Most definitely go to Portugal with the help of Across Portugal
Portugal | Feb 14 - Feb 25, 2025

Jill
Jill C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Mar 01, 2025

João from Across Portugal did a fantastic job helping us plan our 12-day vacation in Portugal. In the planning stage he offered suggestions after listening to our needs and preferences. We emailed back and forth until we had the perfect trip for us. Then Across Portugal did all the booking and sent a detailed itinerary to review.
Once we were in Portugal, everything went like clockwork. We had a walking tour of Lisbon with Anna, who had lots of history and contemporary information to share with us. Our driver, Carlos, was with us several times during the trip and we had lots of opportunities to learn about his country from him. We felt safe in his hands and enjoyed his company. He also gave us good suggestions for places to eat.
Another highlight of the trip was our cooking lesson in Tavira with Inez and Mariana. We loved visiting their farm and learning to cook cataplana and other delicious traditional Portuguese dishes. We wished we had more time to explore Tavira. It is a much smaller town than the other places we stayed.
João checked in with us each day to tell us what to expect and make sure all was going well. He rebooked a cancelled boat excursion before we even knew it happened! The joys of having an in-country travel agent!
In sum, I highly recommend Across Portugal, João in particular, to help you plan and execute a magnificent vacation in beautiful Portugal!!!

Hotel Reviews
Heritage Avenida Liberdade
Lisboa

Lovely boutique hotel located perfectly in historic Lisbon. Great staff, delicious breakfasts, beautiful decor. Everyone was friendly and helpful

Authenticity & Character
Warm and friendly
Location
Walk to shops, restaurants, historic sections of town and the metro.
Staff
Greeted us every time we came in the door with smiles and words expressing interest in us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was clean and comfortable
Casa Mãe Lagos
Lagos

This hotel is unusual for us. We stayed in the minimalist rooms and enjoyed the care with which they were furnished and decorated. The balcony was an enjoyable place to relax. We loved the restaurant and the wellness drinks on offer! Dinner was excellent as were the breakfasts. The beauty of Casa Mae is also outside of their buildings. The garden is a centerpiece, even in February and the pools look enchanting, although it wasn’t warm enough for us to be tempted.

Authenticity & Character
Quite unusual compound of buildings and gardens. All renovated with care and creativity.
Location
The hotel has a great location inside the historic wall on a hill above the center of town. It was an easy walk to the water, shops, and restaurants and it was very quiet at night.
Staff
Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Solange, Barbara and Candela stand out.
Cleanliness & Comfort
In a minimalist room a traveler must work a bit to keep things tidy. Each day the housekeeper would have everything in order for us!
Pousada Convento de Tavira - Historic Hotel
Tavira

We were only here one night and wished it could have been longer.

Authenticity & Character
It survived the earthquake of 1755 and is a gorgeous building. Lots of space.
Location
Tavira seems like a cozy small town. The pousada is at the top of a hill next to a beautiful garden.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Estoril Vintage Hotel
Estoril

This gorgeous small hotel was the best of the best. The staff makes every effort to help you feel at home and every detail was considered in planning and decorating. Every where you look you find something beautiful. The restaurant was excellent and the location was convenient to everything we wanted. The terrace overlooking the water was unforgettable. Nothing better than sitting there, sipping a drink and watching the waves.

Authenticity & Character
Feels like a gorgeous, stately old home, which is what it was.
Location
We didn’t have a car and loved the short walk to the beach promenade which seemed to go for miles. Stunning neighborhood also.
Staff
Attentive and warm and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perfectly maintained
Activity Reviews
To Eat Suggestion: Cervejaria Trindade
To Eat Suggestion: Cervejaria Trindade
Lisbon
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon

Anna was full of information. She tailored the walking experience to our needs. Answered all our questions and was fun to be with.

Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Portugal

This is a crowded tourist spot even in February. The drive up the mountain is interesting!

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Carlos knew some tricks to avoid the crowds and make the best of the day’s experiences. We were glad we listened to him
Transport
When we weren’t walking or on a train, we were driven by Carlos in his immaculate Mercedes van. Smooth and quiet on the highway.
Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner
Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner
Lisbon

If you haven’t seen and heard fado, you must. The guitar playing is amazing but I can’t quite relate to the singing style.

Quality of Experience
Food
The food was really pretty good for a dinner theatre experience.
 Exclusive Panoramic Boat Tour to the Ponta da Piedade Caves
Exclusive Panoramic Boat Tour to the Ponta da Piedade Caves
Portugal

We do a lot of personal boating, so we weren’t sure how much we would enjoy this. However, it was a lot of fun and really special to see the rocks and cliffs from the water side. The guides on the boat were safe and entertaining.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Embark on a Flavorful Cooking Class with a Meal at the Farm
Embark on a Flavorful Cooking Class with a Meal at the Farm
Portugal

This was our favorite experience of the whole trip. These families are working hard to create a sustainable organic farm, raise their children and earn a living. They are so proud of their home, their property and products. It was an inspiring evening. We had a great time cooking and chatting and eating.

Quality of Experience
Amazing farm and home.
Food
Traditional cataplana main course with fried goat cheese starter and light dessert I can’t remember the name of.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great chef Inez! She explained the chemistry of our cooking method.
Local specialist: João Branco
João
João Branco
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Mar 01, 2025

Hey Jill,
Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review on our service regarding your recent trip to Portugal!
I am super happy to know you had a great time - that is the most important :)
Hope to welcome you back soon.
Your friend in Portugal - João