About Original World Tours
We've been creating authentic cultural journeys for travelers like you since 1997. Discover what makes us different in the world of small group travel.
Our Journey Begins
In 1997, Barbara Sansone founded Spirit of India with a simple vision: to offer authentic cultural travel experiences that go beyond the surface. After 40+ years of global travel and a background in education and photography, Barbara recognized that most tour companies were offering sanitized versions of incredible destinations.
The 9/11 Turning Point: When travel to Asia plummeted after 9/11, we made a bold decision. Instead of closing, we expanded. We became Original World Tours, taking our expertise in authentic cultural immersion global.
Today, while Spirit of India remains our crown jewel with the most comprehensive India offerings of any Western operator, Original World Tours showcases our innovation: the world's first truly modular tour system.
You can join tours at multiple points, combine countries, and create custom journeys while still enjoying the intimacy and cultural depth of small group travel.
Our Journey Through Time
1997
Spirit of India Founded
Barbara Sansone launches Spirit of India, focusing exclusively on authentic cultural tours to India's most remote and traditional regions.
2001
Post-9/11 Expansion
When Asian travel plummeted, we expanded globally, becoming Original World Tours while maintaining our Spirit of India expertise.
2005
Middle East Pioneering
Among the first Western operators to offer cultural tours to Yemen, Oman, and other emerging Middle Eastern destinations.
2010
Modular Innovation
Developed our revolutionary modular tour system, allowing travelers to combine countries and customize journeys like never before.
2013
Saudi Arabia Opens
Among the first tour operators to gain access to Saudi Arabia when it opened to tourism, offering exclusive cultural experiences.
Current
Leading Cultural Travel
Today, we're recognized as pioneers in flexible small group travel, offering unmatched destination expertise and modular tour innovation.
Our permits, licensing, insurance protection
Seller of Travel Permit
# 2159368-40
Trust Fund
# 670433267 (ATF The State of California)
Professional Liability Insurance
Berkley Agency, Ltd
What Drives Us
Authentic Cultural Exchange
We don't just show you destinations – we connect you with local people, traditions, and ways of life that have remained unchanged for generations.
Flexible Innovation
Our modular tour system gives you unprecedented flexibility. Join tours at multiple points, combine countries, and create your perfect journey.
Small Group Intimacy
Maximum 12 people means genuine connections – with your fellow travelers, local guides, and the communities you visit.
Expert Local Knowledge
Our guides don't just know their destinations – they live and breathe them. You'll gain insights impossible to find in guidebooks.
Exclusive Access
We specialize in emerging and rarely visited destinations. Experience places before they become mainstream tourist destinations.
Annual Travel Planning
Our clients often plan entire years of travel with us, combining multiple tours across different seasons for maximum value and experience.
Our Team
Meet the passionate professionals behind your adventures.
Barbara Sansone
Owner
Barbara has been traveling the globe for over 50 years. She began her professional life as an educator for special needs children. Her love of photography beckoned her to become an editorial magazine photographer; which transitioned into marketing and public relations for arts, culture and non-profit organizations. In 1997 these experiences synthesized when she founded the travel company Spirit of India. From an in-depth specialization in India, which holds a very special place in her heart, Barbara expanded the focus to other countries with fascinating cultures and ancient civilizations. The addition of Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe to her portfolio of trips has helped grow this unique cultural tour company into Original World. Barbara’s goal has always been to offer authentic and personal travel experiences that foster understanding between people of different cultures. Talk to her in person and you’ll truly understand her depth of knowledge and passion for the destinations of Original World.
Cory C. Walker
Social Media Marketing Director
Corey has been in the marketing field for over 25 years.She is the six-time bestselling co-author of several editions of Instagram for Dummies, and Instagram for Business for Dummies. She is the owner of The Marketing Specialist, a digital marketing agency in El Dorado Hills, California. Corey has been working with Original World since 2011 providing social media planning, execution, ad buying, and email marketing.
Shelby Borenstadt
Customer Service
Customer relations specialist from Walnut Creek, California. Former professional soccer player with healthcare experience and extensive personal travel across Europe, Philippines, Australia, and West Africa.
Recognition & Expertise
Industry Pioneer
First to offer modular tour system with flexible join/exit points
Saudi Arabia Access
Among first Western operators granted access when Saudi opened to tourism
Featured in ITN
International Travel News reviews and featured articles
India Expertise
Most comprehensive India offerings of any Western tour operator
25+ Years Experience
Quarter-century of authentic cultural travel expertise
Small Group Specialists
Maximum 12 people guarantee for intimate cultural experiences
Discover Your Next Adventure
All of our Group Tours are also offered as Custom Private Tours. Some of the destinations we offer as Private Tours only.
