Testimonials
Read what others have to say about our service...
Michael, Fiona and I just wanted to thank you for being so professional and knowledgeable - and also for being a really good guy - in the tour you conducted for us last week. We spent the weekend back in Paris and then returned to the States on Monday, so we have all had time to reflect now. The Normandy experience was really valuable to us, mentally challenging in just the right way, and gave us all a lot to think about. Everybody appreciates good service and good work, and we just wanted to say thanks.
Mark E. Mullins, CT, 2008
A tribute from Vic's widow
"... Ever since, I have wanted to let you know what a memorable holiday this was. On our return to Canada, Vic’s health continued to deteriorate and in March 2004, he died after a short battle with cancer and heart disease. This year, during this week, we would be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and each year, I think back to Normandy with tremendous gratitude to you. Vic spoke constantly of that trip and always said it was the very best holiday he ever had. To the day he died, he spoke of you and Normandy and how you helped make his life long dream come true.
I now want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making his last year so wonderful. The trip we had with you was so well planned, every detail was planned and every question we asked was answered. It was a truly moving experience to see all the beaches, battle scenes, museums, etc......first hand and to have such a great, caring guide. ..."
Griselda Petry, Ontario 2008
Dear Michael, we came back on Monday, but had too much work in order to get to the mail peacefully. We would like to thank you once again for the lovely trip in Normandy. Due to your kind, soft and considered treatment, we hardly paid any attention to the climate - well almost. It was a most informative , and moving day. I cannot say anything less than that it was perfect in all respects. We will cherish this day in Normandy as one of the most impressive trips, and all this due to your professionalism and agreeable character.
Lily and Yehuda Melzer, 2008
We just got back from a trip of the Normandy area and hired Michael for 3 days.
The tour he provided was a life changing experience for me (my wife was also along as was were my two boys; ages 11 and 13) and my big sister. I'm a BIG history buff (from the ancient Greeks to current day) and have read extensively about WWI and WWII and the events surrounding and including DDay (the war in North Africa, Italy, and France).
Michael brought history to life. His research has gone beyond what you will find in any book - his knowledge of what happened as well as the historical context in which it happened is amazing. Walking with him on Omaha Beach and listening to him talk - took me back to that day and what it must have been like (history is fascinating but not always beautiful). His ability to not just answer my question but his willingness to understand the "question behind the question" was amazing.
If you engage his services (which I strongly encourage you to do so) you will experience more than a "tour." You will experience an adventure that is a once in a lifetime experience.
Michael is not only knowledgeable but a real great person with tremendous sense of humor (which speaks a lot given the subject matter he has to deal with)!
Not going would be a BIG mistake.
Mike Laddin, USA, 2008
This was a tour that we had been waiting for all year and were not disappointed! From the moment we met Mike to the moment we departed we were able to keep the atmosphere of what was happening on the 6th June 1944 and the days after alive. His knowledge and perspective enabled us to recreate what actually went on and he kept us entertained and enthralled with fantastic nuggets of information throughout. You will not find a better tour guide for the D-day beaches. The whole landing experience became real and the daunting prospect that faced all involved on the historic day now has a true understanding.
David and Laurie 2007
Thanks again for an enjoyable trip. Without your thoughtful guidance we would have missed so much. The context you provided put a face and a story to each site, which made it so much more meaningful and interestiing.
All the best,
Lincoln, Christina, Jack, Alex and Denise
Picture taken on WN62, a bunker overlooking Omaha Beach, 23rd August 2006
My parents, husband, and I want to thank you for such a wonderful trip to the D-day beaches. I felt it important to share with you some of our reflections and compliments of the tour as we have discussed it throughout the past few days. First of all, we can hardly express our relief and gratitude when you met us and showed us the way to our hotel after such a difficult morning trying to make it to Normandy! That act alone was a perfect summation of the time we spent with you. As my parents said, we could not have had a better tour guide! You thought of everything, from the bottles of water to the greatly appreciated time alone to reflect on our thoughts and feelings as we viewed such incredibly moving sites like Omaha beach.
You did a wonderful job (and on a shortened schedule no less!) making sure we saw all of the “must see” sites as well as ones that were just as interesting- though off the beaten path. The commentary was interesting and succinct therefore we never felt overwhelmed with information or details. On the other hand, you were great to answer any questions that we had. My parents were very impressed with the way you told several sides of a story and then let us reflect on what the truth might be. As I expressed to you during our tour, I know there is no way I could have planned such a visit on my own. Even if we could find all of the sites by ourselves, my commentary would have been grossly inferior. The information you shared with us was testament to a great deal of research and study.
My parents asked me how I found you and were amazed that it was only through a website and emails that we had such a great guide. My parents have even expressed an interest visiting England, provided that you are their tour guide of course! Please, feel free to share this with others. Hopefully it will help them feel comfortable and certain that they are hiring a true professional and a wonderful guide!
Thanks again for a wonderful time. We will never forget it!
Sincerely,
Denise Cupps,
Paris France
"We have now had a chance to collect ourselves since our fabulous trip with you. To say that we are still glowing from the sights, sounds and history of Normandy and Mont St. Michel would be an understatement. My sons are still chattering with each other about pill boxes and gun emplacements while Edie and I are still savouring the breathtaking memories of our first sights of the American Cemetery and St. Michel, images that we will treasure for a lifetime. But perhaps the best legacy of our trip was meeting and getting to know you."
"…it is hard to imagine how we could have enjoyed ourselves half as much without your expert guidance and warm companionship"
Mr. Robert J. Gould, London
"Your tour was very informative and enjoyable; I especially enjoyed the alternative versions of the historical record. I really had a good time. My family and friends are very envious… Thanks again.”
Roy LoStracco
"Michael, Very best wishes to you and the family. We meant to write earlier to thank you for a wonderful trip to Normandy but time has just slipped away. A very happy and prosperous 1999."
Vivien and Jerry, Boston MA
"Dear Michael, Thank you so very much for the book on Skye. We shall treasure it always as we shall all our wonderful memories of our adventures in Scotland…….thanks to you. Thank you too for helping us become travelers instead of tourists."
Mr and Mrs John R. Smith, West Chester, Pennsylvania
"The voices of Omaha Beach linger with me. Our day together was special. Thanks again for all your efforts to bring the meaning behind the history alive for us."
Mr and Mrs John Kao, San Francisco, CA
"We have finally settled down from the excitement and playing catch-up from our return from England and France. Our pictures have been developed and shown numerous times to our friends and family. Not a day goes by when I do not tell of our adventure and tour of the landing beaches at Point du Hoc. I am in the process of putting together a shadow box with military memorabilia, beach sand and pebbles from the shingle at Omaha Beach.
The trip was wonderful, memories that will last a lifetime!"
Carter and Ann Shillig, Dallas, Texas
"Phyllis and I had a great time and appreciated all your attention"
Mr Lloyd Brown, Greenwood, IN
"Thank you for taking such good care of our mutual clients. I am glad the trip was successful. I will keep you in mind for the future."
Atlas Travel Service, Inc. High Point, NC
"Thank you for your preparation and attention to detail in making the trip a successful and memorable one."
Mr William B. Capper Jr., Southern Pines, NC
"Our tour of the Bayeux Normandy Museum on Sunday was outstanding! We spent almost three hours there and it was time well spent. Your recommendations on which museums to visit were priceless!"
Mr and Mrs Dan Garrett, San Jose, CA
Visit http://www.4garretts.com/perception.html for his further personal recommendation.
"Many thanks for a wonderful tour!!!!"
Mr and Mrs Peter Georgesen, Arlington, Virginia
"We all had a wonderful time on the trip and it was exactly what I was looking for. I appreciated all your efforts to customize our tour to our requirements and I can assure you that my parents also had a great time."
Mr Jerry McCabe Jnr., Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
"Your services made the visit to England and France a real success. Jean and I realized after we were home how interesting everything was because of your knowledge of the itinerary. Also, and especially we all were very comfortable with you as a person."
Col. Jerry McCabe Snr., New Jersey - Veteran and contributor to "The Longest Day"
"Our trip to Normandy with Michael Phillips was the most memorable family vacation we have ever taken. My youngest son gained some insights into history that he could not have learned any other way, and he made some personal discoveries that he will remember forever. Michael Phillips’ extensive knowledge and experience got us to the right place at the right time and gave us the background to understand what we were seeing in context. Plus, he arranged for accommodations that we never would have been able to find by ourselves. Simply the most interesting travel experience we’ve ever had thanks to the best travelling companion we’ve ever met."
Jim, Heidi and Michael Kargman, Chicago, IL
"Thanks so much for your insightful and interesting tour of the D-Day sites in Normandy. We will certainly be recommending your services to our friends and are interested in working with you on future trips."
Kirsty and Bob Sheppard, Chicago, IL
"I honestly believe retrospective memories will place this trip right up there with our best."
Bob and Alice Stacy, Shreveport, Louisiana
"We had a fine trip home and enjoyed our trip tremendously - thanks to your tour and hotel recommendation."
Mr and Mrs Steve Black, Falls Church, VA
"I was deeply touched during the visit to the various D-Day sites and locations. Michael really helped me to develop a better understanding and appreciation of the events of June 1944. I definitely recommend that anyone who is visiting the Normandy area book a tour with Perception Travel. This is a 4-Star outfit."
Mr. John Curtin, Ranchoo Palos Verdes, CA
"Thank you for such a wonderful two days - you were the highlight of our trip! I feel we got a sense of what Normandy is all about because of our good fortune to find you. Again, thanks for putting your heart and soul into educating us, and please do keep our address for future use."
Mr and Mrs Mike Rogers, WA
"My father and I had a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Please do not hesitate to use either him or myself for references if need be, we'd be more than happy to sing your praises."
Mr Mike O'Neal, OH
"THANK YOU again for a wonderful touring experience! My mother, brother and I had a terrific time."
Ms Judy Bryngil, New Jersey
"Thanks so much for a great and wonderful journey. You were so gracious and considerate of all of us."
Mr and Mrs Hjalma Johnson, Dade City, FL
"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Normandy. The tour was everything we expected. By the last day, we all felt like we were being shown around by a friend rather than a tour guide."
Mr and Mrs Tom Hix, Houston, TX
"We all greatly enjoyed our trip and feel we got the very best experience for the number of days we had allocated."
Mr and Mrs Fred Martin, Normangee, TX
I want to express my deepest appreciation for your services. You far exceeded our expectations in organising tour stops and explaining the significance of the sites we visited. All in our group agreed that we could not possibly have done so much in the limited time we had without your capable assistance. Our tour of Normandy was a very satisfying and moving experience.
Mr John Rose, Appleton, WI
"Just wanted to thank you for your expert guidance through Normandy. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and rented the movie, The Longest Day last night. It had a whole new meaning and we understood much better what happened that day. "
Mr and Mrs John Lenti, San Jose, CA
"Just wanted to say 'Thank You' for a wonderful trip to Normandy, France. You really did a great job! Guess we really needed more time there but 'you did good' with the time we had. You were also a grand person to be with. It was as though we had known you for a longer time - you were certainly 'one of us'."
Mr and Mrs Don Edwards, Lubbock, TX
"Many, many thanks for such a grand time spent with you and your very informative and sensitive narrative about the history of that lonely place."
Jay and Leila Adams, Daytona Beach, FL.
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