During a long career as a choral director of high school, church, and community choirs in Ohio, Loren Veigel has traveled on European tours more than thirty times, most often as director or tour manager. Also an organist, he has delighted in opportunities to conduct and play instruments in historic churches all over Europe and Great Britain. His own Advanced Choir from Massillon Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio performed in six European tours. Loren is passionate about the architecture, history, and cultural aspects of travel. His long association with Witte Travel and their outstanding work in the tour industry led to his work with Witte in retirement, where he has been thrilled to assist other choirs and spiritual groups from Ohio to experience the joy of group travel.
Loren holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Mount Union College and a Masters in Choral Conducting from the University of Arizona. He has seven many years as choral clinician, adjudicator, and Board member for both the Ohio Music Education Association and Ohio Choral Director’s Association, where he is a Past President. In addition, he has served as a church musician for more than fifty years.
From Alps to Ales offers an itinerary personally designed by Loren threading together some of his favorite locations from many past choral tours. Travelers are certain to fall in love with the beautiful scenery, culture, music and food of these two German-speaking countries in the heart of Europe.
Nick and Lynn Branderhorst are residents of Pella, Iowa where they have spent years working together in the family business fondly named Nick’s Greenhouses and Flower Shop.
They love working side by side and after years for working together in the greenhouse and floral design world are “pivoting” and have decided to manage the travel business that Nick’s parents, Nick and Nellie Branderhorst started many years ago. This new venture has them very excited. They promise that you will have a wonderful time seeing amazing sights around the world and in the United States of America while sharing hours of laughter and conversations together. They know that there will be very few dull moments! They do hope that you will give them the honor of traveling with you.
Linda shares her passion for Dutch history as the owner and operator of Holland Tasting Tours. She is also a veteran tour guide for bus groups and Tulip Time. Matt is immersed in all things Dutch as the manager of Windmill Island Gardens over the last decade. He has also been involved with the Dutch International Society and the Dutch Heritage Coordinating Council. Matt and Linda look forward to sharing their Dutch connections with you and showcasing the modern and historic links between the Netherlands and West Michigan. As part of the tour, you’ll be invited to an orientation session prior to departure to meet your hosts and fellow travelers, as well as to receive background information on the sites you’ll be visiting.
Mike Bellomo is a first-generation Italian American and jazz enthusiast. He is passionate about traveling and jazz. You may have seen him at Jazz in the Park at Millennium Park or other jazz venues. He has been to Europe and Italy many times and has had the privilege of visiting and connecting with his Italian cousins in Italy, maintaining a strong connection to his heritage. He has served as a proud member of Club Italia and the West Michigan Italian American Club. Mike looks forward to experiencing the performances at the Umbria Jazz Festival and the culture of Umbria Italy with you.
Jon is passionate about creating unforgettable travel experiences that blend adventure, culture, and connection. He believes travel is more than sightseeing—it’s about immersing yourself in local traditions, savoring authentic flavors, and building meaningful friendships along the way. A lifelong music enthusiast, Jon loves weaving the rhythm of each destination into the journey—whether it’s discovering local live performances, curating playlists that set the mood, or simply appreciating the soundtrack of the adventure. He also enjoys exploring hidden gems, learning about history, and finding the perfect tune to match the moment.
As a teacher of art and art history for 33 years, it has been a passion of mine to introduce both high school students and adults to new cultures along with the art, architecture, and customs of people other than our fellow Americans. Travel has enriched me in profound ways. Leading students, their parents, and alladult groups all over Europe has allowed me to enhance my teaching skills and experience many of Europe’s treasures first-hand. Each journey becomes a shared adventure, and returning to destinations I have previously visited gives me an opportunity to offer insights and special touches to enhance the group adventure. It’s always great to expand one’s personal “map” and to be a lifelong learner.
Katie is Hope College’s director of family engagement and your co-leader on this adventure! Over the past decade, Katie has served Hope students as a member of the Student Life team and as an first-year seminar professor. She is in her third year on the Alumni and Family Engagement Team and delights in the opportunity to walk alongside current families throughout their student’s time at Hope.
Lindsey is an assistant professor of dance at Hope College in Holland, Mich. She holds a master’s of fine arts in dance from Montclair State University and a bachelor’s of arts in dance from Hope College. She has had an extensive career as a dancer and actress, performing on esteemed stages such as The Kennedy Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Broadway’s Marriott Marquis. Some favorites include performing as the White Queen in Third Rail Projects’ immersive production Then She Fell, as a Copacabana dancer on Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, as a dancer and aerialist on several cruise lines, and making her Broadway debut in The Illusionists. Other TV credits include Sesame Street, America’s Got Talent, Hulu’s Difficult People, and various commercials (Panera, Samsung, Vine.com). Her award-winning dance film, titled Sanctuary, investigates dance in collaboration with the architecture of a worship space and has appeared in 11 national and international film festivals. Sanctuary premiered at Redeemer Presbyterian in New York City in 2021. Most recently, Hanson has created a new work, Selah, in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame.
Mark Vermaire has been a pastor for 40 years and served most recently as Senior Pastor of The American Protestant Church of The Hague in The Netherlands. Mark’s avocation has been to explore the wonders of people, cultures, sights, and history that spark our imaginations and challenge our routines. Lori was a nurse for 36 years and enjoys exploring the world with others. When not traveling, Mark and Lori live in Carlsbad, CA. They look forward to sharing this adventure with you!
