A unique, five star experience
Portugal | Mar 8 - Mar 18, 2024

D
Daniel K.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

This trip was one of my wife's and my favorite vacations ever. Joao did an excellent job, first in curating an itinerary that fit our preferences, and then in providing a uniquely personal and interesting guiding experience. The three of us got along very well; our experience was almost like traveling the country with a good, experienced, and knowledgeable friend. Thanks to Joao, we had excellent accommodations at acceptable prices and we tasted Portuguese cuisine at a wide range of restaurant types--from elegant, formal dining to neighborhood cafes where people who work nearby come for lunch. This was not just touring; this was an experience. A unique experience. PS Don't miss the Fado in a neighborhood venue.

Hotel Reviews
PortoBay Flores
Porto

Almost sumptuous rooms and a very friendly and competent staff. Very well located for tourist purposes.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Balthazar
Lisbon

Well located, very professional staff, and a great location. This hotel provided a great start to our visit.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
BURGUS Tribute & Design Hotel
Braga

We had a room and a half at the hotel. That is, we had a very nice regular room, with a loft above containing another bed and another bathroom. We had a great view of the street. Excellent breakfast.

Location
Staff
Lagos Avenida Hotel
Lagos

Our room was extremely compact, and arranged in an unusual manner. For example, after using the toilet, one had two walk around the shower a few feet more to find the sink. However, the accommodations themselves- for example, the bed- were fine. The breakfast was excellent, and the staff were very friendly.

Staff
Hotel República
Tomar

We regret only that we had only one night here. The hotel is a pleasure to the eyes as well as providing excellent accommodations. The staff are friendly and competent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Dinner with Live Fado Music
Dinner with Live Fado Music
Lisbon

Fado music is unique. Hearing it performed in a neighborhood Cafe/ restaurant, by local singers and musicians (plus a proprietress who took a personal interest in our being served and enjoying the multi-course meal.)

Quality of Experience
Food
Local recipes, nothing fancy, but good, solid fare. We go back if we again come to Lisbon.
Food Tour
Food Tour
Porto

The leader of the tour was knowledgeable, very friendly, and quite humorous. We had a wide range of food and wines. I recommend the experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: João Daniel
João
João Daniel
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Mar 26, 2024

Thank you :) you made it easy!