Tailormade Andalucia

The trip was wonderful. The Azores and the Algarve were so different yet so beautiful.

As a couple in a group of 8 we had unfortunate hotel issues. Our hotel room in Terceira had a terrible musty smell, and no one worked with us to address it. We were surprised to learn the apartment suites in Lagos did not have locks on the bathroom or bedroom doors.

The guides were wonderful and worked with our large group to accommodate individuals needs. Jorge and Ivo made the touring days informative, fun and so enjoyable. The pilot and co-pilot on our sail cruise were also lovely. Thank you Leo and ‘Nunu’.

Please inform future clients there are limited taxis in Terceira. We had to walk home from dinners as we could only locate a single taxi, and the sidewalks were frequently blocked with parked cars or narrowed to a small strip-requiring we walk in the street with oncoming traffic in the dark.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Octant Furnas

Furnas, Povoação, Azores

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Palacio Santa Catarina Hotel

Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal

Our room had a terrible musty smell and no resolution was offered-not a new room, air purifier, dehumidifier or moisture absorbing beads. Some staff were lovely-especially Leo, while others were not very hospitable. Front desk staff should be bilingual and more forthcoming with information re the island-such as there are no taxis after 9.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cascade Wellness

Lagos

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Whale & Marine Life Watching from Terceira Island

Azores

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Amazing whale watch! I didn’t realize we would go that fast and the ride would be so bumpy but It was amazing to see dolphins, false killer whales and a female sperm whale up close in their environment. Victor was very knowledgeable.

Terceira Island: Sights & Scenery Day Trip

Azores

Ivo was wonderful! He customized the day so we had a slice of Terceira to sample. Joe Ferreira generously shared his vineyard and home with us. Lunch, including Alcatra, was great!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Boat Tour to Ponta da Piedade

Lagos (Algarve)

Luxury on the coast of the Algarve. An amazing view of the coast from a beautiful sailboat with many creature comforts. The staff were knowledgeable and added so much to the day.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Terra Nostra Thermal Water Pools - Recommended visit

São Miguel Island

Quality of Experience

Spectacular Lakes & Viewpoints! A Day trip to Lagoa do Fogo & Sete Cidades

São Miguel Island

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

São Miguel's Wild and Mountainous Northeast: Culture, Gastronomy & History

São Miguel Island

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private walking tour of Angra do Heroismo

Azores

Anga was lovely and so knowledgeable. She helped us appreciate the history of the island and shared personal stories that made it real.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

James and Kimkim were incredible. Our 3 week trip throughout Spain and a short 3 days in Lisbon went seamlessly. I am in the process of booking another trip through them. . Cannot say enough good!

Cook and Taste cooking school in Barcelona was the best activity we've done as a family since the kids went off to college!

Hotel Review

Sant Roc

Calella de Palafrugell

Views and terrace are terrific. Hotel staff are friendly and comfortable. Fixtures and finished need a refresh.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

A Cooking Class of Spanish Cuisine

Barcelona

Wow!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day Trip to the Costa Brava & Coastal Hike

Spain

Hiking guide Dani was super patient and knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Retiro Park by eBike - Small Group Tour

Madrid

This was a fun trip but did involve 90 minutes of ebiking on Madrid city streets which is a bit of an adventure. Be clear about that in the activity description.

Just returned from our first time to Spain (Barcelona, Costa Brava, Girona, and Madrid) and had a wonderful time with KimKim’s and our local agents James Monroe’s and Angela’s assistance. Given our limited time in Spain, I think we were able to see the ‘must-sees’ but would like to return and visit other regions as well. All of our guides - Aida in Barcelona, our cooking instructor Rosa from Cook & Taste, our hiking guide Danny and Sophia in Madrid, were top notch in their field, as well as friendly and accommodating, ground transportation arrangements went as well as could be expected and our accommodations fit our needs well. Overall, we had a great family vacation!

Hotel Review

Sant Roc

Calella de Palafrugell

Sant Roc is situated right on the water so the location and views were magnificent. The hotel rooms could use a little updating but their breakfasts were outstanding. Staff were friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Water views

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Tour of Park Güell & Sagrada Família

Barcelona

A lot of visitors so it was difficult to really experience LSF fully but our guide Aida was very knowledgeable about the history of Gaudi and the structure.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We loved Aida!

Transport

Guided Walk of the Gothic Quarter with Tapas Dinner

Barcelona

Aida was our guide and she was knowledgeable and friendly. Answered all of our questions and more.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A Cooking Class of Spanish Cuisine

Barcelona

We loved Rosa, our instructor. It was great to go to the market with Rosa, who helped us develop a menu, shop for the ingredients and cook. As a family experience, we all participated and enjoyed this 1/2 excursion.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day Trip to the Costa Brava & Coastal Hike

Spain

A little rough terrain for older folks like me but our guide was understanding and didn’t rush our hike.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Nothing but after a 5 mile hike, it was nice to get a ride.

Half Day Kayak Excursion on the Costa Brava

Spain

Roger and his partner were great instructors. We kayaked farther than I had imagined and stopped in some nice coves. Scenery was beautiful.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Friendly guys, great at what they do and made our kayaking trip interesting. With regards to our transportation from the kayak back to hotel there was a misunderstanding with the taxi driver. We were under the assumption the person taking us to the kayak rental facility was also the one picking us up but another driver came and we both sat at the meeting spot staring at each other before realizing we he was our taxi and we were his clients. Taxi driver was not happy.

Transport

Private Tour of Madrid & the Royal Palace

Madrid

Our tour guide Sophia was very knowledgeable of the palace, the furnishings, past and present practices of Spain’s parliament and the royal family. I don’t think there was one question she couldn’t answer!

Quality of Experience

Informative tour guide

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Retiro Park by eBike - Small Group Tour

Madrid

We met our e-bike guide at the designated location, picked up our bikes and helmets. We rode through city streets, approximately 1/2 mile, dodging vehicles, pedestrians, and segways. Once inside Retiro Park, the ride is more relaxing and our guide led us to numerous sites within the park. After a tour of the major park sites we rode through city streets again, to the old part of Madrid and the Royal Palace. Luckily nobody fell off their bike or hit a pedestrian,

Quality of Experience

Meet at the park and avoid the streets.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The itinerary that James put together for us did not disappoint. From Lisbon to Sintra to Cascais, to Evora, to Coimbra, to Douro Valley and finally to Porto. All accommodations were unique and above par, absolutely no complaints. I can't say enough great things about the tours and the guides that were booked. All of the guides were professional, knowledgeable and fun! The drivers were all exceptional. Overall, the trip was amazing. Thanks, KimKim!

Activity Review

Explore Lisbon with a Private Walking Tour

Lisbon

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our 16 day trip through Portugal was fantastic. This could take some time as everything was as close to perfect as you could expect. We started in Lisbon and finished in Porto. Every detail was considered and taken care of by the KimKim team. James laid out a great itinerary, Chaima and Sam handled things when we arrived. From early check-in to prearrange transportation, all was perfect. Tour guides were always on time, prepared and well informed and all provided amazing recommendations throughout or tours. Every arranged pick up was perfect. Ana Filippa was amazing through the walking tour of Lisbon and was very helpful with recommendations for our other stops through Portugal. She answered every question and was able to anticipate most. Filipe was full of information throughout our food & wine tour in Lisbon. He also had many recommendations for the rest of our trip. He was as pleasant and interesting a person as you would want to meet. Next, Joao took us on our day trip to Sintra and then on to Cascais where we spent 2 nights. What a beautiful place. Again, all the information you would expect and more. We did make him run a little as we left our hotel a little early and just hopped into our ride without checking if the driver was our actual guide. He quickly caught his breath and was perfect for our day trip. We then spent 2 glorious nights in Evora and had a winery tour in Alentejo region which was fantastic. Highly recommend the winery tour with the private, home cooked lunch at the winery. Just amazing food and wine. Then it was off to Coimbra for 3 wonderful nights. Sara took us out for our walking tour of Coimbra - a great university town with a tremendous history. As a previous student at the university, she had all the insider information on the area along with some wonderful stories about attending a school that was founded in 1290. She also recommended a wonderful place to listen to Fado music. It was amazing. We then headed to the Douro Valley for 2 glorious nights at Quinta da Corte Estate winery. Breathless views, amazing wine and port, great food and one hang on to the holy sh*t handle drive on some steep and narrow roads to get there. First time can be intimidating but it gets better the more you drive around. From the moment we arrived to the when we left, we were made to feel at home. Our guide through the Douro Valley was Francisco. Again, full of knowledge and interesting facts about the region. Francisco was also helpful with suggestions for us as we would be heading to Porto next. We had Miguel as our walking tour guide and our bike tour. He was amazing. Especially through the rain filled bike tour. We were all drenched and still, Miguel made it wonderful. From the market to the fish lunch. All things considered, this was one of the best vacations we have taken. Thanks to All who helped make this happen.

Hotel Reviews

Altis Prime Hotel de Apartamentos

Lisbon

Perfect location. Clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Everything in Lisbon is a short taxi ride or walk from this location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pestana Cidadela Cascais

Cascais

It is inside some very high walls. Quiet and comfortable. Breakfast is awesome.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa

Evora

It is an old Convent. Filled with history and a beautiful church.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sapientia Boutique Hotel

Coimbra

It is located downtown. Walking distance to everything.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Explore Lisbon with a Private Walking Tour

Lisbon

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Private Food & Wine Tour of Lisbon

Lisbon

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Day Trip to Sintra & Finishing in Cascais

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Alentejo Vineyard Visit with Traditional Lunch

Évora

Quality of Experience

Food

Home cooked meal. It was great.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Tour of Evora

Évora

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Missed many things as sites were closed or closing as we arrived.

Wander the Historical Streets of Coimbra with a Private Walking Tour

Coimbra

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Day Trip in the Douro Valley - Wine Tour & River Cruise

Douro Valley

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Enjoy a Private Walking Tour of Porto

Porto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Take a Tuk-Tuk Tour to Spectacular Lookout Points

Lisbon

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Take a Bike Tour of Porto & Visit the Fishing Village of Afurada

Porto

Quality of Experience

Even in the pouring rain this was Amazing!

Food

The food was great. The staff even let us borrow some umbrellas so we could walk to the market. Above and Beyond.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

This was a wonderful trip and James and his team made the planning and execution seamless. We loved the hotels they chose, especially Casa Balthazar in Lisbon - very intimate, beautiful and charming hotel with a spacious room, helpful staff and in a great neighborhood. We loved Lisbon and Porto. The walking tour in Lisbon was really fun and informative, as was the bike ride there but a little scary (for me) with so many people walking, riding scooters, some cars etc. on the bike path. It was hard to navigate. It was not a big deal but I just hadn't anticipated that from the description. But seeing all the people was also quite fun and it was a very scenic ride.
Possibly my favorite place was Coimbra, the old and very picturesque university town. I liked seeing a smaller city that was very walkable, historic and interesting. I would have liked to spend more time there and skipped Aveiro. This was not a fault of Kimkim; I could have done more research about it beforehand. Our guide for a bike ride in Porto, Jose, was very informative, patient, and took us to a fabulous restaurant where we chose our fish (in Afurada, near Gaia). We also really liked our guide for the trip to the Douro Valley, Francisco, who was fun and interesting, and the trainee Paulo who came along. The quinta we went to was beautiful. I think Kimkim did a great job of planning for us considering I had said I didn't want to stay in too many different places. I might ask next time for suggestions about something a little more off the beaten path to do, particularly if we have more time, such as meeting with a family or a cooking class. The additional suggestions that Kimkim provided for places to see and eat in each city were also great!
We found and went to the Museum of Liberation and Resistance in Lisbon, which I highly recommend. It's a smaller museum in a former prison that explains all about the dictatorship, censorship, jailing, exiles and resistance movements, so we learned a lot we didn't know before, and it is in the Alfama district in a picturesque area.

Hotel Reviews

Casa Balthazar

Lisbon

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sapientia Boutique Hotel

Coimbra

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

PortoBay Hotel Teatro

Porto

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Heritage Avenida Liberdade

Lisboa

Authenticity & Character

Location

Very convenient, on a beautiful street, but less character to the area than where we stayed at Casa Balthazar.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Explore Lisbon with a Private Walking Tour

Lisbon

Lisbon Riverside Bike Tour

Lisbon

A little scary due to so many people on the bike path riding scooters, walking, running, and having to navigate in traffic and around cars, but the guide was very informative and it was fun to go along the river.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Wander the Historical Streets of Coimbra with a Private Walking Tour

Coimbra

Coimbra is interesting and fascinating. Sara knew so much history and interesting information. She also showed us the fado organization/ school where she works and explained about the type of fado music in Coimbra and how it is unique.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Travel from {{start_location}} to Aveiro & Arrive in Porto

Portugal

Our guide, Walter, was really nice and informative. However, personally I was not thrilled with Aveiro. We were allotted a lot of time there we did not need. They call it the "Venice of Portugal" but the canal ride and scenery is overhyped (in my opinion - others might love it!). There are a lot of nice cafes and interesting history of salt production in Aveiro, and some good architecture but overall I could have spent more time in Coimbra, or go to Obido instead I think. Not the fault of Kimkim, I just didn't really think about this. It sounded like there are lots of canals to wander around the city but that isn't the case. We were on a boat ride with a huge bunch of schoolchildren and couldn't really hear or undersatnd the information from the guide on the boat.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Day Trip to the Douro Valley for a Wine Tour & River Cruise

Porto

Loved our guides, the scenery, learning about the wine and port production, the wine tastings and learning about the industry. We had an amazing lunch at a very scenic restaurant on the river. Really a great day! it is a long day trip so an alternative would be to spend aa night at a lovely inn in the Douro Valley.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Take a Bike Tour of Porto & Visit the Fishing Village of Afurada

Porto

Really fun to pedal through Gaia and have great views of Porto. We had a great lunch at an outdoor restaurant in Afurada. The guide was very understanding of my fear of riding through the Porto streets at the begnning and took it slowly. He even stayed with us for a while after the tour and showed us more things in Porto, such as some of the famous and beautiful churches, but we did then want to determine ourselves what we were going to do after that. He had a really interesting background and it was great getting to know the various guides and learn more about their lives.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

This trip began in Nov 2019 just before Covid hit so unfortunately we had to postpone until Sep 2022. Sam was incredibly helpful with planning and tweaking to accommodate our changes.
We were amazed by the level of detail Sam provided and we actually spoke to him by phone from Spain which left us feeling very comfortable with the itinerary and that everything was above board.
We absolutely got value for money. Accommodation was 95% very good with just a couple of little glitches but these were compensated with other items. Drivers, guides and transport were above what we anticipated.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Kimkim in general but Sam in particular.
In fact, we are currently trying to organise a trip to the UK with Kimkim and do so very confidently

We spent the week of Thanksgiving in Spain (family of four, including two teenage boys). James planned a very exciting and comprehensive trip for us, and Angela took care of any of our needs while we were there, including a last-minute switch I made to our itinerary which likely required some pretty impressive effort on her part to accomplish, but she did so quickly and graciously. We had extremely well informed guides to lead us through sites and cities, who shared with us a great deal of history and knowledge. We particularly loved Maribel in Barcelona and Teresa in Madrid. James offered a few means of seeing cities we hadn’t tried before, including a Segway and horse and carriage. I questioned both, but we ended up loving them. James booked our hotels, booked our trains, secured our drivers, and set up all of our guided tours, and everything went off without a hitch. Literally no planning on my part, and that was just wet we needed in deciding on this last-minute trip during a busy time. I would absolutely recommend this travel agency and can’t wait to use them again. Thank you!