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31 Reviews | 100% RecommendedDestinations
South Africa, Botswana, Tuscany, Amalfi, Tanzania
SPECIALTIES
Luxury Ocean Cruises, Safari, Adventure, Wellness, Luxury River Cruises
Suppliers
Abercrombie & Kent, Tauck, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea
Certificates & Awards
Conde Nast Travel Specialist, Virtuoso Cruise Icon, Abercrombie & Kent Africa Specialist, Tauck Specialist , GTC Circle Member
Sandra Ortiz
Houston, Texas Travel Agent
Luxury Travel Advisor
Machu Picchu Adventure
My goal is delivering customized travel experiences that create unforgettable memories for my clients. Whether it’s an African safari, a trek to Machu Picchu or just a weekend getaway, my desire is to fully understand my clients’ wishes and expectations so I can deliver the most impactful travel experiences.
Planning unforgettable experiences goes beyond making reservations and arranging logistics. I frequently suggest experiences my clients may not have considered before. There is no greater joy than listening to clients excitedly tell me about their travel adventure stories.
I am a Conde Nast Travel Specialist. I bring my thirty plus years of industry experience to make clients travel dreams a reality. I have travelled extensively throughout Europe, Australia, Africa,Asia, New Zealand, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central & South America and the United States.
The relationships I have cultivated with Virtuoso travel partners worldwide are critical to the luxury travel planning I specialize in, including active adventures, luxury cruises, guided tours and fully customized itineraries. The first step to an adventure where memories are made is to contact me for a consultation. We will work together to build the perfect itinerary to help you cross that unique item off your bucket list, recharge your batteries, and get in touch with your inner adventurer.
Certificates & Awards
Conde Nast Travel Specialist
Virtuoso Cruise Icon
Abercrombie & Kent Africa Specialist
Tauck Specialist
GTC Circle Member
Reviews
29 of 49 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By J Leedy - Houston, TX | Traveled to Caribbean
Regent Cruise
Excellent. She is very attentive to our needs and will go out of her way to address problems when they occur during travel. She has saved us more than once when we were out of the US.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Kris and Dolly - Spring, Texas | Traveled to Dubai | United Arab Emirates | Middle East
Sandra’s help with war-related emergency
We were on vacation transiting thru Dubai from India back to the US on Feb 28, 2026 when war in the Middle East broke out. Dubai was under attack by missiles and drones and we had no way out back to the US for several (6) days.
Sandra worked with us on an emergency plan to get us back to the US via India and Canada. Fortunately the 7th day we were able to take a direct flight to the US, or we would have been on the flights Sandra booked. We are lucky to get out as Dubai airport was hit again on day 8. Sandra was fantastic going thru options, finding what would work. We are very grateful for her expertise.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Sandra is Awesome! - Dallas, TX | Traveled to Cabo San Lucas | Baja California Sur | Mexico
Incredible experience and support!
My family (wife and two teenage boys) and I have relied upon Sandra's advice, counsel, and support for a number of international trips and she always brings a thoughtful and patient approach... from trip ideas to activities to hotels near areas of interest to our family. Importantly, she takes the time to understand our personalities and preferences... and brings a trusted voice to our travels. Wonderful experience!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Lars - Houston | Traveled to Maui Island | Hawaii | USA
First trip with the gradkid
We have planned a number of great trips ( over the last 15 years) with Sandra and have always had outstanding results. She is patient, listens and reads the clients preferences, is a great resource and ultimately the trips are memorable, and hassle free. She is always available should the need arise during the trip.
Regardless of where we travel domestic or overseas, we have come to rely on and appreciate Sandra’s service.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Ray and Stephanie - houston, texas | Traveled to Basel | Switzerland | Europe
Thank you Sandra for an excellent trip!
Amazing Viking river cruise (Basel to Nuremberg). Great hotel choice in Basel prior to cruise. Sandra anticipated our needs before we had time to ask any questions. Thank you for the awesome service Sandra!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Houstontraveler - Houston, Texas | Traveled to Alaska | USA
Great travel agent
Sandra helped us plan and schedule a cruise to Alaska. She did a great job in suggesting and booking cruise details, trip coverage, excursions, and transportation. She had a lot of great ideas of how to make the overall trip more enjoyable and was available to deal with last minute changes. Sandra is very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend her.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Dkerr - Houston tx | Traveled to Aigues-Mortes | France | Europe
France
Great ports. Wonderful Virtuoso luncheon
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Sandra Fan 72 - Houston, TX | Traveled to Greece | Europe
Aegean Voyage: Athens to Istanbul
Sandra help us with booking a cruise trip with four friends. They had booked their trip 7 months earlier. Sandra added us to the wait list for the trip. She called as soon as the reservations had to be paid in full to check on cancellations. She was able to secure a spot for us on the cruise 4 months before departure.
Sandra also assisted in making reservations with the hotels for before and after the tour was completed.
She continued to follow up with us right up to the start of the trip to make sure we had all our questions answered and did not need any other support. We highly recommend Sandra Ortiz.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Travel Lovers - Greensboro, Geogia | Traveled to Nile River | Egypt | Africa
Exploring Pharaohs & Pyramids by Cruise and Greece by Land
Sandra was so helpful in all stages of our four-week travel experiences, including the original planning, scheduling of our cruise, making all air and ground reservations, communicating with the cruise line and, especially with us! She made our trip seamless and stress-free.
Sandra is very knowledgeable, patient, proactive, and responsive. She is friendly and always has a positive outlook.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By KStubb - Brenham, TX | Traveled to Budapest | Hungary | Europe
Amazing!
She handled everything from start to finish! Even jumped in when our flight home was canceled and rebooked us right away !
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sandra Ortiz responded:Thank you! Always a pleasure and looking forward to the next adventure!
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Raul y Luz - TX | Traveled to Italy | Europe
40th. Anniversary
Everything was well planned and coordinated. Sandra is very knowledgeable and experienced and took very carefully of all details..
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sandra Ortiz responded:So glad to hear that you all had amazing trip. It was a pleasure to work with you both!
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Kevin - Texas | Traveled to Salt Lake City | Utah | USA
Wonderful experience
The train,staff,chef and the hotel stays were perfect choices !!!!
All the interaction with anyone associated with canyon spirit was wonderful
Thank you ??
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Kariegg - Burleson, Tx | Traveled to Cabo San Lucas | Baja California Sur | Mexico
The best resort we have experienced thus far!
The Zadún Ritz in Cabo was more than we could have imagined. The facilities, the accommodations, and the service was an A+ in all categories. The pool on our balcony provided privacy, intimacy, and convenience. Sandra was able to provide the best possible getaway that we will talk about for years to come!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sandra Ortiz responded:Thank you, Kari! So glad to hear that you had a fabulous birthday getaway!
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By RWS 99 - Charlottesville, VA | Traveled to Alta | Norway | Europe
Fantastic experiences!
We have worked with Sandra for many different trips over the last decade. She is consistently outstanding. She provides great recommendations for both trips and excursions. She responds promptly when we have a question. If there is ever an issue, she goes to work and fixes it right away. She is very personal and easy to work with. And she loves to hear about our experiences. Our most recent trip was to Northern Norway (Northern lights), Amsterdam, and London.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By ELFan#1 - East Lansing, Michigan | Traveled to Finland | Europe
The best winter vacation ever!
I can't thank Sandra enough for all of her hard work coordinating, communicating, and helping me plan the logistics for my trip to Finland and Sweden to see the northern lights, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and experiencing the beautiful winter wonderland north of the Arctic Circle. Sandra made the travel and hotel arrangements that perfectly coordinated with the tour I booked to Nordic land. I highly recommend Sandra to anyone in need of a skilled planner who ensures your travel experience is smooth and enjoyable.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By AA - Houston, Texas | Traveled to Costa Rica | Central America
Great experience to Costa Rica!
Sander did a fantastic job giving us recommendations after we picked a country we wanted to go to. We have used her many times and she knows our preferences so it was an extremely smooth process. From booking the resort to coordinating transportation to setting up excursions. She made it seamless.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sandra Ortiz responded:Thank you, Dr. Agarwal. Always a pleasure to assist you and your family on your amazing adventures!
Sandra
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Pat - Kerrville, Texas | Traveled to Adriatic Sea | At Sea | At Sea
One of the best trips we have ever taken!
Sandra has it all dialed in and curated so many of our trips details from her own personal experiences.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sandra Ortiz responded:Thank you, Pat! Looking forward to assisting you with your next adventure.
Sandra
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Anonymous - Houston, TX | Traveled to Spain | Europe
Has been my Travel agent for over 15 years
We have traveled with her for over 15 years now. I greatly trust her expertise when it comes to traveling and have had loads of fun with my family on the trips specifically designed by her. Highly recommend her.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Vicki M - Houston, TX | Traveled to Disneyland | California | USA
Magical trip to the Magic Kingdom!
Thank you to Sandra Ortiz! She made several suggestions that made the trip with our small grandchildren easier to manage. First, she suggested we look at DisneyLand vs World; smaller park and better weather. Then she suggested a great hotel on the property so we didn’t need to have daily transportation.
She also arranged for transport from the airport to the hotel. All her this made for simpler travel and more joy! I am looking forward to the next trip Sandra plans for us! She makes the journey and the destination for better memories!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By CeceTraveler - Houston, TX | Traveled to Rome | Italy | Europe
Always a good experience!
For years we have relied on Sandra to help curate unique, exciting, upscale vacations and she has always delivered. She is courteous, professional and very reliable during all phases of the planning and the trip itself. I highly recommend her to anyone.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Barbara - Chattanooga, TN | Traveled to Milan | Italy | Europe
Dolomite hiking trip
Sandra takes such good care of her clients. It takes a lot of the stress out of traveling to know she is always available and ready to help with any issue that arises. She's also very nice.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sandra Ortiz responded:Thank you! Always, a pleasure to work with you Barbara. Look forward to your next adventure.
Always,
Sandra
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By SHines - Houston, Texas | Traveled to Italy | Europe
Fabulous trips!
Sandra was always available for questions & gave us great recommendations for hotels. She is very thorough & pays great attention to details. Things you may not remember to do she will remind you. Very happy with Sandra & would recommend her!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Travel1242 - Houston | Traveled to Kenya | Africa
Fantastic Vacation!
We had the trip of a lifetime to Africa. Sandra has planned our family and friends travel for 15 years and each one is well thought out with excursions planned carefully from her personal experiences and travels. We have never had one vacation that was not unique and special. I cannot emphasize enough how much we have appreciated her services.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By kgr - Houston, Texas | Traveled to Charleston | South Carolina | USA
Wonderful trip to Charleston, SC
We stayed at The Dewberry. The staff was amazing. Our room was clean, updated and had a nice view. The breakfast selections were delicious. We tried many different items and loved each one. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We would highly recommend The Dewberry.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Charlie and Joanne - Colorado Springs, Colorado | Traveled to Antarctica | Antarctica | Antarctica
Trip of a lifetime to Antarctica.
We had a great trip. Lucked out on the Drake passage as it was pretty gentle. Seabourn is a first class operation and their expedition ships and people were wonderful.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Joanne - Colorado Springs, CO | Traveled to Antarctica | Antarctica | Antarctica
Expedition Antartica
A good friend of mine and my husband referred us to Sandra when we decided to go to Antartica. She handled everything very professionally, including stays before and after the cruise, pickups to and from the airports, and the ship itself, handling an upgrade to our cabin.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By JDunc - Houston, Texas | Traveled to Antarctica
Seabourn Antarctica
Sandra is extremely helpful and always keeps you up to date on the trip. She never misses a beat. We have been on dozens of cruises. This was on the Seabourn Venture (an expedition ship). The scenery, the zodiac tours, the animals were stunning. No other cruise that we have taken compares to this one. Sandra set up a private tour of Buenos Aires after we debarked from the ship. As usual it was excellent. Over the years Sandra has set up several private tours for us. They have all been outstanding.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sandra Ortiz responded:Jerry,
Thank you! Always a pleasure to work with you on your adventures.
Looking forward to many more.
Kind Regards,
Sandra
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Jstall - new orleans | Traveled to Cabo San Lucas | Baja California Sur | Mexico
Seamless, relaxing, FUN
Sandra always provides perfect itineraries for us. They are thoughtful, well organized and always personal. I always look forward to hear her thoughts about each place. She is also so easy to work with and very responsive!! 100/10!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Waytex - Texas | Traveled to Portugal | Europe
Europe
From planning to execution Sandra has been there every step of the way.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Waytex - Texas | Traveled to Portugal | Europe
Europe
From planning to execution Sandra has been there every step of the way.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Love - Conrad; Brando | Traveled to Bora Bora | French Polynesia | South Pacific
Bora bora
Every trip Sandra has coordinated over the last 20 years has been exceptional. She suggested we do week at Conrad and week at the Brando. Trip of a lifetime.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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My Travel Experience
Places I’ve personally traveled to or destinations I’ve booked for my clients.
Tuscany , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
Booked it
Been there
Amalfi , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
Booked it
Been there
Chobe National Park , Botswana Africa
Exploring Pharaohs & Pyramids by Cruise and Greece by Land
Booked it
Been there
Chobe River , Botswana Africa
Exploring Pharaohs & Pyramids by Cruise and Greece by Land
Booked it
Been there
Maun , Botswana Africa
Exploring Pharaohs & Pyramids by Cruise and Greece by Land
Booked it
Been there
Moremi Wildlife Reserve , Botswana Africa
Exploring Pharaohs & Pyramids by Cruise and Greece by Land
Booked it
Been there
Okavango Delta , Botswana Africa
Exploring Pharaohs & Pyramids by Cruise and Greece by Land
Booked it
Been there
Cape of Good Hope , South Africa Africa
Exploring Pharaohs & Pyramids by Cruise and Greece by Land
Booked it
Been there
Cape Town , South Africa Africa
Exploring Pharaohs & Pyramids by Cruise and Greece by Land
Booked it
Been there
Franschhoek , South Africa Africa
Exploring Pharaohs & Pyramids by Cruise and Greece by Land
Booked it
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Johannesburg , South Africa Africa
Exploring Pharaohs & Pyramids by Cruise and Greece by Land
Booked it
Been there
Kruger National Park , South Africa Africa
Exploring Pharaohs & Pyramids by Cruise and Greece by Land
Booked it
Been there
Sabi Sabi , South Africa Africa
Exploring Pharaohs & Pyramids by Cruise and Greece by Land
Booked it
Been there
Sabi Sands Private Game , South Africa Africa
Exploring Pharaohs & Pyramids by Cruise and Greece by Land
Booked it
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British Columbia Canada
The best winter vacation ever!
Booked it
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Ontario Canada
Great experience to Costa Rica!
Booked it
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Quebec Canada
Fantastic experiences!
Booked it
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Ponce , Puerto Rico Caribbean
Regent Cruise
Booked it
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Rio Grande , Puerto Rico Caribbean
Regent Cruise
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San Juan , Puerto Rico Caribbean
Regent Cruise
Booked it
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Hakone , Japan East and Southeast Asia
One of the best trips we have ever taken!
Booked it
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Kyoto , Japan East and Southeast Asia
France
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Osaka , Japan East and Southeast Asia
Wonderful experience
Booked it
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Tokyo , Japan East and Southeast Asia
Bora bora
Booked it
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Salzburg , Austria Europe
Thank you Sandra for an excellent trip!
Booked it
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Vienna , Austria Europe
Thank you Sandra for an excellent trip!
Booked it
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Wachau Valley , Austria Europe
Thank you Sandra for an excellent trip!
Booked it
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Cannes , France Europe
France
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Giverny , France Europe
France
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Honfleur , France Europe
France
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Lyon , France Europe
France
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Mont St. Michel , France Europe
France
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Nice , France Europe
France
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Paris , France Europe
France
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Reims , France Europe
France
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Budapest , Hungary Europe
Amazing!
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Bellagio , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Bologna , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Chianti , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Cinque Terre , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Civitavecchia , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Florence , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Lake Como , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Lucca , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Milan , Italy Europe
Dolomite hiking trip
Booked it
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Montalcino , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Montepulciano , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
Booked it
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Mt. Etna, Sicily , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Naples , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Orvieto , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Pompeii , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Positano , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Rome , Italy Europe
Always a good experience!
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San Gimignano , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Sorrento , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Vatican City , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Veneto , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Venice , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
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Verona , Italy Europe
40th. Anniversary
Booked it
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Buenos Aires , Argentina South America
First trip with the gradkid
Booked it
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Iguazu , Argentina South America
Regent Cruise
Booked it
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Florianopolis , Brazil South America
The best resort we have experienced thus far!
Booked it
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Iguassu Falls , Brazil South America
Has been my Travel agent for over 15 years
Booked it
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Sao Paulo , Brazil South America
Wonderful trip to Charleston, SC
Booked it
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