This was our first experience with a custom t...
Portugal
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Oct 18 - Nov 2, 2022
This was our first experience with a custom tour. Usually, we do all the planning ourselves or have relied on a small group tour provider. The plan Tiago put together was well organized logistically, incorporating our specific asks. Hotels were well chosen, in some cases exceeding our expectations. It was our driver/tour guide Diogo that made our trip so fabulous.
Since this was our first time in Portugal, we wanted to get a full sense of the country (as much as possible) in 12 days.
We started in Porto with a Port tasting and excellent food tour. With Diogo as a our driver and guide, we headed to the beautiful Douro Valley for a vineyard tour, staying at an iconic hotel. On following days we visited Obidos for Jinja, Coimbra ostensibly to see the library, which turned out to be a delightful town. As we pulled into Tomar, I had my doubts. Diogo hooked us up at a local bar where we had a great time with the local football fans watching Benfica beat Porto.
Over 3 days in the Algarve we hiked the cliffs, took a boat tour of the caves, went to surfer beaches and ate fresh caught fish along the beach before heading for 4 nights in Lisbon. As part of our excursion to Evora, Tiago arranged for us to tour a cork oak farm which was particularly interesting. We saw all the must-see spots in and around Lisbon - the Pena Palace, a Fado show, the Coach Museum . . .
Having Diogo as driver took the pressure off our group of four- we could easily enjoy the local beverages and take in the views. Plus we got to see/experience things I don't know we would have without him. His knowledge and obvious pride in his country was evident at all the cultural sites and while driving across the country.
Bottom line: we had a great trip!
Tiago provided us with a custom roadbook with local info and suggestions. It would have been nice to receive that info more than 3 days before departure.
Hotel Reviews
Pousada Porto-Rua das Flores was very comfortable. Rooms were small but nicely appointed - every bit of space was well utilized. Hotel was well located which made it easy to walk all over the city. The reception staff when we were there let us down a couple times - they were distracted, and made careless restaurant suggestions. Which is a strong reason to get friendly with locals and other travelers.
Great room, candy delivered to the room twice daily. Well located. Excellent staff.
Activity Reviews
Tour guides were enthusiastic, had lots of local community knowledge. Wide ranging selection of foods. Arrive hungry.
This is a small vineyard with cork oaks. Our guide explained the interconnectivity between grapes, cork oaks and Iberian pigs.
Food tours in Porto and Lisbon were two of the best we have anywhere - and we do alot of food tours. Great variety of foods and places. Heck, this tour started with the best chocolate cake in the world!
Dear Lynn,
Thank you for your kind words and for your comprehensive review!! Truly appreciated!!!
I'll let Diogo know about it!!!
I hope that you carry fond memories of Portugal with you!
I'm only sad because you seemed to have become Benfica's fans which are my team's big rivals, but I'll get over it! :D
All the best!!
Tiago