Europe Trip Leader
Languages Spoken: English, German & Italian
Robert Sommer holds a PhD from Humboldt University and is an expert on World War II history and the Holocaust. He has worked as an independent historian and exhibition curator for various museums, memorials, and documentaries, including for the BBC. His book on forced prostitution in Nazi concentration camps will be published in the US through Fordham University Press in fall 2024. “I try to make trip members see the magic of a country and its uniqueness, whether it's a visual image, an artifact, or even a local dish–- something that stays with you, gives you fond memories, and contributes to your life back home.” Currently he teaches Social Science at the IBA University in Berlin. When not working, he enjoys hiking, biking, and cooking. He's also a DJ for a New York radio station and has his own show called From Berlin with Love. Robert lives in Berlin and is fluent in English, German, and Italian.
Our TeamRobert is a very thoughtful, considerate, and highly competent leader who has the added bonus of being a very warm and engaging person.
Barry S.
Belmont, CA
Heart of Switzerland
Robert was extremely high-energy, friendly, knowledgeable, fun, and wanted to ensure everyone had a good time.
Brady and Suzanne M.
Friendswood, TX
Heart of Switzerland
Robert is a gem. I couldn't imagine a better trip with this awesome gentleman—educated, organized, so personable, and really ensured all of us had the very best experience.
Claire R.
Doylestown, PA
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!
David A.
Evanston, IL
Heart of Switzerland
Robert's knowledge of so much of Europe is amazing. He added so much personality and that ‘little something special' to the trip.
Dawn Myers
Playa del Rey, CA
Tuscan Hilltowns
Robert was great...so knowledgeable and organized—and so much fun!
Dorothy D.
Denver, CO
Heart of Switzerland
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!
Edward D.
Alameda, CA
Heart of Switzerland
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.
Fletcher F.
Portland, OR
Heart of Switzerland
Robert was a terrific trip leader. He clearly communicated what each day would bring, and kept everyone laughing.
Greg G.
Acton, MA
Heart of Switzerland
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!
Helen C.
Newtown, PA
Heart of Switzerland
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.
Helen O.
Salt Spr Isl V8K 1E5, BC
Heart of Switzerland
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.
Jody S.
Ellensburg, WA
Heart of Switzerland
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.
John E.
Fort Worth, TX
Heart of Switzerland
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.
Julie Hibben
Lincoln, MA
Tuscan Trails
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.
Kathy L.
O'fallon, IL
Heart of Switzerland
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!
Kym R.
Venice, FL
Heart of Switzerland
Robert went out of his way to make the trip enjoyable. He has a good sense of humor, was fun, informative and helpful.
Linda Miller
Sacramento, CA
Tuscan Trails
Robert is very personable and charming, and has so much knowledge and conveys it extremely well. He was great! His language skills are terrific.
Linda P.
Playa Del Rey, CA
Heart of Switzerland
Charming, organized, thoughtful, and interesting. Robert is very interesting and encouraging. A thoroughly delightful human being to share the trail with...or anywhere really.
Marcia Z.
Clio, CA
Heart of Switzerland
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.
Margaret H.
Washington, DC
Hiking the Tyrolean Alps
Hiking the Tyrolean Alps
Robert is a fantastically knowledgeable tour guide. He is well prepared, organized, flexible, genuine, and fun to be with. Made the trip highly enjoyable.
Mary R.
Bainbridge Island, WA
Bavaria to Berlin
Robert was outstanding—we assumed he'd be quite good, but he really exceeded our expectations.
Miriam S.
Stillwater, MN
Bavaria to Berlin
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.
Page D.
Eugene, OR
Heart of Switzerland
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.<br />
Suzi & Brian S.
Ross, CA
Heart of Switzerland
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.
Tony C.
Doylestown, PA
Heart of Switzerland
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!