James McKenzie
Africa's Wildlife
“James was the best guide that we have ever had! Extremely knowledgeable, very courteous, efficient, and helpful in every way. He is an asset to Odysseys.”
Mary Ellen & Daniel Dechert
Norfolk, VA
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Meet Our Tour Directors
Our Tour Directors Make the Difference
We believe that personal attention is key to an outstanding travel experience, so we've ensured that it's a hallmark of all Odysseys Unlimited tours. Our professional Tour Directors rank among the best in the business; their love of travel is surpassed only by their desire to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with others.
Africa's Wildlife
Tony Shuman
Africa's Wildlife
“Tony is an excellent, experienced guide. He fully lived up to Odysseys’ high standards for Tour Directors.”
Darwin & Patricia Johnston
Apollo Beach, FL
China in Depth
Michael Song
China in Depth
“Michael set the standard for excellence. I don’t know how his knowledge, compassion, ability, and management skills can be topped.”
Jeff & Patricia Monson
Oakland, CA
Ping Wang
China in Depth
“Ping Wang is an outstanding tour director. She enhanced our experience and made the group seem like a family. You have a grand ambassador for China and Odysseys Unlimited in her.”
Steve & Karen Sankey
Niwot, CO
Peter Wong
China in Depth
“We cannot say ENOUGH good things about Peter. He took care of us every step of the way! We really did not have to worry about anything … He is a wonderful, kind person …We all left feeling like we had made a new friend. You have a real gem in Peter.”
Patricia Hickok
Tullahoma, TN
Mike Zhao
China in Depth
“Mike is an outstanding tour director on all levels. His service and consideration for our individual needs was excellent at all times.”
Alan & Sheila Wallace
Los Angeles, CA
William Zhuang
China in Depth
“William was exceptionally patient. He was always well organized, humorous, and well informed. My next trip will be with Odysseys because of William.”
Laura Dangers
Bodega Bay, CA
China, Tibet & the Yangtze River
Michael Song
China, Tibet & the Yangtze River
“Michael was the greatest, and because of him we had such a wonderful experience. He was so knowledgeable, so well organized, so personable, and so compassionate.”
Donald & Nancy Christensen
Austin, TX
Ping Wang
China, Tibet & the Yangtze River
“Ping is outstanding. She always goes beyond what is expected. She is a wonderful representative of her country and your business.”
Margaret Alverson
Denison, TX
Peter Wong
China, Tibet & the Yangtze River
“Peter is a treasure! He went beyond the call of duty to make our trip as wonderful as possible.”
Dan & Sheryl Betts
Seattle, WA
Mike Zhao
China, Tibet & the Yangtze River
“Mike was the best tour director I’ve ever had on any tour to date. He is a credit to and excellent representative of Odysseys.”
Mary Reina
Seffner, FL
William Zhuang
China, Tibet & the Yangtze River
“William was just plain excellent. He was informative, very well organized, paid great attention to detail ... The best guide we ever had!!”
John Driscoll
Davenport, IA
Classic China & the Yangtze
Michael Song
Classic China & the Yangtze
“Michael did an excellent job. He showed great concern for our welfare. He put his heart into his job.”
Pat & John Klever
Wauwatosa, WI
Ping Wang
Classic China & the Yangtze
“As I told Ping, I felt nothing but gratitude that we were so blessed to have her; and admiration for the way she handled the group. She created an atmosphere of caring.”
Kathleen Raab
Milwaukee, WI
Peter Wong
Classic China & the Yangtze
“Peter was the best tour director we’ve had so far. He was so helpful, patient, and knowledgeable. He took very good care of us and had time for everyone. A wonderful journey through China.”
Sidney & Peg Carter
Burlington, IA
Mike Zhao
Classic China & the Yangtze
“Mike is the best tour director I ever had. He was very helpful with anything that we needed.”
Mary Ann Dunn
Plant City, FL
William Zhuang
Classic China & the Yangtze
“William was just plain excellent. He was informative, very well organized, paid great attention to detail … The best guide we ever had!!”
John Driscoll
Davenport, IA
Classic Greek Isles
Maria Kazantzidou
Classic Greek Isles
“Maria was well informed and answered all questions. She was friendly and most helpful. We could not have asked for anyone better. She was a delight!”
Cynthia & Ian Crawford
Natick, MA
Zanna Mouzaki
Classic Greek Isles
“She is fabulous: extremely well informed, intelligent, caring, tireless in answering questions, clear, and has an endearing sense of humor.”
Philip B. & S. Mignon Coulter
Frisco, TX
Classic Safari: Kenya & Tanzania
Antonio (“Tony”) Marangabassa
Classic Safari: Kenya & Tanzania
“Tony was superb! He shared his knowledge of Africa – flora and fauna, history, culture – on a regular basis through “lectures,” humor and personal interactions. Could not have been a better guide – truly outstanding!”
Lowell & Barbara Anderson
Warrenville, IL
Edwin Ongori
Classic Safari: Kenya & Tanzania
“Edwin was superb – knowledgeable not only about the animals but also the history, culture, politics, education. His lectures were thoughtful and engaging.”
Sandra Adams & Tom Roberts
Washington, DC
Costa Rica's Natural Heritage
Herman Medford
Costa Rica's Natural Heritage
“Herman made this trip an adventure! His knowledge about all we saw and the history of Costa Rica was amazing! Sense of humor and a caring nature, spirituality, and kindness describes Herman – lucky you!”
Dr. & Mrs. W.R. Blevins
St. Thomas, KY
Discovering Eastern Europe
Teresa Markowska
Discovering Eastern Europe
“Teresa was wonderful: cheerful, knowledgeable, and great to talk to. What a wealth of experience to bring to the group.”
Doris Farenkopf
Rutland, VT
Egypt & the Eternal Nile
Doaa Fouad
Egypt & the Eternal Nile
“Based on our experience of nine tours with dedicated directors, Doaa Fouad is the finest and most professional as well as warmest leader/educator we have encountered.”
Thomas & Linda Youngren
Huntley, IL
Nora Hussein
Egypt & the Eternal Nile
"Throughout the tour, she was amazingly knowledgeable, helpful, and eager to please. We couldn’t ask for a better guide!”
Barbara & Lowell Anderson
Warrenville, IL
Hassan Latif
Egypt & the Eternal Nile
“There really are no words to describe how fabulous Hassan was. He went out of his way to provide us with assistance. His incredible passion, humor, and intelligence made our trip positively unique.”
Paula & William Young
St. Helena, CA
Tarek Morsy
Egypt & the Eternal Nile
“We have traveled with groups for over 30 years and rate tour guides on a scale of 1 to 10. Until now, only one was rated a 10 … Tarek is definitely a 10 and broke a 20-year record! He is a gem – a good person and a great tour guide. We learned more than we ever expected and his passion for Egypt is contagious.”
Jim & Yvonne Gillen
Manchester, NH
Mahmoud Nawar
Egypt & the Eternal Nile
“I have travelled the world, and Mahmoud is one of the best tour guides I have ever experienced! He truly went beyond the call of duty to make sure that everyone was well taken care of and happy!”
John Gotthelf
New Orleans, LA
Enchanting Ireland
Gerry O’Brien
Enchanting Ireland
“Gerry is the best! Truly outstanding in every way. As with our China trip last September, your tour directors are the best in the business.”
Gordon & Marguerite Watkins
Lynchburg, VA
European Tapestry
Arjan de Geus
European Tapestry
“Arjan wowed us with his knowledge, charm, stories, flexibility, and surprising little-known places to visit. In Bruges he mapped out an early morning walk just for us, which made us feel like we were not just visiting but living in a medieval city. He is a gem.”
David & Julia Davis
Bethel Park, PA
Exploring Australia & New Zealand
Jack Clyne
Exploring Australia & New Zealand
“Leigh and Jack were the best! They were each friendly, knowledgeable, courteous, helpful, and wonderful. I cannot say enough good things about them!”
Judy & Jerry Rochelle
Lithia Springs, GA
Margaret McIntyre
Exploring Australia & New Zealand
“Margaret is exceptional. She was helpful in so many ways, thoughtful, knowledgeable, fun.”
Jane Devine
Lake Barrington, IL
Leigh Tymms
Exploring Australia & New Zealand
“Leigh and Jack were the best! They were each friendly, knowledgeable, courteous, helpful, and wonderful. I cannot say enough good things about them!”
Judy & Jerry Rochelle
Lithia Springs, GA
Exploring Iceland
Exploring Iceland
Additional information coming soon.
Guatemala: Land of Eternal Spring
Guatemala: Land of Eternal Spring
Additional information coming soon.
Insider's Japan
Tomiko Sugimoto
Insider's Japan
“Extremely friendly, always smiling, and a wonderful sense of humor.”
Richard & Dalia Petrys
San Jose, CA
Israel: Timeless Wonders
Micah Elimelech
Israel: Timeless Wonders
“Micha was an outstanding tour guide. Because of his love of his country and his knowledge of its history, he made this experience come alive for us. He was so patient and had a great sense of humor.”
Jim & Betty Sommerhauser
Mission Viejo, CA
Journey through Vietnam
Trinh Ngoc Thanh
Journey through Vietnam
“Thanh was an outstanding tour director. He was caring, considerate, very organized, and extremely well informed. He really made our trip a delight. His good sense of humor was enjoyed by all.”
Judith & Robert Zucker
Plantation, FL
Legendary Turkey
Ali Dogan
Legendary Turkey
“Mr. Dogan was an excellent guide, providing a great deal of information about Turkish history and culture, giving a group of outsiders a feeling of being part of Turkey.”
Kadri Niider
E. Elmhurst, NY
Bahar Kahraman
Legendary Turkey
“Bahar’s knowledge of Turkish history was outstanding! He was fun and we all enjoyed his company very much.”
John & Carolyn Frasier
Burke,VA
Ahmet Memis
Legendary Turkey
“He was super! He was knowledgeable, humorous, flexible, helpful, and a good promoter of Turkey.”
Bruce & Pat Finlayson
Seattle, WA
Gokhan Ozagacli
Legendary Turkey
“Gokhan Ozagacli was outstanding in every phase of our tour. His friendliness and knowledge of Turkish history was absolutely amazing. He is truly a big asset to Odysseys.”
Erika M. Goebel
Prescott, AZ
Ahmet Senol Ozbek
Legendary Turkey
“Ahmet was OUTSTANDING! His knowledge, humor, personality, professionalism and patience make him one of your BEST.”
John & Nora Doolittle
Bodega Bay, CA
Ridvan Uyanik
Legendary Turkey
“Rudi was extremely knowledgeable, and he went out of his way to see to everyone’s needs. He is a very talented individual.”
Tom & Judy Conway
Mt. Laurel, NJ
Machu Picchu to the Galapagos
Victor Colunga
Machu Picchu to the Galapagos
“Victor Colunga was a superb tour director. He had the amazing ability to see a potential problem and step in before it became a concern. His quiet concern and helpfulness to the individual tour members was marvelous. You can be very proud of him.”
Mrs. Dwight Pounds
Bowling Green, KY
Tomas Palma
Machu Picchu to the Galapagos
“Tomas was the best tour guide I ever had!”
Charles H. Meng
Columbus, OH
Isabel Ramos
Machu Picchu to the Galapagos
“Isabel Ramos was excellent. Good commentary on Ecuador. Excellent communication … She’s great!”
Carl E. Martin
Denver, CO
Ernesto Riedner
Machu Picchu to the Galapagos
“Ernesto was the best we have ever had. He was more like a Peruvian friend than a company tour guide. A wonderful person, organized, caring, knowledgeable.”
John & Dola McNown
Overland Park, KS
Efrain Vidalon
Machu Picchu to the Galapagos
“Efrain was fantastic. He was well-informed and did everything possible to make our tour ‘special.’ He was very attentive and seemed to connect with the whole group.”
Martha Schaffert
Kingswood, TX
Moroccan Discovery
Seddik Aassim
Moroccan Discovery
“He is without a doubt the best tour guide I have had. He was not only extremely knowledgeable but also anticipated our needs.”
Lorann Stien
Eau de Claire, WI
Abdel Benhrima
Moroccan Discovery
“‘Excellent’ doesn’t seem adequate to describe the superb service of our tour director. I’ve been on enough foreign trips to warrant needing extra pages added to my passport, but Abdel was by far the best tour guide ever – friendly, kind, knowledgeable about everything and he spoke English perfectly. No detail was too small for him to handle.”
Polly Tafrate
South Salem, NY
Mysteries of Myanmar
Mysteries of Myanmar
Additional information coming soon.
Mystical India
Hemesh Chaturvedi
Mystical India
“Best guide we’ve had after extensive group travel to all seven continents! Knowledgeable, creative, accommodating, delightful!”
Dr. Wendi Levine & Mr. Hall Sisson
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Northern Italy
Anna Costes
Northern Italy
“The itinerary was wonderful BUT Anna made it fabulous. She was fantastic. Her great personality and incredible knowledge combined with her organization and attention to detail could not be equaled!”
Jane & Ray Wingrove
Richmond, VA
Anna Gandolfi
Northern Italy
“Anna is a delight. Very friendly, always helpful, very hard worker! We all loved her.”
Carole Schroeder
Mesa, AZ
Ingrid Jerebica
Northern Italy
“Ingrid exceeds any tour director I’ve experienced in my seven trips abroad. Her knowledge of Italy and gentle nature in dealing with people are truly her gifts.”
James & Tina Summers
Hamilton, TX
Mauro Tonelli
Northern Italy
“Mauro was outstanding! He related well to this group of Americans. Great knowledge and sense of humor. One of the best we have had.”
John & Sondra Plachy
Denver, CO
Paradores & Pousadas
Gaston McKay
Paradores & Pousadas
“Gaston is the best tour director we’ve had over the years … He is warm, intelligent, has great ‘people skills,’ a good sense of humor, vast knowledge, and we felt very safe and in good hands with him.”
Sara and Joe Sansone
Alpharetta, GA
Jesus Ruiz
Paradores & Pousadas
“In 15 years of international travel, he was the best overall guide we have had – extremely caring, efficient, and knowledgeable. Going out of his way to be helpful and available. Everyone else we talked to said the same thing. You couldn’t have anyone better!!”
Tilden & Mary Edwards
Bethesda, MD
Patagonian Frontiers
Ivan Bustamante
Patagonian Frontiers
“I have traveled with Odysseys four times and have traveled many times with other tour operators as well. I have had the fortune to have had many excellent directors, but …Ivan Bustamante is truly in a higher category than excellent. He is a consummate professional … very well organized, and exceptional in communication skills. Complementing this are his interpersonal qualities such as attentiveness, affability, kindness, and patience.”
Jennifer Cox
San Jose, CA
Silvana Cohen
Patagonian Frontiers
“In a field of excellent Odysseys tour directors and guides, Silvana is a stand-out. Her efficiency, knowledge, and humor (and passion) made this trip extraordinary.”
Marilyn Press
Menlo Park, CA
Pearls of Dalmatia
Pearls of Dalmatia
Additional information coming soon.
Portrait of Italy
Anna Costes
Portrait of Italy
“Anna was outstanding. She made the tour fun and educational – best guide in all my travels. Her attention to detail and what is important in a trip was excellent. Very professional.”
Deanna Green
Chapel Hill, NC
Anna Gandolfi
Portrait of Italy
“We cannot possibly imagine that you could have a better tour director in your entire system in any category! The very highest praise to Anna. Do not lose her!”
Dr. & Mrs. John Graceffa
Hollis, NH
Leandro Marandola
Portrait of Italy
“Leandro was a peach, one of the best tour directors I have traveled with in my 25 years of solo traveling.”
Ruth M. Hayes
Raleigh, NC
Mauro Tonelli
Portrait of Italy
“Odysseys Unlimited is very fortunate to have Mauro as a tour director – he excelled [in all categories] and we feel fortunate to have had him as our tour director.”
Ronald J. Poruban
King of Prussia, PA
Provincial French Countryside
Muriel Gosselin
Provincial French Countryside
“Muriel was an outstanding tour director. She was both knowledgeable and efficient as well as accommodating. She is a wonderful person and perfect for the job.”
Gloria W. Bach
Chula Vista, CA
Françoise Durand Molines
Provincial French Countryside
“Françoise was more than excellent. Her wide knowledge of history, architecture, and art was ‘bonus’ to this already rich tour. She was also most helpful and gracious with personal requests and problems.”
Kathleen & Alan Appleby
Middlesex, NJ
Scandinavian Odyssey
Arvid Iversen
Scandinavian Odyssey
“How do you keep finding such outstanding tour directors?! Arvid is super – thoughtful, considerate, interesting, extremely knowledgeable. Loves his country and loves to share it.”
Coxie Sheppard
Dallas, TX
Kristina Larsson
Scandinavian Odyssey
“Kristina was exceptional in her expertise handling group situations, sharing knowledge and fun, caring for individual needs, filling voids on long bus rides, and all with a smile and sparkling personality. Willing to go the extra mile.”
Diane McClurken
Langhorne, PA
Lars Persson
Scandinavian Odyssey
“The most attentive, knowledgeable, professional tour guide I have ever had. Guided us during ‘time on our own’ so that we could see more of the cities; led us to good restaurants for our own meals … Above and beyond.”
Carol V. Holland
Walnut Creek, CA
Scotland: Highlands and Islands
Scotland: Highlands and Islands
Additional information coming soon.
Southern Africa Odyssey
James McKenzie
Southern Africa Odyssey
“James was extremely helpful and knowledgeable in all areas of the trip. His handling of every aspect of the trip was exceptional.”
Rita Gavin
Glenmont, NY
Tony Shuman
Southern Africa Odyssey
“Tony is an excellent, experienced guide. He fully lived up to Odysseys’ high standards for Tour Directors.”
Darwin & Patricia Johnston
Apollo Beach, FL
Southern Italy & Sicily
Anna Gandolfi
Southern Italy & Sicily
“Anna is a delight. Very friendly, always helpful, very hard worker! We all loved her.”
Carole Schroeder
Mesa, AZ
Gaetano Salemi
Southern Italy & Sicily
“Gaetano is a rare find for you!! Absolutely superb individual. Knowledgeable, charming, considerate, helpful beyond the call. Keep him!!”
William R. Olsen
Frankfurt, MI
St. Petersburg & the Baltic Capitals
St. Petersburg & the Baltic Capitals
Additional information coming soon.
Treasures of Jordan
Ra'ed Hammouri
Treasures of Jordan
“Was by far the best tour director I have experienced. His knowledge was outstanding; [he was] very friendly and helpful.”
Ann Cameron
Queensland, Australia
Treasures of Peru
Victor Colunga
Treasures of Peru
“I cannot praise Victor enough! He was thorough, efficient, and responsible for making this trip so special for us. His attention to details was amazing. We were fortunate to have him.”
Mrs. Dwight Pounds
Bowling Green, KY
Ernesto Riedner
Treasures of Peru
“Ernesto was absolutely the best!”
Tommy & Betty Fitzgerald
Columbia, SC
Efrain Vidalon
Treasures of Peru
“Efrain was courteous, calm, helpful, and always pleasant. He seemed interested in the sights and in us.”
April Wright
Jonesville, WI
Turkish Treasures
Ali Dogan
Turkish Treasures
“Our tour guide, Ali Dogan, was excellent in every way. He was thoughtful and considerate as well as being so knowledgeable about Turkish history and the areas visited.”
Edward von Walter
Chance, VA
Bahar Kahraman
Turkish Treasures
“He was outstanding. His knowledge of history, the areas we visited, and politics blew me away. A BIG plus on this trip for me.”
Karen Ann Louis
Boulder, CO
Ahmet Memis
Turkish Treasures
“He was super! He was knowledgeable, humorous, flexible, helpful, and a good promoter of Turkey.”
Bruce & Pat Finlayson
Seattle, WA
Gokhan Ozagacli
Turkish Treasures
“Gokhan Ozagacli was outstanding in every phase of our tour. His friendliness and knowledge of Turkish history was absolutely amazing. He is truly a big asset to Odysseys.”
Erika M. Goebel
Prescott, AZ
Ahmet Senol Ozbek
Turkish Treasures
“The breadth and depth of his knowledge was impressive and he knew how to communicate it effectively. He was a patient and organized leader with a good sense of humor. He became everyone’s friend. “
Dave & Joyce Wagner
Kirkland, WA
Ridvan Uyanik
Turkish Treasures
“Rudi is an outstanding TD – knowledgeable, great people skills. His musical abilities added greatly to our Turkish experience. He’s a real gem.”
Steve Schwartzhoff
Seneca, SC
