Testimonials
Ed B. from Ann Arbor, MI; traveled to Costa Rica
We finished our tour of Costa Rican highlights yesterday and I am happy to tell you that we had a wonderful time. All services arranged and provided were excellent and we especially appreciated the fact that every single time a pick-up was arranged, the person was always on time.
The guided tours were well done, the groups were small with the exception of Tortuguero, but since the guide there was excellent, it did not really matter. The Pachira lodge was a fun place , but the rooms were very rustic -of course the Kioro was outstanding and we liked the Costa Verde.
Our friend who joined us from Barcelona was very pleased as well.
Thanks again and Pura Vida!February 2014
Bennett G. from Westport, CT; traveled to Peru
Eitan –
Now that we’re back, unpacked and, unfortunately, somewhat re-acclimated to the winter weather, we wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed Peru.
The itinerary you put together exceeded even your glowing descriptions. The Aqua, cruise, with its 12 cabins, was an amazing way to see the Amazon. As you had indicated, the accommodations were luxurious and food was a wonderful fusion of local Peruvian and continental. Most special, though, was the hospitality of the crew and the guides, who were unbelievably knowledgeable -- and unerringly able spot macaws and howler monkeys no matter how well hidden in the densest forest canopy. They seemed to have endless enthusiasm for showing us their country and sharing our discoveries – whether it was catching piranha, spotting pink porpoises or interacting with village children.
The second half of the trip, in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu were no less remarkable. As you know, we’ve done a good bit of traveling, and the Inkaterra hotels in Cuzco and Machu Picchu were among the very nicest we’ve seen. The food in the hotels and local restaurants -- quinoa pancakes, ceviche and Amarillo sauce -- won over two new converts to Peruvian cuisine.
However, we must say that, once again, it was the guides that really stood out. We learned everything from archaeology, history and art, to engineering, agriculture, and astronomy. Our discussions ranged from Incan and pre-Incan civilizations, to the conquistadors, and even the politics that brought down Fujimori in 2000.
As I trust is clear, the trip exceeded our expectations on all fronts. Thank you for a wonderful adventure!
Our very best.
Bennett & Ellen
November 2013
Karen R. from Stafford, TX; traveled to Brazil
Well we are home from our latest adventure- Brazil let us out of the jungle!!!! It was such a fabulous trip from beginning to end (thanks to our dear friend Eileen Hart who planned it and my husband for funding it). Our first stop was Argentina where we danced the tango Milonga ,traced the steps of Eva Peron and ate our weight in beef. We continued to the Argentinean and then Brazilian sides of Iguassu Falls, the widest waterfall in the world, took a boat ride under the falls, saw monkeys and many different varieties of birds including toucans, parrots and macaws. Next, we were on to Rio, one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. From the old city to the Sugar Loaf, Corcovado, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and the open markets.... it was breathtaking. We danced the Samba and listened to the Bossanova. Finally it was on to the Amazon!! It was incredible in scope and beauty. Hikes in the jungle, piranha fishing, pink dolphins, monkeys, bird watching and visits with the local people- it was an experience of a lifetime.
Always happy to be home!!November 2013
Harriet L. from Atlanta, GA; traveled to Hungary & the Czech Republic
Hello Eitan,
We have returned from our trip and want to let you know we had a wonderful time. The guides and destinations were top-notch. I especially enjoyed Prague and Cesky Krumlov. Thank you for all your work.
Harriet and NathanOctober 2013
Alan K. from New York, NY; traveled to Peru & Ecuador
Just returned from our wonderful vacation to Peru and Ecuador. We had a fantastic time. Everything was just wonderful. I want to thank you for your help and expert guidance in planning our vacation. Your hotel selections were perfect, the private guides wonderful (especially our guide Diego in Cusco), and the transportation/logistics were flawless.
Now for the fun of reviewing and editing down about 2000 pictures from Peru and the Galapagos!
AlanAugust 2013
Maxine L. from New York; traveled to Peru
I want to thank all of you at Spiced Destinations for excellent arrangements and design for my trip to Peru I had wonderful experiences and little unique additions that I will always remember.
August 2013
Sharon M. from Seattle WA; traveled to Kenya and Tanzania
Thank you so very much for arranging a trip of a lifetime. The four boys were in heaven the entire time. Our photos are all remarkable. I will send you a few to show you how happy we all were with the experiences.
The first impression about what was about to happen during our two weeks in Africa, was when we met our driver and your representative. I knew that we were safe and would be well-looked after. Our guides/drivers were both men of great integrity in how they viewed their positions....they saw what they did as a career choice rather than just a job. They were not only very knowledgeable and experienced in the stories of their respective countries, but truly cared about our needs, our safety, and our happiness.
Thank you in your selection of our guides (Robert and Edward) ....their seasoned experience made all the difference.
With respect to our hotels and separate lunches, your selections were amazing. We always felt very safe and very comfortable.
This ambiance added greatly to the quality of our daily enjoyment of the safaris.
Again, it has been a pleasure to work with you and I look forward to many more travel experiences with your agency.
SharonAugust 2013
Willy N. from New York; traveled to Peru
All we can say is WOW! The trip was great.
The touring and exposure to the Incan culture, and the visits to Chabad were great. What exceeded every expectation was the service provided by the guides, drivers and staff everywhere.....that was just superb. They really "made" the trip.
Getting off a plane in a foreign country and seeing a name of your travel party prominently held by "our" guide was truly welcoming.
Beyond remarkable was the fact that everywhere we went there was always someone with our travel group's name on a placard. That guide whisked us through every bureaucracy. Whether it was the train, plane, very early morning pick ups... or tourist sites, the personnel were always a step ahead of us and guiding us. The guides were knowledgeable, personable, charming and respectful. We developed relationships with them along the way.What a wonderful way to travel. Our party of four The other members of my party felt as one in our opinion that we would work with you on our next journey (whenever that will be).
July 2013
Sharon L. from San Francisco; traveled to Turkey
Eitan, we had a great time! Loved Turkey. LOVED our hotels -- all of them. And loved Arzu our female guide who was with us in Istanbul and Cappadocia. The guide who took us to Bursa was excellent. Very informative. It was a perfect trip -- flawless. Thank you so much for all the time that went into putting it together for us.
SharonJuly 2013
Peachy L. from Millcreek, WA; traveled to Peru
I hope this finds you well! We're still in the middle of our trip, but I wanted to take some time to give you a huge "Thanks" for helping us put this trip itinerary together. We have thoroughly enjoyed everything so far. We are now in the sacred valley and in love with La Casona de Yucay! It's sooo beautiful here! Perfect place to relax before starting our trek tomorrow (wish us luck!).
You were right when you told me it was a magical place to visit! We aren't sure we could ever surpass the experiences we've had so far, but I'm sure Machu Picchu will be the icing on the cake.
Thanks again for all your help!July 2013