Wayne Ranney is Professor of Geology at Coconino College in Flagstaff, Arizona. He has written many award-winning books and is a veteran of expedition travel, having visited and lectured on all seven continents in over 75 countries, from Antarctica to Zimbabwe. An expert in making the diverse landscapes of the world come alive for fellow travelers, Wayne looks forward to sharing his insights into for the spectacular mountains, coral reefs, jungles, and deserts we will encounter.

Bob Smolik is a veteran diplomat who has represented the United States at embassies throughout Europe and at international organizations such as the United Nations, NATO, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. He is now senior advisor for Europe at the UN. As political advisor to U.S. military commanders in Europe and Africa, he worked in conflict mediation and, as an economic diplomat, he has helped to open foreign markets to U.S. investors and traders on a fair and equal basis. He served as ambassador of American society and culture, and helped Washington leaders understand the politics and economics of other nations. As an international lecturer on anti-corruption and good governance, he has worked in more than 30 countries throughout Latin America, Africa, and Europe. He engages audiences with passion and expertise, offering a look “behind the scenes” at how foreign cultures view the world. He holds graduate degrees from Berkeley and Harvard, an undergraduate degree from Cornell, and he is fluent in five Romance languages.

Micheline Place has been successfully leading trips to the far reaches of the globe for more than 25 years. She led her first expedition for TCS & Starquest Expeditions in 1991 and has been taking our guests around the world each year ever since. Her keen attention to detail and passion for world cultures serves our guests very well. She is fluent in French, German, and Italian, and lives in Paris, France, where she regularly guides select groups throughout her home country. Click to hear more from Micheline on how TCS makes each journey special, and to learn more about TCS & Starquest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s7IFhfEuFQ&feature=youtu.be