ELI Arroyo, OWNER

Elizabeth (Eli) was born and raised in Miami, Florida.  Her parents are Cuban immigrants who arrived in the United States in 1961.  A native Spanish speaker, Eli is also fluent in English, French, and Portuguese.  After graduating from the University of Miami with a bachelors degree in international studies, she began her hospitality career as the Director of Catering for the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables, FL.  Due to her own medical experiences, she felt driven to assist others in similar situations and has secured several major grants for community development supporting the Hispanic population. Eli has been instrumental in planning and managing charitable events that provide free breast cancer exams and care for women.  She later earned a masters degree in hospitality and tourism management and a masters degree in business management.  She currently lives in Tampa, Florida.

JORDAN Diaz, OWNER

Jordan (Jordi) was born in Miami, Florida and is of Cuban descent.  He is fluent in Spanish and English with a strong understanding of Portuguese.  He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a Bachelor's  degree in Sociology.  His love of meeting new people along with his passion for travel and adventure inspired him to pursue a career in tourism.  Jordan completed a Master's degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University's Chaplin School, which along with his experience in leading numerous tours in Cuba, Italy, Brazil, Chile, Croatia and other areas have given him the skills necessary to lead tours around the world.

CARLO REI D’ANNA, ITALY EXPERT

Born and raised in southern Italy with full Italian roots, Carlo earned degrees in economics and I.T. though he always had an eye open to tourism. Hospitality became his main subject of study later on, when he got a degree as “Master in integrated tourism”, then receiving his National diploma as licensed tour operator and travel agent.

Active and motivated, a life enthusiast who is always on the move and searching for new challenges, Carlo is captain of his football team and his large family with 3 kids. Life long traveler, a globetrotter whose always on the move though he is also a deep connoisseur of the best Italy has to offer, who loves living the Italian experience and showing it to travelers who decide to visit the Bel Paese. (with a pinch of southern style.)

A travel professional for the last 12 years, Carlo is absolutely proud of his totally positive feedback rate, which he has no intentions to change.

LAURA GINGERICH, PHOTOGRAPHER AND INSTRUCTOR

Laura L. Gingerich is an award winning photojournalist specializing in relief and disaster assistance worldwide. She is known for “having an eye for beauty in the midst of chaos” from her work in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Haiti, Pakistan, West Bank and India. When Laura is not on assignment, she loves sharing her knowledge by leading photography workshops that inspire and motivate beginners to advanced level enthusiasts.

ELENA ARROYO SODANO, TOUR COORDINATOR

Elena was born in Havana, Cuba and immigrated to the United States at the age of five. She is fluent in both Spanish and English. Elena has a Master’s Degree in Education, working in a community steeped in cultural diversity with more than 190 languages for over 40 years. She embraces a greater world view with a passion for exploration. When travelling Elena seeks an immersive approach, discovering the everyday life and beauty of each place. She is always planning her next trip, whether to Cuba, Europe, or in the United States and is thrilled to share the journey with others.