Patricia Marques

We had a wonderful time in Spain with much owed to Patricia. Because of Covid it was a trip a long time in its planning but she was patient and always helpful and thanks to all her efforts to make it as seamless as possible, everything worked out very well. We could not recommend Patricia highly enough. From the moment we arrived off a cruise ship in Barcelona everything was as planned - drivers there when they were meant to be, likewise guides and without exception, all were very good - informative and friendly.
The hotels selected were all in good central locations so we had ready access to all the sights in the various cities we visited.
By way of suggestions for improvement - we loved the hotels with a rooftop pool or bar - not always possible we know but much appreciated when available. The rooftop bar and pool at the Hotel Catalonia in Ronda was outstanding.
It would also be helpful to have some bar and restaurant suggestions. That said, the hotels were usually very good with their ideas.

Our two guides, Francesca and Elena? were wonderful. Knowledgeable, friendly, easy to be around.
The hotels were exactly what we were looking for on this trip.
The bike tour was great. The ebikes themselves had operation issues, but we managed.
The olive oil tasting stop was a highlight.
Casamar is a must go restaurant for anyone in that region. Reasonably priced and incredible experience.
The boat ride was less than awesome. I should have taken your recommendation to hire a small boat guide directly from the beach. The large boat was unable to approach the shore and even though it was a sailboat, we just used the smelly diesel engine the whole time. This is the only part of the whole experience that we would not repeat - and I can only blame myself. You warned me that sailing trips in this area are not really a thing and I forced the issue. Jessica, the captain of the boat was great, but the boat ride experience itself - not so much.
The drivers from and to the airport were great. They were on-time, professional, friendly.
You had suggested we spend a night or two in wine and olive country. I declined to include that in the itinerary because we do not really drink wine, but the bike tour through the ancient cities was one of the best parts for Lynn. When we come back we will want to spend more time in these villages, maybe more biking and exploring?
Kayaking was cool. Javi, our guide, was a seasoned professional from the Basque country. Made us want to explore that area. We landed on a secluded beach and did some snorkeling. That was also a highlight.
Hiking the Cami de Ronda was great. Met a group of Americans from our home town!!
My favorite part of the entire trip was swimming at the Platja de Ros. This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been in my life. I would like to maybe go back with a larger family group and explore the beaches on that whole peninsula.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wv9ZWnQvmwT3w7gp7
Many people told us that we were lucky to be there so early in June because after June 23rd, the whole area is very crowded. In fact, this last week, there were already many school groups in Llafranc and Calella. They occupied much of the beach. If we go back to these places, it would be good to keep that in mind.
Thanks again for your help on all of this. If we are fortunate enough to keep working in our current jobs, we will reach out to you again.

It was a very remarkable trip. Everything was planned out perfectly. All the people who had been there for us were very nice and friendly.
Patrica was always available to answer any questions we had.

Patricia planned the perfectly balanced trip for us. She has been available the entire month we have been in Spain to make additions or changes to our itinerary. The guides have all been experts in their field.

This has been a magical magical experience and Patricia was the creator of such for us.

Months ago, Patricia took the information provided as to the type of places we like to stay, in our case, more on the boutique hotel side and perfectly situated us in several towns and cities. She also made suggestions as to what to see and do while on our Mediterranean drive from the Costa Brava all the way to Marbella on the Costa del Sol. The guides provided were excellent, on time and even provided more than was necessarily required. Aina showed us Montserrat and the beautiful wine country to the northwest of Barcelona. She was personable and knowledgeable; we enjoyed her very much. The same for Daniel in Valencia. That said, the boat ride in Albufera was nothing and would not recommend it; however, the paella experience and time with Daniel was very good, both in Albufera and Valencia. I have already recommended KimKim several times to other travelers. Thank you, we may meet again!

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

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

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.

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