Trip to Portugal and Spain 2023
Portugal
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Oct 13 - Oct 25, 2023
We were very impressed with KimKim service. The team's response was quick and answered our questions right away. Upon are arrival, with dinner reservation at Fada, which we truly enjoyed ,even with out much sleep. Our first city was Lisbon, and our guide Filipa was great she took us around the city, even though we had jet lag she kept our attention. Next day was a trip to Sintra, with our guide Paulo. That day it was pouring rain and windy, but we made the best of it. We felt very safe with Paulo, as he made the day very personal, by stopping at his wife cafe, called Bristol, for coffee and local pastry. After we visited the Pena Palace we drove towards Sintra Cascias Natural Park for some dramatic views of the coastal Cliffs, of Cabo de Roca. Then off to Cascias fishing town, and on the way we stopped again at this small place, where he knew the owner/chef and ordered some local food for us to taste. Paulo made that day very special to us. Next, we had a driver take us to Porto where we stayed Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel. It was in a great location next to the Douro River, in the historic section, with an outstanding breakfast. The following day it was very stormy, but Celia, our tour guide, was ready to go and so were we. She took us all around the historic section of UNESCO World Heritage to admire the Romanesque, Gothic, Neo classic monuments and Baroque to mention a few. The Lello bookshop was worth visiting, but tickets should be purchased ahead of time, to avoid the lines. After being soaked to the bones, we had a reservation for a wine tasting that evening and got to try different port, which we enjoyed. Next Day we headed off to wine tasting, in the Douro Valley to a privately owned winery. It was very relaxing sitting talking, with the owner, of the vineyard , tasting the Porto and pairing it with food, which was cooked on site. The following day we then flew to Sevilla, and had tickets for a Flamenco show that evening. We did have a little trouble finding the correct venue, as we didn't realize that there were more than one place to go,. However, we found it and glad we got to see the performance. Next day, Andres took us on a walking tour around the Sevilla Cathedral a 15th century Roman Catholic Church the home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Then we walked to the orange tree filled Santa Cruz neighborhood known, as the Jewish quarters with its narrow streets. We visited the Alcazar a monument included in the UNESCO World Heritage site. Following day we took a day trip to Cordoba and meet up with Isabel, for a walking tour, she was great. She took us to the breath taken Mezquita ( Mosque Cathedral of Cordoba) a pagan temple that was converted into a green mosque of the Ummayad caliphate, which later was converted into a Catholic Church. It was well worth the train ride, as it was magnificant to see. Again, walked around winding streets of the Jewish Quarters. In the historic neighborhood of the Cordoba Synagogue. Off again, onto the train, to our final destination Barcelona. Once there, we were on own, as everything was within walking distance. First, we went to Guell Park and is well worth visiting. We debated about buying tickets, for Casa Batillo, but at last minute we did and we were very glad, it was a very different experience and enjoyed every minute of it. Finally our last day of our trip, we had tickets ahead of time, for the Sagrada Familia. We spent most of the day there as it was amazing, something worth seeing. Our last hotel was in a great location, very good breakfast, but was bare bones, not like all the other hotels. However, we really enjoyed our trip and appreciate all the help Marina, Marta and the KimKim team provided. I would use KimKim again for my next trip. Sharon
Hotel Reviews
Great location and an amazing breakfast. The front desk staff was extremely helpful. I would stay there again the next time.
Location was great, breakfast very good, however the night staff not so friendly or helpful
Great location, breakfast good
Activity Reviews
Paulo was Great! We really enjoyed being with him! I would recommend him anyday1
Not any fault of the driver, but the car company picked someone that has never been to Coimbra. He had no idea where to go. He did call back to his colllegaue to get some info, so he dropped us off at the University. Communication was a little troubling, but we managed. He dropped us off and we asked that he wait for us, as we just wanted to look around maybe take a few pictures and we would be right back. However, we could't find him anywhere, so had to make a few calls. We never got to see anything in Coimbra, so disappointing. I do not blame the driver as he was doing his job of driving us.
Celia was very good guide. Would recommend her again.
Gustavo was an excellent guide. We loved the views of the Vineyards from up above. He was patience when we wanted to stop for pictures. Again, would us chime again
We loved seeing the show
Andreas was great answered all of our questions.
Isabel was great! So knowledgeable for suck a young lady. We would use her again.
