Anniversary Trip to Portugal
Portugal
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Aug 30 - Sep 13, 2025
We traveled throughout Portugal for 14 days visiting Lisbon, Sintra, Obidos, Nazare, Porto, Evora, Lagos and Cascais in celebration of our 2nd wedding anniversary. Across Portugal and Joao were amazing to work with from planning through navigation during our two-week visit. Joao (and Diana) checked in with us daily via WhatsApp to provide a daily itinerary (even though we also had access via the portal). We've worked with other agencies through KimKim and Across Portugal was the first to check in on a daily basis. They seemed very much invested in our experience and provided excellence customer services. We received a wonderful welcome box with local Portuguese treats!
Joao worked with us to customize our trip to fit our interests and made tweaks along the way. We were also able to add a last-minute experience during our last couple of days of the trip. The trip was the perfect balance of excursion/experiences and rest/relaxation. All of the tour guides and drivers were very kind and both knowledgeable and proud of their country's history and heritage. Claudia (Lisbon) and Sara (Porto) were very knowledgeable and provided us with a wealth of information during our walking tours. L
In particular, Evo (and Ricardo) who was our guide/driver for several days in Porto and beyond, was particularly exceptional! He loves his city of Porto and Portugal and became like family by the end of the trip. Our experience to the Douro Valley (so unlike any other wine territory I've visited) was amazing an Evo was able to truly personalize the experience for us. Dinner with Locals was also a highlight for us as we were able to share an amazing meal prepared by Evo's mother. The food was amazing and the company even better! Porto was amazing and would recommend any trip to Portugal include 3-4 days in Porto. Luis- driver in Lisbon was also very friendly and accommodating.
Some highlights include: (1) Day trip to Sintra (Pena Palace was beautiful) (2) Fado dinner in Lisbon was such uniquely intimate and amazing experience. Despite some previous reviews, we thought the food was very good and the Port freely flowing! The Fado music was dramatic and moving. We loved it (3) Lisbon Winery (Vinho Verde) (4) Sandemann Port Tasting Tour was amazing (Joao even surprised us with a charcuterie board to the envy of other attendees- we shared with the table (5) Douro Valley day trip (6) Dinner with Locals in Porto (6) Lagos boat tour Ponta da Piedade and the boardwalk views along the coastline an (6) Comporta horseback riding day trip. Obidos was also lovely--loved the Ginjinha!
Food was amazing. Cataplana was incredible, sea bass and other fresh fish....and my new favorite pastry the Pastel de Nata (I may be having withdrawals)
All in all, it was an amazing trip and experience! Thanks to Joao and team for making it so personal!
Angela and Douglas
Hotel Reviews
Lovely hotel. Customer service was excellent. We arrived early and the room was not ready. They actually upgraded us to a suite and provided us with a bottle of prosecco as a result. The rooms also had a full decanter of port. Centrally located and large rooms for Europe. Breakfast was in an intimate setting.
The hotel is nice and centrally located. Grounds are very pretty, and pool is nice. It is a bit dated though and would benefit from a 'refresh.' Big breakfast area, but the large 'cafeteria' style loses the charm for me. This could be just a personal preference.
Centrally located in Porto. Great breakfast and happy hour. They provide a little local 'treat' every day. For example, chocolates, cookies, ginjinha, etc. Very nice touch.
Very nice hotel. A short 5-minute Uber ride into the city center. Wonderful pool, spa and breakfast in the morning.
Dear Angela and Douglas,
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure to help plan your anniversary trip and I’m delighted to know you had such a wonderful experience in Portugal. I’m especially happy to hear how much you enjoyed Porto, the Douro Valley, and of course the time with Ivo and his family - those moments are truly special.
Wishing you both many more memorable journeys ahead, and I hope to welcome you back one day!
Your friend in Portugal - João