Meet the Team
Each freelance Tour Consultant has attended a residential (award-winning) conference usually in Oxford before being offered work with the company.
They have been selected for their abilities and enthusiasm, and because they have shown a real flair for working with people and a passionate enjoyment of travel, but above all because we think they are delightful people! They are of various nationalities and backgrounds with fluency in English and two other languages.
They vary in age from early twenties to late sixties (though they may look much younger- it’s all that fresh air and exercise!). Of the escorted Leaders and Managers, most may do about twelve trips for ATG each year; others do just one or two. Our Route Managers (who work on our independent trips) live on their route – most of them are from the area. When not working as freelance Tour Consultants on ATG trips or routes, they pursue a wide variety of other interests and work, which ATG actively encourages.
Many have been working with the Company on and off for years, depending on their other pursuits and personal commitments. Others work for a season or two and then move on in new direction. Whether ‘old’ or ‘new’ we know that you will enjoy their company.
Our Tour Consultants
Sara Zanni
Tour Leader
I was born in Italy in Milan and I am currently based in Bologna, where I work in tourism and cultural heritage. I started working with ATG in 2019, but my career spans over a decade of designing, managing and leading tours and hiking trails across Italy and Europe, with a focus on cultural itineraries. With ATG, I’ve led tours throughout Italy, particularly in regions rich in history and natural beauty.
Angharad Parry
Tour Leader & Manager
I have spent the last thirty years living and working in Europe, from running hotels in the Alps, leading Cooking schools in Tuscany and Morocco to working as a Pirate in Disneyland Paris. Being a Welsh girl, I love the mountains and discovering new trails for ATG. I have now been a part of the ATG family for sixteen years. I lead and manage trips across Italy, France and Spain. My passion is for wine and I have a huge thirst for knowledge. I look forward to meeting you on one of our ATG trips.
David Walsh
Tour Leader
In 1984 I cycled from Hampshire via France to Naples, then lived in Rome studying art. I started leading ATG walks in 1988 and ran trips in Italy for over a decade before leading the early Painting trips at Pieve a Castello until 2003. After following my career as an established landscape artist I re-joined ATG in 2019 to lead ATG’s Painting trips once again. I adore having both beginners and those who already like to paint on my trips. I’m based on the Wiltshire/Dorset border and paint all over England and Europe.
Paolo Marinelli
Tour Leader
I was born in Rome and graduated in Natural Sciences from the University of Florence. Since 2019, I have led WWF Travel groups on wildlife trips around the world in a variety of environments. I have explored the lush forests of Borneo and Uganda, as well as North America’s majestic parks. I am also a photographer and videographer, and combine this work with leading trips for ATG in Italy.
Jane Scott
Route Manager
Having lived in Scotland most of my life, I chose the Scottish Borders as my home over 20 years ago and have worked with ATG as their local Route Manager for the last three seasons. I have a passion for nature which led me to a degree in Environmental Science, I love the natural beauty of the unspoilt Borders countryside and look forward to welcoming you and sharing my knowledge of nature and this area with you.
Matthieu Maurice
Route Manager & Tour Leader
I come from the Alsace region of France and have now been working with ATG since 2015. I love the area where I live because of the diversity of its landscapes – the flat plains around the Rhine River, beautiful vineyards, wooded mountains – so many hiking opportunities with visits to colourful villages, castles and small, family-owned wineries.
Michela Thomann
Route Manager
I am originally from Zürich in Switzerland but spent large parts of my childhood in the Dordogne in France. After travelling the world extensively, I was pulled back to this culturally rich and gorgeous region. I have been renovating an 18th-century farm here for the last 10 years, where I breed llamas, goats, pigs and make my own honey. I have been working with ATG since 2012. I love sharing my passion for this beautiful corner of the world.
Sandra Bargoin
Route Manager
I’m from Paris but came to Provence to join my husband here in 2013. Together, we love to welcome ATG clients to the magnificent landscapes of the Luberon and Provence, introduce them to local life, such as the wonderful markets at Gordes and Lourmarin, and generally show them the very best that the area has to offer.
Maria Tita
Route Manager & Tour Manager
I was born in South Africa but my family returned to Portugal in the seventies. In 2009, I moved north to be close to the astonishing natural beauty and peace of the Peneda-Geres National Park. In our local community I work as a massage therapist, yoga teacher and share my knowledge in textile art. I started to work with ATG in 2021. Being a Route Manager is very rewarding because one of the things I really enjoy doing is caring for people. I love being part of ATG family!
Paula Reis
Route Manager
Born and raised in Lisbon, I have lived for the past 20 years in Sintra. I love travelling, but I love my own country even more! It’s a real joy to work as an ATG Route Manager, ensuring that clients have the best experience of their lives when they visit Portugal.
Jordi Esquerda
Route Manager
I am from Catalonia in northern Spain. After 15 years abroad, living in England, Ireland and travelling around the world, I returned to Catalonia and trained as a guide for many of the nature parks in the area. I am also qualified as a hiking guide. I love nature, particularly butterflies. I feel so privileged to work outdoors and share Catalonia’s natural beauty with others.
Olga Querol
Route Manager
I was born and have lived my whole life in Morella, a small, medieval village in Spain’s Teruel province. It’s a pleasure to work for ATG and help others discover everything that I know and love about this little-known region. Everyone is taken aback by the dramatic landscapes, the silence and the authentic feel of the towns and villages they pass through.
Emilio Zolezzi
Route Manager
I was brought up in Sestri Levante, a beautiful seaside town in Liguria, nestled between the stunning town of Portofino and the rugged trails of the Cinque Terre. I love the outdoors, hiking, and nature, which fuelled my lifelong passion for exploration and travel. This passion ultimately became my profession. I earned my license as an Environmental and Hiking Guide and, in 2017, joined ATG!
Marco Orfino
Route Manager
I was born and raised in small spa town of San Pellegrino Terme in the province of Bergamo. I have always worked in the hospitality sector, and I have been working with ATG since 2018. I love being able to see my home province through the eyes of ATG’s clients who, at the end of each trip, help me discover something new through their stories and make me proud to live in this beautiful part of Italy.
Marija Radic
Route Manager & Tour Leader
I have lived in the town of Alba with my family since 2005. I love this part of Piedmont for its combination of beautiful walks through vineyards and untouched woodlands, the historical sites and, of course, the fantastic food and wine. I love to share my insider knowledge with clients on where to go for wine tastings or cooking classes and the best local restaurants.
Paolo Sabastiani
Route Manager
I live in Pennabilli, a picturesque village near Rimini, Italy and combine working with ATG with teaching languages and working as an interpreter and translator. Since 2022, I have been part of the ATG team—a role I find deeply fulfilling. I truly enjoy meeting new people and exploring the natural beauty around my home which has become a favourite aspect of my job! My daughter sometimes helps me look after my ATG clients.
Maria Gainuta
Route Manager & Tour Manager
I was born in Romania but have lived in Florence since 1998. Having travelled all over Italy, for me, Tuscany is the essence of the Italian spirit. Here you can find marvellous art cities, the loveliest people, wonderful landscapes, profound peace, great wine and delicious food. I started working with ATG in 2012. It’s very rewarding for me to help others discover this region and return home loving it as much as I do!
Monika Tyburska
Route Manager & Tour Manager
I’m from Poland. I arrived in Italy in 2001 for a summer job and have stayed here ever since! In 2018, I joined ATG Oxford. I love walking the routes that I manage, checking that the paths are clear, and meeting clients from all over the world.
Lucie Hajkova
Route Manager
Originally from the Czech Republic, I’ve been lucky enough to live in Italy since 2005, where I now have a family. My career has taken me from the airline industry to business and Montessori education before joining ATG to look after our routes in Lazio. I look forward to meeting you and to sharing with you my love of this area!
Michal Hajkova
Route Manager
I was brought up in the Czech Republic and now live in Umbria. I see myself as a free spirit who loves to travel, explore nature, take long walks and meet new people. My goal in life is simple; to enjoy every minute in the present moment, be happy and to bring happiness to those around me. It would be my pleasure to welcome you to Umbria, an incredibly beautiful region with unforgettable views, wildflowers, olive trees and a unique & magical atmosphere.
Matteo Prencipe
Route Manager & Tour Manager
I was born and raised in Puglia. After a brief spell in London, I returned to my beloved Gargano Peninsula. Passionate about nature and history, I’m also a keen EVO olive oil producer! I joined ATG in 2014. The variety of the Gargano routes is incredible: in just one day you can walk from enchanting woodland to beautiful beaches. A visit to the Unesco-listed Sanctuary of Saint Michael is a must. Also look out for wild orchids (we have 81 different species!)
Laura Soriente
Route Manager
I was born in Milan. Ten years ago I moved to my grandmother’s house in Amalfi for a new life full of sea, scents and colour! So, I have experienced this region as a visitor, as a resident and, since 2021, as a guide when I joined ATG. I love to provide tips on how to escape the regular tourist trail and find the hidden local spots for a more real and authentic experience.
Carmelo Conte
Route Manager
I live in Sicily and have always worked within the tourism industry here, helping to run my family’s hotels. In 2006, I joined ATG. It’s a joy to introduce clients to the lesser-known and more authentic aspects of the island. The Madonie Park is particularly special – small but so rich in biodiversity, offering new and breathtaking views at every corner. Walking this route is like reading a brilliant book – you can’t wait to reopen it the next day and continue from where you left it.
Our office-based staff
ATG Oxford is run by a small team of dedicated individuals, most of whom have been with the Company for many years – some for more than two decades!
Summertown, North Oxford: This is the main office where our sales team is based.
Wiltshire: ATG’s two directors work from home. From here they oversee the company’s publications, research and develop new products, and generally oversee the running of the Company.
Italy: Our hotel contracts manager and operations manager (both Italian) are based in Italy.
Tuscany, Italy: The office at ATG’s Residenza d’Epoca, Pieve a Castello which sits adjacent to the baptistery, is used by our freelance Tour Consultants who work on the trips based there. Pieve a Castello employs a housekeeper, chef-gardener, cleaners and waitresses.
Juliette Talbot
Senior Sales Consultant
I grew up in France. After completing an English Literature and Civilisation degree at the University of Rouen and a course in tourism in Paris, I moved to the UK in 2001. I joined ATG a year later and have worked across many departments over the years. My favourite ATG destinations are Tuscany for its culture and timeless beauty, and Peneda for its breathtaking wilderness.
Vanessa Marino
Hotel Contracts Manager
After a few years based in the Oxford office, I relocated my desk to my hometown in Italy, near Rome. I proudly joined ATG in 2018, when I was delighted to discover that true sustainable tourism existed, having read about it in books for years. So far, the wild Alto Minho route in Portugal is one of my favourites.
Chiara Farneti
Operations Manager
I look after ATG’s overseas Operations from my base in Umbria, Italy, supporting the Tour Consultants in their roles and getting involved in trip research. I have worked with ATG for many years, joining in 1998 as a Route Manager in Lazio and Umbria, then leading and managing ATG escorted trips throughout Italy – which I continue to do from time to time.
Jessica Jenkins
Project Manager
I have a passion for travel and originally joined ATG in 1997 as a Tour Manager working in Italy, France and Spain during which time I was privileged to visit some truly wonderful places. I am now uk based, combining family life and working with ATG on a variety of ad hoc projects, and still love to travel whenever I can!
Interested in Working with ATG?
Have a passion for travel? We would love to hear from you.
