TOUR MANAGERS
As needed, each of our land tours has a qualified TOUR GUIDE who is specialized in history, art and archaeology and is the only one eligible to conduct guided tours at archaeological sites and museums. They are hired by the tour supplier we use for a specific area. In certain places of Europe, an officially licensed guide is required to perform tour commentary even in outside places.
TOUR GUIDES are officially licensed by the state to conduct tours.
However, in addition to a guide traveling on various portions of our land tour groups, we provide at least one staff member to accompany each tour or cruise as the tour manager. These tour managers are there for you. They are NOT A GUIDE but a tour facilitator, assigned to be together with the group from the beginning to the end of the trip to help things run smoothly. Your tour manager will be together with your group giving general guidance and practical support.
Our tour managers are chosen because they are experienced travelers and group leaders, AND they are also prolific quilters or involved in the quilting industry! So, not only are they familiar with the aspects of your tour but they know the quilters world and will help you see your destination through a quilter’s perspective. They are there to insure a smooth operation.
When Deb Roberts, does not travel with a group, the tour managers below are part of our company staff and travel with you to assist the group during your travel experience. *Please note. They are not there to provide personal physical assistance, should you need assistance please bring someone on your trip to help you.
JAN SMITH
Jan has quilted and traveled throughout the world for most of her adult life. She has been both a tour participant and tour leader for us since 2015. She brings a warm and friendly enthusiasm for both quilts and travel as well as for the people she meets along the way. A dedicated quilter Jan has taught quilting for fifteen years and is a prolific quilt maker.
Jan enjoys spending time with our groups and will enhance your trip in many ways.
LINDA PUMPHREY
Linda brings an exuberant and passionate personality to our small group of travel leaders. In addition to her lifelong passion for quilts and textiles, she’s an avid and ardent traveler. Since our founding, Linda has been an active traveler on many of our tours and cruises and has served as a co-group leader and quilting teacher.
With a 30 year background in the quilting industry as an author and serving on several industry boards, she has traveled throughout the world and enjoyed the quilts and textiles she finds along the way. Linda is excited to share our adventures, quilts and textiles, customs and sites your trip will bring. She will strive to make your trip a wonderful fun filled experience.