My name is Natalie, born and raised in the Flemish part of Belgium. Ever since our early family holidays, I caught the travel bug and wanted to explore countries around the world. But exploring wasn’t enough anymore after a while. In my 20s and early 30s, I lived, studied and worked in Spain, Australia, the USA and Peru. Until I was finally ready to return home in early 2018 with a husband and a baby in tow. My passion then became showing visitors what Belgium has to offer.
Besides a traveler, I’m also an avid lifelong learner who has never stopped studying. While my last degree was specifically to become a tour leader and guide in Belgium, my previous studies have been as important in my development as a guide and tourism professional: a Master of Arts in Germanic Languages and Cultures, a Master of Journalism, an Advanced Postgraduate Master in International Political Studies and a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies.
I’ve worked in academics and non-profit organisations but for me, my major accomplishment is founding Alternative Peru, a small travel operator focusing on sustainable and social impact tours off-the-beaten-path, while I was living there with my Peruvian husband.
My name is Wendy. I grew up near Dendermonde, in the Flemish part of Belgium. After high school, I first studied to become a physics and mathematics teacher in Ghent (yes, really!) While teaching, I started travelling and realized I love to discover new places and stories. That is when I decided to change my life. I returned to university and got my Masters degree in Art History. As a passionate lifelong learner, I was still not satisfied after obtaining this degree and I signed up for the Flanders guide and tour leader degree.
Art, history, traveling, story-telling: those have always been my passion. As a guide I can combine all of these and show the wonderful places my home country has to offer. Not only the highlights, but also the hidden gems. And yes, of course, I’m constantly studying to increase my expertise, as well as traveling and discovering new places myself at home and abroad. I can’t wait to guide you on one of our tours (and, if you need a math or physics problem solved while on tour, I’m your girl!)
Plain and simple, to give you the best possible and personalised experience and show you what I love about my homecountry. Not just the famous sights, but also the hidden gems off the beaten path.
From a private walking tour in Bruges, Ghent, Brussels or Antwerp to full-day road trips to castles, monuments, battlefields and picturesque villages and historic towns. But also tailor-made itineraries of several days or weeks with or without accommodation and guide. Around a specific theme, such as World War I or II or Belgian food, or focusing on a specific area. Always a combination of highlights and hidden gems and a local experience.
Anything is possible and I’d love to hear your preferences and interests!