CO-FOUNDER & EUROPE EXPERT

Christoph grew up on the southern slopes of the Thüringen forest, in former East Germany. The fall of the Wall and a government scholarship brought him to New Hampshire as an exchange student where he mastered “wicked good” English. Christoph has led more than 50 trips to Europe as a Rick Steves tour guide and as founding director of the University of Utah’s Go Learn travel program. He holds a master’s degree in international affairs and global enterprise and has a passion for history. He delights in sharing stories about his homeland and crafting experiences in the many European cities he has visited during his travels.

CO-FOUNDER & ITALY EXPERT

Taunya is a Utah native who fell in love with Italy on a study abroad program to Siena over 20 years ago. She has led over 50 trips to Italy as both a Rick Steves tour guide and faculty study abroad director, and brings her passion for crafting unforgettable travel experiences to Dressler Detours. She holds a doctoral degree in higher education and a master’s in applied linguistics. Her affinity for experiential learning has taken her across the globe, training teachers for the U.S. Peace Corps in the Philippines, and teaching in Morocco, Italy, and her hometown of Salt Lake City. Taunya is happiest when she has a gelato in her hand and can’t wait to detour with you!

CENTRAL AMERICA EXPERT

Dean grew up in the Chicago area of the U.S. The seeds of his curiosity for people, places, and cultures were cultivated on a study abroad to Ireland and a cycling walkabout through Australia and New Zealand. Dean has taught in Japan and has led learning journeys to Costa Rica, Cuba, England, Italy, and Australia. He holds a doctoral degree in higher education and a master’s in community public health. He finds the most joy in sharing distinctive places, poems, artifacts, and stories with other curious souls. As a trail runner, skier, educator, and sojourner, Dean lives by the African proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS EXPERT

Tabitha has lived and worked in over 35 countries across the course of her career in international relations. Her research has led her to travel extensively throughout the world, but she is especially fond of Norway, India, and New Zealand, where she has led multiple group excursions and research projects. She loves showing others the most magical parts of these fascinating locales and utilizes her knowledge to connect with the genuine side of life there. Tabitha’s affinity for offbeat places and immersive experiences makes the journey much more than a simple vacation to an exotic locale. It becomes an experience you will cherish forever.

EAST ASIA EXPERT

Eunbin is the Korea Foundation Professor of international relations of East Asia and political psychology, with a deep passion for understanding how history, identity, and emotions shape politics in the region. Having spent half her life in the US and half in Korea, she brings both an insider’s knowledge and an outsider’s curiosity to South Korea, a country she knows intimately but continues to explore with fresh eyes. From uncovering Seoul’s hidden cafes to delving into its cultural heritage and dynamic history, Eunbin offers a perspective that goes beyond the usual tourist experience, bringing South Korea’s complexity to life.

MEDITERRANEAN CLASSICS EXPERT

Randy taught classical mythology and the ancient Greek and Latin languages for more than 35 years. He is a renowned storyteller who believes that stories are the best way to explain our experience of the world. Randy would rather be on the site of ancient ruins than almost anywhere else on the planet. Having led numerous tours and study abroad excursions in Greece and Italy, Randy knows his way around the countries’ major archaeological sites and museums, including where to get a good meal and where to shop. Randy loves exploring the lesser known side of the Mediterranean and can’t wait to take you to some of his favorite escapes!

ITALY EXPERT

Nina is from Cleveland, Ohio but being the daughter of Italian immigrants grew up with a view on both cultures. After university she spread her travel wings backpacking and biking through Europe. Her love of travel has led her to Southeast Asia, North Africa, the Middle East and South America. In 1996 she moved to Italy promising it would only be for a year but almost 30 years later she is still there. Since 2003 she has shared her new home with travelers, leading group tours for Rick Steves’ Europe. When she isn’t on the road you’ll find her at home in Rome riding through the Eternal City on her yellow bike.

SLOVENIA & CROATIA EXPERT

Tina was born and raised in Slovenia—one of Europe’s most beautiful and too-often-overlooked gems. She’s been traveling since childhood and feels lucky to call guiding her job. Alongside her husband Sašo, also a guide, she explores Europe with a special love for Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy—Rome holds her heart. At home, she plans adventures for friends and family, including her two teenage sons, both hockey players and avid travelers. Tina loves meeting locals wherever she goes, believes food is culture, and is learning to travel well with celiac disease. Nature, good company, and a little dark chocolate keep her grounded.

SLOVENIA & CROATIA EXPERT

Sašo is a proud native of Slovenia. With a tour guide wife and two travel-loving sons, his career choice makes perfect sense. About 20 years ago, he turned his passion for exploration and storytelling into a full-time guiding career. Though he once dreamed of being a teacher, staying in one place wasn’t for him—so guiding became the perfect path. Influenced by a grandmother who was a teacher and another who has lived at over 40 addresses, wanderlust runs deep. Sašo has led tours across Europe, though Slovenia remains his favorite place to rediscover. His journeys are built around learning, laughter, food, wine—and plenty of gelato. When he’s not guiding, you’ll find him recharging on a hiking trail, bike ride, or ski slope.

POLYNESIA EXPERT

Mililani was born in Hawai‘i and grew up exploring the lush hills of Tahiti iti, rooted in the rich cultures of Tahiti, the Tuamotu, and Tubuai. At 17, she set off for Paris’ Sorbonne, later earning a second master’s in Hawai‘i. Now pursuing a PhD with the Sainsbury Research Unit and the British Museum, Mililani lovingly preserves Polynesian LMS collections. She also teaches at the University of French Polynesia, co-hosts the Nu/Clear Stories podcast, and co-created a documentary about restoring Indigenous language archives to Huahine. When she’s not diving into archives, she’s diving into the Pacific—sharing stories, smiles, and salty sea breezes with everyone she meets.

TURKEY EXPERT

Mert is a native of Izmir, Turkey. A leader of archaeological, biblical, and cultural Turkey tours for over 30 years, he is an expert and guest lecturer on the topics of biblical history, archaeology, and architecture. He has guided celebrities including Tom Hanks, Alan Greenspan, and Paul Allen. During the off-season, Mert trains aspiring tour guides for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Mert earned undergraduate degrees in business administration from the prestigious Bogazici University, then went on to complete a five-certificate program in Biblical History from Trinity College, University of Dublin.

WORLD WAR II EXPERT

Steve is a Professor of the Practice in Literature, Media, and Communication at his alma mater, the Georgia Institute of Technology. He served 26 years in the Air Force and his father 26 years in the Army. The combination of a half-century of military plus years of research yields a solid foundation for rich discussions of things military. Fascinated by the decisions made during the war, Steve’s interest and lectures focus not only on the what, where, and when of World War II events, but to a far greater degree on why the events happened at all. Take a detour with Colonel Hall and dive deep into the why of World War II.