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Raquel Aceituno

The eternal question ... where to next?

I live for my passion: travelling. I aim to travel to every country in the world and inspire you to do the same! Nature, learning about new cultures, speaking several languages & blending in with locals, are my key drivers! During my trips, I seek adventures. I always put myself out of my comfort zone and have never regretted it! I am also an advocate of preserving and protecting our planet.

We are a project from travellers to travellers and we can't wait to take you on the best adventure ever!

I am from a wee town in Badajoz, Portugal borders. However, I consider myself a world citizen!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Spain and Portugal"

How did you get involved in travel?

"In 2014 I decided to grab my suitcase and moved to Scotland seeking for new challenges. I have been based up there for 8 years working on Tourism and at the same time traveling the world whenever I had the opportunity.

I combine my knowledge and background in Tourism with my personal vision of the world, to share with you my travel experiences in the most genuine and honest way possible."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"mmm .... tough question!
Spain is the land of contrast and my very own place in the world, but If I had to name a feeling that would be called Granada. The scent of incense, Arabian flavours from ancient cultures and Alhambra became the most spectacular scenario to enjoy over and over again."

Raquel is part of the following groups: Portugal Travel Agents, Spain Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Raquel

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 16, 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

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

Spain & Portugal Adventure
Spain | Apr 16 - May 6, 2024

C
Carolynn O.
Canada | Reviewed on May 14, 2024
We really enjoyed our 3 week trip to Spain & Portugal & the itinerary provided by Raquel. The hotel selection was perfect. Great locations especially our hotel in Ronda which had an amazing view!!
The tours Raquel arranged were well planned, each adding something different to our experience.
The gourmet food tour in Barcelona, flamenco show in a cave in Granada, hiking the Caminito del Rey & boat ride to Benagil caves in Portugal were favourites!
We had plenty of suggestions for...
Read more

We really enjoyed our 3 week trip to Spain & Portugal & the itinerary provided by Raquel. The hotel selection was perfect. Great locations especially our hotel in Ronda which had an amazing view!!
The tours Raquel arranged were well planned, each adding something different to our experience.
The gourmet food tour in Barcelona, flamenco show in a cave in Granada, hiking the Caminito del Rey & boat ride to Benagil caves in Portugal were favourites!
We had plenty of suggestions for restaurants as well as free time.
Appreciated how the whole trip, itinerary, practical information was organized into an app.
This was our third time using KimKim & highly recommend as having a local agent planning the trip makes a difference.
Thank you Raquel!!

Hotel Reviews
H10 Casa de la Plata
Sevilla

Great location

Authenticity & Character
Felt more modern than the area but didn’t feel it was a bad thing.
Location
In the heart of old town
Staff
Friendly, helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Large bathroom, coffee supply.
Hotel Montelirio
Ronda

The view from the room directly over the canyon is spectacular! Can’t imagine beating this view. Loved the room decor. This hotel is memorable!!

Authenticity & Character
The moorish decor
Location
Right on top of the cliff
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Wine & Gourmet Tapas Tour
Wine & Gourmet Tapas Tour
Barcelona

Enjoyed the tapas and especially the last restaurant. Good food, wine & Cava Appreciated the very small group

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Discover Rural Algarve
Discover Rural Algarve
Spain
Quality of Experience
Enjoyed seeing the rural area. The bee stop was interesting.
Food
It was good but pretty basic
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was friendly & knowledgeable
Transport
Too many people in the jeep. There were seven. Should have 5 max.
Catamaran Excursion to Benagil Caves & Carvoeiro Beach
Catamaran Excursion to Benagil Caves & Carvoeiro Beach
Spain

Loved it!! The type of boat used & the guides were fun!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Flamenco Show in a Sacromonte Cave
Flamenco Show in a Sacromonte Cave
Granada

Loved the venue & the dancers! Felt like a more intimate experience than a larger show seen in the past.

Quality of Experience
Traditional Andalusian Market Visit & Cooking Class
Traditional Andalusian Market Visit & Cooking Class
Seville

Great venue in the market. Food was excellent. Very good chef & assistant

Quality of Experience
Food
Local specialist: Raquel Aceituno

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

Amazing, meaningful adventure
Spain | Apr 15 - Apr 24, 2024

Denise
Denise N.
Round Rock, TX | Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024
We had an amazing and meaningful trip to Spain and especially the Basque Country. My main purpose was to discover more about my grandfather, about whom I knew very little.
I was able to do so, and greatly enjoyed that and many other experiences as well.
I would like to commend our guides Diego and Dario. Diego I appreciated especially because the main focus of the trip for me was to absorb as much about Basque culture as I could, and he fulfilled that wish admirably. To do so was the... Read more

We had an amazing and meaningful trip to Spain and especially the Basque Country. My main purpose was to discover more about my grandfather, about whom I knew very little.
I was able to do so, and greatly enjoyed that and many other experiences as well.

I would like to commend our guides Diego and Dario. Diego I appreciated especially because the main focus of the trip for me was to absorb as much about Basque culture as I could, and he fulfilled that wish admirably. To do so was the dream of a lifetime, and I will be forever grateful to him.

Dario was a most excellent and considerate guide also. He took care that we should get the most out of our excursion to Potes and Picos de Europa. We were fascinated by all the history and other information he shared with us. He truly enriched our understanding of this part of Spain in way that added a great deal of depth to our experience of the country as a whole.

For improvements I suggest that in the future travelers should be warned to be better prepared for the train trip from Madrid to San Sebastián. The trip took 8 hours, and nothing was provided to eat and drink.

We would have been glad to bring our own provisions had we known we would need them. As it was, we arrived in San Sebastián in an especially depleted state from which it took extra time to recover.

Another difficulty occurred on our train trip from Santander to Madrid. Our information from Raquel was that we would change trains at Valladolid.

The misinformation confused us greatly because the information at the station didn’t support a change of trains. I thought my confusion was a result of my limited Spanish and anxiously boarded, unsure about exactly how we were to arrive in Madrid.

Just before we were about to get off the train for a change, another passenger informed us at the very last minute that we needed to remain aboard as the train we were on would go through to Madrid. If it had not been for this passenger, we would have made a mistake that could have really cost us.

Hotel Review
One Shot Tabakalera House
San Sebastian

We were wonderfully comfortable here and especially appreciated the restaurant. Besides great food that was conveniently collocated, we had the most amazing and considerate service from the restaurant staff. I especially want to commend Gustavo, Xabi, and the man who sold the coffee. Gustavo actually assisted me in tracking down more information about my long-lost Basque grandfather than I would have otherwise. Gustavo advised me that besides visiting the church in Huarte where my grandfather was baptized, I could also go to the Ayuntamiento in Huarte for his birth certificate and other vital information. I am so grateful he took the trouble to explain this to me (in the middle of working hard to make and serve food) as the focus of the trip was to learn as much about my grandfather as I could. Without Gustavo’s guidance, the most important part of my trip would have been much less productive. I will be forever grateful to him. Xabi was a joy to talk to as he not only served us cheerfully and enthusiastically, but also took great interest in our trip, as it was centered on visiting my grandfather’s homeland. Xabi’s interest enriched that experience, and I will remember him fondly always. The gentleman who staffed the coffee bar was so kind and considerate. I didn’t catch his name, but he had dark hair and was of medium height. He treated me like royalty when I told him my grandfather was a Basque. He truly made me feel personally connected to my Basque heritage from which I had been alienated my whole life due to my grandfather’s abandonment of his family and the resultant lack of information about him.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel is a historic site and the complex houses other Basque cultural resources.
Location
It’s near the train station and is also near another eateries, a store selling fresh produce, and a pharmacy.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Raquel Aceituno
Raquel
Raquel Aceituno
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on Apr 26, 2024

Hi Denise, thank you for taking the time to provide detailed feedback on your travels. I am glad to hear that you had a wonderful time discovering your grandfather´s roots. I will pass your kind words to Diego, Dario and Xabi, especially as they will be more than happy to know that they have contributed to your experience. I am sorry to hear about the train issue, we never have been informed about that you will have to remain on the same train for the full journey. It might have been a last-minute update. I hope you had an overall nice experience. All the best, Raquel

Wonderful experience- highly recommend!!
Spain | Mar 29 - Apr 6, 2024

Kristin
Kristin B.
Huntersville, NC | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2024
Working with Raquel to plan our trip to Spain was an absolute dream! She was organized, communicative, knowledgeable and flexible with any changes/suggestions I had. Our trip was seamless; from drivers picking us up at airports/hotel/train stations transferring us to our next destination to suggesting places to eat with tween/teenagers. Raquel had great suggestions to make our family vacation fun and stress-free. I would HIGHLY recommend working with Raquel and the kimkim team! Read more

Working with Raquel to plan our trip to Spain was an absolute dream! She was organized, communicative, knowledgeable and flexible with any changes/suggestions I had. Our trip was seamless; from drivers picking us up at airports/hotel/train stations transferring us to our next destination to suggesting places to eat with tween/teenagers. Raquel had great suggestions to make our family vacation fun and stress-free. I would HIGHLY recommend working with Raquel and the kimkim team!

Activity Reviews
Exclusive Food Tour of Barcelona through its Tapas Bars
Exclusive Food Tour of Barcelona through its Tapas Bars
Barcelona

This was AMAZING! Such a great way to experience local cuisine as well as more authentic restaurants that aren’t tourist traps. The food/wine pairing choices were phenomenal- even our picky 17 year old raved about how good everything was!

Quality of Experience
The food was amazing and the tapas restaurants chosen were quaint and authentic.
Food
Everything!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide (Brian) was so knowledgeable about all the areas we walked through as well as all of the food/wine. He was personable and fun!
Transport
Every driver was on time and communicative!
Private Tour of Barcelona & La Sagrada Familia
Private Tour of Barcelona & La Sagrada Familia
Barcelona

What an amazing experience to see the different areas of Barcelona and this phenomenal place. Our guide, Anna, was absolutely fantastic. She was so sweet, knowledgeable and fun! She had great rapport with my 2 daughters (ages 11 and 17) and made their experience so much more enjoyable by interacting with them while also educating us all!

Quality of Experience
Having tickets pre-purchased so we went straight in- no waiting in lines!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Anna was wonderful! She was so knowledgeable and fun.
Transport
So easy and always prompt!
Day Trip to Montserrat & Lunch at a Farmhouse
Day Trip to Montserrat & Lunch at a Farmhouse
Barcelona

This was a great day trip! Seeing the monastery, the Black Madonna and the different area was great.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
There was a mix up with guide/meeting location (at no fault of kimkim) but Antoni was prompt to call me and get it figured out!
Transport
Private City Bike Tour
Private City Bike Tour
Seville

Great way to see the area!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Traditional Andalusian Market Visit & Cooking Class
Traditional Andalusian Market Visit & Cooking Class
Seville

This was our daughter’s favorite thing about our trip! She loved hearing about all the local food and learning to make some traditional Spanish dishes!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Flamenco Experience
Flamenco Experience
Spain

This was my favorite activity of our whole trip! This exceeded all of my expectations and was captivating!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Visit of Madrid:  History, Culture & Architecture of the Capital of Spain
Guided Visit of Madrid: History, Culture & Architecture of the Capital of Spain
Madrid

The guided tour was a great way to see the area and learn the surroundings as opposed to just walking around on your own.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Segovia
Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Segovia
Madrid

What a wonderful family experience! Even my husband (who hates heights) said this was incredible and he would do it again! It was the favorite activity of our 17 year old daughter!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The entire crew with Globus was super!
Transport
Local specialist: Raquel Aceituno
Raquel
Raquel Aceituno
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on Apr 08, 2024

Hi Kristin, thank you so much for taking the time to write this fabulous review! It is a pleasure to know you and your family enjoyed your time in Spain and you left home with lots of incredible memories. I will share the feedback with our guides, who will be delighted to hear that they have contributed to a great experience! Again, a pleasure planning this trip for you and your family 🥰All the best. Raquel

Raquel was amazing, helpful planned a wonderf...
the Azores | Mar 30 - Apr 6, 2024

Chris
Chris R.
Ilion, NY | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2024
Raquel was amazing, helpful planned a wonderful vacation for my children. She made sure everything was very well planned out and completely taken care of for them. Read more

Raquel was amazing, helpful planned a wonderful vacation for my children. She made sure everything was very well planned out and completely taken care of for them.

Hotel Review
Vila Nova Hotel
Ponta Delgada

The breakfast is really really good! The rooms were a little stuffy at night, but other than that it was a good stay!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sete Ciudades Jeep & Hike Adventure Full Day
Sete Ciudades Jeep & Hike Adventure Full Day
São Miguel Island

The view were amazing! And our tour guide, Natasha was the best!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Volcanic Experience: Furnas Lake Full Day Adventure
Volcanic Experience: Furnas Lake Full Day Adventure
São Miguel Island

Natasha, our guide, was great! We loved the different actives and the hike was gorgeous!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Epic Canyoning Adventure
Epic Canyoning Adventure
São Miguel Island

Super fun! The guides were awesome and fun to chat with. The waterfalls and rivers were a lot of fun to canyon in.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Azorean Culinary & Wine Experience & Get to Know Ponta Delgada with a Local
Azorean Culinary & Wine Experience & Get to Know Ponta Delgada with a Local
São Miguel Island

It was cool to see the different restaurants and learn about the wines and cheese.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking Experience in Lagoa do Fogo
Hiking Experience in Lagoa do Fogo
São Miguel Island

This was a lot of fun, we loved the different places we got to see and our guide Natasha was wonderful, she was very charming and knowledgeable. 10/10!!!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Raquel Aceituno
Raquel
Raquel Aceituno
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on Apr 08, 2024

Hi Chris! Thanks so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share the highlights of your kid´s trip to the Azores. I'm so pleased that they had a wonderful trip (even if the weather was not the best )! I will pass your words on to Natacha, who will love to hear that she has contributed to a memorable trip. I wish you and your family all the best and hopefully, we can plan another adventure together in the future 😉x Raquel

Very well planned trip in Portugal . We have ...
Portugal | Mar 4 - Mar 16, 2024

Bao Phuong
Bao Phuong L.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024
Very well planned trip in Portugal . We have spend a great 13 days with the organization of Raquel , trip plan had been well adapted to our needs and preferences.
Each guide in every single tour is very knowledgeable and amicable, they adapted extremely well to what we ask for . Raquel has been very attentive to our request , she is always in touch with us almost daily .
I highly recommended this tour and now looking forward to book next tour in South Korea !!!!!
Thank you Raquel , you...
Read more

Very well planned trip in Portugal . We have spend a great 13 days with the organization of Raquel , trip plan had been well adapted to our needs and preferences.
Each guide in every single tour is very knowledgeable and amicable, they adapted extremely well to what we ask for . Raquel has been very attentive to our request , she is always in touch with us almost daily .
I highly recommended this tour and now looking forward to book next tour in South Korea !!!!!
Thank you Raquel , you are absolutely amazing !

Hotel Reviews
Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel & World Heritage Site
Porto

Very well located hotel, our room has river view and balcony . Staff is so kind , do all their best to make our stay the most pleasant .

Authenticity & Character
Big hotel with several buildings connected, nice room , good size , but still keep the character of old house
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Portugal Boutique Hotel
Lisbon

Very nice boutique hotel , well situated

Authenticity & Character
Very modern boutique hotel, room very big with balcony , bed very comfortable
Location
Close to Main Streets, main squares, lots of restaurants around
Staff
All staff from reception to restaurant are very efficient, a bit cold though
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room big , bed comfortable, very nice
Vivenda Miranda
Lagos

Such a nice hotel and staff

Authenticity & Character
Every room has different set up make hotel very charming
Location
So close to beach , hotel is absolutely charming
Staff
Hotel has best staff from reception , restaurant to cleaning , everyone is so helpful and smiling
Cleanliness & Comfort
Évora Olive Hotel
Evora

Very modern reception area, room average size a bit stuffy

Authenticity & Character
Except reception area which is so modern , room is very average
Location
Close to all major sites, walkable
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Raquel Aceituno
Raquel
Raquel Aceituno
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on Mar 18, 2024

Dear Bao, I really appreciate your kind words and taking the time to share the highlights of your trip to Portugal. I'm so pleased that you and Chon had a wonderful trip!😍 I will pass your words on to our local guides, who will love to hear that they have contributed to a memorable trip. I wish you both a fantastic next adventure in South Corea and all the best for the future. It has been a pleasure! x Raquel