Field Report
My Archaeological Adventure
Magna Roman Fort · Hadrian's Wall · April 2026
Not a scripted walk-through. Not a crowded coach. A meaningful, personal experience of the city — led by an expat insider who brings Lisbon to life through history, hidden detail, and genuine depth.
“As a Portuguese, I’m almost embarrassed to admit how little I knew about Roman Olisipo — and yet Karen revealed layers of history hidden in plain sight. I now see Lisbon with completely different eyes.”
Sofia M. — Lisbon, Portugal · Roman Olisipo ExperienceDIGGING COMPLETE!
I've just returned from my adventure in the trenches and am back in Lisbon. Tours resume on 18 May. I am answering all enquiries and WhatsApp messages within 2 hours. Secure your late May and summer dates now — availability is filling up fast!
I spent an incredible few weeks digging at Magna Roman Fort along Hadrian's Wall. I saw friends that I had made when we met on my 1st dig at Magna's sister fort, Vindolanda, 7 years ago, and made new ones — we dug in the mud, got rained on, discovered remains of bones, an oven, a bone hairpin, fragments of Roman armour, 2 coins, uncovered a Roman trowel using a modern trowel, a door hinge, a pin head from an item used to secure clothing, black Burnish ware, high-status Samian ware... and the list goes on. In my spare time, I visited the museums at Vindolanda and Magna, Arbeia Roman Fort and Jarrow Hall in Newcastle and a wonderful museum display at the Great North Museum: Hancock where I saw Roman coins, Viking Age silver, Tudor coins and Egyptian treasures. My cup is full!
Magna Roman Fort · Hadrian's Wall · April 2026
As a Portuguese, I’m almost embarrassed to admit how little I knew about Roman Olisipo — and yet Karen revealed layers of history hidden in plain sight. From ancient ruins preserved in the most unexpected places 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 would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone who wants to experience the city beyond the obvious.
I have been obsessed with Roman history for decades, so the fact that I moved from South Africa to a city where there are literally ruins under your feet left me excited beyond speech! The number of sites in and around Lisbon are too many to mention, but suffice to say, I’ve seen my fair share of them. From Roman country villas near Ericeira and Cascais, to garum fish salting tanks near beaches in Almada, Arrábida and Tróia, to stopping to walk over a Roman bridge after grocery shopping, I am in awe!
I am not an archaeologist (unfortunately!), a historian, nor am I an academic. I am just someone who is PASSIONATE about history and being able to share that with people who are interested in finding out a bit more about a different side to Lisbon, and connecting with me and my story whilst bringing those stories to life.
My happy place!
Lisbon wasn't built in a day — it was built on top of a Roman powerhouse. While the crowds queue for the same three monuments, we take you to the bones of the city. Discover what lies beneath the cobblestones, and leave with a genuine understanding of why Lisbon matters.
🏛️ Roman Olisipo Deep Dive
Uncover the ancient ruins beneath the city. A 3-hour immersive experience including the Roman Theatre, hidden foundations, and the stories no guidebook tells.
€85 per person
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All tours are fully private, conducted in English, and tailored to your pace and interests. I navigate Lisbon as the locals do — via its iconic yellow trams, hidden funiculars, eco-friendly electric buses, the Metro and ferries — avoiding the sterile bubble of a tourist van to immerse you in the true pulse of the city.
Uncover the ancient ruins beneath the city. A 3-hour immersive experience including the Roman Theatre, hidden foundations, and the stories no guidebook tells. Walk in the footsteps of Olisipo's Roman inhabitants and leave with a genuine understanding of why Lisbon matters. You will leave with the smug knowledge that you know more than the average tourist!
A curated introduction to Lisbon's neighbourhoods, viewpoints, and character — perfect for your first morning in the city. Get your bearings, understand the layout, and leave with a confident sense of where to go and what to see during the rest of your stay.
Karen gave me a far better introduction to Lisbon than I could have hoped for. It felt like exploring the city 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.
Karen has such a deep love for history and travel, and it truly comes through in every tour she does. She does not just show the typical tourist spots. She takes you to hidden gems and shares the most interesting stories that really bring Lisbon to life.
If you want a meaningful, personal experience of the city, she is absolutely the one to book with. Passionate, knowledgeable and thoughtful throughout.
Fully customised around your interests, pace, and priorities. Whether you want to explore Belém, dive deep into Moorish Alfama, or venture beyond the city limits, this is your day — designed entirely around you. Up to 4 people, 6 hours, one flat rate.
I’d already read a lot about Óbidos before visiting, but spending the day there with Karen showed me how much more there was to discover. She shared interesting facts I had not come across, pointed out small details I would have missed, and kept the day relaxed and enjoyable.
She’s patient, energetic and knowledgeable, and I would highly recommend exploring with Beyond the Script if you want a more personal, authentic experience.
Karen planned the whole journey smoothly, and nothing felt rushed or poorly thought through. We had lunch booked for a set time and arrived without anyone feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
My dad is 65 and slightly disabled, and she was thoughtful and patient throughout the day. Because she managed the route and timing so well, we could relax and just enjoy ourselves.
Had the absolute pleasure of exploring beautiful Sintra with Karen. It was a totally customised experience, with no pressure to include things that did not interest us.
We were able to take everything in at our own pace, with no chasing schedules, and it made for a very entertaining excursion that I would definitely recommend.
Lisbon Beyond the Script specialises in adult-oriented historical and cultural deep dives. To ensure the depth and quality of the narrative, I recommend a minimum age of 16 for all participants. Please note that the tour prices do not include entry tickets to any of the venues.
Select from our curated experiences or enquire about a bespoke itinerary.
I confirm availability and ask a few questions to personalise your experience.
I meet you at a central, easy-to-find location. No rushing, no crowds.
Enjoy a genuinely private, expert-led experience at your own pace.
Late May and summer availability is going fast. All tours are fully private — one group, one guide, no strangers. WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach me. I respond within 2 hours.
Our tours are designed for groups of 1–4 guests.
Yes. I design routes to avoid unnecessary steep inclines and can adapt the itinerary to suit your group's needs. Please mention this when booking.
All tours are conducted in fluent, native-level English.
Please ensure that bookings are cancelled at least 48 hours in advance. Consult your booking confirmation for full details.
Absolutely. All tours can be tailored to your interests. Simply let me know when you enquire and I'll build the experience around you.
I collaborate with carefully selected Lisbon partners to help you create a day that goes far beyond the ordinary.
Imagine finishing your private Lisbon tour at one of the city's most iconic landmarks — then stepping into a breathtaking flying dress for a glamorous, professional photo shoot against the very backdrop you've just discovered. Combine the depth of a Beyond the Script experience with the magic of a Flying Dress Portugal shoot, and you'll leave Lisbon with not just memories, but images that will take your breath away.
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