Eszter Foldvary began guiding and leading expeditions after graduating in 1978 from tourism school in Hungary. “I could not picture myself as a teacher…I like to work with people and am interested in traveling….I never wanted to do anything else in my life,” says Eszter. She has led private jet journeys throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and many other places around the world. Eszter's vast experience, interest in the history of art, ability to speak multiple languages (Hungarian, English, French, and German), and excellent organizational skills serve our travelers very well.

Micheline Place has been successfully leading trips, including dozens of private jet expeditions to the far reaches of the globe for more than 25 years. She is fluent in French, German, and Italian, and lives in France, where she regularly guides select groups throughout her home country.

Carsten Stehr is a veteran of educational private jet and yacht travel, and has been leading travelers to every corner of the globe since 1995. He was born in Berlin, Germany, and is fluent in English, German, and Greek. Carsten holds a BFA in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design, and resides on the Greek Island of Mykonos, where he pursues his art and manages his champagne bar, "Jackie O." Carsten's experience in leading, scouting, and advancing trips worldwide, combined with his extensive art and business background and keen interest in the cultures, architecture, and history of the world make him an invaluable asset to the success of our expeditions. 

For more than a decade, Richard Butler has led expeditions across all seven continents and has traveled to more than 125 countries. He has participated in more than 60 private jet trips, as an expedition leader or an advance person, and has scouted many new destinations for these expeditions. Richard received a degree in Politics from the University of Southampton, England, which sparked his long-standing interest in the people, cultures, and societies of the world. Richard lives in southwest England with his wife and two children. Described as a calm and 'unflappable' leader, his comprehensive knowledge of destinations serves us well.

Amanda Ellerbeck Butler has been an expedition leader on both overland and shipboard programs all over the world. Her travels have taken her on in-depth explorations of Easter Island and Africa, and several private jet expeditions, including Lands of the Midnight Sun. Amanda has also led travelers through the South Pacific, Asia, Europe, South America, and Antarctica. She lends her expertise and lively sense of humor to expeditions that begin in London, U.K.

Susan Cegavske left the corporate world to pursue her passion for travel and has visited many countries throughout Asia and the Pacific including Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal, New Zealand, and Australia. She lived in India to study yoga and Sanskrit, Italy to study art history, and the Alaskan bush to enjoy the land and work at various luxury lodges. She has been an Assistant Expedition Leader on numerous private jet trips and did advance work in Cambodia and Easter Island. She is a graduate of Oregon State University and, when not traveling, is a yoga instructor.

Rachel Dicker took her first trip to China in 1979 and has been traveling ever since. Rachel has been in the tour industry for over a decade and her country of expertise is China, where she lives. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology from Mt. Holyoke College in Massachusetts and speaks Mandarin, German, Spanish, and English. Rachel’s advance work includes destinations in Mongolia, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Lynn Garrison has an extensive background in both planning and guiding tours around the world. Lynn also works as an expedition staff member for private jet programs. Other experiences include leading safaris in Africa and directing groups at the Olympics in Sydney, Australia, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Torino, Italy.

Neil Holbrook-Smith has over 25 year’s experience in the travel industry, has visited 200 countries, and has led groups all over the world on private ships, trains, and jets. Neil also has the distinction of having led two major firsts in overland travel: he led the first European group from Kathmandu, Nepal to Tibet; and he led the first European group through Pakistan’s Khunjerab Pass and Karakoram Highway. He has done advance work in dozens of countries, paving the way for our arrival with extensive preparations at hotels, local tour operators, and guides; has scouted new destinations; and helps plan small, private trips for families and friends. Neil speaks English, French, and Spanish, and brings a wealth of destination knowledge to his work.

Mari Hunyadi recently embarked on a career in the travel industry after years of inspiration in the form of postcards she received from friends and family traveling around the world. They motivated her to go and see those far-flung places for herself, and to learn about local customs and traditions. She is fluent in English, French, and Hungarian, has done advance work in Ethiopia and Morocco. Mari is an experienced Assistant Expedition Leader on our Around the World by Private Jet expeditions.

Leslie Knopfler embarked on a career in travel and hospitality after working and studying in Napa Valley, California. Leslie began leading groups through the wine-growing regions of South Africa, South America, New Zealand, and Australia. Leslie graduated from Virginia Tech, and is a certified sommelier with a passion for regional food specialties and cooking methods. Working in corporate travel since 1991, she’s led groups from Auckland to the Zambezi River, and planned hospitality programs at world-class events such as the Olympics, the Super Bowl, and the World Cup. Leslie supports our programs both in the air and on the ground with her trademark attention to the tiniest detail.