Marina Courtaut
Can you think of a better way to live adventures than traveling?
When we travel we open our minds to new experiences and learn new cultures by making the destination we visited our home for a short time. My job as part of the Espiritu Travel team is to ensure that after your trip, you will always remember that destination as another one of “your home”. I am passionate about designing trips that include the highlights of Spain and Portugal, including small places that go beyond the conventions and show the authentic culture of the place.
I am Spanish by birth but my father is from France so my heart is divided. My passion for traveling came from my parents, who have shared their trips around the world with me. Since then, I haven't stopped, always looking for authentic experiences that help me understand the culture of the place I visit. I have had the opportunity to live in the state of Michigan, in Amsterdam and in Paris, and I have traveled through many of the corners of the world and in my country Spain, the cradle of the Flamenco Art.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"We specialize in trips to Spain and Portugal as well as Cuba. In both countries, we have our own offices so we can create all types of tailor-made trips; culture, art, history, culture, architecture, gastronomy, outdoor activities, nature-based, small groups, off the beaten track"
How did you get involved in travel?
"Since I was little, I've had the opportunity to travel through wonderful places and I was always amazed at the exchange of cultures that occurred while traveling, whether traveling as part of a group or solo. I decided to start my career as a professional in the world of travel at the age of 19 when I started studying the Tourism degree in Madrid. Since then, I have worked in different roles in the tourism industry: in travel agencies, as a tourism consultant, and in hotels. In addition, I studied the Master “International Tourism Management”. As part of the Espíritu Travel team, I continue my trip through the tourism industry as a local Travel Specialist in Spain and Portugal."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"It is difficult to choose an experience of all the lived one while traveling ... it is like choosing a favorite song, so difficult!
But if I had to choose one I think it would be the one I lived during the Holy Week in Malaga, it was not the first time I visited Malaga but it was the first time I saw a procession. Malaga is a beautiful coastal city in southern Spain.
I was shocked with the magic of the city during these holidays, especially when the processions happen at night. The city is silent and the music of the orchestra touches you in a magical way accompanied by the light of the torches carried by the brotherhoods.
Regardless of the religious character of this party, it is moving to see how the Spanish live Holy Week."
Marina's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Escape to the Azores on this 11-day itinerary that combines a remote island getaway with some of mainland Portugal's essential cultural highlights. Start in the Atlantic...
Enjoy the top offerings of Paris and Barcelona — from historic sites to culinary delights — on this 8-day trip. You'll start your trip in the City of Lights for a visit to the...
In under a week, this adventurous itinerary takes you from the bustling streets of Lisbon to the remote Atlantic island of São Miguel. After visiting the highlights and hidden...
Family itineraries
During this fun, family-friendly 10-day tour, you'll experience the natural beauty of southern Spain and its cultural highlights. Activities like treasure hunts and canyon walks...
Enjoy the family trip of a lifetime over seven days on the Dominican Republic's south coast. You'll do it all, from snorkeling around offshore islands to visiting mysterious...
Five days is more than enough time to embark on family-friendly adventures in the Dominican Republic. It begins in Punta Cana, with activities around the country's famous...
Luxury itineraries
From medieval castles to some of the world's best wine, explore Spain's culture and history on this luxury weeklong getaway. Start in Barcelona, where Catalan-modernist...
Spend a week exploring world-class cuisine at five of the top Michelin Star restaurants in the Algarve. Visit a world-famous wine cellar, explore medieval town squares, and try...
Road trip itineraries
This road trip is ideal for those who want to experience Portugal's two biggest cities and rural countryside at a relaxed pace. After strolling around Lisbon with a guide,...
Escape to the coast on this gorgeous 10-day exploration that includes ample time in Porto and Lisbon and stops through charming seafaring towns with fantastic beaches, delicious...
This eight-day self-drive itinerary takes you from Málaga to Cádiz through a gorgeous section of Spain's southern coast. Along the route, you'll explore Andalusia's White...
Recent trip reviews for Marina
An exceptionally great experience in Portugal. Here is a...
Portugal
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Sep 4 - Sep 15, 2024
- Lisbon Food Walk...A
- Lisbon Architectural and Historical Walk...A+
- Lisbon Tuk Tuk Tour...A+ ( a half-a-day long tour with stops could be better)
- Day Tour of Sintra...A++
- Day Tour of Evora...A++
- Nazare...A+++
- Fatima Guided Visit...A
- Coimbra Guided Visit...A
- Douro Valley Exploration Drive...A+++
- Wine Tasting...A, an embarrassing misunderstanding but wine tasting event was enjoyable
- River... Read more
Marina planned the most fantastic memorable vacation.
Portugal
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Aug 28 - Sep 5, 2024
Filipe gave is a very informative historical tour of Lisbon with so much to learn.
Paulo made sure that we missed nothing on our way to and through Sintra and Cascais. What a phenomenal lunch and tour. I felt like family there.
I also truly enjoyed a solo toru in... Read more
Hi Jo Ann, thank you so so much for this wonderful review and kind words! Ill forward your feedback to our guides, drivers and hotel staff, as they will be so happy to hear that they have contributed to a wonderful adventure. It has been a real pleasure helping you design your trip to Portugal and I hope to help you plan your next adventure! All my best, Marina from Espiritu Travel team🥰
We had the most wonderful experiences in Spain...
Spain
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Jun 22 - Jul 5, 2024
Portugal Trip
Portugal
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Jun 27 - Jul 4, 2024
Marina did an amazing job planning and booking all the hotels and tours. She constantly communicated with us to ensure that we were enjoying our trip. I will definitely recommend planning trips with kimkim.
Hi Yordania! Thank you for writing your trip review and for your kind words! It has been a true pleasure helping you plan your trip to Portugal. I look forward to helping you plan another adventure in the future! 🤩Warm regards for Espiritu Travel team
Marina planned a great 10 day trip to Portuga...
Portugal
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Jun 23 - Jul 3, 2024
Hi Allison! Thank you SO much for writing your trip review and for your kind words! It has been a true pleasure helping you plan your family trip to Portugal and I am so glad you had such a fantastic trip🤩I will pass your words on to our local guides, who will love to hear that they have contributed to a memorable trip. I look forward to helping you plan another adventure in the future! Warm regards from the Espiritu Travel team
The Kim Kim team put together a fantastic tri...
Portugal
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Jun 20 - Jun 28, 2024
Hi Melinda! Thank you SO much for writing your trip review and for your kind words! It has been a true pleasure helping you plan your trip to Portugal and I am so glad you had such a fantastic trip :) I will share your kind words with all the team! I look forward to helping you plan another adventure in the future! 🤩Warm regards for Espiritu Travel team
5 Days in the Dominican Republic - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
the Dominican Republic
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Jun 13 - Jun 18, 2024
Hi C! Thank you for taking the time to write your trip review and for your kind words! It has been a true pleasure helping you plan your trip to the Dominican Republic and I am so glad you had such a fantastic trip :)I look forward to helping you plan another adventure in the future! :) Warm regards for the Espiritu Travel team 🤩
Great time in Spain and Italy
Spain
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May 29 - Jun 13, 2024
Hi Natalia, thank you very much for your kind words!! I’m so glad you had a wonderful trip with your mother to Spain and Italy 🤩 I will share your kind words to all the team! I am glad you liked the Day Trip to Roman Castles & Medieval Hilltop Villages in Rome, it is also one of my favorite experiences in Rome. Again, thank you for choosing Espíritu Travel and hopefully, we will work together soon for your next adventure!! Marina🥰
Spain
Spain
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May 25 - May 31, 2024
Hi Jackie & Richard, thank you so so much for taking the time to submit a complete and detailed review of your trip to Spain!! I'm glad to hear you had a great time in Spain 😊 I will share your kind words with all the team! It was a real pleasure for me to be a small part of your journey and hopefully, we will have the chance to work together again. Thank you for choosing the Espíritu Travel family! Marina
FABULOUS TWO WEEKS IN SPAIN
Spain
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May 1 - May 14, 2024
Hi Marianna, thank you so much for taking the time to write your trip review. I am glad to hear you enjoyed your trip and had a great time discovering so many places around Spain and its culinary scene. I will share with all the team your kind words🤩 I am sorry to hear about your experience in your hotel in Barcelona, we have worked for several years with this hotel and had good reviews, I will pass on your comments, thank you for letting me know. Hope you created wonderful memories during your journey. I wish you all the best and hopefully, we keep in touch for your next adventure🥰 Marina