TESTIMONIALS
"We did not quite know how to do a Grand canyon trip in 2 days arriving by train with two small lads. David talked with us about what we liked (and did not like!) and was able to arrange an itinerary that was diverse and spectacular! He was sensitive to the kids' needs and interests and engaged them with his wonderful stories and side trip to look for dinosaur bones and tracks. My six year old daughter said that she was going to miss him - and my kids arn't impressed by many adults.
He
managed everything so we could just relax and enjoy. His experience and
knowledge is so
impressive that we could discuss any question or
interest we had! He even shopped and bought snacks we liked along in
the car. It was a wonderful trip and as my daughter said, we had a
great time in Arizona, especially because of you, David." ~ David
and Danielle Zucker, producer, writer, director, actor
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David Menne
is a guide whose knowledge of the Southwest is enhanced by his deep love
for it. His organizational skills are complemented
by flexibility as to his clients' wishes." ~ Sandra Berwind
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"We had the good fortune to be guided by David Menne of Tour
the Southwest, for a most rewarding four days to the Grand Canyon's
North Rim, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National
Park. David is pleasant, professional, prepared, principled, and prudent.
He knows every aspect of the southwest, including its history, geology,
all the interesting nooks and crannies, photogenic spots, where to
eat, acceptable bathrooms, and routes to avoid crowds. He is sensitive
and attentive to the needs and desires of those he conducts. This was
one of the few occasions when a tour was all that we had hoped it would
be." ~ Dr. and Mrs. Harvey E. Finkel, Brookline, MA
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"Do you want to see the Southwest as only you can experience
it, on your own schedule, at your own pace, tailored to your physical
abilities and wallet? Hire Tour The Southwest with David and Martha
Menne as your tour guides and driver. My Grand Circle Tour of 2100
miles over 9 days was absolutely perfect. Everything was planned for
my taste, including the accommodations and my limited physical ability
(No Hiking!). David is quite an expert about the area, including geology,
beautiful vistas, the best places for photos, and, if you wish, canyon
hikes and river rafting. Martha knows her roadside wild flowers. It
was just great!" ~ Cornelia Baker, Hawleyville CT
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"Thank you for being such a wonderful tour guide for our family...
Ed: I had reservations about paying for a guide, but it was money well
spent. David knew exactly where to take us without wasting time figuring
out what was next. I was intrigued about the information he knew and
the facts about the lake that once covered the ground near Grand Canyon.
Karen: ...the facts about petrified wood (we love our rocks), the condors,
and the measurements of how deep and long the Grand Canyon is was so
amazing. We never would have had the learning experience and stories
without you. With a family our size, you were very hospitable, flexible,
and kind. We treasure our time at the grand Canyon. Even the small
things were a blessing from God: the antelope, coyote, elk and condors.
Ben (5): Mom, you know that man that is our leader? Why does he know
everything? Gabe (6): It was awesome looking at the grand Canyon. Julie
and Amy (22, 20): David was friendly and he felt like family. He knew
how to answer every question we had. He was like our grandpa. Holly
(10): I was glad he was there to tell us the stories of Grand Canyon
and then show us. Mary (14) He made it all exciting from a Christian
view. Anna (12): Mr. Menne explained things very well in detail so
we could understand them..." ~ Karen and Ed Graves, Tyler Tex
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"Hallo David, coming back from our long vacations we just wanted
to thank you for the trip you organized for us in the South West in
July. We had a wonderful time, everything went smoothly, and we appreciated
very much the assistance, competence, discretion and effectiveness
of Jason. He definitely was the person we have wished to have with
us!! Thank you and best regards" ~ Emilia, Denis and their three
French-Italian kids, from Paris.
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"My wife and I toured Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon starting from Flagstaff with David, including a half-day of horseback experience among the monuments with a Navajo guide. David went out of his way to be sure we had the best the region had to offer, and not only were the accommodations wonderful, David’s knowledge and passion for the area, its rich history and geology, and his ability to explain what we were seeing made the trip one of the best we have ever taken.
David has a kind and professorial nature, like your favorite graduate teacher, he was patient and very familiar with the surroundings. He was willing to take us out of the way to see and teach us special things from petro-glyphs to perfect sunsets, meals to geologic theory, and science to anthropology. He also had flawless weather prediction capabilities! We found we simply could not wear him out! His enthusiasm and patience, foresight and planning, even his snacks made us feel very well considered to the most minute detail.
David
is flexible, friendly, and particularly helpful with tips on photography.
He miraculously
showed up to take photos of us on several
occasions on the horses, and has a lot of insider knowledge of this
gorgeous area. He has stimulated a great urge for us to return for
more! Our next trip will be longer and involve more parks; it will
not be with anyone but David! We had a fantastic time. You are the
best!! ” -Jeffrey Rose, MD, Clayton, MO
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"The tours were great. We really enjoyed our time in all the
parks. Private tours certainly enhance the experience. Ron was especially
knowledgeable. We appreciated his extensive experience in the area.
It was particularly nice of him to hike around with us in the snow
and cold! Thanks for arranging everything for us. I will definitely
recommend you to any clients I have who are planning trips to the Southwest." -
Sherry Riggs, Travel Solutions, Louisville, Kentucky
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"Coming from Australia to ski in Colorado, two friends and I decided we also wanted to see some of the true America. We had spent more that 20 hours on the Internet researching and getting nowhere. However, our luck changed, when we came across David Menne's website. After two phone conversations, we decided David was our man...and he was.
We went to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley in the Navajo Nation, Canyon de Chelly, the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert. Instead of flipping through guide books, missing the scenery and points of interest, we sat back in comfort, while David showed us so much more than we could have found ourselves. As we traveled, David picked up on our interests such as architecture and drove us to the extraordinary hotels of Mary Coulter, someone I'd never heard of previously but now I'm a huge fan.
After two weeks of the best skiing we'd ever had, four days in the national parks could have been a letdown. However, we completely forgot the skiing and were totally immersed in a relaxing, fascinating, educational experience. This was due to David's preparation, his wide knowledge and very pleasant personality.
Thanks
David for a really memorable experience!!" - Catherine
Ward, Sydney Australia
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"David, I am now back home with all the usual day to day issues to distract me. Despite this my mind does drift back to the fantastic 4 days we had with you in March. I feel compelled to write to thank you for such a great trip through North Arizona and all its wonderful sights. The obvious preparation & planning you put in ensured everything went smoothly. Your knowledge of the area gave us an insight & understanding of both the natural & personal history.
Thank
you again & look forward to the opportunity to travel with
you again." - Paul Ward, Sydney Australia
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"
Our family of three – two grandparents and a teenage granddaughter – spent
six days in January touring Utah, Arizona, and Nevada with Tour
the Southwest.com. We were a little concerned that we had chosen to visit
this part of America in the winter, but how wrong we were! Certainly,
the days were cold, but there was no wind, and the snow highlighted
rather than hid the wonders that we saw. It is difficult to say
what
was the most impressive, the sight of the incredible rock formations
etched with snow set against brilliant blue skies, or the expertise
and consideration of our guide.
Thank you, David, for making our holiday so memorable. Your planning
was flawless, your vehicle perfect for our needs, and you were
good company at all times. Your vast knowledge added enormously
to our
experience. We can not imagine any way in which the tour could
have been improved." -
Joy & Bob Wilson, Kensington, Australia
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" VISIT TO ZION NATIONAL PARK, BRYCE CANYON AND THE GRAND STAIRCASE OF ESCALANTE WITH DAVID MENNE
We spent a truly wonderful few days with David. We were extremely impressed with his professionalism. He tailored the tour to meet our needs exactly and was prepared to work every minute of the day from pre-dawn until after dark to ensure that we had the maximum benefit and enjoyment from our trip. David is clearly a gifted photographer who has an amazing ability to see and compose a special photograph and he made the effort to take us to some outstanding locations unknown to most tourists. The most important aspect of the trip was that David was prepared to share and teach his skills, pointing out features which enhance the shot such that we learned a lot from our tour and returned home with many interesting photographs.
Many
thanks David – we hope to see you again some time." -Alan
and Linda Battersby, UK
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"
Just wanted to let you know that our trip to Canyon de Chelly met all
expectations and more. Your guides were outstanding. Wish we had a
week to spend with them. You can be sure we are planning trips back
to the area... The Navajo guide...was also outstanding. It was a perfect
day, perfect trip, with such wonderful and knowledgeable people. Thanks
so much for arranging this for us. We walked away with memories that
will stay with us always." - Maureen L., Falls Church, VA
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"
We had a wonderful trip!! We plan to return in October. Our guide was
very knowledgeable and we enjoyed his commentary very much. We would
go with him in a 'New York Minute'. Thank you for all your assistance." -
Arlene and Norm Tucker, Sun City, AZ
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"
We recently enjoyed a tour of the Grand Canyon with a terrific and
erudite guide. He has a vast knowledge of the area, the population,
the history, and the flora and fauna. I feel as if I gained post-graduate
credit on that one-day journey (I happen to be a college professor!).
I have recommended him to my parents as well as others. You can look
forward to hearing from more of us. Thank you very much!" -
John and Lisa Hader, Chicago, IL
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"
Before another week goes by, I must write to let you know what a wonderful
day we spent with our guide. Our tour through Monument Valley was
everything we had hoped for, and more. His knowledge of the culture
and geology
of the area, and his joy in sharing it made the day one we will rank
as a highlight in all of our travels. We feel our lives were enriched
beyond measure in those hours we spent with him. We would not hesitate
to recommend TourTheSouthwest.com to anyone who might be interested.
We look forward to future opportunities of touring with you again.
Thank you most sincerely." - George and Kay Wiggins
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"
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the outstanding
tour to Monument Valley that TourTheSouthwest.com led for our family
- your breadth of knowledge about the area was impressive, informative,
and made our day in the Valley the absolute highlight of our Western
trip, and your love for the land made a deep impression on all of us.
We will most certainly recommend TourTheSouthwest.com to our friends
and neighbors traveling to Arizona, and when we come out there again,
as we most certainly will, we hope you can lead us on another tour.
It was a wonderful experience to have as a guide someone who not only
knows the region, but who so obviously loves it. Again, our thanks." -
Steve Hirsch, Phoenixville, PA
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"
Thank you for organizing such an excellent weekend. James and I both
enjoyed our time very much and we learned a huge amount from our really
wonderful guide. He left us both convinced that we had only scratched
the surface of the wonders to be seen in Arizona, and we both intend
to return." - Anton Kearsley & Dr. James Whitby-United Kingdom
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" I wanted to thank you for a lovely trip to the Grand Canyon.
We will always cherish the memories that you gave us. Last night Dwayne
and I watched a television special on the history of the El Tovar Hotel
and the Grand Canyon. They interviewed the Grand Canyon artist you
were telling us about, Bruce Aiken. The show was very interesting and
exciting since we were just there." - Mary and Dwayne Meadows,
Wake Forest, North Carolina
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"
We shared our van with one of your guides last week on a trip to Flagstaff
and I want to let you know what a great and informative trip it was!
Had we undertaken the day ourselves, we would have missed hearing and
understanding what was going on in the surrounding lands. Our 12 year
old listened to your guide for hours (worth the price alone :-)) and
we thoroughly enjoyed the day. We wound up having to drive the entire
way back to NC because of the recent events and flight cancellations.
We all wished then that we could have kidnapped him for the LONG drive
through New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, etc., simply to add perspective
and history to the landscapes that we passed through and knew nothing
about! We are not normally "guide directed" people but when
we return, you can bet that we will schedule more days and request
his services again!" Thanking you again! -Steve, Theresa and
Tommy Filarsky (NC), Jenny Brown (GA), Jane Filarsky (PA)
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"
Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know how much we enjoyed
spending three days on tour with you last week. We have been to Arizona
and the Southwest before, but you made it very special for us this
time. We received a real education. It was thoroughly enjoyable. You
were the real highlight of our trip and enabled us to really "see" Northern
Arizona for the first time. We'll be back for sure." - Daniel
and Nora Cardone
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"You really made our trip the most fulfilling of all trips we
have ever taken. My pictures were super. We were so lucky to find you.
Thank you so much for making our first trip to Flagstaff Arizona one
to always remember. We will be back." - Betty and Richard Burton
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"
Just a note to thank you for a pleasant and informative trip into Hopi
land. My daughter and I will enjoy telling our friends all we learned." -
Larry and Kathy Beach
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"
We enjoyed your country, especially 'Grand Canion'. We never forget
that great view. We plan to visit America again. Thanks a lot for the
wonderful day. Take Care! From Japan with Love." - Seiji & Akie
Fujinaga
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"
Near the end of August we booked a tour of Monuument Valley for myself
and the kids. I just wanted to write and let you know that everyone
enjoyed themselves and learned a great deal to boot." - Linda
Bennett, Irvine, California
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" Wanted to let you know everyone is still raving about our Labor Day Weekend trip to Monument Valley. Everyone has commented that they knew we would have a good time, but this was beyond all expectation! Our tour guide was magnificent. He was kind and considerate and very knowledgeable about the area and the native cultures. We especially liked Coal Mine Canyon. We also enjoyed visiting the Hopi village. We appreciated the places he took us to eat. Daniel and Jerome were amazing Monument Valley tour guides. We thoroughly enjoyed their humor and their knowledge. It was heavenly when we sat around the rocks and listened to them play their music and sing their songs.
I could go on and on forever. It was truly an unforgettable vacation. We have lots of pictures and will treasure the memories. Thank you so much for working with me to make this a memorable event.
I
hope to do business with you again in the future." - Kaayla
Taylor, Scottsdale, AZ