Introduction

Mário's tours are not just sightseeing; They are transformative experiences that leave a mark on all who embark on them. He guides our guests through nooks and crannies, digs up hidden gems and shares facts that bring the story to life.

Our expert tour has boundless enthusiasm. It encourages us to see the world with new eyes, to appreciate the smallest details and to approach each new experience with a sense of wonder. A young soul that encourages us to free ourselves from the bonds of age and to embrace the child within us.

It has a genuine interest in the lives and stories of our guests, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and connection.

It inspires us every day to embrace life with enthusiasm and passion.

(By Tânia Monteiro, Team Leader of Mário Sá Pinto, from the Department of Regular Tours)

 An experience of solidarity and mutual help with our guests

This Living Tours experience was lead by Mário Sá Pinto and José Mendonça (tour experts).

On a tour of the Douro Valley, in the early summer of 2023, with 29 passengers, Mário Sá Pinto and his colleague José Mendonça were faced with a situation that required quick decision making and the ability to adapt.

We leave here the testimony of Mário Sá Pinto:

"During Saturday's Tour (24 June), at the last stop, in Pinhão, before the return to Porto, my colleague Mendonça and I came across a situation that was "worrying" to say the least.

On a very hot afternoon and since it was impossible to leave the cruise ship, a question arose: what could be done to help three of the guests (two of mine and one of Mendonça's), who had respiratory and locomotive problems.

Right after they boarded, Mendonça offered to contact the authorities and ask them to please allow at least one of the vans to access the pier to collect the guests. I, meanwhile, while waiting for the guests to return, filled in the cards to be distributed on their return.

About 5 minutes later, Mendonça arrives very upset and worried (and rightly so), as the answer had been negative. From my seat I looked at the deserted street, without any  vehicles; well, not completely deserted, because I noticed two ambulances stopped and I said to him: "sit down here, I have an idea that might work".

I stood up and walked towards a fireman who was in my angle of vision and asked him where I could find the corps commander.

After contacting him and explaining the situation, the Captain - who was of an admirable kindness and understanding - accepted to collaborate and transport the guests to the service station, and only asked me to contact him about 5 minutes before the boat docked, so that the ambulance would already be present. That's what I did, having arranged with Mendonça how we would board the guests, since they had gone on different boats, as well as the colleagues who drove the buses to wait and welcome the guests who would arrive by ambulance, which is what happened.

Of particular note was the joy on the faces of the guests when I told them they weren't walking, as well as the surprise of the guests when they saw the ambulance: everyone commented that it was the first time they had ever seen anything like it - and they approved.

This is called well thought out and accomplished teamwork.

To conclude, I thank the invaluable collaboration of the Bombeiros Voluntários do Pinhão, in the person of their Commander."

Unquestionably, this peculiar situation demonstrates magnificently how Living Tours' tour experts are driven by intense passion and immaculate professionalism in everything they do, their top priority being to treat their clients as distinguished guests.