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About Back-Roads Touring

Picture a touring holiday that delves a bit deeper. One that doesn’t simply drop by top sights and major cities – but takes you off-the-beaten-track to see each destination through the eyes of the people who know it best: the locals who call it home. And with small group sizes ....more

Reasons to tour with Back-Roads Touring

Premium Mini-Coach transportation

Enjoy the company of a small group - With small group sizes of no more than 18 people, you can expect a more personalised touring experience – and with like-minded travellers at your side, you’ll find that a journey shared is a journey best

Feed your curiosity - Stories waiting to be unravelled. Secrets waiting to be revealed. Fascinating cultures, delicious flavours and unexplored terrain. Feed your curiosity and embark on a voyage of discovery with Back-Roads – and let the n

Embrace the view - Immerse yourself in nature on uplifting journeys through evocative landscapes. From rolling hills and swathes of forest to shimmering coasts, islands and canals, breathtaking views lie around every corner when you take th

Discover a local way of life - There’s no better way to understand the essence of a destination than by meeting the people that call it home. Learn traditional crafts, stories and recipes as you venture off the tourist trail and behind the

Savour each moment - Slow the pace and take it all in; there’s plenty of time to enjoy each step of the journey. Whether you’re touring a historic home, enjoying a meal or indulging in a wine tasting session, you can do so safe in the knowl

Guided by the best - Insightful, attentive and passionate, our Tour Leaders will unlock the experiences that make your Back-Roads tour truly special – from adding personal touches to your itinerary to bringing destinations to life with thei

Our Story

Picture a touring holiday that delves a bit deeper. One that doesn’t simply drop by top sights and major cities but takes you off-the-beaten-track to see each destination through the eyes of the people who know it best: the locals who call it home. And with small group sizes of ....more

Accreditations and Associations

ATAS, ABTA and ETOA

ABTA

ABTA

ETOA

ETOA

ATAS

ATAS

Covid-19 Assurance and Extended Flexibility Policy

We understand that in today’s constantly changing world, you’re cautious of restrictive booking conditions. That’s why we’ve introduced some additional flexibility to our booking policies – providing you and your customers with peace of mind when booking their 2021-22 European adventure. Until the 31 December 2021, all ....more

Awards

At Back-Roads, we’re dedicated to providing our guests with the best travel experience possible, and this passion has helped us to achieve several prestigious industry awards. For the past four years in a row, we‘ve won the ‘Best Small Coach Holiday Company’ award at the British Travel Awards – and ....more

What We Offer

Picture a touring holiday that delves a bit deeper.

One that doesn’t simply drop by top sights and major cities, but invites you to see a destination through the eyes of the people who know it best: the locals who call it home. Where journeys are made for absorbing never-to-be-forgotten views, ....more

Covid Policies

In place till 31 December 2023 for departures

As we explore the road less travelled, rest assured your wellbeing always comes first in the ever-changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic.

You told us you would feel more comfortable travelling if the COVID-19 vaccine was made a requirement for our guests. In response, ....more

Back-Roads Touring Reviews

Stephanie Breedlove  

Commitment to travellers is brilliant!

26-Sep-2019

The Backroads commitment to a personal level of service is apparent and so very appreciated. The genuine interest and execution of so many detailed extras made a significant difference in the experience. Backroads is truly a Small Giant.

Elspeth Chalmers (Google Reviewer)  

22-Jun-2023

Wow what an incredible trip! Backroads thought of everything and the staff were incredible. We had an unbelievable experience.

Cindy Black  

13 trips and still amazed!

04-May-2018

This was my 13th trip with Backroads and it definitely exceeded my expectations, which is harder and harder to do!

Fiona Balsillie (Google Reviewer)  

08-May-2023

Currently on a Portugal tour, at this moment on the Douro river cruise. Sad to say but truely don’t bother. Small little boat we are stuck inside no ventilation limited views and you can’t take pictures due to the closed dirty windows

Julie Armstrong (Google Reviewer)  

06-Aug-2024

June 2024 Dalmation Coast tour of Croatia and Montenegro was excellent with an interesting and very comfortable range of accommodation and quality sites and experiences. Excellent tour leader, driver and comfortable bus. In contrast, the Eastern Europe tour a week later was very disappointing. No where near the quality of accommodation, meals and experiences eg no museums open during our one day in Krakow and no tour of the ghetto. Also totally inadequate legroom in bus, too much travelling and missed opportunities. Terrible organised meals. Excellent tour leader and driver. Suggest Backroads reassess this tour as our two experiences were nothing alike.

Lori Harmon (Google Reviewer)  

12-Oct-2023

Backroads is a premium travel/adventure company. They provide structure but also promote making the journey your own. Guides highly trained and totally focused on making each person’s experience safe, fun and memorable. They seek out the best opportunities to play hard and rest well. Hands down the best tour company I have experienced.

Roger van den Boogaard (Google Reviewer)  

02-Aug-2023

I had a wonderful experience touring Italy, this July 2023, with Backroads. Our tour leader was exceptional in her knowledge of all things around us. Our driver did an amazing job under VERY difficult circumstances. Bravo Luciano. The accommodations were fantastic. The provided meals were delicious.(not to mention the wine tasting🍷 or the ‘two a day’ gelato rule🍦, so we won’t)😁 The scenery as we passed through was astounding, particularly Tuscany and then up into the northern mountains. Breathtaking. Thoroughly enjoyable. Roger.

Jennie James (Google Reviewer)  

13-Sep-2024

ANZAC on the Western Front I highly recommend this tour for anyone who is interested in the history of WW1; whether a history buff or for those, like myself, who had a basic general knowledge. The information is presented with in-depth detail and immersive style by visiting and walking the battlefields. For me, this provided stark clarity of what transpired and has piqued a curiosity to learn more. Steve, our tour guide of many years experience in leading this tour and of studying the war, was very keen to share his encyclopaedic knowledge. The tour invited us to submit any personal requests and Steve went above and beyond to ensure these were met. It was incredibly moving to watch some of our tour members laying a poppy, a cross or even a cigarette at the grave of a fallen relative. It had a profound impact on myself when I walked on the Bullecourt battlefield where my Grandfather had fought and was wounded. After Steve explained so eloquently the futility and carnage of the battle I had a greater understanding of m age as he was then. There is so much ground to cover on this tour, so be prepared for full days. The accommodation provided an authentic experience. As you would expect the hotels used are older buildings, in-fact on our first night in Lille the hotel had been used by the troops in WW1. While the accommodation was a little quirky they were always very clean with friendly and helpful staff. I would like to thank Steve for bringing together such a diverse group with his humour and easygoing manner. And, I need to acknowledge, his endless patience. We all became a tight knit group, looking out for each other and at times being asked, jokingly, to tone it down at one of our pre-dinner drinks. I honestly don’t know how we had the energy, but obviously enjoyed each other’s company. An absolutely fabulous trip!

Debbie Waltermine  

First Experience?

12-Jul-2019

This was our first experience with Backroads and it was wonderful!! Your staff at the office and your group leaders are wonderful—you made it so easy to organize and plan all we needed. Truly a 5 star experience!

julie walton (Google Reviewer)  

28-May-2023

We have just come off a Back Roads Highlights of Britain Tour 2023! Our tour guide and bus driver were amazing! Shabby our guide absolutely created magic for the whole bus! Magnificent itinerary, incredible commentary from young Shabby with music included to pay homage to the districts we were in! 🎶genius! Talk about an experience of a lifetime! A small group means going to the places the big buses can’t and time to get to know your fellow adventurers! Loved this tour and Back Roads if you’re reading this you have struck gold with your guide Shabby! Highly recommended 👍

SUSAN Mills (Google Reviewer)  

12-Jul-2024

Norway Fjords & Glaciers was a terrible experience from start to finish. Driver & guide were definitely not local & neither were knowledgeable about the destination. Driver was erratic & too fast for such treacherous mountain roads. Guide was disorganised & unable to answer basic questions about Norwegian history. Dietary needs were not met and even accessing somewhere to eat was problematic. Accommodation was clean but basic & often very remote. Avoid this tour, Norway is far better experienced from the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

We have solo capacity, however no single share.

What documents will I receive before I travel?

Upon final payments, we will distribute E-Documentation to all of our guests. Dont forget we also have our App to download as an added feature.

Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Like-minded travellers awaiting the opportunity to explore the less explored regions. Interests in food, wine, history, art as well as wartimes there will be a great mix of people to connect with on tour.

What policies are in place for Covid-19?

We have our COVID Assurance Policy, Book now and relax knowing you are covered under our new COVID-19 Assurance Policy. At no additional cost to you, new bookings are now 100% refundable in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or unable to travel due to government-enforced lock downs prior to your scheduled departure date.

What level of mobility do I need?

You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.

Who goes on Back-Roads tours?

The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.

What is the minimum age for any Back-Roads Touring trip?

The minimum age on all of our trips is 18 years.

Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

All Hotels in line with protocols following the World Health Organisation meet and exceed requirements for all Touring with us.

How long has the tour company been trading?

Back-Roads Touring has been operating from the UK for over 30 years.

What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

Inline with our booking flexibility policy, you are able to make as many changes as required up to 60 days from departue - with 1 last included up until 30 days out.

Can I join the tour once it has departed?

Generally no, but in extraordinary circumstances it can be looked at.

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