If you’re the type of traveller who loves diverting off-the-beaten-path, prefers to travel with small groups and enjoys plenty of free time to explore at your own pace; then Back-Roads Touring is for you.
Guiding small-group tours throughout Europe and the UK for over 30-years, Back-Roads Touring are the experts in personalised, relaxed and free-form touring.
True to their name, Back-Roads avoids freeways and congested toll-ways by sticking to the scenic country routes and waterways.
Castle Howard as seen on Highlights of Britain tour.
On the road, guests will enjoy the comfort of purpose-built Mercedes Benz Sprinters, each decked out with comfortable leather seats and ample personal space, and while off the road, boutique accommodation in quaint towns and villages await.
This adventure delves deep into Britain’s history and culture. In England, we celebrate ‘Great British Puddings’ and trace the footsteps of writers and poets. While in North Wales and Scotland, our journey highlights grand castles and plenty of spectacular scenery.
Heart of England
Discover the back streets of Oxford, The Cotswolds, Bath and Avebury and immerse yourself in the world of some of history’s greats.
French Barge Cruising
Rich and refined, Burgundy is as elegant and enticing as the fine wines produced there. But this tour shines a more voluminous light on the famous French region where the food and wine are but an accompaniment to the other great attractions found here.
ANZAC Western Front
Follow in the footsteps of heroes with an expert guide as you trace some of the most significant battlefields in Australia’s wartime history.
Enchanting Italy
Southern Italy arouses the senses. Step back in time in Naples, to the days of the Roman Empire. Tour ancient cities and marble temples, and explore pastel-hued villages on the Amalfi Coast, all while savouring exquisite regional cuisine.
Corners of Cornwall
From windswept moors and wild coastlines to historic cities and picture-perfect fishing villages, discover Cornwall and its many attractions. The region’s maritime heritage, rural beauty and culinary offerings will delight all who visit. Your tour provides plenty of free time too for independent discovery.
The Emerald Isle
Discover Ireland from north to south starting with the legendary Giant’s Causeway and Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. Your Back Roads tour will take you through charming Irish villages and across rugged peninsulas, where sweeping views of the Wicklow Mountains create a dramatic setting for your Emerald Isle adventure.
Each tour is matched with an expert guide, with tours accessing locations not usually available to the larger coach tour vehicles, allowing guests to really experience small towns and villages like a local.
Chateau de Chenonceau – part of La Belle France tour.
As tours are restricted to no more than 18 guests at a time, the intimate group allows expert tour leaders throughout the journey to dedicate time to each and every guest, where everyone is encouraged to ask questions and interact along the way. A true way of really immersing yourself in the passion and culture of the destinations visited.
Travellers will stay in boutique style accommodation, discover culinary delights, enjoy authentic local experiences, and all with a leisurely paced itinerary with no long drives or early morning starts.
Positano as seen from Back-Roads Enchanting Southern Italy tour.
Back-Roads Touring Styles
Group size no larger than 18 (or 22 on French barge tours)
Scenic route drives avoiding freeways
Leisurely-paced itineraries
Authentic local experiences
Culinary discoveries
Popular Back-Roads Tours
Corners of Cornwall (7-days)
Enchanting Southern Italy (7 days)
Highlights of Britain (9 days)
Ireland the Emerald Isle (12 days)
La Belle France (9 days)
5 Things We Love About Back-Roads Touring
Maximum 18 people per tour
Scenic country back roads and laneways only
Leisurely paced itineraries
Authentic local experiences
Culinary tours
MORE BACK-ROADS TOUR YOU’LL LOVE
England, Scotland, Wales
This adventure delves deep into Britain’s history and culture. In England, we celebrate ‘Great British Puddings’ and trace the footsteps of writers and poets. While in North Wales and Scotland, our journey highlights grand castles and plenty of spectacular scenery.
Heart of England
Discover the back streets of Oxford, The Cotswolds, Bath and Avebury and immerse yourself in the world of some of history’s greats.
French Barge Cruising
Rich and refined, Burgundy is as elegant and enticing as the fine wines produced there. But this tour shines a more voluminous light on the famous French region where the food and wine are but an accompaniment to the other great attractions found here.
ANZAC Western Front
Follow in the footsteps of heroes with an expert guide as you trace some of the most significant battlefields in Australia’s wartime history.
Enchanting Italy
Southern Italy arouses the senses. Step back in time in Naples, to the days of the Roman Empire. Tour ancient cities and marble temples, and explore pastel-hued villages on the Amalfi Coast, all while savouring exquisite regional cuisine.
Corners of Cornwall
From windswept moors and wild coastlines to historic cities and picture-perfect fishing villages, discover Cornwall and its many attractions. The region’s maritime heritage, rural beauty and culinary offerings will delight all who visit. Your tour provides plenty of free time too for independent discovery.
The Emerald Isle
Discover Ireland from north to south starting with the legendary Giant’s Causeway and Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. Your Back Roads tour will take you through charming Irish villages and across rugged peninsulas, where sweeping views of the Wicklow Mountains create a dramatic setting for your Emerald Isle adventure.
I'm a professional nomad and first-class-wannabe. I'm a curious adventurer who enjoys travel that's two parts planned, one part self-discovery. When at home, I'm chief tea maker. If travel is to live, then here's to living!
