Hidden Places Travel -

Emily Coates

My husband and I were lucky enough to join my mom on the inaugural Japan culture, walking and food tour this past May and all I can say is: WOW WOW WOW!!! We were absolutely blown away by how fantastic this tour was! Having our local guide Ako, who was the perfect mix of organized, knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating, made all the difference and we felt so cared for and safe the entire trip. The food was fantastic, varied and interesting while still being approachable and dietary restrictions were handled with ease and care. There was never an empty stomach and not a single time was there not just a little too much food! The accommodations were all very comfortable and varied from lovely hotels to tea houses and even a functioning Buddhist monastery, where we also had the privilege of participating in morning service. The walking was beautiful, interesting and diverse, we felt like we saw the best parts and had Ako explaining history and cultural significance along the way, which made any slightly challenging bits a breeze. We literally do not have a bad thing to say about this trip, from start to finish it was 100% effortless and fabulous. Our small group was amazing and we look forward to keeping in touch with everyone! We will definitely book another trip with Hidden Places!

Amanda Sullivan

In May 2024, I had my first travel experience with Hidden Places where we explored parts of beautiful Japan. Our extraordinary leaders – Atsuko San and Maria – carefully crafted an itinerary that took us to the most remarkable forests, restored villages, traditional Japanese inns, Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples and much more. Every meal was a work of art, the accommodations were outstanding, the trip execution was flawless and I couldn’t have asked for better travel companions.
I’m already planning my next adventure with this phenomenal company! Doumo arigatou!

Margie Gal

I just finished a Bike Trip this May 2017 in Catalonia Spain with Hidden Places Travel - and travelling with Maria and Dag is always fun for me. I have done 4 trips so far - 2 with Maria and 2 with both Maria and Dag and I loved them all! Not only do they visit amazing "Hidden Gems of Places", they are very caring and wonderful people. I always feel safe and well cared for and I will definitely travel with them again!

Hugh Smythe

My wife and I have enjoyed 4 fantastic trips with Hidden Places over the last 5 years - 3 of them led by Maria and Dag, whose skills, personalities and innate understanding of how to make every moment special is truly remarkable; and one trip led by their local representative who was also a phenomenal guide. Travelling with Hidden Places is a unique blend of scenic overload, piqued curiosity, cultural experience, and their own personal passion for creating memories. We cannot recommend them highly enough to anyone seeking to explore the world's most magical places.

Shayne le Poer Trench

Our four distinctly different trips with Hidden Places stand out as wonderful highlights among our many travels. Dag and Maria are constantly seeking out new experiences, and their joy in sharing these with their clients is matched only by their ability to deliver unique and wonderful journeys that touch all your senses, and stay with you forever. We look forward to many more trips with them in the future

gaeli waldhaus

Traveling with Hidden Places is an unforgettable experience. I had the pleasure of joining them for 100 Miles for Elephants trek through Kenya and it was a truly remarkable and fulfilling experience.

Dag and Maria bring warmth, cohesiveness and adventure as guides and reveal places that would otherwise go untravelled. I would follow them to any corner of the world 🙂

Rob Carlson

We have been traveling with Hidden Places for the last 10 years. My friend even longer. The tours, as the company name suggests, always took us to places unknown to most. Travelling with Dag and Maria was always an unforgettable experience. They are some of the most giving and flexible people I know, which made their trips worth every penny. We definitely recommend travelling with them.

William Taylor

We did 2 trips. Croatia was spectacular. Great scenery, very comfortable wooden boat with suits, showers and excellent crew. Either lunch or dinner on the boat and the other meal at outstanding local restaurants, usually with entertainment. Small group of like-minded travellers. Kayaking and hiking- great value.
Kerala was over-the top boats, sailing on rice-boats exceptional an great locals ,especially at our stay on organic herbal farm. Ayerverdic massage not to be missed.
Dag and Maria are the ultimate hosts, provide exceptional value and give back to the local communities they travel through.
National Geographic award well-earned!