Great Portugal Trip.

Portugal | May 17 - May 23, 2023

Marisa went well beyond what we expected, especially since we had to change our itinerary several times. We originally scheduled a Douro River cruise (outside Kim Kim) and then had Marisa plan a week in Portugal before the cruise. We spent 3 days in Lisbon, which has now become one of our favorite cities, The tours which Marisa arranged were a real highlight and we can't say enough good things about the Ivens Hotel and their bar and restaurants. The location was ideal. The tuk-tuk tour to Belem was also a highlight. She then arranged for a rental car which we drove to Coimbra where we stayed for two nights in another wonderful hotel outside town in Lousa, the Octant. Thanks to the car we were able to visit places like Nazare where we had a great seafood lunch, Aveiro where we took a boat tour and had another good lunch, the Roman ruins outside Coimbra. the Knights Templar castle and much more. We eventually finished in Porto where we stayed in another nice hotel, the Royal Bridges, just a block or two from the train station. It too was in a great location, especially with all of the ongoing construction..
Anytime we had a question Marisa was available to help out and we were not bashful about contacting her as she was a great resource. Overall we had one of our best European trips ever and we are already talking about returning to spend more time in Lisbon and to see Southern Portugal. When we return we will again use Marisa and Kim Kim.

Hotel Reviews

Octant Hotels Palácio da Lousã

Lousã

The staff was friendly and very helpful, Our room was amazing with wonderful views. The restaurant also served good food. We could not have asked for more. While this hotel is still know by the locals as the Palacio, it has apparently been acquired by Octant and is now going by that name.

Authenticity & Character

The sitting rooms made you feel like you were part of the family.

Location

Easy to get around.

Staff

Everyone was helpful and courteous.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Porto Royal Bridges Hotel

Porto

A modern, well-located hotel with a courteous and helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character

Rooms, while on the smaller side were well appointed.

Location

Staff

Friendly and helpful. They kept our bags for half a day until we met our river cruise at 6pm.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Other than the smallish room everything was clean and comfortable.

Activity Reviews

To Eat Suggestion: By the Wine

Lisbon

One of the best restaurants we ate at. The black pork was delightful and the wine was so good that we took a couple of bottles with us.

Quality of Experience

It was well done all around

Guides, Drivers and Staff

All of the drivers were very helpful and helped make our trip stress free.

Transport

We were not certain about renting a car, but Marisa assured us there would be no problems and she was right.

Lisbon's Historic Odyssey Walk

Lisbon

Our guide was great. She even showed us how to use the subway, which was a breeze. Her knowlege and love of Lisbon was apparent.

Quality of Experience

Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner

Lisbon

The dinner was amazing, the performance not so much. They took a break after 3 songs at which time most of the restaurant cleared out.

Discovering Belém's Charm on a Tuk-Tuk Ride

Lisbon

The first tuk tuk broke down, but a replacement was immediately sent. Our driver was amazing and knowledgeable. The only negative is that we did not know that we should have purchased tickets before hand to visit the cathedral. Because of the long line we missed touring it.

Private Transfer

Portugal

Driver was great and very helpful.