Guest Testimonials & Photos

When you meet José, the first thing that you notice is his love for his work. His enthusiasm is contagious and you can’t help but get excited about all that he’s about to show you. Through the stunningly unique and historic streets of Porto and its surrounding areas including Aveiro and Douro Valley, you quickly understand why his love for Portugal is fierce and why he wants to share it with his guests. With his camera in tow (and yours too of course), Jose helps you tell a story of a beautiful country with great history. I was overwhelmed with the magnificent cathedrals, the stunning views of Porto and surrounding towns, the magnificent azulejos that adorn buildings both inside and out. Beyond the sights and sounds of Porto, Jose is a delightful guide with a deep understanding of this beautiful country. I also enjoyed some wonderful and lively conversation over delicious Portuguese cuisine returning home not only with a full appreciation of this amazing place but a friendship that I know will be long lasting. My only wish is to go back!

Elle Kriser

-Waxhaw-North Carolina-USA

Jose…. Patricia and I want to thank you for the excellent tour services you provided us last week.  We particularly enjoyed visiting the university and meeting your daughter along with the “home cooked” meal we enjoyed at your friends house.  The port wine tasting, the Luis I bridge, the tram, the dinner down at the river, the lunch/magic show all were fantastic!

Thanks so much for your efforts!

Mike & Patricia Poulter

San Angelo, Texas – USA

Jose is truly a gem and Porto is lucky to have such a passionate and knowledgeable ambassador.  To start, he is an exceptionally talented and skilled photographer.  I am always reluctant to have my photo taken but he made it feel like a natural extension of our tour.  And the results went well beyond anything I could have hoped for. My main goal in signing up for his experience was to improve my skills and see Porto through a photographer’s lens.  Jose more than delivered on both those fronts.   We went to many “off the beaten path” locations that I would never have discovered on my own.  Along the way, Jose brought each location to life with  historical facts and personal anecdotes.  I learned so much during our time together and am already taking better photos as a result. More than anything though, Jose is a wonderful human being who I feel privileged to have gotten the chance to know.  Do yourself a favor and book an experience with this kind and generous soul.  I promise that you (and your photos) will be better for it.

Laura Ciocia

Cleveland – USA

I will start by saying that I have done many Photo Tours in many cities and I have never enjoyed any tour as much as I enjoyed this one. It was significant for one thing only and that was Jose Manuel. Porto belongs to Jose. We covered all the significant sites but, equally, we covered many “hidden” areas – places that you would be very lucky or unlikely to find on you’re own. This was also the first tour for me where I killed a battery and needed to move on to a second one. I was pleased with more photos on this tour than any other and that is no reflection on the quality of any of the other tours. “The Girl on the Roof” will stick with my wife and I for a long time. It was one of those chance encounters when you are out and about that may never be repeated. I hope that you are lucky… Whether you are in Porto for just a few days or a couple of weeks, this is the only photo tour in town. Being with Jose is like spending time with an old friend and, like all old friends, time in their company passes too quickly. Thank you so much for you’re time Jose Manuel, you are a gentleman.

Graeme Kirkpatrick

Newtyle – Scotland

We were pleasantly surprised to have such a great experience with Jose Manuel. He was a great host and took his time to take us to his “secret spots” and places we wanted to go. Be prepared to have your picture/photo taken, so dress appropriately. Jose will take quite a few photos of you and send them free of charge. He taught me how to use my camera to get more effect, and took us to non-tourist spots including for lunch. I don’t care how much you want to explore on your own, a few hours with Jose Manuel was well worth it, a must!

Michael Stein

Miami – USA

Amazing view from Porto!

José Manuel should me the most beautiful hidden places in Porto! Even living in Porto for more than a year I never saw those special places… His knowledge about photography is another great reason to take this tour, we were all time filled about old history from Porto. And he took unpredictable pictures using his sensible eyes: unforgettable moments! If you have a chance, take it right now! Thanks José Manuel!

Manuela Souza

Brazil

I spent two afternoons with José. One with my elderly (80) mother and one on my own so that we can climb and walk as fast and as much as we wanted. José was on both occasions absolutely wonderful, the dream guide to a city that I already really liked but now José made me fall in love with Porto.
My mother loved it, she had the best of times, and felt better than ever.
José’s love and passion for his city is contagious, its is a total delight to see Porto with him, whether you are old, young, a photographer or not, he is so dedicated to what he does that everybody will have a great time with him. Please do yourself a favor, book a tour with José and see magic unfold.
Oh and not to forget, if you are a photographer, he takes lots of photos of you, so for once you will have photos of yourself too.

Ineke Willeboordse

Amsterdam – Netherlands

I visited Portugal with my girlfriend and surprised her with a wedding proposal, and I needed to find a specialist to record this unique moment.
Two weeks before arriving in Portugal I found José who helped me to choose the ideal place to ask her and register with great photographs and video. José work with pride and I think I couldn’t have found in Porto a best photographer. I recommend to all visitors to this beautiful city to contact Jose for an exceptional experience.

“I cannot begin to describe how wonderful this tour with Jose Manuel is! I loved every single minute. Jose is very passionate about photography, his beautiful city Porto, and is an incredible guide. It’s a great opportunity to see this magnificent place through his eyes. The views are stunning and many postcard moments! Highly highly recommend this tour. If you do nothing else, do this one! I only had one full day in Porto (not enough) and Jose’s tour helped me see the best parts. Thank you Jose and I will see you again!!!”

Rachel Garnick

–Eugene/Oregon/United States-

I want to emphasize José’s professionalism and flexibility. He adapted to my late request. And it came directly where I stayed on Porto … It’s great, then we went from spot to spot..All providing advice. Spots where I spent more time contemplating than doing photos. We also talk about cameras, he has a very good knowledge in the field …. José will satisfy your requests from the simple amateur to the professionals of the photo … According to your style and type of photos. Knowing that I am a demanding amateur, I practice photography for 10 years …. mainly landscapes, long exposure. In conclusion you want to gain time and efficiency, this is the person you need. He sent us photos of this experience 2 days later. Very beautiful pictures. 

Mervin Larue

Quimperlé – France

The Photo Tour was great and we could share our passion for photography. José is very friendly and interested and knows beautiful places in Porto.

Lucy Harrison

Aachen – Germany

We had a great morning with José who showed us beautiful esplanades and typical streets. He is a photo enthusiast who loves his city and speaks French very well.

Nicole Sallic

Quimperlé – France

Jose was a fantastic guide and tour leader. He is a pleasure to spend time with. He also knows the best spots and gives good tips. Helped a lot with composition and other settings. Some places were better than others as our fog was inconsistent.

I contacted him the day before to ask about catching sunrise and he had n problem adjusting the schedule for me. Picked me up early and we went to a great spot near the hotel.

I spent two days with him and enjoyed it all.

Bob Cooper

Toronto – Canada

I had the pleasure to meet José last week during my short trip to Porto. I contacted him for a private day tour. It was a great and productive day. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time exploring the city though his eyes. I made great picture of that beautiful city and learned a lot. Jose was kind enough to take pictures of me during our tour, I am Always behind the camera during my trips and it was nice to have behind the scene photos. I will be back to Porto again and I will definitely have a day with Jose.

Amr El-shafei

Chicago – USA

@aeaemd

Jose showed us Porto which you don’t discover by yourself. Fantastic views, stories and good dose of walking! We had lots of great pictures from the tour and would recommend it to anyone who wants to fall in love with the place.

Aga & Zuza

Prague – Czech Rep.

I enjoyed this tour a lot and experienced a great day with Jose. I learned a lot about photography, and how to make use of anything and everything you find on the street.

Vasilije Markovic

Berlin – Germany

Jose is a amazing guide, he went above and beyond with his tour. Would definitely recommend this tour if you are in to Photography. The locations he will take you are the best in Porto…

Carl Yambao

Mildenhall, Norfolk – England

It is a great idea to discover Porto differently and have many souvenir photos! José speaks French and shares many anecdotes about Porto! We loved this moment with Jose because he is a very nice and happy person! Walk on foot but at our pace with beautiful cityscapes that we would not see if he was not there! Top experience!

Stéphanie & Teddy

Reims – France

The photo tour was wonderful!

José is a very nice person and worries to tell you several interesting questions about the history of Portugal and Porto, as well as getting you to go to places not visited by tourists. It was an excellent choice to take this tour right on my first trip to the city. I was surprised when he told me that it was the first time he conducted this tour in Portuguese. I hope that more Brazilians and Portuguese can meet this fantastic person and enjoy their pleasant conversation. I must recommended this experience!

Milanya

Barreiras – Brazil

Start your trip to Porto with José, not only will you smile with many memories, but his photo trail is fantastic! We can only say that there could be no better welcome and introduction to Porto. José is a lovely, gentle and honest person, willingly sharing his passion for Porto and Portugal with us. This passion was evident as he shared the many different angles, corners and lights of Porto combining them with his knowledge of both Porto and it’s history – the combination was powerful. 

Sarah & Phil Knight

Wee Waa – Australia

Oh my goodness! Porto is amazing and Jose’s photos are great!

Not only he told me about the things about Porto also many useful shooting techniques! Being a solo traveler for many years I totally forgot the joy of being part in the photos ! After getting theses pics , i m so regret that I should ask him to take more pictures of me ! I just loved them all! Thanks Jose!

Jenny Lau

Hong Kong

Very good experience with José who took the time to discover some aspects (sometimes hidden) of Porto. Very good contact! I recommend this experience for anyone who wants to experience Porto in a slightly different way. To do first on your arrival on Porto. Thanks again to José for this experience and for the many other tips he left us for the rest of our stay in Porto (restaurants, bars, walks …)

Cédric & Nathalie

Bondues – France

We had a great time with José. He is very attentive to his guests and knows how to adapt to them. He showed me unknown and beautiful little streets. The photowalk was very rich in discovery and José is someone to discover without delay! I recommend it more than strongly!

Sarah Galante

Ans-Belgium

“A very pleasant moment in the company of a very charming man, who makes us discover the city through little unknown streets. The photos are sent quickly and are very beautiful.”

Fannie-Chloé

Ans-Belgium

“Overall a great experience with José. I’m happy with how the pictures turned out… actually the results were even better than expected. José is not just a great photographer but also a knowledgeable guide. He showed me so many nice spots that no guidebook tells you about.”

Nicole Braun

Hanau, Hesse, Germany

“Going on a photograph tour with Jose was one of my highlights in Porto. In addition to being a talented and passionate photographer, he was an excellent guide and shared many anecdotes and historical information about Porto. It was an absolute pleasure spending the morning with him and in addition I have GORGEOUS pictures that documented my visit. I will highly recommend Jose’s tour to anyone I know headed to beautiful Porto.”

Cynthia

-Jerusalem / Israel-

“Unforgettable moment absolutely fantastic. Thanks to José for his passion and all the love he has for his city. We do not see the hours spent because José takes to the heart of this beautiful city. I sincerely recommend José. See you soon José”

Dudubo & Nataccha

-Stains / France-

José Manuel was able to transmit us with his kindness and his natural humor, the love which he carries to the beautiful city of Porto. José is an excellent professional who speaks a good French and who puts himself within the reach of each one.

Marie-Helene & Marie-Pierre

Biars-sur-Cère – France

No regrets for choosing this photo tour! José is a great person who makes discovering beautiful places in Porto with incredible views, he is a good mood and very friendly, we could see that he was a fan of his city but also makes wonderful photographs! I highly recommend.

Alexe & Thomas

Pluméliau – France

“The Porto Photo Tour with José was magnificent. José showed us and photographed in some really exceptional places in the city. José was very dedicated and paid close attention to my 80-year-old mother who was touring with me. I highly recommend José. José is at the top and has exceeded our expectations.”

Régina Bah

-Gatineau/Quebec/Canada-

“Matt and I booked a photo tour with José when we were in Porto so we could take some honeymoon portraits in the city. José was super hospitable! He guided us through secret streets of Porto and took beautiful pictures for us. He also explained the history and the culture of Porto in a very detailed and patient manner! In brief, I MUST recommend José to you! Whoever visits Porto MUST take a photo tour with him so you won’t regret!”

Jolyn & Matt

-Taiwan-

“What an incredible time I had with Jose. This photo tour was the first thing I did upon arriving in Porto. Jose knows all the amazing spots for really cool photos. I just received my photos from yesterday.. and I am stunned and excited and highly encourage you to take this tour.”

ShinAe Nam

-South Korea-

“Jose’s walking photo tour is a fabulously unique experience! This is a fantastic way to see the sights of Porto and create photo memories otherwise hidden and unseen, unlike your typical tourist traps. Jose’ is absolutely wonderful and proud to show off the back alleys and little know treasures of the city he loves and knows intimately. I highly recommend the tour, especially if you want to get some awesome images of Porto and enrich your experience .”

Gord Theo

–Caledon/Ontario/Canada-

This was one of the best things we’ve ever done on vacation. A mix of art and sightseeing with an expert on both! A fun morning at our pace and to our liking. We enjoyed Jose Manuel’s company and insight into this beautiful city.

Tony Gonçalves

-New York/United States-

“Jose is fantastic! Not only is he incredibly talented with a great eye for photography, but he is one of the kindest humans that I’ve met and I’m confident that you’ll enjoy your time with him as much as I did.”

Phatchany Phanyanouvong

-San Francisco/California/USA-

“José Manuel was an excellent tour guide, indefatigably walking me around Porto and Gaia, making sure I didn’t miss a thing. José Manuel taught me a lot about the history of Porto and Portugal. He is also an exceptionally kind man, a wonderful example of the Portugues people. I’m so glad I spent my Sunday evening doing this photo tour. ”

Monica Simmons

-Concord/California/USA

“We spend a lovely day with José in Porto. The itinerary was perfect to get to know the city, we had a lot of time to see beautiful places and to take pictures a long the way. The perfect combination of making our own pictures and receiving some from José as a memory of the trip!”

Kim & Karsten

– Leiden / Netherlands-

“I have shot in many cities around the world – from Laos to St. Louis – and I must say Porto is definitely my new favourite place. I had gone there thinking that I’d get some nice images of quaint old buildings and perhaps some interesting architecture. Well, I had no idea what secrets were to be seen in the myriad little alleyways of the old town. José showed me a magical side or Porto that I doubt I would have found by myself even if I’d had a week to explore. José is a great guide, and an even better host. ”

Stuart Godwin

-Prague / Czech Republic-

“I had a great time on this Photowalk with Jose. When I met Jose I already knew some spots in Porto since I already was in the city for a few days. But Jose still showed me some cool and hidden Photospots. He also told me alot about the city and its history. A perfect city tour for a photo enthusiast like me.”

Lukas Brandt

-Böblingen / Germany-

My way of thanking José Manuel for his Pictury Photo Tours experience that I really love!

Teresa Lamas Serra

The walk began, therefore, in the garden called the virtues, but also of the meetings, the sunsets, the friends. Then came the discovery of unexpected corners, unlikely stairs, unseen places, sometimes almost invisible.
 
Grateful for the experience, Zé Manel … I did not capture great  or many images this afternoon, but I was amazed with the photographic potentiality of the paths you showed us.
I wish all the success of the world for Pictury Photo Tours. I know you’ll have it! …

Manuela Leitão

“José led us through little known streets in Porto where we were all rewarded with that excitement of discovery as we turned every corner.

José knows Porto and his love for it is very apparent as is his love for photography. Anyone will benefit from getting to know José’s Porto!”

Ryan Opaz

“I had the pleasure of being on the first ever tour. I am so proud of all the hard work and continued tenacity José Manuel shows. I wish him so much success for his Pictury Photo Tours!”

Anna Gunn

“For those who like to photograph, this is the possibility to discover, with a unique guide, amazing places of the city.”

Nelson Soares

Be taken in a Porto phototour by who’s love the city is an exciting experience!

Mário Brandão