Kim Kim helped us to structure the trip and p...
Portugal
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May 5 - May 14, 2024
Kim Kim helped us to structure the trip and provided guides and drivers as well as interesting experiences. The most outstanding guide was Paolo, for our day in Sintra and along the coast. He was knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. He understood that we like to walk and structured the day to include as much walking as possible. His wife, Anita, gave us the warmest welcome when we ate lunch at her restaurant in Sintra. We truly felt special and cared for. Another highlight was the lunch and wine tasting at Morgado Do Quintao. The food and wine were excellent and they were very attuned to our request for a vegetarian meal. The setting was magnificent, and the company of other guests provided for enjoyable conversation.
Our tour in the Duoro Valley with Pedro was also excellent. He was extremely knowledgeable about wine production, he made us a reservation at a wonderful restaurant for lunch, and he took us to some beautiful view points.
The car rental from Sixt was excellent; we had a brand new car and both pick and drop off went smoothly. One suggestion for improvement is that the directions for return of the car to the airport embedded in the Kim Kim app (where it says "click here for exact directions") were incorrect and gave a destination on Ave. da Liberdade. Fortunately we noticed that it was not at the airport and were able to find the correct directions ourselves.
The Porto food tour was the most disappointing activity. We enjoyed the company of the other people on the tour, but the food was terrible (other than the first stop at a small shop where they werved wine, cheese and sliced meat). In particular, the second stop was at a bar, where we ate in the basement and bugs hovered over the food. All of the food options there were pork and although they served us a "vegetarian" option of some sort of fish cake, it was inedible.
Hotel Reviews
Staff was friendly and location was convenient for walking to major sights.
Gorgeous location. We took a walk in the vineyard, which was a highlight of our stay. Dinner in the more upscale restaurant was delicious, with a magnificant view of the Duoro River and terraced hillsides.
Front desk staff was extremely helpful. Room was comfortable. Location was central and felt safe.
Outstanding location with easy access to beautiful walking paths along the cliffs and overlooking the ocean. Friendly and helpful staff and beautiful grounds. Large and comfortable room.
Activity Reviews
It was interesting to meet the other people in the group, who were all friendly and easy to talk to. However, the food aspect of the trip was poor. In particular, the second stop was at a bar where we sat in the basement and insects hovered over the food on the table. There were several of us in the group who do not drink beer, but this was the only beverage option there. The food served was all variations of pork. We had requested vegetarian food and we were served some sort of "fish" cake which was inedible.
Our guide was patient and attentive and clearly concerned about our safety.
The scenery in the Duoro Valley is amazing and Pedro was an excellent guide. He is extremely knowledgeable about wine and tried to teach all about Port wine. He made us a lunch reservation at an excellent restaurant and he took us to several beautiful overlooks.
Our guide Paolo was outstanding. He is knowledgeable, pleasant to be with, and an excellent driver. He understood that we like to walk and he made sure to include as many opportunities for walking as possible. We were welcomed like long lost friends by his wife Anita when we had lunch at her restaurant in Sintra. We truly felt well cared for.
Alex was knowledgeable and passionate about Lisbon and its history. He gave us an excellent overview of the city and the history of Portugal.
Dear Robin,
Thank you for taking the time to share this comment. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip, especially the day in Sintra with Paolo and the lunch at the Quinta. I really appreciate your positive comments about our guides and car rental service.
I am sorry about the problem with the directions to return the car and the disappointing gastronomic tour of Porto. I will take care of it to improve our services. Your feedback is invaluable, and I hope to assist you with another wonderful trip in the future!
Warmest regards,
Helena