John Sergeant On The Tourist Trail, a three part series, features the former newsman returning to his roots as a tour guide and getting a unique perspective of Britain by joining different tourist parties and experiencing Britain through their eyes.

Tonight's first episode entitled Green and Pleasant Land, screened on ITV1 at 8pm, features the TT as well as a number of leading UK tourist destinations including Loch Ness, the Lake District and the Eisteddfod Music Festival in Wales.

The TT feature was shot during this year's races and tracks groups of German tourists who visit the Isle of Man on their annual pilgrimage.

During the programme John discovers why they love to return to the Isle of Man year after year, despite bringing all their own food and litres of German beer.

He also meets TT hero Guy Martin and German rider Karsten Schmidt, who explains the thrill of competing in the world's greatest motorsport event, and learns how the Island copes with its influx of international visitors.

The trip was organised by the Department of Tourism and Leisure who assisted the production crew from Mentorn TV with all of the on-site logistics during their four-day trip.

WATCH THE PROGRAMME AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK
Send your reviews to newsviews@newsiom.co.im

YOUR COMMENTS

I hope both John Sergeant and his camera crew get medical insurance if they ever plan on coming back. Guy Martin and Karsten Schmidt will both need a (likely exceedingly expensive) policy as well.
ANGRY MANXMAN

The Germans were all shown having brought over their own food and drink! This will only fuel the argument that the TT does not bring in as much money to our economy as we are led to believe.
ANOTHER ANGRY MANXMAN

If you had told us about it yesterday morning – I would have watched it.
RON, Douglas

Editor's note: This story was published at 7.15am on Tuesday, allowing anyone wishing to watch the programme with plenty of time to make plans.

Errr, I watched the programme and watched the Isle of Man bit through twice but I didn't see Karsten or Guy. That said, despite the fact that they Germans brought their own food and drink, I thought the Isle of Man came over particularly well, they couldn't have been more enthusiastic about the place if they'd tried, they also managed to pick some extremely good days for filming - pity we can't always have weather like that! Maybe we should take a tip from the Chinese - they just had snow because the Government thought it was a good idea. These sorts of programmes will always have their critics as they are seen through the eyes of one or two particular people, usually the director and editor - oohh - that's where Karsten and Guy went, onto the cutting room floor - silly me!
N

Note to Editor - the article's "Published Date" as at the beginning of it was 9th November and then the article says "tonight" where I would take it to mean the night of the 9th, ie Monday, no wonder people were confused as the programme wasn't on until Tuesday 10th!!!!!!
N

I thoroughly enjoyed this programme. I thought it showed just how great the IOM is. The German bikers come over, not just to enjoy the fantastic TT races but because they love the Island and the fantastic scenery so much. I felt really proud to live somewhere that people return to year after year. And as for them bringing their own bear how many people go to Spain or Greece and take tea bags or food. It's no different. But I guessed we would get the usual rants. Some people are not happy unless they are whinging. Well done to John and the team.
KEN W