Adam Gomez

This was our first experience with Kimkim and we were very pleased. All of our coordinated transport in Portugal was executed flawlessly. It would be nice if all of our drivers would make contact in advance, especially when connecting to trains and airlines. Our first guide for Peña palace, Juo, (can’t remember the spelling) was a wealth of knowledge, not only of the palace but of Portugal and the region. Our first hotel in Lisbon, AlmaLusa Baixa could be improved upon. The room was very small and missing paint on the walls. There was construction on the next building and in front of the hotel that obstructed the view of the plaza from the patio. Location was good though.
We had a nice high speed train ride up to Porto. It would be nice to know where your assigned train car will be on the arriving train. We were assigned the number 1 car but didn’t know which end of the platform our car would be on. We and others guessed wrong and had to run to the opposite end. The train stops are brief and luggage racks fill quickly.
We very much enjoyed our stay in Porto. Great hotel and location. Nice private river cruise with Douro Captain. Would have been nice to go further upstream but our tall mast would not clear the first bridge.
Our favorite destination was our b&b in Peso da Regua. A beautiful property overlooking the town and Douro river. We had an excellent hike in wine country with Naturimont and learned much about the region. Our wine tasting tour the following day at Quinta Barqueiros D’Ouro was outstanding. I apologize for not remembering names but our host was the son of the vineyard owner and he was very good. The time at Vinhos Verdes was anticlimactic and we could have passed on.
Our arrival and first whole day in Lagos was very enjoyable. Beautiful resort and location on the coast with trails close by and enjoyed old town Lagos inside the fort walls.
Sadly we missed our sea kayak trip when we became ill for the last three days.
Good and informative ride back to Lisbon for our last night . Probably didn’t need the planned transport as the hotel is on the airport property and has a 24 hour shuttle.
All in all we’re very happy with Kimkim’s planning and execution of our trip to Portugal.

Hotel Reviews

Mercure Porto Centro Aliados

Porto

Our stay at the Mercure Porto Centro Aliados was outstanding. The hotel was a hidden gem with a simple exterior but a lovely interior featuring a lobby bar and a large courtyard with a pool and garden. It was located downtown, yet the courtyard provided a peaceful retreat. I enjoyed spending time there, and the overall experience was excellent.

AlmaLusa Baixa & Chiado

Lisbon

The AlmaLusa Baixa & Chiado hotel in Lisbon was disappointing. The rooms were very small and needed some maintenance. Although the location was decent, the view was ruined by construction fences. We also had trouble getting a late checkout, which was inconvenient. Overall, I would not stay there again.

Cascade Wellness Resort

Lagos

The Cascade Wellness Resort in Lagos was a wonderful place to stay. It felt like a resort rather than a boutique city hotel. We had a suite with two separate areas, which was perfect for us. The hotel was expensive but worth it, especially since it helped us relax when one of us wasn't feeling well. The location and amenities were excellent.

Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto

Lisbon

The Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto hotel was nice and very close to the airport, which was convenient for our early morning flight. The hotel's proximity helped reduce some of that stress.

Activity Reviews

Private Pena Palace & Sintra Village Half-Day Trip

Lisbon

Our guide for the Private Pena Palace & Sintra Village Half-Day Trip was fantastic. He didn't just give a tour of the palace but also filled in many blanks during the travel to and from the palace. We had great conversations about the palace, the city, the country, government, and economy. He was very knowledgeable and good-natured, which made the experience very enjoyable.

Private Douro Valley Hike

Portugal

The Private Douro Valley Hike was a highlight of our trip. We walked about twelve kilometers through the beautiful countryside with hillsides, vineyards, and historical sites. The guide shared a lot of interesting information about the area, the vineyards, and the local history. It was a great day and a wonderful way to experience the Douro Valley.

Private Douro & Vinho Verde Wine Tasting

Portugal

The Private Douro & Vinho Verde Wine Tasting was enjoyable, especially the first vineyard we visited which was a small family-run operation with beautiful settings. We learned a lot and enjoyed their wines. The second stop at the Vinho Verde was pleasant but less impressive, and since we don't drink much wine, it was less memorable. Overall, it was a nice experience.

Private River Cruise with Wine & Food Platter

Porto

The private river cruise was good and relaxing. Although we were a bit disappointed that we couldn't see the bridge built by the same company as the Eiffel Tower because the boat's mast was too tall to pass under the first bridge. The cruise stayed in the same area, but the crew was good and the food and wine provided were fine. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience.

All guides were outstanding. They went above and beyond. Loved the SINTRA Tuk Tuk and the Douro valley tour. Sofia in Lagos was exceptional in her knowledge of history and culture. The grotto boat tour was also great. Each city had its own charm and ambience.

We used Kimkim to plan our trip to Costa Rica to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Adam was our expert in organizing our itinerary and WOW, did he do a great job. In ten days, we visited three very distinct areas of Costa Rica. We didn’t have a favorite destination because each offered such unique experiences.

In Puerto Viejo, we enjoyed great accommodations at Banana Azul and the beautiful black sand beach. The restaurant on the grounds was lovely and offered great food. Adam arranged a snorkeling and a nature walk around the coast. Pablo, our guide was fabulous and felt like a longtime friend! He even gave us a wonderful recommendation for a Jamaican restaurant, the Dutch Pot!

Adam arranged a day trip to the Jaguar Rescue Center, Bribri Chocolate Tour and Waterfall day trip. The visit to a cocoa plantation operated by an indigenous family was amazing. We learned so much about their lives and traditions. Enrique was our guide and also translator on the plantation. He was very friendly and fun to be with. We enjoyed roasted bananas filled with freshly ground cocoa, that we were invited to help in the preparation. This was a very delicious treat! There were wonderful crafts on site to purchase. This visit was followed by a hike and refreshing swim under a waterfall! This was a highlight for me!

Our next destination was La Fortuna. We stayed at Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa! We highly recommend room 504! Thank you Adam, for getting us, perhaps the best suite on the property!! We had a clear and dramatic view of the Arenal Volcano from our patio, while utilizing our own hot springs soaking pool. We spent so much time on the patio observing the beautiful surroundings. Also, the staff at Tabacon treated us like family! We enjoyed some great meals. We were given special attention on our anniversary evening with a special dessert and a champagne toast! I highly recommend partaking in a massage and exploring the hot springs! Adam also arranged a coffee, chocolate and sugarcane farm experience at Northfields. Valerie was our guide through this tour and she was a pure delight!

Our final destination was Koora Hotel Monteverde! The accommodations were gorgeous! We were in the midst of the Cloud Forest! This hotel had the most comfortable bed that we had ever slept in. Adam arranged a tour of the Cloud Forest. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we left with so much information about the cloud forest.

The high point of our time in Monteverde and perhaps Costa Rica was dinner at San Lucas Treetop Dining. We were picked up at our hotel by our server, and new friend, Lucas! Yes, we laughed that his name is the same as the restaurant! Lucas guided us through a culinary journey with paired wine tasting, through Costa Rica! I was brought to tears when we first arrived because of the beauty and tranquility of the site. This was a mind blowing culinary experience!

In closing, Adam arranged our transportation throughout Costa Rica through RideCR. RideCR was always on time! Our favorite driver was Alfonso. Our favorite drive was from La Fortuna - Monteverde, where we took a van to a boat, to cross Lake Arenal, to another van! All three drivers on this journey were very professional. We especially loved our boat ride by Kevin. He pointed out highlights of the lake! It was a gorgeous day and a pure delight! Roy took us the rest of the way. The final drive on this journey had some bumpy roads, twists and turns, but we felt completely safe with Roy!

Adam!!! We send you endless gratitude and appreciation for this life changing experience!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Banana Azul

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

We loved beginning our trip in Costa Rica at Hotel Banana Azul. The staff was so friendly, everyone from the front desk to the restaurant staff. We'd love to return again someday.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Koora Hotel

Monteverde

We enjoyed the entire staff! Everyone made us feel very welcome. Jason was especially helpful in helping us arrange a tour to Curi Cancha Reserve. This was one of the highlights of our trip and we especially enjoyed the guide that he secured for us. Koora had the most comfortable bed that we experienced on our trip to Costa Rica!

Authenticity & Character

The Koora Hotel is exceptional in design and beautifully fitting into the beauty of the cloud forest.

Location

Staff

Everyone was so helpful, especially Jason at the front desk.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport

San Jose

We stayed here our last night in Costa Rica before flying home. It served the purpose of being clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character

Location

We liked being so close to the airport because we had to leave the hotel at 3:30 AM for a very early flight.

Staff

I'd especially like to thank the gentleman that took us to the airport. He was very friendly and helpful even at the grueling hour of 3:30 AM.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Cahuita National Park Snorkel & Rainforest Hike

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Pablo and our captain were so much fun! We had a blast on our snorkeling tour and the beautiful walk through Cahuita National Park. We had a perfect day and were thrilled with everything that Pablo shared with us! I have learned that a guided tour is always best because we would have not noticed and experienced as much without the trained eye of Pablo. We wish we could have spent more time with him. He really took such great care of us and also helped us walk away with such amazing photos.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Farm Experience

Arenal/La Fortuna

Valerie was our guide and what a wonderful guide she was! She kept us so engaged with information on the wide world of coffee, chocolate and sugar cane. She completely altered our view of how to appreciate coffee and chocolate. We were also quite impressed with the beautiful grounds and the very simple and clear demonstrations. The gift shop was wonderful as well. We have returned home with coffee beans, chocolate and even one of their cleverly designed t-shirts.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Treetop Dining Experience with Wine Pairing

Monteverde

When we were planning on trip with Kimkim, we found ourselves quite intrigued and excited about our time at St. Lucas Tree Top Dining. We love and take great joy in unique dining and this was, by far, our most amazing dining adventure as we "traveled" through on a "taste of the regions of Costa Rica." We were picked up at our hotel by Lucas, who was our driver, server and our proclaimed new friend. Arriving for our meal, I was brought to tears with how incredibly beautiful this place is. My husband and I found ourselves anticipating each course, accompanied by the perfect wine pairing with each dish. Each dish surprised and delighted us. The chef is extremely creative and talented. We were celebrating our 40th Wedding Anniversary and Lucas made our time extremely special. We'd love to return to this fulfilling experience in the future with family and friends.

Quality of Experience

Food

Every course was an absolute delight! Its amazing how this meal took us on such a delightful culinary journey!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The trip was fantastic; a few hiccups along the way, but overall it was great. We now know how much we can handle in a given day and need a day off in the middle of travel. The Delighted Tour Company was especially good, although the guide was 10 min late which required us to miss the shuttle and had to practically run up the hill to the Pena Palace. We made the tour, albeit a little late. Rui, the guide for Belen walking tour of Lisbon, was the best tour guide. He spoke slowly and was so knowledgeable. The Sagres Off-Road tour was a disappointment with the guide dropping us at places while he ran errands! His name was Tiago. The group tour also that was supposed to be a private tour in Porto was a little disappointing, too. The guide just left us behind —- us older & slower folks. Thank you for refunding difference of tour private to tour group. The winery tour in Douro Valley was long, but fun. Very chatty guide for that. He told us his life story! The info given on a lot of tours is overwhelming. We would have liked more of an overview, not the encyclopedia version. Maybe that’s too hard to change. The Alma Luis Hotel in Lisbon was the best experience, so utterly kind and inviting atmosphere. They gave us little gifts everyday! They truly appreciated our patronage. The Timbre Virtudes Hotel in Porto was very out of the way, it required us to get Uber each day just to get to places; also they lacked adequate coffee service in the a.m. As we said, we do like the private car pick-ups, very nice. Finally, we do like KimKim and plan to use you again! ❤️

We have just returned from a wonderful 12 night trip to Portugal where we able to visit Porto, the Douro Valley, Evora, the Algarve (Lagos), and ending in Lisbon. Adam and his team provided excellent guidance in developing and pacing the itinerary allowing us to see and experience so much at a relaxed pace. All our transfer drivers were professional and courteous moving us around the country safely. The food tours, walking tours, wine tour, boat tours and a cooking class arranged by Adam were all excellent and provided many great memories. Kim Kim is highly recommended for your next trip.

Hotel Reviews

PortoBay Flores

Porto

enjoyed this hotel located on a pedestrian only street but easy to get a taxi our front. Very comfortable and great service

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Casa de São Domingos

Peso da Régua

Nice property

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

we found the mattress and pillows uncomfortable

MouraSuites Hotel

Largo da Porta de Moura, 7000-647 Évora, Portugal

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cascade Wellness Resort

Lagos

Authenticity & Character

Location

easier access to the beach would have been a plus

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Market Visit & Cooking Class

Lisbon

A great experience. We learned a lot from our professional chef and took home several Portuguese recipes to try at home

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Local Food Walk

Porto

We have done several local food walks over the years and this was by far the best. Alvaro was a great guide and we tasted so many interesting foods. The quantity and quality of food and drink provided was unbelievable. This was our most favorite tour

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Private Douro & Vinho Verde Wine Tasting

Portugal

Very interesting tour and we caught the family stomping grapes after harvest with help from the family puppy at the small winery visited

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lagos Evening Food Walk

Lagos (Algarve)

We did the Lagos Evening Food Walk. It was good and unique because we visited some small hole-in-the-wall bar-type places. The food portions were small compared to the food walk we did in Porto. The group was mostly from the States, so there was a lot of chit chat. It was enjoyable but not a highlight of the trip.

Dolphin Watching & Benagil cave

Lagos (Algarve)

We did the Dolphin Watching & Benagil cave boat tour in Lagos. The ride was quite rough and bumpy, which was tough for my wife due to her back issues. The boat traveled at high speed for about half an hour to see the dolphins, which were cool. Then we went another 35 minutes to the caves. It was windy and loud, making it hard to talk. I think a slower, quieter boat tour would have been better for us. The sea was a bit choppy due to winds from Africa, which made the ride less comfortable.

Private Sintra & Cascais Day Trip with Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira Visit

Lisbon

We did the Private Sintra & Cascais Day Trip with Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira Visit. Our driver, Lewis, was very nice and knowledgeable. The tourist spots were very crowded, but we had some kind of skip-the-line pass or Lewis knew the ropes, so we avoided long waits. We hooked up with a guide at the castle, although we missed the first part of the tour but caught up later. We had a great lunch at a local hole-in-the-wall place. We skipped the cathedral but enjoyed driving around the coastal areas. Overall, it was a very nice and relaxing day.

This was our first time using Kimkim and the experience was seamless and above and beyond what we expected! Adam and Kate were incredibly helpful and responsive as we planned our trip to Porto. They helped us with everything, right down to little details like transportation to and from the train station and airport when we arrived and departed. Which doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, but you are so thankful after a long travel day to have a ride arranged. We stayed at a fantastic hotel on Kimkim’s recommendation called the Mercure right in the heart of Porto. It was a sanctuary in the middle of a busy city and the breakfast buffet was off the charts! We could easily walk everywhere from the hotel. Our favorite experience arranged by Kimkim was a cooking class with a professional chef named Ana. We started by visiting the local food market to try olive oil, spices, jams and fresh oysters and meet different vendors. We then walked to a very cool boutique hotel where we spent the rest the time in their kitchen cooking an authentic Portuguese meal. This afternoon of cooking together with Ana’s guidance was one of our favorite meals of the trip. Our visit to Porto was one of the best experiences we’ve had in Europe. If you are looking for unique and thoughtful experiences and tours, Kimkim is the sight to use to plan your trips!

Hotel Review

Mercure Porto Centro Aliados

Porto

The Mercure was a special haven in the middle of the city of Porto! The breakfast buffet was incredible. They had a lovely and affordable happy hour as well. The gardens and pool were so peaceful and a wonderful place to retreat after a day of walking nonstop. Our room was well appointed and well cleaned. Everything you could need for a great stay!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Bolhao Market Tour and Hands-On Cooking Class

Porto

This was by far our favorite day in Porto. We started at the bustling Mercado farmers market. Ana our chef and guide was so easy to be around and very knowledgeable about the history of the market and the different vendors. She gave us tastings at different stalls including olive oil, fresh oysters, jams and spices. We then walked about 10 minutes to a lovely hidden gem for our cooking class. The kitchen is in a boutique hotel and it felt like being in someone’s home. Just magical! Ana was such a great instructor and she made it feel more like we were helping out with a dinner party than being in a “cooking class”. We had one of the best meals of our trip to Porto that afternoon and we cannot recommend this experience more highly!

Quality of Experience

Food

Absolutely delicious dishes!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ana was amazing!

Transport

Walking but easy!

Our trip to Porto was amazing!! Adam chose the absolute perfect hotel for us. Our rooms had small gardens in the back, the hotel offered a delicious breakfast, along with a pool and lovely bar area. We took a cooking class where we learned to cook Portuguese dishes and had the best time. We got to explore the local market and learn about the local people that run the place. Overall, KimKim helped us make the most out of our trip!!

Our trip was amazing. Easy transfers, communication. Guides were awesome. Excursions were great!
2nd time using Kim Kim. Would definitely use them again.

Hotel Reviews

PortoBay Flores

Porto

Perfect location. Updated and beautiful

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Quinta do Vallado

Peso da Regua

One of the nicest hotels I've stayed in. Absolutely beautiful. Lots of small touches that made it so nice. Views were amazing

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pátio do Tijolo

Lisbon

It was a very nice boutique hotel. Good location. Steep hill to get to. You get used to it.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Food Walk

Porto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Tuk-Tuk Experience Along the 28 Tram Route

Lisbon

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Private Sintra & Cascais Day Trip with Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira Visit

Lisbon

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Douro & Vinho Verde Wine Tasting

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

This was our second trip with kimkim and just as amazing as the first. The team does a great job customizing your itinerary to meet your travel habits and desires while offering up recommendations themselves based on local experience. It’s convenient and comfortable to have them by your side while traveling, making themselves available all throughout your trip when needed. I highly recommend their services and will use them again in the future.

Everything on the trip was flawless. I got to do some amazing things and didn’t have to do all the work to figure it out. Adam was always very responsive to make the changes along the way as well. I look forward to planning with this team in the future. Adam’s expertise represented your company well and built confidence for me to use them in the future.

Hotel Reviews

Tifakara by the Waterfall

La Fortuna

Everyone working there makes you feel at home. This wasn’t just a hotel it was an experience. Made me feel like I was in the show “White Lotus” without the drama.

Authenticity & Character

Loved the frog sanctuary and trails

Location

Staff

Adrian, Kevin and Fernanda.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms were spotless and shared areas were too.

Cloud Forest Lodge

Monteverde

Jose at the restaurant was amazing and took good care of me. Rooms don’t have AC and can get warm.

Authenticity & Character

Location

to far to walk to anything.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

No AC

Hilton San Jose La Sabana

San Jose

Excellent hotel with amazing views. Staff are all very friendly. Great gym and pool.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Sloth Discovery Walk

Arenal/La Fortuna

Great nature walk with a very experienced guide with a.great eye.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Trekking to Laguna de Hule

Arenal/La Fortuna

Great hike for experienced hikers. Amazing jungle experience. The food at the families house at the end was amazing. Best food I had on the entire trip.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure

Monteverde

Great place to get a fantastic zip line experience with highly trained professionals. Best zip lines with amazing views. The bridges were lots of fun and a great way to see the jungle.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike

Monteverde

Danny was great and extremely knowledgeable. Great place to see lots of birds and Danny knew them all very well, just buy sound. It was a beautiful walk.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport