Raquel Aceituno

Raquel was wonderful. The trip was wonderful. But, I must say, it was too pricy for what we received. Five nights of hotel, three taxi rides and four tours for two people should not have cost $5000. We’ve taken many tours in different parts of the world and this seems extra pricy. So I can’t recommend to our friends, unless they are cognizant of the price and only book if they think it is reasonable. But other than the cost, it was an excellent trip. Thank you Requel. read more

Raquel was wonderful. The trip was wonderful. But, I must say, it was too pricy for what we received. Five nights of hotel, three taxi rides and four tours for two people should not have cost $5000. We’ve taken many tours in different parts of the world and this seems extra pricy. So I can’t recommend to our friends, unless they are cognizant of the price and only book if they think it is reasonable. But other than the cost, it was an excellent trip. Thank you Requel.

Hotel Reviews

Cascais Miragem

Cascais - Portugal

Wonderful breakfast and views.

PortoBay Marquês

Lisbon

It was OK.

Activity Reviews

Private Transfer {{start_location}} to {{end_location}}

Portugal

Lisbon Roots, Food & Cultural Walk

Portugal

Very nice tour. However, we’re now in Florence on our own and booked a similar food tour here which was phenomenal compared to the one in Lisbon.

Get to Know Lisbon with a Local

Lisbon

Great guide! And great that it was a private tour.

Portuguese Wine Tasting with a Sommelier

Lisbon

The trip has far exceeded any possible expectations from the sights the hotels and the people. Sofia and Carl were wonderful hosts who shared their home and special traditional dishes (one of the best of the entire trip!) that I’ll try to replicate. Luis took us for the day to a private wine tour where Catarina at the winery was delightfully refreshing with vast information on sustainability and the new vs old processes at the vineyards. The tour was fun and the pairings were very nice. We... read more

The trip has far exceeded any possible expectations from the sights the hotels and the people. Sofia and Carl were wonderful hosts who shared their home and special traditional dishes (one of the best of the entire trip!) that I’ll try to replicate. Luis took us for the day to a private wine tour where Catarina at the winery was delightfully refreshing with vast information on sustainability and the new vs old processes at the vineyards. The tour was fun and the pairings were very nice. We then went to the farm of a husband and wife school teachers at the small 200 tree olive farm told stories of the farm from his grandfather and their love and genuine appreciation of their roots and history was just so wonderful. They have 13 trees that are 2000 years old! We learned how to taste olive oil and purchased a few small bottles that we'll share with our story. And it all just got better! Hard to believe BUT Paulo was simply amazing sharing his knowledge of the castles, the history of the country, and his own personal life taking care to be sure we were okay along the steep hilly hike. He packed a homemade lunch that was so delicious and special. It was a day we all thoroughly enjoyed and was forever memorable. In Porto we started with an e-bike tour through town that was so much fun, racing downhill and enjoying the beautiful neighborhoods. Next, Nuno was very kind, gentle, and conscientious of everyone's well-being as he guided us through the National Forest where we hiked two areas and swam in two different water holes that were secluded, tranquil, and pristine. We took the train from Porto to Lisbon which was simple and comfortable - a nice way to go! Simply spectacular- everything !!! THANK YOU 🙏🏽

Hotel Reviews

Sapientia Boutique Hotel

Coimbra

The rooms are spectacular - very spacious and light. The hospitality was wonderful and the location was perfect!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very fresh, airy, light-filled, and comfortable

Tivoli Sintra

Sintra

Nice people in the heart of Sintra. Wonderful views.

Authenticity & Character

Location

in the heart of town - accessible to everything

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

They were very thoughtful to have ready an extra bed in the perfect space for our son

PortoBay Marquês

Lisbon

They made us feel like family visiting! I was very comfortable, clean, and in a good location. The dining room has the best pizza ever!!

Authenticity & Character

the views were wonderful

Location

great location! we were quite comfortable going for a hot dog 3 blocks away at 1:30 am!

Staff

they made us feel like family

Cleanliness & Comfort

very clean and comfortable with great views

Hotel Dom Henrique Downtown

Porto

The hotel was nice comfortable and clean.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour

Portugal

This was a nice start to our visit - a quick tour of the local highlights

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Hugo seemed very knowledgeable

Transport

Dinner With a Local

Lisbon

Sofia and Carlos were absolutely lovely - very hospitable and they shared their wonderful stories of their life in Portugal. It all sounded amazing. Sofia made a home-cooked meal that was the best meal of our entire trip! We won't forget this visit ever!

Quality of Experience

This experience afforded us an authentic view of the culture and food of Portugal.

Food

The food was amazing!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Carlos and Sofia were engaging and informative.

Transport

We too Uber to this destination.

Excursion to Alentejo - Jeep Safari Through a Cork Fork & Visit to an Olive Oil Estate

Lisbon

This was an amazing eco-friendly experience starting with the Jeep ride through the vineyards and then to their nature preserve. It was wonderful to hear how they were training the vineyards to grow deeper roots to access water so that no external watering would be needed. Then on the wonderful Olive Oil farm, where they produce the "Amor e' Cego" olive oil the traditional way eschewing modern mass farming techniques. João's message was inspirational and the tasting was intense. Finally, we went on a Cork tour where we all learned something about Cork and the multitude of products it can be made into. Did you know that the Cork tree is harvestable in 9 to 12 years? It is also sustainable without harming the tree.

Quality of Experience

It was a top-notch exprience unlike any other.

Food

They provided a wonderful cheese and Iberian ham plate and delicious wine from their vineyard.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Luis was personable and incredibly knowledgeable on all of the facets of the multiple excursions. Wonderful guide and driver!

Transport

Luis was great and the vehicle spacious.

Sintra Heritage Hike: Hidden Secrets

Portugal

Sintra was a magical experience made even more so by our fabulous guide, Paulo. He took us on the hidden route up to the castle while many others waited in cars. It was fantastic walking amongst there's ancient walls and then the castle was incredible. After the strenuous ascent, Palo made us a satisfying lunch of Iberian meats, cheeses, and wine. After we descended fully we had a small taste of the local liquor, ginjinha, and of course an espresso. It was incredible.

Quality of Experience

Paulo was an eclectic soul with a fascinating background and his depth of wisdom about Sintra was as breathtaking as the views and hike.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Paulo is truly amazing and his picnic was authentic and delicious. A very caring person.

Transport

Paulo had a nice car and spoke eloquently about the amazing things along the way.

Get to know Porto by E-bike

Porto

This was our first time on an e-bike and it was great. Our guide knew his stuff and we rode the entire way along the river. We stopped along the way for photos and some history lessons. Then we went through the park seeing the famous Rooster/ chickens roaming about in the verdant flora.

Quality of Experience

Very fun ride!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide was really patient, fun, and knowledgeable.

Transport

Loved the e-bikes! What a great way to see the city.

Hiking & Cultural Excursion in Peneda-Gerês National Park

Porto

Peneda-Gerês National Park is an amazing nature preserve with a tranquil water pool, secluded and welcoming for a quick soak. We learned about the wolf trap and reviewed the ruins of the trap. Then it was time for a hand-prepared lunch with an assortment of Portuguese foods, soup, and desserts. Finally, on the way back we hiked down to a few more pools and all took a good long peaceful soak. We also saw a working water-powered Olive press that was still revitalized each season by the locals for use. A great memory that we will never forget.

Quality of Experience

The trip into Partugal's natural forest was serene. The soaks in the natural pools are incredible.

Food

The meal they made for us after the hike was authentic and tasty.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

It was Nuno's last day but he was attentive, held a wealth of knowledge, and very caring for each person.

Transport

A bit tight in the very back.

Hi Raquel,
We had an amazing holiday and wanted to thank you for all your help. Here is our feedback. We hope you find it useful and would be glad to clarify anything if that would be helpful. Hotels -
Madrid - the Pestana Plaza Mayor was wonderful. It was a great location and not too noisy despite our room overlooking the square which was great for people watching... read more

Hi Raquel,
We had an amazing holiday and wanted to thank you for all your help. Here is our feedback. We hope you find it useful and would be glad to clarify anything if that would be helpful. Hotels -
Madrid - the Pestana Plaza Mayor was wonderful. It was a great location and not too noisy despite our room overlooking the square which was great for people watching in the few times we were relaxing in the room. The food was wonderful and the staff friendly and efficient. The room was lovely and spacious.

Sevilla - the H10 Casa de la Plata was exceptional. The staff were first rate and very helpful. The room was amazing, particularly the bathroom. The breakfast was first rate and a very pleasant environment (we ate in the courtyard). We also thoroughly enjoyed the rooftop pool and bar area. It also is in a great location.

Granada - the Eurostars Puerta Real was generally fine - a great location and helpful staff. The cleanliness of the room left a bit to be desired, particularly the fact that the two water glasses were dirty when we arrived. This was quickly addressed however. We were very disappointed that the rooftop was closed for repairs throughout our stay but that can happen; we got our great views of the city elsewhere.

Barcelona - The Majestic was a real highlight. A beautiful room in a beautiful hotel. The bathroom was exceptional. The breakfasts were exceptional and the breakfast staff very attentive and pleasant. We also enjoyed the rooftop bar. Staff were generally very helpful and efficient. The location suited us very well though we are sure there would have been other good options in Barcelona (we effectively picked this one ourselves and were not disappointed).

Guides / events

Madrid - Geza - old town - as previously expressed, Geza was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. He was very knowledgeable, but he is also very engaging and an interesting person to get to meet. Highly recommend.

Sevilla -
Raoul - another excellent guide. Charming and very knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. We were sad to have our time together come to an end. Highly recommend.

Nico - Tapas - We had a good time with him. He is a bit “young” which came across as being a bit full of himself (not a big knock on him though and we are much older so we are sure it was a bit of a stretch for him). We suspect he will mature into a wonderful guide and is definitely worth keeping on your roster. Also, he likely would have done better with a bigger group (not just the two of us); the bigger group would have brought more of its own energy. We had a very pleasant evening with him.

Rhonda and countryside towns - Ramon - we had a great time with Ramon. He is on the quiet side in quite an endearing way, but also still very engaging and knowledgeable. Excellent! We would highly recommend him.

Granada - we do not remember the name of our guide at Alhambra and Generalife. He was very knowledgeable and engaging. He had the tough job of trying to get the whole tour done in the prescribed time. We recommend adding at least an extra half an hour to avoid the guide having to be constantly pushing the group a bit.
An incredible and magical place which we saw well with the guide’s help. We would recommend him.

Barcelona -
Caroline - Tapas Crawl - she was delightful and did a great job of getting our group (which was wonderful, fun loving, diverse and interesting) to gel and not to lose any of us along the way ;). It was a great evening and we would highly recommend Caroline.

Dani - Gaudi - Dani (not sure that is the correct spelling) was exceptional. Extremely well informed, passionate about Gaudi, very engaging. There was a lot to cover and he did an exceptional job. The 4 hours flew by and we learned so much from him. Very highly recommend.

Girona - David - he was charming and well informed. This would be a tough guide assignment….you are with the people a long time, have to balance the interests of the group and keep to the time schedule. He managed it very well (though we wish we had had more time in Girona….one of the many reasons we need to come back to Spain). We would highly recommend him.

Transportation
Trains - overall things went very smoothly. The trains left on time and arrived pretty close to on time. We had a bad experience on the trip to Sevilla….the workers at the Madrid station were very disorganized. It would have helped if we had been advised in advance that this was not a direct route and that Sevilla was not the final destination. The workers were only calling the name of the final destination. I think you should try to provide this additional information to clients in the future to avoid stress and the potential for missing the train (which we almost did even though we arrived at least 30 minutes early); we and others got conflicting information from train station employees. Knowing that our stop was one along the way to another final destination would have helped immensely. Otherwise, this was a good way to get around. The final trip from Barcelona to Madrid was great, close to the scheduled arrival time - a great way for us to go. We got to the Madrid airport in very good time.

Flight to Barcelona - very straightforward and uneventful. Worked very well.

Car transport - all of your private drivers were excellent. Right on time, courteous and drove well / safely. Having these definitely enhanced our trip.

We had an amazing trip and our only regret was that we did not have more time…we would have loved to spend more time in each of the cities we stayed, but also that we had had more time in each of the places we went on day trips. Which means we will have to come back. The allocation of time was very good and we thank you for your invaluable help on that front as well as on all other aspects of our trip. Thank you so much for all of your assistance. It has been a genuine pleasure. All the best

Activity Reviews

Guided Visit of Madrid: History, Culture & Architecture of the Capital of Spain

Madrid

This is an excellent tour of the area near Plaza Mayor and the Placio Real and the old city nearby. Our guide, Geza, was excellent.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Flamenco Experience

Spain

This was a very entertaining show. We apparently saw two of the leading flamenco dancers in the country. The singers and musicians were also excellent

Quality of Experience

Barcelona Sailboat Experience & Spanish Guitar Concert

Barcelona

This was an amazing experience. The sailboat was great and not overcrowded. The staff on the boat were friendly and attentive. The food and beverage offerings were good. The views of Barcelona at sunset were wonderful. But the real highlight of the evening was the guitarist…he was truly exceptional. We would highly recommend this sailing experience to anyone.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Barcelona & Gaudí; An Architecture Walk

Barcelona

This guided tour is not to be missed! Our guide, Dani (might be Danny), was absolutely amazing. You will take in much of Guadi’s highest works and come to really understand what a true genius he was. A key highlight of our whole trip.

Quality of Experience

You will be moved by the beauty of La Sagrada Familia. The fact that workers are still working painstakingly to complete the cathedral as Guadi had envisioned over a hundred years ago is utterly amazing. Gaudi’s emphasis on nature and light stand in sharp contrast to many of the other cathedral’s in Spain and elsewhere and is truly honouring of God.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Dani (Danny) was so passionate about Guadi, so engaging and well spoken you cannot help but be fully enthralled and learn a great deal about Guadi as a person and as a genius in multiple fields.

All drivers were courteous and prompt and some were most entertaining. We trusted them to get us safely to our destinations. Your staff made speedy contact as necessary but really everything went without a hitch. Vivenda Miranda was heavenly. The tours of Porto were memorable as were the areas around our hotel.
We touched 13 countries in almost three months of travel. Our favourite is Portugal! Please thank Racquel and her support team.
Wendy McTavish

The excursions were good and fun. The sunset cruise was not good. We were back at port before the sun even set! And we had to go out and get dinner afterwards because definitely not enough food was served on the boat. read more

The excursions were good and fun. The sunset cruise was not good. We were back at port before the sun even set! And we had to go out and get dinner afterwards because definitely not enough food was served on the boat.

Activity Reviews

Lanzarote Wine Experience & Tapas

Lanzarote

Cheryl was awesome! The wineries she took us to see were great and she was knowledgeable on most everything.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sunset Cruise

Lanzarote

We were back at port before the sun even set! The food was terrible and there definitely was not enough of it. The crew was very nice though and we had no issues with them. Folks should know that maybe you will see some dolphins but not the sun set.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Stargazing Tenerife

Tenerife

Ben was a great story teller. He kept you captivated with all the history of the Guanche! The food and wine was good as well.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wine Tasting & Tapas Trike Tour

Tenerife

It was a fun experience. You only visit one winery though. The food served there was pretty good though.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Thank you Raquel for a well planned itinerary- we enjoyed everywhere we went, hotel was in a safe neighborhood with excellent amenities and fabulous buffet breakfast including gluten free and vegan options. We knew it would be a super busy 5 days but easily got to our timed destinations. We started with going on our own to Montejuic funicular before La Sagrada Familia. Loved Parc Guell and Casa Batlló, the gold ticket was wonderful. We loved the private tour of the Gothic area with Albert, he... read more

Thank you Raquel for a well planned itinerary- we enjoyed everywhere we went, hotel was in a safe neighborhood with excellent amenities and fabulous buffet breakfast including gluten free and vegan options. We knew it would be a super busy 5 days but easily got to our timed destinations. We started with going on our own to Montejuic funicular before La Sagrada Familia. Loved Parc Guell and Casa Batlló, the gold ticket was wonderful. We loved the private tour of the Gothic area with Albert, he was fantastic. Our long day trip with Matt to Girona and Figueres to see the Dali museum was excellent and especially enjoyed our hike to Montserrat with Jordo, he was very informative and got us down the mountain before it rained!! Wonderful trip to the Algarve, it was sunny during the day and rained in late afternoon and evening in spots. We are now on Lisbon. Thanks for all your help. We will recommend and use Kimkim again, best, Emilie

Hotel Review

Hotel Barcelona 1882

Barcelona

Great Breakfast, safe neighboorhood

Authenticity & Character

Great modern amenities, gym, fabulous breakfast

Location

La Sagrada Familia within walking distance

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Great beds and pillows

Activity Reviews

Private Visit of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

Barcelona

Albert was so knowledgeable in history and language, very personable from his hometown, Barcelona. Went to Picasso museum afterwards!! Bonus

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Day trip to Medieval Girona & Dali Museum in Figueras

Barcelona

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Matt was wonderful driver and had so much more information about Girona and especially about Dali!

Transport

Clean, 8 people were all comfortable

Our trip to Portugal was excellent ! Well planned with good guides provided especially Gustavo who drove us on a private tour to Douro Valley.....

Coimbra was super ! We didn't know much about it but both of us loved it.

Porto, wish we had a week in Porto! Sure to come back soon.

Obrigado Raquel...... read more

Our trip to Portugal was excellent ! Well planned with good guides provided especially Gustavo who drove us on a private tour to Douro Valley.....

Coimbra was super ! We didn't know much about it but both of us loved it.

Porto, wish we had a week in Porto! Sure to come back soon.

Obrigado Raquel......

Having Raquel plan our trip for our family of five took the stress out of it and made the trip so much more enjoyable. She gave us several itineraries to choose from and balanced self guided and guided tours very well. We especially enjoyed our guide, Danny, in Barcelona. Barcelona was the highlight of our trip. The tapas welcome was also perfect for our arrival and welcome to Spain. I would definitely book another trip through Kim Kim and recommend it to others. read more

Having Raquel plan our trip for our family of five took the stress out of it and made the trip so much more enjoyable. She gave us several itineraries to choose from and balanced self guided and guided tours very well. We especially enjoyed our guide, Danny, in Barcelona. Barcelona was the highlight of our trip. The tapas welcome was also perfect for our arrival and welcome to Spain. I would definitely book another trip through Kim Kim and recommend it to others.

Our trip to Portugal was OUTSTANDING. I have always loved researching destinations, finding the perfect hotels and booking tours, but this trip was to celebrate my husband's 60th birthday and I wanted it to be really special. I planned some of the trip and Raquel planned the rest. Everything Kim Kim planned was perfect. Working with Raquel was easy -- I changed my mind SEVEN times and each time she adjusted our itinerary without complaint. We had three private tours; Celia in Porto was... read more

Our trip to Portugal was OUTSTANDING. I have always loved researching destinations, finding the perfect hotels and booking tours, but this trip was to celebrate my husband's 60th birthday and I wanted it to be really special. I planned some of the trip and Raquel planned the rest. Everything Kim Kim planned was perfect. Working with Raquel was easy -- I changed my mind SEVEN times and each time she adjusted our itinerary without complaint. We had three private tours; Celia in Porto was fabulous -- so much so that when the tour ended, we invited her to have a drink and spend time with us. The hotel in Coimbra was one beautiful and gorgeous and exactly our style and aesthetic. Our guide Jose in Lisbon was terrific. Paolo took us to Sintra for day trip and we met his wife, and had a wonderful experience. All the guides were highly vetted, super knowledgeable and really personable. The app makes communicating with Raquel easy and all information is at your fingertips. I will definitely use Kim Kim again!!

Hotel Reviews

Sapientia Boutique Hotel

Coimbra

Beautiful hotel with a fab roof top deck, a gorgeous lobby, restaurant and great staff. Outdoor courtyard was a real treat!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Vincci Baixa

Lisbon

Nice hotel, very well situated, breakfast was great, nice staff, room was nice but tight. Bathrooms are fully mirrored and after a week of wine and cheese, that view wasn't ideal. :)))

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Privately Guided Visit of Porto

Porto

Celia was amazing, smart, fun, a tiny energizer bunny with a great personality!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Dinner With a Local

Lisbon

One of our favorite nights of the whole trip! Magarida and her family welcomed us into their home and we stayed for 4 hours of wine, conversation, a great homecooked meal and laughs. A real treat!

Quality of Experience

Food

Half Day Excursion to Sintra

Lisbon

What made this excursion phenomenal was Paolo - his knowledge of history and traditions was unbelievable. Thank you for a great day and a great meal!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We had a wonderful trip to Portugal! Many thanks to Raquel, who provided us with valuable guidance on what to include in our trip and helped us select tours that met our needs. We especially loved our guide, Paulo, who showed us around Sintra and Cascais. He was so warm and personable, and we even stopped to meet his wife in her local cafe in Sintra. We booked a day trip from Lisbon to Obidos and Nazare, ending in Coimbra, and our guide, Marta, was very knowledgeable and accommodating. ... read more

We had a wonderful trip to Portugal! Many thanks to Raquel, who provided us with valuable guidance on what to include in our trip and helped us select tours that met our needs. We especially loved our guide, Paulo, who showed us around Sintra and Cascais. He was so warm and personable, and we even stopped to meet his wife in her local cafe in Sintra. We booked a day trip from Lisbon to Obidos and Nazare, ending in Coimbra, and our guide, Marta, was very knowledgeable and accommodating. The walking tour in Porto was very interesting, and we also loved our local guide, Kat.

Overall, it was a fabulous trip, and we definitely recommend using The KimKim Team to help you plan your travel!

So grateful to have found Kimkim. Everything was seamless. Great communication and wonderful ideas. The concert at Palau de la Musica was phenomenal. Pintxos tours sublime. Our guides Nereae and Diego so helpful and knowledgeable. read more

So grateful to have found Kimkim. Everything was seamless. Great communication and wonderful ideas. The concert at Palau de la Musica was phenomenal. Pintxos tours sublime. Our guides Nereae and Diego so helpful and knowledgeable.