Feedback

From his vast historical knowledge, to the best local restaurants, Gerrit always took great care of our group.

He provides meaningful, well planned custom tours that will elevate any visitors experience to the area.

Throughout our 16-day study of Holocaust, Gerrit offered a comprehensive overview of key historical moments across culture groups in Berlin, Warsaw and Krakow, and presented them in a clear and engaging manner.

His tour itinerary also guided us to local restaurants to taste the delicious cuisine while also allowing for much needed free time.

I highly recommended Gerrit for his in depth of coverage of history, insightful dialogue, meticulous planning, and accessible instructional style!

Gerrit was everything that you could want in a tour guide. Hands off. But with minute attention to detail. Spot on and terrific.

I highly recommend using Gerrit when booking your trip to Germany. Celerabrating a birthday of one of our group.

He spoke flawless English and knew the public transportation system as if he had designed it himself.

He truly helped create such a great experience for myself and our whole group.

He is not only incredibly knowledgeable and organized but he is so friendly and personable. My students absolutely adored him!! I am looking forward to planning another trip with him for next year.

Vielen Dank auch nochmal an den Kollegen und für die Flexibilität Ihrerseits – sowohl was den Ersatz anging, als auch hinsichtlich der Regenplanung. Die Route war trotz erschwerten Umständen sehr interessant und die Teilnehmenden begeistert. (…) Vielen Dank auch nochmal für die großartige Unterstützung im Vorfeld. Wir würden uns freuen, wenn wir Sie in Zukunft nochmal kontaktieren könnten.

Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, Auftraggeberin für einen Stadtrundgang durch das Berliner Regierungsviertel

It was truly an amazing tour.

You made our trip very meaningful and memorable.

We have had personal experience with Gerrit Book with arranging school groups, immersive experiences, setting up sister schools in the United States and Germany, and many many other interactions. Highly recommended!

Gerrit possesses near-native English language skills, has a polymathic knowledge of history, and is very well-mannered & conscientious. Highly recommend for anyone interested in gaining deeper knowledge of German history.

In addition, he is unflappable and calm in a situations. Bad weather, a group to corral or unpleasant people does not erase his easy demeanor and eagerness to please. I would highly recommend him for any large or small group outing.

We’ve been back a couple of days and are gaining some perspective from being in Germany. I need to thank you, again, for the incredible, lifelong gift you have given to my boys and me. Not to go on and on, but we left Germany and your guidance with so much more in our minds and hearts than we arrived with. Our time there was enlightening and emotionally heavy. We learned of such brutality and inhumanity as well as the resilience and rebirth of people. You are a true professional and the volume of information you shared is astounding. You will be fondly and warmly remembered by us for the rest of our lives.

Teilnehmer der Familienreise Juli 2023

He made everyone feel very welcomed, he accommodated everyone’s specific needs and interests and went above and beyond to ensure that everyone was safe and included. The choice of venues, as well as, restaurants were all excellent and his assistance with navigating public transportation was above board. I would highly recommend, Gerrit, to be your trip organizer. Thank you, Gerrit, for your exemplary service to our group!!

I learned so much from you, Steve, the local guides and the museum docents. Everyone was welcoming and gracious throughout the trip. We became a tight-knit group in a very short period of time thanks to your leadership, support and encouragement. You were constantly aware of our needs and made every effort to keep us engaged and focused at all times. Lastly, I will always be grateful for your help in arranging for my excursion to Buchenwald. I could not have navigated it on my own. Thank you again for everything. I hope that our paths will cross again soon.

Teilnehmerin des Holocaust and Human Rights Educators’ Trip to Germany & Poland 2022

Thank you for all of the handouts and the other resources. I will definitely put them to good use. It was wonderful meeting you and getting to know you. I had an incredible time on the trip and I would love to be a part of another sometime in the future. (…) Thank you again for everything you did for me especially after my accident. You definitely went above and beyond and I will be forever grateful!

Teilnehmerin der Reise: 10 jähriges Jubiläum erfolgreicher Zusammenarbeit Holocaust und Menschenrechte Bildungsreise für Pädagogen durch Deutschland & Polen (02. – 17. Juli 2022)

Wir haben uns so wohl gefühlt! Tausend Dank!

Teilnehmende des Workshops „Gesang & Qigong“, Juni 2020

Das Wochenende hat mir sehr gut getan: Qigong mache ich gerne und das Essen war super. Liepen ist wunderschön!

Teilnehmerin des Workshops „Gesang & Qigong“, Juni 2020

… traveling on business, my first time in Berlin, my third time in Germany, and I decided to take my Mom’s advice to take Gerrit as a tour guide. Gerrit was great trying to gauge my interests, my timing and my tolerance for travel before we met. It takes a bit of time, but be patient – that advance work is worth every second on our tour. … I was quite impressed with Gerrit’s itinerary for me and even more impressed with his ability to connect in a meaningful and genuine way on issues I am sure he talks about on every tour. He was nimble in terms of schedule – there were some things I wanted to spend more time on than time allocated, and he was willing to go totally off the itinerary when we found an unique museum specific to my industry that was not familiar to him … I would not be surprised if he had a B, C, and D itinerary in pocket! I have referred Gerrit to very close friends, who also loved him. I highly recommend you retain his services – not just in Germany.

Teilnehmerin einer zweitägigen privaten Stadtführung durch Berlin

My husband and I spent two delightful half days touring Berlin with Gerrit Book. We saw all the highlights and Gerrit pointed out so many things that we never would have seen had we been alone. He is so knowledgeable about the history and culture of Germany. He also went out of his way to recommend things for us to do when we were on our own.

There wasn’t a question he could not answer. He was super insightful. Not only did we feel like we were always getting the inside story, but he also made it really fun too! I recommend him to everyone I know interested in travel and learning!

In 2 half days we had a great overview of the city and its history and learned to navigate the transportation system. It set the stage for the rest of our stay. I highly recommend him.

First he guided a tour I tookin Germany, then he took us through China (he is fluent in Mandarin and well-versed in Chinese history and culture), and then we went back to Germany two other times and also China once.

Gerrit takes a personal interest in delivering what his patrons desire and works to ensure the best possible experience while traveling. He is knowledgeable and articulate and enjoys sharing information in a very unpretentious way.

You will be pleased with your experience traveling with Gerrit and I recommend it highly. In fact, I’m looking forward to my next adventure he leads!

… gaaaanz herzlichen Dank für eure großartigen Schmankerl zum Nachtisch dieser wunderschönen 5 tägigen Reise! Ich habe mich sehr gefreut über die riesige Informations- und Inspirationsschatzkiste während des Workshops und jetzt im Anschluss… Wunder-voll!

Ich habe mich sehr wohl gefühlt und für mich war es ein sehr gelungener Workshop!!! Ich komme gerne wieder.

Habt herzlichen Dank für euer Engagement, euer Herzblut und euer Sosein!

Teilnehmerin des Workshops „Gesang & Qigong“, Mai 2019

… nochmal ganz meinerseits es hat mir viel Spass gemacht mit euch und freue mich wenn wir das wie auch immer wiederholen können.

Und das viele schöne Feedback ist natürlich auch eine Freude.

Vermieterin der „Alten Schule Liepen“ für den Workshop „Gesang & Qigong“, Mai 2019

Thank you so much for all your insight and for leading our journey.

Teilnehmer des Holocaust and Human Rights Educators’ Trip to Germany & Poland 2018

Thank you for providing us with such an amazing experience! This would not have been the same without you!

Teilnehmerin des Holocaust and Human Rights Educators’ Trip to Germany & Poland 2018

It’s nice meeting you. We are learning a lot as you show us your magnificent Berlin with passion and enthusiasm. … We consider us lucky to be in your group.

Teilnehmende einer Baltikums- und Berlinreise über ihren Berlinaufenthalt 2018

Many thanks for making my visit so delightful. Your expertise, patience + good humor are greatly appreciated.

Teilnehmerin einer Baltikums- und Berlinreise über ihren Berlinaufenthalt 2018

We will be sure to recommend you for people considering private tours of Berlin. We thought you were excellent.

Privater Auftraggeber einer Zweitagestour Berlin für ihn und seine Familie 2017

First let me say Thank you as my friends/clients Whinnie and Rita just loved their trip and you!  Thank you for making it so perfect for them.  On that note I have another client …

Auftraggeberin: Über Teilnehmende der privaten Fünftagestour Berlin & Potsdam 2017

Gerrit I cannot tell you what a wonderful time Rita and I had. It was a magical experience one I will never forget. Please tell Barbara how much we enjoyed being with her also. … Again thank you. You are a special young man. Thank you for having patience with two old ladies.

Teilnehmerinnen einer privaten Fünftagestour Berlin & Potsdam 2017

…, on a personal note, I want to echo what Gerrit stated en route to the airport. Each group that we have taken to Germany and Poland is unique… a reflection of the different participants. You blended into a wonderful group of educators who found meaning in each of aspect of the journey. And a special thank you to Anthony for the truly brilliant and moving movie! You captured the experience forever! Finally, Gerrit as always I want to thank you for the great organization of the tour and your fantastic work as our guide and translator.

Initiator, Auftraggeber und Teilnehmer der Reise „Educators Field Study Trip to Germany & Poland” 2016

We have just returned from our trip to the Caribbean, which followed our time in Berlin & Prague.

We just wanted to thank you for a fantastic job as our guide for 3 days in Berlin.  It was a sincere pleasure being with you. Kim was certainly right when she recommended you & you were correct in suggesting Karolina as our guide in Prague – she also was outstanding.

Likewise our 4 friends whom you recently guided in Berlin told us how much they enjoyed you!

We wish you the very best in 2016 and hope someday you may come to the States & we can „Guide“ you!

Private Auftraggeber und Teilnehmende einer Dreitagestour Berlin 2015

Thank you for an absolutely wonderful tour!  You’re the best and I’m glad to have met you! I’ll give you a call next time I’m in Berlin. Thanks again.

Auftrageberin und Teilnehmerin einer Kleingruppenreise (fünf Teilnehmerinnen) „Drei Tage Berlin“ 2015

Just wanted to say what an enjoyment it was meeting you and you showing us Berlin.  I was reluctant going to Berlin from things I had heard, but was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed it a great deal because you made it so interesting.

Private Auftraggeber und Teilnehmende einer Halbtagestour Berlin 2015

… vielen Dank für das Feedback von der Reise. Die Schulen haben uns sehr positives geschildert und sind auch schon aktiv dabei, Projekte in den eigenen Schulen zu planen und umzusetzen, tw. mit Unterstützung der Schulleitung, tw. sogar auch mit Einbezug der Stadt, also mit Aktivitäten, die über die Schule hinausgehen.

Initiatorin und Auftraggeberin einer einwöchigen Schülerreise nach Berlin 2015

THANK YOU for making the tour such a success – I could not be happier with how each day progressed and the impact that the tour had on the participants.

Initiator, Auftraggeber und Teilnehmer der Gruppenreise „Colorful Austria, Germany, and Switzerland – Big Cities, Small Towns, Beautiful Lakes, and Mountains“ 2014

Gruss Gott!  It was only one year ago when we were all ready to head out on our Recorder Tour of Germany & Austria! Such great music! So many wonderful memories! I hope you will take a moment and remember what we experienced together – sharing our music beyond borders. We miss you!!!

Initiatorin, Planerin und Teilnehmerin der “Recorder Consort Tour of Germany & Austria” 2013

My brother and sister-in-law really had a terrific time with you and thanked me for getting in touch with you, glad to hear that everything went well. When and if you get to NYC please let us know.

Über private Zweitagestour Berlin für Ihren Bruder und seine Ehefrau 2013

We … had a wonderful time with you and will give your name to anyone we know please take care and keep in touch.

Private Auftraggeber und Teilnehmende einer Zweitagestour Berlin 2013

Thank you so much for all you did to bring our Germany-Austria trip to life. It was so long in planning and organizing and you were a great resource and support for me. Thank you so much. We LOVED having you with us on the tour. You brought us so much information and knowledge – and you were so much fun to be around. The girls especially loved having you to themselves the last dinner in Andechs.

Initiatorin, Planerin und Teilnehmerin der “Recorder Consort Tour of Germany & Austria” 2013

How’s the struggle with a 14-hour time change? I’m still waking up at odd hours of the night and calculating what time it is in China. Thanks for joining the IHREC Community Tour – I hope that you enjoyed the experience as much as we did.

Initiator, Auftraggeber und Teilnehmer einer Gruppenreise durch China 2010

Ich danke dir nochmals aufs herzlichste für deine umsichtige und einfühlsame Betreuung und deine vielseitige Information und grüße dich vielmals.

Teilnehmerin einer Gruppenreise durch China 2007

Please accept my apologies for not thanking you sooner for being a tremendous guide for the Ecumenical tour of Germany in October 2006. I thought of you often while putting the pictures in my photo album. … Again, thank you for an excellent time in Germany.

Teilnehmer der Gemeindereise “Ecumenical Pilgrimage“ durch Deutschland 2006

Greetings All, I wanted to send my special thanks and admiration to each of you for the outstanding spirit of professionalism and comradery exhibited in China – you truly were a great delegation. … Once more, my thanks.

Initiator und Teilnehmer einer Gruppenreise durch China 2006

… wie geht´s Dir? Du hast die Tour hoffentlich gut überstanden? In uns hat die Reise noch größere Faszination für Land und Leute geweckt (woran Du nicht ganz unschuldig bist *g). Und die Idee, die wir schon einige Zeit mit uns herumtragen, vielleicht für einige Jahre nach China zu ziehen, ist zu einem großen Wunsch gewachsen.

Teilnehmende einer Gruppenreise durch China 2005