"Enjoyed the emphasis on photo ops under all conditions, and the group we were

with. Couldn't ask for better pre-trip communications and planning. Great to get to

know you. Wonderful sense of humor and a very nice way of taking over 'when

circumstances warrant.' Your organization and flexibility are to be commended."

Why go on a group tour with me? Because I put together and escort terrific trips! Since I believe that good preparation makes for a better travel experience, I supply a wealth of material on our destination in the weeks prior to departure. Special extras include a group T-shirt, group photo, celebrations for holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries on tour, and an annual reunion each September.

I also try very hard to give good value for your money. My tours are usually priced much lower than comparable offerings from the big-name companies since I don't spend a lot on expensive advertising and glossy brochures, and I don't sell through travel agents, thus no commission needs to be built into the tour price. Compare and you'll see.

Upcoming Tours

Click titles below for detailed itineraries

Magical Madagascar. Fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar lies in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique. Its isolation has given rise over the millennia to a striking biodiversity of unique flora and fauna. We'll discover this beguiling island and experience its culture through visits to a number of the best nature reserves in search of intriguing plants, birds, reptiles and, of course, some of its 30 species of lemurs. (April 9/10-28, 2010)   Tour closed

Ultimate Kenya Safari. Always my absolute favorite, especially in early summer when it's cool and green. This is the only tour I do every year, staying more days in the best game parks: Amboseli, Samburu, and Masai Mara. Excellent wildlife sightings guaranteed! (June 7/8-26, 2010)   11 signed up so far

Intriguing Indonesia. An exciting combination of four of Indonesia's most colorful and photogenic islands. On Papua (formerly Irian Jaya), the Baliem Valley's isolation preserved its primitive "Stone Age" culture, so our visit provides a rare opportunity to walk back in time. On Sulawesi, we drive into misty blue mountains to Torajaland, noted for its distinctive boat-shaped houses, hanging graves, and unique festivals. In Kalimantan, on Borneo, we stay at an ecolodge in Tanjung Puting National Park, the world's best place to see orangutans in their natural habitat. And then there's Bali, with its exquisite Hindu temples, traditional culture, lush green rice terraces, endless beaches, and plethora of handicrafts. (July 9-30, 2010)   Sold out, waitlist only

LOOKING FURTHER AHEAD
(Itineraries still in the planning stage)

Laos & North Vietnam. In Laos, we explore the historic royal capital of Luang Prabang and photograph the dramatic landscape between Luang Prabang and Vientiane. In Vietnam, we experience vibrant Hanoi, cruise on a junk among the fairytale islands of magnificent Halong Bay, then venture into the mountainous north to Dien Bien Phu, Lai Chau, and Sapa for ethnic minority villages, colorful weekly markets, and gorgeous scenery. (October/November 2010)   Brochure at printer

Burma & the Hilltribes of Thailand. We had a fabulous time here in 2008, so I'm doing this trip again. We begin in northern Thailand to meet hilltribe peoples -- most especially the exotic Padaung women whose necks are festooned with shiny brass rings. A journey through Burma (now called Myanmar) is a journey through history. We'll visit the capital city of Rangoon with its gold-spired Shwedagon stupa, drive into the countryside to witness rural life, explore the pagoda-studded plain of Pagan, see Mandalay on the Irrawaddy River, and experience mystical Inle Lake with its leg-rowing Intha people. (January/February 2011)

Treasures of Turkey. Straddling the continents of Asia and Europe, Turkey offers ancient cultures, well-preserved archaeological sites, amazing geologic formations, very friendly people, and excellent shopping opportunities. Highlights of this itinerary include Istanbul and the Whirling Dervishes, the superb ruins of Ephesus and Aphrodisias, the stunning lunar landscape of Cappadocia, all the way east to Mount Ararat. (April/May 2011)

Kenya Safari. Always my absolute favorite, especially in early summer when it's cool and green. This is the only tour I do every year, staying more days in the best game parks: Amboseli, Samburu, and Masai Mara. Excellent wildlife sightings guaranteed -- and usually only three to a car! (June 2011)

Namibia Safari. This trip combines the best of our 2008 trip -- Etosha's fantastic wildlife-rich waterholes and the wind-sculpted dunes of Sossusvlei -- with the exotic Himba people of Kaokoland, the haunting "ghost town" of Kolmanskop, engulfed by advancing sand dunes, and the eerie quiver tree forest and bouldered formations of the "Giants' Playground." (July/August 2011)

Autumn in Japan. Clear blue skies and colorful fall foliage should enhance photo opportunities as we visit Kyoto and Tokyo, Fuji Five Lakes for views of Mount Fuji, and explore the more traditional rural areas of Honshu and Shikoku, steeped in folklore and natural beauty, dotted with small villages and medieval castle towns. (November 2011)