This year, we’re celebrating 30 amazing years of partnership between Valesa owners Barbara and Marcy — a duo whose story actually began long before 1995. They first started working together back in 1982, when Marcy was finishing up at Cornell’s Hotel School.
What began as a shared passion for travel and culture has grown into something truly special. Over the decades, they’ve worked from three different offices, faced challenges big and small, and shared countless adventures — always side by side.
Barbara, a trailblazer in her field, brought deep firsthand knowledge and a love for immersive cultural experiences. Paired with Marcy’s steady partnership, they’ve crafted unforgettable journeys for American travelers eager to explore the rich artistic and gastronomic heritage of Spain and Portugal — and, for the past 15 years, Morocco as well.
From handwritten letters to clients in the early days to the thriving company Valesa Cultural is today, the journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Through it all, Barbara and Marcy’s partnership remains the heart of who we are.