Hello. I'm Mónica, your local expert for Portugal
Hello. I'm Mónica, your local expert for Portugal
I love designing unique trips throughout my native country Portugal. As a former travel guide, I have explored the country from North to South, East to West and it's always exciting to show travelers our hidden gems.
Mónica’s favourite trips
7 days / 3260 USD
Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia
Neighbour countries - Portugal and Spain, different and similar at the same time, will surprise you with hospitality and loveliness. This itinerary includes the route of the Northwest part of Iberian Peninsula and offers you to meet beautiful Porto and stunning Vigo in Galicia/Spain.
locations
7 days
Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia
7 days
The Real Algarvian Experience
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9 days
The Wines of Portugal
7 days
Porto's Hidden Gems
6 days
Essential Portugal: Lisbon to Porto
9 days
Cultural Portugal
6 days
Azores Adventure
12 days
Portugal – Cuisine and Culture from Porto to Lisbon
14 days
Highlights of Portugal - Cities & Beaches
9 days
Coastal Portugal
7 days
Discovering Portugal's Douro Valley
9 days
Discovering Portugal
11 days
Timeless Portugal - Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve
15 days
Vibrant Portugal
Why travellers love Mónica
Kathie
27/11/2025“We have not picked a trip yet but the plans have all been great. Will be out of the country for 2 weeks and will pick it up again. Thanks kathie”
Rosemarie, AU 
“Rough Guides listened and understood what I wanted out of a holiday. From Sara, who started the process, to Monica Mendes from Be in Travel Portugal who perfected the trip details, everything went brilliantly. The private walking guides were excellent with particular reference to Maria Joao Matos in Evora. In hindsight, doing a self drive road tour, I should have elected to spend more than two nights in some of the smaller towns like Evora and Tomar. Distances are not great when accessing the good freeway system. Driving only becomes a problem if staying in the smaller places in the old parts of the town where to get a parking spot near accommodation is almost impossible and the streets are so narrow that on occasions had to turn in the side mirrors. Another difficult with self drive is the drop off at Lisbon airport - a nightmare. Our holiday in Portugal with the guidance of Rough Guides and Be in Portugal was wonderful. All the hardwork of planning a trip with accommodation, driver pickups from airports, guides and 24hour help line if needed taken care of made for a top class holiday”
Ronna
25/09/2025“She kept in touch in a timely manner & was responsive in answering questions.”
Larry and Denise
04/09/2024“Our trip through rough guides, coordinated by Monica, was wonderful. Monica was an absolute pleasure to work with, she organized our trip so that we had no concerns. We have recommended Rough Guides to numerous people at home and during our trip.”
Who is your local expert?
Who is Your Portugal Travel Expert?
Think of your Portugal Travel Expert as a friend who actually lives and works in the country you want to explore.
They know the destination inside out – from seasonal weather patterns and lesser-known regions to the best local restaurants and boutique hotels. They’ll help you plan and book a trip that’s 100% tailored to your interests, with no cookie-cutter templates.
Our local experts work with handpicked accommodations, trusted drivers, and top-rated activity providers. So you get a smooth, authentic experience – while supporting local businesses along the way.
