Rachel Williams | 2 December 2014
Mel & Franco are out on the road in South America looking after our guests on our small group expeditions. Mel is our fabulous, super-organised and always ready to assist tour leader & Franco is our fun, lively and super reliable driver.
Read more about this wonderful team below . . .
MELINDA CLEAVER
Melinda has always been a person out the front in the lead. Even before “gap-year” was a word Melinda had jumped on a plane by herself and started the ongoing adventure that has become her life. Organising adventure groups has been an integral part of Melinda’s life, from leading campers in the wilderness and working at popular hostels to managing a crazy road trip from New York to Mexico City. Melinda has always found a way to get it done – and always with a big smile on her face. 10 years ago she put her foot firmly in the travel industry as a Tour Leader covering South East Asia, Middle East and Africa & of course South America. But her true love of the Latino lifestyle has shone through as Melinda makes South America her home in her heart. Melinda thinks the best part of her job is organising the little things - a surprise birthday cake for a passenger on tour, including local fiestas into the itinerary or leaving little thank-yous at the completion of a trip!!
FRANCO DE ANTONI
Franco is like a mixed lolly bag – he has an Italian father, a Swiss mother and speaks seven languages - German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, English, Romansch, French.
He spent his youth travelling around South America before deciding to live in Ecuador where over the course of 15 years he built his own house (from handmade bricks and wood from the Amazon jungle) as well as a popular campsite for overland travellers. Not one to shy away from adventure Franco has worked as a canyoning and absailing guide and even created a successful Canyoning & Bridge Swinging business near Banos in Ecuador.
A passion for driving and knack with bush mechanics has made Franco a popular choice for overland adventures (Africa, Middle East & South America) but his true love has always been South America and since 2010 Franco has been based on the continent working different routes including an eight month transcontinental tour.
Franco enjoys a great red wine, a juicy fat steak and the company of eager travellers ready to experience the delights of South America.
So if you join one of our small group tours in Patagonia or Peru there is a good chance Mel & Franco will be there to take care of you and to ensure your tour is the trip of a lifetime. But don't just take our word for is, see what some of our guests who have travelled with these guys have to say.
"What a great pleasure it was meeting Mel and Franco; those two are made for that job." - Mick Cook
"Spent 14 days on the Andean Explorer with our host Mel and driver Franco and had the time of our lives!" - Diane & Mark Caton
"Mel, Franco and other local guides gave us expert information about any thing and everything." - Esther & Geoff Burnie
"Franco was such a careful driver and Mel was a great guide. Both kept us on track, were very obliging and helpful thus we were able to get as much experiences as possible from our trip. I think you are very lucky to have Franco and Mel on your team." - Janice Mitchell
"Mel and Franco were wonderful as our tour leader and driver and made sure that everyone was well looked after." - Rachel Symons
"We had a wonderful time on the Ruta 40 / Carretera Austral with Melinda and Franco." - Sharon Lawlor & George Zubrzycki
"I can just give you extremely positive feedback! Melinda and Franco have been so kind and helpful!" - Alessia Gabbianelli & Alessandro Gera
"Mel & Franco were great. Mel was very accommodating in catering to our needs whilst Franco was the steady & supportive driver. Driving all the way enabled us to view, meet & savour the unique environment & culture first hand." - Robert & Irene Chan
"A major part of the success of the tour was due to Mel and Franco, our guide and driver respectively. Their enthusiasm was infectious and the knowledge of the areas we travelled through ensured that we were really well informed." - Dale & Wayne
READ FULL TESTIMONIALS - CLICK HERE
Luxury: We design unique luxury holidays and experiences that allow you to experience the most spectacular and remote parts of the World. From the best hotels and lodges to luxury small ship cruises and exclusive Heli-tours.
Discover the ancient rock formations found at Bushmans Kloof, the coastal elegance of Cape Town, and wildlife in the exclusive Karongwe game reserve
Small Group Tours: Embark on a fully escorted small group tour to discover the stunning continents of South America, Africa, Antarctica and New Zealand. A group tour gives you the opportunity to explore in a fun and exciting environment surrounded by like-minded travellers.
Wildlife and Nature: Our wildlife and nature holidays will take you to some of the most remote and unspoilt regions. From encountering rich exotic wildlife in Latin America and Africa to the magnificent marine life in Antarctica and spotting spectacular birds in New Zealand.
Southern Lights: Witness the world most spectacular lightshow on Earth, the Aurora Australis! Check out our Southern Lights tours including best seller the Southern Lights by Flight departing Christchurch, New Zealand.
Discover the natural wonders of Stewart Island/Rakiura by day, and by night! Explore the southernmost Dark Sky Sanctuary with local guides.
Explore Antarctica on a classic small ship with only 80 passengers, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the stunning scenery and a bounty of wildlife.