Supplier: M17348
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InfoHub supplier since Nov 2007!
Base of operations: Canada -- Number of InfoHub client requests accepted: 176 |
M17348 is a small family-run company, specializing in guided hiking, trekking and walking adventures in the Alps, Europe, the Americas and in the Himalayan countries of Nepal and Tibet.
The company is owned and operated by Karin Stubenvoll and Louis Marino. Having lived in Chamonix - the center of the French Alps - for over 10 years, our specialty is hiking trips in the Alps, which we offer as a guided, self-guided, or customized tour.
We only use certified hiking guides. In Europe, hiking guides must complete a certification process. All guides are re-assessed every five years. Louis Marino, director of M17348, was the first American to become a certified International Mountain Leader (IML). He has more than 20 years of experience when it comes to leading trips.
We are members of ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association), STI (Sustainable Tourism International), BAIML (British Association of International Mountain Leaders), SNAM (Syndicat National des Accompagnateurs en Montagne, France).
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Questions and Answers
M17348 is a small family-run company, specializing in guided hiking, trekking and walking adventures in the Alps, Europe, the Americas and in the Himalayan countries of Nepal and Tibet.
1. How long has the business been operating and how did it start?
M17348 has been in business since 2001. Having worked for several other tour operators, we decided that we could offer better trips at a more reasonable price using local guides who have far superior knowledge than ‘summer help’ hired on a shoestring budget.
2. What is your company's mission?
Our motto is ‘Adventure with a purpose’. As outdoor educators, we see ourselves as an alternative to mass tourism. Our trips are highly specialized, with small group numbers, allowing our guests a more intimate experience when coming into contact with mountain cultures. We try and raise awareness of how vital the mountains are to all of us, even city dwellers who depend on winter time snow for summer drinking water. We work with school groups and are in the process of offering trips to an American university located in California.
3. What does your company specialize in?
All of our guides are internationally certified, allowing them to operate in most parts of the world where there are mountains. However, are main focus is on the western Alps, the Dolomites and the island of Crete, Greece’s southern most island. Are trips have a cultural slant to them, as hiking is really just a pretext to discovering other cultures and people.
4. Who is the founder or owner of the company and briefly describe his/her past activities?
Louis Marino is the owner and founder of the company. His passion for travel and all things relating to mountains has drawn him to avoid a desk and to be in the hills whenever possible. His career as an educator allowed for a seamless transition to guiding, as the classroom can be anywhere.
5. What is your most popular travel package and why?
Our Walker’s Haute Route is by far the most popular destination. Walking from Chamonix, in France, the Alpine capital of the world, to Zermatt and the iconic Matterhorn, guests get a chance to not only hike an ancient footpath, but also, to spend time in some of the most splendid alpine scenery the Alps have to offer.
6. What is the best compliment you received from a client?
Our best compliment is returning 7 times and counting with our company to hike around the world.
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Vacation Packages offered by supplier M17348
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Destination |
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Ultimate Slovenia 10% off.
- Contact Supplier
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Discover Slovenia on foot: Hike the spectacular Julian Alps and Triglav National park. Visit Ljubljana, Bled, and Kranjska Gora. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Walking Tours
Cultural Journey
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USD 2900
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Slovenia
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The Great Dolomites Traverse 10% off.
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The stunning limestone cliffs of the Dolomites are a real hiker's paradise. This is a perfect combination of Italian pizazz and Austrian tradition. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
Military History
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CAD 2400
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Italy
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Tour du Mont Blanc 10% off.
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Discover three different countries and three different cultures on one of the classic hiking adventures: The complete hike around the Mont Blanc range. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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USD 1900
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France
Italy
Switzerland
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Normandy: D-Day Beaches, Culture, Cuisine 10% off.
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Normandy: Culture, Gourmet Cuisine, and History. Walk the D-Day Beaches, visit Honfleur, Mont St. Michel.
Dine in some of France's best restaurants, and walk off the calories the next day. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Walking Tours
Food & Wine
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USD 4200
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France
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The Scottish Highlands 10% off.
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Hike the best and most diverse trails of the Scottish Highlands, relax and enjoy authentic food in one of the many Scottish Inns we have chosen. Learn about the old battles of the Highlanders. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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USD 2800
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Scotland
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Tibet: The Three Base Camp Trek 10% off.
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Our adventure begins with a flight into Lhasa, where we spend several days sight-seeing and acclimatizing before driving west towards the beginning of our trek at Cho Oyo Base Camp. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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USD 5100
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Tibet
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Country Walks in Provence
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Hiking through sun-drenched Provence - one of the best ways to take in French charm and the casual way of life that has attracted painters, poets and writers from all over the world. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
Walking Tours
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USD 4200
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France
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Chamonix Valley Walking Weeks 10% off.
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This hiking 8-day tour around Chamonix gives you everything Alps have to offer: stunning, spectacular views, a charming, vibrant mountain town, and quick access to trails in Switzerland and Italy. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
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USD 2250
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France
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Chamonix: From Hut to Hut 10% off.
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Hiking from hut to hut in the French Alps near Chamonix: A five-day hike traversing the wild Nature Reserve of the Aiguilles Rouges, for those looking for an introduction to trekking. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
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USD 1600
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France
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Tour des Ruans
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One of the lesser known walks just across from the Mont Blanc Massif in Chamonix, France, the Tour of the Ruans is for the experienced hill walker only. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
Mountain/Rock Climbing
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USD 2100
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France
Switzerland
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Gran Paradiso Traverse — Hiking and Walking in the Italian Alps 10% off.
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Created in 1922 as one of Europe's first National Parks, the Gran Paradiso National Park has come to symbolize how man and nature can interact without negative consequences for each other. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
National Parks
Walking Tours
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USD 2700
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Italy
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The Tour de Monte Rosa 10% off.
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The tour de Monte Rosa looks set to become one of Europe's classic long distance walks. A truly stunning trip which includes a night in the world famous alpine town of Zermatt. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
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USD 3600
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Switzerland
Italy
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The Walker's Haute Route Classic 10% off.
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The Haute Route is a trekking adventure from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland crossing alpine passes led by internationally certified guides. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
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USD 3300
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Switzerland
France
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Annapurna Circuit 10% off.
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The uniqueness of the Himalayan landscape, the diversity of ethnic groups and the beauty of both the people and the biotope make the Himalaya a must for any trekking enthusiast. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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USD 4500
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Nepal
Tibet
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Everest Base Camp - High Passes of the Khumbu
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During our "Everest Villages" trek you will discover the epicenter of Sherpa culture - the Khumbu, which is one of the centers of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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USD 4700
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Nepal
Tibet
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Everest East Face - Kangshung Valley Trek
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Everest East Base Camp - The Kangshung Valley follows an ancient trading and pilgrimage route, which sees very little traffic. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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USD 5100
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Nepal
Tibet
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Full Patagonia Adventure 10% off.
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Trekking in some of the most pristine and wildest regions Mother Earth has to offer, Mount Fitz Roy, Torres del Paine and Ushuaia are only some of the highlights of the trip. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
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USD 4500
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Argentina
Chile
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The Annapurna Sanctuary 10% off.
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Hiking from lush green rice paddies up to Thorang La pass over 5400m. Encounter the people from Nepal, learn about Hinduism and Buddhism, Sightseeing, hiking - a complete cultural journey. Read more >>> |
Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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USD 3400
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Nepal
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The Southwestern Coast of Crete - In the Footsteps of the Minoans 10% off.
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Guided walks on the island of Crete with stays in small inns, swims in the Libyan Sea and delicious Greek food. Read more >>> |
Outfitter
Hiking and walking outfitters
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USD 2300
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Greece
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Reviews and Comments
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Wendell Smith |
Tour du Mont Blanc |
2007-11-28 |
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I want to extend a special thank you to both of you for the wonderful trip that you provided us with. I cannot say enough good about Alpine Interface, and I
... view more wish you both all the success possible in your business venture. I was lucky to have such wonderful hiking companions. Lorie was a superb guide, and VV was a delightful driver/lunch-preparer. I will be thinking of VV this December when their addition arrives. It was a delight to meet Lars too.
I also want to thank you for helping me with my lost luggage, and providing me with clothing for the first day. Thank you again, Louie, for helping me get boots and helping Doug pick out a ligher pack. Thanks too for looking after Doug after he had to drop out of the trek. What a wonderful memory this will be. If you need a reference for future potential clients, it would be my pleasure to contribute. |
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Jane D'Agostino |
Tour du Mont Blanc |
2007-11-28 |
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I was planning to email you today to tell you what a wonderful time I had on the TMB. It isn't often that your expectations are not simply met, but
... view more exceeded.
This was the case with the TMB. You and Louis set the tone by your caring and concerned answers to all of my booking questions. Neil was prompt and pleasant in picking my sister and me up from our hotel at the start of the tour. Charlotta was a most professional, competent and caring trekking guide. She was knowledgeable and pleasant. She did everything possible to ensure that the members of her group got the most from their tour. Peter was an excellent driver. He went out of his way to make things run smoothly and was extremely reliable, pleasant and helpful.
As for the tour itself; the meals were excellent...my sister and I had a hard time deciding which dinner was the best. The hotels were charming and a pleasure to reach after a hard days climb! Charlotta found trails which were challenging but the view always rewarded the effort and, as you mentioned, the weather for much of the tour was spectacular.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the TMB with alpine interface to my friends based on my very positive experience and hope that I will be able to join you in another adventure in the future. Again, thank you for making my holiday so special and enjoyable. |
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Nora Freeman |
Tour du Mont Blanc |
2007-11-28 |
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Louisa and I wanted to tell you and Louis once again what a WONDERFUL time we had. The 'regular' tour would be great, I'm sure, but our
... view more "private" tour was even better. All the personal attention -- altering the routes to accommodate our abilities, the trip to the museum, the trip to the dentist -- was truly impressive. And I got the distinct impression that to you and Louis this was nothing special, just the right way to do things. We were just delighted with the trip, and are happily recommending Alpine Interface to our friends. |
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Gaurav Vaid |
Tour du Mont Blanc |
2007-11-28 |
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Thanks a lot for making this a most memorable trip (the rest of the gang also expressed these sentiments). It was indeed one of the most well organized trips that we have been on!!!
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Hank Holzgrefe |
Walker's Haute Route |
2007-11-28 |
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I really can't say too much more about the trip that hasn't already been said. It was a truly magnificent experience. I am forever indebted to you for
... view more making this trip possible. I have done a number of trips with a number of guides, and although slow on the trail, I am fully qualified when I say that you and Alpine Interface are quite simply the best. A trip like this can only be done so well, and you exceeded that standard in every way |
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Jim Harris |
Coastal Walks in Crete |
2007-11-28 |
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I just wanted to drop you a note that we are all back in the States and had a wonderfully fantastic time. I'll send some pics later when I've had a
... view more chance to go through them. Thank you so very much for making our time in Crete so wonderful, the memories will last a life-time, especially the Raki. |
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Jo Ann Walters |
Coastal Walks in Crete |
2007-11-28 |
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Many thanks for the hat and t-shirt you sent. The pictures brought back so many memories! Tracy and I enjoyed our Crete trip so very much. I remember laughing
... view more so hard at our dinners! Thank you for a wonderful trip. Please feel free to forward our names to anyone who has questions about Crete. We certainly have only the best things to say of the trip-organization, guiding and accommodations. |
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Lewis Buchanan |
Annapurna Sanctuary |
2007-11-28 |
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Thanks again for organizing a well thought out trip. Even the unexpected events were dealt with relatively smoothly, and really added to the overall adventure
... view more of the trip. It was really a once-in-a-lifetime experience that was wonderful to enjoy with my sons and friends, and full of memories never to forget. If you have clients in the future that request feedback from previous trekkers, please keep me in mind; I would be glad to provide a positive reference. |
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US: 
, ext: 17348
