Each of our specialists covers a few areas of our programme and all have been recruited for their passion and detailed knowledge of the region. They have all travelled extensively in this area so whoever plans your trip you can be sure that you will experience the very best of the country. Click on their profiles to read more about their background and travel experience.
Ben Colbridge
North & Central Asia Specialist
01993 838 217
Expertise:
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Classic China, The Silk Route, Southwest China, Central Asia, China, Japan
After graduating from university with a degree in Molecular Biology & Genetics, it was time for a change, and Ben headed to a small rice-farming village in rural southern Japan to teach English. In the following 4 years, he travelled extensively around Asia before returning to the UK to work & continue his love of both travel and Asia. After two years working in the travel industry Ben joined Audley as a specialist allowing him to remain involved in this most diverse of continents full time and to return regularly to the areas he loves. Ben now covers Central Asia, China and Japan for Audley, and indulges his passion for travel photography whenever he can.
Claire Barnes
North & Central Asia Specialist
01993 838 216
Expertise:
Japan, South Korea
Claire's fascination with Japan began at the tender age of 6, when two beautifully kimono-clad Japanese ladies gave a talk about their country at her school. Many years later, the fascination was still as strong as ever and, wanting to learn more, Claire read Japanese Language and Society at university, during which time she also lived, worked and studied there for over a year. She also then paid a visit to nearby Korea to visit family, and instantly fell in love with the country's warm and welcoming people, its rich wealth of history, and its unique and vibrant culture, which drew her back again and again. She's travelled extensively in both countries, and joining Audley has allowed her to pass on her passion to her clients. Claire's interests include watching Kabuki plays, a passion for Korean and Japanese food, and a love for gardens, shrines and temples.
Henrietta studied French and German at university & after a year spent in Austria, she headed east to live and teach in the mountains of central Japan. From there she was able to travel the length and breadth of this fascinating country, as well as use it as a base to explore further afield in Asia. Henrietta is experienced and passionate about the outdoors and has a love of trekking, skiing and Japanese hot spring baths. She recently revisited many of the rural alpine retreats in central Japan, and would be happy to talk to you about the area. In broadening her horizons, Henrietta has just visited the Caucasus, where she immediately fell in love with the countryside, people and the fascinating history of this unexplored region. She has developed a passion for Georgian and Armenian cuisine and is enjoying trying the new recipes she learned there. Henrietta will also be heading to Iran later this year to explore this intriguing and beautiful country. She is a keen linguist and is looking forward to brushing up her Farsi and chatting with locals over a cup of Iranian tea.
Marc Dolman
North & Central Asia Specialist
01993 838 218
Expertise:
Japan
Marc's love of travel began when he spent a year living and studying in France. After graduation Marc further indulged his passion for travel by spending time in Australia, the South Pacific and South America. He has since lived and worked in several countries including a two and a half year spell in Japan where he spent time in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and in the tranquil surrounds of Kumamoto in Kyushu. After being involved with the Australia department at Audley for over two years Marc, fuelled by his passion for all things Japanese, moved teams and joined the North and Central Asia department. He has since returned to Japan where he visited some of Audley's character and boutique properties and sampled some of the many experiences which are available to travellers in Japan. Aside from travel, Marc is a keen follower of all things football. He also enjoys swimming and is an aspiring chef.
Sophia Vanttinen-Newton
North & Central Asia Specialist
01993 838 211
Expertise:
Japan
As part of her Sociology and Politics degree at Cambridge University, Sophia studied Japanese Sociology allowing her to learn more about Japanese customs and traditions. Upon graduation, Sophia went out to Japan and lived on the north east coast teaching English on the JET (Japan and Exchange Teaching) Programme. Her highlights include enjoying exploring northern Japan and tasting the delicacies, particularly the local seafood.Sophia loved the generosity of northern Japanese people and got involved in community activities, cooking with local people and learning more about Japanese food. During her year, she also had the opportunity to visit more the country, including the more remote areas of Okinawa and Hokkaido, again enjoying more seafood and fish, particularly sushi! In her spare time Sophia enjoys cooking, eating, music and of course planning her next holiday.