Final stop of the trip was the Hofbrauhaus in the heart of Munich, Germany’s beer capital.
From Debra and Ken Caldwell, who travelled with James Derheim, owner and founder of European Focus Private Tours, in Germany, Switzerland and Austria from August 12 to 22, 2026.
Ken’s sister Michelle and her husband, also named Ken, traveled with James on a complex family history tour in Germany, the Alsace of France and parts of England in 2017. Michelle told her brother all about their experience and nine years later, after a year of planning and coordinating, Ken finally was able to share with his wife the relaxed pleasures of touring in places that he had only read about in the easiest way possible.
Here is their letter of August 27 and a few photos from their adventure.
We had the absolute pleasure of touring Switzerland, Germany, and Austria with James Derheim, with European Focus, and by the end of the trip he felt less like a guide and more like a friend. This was our first time visiting these countries, and James didn’t just meet our expectations—he far exceeded them and made the entire experience genuinely unforgettable.
What stood out immediately was how prepared and organized he was, and how thoughtfully he personalized the trip. His communication was outstanding.
During an especially hot European summer, when several accommodations didn’t have air conditioning, James showed up with multiple fans to help circulate air at night—an incredibly considerate touch that made a real difference. On two occasions, he even brought a thermos of coffee directly to our room because he didn’t feel the hotel coffee was “up to snuff.” Little moments like that capture who James is: attentive, proactive, and always looking out for you.
James was also so much more than a tour guide. He was our translator (his German is fluent) and our historian, adding depth and context everywhere we went—from major landmarks to smaller, hidden sites we never would have found on our own. His knowledge of the region went far beyond the typical tourist route; he took us down back roads and into corners most visitors never see, sharing genuine local insight along the way.
We also always felt safe and comfortable with James behind the wheel. He’s an excellent driver and handled all kinds of weather with ease, and riding in his Volkswagen van was consistently smooth and relaxing. He also has a great instinct for crafting a well-rounded itinerary, blending high-quality four-star hotels with cozy local accommodations that felt authentic and special.
Because of James, we experienced an incredible variety of Europe—from small, quintessential German towns (including a stay in a 500-year-old hotel) to larger, modern cities like Lucerne, along with charming villages and even an agricultural stop to view crops. It felt like a complete, thoughtfully balanced trip—comfortable, authentic, and full of memorable details.
Most importantly, James is exceptionally kind and attentive—the kind of person who makes you feel truly taken care of every step of the way. If you’re looking for a guide who treats you like family and goes above and beyond, we can’t recommend James Derheim highly enough.
