Kimkim Trip Reviews for Portugal

The highlight of the trip was the knowledge of all our tour guides and just how friendly the people are in Portugal!

Activity Reviews

Wine Tasting & Lunch at a Portuguese Quinta

Portugal

The best meal we had in Portugal along with the best wine!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Douro Valley Highlights: Olive Oil, Wine, & River Cruise

Porto

One of the highlights of the trip! The wine and food were amazing. Pedro kept us smiling the whole time.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril

Portugal

Paulo was outstanding! He went over the 8 hours and made sure we had an excellent experience. He even gave us recommendations for the rest of the trip!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Get to Know Lisbon with a Local

Lisbon

Alex was very friendly and went out of his way to show us all Lisbon has to offer!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tiago was very accommodating and was always there to help us with anything we needed. Joel was fantastic and we highly recommend this team.

Adam did a great job. He was very much on top of it. In the beginning, I wasn't quite sure when I was gonna travel and he was very nice about it, he was like "I'll just check-in, and you let me know when you're ready". And then that happened also throughout the trip. He did great.

I would love to tell you that this was my first time using Kimkim, and I definitely will use you guys again because I I loved the process of being able to customize but then also have an itinerary set when I got there so that it wasn't done for me, and I didn't have to figure it out. So I just wanna say thank you for the wonderful service you guys provided. It was just really, really nice.

Hotel Reviews

RVA - Porto Central Apartments

Porto

It's nice to feel entirely on your own. The apartment was also very nicely situated, right in the middle of everything so I could walk anywhere. Lovely place to stay.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lisboa Prata Boutique Hotel

Lisboa

Generally nice, clean and great in terms of location. You could walk to everything, which was really handy. I was on the third floor, and going up and down was a little bit of a hike for a day.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cascade Wellness Resort

Lagos

The CascadeWellness Resort was absolutely gorgeous. It was my favorite accommodation. The rooms were really nice. I enjoyed the pool. The breakfast was magnificent, with very good options.

Authenticity & Character

Location

I loved the walking trails steps from the hotel

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Lagos Evening Food Walk

Lagos (Algarve)

The Evening Food Walk in the Algarve was definitely one of the highlights for me. I'm a big fan of food tours, and this one did not disappoint. It was an excellent way to taste the local cuisine and learn more about the culture. I highly recommend this activity to anyone visiting the area.

Private Pena Palace & Sintra Village Half Day Trip

Lisbon

The Private Pena Palace & Sintra Village Half Day Trip was a favorite during my time in Lisbon. The architecture and history were breathtaking, and the whole experience was beautifully organized. It was a great way to escape the hustle of the city and enjoy some of Portugal's rich history.

We've been planning our honeymoon since 2020, but due to COVID, family obligations, and life in general, we had to keep postponing. It was worth the wait. Marisa has been absolutely WONDERFUL over these past five years. She helped my husband plan an incredible honeymoon across Portugal, with the perfect balance of guided tours and leisurely, self-guided experiences.

The Across Portugal team added thoughtful personal touches throughout our trip, making us feel extra special from start to finish. The experiences, accommodations, and dining recommendations were exceptional. Marisa also did a fantastic job helping us avoid what I call “TikTok traps”—overcrowded, overly touristy spots. We love to immerse ourselves in local culture, and Marisa delivered exactly that.

Our 13-day journey took us through Lisbon, Porto, the Douro Valley, Évora, the Algarve, and ended in Cascais. Every partner we met was knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. Highlights included private walking tours with locals and a tuk-tuk ride that offered a unique perspective on the cities. Claudia in Lisbon was outstanding—her knowledge of the city’s history was impressive, and she made the tour fun with interesting facts beyond the typical tourist script. She also gave us great pub and bar recommendations. Sandra, our tuk-tuk driver, was warm and informative while also giving us time to soak in the sights. She even surprised us with Pastéis de Nata in Belém! Ana in Porto was another standout—her insight into the history of Porto’s churches and local food scene was top-notch.

This was our first time using a travel agency, and we’re so glad we did. Even when things didn’t go as planned—like getting food poisoning from late-night McDonald’s (avoid the garlic aioli), car trouble, and the Spain/Portugal blackout—the Across Portugal team went above and beyond. Raphael, our amazing and considerate driver, was with us the day I got sick. He immediately contacted Carlos from the team, who helped with medication recommendations. Raphael also kept my husband company and had lunch with him while I recovered—something we really appreciated.

As for the car issue... well, the team knows how that went! Honestly, without their support and Ivo stepping in, our honeymoon might have ended very differently (only kind of kidding!).

In short, the Across Portugal team is genuinely invested in their clients’ experiences. From the moment we landed, they were in constant communication, sending daily updates and plans. My husband especially appreciated the reminder texts! Their flexibility, experience, and dedication allowed us to fully enjoy our trip without stress. We're already talking about our next adventure—this time, we want to include a football match! Go Sporting! (Just don’t tell Ivo.)

A huge obrigada to Marisa (the queen of planning a honeymoon for five years!), João, Pedro, Diana, Raphael (best driver ever), Ivo (our hero), Claudia and Ana (our amazing walking tour guides), Pedro (our cooking class chef), and anyone else we may be forgetting. You made our dream trip come true!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Cascais Miragem

Cascais

Amazing hotel in a perfect spot in Cascais. Easily walkable. Staff was excellent and the rooms were nice. The bar in the hotel was very nice as well and the breakfast was just as good.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cascade Wellness Resort

Lagos

Very nice resort! Staff was very nice and did everything to accommodate us. We arrived on the day of the nationwide power outage actually and the staff did everything they could to make sure our trip wasn't impacted. The hotel had couple of restaurants that made sure the guests were taken care of. The cliffs right outside the hotel were amazing and a great walk at sunset.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa

Evora

This was one of the coolest hotels we stayed at. An old convent converted into a hotel and spa! This hotel was absolutely beautiful inside and out. It was brimming with history and authenticity. There was a beautiful church connected to the hotel. They did a wonderful job restoring the convent. We enjoyed the location of the hotel and it was only a (true) 10-minute drive into Evora. The breakfast was absolutely delicious! Highly recommend staying here!

Authenticity & Character

If I could give them 10 stars, I would!

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Octant Douro

Douro

This hotel is perfect for that "getaway" feeling due to it's location. The hotel is equipped with services in case you forget items (i.e., straighter, anti-wrinkle spray, books, stroller, etc.). The view of the Douro River from our bedroom window was spectacular and the drive to the resort was beautiful. Due to it's location and the winding roads, we had to drive ~30+ minutes to our experiences, which means vineyard hopping was out of the picture. We did not mind the drive, but something to keep in mind! Due to the hotel being built on a hill, the layout of the hotel is atypical - which gives it a fun feel. They have two beautiful infinity pools, one outdoor and one indoor. Their spa services looked amazing. Although we do not have kids, the hotel seemed to be very kid friendly with a kids playroom located near one of the restaurants. They have two restaurants on location, one of them holding a Michelin star. I'm a big foodie and love trying Michelin star restaurants. My husband and I both ordered the tasting menu. They seemed understaffed, which made the service slow. We recommend saving your money and eating at the "casual" restaurant or eating a la carte. Not worth $350 euros in our opinion.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Maison Albar - Le Monumental Palace

Porto

This was one of the nicer hotels we stayed at with five star staff. Their breakfast was delicious with plenty of choices with the option to order from the menu. It is centrally located, with quick 5-10 minute walks to restaurants and sites. It was extremely clean, with a very comfortable bed. The hotel also gifted us with sparkling wine, strawberries, grapes, chocolate and a traditional Portuguese treat for our honeymoon. Each night we received a little "happy" that was tied to Portuguese culture. For example, we were there the night before Freedom Day where they left us a red carnation. Highly recommend this hotel!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Heritage Avenida Liberdade

Lisboa

This hotel was charming and quaint—perfect for our honeymoon! As a thoughtful gesture, they gifted us a bottle of port wine to celebrate, and even refilled it two days before our checkout. The room was spotless, the bed was very comfortable, and we had a spectacular view of the city. The location was excellent—around the corner was a yellow tram and it is also just a short walk to Lisboa Rossio and many other attractions. On our first day, we strolled around Lisbon and, without realizing it, passed by several landmarks we would later explore more deeply on our walking tour the next day. A wonderful start to our stay in the city!

Authenticity & Character

I loved the "boutique" feel of the lobby, with their personal touches. It was beautifully decorated!

Location

The hotel was centralized and allowed us to easily walk to attractions and restaurants!

Staff

Very helpful and friendly!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Explore Belém on a Scenic 2-Hour Tuk Tuk Tour

Lisbon

The Tuk Tuk tour in Belém was a delightful experience and our tour guide was fantastic! It was a fun and unique way to explore the area.

Indulge in Elegance on a Guided Winery Tour Infused with Tastings and a Delicious Lunch

Portugal

The winery tour in the Douro Valley was a blast! The guide was knowledgeable, and seeing the traditional grape squishing vats was fascinating. We also had a special treat of a supercar convention with over two hundred cars at the winery, which was an unexpected bonus. Highly recommend the wine tasting experience.

Tickets to Pena Palace and Gardens

Portugal

It was beautiful to walk around the palace, but unfortunately, we missed out on a lot of the historical context because we didn't realize there was an app we could download with explanations so good to check that if you visit!

Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner

Portugal

The Fado experience was really nice! The restaurant, Mesa De Fratus, had a fantastic atmosphere with a singer who performed beautifully. She really knew how to use the acoustics of the place, and it added to the cultural feel of the evening. Overall, a ten out of ten experience, though I haven't compared it to other Fado venues.

Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings

Lisbon

We absolutely LOVED the walking tours. Our guide was Claudia, a native of Lisbon. The walking tours are such a great way to see the city with the added bonus of learning about the city. We had accidentally seen the areas she was going to take us to the day before, and Claudia did a great job meeting our requests. We asked her to show us her favorite spots as a local. One of our first stops was to taste some ginjinha - absolutely delicious! Unfortunately, it started to rain during our tour so we had to seek cover for part of the tour. At the end of the tour she typed in my notes app her favorite places to shop, favorite sites and bars (things we had asked during our tour). Our tour ended with a short wine, port and cheese tasting!

Quality of Experience

The whole experience was amazing!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our tour guide - she is so friendly and easy to talk to!

Transport

If you are looking for a company to plan and orchestrate a perfect vacation, Kimkim is the way to go. Diana was amazing in planning a fantastic trip for us in Portugal. The choice of hotels, tour guides and activities was spot on. We thoroughly enjoyed our car trips with Carlos, who was so informative, professional, courteous and fun. We were in Cascáis during the power outage and the staff at Hotel Miragem was unbelievably helpful. Dinner with the locals in Porto was intimate and we had one of the most delicious meals cooked by Vito The trip to Douro Valley was the icing on the cake. We were extremely impressed by how Diana and her team kept checking and updating us with the daily plans throughout the trip. Thanks everyone who made this trip so special for us!!

The trip was perfectly planned with stops in many cities and towns to get a complete feeling for the many sides of Portugal. The hotels were beautiful and perfectly located central to the cities and towns. Everything was within walking distance. Our drivers were professional and provided local knowledge. During the power blackout, our driver Nuno kept us going even though shops were closed. He checked on us the following day to make sure we were OK. A special callout to our driver Diogo who went above and beyond to find us activities when one of our excursions cancelled at the last minute.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Melia Lisbon Airport

Lisbon

This is an exceptional airport hotel. Not like the US airport hotels. I never heard a plane landing or taking off even though it is a 5-minute walk to Lisbon airport.

Authenticity & Character

Not your average airport hotel.

Location

You can walk to Terminal 1.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lagos Avenida Hotel

Lagos

A beautiful boutique hotel across from the Marina. The restaurant was exceptional for breakfast and our Michelin star food and wine tasting was off the chain.

Authenticity & Character

Beach vibe.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

PortoBay Marquês

Lisbon

A beautiful hotel in the heart of Lisbon right off Liberty Avenue. The staff were excellent and handled the Spain/Portugal power outage with grace and a smile.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pousada Porto - Rua das Flores

Porto

A beautiful hotel in the heart of Porto. The breakfasts were amazing.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

4X4 Algarve Sunset Experience

Portugal

Overall, I would not recommend. The coastal stops with beautiful beaches, surfers, and sheer cliffs were enjoyable, but the "Jeep" ride was brutal. St. Vincent Cape of Sagres is worth visiting, but it was a cloudy evening, so we were unable to witness the spectacular sunset.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril

Portugal

Our driver, Nuno, was excellent. He was very knowledgeable of the history of each town and showed us the best places to eat and shop. We were in Sintra when the power went out to all of Portugal, but Nuno did not miss a beat and continued the tour even though many of the shops were closed. He even checked on us the next day to make sure we were OK.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Nuno is the best!

Transport

Private Guided Visit of Porto

Porto

Our guide Celia did an excellent job of showing us the history and beauty of Porto.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Foodie Experience in Porto

Porto

A good overview of local and bar-type traditional food of Portugal. The guide (can't remember his name but he wore a hat) was entertaining and even ended the evening with some magic! The ending location was a bit disappointing (a restored pool hall). Overall, a good first tour in Porto.

Quality of Experience

A variety of local restaurants, not the touristy ones.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Lisbon Fado Dinner Experience

Portugal

I was surprised at the quality of the food and wine. Excellent! The fado music was beautiful. Each group did 2 songs and then a break so it wasn’t like sitting through a whole concert. Perfect way to experience the music of Portugal with great food.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Get to Know Lisbon with a Local

Lisbon

Our guide Alex was very knowledgeable in the history of Lisbon. The tour was a bit long but very well done!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Alex is excellent!

Wine Tasting & Lunch at a Portuguese Quinta

Portugal

The venue cancelled on us at the last minute due to a national holiday. This was not mentioned when we booked it almost 9 months prior.

Quality of Experience

Better communication

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Diogo found us a great local restaurant on our way back to Lisbon from Lagos.

Transport

Day Excursion to Douro Valley: Wine Tasting & River Cruise

Porto

This was the most beautiful part of Portugal and is a must see. Our driver Nuno added an extra stop to a port tasting.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our trip to Portugal and Spain was incredible!! Marisa perfectly balanced the quality of each experience with the cost -- she found hotels that were both centrally-located and affordable, as well as tours that matched our desired interests in each city. We expressed to Marisa that we wanted to explore the local cuisine in each city, and she did an incredible job finding tours and shows that did exactly that! Marisa was also super responsive during the planning process and made it possible for us to plan this trip with only a few weeks notice. We are so grateful to Marisa for putting together our perfect trip!!

Hotel Reviews

H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel

Sevilla

Excellent hotel!! The location was absolutely perfect for exploring all of Seville. The bed was comfortable (though it was two twin beds pushed together, rather than one queen bed), and the hotel was very clean. Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cascade Wellness Resort

Lagos

Beautiful resort!! The hotel was clean, and the bed was super comfortable. The two pools were beautiful and perfect for lounging in the afternoon. The location was perfect -- it was a 15-minute walk to the beach (as most hotels are in Lagos), and a 30-minute walk from the downtown area (which was accessible via these peaceful walkways that connect to the piers and overlook the cliffs). Highly recommend!!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

AVANI Avenida da Liberdade

Lisbon

Excellent hotel!! It was centrally located in the shopping district and a quick 5-10 minute walk from most restaurants and the park. It was clean and had a very comfortable bed. Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Savor the Flavors of Seville with an Authentic Tapas Tour

Seville

Absolutely amazing tapas tour!! Our guide, Fernando, was super knowledgeable about Seville and made this tour so much fun! We were able to enjoy so many different tapas and wine tastings, as well as explore many restaurants that we otherwise would not have known about. Highly recommend!!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Magical Flamenco Nights in Seville

Seville

Great way to experience an authentic Flamenco show!

Quality of Experience

Premium Dinner Accompanied by Authentic Fado Performance

Lisbon

Wonderful dinner and Fado experience!! It was the perfect blend of high-quality Portuguese food with the traditional Fado music experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings

Lisbon

Great tour to learn more about Lisbon through a fairly quick walking tour. The tour ended with a short wine and cheese tasting that was lovely as well.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service

Portugal

Incredible tour of Sintra and the surrounding area of Lisbon! Our driver was super knowledgeable about both Lisbon and Sintra, and he knew all of the best spots to take us throughout the day. In addition to our tour of Sintra, he took us to a fantastic seafood restaurant for lunch that overlooked the ocean, as well as took us to a nearby beach town to walk around. We were able to see so much more than we anticipated!! Highly recommend this tour!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

This was our second KimKim adventure. Everything went smoothly from the moment Paulo gathered us at the Lisbon airport and on. The hotels were wonderful and the breakfasts had everything imaginable. Lisbon is a hilly city but we trekked on guided by Marina to learn a lot about the city and the country that we would not have without a guide. Also Marina showed us where to get the best Nata. Later we experienced a Fado music dinner which gave us a glimpse of local culture. We were back with Paulo the next day on a trip to Sintra to see the winter palace and there we bought sardines! On the way there we stopped in Obidos and sampled cherry liquor in a chocolate cup. Then on to Porto where we checked into another great hotel and another hilly walking tour culminating with a tour of the Sandeman Port winery. Fantastic! And the port tasting was splendid! The next day we had a driving tour around Porto with Ricardo. We experienced the Douro Valley and saw other towns and cites. We really liked Cascais. The next trip was from Porto to Lagos in the Algarve region stopping for lunch in Evora and the food was fantastic. I had not tried Vino Verde before and drank it at most meals! We were all amazed at the expanse of vineyards, some dating back to Roman times. Another wine tasting and a boat ride on the Douro completed the day. In Lagos, we were greeted at the hotel with beautiful views and learned we were at the most western point in continental Europe! We were there during the power outage but were still able to tour around and have a great dinner. Last trip, up to Cascais and driving along the coast through Estoril and Cascais to see the beautiful beaches. As "foodies" we ate a lot of incredible meals. Cataplana, whole dorado, octopus, a mountain of olives, Portuguese fish soups, and the list goes on. Go to dinner hungry and with an open mind!

Hotel Reviews

Cascade Wellness Resort

Lagos

Terrific views from nearly everywhere in the hotel. A nice pool although a bit cool. Will be nice in warmer weather.

Authenticity & Character

Very luxurious! A large building that keeps a cozy appearance.

Location

Close to the old town and to nice restaurants. Try O Antonio!

Staff

The front desk folks were very helpful. Our waiter Mario was excellent. Even during the crush of patrons during the power outage the service was uncrushed and the food was terrific!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was great! Carob candy on the pillow every night!

NH Collection Porto Batalha

Porto

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Britania Art Deco

Lisbon

Very nice accommodations. A good location to start walking tours. If you need a coffee and delightful pastry, try Bom Gusto around the corner.

Authenticity & Character

The old world character and history of this hotel was wonderful. The marble floors and the cork floors of the suites were something I had not seen. There was a decanter of port wine in the room for complimentary tasting!

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Cascais Miragem

Cascais

The hotel itself is spectacular! The rooms are spacious and our only regret is that we did not have more time to spend there.

Location

An easy walk to town

Cleanliness & Comfort

Spacious rooms, well appointed bathroom, great breakfast buffet.

Activity Reviews

Exclusive Panoramic Boat Tour to the Ponta da Piedade Caves

Portugal

Weather prevented us from taking this tour. Sadly it would have been fun

Indulge in Elegance on a Guided Winery Tour Infused with Tastings and a Delicious Lunch

Portugal

Very interesting tour of the vineyard area.

Private Douro River Escape: 1-Hour Exclusive Cruise

Portugal

It was OK but not up to the rest of the trip. Half our up river, half hour back down river.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide was a nice girl.

Transport

To Eat Suggestion: Terra Nova

Porto

After seeing the photo of the seats by the round window we were all excited to have dinner. We actually got that table!

Quality of Experience

Great food and wine!

Transport

Uber

To Eat Suggestion: Brasão - Coliseu

Porto

We called to make reservations but nobody answers. Then we had the hotel call for reservations and nobody answered them either.

Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service

Portugal

We had fun looking at the sardine store! The palace was wonderful, the amount of workmanship and tile was extraordinary!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Nice large comfy Mercedes van!

The Flavors of Port Wine - Sip & Discover

Porto

A very educational hour at the Sandeman port winery. We loved learning about the history and tasting the various types of port wine.

Quality of Experience

Small tour group

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The Gide inside the Sandeman was very good

Transport

we took Uber

Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings

Lisbon

Marina was terrific. She was very knowledgeable and covered a lot of topics.

Quality of Experience

Marina guides us to great sights and fresh Nata.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Marina was very easy to understand and she was very knowledgeable.

To Eat Suggestion: Cervejaria Trindade

Lisbon

We got there on the early side an were just about the only people there. By the time dinner was over the place was full and there was a waiting line out the door. We had cataplana, a seafood dish with shellfish and fin fish. Along with the crusty bread and olives it made for a memorable meal.

Quality of Experience

food quality

Transport

we took Uber and found it to be very easy to use

We had a great time during our travels through Lisbon and Porto. We were impressed with the communications from the Kim Kim team during the trip and especially with their ability to get us private transport to Porto during the day of the blackout. That morning, before the blackout started, we went to the train station to discover that there had been a strike and all trains were canceled. We were really disappointed but as it turned out, if we had gotten on the train, it may have stopped midway into our trip due to the blackout which would have left us stranded! Fortunately the KimKim team quickly secured our private transport (before the blackout started) with a wonderful driver. I'm not sure what we would have done otherwise!

The hotels we had in both cities were satisfactory and in good locations although I do think an upgrade is worth it if affordable.

Lisbon was very entertaining and beautiful but we LOVED Porto the most and would love to come back to stay for more time as we could not fit in all that we wanted to do! The Douro Valley day trip from Porto was one of our favorite days despite that it poured rain the entire day.

Overall, Raquel did a great job planning our trip and the communications with other team members regarding transportation and answering general questions was very prompt and professional.

Our Portugal Trip was well planned and coordinated by the Kim Kim Travel Team. The pre-planning and guidance provided byJoão and his team prior our trip was excellent. From the time we arrived in Lisbon till our departure from Porto, the Kim Kim Team was there to guide us through all stages of our travel itinerary. The Kim Kim Team from João, Pepe, Rafa, Ivo and Roberto et al were fantastic. They were on time, very knowledgeable and accommodated changes to our travel plans as we made our way by road from Lisbon to Porto. We felt very safe and comfortable on our road trips. We had a great time in Lisbon, Sintra, Alcobaca, Coimbra, Aviero, Duoro Valley and Porto. Our Duoro Valley River Cruise was very relaxed as we enjoyed the unusually warm spring weather.
The Kim Kim Team made our travels very relaxed and were there to meet any last minute requests. The team was on time and maintained our schedule efficiently. There was a very personal touch included as well when we had a home dinner arranged in Porto. Many thanks to Ivo and his team (and Ivo's parents). Holidays are not just about seeing new places and gaining new experiences but it is also about making new friends. We achieved all of this and much more on our Portugal Travels with Kim Kim. Well Done to the Kim Kim Team.

Hotel Review

Heritage Avenida Liberdade

Lisboa

Hotel was centrally located, quaint and our room was comfortable. Amenities were good and staff were very friendly. We were able to take our morning walks along the Avenida Liberdade and enjoy the vibes of Lisbon.

Authenticity & Character

Rooms were comfortable retaining much of of its original character.

Location

Centrally located and Avenida Liberdade provided great views.

Staff

Very helpful and forever smiling.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms were clean and hotel service was efficient.

Activity Reviews

Join Locals for Dinner & Uncover Porto's Hidden Coastal Gems

Porto

Our Home Dinner in a family environment was a fantastic experience. We were made to feel at home and become part of the family. We learned a little more about family life and values in Portugal. Home cooked meals are anytime more enjoyable than dining in restaurants. Sharing our experiences with Ivo and his parents was one of the highlights of our Portuguese experience.

Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner

Portugal

The Fado Dinner and Music was excellent. The location of the restaurant and the cozy environment added to the musical experience. The staff at the restaurant were efficient and friendly. The acoustics was also good and we were able to enjoy the music without too much background disturbance.

Quality of Experience

Fantastic musical experience. The musicians were very professional.

Food

The authentic cuisine and wines was very enjoyable.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Driver was on time and friendly. Staff at the restaurant were friendly despite not locating our initial reservations.

Transport

Our car and driver was very prompt and delivered us at the Fado Reasturant on time.

Our trip was fantastic and could not have been more perfect! Our guides, accommodations, and excursions were all wonderful! This was our second trip with kimkim and we are already looking forward to our next trip! Thank you so much!!

Hotel Reviews

Costa D’Oiro Ambiance Village

8600-544

Authenticity & Character

Z

Location

lol

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Torel Palace

Lisbon

Authenticity & Character

Oh

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Lagos Evening Food Walk

Lagos (Algarve)

This was a wonderful experience!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ponta da Piedade by Boat Excursion

Lagos (Algarve)

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Pastel de Nata Pastry Class

Lisbon

This was wonderful! Diogo was excellent!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

4WD Day Trip to Sintra & Cabo da Roca

Lisbon

Wonderful trip! Both guides were wonderful!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kimkim arranged a ten-day tour of Portugal for our family of six. They did an excellent job of selecting, and organizing, site visits and activities, as well as providing transportation, lodging and dining recommendations. During the trip we were in frequent communications with our in- country agent, João, to make sure everything met our needs. We also worked with a team of exceptional guides and drivers who make every moment pleasurable. Our drivers, Renaldo and Carlos, were always on time, in good spirits, and filled every day with stories about the history, culture, and people of Portugal as well as many other topics. They made every day interesting and enjoyable and often went beyond expectations. A good example of this was when Carlos took us to the Lisbon airport to return home. We expected to be dropped off outside in front of the airport, but instead he took us to underground parking, then up an unused elevator directly to check-in where he worked with airline representatives to efficiently move through the check in processes leaving us only when we reached Security where he could go no farther.

My husband and I have never used a service like KimKim before when planning a vacation itinerary, and we are so glad we did. After being welcomed so warmly by Across Portugal, however, the bar has now been set very high for the future, for we feel very spoiled indeed. From the moment we arrived in Portugal, we were greeted and received with white-glove hospitality. Everyone we encountered provided such thoughtful and thorough service, working tirelessly to make sure that our experience ran smoothly. We truly felt cared for at every moment; every detail for our stay had been considered, from our name prominently displayed by our driver at the airport to the welcome box full of local treats in our hotel room to the printed tickets for our excursions and timely check-ins every afternoon. I have never had so many doors opened for me. We felt like royalty!

Throughout our trip, we received immediate, friendly and thorough support from the team at Across Portugal, and they graciously answered all of our questions, no matter how trivial or random. It was a true delight to experience the country through the eyes of those who live there; our drivers and walking guides were exemplary professionals, but most of all we appreciated the depth of their knowledge and enthusiasm as they shared Portuguese history, language, and culture with us, offering suggestions and recommendations for where to go and what to see, where to eat. They were quick with recommendations and remained sensitive and attuned to our every comfort. They consistently went out of their way to provide impeccable service, catering to our whims, whether it was advice on how to speak or pronounce words, removing the front seat to relieve carsickness during a winding journey, providing spare umbrellas when it rained, driving us by Cristiano Ronaldo's house to satisfy our curiosity, calling a restaurants at the last minute to book tables with an ocean view, attempting to help us attend a futebol match outside Porto... The list goes on and on. The love and pride that our guides felt for their homeland shone through their words and actions.

We discovered quickly that Across Portugal had taken the time to find only the very best in local service and excursions, from tastings to vineyard tours, boat rides to cross-country drives and fado dinners. It felt as though we were being given gift after gift of unique insights and kind gestures, invited into an exclusive family. We trusted the Across Portugal team, and by extension their partnerships with local businesses, to lead us at every turn. We would not hesitate to recommend their services to anyone planning a visit to this beautiful country. You will have no choice but to fall in love with Portugal!

Pedro and his team made everything so much easier and more relaxed. From the transports to the guides to the daily communication, everything about our trip was fantastic. Highly recommend Pedro and their team!!

It was an amazing trip. My needs were taken care and beyond!

Hotel Reviews

Gran Hotel Havana

Barcelona

The location of hotel was great. Close to good restaurants and shopping. Easy access to and from the hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Clean and very accessible.

Location

Good access to all amenities.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Petit Palace Posada del Peine

Madrid

Authenticity & Character

Location

It was hard to get to the hotel. My private transfer had to parked the car for a distance. It took at least 10 - 15 minutes to get to the hotel.

Staff

The staff were helpful and attentive.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mercure Porto Centro Aliados

Porto

Authenticity & Character

Location

It's a bit hard to get into by car or planned pick up. I have to walk to the meeting point for any planned tours.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Casa Balthazar

Lisbon

The service was outstanding. The room I stayed in was exceptional. Loved the antique setting.

Authenticity & Character

Loved the setting and decor of the hotel.

Location

Close to good restaurants, museums and shopping.

Staff

Very helpul and attentive.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The room was kept tidy and clean.

Activity Reviews

Ancient Bath Experience

Spain

This is an experience should never be missed after all the activities from shopping, eating and sightseeing. This is a great way to end your memorable and exciting holiday.

Quality of Experience

It was a very relaxing moments.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The staff made you welcome.

Transport

I had to take a taxi to go this place.

Local Market Visit & Cooking Class

Barcelona

The market visit was very exciting. Shopping for your ingredients to cook was great. The chef gave you an insights of the history of the market. The chef was very "funny" and guided you an how to create a good tasting food. I left the class knowing I will be able somehow to replicate the recipes. Of course, I had to acquire the recipe book.

Quality of Experience

It was an amazing experience.

Food

The food was fantastic.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The chef was very kind and have a good sense of humour.

Transport

I had to take a taxi to get to the place.

Penedès Vineyards, Wines & Tapas Day Trip

Barcelona

These were an exciting and memorable visits. I have learned the different types of wines the vineyards grow and produce. You had a chance to get closer to the grape vines travelling in a 4wheel drive vehicle. The vineyards were picture perfect. The staff were very hospitable and gracious.

Quality of Experience

These are trips one should never be missed.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The trip made you feel comfortable, safe and on time. My only comment you wished the driver gave you an insights of places you come accross before you get to the vineyards.

Transport

You feel safe and comfortable.

Self-Guided Walk in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

Barcelona

Lots of places to see and shop.

Quality of Experience

It's very nice to get to see other places on your own. Even though I travelled solo, the places recommended to see by my travel consultant and the locations gave you the assurance of being safe.

Park Güell & La Sagrada Família Experience

Barcelona

An amazing and wonderful visit for both the Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia. Both places were picturesque and the histories told by the guide were very educational, exciting and memorable.

Quality of Experience

It was a very memorable and educational visits.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I had to take a taxi to go to the place.

Transport

I had to take a taxi to go to the place.

Malasaña Flamenco Experience

Madrid

It was a good show. The singing and dancing were great. It would be good if there's a write up of what they were singing and dancing about. The food was good.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I had to walk to the place.

Transport

I had to walk to the place.

Royal Palace Visit

Madrid

It was educational. You learned about the history of the different rooms, how it made and who inhabited it. The decor were exceptional.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I had to walk to get to the place. The guide showed and gave a good descriptions and knowledge of the place.

Transport

I had to walk to get to the place.

Private Electric Tuk-Tuk Adventure

Madrid

It was an exciting adventure riding on a Electric Tuk-Tuk. The guide showed the different places to see and describe the history that respresent those places. She's also very good and make you feel safe with the vehicle.

Quality of Experience

The guide gave me an educational tour.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide was polite and punctual.

Transport

It was comfortable and you feel safe.

Prado Museum & Cultural Walk with Lunch at Botín

Madrid

The museum was outstanding. Lots of information and very educational. It was a short visit and could have seen more artists. Lunch at Boitin was exceptional. The visit to this restaurant was something that you will remember. The history of the place was very educational. The guide was very knowledgable and the restaruant were very good and caring.

Quality of Experience

It was a wonderful and educational trip to both the museum and the restaurant.

Food

Gave you the options to choose what you can eat.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide gave us a good insights of both places.

Fado Show with Dinner & City Viewpoints

Porto

It was okay to listen to the singing. I would have appreciate it more if there was a information about what "Fado" is. I would give the audience an overview of whave being sung especially if you are visiting and perhaps in English. Also, if you are in a group the seating should have to been prearranged. I had to sit alone by myself away from the group.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The driver showed us the city views and even had a tast of porto wine served in a chocolate cup. That was a surprise!

Transport

The ride was comfortable and feel safe.

Douro Valley Day Trip with Wine Tastings & River Cruise

Porto

The trip going to Douro Valley was exciting even though it was a rainy day. The guide who was taking us to Duoro described and explained histories of different places you come accross before reaching the valley. Getting on the river boat was an exciting experience. However, I was hoping there will be a river boat guide to show and described the different areas you see as the boat cruise the river. The wine tastings were outstanding. I learned about different grapes and wine produce on the 2 diferent vineyards.

Quality of Experience

I learned a lot about different types of wines.

Food

The food served was outstanding especially if you are a "pescetarian diet".

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide gave us a great insights of the trip. He was also easy to chat with and have a very good sense of humour.

Transport

It was a very comfortable trip and was on time.

Private Half-Day Sintra Trip

Lisbon

It was a wonderful visit; the guide gave you a deep insight of the history of the place.

Quality of Experience

It was a wonderful visit and was able to appreciate the history of the place.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide was very knowledgable and the service was outstanding. He was on time!

Transport

The vehicle was very clean, comfortable and of course the type of car he was driving. It made you feel safe.

Traditional Portuguese Food Walk

Lisbon

This was a very good experience. The guide gave a good description of the area and the types of local food to enjoy. It was also very accomodating in what types of food each travelers, what they can eat.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide walk you through all the different areas, the history of the place and the type of foods to taste.

Transport

Our trip plan was great and all of the guides were so friendly and gave us a great insight into Portugal in many ways.
The trip app was so helpful and made things so easy to follow with links and directions.

The trip set up through KimKim was amazing. They really made the trip feel seamless. We started in Lisbon and moved to Algarve and then to Cascais. The part of the trip I really want to emphasize is the private driver/transfers. Rui was our main driver and he was absolutely wonderful. they were always right on time and it made enjoying the trip much easier when not worried about getting from place to place. All the Hotels were as advertised and I would absolutely stay in any of them again . I cant say enough good things about how well the trip was coordinated. For background we have a 3 kids ages 6-11 and the rooms were all sufficiently large and spacious for each of us. Well done Pedro.

João helped design a wonderful trip for our family. It provided just the right variety of activity to appeal to everyone and he was flexible in response to our requests. Though we did not meet him personally while in Portugal, he was very responsive to any of our needs that arose and quickly helped us coordinate assistance if needed. He connected us with a simply outstanding local guide named Gustavo, who truly "made" the trip for us. He was so knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. When the weather forced a sudden change in our plans, he quickly filled the void with new ones - and our trip didn't suffer a bit. We enjoyed his company and appreciated his guidance as we explored the cultural and natural treasures of Portugal.

We had only one accommodation that was challenging, but I felt that João was very receptive to the feedback. And even with the challenges, we still enjoyed our time there.

Hotel Reviews

Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto

Lisbon

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Martinhal Lisbon Chiado

Lisbon

Fantastic staff and wonderful accommodations great for a traveling family. Clean and easy to use apartment - modern amenities and great location.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cascade Wellness Resort

Lagos

Gorgeous hotel with wonderful accommodations for a family. However, the limits on heated pool availability for children and restaurant options for guests under 16 should be understood before you arrive.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Monte do Serrado de Baixo

Évora

Challenging if it's your first time to Portugal and you don't speak Portuguese. The hosts aren't onsite when you arrive, and the staff that may be there speaks limited English. If you're in the off-season, not all of the written materials providing provisions and guidance for your stay apply, so it's tough to figure out. Beautiful farm, though.

Activity Review

Cave Boat Tour

Portugal

So fun - incredible experience.

Rita was incredibly patient - we were a group of 8 with a lot of opinions and mixed itineraries. Every guide we were paired with was incredible, welcoming and provided us with a wonderful experience. For a 20 day trip having kimkim do all the coordination across 7 cities and 2 countries was a breeze- have recommended them multiple times others and would happily use again!

This was our first time in Portugal, and as for several other trips, kimkim made it possible. Kimkim worked with us to plan out a perfect itinerary for 12 days in and around Lisbon and Porto. But planning is only part of what makes a trip great - it's also being there to manage when things don't go as planned. And our 12 days in Portugal started with a plane cancellation due to weather - but kimkim was there for us to re-arrange airport pickups, hotel and dinner reservations, and to help us think thru how to do in 11 days what we planned for in 12 days.
Kimkim and their local affiliate in Spain (which handles planning for Spain and Portugal) use the app "Trip Plans" - which creates realtime updates for your itinerary, including bookings and tickets... and also contains an in-app messaging service, which was monitored and responded to in near realtime by our trip planner Rita and her associates.

Because we wanted flexibility in day trips out of Lisbon and Porto, we opted for a few day trips with private drivers. Rita and team helped us put together realistic itineraries, and then found the best drivers for us. And for those worried about driver pickup locations and times (will someone actually be there for us, even if the plane/train is late???), their choice of car services and drivers comes with a traveler-friendly text-message that includes your driver's name, number, pick-up time, location mapping... and an emergency number to call if something unexpected happens. We had the same great driver (Alex) for our airport pickup, two day-trips from Lisbon, and a drop off at the Lisbon train station (to go to Porto).

Our best day trip from Porto... Douro Valley-Expert Guide-Boat-Lunch-Tastings Premium Service. We were picked up at our hotel by Pedro, who knew everything (and seemingly everyone) in the Douro Valley. Pedro took us on a beautiful drive from Porto to our first tasting, providing us with local knowledge and fun facts about the Douro valley... and patiently stopping when I saw a particularly scenic spot for photos. Pedro continued his personalized tour with us on the hour river cruise, and then to our 2nd vineyard for lunch and another tasting. And after a day of vineyard sampling, what's better than having a private car service back to your hotel.

Thank you Rita (and kimkim) for another great trip.

Hotel Reviews

Pousada Porto - Rua das Flores

Porto

A beautiful boutique hotel on one of the most walkable streets in Porto.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Portugal Boutique City Hotel

Lisbon

Beautiful hotel with a warm and friendly staff. Walkable to many tourist sites and lots of restaurants and cafes. Rooms are spacious and well appointed.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Private Douro Valley Excursion with Wine Tastings, Local Lunch & Rabelo River Cruise

Porto

The Private Douro Valley Excursion was a fabulous experience. We had a private driver who was knowledgeable and friendly, making the day feel special and tailored just for us. The wine tastings were excellent, and having the flexibility with a personal driver meant we could stop for photos and experience the scenery in a way a group tour wouldn't allow.