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Greg

Cleveland

10 years of experience
Detroit, Michigan
United States of America (USA)

Contact Options

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.

About

Hello! I’m Greg
I manage domestic and international tour groups.  I specialize in performing groups, but have lead many non-performers as well.  My method is unswerving: strong work ethic, respect, kindness, attention to detail, ability to multi task, the absolute joy of sharing knowledge through story telling and yes, a sense of humor. Since my background is in music and musical theater, I love to give an extra ‘back door’ peak into the real world of the arts, culture and history, whenever I am able to.

Specialties: Tour guiding in New York City with a focus on the performing arts as well as history. As much as I love leading tours to NYC and Orlando, I also thrive in England, Scotland, Austria, Italy and Japan. 

I am able to take care of all travel details and assure a fantastic travel experience. Overseeing all aspects of a tour, including airport, bus, hotel and meals. Assisting with concert and musical theater performances.  I communicate with ease with both student and adult groups and work well with groups large or small.  

I am also continuing to work in the performing arts and educational industry: Eastern Michigan University – Adjunct Teaching Staff, working with music ed. student teachers as well for the Michigan School Vocal Music Association – Festival and contest adjudication and clinician for the state of Michigan and the midwest.

Tours Offered & Destination Knowledge

Bus ToursCultural/Specialty ToursFood & Drink ToursLarge Group ToursMulti-Day Tour Director/LeaderPerformance Group ToursStudent Tour Director

I specialize in culture and performing arts travel.  Whether it's a performing group that I'm guiding or a group that is traveling just to absorb all the experiences that they can find.  (I'm a former performing arts high school teacher...)

NEW YORK CITY

- Broadway (6 of my former students are in Broadway shows or in National Broadway tours)

- Lower East Side and the Immigrant Experience

- Food & Culture from around the world, especially NYC's Lower East Side and Chinatown!

ENGLAND, SCOTLAND - Performance Tour Director as well as general Adult Tour Director - Currently tour director for tours visiting PBS TV & Film locations in England.

ITALY - Performance Tour Director

AUSTRIA - Performance Tour Director

JAPAN - Performance Tour Director

Fun Fact!
My first date with the woman who is now my wife: Ate Chinese food on a street curb in Japan, after seeing an Indian film. If she could love that, she could love me!
Hobbies & Interests
Fitness & weightlifting. Japanese cooking. Broadway Musicals. Hiking. Performing music on Medieval instruments: recorder, dulcimer, krummhorn and bagpipes.

Virtual Tour Experience

NA

Testimonials

Testimonial from Kelly & Jim G. 

The trip we took with Greg exceeded our expectations in every way.  Greg created a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will never forget.   He was so helpful and efficient, from our very first inquiry to meticulous onsite itinerary coordination everything was on point. 

We were continually amazed by Greg’s travel knowledge of our destinations and beyond.  The itinerary was carefully well balanced. We followed the prepared schedule but modifications were made to accommodate our needs and interests. The well planned itinerary, coupled with Greg’s travel knowledge and passion, put this trip into the A+ category.

​He is very thorough in his planning and his local stories were very well prepared. Greg believes in giving his trip participants a FULL experience, including MUCH more than just the typical tourist sites. We embraced the culture of the cities, experiencing not only the norms but also things we would not have experienced if not traveling with someone so well-educated on the location. We can’t thank Greg enough for his attention to detail and for the wonderful memories that will last a lifetime!

Testimonial from Iora H.  

Two tours with Greg Cleveland provided experiences in both quality and quantity beyond measure. The stories told made everything more interesting.  The unique locations discovered.  It was well worth the hard work and sacrifices in other areas of our lives to make it happen for my family. Truly, if Greg is in charge of your trip, you will not be disappointed. You will be blessed.

Testimonial from Heidi S.  

Having been to NYC many times for work and pleasure, I never knew how much I was missing until I was fortunate enough to explore it alongside our tour director, Greg Cleveland.

My son and I had never walked the Brooklyn Bridge or experienced an authentic Chinese Dim Sum meal before this trip. Our favorite night was seeing a Broadway show and afterward, enjoying the most scrumptious handmade cookies we’ve ever eaten!  I seriously had no idea some of these treasured areas of NYC existed. The time management and carefully thought out schedule was so skillfully planned, we were all able to enjoy great food, see memorable sites, and truly take in the full New York City experience!

I highly recommend Greg Cleveland as your tour guide, no matter what your destination may be!

Testimonial from Mike & Joyce S. 

Greg seemed to know how to tie everything together so that we always knew our day would be full of worthwhile and meaningful experiences.  We both knew that Greg was always working to make it seem effortless whether it was in Italy, Austria, Spain or Great Britain.  Greg enthralled us with stories about real history rather than just quoting facts.  Pure travel magic!

Testimonial from Susan C. 
Our family traveled to Italy with Greg Cleveland.....unbelievable organization.  Totally worth the expense because Greg helped us to visit more places, see more wonderful sights, stay in interesting hotels, eat amazing meals and experience so many unique moments. 

Greg always told the best stories that surrounded the locations that we visited. If you have the opportunity to travel with Greg, to Europe or anywhere else, do it!  It is an experience of a lifetime.  You are in the best of hands.

Testimonial from Cheryl T.
I have gone on four trips with Greg as the tour director.  The first because I was nervous about having a child that far away from home; the other tours were just because the first one was such a great experience.  Greg taught us about local manners & customs, safety, and culture.  He told us stories that made us laugh and cry.  I always felt prepared and safe. 

​For me it was the thrill of a lifetime sharing this unique experience and viewing the sites through the eyes of my children.  Over the last several years we went with Greg to Italy, New York City, twice, and finally, our last family trip with Greg to England.  Forever memories were made.

 

Details

Gateway Airport(s)

DTW

Licenses

Washington, D.C., New York City (NYC)

Training

TRIPSCHOOL

Language(s)

English, Japanese

Additional Education

2019
Certification
TRIPSCHOOL 
Tour Director Certificate Program. 

Boot Camp - New York City

Intensive Destination Training in New York City.     
 
2019
Certification
Extraordinary Storytelling for Tour Leaders
Be A Better Guide - Online Tourism Academy.  
 
2018
Certification
Lead Amazing Tours
Be A Better Guide - Online Tourism Academy.  
 
1990
Diploma
Eastern Michigan University
Master of Arts - Music Education
 
1980
Diploma
Seattle Pacific University
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education & Music History

General Availability

Busy year, leading tours in New York City and England in 2024. I still have some openings for winter and spring, 2024 - 2025 My availability calendar may be found on this site. https://tinyurl.com/gregclevelandavailability

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