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Gabrielle Estel
Gabrielle Estel

Gabrielle Estel

Cedar Rapids, IA Travel Agent

Travel Leaders / Destinations Unlimited

53 Reviews
100% Recommended
3 Years of Experience
Additional Languages
English

Luxury Travel and River Cruise Specialist

I live to travel. I’ve invested over 4 years of my life living abroad.

I lived in Taiwan and explored Asia. Then, I moved to Egypt and explore the Mediterranean and the Sahara. From living with a host family in Spain as young teenager to honeymooning in Italy, travel has always marked my life milestones. Now I’m back in my Iowan home state to help others plan their own dream experiences across the globe. Travel is my life.

Let me share my life with you. 

ARTS & CULTURE

My husband is my main travel buddy. He’s a history guy; I’m a literature girl. Between the both of us, we have to see every museum, temple, cathedral, statue --- you name it!

Over my years of travel, I’ve learned art and culture is more than the highlight real. It’s also exploring a local Greek market, listening to a Korean grandmother describe her love of fan-painting, trying homemade Italian dishes at a rooftop dinner party, having a quiet moment in a café watching uniformed King’s College students rush through Canterbury to their morning classes, bargaining for a brick of tea in China.

These little moments of life are art and culture. 

FOOD & WINE

Food is the heart of a country. Food tours are journeys to the heart of a place---and the locals. Local food tour guides know every alley, and cooking instructors always welcome travelers into their family. They’re the best to ask for any last minute recommendations and to have a better understanding of culture through the kitchen. Sometimes the kitchen is the desert, like roasting chicken in Egyptian with a side of koshari. My personal favorite are moon cakes to celebrate Mid-Autumn festival and Scottish eggs in Bath.

Nothing is as engrained in a place as food. It an easy way to experience a place’s every day.

EXPLORATION & ADVENTURE

Let’s take the path less traveled.

That path might be a horse ride through the mountains, a dune buggy through the dunes, a hike up an along the spine of a mountain, a gondola ride above the jungle outside Hong Kong, or a peak at North Korea at the DMZ.

Whatever type of heart racing you’re looking for, I can find.

Areas of Expertise

Destinations:

Egypt
Japan
Taiwan
Vietnam
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
Spain
United Kingdom
French Polynesia, Tahiti
Egypt, Cairo
Japan, Tokyo
Taiwan, Taipei
Vietnam, Hoi An
England, Canterbury
Germany, Heidelberg
Greece, Athens
Ireland, Dublin
Italy, Rome
Portugal, Lisbon
Spain, Barcelona
French Polynesia, Moorea Island
England
Egypt, Luxor
Japan, Kyoto
Taiwan, Taichung
Vietnam, Hanoi
Germany, Munich
Greece, Santorini
Ireland, Galway
Italy, Florence
Portugal, Porto
Spain, Madrid
French Polynesia, Bora Bora
Scotland
French Polynesia
Egypt, Nile River
Japan, Kanazawa
Taiwan, Kaohsiung
Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City
Germany, Black Forest
Greece, Mykonos
Ireland, Dingle
Italy, Amalfi
Portugal, Algarve
Spain, Seville
Egypt, Aswan
Japan, Osaka
Taiwan, Tainan
Vietnam, Ha Long Bay
England, Leeds
Germany, Regensburg
Greece, Paros
Ireland, Killarney
Italy, Taormina
Portugal, Evora
Spain, Toledo
French Polynesia, Raiatea

Interests:

Adventure
Arts & Culture
Bespoke Travel
Castles & Cathedrals
Culinary & Foodie
Historical Sites
Solo Travel
European Culture
Food & Wine
Literature
Museums
Christmas Markets
Couples & Romance
Family Vacations
Scuba

Suppliers:

Abercrombie & Kent
CIE Tours
Kensington
AmaWaterways
Europe Express
Viking
Windstar Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
G Adventures
Globus
Pleasant Holidays
Tauck
Backroads
National Geographic Expeditions
Viator

My Travel Specialties

Back to All Specialties
Portugal Travel Expert

Lisbon's Red Roofs

Portugal Travel Expert

<p>I am a certified travel expert with the Portuguese Tourism Board. I had an incredible adventure through Portugal, and I can't wait to share more about this amazing destination with you!</p>
<p><strong>Portuguese Charm</strong></p>
<p>I loved wandering Lisbon’s windings alleyways to discover an iconic yellow tram, ancient bookstore, vista of red roofs, or azulejo ceramic tiles around each bend. We sipped port wine while listening to fado music.</p>
<p>For a village feel, we journeyed to Evora just north of Porto. The town’s small alleyways, lined with whitewashed houses and charming courtyards, added to its old-world allure. I marveled at the well-preserved Roman Temple and the hauntingly beautiful Chapel of Bones. I also had the chance to stay in a beautifully restored pousada—one of Portugal’s historic inns—where the ambiance was as enchanting as the history surrounding it.</p>
<p><strong>Pastries and Port Wine</strong></p>
<p>Experiencing Portuguese food and wine was a journey in itself—rich, soulful, and full of surprises. Every meal felt like a celebration of tradition and simplicity done right. I started my days with pastéis de nata, those flaky, creamy custard tarts that somehow taste even better with a shot of espresso.</p>
<p>The wine was just as unforgettable—crisp vinho verde paired perfectly with seafood, while deep reds from the Douro Valley elevated every bite of grilled meats. Tasting port wine in Portugal, right where it’s made, was a highlight—sweet, complex, and best enjoyed slowly as the sun dipped behind the river. Portuguese cuisine is honest and full of heart, and it left me completely smitten.</p>
<p><strong>Unique Landscapes</strong></p>
<p>Portugal's landscapes are as diverse as they are breathtaking, offering a stunning blend of natural beauty and architectural charm. I learned to recognize cork trees in the countryside. Their bark is harvested in a centuries-old tradition that shapes the rural landscape. From Lisbon’s red roofs to Madeira’s cliffs, Portugal offers a wide variety of city and wilderness to explore. My favorite spot to see was the Benagil Caves.</p>
<p>Boating around the Benagil Caves felt like slipping into a secret world carved by the sea. As we cruised along the Algarve coast, the cliffs rose like golden walls with the Atlantic sparkling beneath us. The boat dipped into hidden coves and narrow sea arches, but nothing compared to entering the iconic Algar de Benagil, the most famous of the sea caves. This vast, natural cathedral of stone—lit from above by a circular skylight known as the “eye”—was absolutely breathtaking. Sunlight streamed through the opening, casting a warm glow over the golden sand and turquoise water inside. The echo of the waves bouncing off the cave walls made it feel sacred, like nature’s own sanctuary. Floating there, with the scent of salt in the air and the sound of seagulls circling overhead, I felt completely suspended in time.</p>
<p><strong>Planning Your Own Portuguese Adventure</strong></p>
<p>If reading about my Portuguese journey has ignited your wanderlust, I'd love to chat with you about it! Feel free to reach out to me, and we can discuss all the exciting possibilities and practical tips to make your adventure truly unforgettable. Whether you're interested in staying in a charming pousada, enjoying a wine cruise, hiking the islands, and more, I'm here to help.</p>

Other Specialties

International Travel Leisure Specialist

I live to travel. I’ve invested over 4 years of my life living abroad. I lived...

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United Kingdom Travel Expert

There’s nothing like escaping the drizzle in a homey UK pub. It seems they’r...

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Egypt Travel Expert

I drove by the Giza Pyramids on my way to work every morning for two years. Yet,...

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Japan Travel Expert

This spring I was invited to tour Japan with the Japan National Tourism Organiza...

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Italy Travel Expert

Italy holds a special place in my heart. My journey began on my honeymoon, and i...

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Ireland Travel Expert

I’m an avid traveler with an insatiable passion for exploring the captivating ...

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Greece Travel Expert

Embarking on a journey to Greece was a dream come true for me, fueled by a lifel...

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Germany Travel Expert

This holiday season I had the wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in the twi...

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Spain Travel Expert

Spain was my first European country to explore as a young teenager. It’s rich ...

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Taiwan Travel Expert

I will always miss calling Taiwan home. When people ask where of all the places ...

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Tahiti Luxury Travel Expert

I am a certified Tahiti Travel Specialist with the Tahiti Tourism Board. I recen...

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Vietnam Travel Expert

I’m thrilled to announce I was invited by Kensington Tours to be a Brand Ambas...

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Reviews

53 Reviews
Working with Gabrielle Estel on our first trip to another continent was an absolute pleasure. She is responsible for making this trip to Egypt the best trip my family has ever taken. She was super patient, knowledgeable and kind throughout the planning process. Gabrielle was always there to take my calls before our departure on this elaborate trip. We were a little nervous that everything would work out as planned. The trip was flawless, and Gabrielle made that possible. I called her often during planning and she was always there to answer her phone and she did so cheerfully. My wife and two children had a wonderful time. The resort in Cairo and Luxor were beautiful. The private tour guides were prompt, very accommodating and knowledgeable. The private tour was the best decision we made. Next time we plan a trip, we will be calling Gabrielle for sure!
William - Cairo ~ Egypt ~ Africa
Gabrielle-<br/> <br/>We had a great trip. All hotels were perfect. The tours were great and the transportation worked great. I was impressed that even with flight delays they were waiting for us. Greece had an added benefit that both in Athens and Mykonos we were met by a travel representative and driver. The rep gave us a personal number if we needed anything and they were fast to respond. The cooking classes were prefect. It was hot the whole time we were there, but we completed almost everything. <br/> <br/>Thanks so much for your hard work!
Melinda - Italy ~ Europe
Gabrielle is focused on meeting your needs, including budget! What sets her apart are her attention to detail and engaging personality.
Iowa Mark - Vietnam ~ East and Southeast Asia

Certifications & Awards

AMA Academy
AMA Academy
AmaWaterways Specialist
AmaWaterways Specialist
AMResorts Master Agent
AMResorts Master Agent
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Viking Rivers Expert

Additional Certifications

  • TTAUS
  • Advance Masters Japan Specialist
  • Certified Sandals Specialist
  • Egypt Travel Specialist
  • Greece Travel Specialist
  • Ireland Travel Specialist
  • Italy Travel Specialist
  • Portugal Travel Specialist
  • Spain Travel Expert
  • Tahiti Travel Specialist
  • Taiwan Travel Expert
  • Nile River Cruise Specialist
  • CIE Tours' Shamrock (Ireland) Certification
  • Avanti Customized Travel Specialist
  • Avanti Certified Specialist
  • Amalfi Coast (Italy) Travel Specialist
  • Aussie Specialist
  • Sicily (Italy) Travel Specialist

My Places

Abercrombie & Kent
AmaWaterways Cruises
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Avalon Waterways
Azamara Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Celestyal Cruises
Crystal Cruise Line
Cunard Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
GLOBUS Tours
Holland America Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises
Princess Cruise Line
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Riviera Travel
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Seabourn Cruises
Silversea Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Windstar