About Us

Our team

Eduardo Melo Cláudio, Managing Partner

Eduardo likes to think of himself as a person of multiple interests. Has built a solid career in Portugal’s number one Telecommunications and Internet service provider where he took over management jobs in the areas of Product Development and Management, Customer Service and IT Management. During the time he worked as Product Manager he launched Mimo, the first worldwide pre-paid mobile phone, which is mentioned to this day as one of the greatest Portuguese innovations of all times. This drive towards innovation led him to join professional and personal interests – to travel and to enjoy life to the fullest- and Portugal Trails was born. This is a project that he grabbed with deep conviction and with the belief that Portugal Trails innovative approach allows travelling in an independent and yet safe way and enhanced by local travel consultants.
Pedro Duque, Director of IT

A hardworking computer worker and a large family father, in which everyone loves to travel. Considering all the diversity that our country offers, they have focused their travels and family vacations in Portugal, with some incursions to Spain – land of his paternal grandmother. Invited by Eduardo Cláudio to embrace Portugal Trails and Spain Trails projects, he accepted it with the enthusiasm that innovative and challenging projects offer. Certain that the knowledge of our Travel Consultants allows Portugal Trails to have the most extensive and deep knowledge of the country, he take’s advantage of this knowledge to offer his family even more enjoyable and relaxing trips.
Sofia Dias, Director of Product Management

Sofia began traveling at a very young age and always loved to discover new worlds, cultures and lifestyles. She graduated in Tourism Management in Portugal and furthered her studies at University College Birmingham in the UK. While spending so long away from her homeland she realised how much she missed the little wonder that is Portugal! There are so many secrets to unveil: the breeze of our beaches, the sounds of our cities, the traditions and unique cultural heritage, the melody of our language, the flavours of our cuisine, the warmth and friendliness of our people… Back in Portugal, Sofia carries on her quest for the hidden treasures of this amazing country, and set off to discover the charms of Spain as well. She will be happy to share these with all travellers who wish to venture with us!
Vanessa Pinto, Sales Director

A Portuguese in love both with Portugal and Spain, since her mother’s side of the family comes originally from Seville. Studied Tourism at University and got a degree as an Interpreter Guide precisely because she knew that her true passion was to travel and to be in contact with many different cultures. And that’s exactly what she did for three years, having now returned to tell you all about it. Indeed to tell you about the secrets and hidden gems that are only familiar to a native. Vanessa also travelled through America, Europe and Africa yet it is in this little corner of Europe that she really feels happy and from where she believes, can turn Portugal Trails customer’s tours, into truly unique experiences. She currently lives in a coastal town on the outskirts of Lisbon.
Alejandro Ramirez, Travel Consultant

Alejandro is Spanish, but he came to Portugal when he was 7 years old and he didn’t leave yet! He choose to stay in Lisbon to study college instead of going back to Madrid. He took Hospitality Management as a career due to his ability to create empathy with people and his fluency in Spanish, Portuguese and English languages. He believes that in order to a traveler to fully enjoy travelling, he must feel at home and be understood, so good communication is mandatory. After two years at a front office in a hotel in Lisbon he moved to Portugal Trails and Spain Trails to expand his options. “Why promote only one city, when you can show the whole country?” he asks. Even better! His two favorite countries! Portugal and Spain have hidden gems, secrets, amazing culture and gastronomy waiting to be discovered, and Alejandro will be one of the best assistants to discover it all!
Catarina Pires, Travel Consultant

Catarina was always very passionate about Portugal and Spain! Living in Cascais all her life, it was during her stay in London, while she studied an MA in International Liaison and Communication, that she found the will of promoting both countries and their great potential. Working at Portugal Trails & Spain Trails gives her that opportunity! Being able to design unique trips with unforgettable moments for each client, along with the change to promote all the great things Portugal has to offer, it’s what motivates her every day!
Claudia Chatzifotiou, Travel Consultant

Claudia was born in Lisbon in 1986 to a Greek father and a Portuguese mother. This multicultural environment spurred her to explore the World from an early age and at 16 she started working to be able to afford her first trips. The seed for travelling and constantly meeting new people was planted and she decided to pursue her studies in Science of Communication and Culture. After this she has worked for the Walt Disney Company, as a language teacher, a tourist guide, and a project manager for a big tourism company. The eureka moment finally came when she realized that all of these experiences could be best used in helping others organizing their holidays in Portugal/Spain and making the best out of them. If you have something in mind, Claudia will make it happen. If you don’t, she will also make it happen!
Cristina Chagas, Travel Consultant

Cristina, since childhood, won the taste for traveling and seeing the world. The only Continent missing now is Oceania, but it won’t be for long! Totally in love with meeting new realities and cultures, she saw in Tourism an excellent opportunity to share her taste for traveling with others. Has a Degree in Business Communication and also has a Master’s Degree in Advertising. Although Tourism is not her area of expertise, she won her passion through all her experiences as a traveler. Currently lives in a town by the sea on the outskirts of Lisbon, having previously lived in Barcelona (Spain). Her greatest wish is to share all her knowledge and to make every trip, to Portugal and Spain, unforgettable! For her there is no greater satisfaction than seeing that the trip she designed exceeded the expectations of the visitors! Feels fully accomplished now that she found her true calling as a Travel Consultant at Portugal Trails & Spain Trails!
Cristina Koslovsky, Travel Consultant

Cristina was born in Brazil but her family is traditionally Russian! She grew up speaking both Portuguese and Russian languages and her passion has always been traveling. At age 19 she started to work as a Flight Attendant in São Paulo and during the following years had the opportunity to know the 5 continents. She lived for 6 months in the United States, later graduated in Hospitality Management and worked in Travel Agencies also in São Paulo. She has been in Portugal for only two and a half years but is already sure that she is living in the right place, because she is enchanted by the beauty, culture and gastronomy of this so complete country! Being a Travel Consultant in Portugal Trails and SpainTrails is more than a job, it is a great pleasure to see people doing their dreamed trips and it is always a satisfaction for Cristina this mission!
Diana Ramos, Travel Consultant

Diana discovered her passion for travelling when she was a young child and it has not stopped growing. Her curiosity has led her to visit a lot of places in Iberian Peninsula, but she desires to visit and learn much more about her homeland and Spain. She loves Portugal and Portuguese food, and is really proud of the fact that her homeland has so much variety to offer. Every year she takes half of her vacation to discover more about Portugal and Spain, and the other half to explore other parts of the world. Diana graduated in Tourism Management in Portugal and also earned a certificate in Guest Service and International Tourism from the University of Central Florida, in the USA. Her enthusiasm for the Tourism Industry was reinforced by travelling in other countries, learning about different cultures, and even more by living and working in the USA where she shared her experiences with people of many countries and with different perspectives. Working as a Travel Consultant gives her the opportunity to put together all of her passions, and she truly loves it!
Duarte Almeida, Controller

Born in the spring of 1986, Duarte started traveling early. As a child he traveled a lot with his parents and sister having known Portugal from north to south. Years later, while studying economics and management, he took advantage of some free time to do summer internships in order to gain financial independence in order to travel, having opened his horizons to Spain, France, England, Switzerland and Italy. Working since 2010, with combined experience in finance, human resources and information technology, he already had the opportunity to travel to work, having known more places of this fabulous planet, passing through Africa and the Middle East. Despite having had these opportunities to travel, he does not forget the feeling of how well it feels to return to Portugal, because despite the enthusiasm of traveling it always feels very pleasant to come back home. Due to his passion for his own country, Duarte has great pleasure and enthusiasm in working as a Controller in Portugal Trails & Spain Trails, as he helps to provide its clients the opportunity to share moments and experiences with Portuguese and Spanish cultures, being Portugal Trails & Spain Trails an excellent partner for this unique experience that is to know Portugal and Spain in a totally independent way but always with a totally personalized guidance, that meets the needs of the clients and at the same time it makes the trips much more personal and comfortable. As he had the opportunity to discover these two fantastic countries, he is also pleased to be able to provide our customers with the same experiences of unique moments that will certainly leave strong, positive, pleasant and unforgettable memories to our clients. In conclusion, when we travel we hope to find the feeling of “Home away from Home” and this feeling is widely experienced when traveling with Portugal Trails & Spain Trails.
Filipa Rodrigues, Travel Consultant

Filipa always wanted to work in Tourism. Her passion for other languages and enthusiasm for exploring her own country and others is what drives her! She studied foreign languages, and specialized in Tourist Information. It is her goal to discover more of Portugal and Spain and to use her knowledge to put together wonderful experiences for her clients. Filipa has travelled through Europe and Africa, and looks forward to other adventures to discover other continents. She lives in a seaside town near Lisbon, and couldn’t feel happier about being a Travel Consultant at Portugal Trails & Spain Trails!
Gonçalo Calheiros, Travel Consultant

Gonçalo is an admirer of the Portuguese natural and cultural heritage, both involved in the richness of its impressive history. He always was, especially when travelling to the north of Portugal with his parents to spend holidays in the beautiful Minho region, near Spain. On the way, Gonçalo was used to stop in some interesting and quaint cities and villages, places with natural beauty, history and culture. But what makes it even more special is the way other people is enhanced to share this passion and these experiences. Communication is the key. With a graduation in Tourism Information and a postgraduate in events management, Gonçalo has worked as a tour guide, being able to communicate with different people, with different personalities and interests. Now, working as Travel Consultant, Gonçalo can share his passion for Portugal and its amazing capacity to receive people from all over the world.
Isabel Azevedo, Travel Consultant

Isabel was born in 1992, in Oporto and always lived there until she moved to Carcavelos in September of 2016. She took a degree in Occupational Therapy, but she always worked in Tourism for personal preference. With parents in aviation area she travels alone since she was 3 years old knowing 3 different continents and many countries. So travelling more than a hobby is one life motto. She is an expert in the North region of Portugal, especially in O´Porto city and surroundings that she still considers her city and where her heart is.
Joana Cambeiro, Travel Consultant

Joana’s passion for travelling started early in her life. The trip she did to São Tomé e Príncipe, a former Portuguese colony in Africa, where she volunteered to rebuild a school, was definitely a life changing experience. Through several other volunteering projects she met people from all over the world, who fueled her love for travelling and getting to know and understand different cultures. This turned her into a fascinating and outgoing person who loves to meet new people. When she started an apartment rental service in Lisbon, Joana soon realized that sharing her knowledge of Portugal was like a natural gift; so working at Portugal Trails & Spain Trails is like a dream come true for her. When Joana is not travelling around Portugal or Spain – another country she loves – you can find her either hiking or cycling in Sintra’s Natural Park, just outside her hometown. An absolute foodie, Joana loves a good traditional Portuguese or Spanish meal, together with some of the fantastic wines produced in the Iberian Peninsula.
Joana Machado, Travel Consultant

Joana was born in Porto, the Invincible city. She is very proud of her roots, truly passionate about Portugal and Spain and absolutely loves travelling! Throughout her upbringing she discovered the many wonders that lie in the Iberian Peninsula. Because of that, Joana believes that these countries have great value in terms of gastronomy, culture and dazzling landscapes! She has a bachelor in Languages, Literatures and Cultures and has always been interested in getting to know new people and different cultures. As she finishes her Master in Tourism, she is now certain that her work needs to be related with sharing experiences and helping others to live unforgettable moments while unveiling the secrets of Portugal and Spain. She has found the opportunity to fulfill her dream in Portugal Trails and Spain Trails!
João Branco, Travel Consultant

Ever since he can remember, traveling has been part of his life. Born in Cascais, João is passionate about his “Great” country and it is this passion that he wishes to share with those who visit it, providing them with unique, one of a kind experiences. Having completed his degree in Tourism Information, João is currently working on his Masters in Strategic Management – Tourist Destinations. He believes in promoting Portugal and Spain with quality service, presenting local culture and tradition as a value added and allowing each visitor to build their own knowledge of the territory and people through individualized experiences, tailored to their interests and objectives. The opportunity to be part of the Portugal Trails and Spain Trails team has allowed João to share his (fascination for his) country with the growing number of visitors who choose it as a destination: “The challenge I put myself up to is to provide those who consult us with the best -enriching and memorable- experiences of our fantastic country. May they leave happy and anxious to return”.
João Cardoso, Travel Consultant

Travelling far and wide is something that was on his mind since forever. Step by step, João is trying to fulfill that desire to get to know new places, new cultures and new people. He’s almost there, only 3 more continents and that bucket list gets a little bit shorter. In the meantime, he is providing exactly that to others. After completed his degree in Tourism Information, the next logical step was to be in the front line showing to those who visit us what make us fall in love with Portugal. Working as a tour guide, it allowed him to know those secret places which very rarely appear in guidebooks. The type of places where you can make new memories in. The myths and the legends that are part of our history. But this wasn’t enough. He had to take it to the next level. Hence came the need to work with the traveler from the first moment. Hence the need to take the next step and provide the best trip possible from the moment of purchased to the time you arrive back home. The goal will always be that feeling of arriving to the end of your trip and don’t want to come back home. It’s like Bruce said, this is “My hometown!”
Mariana Amorim, Travel Consultant

Since she can remember, Mariana has always been in love with other cultures, enjoyed communicating with foreigners and was passionate about travelling! She studied Translation in order to connect more with different languages and cultures, but only during her Masters in Tourism and Communication did she realize that the tourism world was her real motivation and that she wanted to show the world that Portugal and Spain are beautiful and wonderful countries, which she absolutely loves! Working as your Travel Consultant will give her the chance to show you all the beauty of her country by creating for you the perfect trip!
Mariana Queiroz, Travel Consultant

Preparing the suitcase, drawing the best routes, enjoying every second on that new and distant place, are the ingredients that make this, Mariana’s favorite recipe: the taste for traveling. Natural of Oeiras and since she remembers, the opportunity to explore other countries and discover new traditions, has occupied an important place in her daily live. Passionate about Events, Adventure and Sports, she got graduated in Leisure Management and Touristic Animation, and later completed the Master of Production and Events Management, Communication and Institutional Relations in Seville. However, it was due to a Gap Year held in Barcelona and Brighton that she realized that today, more than ever, it is necessary to cross borders, meet people and come back to tell the story. And then, it’s a whole world of breakthroughs and learning process. Back in the land where her heart belongs, she exchanged her luggage for the best things this little peninsular corner has to offer: Portugal and Spain are united for its incomparable gastronomy, for its warm hospitality and for many people as destination of choice. Mariana believes that she has to travel by herself, with her eyes and feet, to understand what belongs to her, so one day plant her own trees and give them value. That’s why being a Travel Consultant in Portugal Trails and Spain Trails has given her the opportunity not only to be able to share this knowledge acquired over the last few years, but also to provide an unique and enriching experience for all those who want to create memories and keep smiles for Portugal and Spain. The secret of this recipe: Face life with the eyes and the curiosity of a tourist. Promote to each visitor, the willing to get out of the daily life and look forward to traveling!
Matilde Solla, Travel Consultant

It was on the trips with her parents when she was younger that Matilde earned the pleasure on discovering the charms and hidden gems of their countries – Brazil, where she was born, and Portugal, where she has lived since she was 7 years old – and the ones from the whole wide world. Getting to know different countries, new realities and cultures completely different from her own is what fascinates her the most. Even though she has already been to all the continents, she wants to further explore each one of them. She loves to travel, to organize her trips to the tinniest detail and to share her experiences with everyone around. Despite having a degree in Social and Cultural Communication, she always dreamt to work in Tourism and helping others to organize and plan their trips. So, she couldn’t be happier working at Portugal Trails and Spain Trails as Travel Consultant. She trully believes that now she found her passion and what she wants to do for the rest of her life.
Nuno Lopes, Travel Consultant

The passion for travelling and getting to know the world had Nuno opting for a Hotel Manager Degree in Portugal. He has found his inspiration and pleasure on the art of hospitality, which he seeks for his travelling clients when organizing their tour. He makes a point in knowing his own country to show whoever crosses his path professionally and personally, all the historic, gastronomical and landscape interest points that can be found from North to South. The fact that part of his family is Spanish, takes his passion for gastronomy and culture across the border to the neighbour country! Adventure sports are his other passion, for which Portugal has great conditions. Being a Travel Consultant at Portugal Trails & Spain Trails, allows him to share with fellow travellers in search of the authentic, the best Portugal and Spain have to offer!
Rita Bernardo, Travel Consultant

Rita was born in Cascais, near Lisbon, and believes that it were the weekend detours with her parents, when she was little, what got her so interested in exploring the country, wandering through new sights and places, as well as understanding their history. The fact that she has always been keen on communicating with new people, led her to a Journalism degree, with the hopes of being able to tell what she sees and witnesses through her writing and also her photography, her two main occupations. Besides Portugal and Spain, to which she refers as two lovely countries with much to discover, she got to visit other cities such as London, Prague and Macao. Rita loves to discover natural sights, acknowledge new cultures and is very enthusiastic about independent travelling. Now she hopes to share what she has learned with you, by suggesting new settings for fresh adventures and happy memories.
Sofia Martins, Head of Back Office

One of Sofia’s passions is to explore Portugal and Spain, which considers unique countries, for their heritage and cultural richness, varied scenic beauty and rich and tasty cuisine. Graduated in Tourism and with a postgraduate degree in Business Management and Strategy, in Portugal Trails & Spain Trails she has the opportunity to combine her taste for tourism together with the administrative and financial area, ensuring a quality service through a crucial role she plays in back- office. Embraced the privilege to work in a company that share, in an innovative and exemplary way, the charms and wealth of both countries and provides clients with unique and unforgettable experiences.
Sofia Silva, Administrative Assistant

Sofia was born in the calm and beautiful Oeiras coastal town and always watched the Tagus River horizon with a glimmering glow in her eyes longing for the adventure of travelling. A Fine Arts student, majored on Design and Photography, she has always worked in creative departments and teaching. Europe and Africa are her favorite destinations but she always considered Portugal and Spain as the most memorable experiences inducers. Naturally fascinated by tourism, culture, civilizations, arts and food, that to her represent interest, experimentation and knowledge, she embraced the Portugal Trails and Spain Trails concept, where she feels fulfilled sharing experiences in this journey with co-workers and clients.