“The trip was wonderful. I appreciate that you planned everything so well that I didn’t have to worry about how or when to get somewhere.   My on-site “concierges” were attentive and checked in with me every few days.  I also was glad the trip was arranged the way it was – some private tours, some group tours and some time on my own.  A few of the group tours reinforced why I didn’t want to commit to a two week tour with a single group.  

People everywhere were nice, helpful and had a tremendous amount of national pride.  They really seemed to appreciate visitors and their interest in their country. Even taxi drivers talked about history of the country. All of the guides were top-notch.  Well-informed, interesting, adaptable and they made the events fun.  Food and wine were wonderful.  The restaurants that you reserved for me in Porto and Lisbon were outstanding and special.  The one in Coimbra was very good – and typical Portuguese.

I really loved the vibe in Porto.  The hotel was terrific and was conveniently located.  Each evening I walked the plaza and stopped to listen to live music in front of the cafes.  The side-car tour of the city was a blast. The trip to the Douro Valley was wonderful and it was a really fun group. I probably drank more that day than I do in a month or two!  The tour of Chamberlains is something I wouldn’t repeat.  It was just a bunch of people who didn’t interact , were mostly unfriendly (except for the Aussies) and the tour guide made no effort to make it a cohesive group.  The port didn’t compare to what we had in the Douro valley.  

The side trips in transit were nice and I’m glad I saw Aviero, Barro, Costa Nova, Alcobaca and Obidos but I wouldn’t repeat them if I returned.  

Aside from getting absolutely drenched ( I have a new Portuguese umbrella) Coimbra was fun and interesting.  Fado is an amazing story and entertaining.  The university is amazing as are its traditions.  I can see how Rowling modeled Harry Potter based on the university. Students even walked around in their black robes. 

Lisbon was great and I’m sorry I didn’t have an additional day to wander.  Hotel was great and in a perfect location.  The food and culture tour was fun and informative.  That was a great group.  The tuk tuk tour was good It sure was a good way to get around the city.  The Sintra trip was interesting – the castle was really crowded.  Our guide was great 

Already thinking about where to go next!  You did a great job!”