Profile photo for Pedro Luis
8933 messages
active 11 hours ago

Pedro Luis

Hello everyone :)
Every single time I have the opportunity to travel, my goal is to fully experience the destination. I truly believe that the essence, the context & the materialization are the key factors to fully unveil an incredible and memorable travel experience.
- As a local and travel expert, I know the essence of each location.
- By experiencing/knowing the essence of each place/destination, I know the context in which they flow.
- Due to the relationship I have built with local suppliers over the years I know exactly how to materialize the essence in the right context.
This is me - I care, so you can travel carefree!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Places: Portugal Mainland; Portuguese Islands (Açores & Madeira); Mainland Spain; Spanish Islands.
Activities: Walking Tours; Winery Visits & Tastings; Boat Trips; Hikes; Hot Air Ballooning; Thematic Dinners/Meals; Self-Drive Trips; Private Driver Trips; Exclusive Activities; among others"

How did you get involved in travel?

"I was born and raised in Sintra and since I was then I won the taste for traveling and exploring the world. By the time I reached 18, I decided that I wanted to assist others with their trips and enrolled in Tourism Degree to acquire not only skills, but also the knowledge needed to achieve my goals within this work field. Since then, I never stopped doing what I love and now, more than ever, I am really happy for sharing my experience with travelers through my own company."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Memorable experiences are the ones that change the way you see the world! They´re funny, they´re frightening and they´re fascinating.
Something that is still remarkable in my life, dates back to a few years ago when I applied to volunteer program to help other people. I realized that you don´t need that much to help people around you. Having that in mind, I try the best I can to share this idea with people around me.
Tourism is a business from people to people and it will only make sense if you care about the others."

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Pedro

Dynamite trip 🔥
Portugal | Aug 20 - Aug 30, 2024

M
Marne N.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 05, 2024
Couple things to note:
- I do not write reviews unless something blows my mind - good or bad
- I was with my family, our teenagers close in age but very different in preferences. (Had our work cut out for us)
Let’s break this down into parts:
- KimKim process / portal (intro to AP)
- Across Portugal Experience
- Our Portugal itinerary
- Experiences & People
- Lodging
1. KimKim: I stumbled upon KimKim having given up on our standard (and unresponsive) travel agency. It was the... Read more

Couple things to note:
- I do not write reviews unless something blows my mind - good or bad
- I was with my family, our teenagers close in age but very different in preferences. (Had our work cut out for us)

Let’s break this down into parts:
- KimKim process / portal (intro to AP)
- Across Portugal Experience
- Our Portugal itinerary
- Experiences & People
- Lodging

1. KimKim: I stumbled upon KimKim having given up on our standard (and unresponsive) travel agency. It was the perfect way to explore experiences without feeling alone or winging it on details that matter when you are jetlagged and out of your comfort zone. And now I am absolutely spoiled having met Pedro. He sets the bar so high that I am totally willing to try KimKim again but wary that anyone can match his care. That said - KimKim provided a super user-friendly interface, reliable communication and time lines. The payment and plan finalization was a breeze. Great platform, totally recommend.

2. Across Portugal: I cannot express how delightful our experience was. Pedro was so communicative and thoughtful in every interaction. And not just during or after the trip. The whole time. Any time I had a question, he answered within hours. What I appreciate most is that I came with ideas and Pedro listened and asked “why” to a couple of my accommodation and tour requests.
He gently redirected me and I am so glad he did. The first was hotel location in Lisbon. I had one neighborhood in mind and he suggested where we ended up staying. (I’ll explain more below). Another was, “mehhh, I don’t know if we need the cultural walking tour day after Sintra” and I am so glad he said “yeah…you do”. First of all, we had the same delightful guide Mariana as with Sintra (and Carlos, who I will get to as well!). We saw parts of the city which would have felt too far or not known how to navigate. Net/net - every single recommendation was SPOT ON. We were greeted by a thoughtful care package of treats. We ended each day with a reminder of our itinerary and time lines. The perfect combination of attention and space. Lovely lovely lovely. I wish he could do every country on our list!

3. Our Portugal itinerary: Probably not that uncommon but we have a history buff and a beach bum - so we chose to stay in Lisbon for 4 days and Algarve (Albufeira) for 5 days leaving 1 day close to the airport back in Lisbon. Day 1 we attempted all Anthony Bourdain spots on our own. Day 2 we went to Sintra and Caiscais. Day 3 was a private walking tour and wine tasting. Day 4 was on our own. Perfect balance of activity and time to explore or just stare. I love that city! From there we went to a private resort outside Albuferia - we could have walked to town but didn’t. We rented a car and it was easy (another recommendation from Pedro and glad we did) back to Lisbon for low stress.

4. People and Experiences: We started by meeting Carlos. What a guy. He was so kind and fun. A gentleman, historian. He cares so deeply. Carlos was chief transportation officer and so much more. He was ALWAYS early, everything handled with care, personal touches regarding recommended restaurants and experiences. He was so fun to be around we asked him to join us for a cliff jump in Algarve (he smartly declined - it was steep). Needless to say we spent nearly 16 hours across the span of our trip and we didn’t stop talking. We learned a ton, shared a ton. That said, I bet if you said - “I need to sleep” he would have lullaby music. Just a gem. We enjoyed his company so much I now call him our friend.
Then Mariana! “PORTUGAL!!!” Was her enthusiastic picture quote and she actually got our 15 yo daughter to smile. Repeatedly which is no small feat. Mariana was so kind and a great conversationalist as well. Not only with us but with everyone around her. She took our pictures and then if others asked, she just did. And when people were bustling by, she just let them pass. She had such a calm yet radiantly positive vibe that made hikes, crowds, decisions feel effortless. She and Carlos pivoted when we needed to at the end of our day tour with such ease. We also LOVED the walking tour the following day. You could really spend a week exploring Lisbon but when you cannot - find Mariana. She’ll show you what you need to see so you can make tough decisions on where to spend your time later. She didn’t blink at taking pics and took care to find the right angles and spaces. So grateful. The Lisbon Winery was a great place to end the day trip as it was calm, cool, great wine and very relaxing vibe. My only regret is that we couldn’t buy some wine.

5. Lodging: In Lisbon we stayed in Heritage Avenida Liberdade Boutique Hotel. Just like real estate. Location location location. We walked everywhere and with ease. The hotel was welcoming clean, comfortable. We received adjourning rooms so our teens had space. It was perfect. It is also a hotel in a historic city not a “resort”. So manage buffet and size expectations appropriately. We have done a fair bit of travel and found it to meet our needs entirely. Highly recommend. While in Algarve we went to Vilalara Thalassa resort. Shout out Nitin! He was our favorite human at that resort. Beautiful views, pickleball, pool, bountiful breakfast, beach access, ample parking, sunset on the deck, great restaurants within 5-10 mins drive. Amazing.

I am so wildly grateful to have met and worked with Pedro, Carlos, Mariana. Such a tremendous experience from beginning to end. Obrigata!

Hotel Reviews
Heritage Avenida Liberdade
Lisboa

Perfect location. Delightful blend of artistic influence with old world charm. Friendly and attentive staff. Ticked all of our boxes.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vilalara Thalassa Resort
Lagoa

Perfect for those seeking a resort experience. Typical of a resort, we waited a bit for check in but quickly forgot about a room when we hit the pool, beach, sangria on the deck. Great parking, pickleball courts, comfortable clean and quiet!

Authenticity & Character
Clean, quiet, not crowded.
Location
5-10 mins drive to GREAT restaurants
Staff
NITIN!!! We adore you! Nitin was so kind and courteous. We enjoyed spending time with him. Also Rueben. I did a “Hail Mary” to seek a cliff to jump from. Rueben happened to be a former life guard (he was at the front desk). Took time out of his day to drive me to a safe spot, shared best time for the tide. What a guy! We did it! (Estimating 55-60 FT - it was fabulous)
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were cleaned when we asked, we had onsite laundry with a drying rack.
Tivoli Oriente Hotel
Lisbon

Great spot for low-stress airport transport. Also, we were knackered after 10 days travel so we opted to do “the hotel bar” and wow, it was not a typical hotel joint. Roof-top, Fresh sushi, fun fusion recipes, great GTs, really refreshing sangria. We forgot that we just stayed at the hotel - it was a fun experience

Authenticity & Character
It was a little tired but it served its purpose
Location
Perfect for an easy trip to airport
Staff
Very kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
Again, a little tired. The shower was small with a leaky glass door but it’s not atypical and we just needed to lay our heads for 8 hrs.
Activity Reviews
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Portugal

What made this special were Carlos and Mariana. Sintra and Caiscais were delightful, don’t get me wrong but what we learned and sa along the way was priceless lightening in bottle.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
See my review on the trip and Trip Advisor - 10 stars
Transport
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon

Great way to see a lot with 1/2 day. It gives great perspective on things you want to come back and dig into in more detail later!

Quality of Experience
Mariana was so generous with her time and knowledge
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Vibe! Chill yet exciting. We just fell into a rhythm. Effortless and yet accomplished so much
Transport
We walked everywhere! Up and down and it was great. Forget the heels at home.
Small Group Boat Trip to the Timeless View of the Benagil Caves
Small Group Boat Trip to the Timeless View of the Benagil Caves
Portugal

So glad we did this. Short yet long enough. At first I was bummed it wasn’t a kayak then quickly saw the beauty of the boat approach. We zoomed in and out of way more than would have been feasible in a kayak. Our guides were fun.

Quality of Experience
Great way to see natural beauty in Algarve while not sacrificing a beach day!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Fun, jocular
Transport
Quick, easy - late enough for a nice breakfast and back by lunch to enjoy the sun
Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Sep 05, 2024

Marne,
Wooooow! Thank you so much for sharing such an incredible and detailed review.
I am beyond thrilled that your family had a fantastic time in my beautiful country and that myself, Carlos and Mariana made your trip so special.
It really means the world to us to hear that every recommendation hit the mark and that our team made your journey both effortless and memorable.
I am honored to have been part of your adventure and can’t wait to help with your future travels. Obrigado! 🙏
Your friend in Portugal - Pedro

What. A. Trip!!! Absolutely loved every momen...
Portugal | Aug 20 - Aug 30, 2024

Adison
Adison N.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Aug 31, 2024

What. A. Trip!!! Absolutely loved every moment I had in the country, what made it better was the quality of service and hospitality of our local specialist Pedro, our driver Carlos who had many amazing stories, and our tour guide Mariana who was amazing and so much fun. It was so much fun to visit Portugal, we loved it so much.

Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Sep 03, 2024

Hello Adison,
Thank you for your wondeful review.
We are super happy to hear that your trip to Portugal was packed with memorable experiences and that you loved every bit of it.
I look forward to welcome you and your family once again in the future.
Your friend in Portugal - Pedro

The trip was amazing and we felt cared for du...
Portugal | Jul 7 - Jul 27, 2024

P
patrick O.
East Hartford, CT | Reviewed on Aug 10, 2024

The trip was amazing and we felt cared for during the entire experience. Pedro was always readily available to assist, even during his own time away. The guides and drivers were all extremely knowledgeable and professional. Henrique Pepe was especially helpful and kind.

Would recommend your service to family and friends.

Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Aug 11, 2024

Dear Patrick,
Thank you so much for the feedback on your experience in Portugal.
I am delighted to hear that you had such an amazing trip and felt well cared for throughout the entire journey in my beautiful country.
Your recommendation means the world to us, and we would be honored to assist your family and friends with their travel plans.
Thank you once again,
Your friend in Portugal - Pedro

Henriquee pepe outstanding very service orien...
Portugal | Jul 7 - Jul 27, 2024

D
Doreen H.
Pittsfield, MA | Reviewed on Aug 02, 2024
Henriquee pepe outstanding very service oriented to what thoughts we had and made efforts to make happen and gave ideas like Porto sunset on the river. Guides in each area knowledgeable explained what we were doing and going gave recommendations adapted to us Lisbon we had gone to castle st Jorge so changed what she would do asked where two mishaps gerez national park I feel one needs to be clear about the concern for safety and because our mentalodel of national parks diffetent. We were... Read more

Henriquee pepe outstanding very service oriented to what thoughts we had and made efforts to make happen and gave ideas like Porto sunset on the river. Guides in each area knowledgeable explained what we were doing and going gave recommendations adapted to us Lisbon we had gone to castle st Jorge so changed what she would do asked where two mishaps gerez national park I feel one needs to be clear about the concern for safety and because our mentalodel of national parks diffetent. We were asked to go to to Algarve airport early because of concern for accident with 3000 in ilets wr got there 3 hours early and did not seem necessaryit would work to leave us.sarah in Porto great stayed with us at bookstore in evora joao had the greatest stories kept granddaughter and friend entertained. Young man in Funchal kind and great the metcado fruit merchant peeled and gave fruit tasting to all of us plus chocolate shop. It felt personal and thoughtful. Ricardo in Porto great also.

Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Aug 05, 2024

Dear Doreen,
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us.
I am super happy to hear that you had a positive experience and that everyone involved provided an excelent service.
We are grateful for your review and look forward to welcoming you again in the future :)
Your friend in Portugal - Pedro

Dear kimkim team, In a word, our trip was AMA...
Portugal | Jul 6 - Jul 14, 2024

K
Kim R.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jul 21, 2024
Dear kimkim team, In a word, our trip was AMAZING! The accommodations were all lovely, guides were all so helpful, drivers were prompt , professional and informative. The gift basket and wine tour cheese tray, as well as other extra touches, were so appreciated. Pedro was flexible, responsive and in touch with us every day to make sure our trip was going well. It will be hard to travel any other way in the future! Thanks to the entire kimkim team! Kim and Sara Read more

Dear kimkim team, In a word, our trip was AMAZING! The accommodations were all lovely, guides were all so helpful, drivers were prompt , professional and informative. The gift basket and wine tour cheese tray, as well as other extra touches, were so appreciated. Pedro was flexible, responsive and in touch with us every day to make sure our trip was going well. It will be hard to travel any other way in the future! Thanks to the entire kimkim team! Kim and Sara

Hotel Reviews
NH Collection Porto Batalha
Porto

This hotel was in a great location. It was very clean, and the staff was helpful. All this made our stay enjoyable but the absolute best part was the fantastic breakfast!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sapientia Boutique Hotel
Coimbra

Sapiencia Boutique Hotel was a great place to stay during our visit to Coimbra. The location was perfect and our room was spacious and clean. The outside areas (Patio and roof top) were awesome places to relax with a glass of wine.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff was polite and helpful when asked. On check in there were several staff at the desk but no one came to help with our bags. Some of the staff, particularly at breakfast, were not always available and did not feel very friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Britania Art Deco
Lisboa

We had a lovely stay at the hotel Britania! It was our first stop after arriving in Lisbon and the perfect place to get over jet lag. The room was so comfortable and the staff friendly and helpful. Sue Ellen, Larissa, and Omar went above and beyond to make our visit special. The breakfast staff was also very attentive and hospitable. Thanks to the whole staff for making our visit to Lisbon so memorable. Kim and Sara

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The beds and pillows were the best!
Activity Reviews
Private Transfer
Private Transfer
Portugal

On time pick up and drop off! Good driver!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Indulge in Elegance on a Guided Winery Tour Infused with Tastings and a Delicious Lunch
Indulge in Elegance on a Guided Winery Tour Infused with Tastings and a Delicious Lunch
Portugal

We enjoyed Lunch.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service from Porto
Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service from Porto
Portugal

Hugo was punctual and informative as he drove us to the Douro Valley. We enjoyed the lunch and the tour. Sara was a fun and knowledgeable guide and we enjoyed the tasting as well. The boat trip was a nice way to end the day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
To Eat Suggestion: Brasão - Coliseu
To Eat Suggestion: Brasão - Coliseu
Porto

We enjoyed this lively popular restaurant. Our waiter was so friendly and helpful. We went with the popular sandwich francesinha ( it seems the majority of guests did too). We needed one to be vegetarian and it was not very good. The regular sandwich was good but beware of rich rich gravy. Our favorite part of the meal was the Porto Tónico!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The Flavors of Port Wine - Sip & Discover
The Flavors of Port Wine - Sip & Discover
Porto

We had a great time sipping and discovering!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto

Bernard was a very knowledgeable guide and gave us a good tour of the city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bernard was very passionate about the city and its architecture, The train station lecture was a bit too long with unnecessary details..
To Eat Suggestion: Terra Nova
To Eat Suggestion: Terra Nova
Porto

Terra Nova was a nice and convenient place to grab dinner. It is right on the water but also in most touristy area.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Portugal

We enjoyed our day with driver André visiting Sinatra followed by a stop to see the furthest western point in Europe , “Cabo Da Roca”, and a drive through Casias. André gave us so much information on the area along the way, was very flexible, and punctual.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon

Anna did a great job showing us around and giving us all the history. The wine tasting was a nice way to end the tour, mostly because it gave us a chance to sit down and ask Anna more questions.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jul 22, 2024

Dear Kim & Sara,
Thank you so much for your incredible feedback.
I am super happy to hear that your trip was AMAZING and that you enjoyed all aspects of your journey, from the accommodations and guides to the special touches :)
We take pride in ensuring every detail is perfect for our travelers, and it is gratifying to know that we succeeded in making your experience exceptional.
Thank you so much.
Your friend in Portugal - Pedro

Amazing trip to Portugal
Portugal | Jun 14 - Jun 21, 2024

Kim
Kim A.
Providence, RI | Reviewed on Jun 29, 2024
Our family trip to Portugal was amazing. It was our first time traveling to Europe and we had an amazing amazing amazing time. From the very beginning the help and guidance Pedro provided was 5 star. I was really impressed each step of the way while on the trip, as Pedro reached out daily and made sure to respond immediately when I had any questions. Our drivers and every tour we did was incredible. Zero complaints. It was a once and a life time trip, I would not have been able to plan... Read more

Our family trip to Portugal was amazing. It was our first time traveling to Europe and we had an amazing amazing amazing time. From the very beginning the help and guidance Pedro provided was 5 star. I was really impressed each step of the way while on the trip, as Pedro reached out daily and made sure to respond immediately when I had any questions. Our drivers and every tour we did was incredible. Zero complaints. It was a once and a life time trip, I would not have been able to plan without Kimkim and Pedro.

Hotel Reviews
Cascais Miragem
Cascais - Portugal

Our favorite of the three hotels ;)

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cascade Wellness
Lagos
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PortoBay Marquês
Lisbon
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Small Group Boat Trip to the Timeless View of the Benagil Caves
Small Group Boat Trip to the Timeless View of the Benagil Caves
Portugal
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the Enchanting Ponta da Piedade Grottoes on a Thrilling  Kayaking Expedition
Explore the Enchanting Ponta da Piedade Grottoes on a Thrilling Kayaking Expedition
Portugal
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jul 01, 2024

Dear Kim,
Thank you so much for your kind words :)
I am delighted to hear that your family trip to Portugal was amazing and that you had such a fantastic time. It was a pleasure to assist you throughout your journey and ensure everything went smoothly. I'm glad that the daily check-ins and prompt responses helped make your trip enjoyable and stress-free.It's wonderful to hear that everything exceeded your expectations and contributed to a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Thank you for choosing Kimkim and allowing me to be a part of your adventure.
Your friend in Portugal - Pedro

KimKim/Across Portugal provide great travel planning services
Portugal | Jun 14 - Jun 22, 2024

J
Jennifer M.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jun 23, 2024
I was a little skeptical about using kimkim at first-- but it proved to be a thoroughly convenient and helpful service in planning our trip(s) to Portugal and Morocco. The travel planning services provided by Pedro at Across Portugal were excellent! He and his team were always responsive to our questions and the 9 day custom trip they planned for us through Lisbon (including trips to Sintra and Belem), Algarve and Cascais was exactly what we hoped for. We particularly appreciated the... Read more

I was a little skeptical about using kimkim at first-- but it proved to be a thoroughly convenient and helpful service in planning our trip(s) to Portugal and Morocco. The travel planning services provided by Pedro at Across Portugal were excellent! He and his team were always responsive to our questions and the 9 day custom trip they planned for us through Lisbon (including trips to Sintra and Belem), Algarve and Cascais was exactly what we hoped for. We particularly appreciated the thoughtful welcome gift upon arrival at our Lisbon hotel and Pedro's responsiveness when our hotel in the Algarve, Cascade Wellness Resort, did not meet our (admittedly) high standards. Our driver, Andre, was one of the highlights of our trip. He was great with our kids and we really enjoyed our conversations with him.

Hotel Reviews
Cascais Miragem
Cascais - Portugal

Great location, beautiful ocean views with a balcony. Large rooms (our adjoining rooms had dressing room area(s) larger than many hotel rooms). Only stayed one night so can't speak to the pool and other services.

Heritage Avenida Liberdade
Lisboa

Great location, well appointed, clean rooms (the port in the rooms is a nice touch).

Cascade Wellness
Lagos

We have admittedly high standards when it comes to our resort hotels. Unfortunately, despite what appeared to be their best efforts Cascade Wellness just didn't meet the mark. Our first apartment (#511) was very disappointing-- a not insignificant walk to the main dining areas/pools with a view of the roundabout, combined with worn/dirty furnishings, dirty linens and black mildew rampant in the shower areas. We were disappointed enough that for only the 2nd time in my life, we requested a room change. The second apartment (#1111) was an improvement in terms of cleanliness/pool access. Overall, however, this resort needs refurbishment. The carpets/couches/draperies in both apartments need to be deep cleaned to remove stains and the furniture is noticeably dented and scratched. In the three days we spent poolside, the pool bar by the 'sand' pool never opened (we were there in mid-June and the pool was in use by many people). Landscaping does not appear to be watered regularly and walkways between buildings were in need of repair. We only ate at the hotel once after being unimpressed with our lunch, preferring either to go out and order in via UberEats. The front desk, however, did try to be helpful, providing good restaurant recommendations and, after moving us, checking to see if the new apartment was an improvement. Bottom line, this is not a 5 star, or even a 4 star, resort.

Location
Resort was convenient to Lagos and other towns, but given the environment (set on a cliff above the ocean) no easy beach access or easy ocean views.
Staff
Staff was fine-- but other than one woman at the front desk who really helped us with dinner reservations and with moving our apartment, service did not particularly stand out.
Cleanliness & Comfort
As noted in my review, our initial apartment was dirty enough and in bad enough repair overall that we requested to be moved to a new apartment. Stay away from Apartment #511.
Activity Reviews
Panoramic Boat to the Ponta da Piedade Grottoes
Panoramic Boat to the Ponta da Piedade Grottoes
Portugal

Lovely private boat tour along with coast. Knowledgeable, pleasant guide and appreciated the mid-ride port sampling and that our son got to help drive the boat. Would have liked the option to jump in the water at some point, but recognize that was not part of the itinerary.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Portugal

Sintra is a can't miss stop on your visit to Portugal and, at the suggestion of our driver, Andre, we combined our visit to Pena Palace with a visit to Quinta Da Regaleira and a quick lunch in the old town area-- which made for a perfect day trip from Lisbon.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Andre is a MAJOR asset to his employer. We really enjoyed our time with him and his excellent recommendations. We will recommend him to others and request him as our driver on a return visit.
Transport
Very comfortable Mercedes vans were used throughout all of our transfers.
Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jul 01, 2024

Hey Jennifer,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
It was a pleasure to assist you and ensure your travel plans met your expectations.
Your appreciation of the welcome gift and our responsiveness to your concerns at the Algarve hotel means a lot. We strive to make every detail perfect for our travelers, and it's great to know we could address your needs promptly. Thank you for trusting us with your travel plans.
Your friend in Portugal - Pedro

Bring your sneakers
Portugal | Jun 7 - Jun 17, 2024

Melody
Melody M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 19, 2024
My three daughters and I had an amazing vacation. We saw a lot of the country in 10 days. From Porto to the Algarve and many stops in and around the major cities. Our drivers and guides were friendly and informative. I think a must do on my list would be to kayak around the rocks and caves in Lagos. The water is crystal clear and although the weather is hot there is a nice breeze The Portuguese folks are happy and friendly with concerts and dancing in the streets with little pop up beer... Read more

My three daughters and I had an amazing vacation. We saw a lot of the country in 10 days. From Porto to the Algarve and many stops in and around the major cities. Our drivers and guides were friendly and informative. I think a must do on my list would be to kayak around the rocks and caves in Lagos. The water is crystal clear and although the weather is hot there is a nice breeze The Portuguese folks are happy and friendly with concerts and dancing in the streets with little pop up beer gardens around the city of Lisbon.and Lagos. The towns seem to be very safe even in the evening and the towns are always lively. Everyone speaks English, it’s the common language to speak with most tourist. Don’t miss the beach town of Nazaré at least a quick lunch and visit to the light house. The Douro Valley is splendid to view and visit a winery while you’re there. The town of Sintra is very charming. We visited the pena castle with absolutely splendid gardens. Prepare to hike a bit and wear sneakers It also seems that most towns have a signature pastry so you must visit a bakery or two. I gained a pound or two!

Hotel Review
Vila Galé Lagos
Lagos

Very nice hotel, Great amenities with a great pool. 20 minutes walk to town but taxis and Uber are available easily. Spa on premises and a pool bar with a good lunch menus. Beautiful rooms but hard beds.

Authenticity & Character
Large rooms. Open and spacious.
Location
Beautiful rooms and pools
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The beds are hard
Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jun 19, 2024

Dear Melody,
Thank you so much for such a detailed feedback!
Knowing you had a fabulous time and tons of fun in all the locations you mentioned and explored really means a lot. Portugal is awesome :)
Your friend in Portugal - Pedro

Pedro did an amazing job with our trip to Por...
Portugal | Jun 2 - Jun 12, 2024

J
Jill P.
Blackfoot, ID | Reviewed on Jun 18, 2024
Pedro did an amazing job with our trip to Portugal. He listened very carefully to our preferences and tailored the trip to accommodate our likes. His daily check in was incredibly reassuring. Our driver, Nelson, was very kind and a great resource during our travels. He was beyond professional and incredibly accommodating. I can't recommend Pedro enough! When we return to Portugal, we plan our travel with Pedro. Portugal is a beautiful country, with friendly and kind people. The... Read more

Pedro did an amazing job with our trip to Portugal. He listened very carefully to our preferences and tailored the trip to accommodate our likes. His daily check in was incredibly reassuring. Our driver, Nelson, was very kind and a great resource during our travels. He was beyond professional and incredibly accommodating. I can't recommend Pedro enough! When we return to Portugal, we plan our travel with Pedro.

Portugal is a beautiful country, with friendly and kind people. The food is delicious and the wine is amazing. We enjoyed our visit very much.

Hotel Review
Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace
Porto

Great location, clean rooms and friendly staff. The dining at the hotel was delicious.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon

Our guide Pedro was super knowledgable and took us on a great walking tour of Lisbon. He showed up some less crowded ways to navigate the city. The tour concluded with a wine and cheese tasting. Great guide, great city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jun 19, 2024

Dear Jill,
Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful feedback - it means the world to me :)
It’s fantastic that you enjoyed the beauty, hospitality, and culinary delights of Portugal.
We look forward to helping you plan your next adventure.
Your friend in Portugal - Pedro

Spectacular trip around the circle of Portugal
Portugal | May 23 - Jun 6, 2024

H
Holly L.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 07, 2024
Pedro put together a spectacular trip for us, based upon what we were interested in exploring. The drivers, especially Andre and Ricardo were a wealth of knowledge and so kind, flexible and helpful. The guides in Lisbon, Porto and Évora were very knowledgeable and kept us moving. They all knew our interests and dietary restrictions based upon notes provided from Pedro. Andre took us to Sintra, and then Obidos and Nazaré on the way to Porto. He was so much fun! He also returned us to Lisbon... Read more

Pedro put together a spectacular trip for us, based upon what we were interested in exploring. The drivers, especially Andre and Ricardo were a wealth of knowledge and so kind, flexible and helpful. The guides in Lisbon, Porto and Évora were very knowledgeable and kept us moving. They all knew our interests and dietary restrictions based upon notes provided from Pedro. Andre took us to Sintra, and then Obidos and Nazaré on the way to Porto. He was so much fun! He also returned us to Lisbon from Lagos and were now friends for life. Ricardo took us from Porto with a stop in Belmonte and the cork factory in Evora, a long but enjoyable day. We walked over 5 miles each day, so we covered a lot of ground! A highlight was the hike with Nuno in Serra Do Estrela, just stunning! In Lagos the boat ride to the Benagil caves should not be missed. All the hotels selected by Pedro were perfectly located and had great service. Pedro kept in touch very frequently and also worked with us to change some pick up times when we wanted to modify our schedule. All told, it was a spectacular trip and worry-free because Pedro was always available to us and made sure we were happy.

Hotel Reviews
PortoBay Flores
Porto

This hotel is beautiful and we were fortunate to have a room in the old, refurbished section. The location is in the middle of everything, within walking distance to restaurants, shops and attractions. The staff was attentive and the breakfasts were extensive and varied.

Authenticity & Character
Old stone building with a lot of character.
Location
Smack in the middle of a pedestrian street with shops and restaurants, but our driver had special permission to drive right up to it.
Staff
Very helpful and kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
We loved our room in the older section of the hotel
Heritage Avenida Liberdade
Lisboa

Rooms are lovely, well-appointed and the air conditioning works well. The breakfast is extensive and they have coffee, tea and snacks 24/7. You can also get cooked to order eggs if you ask. Outstanding location, within walking distance to so many great restaurants and attractions. Highest recommendation!

Authenticity & Character
Very genuinely nice service and nice furnishings.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
On the main Avenida Liberdade, but noise was never an issue.
Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jun 07, 2024

Dear Holly,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
Its amazing to hear that you had such a spectacular trip. Your kind words about the knowledge, flexibility, and kindness of everyone involved really mean a lot to us.
Also, I am delighted that Andre and Ricardo could make your journey through Portugal so enjoyable and that you felt like you made lifelong friends along the way.
We look forward to welcoming you back for another incredible journey in the future!
Your friend in Portugal,
Pedro