More than 30 years ago, I began longing for experiences outside my day-to-day that would give me a sense of fulfillment, a sense of adventure and a sense of wonder. Wow! A career in travel met each of those desires, and more! But, I wondered, if the idea of a trip to see the world could be better, and could be more....
My affiliation with Virtuoso began my "Road Less Traveled" - being filled with authentic adventures that have enriched me, inspired me, and transformed me into an Adventure Specialist. A Trusted Travel Advisor with a heart for the unknown, for the extraordinary experiences as diverse as the world itself! From the heights of my journey to Peru's Machu Picchu, and one of the highest cities on earth, Cusco, Peru - to the lowest points on earth, such as the Dead Sea of Jordan & Israel - I strive for more.... More exquisite opportunities for my clients.... each one a VIP to me!
I have had exceptional over-the-top experiences traveling throughout our world - India recently, and the exquisite Palaces of Rajasthan in Northern India and some of the worlds BEST OF THE BEST Hotels such as the Oberoi and Leela Palaces of India. I have ridden elephants of India, had more than one or two experiences on the backs of camels in Broome, Australia and among the Egyptian Pyramids and Hot Air Ballooning Experiences over some of the most exquisite sites in the world - Cappadocia, Turkey to name one - with their famous Fairy Chimneys glistening in the freshly fallen snow! I have explored the Amazon River by boat, and skif - I have fished for Piranha in the Peruvian Amazon and counted more species of primates than I could have ever imagined in the tree tops of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. I've been delighted by the arrival into the villages along the Sepic River by the locals "sing-sing" in Papua New Guinea while on an Expedition Cruise. Being greeted by villagers and introduced to a set of newborn twins of local families was much more than ever expected. Easter Services enjoyed in a Papua New Guinea village in a local church, where the priest led his members into services, preceded by the local Tribal Elder! WOW! An Anglican Church decorated with Palm Leaves, small children singing, and seeing the blue sky above thru the large gaping holes in the roof will not soon be forgotten! Or, my adventure to Jordan - complete with a 4X4 drive thru the rich red sands of Wadi Rum Desert where Lawrence of Arabia was filmed so many years ago, and traditional greetings at a local Bedoin Camp with offerings of tea!! Christmas Markets sailing the Rhein River was an experience for families, friends that love to travel together... or even Multi-Generational travelers... a fantastic way to experience the Castles of Europe, the traditions of Christmas and the relaxation only a River Cruise affords you! Traveling DownUnder over 15 times in my life has afforded me the opportunities to learn about Australia's people, traditions, scenery second to none, and opportunities to make those all -so-important face to face relationships with my partners in country! I have held a Koala, taken a Beginners Diver Course on the Great Barrier Reef, slept in tents in the exquisite Kimberly Region in the north, and toasted with a glass of Aussie Wine on more than a few occasions! Sydney Harbor with it's iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge Climb are two of my favorites experiences - or are you an Opera Lover? Sydney hosts the Handa Opera on the Harbour each year.... 2016 will be in March/April with presentation of Turandot! Just a few of the experiences I have had while traveling in Australia. Oh, by the way, some of the best walks & hikes in the world are in Australia - my most recent was the Maria Island Walk in Tasmania - spectacular way to see the country! - travel experiences I will never forget, and love to share!
My upcoming travels include China for the first time with one of our exceptional Virtuoso Member Partners, Imperial Tours - My heart has long yearned to visit Asia. My mind has been filled with books of the country of China. Nothing will compare, I am sure, to the exquisite visit planned for us! Xi'an TerraCotta Warriors - YES! I will have much, much more than a normal "mass-market" tour - MY Virtuoso Dream will be fulfilled by Imperial Tours with a visit to the quarters not normally seen. Hangzhou - I will follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo - by a private gondola touring the West Lake! And not to overlook the Great Wall of China - with a private lunch on the wall in a remote area not normally visited. My preferred partners make this and MORE happen every day for my VIP clients - YOU!
While my passion is Adventure in all forms, I craft trips for my clients sending them to the 4 corners of this VAST world! I understand the importance of history & culture - of the educational components families may be looking for in their travels - of the invaluable knowledge gained by visiting the off-the-beaten areas with their children and grandchildren! You will travel uniquely and can choose to make the world a better place, now and for future generations - our VAST journeys immerse you in the world's most captivating destinations, and cultures - and at the same time, support sustainable tourism.
As you explore the farthest reaches of the earth, rest assured in knowing that I, as your Virtuoso Travel Advisor, will make sure you are covered EVERY STEP OF THE WAY with the invaluable knowledge, custom itineraries and incomparable perks and privileges! Ignite your imagination today! Go Active. Go Real. Go VAST.