Group of mature adults standing together in front of British monument

Guests share their favourite Tour Leader moments

Europe
Young blonde woman wearing sunglasses holding a glass of white wine.

Faye Smith

Faye relishes in discovering the history and cuisine of each country she ventures to, usually with a book in one hand and a glass of white wine in the other.

22nd December 2023

A moment of gratitude

Recently, we asked you – our marvellous guests – to share some of your favourite Tour Leader moments. From special birthday treats to veering off the itinerary, our local experts have made a difference to your extraordinary escapes over the years.  

Let’s take a moment to reflect on a handful of experiences and feel grateful for the people who make our tours so special.  

 

Irish dancing with the Tour Leader

Group of mature adults smiling together in front of an Irish castle

Wendy Andrews shares her favourite Tour Leader memory: 

“My favourite memory was learning the Irish jig and melodies in a gorgeous pub near the Blarney Stone with the Tour Leader and locals. We felt part of the village that night. Besides discovering we were hopeless at Irish dancing!” 

Find rich traditions, quaint villages and rugged peninsulas (as well as some Irish jigs!) on our Emerald Isle tour

 

A birthday to remember

Selfie of man with salt and pepper hair wearing a white polo t-shirt in front of Lake Bled

Theresa Bulanda reflects on her birthday during one of her tours:  

“We’ve taken three tours with Back-Roads Touring and have two booked for 2024. All have been well organized, interesting and fun.  

A special call out to our Tour Leader Flavio Lazzaretto for making my birthday while on tour in Switzerland extra special. He played birthday songs on the bus and had delicious desserts brought out on our group dinner that evening with candles and song. Highly recommend Back-Roads Touring.” 

Make your own memories on our Vistas of Italy and Switzerland tour

 

Picnic surprises

Group of mature adults enjoying a picnic together at a picnic table surrounded by trees with a large body of water in the background

Mary Wells Shaal remembers a spontaneous picnic for the entire group... 

“Our trip through France (Paris to Nice) was so fun. Our Tour Leader Max (and driver Ken) had us pick up picnic supplies at a local market and our group enjoyed two different picnics in parks along the way! That and an outdoor luncheon at a small winery are great memories!” 

Meet your local Tour Leader who are full of surprises on our Paris to Nice through Vineyards & Mountains tour

 

A tour filled with hysterics

Mature man wearing burgundy polo t-shirt, holding a map of Ireland

Yvonne Campbell shares what made her tour of Ireland unforgettable...  

“My tour of Ireland had to have the funniest Irish Tour Leader ever! He and the bus driver were constantly exchanging the funniest of comments and jokes - everyone spent the entire tour in hysterics at these two. The memories of this beautiful place always brings a smile to my face. It was my first tour with Back-Roads Touring and I've done three more since. Enjoyed every one.” 

Embrace the local craic on our Corners of Southern Ireland tour

 

Enthusiastic, adventurous and memorable...

Mature woman smiling at camera whilst perched on a stone wall with rolling green hills in the background

Lisa Shea Megna still remembers her favourite Tour Leader and hopes to see her again:  

“My favourite Tour Leader, hands down, is Rachel Thompson on my Highlights of Britain Tour. Although it was two years ago, I STILL remember every place we went and the fun tiny details Rachel would share with us about each stop. Her enthusiasm as a Tour Leader is contagious and her willingness to be adventurous and wander to previously unvisited sites was refreshing...  

She made all of us feel like part of her family , a happy one. I’m actually booking another Highlights of Britain tour for my husband and I, and we’re keeping our dates open so we can have Rachel as our Tour Leader.  

I travel to Europe and beyond, from America twice a year, and Rachel is, by far the most memorable tour guide I’ve ever had. 

Best wishes for happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year! 

Hope to see you soon Rachel!” 

Discover Highlights of Britain for yourself. Rest assured all our Tour Leaders are as enthusiastic and welcoming as Rachel. 

 

Our Tour Leaders are very special to us, and we know how much you cherish them during your Back-Roads Touring escapes, too.  

Thank you to those who shared their unforgettable Tour Leader moments – your wonderful words mean so much to the entire Back-Roads Touring Team. 

Happy Holidays! 

Group of mature adults raising a glass whilst enjoying a meal together outside.