ABOUT YUVAL BEN-AMI
National Geographic Expert, author of six published titles, and prolific travel journalist, Yuval Ben-Ami offers culture-focused tours in Mediterranean Europe and the Holy Land.
Born in Jerusalem, Yuval became enamored with Europe in his twenties: traveling extensively, learning its languages, landscapes, and cuisines. His first book, dedicated to the mythology of Finland, was published in Hebrew in 2003, and was followed by five other titles, all devoted to travel and geography. He is an active travel guide since 2009.
Yuval specializes in tours for small groups of 2-8 participants. His base is in Lauris, a village in the heart of Provence, but his tours - tailor-fitted for the traveler, rich in storytelling, humor, warmth and sophistication - span the entire South of France, Northern Italy, Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
MY SPECIALTY: COFFEE TRAVEL
A note from Yuval
Below you will find a list of places we can explore together. There are many good ways to explore them, and making plans is often beneficial.
Having said that: my favorite way of guiding small groups and individual travelers is built around the morning coffee: We make no plans, except for determining the needed size of the vehicle. I arrive to your location in the morning, we have coffee and dream up a perfect day. This allows us to perfectly combine your own mood, wishes and interests, my knowledge of the town or region, the weather, special events and other factors.
Coffee Travel allows me to make off the beaten path suggestions and to match them perfectly to you, the travelers. The approach may sound like a gamble, but is in fact the very opposite. It allows us to pick a windless day for cycling through the countryside and a rainy day for indoor activities. One coffee traveler turned out to be a geology buff,and discovered the unique rock formations of High Provence, another was a lover of fine bread, and met artisan bakers. One couple entrusted me with six coffee days in a row, allowing us all to compose a true rhapsody of travel.
Coffee Travel is naturally best suited for travelers visiting my home-region of Provence, but the same appraoch can be adapted for use further afield. Don't hesitate to drop me a line and we can navigate from there.
PROVENCE
Nestled between the Alpes and the sea, the region of Provence is one of Europe's best-loved gems. Nevertheless, it remains rich in untold secrets and keeps its true nature cleverly hidden from tourists. Base yourselves among the vineyards of the Luberon, in Avignon, Aix or Marseille, and hire Yuval as your guide for this sunny region of beauty and delights.
FURTHER AFIELD IN FRANCE AND ITALY
Have Yuval help you plan a longer journey that transcends Provence. Venture to Languedoc, the lesser-known stretch of Mediterranean France, into the wild highlands of the Massif Central, upwards onto Alps, down to the French Riviera, or even further: to Italy's regions of Liguria, Piemonte, Lombardy and the Veneto. Yuval's knowledge of the art, the history and the flavors of all those regions shall provide you with a key to Europe's most treasured realms.
CULINARY DISCOVERIES.
Whether you are drawn by Roman History or musical heritage, one interest appears to be shared by all: The quest for the perfect meal, for a satisfying market experience, for an unforgettable taste of with wine and a deeper understanding of the form and function in Mediterranean cuisine. Are you seeking the best Bouillabaisse or the best winery in Gigondas? Could you use help making your pick at an overwhelming patisserie? Allow Yuval to hand you the spoon.
HOLY LAND
Yuval continues to guide in his complex and thrilling home country, where he is designated Expert by National Geographic Expeditions since 2014. Here various tours are offered, including the enormously successful dual narrative tours, presented in collaboration with Palestinian guide Husam Jubran. Yuval's approach to the land is holistic, and the tours touch on its many societies and histories, on religion, archeology, architecture, politics, poetry, gastronomy, ecology, et al. All of which provides the traveler with a thrilling, multi-dimensional view of a unique country
FURTHER STILL
Yuval continues to guide in his complex and thrilling home country, where he is designated Expert by National Geographic Expeditions since 2014. Here various tours are offered, including the enormously successful dual narrative tours, presented in collaboration with Palestinian guide Husam Jubran. Yuval's approach to the land is holistic, and the tours touch on its many societies and histories, on religion, archeology, architecture, politics, poetry, gastronomy, ecology, et al. All of which provides the traveler with a thrilling, multi-dimensional view of a unique country
HOW TO BOOK
Simply contact Yuval, either right here using the chatbox, or by mail at yuvalba@gmail.com. Please detail your desired destination and the number of days you would enjoy using Yuval's services.
In France and Italy, Guiding rates begin at 320 Euros a day. This price includes:
· The drafting of an itinerary ahead of the journey.
· Advice on accommodation and other logistics for your entire trip.
· A full day's worth of guiding and driving
· The use of a fully insured, 5-seater sedan.
For a group of over four participants, a further charge of 50 Euros a day applies, allowing for the use of a spacious van. For Journeys requiring an overnight stay, over 80 km from Lauris, an expense charge of 120 Euros per night applies.
Dates of tours beyond France and Italy may be restricted. Every attempt will be made to meet your schedule.
Yuval is happy to provide for all special needs travelers and of course (as pictured) to children of all ages.
ONE KILOMETRE FROM YUVAL'S HOME
video project
Take a forty-minute tour around the village of Lauris, on the foothills of the lovely Luberon, with glimpses of the region's true culinary delights, flora, and history, a gorgeous chanson and a donkey eating strawberries.
video project
ONE HUNDRED KM FROM YUVAL'S HOME
From a grand Roman temple to the enchanting Mediterranean coastline, from the world's finest olive to a live flamingo, this 35 minute tour of the greater environs of Lauris is a love song to the South of France
SOME TRAVEL WRITING
New York Times Travel
Haaretz Magazine
Haaretz Magazine
Haaretz Magazine
+972 Magazine
CLIENTS
TRAVLERS TELL
On a journey with Yuval, one never feels like a “tourist” with a "guide.” With his energy, enthusiasm, and endless knowledge, Yuval made us feel like fellow travelers, discovering the world together.
Louise Tutelian, Santa Monica, CA
Yuval is one of those rare people who makes you feel at home in a foreign land. He ushers you into its famous destinations and secret spots with expansive information, impeccable connections, and infectious enthusiasm. I'd follow him anywhere!
Marc Morgenstern, Los Angeles, CA
I was impressed and inspired by Yuval’s knowledge, his heart and his openness. I watched in awe and delight as he guided us, juggled logistics, communicated with the other guides and our beloved bus driver, and as he played guitar for us too.
He not only gave us a sense of history, of the struggles of many peoples but also shed a bit of light on the current conflicts in a respectful and thoughtful way.
Anyone who gets to spend a day or a week with him is a very lucky person whose travels and adventures will not be soon forgotten. I look forward to my next trip guided by him.
Robyn Wishna, Ithaca, NY
My husband and I traveled with Yuval in Israel, and have been telling friends ever since what a wonderful experience that was. He was a superb guide in every way: knowledgeable and thorough, kind, fun, multi-talented, creative, and willing to go the extra mile for every single person on the trip. A few difficult or awkward situations arose, and he gracefully resolved awkwardness and solved problems quickly and efficiently - and at other times would break into song and dance. Just an overall neat guy! I look forward to being able to travel with him again in the future.
Hope and Dick Walker, Gaithersburg, MD
Our time with Yuval and his colleagues was the best part of our 2018 National Geographic tour of the Holy Lands.
Yuval shared his profound knowledge of each region’s history, its often-conflicting cultures, and the rich pleasures yet to be found therein, all with the wisdom of a professor, the heart of an artist, and the gifts of a riveting storyteller.
It was hard to say goodbye to Yuval, even after many days and evenings spent together. We are looking forward to traveling with Yuval again soon.
Shauna and Bill Portanova, Sacramento, CA
My husband and I were fortunate to spend two weeks in the Holy Land with Yuval Ben-Ami, and what a treat it was! Yuval is an extremely well-informed and intelligent guide. He is impeccably organized and keeps the tour running smoothly from beginning to end, handling even the occasional glitch with aplomb.
But he is so much more than that! He is full of anecdotes about the land and his life there. He has a keen sense of adventure and a marvelous sense of humor.
After spending just one day with Yuval, you feel that you have made a new friend. He is one of those rare individuals who is genuinely full of joy, and he exudes that joie de vie as he shares his love of a place with his guests. And as an extra bonus, Yuval has a magnificent singing voice. He will spontaneously belt out tunes at a moment’s notice, while playing his guitar for his own pleasure, as well as that of his guests. When you return home from a trip with Yuval Ben-Ami, you not only have an exceptional appreciation for and understanding of the land that you have just visited; you’ve also been treated to a novel cultural experience that will stay with you forever.
Kathy and Bill Dixon, Duxbury, MA
