Mariana Afonso
Travel Expert in Portugal Write a reviewAbout
My name is Mariana! I was born and raised in Sintra, just outside Lisbon, in a small town considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Since a very young age I’ve been traveling around the country, trying to discover as much as possible about it, which eventually led me to work in this industry.
One of my biggest hobbies is to travel the world, discovering new cultures, people and ways of living. I always take my favorite books on my trips as I'm a bit of a book worm! Music also plays an important role in my life and I couldn't live without it.
Food and wine are major interests of mine, as I deeply believe that in order to know a country and its people you must try their cuisine.
Mariana's Travel Expertise
I specialize in crafting unique and tailor-made travel experiences for discerning travellers. Despite being based in Sintra, I cover the country from north to south, including the islands of Madeira and the Azores. I’m constantly looking for new, exclusive and exciting experiences to offer to my travellers. I also carefully inspect all the hotels and properties I work with, ensuring that my clients are fully satisfied and happy. This is one of my secrets to guarantee I only plan truly memorable trips!
Due to my deep knowledge about the destinations and my personal connections, I am able to offer you off the beaten track locations, hotels, restaurants and activities that will result in a bespoke itinerary, specifically designed for you.
This is the essence of what I do and what I believe will make your experience in Portugal one that you will cherish forever.
Expert Destinations
- Lisbon
- Sintra
- Albufeira
- Algarve
- Vilamoura
- Fátima
- Porto
- Evora
- Castro verde
- Ponta delgada
- Cascais
- Sao Miguel
- Batalha
- Alcobaca
- Obidos
- Nazare
- Estoril
- Braga
- Coimbra
- Vila Nova De Milfontes
- Santana
- Funchal
- Miranda Do Douro
- Peso Da Régua
- Madeira
- Azores
- Machico
- Viana Do Castelo
- Sagres
- Faro
- Mafra
- Ria Formosa
- Porto da Cruz
- Douro Valley
- Leverinho
- Porto and North
- Alentejo
- Arrabida
- Tomar
- Vila Real
- Aldeia Da Pedralva
- Guimaraes
- Horta
- Faial Island
- Sesimbra
- Aljezur
- Odeceixe
- Porto Covo
- Estremoz
- Arraiolos
- Zambujeira Do Mar
- Guarda
- Castelo Rodrigo
- Santiago Do Cacem
- Valenca
- Peniche
- View More
Expert Activities
- Trekking
- Climbing
- Wine tasting tours
- Running
- Segway tours
- Horseback riding
- Walking tours
- Pub and bar crawl
- Hiking
- Cooking classes
- Rickshaw, cycle or local transport tours
- Sailing, yachting and motor boating
- Scuba diving
- Mountain biking
- Spas
- Bicycle tours
- Adventure
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Food tours
- City sightseeing
- Food, wine, events and nightlife
- Sightseeing Tours
- Photography tours
- Bird watching
- Bus tours
- Standup paddleboarding
- Helicopter Tours
- Bungee and swing jumping
- Fishing
- Canyoning
- Cruise
- Concerts and shows
- Beer and drinks tasting
- Local culture
- Snorkeling
- Museum and gallery visits
- Escape game and scavenger hunts
- Wildlife
- Romantic
- Honeymoon
- Getaways and short breaks
- Hot air balloon rides
- Volcanoes
- Chill out
- Rafting
- Active and outdoor
- Spiritual or religious tours
- Golfing
- Winter adventures
- Surfing, kitesurfing etc.
- Zip lining
- Motorcycle tours
- Yoga
- Marine wildlife
- Beaches
- Mountains
- National parks
- Flight tours
- Train tours
- Road trips
- Scooter and electric bike tours
- Skiing and Snowboarding
- Festivals and events
- Nature and bush walks
- Waterfalls
- Caves
- Geysers
- Hot springs
- Countryside and village visits
- Whale watching
- Natural landmarks sightseeing
- Cultural, religious and historic sites
- Culture shows and excursions
- Sport tours, venues or tickets
- Zoos and aquariums
- Classes and workshops
- Amusement, theme or water parks
- Self-drive or vehicle rental
- Art and architecture
- Party and nightlife
- Farm and plantation visits
- Local boat rides
- Shopping and Markets
- Adventure and sport
- Volunteering
- 4x4, quad and ATV trips
- Movie or television tours
- Ground transfers
- Rappelling
- Coffee and tea tours
- Wildlife, landscapes and nature
- Lagoons
- Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife
- Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history
- Air tours, road trips and transfers
- Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation
- Special interests and hobbies
- Meditation
- Paragliding
- Christmas markets
- Casinos and gambling
- River cruise
- Holi
- Off the beaten path
- Overland Journeys
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Mariana's best travel experience
As an experienced traveller, there's a myriad of stories I could tell you. However, one thing that traveling around the world has taught me is that no matter where I go, Portugal will always be my favorite country!
From herding a herd of goats with a Portuguese shepherd in the mountains of Peneda-Gerês Nature Park, followed by a workshop of goat cheese making with him, to harvesting grapes to producing my own wine or even having dinner at one of Portugal's most famous painter's place — experiences that allow me to connect with the local communities are my favorite!
Why is Mariana the right travel expert
Knowledge: I am an expert on the destination, with deep knowledge about Portugal and its bespoke travel services.
Customization: My focus is you, and what you expect from Portugal. It is all about your personal preferences, therefore, the itinerary I prepare will be unique and tailored to you.
Flexibility: I am here to make your life easier. No itinerary is too complicated for me, nothing is impossible, and I know how to manage last-minute requests or changes.
Insider Access: I have strong and long-standing relationships with the network of suppliers and friends I work with, guaranteeing you have insider access to truly exclusive stuff.
Availability: I am within easy reach, available 24/7 to manage new inquiries, last-minute changes, or any arrangements you may need during your trip. I will always be with you throughout the way.
Innovation: My passion is to discover new places and experiences, making them accessible to you. You can trust me to always come up with the most innovative and creative ideas.