Lisbon, Beyond the Script

A magical day in Óbidos

I'd already read a lot about Óbidos before visiting, but spending the day there with Beyond the Script's guide, Karen, showed me how much more there was to discover. She shared interesting facts I hadn't come across, pointed out small details I would've missed, and kept the day relaxed and enjoyable. She's patient, energetic and knowledgeable, and clearly loves what she does. I'd highly recommend exploring with Beyond the Script if you want a more personal, authentic experience.

When my parents visited us in December, we spent the day with our tour guide on a trip to Cascais from Coina Train Station.

Karen planned the whole journey using different types of public transport (except the Metro), and everything went smoothly. Nothing felt rushed or poorly planned. We had lunch booked for a set time and arrived on time, without anyone feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

The route was beautiful, and her knowledge of the area was very good. She showed us great spots for pastéis de nata and small hidden places with lovely views that we would not have found on our own.

My dad is 65 and slightly disabled, and she was thoughtful and patient throughout the day.

Because she managed the route and the time schedules, we could relax and just enjoy ourselves.

It was a special day and we made great memories. I would happily recommend her.

I can highly recommend Karen for tours in Lisbon She has such a deep love for history and travel, and it truly comes through in every tour she does. She doesn't just show you the typical tourist spots, she takes you to the hidden gems and shares the most interesting stories that really bring Lisbon to life.

If you want a meaningful, personal experience of the city (not just a basic walk-through), she is absolutely the one to book with. Passionate, knowledgeable and so thoughtful!

My Mom and I spent a fantastic morning with her!

"Karen showed me a Lisbon I didn't even know existed. As a Portuguese, I'm almost embarrassed to admit how little I knew about Roman Olisipo — and yet she revealed layers of history hidden in plain sight. From ancient ruins preserved in the most unexpected places — like the entrance floor of a bank or inside a wine shop open to the public — to the fascinating stories behind them, it was a day of true cultural discovery. Karen's knowledge is impressive, but what truly sets her apart is her contagious enthusiasm and wonderful sense of humour. She makes history come alive. I now see Lisbon with completely different eyes — and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone who wants to experience the city beyond the obvious."

'5 star plus plus rating!!! Had the absolute pleasure of exploring beautiful Sintra with Karen. It was a totally customised experience - no judgement skipping the things that did not interest us. She was like a Mary Poppins bag of super cool facts and we got to devour the sights at our own pace - no chasing schedules, just absorbing the majesty of the scenery. It was a very entertaining excursion, one I would definitely recommend 🙂'

Karen was the absolute highlight of my first trip to Lisbon, and I honestly couldn't have asked for a better introduction to this beautiful city.

Coming all the way from South Africa, I wasn't sure what to expect, but Karen made me feel like I was exploring the streets with an old friend who just happened to know every secret corner and story.

She has this wonderful, easy-going energy that made the whole day feel relaxed and genuine, rather than a stiff, scripted tour. She tailored the day to exactly what I enjoyed.

If you're heading to Lisbon, do yourself a favour and spend a day with Karen—she's the real deal and made the holiday truly special. It's so refreshing to have an expat expert that understands what you want!