Kimkim Trip Reviews for Portugal

4.9
Based on 635 ratings
Read 635 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.

Portugal: History, Wine, and Sun-Soaked Coasts, but be ready for the hills!
Portugal | Apr 24 - May 5, 2024

A
Andy P.
Milton, GA | Reviewed on May 14, 2024
Portugal: History, Wine, and Sun-Soaked Coasts
Portugal offered a fantastic mix of historical exploration, delicious food, and stunning scenery. Here's a breakdown of my trip:
Porto: A guided tour with Tania provided a solid introduction to Porto's rich history and architectural beauty. We explored the Ribeira district and learned about the city's connection to Port wine. Douro Valley: Nelson, our knowledgeable guide, led us through the stunning Douro Valley. We visited a... Read more

Portugal: History, Wine, and Sun-Soaked Coasts
Portugal offered a fantastic mix of historical exploration, delicious food, and stunning scenery. Here's a breakdown of my trip:

Porto: A guided tour with Tania provided a solid introduction to Porto's rich history and architectural beauty. We explored the Ribeira district and learned about the city's connection to Port wine.

Douro Valley: Nelson, our knowledgeable guide, led us through the stunning Douro Valley. We visited a family-owned winery for a personalized experience, learning about traditional Port production and enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal paired with their wines.

Matosinhos: This coastal town lived up to the hype. We indulged in some of the freshest seafood I've ever had – a must for any seafood lover.

Via Comburia & Évora: A day trip took us to these contrasting destinations. Via Comburia offered a glimpse into cork production, a significant aspect of Portugal's economy. Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impressed with its Roman Temple and the haunting Capela dos Ossos.

Algarve & Benagil Caves: A trip to the southern Algarve region wasn't complete without a visit to the incredible Benagil Caves. The boat tour provided stunning views of these natural wonders. The region's abundance of fresh fruit, especially oranges, was a delightful treat.

Évora & Paulo's Pastéis: A day trip with Paulo included exploring Évora's castles and learning about their historical significance. The highlight was visiting his family's bakery in the old town for some truly phenomenal pastries – a perfect way to end the day.

Lisbon: We finished the trip in Lisbon, allowing time to explore the city at our own pace.

Overall: Portugal exceeded expectations. The combination of informative tours, delicious food and wine experiences, and breathtaking scenery made it a memorable trip. The hospitality of the locals, especially Tania, Nelson, and Paulo, added a personal touch that truly enhanced the experience.

Hotel Reviews
Cascade Wellness Resort
Lagos

Top-notch breakfast buffet

Authenticity & Character
Location
Need to have a car, which we did
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lovely view and very spacious
Portugal Boutique City Hotel
Lisbon

Not easy to get to by car but a lovely hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was the largest hotel room that I have ever had in Europe, very nice and comfortable
Évora Olive Hotel
Évora
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bed was very hard
Flores Boutique Hotel
Porto
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril
Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril
Portugal

Pauolo was great, very informative and friendly. We enjoyed spending time with him and meeting his wife at their shop in town. Castles we great as well as the Well of Initiation which I had always wanted to see. Unfortunately the weather was not very cooperative and it rained a fair bit of the time

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very friendly and fun to talk to
Transport
Loved the Tesla, roomy and comfortable
4X4 Algarve Sunset Experience
4X4 Algarve Sunset Experience
Portugal

We weren't quite sure what to expect with this tour. It had been cloudy all day so we were afraid that we would not see the sunset, but in the end it cleared up and we were able to see it. Our guide was fun and showed us some out-of-the-way places you would never know to see. Our dinner was very good, some of the best chicken we had the entire trip

Quality of Experience
Sipping sparkling wine and watching the sunset was lovely
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Funny and gregarious
Transport
Old truck, a bit uncomfortable and difficult to see out of if you are in the back
Guided Visit of Historic Coimbra
Guided Visit of Historic Coimbra
Portugal

We were slightly late due to our navigation system messing up. Nuno was very patient with us. He was extremely knowledgeable about the university and surrounding area. Interesting tour

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Boat Excursion Inside Benagil Caves
Boat Excursion Inside Benagil Caves
Portugal

Amazing view of the coastline and caves. Cool to go inside and see first hand. Well worth it

Quality of Experience
Very cool
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Fun staff & captain
Transport
Boat is a little uncomfortable after a while
Hiking & Cultural Excursion in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Hiking & Cultural Excursion in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Porto

There were some interesting aspects to this trip, it was a bit more strenuous than we expected. I honestly enjoyed walking around in the Palacio Nacional da Pena (Pena Palace) in Evora far more. Rafael was a lovely guide and a very nice person. He showed us around the villages that still exist within the park which was interesting

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Very rough ride along the fire roads inside the park
Évora Cork and Castle Tour
Évora Cork and Castle Tour
Évora

Interesting. I did not know that there is so much to know about cork or how many places it is used

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bohemian Lisbon Private Food Walk
Bohemian Lisbon Private Food Walk
Lisbon

Filipa was lovely and we enjoyed some of the food along the tour. However, the final restaurant she left us at for our meal was terrible. It was loud, and packed and the food was just not good. We ended up leaving because we didn't want to insult the owners by not eating what they were bringing out

Quality of Experience
Food
Final restaurant was just not a good experience for us
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Day Excursion to Douro Valley:  Wine Tasting & River Cruise
Day Excursion to Douro Valley: Wine Tasting & River Cruise
Porto

Because of the weather Nelson offered to take us to a Port winery vs doing the open River Cruise and we were glad we did. It was a lovely location and the port was excellent. The private tour of the family winery we went to was wonderful, really got to see and learned about how they produced their wines. Topped off with a private traditional lunch they made just for us. A lovely day

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nelson was great, really enjoyed talking with him
Transport
Nice relaxing ride
Private Guided Visit of Porto
Private Guided Visit of Porto
Porto

Tania did a great job showing us the highlights of the city. But it was also done in a logical manner such that weren't constantly going up and down hill the whole time. She dropped us off near the river and suggested a place for lunch and called ahead for us to get us a table. She was very friendly and knowledgeable and gave us some unique insights into different aspects of the city

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Explore Porto's Culinary Scene and Bolhao Market
Explore Porto's Culinary Scene and Bolhao Market
Porto

This was a fun intro to the food and wine of Porto

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lisbon Tuk Tuk Food Tour
Lisbon Tuk Tuk Food Tour
Lisbon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Helena Fernández
Helena
Helena Fernández
Local specialist in Madrid, Spain | Replied on Jun 03, 2024

Dear Andy and Namrata,

Thank you very much for your wonderful review. I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed exploring Portugal's rich history, delicious food and breathtaking scenery.
It is fantastic to know that the guides chosen for you made your trip memorable with their hospitality and expertise.
I sincerely appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in the future! Spain, Italy or Morocco for an upcoming trip?

Warmest regards,
Helena

Raquel did an amazing job booking our trip! ...
Portugal | Apr 25 - May 11, 2024

Janet
Janet I.
North Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Raquel did an amazing job booking our trip! We were impressed with the quality and efficiency of the hotels and outings booked. All went smoothly and we were delighted with all of our guides. It was a perfect trip!

Local specialist: Raquel Aceituno
Raquel
Raquel Aceituno
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on May 31, 2024

Hi Janet, thank you so much for your kind words and feedback! I am so glad to know that you and Richard had a prefect trip🥰 It's been truly a pleasure to work with both of you during the entire process of creating this adventure! All the best! Raquel

Portugal Trip
Portugal | May 3 - May 12, 2024

Nikki
Nikki R.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on May 13, 2024
Raquel and the entire KimKim team made our trip to Portugal perfectly unique to us and so seamless as we traveled across the entire country! Everything and more that we needed for our trip was provided and was extremely easy to use and follow. We have never used a travel planning service before, but we will for sure be recommending and using KimKim again to plan future trips! Read more

Raquel and the entire KimKim team made our trip to Portugal perfectly unique to us and so seamless as we traveled across the entire country! Everything and more that we needed for our trip was provided and was extremely easy to use and follow. We have never used a travel planning service before, but we will for sure be recommending and using KimKim again to plan future trips!

Activity Reviews
Tour & Tasting at Taylor’s Port Cellar
Tour & Tasting at Taylor’s Port Cellar
Porto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Excursion to Douro Valley:  Wine Tasting & River Cruise
Day Excursion to Douro Valley: Wine Tasting & River Cruise
Porto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour
Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour
Portugal
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Excursion in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Day Excursion in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Porto
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Super friendly guide!
Transport
Lisbon Petiscos & Wine Tour
Lisbon Petiscos & Wine Tour
Lisbon

This was an amazing tour! We ate at small, local restaurants we never would have found on our own. Everything we tired was absolutely amazing and was some of our favorite food on out trip!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Raquel Aceituno
Raquel
Raquel Aceituno
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on May 31, 2024

Hello Nikki, thanks so much for taking the time to write this fantastic review! I am glad to hear that you and Tyler had a great time in Portugal and that it was easy to follow. It was also so easy working with you, a pleasure! Hopefully, we get in touch again for future adventures x All the best, Raquel

Perfect!
Portugal | Apr 29 - May 9, 2024

Judith
Judith D.
Germany | Reviewed on May 11, 2024
No single word can adequately describe our recent Portugal trip unless that word is "Perfect"! Raquel planned informative, historic, scenic, and entertaining tours using outstanding guides. She attended to every detail so that we could relax and enjoy our vacation. The Kim Kim team gets my vote! Read more

No single word can adequately describe our recent Portugal trip unless that word is "Perfect"! Raquel planned informative, historic, scenic, and entertaining tours using outstanding guides. She attended to every detail so that we could relax and enjoy our vacation. The Kim Kim team gets my vote!

Hotel Review
Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa
Evora

I would be happy coming to Portugal just to spend a week at Convento do Espinheiro and go nowhere else. Beautiful!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very attentive and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Raquel Aceituno
Raquel
Raquel Aceituno
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on May 31, 2024

Hello Judith! Thank you so much for your words and for taking the time to share your feedback about your trip to Portugal. So happy to hear that you had a wonderful time discovering the country with out local guides! I wish you all the best x Raquel

Excellent 2 weeks in Portugal
Portugal | Apr 26 - May 9, 2024

Anna
Anna T.
Australia | Reviewed on May 10, 2024
PORTO
Hotel Pur Oporto.
I rate this hotel 3 stars.
•When we walked into the hotel and to the reception, the staff did not smile or say hello. I had to smile & say hello first.
•The room looked fabulous when we first walked in.
•Thank you for the red rose & the champagne.
•The veranda was great.
•The room needs more hooks.
•The bathroom was awkward and it was dangerous stepping out of the bathtub because the bidet was in the way.
•The cold breakfast was excellent, the hot breakfast...
Read more

PORTO
Hotel Pur Oporto.
I rate this hotel 3 stars.
•When we walked into the hotel and to the reception, the staff did not smile or say hello. I had to smile & say hello first.
•The room looked fabulous when we first walked in.
•Thank you for the red rose & the champagne.
•The veranda was great.
•The room needs more hooks.
•The bathroom was awkward and it was dangerous stepping out of the bathtub because the bidet was in the way.
•The cold breakfast was excellent, the hot breakfast looked & tasted like it had been there for a long time, it was not pleasant to eat.
•Staff warmed up but would only say hello and smile if I said hello first.
•Position of the hotel was excellent for us because we like to walk everywhere.
Local Guides & Tours
•Porto Food Tour- can't remember the guides name, just that he was a magician.
This tour was lots of fun & excellent. 5 stars.
•Miguel - Day on the Doura. Excellent guide & excellent tour. 5 stars.
EVORA
Hotel: Albergaria Do Calvārio - 3 stars.
•Our room was very big, it was downstairs, the bathroom was okay but had lots of ants in it. Bed was comfortable.
•Breakfast: Was very simple and the 'freshly' cooked breakfast tasted like it had been sitting in the pan for a long time.
•Staff: All staff were excellent
Tours
Convento de Christi
Excellent - 5 stars
Tour of Evora
•Guide: Telma - walking tour of the old town was excellent, Telma was so good, funny and lovely to be will. 5 stars.
ALGARVE
•Lunch at Morgado do Quintāo
The lunch was delicious.
The short tour of the vines was excellent due to our Guide Candy. She was passionate about the area and her knowledge was excellent. Her voice is soft and gentle. She is the reason we are giving this tour 5 stars.
The 4,000 year old olive tree is amazing.
LAGOS
Hotel: Lagos Avenida
•As soon as you walk in the doors you are greeted by a smile and amazing decor. This hotel is 5 stars plus!!!
•All the areas of the hotel are immaculate.
The staff are really friendly and they smile and chat to you.
•Local Guides and Tours
Kayaking trip to Benagil Caves
Guide: Zac
•This tour was excellent - tho you do need to fit and be able to kayak as the ocean was very bumpy with natural waves but also waves from all the other tourist boats.
•The caves are magnificent.
5 stars for the tour and for Zac, he was excellent.
Bike Tour to Ria Formosa
Guide: Goncalo
•Excellent day riding the boardwalks through the wetlands and then out to the beach. Loved every second of this ride. Coffee and pastel de natas on the beach was wonderful.
5 stars for our wonderful guide Concalo and the bike ride.
LISBON
Hotel: PortoBay Liberdade
•Walked in to the hotel and received a wonderful welcome of smiles and hellos.
• Staff were friendly and said hello.
• The in house restaurant is excellent, we had an amazing dinner on our first night!
• Restaurant staff were excellent, special mention to Ciro, Cleo & Beatrice.
•The stand out staff member was Sophie Mello- great personality, beautiful smile, great sense of humour, we could not fault her!!!
Local Tours & Guides
• Tuk Tuk of Old City
•Guide: Arthur
• A great tour of the old town. Arthur eas great, good sense of humour and knowledgeable.
5 stars for the tour & Arthur.
FADO
•The good was average and the staff not that pleasant..but the Fado singers and accompanying guitar players were amazing.
•Very emotional and so amazing to listen to, the projection of their voices was truly magnificent.
5 stars for the performance
3 stars for the dinner.
•Sintra Heritage Hike
•Guida: Susana
•An amazing day in the mountains. Loved the Moorish Castle, and the surrounding gardens, so beautifully designed.
•The Penna Palace was incredible with it's architecture and bright colours of red & yellow.
•The tour to go into the palace was not that good, due to too many people. It was interesting but took too long because of the amount of people.
•We ended the day with a great cup of coffee in the Sintra Village.
10 stars for the tour
10 stars for Susana
•Day Tour to Setubal & Arrābida
•Tour Guide: Raul
•The XV11 Century Fortress is really boring. The view is nice. The only thing that made this worthwhile was the church.
• We did not go Cabo Espichel to see the giant waves crash against the rocks. This was the main reason we booked this tour. Very disappointed.
• The visit to the vineyard, saved the day.
Phillipa was excellent, Her knowledge about the vineyards, the area and the wines was excellent, she also had a great personality and was funny.
•The wines were delicious and so easy the tasting plate.
•The lunch we had with our guide was excellent, Raul warmed up and was excellent company.
•I am only giving this tour 2 stars because of the boring Fortress and not going into the natural park of Arrābida
• The wine tasting tour with Phillipa - 5 stars .
Hi Rita,
I know this is really long but I hope you read this and take note.
We have thoroughly enjoyed working with you and your company.
Kind regards
Anna & Bob Tait

Hotel Reviews
PortoBay Liberdade
Lisbon

Excellent welcome as soon as you walk in the door from reception and floor staff. Great location and if you enjoy walking is not too far to the beginning of the old town. Restaurant for breakfast was excellent. Excellent service from Sophia, she is very professional, and has a great sense of humour, we really enjoyed her at breakfast time! Restaurant for dinner is exceptional!!! Excellent service from Ciro, Cleo & Beatrice. Rooms are clean & tidy but need to be refurbished. The house keepers were very friendly and well and made up the rooms beautifully. We had an excellent stay at this hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Sophia was the stand out of all the staff!!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lagos Avenida Hotel
Lagos

This hotel is fabulous. As soon as you walk in you are greeted with a lovely smile from the girls on reception. The hotel is beautifully designed & styled in every way. Excellent pieces of wooden art are a real feature in the hotel. Our room was fabulous. We had a balcony overlooking looking the marina. The room service staff were lovely too. Breakfast was incredible!!!!! Wait staff were very friendly and professional. The restaurant is a Michelin Star Restaurant!!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Albergaria do Calvário
Évora

This was a perfectly placed hotel at the beginning of the old village. The hotel also had parking which is a huge bonus as there is almost no parking in the old village. The staff are excellent and are happy to speak with you. The decor is wonderful, a warm and inviting feel in the lounge, bar area and the outside courtyard. Breakfast is very mediocre, unfortunately the cooked breakfast didn't seem to be freshly cooked. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed staying here.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful decor.
Location
Close to the old town
Staff
Always said hello and smiled.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pur Oporto Boutique Hotel by Actahotels
Porto

I rated this hotel 3 stars. •When we walked into the hotel and to the reception, the staff did not smile or say hello. I had to smile & say hello first. •The room looked fabulous when we first walked in. •Thank you for the red rose & the champagne. •The veranda was great. •The room needs more hooks. •The bathroom was awkward and it was dangerous stepping out of the bathtub because the bidet was in the way. •The cold breakfast was excellent, the hot breakfast looked & tasted like it had been there for a long time, it was not pleasant to eat. •Staff warmed up but would only say hello and smile if I said hello first. •Position of the hotel was excellent for us because we like to walk everywhere

Authenticity & Character
The hotel has a great ambience when you first walk in. Funky furniture and good styling. Very neat and tidy.
Location
Good walking distance from to most areas
Staff
They need to learn how to smile and say hello to their guests.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was excellent when you first walk in, but needed more hooks. Bathroom was too crowded with the bidet too close to the shower in the bath. Slippery and dangerous when stepping down to the floor.
Activity Review
Foodie Experience in Porto
Foodie Experience in Porto
Porto

This was a great and fun night out. I can't remember our guides name, but he is a magician as well as being an excellent guide. We went to about 4 different and excellent venues, trying the local beers, wines and tasting plates. A must do when in Porto!

Quality of Experience
Our guide!
Food
Everything
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Nothing, it was a walking tour.
Local specialist: Rita Pagano
Rita
Rita Pagano
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on May 20, 2024

Hi Anna, thank you so so much for taking the time to submit such a detailed review!! I really appreciate it and I'll forward your comments to our guides. I'm glad you had a great time in Portugal. It was a real pleasure for me to be a small part of your journey and hopefully, we will have the chance to work together again. Thank you for choosing the Espíritu Travel family! Rita 🤗

Portugal 21 Day Adventure
Portugal | Apr 17 - May 7, 2024

Greg
Greg H.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on May 09, 2024
This was the first time we have traveled to Portugal and Spain and we wanted to have a very happy experience. We researched the Internet and various other travel documents and we found the tour company KimKim and how they focus on private tours that are tailor-made, and they use expertise and knowledge of people who actually live and work within the respective Countries. This was most important to us. A simple email initiated the process and we were delighted to make contact with Pedro our... Read more

This was the first time we have traveled to Portugal and Spain and we wanted to have a very happy experience. We researched the Internet and various other travel documents and we found the tour company KimKim and how they focus on private tours that are tailor-made, and they use expertise and knowledge of people who actually live and work within the respective Countries. This was most important to us. A simple email initiated the process and we were delighted to make contact with Pedro our Portugal contact. Wow, how fun to have someone who listens, provides immediate responses and recommendations, and develops a plan that can be shared and discussed with travel companions. There were four people in our group and we all felt ownership in the travel plan that was developed. We booked a 21 day trip to Portugal that included a 3 day adventure to Seville, Spain.

Pedro and his working associates took the stress out of travel and provided us with opportunities to stay in Hotels that were centrally located, to have historical walking tours, to witness a Fado and Flamenco Dinner and Show, to have private wine tastings, to have Private Drivers that enabled us to visit wonderful locations throughout Portugal, to be on excursions of the Douro river and Lagos Grottos, and to have Portuguese foods at very nice restaurants. The weather was perfect and this really enhanced our trip of a lifetime!

Pedro always remained in constant communication with us using the electronic application called ‘WhatsApp’. This enabled us to always know the current plan; everything (and I do mean everything) was meticulously identified and always implemented to perfection. Our trip was a ‘5+ Star Day’ every day with many surprises along the way. Pedro made us feel welcome surprising us with a box of treats with a bottle of Port Wine at the hotel. Kind words were always expressed with immediate feedback which made every day special, and of course the use of knowledgeable people that really wanted to make our trip the best ever. Pedro and his associates did this to perfection!

Our Hotel accommodations were excellent. We stayed in Lisbon, Porto, Evora, Seville, and Lagos. Each stay included a very nice room, excellent breakfast, onsite bar and restaurant, and very professional staff.

Thank you goes to the many people we met along the way, who we now consider our Portugal Friends; private drivers, hotel staff, walking tour guides, Belem Tuk-Tuk driver, boat captains, and of course the wine tasting experts. A noteworthy ‘Job Well Done’ goes to Private Drivers Pepe and Helder; both really went out of their way to create lifetime memories. Also, a very special ‘Thank You and Job Well Done’ goes to Pedro, Joao, and their associated staff; YOU ARE THE BEST.

Your friends,
Greg & Nancy Hanson

Hotel Reviews
Tivoli Oriente Hotel
Lisbon

Great restaurant and close to the Lisbon Airport

Authenticity & Character
Very modern and terrific top floor bar
Location
Close to the Lisbon Airport
Staff
Polite and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable
Lagos Avenida Hotel
Lagos

Great location within walking distance of all key things to see and do

Authenticity & Character
Roof top bar was a great place to hangout and socialize with friends
Location
Within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and excursions
Staff
Polite and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable
H10 Casa de la Plata
Sevilla

Great location and within walking distance of key things to see and do

Authenticity & Character
Very nice with character
Location
Terrific location within walking distance of key things to see and do
Staff
Polite and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable
Évora Olive Hotel
Évora

The best of Evora. Very nice and within walking distance of all key locations.

Authenticity & Character
The best of Evora
Location
Within walking distance of all key locations and restaurants
Staff
Polite and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel is clean and comfortable. Great breakfast
PortoBay Teatro
Porto

Perfect location with terrific hotel staff and accommodations.

Authenticity & Character
Very nice
Location
Great location within walking distance to all key parts of the City
Staff
Polite, helpful, and knowledgeable
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean room and very comfortable
Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel
Lisboa

Perfect location with terrific hotel staff and accommodations.

Authenticity & Character
The best with character and charm
Location
Perfect location within easy walking distance major attractions
Staff
Very polite and most helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable
Activity Reviews
To Eat Suggestion: Tábua & Barro do Naldo
To Eat Suggestion: Tábua & Barro do Naldo
Évora
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Exclusive Panoramic Boat Tour to the Ponta da Piedade Caves
Exclusive Panoramic Boat Tour to the Ponta da Piedade Caves
Portugal

Exceptional experience

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
Transport
Dinner with Flamenco Show in Seville
Dinner with Flamenco Show in Seville
Seville

Amazing. Great food with a terrific Flamenco Show

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Step Back in Time with a Private Guided Tour of Évora and the Bones Chapel!
Step Back in Time with a Private Guided Tour of Évora and the Bones Chapel!
Portugal
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Scenic Voyage along the Douro River aboard an Exclusive Boat
Scenic Voyage along the Douro River aboard an Exclusive Boat
Portugal
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Flavors of Port Wine - Sip & Discover
The Flavors of Port Wine - Sip & Discover
Porto
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
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

Beautiful place with fast shuttle service from parking area

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Belém on a Scenic 2-Hour Tuk Tuk Tour
Explore Belém on a Scenic 2-Hour Tuk Tuk Tour
Lisbon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner
Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner
Lisbon

Simple amazing experience and dinner. A must do.

Quality of Experience
Amazing 5 Star experience
Food
Very good food and Wine.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Easy Taxi ride from Hotel
Transport
Easy Taxi ride from Hotel
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon
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
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on May 10, 2024

Dear Greg & Karen,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review! I am thrilled to hear you had "5+ Star Day" every day while in Portugal! I had tons of fun putting together this fantastic trip.
Thank you once again for the support.
Your friend in Portugal - Pedro

This was an absolutely fantastic experience, ...
Portugal | Apr 21 - May 2, 2024

L
L N.
Barnstable, MA | Reviewed on May 09, 2024
This was an absolutely fantastic experience, from top to bottom with KimKim. Patricia kept in touch ahead of our trip to make sure that the itinerary met our needs and to ensure we had all the connections noted. Everything was seamless and that attention to detail and staying in touch with us continued throughout the trip. We were a group of eight friends each couple arriving at different times and our transfers from the airport all went beautifully. We had a half day tour of Lisbon shortly... Read more

This was an absolutely fantastic experience, from top to bottom with KimKim. Patricia kept in touch ahead of our trip to make sure that the itinerary met our needs and to ensure we had all the connections noted. Everything was seamless and that attention to detail and staying in touch with us continued throughout the trip. We were a group of eight friends each couple arriving at different times and our transfers from the airport all went beautifully. We had a half day tour of Lisbon shortly after we arrived with Claudia. Claudia came with the highest certification and credentials, and she was clearly a skilled guide, but it was also her warmth and desire to provide us with a terrific experience that really stood out. She packed into the afternoon a wonderful tour that oriented us to the city and gave us a taste of what was to come. Claudia again accompanied us on a day trip to Sintra providing us with a fantastic experience. Our driver Vasco likewise was an utter delight making the trip easy and efficient. Our food tour the following day in Lisbon was led by Ricardo who took us off the beaten track and introduced us to typical Portuguese food and some new foods brought to Portugal from the cultures that make it a city of diversity. The following day it was off to Porto and again Claudia and Vasco made the drive and day special. We stopped in Obidos along the way, one of my favorite small villages with white washed buildings, cute shops and a medieval castle. Once in Porto, our guide Lucia oriented us on the layout of the city and gave us great restaurant suggestions. The walking tour included a stop at the famous bookstore that inspired JK Rowling and the Jewish quarter with fascinating history. Lucia also accompanied us the next day to the Douro Valley where we had an experience of a lifetime visiting two wineries, one being the winery of our guide Lucia’s husband. Lucia’s knowledge of the winery added to the depth of our experience and gave us unique access to the vineyard. We then proceeded to the second winery and dined at the home of the wine owner tasting some amazing wines, eating delicious and authentic Portuguese dishes and having wonderful conversation. A unique and intimate experience. From there we headed to the Algarve and again the transfer to and from the airport and to our hotel were all seamless. The next day our sailboat tour along the Algarve coast provided stunning views and scenery. Then it was back to Lisbon stopping in Lagos along the way where Carla was our guide. Carla is not only a local who gave us a wonderful tour of her city, but an accomplished guide who has worked frequently with Rick Steves. Vasco was again our driver getting us back to Lisbon safely and with a warm smile. Kim Kim put together an amazing trip with wonderful guides and a fabulous itinerary. They were recommended to us by friends and I absolutely give them our highest recommendation as well. Top to bottom, fantastic. Thank you for a fabulous experience.

Hotel Review
Cascade Wellness Resort
Lagos

Relaxing spot with wonderful walking paths along the coast for stunning views. Spa experience was a nice way to end our trip. Dining options on site limited and had a long wait, but good restaurants available in town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Appliances in the apartment were not working, but staff helpful.
Activity Reviews
Private Tour of Sintra Castles & the Lisbon Coast
Private Tour of Sintra Castles & the Lisbon Coast
Lisbon

Fascinating history and stunning scenery. Claudia our guide did a great job navigating lines and timing so we did not wait, and provided a wonderful experience.

Quality of Experience
Our guide and scenic area
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Claudia and Vasco were amazing
Transport
Timing and efficiency
Douro Valley Tour
Douro Valley Tour
Portugal

Our guide Lucia provided us with an intimate and memorable experience. Highly recommend her and this tour. Stunning views and absolutely fantastic wines.

Local specialist: Patricia Marques

Pedro and KimKim-A Winning Combination
Portugal | Apr 17 - May 7, 2024

S
Steve C.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on May 08, 2024
Pedro and his team did a remarkable job in the design and execution of our approximate 3 week trip to Portugal which included a 3 day stay in Seville Spain. In the beginning stages of planning last autumn Pedro listened to us and set up an itinerary that included walking guides, knowledgable drivers, and free days that allowed us to explore on or own. I believe that the outline of our travels will be a template for future customers. Having personal drivers to get us from city to city was... Read more

Pedro and his team did a remarkable job in the design and execution of our approximate 3 week trip to Portugal which included a 3 day stay in Seville Spain. In the beginning stages of planning last autumn Pedro listened to us and set up an itinerary that included walking guides, knowledgable drivers, and free days that allowed us to explore on or own. I believe that the outline of our travels will be a template for future customers. Having personal drivers to get us from city to city was also a key attribute that allowed us to remain worry free. No rental cars or public transportation other than a cab now and then worked very very well. The drivers were always on time and polite. The hotels were also top notch. Almost all of the scheduled tours were set aside for the 4 of us exclusively. We were able to interact with our drivers and guides on a personal level. Speaking of a personal level, it was my 75th birthday on May 4th and Pedro arranged a boat trip for the four of us to the grottos of Lagos that included champagne. When we returned to the hotel a bottle of wine and a personal note from Pedro were the proverbial icing on the cake. Pedro communicated with us via WhatsApp on a daily basis to make sure we knew the next day's itinerary and to simply check in. We would recommend KimKim and Pedro to anyone traveling to Portugal. It just doesn't get any better.

Steve and Karen Clemens

Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on May 09, 2024

Dear Steve & Karen,
Thank you for your detailed review on your time in Portugal with us :)
It was a true pleasure to have you choose our services for your travels, and we are delighted to hear that we were able to contribute to such a memorable occasion.
We really believe that every little detail counts, and we are thrilled that you enjoyed and valued the efforts we put into making your birthday celebration in Portugal an unforgettable experience.
Thank you so much!
Your friend in Portugal - Pedro

Try Portugal!
Portugal | Apr 20 - May 1, 2024

Lynn
Lynn H.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on May 08, 2024
Our visit to Portugal was wonderful. Rita arranged good hotels and tours for our group and was responsive to group members that had travel challenges that included cancelled flights, late arrivals and missing luggage.
I encourage anyone that is traveling to be proactive on your own behalf and not expect a travel agent to make all the decisions regarding where you'll go and when. The more input you provide about your interests and preferences the better your trip will be. Rita arranged...
Read more

Our visit to Portugal was wonderful. Rita arranged good hotels and tours for our group and was responsive to group members that had travel challenges that included cancelled flights, late arrivals and missing luggage.
I encourage anyone that is traveling to be proactive on your own behalf and not expect a travel agent to make all the decisions regarding where you'll go and when. The more input you provide about your interests and preferences the better your trip will be. Rita arranged several tours for us. Sintra is a good side trip that included Cascais, a thriving little beach town (also a short train ride away) . We had a private 3 hour walking tour of the city that really added to our
background info and enjoyment of the city. The history of the small country of Portugal is amazing. We went to
St Jorge's castle on our own, Time Out Food Market was a big food hall; skip it. Pick a nice sidewalk cafe instead.

We tweeked little things along the way, such as the timing for our stay at Nazare, Rita was great at responding and facilitating that. Don't miss Porto & Gaia; our group loved the smaller city and Duoro River region.

The customs process for international travelers arriving in Lisbon is messy if several planes arrive at the same time.
Global Entry doesn't do a thing for you in Europe; it's only for the U.S. entry. Unless you have a new electronic chip passport, be prepared for long lines. I'm getting one this year even though my passport is good for two more years. The airport pick up & transport system is also convoluted with a long walk to the pick up area.
Once we were in the hotel it was beautiful. I'd return to the scenic, not-too-large country and its welcoming people.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Praia
Nazaré

Good location near the beach. Modern hotel. Rooms have views. Breakfast included. The roof top pool should stay open later

H10 Duque de Loule
Lisboa

Lovely boutique hotel, completely renovated. Included breakfast was expansive. Welcoming staff and quiet area. It's an easy walk to the center of the city down a nice leafy boulevard .

Authenticity & Character
Completely remodeled solid old building. There's a lot of urban renewal going on all over te city
Location
I'm glad we weren't in the busy tourist city center but close enough to walk or Uber is super-cheap & fast
Staff
thoughful & responsive
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless & hygenic
Activity Reviews
Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril
Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril
Portugal

We toured Sintra on a Monday. It was a busy place! Perhaps it's just the way it is in Portugal right now because it's a great tourist destination but we were also told tat Mondays can be busy because some museums places in Lisbon are closed on Mondays. We had a short and interesting walking tour around Sintra then did more driving around the area. I would have appreciated going into the large palace that dominated the central square in Sintra or any other large building in the town but we moved on. We did go to an amazing place outside Sintra called Montserrate with a colorful history and chain of ownership, had a simple meaty Barbeque lunch at a Refugio Biciclet on top of a mountain overlooking the area and circled back toward Lisbon along the coastline stopping at the Roca and Cascais along the way. Manu, our guide, was well infirmed about the places we visited and history of his country. He made things interesting.

Quality of Experience
I think our guide may have added te Roca stop to the drive back because Sintra itself was crowded. He wanted to ensure our satisfaction with the experience. We truly appreciated that.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Manu really wanted us to enjoy the tour and get a lot out of it.
Transport
Nice van with room for 8 and windows that opened
Get to Know Lisbon with a Local
Get to Know Lisbon with a Local
Lisbon

Our walking tour was very interesting. Our guide Rita provided a lot of background and navigated us around the center of Lisbon and the hilly streets. We sampled some local specialties such as Castro's custard tarts and ginjen, a local cherry liquor ( be sure to order it with the cherries in your shot) while we walked. When te tour was completed she gave us a dinner suggestion for a local restaurant down a side street that had the best roasted spit chicken you could ask for.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The tour guide was well educated and informed
Lisbon Fado Dinner Experience
Lisbon Fado Dinner Experience
Portugal

Food was good, we enjoyed the entertainment. The location was a well established venue. The format was two dining rooms with several Fado singers and musicians that moved from room to room every twenty minutes. This was good because you had a break for going to the restroom and servers to refresh food and drink. When the fado groups were performing they commanded the room's attention.

Quality of Experience
The setting and experience was unique to Lisbon
Food
It was all very good, made well and good portions; I didn't click 5 stars simply because "amazing" is a whole different level.
Local specialist: Rita Pagano
Rita
Rita Pagano
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on May 20, 2024

Hi Lynn, thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so happy you enjoyed your time discovering the beauty of Portugal. I'll forward your feedback to our local guides who will surely appreciate it! It's been truly a pleasure to work with you and I hope to keep in touch for your future trips to Europe. All the best, Rita 🥰

Dear Kim Kim team.Thank you very much for yo...
Portugal | Apr 25 - May 1, 2024

E
Emin S.
Germany | Reviewed on May 08, 2024

Dear Kim Kim team.
Thank you very much for your arrangments during our trip and being immadiately reachable at every moment when we have needed your assistance.
We are very much delighted with our trip and arranging this trip over Kim Kim. Thank you.

Local specialist: Tiernan O'Rourke Araujo
Tiernan
Tiernan O'Rourke Araujo
Local specialist in Galicia, Spain | Replied on May 27, 2024

Dear Emin,

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip and found our services helpful and responsive. It was our pleasure to assist you in planning and arranging your trip. We are thrilled that you had such a positive experience!

We look forward to helping you with your future travels!

Warm regards,

Tiernan
E&W

Outstanding!!!!!
Portugal | Apr 21 - May 2, 2024

G
Gerard S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 06, 2024
The itinerary that Paty Marques created for our group of 8 was awesome! We will not soon forget the time we spent exploring Lisbon, Porto and Lagos. Most of us had never heard of kimkim. A friend of one of our travelers had a good experience with the company, and suggested we consider using it. The takeaway from my very first phone conversation with Paty was that she’s highly confident in her ability to create itineraries consistent with the travel objectives of her clients. She listened... Read more

The itinerary that Paty Marques created for our group of 8 was awesome! We will not soon forget the time we spent exploring Lisbon, Porto and Lagos. Most of us had never heard of kimkim. A friend of one of our travelers had a good experience with the company, and suggested we consider using it. The takeaway from my very first phone conversation with Paty was that she’s highly confident in her ability to create itineraries consistent with the travel objectives of her clients. She listened closely to what we wanted to see and delivered a travel experience that was truly memorable. The contrast between the three areas that we visited added immeasurably to our time in Portugal. Each of the guides that Paty utilized was excellent, but Claudia in Lisbon and Lucia in Porto definitely are superstars. The Douro Valley wine tour that Lucia led was fabulous and will not soon be forgotten, in large part due to the relationships that she has forged with the families that own the two wineries that we toured. We were treated like longtime friends at both places. The lunch at Maos e Irmaos was very special. The food served was delicious and authentic to the region. All of the transfers were handled without issue. The drivers were on time and highly professional. Safe transport was clearly a top priority. Our sincere thanks to Vasco and the others.

In summary, Paty Marques is the travel coordinator that you should use if you are considering a trip to the region. You will not regret the choice.

Hotel Review
Cascade Wellness Resort
Lagos
Local specialist: Patricia Marques
Patricia
Patricia Marques
Local specialist in Spain | Replied on May 23, 2024

Dear Geroge,
I am very happy to hear that you had such an amazing time, in Portugal!
That you loved our services, drivers, guides, hotels...
And again, it was a pleasure arranging this trip for you and your group of friends, it was fun from our very first call!
And I will be here ready to welcome on a second trip to Portugal with us or a first trip to Spain!

Marisa was incredible to work with!
Portugal | Apr 23 - May 3, 2024

Madison
Madison T.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on May 05, 2024
Marisa was incredible to work with! We really appreciated how thoughtfully and intentionally she planned our stays at three different hotels across the island. She recommended delicious restaurants and beautiful hotels. Also, she quickly rescheduled one of our excursions at the last minute due to my screw-up. Marisa and her team sent a bottle of champagne and dessert to our hotel room after dinner on our anniversary! I couldn't recommend her more. Thank you so much, Marisa! Read more

Marisa was incredible to work with! We really appreciated how thoughtfully and intentionally she planned our stays at three different hotels across the island. She recommended delicious restaurants and beautiful hotels. Also, she quickly rescheduled one of our excursions at the last minute due to my screw-up. Marisa and her team sent a bottle of champagne and dessert to our hotel room after dinner on our anniversary! I couldn't recommend her more. Thank you so much, Marisa!

Hotel Reviews
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Furnas
Authenticity & Character
Location
The hotel backs up to the Parque Terra Nostra and all hotel guests have free access to visit the park and hot springs. It was beautiful!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Octant Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada

I LOVED this hotel! Beautiful modern interiors, Class A amenities, friendly staff, gorgeous views, large and comfortable rooms, delicious food and wine, etc. We enjoyed getting drinks at the rooftop bar by the pool and had a great experience at the luxury spa. 12/10 would recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Caloura Hotel Resort

The front desk staff was not friendly or welcoming, and the hotel was very hot, humid, and outdated. However, the views were beautiful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Exploring the Majesty of the Seas on a Group Whale Watching Experience
Exploring the Majesty of the Seas on a Group Whale Watching Experience
São Miguel Island

So glad we booked a whale watching trip! We saw dolphins, orcas, and 3 giant Sei whales. So cool!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
To Eat Suggestion: Tã Gente
To Eat Suggestion: Tã Gente
the Azores

Good food and fun drinks with outdoor seating downtown.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
To Eat Suggestion:  Santa Barbara Eco Resort
To Eat Suggestion: Santa Barbara Eco Resort
the Azores

The food was phenomenal

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Marisa Agulhas
Marisa
Marisa Agulhas
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on May 06, 2024

Hello Madison,

Thank you so much for your kind words and time to share your experience while in Portugal.
I really hope you have the chance to come to our Mainland and celebrate another special anniversary with us!!

Thank you so much :)
Your friend in Portugal - Marisa

S Spain and Morocco
Portugal | Apr 12 - Apr 27, 2024

C
Cathy S.
Dunedin, FL | Reviewed on May 05, 2024
Our trip was amazing . Our guide in Marrakech took excellent care of us in our tour and during our short visit to the clinic. A few suggestions:
1. Find a better hotel in Casablanca. There was black mold in the shower, light bulbs out in the room, a broken lamp , no towels , drinking glasses or Kleenex tissue. We asked twice for these items . We got towels and 2 glasses the first night; nothing the 2nd night.
2. Our route should have been planned better and I should have caught...
Read more

Our trip was amazing . Our guide in Marrakech took excellent care of us in our tour and during our short visit to the clinic.

A few suggestions:
1. Find a better hotel in Casablanca. There was black mold in the shower, light bulbs out in the room, a broken lamp , no towels , drinking glasses or Kleenex tissue. We asked twice for these items . We got towels and 2 glasses the first night; nothing the 2nd night.
2. Our route should have been planned better and I should have caught this error. We should have gone to Madrid LAST and then flew direct to Marrakech instead of being in Granada and then having to take 2 flights to get to Marrakech.
Avoid Iberia Airlines and go with Air Arabia. They are friendly, accommodating and have much better service and planes. The Iberia jets don't have seats that move. They are in a permanent position. They never offered us anything after a 2 hr delay, gate and plane change. Upon asking them what they were going to do to compensate the passengers for this delay they stated , "this is Iberia airlines ". My response was : "and your point is? They are an international airline." We got nothing !!

The guide in Madrid for the walking tour was so so. When he finished with us he didn't return us to our starting point. We had to figure out where we were and how to get back to the hotel.

We highly recommend the Barcelona Hotel Catedral for Barcelona. Excellent breakfast , room, location and a free happy hour daily.

The other hotels, guides, transfers were excellent.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Regina
Barcelona

Very expensive for a bare bones "superior" room Breakfast was very good

Authenticity & Character
Hang a picture; Make the room feel warm with some color
Location
Staff
Friwndly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean
Hotel Barcelona Catedral
Barcelona

Excellent location and breakfast. Room was very clean and comfortable. Love the free happy hour

Authenticity & Character
Comfortable
Location
Easy access
Staff
Friendly and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Excellent room
Hotel NH Collection Granada Victoria
Granada

Clean and good breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Pretty
Location
Far from the sights. We walked a lot of miles. Street signs. It well marked
Staff
Very friendly and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean!
Palais Sebban
Marrakech

Beautiful venue Older but authentic feeling It is down a few alleys and without a guide we couldn't find our way out

Authenticity & Character
Authentic. It felt Moroccan
Location
Street signs !!!
Staff
Friendly and accommodating. Extremely helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean!
Petit Palace Puerta de Triana
Seville

Great location Great breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Boutique hotel
Location
Close to the sights. Easy walking distance to most of the sights
Staff
Friendly and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean
Petit Palace Posada del Peine
Madrid

Great location. Small but pretty room

Authenticity & Character
Location , breakfast
Location
Not far from the main square and shop
Staff
Friendly and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean!!
Hotel Odyssee Center
Casablanca

Black mold in the shower ; light bulbs burned out ; a broken lamp; no towels or water glasses. Nice location but the room wasn't good

Authenticity & Character
Location
Read what I wrote
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Attention to details
Activity Reviews
Full Day Excursion to Cádiz - Europe's Oldest City
Full Day Excursion to Cádiz - Europe's Oldest City
Seville

Lovely tour and stop at. Local winery. Lots of knowledge and information.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Excursion to Ronda & White Villages
Full Day Excursion to Ronda & White Villages
Seville

Good your company

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Visit:  Alhambra & Generalife Gardens
Guided Visit: Alhambra & Generalife Gardens
Granada
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Privately Guided Visit of Marrakech & Bahia Palace
Privately Guided Visit of Marrakech & Bahia Palace
Marrakesh

We walked through the market after the palace. The market repeated itself over and over again. We didn't need to see every corner of the market. Lots and lots of walking

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Tour of Hassan II Mosque
Guided Tour of Hassan II Mosque
Casablanca
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Visit of Barcelona & Sagrada Familia
Guided Visit of Barcelona & Sagrada Familia
Barcelona

Guide was very knowledgeable and thorough

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tapas Walk in Barcelona
Tapas Walk in Barcelona
Barcelona

Excellent tour!!

Quality of Experience
Specific for the area
Food
A large variety
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Flamenco Experience
Flamenco Experience
Portugal

1 hour show. No explanation as to how, why they did what they did.

Quality of Experience
Highlights of Old Madrid Walk
Highlights of Old Madrid Walk
Madrid

Only 1 hour. Saw the cathedral and palace from a distance. should have walked to it

Quality of Experience
A different guide
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Explore Casablanca
Explore Casablanca
Casablanca
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Marta Trzeciakowska
Marta
Marta Trzeciakowska
Local specialist in Madrid, Spain | Replied on May 16, 2024

Hi Cathy, thank you for your review! As the trip was organized by Karenina, our colleague, I will make sure we send your comments to our guides, as they will be also happy to read your feedback. All will be reviewed in detail, and we will make sure to present other hotels in Casablanca. Hope we can work on a new adventure together in the future! Warm regards from the whole team!

Claudia, Lucia and Carla were terrific!
Portugal | Apr 21 - May 2, 2024

M
Moira P.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 03, 2024
Claudia, Lucia and Carla were terrific! They each brought their knowledge and passion to our tours. We enjoyed all our time with them and would highly recommend them for other travelers. The transportation arrangements were excellent. The drivers were punctual, friendly and helpful. The vehicles were spotless and comfortable. Two recommendations if I may: 1) Depending on where the pickup spot is for the walking tour of Lisbon, I would offer transportation back from the farthest point. ... Read more

Claudia, Lucia and Carla were terrific! They each brought their knowledge and passion to our tours. We enjoyed all our time with them and would highly recommend them for other travelers. The transportation arrangements were excellent. The drivers were punctual, friendly and helpful. The vehicles were spotless and comfortable.

Two recommendations if I may: 1) Depending on where the pickup spot is for the walking tour of Lisbon, I would offer transportation back from the farthest point. The last 20 minutes or so of walking back was a lot for us older travelers. 😀. 2) If a train is available with good seating, it might be more time effective from Porto to Faro. At least offer the option.

Patricia was fantastic, responsive and attentive!

Hotel Review
Cascade Wellness Resort
Lagos

The location was lovely, the spa was terrific. Our experience at the Bistropub was mixed since no reservations are available. The wait was long and the service was very slow.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to the boardwalk/ cliffs. Quiet, natural surroundings and beauty.
Staff
Extremely attentive to all our concerns. Special kudos to the spa therapists who were excellent.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The apartments are very clean, however the appliances including the wash machine/dryer and iron did not work properly. Only one hair dryer was provided for two rooms/bathrooms.
Activity Reviews
Transfer from Lisbon to Porto stopping in Obidos & Aveiro
Transfer from Lisbon to Porto stopping in Obidos & Aveiro
Portugal

Claudia chose beautiful spots to enjoy the transfer between the two cities; Obidos and Navare. She consistently chose authentic Portuguese goods and cuisine at terrific stores that we would not have been able to discern.

Quality of Experience
The restaurant in Navare, Pangeia, was outstanding. The food was superb and we had a beautiful view of the coast. I highly recommend the restaurant.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Vasco, our driver, was such a kind man. He gave my husband a gift for his birthday! Claudia brought candles and arranged for a special dessert for my husband. They could not have been nicer.
Transport
Comfortable, clean and timely.
Douro Valley Tour
Douro Valley Tour
Portugal

Our guide Lucia made the trip even more special by sharing her family winery estate with us. We were thrilled to see the entire Douro valley from the top point of the mountain. We also loved having a family style lunch at the other local winery.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lucia was excellent. We also loved Alda and Lionel, our drivers.
Transport
Private Sailing Experience in the Algarve Coast
Private Sailing Experience in the Algarve Coast
Portugal

The sailing was fantastic- the boat was terrific with a very friendly and capable crew. I would highly recommend this experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Patricia Marques
Patricia
Patricia Marques
Local specialist in Spain | Replied on May 23, 2024

Dear Moira,
I am very happy to hear that you had such an amazing time, in Portugal!
That you loved our services, drivers, guides, hotels...
And again, it was a pleasure arranging this trip for you and your group of friends.
And I will be here ready to welcome on a second trip to Portugal with us or a first trip to Spain!

Well organized and very professional, Patric...
Portugal | Apr 21 - May 2, 2024

F
Frank A. C.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 03, 2024
Well organized and very professional,
Patricia was very responsive.
transportation vehicles were first class as were the drivers.. Claudia was a great guide in Lisbon. Lucia in Porto and Carla in Lagos also, we’re fantastic.
1st class trip
Read more

Well organized and very professional,
Patricia was very responsive.
transportation vehicles were first class as were the drivers.. Claudia was a great guide in Lisbon. Lucia in Porto and Carla in Lagos also, we’re fantastic.
1st class trip

Hotel Review
Cascade Wellness Resort
Lagos

Accommodations were good, dining took a long time.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Patricia Marques
Patricia
Patricia Marques
Local specialist in Spain | Replied on May 23, 2024

Dear Frank,

It was an absolute pleasure assisting you in planning your trip to my beautiful country!
I will be ready to assit you with further trip in Spain and/or Portugal!!

Exceptional trip to Portugal
Portugal | Apr 11 - Apr 25, 2024

Niel
Niel V.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on May 01, 2024
Our contact and specialist on the team was Catarina Cotrim.
From the initial contact our trip was designed with our personal preferences and specific choices in mind. We gave Catarina our absolute must see list and she offered other possibilities as well. She put together a trip that had the perfect balance of "tour time" and "our free time."
All our hotels were wonderful and perfectly located for our visits.
Our drivers and tour guides were exceptional, their knowledge of the...
Read more

Our contact and specialist on the team was Catarina Cotrim.
From the initial contact our trip was designed with our personal preferences and specific choices in mind. We gave Catarina our absolute must see list and she offered other possibilities as well. She put together a trip that had the perfect balance of "tour time" and "our free time."
All our hotels were wonderful and perfectly located for our visits.
Our drivers and tour guides were exceptional, their knowledge of the history of the area was so very much appreciated, not to mention the amazing restaurants they recommended.
The communication with Catarina before and during our trip was one of the aspects of this trip that made it stress free, affording us the maximum amount of enjoyment during our visit to Portugal.
If we were asked to pick a favorite place during our journey, well, we can't. Each city, town, and site we visited had its own charm and beauty. We can easily recommend The Host Portugal to create an amazing trip.

Activity Reviews
Delicious TukTuk Tour
Delicious TukTuk Tour
Portugal

There was some overlap between food we tasted in the morning on our walking tour and the Delicious TukTuk tour. We did visit a small restaurant that was thru a very Moorish patio garden which was very beautiful, there we sample three different dishes all of which were tasty. The best thing about the tour was the little restaurant and sitting still for a bit. I am glad we took the TukTuk tour because it was a memorable experience bouncing along the tram tracks , an unusual way to see the city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our TukTuk driver was very friendly and his choice of the little restaurant was excellent
Transport
I don't think there is any improvement to a TukTuk, it is what it is, a TukTuk.
HD Tour in Sintra - Moorish Castle & Monserrate Palace
HD Tour in Sintra - Moorish Castle & Monserrate Palace
Sintra

Walking up to and through the Moorish Castle there was fog rolling up the mountain, which just cleared as we hit the highest parts. It was very breezy making the flags on the battlements flutter. Mother nature was helping us appreciate the ruins with dramatic mystery! From the top you can see Pena Palace which is a stark contrast in time and history. Afterwards we explored Monserrate Palace whose gardens were a tremendous achievement, aside from being beautiful. There was the fern forest, the desert garden filled with cactus, a small lake right in front of the house and a few perfect specimens of immense trees from different continents. Out through the back of the palace were patio areas with pergolas dripping with wisterias all in bloom. The palace itself has no more furnishings, but the architecture is uniquely awe inspiring.

Quality of Experience
Mother nature helped make the day magical, but even without it both places are Portuguese treasures.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We had Sandra only for half a day, but when we said goodbye she left us with two other palace/villas to visit if we chose. We did visit one Biester palace which was from more recent history and had been kept in private hands until recently, the majority of the furnishings are still there and wonderfully maintained.
Transport
FD Tour of Sintra
FD Tour of Sintra
Portugal

This day we explored Pena Palace and Regaleira. Both of these places are not like anything I have ever seen before, both uniquely stunning and beautiful, rich in history. We both appreciated having sufficient time to take everything in. The tour of Pena had time slots, which was a brilliant way to ensure that the palace was not just swamped with visitors. The palace is meticulously maintained and just a marvel to see as well as the vistas it affords. Regaleira is an architectural masterpiece in both the structures and gardens and while there were plenty of visitors, the grounds have a quality of peaceful solitude.

Quality of Experience
It was all stunning
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sandra was our guide and Leonardo our driver. I don't know if having the same driver and guide is the norm, but we felt very lucky.
Transport
Transfer from Lisbon to Sintra
Transfer from Lisbon to Sintra
Portugal
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We had the same driver, Leonardo and guide Sandra. We knew we were in good hands!
Transport
FD Tour to Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos
FD Tour to Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos
Portugal

This was a marvelous day. We visited Fatima and Batalha in the morning, had lunch in Nazare and drove up above to some amazing vistas, wandering through fun street vendors (The ladies with all the skirts!). On our way back to Lisbon we stopped for a brief stroll through Obidos. The religious art and architecture of both Fatima and Batalha were stunning. Fatima was populated by the faithful, as a mass was about to start in the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and we watched the procession bringing a statue of Mary from her chapel to the modern cathedral. In contrast was Batalha, which was quiet and frozen in time, home to the faithful of Monarchs of the past, the architecture was impressive even with the unfinished section being weathered by time and the elements. Nazare is not a large beach community and the day we were there the surf was very calm, but the restaurant we ate at played the surfing competitions on large screens showing a very different surf at Nazare. I can honestly say I ate the best seared tuna there I have ever eaten in my life. It was served with sautéed turnip greens and new potatoes. Absolutely delicious! After lunch we drove up to the part of the beach community on the top of the cliffs, the view was spectacular as it was a perfectly clear day. Our guide led us thru the street vendors to a small chapel that was completely done in tile and told us the story of how this chapel came to be on the cliff. Finally on our way back we stopped in the little historic town of Obidos and slowly wandered as our guide told of the history.

Quality of Experience
Firstly the areas themselves, secondly Sandra our tour guide added to each location with history and local stories.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sandra our guide was exceptional in how and when she gave information always leaving us with time to just absorb our surroundings in silence. She was also quite brilliant in having bathroom breaks and coffee breaks, both essential for us. Lunch was our drivers recommendation so Leonardo gets all the credit there and Sandra did say she believed the drivers new all the best places to eat. Leonardo was an amazing driver, very competent and knowledge in all the areas he drove us to.
Transport
The vehicles used by this company, clean and comfortable.
Best of Lisbon on foot
Best of Lisbon on foot
Lisbon

Our guide, Guilherme was marvelous, he took us through Lisbon and showed us short cuts for getting up to either side of the city, ie Chiado. As we walked he gave us the history of Lisbon, pointing out events that left its mark on the city, for example the earthquake and subsequent tsunami, which destroyed the city and who was responsible for it being rebuilt. We stopped along the way to sample cod cakes and beer, he showed us where to get the best bifana as we walked over to the Alfama section with its quiet narrow streets. We ended our tour in commerce square and under the archway to the city. By taking us up one side of the city and then across to the other side we enjoyed amazing vistas of the city. I was a bit sad when our tour was done, it was an amazing morning.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guilherme was not just knowledgeable in the history of Lisbon. His guided walk was like being shown the city by a friend, he was so natural and friendly, he didn't just dole out facts, he told a story and we listened wanting to hear it all.
Dinner & Fado Show in Lisbon
Dinner & Fado Show in Lisbon
Portugal

The music was wonderful, the food was not as good as other restaurants we ate at in Lisbon.

Quality of Experience
Food
Difficult to say, we were very tired and I don't remember any of it, apologies.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver was the one who made our first few days in Portugal stress free. Leonardo was easy to talk to and ask questions. He was confident, yet soft spoken. He made us feel safe and at ease in a new city and country
Transport
The vehicles from this company were exceptional comfortable, pristine clean and the bottle of water in the vehicles was very much appreciated.
Local specialist: Catarina Cotrim
Catarina
Catarina Cotrim
Local specialist in Torres Novas | Replied on May 03, 2024

My dear Niel and Charleen, where to start?! Thank you very, very much for your fantastic review!
I sincerely hope you had the most fantastic time here in Portugal and that one day you'll have the opportunity to come back and we can meet in person 😊

It was a real pleasure working with you and I know that our partners who accompanied you on the ground feel the same way. We carry you in our hearts, just as I hope you carry us in yours

Thank you again and I hope that Portugal has contributed to giving you the best memories 🩷

With my best regards
Catarina

Portugal adventure
Portugal | Apr 22 - Apr 30, 2024

S
Sue K.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on May 01, 2024
Our travel agent Rita did a fabulous job helping us plan our trip with a good balance of culture, history and experiences.
We arrived in Lisbon in the morning and had an afternoon Walking food tour with our guide Daniel. What a great way to get familiar with the city, the foods from the area and to quickly get set to local time. We spent a full day tour traveling to Sintra and surrounding areas. Our guide Paulo was fabulous! The history as well as his personal experiences growing up in...
Read more

Our travel agent Rita did a fabulous job helping us plan our trip with a good balance of culture, history and experiences.
We arrived in Lisbon in the morning and had an afternoon Walking food tour with our guide Daniel. What a great way to get familiar with the city, the foods from the area and to quickly get set to local time. We spent a full day tour traveling to Sintra and surrounding areas. Our guide Paulo was fabulous! The history as well as his personal experiences growing up in Portugal was great. We also got the opportunity to eat at his wife's restaurant in Sintra. The food was really great. Loved the cod dish! In the Algarve, our guide Roy took us up the mountain to experience the rural area. You could tell Roy really loved sharing his stories about growing up in the area. The accommodations were perfect! I highly recommend working with Rita and team!

Local specialist: Rita Pagano
Rita
Rita Pagano
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on May 03, 2024

Hi Sue, thank you so much for taking the time to write this fabulous review! I am glad to hear that you had a wonderful time discovering Portugal, I’ll forward your feedback to our guides. It has been a real pleasure to work with you and hope to keep in touch for your future adventure!! 🥰
All the best from the Espíritu Travel family,
Rita

Solid tour
Portugal | Apr 14 - Apr 26, 2024

B
Bruce D.
Sahuarita, AZ | Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024
Our itinerary provided us with a good overview of Portugal. The cities that we visited were all interesting. The guides did a nice job of explaining the history of the country. We provided Pedro with the name of a driver and guide that we particularly enjoyed. However, I wish to especially praise Pedro for the service that he provided to us. When we needed help, he was instantly there. He gets 6 stars from us. Read more

Our itinerary provided us with a good overview of Portugal. The cities that we visited were all interesting. The guides did a nice job of explaining the history of the country.

We provided Pedro with the name of a driver and guide that we particularly enjoyed. However, I wish to especially praise Pedro for the service that he provided to us. When we needed help, he was instantly there. He gets 6 stars from us.

Hotel Review
Pestana Cidadela Cascais
Cascais

The hotel is located within the walls of an old fortress. Within the wall it is surrounded by a restaurant and art galleries. The area is particularly attractive. The hotel itself is a modern design with carefully appointed rooms with patios/lawns outside your door. Breakfast is quite good with an abundance of choices for guests. There is also an airy bar on the premises with friendly staff. A very nice restaurant is just across the entry courtyard. The central location of the hotel allows guests to walk to most of the sights, shops and restaurants.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Apr 28, 2024

Dear Bruce & Claudia,
I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your insightful comments and feedback regarding your recent visit to Portugal. Your recognition, particularly highlighting my availability and immediate assistance, deeply touches me.
Looking forward to welcome you (again), as well as, your friends and family in the future.
Your Friend in Portugal - Pedro

Unforgettable Adventures: A Week Exploring Portugal
Portugal | Apr 12 - Apr 19, 2024

Kassie
Kassie R.
Salem, MA | Reviewed on Apr 26, 2024
What an incredible journey for the four of us exploring Lisbon and Porto! We indulged in private history and culinary tours, embarked on exciting day trips, and even delved into a delightful cooking class. Our stay at a charming waterfront hotel in Porto added an extra touch of magic to our experience. Catarina and her team were readily available and instrumental in crafting an unforgettable trip for us! Read more

What an incredible journey for the four of us exploring Lisbon and Porto! We indulged in private history and culinary tours, embarked on exciting day trips, and even delved into a delightful cooking class. Our stay at a charming waterfront hotel in Porto added an extra touch of magic to our experience. Catarina and her team were readily available and instrumental in crafting an unforgettable trip for us!

Hotel Review
Smy Lisboa
Lisboa

Despite the fantastic rooftop bar, the attentive staff, and the convenient location, we found the rooms to be a bit worn out, and it felt like the hotel caters primarily to large bus tours.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private FullDay Tour to the Historic Douro
Private FullDay Tour to the Historic Douro
Portugal

Manuel picked us up for a drive to Douro valley to Quinta do Val Moreira. Wine tour and tasting followed by some amazing valley view finding then back to the winery for lunch. After that we had a boat tour before heading back to Porto via scenic valleys and hills.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Portuguese Seafood Cataplana & Cooking Class
Portuguese Seafood Cataplana & Cooking Class
Porto

What an amazing experience- getting to learn to make a delicious seafood dish in this delightful kitchen. Highly recommended for local and visiting friends!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Half Day Porto City Tour
Half Day Porto City Tour
Porto

we met back up with Manuel again and met Tania (our guide for the morning). We had a whirlwind drive to see the coast and city center of Porto before crossing the Douro river to Gaia for a visit at Ferreira Port Caves for a tour and tasting. Then up to Miradouro da Serra do Pilar for a view of Porto and the wall. Back over the river for some additional driving views around the city

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer from Lisbon to Porto via Óbidos & Nazaré
Transfer from Lisbon to Porto via Óbidos & Nazaré
Portugal

Manuel picked us up and drove us to Porto with long stops at the medieval Óbidos and coastal Nazaré. Phenomenal Seafood lunch with wine in Nazaré.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
FD Tour in Sintra with Visit to San Michel Winery
FD Tour in Sintra with Visit to San Michel Winery
Lisbon

we were picked up by Vanessa (guide) and Samir (driver) and taken to the eclectic Pena Palace, where every texture and design and style and culture meet. Then a dive into the winding streets of Sintra for shopping and lunch where Vanessa also surprised us with a birthday treat for mom! Followed up with a trip to the beach. Then a private tour of the family owned Quinta De San Michel winery

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Delicious TukTuk Tour
Delicious TukTuk Tour
Portugal

a tuktuk with Hugo! All over the city with a focus in old town and view points and stops to try more food and drinks

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
HD Private Tour in Lisbon
HD Private Tour in Lisbon
Portugal

Wonderful history tour with Alexandra (guide) and João (driver) with a Jerónimos Monastery visit, Belem tower, Pastel de nata tasting and more

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Catarina Cotrim
Catarina
Catarina Cotrim
Local specialist in Torres Novas | Replied on Apr 26, 2024
Dear Kassie, Rick, Tina & Kirk, It is with a full heart that I thank you for your fantastic review (and photos)! It has been a real pleasure working with you over the last few months to build what has turned out to be an unforgettable experience for you here in Portugal. What's more, I'm so glad that you appreciated all our partners on the field and that you really felt accompanied by them. We could never have done it without them, so I'll share your feedback with them too I really hope... Read more

Dear Kassie, Rick, Tina & Kirk, It is with a full heart that I thank you for your fantastic review (and photos)!

It has been a real pleasure working with you over the last few months to build what has turned out to be an unforgettable experience for you here in Portugal. What's more, I'm so glad that you appreciated all our partners on the field and that you really felt accompanied by them. We could never have done it without them, so I'll share your feedback with them too

I really hope you can come back to Portugal and that we can get to know each other personally

Thank you all 🩷
Love, Catarina

Great trip
Portugal | Apr 6 - Apr 13, 2024

Kimberly
Kimberly M.
Amesbury, MA | Reviewed on Apr 20, 2024

We had a great trip to Lisbon and Porto. Pedro was great at helping us plan and available for questions in advance of the trip. 5 star private group experience. We left time to explore on our own as well,

Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Apr 22, 2024

Dear Kimberly,
Thank you so much for your review - it was a pleasure to welcome you in our lovely country.
Safe Travels :)
Your friend in Portugal - Pedro

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