As anyone who has ever been on an organised tour knows, having a tour leader who is engaged and passionate, who shows a genuine interest in their guests and the destinations visited, can make all the difference in the enjoyment of a holiday.
Back-Roads Touring goes to great lengths to ensure that they select professionals who display that love for travel and for people. In-depth knowledge of a destination is also a must, so guests are fully immersed in a culturally rich and memorable experience.
So we asked some of Back-Roads’ most inspiring tour leaders about their roles and what travel means to them.
Warwick Barton
Warwick has a passion for British history and UK architecture. We asked him what he loves about Scotland.
Q: What would be your number one thing to do on a tour in Scotland?
A: “To take time and pause – whether on one of the mountain passes, along one of the shore-hugging back roads or at the northernmost tip of one of the islands. To stand, stare and soak up the dramatic landscape in the UK’s only true wilderness … it’s truly magical.”
Q: What is the best meal you’ve ever eaten on one of your tours?
A: “The seafood platter in a converted sitting room on a railway station platform, gazing out of the window across the sea to the Isle of Skye. The delicate scallops, langoustine, mackerel and a chowder to die for – all while being regaled with stories from our host [fisherman and restaurant owner] Neil, whose morning catch we were enjoying.”
Edward Ashe
An actor and writer turned tour leader, Edward tells us a little about himself, and breaks down the qualities that make a great guide.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not leading Back-Roads tours around Europe?
A: “When I’m not taking Back-Roads tours, I’m still travelling, often to South America and Australia. For many years I worked as a journalist in London and I still offer contributions to various UK publications, mainly in the field of theatre and books. I also trained as an actor at RADA in the late 1990s and I’ve often found what I learned there to be very handy in terms of leading tours.”
Q: Is there a secret to putting on the best walking tour?
A: “The issue with a walking tour is to keep the tour both fresh in terms of its content, and in the way you deliver it, whilst ensuring that your audience is still engaged and following your theme.
“These are the same challenges that stage actors face. Just as an actor who’s bored with his part is also boring to watch, there is nothing more disappointing from the point of view of a tourist than a tour guide who has a lacklustre and routine style.”
Erik Jelinek
Trivia buff, food lover and former teacher, this multi-lingual tour leader shares stories from the road.
Q: What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned while on the road?
A: “A smile opens almost every door. It’s a universal message that gets you through most tricky situations and sometimes creates unexpected, magical moments.”
Q: Complete this sentence: I would never travel without….
A: “A sense of humour. Who doesn’t love to laugh?”
Q: Do you have a favourite story from one of your tours?
A: “My tours have certainly taught me never to judge people by appearances. I had an older lady on one tour and when I asked her at dinner what she did for fun, she told me she did box-car racing and then proceeded to show me pictures of her in a cart with a crash helmet!”
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David Lombardi
A retired London police officer and guard for Her Majesty the Queen, David enjoys imparting his knowledge of history on tours.
Q: How does one make the jump from being a guard for the Queen to a Back-Roads Tour Leader?
A: “I had just retired from 30 years in the police force and was not ready to wear slippers and do the gardening. I saw a recruitment advert from Back-Roads in a police retirement magazine looking for guides, so I applied and got the job!
“With a history degree and a love for visiting battle sites, I was the perfect candidate to conduct the Battlefield tours. I have now done so successfully for the past two seasons.”
Q: How do your past roles assist you in your work as a Back-Roads Tour Leader?
A: “I feel my previous career taught me how to talk to people from all walks of life, and to see things from their perspective. I’m comfortable making difficult decisions and overseeing challenging situations.
“As an Inspector, I was often managing critical incidents such as firearms incidents, mass public disorder and royal security, so managing a group of easy going Back-Roads passengers is easy in comparison. I have been told by several Back-Roads guests that they feel very safe with me.”
Q: What’s the best thing about ‘life on the road’?
A: “Meeting a group of passengers on the first day and seeing they have limited knowledge of the battlefields (and each other). By the end of the tour, they have become firm friends and have greatly improved their knowledge! I know this because I have a quiz on the last day, of all the things I’ve taught them. They always pass with flying colours!”
Helen Pointer
Helen likes to inject humour and laughter into her tours.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not leading Back-Roads tours around Europe?
A: “I draw and paint all over the world as I am a guest speaker and artist onboard world cruises. I know, it’s a tough assignment but someone has to do it!”
Q: How do you incorporate your love of art into your tour leading?
A: “When I’m approaching the end of a tour, I offer a portrait on the back of a souvenir leaflet that I give to everyone at the farewell dinner. It’s a nice personal treat.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met on your tours?
A: All my guests have an interesting story, and my favourite people are the ones who want to make new ones!
