Meet Our Tour Directors

Cassandra Ashley

From the time she was 11, Cassandra knew she was born to lead others on unforgettable journeys. Each summer, her father’s work trips to Washington, D.C. turned into epic road adventures across the country, exploring as many national parks as they could. While her peers collected dolls or trading cards, Cassandra collected park maps—eagerly leading her family through trails and exhibits like a miniature Park Ranger in the making. 

Cassandra cut her teeth with city tours in Los Angeles and went on to become a licensed guide in both Washington D.C. and New York City. YMT holds a special place in her heart. “These travelers are the heart of America,” she says—people who’ve worked hard, raised families, and now finally get to see the world. Helping them witness the majesty of Yellowstone or the beauty of Yosemite brings her a deep, personal joy. 

Cassandra will be leading the following tours:
California and National Parks – Departure Date: 6/9/2026
Heart of Texas – Departure Date: 5/20/2026
New England & Canadian Maritimes Cruise and Tour – Departure Date: 9/20/2026
Ultimate Pacific Northwest & California Tour – Departure Date: 5/30/2026

Camille Bologna 

Camille, born to a French mother and Italian father, grew up bilingual and passionate about languages. She studied English, French, and Spanish at Liceo Linguistico Mariano Buratti in Viterbo and earned her degree in English and French from Unimarconi University in Rome. 

A licensed tour director since 2017, Camille began with shore excursions in Rome for major cruise lines, and she has led multi-day tours across Italy. Her tours span Venice, Florence, Pisa, Siena, Rome, Assisi, the Amalfi Coast, and beyond. Known for her positive energy, warmth, and professionalism, Camille creates memorable experiences that leave guests with lasting impressions — reflected in the many heartfelt messages and thank-you notes she receives from travelers worldwide. 

Camille Bologna will be leading the following tours:
Greece, Italy, and the Adriatic Cruise Tour – Departure Date: 9/10/2026

Eric Borys

Born in Paris to a richly mixed Prussian-German, Polish, and French family, Eric Borys is European to his core. This diverse heritage, coupled with a lifelong curiosity inspired by his mother, sparked an early passion for history, cultures, languages, and travel, along with the gift of multilingualism that has shaped his career ever since.

After beginning his working life as a banker in Paris, Eric followed his true calling into tourism. His journey has been as colorful as the destinations he’s visited: sailing and ski instructor with Club Med, years on the French Riviera in hospitality, chauffeuring film and music stars in Monaco, and ultimately building a full-time career as a Tour Director across Europe.

Since settling near Frankfurt in 2009, Eric has specialized in German and European history, leading immersive tours and serving as Cruise Director on renowned European river cruises. Warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate, Eric delights in sharing Europe’s cities, villages, flavors, and stories—so guests travel as companions and leave as friends.

Eric Borys will be leading the following tours:
German Christmas Markets – Departure Date: 12/1/2026

Jane Broome

Jane Broome brings an adventurous spirit and a lifelong curiosity to every journey she leads. Since 2014, she has guided travelers across the Southwest, through Alaska’s wild landscapes, and aboard unforgettable cruise adventures—always with the goal of helping guests experience more than they ever imagined. With Jane, every moment is crafted to reveal hidden stories, breathtaking scenery, and the true character of each destination.

Jane invites travelers to join her for one of the most spectacular events on Earth—Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Imagine standing beneath a sky filled with a kaleidoscope of color as hundreds of hot-air balloons drift overhead. With Jane guiding the way, guests will experience this incredible spectacle in all its glory.

Jane Broome will be leading the following tours:
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Southwestern Tour – Departure Date: 9/25/2026
Sights of The Pacific Northwest – Departure Date: 9/12/2026
Ultimate Pacific Northwest & California Tour – Departure Date: 9/12/2026

Shawn Elder

Meet Shawn Elder, a lifelong explorer and former Ranger who has been guiding travelers through America’s wild and wonderful places since 2001. With a degree in Recreation Leadership and studies in Natural Resource Management and Animal Science, Shawn combines a scientist’s insight with an adventurer’s spirit. 
 
He’s at his best surrounded by the beauty of our National Parks—especially Yellowstone, where his knowledge of geology, wildlife, and ecosystems turns a scenic stop into a story of discovery. His tours blend fun, humor, experiential learning, and a deep appreciation for nature, creating experiences guests never forget. 

Off tour, Shawn can be found kayaking quiet waters, hiking rugged trails, camping under the stars, or capturing nature’s beauty through his camera lens. 

Shawn Elder will be leading the following tours:
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Southwestern Tour – Departure Date: 9/30/2026
Crimson Canyons & Mesas National Parks Tour – Departure Date: 5/3/2026
Heart of Texas – Departure Date: 9/16/2026
Rocky Mountains & Black Hills National Parks Tour – Departure Date: 5/12/2026
Ultimate Canyons & Rocky Mountains National Parks Tour – Departure Date: 5/3/2026

Angelo Galasso

For over three decades, Angelo Galasso has devoted his life to exploring the world and inspiring others to do the same. What began at 18 as a summer spent lifeguarding soon evolved into a lifetime of discovery. After serving as a police sergeant—where he learned discipline and calm under pressure—Angelo followed his true calling working as a flight attendant.

Since then, he has journeyed across more than 50 countries and 100 cities, immersing himself in cultures from England to Singapore, Thailand to Sydney. A scholar of History and Italian Literature at the University of Rome, he combines intellectual depth with a vibrant love of life. Today, as a Tour Director, personal trainer, and kickboxing instructor, Angelo channels his boundless energy into crafting unforgettable travel experiences. With warmth, humor, and passion, he reveals Italy’s heart, making every journey a living, breathing adventure. 

Angelo Galasso will be leading the following tours:
Southern Italian Coasts and Culture – Departure Date: 6/5/2026
Timeless Italy – Departure Date: 5/7/2026, 9/10/2026

Daniel Hernandez

Meet Daniel Hernandez, an ITMI-certified Tour Director and Guide with a heart for adventure and a passion for creating unforgettable travel experiences. With a career that has taken him deep into the Amazon as an Expedition Leader, across the icy wilds of Alaska as a Naturalist Guide, and aboard cruise ships sailing to Europe, Central and South America, Daniel brings global perspective and rich storytelling to every tour he leads.

Daniel has been a proud part of the YMT family, guiding guests on land and sea with warmth, humor, and expert insight. But if you ask him to name a favorite, he won’t hesitate: Route 66. Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, this legendary highway is Daniel’s ultimate playground.

Daniel Hernandez will be leading the following tours:
Crimson Canyons & Mesas National Parks Tour – Departure Date: 5/10/2026, 9/13/2026
Historic Route 66 – 100th Anniversary – Departure Date: 4/18/2026, 9/26/2026
Rocky Mountains & Black Hills National Parks Tour – Departure Date: 6/23/2026, 8/18/2026

Debs Kenyon

Born in Northumberland, Debs Kenyon has spent her life immersed in the rich history and culture of Liverpool and northern England. Though Liverpool has been her home for decades, frequent visits to Northumberland made guiding in Newcastle second nature. In 2007, she combined her passion for storytelling and music to launch the award-winning Beatles Fab Four Taxi Tour, which earned the prestigious Tourism Experience of the Year for the Liverpool City Region in 2017.

Driven by her love for local heritage, Debs delved deeper into Liverpool’s past and became a qualified Blue Badge Guide in 2013. She started leading tours to Chester, northeast England, northern Wales, and the Lake District. Today, Debs brings her wit, warmth, and wealth of knowledge to our England and Scotland tours, captivating guests with tales that blend history, humor, and heart.

Debs Kenyon will be leading the following tours:
Northern Europe Cruise: Iceland, Norway & UK – Departure Date: 7/20/2026
Sights of Scotland Tour – Departure Date: 5/13/2026, 9/16/2026
Ultimate England & Scotland Tour – Departure Date: 5/5/2026, 9/8/2026
Ultimate Scotland & Ireland Tour – Departure Date: 5/13/2026, 9/16/2026

Sarah Keyes 

Meet Sarah Keyes, a globe-trotter with a passion for people, places, and life in general! Born in the UK and having lived in France, the U.S., and Abu Dhabi, Sarah’s love for travel began early—launching her guiding career at just 18 in the South of France.

She then spent 25 dynamic years as cabin crew and trainer with British Airways, soaring across the world while honing her skills in hospitality and communication. Her journey later led her into event and tour management, where she continues to create unforgettable experiences for travelers.

Sarah thrives on connection—whether it’s sharing stories over good food and wine, or diving into new cultures. She’s endlessly curious, effortlessly warm, and embraces the chaos of her adventurous life with humor and heart.

Sarah Keyes will be leading the following tours:
Best of Southern Spain – Departure Date: 9/23/2026
Christmas Markets Along The Danube River – Departure Date: 12/4/2026
Ultimate Spain & Portugal – Departure Date: 9/23/2026

Diane Kulig

Travel runs through Diane Kulig’s veins. By age 13, she had already explored every state in the country, sparking a lifelong devotion to discovering new places and sharing them with others. Her early career in the corporate hotel world took her across the Caribbean, guiding international clients through sun-soaked resorts. Later, in corporate PR, she crafted bespoke tours through her beloved New York City, revealing hidden gems and local stories that only a true insider could share.

Her passion led her to earn her NYC guide license, opening the door to leading school groups up and down the East Coast and, soon after, escorting adult travelers across the U.S. and Canada. One of her most memorable journeys was a deeply personal three-week tour through England with a family retracing a father’s WWII footsteps. For Diane, nothing compares to watching travelers light up as they uncover unexpected delights.

Diane Kulig will be leading the following tours:
Autumn Leaves Tour – Departure Date: 10/5/2026
Mackinac Island & Grand Hotel – Departure Date: 9/20/2026
New England & Canadian Maritimes Cruise and Tour – Departure Date: 9/6/2026

Jesse Lillefjeld

Jesse holds a master’s degree in Central and Eastern European History from the European University in Frankfurt (Oder) and is currently pursuing his PhD. His journeys across Europe—from the far reaches of northern Finland to sun-drenched Malta, and from the Atlantic coast of Portugal to the banks of the Volga—have given him a deeply personal understanding of the continent’s layered past.

Joining YMT as a Tour Director almost by accident, Jesse quickly discovered that bringing history to life on the road is far more rewarding than long days in archives. He delights in exploring the personal connections guests feel to certain places and moments, helping them transform travel into a rich, meaningful dialogue between history and lived experience.

Jesse Lillefjeld will be leading the following tours:
Rhine River Cruise in Tulip Season 2026 – Departure Date: 4/8/2026

Blanka Lukes 

Blanka is a passionate tour director and licensed local guide based in Prague. Born in the Czech Republic, her journey began with a move to Germany and later to California, where her love for history and geography took root. Blanka’s career has spanned continents, guiding travelers through America’s breathtaking National Parks and Europe’s iconic cities. Fluent in English and German, she has worked with Czech, American, and German guests, bringing each destination to life with knowledge and warmth.

One unforgettable moment stands out: just after the fall of the Berlin Wall, while guiding German visitors in San Francisco, she watched an elderly couple from East Berlin—both former English teachers—embrace and weep atop Twin Peaks. “We never thought we’d see an English-speaking country,” they said. Today, Blanka blends her guiding work with teaching English, sharing her passion for culture, history, and human connection. 

Blanka Lukes will be leading the following tours:
Elegant Danube River Cruise & Tour – Departure Date: 9/20/2026
Rhine River Cruise in Tulip Season 2026 – Departure Date: 4/29/2026

Joe Miscavage

For more than 21 years, Joe Miscavage has been guiding travelers through some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes—masterfully leading small groups, student tours, and full motor coaches on journeys ranging from a single day to nearly a month. His expertise spans an extraordinary range of destinations. Joe knows the misty shores of British Columbia, the soaring peaks of the Canadian Rockies, and the vibrant cities of Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec like an old friend. He’s equally at home in Alaska’s wild frontier, the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, and along the sweeping California coastline.

Joe’s deep familiarity with Native American cultures and the rugged beauty of Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming brings each region to life with rich perspective. From the High Plains to New Orleans’ bayous, from New England’s historic towns to the heart of New York City, Joe reveals every place with insight, enthusiasm, and unforgettable storytelling.

Joe Miscavage will be leading the following tours:
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Southwestern Tour – Departure Date: 10/2/2026
California and National Parks – Departure Date: 9/22/2026
Ultimate Pacific Northwest & California Tour – Departure Date: 9/12/2026

Paloma Moin 

Paloma is a Paris-born guide and gallery owner whose life has been steeped in art and culture from the very beginning. She grew up wandering museums and historic sites, sparking a lifelong passion for storytelling through art.

A graduate of the School of Fine Arts, she focused her studies on how history can be expressed visually—an approach she now brings to life in her tours. Based in the idyllic French countryside, Paloma balances her roles as a dedicated mother of two, a knowledgeable guide, and the proud owner of a local art gallery.

With her rich academic background, artistic sensibility, and deep love for her heritage, Paloma invites guests to experience the hidden beauty and layered history of France in a truly memorable way.

Paloma Moin will be leading the following tours:
Best of France Tour – Departure Date: 9/10/2026
Majestic Paris & London – Departure Date: 5/7/2026

Inês Monteiro

Inês Monteiro lives in Sintra, where history and storytelling are part of everyday life. A mother of two daughters, she has always loved dance and theater. She channels her passions through Medieval and Renaissance dance performances across Portugal—moments that bring her joy and connection with live audiences.

A Licensed National Tour Guide and Tour Manager since 2003, Inês brings decades of experience, warmth, and cultural curiosity to every journey, transforming well-planned itineraries into meaningful, memorable experiences. Through vivid storytelling, thoughtful attention, and a deep love of local culture and food, she helps guests feel truly immersed in each destination.

An avid traveler, every place she’s been to has left a deep mark on her, from New York to Barcelona, Macau to Vienna, Brazil to Morocco. Grateful for a life shaped by travel and people, Inês helps create truly memorable trips for her guests.

Inês Monteira will be leading the following tours:
Portugal & the Douro River Valley tour – Departure Date: 10/24/2026

João Parracho

João Parracho began his tourism journey at Lisbon’s Expo 98, where he guided visitors—and met his future wife. He returned to school later, earning his tourism guide license.

Over the past two decades, he has worked with top French, English, and U.S. tour operators, sharing Portugal, Spain, and France with travelers from around the globe. Many remain in touch, some even returning to live in the places he introduced them to.

During the pandemic, João pursued a long-held dream: sailing. Since 2020, he has logged over 6,000 nautical miles, training for a future of winters spent in tropical waters—proof that for João, adventure is a lifelong calling. 

João Parracho will be leading the following tours:
Historic WWII sites of France and Germany – Departure Date: 8/18/2026

Maria Rio Branco 

Meet Maria Rio Branco, a passionate Tour Director with roots in São Paulo and a heart shaped by Lisbon. Raised in a richly multicultural family, Maria developed an early love for travel and history. Initially drawn to hotel management, she quickly pivoted to a degree in Tourism and Tour Guiding—combining her twin passions for people and places.

Since 2011, Maria has worked as a licensed local guide, and by 2013, she was leading tours across Europe. Certified by both AGIC (Portuguese Association of Tourist Guides and Tour Managers) and IATM (International Association of Tour Managers), she brings deep expertise and infectious enthusiasm to every trip.

Maria thrives on storytelling, especially the hidden gems and lesser-known facts that bring destinations to life. She’s an avid reader (Jane Austen is a favorite), loves libraries, photography, music, and never backs down from a challenge.

Maria Rio Branco will be leading the following tours:
Best of Portugal – Departure Date: 5/22/2026, 10/2/2026
Sights of Scotland Tour – Departure Date: 9/2/2026
Ultimate Spain & Portugal – Departure Date: 5/13/2026, 9/23/2026

Joe Royle

Joe is one of YMT’s newest Tour Directors, and he brings energy, experience, and a love for adventure to every journey. After a dynamic 30-year career in the police force, Joe traded in his badge for a passport and hasn’t looked back. For over a decade, he’s been guiding travelers across Europe and beyond—from Switzerland (a personal favorite) to the U.S., China, Australia, South Africa, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Based in the UK, Joe thrives on connecting with people, uncovering local history, culture, and cuisine, and sharing the quirky, memorable stories that make each destination come alive. His genuine enthusiasm and curiosity have made him a favorite among travelers wherever he goes.

And here’s a fun fact: Joe once played Bruce Springsteen’s iconic white grand piano on stage—a story he’s happy to finish over a glass of Malbec.

Joe Royle will be leading the following tours:
Best of England – Departure Date: 5/5/2026
Majestic Paris & London – Departure Date: 9/17/2026
Ultimate England & Scotland Tour – Departure Date: 5/5/2026
Ultimate Rome To London Tour – Departure Date: 9/8/2026

Karen Shoebottom

Since 2018, Karen has been crisscrossing the United States with a sense of wonder that never fades—and a passion for turning every tour into an unforgettable story. For her, guiding isn’t just a job; it’s a dream come true. She delights in welcoming travelers from all corners of the globe, sharing the magic, history, and hidden gems of this beautifully diverse country she calls home. 

The Pacific Northwest holds a special place in her heart—it’s her backyard, her playground, and one of her favorite regions to showcase. With every winding road and scenic overlook, Karen blends fascinating insights with just the right dose of humor, ensuring her groups are as engaged as they are entertained.

With her warm spirit and deep local knowledge, Karen is excited to welcome you aboard. She can’t wait to share the journey, the laughter, and the memories that await.

Karen Shoebottom will be leading the following tours:
Mackinac Island & Grand Hotel – Departure Date: 5/9/2026
Sights of The Pacific Northwest – Departure Date: 5/30/2026
Ultimate Pacific Northwest & California Tour – Departure Date: 5/30/2026

Jorge Timoteo

With over 30 years in the travel industry, Jorge Timoteo brings unmatched experience, passion, and cultural insight to every tour. Born in Peru, Jorge’s fascination with travel began in his teens and took him across continents — from studying and working in Peru to settling in the UK and later Spain, where he became a proud citizen of both countries.

Fluent in five languages and deeply knowledgeable about Europe, Jorge spent years behind the scenes in tour operations before stepping out from behind the desk in 2014 to lead tours himself. He now shares his love for European art, architecture, cuisine, and culture with guests from around the world.

Jorge Timoteo will be leading the following tours:
Best of Southern Spain – Departure Date: 5/13/2026, 10/7/2026
Highlights of Italy, Switzerland & France – Departure Date: 9/8/2026
Ultimate Rome To London Tour – Departure Date: 9/8/2026
Ultimate Spain & Portugal – Departure Date: 5/13/2026

Antonio Toti 

Born and raised in the Eternal City of Rome, Antonio Toti brings a lifetime of passion, curiosity, and global experience to every YMT tour he leads. With a background in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Antonio began his career in the skies, working with major airlines at Barcelona airport before discovering his true calling: guiding others on unforgettable journeys. 

Since 2008, Antonio has led engaging tours across Europe and orchestrated immersive cultural experiences. He aims to help every traveler feel like a local and rediscover the world with the wide-eyed wonder of a child. Antonio’s philosophy is best summed up by his favorite quote: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” He invites you to turn the next page with him — and make it unforgettable. 

Antonio Toti will be leading the following tours:
Timeless Italy – Departure Date: 4/23/2026
Ultimate Greece & Italy – Departure Date: 4/15/2026