This one element can make all the difference
Hi everyone, Brook here, with a love letter to my favorite people in travel: private local guides. There are a lot of people who play a role in making a trip exceptional, but it’s these on-the-ground fixers who are the linchpin. They bring to life the words on the pages of your itinerary; pivot when weather, crowds, or unexpected events require a change of plans; and open a window to the local culture of the place you’re visiting. (These are not the tour guides you see holding flags and wielding microphones to keep a large group of travelers in line with their scripted dialogue!)
People who think that experienced travelers don’t need a local guide are doing themselves a disservice; it’s only from guides, after all, that I’ve learned about a million things in my travels—from local music in Tanzania to the right way to drink mate in Chile to wedding customs in Egypt. As I was reminded on my recent trip to Southeast Asia (where my private guide in Laos, above, shared her devotion to Buddhism as she showed me around the ancient temple at Vat Phou), my favorite moments with a guide usually happen in the interstitials: a conversation about family dynamics or pop culture that transpires while driving between sights or over a meal.
That’s why I love today’s traveler reviews. They show the variety of ways in which guides can enhance trips. Not only that, but every photo was shot by the traveler or his/her guide!
It’s not by chance that our Trusted Travel Experts work with the best guides in the business; each expert has spent considerable time testing—and continually training—local guides in their destination. When they match you to the right guide based on your interest in Portuguese wine or your kid’s fascination with Greek mythology, the result can be magical.
Belize: “We had a phenomenal guide with Brainerd—very knowledgeable, warm, and just a lot of fun.”
Belize’s beaches. Photo: Shutterstock
“We had a wonderful trip to Belize and Guatemala planned for us by Patricia. We flew from Newark to Belize City (a direct flight of less than five hours) and were picked up by our driver/guide Brainerd. Over the years, we’ve learned that a guide can make or break a trip. We had a phenomenal guide with Brainerd—very knowledgeable, warm, and just a lot of fun. He took loads of photos of us with my phone and his own. He later sent me the ones he took, which I very much appreciated because I make a photo book of all our trips.
We stayed first at the Lodge at Chaa Creek, a 400-acre eco-resort. Lots to do there: visit the butterfly farm, the natural history exhibit, the organic farm; canoe; hike; birdwatch; or sit with a delicious drink and admire the beautiful grounds. We used Chaa Creek as a base from which to explore the Maya ceremonial centers at nearby Xunantunich and Tikal in Guatemala.
The Naia Resort, right on the beach near Placencia, was lovely. We were very happy with our little bungalow, which was about 30 feet from the water. While we were there, Patricia arranged for us to spend time with a group of six Maya sisters who taught us how to cook on an open hearth, weave baskets, and extract the juice from sugar cane. It was fun! We really enjoyed our trip and met people who go to Belize year after year. We can understand why.” —Catherine Mathis
Read more reviews of Belize trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Morocco: “With Jamal and Majid at our sides, it felt like we were traveling with friends we had known for a lifetime.”
Craig and Stephanie Smith had a farewell dinner on the rooftop terrace of Essaouira’s Salut Maroc with new friends: private guide Jamal and driver Majid.
“We just returned from an amazing two weeks in Morocco. We told Radia that what was most important to us was to have a stellar guide. We also told her that we have a strong interest in music and would like to incorporate learning about Gnawa music in some way. And we told her that our hotel preference was to stay in riads instead of international chain hotels.
From the moment we were met at the Casablanca airport by our private guide Jamal and private driver Majid, we knew that we were in for an incredible trip. They were both so hospitable! Jamal was incredibly knowledgeable about the culture and history of his country. He was very attentive to all of our needs, and he made us laugh a lot. He made sure that we saw everything on the itinerary and then some.
Majid drove us many miles in a huge loop, from Casablanca to Volubilis, to Fes, to Ifrane, to Merzouga, to Todra Valley, to Dades Gorge, to Skoura, to Marrakech, to Imlil, to Essaouira, and back to Marrakech. We always felt very safe with him behind the wheel, and he had a great sense of humor.
We stayed in beautiful riads with a very personal touch and enjoyed all kinds of delicious food. In addition to seeing many historic sites (mosques, synagogues, palaces, medinas, souks, tanneries), we also had adventures. We went for a camel ride and rode ATVs in the desert. We went for a hot air balloon ride outside of Marrakech. We went for a hike in the High Atlas Mountains from Imlil to Armed. One of our favorite activities was the sunset motorcycle sidecar tour of Marrakech, suggested by Radia. We felt like we were in a movie, riding through the Palmerie and the medina in comfortable, roomy, sidecars. A definite must-do!
Another highlight was an impromptu visit to the Todra Valley for lunch at Jamal’s family’s home. We were so honored and humbled to be invited into their home for lively conversation and a delicious lunch. And, to satisfy our musical interest, Radia organized a thoroughly enjoyable private Gnawa music workshop with master musician Najib Soudani in Essaouira.
With Jamal and Majid at our sides, it felt like we were traveling with friends we had known for a lifetime. The itinerary was wonderful, but they made the trip into an experience that we will cherish forever.” —Stephanie and Craig Smith
Read more reviews of Morocco trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Ireland: “We could never have understood the country without…he help of our guide for three days while there, Mark Murphy. His authenticity was palpable, in addition to being a consummate professional.”
Sheep in a green field in Ireland. Photo: Shutterstock
“It was Jonathan’s strong suggestion that we include Northern Ireland in our itinerary instead of just Ireland, and we are glad that we did. Our experience in Northern Ireland was the soul of our trip, and we could never have understood the country without that experience and the help of our guide for three days while there, Mark Murphy. His authenticity was palpable, in addition to being a consummate professional.
For example, he not only took us through a small Catholic village to watch children learning the Irish sport of hurling on a field surrounded by Irish national flags, but then took out his equipment so we could all give the game a try on an adjacent field. Every experience with Mark was like that, including his lessons on tasting Irish Whiskey at Bushmills and getting me the opportunity to hold the great Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy’s PGA championship trophy at his home golf club in Belfast!
We also spent a morning at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen, making (and eating) delicious soda bread, along with other delectables. Like all the folks we encountered, Tracey was an absolute delight, and we loved getting to go out to the countryside and spend some quality time with people who were so happy to share their lives with us.
We then went on to spend three days in Dublin, staying at a classic property called The Shelbourne. This gorgeous masterpiece offered impeccable service and a perfect location. One of the benefits of working through Jonathan are some small perks offered to you at each of the hotels, and we enjoyed oysters and Guinness in the beautiful lobby bar at the Shelbourne one early evening before heading to dinner.
Galway was our next stop, and we used that as the base for our exploration of the Connemara National Park and the Cliffs of Moher. Another absolute highlight of the trip is the Killary Sheep Farm. It’s on an absolutely beautiful fjord, and it’s fascinating to watch the sheepdogs in action and to participate in shearing the wool off the sheep. Tom, a third-generation proprietor, is eager to share his place, and it helps keep the lights on for these family businesses.
Our last stop was Dromoland Castle. At this point we had been on the move constantly for 10 days, and I think it was brilliant planning to let us decompress at this gorgeous castle for a few days before returning home.” —Michael Kelberman
Read more reviews of Ireland trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Egypt: “She naturally struck the right balance between providing us enough information/details and also being helpful with avoiding crowds and finding photo opportunities.”
Pyramids of Egypt. Photo: Jim Berkeley/Destinations & Adventures
My husband and I had such a fabulous time in Egypt, thanks to Jim’s and Arlene’s hard work and guidance. We chose Egypt as a milestone birthday trip for my husband, and the whole trip was truly special. On our first day in Cairo, we saw the Sphinx, Pyramids at Giza, Saqqara, and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Eman was our Egyptologist in Cairo, and she was simply wonderful. She naturally struck the right balance between providing us enough information/details and also being helpful with avoiding crowds and finding photo opportunities. Plus, she was just pleasant to be around—it felt like touring Cairo with a family friend. Our first day was so spectacular that I was a little worried no other days would live up to Day 1 (I was wrong).
The highlight of our second day in Cairo was the introduction to the GEM. We got to see the grand staircase, which had only been open for maybe two days. It was Eman’s first time to see it, and she was beaming with pride as we went through it. Her excitement was truly contagious.
I loved our two nights in Aswan and REALLY loved the Old Cataract Hotel. For our WOW Moment, we had a sunset dinner on the Nile on a yacht. Abu Simbel completely blew me away. The dahabiya was a great experience. The crew and all other passengers sang “Happy Birthday” to my husband, and it was a lovely celebration. By the time we got to Luxor, I was worried I might be a little underwhelmed by remaining temples and tombs—that was the furthest from the truth. Queen Nefertari’s Tomb was just incredible—my favorite of all the tombs and temples we visited in the Luxor area. I just wish we’d had one more night at the Winter Palace.” —Maeghan Whitehead
Read more reviews of Egypt trips.Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.
Sicily: “Without the guide’s encouragement, I might not have climbed to the top of the cathedral and taken the outside walkway along the roof—the views were beautiful and more than worth the climb.”
Sicily’s western coastline and Monte Cofano, as seen from Erice. Photo: Traveler Nancy Footer
“I took the advice found in many reviews by previous clients and gave Marcello and Matteo free rein to design the itinerary, and I am so glad I did. I spent my first day in Palermo—such a bustling and exquisite city—seeing all the key historic sites, the waterfront, and the Capo Mercato with Giorgio, a thoroughly charming and expert guide. The following day I ventured out of Palermo with a driver and fantastic guide to visit Monreale Cathedral, a World Heritage Site and truly one of the most spectacular cathedrals I have ever visited. The guide made the visit so memorable: Her knowledge of history, architecture and design was magnificent, and I really appreciated the chance to linger while other visitors were clearly being hustled in and out. Without the guide’s encouragement, I might not have climbed to the top of the cathedral and taken the outside walkway along the roof—the views were beautiful and more than worth the climb.
We traveled next into the hills near Camporeale for a private tour, lunch and tasting at Porta del Vento winery. Marco, the owner, was a generous and engaging host, and I appreciated learning about his wines and his journey to becoming a vintner. It was a treat to see the harvest, learn about the winemaking process and then taste his award-winning wines.
And then, when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, I was surprised with a WOW Moment—a private dinner at the home of chef Gabriella Garajo. The meal was remarkable—contemporary versions of Sicilian classics made with local ingredients served at Gabriella’s dining table set with her family china and silver. It was a perfect finish to a most memorable day.
I spent the remainder of my week in Trapani, a gorgeous seaside city in western Sicily. From my base in Trapani, I spent several hours touring the archeological park at Segesta, including the temple and theater. Valentina, my guide, was so knowledgeable and personable—she really made the history and importance of the site come alive. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Erice—on everyone’s must-see list in western Sicily, as it is situated 2,000 feet above Trapani with panoramic views in all directions. The cathedral, many churches, and castle are not to be missed. Marcello and Matteo arranged a tasting at Maria Grammatico’s famous pastry shop—a dream come true for this lover of sweets! My guide and I spent the remainder of the afternoon touring Trapani, even encountering a wedding at the cathedral.” —Nancy Footer
Read more reviews of Sicily trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.
Morocco: “We felt completely safe with our guide, Anouar. We thoroughly enjoyed traveling with him. We loved our driver, Magid, who was fabulous too, with excellent driving skills!”
Medina Walls, Marrakech, Morocco. Photo: iStockPhoto
“My three friends and I went on the most magical trip to Morocco in October 2023. War had just broken out in Gaza, and we had some concerns about traveling, even though I was reassured by Radia and her team that we’d be safe. They were right. We were welcomed everywhere we went by warm and friendly hotel staff; and we felt completely safe with our guide, Anouar. We thoroughly enjoyed traveling with him. We loved our driver, Magid, who was fabulous too, with excellent driving skills! He was so attentive and caring. I wonder how many miles we put on that Mercedes! With Magid’s ever-present smile, he made us feel like we were really important to him.
Fes Cooking School was a hoot, and we had a blast making a delicious tagine meal we heartily consumed. The Dunes and the camp accommodations were spectacular. I kept pinching myself that we were really there atop camels traveling to our camp, and the next night we sat on a dune watching other guests come to the desert on their camels in front of a setting sun backdrop. Unbelievable beauty in the starkness of the dunes.
Another highlight was the hike in the High Atlas Mountains, with tea and a fabulous lunch on a rooftop surrounded by the mountains. The sidecar ride in Marrakech was icing on the cake. We’re going to the medina in this??? The itinerary going from Casablanca/Fes/Desert/Marrakech/Casablanca was perfect. It was completely magical and the weather was perfect. A trip of a lifetime! Go!” —Monica Geocaris
Read more reviews of Morocco trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Turkey: “Cenk is a phenomenal guide. He is charming, knowledgeable, fun and warm.”
Rainbow umbrellas hover over a street of shops and restaurants in Istanbul. Photo: Tim Baker
“The plan was to spend three days in Istanbul following a Ponant cruise in Greece. Midway through the cruise, the anti-Israel and antisemitism demonstrations in Europe caused us to reach out to Karen over our concerns for safety in Istanbul. She outlined what was happening in Turkey and emphasized that we would be okay and that it was business as usual.
Our three days were memorable. Cenk is a phenomenal guide. He is charming, knowledgeable, fun and warm. We enjoyed learning about Turkish history and were surprised at how little we knew. The tourist sites were crowded, but we were able to get in and out without waiting. The shops in the Grand Bazaar were fabulous, and our cooking class was fun and yummy—one of the best organized cooking classes we have taken.
We were worried about visiting Jewish sites, but there was no issue. The Bank Hotel was an excellent choice. A lovely oasis in a bustling city of 20 million people. Once again, another terrific travel specialist referral. This might be our 8th or 9th trip with your recommendations. Next trip to South Africa in the spring.” —Debbie Littman
Read more reviews of Turkey trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Peru: “His English was impeccable, and his extensive network of contacts made it seem like he knew EVERYONE in Peru, which became a running joke.”
It is magical to approach the ruins of Machu Picchu on foot via the Inca Trail. Photo: Southwind Adventures
“We just returned from a fabulous 10-day trip to Peru. Allie helped us find probably the best guide in all of Peru! Our guide, Nick, met us in Cusco and was with our group of four the entire trip. His English was impeccable, and his extensive network of contacts made it seem like he knew EVERYONE in Peru, which became a running joke. However, it became central to the success and ease of our trip, as he networked us to the front of lines for access to everything (including the line for buses up and back from Machu Picchu). To Allie’s credit, she had just returned from a trip to Peru a month before we left, had Nick as a tour guide, and personally selected him to be the guide for our trip, for which we cannot thank her enough!
We also had the opportunity to do the full-day experience at MIL, which we would highly recommend! As much as the food there is fabulous, the learning experience by hiking into the hills behind the restaurant with a knowledgeable local guide provided a fabulous addition to better understand the Peruvian culture and food presentation at MIL. It was a highlight of the trip and books up months in advance, so be sure to get reservations online as soon as trip dates are established!” —Julie Olson
Read more reviews of Peru trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Tanzania: “The guides were extremely knowledgeable regarding animal behavior, the local geography and horticulture, and regional history.”
Diane Boas gets close to a tusker on safari in Tanzania.
“Katie on Cherri’s staff planned a perfect two-week itinerary for us in Tanzania. We stayed in a range of unique accommodations, from luxury camps to tents to a historic farm property. Each was beautiful, comfortable, served incredible, often organic and locally grown food and was managed by the most welcoming and gracious people that we have encountered on any trip.
Each day on safari, we saw a multitude of beautiful and fascinating animals, including the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceros; the Little Five; and even what the guides call the Ugly Five (you’ll have to see for yourself to decide if you agree). We witnessed the wildebeest migration, when thousands of animals surge across the Mara river, as well as a multitude of other animals hunting, mating, grooming, sleeping and playing. Every day we witnessed something extraordinary.
The guides were extremely knowledgeable regarding animal behavior, the local geography and horticulture, and regional history. They were genuinely warm and accommodating, always ensuring that we could have a special experience while remaining within our individual comfort zones.” —Diane Boas
Read more reviews of Tanzania trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
“AbdulRahman was OUTSTANDING. He was born in the Medina and his family still lived there, and he was able to share stories of how Tangier has changed over the centuries.”
Milinda Martin’s guide AbdulRahman outside his family home in Tangier’s Medina. Photo: Traveler Milinda Martin
“It had been 20 years since I had visited Morocco, and I have to say, the country is going through such a positive time. People are happy there! The government is building tons of affordable housing, redoing the waterfront areas, and spiffing up all the cities. It’s a good time to visit.
Thanks to Radia and her team, I was able to indulge my desire to learn more about the history of this country, especially the Berber culture, the invasion of the Arabs, and the long history of the Moors and Jews. Radia did not disappoint; all of my guides were experts and very willing to discuss the benefits and challenges of being such a rich land where everyone wants to be. My guide in Tangier, AbdulRahman, was OUTSTANDING. He was born in the Medina and his family still lived there, and he was able to share stories of how Tangier has changed over the centuries with all the invaders. He shared the local delicacies — mint tea and amazing cookies — with me, and we truly felt like friends by the time I moved on to Chefchaouen.
With Radia’s guidance, I visited Casablanca, and the amazing Hassan II mosque, with a Muslim scholar who could really immerse me in the religion, far beyond the 5 pillars. The trip ended in Marrakesh, where I had the most unique experience of learning how to make mosaics. This wasn’t a “tourist activity”; this was a visit to a gentleman’s workshop where we cut the tiles, arranged the mosaics and eventually plastered the mosaics into place. Radia provided a translator because the artist — having mastered this trade 40 years ago — did not speak English.
And I have to give a strong shout-out to my driver, Rachid. Throughout my tour, he was always on time, always kind, always conversational, and a great driver to boot. This is what I like about planning with Wendy Perrin: meeting the people and seeing life like a local. We visited the communal bakery and the hammam, two vital components of life for every Moroccan. I was able to go hiking in the Atlas Mountains, obtain early entry to the Majorelle Gardens, and have someone guide me through the mazes of the Medinas. The riad in Marrakesh was truly divine! Unlike other tours that whisk you here and there, in international hotels, where you never meet a local, Radia and her team ensured that I felt like a Moroccan from the very start.” —Milinda Martin
Read more reviews of Morocco trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
“Ahmed was a perfect tour guide. His knowledge is deep and constant. No matter what the topic or the discussion, he had the context and the history to enrich the conversation.”
Camels in the Sahara. Photo: Yehuda Schmidt
“Before the glow begins to fade, we want to write about our amazing trip to Morocco! We visited Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes and the Sahara desert (October 5 to 16). Along the way we saw countless villages and interesting sites. We had requested unique hotels that spoke to the culture of Morocco. We loved the hotels chosen! The riads were beautiful, with internal courtyards rich with gardens and fountains. They were unique and comfortable. Different enough that we fully felt in vacation mode, but familiar enough that we could relax.
We had to slightly change our itinerary due to some physical limitations and due to the earthquake. Radia’s team helped make our changes seamless. My heart, though, is with Ahmed, our guide, and Younis, our driver. They were the golden core of our trip. Younis, a.k.a. Mr. Magic, was always waiting right where we needed him to be. He drove professionally and capably. I am a nervous passenger, but he was calm and respectful. He cared for us in a way I didn’t know was possible. Zero stress!
Ahmed was a perfect tour guide. His knowledge is deep and constant. No matter what the topic or the discussion, he had the context and the history to enrich the conversation. He ‘knew’ us and our interests of history and culture. He adjusted our schedule to fill our every need. For example, due to our situation, we could not hike the Atlas mountains, so he planned a magical day in the port city of Essaouira. It was one of our absolute favorite days. We loved the medina and the seaside.
I would also like to mention their attentiveness to me when I was not feeling well. They provided unparalleled care. I felt supported and cared for as if I was home. It was very touching. They gave me a day to recover while touring with my husband, but we returned to the spots that I was most sad to have missed.” —Tammy and Yehuda Schmidt
Read more reviews of Morocco trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
“A 4-hour back-and-forth drive after a day of touring and guiding us, just to make sure I had what I needed. You couldn’t have a more caring or kinder person than Uli.”
Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria, Germany. Photo: Shutterstock
“We just returned home from a 16-day trip to Germany. The country is scenically gorgeous, the food is outstanding, as are the wines and beers, but the very best part of Germany are its people. The German people are polite, welcoming, and very helpful. They take pride in what they do, and in their country. It is sparkling clean and safe at all hours of the day and night. My husband and I saw so many young people out late at night having a wonderful time. Overall, it’s a country that has not forgotten its past, good and bad, and looks forward to the future with acceptance and love.
We did not plan this, but we happened to be in Germany during the celebration of the reunification of Germany, which is a very big deal to its population, and it involved a 4- to 5-day holiday for them, so there was a great deal of traffic, but also a great vibe of happy energy. I loved it!!
Our driver and guide, Ulrich, was absolutely amazing: an excellent driver, compassionate human being and a gentle giant of a man. I really messed up and left part of my CPAP equipment in the hotel we had last stayed at and did not realize it until I unpacked at the next destination, after we all had said good night to each other. When Uli found out, he drove back to the hotel while we were enjoying a leisurely dinner to retrieve it for me. A 4-hour back-and-forth drive after a day of touring and guiding us, just to make sure I had what I needed. You couldn’t have a more caring or kinder person than Uli.
We had an arrangement for us to visit Neuschwanstein Castle before it opened to the public. This involved pushing me in a wheelchair up a 20-degree incline of about 1,000 feet. Uli never complained or seemed to resent aiding me throughout the trip. Mr. Wonderful for sure!!
We thank Claudia for working with us to make this a most wonderful, perfect holiday. We also thank Wendy Perrin for putting us in touch with Claudia in the first place and for her very special WOW Moment luncheon overlooking the Rhine River. Truly a WOW experience that we will never forget.” —Lya Eisenberg
Read more reviews of Germany trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
“We expected a city tour, but Mike gave us much more than that: an introduction to the culture, the economy, and the ‘language’ of Newfoundland.”
Gros Morne Western Brook Pond fjord, Newfoundland. Photo: Maxxim Vacations
“Jill connected us with two local guides who were amazing. We learned so much from them. The first experience was with Mike Edmunds the day after we landed in St John’s. We expected a city tour, but Mike gave us much more than that: an introduction to the culture, the economy, and the ‘language’ of Newfoundland. This single experience set the context for our entire trip.
In Port Rexton a few days later, we had breakfast with Paul Dean, a geologist and former director of the Johnson Geo Center, followed by a guided hike of the Skerwink Trail. Imagine what an experience this was! Paul knows the geology—and the local plants, etc.—of Newfoundland and Labrador first-hand, and was extremely generous in sharing his knowledge with us.
There was so much to see and explore, our three weeks didn’t provide enough time. There are many small, local attractions that address the history, culture, and geology of the specific area that you are visiting. If you can spare the time, build in a few extra days at special locations to reorganize activities around bad weather. We also learned that Parks Canada guided hikes have a lot to offer; they are incredibly informative! We took two of these. We highly recommend that you take the guided hikes for the Tablelands and for Green Point….” —Don and Marie Osdale
Read more reviews of Atlantic Canada trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
“We had many other activities that were also highlights. In Umbria, we went canyoning through a roaring mountain river, had an in-depth local cooking class, a gelato-making class, and went truffle hunting with the cutest, yet very talented dogs.”
Andrea Phillips and family tasting their food after a private cooking class at Casa Gola in Umbria.
My family of four, with two teen girls, had a wonderful and action-packed trip to Italy in mid to late June covering Umbria, Tuscany, Florence, Bologna, Lake Como and Milan, planned with Maria. We stayed at hotels that were the perfect fit (like the one in Florence that had a rooftop pool to beat the heat!), had the best rooms and locations and such personal service, all due to Maria’s connections. Our transportation coordination around the country was flawless and that had to be a challenge with the many, many day trips we had planned and the 6 stops to transfer to! Maria’s local ground support, Cristina, was absolutely amazing throughout the entire trip and very accommodating to help out if we needed something altered. Plus she was our fabulous guide on our day trips in Umbria. The many other guides along the trip were also very friendly, passionate about sharing their knowledge, and did their best to keep our teenagers engaged on the tours. We had another family with three teenagers join us for parts of our trip and Maria and Cristina helped coordinate our joint stays, activities & reservations. Italy was busy with travelers while we were there, but I can honestly say that it did not affect our plans at all as Maria had it coordinated and timed out so perfectly.
This trip was also to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and Maria had suggested two stops along the way that were very special. Wow, were they ever! Borgo Santo Pietro, a working farm & wellness resort in west Tuscany, and Grand Hotel Tremezzo, near Bellagio in Lake Como. Both resorts resembled something made out of a dream. Beautiful landscapes, amazing service, delicious food, gorgeous rooms, and so many amenities. At Borgo Santo Pietro, you had the feeling of being in a fairy garden wherever you went and around every corner, there was something new to discover. The staff was amazing and there was so much to explore and do. Bicycles & e-bikes, animal-tending sessions, exploring the gardens and farm, tennis courts, the spa & classes, eating the farm-to-table food in their lovely restaurants, all set in a serene oasis in the heart of Tuscany. We did not want to leave! The other amazing stop was the Hotel Grand Tremezzo, which is a standout feature on any Lake Como ferry ride with its striking architecture, gardens and in-lake floating pool in front, so actually staying there was quite a treat! The inner decor of the hotel and outer gardens were magical and so were the concierges and staff that were always ready to help. We enjoyed the spa, the many pools and casual restaurants and even had a private wakeboarding session one morning on the Lake! That is a memory that will never be forgotten and made this stop my girls’ favorite! Maria also arranged a great private boat tour to visit Bellagio and the famous villas of the lake with a lovely private guide, who had access to go inside the villas and educate us on all of the historic collections and stories. It was fascinating!
We were surprised with our WOW Moment early in this trip. We were given a special opportunity to be dressed up for the night in the Foligno Quintana traditional costumes for their festival later in the week. That was a unique experience and one that we would never have been able to arrange or even be allowed to do without Maria’s network in Italy. Thank you Wendy and Maria!
We had many other activities that were also highlights. In Umbria, we went canyoning through a roaring mountain river, had an in-depth local cooking class, a gelato-making class, and went truffle hunting with the cutest, yet very talented dogs. In Siena, we had lunch on the exact alleyway where the Mille Miglia Race of Classic Cars were driving through to enter the Il Campo (definitely because of Maria’s connections in Italy!). In Florence, we climbed the Brunelleschi Duomo, took a lively pizza-making class, saw the awe-inspiring David & the Uffizi Gallery, and took a relaxing Arno River boat ride. In Lucca, we rode bikes around the medieval walls where we crossed paths with a special parade of classic Fiat 500’s. In Bologna, we visited one of the world’s oldest universities, and in nearby Maranello, drove Ferraris through the streets of the town where they are made! In Milan, we had the privilege of being able to see the Last Supper, which was breathtaking. Needless to say, we were very busy on this trip!
It was a trip full of variety, which I had specifically asked Maria for when planning this vacation last fall, and she delivered! My family (and the friends who joined us) were thrilled with our stops and most of the planned activities. When we needed to change a pick-up time, tour length, or cancel a nice dinner reservation for something more causal, Maria’s team was more than happy to help out to make this a wonderful trip catered to us. When we head to Italy again, I will definitely have Maria help me plan our route around the country, but next time, we will stay longer than 3 nights at each stop to really experience the culture and have some more free time to explore on our own!” —Andrea Phillips
Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
“Their advice about transportation (private cars and high speed train), luxurious hotel choices, creative excursion ideas, and flawless execution of our busy itinerary delivered a once-in-a-lifetime family experience that the women of my family will always remember.”
Virginia Socolof enjoying Gordes with three generations of women in her family.
“I recently returned from a FABULOUS trip to France with my mother, sister, and 17-year-old daughter. This was a real bucket list item for my mother—she is 80 and wanted to see both Monet’s gardens at Giverny and Provence. Philip and his team planned and executed a wonderful itinerary that perfectly satisfied my mother’s wishes—a special shout-out to Marion, who successfully navigated a few challenges in the planning process. I love the Axus app, which constantly updated our itinerary and provided a way for us to quickly communicate with Philip’s team. From the moment we landed in Paris until the day we flew out of Marseille, the drivers, excursions, and hotels exceeded our expectations. On the day we were going to Giverny our van had a flat tire in the middle of the countryside, and within 30 minutes my family was in an Uber called by our heroic guide Paul, headed to Giverny with our tickets and lunch reservation in hand. Paul had the tire repaired and met us after lunch for the rest of our trip to Auvers sur Oise, but we didn’t miss a thing. Giverny was the most eagerly anticipated moment of the trip for my mother, and what could have been a disappointing travel disaster is now one of our funniest trip memories, involving aggressive strawberry buyers and a tiny blue car. Cedric, our guide in Provence, was a gem—my whole family loved him and both his hilarious stories and historic insights. The Hotel du Pigeonnet in Aix was so very lovely, and Philip’s team also provided us with some wonderful restaurant recommendations and reservations. I began the planning process for this trip with concerns about how we could manage an experience that would make all of us happy and be comfortable enough for my mother, but Philip and his team pulled it off. Their advice about transportation (private cars and high speed train), luxurious hotel choices, creative excursion ideas, and flawless execution of our busy itinerary delivered a once-in-a-lifetime family experience that the women of my family will always remember. Merci beaucoup, Philip!” —Virginia Socolof
Read more reviews of France trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
“Both guides were wonderful at asking us if we wanted our photos taken—something I forget to ask guides to do. With Riza and Basri, I didn’t have to remember. They just did it.”
Catherine Mathis and her husband at Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. They were standing in Europe but could see Asia just behind them, across the Bosphorus.
“We recently returned from a trip to Turkey arranged for us by Earl. We had just five days to spend in Istanbul and Cappadocia. Earl helped us make the most of it. We went back and forth on the things we wanted to see, and Earl gave us good advice on the pros and cons of different sites and experiences.
We’ve found that a key factor in our enjoyment of a trip is the guide. And Riza, our guide in Istanbul, was fantastic—deeply knowledgeable, very energetic, passionate about his country, and fun! We also had an excellent guide in Cappadocia, Basri, who on the spur of the moment got us tickets to see the whirling dervishes and recommended a great restaurant for us. Both guides were wonderful at asking us if we wanted our photos taken—something I forget to ask guides to do. With Riza and Basri, I didn’t have to remember. They just did it.
For more than a decade, we’ve used Wendy’s recommendations for planning our trips, and we experienced our first WOW Moment on this vacation. We cruised the Bosphorus on a beautiful private yacht. Lovely. Just lovely.” —Catherine Mathis
Read more reviews of Turkey trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
“The guides were able to suggest modifications to our schedule, suggesting experiences we had not thought of, adjusting our schedule to be more efficient or carving out time for desires we had given up on…”
View from Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland. Photo: Melvin Woodworth
“What we wanted most of all was a sensory experience of Great Britain, bringing to life a broad sampling of the different historical, regional and hierarchical offerings of the island. Our wish list included castles, abbeys, manor houses, local foods and gardens. We wanted to visit the big cities, small villages and rural farmlands. We wanted to minimize the barriers between us, as visitors, and the people of England and Scotland. By the time we had honed our wish list, Jonathan and his team had a real sense of who we were and what we wanted.
We divided our time around four major centers: London and surroundings; Bath and the Cotswolds; York and northeastern England; and Edinburgh and rural Scotland. In each of these locations we had one or more walking or driver guides who was a resident in the selected area and extremely well versed in the many facets of the location. The guides were able to suggest modifications to our schedule, suggesting experiences we had not thought of, adjusting our schedule to be more efficient or carving out time for desires we had given up on. Several of our favorite stops had not been on our list of desires, such as the Two Chairmen Pub, Castle Howard, Writer’s Museum in Old Town Edinburgh, up close and personal with Highland Coos, Eilean Donan Castle, Dalmally-Lochawe, Whitby-Goathland train station, a Tartan factory and Inverary Jail.
Our visceral learnings were all through our senses: the incredible accommodations that provided us a glimpse into a life of luxury and privilege—Roseate Hotel in London, The Manor House at Castle Combe, The Grand in York, Intercontinental-The George in Edinburgh, Inverlochy Castle and Cromlix; the peaceful and rich openness of the moors; the smell of salt air, sound of waves, beauty of dunes and beaches of the North Sea; the sights and sounds of Morris Men in Bampton; the timeless cry of bagpipes near the ancient walls of Edinburgh Castle; calm, clear waters of the many Lochs reflecting sky and mountains; and the feel of cobbles underfoot in the early morning and late at night walks.
Perhaps the greatest parts of our trip were the personal reflections of our guides. Each in his or her own way expressed a deep love of their land, their nation and their people. The social hierarchy was expressed in ways that reflected a candid acceptance and pride of their system. The history was related in ways that honored and respected each culture’s contribution to the current nation. Their gift of many stories was priceless.” —Candice and Melvin Woodworth
Read more reviews of England and Scotland trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
“He was not only a talented guide…but a kind, thoughtful and devout person who truly cared about our enjoyment, well-being and how we experienced Morocco.”
Camel trek through the Sahara Desert, Morocco. Photo: Geri Krauss
“My husband and I recently returned from a trip to Morocco planned by Michael. The trip was superb. To begin with, we had a wonderful guide who stayed with us throughout the two-week-plus trip. He was not only a talented guide—sharing with us his deep knowledge of the country and its culture—but a kind, thoughtful and devout person who truly cared about our enjoyment, well-being and how we experienced Morocco.
The trip itself spanned much of the country—from the cities of Marrakesh and Fes to the Atlas mountains, the Sahara desert and the seashore. While we had to drive long distances to cover everything we wanted to see, the time passed quickly, as the scenery throughout the country was gorgeous and dramatic. The drivers were careful and great—accommodating many requests to stop for photos.
The hotels Michael recommended were each special in their own way (riads in the cities, kasbahs in the mountains and a tent in the desert) and the experiences he planned for us—cooking classes, dinner with a university professor to speak to us about the Sufis, walks through villages, markets and the old cities—were truly special. Wendy treated us to a WOW Moment in the desert—a camel ride up the dunes with hor d’oeuvres and champagne as the sun set—which was truly WOW!” —Geri Krauss
Read more reviews of Morocco trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
“He was able to predict where we were most likely to see the rare cats—cheetahs and leopards—and we saw them all…”
Leopard laying on a tree branch. Photo: Dan Friedman
“Dan arranged the trip of a lifetime for me, my wife, and our son and daughter-in-law. It was a private safari in Tanzania and then a few days in Rwanda and Nairobi. Every detail was taken care of—basically all we had to do was show up….
Dan selected great guides for our trip. In Tanzania our guide, Vienney, was with us the entire nine days we were there. He was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about the animals and their habits. With his deep knowledge, he was able to predict where we were most likely to see the rare cats—cheetahs and leopards—and we saw them all. Often we were the only safari vehicle at the site. While in the Serengeti we witnessed the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras head east to areas with more water—an amazing sight.
From the Serengeti we flew to Rwanda, where Dan had arranged treks to see the mountain gorillas. The treks are arduous, but very worthwhile. It’s an effort, but once you encounter a gorilla family, the experience will amaze you. Their behavior is so much more human-like than I imagined. This is a breathtaking experience that you will never forget.” —Dan Friedman
Read more reviews of African Safari trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
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