Active & Cultural Tours
in Southern Europe and Beyond
WILD SAGE
What Makes Us Special
LOCAL EXPERT GUIDES
Our experienced guides are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and love what they do.
HANDPICKED ADVENTURES
We research all of our tours thoroughly to assure you get the best out of every holiday.
EXCITING DESTINATIONS
From the big names to the coolest destinations you’ve never heard of, we’ve got it all!
TRAVEL WITH US
Discover Our Tours
Walking & Hiking
We can design tours for almost any walking level (depending on the terrain, of course!), and have tours that go from easy outings to the challenging Alpine hiking of the Dolomites mountains The activity level on our scheduled tours is clearly defined so you know…
Cycling & E-Biking
Some of our guides are also cyclists, and they’d be happy to show you around on two wheels. We can usually find road bikes for rent in most destinations, or try an e-bike, which allows all of the fun with a fraction of the effort (though don’t be fooled…
“Light Active” Tours
You don’t have to go on a “hike” to get your steps in, and sometimes a full day out in a city or exploring an archaeological site can be just as “active” as an organized walk. We’re also aware that we’re not as young as we once were, so we’re happy to offer tours that are…
What Our Customers Say
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Sicily Coast-to-Coast
Our trip to Sicily with Wild Sage in mid-October (perfect time of year) could not have been better. With Claire as our guide/interpreter and Giuseppe as our intrepid driver, we spent 10 days exploring the island from modern cities to Baroque towns to ancient temples, from the coast to the interior. All we had to do was soak in the amazing environment and enjoy ourselves – everything else was taken care of for us. The food, wine, and cannoli were delightful, the hotels and country inns lovely. We had any number of experiences (visiting a cheese maker, a cart-making shop, an ancient ritual bath deep under a church, a Roman villa with spectacular mosaics) that we undoubtedly would have missed had we not been with Claire. She not only planned a great itinerary but was also attuned to our group’s interests and differing energy levels. This was our first trip with a personal guide, and we’re sold on the concept – especially with Claire and Wild Sage.
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Tuscany Classic Walk
While our time with Manu and Claire was part of a private departure, our travel included Florence, San Gimignano, Siena and Pienza. Traveling with Manu and Claire is, for us, traveling with trusted friends. This is our highest possible praise. Manu and Claire tend to all the details, provide the transportation, speak your language and Italian (along with other languages), share their knowledge of the places, the people, the food and the wine, expose you to new experiences, and accommodate your interests. They do all of this with efficiency and a smile. With guides like these, you are free to enjoy each moment and truly relax. The Wild Sage itineraries work perfectly for us. They include exercise, sightseeing, unique experiences, and time for relaxation and reflection. We found that every day included something memorable and special. Often these elements were part of Manu and Claire’s plan. At times they were unexpected and magical. Manu and Claire also worked with us to shape the travel itinerary we wanted for a private departure. With their help we were able to have exactly the trip we were hoping for, enhanced by their scouting, knowledge, and suggestions. We could ask for nothing more. We are already daydreaming about and planning our next adventure with Manu and Claire.
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Dolomites Hike: Val di Funes & Val Rendena
We were lucky enough to travel with Manu and Melissa, along with three other couples, to the stunning Dolomites in September 2024. From the moment I met them, I sensed this would be a remarkable adventure. Their warm demeanor added to the experience, allowing us to relax and enjoy every moment. Each day was carefully planned, showcasing their extensive knowledge of the region, the locals, the food, and the wines. They aim to guide you through the most scenic and less-traveled hikes. The accommodations were delightful and comfortable and featured delicious meals. We enjoyed an evening of wine tasting and dined at a five-star restaurant. The Dolomites was the most beautiful place I have ever seen! When the trains in Italy unexpectedly went on a planned strike on our departure day, Manu and Melissa dedicated hours to securing alternative travel arrangements for each of us. Our final day was a bittersweet farewell as we all felt we were saying goodbye to dear friends. This was indeed the best travel experience my husband and I have ever had, and it's not a question of if but when we will travel with Manu again!
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Dolomites Hike: Val di Funes & Val Rendena
The trip was amazing. Melissa and Manu were perfect guides and hosts. The hiking was wonderful and different every day. I can't wait to travel with them again.
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Cuba: Music, Culture & Cuisine
My wife Ruth and I participated in Wild Sage’s winter 2025 tour of Cuba. This was one of the more interesting trips we’ve been on because Cuba is so unique in the world. Claire and Manu did so much to give us access to the country, its people, and institutions that never would have been possible on our own. They arranged for wonderful non-government operated hotels and restaurants and activities that provided a multi-faceted view into Cuba: city walks, dance performances, an Afro-Cuban choir performance, mojito-making and cooking lessons, live music, a Santeria ritual experience, a percussion lesson, and more. Besides themselves, Claire and Manu arranged for local guides who were all very impressive in their knowledge of the country and its history and provided well-informed answers to our group’s many questions about how things work in Cuba. They also knew local restaurants and places worth visiting in Havana and the other cities where we stayed. There were great meals and our group of 14 was very compatible and fun to spend 10 days with. Lots of good conversations and many laughs. Our Havana hotel had a rooftop terrace restaurant and bar and leisurely breakfasts and late night gatherings on the roof became a regular activity and time to get to know our fellow travelers. We’ve travelled with Claire and Manu before and, as always, they were always on top of things, responsive to needs that popped up as the tour progressed and providing the right mix of structure and down time. I’m so glad to have had this experience.