A. A real highlight of our trips is what you will learn by our educational staff! Most trips have an expert Study Leader who holds a series of lectures during the trip. Our study leaders are often prominent academics, journalists, and diplomats and focus on historical, political, and contemporary issues of the region. Not only will they lecture, but they are available for in-depth discussions and one-on-one conversation throughout the journey. If we are traveling with other educational institutions, we might have multiple study leaders, so you get a variety of topics. Their expertise is complemented by top local guides and/or guest speakers. On occasion we have a series of local guest speakers throughout the trip, rather than a single study leader throughout. Our weekend trips and food and wine programs feature guest speakers (chefs, winemakers, local experts) rather than one study leader.