Like young people today, Dave Quinton yearned to explore the world after finishing his university studies. In 1960, four years before becoming host of CBC’s Land & Sea, Dave his friend Bob hatched a plan: steam across the Atlantic, then hike, hitchhike, and cycle across Europe for as long as their money would hold out. Little did Dave know that his travels would take him within the gates of Buckingham Palace, where he would to meet members of Britain’s royal family.

For seven months, the pair meandered through England, Ireland, France, and Spain. When they ran out of money, they settled in London and picked up odd jobs—Bob as a delivery driver, and Dave as a gardener for the Queen.

The Grand Tour is a light and humorous look back at months of freedom and adventure, missteps and misunderstandings, and the ups and downs of working for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Dave Quinton was a host and writer for Land & Sea from 1964 until 1993. He is currently a freelance writer, producer, and director of over 500 television programs, videos, and documentaries. He is also author of Land & Sea: My 30 Years.

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