Marie Forrestal

Marie was amazing from start to finish! I reached out to her with just a thought that I’d like to take a trip for my 60th but wasn’t really sure where to go. That was all I needed to say because soon Marie had ideas and she sent me several different locations, itineraries and budget options. Each one was better than the next. Then came a pause…. My travel companions were unable to travel during the planned travel period and all planning ceased. Marie was amazingly professional and understood.

Weeks later I returned to Marie with a new thought… Christmas markets in Quebec!! Once again she created a number of options for me all with different price points and each featuring unique amenities. I opted for the Auberge St. Antione and couldn’t have been happier. Marie arranged reservations for an exquisite birthday tasting menu in the hotel restaurant and was able to advise us on several other interesting things to do and pls Ed to see while visiting Quebec. It was a spectacular and flawless trip thanks to the professionalism of Marie. I can’t wait to plan my next adventure with her!

Our Porter assisted us through the airport/customs without issue delivering us easily to our driver with our luggage. It was seamless and set the standard for efficiency that carried throughout the trip.

The New Hotel was beautiful, comfortable and conveniently located for all our activities in Athens. Our tour of the Acropolis Museum & Acropolis guided by Ava was educational and very entertaining. As we were out late the night before I wasn’t sure I could handle a 4-hour tour. Ava kept everyone’s interest and made you feel her passion for the land and history she was sharing with us. Joe is a history guy and he said he would not have understood all he was seeing or enjoyed the Acropolis as much as he did if we did not have Ava as our guide.

The next stop in our travels was Monemvasia for a wedding. While not part of our official travels with you, what a beautiful detour. Family, friends, good food and drink shared over a weekend to celebrate the love of Kieffer and Ali … perfection.

On to Paros, Cosme was a wonderful resort within walking distance to the local town of Naousa and right on the beach. Our first excursion was Mrs. Maria’s Farmhouse for a hands-on cooking experience. Natalie (our guide) and Maria were so open and warm. Everyone felt comfortable exploring the farm, seeing where the cheese is made and aged, where the grapes become wine or liquor, and meeting the animals on the farm. Our day culminating in the sharing of the meal we had helped prepare and it was delicious!

Our second outing was a half-day cruise on a private speedboat. Our Captain, Nick, was skilled in both sailing and relaxing. He brought us to the most wonderful areas where we discovered more history and could enjoy the sun, sand and water with limited exposure to other people … in short perfection!

We walked into town two nights for cocktails, bites to eat and a little retail therapy in Naousa. Our mornings were busy, afternoons for relaxing and nights for a little celebrating.

Our final destination was Chania, Crete. We traveled from Paros to Crete by ferry which allowed us a restful way to observe the islands as we traveled. Our driver greeted us as we stepped off the dock and we were off to Chania. The drive was a mini tour, as the driver was from Chania and eager and willing to share his home with his passengers.

Arriving at Domes Zeem at night, we could only see a little of this beautiful resort. The morning light provided stunning water views from almost every area of the resort. The grounds were just as breath-taking with a wide variety of tropical flowers and fruit trees planted throughout. The resort was also perfectly located with an easy walk to restaurants, shops or into Old Town, Chania.

Our final tour of the trip was a walking food tour of Old Town, Chania. Again combining history, local art and local food through the eyes of Angelia our guide. An olive oil tasting was included and in addition to all the history a favorite part of the tour for Joe. We purchased every olive oil we sampled and can’t wait to incorporate them into our cooking.

The goal of the trip as we talked and planned was to experience local, to acknowledge there were some things that had to be seen such as the Acropolis but not to feel “touristy.” In addition, I like to be spoiled a little on vacation while Joe doesn’t like things too fancy. Marie, you managed to accomplish all that in your planning, each hotel or resort providing exactly what Joe and I needed. We saw and did a lot but also had time each afternoon to relax.

Evenings could be what we wanted with walks into town or relaxing at the resort. More importantly for couples who are just beginning to travel, each transfer was easy, timed to perfection and not stressful. Joe and I couldn’t be happier with our trip to Greece. It was a trip of a lifetime and I thank you for hearing us and planning such a wonderful experience.

Marie set up our entire trip and everywhere we went and we had no worries at all. The Dylan in Dublin was perfect and exceeded needs for accommodations and location for everything we wanted to do. The Clayton in Galway was fantastic as well. The Overland Tour of the Wild Atlantic way was incredible, and Marie took care of it all. We have already booked another trip with her and can't wait for another worry-free excursion!

Marie was friendly, attentive, and took the time to understand our preferences for this trip. She chose the perfect hotel for us, taking all of our wants and needs into consideration! Her thoughtful approach and communication throughout made the process easy and enjoyable. We are so glad Marie helped book this for us and for her assistance along the way! I will absolutely reach out to Marie for future travel plans to make the trip as great as this one!

Having never been to Salzburg, we were not sure where to stay. Marie Forrestal was a great help in booking our accomodations by asking us what we hoped to see on our visit, finding a hotel that was conveniently located and would work with our Marriott membership. She listened to our needs, did some research and responded quickly with just the right property. She then booked the hotel for us and confirmed everything via email. Closer to our trip, she reconfirmed this booking as well as two others and several tours. We highly recommend Marie Forrestal as she makes it a point to learn one's travel preferences and puts together the perfect itinerary.