Mei-mei Engel

I create and personally escort unique and highly personalized small group travel programs, emphasizing fabulous dining and unique off the beaten path cultural experiences, while covering important historical sites with outstanding local guides. I pride myself in knowing that I provide truly memorable experiences with maximum value for your time and travel investment.

How did it all start for me? I first fell in love with Istanbul whilst traveling as a college student, then decades later returned to discover Turkey to be a surprisingly diverse country, and so much more than magnificent Istanbul! Years later, after raising kids and organizing countless volunteer events and programs, I returned to Turkey, designing and personally leading unique, highly personalized independent group tours through this amazing country. Turkey continues as my consistent semi-annual tour destination. Client response is overwhelmingly positive, as so many travelers feel we've taken them on life changing travel adventures. We now offer similar programs to other countries in Europe and Asia, often incoprporating small ship river cruise, ocean or expedition sailings.

Our historical, cultural, and gastronomical adventures include cooking and craft demonstrations, dining with locals (not other tourists), unique cultural experiences in the homes and kitchens of village women or the palaces and country homes of nobles, and soaking up the great outdoors too! We venture off the beaten path to enjoy experiences rarely included in group travel, as my itineraries are created the way I travel with my own family.

I am a graduate of Punahou School and Indiana University.