My husband and I just spent 2 weeks in Portugal, and I want to recommend some excellent guides we had. For the Alfama neighborhood of Lisbon, we had knowledgeable Felippa, from Lisbon Walker; for the Jeronimos Monastery, we used TheJeronimosTour, with a terrific guide named Rafael Pereira; and for the Monastery of Santa Maria in Alcobaca, we had lovely and knowledgeable Sonia Vicente (+351-912-466-713; [email protected]). To help us put together a trip to the Douro Valley, we had the invaluable assistance of Daniel Ferreira ([email protected]). If you are not on a country-wide guided tour, local guides make all the difference - and these are terrific!
Posted by
Laveen, AZ, USA
41 posts
I'm planning on using Rafael Pereira in October so It's good to hear he is terrific.
Posted by
Huntington Beach CA
1155 posts
I’m just starting to plan a trip for next year and your recommendations are so timely! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by
15 posts
Whats the easiest way to get to Belem from Lisbon? Should we take an uber?
Posted by
9 posts
I agree that a good local guide can make a good visit a great visit. Yes, one can take group city or regional tours more cheaply, but having a private guide who tailors your experience to your interests and energy requirements is priceless.
I just returned from Lisbon and São Miguel in the Azores. We had used Carla Carita ([email protected]) on a previous visit to Sintra so I hired her for a tour in Lisbon this trip. She is delightful, professional, experienced, and made our day a special one to remember.
In the Azores, I was fortunate to use Pedro, owner of Azoreanguide. ([email protected]. All I can say about the two days with Pedro in a four wheel comfortable vehicle is WOW. Those two days were the highlight of my trip. Pedro works hard to individualize each day. We explored secondary roads and vistas one will never see on most visits to São Miguel. I learned about the culture, and I had great fun. Pedro is a great guy with a passion for his community.
On a previous visit, I had seen a slice of the island from the window of a van. I knew the island was beautiful, but I didn’t really experience it the way I did when guided by Pedro.
Treat yourself when you travel. Hire a local guide occasionally. No, I am not and have never been a guide!! I just love travel and have learned how to get the best experience for my money and time.