Our superb professional tour directors who manage each TGT trip are some of the best in the field with many years experience in Europe and the US. You can count on them to be available to handle problems, and your safety and security twenty-four hours a day every day. In addition, their extensive knowledge of our destinations complements that of our expert local guides.
(photos right, top to bottom)
James M’Kenzie-Hall
James is a native of Oxfordshire, and educated at Durham University, the Courtauld Institute of Art and the University of Paris-Sorbonne IV where he obtained his MA degree in the history of art. In 2011 he was awarded a PhD by Southampton-Solent University for a thesis entitled ‘Illustrated Travel: steel engravings and their use in early nineteenth century topographical books’. James has lectured on art history in Paris, where he is an official guide-conferencier allowing him to lecture in all major museums in Paris, and has translated major exhibition catalogues from French into English. James is Reviews Editor of the Journal of the Printing Historical Society, and his current academic interest is the history of the book. In recent years, he has written a number of articles on his specialist subject for scholarly journals.
Alasdair Clayre
Alasdair Clayre comes from a long line of explorers. His mother’s father and uncles were ships’ captains from Shetland. His grandparents met on a voyage from South America. He was born in Borneo and grew up in a tribe. Back in Britain his mother took him to cathedrals and castles and archaeological digs in Spain, visiting the Bedouin in Arabia, or climbing the Canadian Rockies where his father was building hospitals. Alasdair enjoys not just the logistical challenges of leading groups, but the opportunity to help others understand and access different cultures and perspectives. He thinks travel is the best education.
Gavin Miller
Gavin has been a guide in Europe for the last 23 years. His particular fascination is in the role played by Islamic Al Andalus (Spain) in initiating the Renaissance. Gavin studied the History of Art at Cambridge University (Homerton) and Fine Art at the London Institute (Camberwell) as well as Theatre Studies at The Arts Educational Schools, London. When Gavin is not leading groups through Europe he directs and writes for the theatre. He and his partner, Serena, have a daughter, Ygraine, a professional ballerina.
Jonathan Parry
Jonathan (I.J.) Parry has over 30 years experience and a star reputation for excellence in the travel industry. He started his career as a San Francisco local guide. After learning to fly in central California, subsequently he taken on as a steward for Warners’ fleet of private jets, and escorted famous names like Henry Kissinger, Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand and Isaac Stern. After working as a Tour Manager in the USA, he continued as a Travel Director leading over 150 groups in Europe and world-wide. IJ is multi-lingual, charismatic and cooks a mean curry. He plays chess for the East India club in London and spends the winter months on his farm in Uruguay growing herbs and vegetables. His passion for art, classical music, wine and cuisine makes him a suitable candidate to expand, lecture and share his fascination for travel with both the experienced and most curious of minds.