It’s what Back-Roads Touring doesn’t include in the tours that separate them from the competition.
Don’t expect oversized buses brimming with dozens of passengers, nor endless days of driving or constantly hopping on-and-off your coach, and forget highway travel too as you only move on scenic back roads through charming small towns and villages the big buses can’t access.
Add to this a professional tour guide and a leisurely paced itinerary allowing for plenty of free time and you have the making of a holiday of a lifetime.
Here are just six reasons why you’ll love a Back-Roads tour.
1. Small-group touring
Back-Roads truly go off-the-beaten-path
Like the back roads taken on tour, the size of your travel group is equally pleasing. With no more than 18 like-minded travellers on any tour (20 for French barge cruising), the small-group experience is one of intimacy. The smaller group also means a more personalised experience from your professional tour guide.
2. Leisurely paced itineraries
Back-Roads specialise in small group touring.
There are no sunrise starts or day-long drives or constant hopping on and off your coach with Back-Roads. Each stop is given the attention it deserves so you can enjoy each location for all its hand-picked moments with ample free time to explore on your own.
3. No highways
On the back roads of Italy.
True to the name, Back-Roads is all about the winding country lanes, coastal beauty and breathtaking mountain passes. Departure is rarely before 830am with driving kept to a minimum, so you can enjoy longer stays in each destination to give it the attention it deserves.
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.
4. Hand-picked accommodation
Rather than staying at big chain hotels, Back-Roads opt for accommodations that perfectly reflects the destination. Classic family-run inns, elegant chateaus; each day will end with a hotel of character befitting the surrounds.
5. Culinary discoveries
Local cooking school experience – Image courtesy Back-Roads Touring.
From visits to local farms, wine and cheese tastings, cooking demonstrations, fresh food markets and celebrity restaurants, the local cuisine is a great way to understand and appreciate the culture. Not just reserved for fine food, you can also sample a tipple at a Whiskey Distilleries in Scotland, a Sherry tasting in Spain, or various wine tastings in France and even Croatia.
6. Authentic experiences
Longleat House – Image courtesy Back-Roads Touring
Back-Roads takes the time to seek out the local experiences and take you to the heart and soul of a region. That means tours by locals, quality accommodation, family or locally owned restaurants that specialise in the tastes of the region and attractions that reflect the destination’s culture and heritage.
MORE BACK-ROADS TOURS 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!
