Our Expert Team

Jack earned a Bachelors in History from the University of Liverpool, specialising in Viking studies and Early Mediaeval Europe. 

Michael earned a Masters in Classical Civilisation from Birkbeck, University of London and has a special interest in the ancient worlds of Europe, the Mediterranean and Near East.

Barry Cheeseman has been the Senior Executive of the Kirker Escorted Tours programme for 15 seasons and has been involved in cultural tourism for more than 30 years.

William came to Kirker following a Master’s degree in Art History and work in the Heritage Sector.

Ever the adventurer, David has spent most of his adult life living abroad in places as far flung as Japan, Vietnam, Paris and the South of France.

As product manager for regions including central and eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Turkey, Greece and the low countries, Marcus has over fifteen years of experience visiting Kirker destinations in Europe to negotiate contracts, inspect new hotels and carefully select the properties which we work with.

Tom has a background in mediaeval studies, with a particular interest in the Mediterranean world including Greece, Italy and Malta – and the history of the Crusades.

Ricky has been with Kirker since 1989 and there are not many destinations in our brochures that he has not visited. With family in Valencia as well as Holland, he is an expert on Spain and Portugal in particular, and has also travelled to South Africa, Morocco and many regions of France.

A native Venetian, Pat has been Kirker's resident expert of the hidden gems of Venice for many years and can offer a useful insight into the non-tourist side of Italy.

Katherine studied French and Spanish at the University of St Andrews, during which she had the opportunity to live in Orléans, Paris and Madrid.

A Fine Art graduate, Kathryn has previously worked as a tour leader in Latin America for 3 years, and lived and worked in Northern Portugal and the Amalfi Coast.

Whilst studying Social Anthropology Lucy spent a year in Bilbao as a language assistant, and during her year in Spain she took the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the country.

Ignacio joined Kirker in 2005 and has great knowledge of Spain - his parents live in Andalucia. In addition, he has specialist knowledge of many Kirker destinations including cities such as Paris, Berlin and Venice, and more far-flung regions including Oman and Southern Africa.

Andrew joined Kirker in 1992 as a reservations consultant and accepts that it was a much more straight forward role than it is now.

Francesca has travelled extensively throughout Spain and Italy, and has a particular passion for Milan, as well as Lake Iseo and Lake Como where her grandparents live.

Ted Wake joined Kirker Holidays in 1987 and has been instrumental in helping to establish Kirker as the leading Short Break specialist offering tailor-made holidays.

Dominic has worked for Kirker Holidays for many years and during this time has travelled extensively throughout our programme in Europe and North Africa.

After leaving school, Amanda joined the family travel agent business, where she first encountered Kirker Holidays. She worked in the travel industry in New Zealand for 6 years, travelling throughout Asia and the USA, before initially joining Kirker in 2000. 

Alice studied History of Art & French at the University of Bristol, where she specialised in the visual culture of the mediaeval Mediterranean.

Oliver graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Ancient History, before joining Kirker to combine his love of history, culture, and travel.

Joshua has been imbued with a passion for travel since a three year period in Dubai, and enjoys combining passions for cultural history and travel in his role at Kirker.

Originally from Ireland, Callum joined Kirker having completed a Master’s degree in International Tourism Management at the Sorbonne in Paris.

An enthusiastic traveller with a keen interest in European history and culture, Patrick has explored a large part of the continent, including some fascinating parts of Northern Europe.

After graduating from the University of Birmingham with a degree in Modern Languages, Mark has since lived and worked in Spain, France, Germany and Thailand. He is an avid traveller and has travelled extensively throughout Europe and Asia.

A graduate in Illustration, Sarah has a keen interest in the Arts, and enjoys learning more about fine art, music and culture by exploring new destinations around the world.

Half-Italian, Giulia has always had a broad range of cultural interests, with history and travel at their heart (as well as nearly 20 years of experience as a philatelist…).

Connie works on the Cultural Tours and Music Holidays team at Kirker, and has a background influenced by interests in history, law and travel. She ignited her passion for European travel on an interrailing trip before studying Law at the University of Nottingham.

Natalia studied French, Spanish and Dutch Language with history and culture at the University of Sheffield, during which she had the opportunity to live, work and study in Valencia, Alicante and Toulouse.

Mark has many years of experience in the travel industry, having originally started out working as a travel agent on the high street.

Born and raised in Australia, Casey is passionate about British and European culture, particularly the history of Romania, Switzerland, and Israel.