HIGHLY recommend Rui!! We hired him to take us to Porto from Lisbon for an overnight stay and again for our transportation to the Algarve (with sightseeing along the way). For starters, Rui communicated with me ahead of the trip to map out an itinerary my family would enjoy. He asked questions and made suggestions and we couldn't be happier with the final plan. The small villages and sights on the way to Porto were amazing and he knew exactly how to avoid the crowds at the more popular destinations. He mapped out a unique plan for our long drive to the Algarve and was great about making sure we were comfortable, stopping when needed for breaks and snacks. Rui was very professional and flexible with our schedule. He arrived on time with a well maintained and clean car. He even thoughtfully placed water bottles in every cup holder in the car! Not only was he professional but he was extremely knowledgeable, giving us history and cultural lessons about our destinations and answering our barrage of questions as we went along. Overall Rui was the perfect tour guide, do not hesitate to hire him for your transportation or touring needs! read more

Rui is the best!!! We were impressed by his knowledge about history and architecture. We got to learn a fun fact: how to identify tiles made before and after the year 1755. We even learned the origin of the Japanese word "Thank you." However, a tourist can't appreciate the culture fully without tasting the local delicacy. Beside treating us Sintra cheesecakes, he recommended a local restaurant that offered authentic Portuguese cuisine, not the genetic food for tourists. After the tour, Rui sent us the links for extended reading. (He's probably the only tour guide who will do this. :)) What he has shown us is beyond our expectations. We feel this trip is the perfect back-door tour for travelers who really want to immerse themselves in and learn from this country. All thanks to Rui! read more

Rui took our group of four around Lisbon and Sintra this year. He was charming and delightful and so very knowledgeable about the country, the customs, the government, and the history of Portugal. His car is comfortable. He's conscious of the comfort of his passengers stopping for coffee or bathroom breaks as needed. When we had a slight detour due to a flood it became an adventure instead of a problem. Then he doubled up and got us into a monastery and museum that had already closed. He really goes over and above the call of duty and I would recommend him highly. Also, he knows all the best places to eat that locals would choose. He's 5 Stars for sure. read more

We had the pleasure of spending a day with Rui in early April as we transitioned from Lisbon to Porto. We relied upon Rui to suggest stops along the way, and he knew the perfect places--Castelo de Óbidos, Alcobaça monastery, then Nazare for lunch (a terrific little restaurant) and to visit Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo (driving right down to the museum/lighthouse? Are you kidding me? Rui knows everyone!). Rui is extremely personable, and spending time with him was one of the highlights of our trip to Portugal. An enjoyable door-to-door transit from Lisbon to Porto vs. a flight or train trip is the way to go! read more

Rui was a wonderful guide! He was very kind, funny, and passionate about the information he provided. He was extremely knowledgeable not only about Lisbon, but about the history of the country, the culture, and how everything is impacted now. His passion was palpable, and we left our tour with a new interest in learning more about Portugal, fado, cork, and so many other things that he taught us! Highly recommended as a tour guide for families with teenagers or those who love to learn. He is also an excellent driver, which was invaluable on the streets of Lisbon! read more

Rui is the most thoughtful and kind tour guide I have ever toured with. He not only knew tons about the city but the best ways to get there and the best snacks nearby. We booked a tour with him for one day and used his tips for the rest of our time in Lisbon and the surrounding area. He is also very knowledgeable about Sintra and after navigating Sintra without him we will never go back without him. Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for restaurant recommendations form him, he knows the best spots. Overall the best tour guide I have ever toured with. read more

The best tour guide in Portugal! We took several guided tour while visiting Portugal. We got full view from Lisbon and the surrounding area. The tours were very well organised, full of info about history, architecture ,present day situation. Recommended the best restaurants and cafes! Showed us non typical tourest sites as well! If you ever go to Portugal, Lisbon, I highly recommend Riu as a the best tour guide! Riu nunca hace basura! Sus giras son siempre de alta calidad! A group of 3 ladies aged 50+ from Estonia! Boa sorte para o futuro! read more

Rui is an amazing tour guide, don't miss out! We really enjoyed our day in Sintra touring the gorgeous Portuguese castles. He is extremely knowledgeable and has great insights about the properties and history. He really made the day magical, what a special memory he helped us create. I recommend him to anyone I hear is visiting. We plan to return and have him help us explore North Portugal hopefully. Thanks Rui for a memorable experience, hope to do it again some day. read more

Rui did a day tour for our family and it was a fantastic experience. He picked us up at the cruise terminal (was waiting for us when we arrived) and took us around Lisbon while providing us with a history of the city. Rui was super accommodating and tailored our tour to our interests. I highly recommend Rui - he is professional, knowledgeable and a kind person. Rui is our go-to when we are in Lisbon. read more

In September of 2022, Rui was our tour guide for an all day tour of Lisbon. He was so friendly and full of stories of the history of Lisbon and Portugal. He took us places we would have never gone on our own! He knows so much about everything....even the trees of Portugal. We had another whole day planned for going to Sintra but we came down with COVID. Oh well.. another time! We loved Rui! read more

I have entirely fond memories of my tour with Rui Lanca last Fall. I have described it to my traveling friends as one of the best tours I've ever experienced. Rui's knowledge of and pride in his country was impressive, as well as his expertise and thoughtfulness as tour guide. Highly recommended! read more

Rui is a wonderful guide to Lisbon and surrounding areas with lots of historical knowledge. He's attentive and always punctual, a great driver, took us to an amazing restaurant in Evora and gave us recommendations for Lisbon. Very friendly and accommodating. Rui will care for you like family! read more

Rui was a fantastic tour guide and base of knowledge. His relationships with various "locals" allowed our tour to be stress free and we definitely benefited from this relative to more standard tours. Very enthusiastically recommend him! read more

Rui was wonderful! Our 8 yr old was with us and Rui helped make the tour fascinating for him. We loved the sites and information we got, but more importantly felt welcomed and introduced to Portugal like family. Highly recommend!! read more

Our family did a private tour with Rui in Lisbon. Rui is not just a tour guide, h knows the history of all the places he took us to. He's professional and courteous. We would definitely boo tours with him again in the future. read more

Don't go to Sintra without a local guide! Rui is great and made sure my friend and I got the most out of our time there. He expertly accommodating our interest, physical needs, and made sure we saw the best of the area.​ read more

Used Rui for two half day tours in the middle of October. Friendly, punctual, extremely knowledgeable and a good driver too. Lisbon and Sintra are busy places and we felt safe and well looked after. Easy to recommend ! read more

Rui is the best tour guide, knowledgeable about local history. Friendly, affable, if you what to Discover good places to eat ir even to drink, thats our guy! If you like football, ask him about Sport Lisboa e Benfica ;) read more

He is the best guide we had on our trip! He's knowledgeable, intelligent and a lot of fun. He was also very considerate of my husband who recently had back surgery. Rui is wonderful and I highly recommend him! read more