Who will be my guide during a Duca tour?

All our tours are led or overseen by our founder, Rui, a professional guide-interpreter with over 20 years of experience. Having founded Duca over two decades ago, Rui ensures that every itinerary meets the highest standards of cultural depth and logistical excellence.

What makes a Duca private tour different from others in Portugal?

The difference lies in our 20-year history of local mastery. We provide historical context, avoid the crowds, and leverage two decades of professional relationships to give you exclusive access to Portugal’s most authentic experiences.

Are the itineraries flexible?

Yes. As a boutique company with over 20 years of expertise, we specialize in tailor-made experiences. We can adjust any tour in real-time based on your interests, pace, and the unique opportunities that arise during the day.

Does Duca provide services for travel agencies (DMC)?

Absolutely. Duca has operated as a reliable Destination Management Company (DMC) for over 20 years. We partner with international agencies to provide seamless logistics, private chauffeurs, and expert guiding for their clients in Portugal.

How do I ensure the quality of a private driver service in Portugal?

At Duca, our private driver services are backed by over 20 years of professional experience. Our chauffeurs are experts in Portuguese geography and hospitality, ensuring a safe and high-end travel experience.

The Original Benagil & Marinha Tour: Our Story Since 2012

The Origins of the Benagil & Marinha Tour: A Personal Story from 2012

Rui Catalão • February 13, 2026

This is a subtitle for your new post

A couple enjoying a private boat tour at the majestic entrance of the famous Benagil Sea Cave, Algarve.

How a family holiday shaped our most popular tour.

This itinerary isn't a product of market research; it’s a personal memory.

It started in the summer of 2012, during a family holiday in Carvoeiro. Watching my daughter Inês, then 12 years old, happily exploring the tunnels and natural windows of Boneca and Algar Seco, I realized how magical these hidden spots were compared to the crowded centers.

I also made a point of taking my family to Praia da Marinha, a beach of unmatched beauty that they hadn't seen yet. While Carvoeiro was bustling with people, Marinha offered a breathtaking escape where we could truly relax. It became our sanctuary.

The pieces were there—the beauty of the cliffs, the joy of exploration—but the puzzle finally came together in my mind two years later when an American journalist asked me to guide a couple specifically to the Benagil Sea Cave.

That was the moment everything clicked. I realized that by connecting the stunning Seven Hanging Valleys trail, the peace of Marinha, the rock formations in Carvoeiro, and the boat access to Benagil, I could create the perfect day in the Algarve.

A family posing on the Seven Hanging Valleys trail with Elephant Rock in the background, where the cliff arches create a natural heart shape.

Why We Refuse to Rush

Today, many companies offer a 'Lisbon to Algarve' tour. But at Duca, we keep it original.

I personally designed this day based on what I wanted for my own family:

Time to explore the tunnels at Boneca.
Time to breathe the sea air at Marinha.
A boat to explore several oceanic caves, including Benagil
Flexibility in the afternoon to visit Lagos or Albufeira, or simply enjoy a scenic coastal drive.

We refuse to rush because we believe this journey should be savored, not raced. This is the Duca difference: being the original, and keeping it original.

Book the Original Tour