Our Experts

Gain in-depthunderstanding and a sense of wonder

Our Experts

One feature that makes our programs uniquely special is our world-class Smithsonian Journeys Experts. Among the experts who accompany you on your journey are scholars from around the world—with in-depth understanding of history, culture, politics, the natural world, or the fine arts. We select experts whose area of expertise fits with the destination and who are eager to share their passion, knowledge, and insights about the places you visit. Our travelers continue to tell us that our experts are a major reasonthey come back to Smithsonian Journeys again and again. Meet some of our expertsand read about the tours they will lead in the pages that follow. And go online to read more about them and see the accolades shared by our travelers.

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1 Rafael Chacon

Rafael, director of the Montana Museum of Art and Culture and an art history professor at the University of Montana-Missoula, is a Renaissance and baroque art expert. His interests also include revival-style architecture in the U.S. northwest. Spain’s Andalusia (page 20). Segovia (page 22). France & Spain’s Basque Country (page 24).

2 Ana Afzali

A professor of Spanish culture, literature, and language at Citrus College in Southern California, Ana is an expert in the medieval literature and history of Spain and Portugal. She also has a special interest in the Iberian Renaissance. Barcelona (page 26).

3 Laurie Koloski

An associate professor of history at Virginia’s College of William & Mary in Virginia, Laurie lectures on modern Europe, world history, and material culture. Her research focuses on the social and cultural history of post-war Kraków. Kraków (page 32).

4 Gail Cornell

As an architectural historian, Gail’s work has taken her throughout Europe and North Africa. She currently is an adjunct faculty member at New York University and a lecturer at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Italy’s Lake District (page 14). Italy’s Amalfi Coast (page 18).

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Smithsonian knocks it out of the park. Their experts, tour directors, and local guides make all the difference… and the food is incredible too!

- Linda C.

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5 Robert Dalessandro

A historian, author, and retired U.S. Army colonel, Robert is acting secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission. He is an expert in three centuries of the lifeways of the U.S. soldier. He also leads battlefield tours in Europe and the U.S. Normandy (page 28).

6 David Gies

David is a professor emeritus of Spanish at the University of Virginia, where he formerly chaired the department. A widely published author, he also edits a journal about the Spanish Enlightenment. He received a Spanish knighthood in 2007. Spain’s Andalusia (page 20). France & Spain’s Basque Region (page 24).

7 Margaret Monnier

An expert on the Iberian peninsula, Margaret is a frequent educational travel and university lecturer. In addition to her focus on the region’s medieval period, she also has an interest in the Basque Country, Portuguese history, and the Camino de Santiago. Spain’s Andalusia (page 20). France & Spain’s Basque Region (page 24).

8 Gary Radke

Gary is one of the world’s leading experts on Italian medieval and Renaissance art. A former humanities and art history professor at Syracuse University, Gary has served as a guest curator at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art since 2001. Palermo & Taormina (page 16). Italy’s Amalfi Coast (page 18).

Learn more about our Experts at SmithsonianJourneys.org/Experts