When you take a tour with Trafalgar, you get whisked seamlessly from one amazing place to the other, without having to lift a finger. Whatever side of the road you’re on, you don’t need to think about the driving – along with everything else, it’s taken care of. Our drivers are among the most experienced in the business, and know even the trickiest of the Europe’s roads like the back of their hand. They’re a huge part of what makes a Trafalgar tour so relaxing, so we wanted to shine the spotlight on them for a change, and lift the lid on what life is like as a Trafalgar coach driver in Europe.
Meet Massimo, coach driver for Trafalgar. He’s from a small town in the Italian countryside between Assisi and Perugia in Umbria, and has been driving coaches since 2008. Per season, he completes around 10-12 tours – around 130 – 150 days driving Italy’s winding roads. We spoke to him to find out his favorite parts of the job, what he does on his time off, and how exactly he navigates the Amalfi coast…
Hi Massimo. You’ve been driving coaches for 16 years. What does it take to be a long distance coach driver?
It may seem like it doesn’t take a lot, all one has to do is drive the coach! Well, it’s quite the opposite. A driver needs to have endurance for the long trips, needs to be well prepared, plan ahead and knowledgeable of the locations they will be going to. They need to be well rested to guarantee safety to their passengers, there is a lot of responsibility. You need to be passionate about travel and accompanying guests, while being discrete yet available to assist when necessary.
What are some of the most memorable parts of Europe you’ve driven with Trafalgar?
The most memorable parts of Europe I’ve driven through include parts of England and Netherlands. The Netherlands in particular for its’ landscape and architecture, as well as, cleanliness and tidiness.
What do coach drivers do when guest go off for the day?
Firstly, I always tidy up and take care of the coach to make sure that all is in order and tidy. When I have a bit of time, I will explore local markets for local foods and items to bring home to my family. Absolutely, rest and get as much additional sleep possible. Being well rested is fundamental for long tours.
What are some of the best/most memorable moments from tours you’ve driven?
A very memorable moment was during a European tour going through the Balkans in 2015 and being a witness in history to all the migrants walking on foot through the country to reach safer countries.
How much do you, the coach driver, interact with the guests?
I am quite reserved, yet friendly and hospitable. If there are queries about the trip, I will lead them to the tour guide to answer directly, unless they are specific questions about the coach. If my assistance is needed, I am always available.
Any guests you remember in particular?
Yes, there are a few guests that I remember with similar stories, and who found me on Facebook and write occasionally. This one in particular was a Greek-Australian couple on a 28-day tour of Europe. They were celebrating the wife who had recovered from cancer, but a few months after the husband reached out to let us that she was ill again and shortly after passed away. Another time was a guest who was in wheelchair and I would assist him. He usually sends Christmas Greetings.
Trickiest roads you’ve driven in Europe? For example, the Amalfi Coast, or mountain pathways?
I’m Italian, the Amalfi Coast and other Italian roadways personally haven’t been a challenge. Overall, there isn’t one tricky road that stands out the most. If one is prepared, concentrated and serene and transmits calmness also to the guests all the roads are drivable.
What do guests love about the coaches most?
The guests are extremely appreciative feeling safe. Also, they really like always having the coach in order and tidy.
What’s your favourite tour to drive as a coach driver?
My favourite tours are the tours that go around all of Europe. I particularly like going through England, the Netherlands, parts of France, as well as, Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Do you have any good memories of your coach driver from your Trafalgar tour? Let us know in the comments below…