Life on the road with a Back-Roads tour leader

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When you’re on a small-group tour, having a passionate and engaged tour leader can make all the difference to your holiday.

Here we meet one such lifelong traveller who just adores her work.

Kriszti Imre leads groups for Back-Roads Touring. We chat to her about her favourite places in Spain and Portugal, what she loves most about being a tour leader and her favourite stories and dining experiences from her travels.

What is it you enjoy most about Back-Roads?

First, it’s the guests we have from all over the world on board. And as the name of the company suggests, taking those guests on the back roads to tour different countries and show them the hidden gems of a country that only locals would know about, is really one of the best things we do at Back-Roads.

Seeing the country side, driving through almost uninhabited villages, or just getting a feel about how everyday people live outside of the bigger cities is a privilege.

Due to the smaller vehicles we have, we can access really off the beaten track destinations, that not only guests, but myself as well truly enjoy. The smaller sized vehicle also means smaller groups, where by the end of the second day, not only do we all know each others’ name, but also start bonding really easily and really well.

There is no divide between myself as tour leader and guests at dinner tables. Unlike many bigger tour operators, where due to the sizes of groups it’s almost always impossible to sit and dine together as one group. At Back-Roads, I always sit with guests and we have a chat, a laugh and continue getting to know each other over a delicious meal.

And last but not least, I feel the company really values their tour leaders and our feedback. Our head office is always curious to hear our stories, updates and suggestions form the road about the tours that they carefully plan, and that we deliver.

Kriszti Imre - Back Roads tour leader. — Kriszti Imre – Back Roads tour leader.

What is your favourite part about being a tour leader?

Again, it starts with the people onboard. Everyone thinks that as tour leaders we do it as we get paid to travel, which of course is true to an extent. Of course travelling like we do is high on my favourite list, but sharing my love for travel with people who have been dreaming about these destinations for years is really what it’s about for me.

I find my happy guests always curious, attentive, eager to learn and just incredibly positive. Seeing guests’ faces when they see the highlights that they were looking forward to for years prior to the trip, or seeing the reactions to something completely unexpected, really makes me (and I guess every other trip leader) realise we have the best job in the world.

And then there is the fact that I get to see some of the most gorgeous landscapes, cities, people and architecture, plus I also get to enjoy the local cuisine from these wonderful foreign destinations, like Rick Stein’s seafood restaurant in Cornwall!

Back-Roads specialise in small group touring. — Back-Roads specialises in small group touring.

Food is an important part of a Back-Roads tour. What’s your favourite meal while on tour?

There is just too many to list. Really. I absolutely love good food, so it is a very hard pick. I can probably narrow it down to three.

I am a huge fan of tapas, having a little bit of many different meals is just a brilliant idea. I especially like this small tapas restaurant in Seville, Spain where all their tapas are served with Peruvian influence. Great spices and flavours.

My second choice would have to be a draw between one of the hundreds of cod-fish recipes the Portuguese have (bacalhau à bras is my favourite) and Hungarian lángos (deep fried dough with garlic, sour cream and grated cheese).

For dessert, nothing beats a Portuguese custard tart with an espresso!

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Complete this sentence “I never travel without….?”

A good pair of walking shoes and sunscreen. My two most cherished items in my backpack and what I recommend for all travellers.

Do you have a favourite story from one of your tours?

There is one from every day! Again, too difficult to choose just one. The lovely ladies who have written poetry and read it out to the group; the splendid gentleman who has sailed the world but had never until my trip travelled on land (he loved it, by the way); the funny gentlemen who purchased “hippie” trousers to fit in with the locals of Granada, Spain; celebrating birthdays or anniversaries with the group; and another big favourite has to be John, who blended in so well with the locals of Monsaraz (Portugal) he almost took part in the local festival of the “running of the cows!”.

What do you enjoy most about being on the road?

The diversity of every day. Having breakfast in Madrid and dinner in Toledo on the same day. Discovering all the best hidden restaurants and finding the best coffees and local specialties.

Visiting, and often revisiting museums, learning new things every single time I go to a place, and meanwhile having a group of enthusiastic people to share this with.

Architecture of Cardona, Spain. — The distinctive architecture of Cardona, Spain.

How often are you told you have the best job in the world?

Not often enough! But more precisely, probably three or four times on every tour. And I have to say, I agree.

Back-Roads tours of Spain and Portugal

Want to travel with Kriszti through Spain, Portugal or Morocco? Back-Roads offers five different tours to these fascinating and diverse regions.

Iberian Inspiration – 11 days

Experience the historic charm of Córdoba, Granada, Baeza and Estremoz and Ronda from old-town boutique hotels. Watch black Iberian pigs roam in the Sierra de Aracena and taste famous Jamón ibérico. Spend the night in Seville and enjoy a traditional Flamenco show

Tour Includes:

10 nights in boutique accommodation
Experienced Back-Roads Driver & Tour Leader
Local guide in Granada
Premium mini-coach transportation
European breakfast daily (B), 4 evening meals (D)
Tapas lunch with wine tasting
Olive oil and Ibérico ham tasting
Flamenco show
Entrance included to: Santa Maria la Blanca, San Juan de los Reyes, Mezquita, Jaén Cathedral, Alhambra, Gruta de la Maravillas.

Discover Portugal – 7 days

Cruise the Douro River in a traditional-styled, but electric powered rabelo boat. Explore the magnificent Coimbra University Library, and visit the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon and the Shrine of our Lady of Fatima in Batalha.

Tour Includes:

6 nights in boutique accommodation
Experienced Back-Roads Driver & Tour Leader
Premium mini-coach transportation
Local guides in Sintra, Cascais, Lisbon & Porto
European breakfast daily (B), 4 evening meals (D)
Wine and port tasting
Entrance included to: Jeronimo’s Monastery, Belem Tower, Pena Palace, Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Porto Cathedral, Guimaraes Castle, Coimbra University and Bom Jesus do Monte
Tile making experience

Highlights of Northern Spain – 8 days

Enjoy free time in Cadaques, a fishing town where Salvador Dali formed his surrealist vision, and discover the artist’s workshop, library and gardens. Visit the salt mines in Cardona and experience Michelin-starred cuisine with a farewell dinner at an inventive restaurant in the Basque Country.

Tour Includes:

7 nights in boutique accommodation
Experienced Back-Roads Driver & Tour Leader
Premium mini-coach transportation
European breakfast daily (B), 3 evening meals (D)
Entrance included to: Salvador Dali House, Salt Mountain Cultural Park, Parador de Cardona, Olite Castle.

Madeira Highlights – 7 days

Enjoy a scenic boat cruise around Funchal Bay aboard a replica of Christopher Columbus Nau Santa Maria. Take a tour of Quinta do Furão Hotel Estate and Vineyards and indulge in wine tasting and roll up your sleeves and take part in a cooking class at Quinta do Furão Hotel.

Tour Includes:

6 nights in boutique accommodation
Experienced Back-Roads Driver & Tour Leader
Premium mini-coach transportation
Daily European-style breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 3 evening meals (D)
A tour of an embroidery factory in Bordal
Cable car ride from Funchal to Monte
Botanical Gardens visit in Monte
Visit to Volcanic Caves in São Vicente
A scenic boat cruise around Funchal Bay
Wine tasting at Quinta do Furão Hotel Estate and Vineyards
Cooking class & lunch at Quinta do Furão Hotel

Majestic Morocco – 11 days

Learn a colourful couscous recipe on a traditional Moroccan homestay in Moulay Idriss. Become a Berber overnight and sleep in a luxury Sahara Desert camp. Channel your inner Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman with dinner and drinks in Casablanca’s Rick’s Café.

Tour Includes:

10 nights in boutique accommodation
Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader & Driver
Local guides in Fes, Meknes and Marrakech
Premium mini-coach transportation
Daily breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 6 evening meals (D)
Moroccan cooking class
Traditional tea ceremony
Berber dance show
Visit an argan oil cooperative
Visit a carpet cooperative
Entrance included to: Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Kairaouine Mosque and University, Moulay Idriss, Jemaa el Fnaa, Koran School, Yves Saint Laurent Garden, Bahia Palace and Hassan II Mosque.

MORE BACK-ROADS TOURS YOU MAY LIKE

England, Scotland, Wales

This adventure delves deep into Britain’s history and culture. In England, we celebrate ‘Great British Puddings’ and trace the footsteps of writers and poets. While in North Wales and Scotland, our journey highlights grand castles and plenty of spectacular scenery.
Heart of England

Discover the back streets of Oxford, The Cotswolds, Bath and Avebury and immerse yourself in the world of some of history’s greats.
French Barge Cruising

Rich and refined, Burgundy is as elegant and enticing as the fine wines produced there. But this tour shines a more voluminous light on the famous French region where the food and wine are but an accompaniment to the other great attractions found here.
ANZAC Western Front

Follow in the footsteps of heroes with an expert guide as you trace some of the most significant battlefields in Australia’s wartime history.
Enchanting Italy

Southern Italy arouses the senses. Step back in time in Naples, to the days of the Roman Empire. Tour ancient cities and marble temples, and explore pastel-hued villages on the Amalfi Coast, all while savouring exquisite regional cuisine.
Corners of Cornwall

From windswept moors and wild coastlines to historic cities and picture-perfect fishing villages, discover Cornwall and its many attractions. The region’s maritime heritage, rural beauty and culinary offerings will delight all who visit. Your tour provides plenty of free time too for independent discovery.
The Emerald Isle

Discover Ireland from north to south starting with the legendary Giant’s Causeway and Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. Your Back Roads tour will take you through charming Irish villages and across rugged peninsulas, where sweeping views of the Wicklow Mountains create a dramatic setting for your Emerald Isle adventure.

YOUR BACK-ROADS ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE

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Jason Dutton-Smith

I'm a professional nomad and first-class-wannabe. I'm a curious adventurer who enjoys travel that's two parts planned, one part self-discovery. When at home, I'm chief tea maker. If travel is to live, then here's to living!