Nancy Benedetti is one of Explorica’s original Tour Directors. She’s a valuable asset to the company’s global network and her knowledge and enthusiasm for art, history and European culture is appreciated by Group Leaders and students alike. In fact, Nancy was the most recommended Tour Director of 2007. Here’s what Nancy has to say about her experiences, leading groups around the world.

How long have you worked for Explorica?

I’ve been working for Explorica as a Tour Director for about six years now. I’ve led nearly 40 tour groups.

How did you get involved with Explorica?

Explorica was starting educational tours in Italy at the time when I was looking for a job as a Tour Director. Explorica has a great reputation in the field, and I had some previous experience, so I got the company's address from a colleague of mine and applied. My application was successful and I started leading student tours shortly thereafter.

What tours have you led for Explorica? Which are your
favorites?

I’ve led tours in Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Greece. But my favorite tours are always those in Italy and Greece. I have a passion for history and art, and touring these regions gives me the chance to share my interests with the students and teachers in my group.

Rome is often considered the cradle of modern civilization. And Rome was founded on the principles of ancient Greece. So touring these two countries offers great insight into the foundations of our Western culture. My enthusiasm for learning comes across during each tour and I find it’s contagious. The gorgeous weather and the beautiful sea are pretty great too.

What is it about being an Explorica Tour Director that you enjoy most?

When I applied to work for Explorica, I was looking for one company that I could stick with and work for exclusively, rather than jump around from season to season. And as I mentioned before, Explorica is known among travel professions for its professionalism and attention to detail. So I was really excited to join the company. Plus, once I got to know the people at Explorica, and grew into my role as Tour Director, I was able to operate with confidence and master my tour leadership skills. Also, even though I’m out in the field on my own, I know I’m operating within a group structure. And that is what I like about Explorica. I really feel a part of a team.

Plus each season brings new travelers for me to meet. And as much as I share my experiences and my interests with them, they share their experiences and interests with me. So as we travel the world together, I learn and grow each day — both personally and professionally. It’s a great benefit of being a Tour Director.

Any memorable moments on tour?

One evening, while touring in Rome, our group decided to walk from our hotel to the Trevi Fountain. The fountain was all lit up and it was a spectacular sight. One of the teachers on tour got down on his knee and asked his girlfriend to marry him — right there in front of everybody. She said yes and all of us, as well as everyone else who was there, started clapping. Some even started to cry. Surely he had found the most romantic place to propose, but I never expected it to happen on a tour. I was proud he decided to share such an intimate experience with all of us, because it meant that the group had become like a family for him. It’s interesting to watch how the group dynamics shift as the tour unfolds. That particular group became wonderfully close-knit.

Do you have any tour rituals?

Yes. When I’m on tour there are definitely certain things that I always do. When my group arrives and we’re all on the bus, I know they’re tired but I insist on giving my 30-minute spiel. It’s my critical introduction to the rules of the road, if you will. And I explain to them all the little things they need to know in order to survive. I give them some vital information, as well as some tips on how to make their tour more enjoyable.

For example, in Italy, I say to them, “coffee means espresso so don’t be surprised if you get a tiny cup of extremely strong coffee when you order. If you want the coffee you get at home, you need to ask for an American coffee”. I just try to brief them on what to expect during their visit, including little cultural tidbits I’ve picked up from all my travel experiences. Needless to say, it takes me a good three days to teach them how to cross a road in Italy. Talk about a challenge! But I won't tell you how I overcome that one; it’s my secret.