Fall4LisbonWithMarta

Marta Côrte-Real, private tour guide in Lisbon - Portugal

About me image
I was born in Lisbon and I'm forever in love with it!
After my family, guiding is my greatest passion: I love what I do!

I have a 5 year degree called Touristic Information, specifically to work as a Tourist Guide, as well as the Certificate of Competence acquired through a qualifying examination, in order to be able to exercise this regulated profession.
I own and manage a tour company licensed by the Turismo de Portugal IP, Portugal's National Tourism Authority.

Tour guiding has been my full time job since 2003 and it has always been incredibly rewarding. In 2021, I was recognized by the Wanderlust Awards as one of the world's "Best Specialist Guides", which I think is a result of doing what I love every day. Waking up knowing I'll meet enthusiastic people who are excited to discover my city makes me a very grateful and happy person.

For almost two decades (how am I that old already?!) I travelled around the world as a tour guide and tour manager in Portugal, Europe, South and Central America. I stopped being so nomadic when my first child was born and in 2016, I became part of ToursByLocals' amazing team and since then I've been 100% dedicated to my lovely Lisbon and its surroundings.

I am a mother of 3. I love planning family trips. I know how important it is to create special family memories. Travelling means getting to know new places and cultures, experiencing nature more closely, walking and playing more, discovering history through cities, monuments and palaces! Our childhood travel memories are often the sweetest and along with other remarkable moments, we build who we are and how we live in the world. So if you're in need of someone to guide you and your kids and have them thrilled about travelling, I'm your guide!

I'm also very fond of small groups of friends, extended family trips and solo travellers. It's a much more personal approach and very interesting and grateful, too. It's so lovely to get to know you! My wish is to make you feel all the unique details of this fairytale country the way I proudly do, welcoming you as a friend, however always assuring professional, original and interesting tours.

I offer walking tours or if you prefer to just sit and relax, I also provide tours with transportation included (private minivan, minibus, bus).

You can choose from my many tours the one you're most interested in, or we can build together a tailored experience, everything at your pace. Once you send me a message, I'll try to answer right away, but if I'm delivering a tour or busy with my family, I'll let you know that I'll get back to you soon.

I'll be happy to create a customized tour just for you and if you have a special request, if it's a family with different age ranges. . . let me know so we can build the best option for your group. Some of my tours can perfectly be combined. I can also help you plan the best timings to avoid the crowds and even buy your tickets, if needed. There are lots of magic places in Portugal: let me know about you, your interests and ideas and according to that I will work on your time here!

The most recent experience has been incredible: the virtual tours. The idea came up with the 2020 pandemic scenery and I decided to keep them going in the future as they're such a pleasant way of travelling differently and sustainably. These tours are perfect to gather families and friends who live away from each other and for schools to complement their teaching, as well as to help those who cannot travel for many reasons, to be able to see the world. I believe we always need to make the best out of the worst.

Portugal is a country to visit all year round: weather is wonderful and even during the winter you can enjoy the simple pleasures of life like sitting on an esplanade, absorbing each sunbeam! Plus, I love cooking and baking and I'm happy to share my recipes. Portuguese food is simply delicious and the wine is just perfect for a toast to celebrate life!

Get ready to deeply fall in love with Portugal!
Can't wait to meet you!

***************************************************************************************************
Credentials:
Certified and licensed Tourist Guide since 2003 (17/26820/1244).
5 year Degree in Tourism Information by the Estoril Higher Institute for Tourism and Hotel Studies (ESHTE - Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril), a non-profit public higher-education institution.
Tourist Guide & Tour Leader Certificate of Competence, acquired through 2 different qualifying examinations, in order to be able to exercise this profession.
I own and manage a tour company licensed by the Turismo de Portugal IP, Portugal's National Tourism Authority.
Tour guiding has been my full time job since 2003.

About me image
I was born in Lisbon and I'm forever in love with it!
After my family, guiding is my greatest passion: I love what I do!

I have a 5 year degree called Touristic Information, specifically to work as a Tourist Guide, as well as the Certificate of Competence acquired through a qualifying examination, in order to be able to exercise this regulated profession.
I own and manage a tour company licensed by the Turismo de Portugal IP, Portugal's National Tourism Authority.

Tour guiding has been my full time job since 2003 and it has always been incredibly rewarding. In 2021, I was recognized by the Wanderlust Awards as one of the world's "Best Specialist Guides", which I think is a result of doing what I love every day. Waking up knowing I'll meet enthusiastic people who are excited to discover my city makes me a very grateful and happy person.

For almost two decades (how am I that old already?!) I travelled around the world as a tour guide and tour manager in Portugal, Europe, South and Central America. I stopped being so nomadic when my first child was born and in 2016, I became part of ToursByLocals' amazing team and since then I've been 100% dedicated to my lovely Lisbon and its surroundings.

I am a mother of 3. I love planning family trips. I know how important it is to create special family memories. Travelling means getting to know new places and cultures, experiencing nature more closely, walking and playing more, discovering history through cities, monuments and palaces! Our childhood travel memories are often the sweetest and along with other remarkable moments, we build who we are and how we live in the world. So if you're in need of someone to guide you and your kids and have them thrilled about travelling, I'm your guide!

I'm also very fond of small groups of friends, extended family trips and solo travellers. It's a much more personal approach and very interesting and grateful, too. It's so lovely to get to know you! My wish is to make you feel all the unique details of this fairytale country the way I proudly do, welcoming you as a friend, however always assuring professional, original and interesting tours.

I offer walking tours or if you prefer to just sit and relax, I also provide tours with transportation included (private minivan, minibus, bus).

You can choose from my many tours the one you're most interested in, or we can build together a tailored experience, everything at your pace. Once you send me a message, I'll try to answer right away, but if I'm delivering a tour or busy with my family, I'll let you know that I'll get back to you soon.

I'll be happy to create a customized tour just for you and if you have a special request, if it's a family with different age ranges. . . let me know so we can build the best option for your group. Some of my tours can perfectly be combined. I can also help you plan the best timings to avoid the crowds and even buy your tickets, if needed. There are lots of magic places in Portugal: let me know about you, your interests and ideas and according to that I will work on your time here!

The most recent experience has been incredible: the virtual tours. The idea came up with the 2020 pandemic scenery and I decided to keep them going in the future as they're such a pleasant way of travelling differently and sustainably. These tours are perfect to gather families and friends who live away from each other and for schools to complement their teaching, as well as to help those who cannot travel for many reasons, to be able to see the world. I believe we always need to make the best out of the worst.

Portugal is a country to visit all year round: weather is wonderful and even during the winter you can enjoy the simple pleasures of life like sitting on an esplanade, absorbing each sunbeam! Plus, I love cooking and baking and I'm happy to share my recipes. Portuguese food is simply delicious and the wine is just perfect for a toast to celebrate life!

Get ready to deeply fall in love with Portugal!
Can't wait to meet you!

***************************************************************************************************
Credentials:
Certified and licensed Tourist Guide since 2003 (17/26820/1244).
5 year Degree in Tourism Information by the Estoril Higher Institute for Tourism and Hotel Studies (ESHTE - Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril), a non-profit public higher-education institution.
Tourist Guide & Tour Leader Certificate of Competence, acquired through 2 different qualifying examinations, in order to be able to exercise this profession.
I own and manage a tour company licensed by the Turismo de Portugal IP, Portugal's National Tourism Authority.
Tour guiding has been my full time job since 2003.

Highlights of Sintra & Lisbon, the perfect combination - Full Day Tour

Charming Sintra and unforgettable Lisbon! Are you visiting Lisbon for the first time? What about adding a stop in Sintra too? Short stop to discover the historic centre of Sintra, a fascinating small town at the foot of the mountain, endowed with luxuriant vegetation and part of a Natural Park and surrounded by fairytale castles and palaces. This special nook with unique characteristics led UNESCO to classify it as a World heritage site. Stop for a gastronomical experience, a perfect way to get into the Portuguese soul. Enjoy the wonderful views from natural viewpoints and get to know the main districts: Baixa, Alfama and Belém. After visiting the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, the jewel of Manueline Art, travel back in time until the XVI century and delight yourself by looking at the Belém Tower, which lays on River Tagus' light blue waters. Are you ready to fall in love with Portugal?

One of the things I love about Lisbon is that all year round there is beautiful sunlight. Less than 600mm of rain and at least 2800 hours of sunshine per year. I love Lisbon with a blue sky, but trust me that even its rare dramatic grey vaulted ceiling suits it perfectly too, as it somehow matches our sometimes fatalistic souls. Many of us here are driven by Fado, a melody engraved deep in our hearts like a living poem.

The Portuguese capital has many different neighbourhoods: each with its unique ambience and history. There are some that cannot be missed as you’ll be amazed with the amount of things you can learn from experiencing them. Being a hilly city, Lisbon allows you to contemplate dreamy panoramas from different viewpoints, some still unbelievably quiet and inspiring. Whether you choose to go uphill, downhill, stay in the flat area or mix it up, Lisbon keeps offering you a bit of everything, from ancient to modern times.

TOP 10 THINGS THAT YOU CAN’T MISS IN LISBON

1. Start by getting to know the heart of Lisbon, that might probably be the area around where you’re staying: the Downtown (Baixa), with its extremely spacious and well organised urban planning and architecture, result of the rebuilding works after the 1755 earthquake and much influenced by the Age of Enlightenment.

2. Then take a gentle walk along the Tagus River.

3. ...or simply sit by the water and admire the triumphal arch in Commerce Square.

4. Another top place is undoubtedly the lovely Carmo Square with its jacaranda trees that bloom purple in May and June. Originally from South America, these trees arrived in Lisbon in the mid 17th-century and are a colourful sight in the spring.

5. While at the square, don’t miss visiting the partially-ruined 14th century Carmelite Convent, a former religious building which presently houses an Archeological Museum. Enter and delight your eyes with the old stones framing Lisbon’s blue sky.

6. Then it’s time to discover what’s underneath your feet in Príncipe Real garden, but only after you take a deep breath and immerse your spirit in the outstanding tropical flora it contains.

7. The tunnels and galleries of the Water Museum (Reservatório da Patriarcal) are part of a unique experience through which you can discover the historical, technological and scientific heritage of the role played by water in the city, strictly related to the 18th century aqueduct.

8. Definitely make sure you enter São Jorge’s Castle, up the highest hill of Lisbon, an area where the remains that have been found date as far back as the 6th century BC. The castle itself was founded in the 10th and 11th centuries and besides being one of the over 200 existing castles in Portugal, is a place where you can learn about the impressive Middle Ages period, the fortress’ specific functions and the main events that took place there.

9. The neighbourhood of Graça is by far my top choice for 2021, and beyond! Located up a hill about a 20 minute walk from Baixa or a ride on tram #28, it arose around a 13th century Convent and kept a kind of rural appearance until the 19th century when there was a sudden arrival of a vast migration of people from the countryside to the city. That’s when the spectacular “Villas” were born. In their genesis, areas of popular and working-class housing and although their use might now be different, the local charm remains untouched from the days of yore. And the views here…? Breathtaking!

10. Finish the day with a live fado experience. I’ll be happy to recommend to you some of the best places to listen to this melancholy, expressive music.

I hope you’re ripe for the experience: most likely Lisbon will capture your heart and there won’t be a one time only, as you’ll get hooked by its vibe! I love leading walking tours and I definitely think they’re one of the best ways to get into Lisbon’s spirit: walk, walk and walk a bit more. Itineraries can be built from scratch, depending on your interest, mobility and how long you want the tour to last. Everything is possible and doable and we can make it work and explore the city together as a team.

https://www.toursbylocals.com/blog/10-best-things-to-do-in-lisbon

Queluz Palace, Sintra 🇵🇹
Personally, I enjoy a lot staying away from crowds and Queluz Palace is one of my favourite places.A sumptuous 18 century royal palace where you can enjoy the incredible tasty blend of Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassicism.The gardens were inspired in the Chateau de Marly (NW of Versailles), Louis XIV’s second great work as he "would sometimes like to have simplicity and solitude.” 😉This was where our royal family went to live after the big earthquake of 1755 in Lisbon.
➡️ You can easily learn so much about the Portuguese history if you visit this masterpiece! 🍀🕰️ 20 min from Lisbon

#7 PORTUGAL  

The most desirable country (short haul)

#1 LISBON

The most desirable city (short haul)

#5 Me
Best Specialist Guide


After 18 years of doing what I love the most, I feel extremely grateful but I'm still speechless... Me? Really? I only received this unbelievable news after the results came out!  I could have asked everyone to vote My beloved Lisbon is the Most Desirable City (Short Haul) and I'm forever thankful for knowing the passion I have for what I do is now recognised worldwide. Wow!!! This is still not real.I thank you all: my sweet travellers, my passionate colleagues, my dear friends and my beautiful family. You mean the world to me. Obrigada!

https://www.wanderlust.co.uk/content/wanderlust-travel-awards-winners-results-2021/

  

03Feb

Keep travelling! Keep dreaming!

The amazing light of Lisbon at 8AM on a cold January day Yes, it's still possible to travel and discover the world safely I walk, you sit and enjoy! 

Join a group of friends or family and experience one of my tours!

Take a peek at my website and find out more!@www.fall4lisbonwithmarta.pt

13Oct

It's the best time to visit Portugal. Even if we're in the midst of this pandemic, it's possible to travel safely and enjoy this charming country.

You can´t stop thinking about travelling again, right?
Fingers crossed!
I still believe that next year will bring us a lot of happiness.
Here in Portugal, basically, everything is back to normality. The only difference is that most of us use facemasks and we sanitise ourselves around 500 times a day :) it's the new normal ;)
Almost everything has reopened: kindergardens, schools, universities, restaurants, monuments, theatres, cinemas, parks...

I gave 3 tours on June 30th, July 1st and July 2nd and it went great and my travellers were completely astonished with the beauty of Lisbon almost empty :) they said now they don't wanna come back when the crowds come. They were great. So fun. Brought me back to life those 3 days of work. I need my job back. 

Now, a few lines to help you understand what's going on here right now.
This is where you can find all the updated info about covid in Portugal: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/portugal/

Numbers for today in total: we have a bit over 89000 cases and approximately 2100 deaths. 

The website of the US Embassy in Portugal is very detailed and clear. 
I'm sharing the link because it's really very usefull:
https://pt.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

By the begining of May everything started reopening little by little, step by step and every 2 weeks the government would evaluate and open a bit more or restrain if needed... It must be extremely difficult to manage a country with all this happening... 
We're testing and testing ans testing and controlling a lot and most of the Portuguese population seems to understand that it's needed to follow rules and obey.

It's true that this pandemic is keeping us away from travelling but I've decided not to stop so I've created some virtual tours, live streamed from the streets of Lisbon. I'm loving it! ❤️

Another brief note:
Even if it's an average or large group, like friends, relatives, associations or people who are having digital conferences, for instance 😉

It's a nice way to share an experience together 😍  

I can have many users connected at the same time without any problem. Only suggestion with those is to request all users to disable their cameras to improve connectivity and quality and use the chat box to ask questions to be answered at the end of the tour.

Each tour has a duration of 1h and I have 1 for Lisbon and 1 for Sintra. Any preferences?

If needed, please contact me and I'll be more than happy to clarify all details on a phone call :)

Honestly I doubted ahahah but it has been so great! 🥰

Stay safe and enjoy life!