We are a full-service travel company. In business for 28 years. Specialized in international travel.
We may help you with your travel needs to any place in the World. We are air-consolidators and wholesalers. We book cruises, hotels, air-passes, rail-passes and motor-coach tours. We have pilgrimage tours to the Holly Land, Turkey, Portugal and France. Adventure tours to Africa, Antarctica, South America or the Himalayas.
Keywords: Travel, tours, cruises, air-passes, rail-passes, hotels, cars, airplane tickets, safari, adventure, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, Africa, Brazil, Australia, Costa Rica, World Cup, FIFA.
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Santini Tours, also known as Santours has been in business since 1985. We started in Berkeley and expanded to 4 locations.As the travel business changed, we consolidated all 4 businesses in a new location in Oakland, which is our headquarters. We have been in operations for 28 years.
What is your primary product or service?
Travel arrangements: Airline tickets, travel insurance, motor coach tours worldwide, adventure travel, cultural tours, safaris, cruises, hotels, cars, rail-passes and reservations. All these services are booked for individuals, families or groups.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
The love of travel was the primary reason I got involved in this business. I had traveled extensively and many friends requested assistance with airline tickets, hotel recommendations and places to visit. I started working as an independent travel consultant for 2 travel agencies on College Avenue, in Berkeley. The first one was, Trips out Travel and then I moved to Travel Express (it covered more destinations I was selling), both businesses have closed over the years.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We have always been specialized on international travel. We have a multi-lingual staff, well traveled, all immigrants of various continents. We have always had a very high interest in Central and South America.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
Today, we only have an Oakland location. There are plans in opening an office in Boston. We have had offices in Santa Clara, Sacramento and San Francisco. Our biggest problem in trying to expand, is to find professionals in travel. There are no schools training or teaching agents anymore.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We are located at 6575 Shattuck Avenue, on the boarder of Berkeley. All your travel needs can be taken care of the phone, but if you wish to visit us, the easiest ways to reach us are as follows:
From San Francisco - Bay Bridge to highway 80, exit on Ashby Avenue, drive 1.5 Miles and turn right on Shattuck, drive 4 more blocks.
From the North, take 80 South, exit on Asbhy - follow direction above.
From Contra Costa - take highway 24, exit on Ashby, and turn left on Shattuck, or exit on Telegraph, turn right, drive fr 1 mile, turn left on 66th Street. it dead ends in front of our office.
From the South, you may take 80 North, exit on Ashby or take 24 and exit on 51st Street, and turn left on Shattuck.
What type of payments do you accept?
All major credit cards, travelers check, checks or cash.
Which areas do you service?
Worldwide: Asia, Africa, Europe, Antarctica, South Pacific, North, Central and South America.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Santours is formed as a LLC - Limited Liability Corporation. There are 2 major partners: Joseph Santini & Ligia Waib. Both work full time. we participate in the California Seller of Travel programs.
What are your hours of operation?
Monday through Friday; 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays by appointments: We almost always have agents on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Call ahead.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
We know what we are doing and we do it very well. We always look for the best and most economical programs for our clients.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
"Do onto others what you wish done to yourself."
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