Europe, Pacific Trip Leader

James Fuss

Languages Spoken: English, French, German & Nepali

James Fuss is a trekking guide, photographer, cyclist, and chef extraordinaire. Born and raised in South Australia, James found his wanderlust early on family camping trips across Australia. His love of the culinary arts is deep-rooted as well, and as a young chef, he headed off to Europe to expand his repertoire. A WT leader since 1997, James is always up for an adventure, from the mountains of Europe to the shores of Tasmania. “It's a joy to guide in such divergent places. I love the gastronomic diversity of Europe, especially France. And I'm always happy to help trip members discover the pristine wilderness, unique wildlife, bountiful seafood, and superb wines of Tasmania. Wherever I'm guiding, I try to make a journey a once-in-a-lifetime experience for people.” James is conversant in French, German, and Nepali, and when he's not guiding, he enjoys camping, boating, and fishing with family and friends.

Our Team

Upcoming Trips with James

Wild Tasmania

Jan 10 - 20, 2025

Jan 31 - Feb 10, 2025

Feb 21 - Mar 3, 2025

Mar 14 - 24, 2025

Nov 7 - 17, 2025

Dec 5 - 15, 2025

Jan 9 - 19, 2026

Feb 6 - 16, 2026

Feb 27 - Mar 9, 2026

Mar 20 - 30, 2026

View Trip

Hiking Australia’s Northern Territory

Jun 14 - 27, 2025

Jun 29 - Jul 12, 2025

View Trip

Treasures of the Dolomites

Aug 5 - 14, 2025

View Trip

Hiking Bergamo to Innsbruck

Aug 19 - 30, 2025

View Trip

Normandy and Brittany

Sep 24 - Oct 3, 2025

View Trip

Client Testimonials

James was an amazing guide and leader on this trip. Now I understand why so many clients come back because of James!

Aimee H.

Marina del Rey, CA
Wild Tasmania

I loved having James as a leader! He was funny, knowledgable, caring—a great all-around guy.

Aletha M.

Hattiesburg, MS
Mont Blanc to the Mediterranean

James Fuss is an amazing person. He is warm and kind, gregarious, sharing all that he has and knows with others. He appears to be easy going but in fact works very hard to make people happy and help things run smoothly. It is clear that he knows and loves Provence and all the food and wine.

Angela T.

Manhasset, NY
Great Hikes and Cuisine of Provence

James was excellent—knowledgeable, engaging, and made sure all aspects of the trip went well for all.

Art G.

San Rafael, CA
Mont Blanc to the Mediterranean

James was ever energetic, full of positive spirit, and went out of his way to make each day special and full of surprises.

Barbarau H.

Berkeley, CA
Glacier Express

James is very entertaining and knowledgeable. He has the greatest collection of clean jokes of anyone I've met!

Bix W.

Pebble Beach, CA
Normandy and Brittany

We loved being with James—kind, witty, fun, curious, an excellent communicator, knows the area backwards and forwards. We really benefitted from his knowledge and interest in food and wine. His choices were terrific, and we are big foodies. We are looking into taking more trips with him—he's a treasure.

Bonnie B.

Seattle, WA

James was wonderful - the best guide I've had on a trip. He went out of his way to make sure everyone was happy and anticipated our every need.

Carol M.

Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Wild Tasmania

James was great and really does a great job in allowing a broad understanding of life in Tasmania.

Craig K.

Sewickley, PA
Wild Tasmania

James's infectious, gregarious personality coupled with his amazing command and handling of our group made us feel he is just a superb adventure travel guide.<br />

Cynthia C.

Sarasota, FL
Hiking the Haute Route

James was a fun and high energy trip leader, and we especially appreciated that he noticed the tastes and interests of the group and responded with great new ideas and side trips when possible. We were all foodies, so James' background as a chef really fit with our personalities.

Cynthia S.

San Diego, CA
Medieval France: The Lot Valley

James is an exceptionally talented leader, extraordinarily knowledgeable about the culture, history, plants, and people of Tasmania. He varies his trip according to the skills and preferences of the clients. He’s also a lot of fun to be around!

Debbie O.

Franklin, TN
Wild Tasmania

If there was a rating higher than excellent, James would deserve it. He gives 110% and makes certain everyone comes home with experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.</p>

Diane S.

Vista, CA
Great Alpine Traverse

This was my third trip with James. He does a great job of organizing and making everyone feel welcome. Always pleasant and cheerful, keeps everything on track, and easily handles problems that arise. He definitely makes the trip enjoyable.

Eric D.

Danville, CA
Ultimate Dolomites

James is amazing. Warm and funny and easygoing and also so very competent and skilled in the areas and the experience. He did some "off trail" hikes with us that were beyond amazing.

Gerri G.

Atlanta, GA

What can I say? James continues to go well above and beyond to give his clients a great travel experience. I can't say enough great things about his trip leadership style, diligence, and attention to detail.

Greg P.

San Antonio, TX
Wild Tasmania

James somehow commanded a complicated itinerary and clients with varying hiking skills flawlessly. His enthusiasm, knowledge of the area, love of cuisine, and particularly his close relationships with many of the hotel and hut proprietors elevated everybody's experience miles beyond expectations.

Kate F.

Santa Monica, CA
Great Alpine Traverse

James is extraordinary in his enthusiasm and knowledge of every aspect of “Tassie.” The mix of activities—hiking, sailing, beachcombing—was terrific. The balance between town and country was perfect. Bravo!

Kathy K.

Chicago IL
Wild Tasmania

James went out of his way to make this trip a truly memorable experience. His appreciation of food and wine was an extra added touch. He made every day a joy!

Leslie B.

Oakland CA
Wild Tasmania

James was a great leader, entertainer, and food / wine connoisseur. Could not have asked for a better person to lead this trip—he has an awesome knowledge and love for Tasmania.

Lindsay E.

Los Angeles, CA
Wild Tasmania

James' friendly, approachable nature and passion for fun kept the mood light and the group laughing. Coupled with his extensive mountain experience and culinary/wine enthusiasm, James' leadership gave the trip additional depth and dimension.

Lisa B.

South Dartmouth, MA

How can you not love and appreciate James? A consummate professional, terrific person, and joy to be around.

Lisa W.

St. Simons Island, GA
Hiking in the Cortina Dolomites

What an amazing person James is! He handled all of the arrangements smoothly, and made even the van rides entertaining. His knowledge of food and wine really added to our enjoyment of the trip (not to mention our waistlines).

Lyn S.

Las Vegas, NV
Wild Tasmania

James really knows how to make a trip fun. I never tire of his jokes!

Margie R.

Plymouth, CA
Ultimate Dolomites

James was a hoot from the get-go, with a steady supply of good humor, jokes, puns, and good-natured ribbing enjoyed by all in our group. He led us on a few memorable off-trail hikes through fields, alongside bulls/cows, that I will always remember as they were fun contrasts to the limestone mountain trails.

Michael M.

Atlanta, GA

James' ready sense of humor and concern for our welfare were a good combination.

Nancy P.

Los Angeles, CA
Normandy and Brittany

James is a lot of fun and very client oriented.

Patricia A.

Vancouver, Canada
Great Alpine Traverse

James is one of the best leaders I have ever had. He clearly loves Tasmania and wants to show us why. He also goes out of way to accommodate participants.

Penny A.

Los Angeles, CA
Wild Tasmania

To have a former chef as a guide in France was a real bonus for a group of foodies!

Peter A.

Surrey, BC
Medieval France: The Lot Valley

This was our second trip with James, 'le bon vivant,' culinary maestro, and wine enthusiast. James adds fun (and an endless stream of jokes) to his contributions of knowledge and globe-hiking experiences and stories to the journey.

Richard Y.

Ellicott City, MD
Mont Blanc to the Mediterranean

James is above excellent. He goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is having a great experience. He is a true professional with vast knowledge of Tasmania, and his relationship with locals really makes a trip witha  great amount of movement go smoothly.

Rick G.

Brighton, MA
Wild Tasmania

Outstanding, lots of fun, gave us more than we ever expected.

Ron W.

Pittsford NY
Everest Adventure

James is incredibly knowledgeable and full of fun and warmth. He brings a sense of fun and story whereever he is.

Stephanie B.

Emeryville, CA
Hiking in the Cortina Dolomites

James made me laugh so hard every day! He was always smiling as he managed the needs and desires of 14 people. His selection of food, wine, restaurants, activities, optional hikes, his ability to get us all where we needed or wanted to be...he was tireless in caring for the clients.

Susan I.

Boulder, CO
Great Alpine Traverse

This trip was a great adventure. I returned home addicted to traveling and exploring new places. James has a genuine love for Nepal, its people and culture.

Susan M.

San Francisco CA
Ultimate Everest

James was fantastic in picnic preparation, funny stories, and all around engagement with the group. His gifts as a leader were apparent and we will seek him out for future trips.

Suzanne and Brady M.

Friendswood, TX
Medieval France: The Lot Valley

James Fuss is a master of his profession. I’ve been a guide myself and he’s the best I’ve ever seen.

Victoria A.

Ojai, CA
Ultimate Everest

Book Your Trip Today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our adventures around the world. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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He is a true professional with vast knowledge of Tasmania, and his relationship with locals really makes a trip witha&#160; great amount of movement go smoothly.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Ron W.","GuestLocation":"Pittsford NY<br \/>Everest Adventure","GuestReview":"Outstanding, lots of fun, gave us more than we ever expected.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Stephanie B.","GuestLocation":"Emeryville, CA<br \/>Hiking in the Cortina Dolomites","GuestReview":"James is incredibly knowledgeable and full of fun and warmth. He brings a sense of fun and story whereever he is.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Susan I.","GuestLocation":"Boulder, CO<br \/>Great Alpine Traverse","GuestReview":"James made me laugh so hard every day! He was always smiling as he managed the needs and desires of 14 people. His selection of food, wine, restaurants, activities, optional hikes, his ability to get us all where we needed or wanted to be...he was tireless in caring for the clients.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Susan M.","GuestLocation":"San Francisco CA<br \/>Ultimate Everest","GuestReview":"This trip was a great adventure. I returned home addicted to traveling and exploring new places. James has a genuine love for Nepal, its people and culture.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Suzanne and Brady M.","GuestLocation":"Friendswood, TX<br \/>Medieval France: The Lot Valley","GuestReview":"James was fantastic in picnic preparation, funny stories, and all around engagement with the group. His gifts as a leader were apparent and we will seek him out for future trips.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Victoria A.","GuestLocation":"Ojai, CA<br \/>Ultimate Everest","GuestReview":"James Fuss is a master of his profession. I&#8217;ve been a guide myself and he&#8217;s the best I&#8217;ve ever seen.","TripName":""}]}