8 locals we love
The beautiful scenery, interesting towns and historic monuments that you’ll discover with your group are unforgettable. For us, it’s the people that are at the heart of a Pathways experience – from your fellow travelers and enthusiastic guides to our knowledgeable and thoughtful partners and all local folks along the way. It’s the people who really make the Pathways experience unique.
Here are a few of our favorite local partners from Italy to Argentina, who we’ve become close friends with over the years.
devis cobelli | COBELLI
VINEYARDS | ITALY
Devis (pictured in the middle of this photo) is the owner of Cobelli Vineyards, a vineyard that has been in the Cobelli family for several generations. He and his two brothers now run the vineyards and a small agriturismo in the heart of Italy’s wine region in Trentino. We first met Devis in 2017 and instantly fell in love with his warmth, enthusiasm and heart. He is passionate about his work of making delicious wine, but most of all, he is passionate about his family and friends. He doesn’t make wine for money. He makes wine to bring people together. Over the years, he has hosted many Pathways travelers in his home, offering us hearty lunches and exceptional wine - and we always leave with big smiles, happy hearts & heavier suitcases!
PATO | AGUAS ARRIBA
ARGENTINA
From the second you walk into Aguas Arriba, you’ll feel at home. Not just because of the cozy, beautiful setting but because of the owner, Pato. Pato is the one of warmest, most loving people we’ve ever met. She and her husband, Ivor, built their lodge, Aguas Arriba, from scratch (they brought in all the materials by boat!) and it is truly one of the most spectacular places we’ve ever stayed. It’s a hidden gem set on the shores of Lago del Desierto in the heart of Argentine Patagonia. When creating Aguas Arriba, Pato thought of every detail and every comfort to make you feel right at home. The food here is exceptional, the views are magnificent and the place is special, unique and one-of-a-kind thanks to Pato. Whenever her guests leave, Pato gets teary because that’s how much she connects with every guest who stays at Aguas Arriba.
PIA | RIFUGIO CASINEI | ITALY
Pia has the best smile in the world. She’s the hostess at Rifugio Casinei, a lovely hut nestled in the heart of the Brenta Dolomites. Though Pia doesn’t speak any English (and our travelers typically don’t speak any Italian), she is always so warm and welcoming whenever we stop for a beer, espresso or apple strudel at her hut at the end of a long day of hiking. She greets us with a big “ciao”! every time. We always look forward to our stops here as we know that we’ll get to indulge in a sweet treat and hugs from sweet Pia.
CICOLINI FAMILY | MALGA
MONDIFRÀ | ITALY
One of the highlights of our trips in Northern Italy is always a visit to Malga Mondifrà. For over 35 years, the Cicolini family has been managing a farm and restaurant tucked away in the beautiful Dolomites. They are known for their butter and cheeses and during our visit, we learn how they make their incredible Spressa cheese that you can literally find nowhere else in the world. We get to see the process from start to finish - from the miking of the cows, to the churning of the milk to the creation of the young cheese. Afterwards, we all share some prosecco and charcuterie and taste all different ages of their special cheese. Needless to say, our bags come home quite a bit heavier!
josÉ & maria | azores
José & Maria are a lovely couple who live on Pico Island in the Azores. They own their own transfer and tour company on Pico. After transferring our travelers to/from the Mt. Pico trailhead, we get to visit the local vineyards to learn all about the unique winemaking process that exists on Pico Island (this wine region is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site). After a visit to the vineyards, José & Maria welcome us into their home to try their homemade local wine, all the while listening to stories and hearing about the history of Pico and the Azores. We feel so fortunate that we and our clients get to know such knowledgeable, thoughtful people!
TONE Rønning Vike | 29/2 AUrland | NORWAY
Tone and her husband, Bjørn, own one of the most amazing accommodations we’ve ever stayed at - 29/2 Aurland in Norway. Tone is friendly, enthusiastic, engaging, passionate, charming and her love for 29/2 Aurland, their community and the natural beauty of Norway is evident the moment you meet her. She and Bjørn have poured so much love and energy into creating their family-run eco-lodge that’s set on a former fish farm up the valley from the quiet town of Aurland. Tone has thought of every detail, making 29/2 feel like a home away from home. You’ll find unique, cozy and beautifully decorated rooms, log burning stoves, old photographs and sheepskin blankets. The old smoke house on site where Bjørn’s father used to cure the wild salmon is now where dinner is served. 29/2 Aurland is the perfect place for those seeking an experience that is off the beaten path. We are so grateful to know Tone and Bjørn and can’t wait for our next visit.
RODRIGO ricuarte | EL CHALTÉn hospital | ARGENTINA
Rodrigo is the local doctor in the town of El Chaltén, Argentina. He, his wife and their son live in town and Rodrigo is always on call for everything from handling the common cold to responding to medical emergencies in the mountains. He’s one of the kindest, adventurous, most knowledgeable people we know and we feel so fortunate to have developed such a great friendship over the years. Whenever we can, we’ll send our clients down to Patagonia with medical supplies to donate directly to the local hospital and all of Rodrigo’s efforts.
GORAN Zgrablic | EATISTRIA | CROATIA
Our friend, Goran, leads an authentic, unique and fun cooking class in Istria, Croatia. The experience starts by meeting Goran at Pula’s green market where you’ll shop for all the necessary ingredients. He’ll show you around the market and will make sure you’re selecting the best local products for your meal. Afterwards, you’ll proceed to Goran’s special cooking studio (based in an olive grove at his family’s farmhouse) where you’ll learn how to make Labinski Krafi - fine Istrian pasta dating back to medieval times. You’ll then enjoy a three-course lunch including some delicious local Istrian wine. Goran also makes balsamic and olive oil and you’ll have a tasting of these products, as well. Goran’s approach is very hands-on and you’ll leave with new skills and a great appreciation for Istrian food. He loves to cook and is obsessed with homemade local products and a rustic cooking style that he inherited from his Istrian family. He knows food, olive oil and wine incredibly well and is always happy to share his knowledge and passion with our travelers.