João Daniel

Overall I was very pleased with the accommodations except the place in Sintra. We wee in the basement and the smell of mildew was overpowering. I got sick there and i think the dampness and mold didn’t help. The guiding in Sintra was excellent. I was impressed with all the guides knowledge and education regarding history and sites. When we arrived in Porto after a long, long day I was exhausted and had no energy for walking around. Aviero was a delight and Coimbro was fascinating for the Knights Templar history. I loved exploring the churches, particularly the very old one and seeing the signs of the original templars. I also loved the recreation of Solomon’s temple. Boggles the mind it could be so beautiful. The lodgings again were beautiful. I loved the history of the castle we stayed inn in Coimbro and also loved the hotel in Evora as it had a. Living suite. That makes it so much nicer when traveling.

Hotel Reviews

Chalet Saudade

Sintra

Our stay at Chalet Saudade in Sintra had its ups and downs. We were put in the basement, which had an overwhelming smell of mold and was quite damp. I complained to the landlady, but her solution to keep the doors open wasn't practical since we were out during the day. However, the receptionist was exceptionally kind and helpful, and our room setup with a living room and big bedroom was nice. The location was good for walking into town.

Heritage Avenida Liberdade

Lisboa

Decor fabulous and staff very nice and accommodating

Authenticity & Character

Beautiful hotel and location

Location

Loved it. We could walk out the door and were right in the middle of things.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Again, bathtub is dangerous

Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas

Coimbra

This is visually the most beautiful place we stayed. Our room was small but we were only there one night and really didn’t have time to enjoy any of the grounds. The decorations inside the building are fabulous and the story associated with it is so interesting. Quite lovely and the staff are lovely also.

Authenticity & Character

Well, I wasn’t in love with it. We had a guide/driver so it was okay but we love to be able to walk into town

Location

Well, i

Staff

Very accommodating and pleasant, especially the reception area and the bartender.

Cleanliness & Comfort

These bathtubs all over Portugal are death traps for older people especially as there are no grab bars and are so slippery. This was true for all but one place we stayed where there was a walk in shower. Don’t remember which one but that is a real hazard and not just for really old people like me

Activity Reviews

Discover Magical Sintra

Portugal

Sintra was wonderful and I particularly liked our guide for his temperament and humor. I would definitely recommend it to anyone!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tomar - the Military and Religious Base of the Knights Templar

Tomar

I absolutely loved visiting the Military and Religious Base of the Knights Templar in Tomar. I'm a big history buff, and this place was a highlight for me. The guide even found a book on the Knights Templar for me that I took home to my grandson. Reading it opened up a whole new world for me to explore.

Half-Day Walking Guided Tour of Porto

Porto

On the day we arrived in Porto, I was pretty exhausted and hungry. Our guide was really nice and took me to a market where I found something delicious to eat, a breaded dome with chicken inside. Unfortunately, I didn't have much energy for the walking tour itself.

Porto Douro Cruise

Porto

This wasn’t really a big deal and I could have skipped it without missing anything

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I was impressed with the level of education, all graduates of college and post graduate work.

Transport

The cars were fine.

João was so easy to work with. He did a great job putting together an itinerary that truly meet our needs!

We overall had a very positive experience in the Azores. If you goto the Azores Pico Island and the Lava Homes are a must. Climbing Mount Pico is a challenging but very worthwhile trek. Furnas on Sao Miguel was also a very interesting place to visit with its hot springs. Be ready for very dynamic weather if you go in May but don’t let the weather slow you down — just keep hiking and exploring. The coastlines are beautiful and the towns very picturesque. Joao was very helpful and reliable, with the few hiccups we encountered with some car rental hiccups.

Joao was amazing. He listened to what we wanted to do and gave suggestions when needed. He put together a wonderful itinerary. Unfortunately we weren’t feeling well for some of the trip and he was so good at listening to what we needed and did it at a pace that was good for us especially on the day we went to Sintra and Cascais and also the day we drove to Porto. Even though we weren’t feel 100% we saw everything that was planned and it was amazing. We had a really good time exploring Portugal. I would definitely recommend him and your company to friends and family.

Activity Reviews

Street Art Tour in Lisbon

Lisbon

I didn’t realize it was a private tour but I really enjoyed it as I didn’t know much about the street art. She was very knowledgeable and explained everything to me with regards to the artists and why they came up with their ideas.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Pasteis de nata cooking class

Lisbon

She was very knowledgeable and very patient with us as she taught us step by step how to make the Pasteis de Natas. Can’t wait to make them at home!

Quality of Experience

We made our travel arrangements with João and found him to be very responsive and helpful. He also provided a road book with good suggestions for restaurants and additional things to do. We were also pleased with the guides he set up. Joel gave us a thorough overview of the Lisbon neighborhoods. We enjoyed seeing some sights in the northern part of the city (the bullfighting rink),the walk through the Alfama. and visiting a few scenic overlooks. We were glad he encouraged us to see Belem and dropped us off there. Our guide Manuel gave us an enthusiastic tour of Porto. We especially liked learning about the architecture, including the visit to the Museu da Cidade. Glad we had a chance to visit the Bolhão market and hear some of Manuel's interesting stories about the history of Porto.
We had a great time on the visit João booked with Cork Trekking in the Alentejo - walking past the vineyards, the cork and holm oak trees, and learning about cork harvesting and production from our guide Celino. At the end of the day, it was nice to return to the peaceful and scenic lodging at Montimerso.

Joao provided so much support before and during our entire trip. Any time we had a question, he was so responsive. I would recommend Joao to anyone who wants to visit Portugal!!

Hotel Reviews

Legendary Porto Hotel

Porto

This hotel is in a great location for Porto. Parking is a bit of hike from the hotel. The staff was great and the breakfasts were delicious. Rooms were just OK.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Dom Carlos Liberty

We liked this hotel. The room was small but clean and comfortable. The staff was great and helpful. The location is central but a bit of a walk to old town Lisbon.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Noble House

Evora

This hotel is so unique. Beautiful with interesting architecture. Room was large with a unique floor plan. The staff was lovely and so helpful. Perfect location within the walls of Evora.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lagos Avenida Hotel

Lagos

We loved this hotel. Wonderful staff and delicious food. The rooms were large and beautifully decorated. Great central location for Lagos.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Sunset Cruise in the Tagus River

Lisbon

We loved our evening sail in Lisdon. Mary and Hele were so sweet and gave us lots of history of Lisdon. Really enjoyable way to see the sunset.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

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

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

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

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

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

PortoBay Flores

Porto

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

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

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

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.