Meet Gabriel, your expert in Spain and Portugal!
🌍 Lives in: Tortosa, Catalunya
Regions of Expertise: Countrywide throughout Spain and Portugal
Languages: English, Español, Português, Italiano, Catalan, Français, Deutsch
Experience: 14 years as a tour leader/director
Gabriel’s specialties:
Get to know Gabriel!
A note from Gabriel
"Hola! I am Gabe, your local expert for all things Spain and Portugal (plus quite a few other countries in Europe!). I have always loved to travel: when I was 7 years old I "bribed" my Italian grandfather to take me on a trip to the US with him, and as soon as we arrived in Colorado, I knew I was a traveler and I have not stopped traveling since.
I’ve now been a tour leader for the past 14 years, but prior to that I had an amazing career as a dancer/choreographer and director, and I’ve had the privilege to work with many talented people around the world, including some famous singers that many of you are probably familiar with! Along the way, I managed to learn 7 languages, which has allowed me the pleasure and opportunity to dive into many different cultures.
I love history, the arts, architecture, the beach, coffee, exploring, and languages (of course), all of which has translated well to my current job in travel. This “new” path opened up to me in 2010, when my friend Jeremy suggested that I apply for an open position as a Tour Director for a well-known international travel company. I wasn’t especially interested in “organized” tourism back then, so it took some convincing, but I finally decided to apply and I cannot tell you how happy I am that I did.
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I got the job, fell in love with it, and have been leading tours across Spain, Portugal, and throughout Europe ever since. While I used to be based in Berlin, I’ve lived in a little town in Catalunya for the last 5 years, and have spent the better part of every year for the past decade and a half leading multi-day tours (from 1 to 3 weeks) all over Spain and Portugal.
Outside of work, I think I have a great life! In 2019 I acquired an old abandoned olive farm in the mountains of Catalunya alongside the Ebro river delta, just across from the national park of Els Ports. Over the past 5 years, I’ve renovated the house and have restored the olive farm, taking care of these magnificent 300 year old trees. I’m hoping that 2024 will be my second successful olive harvest. What would live be without olive oil?!
Well then, dear travelers, that's enough about me. Turning back to you, I think it's fantastic that you're planning a trip to my corner of the world, and I would be delighted to share with you all of the beauty that I have discovered in wonderful Spain & Portugal. So get in touch and let's start planning!"
Q&A with Gabriel
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I don’t know how many places in the world can beat the weather and the landscapes in Catalunya. With a beautiful coastline, the impressive mountains of the Pyrenees, one of the world’s great cities, and countless charming small towns and lovely countryside, Catalunya is just a wonderful, wonderful place. Add in that it rarely gets too too cold here and we avoid the extreme heat of southern Spain, and you’ve got something really special.
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There’s no “perfect” day, and my answer here isn’t terribly exciting, but here’s what I most enjoy when I have a day off: taking a book to the beach for some reading, going on a good hike, swimming in a river, building something with my hands, or just seeing friends. It’s the simple things in life!
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In Catalunya, I think a visit to Montserrat is an absolute must-do. The views are extraordinary, the monastery is a wonder, and the choir is truly exceptional.
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Without question: Bar Alegria in Barcelona. The place is a totally casual, quintessential tapas bar that only serves what’s fresh and in season. They have wonderful service, a nice terrace, and great quality food with a lovely selection of Catalan wines
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Calçots (a special type of green onion/scallion) with homemade Romesco sauce, Bacalao (cod fish), and any little pinxo that you can get a hold of in Euskadi (the Basque Country)
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As I mentioned above, I love traveling, but I’m also very interested in history, people, tennis, lounging at the beach, and doing DIY projects (I’m never short of those!) reading, and music.
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Casual - I like to get lost and talk to people. I find good coffee spots and take it from there. I also seek out nature when possible, and architecture, which always reminds me how amazing and creative we humans can be.
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A 3-month road trip across Canada and the USA. Just phenomenal!
Spain & Portugal Travel Consultations
Plan a better trip with some help from Gabriel
Sit down with Gabriel for a one-hour planning session to get his expert advice and the best local tips and recommendations.
Our travel consultations are the perfect solution for do-it-yourself travelers who want to plan on their own, but could use some expert local advice. Each consultation is personalized, and Gabriel is available to help in whatever way you need.
From working on your itinerary and advising on routes and transportation, to ideas for off the beaten path destinations and truly authentic experiences, he's got you covered.
For the best local advice, go ask a local!
Why plan with Gabriel
Spend 60 minutes tapping into Gabriel’s hyperlocal expertise to plan a better trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Consultations cost $150 USD.
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Consultations are held over Google Meet. Once you’ve scheduled your call, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing the link for your video call. On the scheduled day and time, just click that link to join.
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Each consultation is different, but here are some common things that our experts typically help with:
Itinerary planning
Transportation, driving routes, and tips for how to get around
Practical travel information; culture, safety, weather, language, money/tipping, etc.
Suggested hotels/accommodations and advice on where to base yourself
Local recommendations for restaurants, activities, and unique experiences
Advice on reputable tour guides, tour operators, and excursions
Pro tips on how to best visit popular sights and attractions
Ways to avoid overcrowded destinations and tourist traps
Insider ideas on off the beaten path places, authentic experiences, and ways to connect with locals
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What you can get done in an hour depends on your goals for the consultation and how organized you are coming into it.
In most cases, an hour is ample time to create a solid itinerary, answer your major travel questions, get practical advice on how to travel in your destination, and discuss lots of great local tips and recommendations.
To ensure that the hour is used efficiently, when you schedule your call, our pre-consultation questionnaire will ask you what your primary goals for the consultation are. Prior to the call, your Local Expert will review your questionnaire and prepare detailed information addressing those goals.
They’ll come into the call ready to share specific advice, recommendations, itinerary ideas/revisions, and useful links and resources for you to review together.
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Yes! Each consultation is guided by a comprehensive pre-consultation questionnaire that you fill out immediately upon booking.
We’ll ask you a series of 30+ detailed questions that really dig into you, your trip, your interests and travel style, and what you want to discuss with your Local Expert.
The questionnaire will cover things like: the dynamics of your group, the things you enjoy while traveling, your budget, how early you want to start your day and how late you want to end it, whether you want to hit the highlights or roam the back streets, and even what types of restaurants you want to eat at.
Your Local Expert will focus only on your interests and travel style.
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Our Local Experts are seasoned travel professionals who have spent decades working in their countries/regions. While their personal interests may be different from yours, they’ve worked with thousands of travelers and have recommendations and advice for every type of individual.
They know their destinations in-depth and can help plan a trip for every traveler and taste.
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No. Our service is geared toward independent, do-it-yourself travelers who intend to make bookings on their own.
Our goal is not to plan your trip for you, but rather to help you plan a better trip independently. To that end, our Local Experts will give you all of the information that you need to confidently put your trip together yourself.
When Local Experts recommend things like restaurants, hotels, excursions/activities, tours, drivers, etc., they’ll provide you with contact details and links so that you can make the final arrangements on your own.
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Almost every Go Ask A Local expert has at least 10 years of professional travel experience as a guide or trip planner in their country/region.
We work with a vetted team of seasoned professionals who know their destinations inside and out.
Unlike other companies, when you book a call, you’ll always be connected directly with your chosen Local Expert. We never pass anyone on to a junior sales associate or some anonymous back office team. With us, what you see is what you get.
Ready to plan with Gabriel?
Here’s how to schedule your consultation:
