Reviews

The Tuscany photo tour with Lurie Belegurschi and Daniel Kordan was superb in every way. Villa Gaia provided a perfect home base from which to be perfectly positioned for iconic sunrise and sunset photos, and the day tours of the Etruscan villages were amazing. We were able to avoid the tourist traffic and be in perfect position for some of the best landscape photography of my life. Beyond setting us up the for the most glorious Tuscany landscapes, both Iurie and Daniel are master photography post-processors and the daytime classes in Lightroom and Photoshop added numerous techniques to my post processing knowledge and skill set. These young men are artists. They are accomplished in their own right at such a young age it is difficult to comprehend. On top of that all of the logistics were well organized and every day went without a hitch. Finally the meals at Villa Gaia were like eating in a different 5 star Parisian restaurant every day. Not exaggerating chef and Villa Director Yuri put on a masterful dining experience every night and without any exaggeration this was the best week of dining I have ever in my life experienced.

Absolutely amazing company, I’ve had a dream to live in Vancouver Island for a year and just moved to Tofino yesterday. Shoutout the the excellent team at the store for helping me book, and my friend Mims for being my instructer and blessing me with the gift of surfing.❤️🏄‍♂️🤙 If you want a surf lesson in Tofino, Surf Sisters is where you want to go!!!

A once in a lifetime adventure trip, from arrival to meals, intensive conversations around the campfire, new friendships and best of all: kayaking with orcas, that is whale watching of the exciting kind. The Johnstone Strait is one of the world's best places to see orcas their natural habitat and we were lucky enough to see 20-30 of them. THANKS to Sebastian and Line for your mega organization and your support in planning in advance!

This was my 3rd group trip with Alyssa Ramos. The MyLifesATravelTRIBE experience is always a memorable one! Alyssa is extremely knowledgeable about the destination, and in the off the beaten path kind of way that I prefer when I travel. Our real estate agent Laura Luna was amazing, escorting us from one property site to the next and answering all the questions we had. In spite of the busy schedule of viewings, Alyssa was able to get us plenty of time for fun! We had meals in incredible restaurants, visited a beach club, a stunning cenote and rode bicycles through the scenic areas of beautiful Tulum. I'm looking forward to joining the TravelTRIBE again for the Japan trip in March!

Evan Knudsen and I had the best time, truly. We learned & laughed, ate & drank, and made memories & friendships to last a lifetime. The nurturing environment you two work so hard to create is something money can’t buy. It’s like visiting family. We hope you take some time to relax and unwind before tackling your next big project, whatever that may be! We know it’ll be amazing. 🥰😍💌

The most transformative, incredible experience. Feeling very full of love and connected to this beautiful group. Oasis is INCREDIBLE and I felt like everything I needed was here. I felt so safe, and very well looked after. Shayelle and Danni and just the most joyful souls full of absolute sunshine. Barry and Anindya and the rest of the Where next and Oasis team are absolute angels. Couldn’t have asked for a better team to facilitate this incredible experience. I was so nervous and unsure coming into it and this was the most incredible week of my life. So from bottom of my heart Thank you

I have always been curious about Morocco and TBA Escapes provided the best possible experience for exploring the country in a safe, fun, and educational way. As this was my second trip with TBA Escapes, I knew I could expect a bespoke travel experience that would minimize stress and maximize living in the moment. This tour delivered on all levels and then some. I will cherish my new friendships and the memories made while on the Morocco tour!

"The trip combines adventure, fun and learning experience in one! It's a great feeling to see a whale from a kayak for the first time. Great trip, great group, everything fits together! By Julian Eise; Adventure in Canada by Sebastian Unique experience with breathtaking nature and wild animals, lots of fun and great travel companions. Highly recommended, because everyone who travels with Off the path has the same interests: adventures in nature 🙂"

It's difficult to put into words how inspiring Laura is! I was greatly inspired by her enormous talent and the incredible generosity she bestowed upon us all. Through her kindness and gentle coaching, my inhibitions and fears were quickly replaced with confidence and a sense of wonder at my own creative spirit. Every part of the retreat was beautiful and nourishing to my spirit. The food was also artful and delicious (thank you, Rachel) and the time spent with everyone was deeply enriching.

Anyone who wants to experience an extraordinary journey with like-minded people is in good hands with Off the path. I had complete confidence in the planning and knew I was going to have a great vacation. The variety of activities and the whole program were perfectly coordinated for an unforgettable experience!

Ira’s retreat was the perfect way for us to detox, rejuvenate and also spend some quality time together. As entrepreneurs and founders of businesses, both of us have busy schedules. It is difficult to incorporate both times for health and also for each other, so Ira’s yoga retreat really was the perfect combination of both.

It was a dream come true to participate in the workshop this year. We can’t thank you enough for spending your time with us. You are such a special couple and the language of love that you show with your food and teaching styles (and of course each other) is so inspiring. We’ve come home and cooked and shared the recipes you shared with us now so the ‘Gospel of Julie and Francesco’ is spreading far beyond your beautiful corner of the world! Get working on the cookbook!!!!

This trip far exceeded my expectations – which is saying a lot! I mean the itinerary alone is enough to be excited about – a villa on the beach, game drives with luxe accommodations, amazing hikes, stellar food. Like, come on. Also, Caity and Charlene are literally the coolest women!! I felt like I was traveling with good friends that know all the cool spots to go. Not to mention all the wonderful new friends I made on the trip! All in all, this was an absolutely beautiful experience that I’ll remember forever. Thank you, Caity and Charlene, for lending us all a bit of your coolness. :)

It goes so far beyond the art, beyond the incredible meals, the music, the surroundings… the participants go through an incredible metamorphosis. I have been moved to tears as participants reach within themselves not just to find the artist within, but to stretch out with their soul and put on canvas a part of who they were, are, and who they are becoming… they share an experience that will forever change and nurture them.

This trip to Namibia was my second trip with Colby and I plan on a third with him in January 2023 in Costa Rica. Colby has traveled globally for decades and has a deep understanding of each country where he offers workshops. This is advantageous for us as he has done all the advanced groundwork and location scouting, optimizing our time. Colby also secured the best accommodations as we traveled to each spot in Namibia. Both workshop groups were small enough for individual attention when needed and diverse enough to provide each other with our unique photographic perspectives. We ranged in age from early 20’s to mid-70’s and varied in our skill level but we were a cohesive and mutually supportive group. I look forward to photographing hummingbirds and learning new macro skills with Colby in January.

"Great trip, great group, everything fits together! The trip combines adventure, fun and learning experience in one! It's a great feeling to see a whale from a kayak for the first time. Great trip, great group, everything fits together! "

My TBA Escape tour was amazing. It went above and beyond my every expectation. The accommodations were beautiful and had amazing service. Everyone that I met was helpful and respectful. TBA did a wonderful job making sure that my dietary needs were met at every location. This tour did a great job at bringing together like-minded girls to experience an amazing country. It was truly a dream of a trip.

Sailing through the Mediterranean and Aegean seas on beautiful wooden yachts with the most delightful group of humans. Eating all the feta and fresh baked breads, practicing yoga/swimming the day away. What more could one ask for? 10/10 would recommend.

"Bonjour Daniel, Lurie and Rhona, Thank you so much for putting together such a beautiful trip. I know it must take hours to plan and put together and you guys did a fantastic job. I loved every hotel and every restaurant. The food was excellent. I’m in love with Provence…I just loved taking pictures there. Every location made my heart beat faster with excitement. I learned so much…I can’t thank you enough. I will see you guys in Patagonia!! Until then see you on Instagram and Facebook!"

Wayne had amazing enthusiasm for India and Photography. He followed through on making the trip a wonderful experience. I met my goals on improving my photography and I have a renewed interest. I loved the itinerary and the accommodation. Tours, guide, driver and bus were 1st class

I had a great time. The group was just small enough for it to be informative and intimate for what the trip entailed...... looking at presale opportunities. We also had time for leisure activities on our own and some fun activities planned. It it was pet friendly! Thank you for putting together this quick getaway Alyssa!

Yoga with Peter is the real deal. He lives, breathes, and walks the practice and it shows. His Bhakti flows allowed me to go deeper into the practice and deeper into myself. His flows and sequences are curated intentionally to build and release energy. Be prepared for extra push-ups when he says one more left! You might laugh and cry but you’ll come back for more

I just returned from a week in Tuscany with Iceland Photo Tours. Daniel Kordan and Lurie Belgurschi were the leaders and photographic guides . The season was fall when the grass was green, the vineyards a rusty gold, and the mist in plenty supply. Daniel ’s in depth knowledge of the area and the best photographic locations allowed us to venture out to some magical hilltop landscapes to photograph the villas and cypress trees peaking out of the morning mist. The trekking up and down through the fields always made it a wonderful adventure, even if the weather, the sunrise and the sunset were uncooperative. Many afternoons were spent at another well researched location to experience and photograph the beautiful scenery with sunset light. We had time to photograph some of the villages either from a vantage point above the town or photographing the streets within the villages. Daniel and Lurie planned all the days, but left room for options depending on the weather or serendipity. They each shared their photographic expertise with the participants both in the field and in a few workflow workshops during the day. We stayed in the Villa Gaia where we had the pleasure of feasting on some local, fresh and beautifully prepared food. All the logistics of the trip went smoothly. Thank you for providing all the opportunities to create some wonderful images

" What a great experience! Our cabins were situated along the rocky shoreline and we could easily reach many locations for photographing Northern Lights and wild beaches. Traveling with people having similar interests is fun and helpful. We spent two nights photographing the incredible Aurora. Pedro and Stan both have helped me on technical sides of Northern Lights photography. Also have assisted me on camera settings for regular and slow motion video photography. Photographing Northern Lights within the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Islands was one of my dreams. Now I have done it… thanks to Colby Brown Photography Workshop! Many “Thank You!” to Pedro and Stan for everything!!!"

This was my first time on a retreat and I am already excited to go on the next one. I have been training with Nathan for a couple years now and when he told me about a fitness retreat in Bali he was doing I knew I had to go. I wish I would have extended my trip longer as I didn’t want to leave Bali. Can’t wait to go on the next one!

I had the pleasure of joining Daniel and Iurie in Tuscany for a workshop in. This was not my first time being guided by either of them and the experience was everything I had come to expect and more. Simply put, the workshop was meticulously planned and expertly executed. The accommodations at Villa Gaia provided the rustic feel of Tuscany complete with the modern conveniences necessary for a comfortable stay. Each meal prepared by the resident chef was an absolute delight offering a broad sampling of the flavors Tuscany has to offer. Perhaps most importantly, though, was the ease with which we were able to shoot. Daniel and Lurie demonstrated expert knowledge of the area allowing them to adapt quickly to put us in the best locations to shoot based on weather and lighting conditions. They were able to provide advance knowledge of each location enabling us to prepare to shoot before the light came up or the mist had cleared. Transportation was easy, meeting times and locations were clear and there was ample room provided to stow and access our gear. They even made special transportation arrangements for me when my inbound flight was cancelled. All of this combined to allow each of us to relax, enjoy ourselves and focus on what was most important: to be in the right places at the right times to capture amazing images.

Laura's leadership presence and ability to draw out the unique creative gifts of each participant were amazing! I know I will look back at these glorious days as a "defining moment" in my life. I cannot speak highly enough about the effect it had on me.

Did a private lesson and it was so great. The instructor tailored her instruction to my skill level, as I had surfed before but it had been a long time. Super friendly and positive environment!

I had the pleasure of joining Lurie and Daniel in Greenland for one of their sailing tours in Ilulissat. Suffice it to say, the organization was immaculate and the entire trip was smooth sailing – literally! You get the idea they are workaholics ( : ) because, while we rested and got over the previous evening’s toils, these guys were already prepping and planning for the next day. Besides, they were both incredibly good company (and funny too) but with very good knowledge of the weather and the surroundings and it’s possibilities. It’s definitely been a pleasure and I wouldn’t hesitate joining them on a trip again!

The team that looks after you are just amazing and caring. Right from the airport pickup through to drop off every contact is thoughtful and encouraging. The team all have their own specialities and every possible option is provided to ensure you have the best possible health experience. Whole package was exceptional. I met many new friends and can’t wait to be back for another retreat.

Exactly what I needed!!! What an amazing experience that fills my entire being. Grateful for the magic Peter is able create by bringing together the perfect combination of people, practices and experiences. The invitation is always there to go deep or to just chill. I loved the request to “be the the best we could be”

The tour was fantastic. Wayne was amazing!! He did an incredible job of making the trip interesting and enjoyable for everyone and he is a great instructor. We were extremely well looked after and felt safe at all times. It was a trip of a lifetime.

"First and foremost is Daniel Kordan. Personable, knowledgeable and a wonderful guide. I can’t begin to say how much I have learned from him in such a short period of time. You rarely get the combination of brilliance and kind personality in one individual-but Daniel is one of them. Scotland was beautiful and the sites that Daniel chose to take us to were breathtaking. A must on your bucket list of places to visit!"

Wayne was the most incredible leader and he took care of everyone's needs and requirements. We had lots of fun and interesting times. We were pleased with the India tour leader, our bus driver, his helper and tour bus.

"Thank you thank you thank you! This was such a fun filled retreat that made the long travel time so worth it. I was mainly excited for the yoga but i got so much out of all the exercises, surfing, and mindfulness practices. It certainly helped that we had such an amazing crew but you guys truly put a lot of thought into this and i was so grateful for all the care when i was not feeling well if you’re ever in Seattle you have a place to stay and Jordan and I will be happy to show you some of the best sports. Thank you Kelsey"

This is my second tour with TBA Escapes and it won’t be my last. Having done the Jordan tour, I was very excited to have my first time in Africa be with these ladies; and it did not disappoint. From the lively markets and energy of Cape Town, to the surreal experience of Safari, and a delicious discovery of South African wine, I would gladly recommend TBA Escapes. Every step is thoughtfully planned and artfully crafted

I read Ira’s book The Ten Minute Yoga solution. I enjoyed Ira’s work so much that I joined her retreat in Ubud. Ira was just as warm, humble, and real as we’d imagined from reading her book. The whole environment was so blissful and the retreat was impeccably planned.It was an immersion into the yogic life.

Very happy to have joined another wonderful photo workshop led by Lurie and Daniel. Apart from good food and wine, I loved the scenery of Tuscany. It’s so traquil, unique and beautiful. I have also learnt a lot about composition and digital processing techniques for landscape photography from this workshop. I enjoyed the whole trip very much and thank Lurie and Daniel did a brilliant job

"Now that I’m back home, I can look back on that most enjoyable, interesting and at times photographically challenging vacation in the south of France. Thank you very much for making it all possible with your expertise, knowledge and patience. Although I now have the long task of sorting out all the photos I’ll have to put it on further hold again as I’m off to Western China tomorrow. Again thanks for everything."

An ideally planned trip with many different facets of the country. Always great fellow travelers and like-minded people who become friends.

It was a trip that I probably wouldn't have booked myself with these activities and this compilation, a great experience to get out of my own (travel) routine and to experience new things in a well put together group. The fact that the group was actively put together makes perfect sense, so you avoid the otherwise always present confused old lady ;-).

"So much of the workshop resonated with me, that I think it all rocked my soul a little, and all those emotions are still spilling over. Powerful stuff.” Melanie Willing, British Columbia “Laura’s passion for painting and for living a creative life is contagious. The experience sparked something in me that I find hard to put into words, something brilliant."

Wayne is a great teacher and I would definitely join Wayne for another photography tour.

For me, a technology entrepreneur, grabbing a paint brush and canvas was a daunting and terrifying experience. What unfolded over the workshop weekend was a memorable experience of art, women and uncovering the hint of an artist inside of me. Laura Harris is an inspiration to me - at work and at play. I would do it again, absolutely.

"I had the pleasure of going to Cinque Terre and Tuscany with Lurie and Daniel Korzhonov. I have done many photo trips over the past 10 years and rate this one at or near the top. Lurie and Danielle were extremely knowledgeable and went out of their way to share tips and ideas on how to improve my skills. I will definitely use Iceland Photo Tours again and highly recommend them for all photographers no matter what skill level they are at. Thank you Iurie and Danielle"

Thank you for sharing your gift... which it truly is... your style and technique is soooo out of the box and watching you channel your vision onto canvas to your soul-filled soundtrack was inspiring! And Rachel’s yoga class was magic.

A grand tour of the very diverse Indian nation and all its people and other treasures - fascinating and incredible.