Olé Spain Tour Testimonials
“The Olé Spain tour was more than excellent. David & Josh are funny, caring, warm & intelligent, with a true passion for their work. We were a group of ten tourists and every step of the way we learned something new about the culture. The restaurants were outstanding and I tried things I never would have tried on my own. [The guides] were accommodating & respectful when it came to dietary preferences; and if people wanted to eat more, more was ordered. They were punctual, reliable, and just plain great. I was weepy the last day, not only because of the things I was able to do and see, but also because I was leaving my group. I would highly recommend an Olé Spain Tour for anyone who is looking to learn about Spain, bond with fun & interesting people from all walks of life, eat well, & receive personalized attention. I miss these guys; I’m looking forward to taking another tour with them in the future.”
- Eliza E., Gurnee, IL
“The tour was the perfect balance of history, culture, walking and free time – not easy to achieve but you did it! The big thing that you offer is that the tour is led by the owners – not “hired help” as with larger companies. Therefore service, attention to detail and personal involvement was much, much greater. “Owner / operator” is the ultimate boutique service available today.”
- Larry and Alice W., Baltimore, MD
“We were impressed favorably with the spirit of the tour; that is, your desire and enthusiasm to share some of the Spain you know and love. If there is an intuitive art or “duende” (as Gloria discussed regarding flamenco) to educating with passion, you all have it! We are grateful to carry in our hearts a piece of Andalucía which will remain forever.”
- Mary M., New York, NY
“The trip went beyond my expectations. It was small, full of wonderful people, a great introduction to Andalucía and its varieties. I loved the ancient ruins, the mountain walks and the siestas. Most of all, I enjoyed having the personal introduction to these cities through the eyes of you who love Spain.”
- Janet H., Valley Village, CA
“David and Josh, as Americans who have studied Spanish culture and history,teach the language and have lived in the country, you gave us unique and valuable insights into the Spanish people and the country. Your enthusiasm and love for Spain was infectious, and this experience with you was terrific.”
- Phylis E., New York, NY
“The quality of the daily activities was better than excellent. The mix of touring and free time was outstanding. David, Josh and Gloria were fabulous guides. I’ve been home about a week now, and looking back on my trip with Olé Spain, I have one thing to say: it was a blast!.”
- Lorna R., Superior, WI
“The trip overwhelmingly met my expectations. A richly concentrated introduction for a first time traveler to Spain. By focusing on Andalucía and its Moorish / Christian / Jewish streams of culture I became deeply enmeshed and engaged in a living, vital experience. A terrific adventure, well focused and enriching, with two superb, well grounded, engaging Olé Spain trip leaders. Magnifico!”
- Robert A., Healdburg, CA
“This trip was so much more than I expected. You know what it really was? Everything you find yourself hoping a trip will be but you know it can’t possibly be that good. Well, this tour was that good! You guys totally spoiled us for future trips – it was heaven with a passport.”
- Amy R.H., Oak Park, IL
“The trip was amazing because of the leaders, David and Josh. Their infectious enthusiasm for everything Spain and their encyclopedic knowledge which they freely shared place this trip in the highest echelon.”
- Victor L., Larkspur, CA
“The trip surpassed our expectations. The accommodations and the pace of activitie and private time was sensational. The amazing thing, however, was we really have a feeling we have come to know a unique, authentic part of Spain and have a personalized insight into Spain’s Golden Age. The range of restaurant choices, walks in the cities, locations of hotels and rapport amongst the trip participants has made Spain’s Andalucía feel very familiar and welcoming. It was an active, unique, personal tour of a magic time in Spain’s history when Moors, Jews and Christians were able toshare the best of their traditions, beliefs and creativity as seen through the cities of Sevilla, Granada, Córdoba and the hills of the Alpujarras. David and Josh are very sophisticated travel planners who have great stories to tell of historic, sacred and profane subjects and a superb sense of timing so our pace was relaxing and manageable. Superb!”
-Gretchen K., Stony Creek, CT
“The trip was wonderful, informative, congenial, exhilarating, enjoyable – we loved it! We were “gun shy” about taking tours (this was our first), but we found it friendly and informative. The small group and the two guides gave us the opportunity to interact with Spaniards and to get our questions answered. All meals and hotels were excellent.”
- Bunny and Budd L., Chatsworth, CA
“This was truly a cultural walking adventure – a unique experience in Spain with two fun, enthusiastic, educated guides, outstanding cultural and historical focus and great food and hotels included.”
- Roger G., Redondo Beach, CA
“The trip exceeded my expectations, mainly because of Josh and David. The tour was a good balance of culture, walks, group camaraderie and “fun-n-games” – it was loose, casual, unique and totally delightful!”
- Paul and Mimi S., Potomac, MD
“(The trip was) a guided walk through time. It was like having a personal guide through history in an outdoor classroom.”
- Lyn G., Redondo Beach, CA
“I did not anticipate Josh and David being so charming, so knowledgeable and so spontaneously fun. They are both so talented and work together so well and I think this was responsible for the great success of our trip. It was a wonderful way to see southern Spain in a small group. The chosen cities are fabulous and the mountain area is not to be missed. David and Josh transmit a love for Spain, the Spanish culture and the Spanish people. Fabulous trip!”
- Linda L., Larkspur, CA
“It was a great trip, carefully planned and emitting a sense that we were in knowledgeable and capable hands. Easy to recommend!”
- Chuck L., Columbia, MD
“The tour absolutely surpassed my expectations. It was the most fun I have ever had on a trip.”
- Barbara G., New York, NY
“The tour guides set the tone: they love Spain and their enthusiasm was transmitted to the group. The cultural walks were extremely well done. There was a good balance between free time and planned activities.”
- Marcia W., Bethesda, MD
“Most tours that I’ve been on were like fast food. NOT YOURS! It was fine dining for the soul mind and body.”
- Dean T., Mariposa, CA
“You held yourselves to the highest standards of excellence in every area, from logistics to quality of commentary. But, even more, the thing that made this trip different from any other tour was your warmth and high spirits. You managed to make every person on the trip into a friend. You took care of everyone and everything, and, uniquely, you gave of yourselves. This cannot be bought at any price.”
- Rhoda F., Providence, RI
“Your historical info, stories, timing, care of us – all were superb. I was introduced to the Moorish culture for the first time. I went home feeling enriched on all levels. I learned a lot and loved it!”
- Joan H., Glyndon, MD
“Words are wholly inadequate to express my delight and appreciation for your leadership, insights, energy and constant consideration of my every interest and need during the tour. You’ve opened my eyes and my heart forever to Spain, for which I will always be grateful.”
- Judy K., Palo Alto, CA
Linda and I thank you so much for making Spain so vivid and alive. We had an incredible time – your joy for this country is so contagious. We shall miss this most gently sloping land very much. Muchas gracias!”
- Steven W., Severna Park, MD
“The trip was so fabulous – everything we had hoped for and so much more! You three are sensational. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, genuine passion and expertise. Olé!”
- Linda H., Baltimore, MD
“All of you are great! Your knowledge, your enthusiasm, your flexibility, planning and attention to every detail was phenomenal. We would go anywhere with you guys!”
- Jim H., Davidsonville, MD
“The trip exceeded our expectations. We developed an appreciation of Spanish culture and life style. It was a great combination – tour guides, individuals in the group and the places we visited. A memorable time in a memorable place.”
- Karl and Carol R., Riva, MD
“We loved every minute of our time in Spain! The kids both kept travel journals, and their last entries were—interestingly enough—identical: ‘I don’t want to leave Spain!’ We’ve been on other international trips and have been ready to go home at the end. On this trip we were so comfortable, so pampered, so enamored with the experience that we all would have gladly prolonged it. ”
- Caryn, Lianna and Victor, Millbrae, CA
“Our first trip to southern Spain was so memorable! Your passion for the culture, history and cuisine of Spain was evident throughout. We’re so glad we came across you on the internet!”
- Buzz and Marilyn M., Santa Barbara, CA
“You have obviously been refining this trip over many years. I really have no suggestions for improvement in any area. I loved the walking in town and in the countryside. The distances and time spent walking were perfect. There was sufficient down time. I loved your stories – fact, lore and legend. As to your understanding of the culture and your ability to convey the subtle nuances, your apparently effortless organization and attention to detail, your management of group dynamics — well, as I said, you are gifted teachers.”
- Anne and Grant R., Ontario, Canada
“Our days were full and we really saw a great deal in a week. Our guide was brilliant and he related a great deal about the culture — both political and social. Nick was a wonderful historian, easily approachable and fun!”
- Ed and Joann W., Ocean City, MD
“Where do I begin to tell you how very much I enjoyed our tour! I’ve now been home a week and I’m still in the after-glow of Spain’s magic. Thank you so very much for your wonderful introduction to a land and history I knew so little about. I would be hard pressed to say whether it was the country itself, or the history and stories you gave to us that brought the place alive. We sure missed you in Segovia. What a fabulous place that was. The aqueduct, Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and the cathedral all begged for more information — Olé Spain-style! I promise to spread the word; anyone I know would be crazy to pass up a trip with you.”
- Dianne H., Santa Barbara, CA
“For me half the fun of traveling is eating the local cuisine, which we definitely did and it was fabulous! Also, it’s obvious that you put a lot of thought into the pacing of the trip, timing, a mix of activities and free time. I thought it came together beautifully!”
-Patrica V.B., Greenbelt, MD
“The entire trip was a delight. The hotels, the education, the attention to our individual needs were all better than could be hoped for. You guys made history come alive! And thank you for making Olé Spain available on the internet.”
- Sharol S.,Santa Barbara, CA
