WHO WE ARE
About Merakiva Travel
Merakiva Travel offers travel for deep connection — connection to the past, connection to communities, connection to fellow travelers.
We offer group trips for the young and young-at-heart, who want to meet new people and travel back in time with archaeologically enhanced travel experiences.
Our trips are heavily researched and are crafted with hands-on-knowledge from traveling the world.
For independent travelers and groups, we also offer bespoke travel planning. Be it a honeymoon to Italy or a family reunion cruise, we can help plan it.
Your time is limited. Travel is precious. So when you travel, do it with passion.
Read My
Story
Marshall Schurtz, PhD
Founder and Chief Tour GUide
I’m an archaeologist turned tour guide, travel leader, and Founder of Merakiva Travel.
For over 10 years, I traveled the world as an archaeologist, excavating ancient sites in countries like Spain, Lebanon, and Iraq.
After finishing my PhD, and fulfilling my childhood dream, I moved into the corporate world. In that time, I worked in marketing, product development, and strategy. There were positives, but there were also negatives.
One day, out of nowhere, I got laid off.
I’ve always felt most fulfilled when surrounded by a community and happiest when forming deep connections. And traveling has often been the catalyst for those spontaneous connections with strangers.
My next step was obvious: combine my love of travel and community with my passion for storytelling and history. My vision is to create 10,000 new friendships and help 10,000 people discover a past they never knew existed.
Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to building Merakiva Travel, creating exceptional trips and unique experiences. It began in Philadelphia with a series of walking tours (where I’m proud to have a 100% 5-star rating!) and continues on group trips across the sea.
Whenever I can, I’m out there leading trips and giving tours because I love seeing the joy a great travel experience can bring. I’m ready to bring even more people to amazing places and bring together groups of like-minded travelers to become friends.
Meaning
What is "Mērakíva"?
Merakiva is an word that embodies the mission and value of the company. It combines the Greek word “Meraki” with the Pueblan word “Kiva.”
Meraki
(Greek, adv.) Loosely translated as “doing something with your entire soul” or “doing something with passion.”
Kiva
(Hopi, n.) A large circular chamber in Pueblan villages where the whole community came together, often for religious ceremonies or to connect to their ancestors.
Merakiva
The feeling of doing something with passion and purpose, together with your community.
We know that travel has the power to unlock that feeling.
Mērakíva
The feeling of doing something with your entire soul, together with your community
Watch
The Video Story
Watch the full story of why I founded Merakiva Travel and my vlog of going to Spain to research the Astronomy, Astrology, and Archaeology in Andalucia Trip.
Explore the world
Book a Tour Now
Take a group trip around the world. Engage with places and experience the power of being there. Learn with us about the past, history, archaeology and culture.
Let Us Plan Your Trip
Work with us to create your dream trip itinerary. Your time is valuable — how valuable? Take a look at our interactive tool.
