Hi, I’m Sophia. I grew up in Western North Carolina, where hiking and running through the Blue Ridge Mountains became my happy place. After spending seven years guiding with Backroads Travel, I’ve had the chance to explore and lead active trips across the Alps, Scotland, and Hawaii. Whether you’re hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, trekking the West Highland Way, or exploring the Southern Appalachians, I love sharing insights to make your adventure unforgettable.

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My Favorite Adventures:

🏔️ The Haute Route – 13 days of pure alpine magic, crossing from Chamonix to Zermatt through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe.

🥾 The Montafon Circuit – A 10-day trek through the Austrian Alps that’s a hidden gem for hikers looking for quiet trails and breathtaking scenery.

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Expertise & Interests:

🌍 Hut-to-Hut Hiking in Europe – I love helping people navigate Europe’s mountain hut system and plan multi-day treks.

🏕️ First-Time Long-Distance Trekkers – If you’re new to long-distance hiking, I can help you with route planning, packing, and trail logistics.

🗺️ Alpine & Appalachian Hiking – Whether you’re planning an epic trek in the Alps or looking for the best hikes in the Southern Appalachians, I’ve got you covered.

🏃 Trail Running – I find the most joy running on trails, and I can help you pick the best routes for both scenic runs and endurance challenges.

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Hi, I’m David. I’ve been designing customized travel itineraries for individuals and small groups since 1984, with a lifelong passion for southern Europe. I specialize in creating journeys that are deeply personalized—whether that means finding a charming guesthouse tucked into a medieval village or a luxurious five-star retreat famous for its service and style.

Originally from the U.S., I now call Montefalco, Umbria home. After years of planning trips across Italy, Switzerland, Spain, and Great Britain, I decided to live full-time in the region I love most. I help travelers experience the real heartbeat of Italy—mountaintop towns, local vineyards, historic cities—and can also craft seamless adventures across Europe, blending iconic highlights with hidden gems. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or planning a special luxury escape, I’m here to design an experience that feels personal, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Hi, I’m Dehn—trail runner, filmmaker, father of five, and lifelong adventurer. I grew up in Lake Tahoe, where backcountry routes and alpine lakes were part of daily life. That love for wild places inspired me to launch Vacation Races, a running event series near national parks—and later, Global Adventures, where I designed multi-day travel experiences that combined endurance, cultural immersion, and unforgettable landscapes.

I’ve led ultramarathons through the desert, family backpacking trips in Yosemite, and youth groups into the wilderness to show them what they’re capable of. My goal? Help people reconnect with nature, reset their perspectives, and walk away with stories they’ll never forget. Whether you’re chasing big summits, planning your first park trip, or navigating the world with your kids in tow—I’m here to help.