Marta Trzeciakowska

Everything was perfect. Your choice of hotels were perfectly located in the center of the activities that we wanted to see and do. Your choice of restaurants were great.
Thank you for all your support.

Marta from KimKim put together a perfect itinerary for our first trip to Spain and Portugal with two other couples. The itinerary was thoughtfully crafted, covering a blend of cultural, historical, and gastronomical experiences that brought out the true essence of each city. From the grand architecture of the Alhambra to the seaside charm of Lagos and Porto, every moment was enriched by the friendliness, knowledge and local expertise of our exceptional guides and the comfort provided by our dedicated drivers.

Hotels were perfectly selected for their comfort, location, and hospitality, making each stay a delight. I particularly liked that each boutique hotel had its own charm and reflected the local architecture - plus, every one was centrally located so we could easily walk to restaurants or catch a short Uber ride to an activity. And I can't say enough about the delicious food in both countries. The recommendations provided by Marta/KimKim were great and we especially appreciated the quick response when we didn't have any plans and I texted in the app "can you recommend 1-2 local seafood restaurants near our hotel" and got an instant response - even after normal business hours!

The activities, from the (super fun) cooking class at The Cooking Clubhouse and a Fado dinner to the scenic wine-tasting experience and lunch in the Douro Valley, were well-organized and immersive. Highlights like the Flamenco show in Seville and a visit to a hammam in Seville brought unique local color to our journey, making the trip unforgettable. The only disappointment was that our boat excursion to Benagil Caves was canceled due to weather (but that was unavoidable as we were in Spain the days there were terrible flash floods in Spain causing tragic fatalities in the north).

Overall, this itinerary was flawless in its execution. The attention to detail and seamless coordination ensured that we could simply enjoy each day without a worry. This is our second trip with KimKim and they've done a spectacular job each time customizing each tour to our interests, preferences and budget.

Our trip went very well overall. The guides and tours were very good, especially the Day Trip to Sintra with Nuno and the substitute Food Tour with Daniella. The hotels worked out nicely and were in perfect locations. And the train transfers went smoothly. I really enjoyed having everything available in the Trip Plan app, and the recommendations on sites and restaurants were helpful.

Only three things didn't work out, none of which were due to the agency. And they were very responsive in each case.

Our driver left the Lisbon airport before we arrived--but we had been delayed an hour and half getting through passport control. The agency offered to reimburse our cab ride. Also, our first tour (Food Tour) canceled at the last minute but the agency found another (and likely much nicer) tour with Daniella. And lastly, our Walking Tour of Lisbon wasn't able to go because the guide had just slipped and injured herself, all understandable and the agency issued a refund.

Hotel Reviews

Lisboa Prata Boutique Hotel

Lisboa

Excellent location.

Authenticity & Character

Adaptive use of an old building

Location

Easy to get most everywhere

Staff

Very helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Could use some sprucing up (stains, etc.)

Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina

PORTO

Excellent location

Authenticity & Character

Typical for brand hotel

Location

Easy to get everywhere

Staff

Very helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Well kept

Activity Reviews

Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril

Portugal

Amazing time with Nuno. Very helpful and informative with a personal touch.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lisbon Culinary Food Experience

Lisbon

Excellent tour and narrative with Daniella. Food was great and the history really added to the experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had a wonderful trip to Spain and Portugal. Everything that was scheduled for flowed beautifully. We did not have one hiccup. It was relaxing to not have to worry about scheduling anything from airport transfers to tours. Marta delivered everything she said she would. We spent time with Marta in advance of our trip going over what we wanted to do and the budget and it all came to fruition. I would use kimkim travel again!

Hotel Reviews

Andante Hotel

Barcelona

This was our favorite hotel of the trip. The location was great. The breakfast was delicious. the decor was fun and modern. Bed and linens were comfy and the room had nice space.

Authenticity & Character

The modern vibe gave it character.

Location

We could walk to everything and we felt safe.

Staff

Overall staff were very friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean and comfortable.

Hotel Son Caliu Spa Oasis

Palmanova

We are giving this hotel 5 stars as well. The location was not only beautiful but also walking distance to many restaurants. The rooms were spacious and well kept and the beds were comfortable. We had a balcony with a lovely view of the ocean. The decor was a little old fashioned for my taste. That is just a matter of opinion. We like it to be a little more modern. They have a wonderful spa onsite with a sauna, steam shower and indoor pool. You do not have to pay extra to use these and there isn't a resort fee. That was a very special treat. Once again the breakfast was delicious. We were lucky to have good weather so we could sit outside at the pool. Lastly, we rented a car and parking was a bit difficult. The hotel does not offer parking so you need to park on the street. It is safe, it just takes time to find a spot sometimes.

Authenticity & Character

It is a little old fashioned to me. It isn't run down, but it could use some modernization.

Location

Beautiful views, close to the water and walking distance to restaurants.

Staff

They were not particularly friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean and comfortable.

Casual Belle Epoque Lisboa

Lisbon

This was our least favorite hotel. I will start with that it was clean and the bed was comfortable. Again, the pictures are a bit deceiving. It looks light and bright, but in fact the room is very dark and old. Carpet is old, the decor is old. The location was pretty good, but I would've liked to have been in a more modern hotel. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The breakfast was good too.

Authenticity & Character

The carpet could be cleaner and the rooms could be brighter.

Location

It was pretty good. I would've liked to been closer to the hustle and bustle of the city.

Staff

Staff was very friendly and helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

It was clean and comfortable.

Legendary Porto Hotel

Porto

The pictures of the rooms in this hotel are a bit deceiving. The rooms are not that bright or spacious. They were darker and smaller. The lobby of the hotel is light and bright. The people at the front desk were not very nice and seemed irritated that we were talking to them. However, they did seem friendlier to others, maybe they didn't like that we were American, seemed a bit weird. But everything was clean and everything worked. Breakfast was good. Location was pretty good. I would've liked to stay in a more modern hotel closer to a more interesting part of the city.

Authenticity & Character

It was nice and clean, but the rooms were small and dark.

Location

Seemed to be in a more run down part of the city, not close to a lot.

Staff

The staff was very unfriendly. I think it was just to us because we were American (I'm guessing)

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was clean, beds were comfortable.

Activity Reviews

Tapas Walk in Barcelona

Barcelona

We loved our host Carla. She was fun and bubbly and had lots of information. We loved all the tapas restaurants she took us to.

Quality of Experience

Food and restaurants were great

Food

All the tapas were delicious

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Carla was so friendly and fun

Day Excursion to Montserrat & Scenic Hike

Barcelona

Overall this was a good experience. I was hoping to learn a little bit more about the location and the history. That may just be my preference. It also really wasn't a hike. I think it would've been if the people on the tour wanted to or could. But, because they couldn't we didn't hike up. We did walk down from the top, so that was good.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I would've liked a little more information about the site.

Transport

I really appreciated the flexibility and responsiveness of Marta our travel agent. We made a number of adjustments in the planning stage and ended up with an itinerary that allowed for some structure and lots of time for spontaneous activities. Our driver, Nelson to the wine country was excellent! The wineries we visited were independent and we felt like we had a very personal experience with both the Quinta da Costa and Maos wineries. The wine was excellent too! Our second driver, Pedro took us from Porto to Lagos and was professional and accommodating. Great time on our private deep-sea fishing excursion. Finally, our Sintra Heritage hike with professional guides was challenging but a real chance to experience that area and see the Pena Palace. I admit we cut it a little short when they offered to drive us to the furthest western point, Cabo da Roca, then made us a reservation at a fabulous restaurant. Everyone was fabulous and listened to our interests. Marta was willing to do as much or as little of the planning that we wanted. I highly recommend KimKim and Portugal!

Activity Reviews

Day Excursion to Douro Valley: Wine Tasting & River Cruise

Porto

Loved the wineries we visited but ended up going to a second winery and skipping the boat.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lisbon Roots, Food & Cultural Walk

Portugal

Guide was entertaining and knowledgeable. Our group was 60+.

Big Game Fishing

Portugal

Didn't catch the Big one but caught a bunch of smaller tuna. There was a little confusion about the arrival time, but they quickly accommodated with the confirmation information from Kimkim.

Private Transfer {{start_location}} to {{end_location}} via Óbidos

Portugal

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sintra Heritage Hike: Hidden Secrets

Portugal

Great guide. Adjusted pace to all of our levels. This was challenging and not for a beginner but not too advanced. Would have liked a little more information about what to bring, picnic, etc. Guides very personable, knowledgeable on history but not overwhelming. Made some suggestions to see some not so touristy sights. Wonderful.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Vintage Car Tour of Porto

Porto

I little different than described. It was primarily a walking tour with the Vintage Car Tour at the end. That was a bit of a surprise. The tour guide was knowledgeable and if you're interested in lots of the country's history, this was a great start.

We truly enjoyed our holiday with the highlights being the guided day trips to the Duoro Valley (Riu Quiroz), Sintra (Susana Carvalho) and Monserrat (Jordi ). We also very much enjoyed our side trips to Fatima, Obidios (Marta) and Peniscola.

Activity Reviews

Foodie Experience in Porto

Porto

Fun exploring and experiencing the food culture while meeting new people in a small group setting. Experience led to repeat consumption of new favorites.

Quality of Experience

Quality of establishments visited and prep before arrival.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Day Excursion to Douro Valley: Wine Tasting & River Cruise

Porto

Great weather and great views with nice lunch setting!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Transfer {{start_location}} to {{end_location}} via Nazaré & Óbidos

Portugal

Comfortable, safe transport with flexible timing for each stop.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sintra Heritage Hike: Hidden Secrets

Portugal

Nice guided hike at comfortable pace with great views.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Tour of Barcelona & La Sagrada Familia

Barcelona

Amazing architectural feat, detailed historical evolution.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Privately Guided Visit of Porto

Porto

The weather dampened our experience but the visiting Man U football fans added some interest. Pestana Hotel on the River was great!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Get to Know Lisbon with a Local

Lisbon

Quality of Experience

Visit Montserrat and Hiking

Barcelona

A great experience literally above the clouds!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport