João Branco

I think overall the trip was really well planned. Joao was very available and even helped arrange a gift for my son for his birthday. I would have preferred to stay in Cascais rather then Lisbon and just take trips day to Lisbon sites from Cascais as one night in Cascais felt too short-was a very lovely place. Evo and Carlos were both excellent drivers, super friendly, and great with my kids! They both went above and beyond. Carlos even parked at the airport to help us with our luggage and was patient with us when we overslept! Everyone was very nice. The only issue I had was at Cascade wellness resort with the showers not draining properly. My main feedback would be I wish there was more transparancy in the individual cost of each items rather then being bundled together. The cooking class, boat tours, winery were all wonderful. Sara did a fantastic job with the walking tour of Porto. Joao and his team were always very available on what's app whenever we had a question. Overall, I really appreciated the seamlessness of the trip!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Cascais Miragem

Cascais

Very very nice hotel! Wish we could have spent more time here.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Front desk staff seemed a bit confused.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Britania Art Deco

Lisbon

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Condes de Azevedo Palace

Porto

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cascade Wellness Resort

Lagos

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

rooms were a bit run down

Activity Reviews

Two-Hour Private River Cruise in the Picturesque city of Porto

Porto

Stunning views. Wish we had known there would be little food on this as by the time we ended and got back was almost 10 pm and we were starving.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service

Portugal

Carlos did an amazing job with this tour and catered to our preferences.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

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

Portugal

This winery was absolutely beautiful!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Farewell

Lisbon Int. Airport (LIS)

Carlos did a wonderful job picking us up on time and giving us tricks for getting through the crazy Lisbon airport.

Embark on a Flavorful Cooking Class with a Meal at the Farm

Portugal

It was really nice how they catered to our vegetarian preferences. Food was yummy and was a fun experience!

Quality of Experience

Food

João · Jun 4
I was very happy with the way the trip turned out especially since we started planning it very late. I don't remember when in April we actually got paired with Joao but we wanted to travel in late May so he didnt have much time to put something together and we changed our minds a few times! He did a great job with lodging, especially the Grand Real Villa Italia in Cascais and the Britania Art Deco in Lisbon. Both were in great locations so that we could walk around both cities!
He hired very good drivers - they were on time , knowledgeable and very friendly. They also could recommend places to eat and things to see in each location.
In Lisbon we did the side car tour of the city, which my entire family agrees was the best way to see Lisbon! The company was Bike By My Side and they were excellent! They were very passionate about Lisbon and Portugal and spoke English very well!
In Porto, we a gastronomic tour. That tour was ok. The guide Sara was very good, but the choices of food were not. We were expecting more items that were truly Portugese - we had a charcuterie board, bifana sandwich(which is Portugese) and then olive oil tasting and chocolate.
In Cascais we visited the village Sintra and did the Pena Palace hotel. The grounds of the Palace are extraordinary and worth touring. The palace was very crowded and if you have seen one palace in Europe you have seen them all. I would do the grounds skip the palace.
Joao had many other suggestions for us but we wanted to do our own exploring, so those were the onlyntours we did.
Joao and his team were always available via Whatsapp. They would respond right away!
I would definitely use him again!
Monica

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Britania Art Deco

Lisbon

Good location, helpful staff, great breakfast and a decanter of port in your room

Authenticity & Character

Location

could walk anywhere and great shoppping close by

Staff

Helpful in heading us in the right direction when we first got to Lisbon. Always had a smile

Cleanliness & Comfort

Grande Real Villa Italia

Cascais

beautiful ocean view, large rooms, pool is beautiful large breakfast

Activity Reviews

Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service

Portugal

grounds are gorgeous but the castle is overbooked and if you have been in one european castle you have been in allof them

Transport

Driver drove us around the mountain and to Cape Roca in Colares which is most western point of the European continent

Ride Through Time: Lisbon & Belém by Sidecar on a 3h tour

Lisbon

Only way to do a city tour in Lisbon! Very safe! Guides were very knowledgeable and fun! They were all Portugese natives and were passionate about their country1

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Exploring Porto's Rich History on an Exclusive Gastronomic Tour Through Time

Porto

Guide was good but the food was not very good. Charcuterie board, bifina sandwich, cod cakes and olive oil tasting and chocolate tasting

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Dear João and Team,

Thank you for an absolutely wonderful vacation. Everyone we encountered—from your drivers to your guides—was knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely helpful. Their warmth and professionalism made our time in your beautiful country truly memorable.

A special thank you to Carlos, who went above and beyond to enhance our experience—offering ideas, coordinating activities, and even calling ahead for dinner reservations. His attention to detail and hospitality did not go unnoticed.

You have built an exceptional team and network. Each person we met—Raphael, Carlos, Evo, Manuel, and our outstanding guides Mari, Carlos, and Sara—contributed to an unforgettable trip.
With gratitude from all of us. I would travel with aCross Portugal again anytime!!
Thanks for all the memories !
Kathy Kelly
Karen Ken
Kim and Hank

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

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.

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.

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.

João and Pablo did a great job keeping us on track with their daily updates. The suggestions they made were greatly appreciated.
Our drivers Carlos and Fabio were the best.. always on time,, providing some history lessons, and going a little out of their way to assure that we got to see some extras.

Hotel Review

Estoril Vintage Hotel

Estoril

A very special experience. Walk into the beautiful lobby and take in the charm of this “once home”, now hotel. Have your welcome drink on the terrace overlooking the ocean . Use your Portuguese to chat with friendly staff. Enjoy the view from your spacious room. Take a short walk through the lovely streets of Estoril before heading down to the water. The food here is excellent, so be sure to have a special dinner there.

Authenticity & Character

Stunning building, beautiful decor and very professional and friendly staff

Location

Very short walk to coastline.

Staff

Very attentive, welcoming, and helpful. You can tell they enjoy their work.

Cleanliness & Comfort

All downstairs sitting rooms, bar area, restaurant and certainly rooms were very clean and comfortable.

Activity Reviews

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

Lisbon

Our guide was a young woman named Anna. Her passion for history was evident through her knowledge and enthusiasm. She guided us through different areas of Lisbon and took us to historical places as well as the best views via elevators. The tour ended with a delightful wine tasting and sampling of cheeses and hams. This was only for us. The wine expert talked about some different wines from Portugal, especially its vinho verde. Of course we bought one.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner

Lisbon

Our driver took us up narrow, winding roads to a restaurant that is famous for Fados. We enjoyed a very nice meal, good wines, and were treated to a performance of guitar and singing. The songs were often about the sea and of course love. I especially loved the guitars.

Quality of Experience

We were treated so well and the people were so warm and friendly.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Profesional, passionate about their work, and a desire to see that guests were getting the best experience.

Transport

Great drivers, excellent public transportation such as metros, short train rides, long train rides in first class car, and Ubers.

Exclusive Panoramic Boat Tour to the Ponta da Piedade Caves

Portugal

A great way to see the stunning rock formations. Your motorboat takes you through the arches of the walls. The guides are knowledgeable and great at handling the boats.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Embark on a Flavorful Cooking Class with a Meal at the Farm

Portugal

We had a lovely evening visiting the farm of Mariana and Inez. Their family has had this farm for many years and all work to keep it going. Our cooking class with Inez was a real highlight of the trip. With her guidance, we four prepared a 3 course meal. We all took part in the creation of a meal fit for a king. After the meal was ready, Inez and Mariana set the dining room table and served us the meal we had prepared. It was a wonderful experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Fresh seafood, wines, couvert, cheeses, and desserts.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Their warmth and kindness. I had started taking Portuguese classes a few weeks before the trip. I was anxious to see what I could do. The people with whom I interacted were patient and helpful.

Transport

João from Across Portugal did a fantastic job helping us plan our 12-day vacation in Portugal. In the planning stage he offered suggestions after listening to our needs and preferences. We emailed back and forth until we had the perfect trip for us. Then Across Portugal did all the booking and sent a detailed itinerary to review.
Once we were in Portugal, everything went like clockwork. We had a walking tour of Lisbon with Anna, who had lots of history and contemporary information to share with us. Our driver, Carlos, was with us several times during the trip and we had lots of opportunities to learn about his country from him. We felt safe in his hands and enjoyed his company. He also gave us good suggestions for places to eat.
Another highlight of the trip was our cooking lesson in Tavira with Inez and Mariana. We loved visiting their farm and learning to cook cataplana and other delicious traditional Portuguese dishes. We wished we had more time to explore Tavira. It is a much smaller town than the other places we stayed.
João checked in with us each day to tell us what to expect and make sure all was going well. He rebooked a cancelled boat excursion before we even knew it happened! The joys of having an in-country travel agent!
In sum, I highly recommend Across Portugal, João in particular, to help you plan and execute a magnificent vacation in beautiful Portugal!!!

Hotel Reviews

Heritage Avenida Liberdade

Lisboa

Lovely boutique hotel located perfectly in historic Lisbon. Great staff, delicious breakfasts, beautiful decor. Everyone was friendly and helpful

Authenticity & Character

Warm and friendly

Location

Walk to shops, restaurants, historic sections of town and the metro.

Staff

Greeted us every time we came in the door with smiles and words expressing interest in us.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was clean and comfortable

Casa Mãe Lagos

Lagos

This hotel is unusual for us. We stayed in the minimalist rooms and enjoyed the care with which they were furnished and decorated. The balcony was an enjoyable place to relax. We loved the restaurant and the wellness drinks on offer! Dinner was excellent as were the breakfasts. The beauty of Casa Mae is also outside of their buildings. The garden is a centerpiece, even in February and the pools look enchanting, although it wasn’t warm enough for us to be tempted.

Authenticity & Character

Quite unusual compound of buildings and gardens. All renovated with care and creativity.

Location

The hotel has a great location inside the historic wall on a hill above the center of town. It was an easy walk to the water, shops, and restaurants and it was very quiet at night.

Staff

Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Solange, Barbara and Candela stand out.

Cleanliness & Comfort

In a minimalist room a traveler must work a bit to keep things tidy. Each day the housekeeper would have everything in order for us!

Pousada Convento de Tavira - Historic Hotel

Tavira

We were only here one night and wished it could have been longer.

Authenticity & Character

It survived the earthquake of 1755 and is a gorgeous building. Lots of space.

Location

Tavira seems like a cozy small town. The pousada is at the top of a hill next to a beautiful garden.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Estoril Vintage Hotel

Estoril

This gorgeous small hotel was the best of the best. The staff makes every effort to help you feel at home and every detail was considered in planning and decorating. Every where you look you find something beautiful. The restaurant was excellent and the location was convenient to everything we wanted. The terrace overlooking the water was unforgettable. Nothing better than sitting there, sipping a drink and watching the waves.

Authenticity & Character

Feels like a gorgeous, stately old home, which is what it was.

Location

We didn’t have a car and loved the short walk to the beach promenade which seemed to go for miles. Stunning neighborhood also.

Staff

Attentive and warm and helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Perfectly maintained

Activity Reviews

To Eat Suggestion: Cervejaria Trindade

Lisbon

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

Lisbon

Anna was full of information. She tailored the walking experience to our needs. Answered all our questions and was fun to be with.

Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service

Portugal

This is a crowded tourist spot even in February. The drive up the mountain is interesting!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Carlos knew some tricks to avoid the crowds and make the best of the day’s experiences. We were glad we listened to him

Transport

When we weren’t walking or on a train, we were driven by Carlos in his immaculate Mercedes van. Smooth and quiet on the highway.

Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner

Lisbon

If you haven’t seen and heard fado, you must. The guitar playing is amazing but I can’t quite relate to the singing style.

Quality of Experience

Food

The food was really pretty good for a dinner theatre experience.

Exclusive Panoramic Boat Tour to the Ponta da Piedade Caves

Portugal

We do a lot of personal boating, so we weren’t sure how much we would enjoy this. However, it was a lot of fun and really special to see the rocks and cliffs from the water side. The guides on the boat were safe and entertaining.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Embark on a Flavorful Cooking Class with a Meal at the Farm

Portugal

This was our favorite experience of the whole trip. These families are working hard to create a sustainable organic farm, raise their children and earn a living. They are so proud of their home, their property and products. It was an inspiring evening. We had a great time cooking and chatting and eating.

Quality of Experience

Amazing farm and home.

Food

Traditional cataplana main course with fried goat cheese starter and light dessert I can’t remember the name of.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Great chef Inez! She explained the chemistry of our cooking method.