When planning private tours to Portugal travelleres should be warned of the following:  there is legislation to rule regarding who is entitled to guide or drive tourists around the country, providing them the adequate information. Official tour guides attend 4 years course in the University and Tourism drivers attend an intensive 1 year course in the Superior Tourism School, as well . Both are sujected to a demanding final examination that will  give them the allowance called "carteira profissional".

This is the title ( carteira profissional motorista de turismo-for tourism drivers or carteira profissional guia intéprete - for tour guides) that visitors should require whenever hiring this chauffeured guided services.  It will be a garantee of quality at all levels, information provided, professionalism, type of vehicule. 

In Portugal, both professions are usually full time jobs, with garantee of quality and safety for the visitor.