Guide in Evora/Alentejo Area…read more If you are fortunate, as we were, to book with Prof. Libanio Murteira Reis, you will enjoy an authentic and depthful view into Evora and the Alentejo. Notwithstanding that his family extends back generations in Evora, what decidedly sets Prof. Reis apart is his expertise as a scholar and professor of history in the university there for thirty years and his work in sustainable tourism. We first saw him recommended in Rick Steves' guidebook and later found he has been consulted and interviewed by Fodor's, the BBC, National Geographic, Michelin, and numerous other programs and publications. One would be hard pressed to find a more engaging and knowledgeable guide with a contagious passion for his home. Our trip was made memorable by the very personalized approach that seems his ardent philosophy. In one instance, knowing that one of us had China roots, he arranged on the spur of the moment with a staff member at the Ducal Palace of Vila Vicosa for us to view a special collection of blue Chinese porcelain not usually on display to the public. Having visited Lisbon, and central and north Portugal, if I had it to do over again, I'd devote more time to the Alentejo, with its high concentration of amazing sites and experiences in a relatively small area. There's a lifetime of exploring there, but soak it in for at least a few days, if you can. I'm not a fan of typical tours, but in the case of Evora--so dense in history, symbolism, and multiple cultures-- we would have missed so much without a guide. It was well worth the reasonable expense.