Expat Explore Tour Leaders
Our tour leaders are experts in their field and share their passion for travel with each and every single traveller on tour!
Each tour leader is fully trained in operating in their allocated destinations. Expat Explore is a member of the ETOA, which keeps us and our tour leaders up-to-date on the latest changes and operating requirements across our many destinations. Our tour leaders play a key role in ensuring our passengers make the most of their time abroad and leaving them with an unforgettable experience, on every tour, in every destination.
Interested in becoming a tour leader for Expat Explore? Please click here.
Aaron
Born and raised in Australia, Aaron left to travel when he was 18 years old. Since then, he has travelled, lived and worked in countries across Europe! He has a passion for food, and can usually be found pigging out on the local cuisine. Be sure to ask for his favourite local spots on tour.
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Aileen
English born with an Irish heart, Aileen has previously lived and worked in a number of different countries. She has since found a way to turn her passion for travelling into a career guiding tours in Europe! During her time off, she is always seeking new adventures and loves sampling culinary delights from various countries.
Antonio
New Tour Leader of the Year 2018
Specialist in Spain & Portugal tours
Antonio is from what he (and many others!) claim to be one of the best countries in the world, Portugal! He has been travelling in Europe for over 30 years and considers the whole continent to be his hometown. He has a passion for people and will introduce you to his many friends along the way.
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Branden
Branden comes from South Africa and has been a lot of things in his life. From working in restaurants and bars, a short professional rugby career, making beds and even becoming a chef. Nothing makes him happier than leading tours. His passion for travel is infectious and he loves sharing his life with new people from all over the world.
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Carl
Carl co-founded Expat Explore, after his first trip to Europe in 1997 inspired him to bring other expats to show them the sights! Today, Carl is a true explorer and the mastermind behind our fantastic itineraries. When he’s not on the road, he welcomes Expat Explore passengers to the Alpenrose Hotel & Gardens in Wilderswil, Switzerland.
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Charlie
South African Charles (you can call him Charlie!) worked in the advertising industry as a creative director for over a decade. However, he’s since changed course and joined the Expat Explore family as a tour leader. He’s all about cultivating safe spaces as diversity, inclusion and representation matter to him. Charlie believes that "we enrich our lives when we embrace new cultures and people not only from the countries we visit but on the coach itself with guests from all nationalities.”
Dee
New Tour Leader of the Year 2017
Tour Leader of the Year 2018
Specialist in Eastern Europe tours
Dee is originally from Poland and has spent the last eight years travelling, working and living abroad, in countries including Spain and Austria. Her favourite places in the world are in the Balkans, including Albania, Bulgaria and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and you’ll often find her leading tours through Eastern Europe!
Watch an update from Dee on Youtube
Danny
Originally from the Netherlands, raised in New Zealand by a Dutch dad and a Chilean mum, Danny has been travelling since before he was born. Through his travels he found a passion for sharing experiences and the telling the rich history of Europe with anyone who’d listen. He’s been touring since 2016 and these days splits his time between Europe and New Zealand. #followthesun
Diarmaid
Diarmaid hails from the Emerald Isle! From Dublin, Ireland, Diarmaid previously studied science at university but started working in tourism in 2016 and never looked back. It's a job that he loves because it opens him up to so many new experiences and cultures around the world. Diarmaid loves the outdoors and recently completed the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain.
Doan Cong Dinh (Mr Tom)
National Tour Guide in Vietnam
Mr Tom’s favourite thing about being a tour guide is showcasing the history, culture and traditional lifestyle of his beautiful country to the world! Some of his favourite things about Vietnam tours include HaLong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site seen during a scenic cruise, and how the hospitality of locals always puts a smile on traveller’s faces. Not forgetting to mention Vietnam’s unique local cuisine which combines five flavours: bitterness, heat, sourness, saltiness and sweetness with artful cooking techniques!
Ege
Ege has been a national guide in Türkiye since 2014 and an Expat Explore tour leader for two years. He absolutely loves his native country and feels great happiness when telling people about Turkey’s history, culture and its many beautiful sights. He believes that everyone should see Türkiye and spend time in this magnificent country at least once in their lifetime. He invites you all to explore the cradle of civilisation with him!
Emiliano
Emiliano was born and raised in Buenos Aires and loves bringing some Argentinian flavour to his Expat Explore tours. He has lived and worked in Argentina, Chile and Barcelona. Emiliano believes that the most important things in life are human interaction, laughing, learning and discovering with others. His motto is "live life and let things flow!"
Emma
Emma moved from Melbourne to London to work as a travel agent, and after selling so many tours couldn’t resist the urge to get out and do them herself! The thing Emma loves best about travel is being able to try new things and experience new cultures – “Travel forces you to get out of your comfort zone whether you like it or not!”
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Emma O
Born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, Emma found her passion for leading tours at the age of 19, when she started working as a tour guide in the Opera House of Budapest. She soon became a licensed tour guide and began leading tours in other central European countries. She couldn’t imagine not living in a big city, but also can’t wait to get away from the hustle and bustle and spends much of her free time hiking in nature.
Fabio
Born and raised in Italy, Fabio has been in the travel industry for more than 14 years. He started as a driver but always dreamed of becoming a tour leader. Today, his dream is a reality as he leads Expat Explore travellers from all over the world around Europe! Fabio is passionate about tennis, food, and, of course, travel. His suitcase is always packed so that he is always ready create memorable travel moments!
Gabi
Originally from beautiful Budapest, Hungary, Gabi has lived in several different places all over the world, including Italy, Mexico, Thailand and Australia. She has worked as a tour leader since 2014 and loves to share fun and little-known facts with her passengers. When she’s not leading tours in Europe, you can find her hiking in Nepal or weightlifting in the gym!
Gustavo
New Tour Leader of the Year 2016
Tour Leader of the Year 2019
Specialist in Spain & Portugal tours
Originally from Portugal, Gustavo has been touring Europe for 15 years. He’s seen pretty much all there is to see of the continent, so be sure to ask him for his travel tips and personal recommendations on the road!
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Inga
Originally from Norway, Inga has lived the past 9 years in Ireland. She trained as an opera singer, archaeologist and a cybersecurity professional until she finally found her true calling as a European tour leader! A true lover of travel, Inga is passionate about sharing her favourite places with others. “Nothing broadens the mind like travel!
Jared
Jared grew up in a small country town near Melbourne, Australia, before catching the travel bug in his early twenties and never looking back. Jared has lived, worked and studied in the UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Spain and has been guiding tours in Europe for more than five years! Jared loves cities and the countryside in equal measure and his passions include history, mountains, sport, hiking and most importantly, food.
Jasmin
Jasmin is from Salzburg, Austria but is lucky to live in sunny Barcelona these days. She loves multi-country tours as they cover some of her favourite activities, which are anything outdoors or connected to food. Holding a degree in Italian Literature, she is passionate about languages and culture. Leading tours for 12 years, she is excited about showing others the beauty of each and every country they visit with her.
Jemma
English, born and bred but blessed with a kiwi passport. Jemma has been working and travelling around the world for the last 13 years teaching English and leading tours on various continents. She is passionate about sustainable travel, anything Italian & most importantly... karaoke.
John
Specialist in Spain & Portugal tours
John was born in Liverpool, England, but moved to Australia to work as a dancer. When he decided to hang up his boogie boots, he returned to Europe to embark on a life of adventure and travel! He still loves to learn the local styles of dance while travelling, from Salsa in Colombia to Kathak in India.
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Justin
When Justin was 7, his parents took him on a two year adventure to see the world. Not officially schooled during this time, his job was to research the countries and places they were to visit and help out with directions - what choice did he have but to become a tour leader? After returning to Australia for regular schooling, he completed a degree in Journalism, History, Linguistics and International Relations before becoming a full-time nomad in 2003. He started leading tours in 2006 and has been tour leading, travelling or surfing ever since.
Kevin
Tour Leader of the Year 2016
Born in Dover, on the south coast of England, Kevin has been touring Europe for 16 years and has visited almost every country on the continent. One of his biggest passions is trying the local food, so if you want any restaurant recommendations on tour don't hesitate to ask him!
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Kriszti
A Hungarian native with a teaching background. One day Kriszti googled interesting jobs. She landed on tour leader and has now, very happily, led tours for over a decade, never looking back! When she is not roaming around Europe she works as a local guide in Lisbon, Portugal. She loves people, studying, food, and thinks she has the best job in the entire world!
Larry
Larry always knew from the time he saw his first map that he wanted to be a world traveller. Born in New York City, he has travelled independently to all fifty states and 135 countries. After working for fourteen years as a radio and television news and talk show producer, he decided he was more suited for the travel industry and has been leading tour groups since 2004.
Luke
New Tour Leader of the Year 2019
Specialist in UK & Ireland tours
Luke is from London and has a passion for good times! Whether exploring the medieval towns of Bavaria, hiking the mountains of Switzerland or riding gondolas in Venice his relentless excitement for just about everything will surely become yours as we invite you to join his GOOD TIMES GANG!
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Marty
Originally from Slovakia, Marty has lived in six countries, including the USA, Australia, Germany and even Andorra. She speaks 5 languages and has worked as a tour leader for over 15 years now. Marty truly loves everything about Europe: history, food and culture. Nothing makes her happier than sharing her knowledge of places with her passengers and making their trip magical. When she is not leading tours, Marty is travelling the world! In 2022, her dream to be one of the few women to visit every country in the world came true when she explored her 195th country!
Marysol
Specialist in Spain & Portugal tours
Half Spanish and half German, Marysol was born in Venezuela but raised in France. She speaks many languages, and is starting to worry that it will be difficult to choose one to have a conversation in when she gets old! When not on the Expat Explore coach, you’ll find her on stage or curled up with a good book.
Matt
Specialist in Greece & Balkans tours
Matt is a former Police Officer from Queensland, Australia who took a career break to travel Europe and loved it so much he never went home. He has since lead Island Hopping Tours of his favourite country Greece, coach tours through mainland Europe as well as parts of Scandinavia and Russia. He has also spent seasons leading tours around South East Asia through countries such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and his second-favourite country of Vietnam. His love of everything Europe though has brought him back and is now an enthusiastic member of the Expat Family.
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Watch an update from Matt on Youtube
Matthew
Specialist in South Africa tours
South African born, Matthew enjoys lekker chats around the Braai and seeing everything Africa has to offer. He has a keen passion for history, animals and the birds of Southern Africa. Matthew enjoys meeting people along the way and learning about other cultures and funny stories.
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Michelle
Michelle is from Australia and has been travelling on and off for over 15 years. She’s visited almost 100 countries but has a soft spot for Europe and the variety of delights it has on offer! Previously, Michelle worked in an office job before the travel bug got the better of her. She has 10 years of experience working as a guide in Central and Eastern Europe. Her (not-so-guilty) secret pleasure is watching terrible reality tv shows!
Mike
Mr ‘did you know’ Mike has two passions: travel and history! Born in Hertfordshire, England, Mike has travelled Europe extensively, and also grew up visiting relatives in Southeast Asia. He likes to push himself outside of his comfort zone, whether that be travelling Vietnam on a motorcycle, mountain climbing in Morocco, or volunteering in Nicaragua!
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Mike
Specialist in Great Britain tours
Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, Mike specialises in our tours of Great Britain. Passionate about the incredible history of England, Scotland and Wales, Mike is also a fantastic storyteller, and loves to share his dramatic tales and interesting facts on tour!
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Nguyen Nam Phong (Mr Frank)
National Tour Guide in Vietnam
Being a tour guide gives Mr Frank the opportunity to socialise with friends from all over the world! Mr Frank enjoys connecting various types of people on his tours such as vendors, customers and locals. He is excited for travellers to learn all about Vietnam’s history and culture and for them to admire some of the world’s best landscapes. Vietnam is a safe country, home to very friendly people and so many beautiful places and historical buildings.
Noddy
My name is Nicole but only my mum calls me this! I’m Noddy. I’m a professional traveller who has been to every continent and over 100 countries. I’ve been in the business of taking happy passengers around Europe and Australia for over 10 years. I love talking about history and all the delicious and diverse food and drinks that we encounter along the way. In my personal time I visit places that are off the beaten track and I love outdoor adventure and hiking. I don’t see this as a job but more as a lifestyle. I love meeting new people, enriching their travel experiences and inspiring them to explore the world.
Pauline
Pauline is from Leeds, England, and lives with her two daughters. She is passionate about travelling, history, culture and food. Pauline spent 13 years living and working in Barcelona, Spain. During the winter, she would travel to the mountains of Andorra, where she managed a travel company specialising in ski trips for schools and colleges. A graduate from the University of Leeds, she is now undertaking a masters. Pauline is fluent in Spanish and when not on tour, works in high schools as a supply teacher or supports young people in supported housing. She loves to share stories of her experiences and looks forward to exciting times with her tour groups.
Phan Cao Nhan (Mr Jackie)
National Tour Guide in Vietnam
Being a tour guide, Mr Jackie has had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. He is honoured to act as an ambassador for the nation and to be able to introduce Vietnam's history, culture, customs and cuisine to the world! Mr Jackie's goal is to showcase all aspects of Vietnam, not just its history of war but also the new, beautiful face of this lovely country!
Phan Vu Huy Tuan (Mr Tuan)
National Tour Guide in Vietnam
Tour Leader Mr Tuan was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City. He has a great source of knowledge and provides valuable insight into the history and cultural aspects of Vietnam during his tours. He is a dedicated, punctual and entertaining guide.
Porfirio
Porfírio is from a small fishing village just 20 minutes north of Porto, Portugal called Apúlia. He loves the beach and never says no to seafood. He drinks local beer in the summer and red wine in the winter. He has been touring around Europe for the past 10 years and loves this lifestyle. It is his passion to travel and is always curious to find and explore new destinations.
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Watch an update from Porfirio on Youtube
Peter K
While Peter was born in Perth, Australia, he calls Edinburgh, Scotland, home these days. Starting his career as a marine biologist, he discovered that dissecting fish all day might not be the dream he always had, so he turned to his next greatest love, travelling. He takes great inspiration and passion from his mother's travel experience, as her love for European history and culture has clearly rubbed off on him. On the road since 2013 and tour leading since 2017, Peter has a great passion for two things - the next destination and the next meal! He can't wait to share this love with you all on the road!
Rachelle
Specialist in Eastern Europe tours
Rachelle first packed her bags and left Australia in 2006, to work a ski season in the Rocky Mountains. The travel bug hit, and she hasn’t stopped travelling since! She loves meeting the locals and exploring the back streets of new destinations. She is also a language-aficionado, and can usually be found in any non-English speaking country!
Watch an update from Rachelle on Youtube
Roma
Tour Leader of the Year 2014
Specialist in Italy tours
Lithuanian by birth, Roma is based in Rome (how fitting!) and specialises in running our Italian tours. Fluent in English, Russian, Lithuanian and of course Italian, she's full of enthusiasm for Italy, one of her favourite countries - and one of ours too!
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Watch an update from Roma on Youtube
Shabby
Specialist in Italy tours
Born in Britain and made on the sunny island of Malta, Shabby lives in a 16th century knight’s house! She's guided guests through the sights and bites of 38 European countries since joining Expat Explore in 2015, so good eating is guaranteed when you’re on tour with this suit-wearing storyteller.
Sergio
Sergio, known to his friends as Piña, hails from sunny Spain and absolutely loves being a tour leader. He began his career in tourism working as a ski instructor and has lived in “every place with a mountain”. During the summer, he prefers to move to coastal regions and, aside from leading Expat Explore tours, teaches sailing! With Sergio’s diverse travel experience, he is able to adapt to new situations and different people with ease. He believes that everyone has a story to tell and loves connecting with people while having fun on the road.
Sreyneang
National Tour Guide in Cambodia
Sreyneang has been working as a tour guide for five years and will continue to work as one for a long time! He loves his job because he enjoys showcasing beautiful places in Cambodia and sharing history, culture, society and much more with travellers from all over the world. Most importantly, he loves to meet new people every year. From these new friends he learns new things and believes these travellers will help himself and his country to grow.
Steve
New Tour Leader of the Year 2015
Born in the UK, Steve has lived and worked in places all over the world! Various Greek islands, Finnish Lapland, France, Andorra, Austria and the UAE have all been called home at one point or another. Now living in Canada, Steve crosses the pond to lead tours across Europe!
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Victoria
Specialises in Multi Country Tours
Vic has lived all over the world. Half kiwi, half British, born and grew up in Hong Kong, studied in Auckland and lived in Colorado, Switzerland, Ireland, Turkey and Spain She has worked leading tours for well over 10 years. Showing people around and helping them to have a fun and stress-free travel experience is what brings her joy. "I have a genuine passion for exploring this incredible planet of ours and I look forward to you joining me for the ride!" Vic also loves organising so she spends half her time in the office and half out on the road keeping her finger on the pulse and mentoring other crew. Vic is a specialist in all things food and wine related.
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Watch an update from Victoria on Youtube
Vivien
Specialist in Italy tours
Vivien was born and raised in Hungary, and from an early age had a fascination and love for Italy. She later followed in the footsteps of her grandma, who was also a European tour leader. She has now been leading tours for six years and loves to just wander and explore, and she tries to encourage her travellers to do exactly that.
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Will
Specialist in Russia tours
Originally from Canada, Will lived in Australia before moving to Europe to lead tours with Expat Explore. His favourite countries are Australia and Russia, but he can be found anywhere else with a good beach, good food and good SCUBA diving!
Watch an update from Will on Youtube
Willem
Specialist in South Africa tours
Willem is a South African who loves his country, its history, sports and music. He enjoys meeting new people, experiencing their cultures and creating wonderful memories. Join him on our fantastic South African tours to experience the very best of the Rainbow Nation!
Yous Sopanha
National Tour Guide in Cambodia
Words cannot express how excellent Yous Sopanha is. His knowledge, attention to every detail and enthusiasm for guiding people around are incredible. Travellers particularly respect his awareness of safety at all times and his professionalism in dealing with difficulties wherever they arise. He always goes out of his way to solve problems for other participants.
Zema
Specialist in South America tours
Zema was born in Brazil and has worked all over Central and South America. A true traveller and Latin-American enthusiast, he'll be able to show all the big sights and local secrets of this amazing continent!
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Watch an update from Zema on Youtube
Expat Explore Coach Drivers
Our team of experienced coach drivers ensure that our travellers are able to explore their dream travel destinations in comfort. With a commitment to safety and a passion for discovery and seeing the world, you can travel with confidence knowing you're in safe hands with our trusted coach drivers! Take a look at a few members of the team below:
Alex
Say hello to Alex, or, as travellers on his tours know him, AAAlex! Alex joined the Expat Explore crew in 2019 and has 10 years of driving experience under his belt. For Alex, his job is all about the people he works with and he is passionate about showcasing Europe to travellers in a safe and fun way! Alex loves his job and sharing his sense of humour with everyone. He strives to be friendly and helpful and is always willing to go the extra mile for his tours!
Alessandro
Alessandro was born in Venice and has always had a passion for travel. Following his studies in tourism, he obtained his bus license and has since been driving tourists around Europe and Australia for over 10 years. Alessandro loves that no two days are the same when you're on the road and loves sharing fun facts and local insights about his home country of Italy with all of his passengers.
Bogdan
Expat Explore coach driver Bogdan calls the beautiful country of Romania home. He worked as a Police Officer in his home country for several years before working as a lorry driver around Europe. Bogdan began his career in tourism in 2015 and hasn’t looked back since! He has been driving coach tours around Europe for over 8 years and can’t wait to drive Expat Explore travellers to more beautiful destinations.
Chris
Originally from Poland, Chris previously lived and worked in Ireland where he began his career in tourism. He started driving coaches around Europe in 2010 and has enjoyed being on the road ever since! Chris loves driving, travelling across Europe and meeting new people from all over the world. Luckily, Expat Explore offers him the perfect opportunity to do all of the things he loves!
Damian
Expat Explore coach driver Damian is from Poland and has several years of coach driving experience under his belt! Damian loves travelling around Europe. He is passionate about safely transporting travellers on tours and helping them to experience incredible destinations across this vast and varied continent!
Florentin
Florentin has been working in the tourism industry for many years! From 2003 until 2014, he worked as a receptionist and front desk manager. In 2015, he hit the road for the first time and has been driving tour coaches and seeing incredible sights around Europe ever since. He loves working for Expat Explore and is looking forward to continuing his work with us in the future
Gareth
Gareth has been blessed with an Irish Passport and a love of driving. He has over 13 years of experience coach driving, with almost 10 years of those driving throughout Europe. Gareth has a keen interest in older vehicles, is a mechanic by trade and restores classic cars in his spare time. His bucket list goal is to finish walking the entire length of the Camino de Santiago (500km to go!).
Ishti
Hungarian-born Istvan (Ishti) lives in Transylvania, Romania, and has been driving coaches around Europe since 2010. Ishti has always loved being on the road! After getting his driver's license and prior to his career in tourism, Ishti travelled all around Europe. His love for travel was truly sparked while living in the USA for a few years. Here, he completed an impressive 12,000 mile road trip and his passion for travel has been growing more and more ever since! Today, Ishti loves meeting new people, driving and exploring new places. He's looking forward to showing Expat Explore travellers the whole of Europe!
Lukas
While growing up in the north of Poland, Lukas became fascinated by WWII history and dreamed of becoming a history teacher. Today, he shares his passion and knowledge with travellers from all over the world! Lukas has been on the road for 10 years, has been driving with Expat Explore since 2019 and is a specialist in Scandinavian tours. When he’s not driving, he loves to sail on Poland‘s beautiful lakes!
Silvian
Expat Explore coach driver Silvian was born and raised in Romania and has been driving coaches around Europe for the past 15 years. He believes that there is no better way to feed his passion for driving and travelling!