If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that we are big fans of guided tours – especially for those bucket list destinations that we’ve always dreamed of. Having now experienced 3 very different – and amazing – tours, we are even more convinced that the stress-free nature of guided touring is a fabulous way to spend time exploring new places!
When people ask me about guided touring, one question that often comes up is “What are the guides like? Are they really knowledgeable?”
So, let’s chat about that a bit today.
Are tour guides truly knowledgeable? Absolutely! In fact, they’re not just well-versed; they’re usually experts deeply rooted in the destinations they showcase. From historical anecdotes to the best-kept local secrets, tour guides are walking encyclopedias of information, offering a wealth of insights far beyond the pages of guidebooks.
All of the tour guides we have had on our various Globus tours – through Italy, the canyons of the American southwest, and northern California – have truly been experts in the destinations we were exploring. Our guide for America’s canyonlands had a background in geology and botany – the perfect combination for someone taking you on a tour of these amazing formations. Our guide for northern California shared so much of the history, geography, economy, culture, and even current events about the largest state in the U.S. that we all felt like California experts by the end of our trip. And Nicholas, our guide for Italy was not only Italian himself, but with over 20 years of experience in leading tours of Italy, he was a master for how to make a trip to Italy truly memorable.
In addition, all of our guides have provided us with a wealth of recommendations for one-of-a-kind experiences (“Sunrise at the Grand Canyon in the ‘perfect location’? Got it!”), authentic local dining spots (“Don’t go there, it’s super touristy, go to this little spot, the food is much better.”), and even great out-of-the-way places for incredible photo spots (“Only the locals know about this hidden garden.”).
A great tour guide also possesses an extensive network of local contacts, enriching your exploration beyond the typical tourist path – they “know people”! Consider, for example, the expertise of the local guide that Nicholas worked with to be our guru for all things Rome. Francesco had an incredible wealth of knowledge which he shared with us as he took us around the city. For example, when it came to the Vatican Museum, he guided us through a labyrinth of rooms, highlighting often overlooked masterpieces and providing historical context that created for us an awe-inspiring journey through time – in a fun and fascinating way – and definitely not something we would have gotten on our own.
The value of a well-informed tour guide lies not only in their ability to inform but also in their capacity to transform your journey into an intimate and immersive exploration – they make it interesting! Their detailed knowledge of destinations, insider tips, and local connections all combine to make your bucket list vacation become a journey of discovery and connection – filled with treasured memories along the way!
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