Published on Sep, 2024
This was the first of several private tours we took with Kitzel and it did not disappoint. Joao (John) was a terrific tour guide as we explored the Natural Park of Arrabida and the surrounding area. We started with a stop in Palmela at a site of a former convent. The views were breathtaking and gave us a good orientation of the Arrabida national park. From there we made a stop in Setubal to visit a farmer's market, a lively market with fresh fish, fruit/vegetables, and other local delicacies. This lead to a scenic drive through the Natural Park of Arrabida before stopping for lunch in Sesimbra that offered a beautiful view of the beach/ocean while we were eating. We had a little bit of time before wine tasting, and Joao took us to a tile making manufacturer, where we received a free private tour. It was interesting to learn about the tile making process. Our tour ended with wine tasting in Azeitão at the José Maria da Fonseca wineries. There was a brief tour of the facility before we got to sample two types of wine.
Joao was a fantastic guide throughout the day, never making us feel rushed. It was like a friend showing you around the area. He was a wealth of information no matter where we went and gave us plenty of time to walk around and explore at our own pace. This tour provided a beautiful view of the area about an hour southeast of Lisbon - from beaches to cliff views it was time well spent.
Thank you Joao and Kitzel tours for providing such a positive, memorable experience!