Introduction

In the words of Tânia Monteiro, Maria João's Team Leader in the Regular Tours Department, Maria is much more than just a tour guide - she is a passionate ambassador for her country, whose contagious enthusiasm and energy turn every tour into an unforgettable experience. Her unwavering dedication and passion for her work is reflected in every detail, ensuring that every guest feels special and that every moment is inspiring.

As well as being a tour specialist, Maria is a skilled storyteller, connecting emotionally with the past and sharing not only historical facts but also personal experiences that enrich the journey. Her welcoming nature makes visitors feel at home as they explore the hidden treasures and create lasting memories.

In short, a tour with Maria is a real cultural and emotional journey, guided by an exceptional professional and a true enthusiast for her country.

Let's get to know a story about unlikely and very special connections!

An unlikely protagonist on a wine tour

Sometimes it's in the most unlikely moments that the most special and sincere connections emerge. It was hard to imagine that on a wine tour a child could be the real protagonist.

Here is Maria João's testimony:

"The bus door closes, but neither Lucas nor I were in any hurry to leave. Something made us want to eternalise that moment. There was silence for a moment. The truth is that I never imagined that the most special guest on a wine tour dedicated to wine experiences would be a four-year-old boy!

This is it! It's about life happening and the surprises it has in store for us! The story I'm sharing is love in its purest form, because children are honest, genuine, truthful and sometimes painfully sincere! I can't forget that my biggest critic is ALWAYS my daughter! That said, on Sunday's tour, shared with my travelling companion, Lucas, off we went to start the tour!

We had a diverse guest list, many countries, many dynamics and in the midst of 26 adults, there was a 4-year-old boy. Let me introduce Sebastian. This chubby little boy, full of energy and with an open smile, was there, with his booking ticket in hand and eager to introduce himself!

Sebastian is Italian, which made communication a hilarious phenomenon! I don't speak Italian, I understand it and I love hearing it spoken, but interacting in said language is a fool's errand!!!! Here the story comes to life! This boy's parents are a young couple and, aware that they had a small child in their care, they were determined to have a good experience, but also endeavoured to ensure that their son had a good time, sharing their time and attention with this little boy!

When we arrived at Adega de Favaios, after a tour of the place, we had lunch, a lively meal. Good food and good wine! Everyone settled in, and I realised that Sebastian wasn't with the group!

I ask his parents and they say he doesn't want lunch, he's in the living room watching a film.... And I, in "mummy mode" ask... "Can I invite him to have lunch with me?" And his father accompanies me to "translate" and he readily agrees to have lunch with Lucas and me! The Italian lesson, our dialogues and this boy's attitude were absolutely delightful!!! From then on it was a real party!

Next we visited Quinta de S. Luís, where Sebastian was once again my companion, while his parents toured the vineyards and tasted the wines, and my partner Lucas and I had fun with Sebastian! Well, I couldn't have had a better Italian teacher!!!! We laughed a lot together!

After a happy day, we returned to Porto. Sebastian, tired, slept in and when we arrived in Porto, he got off the bus crying... I thought: he woke up in a bad mood! Only Dad explained to me the real reason for his tears... And it turned out that Sebastian just didn't want to leave me! He didn't want to get off the bus!!!!!!!
"Te voglio benne, picollo amore mio!"

The story would almost end here, if the next day, early in the morning from the Front Office, was just another normal day... Then, unexpectedly, little Sebastian bursts into the shop, spreading his charm and leaving me a gift!!!!!... And it was this last gesture that made me realise that my passion for what I do pays off in many ways, but above all with a lot of gratitude and good energy!!!!! As Sebastian used to say: "te manggio a bacci".

It is for these reasons and others that true happiness lies in the simplest things. And this is proof that Living Tours, with Maria João as its protagonist, manages, in its day-to-day work and mission, to make a difference to travellers looking to celebrate the best of Portugal and Spain.

A very special Living Tours experience!

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