Tânia is no stranger to Living Tours, perhaps because she has been part of the family since 2015 or because she deals with all colleagues, clients and partners on a daily basis.

Her path and growth in the company was fast: from a professional internship, she moved to face-to-face service in the agency, to booking agent, to head of bookings and, since 2018, she has been director of operations.

Don't be fooled by her extensive CV, Tânia is only 29 years old.

She has earned her position and merit through talent, dedication and especially her strong personality. She suffers from the well-known "love of the jersey" syndrome.

She is respected and cherished by all and manages to be one of the most serious people at work, but also one of the most fun people outside of it.

She is mature, relaxed and with a strong personality, perhaps the result of her Transmontana origins.

As a Livingtouriana, she loves travelling and living authentic experiences!

Let's learn a little about her travel experience?

Where are you from? Tell us a bit about your city or region!

I'm from Valpaços, Vila Real, proud Transmontana. Beautiful landscapes, genuine people, passionate about their land. Producers of great quality olive oil and wine, if it weren't for our excellent microclimate.

When did you join the Living Tours family and what is your role?

I joined the Living Tours family on the 2nd of March 2015 and I am currently Operational Director.

Why Living Tours? And why tourism?

Living Tours was a happy coincidence. After finishing my Master's degree, I started a relentless search for work in the city of Porto, believing this city to be my second home. About to give up and preparing to return to my parents' house, I received the call to come for an interview at Living Tours. On one of those beautiful and rainy days in Porto, I entered the agency, introduced myself and waited for my turn. First interview, second interview, phone call a few hours later - "starts tomorrow".

Tourism has always been the area that most aroused my interest from an early age. Coming from a large family with a generous cultural mix, languages have always had a place. At the table we mix Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Spanish, English, Arabic and whoever else comes along. Communicating in different languages, making our culture, gastronomy and customs known, has always been something that has fulfilled me.

What is your working day like?

My working day is always an adventure and a learning experience. The main focus is to organise the next day by optimising resources. We work daily to satisfy our customers and create memorable experiences.

What are your hobbies, how do you like to occupy your free time?

Travelling is at the top of the list of hobbies.

I enjoy spending time with my family, playing sports and the sense of satisfaction we feel after a workout.

Long dinners with friends, the kind we sit at the table at sunset and last until sunrise.

How many countries have you travelled to so far?

8

Out of all of them, which was your favourite trip and the one that impressed you the most and why?

In this case I will have to split the question. My favourite trip was undoubtedly the most recent one to Rio de Janeiro. I loved the scenery, the weather, the sea, the people, the food, the lively lifestyle of the Brazilian people. The one that impressed me most was Morocco, both Tangier and Casablanca for the simple fact of landing in another reality than the one we are used to. The scenery is magnificent and Morocco is undoubtedly a country I want to return to.

What is the best experience/tour you have done on a trip?

It was Ilha Grande in Brazil where we rented a boat and visited absolutely stunning beaches with crystal clear water. I also had the opportunity to do some snorkelling and swim with turtles, in their natural habitat of course.

What is your dream trip to take? And what experience are you looking for on this trip?

Among several dream destinations, one of them is India. A huge country with a mix of colours, flavours and aromas.

What is the best company for you on a trip? With friends, companions, family or alone? And why?

My boyfriend, we mostly have the same interests in the countries we want to visit and what to visit in each one. He accompanies me in the systematic madness of "let's forget public transport and let's do everything on foot". The first time he travelled with me as a walker he was a little traumatised, but now he's the driving force behind many a kilometre.

Cultural destination, beach or nature? And what activities do you like to do?

Difficult choice. It depends a lot on the spirit and the month I choose to travel. Within Europe the goal of my trips is mostly cultural, museums, palaces and castles. Outside Europe a mix between beach and nature, enjoy some nature trails in search of the most beautiful and refreshing waterfalls or on the beach enjoying the heat and diving in warmer water than we are used to in Portugal.

If you could travel back in time, to which era would you travel and why?

Difficult choice, I will choose a period of influence in the means of transport that today allows us in a few hours to cross the World, the plane. Paris, October 19, 1901 to be the co-pilot of Mr. Santos Dumont. The most ingenious, irreverent and risky return to the Eiffel Tower in history in the airship nº6. Santos Dumont was without a doubt one of the great influencers of the moles we travel today. Not underestimating those who tried before, after and continue every day to innovate and provide us with comfort and speed in every trip.

What is the best gastronomic experience you have had while travelling?

Any trip to Spain is a successful gastronomic experience. However the most remarkable one was in Germany, in Hamburg. Wandering around the hundreds of Christmas markets tasting all the local delicacies and hot drinks. I had the opportunity to taste the best smoked salmon I have ever eaten in my life.

What is your favourite mode of transport for travelling? Car, Train or Plane? Why do you like it?

I like travelling by car, it gives us the opportunity to stop along the way and discover places we didn't even imagine. In general it always causes some change in the initial plans because there is the probability of passing through a small village or picturesque town that almost forces you to stay overnight because it is so charming.

What is your favourite place to visit in Portugal or Spain, why do you recommend it?

It is without a doubt the Douro. The breathtaking landscapes. The restaurants with the most comforting food. The farms that are so proud of their history. And of course, the wine.

For you, what dish, drink and experience should no one miss when visiting Portugal or Spain?

I'm on the grilled sardine team and anyone who comes to visit me in Porto is almost obliged to join me for a sardinhada in Afurada. Rare have been those who have been disappointed until today. I think it's the perfect combination with a lot of Portuguese soul. Grilled sardines with roasted peppers and corn bread watered with a good green wine almost in a state of "hypothermia".

What is your favourite Living Tours experience/tour and why?

My favourite Living Tours tour is the Douro Historical Tour. I consider it a very complete experience when it comes to history, breathtaking scenery and wine tasting. We start with a stop in the historical centre of the city of Amarante with an admirable cultural, historical and religious legacy. There is time to enjoy the typical local sweets and have a cup of coffee to make us more awake for the experiences that follow. Second stop, one of the most incredible viewpoints for me in the Douro region, São Leonardo da Galafura.  From there we see the Douro River winding through the steep green terraces, excellent workmanship and mastery of the human being, occasionally one or another boat passes by, typical rabelo or robust pax. Third stop, lunch! Never leaving behind the landscape, the restaurant is right there, a few meters below the viewpoint where lunch is served with typical food of the region without losing sight of the Douro River that accompanies us at various times during this trip. At the fourth stop, an environmentally friendly replica of a typical Rabelo boat awaits us, an hour of pure relaxation on a silent boat in the village of Pinhão, where only the sound of water, the singing of birds and the landscape of terraces and mountains matter. Fifth stop and one of the most expected, the visit to one of the best wine producing estates. There we are welcomed by a local guide who gives us a tour focused on the production, techniques and characteristics of the region. After the visit we move on to the wine tasting!