David Cox is Managing Director of Really Discover, and would like to welcome you. “The idea for the business came from my love of adventurous travelling and from living and working in many different countries” says David. “I realised I had the best experiences when I went off the beaten track, to places that the tourist guidebooks DIDN’T recommend but that the locals did. A good example of this was a small northern border town in Thailand, where the guidebook said people normally stayed for just one night, then caught the ferry into Laos. I stayed longer and got invited to a tribal wedding through the owner of the guesthouse. It was one of the most memorable days of my life". The same can apply in Spain; says David "I saw how much my friends enjoyed the authentic places I took them to when they came to visit me in Spain where I live”.

David decided to set up a business with local guide Luis Salas to allow others to get a taste of this type of experience, but realized that most people would not be prepared to go through the “pain” that is sometimes involved. He recalls a 14 hour bus journey in Vietnam with breakdowns, hold-ups, a long border crossing etc before he arrived at the place he loved the most in that country. “That was an extreme case though” commented David. “In most cases this pain comes from simple things, like getting on a bus and being shouted at by the driver in a foreign language because you should have bought the ticket beforehand, or eating something that looked good but..." We avoid this through good local knowledge, plus the ability to speak the appropriate language.

The business was started in Seville because it is a treasure trove of places to visit, although most visitors only get to see the main offerings, where nearly all of the other tourists also go. “I am not advocating that people don’t visit the Cathedral though” clarifies Luis“these main attractions are stunning, but what we want to do is offer something on top, a 3 or 4 hour experience living like the local people do that will stand out amongst your memories”. During this time together we will share ideas on how to spend your time in Seville, to help you orientate yourself and maximize the enjoyment of your stay.

Really Discover also aims to return something that is disappearing with the move from the traditional package holiday to Internet bookings. Although they were often not very good, a holiday rep was always included, to suggest activities, deal with problems etc. What we are aiming to do is provide that human element, but this time focusing on QUALITY, on AUTHENTICITY. “Our research showed us that it is not easy to find this type of person, someone who understands the visitor” commented David. “When I asked for a guide at the main tourist office in Seville, I was given a list of 10 that I had to phone. Most answered in Spanish”.