Europe Trip Leader
Patricia Raczkowski
Patricia Raczkowski was born in Canada of a Spanish mother and Polish father and has lived in Spain since she was ten months old. Her first taste of the mountains came in high school, when she went on monthly hikes with the nuns from her school in Madrid, and she spent her senior year as an exchange student in Washington State, living with an American family. After going to veterinary college in Madrid and practicing as a veterinary nurse in England, her love of nature pulled her back to Spain. You can often find Patricia engaging with the locals along the trail and in towns, as she often she knows everyone along the way, from hotel and restaurant staff to local guides. She lives in the south of Spain in the high mountains of Granada (Sierra Nevada), and when not guiding, she heads out on her own adventures, hiking and traveling around the world.
Our Team
Client Testimonials
Patricia was great at sharing her knowledge of Spain with us, introducing us to our favorite coffee (Cortado!)—and always with a smile.
Ann S.
Los Alamos, NM
Granada to Sevilla
Patricia was wonderful! She was knowledgeable, thoughtful, funny, and very considerate of our needs. This was my first time traveling with WT and I felt well-cared for and completely confident in her leadership.
Anne S.
Suffield, CT
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia was amazing. She was kind and so thoughtful. Her knowledge of Spain and culture was so thorough and she shared her thoughts as we walked and talked. Her smile and laughter was contagious and we had many joyful discussions, impromptu dancing, and quiet meditations that she led and encouraged. She was lovely!
Beth J.
Cottage Grove, MN
In my 20-30 trips with Wilderness, I have had some amazing guides. Patricia ranks right up there with the best of them—she is a great ambassador for Spain, and for your company.
Betsy S.
Kennebunkport, ME
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia ranks up there with our best guides. She was personable, knowledgeable, interested in our lives, and able to answer any and all questions about Spain.
Bruce W.
Essex, CT
Granada to Sevilla
A wonderful attentive and so very knowledgable guide. She handled each day and all participants with great care and expertise. It was a pleasure to be under her guidance.
Carol L.
Kalispell, MT
Granada to Sevilla
A wonderfully attentive and so very knowledgable guide. She handled each day and all participants with great care and expertice. Very kind and easy to get to know. It was a pleasure to be under Patricia's guidance.She also took personal time at the end of the trip to give Kurt and me advice on our independent driving itinerary through Spain.
Carol L.
Kalispell, MT
Granada to Sevilla
Patricia was professional yet so very personal. She made a point of talking and hiking with everyone one-on-one. I absolutely adored her.
Carol S.
Larkspur, CA
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia was so joyful! She made every minute a pleasure.
Denise M.
Portland, OR
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia was simply incredible! What a wonderful person to have as our guide. She made our trip meaningful and memorable.
Dennis S.
Sunriver, OR
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia was great fun to hike and travel with.
Ellen L.
Pittsford, NY
Granada to Seville
Patricia was one of the best leaders I have had—very thoughtful, fun, and organized.
Ellie Z.
Bethesda, MD
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia was excellent. She brought such a wonderful blend of knowledge, experience, client concern, and humor to the trip. Couldn't have asked for a better leader.
Gary M.
Wilbraham, MA
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia is a caring and hardworking leader. She consistently went above and beyond to make sure everyone in the group had a memorable experience.
Glenn R.
Towaco, NJ
Granada to Sevilla
Patricia's knowledge and thoughtfulness enhanced our experience and adventure. She endeared herself to the entire group.
Gwen M.
Houston, TX
Pilgrim's Way
Truly one of the best leaders I’ve ever had! Patricia took care of everyone and everything with care, joy, professionalism, and an energetic spirit. Love her!
Gwenn S.
Oracle, AZ
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia is a very kind, hard-working, capable, and professional lady that interacts well with all participants.
Janice G.
Edmonton, Canada
Granada to Sevilla
Patricia was amazing! She demonstrates a depth of knowledge of the area, an ability to organize and manage logistics, and a sense of humor that made the trip truly outstanding.
Jean K.
Denver, CO
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia was caring, warm, and friendly. She made each of us feel like a welcome guest in her country/home—not a paying customer!
Jim M.
Houston, TX
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia is full of life. She embraces each and every trip member as family. What a wonderful and gracious person.
Joyce S.
Manhattan Beach, CA
Pilgrim's Way
Such an unusual and multi-faceted and talented individual.
Judy S.
San Diego, CA
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia was thoughtful, informative, kind, and fun. I'd go on another trip with her in a heartbeat.
Julia L.
New York, NY
Granada to Sevilla
Patricia was a pleasure! She was helpful, funny, engaging, kind, very good at handling whatever issue, problem came up. Made the trip enjoyable, interesting, and fun!!
Karin K.
Oakland, CA
Pilgrim's Way
Thoroughly enjoyed being with Patricia! A good leader, very competent, fun, generous, and genuine.
Kary D.
Barnardville, NC
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia was a joy. She was professional, attentive and went the extra distance to make the trip special for all participants. I would definitely recommend her to other travelers.
Kim M.
Sacramento, CA
Pilgrim's Way
She was our sweeper! Always there, always informative, fun loving and caring! A great choice for this trip!
Lindsay L.
Denver, CO
Granada to Sevilla
Patricia is a knowledgeable leader who was great fun to be with.
Marie S.
Henderson, NV
Pilgrim’s Way
I can't say enough good things about Patricia! She was so friendly, so energetic, so professional, so thorough, and so much fun! An excellent leader in every way! I don't know how she managed to get any sleep, because it was obvious that she was up before we were and busy after our days ended making sure every little detail was taken care of.
Mary Jo B.
Seattle, WA
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia is fabulous! A great leader, great spirit and enthusiasm, and lots of fun to travel with, and she always keeps the wellbeing of participants and their experience in mind. She went out of her way to make it a special trip.
Nancy F.
New York, NY
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia is fun, knowledgeable, and a very caring leader and hard worker.
Paige W.
Tucson, AZ
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia was an excellent guide. Her experience was apparent in every aspect of the trip. She interacted with each of us during the trip, she was there for everyone's needs, she was personable and professional throughout the trip. Couldn't ask for a better trip leader. Everything was taken care of—food, lodging, transportation, snacks, and water. She is wonderful. She was also very knowledgeable about this trip—the churches, the history of the place, plants, villages. She seemed very familiar with every aspect of the trip.
Robin Q.
Chula Vista, CA
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia did an amazing job throughout the trip coordinating logistics, checking on clientele, sharing her enthusiasm for the region, conveying interesting information, and just being a fun/nice/lovely person to spend time with. She is a great trip leader and Wilderness Travel is lucky to have her.
Robin W.
La Jolla, CA
Pilgrim's Way
I thoroughly enjoyed Patricia's company. She is truly compassionate, loves the outdoors and her job.
Sara C.
El Dorado Hills, CA
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia was a fabulous leader. We knew we were in good hands from the start.
Shepherd P.
Charlotte, NC
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia was amazing. I don’t feel a trip leader could have been any better. Her knowledge of the terrain, providing us with cultural experiences, setting up all meals, and her true love of her country and dedication to providing us the ultimate experience was #1 priority! How could anyone not love this fine woman?
Sherry S.
Long Beach, CA
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia was a wonderful assistant leader. She has a gleeful, upbeat personality, is naturally interested in other people, and is very well informed about the history, folklore, food, wine, and culture of the regions we visited.
Susan W.
Albuquerque, NM
Pilgrim's Way
Patricia was just wonderful. She was always upbeat, full of information, caring, interested in everyone. That she grew up around the area and had such a close personal knowledge really added to the entire experience. I can't believe it would have been as rich with someone else in the lead.
Susanne R.
Long Island Cty, NY
Granada to Sevilla
Patricia was just wonderful, always upbeat, full of information, caring, interested in everyone. That she grew up around the area and had such a close personal knowledge really added to the entire experience.
Susanne R.
Long Island Cty, NY
Granada to Sevilla
Patricia was absolutely excellent in every way: her knowledge, her support and caring for everyone's comfort, her professionalism, great interpersonal and communication skills. A wonderful person!
Yolanda (Yoli) S.
Miami Beach, FL
Pilgrim's Way
Book Your Trip Today
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!