
João Branco
Hey Everyone! My name is João and I am a World Passionate Traveler.
Ever since I can remember I have been traveling around the world which made my academic and professional choices quite easy - Tourism!
I have been working in the industry for the past 10 years which led to my new recent project - Across Portugal! Alongside with Pedro, my partner, we inaugurated this new Travel Agency aiming to become one of the main references when visiting Portugal.
Will you help me achieving that?
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Across Portugal was born to provide unique and memorable experiences in Portugal. Our team with such a detailed knowledge has some advantages while working as travel specialists.
We are mainly focused on customized / tailor-made trips based on the following topics: history & culture, art, architecture, gastronomy & wines, sea & beach, outdoor activities as well as many others.
Our team provides this services to Individual travelers as well as to families, friends and groups."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I was lucky enough to start traveling since I was a Kid. Those experiences led to a huge interest in this industry.
Travel is much more than visiting new places or meeting new people. It is all about the experience, the authenticity as well as the local immersion.
Based on this, and since Tourism is a business from People to People, I have always believed I could contribute by helping people to visit Portugal.
Across Portugal was born from this believe!"
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"If I had to choose one travel experience I would certainly highlight my interrail.
I dreammed about it for years.
As soon as I started working I managed to get the chance to live my dream - a train trip throughout Europe during 1 month.
I would certainly recommend an experience like this to everyone."
João's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice

Fifteen days in Portugal offers travelers a range of options for adventure and leisure. Visit the highlights on a cross-country sightseeing trip, or opt to see more of the...

Indulge your tastebuds in this tour of Portugal's gastronomy and wine, starting in vibrant Lisbon with a visit to the famous Mercado do Livramento in Setúbal, followed by a wine...

Taste your way through Lisbon, Évora, the Douro Valley, and Porto on this gastronomic 15-day tour of Portugal. Besides hitting up landmarks, see Lisbon's local markets and taste...
Road trip itineraries

Independent adventurers will love this nine-day itinerary that takes you off the beaten path to discover Portugal's unspoiled countryside and medieval villages. After getting to...

Adventurous and independent travelers will love this 11-day itinerary that takes you on the road through Portugal's fascinating history and epic landscape. You'll spend some...

Hit the road in postcard-perfect Portugal on this 11-day itinerary that explores the rich history, curious culture, and delicious food and wine of the country's northern half....
Recent trip reviews for João
Joao’s planning and little surprises like roo...
Portugal
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Sep 4 - Sep 13, 2023
Joao’s planning and little surprises like room upgrades and event tickets were top notch. We would recommend in a minute. The guides and drivers were all really good, on time and providing context to everything we were seeing. They added other things to see ideas as well along with restaurant suggestions when we were on our own. Our only negative. Although we gave Joao a specific budget, which sets certain limitations, our hotel had some aging issues. It’s part of a bigger chain and probably just hasn’t hit the list for renovations yet. Again, overall a fantastic experience. Thanks.

Hey Stephen,
Thank you so much for your words!
I am super happy to know you had a great time! Let's Go Portugal!!
Our team will also take your feedback into account for future recommendations.
Thank you once again for your trust - Obrigado!!
João & Across Portugal Team
We had the most amazing trip!
Portugal
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Sep 4 - Sep 13, 2023
We had the most amazing trip! Joao was always available and responsive to answer questions. Each driver was professional and courteous and the van was always extremely clean and comfortable. The itinerary that Joao put together was fantastic- it was the perfect blend of activities that we all really enjoyed. This trip truly exceeded all expectations. Thank you Joao and kimkim!

Hey Elizabeth,
Thank you so much for your kind words. You have no idea how much they mean to us!!
Super happy to know you enjoyed your time with us - still lots of places to explore :)
Thank you once again for your trust - Obrigado!
João & Across Portugal Team
Joao and his team did an amazing job.
Portugal
|
Sep 4 - Sep 13, 2023
Joao and his team did an amazing job. We had a great experience from booking to his daily check in and agenda. 10 days, 3 locations all tours, and private drivers were great!! Thank you,

Hello Carlos,
What a wonderful feedback!!
I am super happy to know you had an amazing time in Portugal - and a unique wedding anniversary I hope as well!
Thank you for allowing us to share what Portugal has to offer - it was an amazing journey!
Obrigado,
João & Across Portugal Team
Great Portugal Experience
Portugal
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Aug 28 - Sep 8, 2023

Overall it was a great trip. We were able to visit so many cities within Portugal and have a nice combination of activities as well as relaxation time by the beach. We enjoyed Lisbon, Porto, Évora, Lagos, Algarve, and Cascais were all incredible.
João Branco and his team from AP Portugal did a fantastic job planning an amazing trip. We had an incredible time that we will always cherish. They were readily available for any questions or concerns we had. They followed up every evening to see... read more

Hey Houtan and Savannah,
Thank you so much for your kind words and feedback on our service regarding your recent trip to Portugal!
I am super happy to know you had a great time - that is the most important :)
All the best,
João & Across Portugal team
Group trip to Portugal
Portugal
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Aug 12 - Aug 21, 2023
I just returned from a group trip to Portugal organized by Across Portugal. From start to finish, the experience was nothing short of amazing. The attention to detail and thoughtful planning were evident in every aspect of the journey.
Our itinerary was well-balanced and accommodations were top-notch. What truly set this trip apart was the amazing service received from Joao, who coordinated every everything to perfection. Top notch customer service and communication, can't recommend enough... read more

Olá Reynier,
What a wonderful and kind feedback you just shared - thank you so much!
I have to say your group was amazing to work with - what a wonderful experience. I am really happy to know everything went well and, more important, that you took Portugal with great memories and adventures back home.
We still have the northern part of the country missing. Should we start thinking into a second experience? :p
Hope the entire group is well! Portugal already misses you :(
Muito Obrigado!!!!!
João & Across Portugal Team
Portugal-- what an amazing country. Thank you!
Portugal
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Jul 17 - Jul 27, 2023
Portugal-- what an amazing country. The people, the food, the culture and the beauty. We both felt like home in Portugal and loved our whole experience. Our local specialist Joao checked in daily and had us in the most beautiful hotels, with wonderful transportation and drivers who were very engaging and knowledgeable. He was available for any last minute changes and had great recommendations. From start to end it was a wonderful holiday and we look forward to visiting again with our... read more

Hello Rachel,
Greetings from sunny Portugal!
Thank you so much for your feedback about your experience in Portugal! Our team is really happy to know you had a great experience.
Thank you once again for your trust!
Obrigado,
João & Across Portugal Team
Our trip to Portugal was exactly what we hope...
Portugal
|
Jul 16 - Jul 23, 2023

Our trip to Portugal was exactly what we hoped for. João was extremely helpful and responsive throughout. He made the planning process so simple. João seemed to understand exactly what we were looking for as a family and set up the perfect trip for us. Throughout our time in Portugal he made sure that we were taken care of and ready for all of our activities.
Matilde was our guide in Lisbon for the first day of the trip. I was amazed at her knowledge of absolutely everything relating to... read more

Hey Stephen,
Thank you so much for your feedback and kind words!
I am super happy to know you had a great time in Portugal! Let's Go Sporting!!! :)
Thank you once again for your trust - Obrigado!!
João & Across Portugal Team
Outstanding Portugal Vacation🤩
Portugal
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Jul 14 - Jul 22, 2023

We had an amazing vacation! Working with Joao and his team was great. They planned the perfect hotels for us and we loved every excursion, even every guide. Pedro was fantastic on our walking tour of Lisbon; he was friendly, funny and so knowledgeable. I cannot say enough things about our driver Antony….He was the best. The day trip with Simone, with Inside Lisbon was long but so worth it! She was a great guide and kept us entertained. We just wish we had more time in Obidos and... read more

Hey Dawn,
WOW! Thank you so much for your kind words! You have no idea how much it means to our Team!
I will be very happy to share your comments to everyone involved :)
Look forward to welcome you, Doug and Rendon in the future.
Muito Obrigado,
João & Across Portugal Team
João created an itinerary that was fun,inform...
Portugal
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Jul 7 - Jul 18, 2023
João created an itinerary that was fun,informative, and relaxing over 12 days.
The guides were very informative and had great communication skills.
João reached out to us each night to inform us of the next days activities and with suggestions for local highlights.
We feel we came away with a feel for the history and the people of Portugal.
We certainly have a feel for the fish and the wine of Portugal.
We would highly recommend João and Kimkim for a trip there! read more

Hey Howard,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
I am super happy to know you had a great time in Portugal! You just made my day :)
Thank you once again for your trust - Obrigado!!
João & Across Portugal Team
One of the best trips we’ve ever taken thanks to Ricardo and Joao
Portugal
We just got back from 8 days of the most well planned trips we’ve ever taken. Pedro and then Joao planned an incredible, budget friendly trip that did not seem budget in any way. We had private transportation everywhere. Our hotels were great. Our day trips incredible. Any little problems that arises Joao was quick to resolve to our satisfaction.
When we first planned this trip, Joao and Pedro listened to what we wanted and needed as a big group and delivered in every way. When I saw the 32... read more

Olá Layantie!!
OMG - What a wonderful feedback! What a journey it was :)
I have to say our team is really happy with the feedback and, more important, with the chance we had to welcome all of you.
Hopefuly you are now able to spread Portugal's name with a smile while remembering this unique experience.
Muito Obrigado,
João & Across Portugal Team
The most magical vacation!
Portugal
|
Jul 1 - Jul 9, 2023

Our family of 4 visited Portugal for 9 days to celebrate my husband and I 20th wedding anniversary and our advisor Joao planned THE MOST INCREDIBLE AND MAGICAL trip for us!
They customized our trip to for our family, the thoughtfulness and attention to detail was above and beyond! We felt like royalty with the amount of care, communication and thoughtfulness! Joao checked in with us a few times a day, he had our itinerary printed and sent to us via WhatsApp, he left a welcome gift at our... read more

Hello Carrie!
What a lovely feedback!!
I am super happy to know you had an amazing time with your family in Portugal!!! WOW :)
Those photos are incredible I have to say!
Thank you for allowing us to share what Portugal has to offer - it was an amazing journey!
Obrigado,
João & Across Portugal Team
Kimkim was so helpful connecting us to Portugal travel experts
Portugal
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Jun 16 - Jun 29, 2023
We were overwhelmed with planning our trip to Portugal for 3 couples for 2 weeks, but luckily we found Kimkim, who made it so easy. They connected us to a wonderful local agency, Across Portugal, who worked with us to create a customized trip within our budget. Our trip included private transportation when needed, private tours, and some time on our own with a rental van for 5 days. We visited Lisbon, Sintra, Porto and the Douro Valley, Serra da Estrela, and the Algarve. The hotels were beautiful and tours were top notch.

Hey Joanne and Mary,
Greetings from sunny Portugal!
Thank you so much for your feedback about your experience in Portugal! Our team is really happy to know you had a great experience. Should we consider Spain next year? :)
Thank you once again for your trust!
Obrigado,
João & Across Portugal Team
Overall this was a well planned trip!! What r...
Portugal
|
May 28 - Jun 10, 2023
Overall this was a well planned trip!! What really stands out for me is how Joao was constantly in touch daily by text to keep us informed of the following days activities and helping us make last minute changes due to unforeseen weather issues!! read more

Hey Bryan,
Thank you so much for highlighting our assistance service while traveling. The best service for the best travelers - just as you deserve :)
That is the best feedback we could get after an amazing trip - obrigado!
Thank you once again for your trust.
João & Across Portugal Team
Fantastic two weeks!
Portugal
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May 28 - Jun 10, 2023

Planning this family retirement trip with three generations along with Joao was very user friendly. From gastronomic and boat tours in Porto, kayaking and wine tasting in the Douro valley, hiking with Nuno in Serra da Estrella, time on the Algarve on a private boat excursion to the beautiful arches of Lagos, and then Lisbon
And surrounding areas (Sintra and Obidos) was smooth and seem less. We loved having a private drivers who were courteous and helpful ( shout out to Miguel and Luis!). ... read more

Hey Michelle,
Thank you so much for such a detailed feedback!
I am super happy to know everyone had a great time in Portugal! You just made my day :)
Thank you once again for your trust - Obrigado!!
João & Across Portugal Team
Portugal adventure
Portugal
|
May 14 - May 20, 2023

KimKim and Across Portugal were wonderful to deal with! We went to Portugal with our kids and their grandparents and everything was very organized, timely, and efficient. Everyone enjoyed the tours that were arranged too. Across Portugal was affiliated with KimKim and had an assistance service line available so if you had any questions or needed details from the itinerary they were readily available! Joao was awesome and always available!
We had a walking tour in Lisbon and Elsa our guide... read more

Hey Kristen,
Thank you so much for the positive feedback!
I am genuinely happy to hear that you and your family really enjoyed your time in Portugal and that you would highly recommend us :)
Thank you once again for your trust - Obrigado!!
João & Across Portugal Team
Fabulous trip to Portugal!
Portugal
|
May 11 - May 18, 2023
Our experience working with Kim Kim, and specifically João from Across Portugal, was absolutely stellar. When we started planning our trip, the communication was timely and responsive to our needs. João really understood the type of vacation we were looking for, and made it happen within our budget!
We were incredibly impressed with the communication platform on Kim Kim. We had all the details we needed for our trip, including confirmation numbers and contact information. Not only that,... read more

Hey Jessica and Stuart,
Already missing Portugal?
Thank you so much for your feedback about Portugal!
I am really happy to know you enjoyed your time in Portugal and also our service as well!
7 days were just a brief introduction - You have to return in the future :)
Thank you once again for your trust!
Obrigado,
João & Across Portugal Team
Responsive, Timely, Professional, Considerate
Portugal
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Apr 16 - Apr 22, 2023
Day tour to Sintra with guide Matilde and driver Miguel. We felt very cared for traveling with these 2 the whole day. Matilde answered all our questions thoughtfully and explained all the stops thoroughly.
The walking tour of Lisbon with Elsa was effortless. Elsa made the 8 hour long day seem very short. Her lively explanations and wonderful sense of humor made the day go by so quickly and the walk easy. She shared with us some of her favorite local spots. Bifana was delicious and her... read more

Hey Janet,
WOW! Thank you so much for such a detailed feedback!
I will be very happy to share your comments to everyone involved :)
Look forward to welcome you and Jennifer in the future.
Obrigado,
João & Across Portugal Team
Our experience was wonderful and our guides f...
Portugal
|
Apr 14 - Apr 22, 2023
Our experience was wonderful and our guides from Across Portugal were excellent. They were very informative and helpful. read more

Hey Marlene,
Greetings from sunny Portugal!
I am so glad you enjoyed your time in Portugal! Hope you will remember us when drinking some of the wines you purchased in Douro :)
Thank you once again for your trust!
Obrigado,
João & Across Portugal Team
Azorean Adventure
Portugal
|
Apr 9 - Apr 15, 2023
João and his team were amazing to communicate with in the planning process. We wanted an Azores adventure for our family (2 adults, 2 school-aged kids) and they recommended exploring Sao Miguel for the week, which was perfect. We stayed in Ponta Delgada and then Furnas and explored the different ecosystems around the island. We did the full gamut of activities including hiking, whale watching, biking, kayaking and canyoning. João kept in touch throughout to make sure everything went smoothly,... read more

Hey Anisha,
Greetings from sunny Portugal!
Thank you so much for your feedback and review :)
Azores are a unique hidden gem for most of travelers, reason why I am super happy to know you took the risk and enjoyed it!
Perhaps Madeira or Portugal Mainland next time??
Thank you once again for your trust!
Obrigado,
João & Across Portugal Team
Amazing Portugal
Portugal
|
Mar 27 - Apr 7, 2023
This was our first time going to Portugal but Joao was so incredible addressing all of our questions over multiple emails and phone calls while planning the trip and then connecting with us daily via whatsapp to ensure we had the details for each day and also checking in with us at the end of the day to see how everything went. It was my birthday during the trip and Joao went above and beyond as a surprise, specializing a private boat tour of the Lagos grottoes (our Blue Fleet boat guides... read more

Hey Jane and Henri,
Greetings from sunny Portugal!
Thank you so much for your feedback about Portugal!
I am really happy to know we were able to provide you a great experience and, on top of that, a unique birthday in Lagos - should we expect another visit? :)
Thank you once again for your trust!
Obrigado,
João & Across Portugal Team