Kimkim Trip Reviews for Portugal

My trip to Portugal was amazing, Helena worked with me and my friend planning exactly what we wanted. It was reassuring to know that everything was basically taken care of (ex. hotels, train tickets, guides, drivers etc.). When we arrived in Porto we had drivers pick us up and all was easy to find. We had a guide of Porto on day two (I think her name was Helena/Elena?). Very good tour guide, well versed on the areas and she introduced us to the shop Manteigaria (custard tarts) which were amazing and we ate them every day. We also had a driver/guide (Carlos) to take us to towns outside of Porto, which were nice to see. We then went to Lisbon and really enjoyed it there. Alex was our guide and took us for a walking tour of the city. We then had a guide/driver (I think the company was called The Worst Tours and our guide was named Marta?) and we went outside of Liston to Sintra and Cascais which were really beautiful! Definitely recommend that excursion to those areas. After a few days in Lisbon we then ventured down to Lagos via two trains from Lisbon. I cannot say enough good things about the Cascades Wellness Resort. The staff were very helpful and really nice and the restaurants and pools on site were amazing. You really don't even have to leave the resort. All 3 hotels were great on the trip but Cascades topped it. Overall I would say this was a 5/5 star trip!!

Pedro put together a spectacular trip for us, based upon what we were interested in exploring. The drivers, especially Andre and Ricardo were a wealth of knowledge and so kind, flexible and helpful. The guides in Lisbon, Porto and Évora were very knowledgeable and kept us moving. They all knew our interests and dietary restrictions based upon notes provided from Pedro. Andre took us to Sintra, and then Obidos and Nazaré on the way to Porto. He was so much fun! He also returned us to Lisbon from Lagos and were now friends for life. Ricardo took us from Porto with a stop in Belmonte and the cork factory in Evora, a long but enjoyable day. We walked over 5 miles each day, so we covered a lot of ground! A highlight was the hike with Nuno in Serra Do Estrela, just stunning! In Lagos the boat ride to the Benagil caves should not be missed. All the hotels selected by Pedro were perfectly located and had great service. Pedro kept in touch very frequently and also worked with us to change some pick up times when we wanted to modify our schedule. All told, it was a spectacular trip and worry-free because Pedro was always available to us and made sure we were happy.

Our group of six had an amazing 14 day trip to Portugal. Tiago facilitated every detail from our first correspondence about what we were looking for in a trip, all the way to our last moments in this beautiful country. We spent time in Porto, Lisbon, the Douro Valley, and the Algarve, with stops or day trips to Guimarães ,Coimbra, Tomar, Obidos, Cascias, and Sintra. Tiago gave us so much history, introduced us to new foods, and talked about Portuguese traditions, old and new. He took great care to make sure our trip was perfect in every way. The hotels were so nice – – if nothing else, please stay at the Quinta de Sao Luis in Douro Valley. It’s a must! We saw the Algarve coast from east to west and experienced the different land and waterscapes. We took time to enjoy the beautiful beaches, caves, and sunsets. We did walking tours, a river boat ride, kayaking, wine tastings, and a once in a lifetime incredible day on a yacht. We also had time built in to wander on our own and relax. Tiago was so knowledgeable, flexible, kind, and caring. He tended to every detail of our trip. We never would have experienced or learned so much on our own. We thank him so much and will forever cheer for his team…. Go Sporting!!

Hotel Reviews

NH Collection Porto Batalha

Porto

This is a really nice hotel in a good location. The rooms were spacious. Everything was within a walkable distance. The breakfast was outstanding - so many choices.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Vine House—Quinta São Luiz

Tabuaço

Everything about this hotel was amazing. It’s small (maybe 12 rooms). Spacious rooms with large patios and such incredible views!!!!

Authenticity & Character

Location

If you are looking for remote and quiet- this is the place. You will need a car to go anywhere else.

Staff

They were short staffed during our stay, but honestly the rooms and the view are what mattered here most.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Britania Art Deco

Lisboa

Truly an amazingly preserved 1940s vibe. The staff were top notch and the amenities were plentiful. Breakfast was delicious and served until noon. They also provide tea and snacks in the afternoon and port all the time. They decor is lovely and the rooms are comfortable.

Authenticity & Character

This hotel has character!!

Location

We could walk to restaurants and shopping and it was easy to get a ride for longer distances.

Staff

The staff were so friendly and attentive.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Boat tour Algarve (half day)

Portugal

Exploring the Algarve on a private yacht was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The landscape changed so much in a short period, and it was absolutely stunning. This activity was one of the highlights of our trip and provided some incredible memories.

Enjoy Dinner with Live Fado Music

Lisbon

The dinner with live Fado music was probably our least favorite experience. The venue was very small, the dinner was quite long, and the food wasn't as good as we had hoped. However, the music and the experience were unique and worth it for the cultural exposure, just not something we'll be likely to repeat.

Wine Estate Visit in the Douro Valley

Portugal

The Wine Estate Visit in the Douro Valley was really wonderful. Even though none of us are huge wine drinkers, we wanted to experience the local culture, and this tour did not disappoint. We even got to walk through the fields, which was a unique and enjoyable experience. This was definitely one of the highlights.

Explore Porto (Half-Day Guided Walking Tour)

Porto

The walking tour in Porto was a great way to get our bearings and learn where everything was. The guide was very knowledgeable and provided a lot of interesting historical details. It helped us feel more comfortable navigating the city on our own afterward. Overall, it was a solid way to get a sense of the city.

Our trip to Portugal was wonderful! We are very grateful to our local specialist, Pedro, who selected fabulous hotels, arranged great tours and guides, and provided very helpful tips throughout our planning process and while in country. His service was truly exceptional. He was very patient with us answering all of our questions and making special arrangements for the different members of our group. We highly recommend him to anyone thinking of planning a similar trip. Ours took us from Lisbon to Porto and the Douro Valley, to Evora, to Lagos in the Algarve and finally back to Lisbon. Along the way, we visited Sintra, Nazare (where our guide directed us to a fabulous small restaurant where they served fish that had just been caught that morning), and Coimbra. Some of the highlights were a river cruise in Douro followed by a fabulous lunch and visit to the Quinta da Pacheca winery and a boat trip that took us into the grottoes in Lagos. A big thank you to Pedro and everyone at Kim Kim. We all agreed that we will return to Kim Kim to help us plan our next travel adventure!

Great trip to Portugal! This was our first experience with KimKim and Pedro was amazing! He helped us with the planning and helpful along the way with daily communication to be sure everything went smoothly. Thank you Pedro!

João was so easy to work with. He did a great job putting together an itinerary that truly meet our needs!

We had an amazing trip to Portugal. Giorgia, Karin, and Carmen were wonderful with helping to create the perfect trip. Communication was great and the trip went exactly as planned and exceeded expectations. We would definitely recommend using kimkim to anyone looking to take a trip.

Hotel Reviews

Lagos Avenida Hotel

Lagos

Authenticity & Character

Location

K

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Portugal Boutique Hotel

Lisbon

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Be Poet Baixa Hotel

Lisbon

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Fado Dinner Experience

Lisbon

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lisbon Roots, Food & Cultural Walk

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Algarve Kayaking Trip to Benagil Caves

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wine Tasting & Lunch at a Portuguese Quinta

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Pedro and his Team of Across Portugal were fantastic people to work with. I was impressed with the professionalism, responsiveness and attention to detail. Pedro was in constant communication with us to make sure every single detail was perfect. The transportation services were excellent. Hotels were extraordinary, It was a five star experience, and a very comprehensive and well planned trip.

Thank you Pedro for an amazing trip! Pedro and his team of Across Portugal are the best, I highly recommended them!

Pedro was super knowledgeable, helpful, and responsive. An absolute pleasure to work with.

Very smooth trip to Lisbon!

We had a great time in Portugal- we only stayed in Lisbon, but had a wonderful day trip to Sintra as well. Pedro had everything organized for us so the trip was a breeze!

Our recent journey through Spain and Portugal was nothing short of magical, starting with the vibrant city of Madrid. Our guide, Hector, provided a fantastic 3-hour tour of Madrid's charming neighborhoods. One of the highlights was discovering a hidden gem in Plaza del Conde de Miranda: the Monasterio del Corpus Christi. Here, we got a delightful surprise—delicious cookies baked by cloistered nuns who are forbidden to communicate with the outside world. This monastery, in operation since 1607, now shares its sweet treats with the public. This unique and delicious experience is a must-see!

Next, we journeyed to the historic city of Toledo, where the Gothic cathedrals left us in awe. We then headed south to Seville, indulging in tapas for days and soaking in the passionate rhythms of a mesmerizing flamenco show.

Crossing into Portugal, we found ourselves in the coastal paradise of Lagos, where relaxation by the pool and rooftop drinks became our daily routine. Our adventure concluded in Lisbon, a city that captivated us with its stunning palaces, bustling sounds, and a heartfelt fado show. One of the highlights was an exhilarating off-road trip to the high mountaintops, offering breathtaking views of Portugal’s natural beauty.

From the bustling streets of Madrid to the serene landscapes of Portugal, this trip was an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Thank you Rita and the KimKim team for taking what could have been a very time-consuming process to organize and made it easy to enjoy.

Activity Reviews

Tapas Culinary Experience

Madrid

Quality of Experience

Food

Flamenco Experience

Spain

Quality of Experience

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

Madrid

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guided Visit of Seville

Seville

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Discover Rural Algarve

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour

Spain

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Fado Dinner Experience

Lisbon

Quality of Experience

Food

Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

João and the team have done an excellent job from the planning stage to our trip completion. They planned the trip well taking into account our preferences and all the experiences and hotels were great. They helped us during the trip addressing any issues, such as unexpected restaurant closures, in advance and at no cost to us. João was always alaivalable and answered many questions timely and thoughtfully.

It felt good to be working with professionals such as João.

We would highly recommend João's services and expertise to anyone wanting to explore Portugal.

Activity Reviews

Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour

Porto

The guide was excellent and very friendly. She knew history and spoke English very well. Highly recommended when in Porto.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide was excellent and very friendly. She knew history and spoke English very well. Highly recommended when in Porto.

Scenic Voyage along the Douro River aboard an Exclusive Boat

Portugal

This was a highlight of our trip. Both because of the superb views but also because of the boat crew great service.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our driver for the day did everything right. It was a pleasure.

Transport

Excellent mini van

Panoramic Boat to the Ponta da Piedade Grottoes

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Farewell

Lisbon Int. Airport (LIS)

Excellent transfer service.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wow! What an incredible trip from planning stages through the the last hours. Pedro spent a lot of time going back and forth via email and phone to ensure the trip was planned perfectly for our likes and our budget. He was beyond accommodating, extremely responsive and made it so easy!

All of our drivers were fantastic from the moment we got from the airport to Lisbon. What a beautiful city and we very much enjoyed our walking tour and the wine and cheese after. Fantastic way to see the city and learn about history/culture. On our third day we went to Sintra and explored the castle. Just the outside because we heard that’s the best part and it was very busy. So unbelievable and not to miss!! Now the town itself we didn’t spend much time in because of the crowds honestly. So many other great things to do and since we had a private driver he took us to small towns around the coast up to a great view to see Lisbon across the water. Carlos, our driver, went above and beyond to ensure we had a great day. One thing I forgot to mention is how great it was to get Pedro’s daily updates and texts. Even if we wanted to move something around a bit in terms of timing he made it happen without any worries. So quick to accommodate. And the restaurant recommendations were great too!!

On our way up to Porto we stopped in Obidos which is an absolute must see!! Honestly I would have stayed there for a night it was so adorable. We went also to Nazaré but no waves the day we were there. Porto was beautiful but much busier to us than Lisbon. But maybe because it was closer to the weekend. Our walking tour was good, not our fav part. But the meal they’re known for Fransisina at the place recommend was amazing!! We also loved Honest Greens there if you like healthy food,

Our trip to the Douro Valley was wonderful with a boat tour and the most amazing lunch at the winery. We did a port tour in Porto, but maybe I’d recommend if possible doing it in the valley instead. We had a lots of wine with our meal, so just couldn’t drink anymore 😂 A ton of eating and drinking for sure throughout the trip. The food is wonderful!!

We picked up our rental car very early the next day bd so glad we did. It only took us 4 1/2 hour to get to the Alagarve and we were enjoying the views and sun by 12:15. If you go to Portugal it’s a must!! Very beautiful and relaxing. Our boat tour through the grottoes was unbelievable. And our meal at Luca’s Rooftop recommended by Pedro was a highlight too! We loved walking from our hotel - Cascades along the coast and also stopped in small towns on our way back to Lisbon/Cascais. We had lunch at this amazing place where you were in the middle of a rock formation. Look up The Bodega or The Doll. Wow so awesome!!

We didn’t get to spend much time in Cascais, but definitely would recommend a night and a day or two. So quaint and we had an amazing last meal at a place we stumbled upon that’s Italian and it was worth the hour wait for sure.

On our way back to the airport we forgot to give our daughter’s their passports as we were going home and they were staying in Europe! What could have been a disaster was quickly rectified by Pedro and the driver drove back and hand delivered them to our girls. Above and beyond!!! Just like the service and our entire trip. I would highly recommend Pedro, Luis and Marisa to help plan your trip to Portugal. You will not regret it. The culture, people, sights, food —all of it—amazing! I’ve been all around the world and this is one of my fav places with a great first experience with Kim Kim! Will def use the service again!

Hotel Reviews

Montebelo Lisbon Downtown Apartments

Lisboa

Clean, centrally located, great beds and AC.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

NH Collection Porto Batalha

Porto

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cascade Wellness

Lagos

Great location and very large space! Not America 5 stars but excellent. Would have liked more pool service like a resort in US to bring drinks, food, etc but really nice.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Vila Galé Cascais

Cascais

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Douro Valley Vineyard Delightful Lunch Experience

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Scenic Voyage along the Douro River aboard an Exclusive Boat

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

To Eat Suggestion: Luca´s Rooftop Restaurant

Portugal

Must have the king prawns! Great service and view!

Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings

Lisbon

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour

Porto

Sara was just ok, our tour guide. Personalities didn’t mesh as good.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The Flavors of Port Wine - Sip & Discover

Porto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service from Porto

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Loved the lunch at the winery

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Great boat ride

Panoramic Boat to the Ponta da Piedade Grottoes

Portugal

Don’t miss!!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

* Our walking tour of Lisbon guide (Hector who goes by Eric?) was outstanding- theatrical, entertaining, thoughtful, flexible, educational, fun- a pure delight.
* Our guides for Sintra (Teresa and her husband) were exceptional- we ran late- our own fault- and they were very patient with us and helped us fit in the most treasured part of the adventure (Quinta da Regaleira). They ensured we were comfortable while filling us with a deep history of the place and fun anecdotes.
* Our driver Cesar was professional and very thoughtful and patient with us.
* The choice of both our hotels (Epic Algarve and Hotel Portugal in Lisbon) were excellent to meet our needs. Location of Hotel Portugal was perfect for walking to everything. I loved access to the beach and pools at Epic Algarve as well as their delicious breakfasts.
* A serious disappointment was that KimKim apparently did not pass on the information we provided about shellfish allergy to the restaurants where we had reservations. When we arrived for the dinners, it was too late for them to make accommodations since they require this information in advance. Our group leader contacted KimKim after the first dinner to ensure this did not occur for the second dinner, and she was informed by KimKim that they were contacting the 2nd restaurant. Upon arrival at the 2nd restaurant, again they had not received this information and again could not change the menu. These were each Michelin star restaurants, so I paid nearly $1,000 to have 2 meals where I could not eat much of the food or feel safe. For the 3rd restaurant, I did not feel safe going through this again, so I suffered the loss of the prepaid money and went to a different restaurant on my own. Mishandling a food allergy is a grave mistake at the most basic level, and I hope KimKim never makes this mistake again as it could be life-threatening for some people.
* Another disappointment was that the meet-up information for our catamaran cruise out of the Algarve was not clearly communicated, causing us to race around the harbour for an hour and nearly miss our boat.
Overall, I am very glad we went, and I was highly impressed with the individuals we met while in Portugal. If KimKim can fix the mistakes made for future travelers, then I think they will provide an excellent service.

Marta was helpful and always timely with her responses! We unfortunately experienced some travel challenges with an air strike that impacted one of our legs of travel. Marta quickly cancelled activities and was able to provide the necessary documentation required to support our Travel Insurance claim.
This is our second time utilizing KimKim and will use them again in the future!

Our "Portugal Awaits" vacation was amazing thanks to all the detailed planning by Marisa. All services provided, including transportation, hotel locations and suggested places of interest, were extraordinary. Our drivers for the two all day excursions spoke excellent English, were extremely engaging and gave us additional insight into the Portuguese culture. Both shared recommendations for restaurants that turned about to be culinary adventures. The walking tour and Tuk-Tuk guides were very friendly and made Portuguese history entertaining.
Home Cooking Lisbon was first class fun! The instructor, Ines, made us feel comfortable while cooking dishes foreign to us and the results were delicious!
We greatly appreciated Marisa's advice not to have a rental car, but utilize train transportation which provided a more relaxing and pleasurable experience.

From the first moment I interacted with Tiago while planning the trip, I knew I was in good hands. The same was true with our larger-than-life guide, Gustavo.

Both were knowledgeable, experienced, and authentic locals, fully committed to ensuring we had the best experience possible.

My uncle and I were very specific in our wants for the trip, and Tiago and Gustavo were always available at a moment’s notice to accommodate us.

Horseback riding along the beach in Comporta was an absolute highlight for me.

I wish both Gustavo and Tiago every success, as they truly deserve it, and I look forward to working with them again in the future.

Thank you, guys!

Joao was amazing. He listened to what we wanted to do and gave suggestions when needed. He put together a wonderful itinerary. Unfortunately we weren’t feeling well for some of the trip and he was so good at listening to what we needed and did it at a pace that was good for us especially on the day we went to Sintra and Cascais and also the day we drove to Porto. Even though we weren’t feel 100% we saw everything that was planned and it was amazing. We had a really good time exploring Portugal. I would definitely recommend him and your company to friends and family.

Activity Reviews

Pasteis de nata cooking class

Lisbon

She was very knowledgeable and very patient with us as she taught us step by step how to make the Pasteis de Natas. Can’t wait to make them at home!

Quality of Experience

Street Art Tour in Lisbon

Lisbon

I didn’t realize it was a private tour but I really enjoyed it as I didn’t know much about the street art. She was very knowledgeable and explained everything to me with regards to the artists and why they came up with their ideas.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our family of four just returned from a fabulous trip to Portugal! Kimkim connected us with Pedro who, from the start, was excellent to work with. We spent 9 days in Portugal...starting in Porto and working our way to Lisbon stopping for a night in Alcobaca and Cascais. Pedro's suggestions were spot on. The overall itinerary he developed, drivers (Ivo, Carlos, Claudia), guides (Taisa, Sarah, Sarah, Margarid), tours (e-bike, port tasting, walking, wine tasting, fado dinner), hotels, restaurant recommendations, etc were all excellent. The service and value we received was first class. As an example, my daughter was very disappointed for forgetting something in the hotel in Alcobaca...I asked Pedro if there was anything he could do...he worked his magic/network and the item was reunited with my daughter on our arrival in Lisbon. Simply amazing. He was connected with us throughout the trip and we tweaked a few things along the way...no request was too much! We had a wonderful family trip with fond memories that will last for a long time! Pedro had a huge part to do with that and we all are very grateful. So glad to have worked with him and his company. Thank you, Pedro!

Had the most memorable time