Albatross Tours
Albatross Tours

Our Tour Managers

Our professional, highly-experienced Tour Managers are passionate about providing the very best touring experience that you can imagine. With a reputation for being some of the finest in the business, they’ll attend to your needs, share their knowledge, join in the fun, and take care of every detail to ensure your holiday runs smoothly.

And, because Albatross Tours are so inclusive, your Tour Manager won't be concerned with ‘selling’ optional extras or taking you to ‘special’ stores. Their only interest is being friendly, helpful and knowledgeable travelling companions and guides; which is why they receive such overwhelming praise from our guests.

Alexander Knorr

Alexander was brought up on the German-Swiss border but has been a UK resident for almost 25 years. His roots lie much further east as his parents were born in Poland and Ukraine. He has travelled through… see more

Alexander was brought up on the German-Swiss border but has been a UK resident for almost 25 years. His roots lie much further east as his parents were born in Poland and Ukraine. He has travelled through Central and Eastern Europe extensively. His passion is to show to fellow travellers the immensely rich history and culture this continent has to offer. Alexander started to organise regular private trips for his UK based friends more than 15 years ago. Since 2013 he is leading organised tours in Central and Eastern Europe. hide

Anna Lampén-Boeving

I live on the Åland Islands, which are 6700 islands in the Baltic Sea. We belong to Finland, but we have autonomy and our small parliament. “Alanders” have always been traveling the world, and so do I. I… see more

I live on the Åland Islands, which are 6700 islands in the Baltic Sea. We belong to Finland, but we have autonomy and our small parliament. “Alanders” have always been traveling the world, and so do I. I have worked as a tour manager all over the world since 2012, and I still love it! During summertime in Scandinavia I do a lot of Norwegian tours as well as guiding guests who come to my home islands. Norway is an amazing country with it’s deep fjords, rugged mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, the history of the Vikings for example. I worked to Lapland and northern Norway in the winter as well and it is a fabulous experience. I love to meet people and share experiences. It is just wonderful to bring guests on a journey of their lifetime and make sure they get an unique experience. I enjoy working with Albatross Tours since I really share the philosophy of traveling the “Albatross Way”. hide

Antonia Scetta

Antonia lives in Italy and has been in tourism since 1995, where she started doing local guiding on Lake Garda which transformed to taking full tours around Italy. We are sure you will enjoy her profession… see more

Antonia lives in Italy and has been in tourism since 1995, where she started doing local guiding on Lake Garda which transformed to taking full tours around Italy. We are sure you will enjoy her professionalism and company throughout the tour. hide

Cristina Davanzo

Cristina is a native of Treviso, Italy and has an advanced degree in Foreign Languages and Literature from the University Ca’ Foscari in Venice. She lived in Spain during her university studies and in Lond… see more

Cristina is a native of Treviso, Italy and has an advanced degree in Foreign Languages and Literature from the University Ca’ Foscari in Venice. She lived in Spain during her university studies and in London for a few years, working in retails, as an interpreter, business administrator and her love for travelling and Art and history took her to the travel industry and she became a group leader . When she returned to Italy, she started managing educational travel programs for adults and students and has been successfully group leader since 2001. She is working in Italy and also in many other European countries .She is fluent in Spanish, English and speak well Portuguese and French. hide

Darren Wheatley

I have worked as a tour manager for the last 29 years. Albatross Tours is a great company to work for with wonderful hotels and locations to visit and friendly guests to travel with. In my free time I enjo… see more

I have worked as a tour manager for the last 29 years. Albatross Tours is a great company to work for with wonderful hotels and locations to visit and friendly guests to travel with. In my free time I enjoy photography so have the perfect job for that and also browsing antique markets around Europe. I have a real passion for travel and imparting interesting information and knowledge to our guests who travel with us. If you travel with Albatross you are sure to have a great time. hide

Deryck Brown

I have been a tour manager since 1980 when I started conducting tours to the Oberammergau Passion Play from Munich where I was living at the time. I have always enjoyed my job, seeing new places and watchi… see more

I have been a tour manager since 1980 when I started conducting tours to the Oberammergau Passion Play from Munich where I was living at the time. I have always enjoyed my job, seeing new places and watching them change and of course constantly meeting new people, mostly from Australia and New Zealand. Each tour is an education for me, no matter how many times I visit a place, there is always something new to learn, often from clients on the tour. I enjoy conducting Albatross tours because they offer something a little different from most other coach tours. The pace is generally more relaxed and the places visited often more for the serious traveller, sometimes a little off the beaten track. The three and four night stays in hotels make the operation of the tour less frantic than many other companies! hide

Ernst Weidl

Brought up in Nuremberg, Ernst has been living in Augsburg (near Munich) for over 30 years. He is fond of this area because it is also located within easy reach of the Alps (e.g. Austria, Switzerland, and… see more

Brought up in Nuremberg, Ernst has been living in Augsburg (near Munich) for over 30 years. He is fond of this area because it is also located within easy reach of the Alps (e.g. Austria, Switzerland, and Italy). He has always liked travelling and has seen quite a bit of the world. He loves working as a tour guide because you always meet nice and interesting guests while showing them the jewels of Europe. hide

Eve Charlier

Hello, I'm of Anglo Indian origin born in India but now a resident of Andalucia, Southern Spain for the past 36 years. Home is an organic farm in the beautiful Andalucian hills shared with my husband, 3 do… see more

Hello, I'm of Anglo Indian origin born in India but now a resident of Andalucia, Southern Spain for the past 36 years. Home is an organic farm in the beautiful Andalucian hills shared with my husband, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 5 peacocks and a bunch of pot belly pigs! I studied languages and am bilingual in Spanish and English. I have been working as a Tour Manager for the past 12 years throughout all of Europe, Morocco and the Iberian Peninsular. hide

Francine Di Tommaso

The daughter of an Italian mother and an American father I was brought up in both cultures and had the great privilege of spending my formative years in a variety of cultures as my father's work required t… see more

The daughter of an Italian mother and an American father I was brought up in both cultures and had the great privilege of spending my formative years in a variety of cultures as my father's work required that we move often to different countries. I was born in Paris, France and have lived for most of my adult life in Italy, so that I am in effect bicultural and bilingual. I have lived the last 35 years of my in Italy discovering every delightful nook and cranny, finally settling in Tuscany ten years ago. My itinerant life, changing cultures and language, was an important experience for me and the reason I so much enjoy my job as a tour leader because it allows me to get to know new people and share my passion for history, art, culture and everyday life experiences that make a culture what it is. hide

Francisco Garcia

My name is Francisco Garcia and I am born and bred in the heart of the famous East-End of London within the sound of the Bow bells to a Spanish family from rugged Galicia in the North of Spain. Always int… see more

My name is Francisco Garcia and I am born and bred in the heart of the famous East-End of London within the sound of the Bow bells to a Spanish family from rugged Galicia in the North of Spain. Always interested in the socio-political aspects and historical contexts of human migration in Spain, I have been teaching a Spanish social history and language qualification at a local school in London for the last two years alongside touring in a number of countries for the last 20 years. I have also picked up just a few languages along the way as Spanish, Portuguese, Galician, French and Italian spring to mind. I have a background in the creative arts, hence my Masters degree in Graphic Design and have a real passion for art, design and architecture to boot. All of this is compounded in my enthusiasm to share my acquired knowledge, as you will no doubt appreciate on any of my tours. hide

Gilberto Bionda

I come from a small village in the mountains of Northern Italy near to the Swiss border. Italy is a truly beautiful country and I love it; we are so lucky to have the culture, arts, history and nature. Sin… see more

I come from a small village in the mountains of Northern Italy near to the Swiss border. Italy is a truly beautiful country and I love it; we are so lucky to have the culture, arts, history and nature. Since I was a boy, having an outgoing personality, my passion was to travel and see our beautiful world. I travelled extensively and doing several jobs before taking a position as a tour escort, which turned out to be the perfect career for me. For over the last 20 years I have worked as a Tour Manager in Italy and around Europe. Today and since many years, I am proud to be working for Albatross Tours which has delighted me for the quality of design of the tours, the philosophy, the guests and the great staff. I love my profession which allows me to meet new people, communicate my knowledge of the places we visit, show my enthusiasm, while enjoying every single day. hide

Guido Ochner

Ciao! I'm Guido. I was born in the north of Italy, in the alps and when I was 18 I moved to the city of my dreams, Florence, where I attended the university and graduated in translation and interpreting...… see more

Ciao! I'm Guido. I was born in the north of Italy, in the alps and when I was 18 I moved to the city of my dreams, Florence, where I attended the university and graduated in translation and interpreting....but I wanted to travel, to know and to share my passion for beautiful places with others. I became an official tour director for the European Union and official tour guide of Tuscany. I speak English, Spanish and Portuguese. I've always been a passionate lover of art, travels, music and gardens So, as a guide I specialized in music itineraries and visits to historical gardens. When at home I love to read, take care of my flowers and cook my bread. hide

Helen Sheehan

Helen has been working with Albatross Tours since 2013 and in tourism since the late 1990’s. Helen has lived in Venice and Matera. As well as her work as a Tour Manager, Helen has written travel articles… see more

Helen has been working with Albatross Tours since 2013 and in tourism since the late 1990’s. Helen has lived in Venice and Matera. As well as her work as a Tour Manager, Helen has written travel articles for Elle magazine and the New European. Helen speaks fluent Italian and French. hide

Jelena Di Ceglie

Jelena is born and raised in Dubrovnik, Croatia with a great love for UK, where she had spent some years of her life. She has a degree in journalism and PR, combined with a decade spent in the hotel indust… see more

Jelena is born and raised in Dubrovnik, Croatia with a great love for UK, where she had spent some years of her life. She has a degree in journalism and PR, combined with a decade spent in the hotel industry. However, as she always loved to travel and discover new cultures and landscapes, she decided in her thirties to be a local guide and Tour Manager... the rest is history! Majority of the time Jelena loves to spend time in and guide through Yugoslavia and Italy. Not to mention, as half Italian, she enjoys finding out the best places to eat. hide

Jim Clark

I began my career by leading tours in North and South America for groups of Germans and Austrians. Over the years, I had the opportunity to meet countless amazing travellers and achieve significant success… see more

I began my career by leading tours in North and South America for groups of Germans and Austrians. Over the years, I had the opportunity to meet countless amazing travellers and achieve significant success. However, I eventually decided to shift my focus towards Europe and leading tours in my native language. For the past fifteen years, I have thoroughly enjoyed guiding groups through captivating destinations such as the Iberian Peninsula, the Balkans, and the Alpine countries. Acting as a bridge between cultures is an immensely gratifying experience, as I have the privilege of helping people explore the very places and communities they had previously only heard about, allowing them to truly immerse themselves during our tours. hide

Karen Newman

I developed the travel bug when as a youngster, my father accepted a position with the Dutch rugby union. Living in Holland it was so easy to hop on the train and spend the weekend in Belgium, France, or G… see more

I developed the travel bug when as a youngster, my father accepted a position with the Dutch rugby union. Living in Holland it was so easy to hop on the train and spend the weekend in Belgium, France, or Germany. It was during this time that I realised I wanted a career in the travel industry. My first job as a tour manager was back in 1985. It can best be described as a baptism of fire as I found myself dealing with the hotel over bookings, broken down coaches, lost passports, theft, and illness. These are things which I now take in my stride, but it was daunting first tour. After working in Great Britain and Europe for several years, I expanded my horizons and was soon guiding sightseeing tours throughout North America. Why stop there was my thought and soon tours all over the world quickly followed. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Australia and New Zealand many times and I’ve also taken tours to such unique destinations as the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and Namibia. Seeing a blue footed booby in the South Pacific, the sunrise over Machu Picchu in Peru and experiencing the migration of the wildebeest in Tanzania are just some of the memories that will live with me forever. It is these experiences and memories I want to be able to pass on to my Albatross passengers. hide

Kelli Palmet

By nationality I am Estonian. It means I come from the shores of the Baltic Sea. My hometown is a fairytale town called Tallinn. For now, I have been a tour guide for almost 30 years. What once started as… see more

By nationality I am Estonian. It means I come from the shores of the Baltic Sea. My hometown is a fairytale town called Tallinn. For now, I have been a tour guide for almost 30 years. What once started as a hobby, has become my full-time profession. Lately my main destinations have been Central Europe and Scandinavia and most of my guests have come from “down under” but also from other English-speaking countries. In Scandinavia I have worked for a decade – sailed the seas, climbed the mountains, admired the waterfalls and fjords, tasted local foods, listened to Hardanger fiddling, studied history and now I am gladly ready to share my experience with you! hide

Luis Cardoso

Originally from Portugal but living in the UK since 2000, Luis has been leading tours in Portugal, Italy and Spain since 2008 and has a wealth of experience and knowledge of those regions. With a great pas… see more

Originally from Portugal but living in the UK since 2000, Luis has been leading tours in Portugal, Italy and Spain since 2008 and has a wealth of experience and knowledge of those regions. With a great passion for the culture, history and lifestyle of the Southern European countries, coupled with a very friendly and warm personality, you will be sure to enjoy your time with him. hide

Maria Luisa Blanco Del Rio

"Hola, my job is my passion, The Iberian Peninsula is my joy! I was born and raised in the heart of a typical Spanish household. As a child, my family's priorities were hard-work & traveling around the wor… see more

"Hola, my job is my passion, The Iberian Peninsula is my joy! I was born and raised in the heart of a typical Spanish household. As a child, my family's priorities were hard-work & traveling around the world. Twenty years ago, my parents and I settled in Andalucia & my younger sister lives in Lisbon with her family. As your tour manager, my goal will be to provide you with the most memorable tour and help you experience local culture, interact with the people, and understand the events that have shaped this region. I adore telling stories that add a dimension to what you will see; capturing the charm of each place we will visit. Are you ready to smile and have a real Spanish and Portuguese immersion? I look forward to sharing with you the amazing beauty of these two amazing countries! Buen viaje y hasta pronto! - Safe travels and see you soon!" hide

Maria Perri

I am of Italian origin, but have lived most of my life in England. I have worked in tourism since I was 19, and qualified as a London Blue Badge Guide in 2003. I love travelling, reading, gardens and going… see more

I am of Italian origin, but have lived most of my life in England. I have worked in tourism since I was 19, and qualified as a London Blue Badge Guide in 2003. I love travelling, reading, gardens and going back to visit my family in Italy, where I always eat too much! I have been married for 22 years, and have a 17 year son - I am the only non techi person in the house. hide

Marta Ruiz-Ocana Dobao

Marta grew up in Madrid and currently lives in Ribera del Duero, home to the most reputed Spanish wines. She has a passion for travelling and has been leading tours for over 20 years. Marta speaks English,… see more

Marta grew up in Madrid and currently lives in Ribera del Duero, home to the most reputed Spanish wines. She has a passion for travelling and has been leading tours for over 20 years. Marta speaks English, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese. She looks forward to sharing her country and close neighbouring country with you. hide

Monica Ediers - Italy

Being a Tour Manager for over 30 years, with trips to various destinations from South America to China, India, Indonesia, Thailand etc. safaris in Africa, and Europe my greatest passion, it is one of the m… see more

Being a Tour Manager for over 30 years, with trips to various destinations from South America to China, India, Indonesia, Thailand etc. safaris in Africa, and Europe my greatest passion, it is one of the most fulfilling and fascinating professions that exist, together with passion for Photography. Not only the enjoyment of travelling and learning different cultures, but the social factor involved. being fluent in Dutch, French, German, English, and Italian certainly helps. I love people, like to interact, socialise make a tour fun and enjoyable, like smiles on our guests faces , love the contact with the people who make it possible for having a great time so our guests will take a memory away they never forget and come back and back again on an Albatross tour For me the best company I ever worked for ,the attention given ,awareness and approachability towards our guests listening to what they like, makes them standing out in retrospect of others. My passion is Europe with its uncountable riches in history, art (I have an Art , photographer degree), culture, gastronomy, music, customs and many more. I like to share this knowledge to give more insight and meaning to the places to our guests. My favourite country & people in Europe is Italy where I also live part of the year in Tuscany to dedicate myself on art and Photography. Nothing is more satisfying then seeing people enjoying their time in Europe in a more leisurely style, concentrated on one particular area and discover it in depth as offered by Albatross. hide

Prisca Demolli

I am Prisca, from Italy. From childhood I have always been fascinated by other countries, their culture and their history. I have travelled around Europe, the Americas and as a backpacker I spent six month… see more

I am Prisca, from Italy. From childhood I have always been fascinated by other countries, their culture and their history. I have travelled around Europe, the Americas and as a backpacker I spent six months in Australasia. I became a Tour Manager in 1998, previously I had spent two years studying and working in London and one and half years in Montreal (Canada); six months volunteer teaching in Guinea Bissau (West Africa) and a few months studying and working in Spain. I am happy when I can share my enthusiasm with my fellow travellers and my motto is “The world is your oyster”. hide

Reinhard Held

I started work in tourism in Italy as a guide for excursions in Tuscany. Later I became a tour manager and for many years I have been conducting tours in Europe, mainly in the German-speaking countries and… see more

I started work in tourism in Italy as a guide for excursions in Tuscany. Later I became a tour manager and for many years I have been conducting tours in Europe, mainly in the German-speaking countries and Italy. Since 2007 I've been working for Albatross, handling European Summer as well as Christmas tours. I like working for Albatross: I like the product as well as the philosophy behind it, I like the people who travel with Albatross and the people who work for Albatross. As a native of the Austrian Tyrol I love the mountains and therefore I especially enjoy handling the 'An Alpine Adventure' tour. I also like to do the 'Black Forest, Bavaria & the Tyrol' tour and the 'Italian Grande' tour. hide

Richard Ellis

I first came to live in Italy in my early 20s and fell in love with the country. I both worked and studied at University there. Life took me back to the UK, but I continued to work in travel for some years… see more

I first came to live in Italy in my early 20s and fell in love with the country. I both worked and studied at University there. Life took me back to the UK, but I continued to work in travel for some years before settling down. I returned to tourism five years ago and although much has changed Italy remains as fascinating and beautiful as ever. hide

Rosaria Licandro

Rosaria is a native of Sicily, living in Catania with her mum and little dog Trilly. Rosaria is a qualified Tour Manager and has been leading groups throughout Europe for many years. Rosaria loves garden… see more

Rosaria is a native of Sicily, living in Catania with her mum and little dog Trilly. Rosaria is a qualified Tour Manager and has been leading groups throughout Europe for many years. Rosaria loves gardening, cooking local food and and taking long passeggiate (walks) while eating a nice gelato. hide

Sibila Strazicic-Cincotti - Italy

Sibila is a Croatian lady and speaks English, Italian, Croatian and French. Sibila has extensive knowledge and experience throughout Europe. We are sure you will enjoy her professionalism and company thro… see more

Sibila is a Croatian lady and speaks English, Italian, Croatian and French. Sibila has extensive knowledge and experience throughout Europe. We are sure you will enjoy her professionalism and company throughout the tour. hide

Simona Matheoud

Simona is Italian, she comes from the heart of the Western Alps, Sestriere, well known ski resort. She loves languages: she speaks German, French, Spanish and, of course, English (improved in Australia, wh… see more

Simona is Italian, she comes from the heart of the Western Alps, Sestriere, well known ski resort. She loves languages: she speaks German, French, Spanish and, of course, English (improved in Australia, where she spent a winter teaching alpine ski in Mt. Buller!). She has been Tour Manager during the last 15 years. She travelled throughout Italy for many years, than with Italian groups around the world and with foreign travellers along the Alps, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and France. She is mum of Matteo, a cute child of 9 years. They enjoy to practice many sports and activities together. In winter she has been working for 22 years as alpine skiing instructor, her second beautiful job! Travelling has always been one of her greatest interests, she has a huge passion for amazing natural landscapes and she loves to share time, knowledges, curiosities with people from all around the world! hide

Sylvia Ettore

I was born and raised down under as many of you, but in the South American continent. I raised near a huge river, in Rosario, Argentina. With twenties I moved alone to Europe and I have been traveling and… see more

I was born and raised down under as many of you, but in the South American continent. I raised near a huge river, in Rosario, Argentina. With twenties I moved alone to Europe and I have been traveling and discovering the old continent for many year living in different cities since I moved to Torino almost 40 years ago. I could define myself as a dynamic, resourceful, cultured and sophisticated person that has spent over 35 years in a variety of tourism management roles worldwide. Large management, travel & events organizations, including Ferrari and their Formula One Team, have employed my considerable talents to manage logistic support functions and organisational planning. Having lived and worked in various parts of Europe, I speak 6 languages and I am familiar with the cultures of each of their countries and their idiosyncrasies. My entrepreneurial edge has lately been honed as focal point for the coordination of all logistical activities and incentive trip for big-name marketing companies and International Tour Operators. My responsibilities will be to coordinate, manage the daily work and to assist the whole group with all matters that every client needs and development of all hospitality issues. My experience in the field of organizing events within the Tourism, Sports, Industries and Corporate world, will certainly be an asset towards this journey in Italy. Thanks to this enriching experience and expertise that I will put at disposal, I sure this trip will become something unforgettable. hide