TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST PERU TOURS:

Jan Potter, Scottsdale, CA- "Based on the experience I have had on two of Craftours adventures, I would recommend any of their trips to everyone - whether or not they are a quilter. My first trip was South America and it was amazing. The accommodation were wonderful and the Galapagos, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon filled every day with new and exciting experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime. Of course, traveling with a group of people with similar interests made the trip even more memorable. I had visited Africa many years ago but decided to take the Kenya tour with Craftours. A day with the Quilt Guild of Kenya and a hot air balloon ride (in a balloon that held 18 people) over the game parks ending with a champagne breakfast with the animals all around us are just a sample of the diversity of the activities of this adventure. Comparing photos of all the animals we saw each day with the other travelers in the evening was so much fun. And hearing Alex Anderson describe watching the baboon break into her room through the window was hilarious. Accommodations on this adventure were equally memorable.They ranged from the luxury of the Mt. Kenya Safari Club to a tent with a hot water bottle to warm your bed on a chilly night.It was an exhilarating experience I will never forget."

Rhonda Denney, Canon City, CO - "I have been a couple of Craftours tours. The first was a 15 day trip to South America (the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon River basin and Machu Picchu). The trip was a treat from beginning to end. I felt pampered the entire time. I thought that the entire staff did an outstanding job coordinating things.The theme of the trip encouraged quilters (and their significant others) to go so that we all had a common link. I felt that the size of the tour group was very good; small enough that we all got to know each other during the trip. In fact, I am still in contact with friends I made during that trip. That was a trip of a life-time!
And, because that trip went so well, I was inspired to go on another trip in 2011 with Craftours. The next time was a 12-day Safari expedition to East Africa. The trip was a mixture of wonderful safari treks in many beautiful safari parks throughout the region to ensure that we got the chance to see a plethora of local wildlife. There were side trips to villages, local fiber groups and artisans. The trip was very well planned. The places we stayed were top-notch providing many comforts to be appreciated. I did think that the group was too large and there were times when the group size caused problems with coordination and timing of agenda items. I guess I prefer a smaller group so I can get to know everyone; or at least have the opportunity to do so. This trip was fun too because there were a contingent of people who had been on the earlier South American trip so we had a small reunion!
Nice job on everything! I highly recommend Craftours if you want adventure without concerns about being taken care of. I always keep my eyes open for other potential trips!"

Eileen Pyne, Girdwood, AK - "Truly an amazing and wonderful journey; loved the magic of Machu Picchu, but really loved the adventure and animals of the Amazon! I think we had a wonderful group of people to journey with."

Raylene Brooks, South Surrey, BC - "The trip was a nice balance of adventure and luxury. I doubt whether other tours would venture as many out of the way places as we did."

Danielle Gale, Hillsboro, OR - "Loved the itinerary of this trip. Saw and did so many exciting things. Wonderful, small group. (I don’t like to travel with groups larger than 28 people.)"

Tinka Rote, San Antonio, TX - "The South America trip was outstanding."

Danyelle Dwyer, East Bridgewater, MA - "The most amazing adventure of a lifetime!!"

Lucy Harville, Central Point, OR - "This trip was extraordinary in its variety of destinations and activities. Would recommend participation by people who are reasonably physically fit due to the amount of stairs and hiking involved."

Donna Nelson, Signal Mountain, TN - "It was fun, hard, fulfilling, exhausting, exciting, and the most amazing adventure I've ever had. I would do it all over again, even knowing I had to climb a zillions steps!"

Madalyn Etzel, Lakewood, Ohio - "The South American Expedition was truly a life-changing trip. From beginning to end it was handled flawlessly with no missed buses, trains, tickets or people! I felt at ease knowing everything was so well handled by Mary Ellen. Every day was jam packed with amazing experiences. From the canopy walkway, to visiting the village school, to fishing, to walking Machu Picchu it was phenomenal. Every adventure was well worth it. We made a great use of our time, and I truly think everyone on our trip had a fantastic time."

Marie Novak, Edinboro, Pennsylvania - "It was the trip of a lifetime. our time in Ceiba Tops was the most life affirming and joyous time. Everything about our time there was memorable."

Susan Cruse, Milford, Ohio - "Awesome experience! The activities were well planned for interest and delights. Wonderful trip to Peru."

Karen Stewart, Albuquerque, New Mexico - "The trip was very organized and busy. Mary Ellen was terrific; she kept us informed of what to expect each day and how to be prepared for each activity. This was the first time I have taken a trip with a group (not planning each activity myself). I want to take more trips like this and will want to use Craft Tours again."

Frieda Toback, Summerfield, Florida - "A fascinating tour of Peru, well organized, with excellent hotels and accommodation. Mary Ellen was efficient, helpful and very kind. Bonnie's bubbly personality made everyone happy. She was never without a smile or a sense of wonder."

Jacquelyn Nelson, Greensboro, North Carolina - "It was an amazing trip - enjoyed every second of it!"

Jody Kamman, Laguna Hills, California - "AMAZING! I have been fortunate to travel around the world and have had some wonderful experiences, however this was my first trip to South America. I want to thank Craftours for an unforgettable tour. "

Mary Travillian, Modesto, California - "Peru is a beautiful country to visit, and the craftsmen we met and worked with were excellent."

Sara Borr, Norristown, Pennsylvania - "A fun and informative trip. Great to meet and spend time with so many talented artists as they shared their various crafts. The hands on participation was fun and sometimes frustrating at the same time. Would do the trip again. We not only saw the cities but ventured into the countryside to get a real feel of the country and their interesting artists."

Pam Clark, Moville, Iowa - "This trip fulfilled my lifelong dream of seeing Machu Picchu. Being included as a member of this group made the experience so much easier. Our tour guides led us every step of the way and were quick to respond to our every need. I will never forget the new friends made nor the kind and wonderful people of Peru."

Ann McDevitt, Burlington, Massachusetts - "It was a trip of a lifetime. Everything was wonderful."

Nancy Michalak, Farmington Hills, Michigan - "Machu Picchu and the Amazon were truly amazing. Better than the PBS specials."

Beverly Brown, Bloomington, Indiana - "Had a wonderful time and saw some awesome sites!"

Donna Bonine, Parsons, Kansas - "I enjoyed my cruise very much. It was my second cruise and I enjoyed being able to sew as I was cruising. I was a lot of fun meeting new people that enjoyed the same thing that I love to do."

Jo Ann Newsome, Columbus, Ohio - "The destinations were great and thoroughly enjoyed the excursions. The Oasis was a big ship that offered plenty of fun things and places as well as great food."

Paula Paisley, Rickardsville, IA - "I enjoyed the diversity of the tour. We really had a chance to "experience" the Amazon. Guides Orlando and Celso were a wealth of knowledge and new experiences."

Sharon Young, Richmond, VA - "I loved my trip! I wish I had taken some candy/pencils for the kids."

Susan Gerber, Eau Claire, WI - "I REALLY enjoyed it as an adventure tour!"

Elaine Carlson , Agawam, MA- "The Peru trip was a wonderful experience. I am so glad that I was able to participate."

Donna Hillard , Kirkland, WA- "This was a great trip! Our guide, Mary Ellen Francis, is the best! She worked hard to see that we had a good experience. The places we went, the things we saw and the things we did were wonderful."

Faith Clover , St. Paul, MN- "Everything about the tour was top notch. Our leader Mary Ellen handled all the logistical aspects of the tour superbly. Our local guides were very knowledgeable about the history of the Inca culture as well as today’s local culture. The hotels were excellent! We saw so many Peruvian crafts and artisans. We saw several demonstrations and tried our hand at several local crafts. Our excursion to Machu Picchu was wonderful."

Emma Rotilie , St. Paul, MN- "Going to Peru (and Machu Picchu) was a great experience thanks to the planning and care taken by Craftours. Our host, Mary Ellen was supportive and enthusiastic. The tours and activities were so interesting."

Susan Rotilie , St. Paul, MN- "This trip to Peru was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. I loved learning about the Inca culture through their crafts and historic sites."

Bonnie Post, Satellite Beach, FL - "I really enjoyed Cusco because of its inherent beauty and quaintness."

Tamera Kaplan, Savage, MN - "This is my 5th tour with Craftours and it did not disappoint. The Amazon extension was an unforgettable experience and Cusco/Lima/Aguas Calientes with Machu Picchu also a dream come true. I wish I would have gone years ago. There is so much more to Peru than M.P. Friendly people, outstanding food, and safe! No worries on this trip, in fact with our excellent guides and hotels, I really felt pampered every day. This is a must do!"

Lisa Baltikauski, Spring Valley, IL - "The trip was beyond my expectations. The Amazon trip was just awesome, the tour guide we had was very knowledgeable and made sure we had the best experiences. The food was excellent. All of our day trips and flight connections went very smoothly."

Richard Boisvert, Sumter, SC - "It was an awe inspiring trip. It was well planned and executed. It was great."

Darlene Schueler, Palm Harbor, FL - “Starting the year off by focusing on wellness is a noble idea. To do so over a week in the Amazon with newly formed friends provides techniques and strategies to articulate and "craft" those plans. Picture a tropical scene with balmy breezes and jungle sounds as the backdrop to try out yoga, stretching, listening, learning and other enjoyable mind opening strategies. Wonderful experience.”

Dawn Doran, Blanchardville, WI - “It was a great adventure. Craftours did a wonderful job, exposing our group to so many things in the Amazon. Because we didn't know exactly what we'd be doing each day, I had to be open for it all! That's what an adventure is all about, being open and flexible so you can take it all in! Thank you Craftours for a once in a lifetime adventure!”

Paula Amyx, Vacaville , CA - “An amazing adventure.”

Antonio Sabatini, Austin, TX - “This tour without an itinerary made every experience fresh, new and exciting and surprising. Without having expectations of each day and event from having an itinerary it made the anticipation more exhilarating and better, not knowing is a gift in itself!”

Sydney Blair, Suches, GA - “This was a very positive experience where we concentrated on our physical , mental, and spiritual health.”

Joanne Feldman, Palm Beach Gardens, FL - “The weaving experience with Hector Surco was the highlight of the trip! Beri was an excellent tour guide. The sites that she scheduled for us to visit on our "day of leisure" included some of the most important sites in Peru. ”