Our Story
What we do
When people ask us what we do, we find it difficult to explain. We create trips that no other travel company creates. We introduce you to the locals and explore the land (or water) in the most unique way. We create trips that inspire travel and cultivate passion towards activities that you enjoy.
In the world of international travel, the word custom has taken on many meanings. To Jill Murwin, founder of Chasing Atlas, it has only one – to provide a truly unique and meaningful travel experience with the highest level of personalized service. At Chasing Atlas we believe it’s important to respect your time, money and desires. We listen to what you want and provide you with luxury, custom travel experiences, tailored to exceed your expectations.
As a former logistical and VIP guest relations specialist for professional cycling teams and as a co-owner of a successful cycling tour company, Jill has lived part-time in Europe for the past twenty-five years. During those years, she has nurtured countless personal and professional relationships. Today, many of these personal contacts have become Chasing Atlas resources who willingly share their particular expertise with our guests.
Whether you’re following the Tour de France, joining a cooking class in Tuscany or going behind the scenes at Fashion Week, Jill has the resources to make your trip a truly memorable experience. Years of developing hotel, restaurant and professional relationships throughout Europe, combined with a passion for concierge level service and personal interaction, ensures that you will enjoy an exceptional vacation experience.
“Anything is possible. It’s my pleasure to make your ideas a reality.” – Jill Murwin
Meet the Team
Giuliano Bike Guide
Chris Lead Mechanic
Our lead mechanic and California winter riding expert Chris is as smooth as a fine, Sonoma white. He’ll also show his favorite, hidden restaurant on Hwy 1.
Olesia Logistics Coordinator
Pau Lead Bike Guide
Catalonian cyclist and all-around athlete, Pau ensures that Chasing Atlas guests have the best experience possible both on & off the bike. From loading your luggage to making your lunch, Pau keeps you comfortable and at ease on the European roads.
Exceptional
- Fluent in Catalan, French, Spanish and English
- Off Season: Chef in an organic raw food restaurant & writer for a natural food magazine
- Freelance designer for innovative product creation
Athletic Life
I love it all! Adventureneering is the best; from a mountain navigation marathon to a multi-day road event, I’m always up for the challenge!
Claim to Fame
“I work without undue stress where sport, nature, traveling and great food are the four basic pillars of life!”
Julie R & D Director
Professional travel photographer and a curious mind are the best way to describe Julie. She always ensures you have the Best of the Best, by researching & planning exceptional travel experiences that only Chasing Atlas can provide.
Exceptional
- Graduate of Duke University; 2 Master’s Degrees in International Studies and Mass Communications
- Internationally acclaimed & awarded commercial photographer
- Pilot: instrument/multi-engine rated with jet time
Greatest Athletic Achievement
- skiing down the ice-injected Men’s Downhill World Cup course on race day, at Beaver Creek with 50 pounds of camera gear!
Claim to Fame?
“My cousin is Dale Earnhardt. I come by my heedless need for speed honestly!”
MARGUERITE Culinary Specialist
Marguerite’s mantra is creating food memories. She lives by her words and will show you the best markets in Europe and how to impress your friends by throwing the best party of the year.
Exceptional
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- Authored 4 cookbooks in 10 years, catered for Martha Stewart, opened 2 restaurants and a cooking show
- Started teaching cooking classes in 1980 at a local gourmet kitchen store when cooking was not hip or stylish
- Unabashedly, wonderful mother and doting grandmother. Raised her children with a strong sense of Sicilian heritage with a love of family, food and all things beautiful
Greatest Athletic Achievement
- I’m from Brooklyn where if you ran down a street, you were either being chased or running for a bus. Running several cooking businesses keeps you in shape!
Claim to Fame
“I’m a self-made fashionista, gardenista, decoratingista, partyista and travelista. Entertaining is my forte.“
Sergi Driver and Designer
Sergi, also known as the ‘eye candy’ of the company, oversees everything on foot and by car. Wherever you are, he’ll share his hidden stories of the best local eateries, explain the local history and take you wherever you want to go.
Exceptional
Fluent in 4 languages: Catalan, German, Spanish and English
Private consultant and product designer focused on simplicity, culture and nature
Can load bikes, run, create a picnic lunch..all while staying perfectly clean
Athletic Life
Swim – Breath – Run are Sergi’s weekly routine: 3km ocean swim – underwater sea diving apnea – 20km runs along the Costa Brava beaches
“Catalan and proud of it.”
Pierre European Logistics Coordinator
Pierre is a French native, currently attending Business School in Lyon, while working for Chasing Atlas. He seamlessly organizes the behind-the-scenes details, ensuring the perfect European experience of your dreams.
Exceptional:
- Fluent in French, English and Spanish
- Received his private pilot license before his driver’s license
- His crazy-high IQ means he’s always fixing, revising & improving our logistics
Athletic Life:
Claim to Fame:
Meet the Experts
Mahmoud
Born in Bedouin village of Petra. He is one of 19 kids in his family. He is an exceptional source of information about Jordan. Strong, fit and cheerful.
Ruby
Tone & Bjørn
Nick
Nick works with the elephants at the Elephant Nature Conservancy and shows our guests the hidden temples, backroads and best food in Northern Thailand.
Siam
No one knows the secret snorkeling spots like Siam! And, he makes a mean tropical punch too!
Jean-Marc
Jean Marc has competed five major Tours and is now a head mechanic. He also knows just about everyone in the peleton, police force and pro team. This certainly comes in handy when you want to climb on a team bus, drive on the race course or have a coffee at team team hotel.
Jude
The world changed when Jude discovered the foodie capital of Europe. Join Jude at her home in London and she’ll teach you how to throw a fabulous dinner party in less than two hours. The best part? You’ll actually remember how to recreate the same recipes at home.
Francesco
Art collector. Political satirist. Interior designer. Want to really see behind-the-scenes of how Italians live & eat? If you’re extra nice, Francesco might invite you to sleep overnight at his five bedroom villa.
Jean-Pierre
Historian, treasure-hunter, roman and greek antiques collector, unique mosaic artist, hiking guide, mayor of his town and extraordinary story teller. If you visit Provence you must know him
Bella
Bella is a local who grew up skiing the Wasatch Mountains. She rose to the top in ski racing NCAA Division I at University of Alaska.
She will show you the best secret runs and take you to her favorite local spots for wining and dining!
Ute
Ute is from Germany, but don’t let that fool you. She’s a Parisian Pro who knows every secret address and side-street in Paris with the best tastes, styles and stories we’ve heard!
Amel
First in her family to graduate from high school and go on to college, Amel has stories that will stay with you the rest of your life. She’s also a mother, freelancer and one of a few female certified travel guides in Luxor.
