The caller ID on our home phone in RI read “Lisbon.” What??? The gentleman from across the Atlantic introduced himself as Joaquim of Lisbon Limousine. In perfect English, he thanked us for booking two full-day tours, reviewed our itinerary, said he looked forward to meeting our three-generation, seven-member family, and promised to provide us the best possible sightseeing experience. Already this was different and far better than we had anticipated, especially since this company had quoted prices that were a third to half of their competitors’.
On our first tour day throughout Lisbon and Sintra, 30 minutes prior to our scheduled pick-up time, Joaquim texted us for confirmation. Since we were a short walk from our hotel and had just been served breakfast, he agreed that our driver could collect us at a nearby landmark more convenient to both us and our driver. Ricardo Pereira promptly greeted us in a professional, warm, and courteous manner and was attentive to all members of our party throughout the day. Thanks to his expertise and sound suggestions, we:
1. received additional discounts at our selected tour sites.
2. were ushered to the front of long waiting lines.
3. parked in highly sought-after convenient spots thanks to special licensing.
4. enjoyed restaurants patronized by locals instead of typical “tourist spots” and
were introduced to the owners.
5. comfortably rode in a plush, air-conditioned, 8-passenger Mercedes (to counter
the 111 degree record-breaking heat in Lisbon) which was driven safely and
skillfully.
Our driver provided in-depth commentary and was fluent in the geography, history, and sociology of the area. He included the three school-age children in the discussions and made chilled bottled water available to us throughout the day. As retired educators, we were thrilled with the entire experience! When he left us, Ricardo apologized for not being able to be with us on the following day because of an important family commitment. Surely, such a grand day could not be repeated!
NOT SO! Next day…same thing…plus, Ricardo had recommended a better breakfast place for the next morning and had arranged for Joaquim Carreira to pick us up at that location. Joaquim arrived promptly in crisp professional attire (which was entirely too warm for the heat wave) and managed to repeat all the wonderful things that had made the previous day so special, only this time it included Fatima, Batalha, Nazare, and Obidos. Additionally, when we expressed displeasure with the inept taxi service that had transported us from the airport to Lisbon proper, he arranged to have one of his drivers gather us and our 10 luggage pieces at our hotel door and deliver us to the airport for the next leg of our trip.
Joaquim and his wonderful staff could not have been more accommodating. Their competence, kindness, and sincere “aim-to-please” attitude helped to create lovely lifelong memories of a beautiful city and its environs. A five-star rating is insufficient for this fine company and its magnanimous employees.
Go to Lisbon. It will enrich your life. And so will the folks from Lisbon Limousines if you are wise enough to engage their services.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR LONGTIME TRAVEL AGENT VAL MELLO OF E. .S TRAVEL, PAWTUCKET, RI, USA FOR RECOMMENDING THEM TO US.
The Wardle Family
MA and RI
