Kimkim Trip Reviews for Portugal

4.9
Based on 377 ratings
Read 377 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip to Portugal on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Our group of 8 had a wonderful time in Portugal
Portugal | Apr 20 - May 1, 2024

Kay
Kay C.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on May 16, 2024

Our group of 8 had a wonderful time . Unfortunately four of us missed several tours and several people had to wait several days for their luggage but I spite of that we loved Portugal, found Nazare interesting and loved the convenience of all our transfers. Thanks to Rita and Karin for helping us get the documents we need to get reimbursed for hotel and tour expenses.

Local specialist: Rita Pagano

This was a fabulous trip. Of special note is ...our guides.
Portugal | Apr 29 - May 9, 2024

Anthea
Anthea B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 15, 2024
This was a fabulous trip. Of special note is the quality and flexibility of our guides. They were fantastic. Rachel was also flexible and responsive to all our questions and modifications. This was a great trip. Read more

This was a fabulous trip. Of special note is the quality and flexibility of our guides. They were fantastic. Rachel was also flexible and responsive to all our questions and modifications. This was a great trip.

Hotel Review
Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa
Evora

I am recommending this to friends. The hotel and spa is beautiful as were the grounds and the service was outstanding.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Day Excursion to Douro Valley, Wine Tasting & River Cruise
Day Excursion to Douro Valley, Wine Tasting & River Cruise
Porto

This was one of my favorite days. Our guide modified the trip by excluding the river cruise and it was the right call.

Quality of Experience
The visit to the winery and the wonderful meal
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sweet and Tasting Évora Tour
Sweet and Tasting Évora Tour
Évora

This was not my favorite experience . The sweets tended to be too much at once.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Evening of Fado
Evening of Fado
Lisbon

Going to Fado was really fun and the food was good.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Privately Guided Visit of Porto
Privately Guided Visit of Porto
Porto

Our guide as excellent however the main was rainy and at times down pouring rain forced us to be indoors.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Everyone was on time and flexible.
Transport
Jeep Safari through a Cork Fork & Visit to an Olive Oil Estate
Jeep Safari through a Cork Fork & Visit to an Olive Oil Estate
Portugal

The Cork Fork and Olive oil estate was amazing .

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Foodie Experience in Porto
Foodie Experience in Porto
Porto

This was a really good experience. We were able to try a variety of foods.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Get to Know Lisbon with a Local
Get to Know Lisbon with a Local
Lisbon

This was such a good day. We learned so much about Lisbon .

Quality of Experience
Seeing so much of the city in a short time period.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
As I have said before , the quality, knowledge and flexibility of our guide made the difference.
Transport
Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril
Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril
Portugal

This was our longest and for me my most exhilarating day.

Quality of Experience
Our guide
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was knowledgeable , flexible, and fun to be around
Transport
Local specialist: Raquel Aceituno

Our trip to Portugal to celebrate 15th weddin...
Portugal | Apr 28 - May 10, 2024

Lauren
Lauren K.
Canada | Reviewed on May 15, 2024
Our trip to Portugal to celebrate 15th wedding anniversary was well planned with in-depth conversation with Joao from Across Portugal. With ongoing conversation we were able to settle on points of interest and hotel arrangements efficiently and we really appreciated timely responses from Joao, which made us feel more comfortable in dealing with a travel agency we were not familiar with. Even before our arrival, Joao texted and guided us, laid out detailed information on what to expect at... Read more

Our trip to Portugal to celebrate 15th wedding anniversary was well planned with in-depth conversation with Joao from Across Portugal. With ongoing conversation we were able to settle on points of interest and hotel arrangements efficiently and we really appreciated timely responses from Joao, which made us feel more comfortable in dealing with a travel agency we were not familiar with.

Even before our arrival, Joao texted and guided us, laid out detailed information on what to expect at the airport upon arrival. Upon arrival we were greeted with a Welcome Package of bottles of Porto and cookies and champagne! Each day he checked on us and reminded us of our upcoming schedule for the next day. Our drivers were on time and drove us in clean cars and Nelson, the driver we had the most, even got us a bouquet of flowers and a box of delicious chocolates on our anniversary date! Every hotel we stayed at also welcomed us with a celebratory bottle of champagne and fruit to help celebrate our wedding anniversary. What a way to make you feel special!

Our walking tour guides were also excellent too! Thank you to Margarida and Andre (Porto guide) were fantastic, engaging and very informative.

Thank you to Joao and his team at Across Portugal! We have travelled extensively around the world but Across Portugal's personal touch and services left us with wonderful memories of Portugal and unforgettable experiences throughout our journey across Portugal! Muito Obrigada!

Hotel Reviews
Heritage Avenida Liberdade
Lisboa

Great location, clean and quiet. Breakfast could have more variety; otherwise, service was fantastic!

Authenticity & Character
Clean boutique hotel
Location
A short distance to the major tourist sites and restaurants.
Staff
Very responsive to our requests and questions. Very helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nice firm bed. No odours. Very clean!
NH Collection Porto Batalha
Porto

Amazing location, clean but the room could have been slightly bigger.

Authenticity & Character
Nice boutique hotel but it uses strong fragrance in common areas.
Location
Walkabout distance to all areas. Fantastic location.
Staff
Staff working the breakfast was very efficient and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and well kept hotel
Cascade Wellness
Lagos

It's location was amazing! Close vicinity to walks around the cliff side...very quiet. If you wanted to go into town then you had to take an Uber but otherwise, excellent location for hiking and long walks.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grande Real Villa Italia
Cascais

Beautifully decorated hotel with large rooms. Needs slight updates but otherwise, excellent location and quiet.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very responsive to requests. Thank you.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was clean and tidy. The bed was so big :)
Activity Reviews
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Portugal

The villa was beautiful and very interesting on the exterior, especially when the fog rolled in and covered the whole villa. The village around the villa was also very quaint and interesting but what we enjoyed the most was the services provided by our private driver, Nelson. We had the opportunity to ask Nelson questions about Portugal and what it is to be a Portuguese and he also provided a lot of interesting information about Sintra. Thank you Nelson!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto

Our guide, Andre, was very proud of Porto. As we walked through this beautiful town he explained the history and its different areas.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Indulge in Elegance on a Guided Winery Tour Infused with Tastings and a Delicious Lunch
Indulge in Elegance on a Guided Winery Tour Infused with Tastings and a Delicious Lunch
Douro Valley

Excellent private tour and delicious lunch at the restaurant. The food was delicious and the service was spectacular! What a beautiful winery!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Farewell
Farewell
Lisbon Int. Airport (LIS)

We were picked up and dropped off at the airport without any delay or issues. Much appreciated ample space in the car.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Flavors of Port Wine - Sip & Discover
The Flavors of Port Wine - Sip & Discover
Porto

Always interesting to try sip and discover tours of a well known winery. Wine tasting afterwards with cheese board made the experience even more memorable!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service from Porto
Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service from Porto
Portugal

Driving through Douro valley to look at it's unique scenery was great.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Panoramic Boat to the Ponta da Piedade Grottoes
Panoramic Boat to the Ponta da Piedade Grottoes
Portugal

It was a private boat tour so we had ample space to relax and enjoy the ride. Also we felt safe and well protected.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: João Branco
João
João Branco
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on May 15, 2024

Hello Lauren and George,
Thank you so much for your feedback and kind works about your trip in Portugal.
I am super happy to know you managed to celebrate your anniversary while here - that just made my day as everything was planned thinking about you :)
Once again, thank you for your trust and for visiting Portugal.
Obrigado!!
Your Friend in Portugal - João

A Special Vacation to Portugal
Portugal | May 1 - May 10, 2024

Nancy
Nancy L.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on May 15, 2024
Our trip to Portugal was a special vacation for us. Since we don't like planned tours or large tour groups, it was important to be able to design an agenda that appealed to things we liked to do. Typically I do all of the planning, but after coming across kimkim, we thought that a local person who is familiar with the places we wanted to go would be even better. Helena did a great job of putting together a plan for us. She was open to making changes as we went along, and gave good... Read more

Our trip to Portugal was a special vacation for us. Since we don't like planned tours or large tour groups, it was important to be able to design an agenda that appealed to things we liked to do. Typically I do all of the planning, but after coming across kimkim, we thought that a local person who is familiar with the places we wanted to go would be even better. Helena did a great job of putting together a plan for us. She was open to making changes as we went along, and gave good suggestions. Her choice of hotels was fabulous! They were all of high quality, provided good service, and gave us a luxury environment. Having Helena take care of our train tickets and our rental car made it so easy for us.

Despite one "blip" with a pick-up from the train to the hotel, our transports were excellent. It was tricky to find our driver at the airport, but once we did, we were pleased. The issue we had was difficulty getting in touch with the company after our driver had left us at the station due to our train arriving late. The phone number we were given had been changed, and the automated message letting us know the new number was so fast that it took us listening to it three times before we could catch all of the numbers. When we called the new number, we were told that someone would be coming for us in 15 minutes and to wait inside of the station. We split up so as to not miss the driver, but nobody came. After yet another call, we were told that a black car would be there shortly; however, someone in a light colored vehicle showed up and then didn't know where we were going nor where the hotel was located. After speeding down narrow streets, we were finally let off at the top of a steep cobblestone street where we had to drag our suitcases down two blocks to our hotel. Later we learned that transportation companies and taxis are permitted to access the pedestrian street in front of our hotel. We were just grateful that none of us fell down the hill or were injured, but that was completely ridiculous! After being told on the phone by a kimkim representative, Carin that the company is one that is often used and the disbelief that the phone number had changed, I sincerely hope that kimkim reconsiders using the company in the future.

The tours and tour guides that were set up for us were very good. The guide to the Douro Valley, Joao Campos, was friendly, interesting and accommodating. We really enjoyed the boat ride, visits to a winery, and lunch at a quinto was a highlight for us. Out 3 hour tour in Porto with Sandra Tavares was not exactly what we expected. Sandra was energetic and knowledgeable, however, we walked for 80% of the tour. The classic car picked us up near the end of the tour which lasted almost 6 hours. We were able to see a lot of Porto, but at the end were left far from our next tour without transportation. The amount of walking was also very difficult for some of us to handle, and did result in soreness the next day. Right after the first tour, we had a walking food tour. Fortunately, when we told the guide that we were exhausted and not up for a lot more walking, she was able to accommodate us by using streets that were less steep. The places we visited were definitely off of the beaten path and the food was eclectic from wine and cheese to beer and dessert. We had a great time with the others on the tour who were from various countries. Driving to Evora, Lagos and back to Lisbon was very easy. We were sad that our balloon ride was canceled due to the weather, but that is out of our control. Evora was very interesting, and the hotel there was outstanding. We didn't stop at Coimbra, but opted to relax at the hotel instead. We enjoyed the tour with Jones. He was also personable and knowledgeable. Our only concern was that his vehicle was small for all of us and not very comfortable. He showed us the cork factory and an old town with a former palace that had wonderful views. In Lagos, our tour to see the sunset at St. Vincent's Cape in Sagres wasn't exactly as written. Pedro was not our guide, Miguel was. His vehicle was a loud jeep-like truck that didn't have seatbelts that worked consistently. He would drop us off and then go off to smoke. He had some crazy stories and really couldn't answer some of our questions. He was a nice guy, but we felt unsafe driving with him. He brought wine to the sunset, but no binoculars or chorizo, as promised. We did enjoy lunch at Morgado Do Quinto that we drove ourselves to. The hostess served plenty of food and wine, and gave everyone a tour of the property. She also told us about the grape vines, almonds and cacao trees. It was very good. In Lisbon, our guide, Jose Antunes, was very good. He knew a lot about the city and walked us to see sights without going into a lot of buildings. Our day was a bit hectic after that because we had to travel by Uber across the city to paint tiles with Ana which was very cool! After leaving there, we met Mariana who gave us a tour at the tile museum in Lisbon. She was excellent. She was well prepared and really knew about tile history. After that, we were back across the city to the Earthquake Museum which was so-so. I think we call were less impressed with that. Following the Earthquake Museum was the Banksy "Museum". We found it interesting to review his work over time, but it was a tiring day. Our final day we toured with Marta to Sintra and Cascais. She was friendly and also very knowledgeable about the area from a resident's perspective. We went to a park to see the palace there which was spectacular, but involved a lot of trail walking. Then we had lunch at a local restaurant where we tasted all types of meat. That was also interesting.

Our trip exceeded our expectations. We loved Portugal: the people, the food, the history and the scenery. The one thing that was a bit concerning was being given all of the options for our trip but not knowing how much each item cost separately. In some ways, it was good because we got to do what we wanted and had the experiences without worrying about the cost. In other ways, it would have been nice to have some choices that may have saved some money.

Hotel Reviews
Pousada Porto—Rua das Flores
Porto

Excellent, lovely hotel. Helpful, professional and friendly staff. Great restaurant and breakfast. Modern room with a large bed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
We liked the location near shops and restaurants. Transport services need to know that they can access the hotel although it is on a pedestrian road.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa
Evora

This hotel was in a former monk convent. The rooms were huge with a nice balcony. The bed was large and comfortable. Breakfast was outstanding! The restaurant was very good, and the service from all employees was exceptional.

Authenticity & Character
The church on the property was extraordinary!
Location
It is in a rural location not near restaurants and stores.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cascade Wellness
Lagos

A beautiful hotel and setting on the cliffs of the water. Great pool and amenities offered. Superb breakfast buffet like that in a resort. Lobby employees were helpful and gracious.

Authenticity & Character
Lobby was outstanding and rooms were lovely.
Location
Views and trails near the ocean.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Portugal Boutique Hotel
Lisbon

Wonderful hotel in the middle of everything. The area around the hotel is a bit shabby, but the hotel itself and the employees are exceptional. The rooms were very large and comfortable. They had the largest pillows I have ever seen! The hotel was the only one that provided us with a small bottle of port wine and cookies when we arrived.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy to walk to restaurants. Other areas in Lisbon were much nicer and cleaner with less graffiti.
Staff
The best staff we had during the trip. The desk employees were friendly and helpful. The man who helped us get our luggage from the car was outstanding! They seemed to know us when they saw us, although we were only there a short time. Leo and Miguel stand out.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel was very nice, but the breakfast was lacking, especially in comparison to the other hotels where we stayed. There was little selection and always the same items. More fruit was needed, but the bread was great!
Local specialist: Helena Fernández

Raquel was flexible, organized and quite resp...
Portugal | Apr 29 - May 9, 2024

D
Donna R.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Raquel was flexible, organized and quite responsive to our changing needs. She selected city tours, food tours in Porto, Evora and Lisbon that steeped us in culture and history.

Local specialist: Raquel Aceituno

Portugal: History, Wine, and Sun-Soaked Coasts, but be ready for the hills!
Portugal | Apr 24 - May 5, 2024

A
Andy P.
Milton, GA | Reviewed on May 14, 2024
Portugal: History, Wine, and Sun-Soaked Coasts
Portugal offered a fantastic mix of historical exploration, delicious food, and stunning scenery. Here's a breakdown of my trip:
Porto: A guided tour with Tania provided a solid introduction to Porto's rich history and architectural beauty. We explored the Ribeira district and learned about the city's connection to Port wine. Douro Valley: Nelson, our knowledgeable guide, led us through the stunning Douro Valley. We visited a... Read more

Portugal: History, Wine, and Sun-Soaked Coasts
Portugal offered a fantastic mix of historical exploration, delicious food, and stunning scenery. Here's a breakdown of my trip:

Porto: A guided tour with Tania provided a solid introduction to Porto's rich history and architectural beauty. We explored the Ribeira district and learned about the city's connection to Port wine.

Douro Valley: Nelson, our knowledgeable guide, led us through the stunning Douro Valley. We visited a family-owned winery for a personalized experience, learning about traditional Port production and enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal paired with their wines.

Matosinhos: This coastal town lived up to the hype. We indulged in some of the freshest seafood I've ever had – a must for any seafood lover.

Via Comburia & Évora: A day trip took us to these contrasting destinations. Via Comburia offered a glimpse into cork production, a significant aspect of Portugal's economy. Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impressed with its Roman Temple and the haunting Capela dos Ossos.

Algarve & Benagil Caves: A trip to the southern Algarve region wasn't complete without a visit to the incredible Benagil Caves. The boat tour provided stunning views of these natural wonders. The region's abundance of fresh fruit, especially oranges, was a delightful treat.

Évora & Paulo's Pastéis: A day trip with Paulo included exploring Évora's castles and learning about their historical significance. The highlight was visiting his family's bakery in the old town for some truly phenomenal pastries – a perfect way to end the day.

Lisbon: We finished the trip in Lisbon, allowing time to explore the city at our own pace.

Overall: Portugal exceeded expectations. The combination of informative tours, delicious food and wine experiences, and breathtaking scenery made it a memorable trip. The hospitality of the locals, especially Tania, Nelson, and Paulo, added a personal touch that truly enhanced the experience.

Hotel Reviews
Flores Boutique Hotel
Porto
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Évora Olive Hotel
Evora
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bed was very hard
Portugal Boutique Hotel
Lisbon

Not easy to get to by car but a lovely hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was the largest hotel room that I have ever had in Europe, very nice and comfortable
Cascade Wellness
Lagos

Top-notch breakfast buffet

Authenticity & Character
Location
Need to have a car, which we did
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lovely view and very spacious
Activity Reviews
Lisbon Tuk Tuk Food Tour
Lisbon Tuk Tuk Food Tour
Lisbon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Porto's Culinary Scene and Bolhao Market
Explore Porto's Culinary Scene and Bolhao Market
Porto

This was a fun intro to the food and wine of Porto

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Privately Guided Visit of Porto
Privately Guided Visit of Porto
Porto

Tania did a great job showing us the highlights of the city. But it was also done in a logical manner such that weren't constantly going up and down hill the whole time. She dropped us off near the river and suggested a place for lunch and called ahead for us to get us a table. She was very friendly and knowledgeable and gave us some unique insights into different aspects of the city

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Day Excursion to Douro Valley, Wine Tasting & River Cruise
Day Excursion to Douro Valley, Wine Tasting & River Cruise
Porto

Because of the weather Nelson offered to take us to a Port winery vs doing the open River Cruise and we were glad we did. It was a lovely location and the port was excellent. The private tour of the family winery we went to was wonderful, really got to see and learned about how they produced their wines. Topped off with a private traditional lunch they made just for us. A lovely day

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nelson was great, really enjoyed talking with him
Transport
Nice relaxing ride
Bohemian Lisbon Private Food Walk
Bohemian Lisbon Private Food Walk
Lisbon

Filipa was lovely and we enjoyed some of the food along the tour. However, the final restaurant she left us at for our meal was terrible. It was loud, and packed and the food was just not good. We ended up leaving because we didn't want to insult the owners by not eating what they were bringing out

Quality of Experience
Food
Final restaurant was just not a good experience for us
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Évora Cork and Castle Tour
Private Évora Cork and Castle Tour
Évora

Interesting. I did not know that there is so much to know about cork or how many places it is used

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking & Cultural Excursion in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Hiking & Cultural Excursion in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Porto

There were some interesting aspects to this trip, it was a bit more strenuous than we expected. I honestly enjoyed walking around in the Palacio Nacional da Pena (Pena Palace) in Evora far more. Rafael was a lovely guide and a very nice person. He showed us around the villages that still exist within the park which was interesting

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Very rough ride along the fire roads inside the park
Boat Excursion Inside Benagil Caves
Boat Excursion Inside Benagil Caves
Portugal

Amazing view of the coastline and caves. Cool to go inside and see first hand. Well worth it

Quality of Experience
Very cool
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Fun staff & captain
Transport
Boat is a little uncomfortable after a while
Guided Visit of Historic Coimbra
Guided Visit of Historic Coimbra
Portugal

We were slightly late due to our navigation system messing up. Nuno was very patient with us. He was extremely knowledgeable about the university and surrounding area. Interesting tour

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4X4 Algarve Sunset Experience
4X4 Algarve Sunset Experience
Portugal

We weren't quite sure what to expect with this tour. It had been cloudy all day so we were afraid that we would not see the sunset, but in the end it cleared up and we were able to see it. Our guide was fun and showed us some out-of-the-way places you would never know to see. Our dinner was very good, some of the best chicken we had the entire trip

Quality of Experience
Sipping sparkling wine and watching the sunset was lovely
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Funny and gregarious
Transport
Old truck, a bit uncomfortable and difficult to see out of if you are in the back
Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril
Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril
Spain

Pauolo was great, very informative and friendly. We enjoyed spending time with him and meeting his wife at their shop in town. Castles we great as well as the Well of Initiation which I had always wanted to see. Unfortunately the weather was not very cooperative and it rained a fair bit of the time

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very friendly and fun to talk to
Transport
Loved the Tesla, roomy and comfortable
Local specialist: Helena Fernández

Raquel did an amazing job booking our trip! ...
Portugal | Apr 25 - May 11, 2024

Janet
Janet I.
North Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Raquel did an amazing job booking our trip! We were impressed with the quality and efficiency of the hotels and outings booked. All went smoothly and we were delighted with all of our guides. It was a perfect trip!

Local specialist: Raquel Aceituno

Portugal Trip
Portugal | May 3 - May 12, 2024

Nikki
Nikki R.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on May 13, 2024
Raquel and the entire KimKim team made our trip to Portugal perfectly unique to us and so seamless as we traveled across the entire country! Everything and more that we needed for our trip was provided and was extremely easy to use and follow. We have never used a travel planning service before, but we will for sure be recommending and using KimKim again to plan future trips! Read more

Raquel and the entire KimKim team made our trip to Portugal perfectly unique to us and so seamless as we traveled across the entire country! Everything and more that we needed for our trip was provided and was extremely easy to use and follow. We have never used a travel planning service before, but we will for sure be recommending and using KimKim again to plan future trips!

Activity Reviews
Lisbon Petiscos & Wine Tour
Lisbon Petiscos & Wine Tour
Lisbon

This was an amazing tour! We ate at small, local restaurants we never would have found on our own. Everything we tired was absolutely amazing and was some of our favorite food on out trip!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Excursion in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Day Excursion in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Porto
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Super friendly guide!
Transport
Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour
Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour
Portugal
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Excursion to Douro Valley, Wine Tasting & River Cruise
Day Excursion to Douro Valley, Wine Tasting & River Cruise
Porto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour & Tasting at Taylor’s Port Cellar
Tour & Tasting at Taylor’s Port Cellar
Porto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Raquel Aceituno

Perfect!
Portugal | Apr 29 - May 9, 2024

Judith
Judith D.
Germany | Reviewed on May 11, 2024
No single word can adequately describe our recent Portugal trip unless that word is "Perfect"! Raquel planned informative, historic, scenic, and entertaining tours using outstanding guides. She attended to every detail so that we could relax and enjoy our vacation. The Kim Kim team gets my vote! Read more

No single word can adequately describe our recent Portugal trip unless that word is "Perfect"! Raquel planned informative, historic, scenic, and entertaining tours using outstanding guides. She attended to every detail so that we could relax and enjoy our vacation. The Kim Kim team gets my vote!

Hotel Review
Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa
Evora

I would be happy coming to Portugal just to spend a week at Convento do Espinheiro and go nowhere else. Beautiful!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very attentive and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Raquel Aceituno

Excellent 2 weeks in Portugal
Portugal | Apr 26 - May 9, 2024

Anna
Anna T.
Australia | Reviewed on May 10, 2024
PORTO
Hotel Pur Oporto.
I rate this hotel 3 stars.
•When we walked into the hotel and to the reception, the staff did not smile or say hello. I had to smile & say hello first.
•The room looked fabulous when we first walked in.
•Thank you for the red rose & the champagne.
•The veranda was great.
•The room needs more hooks.
•The bathroom was awkward and it was dangerous stepping out of the bathtub because the bidet was in the way.
•The cold breakfast was excellent, the hot breakfast...
Read more

PORTO
Hotel Pur Oporto.
I rate this hotel 3 stars.
•When we walked into the hotel and to the reception, the staff did not smile or say hello. I had to smile & say hello first.
•The room looked fabulous when we first walked in.
•Thank you for the red rose & the champagne.
•The veranda was great.
•The room needs more hooks.
•The bathroom was awkward and it was dangerous stepping out of the bathtub because the bidet was in the way.
•The cold breakfast was excellent, the hot breakfast looked & tasted like it had been there for a long time, it was not pleasant to eat.
•Staff warmed up but would only say hello and smile if I said hello first.
•Position of the hotel was excellent for us because we like to walk everywhere.
Local Guides & Tours
•Porto Food Tour- can't remember the guides name, just that he was a magician.
This tour was lots of fun & excellent. 5 stars.
•Miguel - Day on the Doura. Excellent guide & excellent tour. 5 stars.
EVORA
Hotel: Albergaria Do Calvārio - 3 stars.
•Our room was very big, it was downstairs, the bathroom was okay but had lots of ants in it. Bed was comfortable.
•Breakfast: Was very simple and the 'freshly' cooked breakfast tasted like it had been sitting in the pan for a long time.
•Staff: All staff were excellent
Tours
Convento de Christi
Excellent - 5 stars
Tour of Evora
•Guide: Telma - walking tour of the old town was excellent, Telma was so good, funny and lovely to be will. 5 stars.
ALGARVE
•Lunch at Morgado do Quintāo
The lunch was delicious.
The short tour of the vines was excellent due to our Guide Candy. She was passionate about the area and her knowledge was excellent. Her voice is soft and gentle. She is the reason we are giving this tour 5 stars.
The 4,000 year old olive tree is amazing.
LAGOS
Hotel: Lagos Avenida
•As soon as you walk in the doors you are greeted by a smile and amazing decor. This hotel is 5 stars plus!!!
•All the areas of the hotel are immaculate.
The staff are really friendly and they smile and chat to you.
•Local Guides and Tours
Kayaking trip to Benagil Caves
Guide: Zac
•This tour was excellent - tho you do need to fit and be able to kayak as the ocean was very bumpy with natural waves but also waves from all the other tourist boats.
•The caves are magnificent.
5 stars for the tour and for Zac, he was excellent.
Bike Tour to Ria Formosa
Guide: Goncalo
•Excellent day riding the boardwalks through the wetlands and then out to the beach. Loved every second of this ride. Coffee and pastel de natas on the beach was wonderful.
5 stars for our wonderful guide Concalo and the bike ride.
LISBON
Hotel: PortoBay Liberdade
•Walked in to the hotel and received a wonderful welcome of smiles and hellos.
• Staff were friendly and said hello.
• The in house restaurant is excellent, we had an amazing dinner on our first night!
• Restaurant staff were excellent, special mention to Ciro, Cleo & Beatrice.
•The stand out staff member was Sophie Mello- great personality, beautiful smile, great sense of humour, we could not fault her!!!
Local Tours & Guides
• Tuk Tuk of Old City
•Guide: Arthur
• A great tour of the old town. Arthur eas great, good sense of humour and knowledgeable.
5 stars for the tour & Arthur.
FADO
•The good was average and the staff not that pleasant..but the Fado singers and accompanying guitar players were amazing.
•Very emotional and so amazing to listen to, the projection of their voices was truly magnificent.
5 stars for the performance
3 stars for the dinner.
•Sintra Heritage Hike
•Guida: Susana
•An amazing day in the mountains. Loved the Moorish Castle, and the surrounding gardens, so beautifully designed.
•The Penna Palace was incredible with it's architecture and bright colours of red & yellow.
•The tour to go into the palace was not that good, due to too many people. It was interesting but took too long because of the amount of people.
•We ended the day with a great cup of coffee in the Sintra Village.
10 stars for the tour
10 stars for Susana
•Day Tour to Setubal & Arrābida
•Tour Guide: Raul
•The XV11 Century Fortress is really boring. The view is nice. The only thing that made this worthwhile was the church.
• We did not go Cabo Espichel to see the giant waves crash against the rocks. This was the main reason we booked this tour. Very disappointed.
• The visit to the vineyard, saved the day.
Phillipa was excellent, Her knowledge about the vineyards, the area and the wines was excellent, she also had a great personality and was funny.
•The wines were delicious and so easy the tasting plate.
•The lunch we had with our guide was excellent, Raul warmed up and was excellent company.
•I am only giving this tour 2 stars because of the boring Fortress and not going into the natural park of Arrābida
• The wine tasting tour with Phillipa - 5 stars .
Hi Rita,
I know this is really long but I hope you read this and take note.
We have thoroughly enjoyed working with you and your company.
Kind regards
Anna & Bob Tait

Hotel Reviews
Pur Oporto Boutique Hotel by Actahotels
Porto

I rated this hotel 3 stars. •When we walked into the hotel and to the reception, the staff did not smile or say hello. I had to smile & say hello first. •The room looked fabulous when we first walked in. •Thank you for the red rose & the champagne. •The veranda was great. •The room needs more hooks. •The bathroom was awkward and it was dangerous stepping out of the bathtub because the bidet was in the way. •The cold breakfast was excellent, the hot breakfast looked & tasted like it had been there for a long time, it was not pleasant to eat. •Staff warmed up but would only say hello and smile if I said hello first. •Position of the hotel was excellent for us because we like to walk everywhere

Authenticity & Character
The hotel has a great ambience when you first walk in. Funky furniture and good styling. Very neat and tidy.
Location
Good walking distance from to most areas
Staff
They need to learn how to smile and say hello to their guests.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was excellent when you first walk in, but needed more hooks. Bathroom was too crowded with the bidet too close to the shower in the bath. Slippery and dangerous when stepping down to the floor.
Hotel Albergaria do Calvário
Évora

This was a perfectly placed hotel at the beginning of the old village. The hotel also had parking which is a huge bonus as there is almost no parking in the old village. The staff are excellent and are happy to speak with you. The decor is wonderful, a warm and inviting feel in the lounge, bar area and the outside courtyard. Breakfast is very mediocre, unfortunately the cooked breakfast didn't seem to be freshly cooked. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed staying here.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful decor.
Location
Close to the old town
Staff
Always said hello and smiled.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lagos Avenida Hotel
Lagos

This hotel is fabulous. As soon as you walk in you are greeted with a lovely smile from the girls on reception. The hotel is beautifully designed & styled in every way. Excellent pieces of wooden art are a real feature in the hotel. Our room was fabulous. We had a balcony overlooking looking the marina. The room service staff were lovely too. Breakfast was incredible!!!!! Wait staff were very friendly and professional. The restaurant is a Michelin Star Restaurant!!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PortoBay Liberdade
Lisbon

Excellent welcome as soon as you walk in the door from reception and floor staff. Great location and if you enjoy walking is not too far to the beginning of the old town. Restaurant for breakfast was excellent. Excellent service from Sophia, she is very professional, and has a great sense of humour, we really enjoyed her at breakfast time! Restaurant for dinner is exceptional!!! Excellent service from Ciro, Cleo & Beatrice. Rooms are clean & tidy but need to be refurbished. The house keepers were very friendly and well and made up the rooms beautifully. We had an excellent stay at this hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Sophia was the stand out of all the staff!!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Foodie Experience in Porto
Foodie Experience in Porto
Porto

This was a great and fun night out. I can't remember our guides name, but he is a magician as well as being an excellent guide. We went to about 4 different and excellent venues, trying the local beers, wines and tasting plates. A must do when in Porto!

Quality of Experience
Our guide!
Food
Everything
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Nothing, it was a walking tour.
Local specialist: Rita Pagano

Portugal 21 Day Adventure
Portugal | Apr 17 - May 7, 2024

Greg
Greg H.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on May 09, 2024
This was the first time we have traveled to Portugal and Spain and we wanted to have a very happy experience. We researched the Internet and various other travel documents and we found the tour company KimKim and how they focus on private tours that are tailor-made, and they use expertise and knowledge of people who actually live and work within the respective Countries. This was most important to us. A simple email initiated the process and we were delighted to make contact with Pedro our... Read more

This was the first time we have traveled to Portugal and Spain and we wanted to have a very happy experience. We researched the Internet and various other travel documents and we found the tour company KimKim and how they focus on private tours that are tailor-made, and they use expertise and knowledge of people who actually live and work within the respective Countries. This was most important to us. A simple email initiated the process and we were delighted to make contact with Pedro our Portugal contact. Wow, how fun to have someone who listens, provides immediate responses and recommendations, and develops a plan that can be shared and discussed with travel companions. There were four people in our group and we all felt ownership in the travel plan that was developed. We booked a 21 day trip to Portugal that included a 3 day adventure to Seville, Spain.

Pedro and his working associates took the stress out of travel and provided us with opportunities to stay in Hotels that were centrally located, to have historical walking tours, to witness a Fado and Flamenco Dinner and Show, to have private wine tastings, to have Private Drivers that enabled us to visit wonderful locations throughout Portugal, to be on excursions of the Douro river and Lagos Grottos, and to have Portuguese foods at very nice restaurants. The weather was perfect and this really enhanced our trip of a lifetime!

Pedro always remained in constant communication with us using the electronic application called ‘WhatsApp’. This enabled us to always know the current plan; everything (and I do mean everything) was meticulously identified and always implemented to perfection. Our trip was a ‘5+ Star Day’ every day with many surprises along the way. Pedro made us feel welcome surprising us with a box of treats with a bottle of Port Wine at the hotel. Kind words were always expressed with immediate feedback which made every day special, and of course the use of knowledgeable people that really wanted to make our trip the best ever. Pedro and his associates did this to perfection!

Our Hotel accommodations were excellent. We stayed in Lisbon, Porto, Evora, Seville, and Lagos. Each stay included a very nice room, excellent breakfast, onsite bar and restaurant, and very professional staff.

Thank you goes to the many people we met along the way, who we now consider our Portugal Friends; private drivers, hotel staff, walking tour guides, Belem Tuk-Tuk driver, boat captains, and of course the wine tasting experts. A noteworthy ‘Job Well Done’ goes to Private Drivers Pepe and Helder; both really went out of their way to create lifetime memories. Also, a very special ‘Thank You and Job Well Done’ goes to Pedro, Joao, and their associated staff; YOU ARE THE BEST.

Your friends,
Greg & Nancy Hanson

Hotel Reviews
Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel
Lisboa

Perfect location with terrific hotel staff and accommodations.

Authenticity & Character
The best with character and charm
Location
Perfect location within easy walking distance major attractions
Staff
Very polite and most helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable
PortoBay Hotel Teatro
Porto

Perfect location with terrific hotel staff and accommodations.

Authenticity & Character
Very nice
Location
Great location within walking distance to all key parts of the City
Staff
Polite, helpful, and knowledgeable
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean room and very comfortable
Évora Olive Hotel
Evora

The best of Evora. Very nice and within walking distance of all key locations.

Authenticity & Character
The best of Evora
Location
Within walking distance of all key locations and restaurants
Staff
Polite and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel is clean and comfortable. Great breakfast
H10 Casa de la Plata
Sevilla

Great location and within walking distance of key things to see and do

Authenticity & Character
Very nice with character
Location
Terrific location within walking distance of key things to see and do
Staff
Polite and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable
Lagos Avenida Hotel
Lagos

Great location within walking distance of all key things to see and do

Authenticity & Character
Roof top bar was a great place to hangout and socialize with friends
Location
Within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and excursions
Staff
Polite and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable
Tivoli Oriente Hotel
Lisbon

Great restaurant and close to the Lisbon Airport

Authenticity & Character
Very modern and terrific top floor bar
Location
Close to the Lisbon Airport
Staff
Polite and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable
Activity Reviews
Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service from Porto
Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service from Porto
Portugal
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner
Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner
Lisbon

Simple amazing experience and dinner. A must do.

Quality of Experience
Amazing 5 Star experience
Food
Very good food and Wine.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Easy Taxi ride from Hotel
Transport
Easy Taxi ride from Hotel
Discovering Belém's Charm on a Tuk-Tuk Ride
Discovering Belém's Charm on a Tuk-Tuk Ride
Lisbon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Portugal

Beautiful place with fast shuttle service from parking area

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Flavors of Port Wine - Sip & Discover
The Flavors of Port Wine - Sip & Discover
Porto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Scenic Voyage along the Douro River aboard an Exclusive Boat
Scenic Voyage along the Douro River aboard an Exclusive Boat
Douro Valley
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Step Back in Time with a Private Guided Tour of Évora and the Bones Chapel!
Step Back in Time with a Private Guided Tour of Évora and the Bones Chapel!
Évora
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dinner with Flamenco Show in Seville
Dinner with Flamenco Show in Seville
Seville

Amazing. Great food with a terrific Flamenco Show

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Indulge in Elegance on a Guided Winery Tour Infused with Tastings and a Delicious Lunch
Indulge in Elegance on a Guided Winery Tour Infused with Tastings and a Delicious Lunch
Douro Valley
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Panoramic Boat to the Ponta da Piedade Grottoes
Panoramic Boat to the Ponta da Piedade Grottoes
Portugal

Exceptional experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
To Eat Suggestion: Tábua & Barro do Naldo
To Eat Suggestion: Tábua & Barro do Naldo
Évora
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on May 10, 2024

Dear Greg & Karen,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review! I am thrilled to hear you had "5+ Star Day" every day while in Portugal! I had tons of fun putting together this fantastic trip.
Thank you once again for the support.
Your friend in Portugal - Pedro

This was an absolutely fantastic experience, ...
Portugal | Apr 21 - May 2, 2024

L
L N.
Barnstable, MA | Reviewed on May 08, 2024
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... Read more

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
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
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
Local specialist: Patricia Marques

Pedro and KimKim-A Winning Combination
Portugal | Apr 17 - May 7, 2024

S
Steve C.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on May 08, 2024
Pedro and his team did a remarkable job in the design and execution of our approximate 3 week trip to Portugal which included a 3 day stay in Seville Spain. In the beginning stages of planning last autumn Pedro listened to us and set up an itinerary that included walking guides, knowledgable drivers, and free days that allowed us to explore on or own. I believe that the outline of our travels will be a template for future customers. Having personal drivers to get us from city to city was... Read more

Pedro and his team did a remarkable job in the design and execution of our approximate 3 week trip to Portugal which included a 3 day stay in Seville Spain. In the beginning stages of planning last autumn Pedro listened to us and set up an itinerary that included walking guides, knowledgable drivers, and free days that allowed us to explore on or own. I believe that the outline of our travels will be a template for future customers. Having personal drivers to get us from city to city was also a key attribute that allowed us to remain worry free. No rental cars or public transportation other than a cab now and then worked very very well. The drivers were always on time and polite. The hotels were also top notch. Almost all of the scheduled tours were set aside for the 4 of us exclusively. We were able to interact with our drivers and guides on a personal level. Speaking of a personal level, it was my 75th birthday on May 4th and Pedro arranged a boat trip for the four of us to the grottos of Lagos that included champagne. When we returned to the hotel a bottle of wine and a personal note from Pedro were the proverbial icing on the cake. Pedro communicated with us via WhatsApp on a daily basis to make sure we knew the next day's itinerary and to simply check in. We would recommend KimKim and Pedro to anyone traveling to Portugal. It just doesn't get any better.

Steve and Karen Clemens

Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on May 09, 2024

Dear Steve & Karen,
Thank you for your detailed review on your time in Portugal with us :)
It was a true pleasure to have you choose our services for your travels, and we are delighted to hear that we were able to contribute to such a memorable occasion.
We really believe that every little detail counts, and we are thrilled that you enjoyed and valued the efforts we put into making your birthday celebration in Portugal an unforgettable experience.
Thank you so much!
Your friend in Portugal - Pedro

Try Portugal!
Portugal | Apr 20 - May 1, 2024

Lynn
Lynn H.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on May 08, 2024
Our visit to Portugal was wonderful. Rita arranged good hotels and tours for our group and was responsive to group members that had travel challenges that included cancelled flights, late arrivals and missing luggage.
I encourage anyone that is traveling to be proactive on your own behalf and not expect a travel agent to make all the decisions regarding where you'll go and when. The more input you provide about your interests and preferences the better your trip will be. Rita arranged...
Read more

Our visit to Portugal was wonderful. Rita arranged good hotels and tours for our group and was responsive to group members that had travel challenges that included cancelled flights, late arrivals and missing luggage.
I encourage anyone that is traveling to be proactive on your own behalf and not expect a travel agent to make all the decisions regarding where you'll go and when. The more input you provide about your interests and preferences the better your trip will be. Rita arranged several tours for us. Sintra is a good side trip that included Cascais, a thriving little beach town (also a short train ride away) . We had a private 3 hour walking tour of the city that really added to our
background info and enjoyment of the city. The history of the small country of Portugal is amazing. We went to
St Jorge's castle on our own, Time Out Food Market was a big food hall; skip it. Pick a nice sidewalk cafe instead.

We tweeked little things along the way, such as the timing for our stay at Nazare, Rita was great at responding and facilitating that. Don't miss Porto & Gaia; our group loved the smaller city and Duoro River region.

The customs process for international travelers arriving in Lisbon is messy if several planes arrive at the same time.
Global Entry doesn't do a thing for you in Europe; it's only for the U.S. entry. Unless you have a new electronic chip passport, be prepared for long lines. I'm getting one this year even though my passport is good for two more years. The airport pick up & transport system is also convoluted with a long walk to the pick up area.
Once we were in the hotel it was beautiful. I'd return to the scenic, not-too-large country and its welcoming people.

Hotel Reviews
H10 Duque de Loule
Lisboa

Lovely boutique hotel, completely renovated. Included breakfast was expansive. Welcoming staff and quiet area. It's an easy walk to the center of the city down a nice leafy boulevard .

Authenticity & Character
Completely remodeled solid old building. There's a lot of urban renewal going on all over te city
Location
I'm glad we weren't in the busy tourist city center but close enough to walk or Uber is super-cheap & fast
Staff
thoughful & responsive
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless & hygenic
Hotel Praia
Nazaré

Good location near the beach. Modern hotel. Rooms have views. Breakfast included. The roof top pool should stay open later

Activity Reviews
Evening of Fado
Evening of Fado
Lisbon

Food was good, we enjoyed the entertainment. The location was a well established venue. The format was two dining rooms with several Fado singers and musicians that moved from room to room every twenty minutes. This was good because you had a break for going to the restroom and servers to refresh food and drink. When the fado groups were performing they commanded the room's attention.

Quality of Experience
The setting and experience was unique to Lisbon
Food
It was all very good, made well and good portions; I didn't click 5 stars simply because "amazing" is a whole different level.
Get to Know Lisbon with a Local
Get to Know Lisbon with a Local
Lisbon

Our walking tour was very interesting. Our guide Rita provided a lot of background and navigated us around the center of Lisbon and the hilly streets. We sampled some local specialties such as Castro's custard tarts and ginjen, a local cherry liquor ( be sure to order it with the cherries in your shot) while we walked. When te tour was completed she gave us a dinner suggestion for a local restaurant down a side street that had the best roasted spit chicken you could ask for.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The tour guide was well educated and informed
Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril
Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril
Portugal

We toured Sintra on a Monday. It was a busy place! Perhaps it's just the way it is in Portugal right now because it's a great tourist destination but we were also told tat Mondays can be busy because some museums places in Lisbon are closed on Mondays. We had a short and interesting walking tour around Sintra then did more driving around the area. I would have appreciated going into the large palace that dominated the central square in Sintra or any other large building in the town but we moved on. We did go to an amazing place outside Sintra called Montserrate with a colorful history and chain of ownership, had a simple meaty Barbeque lunch at a Refugio Biciclet on top of a mountain overlooking the area and circled back toward Lisbon along the coastline stopping at the Roca and Cascais along the way. Manu, our guide, was well infirmed about the places we visited and history of his country. He made things interesting.

Quality of Experience
I think our guide may have added te Roca stop to the drive back because Sintra itself was crowded. He wanted to ensure our satisfaction with the experience. We truly appreciated that.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Manu really wanted us to enjoy the tour and get a lot out of it.
Transport
Nice van with room for 8 and windows that opened
Local specialist: Rita Pagano

Dear Kim Kim team.Thank you very much for yo...
Portugal | Apr 25 - May 1, 2024

E
Emin S.
Germany | Reviewed on May 08, 2024

Dear Kim Kim team.
Thank you very much for your arrangments during our trip and being immadiately reachable at every moment when we have needed your assistance.
We are very much delighted with our trip and arranging this trip over Kim Kim. Thank you.

Local specialist: Tiernan O'Rourke Araujo

Outstanding!!!!!
Portugal | Apr 21 - May 2, 2024

G
Gerard S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 06, 2024
The itinerary that Paty Marques created for our group of 8 was awesome! We will not soon forget the time we spent exploring Lisbon, Porto and Lagos. Most of us had never heard of kimkim. A friend of one of our travelers had a good experience with the company, and suggested we consider using it. The takeaway from my very first phone conversation with Paty was that she’s highly confident in her ability to create itineraries consistent with the travel objectives of her clients. She listened... Read more

The itinerary that Paty Marques created for our group of 8 was awesome! We will not soon forget the time we spent exploring Lisbon, Porto and Lagos. Most of us had never heard of kimkim. A friend of one of our travelers had a good experience with the company, and suggested we consider using it. The takeaway from my very first phone conversation with Paty was that she’s highly confident in her ability to create itineraries consistent with the travel objectives of her clients. She listened closely to what we wanted to see and delivered a travel experience that was truly memorable. The contrast between the three areas that we visited added immeasurably to our time in Portugal. Each of the guides that Paty utilized was excellent, but Claudia in Lisbon and Lucia in Porto definitely are superstars. The Douro Valley wine tour that Lucia led was fabulous and will not soon be forgotten, in large part due to the relationships that she has forged with the families that own the two wineries that we toured. We were treated like longtime friends at both places. The lunch at Maos e Irmaos was very special. The food served was delicious and authentic to the region. All of the transfers were handled without issue. The drivers were on time and highly professional. Safe transport was clearly a top priority. Our sincere thanks to Vasco and the others.

In summary, Paty Marques is the travel coordinator that you should use if you are considering a trip to the region. You will not regret the choice.

Hotel Review
Cascade Wellness
Lagos
Local specialist: Patricia Marques

Marisa was incredible to work with!
Portugal | Apr 23 - May 3, 2024

Madison
Madison T.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on May 05, 2024
Marisa was incredible to work with! We really appreciated how thoughtfully and intentionally she planned our stays at three different hotels across the island. She recommended delicious restaurants and beautiful hotels. Also, she quickly rescheduled one of our excursions at the last minute due to my screw-up. Marisa and her team sent a bottle of champagne and dessert to our hotel room after dinner on our anniversary! I couldn't recommend her more. Thank you so much, Marisa! Read more

Marisa was incredible to work with! We really appreciated how thoughtfully and intentionally she planned our stays at three different hotels across the island. She recommended delicious restaurants and beautiful hotels. Also, she quickly rescheduled one of our excursions at the last minute due to my screw-up. Marisa and her team sent a bottle of champagne and dessert to our hotel room after dinner on our anniversary! I couldn't recommend her more. Thank you so much, Marisa!

Hotel Reviews
Caloura Hotel Resort

The front desk staff was not friendly or welcoming, and the hotel was very hot, humid, and outdated. However, the views were beautiful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Octant Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada

I LOVED this hotel! Beautiful modern interiors, Class A amenities, friendly staff, gorgeous views, large and comfortable rooms, delicious food and wine, etc. We enjoyed getting drinks at the rooftop bar by the pool and had a great experience at the luxury spa. 12/10 would recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Furnas
Authenticity & Character
Location
The hotel backs up to the Parque Terra Nostra and all hotel guests have free access to visit the park and hot springs. It was beautiful!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
To Eat Suggestion:  Santa Barbara Eco Resort
To Eat Suggestion: Santa Barbara Eco Resort
Portugal

The food was phenomenal

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
To Eat Suggestion:  Tã Gente
To Eat Suggestion: Tã Gente
Portugal

Good food and fun drinks with outdoor seating downtown.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Exploring the Majesty of the Seas on a Group Whale Watching Experience
Exploring the Majesty of the Seas on a Group Whale Watching Experience
Portugal

So glad we booked a whale watching trip! We saw dolphins, orcas, and 3 giant Sei whales. So cool!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Marisa Agulhas
Marisa
Marisa Agulhas
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on May 06, 2024

Hello Madison,

Thank you so much for your kind words and time to share your experience while in Portugal.
I really hope you have the chance to come to our Mainland and celebrate another special anniversary with us!!

Thank you so much :)
Your friend in Portugal - Marisa

S Spain and Morocco
Portugal | Apr 12 - Apr 27, 2024

C
Cathy S.
Dunedin, FL | Reviewed on May 04, 2024
Our trip was amazing . Our guide in Marrakech took excellent care of us in our tour and during our short visit to the clinic. A few suggestions:
1. Find a better hotel in Casablanca. There was black mold in the shower, light bulbs out in the room, a broken lamp , no towels , drinking glasses or Kleenex tissue. We asked twice for these items . We got towels and 2 glasses the first night; nothing the 2nd night.
2. Our route should have been planned better and I should have caught...
Read more

Our trip was amazing . Our guide in Marrakech took excellent care of us in our tour and during our short visit to the clinic.

A few suggestions:
1. Find a better hotel in Casablanca. There was black mold in the shower, light bulbs out in the room, a broken lamp , no towels , drinking glasses or Kleenex tissue. We asked twice for these items . We got towels and 2 glasses the first night; nothing the 2nd night.
2. Our route should have been planned better and I should have caught this error. We should have gone to Madrid LAST and then flew direct to Marrakech instead of being in Granada and then having to take 2 flights to get to Marrakech.
Avoid Iberia Airlines and go with Air Arabia. They are friendly, accommodating and have much better service and planes. The Iberia jets don't have seats that move. They are in a permanent position. They never offered us anything after a 2 hr delay, gate and plane change. Upon asking them what they were going to do to compensate the passengers for this delay they stated , "this is Iberia airlines ". My response was : "and your point is? They are an international airline." We got nothing !!

The guide in Madrid for the walking tour was so so. When he finished with us he didn't return us to our starting point. We had to figure out where we were and how to get back to the hotel.

We highly recommend the Barcelona Hotel Catedral for Barcelona. Excellent breakfast , room, location and a free happy hour daily.

The other hotels, guides, transfers were excellent.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Odyssee Center
Casablanca

Black mold in the shower ; light bulbs burned out ; a broken lamp; no towels or water glasses. Nice location but the room wasn't good

Authenticity & Character
Location
Read what I wrote
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Attention to details
Petit Palace Posada del Peine
Madrid

Great location. Small but pretty room

Authenticity & Character
Location , breakfast
Location
Not far from the main square and shop
Staff
Friendly and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean!!
Petit Palace Puerta de Triana
Seville

Great location Great breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Boutique hotel
Location
Close to the sights. Easy walking distance to most of the sights
Staff
Friendly and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean
Palais Sebban
Marrakech

Beautiful venue Older but authentic feeling It is down a few alleys and without a guide we couldn't find our way out

Authenticity & Character
Authentic. It felt Moroccan
Location
Street signs !!!
Staff
Friendly and accommodating. Extremely helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean!
Hotel NH Collection Granada Victoria
Granada

Clean and good breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Pretty
Location
Far from the sights. We walked a lot of miles. Street signs. It well marked
Staff
Very friendly and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean!
Hotel Barcelona Catedral
Barcelona

Excellent location and breakfast. Room was very clean and comfortable. Love the free happy hour

Authenticity & Character
Comfortable
Location
Easy access
Staff
Friendly and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Excellent room
Hotel Regina
Barcelona

Very expensive for a bare bones "superior" room Breakfast was very good

Authenticity & Character
Hang a picture; Make the room feel warm with some color
Location
Staff
Friwndly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean
Activity Reviews
Explore Casablanca
Explore Casablanca
Casablanca
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Insider's Old Madrid Tour
Insider's Old Madrid Tour
Madrid

Only 1 hour. Saw the cathedral and palace from a distance. should have walked to it

Quality of Experience
A different guide
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Flamenco Experience
Flamenco Experience
Spain

1 hour show. No explanation as to how, why they did what they did.

Quality of Experience
Tapas Culinary Experience
Tapas Culinary Experience
Barcelona

Excellent tour!!

Quality of Experience
Specific for the area
Food
A large variety
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Visit of Barcelona
Guided Visit of Barcelona
Barcelona

Guide was very knowledgeable and thorough

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Privately Guided Tour of Hassan II Mosque
Privately Guided Tour of Hassan II Mosque
Casablanca
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Privately Guided Visit of Marrakech
Privately Guided Visit of Marrakech
Marrakesh

We walked through the market after the palace. The market repeated itself over and over again. We didn't need to see every corner of the market. Lots and lots of walking

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Visit:  Alhambra & Generalife Gardens
Guided Visit: Alhambra & Generalife Gardens
Granada
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Full Day Excursion to Ronda & White Villages
Full Day Excursion to Ronda & White Villages
Seville

Good your company

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Excursion to Cádiz - Europe's Oldest City
Full Day Excursion to Cádiz - Europe's Oldest City
Portugal

Lovely tour and stop at. Local winery. Lots of knowledge and information.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Marta Trzeciakowska
Marta
Marta Trzeciakowska
Local specialist in Madrid, Spain | Replied on May 16, 2024

Hi Cathy, thank you for your review! As the trip was organized by Karenina, our colleague, I will make sure we send your comments to our guides, as they will be also happy to read your feedback. All will be reviewed in detail, and we will make sure to present other hotels in Casablanca. Hope we can work on a new adventure together in the future! Warm regards from the whole team!

Claudia, Lucia and Carla were terrific!
Portugal | Apr 21 - May 2, 2024

M
Moira P.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 03, 2024
Claudia, Lucia and Carla were terrific! They each brought their knowledge and passion to our tours. We enjoyed all our time with them and would highly recommend them for other travelers. The transportation arrangements were excellent. The drivers were punctual, friendly and helpful. The vehicles were spotless and comfortable. Two recommendations if I may: 1) Depending on where the pickup spot is for the walking tour of Lisbon, I would offer transportation back from the farthest point. ... Read more

Claudia, Lucia and Carla were terrific! They each brought their knowledge and passion to our tours. We enjoyed all our time with them and would highly recommend them for other travelers. The transportation arrangements were excellent. The drivers were punctual, friendly and helpful. The vehicles were spotless and comfortable.

Two recommendations if I may: 1) Depending on where the pickup spot is for the walking tour of Lisbon, I would offer transportation back from the farthest point. The last 20 minutes or so of walking back was a lot for us older travelers. 😀. 2) If a train is available with good seating, it might be more time effective from Porto to Faro. At least offer the option.

Patricia was fantastic, responsive and attentive!

Hotel Review
Cascade Wellness
Lagos

The location was lovely, the spa was terrific. Our experience at the Bistropub was mixed since no reservations are available. The wait was long and the service was very slow.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to the boardwalk/ cliffs. Quiet, natural surroundings and beauty.
Staff
Extremely attentive to all our concerns. Special kudos to the spa therapists who were excellent.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The apartments are very clean, however the appliances including the wash machine/dryer and iron did not work properly. Only one hair dryer was provided for two rooms/bathrooms.
Activity Reviews
Private Sailing Experience in the Algarve Coast
Private Sailing Experience in the Algarve Coast
Portugal

The sailing was fantastic- the boat was terrific with a very friendly and capable crew. I would highly recommend this experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Douro Valley Tour
Douro Valley Tour
Portugal

Our guide Lucia made the trip even more special by sharing her family winery estate with us. We were thrilled to see the entire Douro valley from the top point of the mountain. We also loved having a family style lunch at the other local winery.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lucia was excellent. We also loved Alda and Lionel, our drivers.
Transport
Transfer from Lisbon to Porto stopping in Obidos & Aveiro
Transfer from Lisbon to Porto stopping in Obidos & Aveiro
Portugal

Claudia chose beautiful spots to enjoy the transfer between the two cities; Obidos and Navare. She consistently chose authentic Portuguese goods and cuisine at terrific stores that we would not have been able to discern.

Quality of Experience
The restaurant in Navare, Pangeia, was outstanding. The food was superb and we had a beautiful view of the coast. I highly recommend the restaurant.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Vasco, our driver, was such a kind man. He gave my husband a gift for his birthday! Claudia brought candles and arranged for a special dessert for my husband. They could not have been nicer.
Transport
Comfortable, clean and timely.
Local specialist: Patricia Marques

Well organized and very professional, Patric...
Portugal | Apr 21 - May 2, 2024

F
Frank A. C.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 02, 2024
Well organized and very professional,
Patricia was very responsive.
transportation vehicles were first class as were the drivers.. Claudia was a great guide in Lisbon. Lucia in Porto and Carla in Lagos also, we’re fantastic.
1st class trip
Read more

Well organized and very professional,
Patricia was very responsive.
transportation vehicles were first class as were the drivers.. Claudia was a great guide in Lisbon. Lucia in Porto and Carla in Lagos also, we’re fantastic.
1st class trip

Hotel Review
Cascade Wellness
Lagos

Accommodations were good, dining took a long time.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Patricia Marques