About Us

Fern|weh

[‘ fern:veh]   german

A German word which translated means “far-woe” or “far sickness.” A longing for far off places, especially those you haven’t seen yet.  An ache that reminds us we have to get out and see the world!

My passion for travel began at a young age. Growing up with two German grandmothers (hence my name), I was immersed in history, language, and culture early on. In my early 20s, I joined my mother and her nursing team on several medical missions to the Dominican Republic, serving as a translator. Those experiences were not only eye-opening but incredibly rewarding, offering me a humbling perspective on the world.

This exposure inspired me to study Spanish and pursue a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, which laid the foundation for my next adventure.

In 2003, I joined Amber Road Tours, a privately owned company specializing in small group tours to Southern Europe. Alongside the owners, Jonathan Bassett and Sonya Conti, I co-created three unique itineraries across Spain. Over nearly a decade, I traveled back and forth to Europe, refining the Spain tours while helping the company expand its destinations beyond Italy.

These experiences have taught me that travel doesn’t need to be extravagant to be meaningful. Some of the most memorable moments happen in the simplest of settings. I’ve found that sitting at a local’s kitchen table, sharing a home-cooked meal, can be just as fulfilling as visiting iconic landmarks.

Ultimately, travel is less about the stunning places we visit and more about the connections we make along the way. As humans, we instinctively seek out similarities in others and search for common ground. It’s through these connections that we come to realize that our way of doing things isn’t always the best way.

At Fernweh Travel and Tours, we are dedicated to offering authentic experiences that foster lasting relationships between people and places. I am committed to ensuring that your travels are immersive, engaging, and meaningful—not just a tour through a destination, but an experience you live through. That’s why my tours focus on regional exploration: less time on a coach, more time interacting with the local community.

Consistency and value are paramount. I strive to make each of my itineraries as unique and fulfilling as the last, incorporating elements of surprise and spontaneity without ever sacrificing the quality of the experience. When you join us, you can rest assured that each tour will always feature the following six core elements:

• Small group tours (never more than 14 guests)
• 4-5 star boutique hotels within walking distance of the city center
• Unique regional itineraries
• Arrival and departure transfers from designated airports/locations
• Minimum coach time
• Only the best native tour guides

As travelers, we all share an innate longing to continue exploring, a “fernweh” feeling, as my grandmothers would say—a longing for places we’ve never seen before. When that feeling strikes, you can trust that we will always provide the same high level of service you received on your first journey with us.