As a veteran Trip Leader for many WT trips in Europe, Robert Sommer brings a wealth of knowledge to every journey he guides. With a Masters in Cultural Studies and a PhD, including a dissertation on Nazi concentration camps, he has worked as an independent historian for various museums and universities and was a consultant on a BBC documentary about Auschwitz. “As a Trip Leader, I try to make trip members see the magic of a country and its uniqueness,” he says. “whether it's a visual image, an artifact, or even the recipe of a local dish–something that stays with you, gives you fond memories, and contributes to your life back home.” When not guiding trips, Robert enjoys hiking, biking, cooking, and playing bass guitar. He currently lives in Berlin and is fluent in English, German, and Italian.
Robert ignited my interest in Switzerland. His depth of knowledge on Swiss history, delivered in an engaging way, together with his enthusiastic interaction with all of us in the group made the trip so much fun! He slipped facts relating to the Swiss mentality and way of life into our daily fare with such ease as we encompassed each day's program.
Robert is a wonderful guide. He is very experienced and conscientious, engaging and personable—he was very helpful to me throughout the trip. Truly, a professional.
Robert is very personable and charming, and has so much knowledge and conveys it extremely well. He was great! His language skills are terrific.
Robert was great...so knowledgeable and organized—and so much fun!
Robert led the group with professionalism and a great sense of humor. His knowledge of the area and his ability to adjust the itinerary to meet our needs were a plus.
Robert is an exceptional guide. The trip involved many means of transportation and with Robert's leadership, it was seamless. He was always cheerful, energetic, and flexible—accomodating changes in weather and the varying needs/requests of his clients with apparent ease.
Robert's enthusiasm, knowledge, leadership, and passion for The Heart of Switzerland trip is an asset to WT and the trip participants. His attributes made the very successful.
Robert is a fantastic trip leader. He is well rounded, very knowledgeable about European history, and easy to relate to in groups and one-on-one. He has a knack for knowing when to interact with us. He's also a character—very fun and entertaining!
Robert made the trip feel like a moment by moment experience—it never felt like a tour. He has an open, ‘let's enjoy life’ personality that shone outward to include all.
Robert was so energetic and so full of life and interesting stories. Most of all, I loved his sense of humor. He went out of his way to make every hike and every meal so special for us. He was such a joy and made this trip fantastic for us!
Robert made the trip a lifetime memorable and unforgettable experience and was absolutely awesome to be with. I haven't had this much fun in many, many years.
This was my 6th trip with Wilderness Travel and Robert does an absolutely superb job. His knowledge and insight on the past, the present, and the future Germany coupled with his humor and and sincere desire to get to know everyone on the trip made this a very special experience.
Robert is a fantastically knowledgeable tour guide. He is well prepared, organized, flexible, genuine, and fun to be with. Made the trip highly enjoyable.
Robert has a high-level of energy and enthusiasm. His love for his work is obvious and his knowledge of history is amazing. We enjoyed traveling with him!
Don't know how we could have had a better guide than Robert. He was relaxed, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, efficient, kind, and considerate. Just a great guy to spend time on the trail, trains, and boats with!
This was our second trip with Robert as leader. He makes the trips a delight—impeccably well prepared, very knowledgeable about the area, always with interesting stories and good conversation, always concerned for everyone's welfare and enjoyment.
Robert is a very thoughtful, considerate, and highly competent leader who has the added bonus of being a very warm and engaging person.
Robert was extremely high-energy, friendly, knowledgeable, fun, and wanted to ensure everyone had a good time.
Robert was a terrific trip leader. He clearly communicated what each day would bring, and kept everyone laughing.
Robert was outstanding—we assumed he'd be quite good, but he really exceeded our expectations.
Robert is beyond fabulous in all categories. His command of trip logistics was complete and precise. His wealth of knowledge and warm, enthusiastic interaction with everyone made this trip truly special.
Charming, organized, thoughtful, and interesting. Robert is very interesting and encouraging. A thoroughly delightful human being to share the trail with...or anywhere really.
Robert went out of his way to make the trip enjoyable. He has a good sense of humor, was fun, informative and helpful.
Robert's knowledge of so much of Europe is amazing. He added so much personality and that ‘little something special' to the trip.
Robert was an excellent leader. He was always amusing and energetic. He prepared the picnics with a flair and brought a unique cultural perspective to the trip.
