim to anyone who is looking for a stress free vacation.

Hotel Review
The Vintage House Hotel Douro
Pinhão

The Vintage House Hotel Douro was definitely a highlight of my trip. It's a beautiful hotel in an amazing location, even though it's a bit secluded in the area, but it stands out as quite the fabulous place to stay. I really appreciated the charm and tranquility of the place.

Activity Review
Dinner with Live Fado Music
Dinner with Live Fado Music
Lisbon

The Dinner with Live Fado Music was an interesting experience. The place and the music were great, capturing the essence of Fado well, but the food didn't really meet expectations. However, we weren't expecting gourmet cuisine, so it was more about the experience overall, which was enjoyable.

Local specialist: João Daniel
João
João Daniel
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jul 22, 2025

Hi Robin. Thank you so much for your feedback! We’re so happy to hear that your trip to Portugal went well :) It’s great to know we could help make your vacation stress-free and memorable.
I'll share your kind words with everyone involved.

Our guide Joel in Lisbon was amazing . Profes...
Portugal | Jul 9 - Jul 21, 2025

P
patrice m.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Our guide Joel in Lisbon was amazing . Professional and very knowledgeable . Hotels were great and everyone was friendly.

Local specialist: João Daniel
João
João Daniel
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jul 22, 2025

Thank you, Patrice! I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed your time in Lisbon and that Joel made such a wonderful impression. I'm also glad that you were pleased with the hotels and found everyone friendly.
Hope to welcome you on another journey soon ;)

Awesome first trip to Portugal
Portugal | Jul 6 - Jul 12, 2025

T
Tahira C.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025
Our Portugal trip was better than expected and we are looking forward to another visit to explore more. Margarida (spelling ?) was our walking tour guide in Lisbon and she was knowledgeable, friendly, and fun. She helped provide a balanced welcome into Portugal's history, culture, and food that made us appreciate our surroundings and the country. Duarte was a friendly and knowledgeable driver/guide for Sintra and to/from Lagos. His unique background being a race car driver living in the... Read more

Our Portugal trip was better than expected and we are looking forward to another visit to explore more. Margarida (spelling ?) was our walking tour guide in Lisbon and she was knowledgeable, friendly, and fun. She helped provide a balanced welcome into Portugal's history, culture, and food that made us appreciate our surroundings and the country.

Duarte was a friendly and knowledgeable driver/guide for Sintra and to/from Lagos. His unique background being a race car driver living in the Unite States and personal history and experiences made our time in the car feel special. He was safe, friendly and went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and a positive experience.

Rodrigo drove us for a day in Lagos and Algarve and introduced us to some of the most beautiful beaches we've been to! He was friendly and easy to communicate with.

Marcos was our friendly driver to and from the Afronation concert and he made sure we got to and from safely.

Hotel Reviews
Vila Galé Cascais
Cascais

The hotel was clean, large, and had a beautiful outdoor and pool area. It was located across from the water with easy walking access to the town for restaurants and shopping which was great. It was a bit dark in the hallways of the hotel leading to our room and the hotel is due for some updates overall, particularly in the rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was clean and comfortable with ample space in the room to spread out. I liked the balcony/terrace; it was very relaxing and quiet.
Lagos Avenida Hotel
Lagos

I loved the decor and views at this hotel. It was very easy to walk to the shops, marina, and restaurants nearby.

Authenticity & Character
The modern beachy but laid back vibes. The style was great at the hotel overall although the bathroom/room combo with the curtain for privacy was a tad tricky and less practical at times.
Location
Staff
Breakfast staff was very friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was clean and breakfast was superb.
Hotel Britania Art Deco
Lisbon

I really liked the Art Deco decor and history of the hotel. The staff was very friendly and breakfast was delicious. The hotel was clean, quiet, easily walkable to local restaurants and shopping. I enjoyed the bath/body products in the hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Staff was kind and personable with good recommendations for food nearby.
Cleanliness & Comfort
I liked the robe and slippers.
Activity Reviews
 Exclusive Panoramic Boat Tour to the Ponta da Piedade Caves
Exclusive Panoramic Boat Tour to the Ponta da Piedade Caves
Portugal

I liked how it was personal. Jorge was knowledgeable with a good sense of humor. He made the ride feel more safe and calm even with the waters being rough that day. Loved the fresh fruit; it was sweet and refreshing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
To Eat Suggestion: Honest Greens (Avenida)
To Eat Suggestion: Honest Greens (Avenida)
Lisbon

Delicious healthy food that was less than 2 blocks from our hotel. the staff was friendly and the atmosphere was fresh, spacious, and comfortable.

Quality of Experience
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Portugal

Sintra and the Villa/castle was beautful to see although it was very slow due to crowds. We stood a lot moving slowly through the property. A heads up on the microclimate could have been helpful as it was chilly at times.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver Duarte was friendly and knowledgeable throughout the tour. He also recommended a great seafood restaurant and pastries which we enjoyed. Glad we passed through Cascais on the way back to Lisbon as it was beautiful and sunny.
Transport
the care was clean, modern, comfortable and we felt safe. Thankful for the bottled water.
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon

I liked the food tastings. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly (Margarida). We handled the walking okay but the hills would have been very challenging if I came with my parents or other family members.

Quality of Experience
a nice mix of food, culture, history and lifestyle.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
a good walk but not easy in the heat or if hills or stairs are challenging.
Local specialist: Diana Mota
Diana
Diana Mota
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jul 22, 2025

Hi Tahira,
We’re so glad to hear that everyone played a part in making your trip amazing - especially the drivers and guides. They really are 5-stars and feel more like local friends than anything else. It’s that personal vibe we love to bring to every trip, and what we think makes it truly special. Can’t wait to have you back for another adventure in Portugal!
See you soon!😊
Your friend in Portugal - Diana

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