Europe Trip Leader

Irene De Benedictis

Originally from Rome, Irene is a physical therapist specializing in Ayurvedic medicine and also a seasoned WT Trip Leader. Her love of different cultures and languages (she knows seven!), paired with her love for hikes and pilgrimages (she walked the Camino de Santiago...twice) makes her a wonderful traveling companion. Irene's father is a member of the Italian congregation of St. James, which is responsible for the upkeep of pilgrim trails from Italy into Spain and Jerusalem, and she has also worked as a “hospitalera” (pilgrims' albergue host) in Italy. Fun fact: Irene wrote a book called Spaghetti and Sauna about the cultural differences between Italy, her home country, and Finland, where she lived for four years.

Our Team

Client Testimonials

"Irene was well organized, incredibly caring, and connected with each and every member of the trip. Her leadership and friendship was a true highlight and was what made the trip so special."

Amy F.

San Luis Obispo, CA
Bergamo to Innsbruck

"Irene's enthusiasm makes everything a great adventure. She is helpful, well informed, and a delight to be around. She takes her responsibilities seriously, but always with a cheerful song."

Cia W.

Denver, CO

"Irene was a wonderful leader and very engaging. She is full of energy and was very focused on making sure everyone was taken care of and having a good time."

David R.

Kenosha, WI
Bergamo to Innsbruck

"Irene is a delight! She took an interest in each traveler, which made the trip extra fun for everyone. She is fun-loving, warm, has a good sense of humor, and she knows an astonishing amount about nearly everything."

Elizabeth J.

Raleigh, NC
Hiking in the Cortina Dolomites

"Irene is so much fun and provided the comedy for everyone! She is full of life and clearly wanted us to have as much fun as possible. She is knowledgeable and definitely brought the Italian flare. She expressed genuine interest in each guest and could hold a conversation with anyone about anything, a real skill if you ask me."

Hillery D.

Santa Rosa, CA

"Irene is amazing, with tons of energy and positivity. She brought warmth and fun to the trip and did a good job of accommodating the different walking paces and fitness levels of folks in the group."

Laura B.

Seattle, WA

"Irene is the guide you want on all of your trips — knowledgeable, inquisitive, humorous, warm, fun, and full of heart and soul. She truly cares about each traveler and strives to learn more about our respective backgrounds. She is the type of person you want to have as a friend."

Lee R.

New York, NY

"Irene was so much fun to have on our trip. She is extremely engaging and very caring toward everyone. She was so helpful and constantly positive."

Maggie R.

Kenosha, WI
Bergamo to Innsbruck

"Irene is enthusiastic, filled with energy, eager to help, bubbly, interested in the travelers, funny, a joy to be around."

Marcia A.

Del Mar, CA
From Trieste to Venice

"So energetic, very intelligent, and extremely social and helpful. Seriously, I have not seen someone like her and in her capabilities so helpful and accommodating. She goes out of her way to make us happy."

Nahda B.

San Jose, CA
From Trieste to Venice

"Irene gives me such hope for the future. Her heartfelt concern for the environment combined with her genuine (and wise beyond her years) empathy is inspiring. Her humility only adds to her appeal."

Patricia (Trish) J.

Norwich, VT
Italy's Pilgrim Trail

"Irene was so wonderful on our entire trip. Her warmth and enthusiasm could not be contained, even after each long and busy day. She was so attentive to each guest's comfort and happiness, that it was impossible to have a bad trip."

Sarah H.

Little Rock, AR

"Irene was so wonderful on our entire trip. Her warmth and enthusiasm could not be contained, even after each long and busy day. She was so attentive to each guest's comfort and happiness, that it was impossible to have a bad trip."

Sarah H.

Little Rock, AR

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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our adventures around the world. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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She is extremely engaging and very caring toward everyone. She was so helpful and constantly positive.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Marcia A.","GuestLocation":"Del Mar, CA<br \/>From Trieste to Venice","GuestReview":"Irene is enthusiastic, filled with energy, eager to help, bubbly, interested in the travelers, funny, a joy to be around.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Nahda B.","GuestLocation":"San Jose, CA<br \/>From Trieste to Venice","GuestReview":"So energetic, very intelligent, and extremely social and helpful. Seriously, I have not seen someone like her and in her capabilities so helpful and accommodating. She goes out of her way to make us happy.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Patricia (Trish) J.","GuestLocation":"Norwich, VT<br \/>Italy's Pilgrim Trail","GuestReview":"Irene gives me such hope for the future. Her heartfelt concern for the environment combined with her genuine (and wise beyond her years) empathy is inspiring. Her humility only adds to her appeal.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Sarah H.","GuestLocation":"Little Rock, AR","GuestReview":"Irene was so wonderful on our entire trip. Her warmth and enthusiasm could not be contained, even after each long and busy day. She was so attentive to each guest's comfort and happiness, that it was impossible to have a bad trip.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Sarah H.","GuestLocation":"Little Rock, AR","GuestReview":"Irene was so wonderful on our entire trip. Her warmth and enthusiasm could not be contained, even after each long and busy day. She was so attentive to each guest's comfort and happiness, that it was impossible to have a bad trip.","TripName":""}]}