Testimonials

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“Wow. Wow. Wow. Over the top! Just outstanding!”
Merilyn Presten,
2010 Bay Gourmet Get Away to Pasadena

“I wouldn’t change a thing!”
Claudia Florsheim,
2010 Vietnam and Cambodia

“Our guide was excellent – passionate about sharing his country with us!”
Carol Burkhart, 2011 Journey to India

“Our guides were outstanding.”
Traveler, 2012 Cruising the Baltic Sea

“I’d never been to a U.S. Consulate and found both speakers very gracious and knowledgeable. Thank you for the opportunity.”
Traveler, 2012 Cruising the Baltic Sea

“The Club group was so congenial. All were great people!”
Don and Mimi Leslie, 2012 Cruising the Baltic Sea

“We loved being on a small ship. We got to know a lot of fellow passengers. Le Boreal was just the right size and could dock very close to the shore.”
Traveler, 2012 Cruising the Baltic Sea

“Excellent travel mates!”
Dr. Michael Condie, 2012 Cruising the Baltic Sea

“Philippa and Kristina (study leader and tour manager) were both charming, knowledgeable and helpful. Loved the plays and the other people on the trip. Very well organized!”
Sheila Brady, 2012 Oregon Shakespeare Festival

“Our study leader’s passion and knowledge, insight and sensitivity added so much to this experience!”
Denise Hicks, 2012 Oregon Shakespeare Festival

“I was so impressed by the guides’ ability to “find” the animals. They are true experts in their environment.”
Lois Purkett, 2012 Botswana Safari

“The camps were comfortable, with great food and great staff. Super that each camp was different and provided a new setting and different animals.”
Dan Purkett, 2012 Botswana Safari

“We met great people we hope to see at future Commonwealth Club events.”
Traveler, 2012 Botswana Safari

“We had never been to Africa and the trip description led us (accurately) to believe we would have many amazing and diverse experiences.”
Traveler, 2012 Botswana Safari

“I had wanted to visit Morocco since a child. My 2010 Club trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos was outstanding. This even surpassed that.”
Judy Tisdale, 2012 Moroccan Discovery

“It was perfect.”
Traveler, 2012 Centers of Art and Culture in the Mediterranean

“The guides in-country were terrific!”
Elizabeth King, 2012 Centers of Art and Culture in the Mediterranean

“Our leaders Frank, Fred, and Ryan were outstanding and so accommodating.”
 Merilyn Presten, 2012 Death Valley 

“The study leader was knowledgeable, witty and a great teacher.”
 Traveler, 2012 Death Valley

“The group was just the right size – and fun. Thanks for a wonderful trip.”
Judy Wilbur, 2012 Death Valley

“Our expedition leader was knowledgeable, well-informed and presented information in a clear, interesting manner.”
Arnold Clobes, 2012 Panama Canal Expedition

“The ship was absolutely excellent – much beyond expectation and what you’d receive on bigger ships.”
2012 Panama Canal Expedition Traveler

“The Club staff was extremely helpful in preparing for the trip.”
John Busterud, 2012 Panama Canal Expedition

“Nothing by high praise for Kristina (Commonwealth Club tour leader) – thoughtful, well-informed and always ready to respond to our requests.”
Sharon Russell, 2011 Journey to India

“I enjoyed our fast-paced journey – it felt like an immersion in Indian culture, religion, food and philosophy!”
Carol Burkhart, 2011 Journey to India

“Arvind’s (guide) knowledge, intellect, and humor was outstanding.”
Sharon Wright, 2011 Journey to India

“Our guide Arvind challenged the group the whole trip – and was passionate about everything!”
Tom Burkhart, 2011 Journey to India

“Going to the all-girls school was an amazing experience!”
Jordan Viola, 2011 Journey to India

“The briefing by the American ambassador was excellent!”
Sharon Russell, 2011 Journey to India

“We saw and did things we had never done before!”
Tom Burkhart, 2011 Journey to India

"I enjoyed our small, compatible group, and the wonderful flora and fauna of Alaska. I loved our drive into Denali. This was a journey into “safe”, but real wilderness."
Traveler, 2011 Alaska’s Wild Lands

“The size of the ship (44 people) was perfect for the Galápagos .”
 2011 Galápagos Expedition Traveler

“The variety of activities was perfect for all types of people, including the evenings on the boat. Great food and service, too.”
 2011 Galápagos Expedition Traveler
 
“The naturalists were knowledgeable and so full of information. I learned so much!”
 2011 Galápagos Expedition Traveler
 
“On my list of places to visit has been Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore. I got much more than than that on this tour!”
2011 National Parks: Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons Traveler

“Excellent choice of hotel. Le Cep was wonderful! Colette was amazing!! An excellent guide!
Whitney Steve, 2011 Burgundy’s Food and Wine
 
"The guide was outstanding. Didn’t hear a question she could not answer.”
Kathy Frendo, 2011 Burgundy’s Food and Wine

“A well-thought out tour was just the beginning. Cathy was a gracious hostess who helped provide a positive experience for my daughter and myself.”
Wendy Hall, 2011 Burgundy’s Food and Wine

“Our guides’ passion and knowledge of her area was extensive. She was always energetic and upbeat, a pleasure to be around, well after a long day of touring!”
Wendy Hall, 2011 Burgundy’s Food and Wine

"Greg Dalton (Climate One founder) is the primary reason I went on the trip. It was great to get to know him better. He is a fine gentleman and very effective spokesman for climate issues.”
Al Davis, 2011 Alaska’s Wild Lands

"The accommodations at Kenai Fjords and in Denali were well thought out and delightful!”
Dorothy Rivette, 2011 Alaska’s Wild Lands

“Greg Dalton is an excellent leader. He made the program lively, informative and fun. What more could anyone want? Our guide Randy could not have done more to make the trip more wonderful. He was always calm, helpful and extremely knowledgeable about the flora, fauna and history of Alaska.”
Dorothy Rivette, 2011 Alaska’s Wild Lands

"Everything flowed smoothly, without a glitch. This was my first trip with the Commonwealth Club, and I can’t wait to try another.”
Dorothy Rivette, 2011 Alaska’s Wild Lands 

“I took a flight over Denali and got to see Mt. McKinley in the air- --amazing!”
Elizabeth Rivette, 2011 Alaska’s Wild Lands 

“The lodges were great – like an oasis in the wilderness, especially Kenai Lodge – with views of the glacier from our bed!”
Josie Brownback, 2011 Alaska’s Wild Lands

“Cathy (Curtis) is great! Expert, personable, flexible, thoughtful, kind – what more?”
Judy DeWalt, 2011 The Valleys of Sonoma

“It may not be possible to adequately describe the peace and serenity of the gulet experience – especially with like minded people!”
Sharon Werth, 2011 Legendary Turkey

“I enjoyed learning about Turkey and meeting new and interesting people.”
Sharon Werth, 2011 Legendary Turkey

“I loved being on the gulet. I found the rock formations at Cappadocia breathtaking!”
Gladys Shaw, 2011 Legendary Turkey

“The talks by the Consul General in Istanbul and the political history professor were highlights.”
Malcolm Hill, 2011 Legendary Turkey

"Great tour guides, super food and service all around – and I enjoyed the expert talks immensely.”
 Gretchen Bartzen, 2011 South Africa and Namibia by Sea

“Tour leader Jim Rosenthal was extremely well versed on Southeast Asia, and very approachable. A superb tour leader.”
Traveler on 2010 Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos
 
“After comparing numerous other tours this seemed to be the best value with the best leader and just the right amount of luxury.”
Alice Wolfson, 2010 Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

“Jim Rosenthal was a great leader!”
Alice Wolfson, 2010 Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos
 
“The Corinthian II was a fine ship and a very fine crew. Cabins were roomy.”
Liz Doyle, 2010 Empires of the Sea
 
“I doubt that I shall ever be in such congenial company. Their generosity, joie de vivre was unsurpassed. What a grand time!”
Judy Brush, 2010 Bay Gourmet Get Away to Pasadena
 
“I have been telling everyone about the wonderful trip & especially the gourmet meals. The food was wonderful!”
Biruta Sereda, 2010 Bay Gourmet Get Away to Pasadena
 
"The quality of local speakers was excellent!”
Traveler, 2010 The Baltics: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
 
“I enjoyed it all!”
Nelda Mallory, 2010 The Baltics: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
 
“I wanted to visit Mendocino again, and this 3-day trip worked perfectly with my schedule!”
Phyllis Piepho, 2010 Mendocino and Anderson Valley
 
“Cathy Curtis’ events are always great!”
Merilyn Presten, 2010 Mendocino and Anderson Valley

"Stephen Kinzer is fascinating, has an amazing breadth of knowledge, tells stories in animated and funny ways, and is so interested in others. I didn’t want the trip to end, but had to return to my job!"
Elizabeth Nakahara, 2010 Perspectives of Iran
 
"Our guide in Bhutan was extraordinarily good!"
2010 Bhutan traveler
 
“The trip was excellent!”
Patricia Forsythe, 2010 Portugal’s Douro River
 
 “I am currently telling everyone that will listen that they should definitely consider taking this trip.”
Myles Dixon, 2010 Tanzania

“I couldn’t have imagined a better trip!”
Craig Kolb, 2010 Antarctica

“The study leader was excellent!”
Paul Banas, 2008 Vietnam and Cambodia
 
“We learned so much and loved it!”
Gail Lowry, 2008 Rollin’ on the River
 
“Great people always travel with the Commonwealth Club.”
Ted Seybold, 2007 Global Warming Symposium
 
“I understand both the science and to some extent the effects for global warming better for having taken this trip. I loved the experience of living on an ice breaker and learning about arctic marine mammals.” 
Leslie Berger, 2007 Global Warming
 
“Club travelers are always the best people and represent the Club and our country with enthusiasm and dignity, making each trip a pleasure.”
Ted Seybold, 2007 Global Warming Symposium
 
“Commonwealth Club travelers never fail to be an interesting and stimulating group.”
Margaret Sand, 2007 Insider’s Russia
 
“A trip highlight is the wonderful Club members with whom we’ve shared these travel experiences. Years later, we still get together.”
John Cullison, Club traveler
 
“Commonwealth Club tours offer a unique travel experience: in-depth exploration of destinations, invaluable background and on-site educational insights, direct personal participation in local events, and great companionship along the way.”
Ambassador Jim Rosenthal, Vietnam and Cambodia Study leader 
 
"Our first trip with The Commonwealth Club turned out to be one of the best trips we'd ever taken in our many years of world travel.”
Joe and Linda Rubino, Club Travelers

"A small passenger list including a famous newsman and an astronomer, a museum filled with jewels and impressionist paintings, and outdoor cafés in Denmark-what's not to love?"
Donna Snyder, Club Traveler
 
"The Club's name and clout in China allowed access to diplomats, reporters, and political figures whom I never would have met had I taken the trip independently."
Dave Bonacorrso, Club Traveler

"Our Vietnam trip was the highlight of our travel year. We met unique, fascinating people, and the food was delicious!"
Herb and June Sabel, Club Travelers