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Day by Day Itineraries Of 2008 Tours: N E W Velka Lesna Homecoming N E W June 10 - July 19 Telgart Homecoming Tour June 25 - July 4, 2008 Fabulous Treasures of Slovakia Tour July 11 - July 20, 2008 Four Capitals Budapest, Bratislava, Prague, Vienna July 20 - July 28, 2008 Tour to Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Austria July 31 - August 7, 2008 "You truly outdid yourselves on the July tour, You are amazing, your enthusiasm is remarkable.." Ruth Goodyear, Arizona. |
2007 Travelers Testimonies
GAIL FRITZ, Ohio; gailfritz40@yahoo.com '07 Spa, Castles,Wine Trip "It was a GREAT tour and so many of my friends said how blessed we were to have a small group and spend time in the villages, got to meet the people, went to their homes, loved the spa the beautiful countryside, fields of sunflowers, storks, neat pensions, time in a castle, YOUR GREAT MOM, great food, Good beer and sweet Joseph, a real prince of a guy and all the laughs we had. Helene, I can't thank you all enough!!!!!!!!!" CHRIS BAILEY, Nevada; cbailey1079@sbcglobal.net '07 Spa, Castles, Wine Trip "I know I say this every year, but it was the best tour ever--I won't say good bye either, just Dovidena! Chris Bailey on her 3rd trip with her sister Mary Huff, Louisiana TONI ENGSTROM, Tennessee; engstrom832@comcast.net '07 Spa, Castles, Wine Trip "Thank you for the wonderful trip to Slovakia. We walked through the streets of Moravany singing the last night. You must meet both my America family and my new Slovakian family. You will love both of them." SONIA TETER, Colorado; sonia4uco@yahoo.com 07 Treasures of Slovakia Trip "What a wonderful time I had...we all had...on our tour of Slovakia. Every day was a new and delightful adventure and I loved every bit of the trip. We had such a congenial group and since everyone in Slovakia knows Helene, Helen and Jozef, we couldn't help but have a fun and great time. Our whole Slovakia trip was ABSOLUTELY TREMENDOUS and I will remember it the rest of my days." SISTER KAREN SHIRILLA, Michigan; kshirilla@sscms.edu 07 Treasures of Slovakia Trip "I continue to have wonderful memories of the Treasures of Slovakia.Thank you for a most spectacular vacation in Slovakia. You are Slovakia's gem. I am in contact with my new-found family in Slovakia." Mike Hustak, Michigan; flyer1@tds.net 07 Treasures of Slovakia Trip - '07 Treasures of Slovakia trip "Dad and I had a great trip. We enjoyed the group and your enthusiasm. I personally had a fantastic time meeting family that I did not know I had. I especially enjoyed experiencing the Slovak culture, the landscape and the people. All of the people were very kind and helpful. Jozef and his brother were the perfect hosts. It is my hope to take another of your tours next year." JOE & CAMILLA WIRTES, Indiana PRAGUE ADD ON "Our guide Helena was great. I'm recommending her to several of our friends who are planning a trip to Prague. One fantastic Lady!!' JOE & CAMILLA WIRTES, Indiana; RBSHM@aol.com '07 Three Countries Trip "We just loved your trip. It was so personal and we felt like we were traveling with family. Every event and experience on the trip was priceless." Helen Carpenter, New York and sister Marlene "Johanna" Scovell, California; hlc1734@hotmail.com '07 Three Countries Trip "A wonderful trip . Beautiful country." 2006 Travelers Testimonies "I took my first trip to Slovakia on the 'Castles and Wine' trip in 2005. It could only be described as a "Tour from the Heart", as we had the opportunity to see the beauty of Slovakia from the eyes and hearts of the Slovaks sharing their real life and livelihood with us, not just those at tourist events. Helene and Jozef are dear friends to these people, with their relationships going back decades. Our tour groups formed a close relationship, and we celebrated and rejoiced together as each one found family as we crossed the country, and shared their stories of meeting and life, and many of us still keep in touch. Through the investigative research of Ivan, I also was reunited with family in two areas of Slovakia, which can only be described as a life-changing experience, adding another dimension to my life. I was excited to share the experience with my Mother, so we took the "Treasures Anniversary Tour" in 2006. As my grandparents had never returned to Slovakia, she had no expectations of what she might find. But she was also amazed at the beauty of the land and the people, and was quick to develop a relationship with an actual cousin, and was embraced by extended family and friends. Even the Slovak she heard as a child, quickly returned, and she was almost able to carry complete conversations by the end of the trip. She also had a great time with the other tour members, and has kept touch with friends she met on the trip. Most of all, it was a truly special trip as mother-daughter. It gave both of us the opportunity to see and understand our roots together, talk about and relive the memory of my grandparents, and further deepen our own relationship. Don't hesitate . . . it's a 'must-do' experience you won't forget!!!" Cindi Wilson, Luxemburg, the Netherlands & Singapore, 2nd trip and her mom Evelyn Barnes, Ohio "Our trip to Slovakia was a wonderful experience. We saw many beautiful areas, and made many new friends. The food brought back many memories of the way my Grandmother cooked, and we had wonderful weather. In some areas, it was a step back in time. Especially liked our 50th anniversary celebration. Rosemary & Noah Flueckiger, Arizona rosenoah@cox.net |
 "The beauty, charm and excitement of Slovakia were beyond our expectations. We loved the charm of horse drawn hay wagons and whole families working their fields. That was quite a contrast to the dynamic and contemporary air in Bratislava. It was also a very emotional experience to be able to visit the villages of my grandparents, and the site of the old well where family lore says they met. We thank you for arranging the visits and Stefan for being a most accommodating guide. You two along with Josef and Edo are an amazing team. And, Helene, your enthusiasm for Slovakia should put you in line for appointment as the Slovakia Director of Tourism (or some comparably impressive title). Please give our best to everyone on "your team" and we send you heartfelt thanks for making the trip so enjoyable." Ralph & Mary Ann Ochoa, Arizona ralpho239@peoplepc.com
"The Treasure Tour '06 was so great that I am considering coming on one this summer with two other women. Helene knows these countries like the back of her hand and gets you to see areas and people that you would never get in to see. She personally helps each visitor with all questions, problems, and contacts. I highly recommend her tours !!!!!!!!!! " Mary Alice Lesko, Costa Rica malesko2000@yahoo.com
"Traveling with Helene and Josef is unlike any other tour experience. Helene knows all the best people and all the best places in the country. She shares them with the joy of someone who is inviting you into a family of which she is very proud. She loves her adopted country very much and with good reason --- the scenery is breathtaking, the people warm and welcoming. Slovakia is a true world treasure. Josef works constantly and quietly to keep everything running smoothly so every day is a pleasure. I'm so glad I went on the Treasures Tour and would go back again with Helene and Josef in a heartbeat!" Andrea Sullivan, Indiana amsulli77@sbcglobal.net
"Eileen and I had a great time on 50th Treasures of Slovakia Tour. We saw all of Slovakia from the mountains to the cities to the farm land. I didn't know it was going to look like New York or New Jersey. My Mother and Father came from Slovakia and settled in New Jersey. They have must thought it was like home. Speaking of home on our day trip we saw my Mother's home in Plavecky Mikulas. However, we did not know it until we got home and my cousin saw a picture and said,'That is our Mother's House'. Helene, thank you for the experience. We will never forget it." Ed and Eileen Mikulas, Florida emikulas@hotmail.com
"I am enjoying telling and retelling the stories of my trip to Slovakia on the 50th Anniversary tour. And people are still wondering just where Slovakia is. On the one hand I want to brag about the beauty of the county, the friendliness of the Slovaks and how much fun it all was, but then I want to protect it so hordes of tourists don't go rushing there to spoil it all. "A giant thank you to Helene, Jozef K, Stefan, Edo, Jozef (the bus driver) and of course you for providing us all with such a wonderful adventure. We certainly packed a lot into 12 days and there is not a minute I would have missed...from the bus rides, long and short, to the interesting hotels like the one in Detva, to the Folk Festival, to the Tatras, to the rafting and train ride, to the small village visits with folk dress, dancing and music, wedding customs, traditional foods and drink, to Bratislava and beyond. I loved every minute of it!! But I'm sure you know the high point was visiting Kapusany and meeting my cousins for the first time. A friend of mine was touring Italy while I was in Slovakia with you and after she heard my stories and saw my photos she said her trip didn't sound all that great, because while they saw buildings, statues, art, etc. I experienced, culture, tradition and met the Slovak people in their own villages and homes. The tour experience and opportunity to visit my family's homeland is a priceless a gift and one you clearly give with love. I know it will remain one of my most treasured memories and I can't wait to return." Kit Kocha, Washington klkocha@msn.com
"I recommend the Treasures Tour for 2007 because it is the only way to get a taste of old Slovakia and participate in Slovak food, music, dance and homes. So much is packed into each day, no way could we have experienced all of the special events that you and Jozef arranged for the group. When we looked at our pictures, it was amazing how we did everything. It was a trip of a lifetime!" Joyce and Bill Kolnik, Missouri Ocymom1@aol.com
"Still talking up the trip to Slovakia this summer; such a great experience. That cable ride up the mountain and the time spent up there was really amazing; that'll stay with me forever. Next time, I hike up! (I hope!) One of Janet's first e-mails to me from Israel was to tell me that she misses Slovakia!" Julie Michutka, Massachusetts and daughter Janet jmm@pathbridge.net
"We wanted you to know how very much we enjoyed our trip with you and Josef to Slovakia, Hungary and Poland. It by far exceeded our expectations. The group we traveled with was also great and many of the repeat travelers were so helpful. We found Slovakia to be the most beautiful and enjoyed the people. Our trip took us to so many places we would never have seen on our own. The highlight of our trip was John finding a first cousin, once removed and a second cousin (who just happened to be the Mayor of Krivany). This is the town that John's Mom and Grandmother came from. We found the relatives very welcoming and happy to meet us and, of course, eager to make sure we were fed and had drinks. We went to the village never expecting to find anyone. We just wanted to see where they lived, the church and the cemetery. You can imagine how exciting it was to find relatives - a connection to our roots. Our thanks to you both for making our first trip to Slovakia, Poland and Hungary both educational, exciting and rewarding." Marie & John Vitka, Connecticut MJVitka@aol.com
"Imagine kneeling at the grave of your great-grandparents, or finally meeting cousins for whom you have searched for several years. These timeless moments were realized for us through “Our Three Country Tour. Traveling with Helen, Josef and Edo is like traveling with family, and they helped make these priceless moments possible. We encourage anyone who truly wants to “touch their roots,” or just tour the most beautiful countries on earth, to sign up today for this tour. It was one of the best lifetime decisions we ever made!" "PS Thank you for everything you did to ensure my sister had a good time. She really had a wonderful time and is very happy she went." Larry & Joan Buback, Florida - 3 trips lbuback@yahoo.com
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"You truly outdid yourself on the July Treasures Tour; fantastic timing and drivers covering distance and events. My cousins truly enjoyed the tour so much. You are amazing, your enthusiam and ability is remarkable." Ruth Goodyear, Arizona rgoodyear@cox.net
"My sister and I enjoyed our second trip even more than the first! Each tour has been a unique and memorable experience. Our tour guides are so experienced, they are able to accommodate special requests and handle unexpected events with ease." Chris Bailey, Nevada, 2nd trip cbailey1079@sbcglobal.net
"Helene has an real talent for bringing strangers together to enjoy fun and exciting adventures,and then amazingly, by tour's end, leaves them feeling like family." Mary Huff, Louisiana, 2nd trip mshuff@bellsouth.net
"The Three Country trip in August 2006 was a wonderful experience. Even though I speak only a few words of Slovak and all my grandparents came from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, I felt right at home. I was able to step on the land of my fathers' fathers farm in Lucka and my mothers mothers property in Jastrabie. I met for the first time 4th and 2nd cousins on my father's side. The country is just beautiful from the cities to the High Tatra mountains. I met some of the most friendly people with this tour from all over the United States. The castles, salt mine, the lovely architecture were just great, but the greatest thrill was seeing my ancestral villages and meeting family. This was my first trip with Helene and I'm sure I will go again. I just found out about the trip July 20th and we left August 11th, so anyone can go on a short notice." Julianna Zarzycki, Pennsylvania julianna@epix.net
"The trip was wonderful and very interesting. Helene made you feel like family. I would do it again." Jean Snyder, Colorado tjeansny@earthlink.net
"The two things that I enjoyed the most was the visit to the village home in Lendak and to Auschwitz. I believe that Auschwitz was presented in a very meaningful way. It was not too graphic, which I was afraid it would be, but yet you got the message. I really enjoy the trips to the villages. " Pat Benetis, Ohio Prabich@aol.com
"My first trip to eastern Europe was a delightful cultural experience, as well as being able to lay to rest all previous uncertainties about my father's place of birth. On visiting the church in Rabca, Slovakia, the priest helped me find the entry for the marriage of my grandfather and grandmother and a later entry for my father's baptism. A visit to the city hall resulted in obtaining a copy of my father's birth registration. Helene and her crew are delightful tour guides, as well as experienced genealogists. Ray Jasica, Florida zoomieteach@eaerthlink.net
"I put together and sent a package of Slovakia pictures and genealogical information for Roger's relatives. Their responses to us were very heart-warming and touching. We felt blest to be able to make the trip, share our experiences, and bring joy to their lives. What an experience!!" Roger and Buffie Olack, Nevada buffieo@sbcglobal.net
"Traveling to Romania in 2006 was just fabulous. Folk traditions and rural ways are still alive and well as we visited artists and local people in their homes. En route through Hungary, we had the best garlic soup in the world! It was a great adventure!" Debra Jackson, Michigan, 3rd trip Jacksondebl@aol.com
"From the beautiful Merry Cemetery to the foreboding Dracula's Castle, it was a wonderful trip. I would recommend it to anyone. A veteran of 4 trips over the last 10 years." Richard O. Thompson, Maine, 4th trip thompson@dialmaine.com
"I wanted to tell you what a wonderful time we had. Dad (Mike) is telling everyone he is ready to go back right now. We both had such a great time and enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you so much for everything that you did and you give a great tour." Mike and June Mihalov, New York Mihalovjun@aol.com
"Traveling to Slovakia was truly a ‘trip of a lifetime' for me. It gave me a deeper and richer understanding of the customs and traditions I have grown up with. The added bonus was I never had to correct the pronunciation of my name!" Leslie Mihalov, Ohio mihalovL@pediatrics.ohio-state.edu
"Wanda and I talk about our trip to Slovakia, Poland (2001) and what a great time we had with you. Thanks to you I have a family now in Slovakia. Christmas last year brought a CD into our home that took us into the mountains, we visited with family at an 80th Birthday party for Maria Tkacova, by picture.....it was great. Maria is a daughter of my mother's own cousin and we both share grandmothers that were sisters. I cry when I stop and think how lucky I am to have experienced the joy of finding family and the joy my mother missed by not knowing her aunt. It was the treasured picture of mother's cousin and her daughter with names written on the back, found among old pictures, kept in a box that brought us together. Your help with language and transportation was given with such sincere love, it made my ventures possible, a greater understanding of the hardships grandmother went through and the family joy she missed." Mary Maye Bennett, Missouri dmmbennett@socket.net "We have wonderful memories of the Slovak Culture & Wine tour (2005) and all the friends we developed." Claude and Helen Duchon, Oklahoma cduchon@cox.net "You are my favorite tour group. While I cannot claim to be a world traveler, this statment is based on experience with eight different tour groups on trips to thirteen counties, I have traveled to Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Tunisia, Kenya, Indonesia, Thailand, Russia, Slovakia, Czech Republic and the Carribbean. I feel that you go out of your way to make sure that people safely see the country and have fun." Pat Surina, New Jersey psurina@yahoo.com Will never foget my trip with you to Eastern Slovakia in August 1998." Carolyn Senyitko Corcoran, Ohio JCorco7956@aol.com |
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