Magical Christmas Market Tour
Reviewed By juls - Iowa City, Iowa | Traveled to Europe
Valerie was fantastic to work with for planning our Christmas Market trip across Europe. We were able to take the train from Paris all the way to Prague, hitting markets in Germany, Austria, and Hungary along the way. Valerie’s creative itinerary, meticulous attention to detail and prompt responsive was unparalleled. Working with her made our holiday vacation stress-free, allowing us to create memories we will cherish for a lifetime!
Valerie Hilal responded
"It was a pleasure to work with you on your Christmas market tour, and it's been a blast planning a new route this year. I hope it manages even to exceed the first one. Look forward to seeing photos of you and the girls in the north this time. "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Bucket List Trip Brought to Life!
Reviewed By Beller Adventures - Kennesaw, GA | Traveled to Marrakesh | Morocco | Africa
We just got back from Morocco and had an incredible experience with Blue Sky Morocco.
We traveled as two families with girls ages 9 to almost 16 and our husbands. Not an easy group to impress, but this trip delivered for everyone.
Our guide, Rachid, made the trip. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and has hosted diplomats around the world, but what stood out is how he shared it. It never felt like a lecture. He blended humor, culture, and just enough history to keep the kids engaged. We all loved Rachid. There were also thoughtful moments throughout the trip, small gifts and acts of kindness that made everything feel personal.
This trip felt like three completely different experiences in one. The Medina of Marrakech is gritty, busy, and full of energy. It can be overwhelming and easy to get lost, which is why having a guide makes all the difference. The newer part of the city is polished and high-end with great restaurants. Then the Atlas Mountains shift you into something more real and grounded with villages, camels, and incredible views.
One of the highlights was the hot air balloon ride, which we had tried to do on three other trips and never could due to weather. This one finally happened and was incredible, followed by a simple, authentic breakfast in traditional tents with Moroccan rugs, floor pillows, tea, and fresh breads.
Even with weather challenges, plans were constantly adjusted behind the scenes so nothing felt disrupted. It was seamless.
If you’re considering Morocco, I highly recommend Blue Sky Morocco.
Valerie Hilal responded
"We were truly honored that you chose to travel with us. We were incredibly happy that you enjoyed your trip and got an authentic taste of the different aspects of Moroccan life.
The weather wasn't playing nicely, but moving schedules around and organizing Plan Bs during high season is the kind of challenge we excel at. And yes, we were thrilled that we were able to make the hot air balloon work out for you guys!
Thanks so much for traveling with us!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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First time in Morocco
Reviewed By Diana S. - Raleigh, North Carolina | Traveled to Marrakesh | Morocco | Africa
We wanted to travel with our teenage children over the holidays. After looking at cruises, my husband happened to see Valerie's Linkedin account and one of her posts about Morocco. It was clear she knew what she was writing aboutand after we talked to her, we were convinced. I felt so comfortable with her right from the beginning. She planned every single detail of our trip and didn't miss anything. She was sensitive to what might bother us or concern us. She answered all of our questions and explained the food, the clothing, how to get Moroccan money, even how to make sure our phones would work there. She recommended specific things to do with teenagers too and we really appreciated that. We're back home now, but we still can't believe we went to Morocco. Thank you for everything.
Valerie Hilal responded
"Thanks, Diana. I'm truly happy that you and your family were able to discover Morocco. Please don't hesitate to reach out again--we can book cruises and other destinations as well. Have a very Happy New Year!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Holiday ski trip
Reviewed By Yusef - Andorra | Traveled to Andorra | Europe
I can’t thank Valerie enough for planning our amazing family ski trip to Andorra! She took care of everything – from organizing ski lessons to suggesting great places to visit, and even finding fantastic restaurants for us to enjoy. It made the whole trip so much easier and more fun. I’m already looking forward to having her plan our next trip.
Valerie Hilal responded
"Thank you for your kind words. I'm so happy you and your family enjoyed skiing in Andorra. We really love it there too. I can't wait to plan your Morocco trip this spring. It will be much warmer than Andorra :)"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Best expérience
Reviewed By Frifri - Toulouse, France | Traveled to Marrakesh | Morocco | Africa
My trip to Marrakech was an unforgettable experience, filled with breathtaking discoveries I would have missed without Blue Sky Morocco. From start to finish, we were treated like VIPs at every location, with a top-tier guide who perfectly tailored the journey to our travel style. The high-end services and seamless organization allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in each moment. A huge thank you to Chafik and Valerie for crafting such a remarkable adventure
Valerie Hilal responded
"It was an absolute pleasure to craft your special get-away. It brought us so much joy to see your photos and hear how much the trip meant to you and your husband. We can't wait to plan your family trip to Morocco too!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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An exceptional Trip
Reviewed By Aya - France | Traveled to Barcelona ~ Spain ~ Europe
I had the honor of going on an exceptional trip to Spain with Valerie Hilal. She took care of everything, from booking the Airbnb, which was very clean, convenient, and close to everything. We even had the chance to do activities like paddleboarding and a yacht ride with jazz music playing in the background. It was an amazing experience, and we got to try Spanish specialties. During our trip, we made a stop in Alicante, where we explored many things, and then we finished the stay in Barcelona, which was also full of activities, great food, and more. Valerie is a very creative and attentive person who made sure we had a wonderful time discovering beautiful spots in Spain with our family. I highly recommend her very professional agency. A thousand thanks!!
Valerie Hilal responded
"Thank you! It was a pleasure to book for you again, especially knowing how much this get-away in Spain meant to you and your family. I look forward to helping you plan your next trip and wish all of you happy travels ahead! "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Great recommendations for a perfect trip
Reviewed By elle - Charleston, SC | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Valerie was great to work with. She respected our budget and our ideas. We talked about several options and went with Italy Cinque Terre following her recommendations for where to hike, and it was the perfect choice for us. Her enthusiasm for travel is contagious and she's serious about making sure every last detail is perfect. She also arranged for us a private tasting at a vineyard and my husband and I felt like royalty.
Valerie Hilal responded
"A huge thanks to you both for your trust in me. I'm happy we were able to find hotels and activities that stayed within your travel budget. It was an honor and a pleasure to help you visit Europe for the first time, and I'm thrilled that your time in Italy was everything you had hoped for :) "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Discovering Morocco
Reviewed By The Lee Family - Switzerland | Traveled to Morocco ~ Africa
Val and the team at Blue Sky Morocco were exceptional from start to finish. We started out with ideas of the kind of experience we were looking for and what was important to us and they shaped this into the perfect trip. With their in depth first hand understanding of Morocco and its people is second to none. The ensured we had a wonderful experience from start to finish with local contacts to look after us throughout our stay.
Valerie Hilal responded
"Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure planning your trip. We always strive to match the experiences to the client's interests, and I'm happy that we were successful in doing so for you and your family. I hope we will have the opportunity to plan another trip for you going forward. "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Cultural exchange not just tourist
Reviewed By Rachel K - Highland park IL | Traveled to Marrakesh ~ Morocco ~ Africa
Valerie planned a lovely trip for my husband and I. Our adventures were specifically chosen based on our personal interests and goals . The experience felt like we were working with a friend rather than an only a business transaction. Valerie made a point of checking in with us during our trip. She helped create a cultural experience not just a typical touristic trip Our adventure in Marrakech were meaningful and mind opening while still giving us moments of luxury and pampering We had a great experience because of Valerie and the team that she works with. We are so grateful
Valerie Hilal responded
"I am thrilled that your trip was wonderful and met all of your criteria. It brings me happiness that you were able to discover beautiful Morocco from an insider's point of view instead of a routine tourist vacation. I hope we will be able to help you and your lovely husband again in the future--maybe a different part of the country next time!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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I LOVED my trip to Portugal!
Reviewed By Islam - Levignac, France | Traveled to Porto ~ Portugal ~ Europe
Valerie coordinated the best trip for my family and I! Her planning organization was so thoughtful and considerate of our needs and must-see’s in Portuga during our short time span. She was able to mesh educational sightseeing with mouthwatering eateries in a way that we felt we had experienced it all, within the few short days our trip allowed for.
Valerie Hilal responded
"I'm so glad you all enjoyed your Portugal trip. Thanks for your praise and kind words!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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The best trip I’ve experienced!
Reviewed By Nezaar - Cedar Rapids, iowa | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Valerie organized THE best trip I’ve taken in my life! She made my experience easy and comforting in a time where I’d be very stressed planning everything myself. She pushed me out of my comfort zone in many ways, went boating/snorkling, saw the beautiful nature, and even had the best pesto ravioli ever! Highly recommend working with Valerie if you want an stress-free vacation!!
Valerie Hilal responded
"Thank you! Your happiness is my happiness! It was so incredible to see your photos of France & Italy (thanks for sharing) and to hear how much you enjoyed the tour. I'm looking forward to planning your ski trip in the Alps this year. "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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An unforgettable experience!
Reviewed By Renee - Silverhill, Alabama | Traveled to Normandy ~ France ~ Europe
My husband and I had dreamed of a trip to Normandy, and the experience is one we will never forget! All of the arrangements were coordinated by Valerie and it was the perfect trip. We landed in Paris and took the train to Caen. Our accommodations in Caen were exceptional and within easy walking distance to a number of excellent restaurants from casual to finer dining. Valerie knew that our travels revolve around what we're going to eat for our next meal, so the location was perfect! We visited the beaches and museums in Normandy, and on days 2 and 3 took day trips to nearby attractions. Our driver was entertaining and knowledgeable, and always seemed to be able to find the best places to eat during our day trips. As I said before, everything was just perfect, from our accommodations, our driver, and the day trips. We will definitely tap into Valerie's knowledge and expertise in planning our future travels.
Valerie Hilal responded
"Thanks for your kind words! It's always been a pleasure to plan trips for you, and I look forward to planning additional adventures in the future (always keeping you close to good restaurants, of course!)"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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An Expertly Curated Experience!
Reviewed By Karas - Orlando, Fl | Traveled to Spain ~ Europe
It was a wonderful trip to Spain made all the more wonderful by Valerie catering the trip specifically to our tastes. She had great communication and worked tirelessly to make sure we were all happy with the itinerary she curated for us. Would absolutely take another trip through Spain with her in a heartbeat :)
Valerie Hilal responded
"Thank you! It was fun to create the Spain itinerary for you and your family. Looking forward to creating a Portugal or Morocco tour for you next time!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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The Road to Morocco
Reviewed By Jack - Silverhill, Alabama | Traveled to Morocco ~ Africa
We would like to thank Valerie for the great time we had while in Morocco. Valerie had told us that Morocco was one of those places that really hit you when you were at the airport. She was right – the stop to drink freshly-squeezed pomegranate juice on the way from the airport was only the beginning of a wonderful week. . Actually, to attempt to take pieces of this trip and write about just them leaves a lot out of the trip itself. The views, the sounds, the smells the rhythm of life in Morocco seen though a car window, an apartment window, or walking down the street can’t be precisely put into words without a lot being left out.
Valerie Hilal responded
"Thank you for your kind review. It brought me so much happiness to make your Moroccan trip come to life."
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Costa Brava dream vacation!
Reviewed By Riley - Austin, Texas | Traveled to Costa Brava ~ Spain ~ Europe
We had an amazing vacation to Barcelona and the Costa Brava this summer! Valerie organized an unbelievable trip based on all our preferences - from where we stayed (with the best view!) to the incredible authentic cuisine we enjoyed. We were able to cross off a bucket list destination with full confidence and zero stress thanks to her guidance. We are already dreaming of the next place to explore!
Valerie Hilal responded
"Thank you for your feedback. I'm thrilled that you and your family had such a wonderful time and am always ready to assist you when you're ready to venture to Europe again!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Great extension trip.
Reviewed By David - Danville, Indiana | Traveled to Portugal ~ Europe
We used Valerie to help us with an extension of our planned trip to Portugal. When we contacted her, all we had taken care of was a timeshare reservation for a week in Faro. She was very prompt and responsive to our inquiries and wishes as we were under some time constraints. Not only did she schedule two great days in Seville, Spain and two days in Morocco, but also helped find flights and made suggestions for our time in Portugal. Valerie conducted a pre-trip call to finalize our schedule and once there, everything was very seamless and smooth. We look forward to using her again in our travels.
Valerie Hilal responded
"Thanks for your kind words, David. You and Lise were so gracious. I enjoyed putting this trip together for you and your family and would love to see you back with us again. "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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