Classic Escapes is a family owned boutique travel company specializing in nature and cultural journeys around the world. Our team represents decades of travel industry experience, and our itineraries are designed based on first-hand knowledge of our destinations. As such, we take great pride and care to ensure that our “family” is the most knowledgeable and attentive consultants around. We provide opportunities to our staff to engage in educational experience around the globe so they can see and experience our destinations through their own eyes, thus escalating their enthusiasm to share their knowledge and adventures with you.
Stacy Fiorentinos, President of Classic Escapes, honed her skills at providing the best in nature and cultural travel around the world as Wildlife Program Director for a highly-respected tour operator in New York City from 1987 to 2002 and founded Classic Escapes in 2003. Born in Greece, Stacy has lived in New York City for over 40 years. Working with many of the major Zoos, Audubon Societies, Alumni Associations and special interest groups, Stacy has brought the culture and wilds of the world within reach in comfort and style for travelers from all over America and Canada. She has traveled extensively throughout East and Southern Africa (with over 50 visits), the Americas, the South Pacific, and Asia.
In keeping with Stacy’s mission to provide exciting, educational, and fun-filled experiences that nurture and directly support the diverse wildlife and cultures around the world, she has established the Classic Escapes Conservation Fund to ensure that a percentage of all profits go to support conservation and wildlife researchers performing their critical work in the field. Stacy is proud to bring together the finest staff of experts to the Classic Escapes team and together they personify the highest level of service, experience and knowledge in the industry.
Stacy Fiorentinos, President of Classic Escapes, honed her skills at providing the best in nature and cultural travel around the world as Wildlife Program Director for a highly-respected tour operator in New York City from 1987 to 2002 and founded Classic Escapes in 2003. Born in Greece, Stacy has lived in New York City for over 40 years. Working with many of the major Zoos, Audubon Societies, Alumni Associations and special interest groups, Stacy has brought the culture and wilds of the world within reach in comfort and style for travelers from all over America and Canada. She has traveled extensively throughout East and Southern Africa (with over 50 visits), the Americas, the South Pacific, and Asia.
In keeping with Stacy’s mission to provide exciting, educational, and fun-filled experiences that nurture and directly support the diverse wildlife and cultures around the world, she has established the Classic Escapes Conservation Fund to ensure that a percentage of all profits go to support conservation and wildlife researchers performing their critical work in the field. Stacy is proud to bring together the finest staff of experts to the Classic Escapes team and together they personify the highest level of service, experience and knowledge in the industry.
Diana is our second-in-command here at Classic Escapes. As Vice President, she oversees the accounting and HR duties in the office, and is the events master for our internal parties, outings, and beyond. She proofs a spectacular variety of the work that goes through the office, from costings, to website copy, to building customized itineraries.
Her Favorite Destination: Without question, Southern Africa. Though impossible to choose a single country or site, her first trip to an exotic destination was to this region, specifically to Botswana and Namibia, which holds a special place in her heart. She has treasured memories of quadding on sand dunes, tracking and trekking for rhino, interacting with indigenous tribes, and staring up at an unobstructed starry night sky. Though she has spent her life spending summers with family in Greece, this complete shift in global perspective was the catalyst for her persistent travel bug.
Diana is our second-in-command here at Classic Escapes. As Vice President, she oversees the accounting and HR duties in the office, and is the events master for our internal parties, outings, and beyond. She proofs a spectacular variety of the work that goes through the office, from costings, to website copy, to building customized itineraries.
Her Favorite Destination: Without question, Southern Africa. Though impossible to choose a single country or site, her first trip to an exotic destination was to this region, specifically to Botswana and Namibia, which holds a special place in her heart. She has treasured memories of quadding on sand dunes, tracking and trekking for rhino, interacting with indigenous tribes, and staring up at an unobstructed starry night sky. Though she has spent her life spending summers with family in Greece, this complete shift in global perspective was the catalyst for her persistent travel bug.
Amelia builds custom trips for clients who are looking to create their own travel experience, from honeymoons in Africa to golden anniversaries on a yacht in Europe, getaways for friends along the Amazon River and family reunions among the pyramids. She specializes in taking the dreams of prospective travelers and turning them into the memories of seasoned adventurers.
Favorite Destination: Japan. Amelia went to Niseko for snowboarding because it’s one of the premier destinations for snowboarding and it was amazing. She spent a few days in Tokyo which was different and unique. Everyone was very very kind and helpful.
Amelia builds custom trips for clients who are looking to create their own travel experience, from honeymoons in Africa to golden anniversaries on a yacht in Europe, getaways for friends along the Amazon River and family reunions among the pyramids. She specializes in taking the dreams of prospective travelers and turning them into the memories of seasoned adventurers.
Favorite Destination: Japan. Amelia went to Niseko for snowboarding because it’s one of the premier destinations for snowboarding and it was amazing. She spent a few days in Tokyo which was different and unique. Everyone was very very kind and helpful.
Daisy serves as a Journey Manager for custom trips and is also the Air Manager. She takes care of booking flights for all our travelers and is able to assist whenever things go awry! Whether it’s liaising with the airlines, or just looking for the easiest and most comfortable route to adventure, she makes finding the best flight her priority.
While she has traveled to many destinations, her favorite place is her hometown – Brooklyn, New York.
Daisy serves as a Journey Manager for custom trips and is also the Air Manager. She takes care of booking flights for all our travelers and is able to assist whenever things go awry! Whether it’s liaising with the airlines, or just looking for the easiest and most comfortable route to adventure, she makes finding the best flight her priority.
While she has traveled to many destinations, her favorite place is her hometown – Brooklyn, New York.
Lori is one of our two journey managers – group division, which means she serves as the liaison between organizations, suppliers, and travelers. She will make sure you have your ducks in a row before heading off to destinations unknown and she’ll be on the other end of the phone at 3:00 am when you call, panicked from Helsinki because you missed your connecting flight, ready to get you back in the air.
Her Favorite Destination: Lori loves Africa, which she says has gotten into her blood. Her favorite destination specifically, however, is South Africa. There’s something luxurious about it, she says. It’s pure magic.
Lori is one of our two journey managers – group division, which means she serves as the liaison between organizations, suppliers, and travelers. She will make sure you have your ducks in a row before heading off to destinations unknown and she’ll be on the other end of the phone at 3:00 am when you call, panicked from Helsinki because you missed your connecting flight, ready to get you back in the air.
Her Favorite Destination: Lori loves Africa, which she says has gotten into her blood. Her favorite destination specifically, however, is South Africa. There’s something luxurious about it, she says. It’s pure magic.
Raj is responsible for keeping morale high and managing any crumbs dropped in the lunching area. He also screens all mail carriers for entry. Oddly, none have ever passed muster and set foot in our building. He has an on-again-off-again relationship with a curly haired firebrand named Malaika, who lives next door and freelances here at CE from time to time.
His Favorite Destination: The park is pretty good and so are piles of dead leaves, but to be honest, Raj is happiest wherever Stacy can be found. It is very bad when Stacy cannot be found. Come back, Stacy.
Raj is responsible for keeping morale high and managing any crumbs dropped in the lunching area. He also screens all mail carriers for entry. Oddly, none have ever passed muster and set foot in our building. He has an on-again-off-again relationship with a curly haired firebrand named Malaika, who lives next door and freelances here at CE from time to time.
His Favorite Destination: The park is pretty good and so are piles of dead leaves, but to be honest, Raj is happiest wherever Stacy can be found. It is very bad when Stacy cannot be found. Come back, Stacy.
Vivian assists our inside sales department with a multitude of tasks, including special events and promotions. She spends her days taking on an impressive variety of tasks, from digital design to copy-editing, to cost analysis.
Choosing her favorite destination was a serious internal struggle for Vivian, but after much thought, she decided that it had to be India. Her lifelong love of history and cultural lore came to life there and the sensory delight of so many colors and flavors made a lasting impression. Though she’d never given much thought to Indian food prior to visiting, it has become a favorite ever since!
Vivian assists our inside sales department with a multitude of tasks, including special events and promotions. She spends her days taking on an impressive variety of tasks, from digital design to copy-editing, to cost analysis.
Choosing her favorite destination was a serious internal struggle for Vivian, but after much thought, she decided that it had to be India. Her lifelong love of history and cultural lore came to life there and the sensory delight of so many colors and flavors made a lasting impression. Though she’d never given much thought to Indian food prior to visiting, it has become a favorite ever since!
Jacques handles sales for all of our organizations. When he’s not in the office building trips, handling client relations, and strategizing, he is on the road doing travel nights on upcoming adventures, accompanying tours to exotic locations, and visiting clients to plan their next journey.
Jacques was born in Cape Town, South Africa. He took a gap year after school and spent his time traveling around western Europe, especially in France. He then returned to South Africa and attended the University of Stellenbosch where he completed a BSc in Ecology and Biodiversity, majoring in zoology. Jacques then went on to study civil engineering and has a diploma from CPUT, which he then followed with work in civil engineering and renewable energy.
In 2015, making a move to follow his true passion, Jacques started guiding at Mala Mala private game reserve in the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, Greater Kruger National Park, where he worked for close to five years. He focused on photographic safaris and ensured a wonderful guest experience.
Jacques loves to spend his time immersing himself in different cultures while exploring different countries, visiting national parks and observing the architectural wonders of the world. He also enjoys photography, focusing on nature, especially birds and landscapes. You will generally find him enjoying some sort of sporting activity or sampling different cuisines.
Jacques handles sales for all of our organizations. When he’s not in the office building trips, handling client relations, and strategizing, he is on the road doing travel nights on upcoming adventures, accompanying tours to exotic locations, and visiting clients to plan their next journey.
Jacques was born in Cape Town, South Africa. He took a gap year after school and spent his time traveling around western Europe, especially in France. He then returned to South Africa and attended the University of Stellenbosch where he completed a BSc in Ecology and Biodiversity, majoring in zoology. Jacques then went on to study civil engineering and has a diploma from CPUT, which he then followed with work in civil engineering and renewable energy.
In 2015, making a move to follow his true passion, Jacques started guiding at Mala Mala private game reserve in the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, Greater Kruger National Park, where he worked for close to five years. He focused on photographic safaris and ensured a wonderful guest experience.
Jacques loves to spend his time immersing himself in different cultures while exploring different countries, visiting national parks and observing the architectural wonders of the world. He also enjoys photography, focusing on nature, especially birds and landscapes. You will generally find him enjoying some sort of sporting activity or sampling different cuisines.
Katya ensures that our accounting department runs smoothly and is the point person for all of the financial transactions that come and go through CE. It’s her job to keep all of our ducks in a row financially, and make sure we are on a positive trajectory for the year.
Her Favorite Destination: Her native Bulgaria is her favorite place in the world and she encourages everyone to visit. She recommends trying out Bulgarian food, like shopka salata, cheverme, banista, and Bulgarian yogurt. If she had to choose a place other than home, she says she has amazing memories of Niagara Falls.
Katya ensures that our accounting department runs smoothly and is the point person for all of the financial transactions that come and go through CE. It’s her job to keep all of our ducks in a row financially, and make sure we are on a positive trajectory for the year.
Her Favorite Destination: Her native Bulgaria is her favorite place in the world and she encourages everyone to visit. She recommends trying out Bulgarian food, like shopka salata, cheverme, banista, and Bulgarian yogurt. If she had to choose a place other than home, she says she has amazing memories of Niagara Falls.
Julie is in charge of our inside sales department, and has the double duty of also being the office manager. She and her team work tirelessly to construct incredible trips in conjunction with hundreds of different vendors, camps, hotels, and service providers across the globe!
Her Favorite Destination: In November 2015, Julie fell in love with Tanzania. Between the staggering impact of African wildlife and the gregarious welcome of the people, she says it was a transformative experience that she hopes to one day repeat.
Julie is in charge of our inside sales department, and has the double duty of also being the office manager. She and her team work tirelessly to construct incredible trips in conjunction with hundreds of different vendors, camps, hotels, and service providers across the globe!
Her Favorite Destination: In November 2015, Julie fell in love with Tanzania. Between the staggering impact of African wildlife and the gregarious welcome of the people, she says it was a transformative experience that she hopes to one day repeat.
Elaine is our design guru, and spends her days crafting all of our promotional materials to her exacting design standards. She handles all marketing materials, both physical and digital, and coordinates with outside vendors for all finalized print items.
When asked where her favorite place on Earth was, Elaine admitted that though she’s been abroad many times, nowhere has ever come close to her home, New York.
Here in the city, each borough has its own unique charm and every hour of the day is a living one, with people out and about, getting up to a huge variety of activities. And just a few hours upstate, there are endless miles of beautiful mountain scenery, forested hiking trails, and peaceful farm land.
Elaine is our design guru, and spends her days crafting all of our promotional materials to her exacting design standards. She handles all marketing materials, both physical and digital, and coordinates with outside vendors for all finalized print items.
When asked where her favorite place on Earth was, Elaine admitted that though she’s been abroad many times, nowhere has ever come close to her home, New York.
Here in the city, each borough has its own unique charm and every hour of the day is a living one, with people out and about, getting up to a huge variety of activities. And just a few hours upstate, there are endless miles of beautiful mountain scenery, forested hiking trails, and peaceful farm land.