Combine stellar service with immersive itineraries, unique tours and authentic experiences and you have the makings of an unforgettable holiday.
And that’s what you’ll get with world leader in small-group journeys, Back-Roads Touring who’ve been showcasing the UK and Europe for more than 25-years. With that kind of track record, it was a natural step for the company to extends it unique style of experiential touring into Asia. Its first Asia journeys get underway in late 2018.
The Back-Roads’ travel philosophy is ‘culture and comfort’. Bypassing the highways for the routes less-travelled, its purpose-built Mercedes mini-coaches are able to visit places the larger coaches of rival companies cannot. The oversized windows, comfortable leather seating, large sunroofs and onboard fridge are special touches to make the journey extra comfortable.
The coaches will transport you to the must-see attractions but you’ll also go beyond what the average holiday-maker gets to see.
The authentic experiences extend to the accommodation as well, with boutique style hotels and guesthouses reflecting the culture and traditions of the area.
If you’re looking to treat yourself to an off-the-beaten-path journey in 2019, then we have 10 tours to consider. The hardest part will be choosing which one!
MORE ABOUT BACK-ROADS …
TOURS OF ENGLAND
Corners of Cornwall – 7 days
From windswept moors and wild coastlines to historic cities and picture-perfect fishing villages, the County of Cornwall is sure to impress. Discover the maritime heritage, rural beauty and culinary pride of South West England.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 6 nights in boutique accommodation
- Experienced Back-Roads Driver and Tour Leader
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- Daily full English breakfast (B), 4 evening meals (D)
- 1 lunch at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant (L)
- Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary, including: St Michael’s Mount, Salisbury Cathedral and Tregothnan Estate
Highlights of Britain 2019 – 10 days
This adventure delves deep into Britain’s history and culture. In England, you’ll trace the footsteps of writers and poets, while in North Wales and Scotland, your journey takes in spectacular scenery and dramatic castles.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 9 nights in boutique accommodation
- Experienced Back-Roads Driver and Tour Leader
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- Daily full English breakfast (B), 5 evening meals (D)
- Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary, including: Abbotsford House, Brontë Parsonage Museum, Rosslyn Chapel
A Scottish Journey 2019 – 8 days
Towering mountains and enchanting lochs. Dramatic cliff-top castles and quaint villages. Infamous battles and gripping legends. This Scottish Journey takes you from coastal cities to Hebridean islands, seeking out one-of-a-kind landscapes, mesmerising history and undeniable charm.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 7 nights in boutique accommodation
- Experienced Back-Roads Driver and Tour Leader
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- Daily full Scottish breakfast (B), 1 seafood lunch (L), 4 evening meals (D)
- Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary, including: Culloden, Duart Castle and Stirling Castle
IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Corners of Southern Island – 6 days
Views of spellbinding scenery. The stories of maritime towns and picture-book villages. Ancient castles steeped in history and country inns full of character. The further you go into Southern Ireland’s enchanting landscapes, the deeper you’ll fall under its spell.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 5 nights in boutique accommodation
- Experienced Back-Roads Driver and Tour Leader
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- Local guide in Kinsale
- Daily full Irish breakfast (B), 3 evening meals (D)
- Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary, including: Irish National Stud, Portumna Castle, the Skellig Experience
Ireland the Emerald Isle 2019 – 12 days
From north to south, take a step into Ireland’s colourful past. Starting with the amazing Giant’s Causeway and Belfast’s Titanic history, this tour takes in Ireland’s rugged peninsulas, village gems and sweeping views of the Wicklow Mountains.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 11 nights in boutique accommodation
- Experienced Back-Roads Driver and Tour Leader
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- Daily full Irish breakfast (B), 1 lunch (L), 5 evening meals (D)
- Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary, including: Battle of the Boyne site, Titanic Museum, Giant’s Causeway
SPAIN AND PORTUGAL
Iberian Inspiration 2019 – 11 days
East meets west and past meets present. Spain and Portugal offer a heady mix of treasures, from Arabic palaces and Roman temples to Catholic cathedrals. We’ll take it all in on a rural road trip in search of hidden Iberia.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 10 nights in boutique accommodation
- Experienced Back-Roads Driver and Tour Leader
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- Daily European-style breakfast (B), 3 evening meals (D)
- Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary, including: Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, Alhambra, Spanish Flamenco show
FRANCE
La Belle France 2019 – 9 days
Step into a land of renowned artists and royal crusaders, hilltop monasteries and valley castles. This tour takes you from France’s dramatic northern shores to château-sprinkled countryside, breaking off to see WWII sites, explore centuries-old villages and sample home-grown delicacies.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 8 nights in boutique accommodation
- Experienced Back-Roads Driver and Tour Leader
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- Daily European-style breakfast (B), 3 evening meals (D)
- Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary, including: Le Mont St-Michel, Château de Villandry, Château de Chenonceau
ITALY
Tuscan Treats 2019 – 7 days
A rich tapestry of idyllic countryside and ancient towns, beautiful architecture and delectable food. On your tour of Tuscany, you’ll seek out world-renowned treasures and hidden gems, turn into a culinary connoisseur and fall head over heels for this exquisite Italian region.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 6 nights in boutique accommodation
- Experienced Back-Roads Driver and Tour Leader
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- Daily European-style breakfast (B), 2 lunches (L), 3 evening meals (D)
- Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary, including: Cinque Terre, Baptistery of St John in Pisa, Siena Cathedral
Italian Indulgence 2019 – 12 days
Discover cities that have shaped the world’s culture. Taste regional flavours and wines that are celebrated around the globe. Experience picture-perfect landscapes that will capture your imagination. Exploring Italy is truly an experience to be savoured.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 11 nights in boutique accommodation
- Experienced Back-Roads Driver and Tour Leader
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- Daily European-style breakfast (B), 2 lunches (L), 6 evening meals (D)
- Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary, including: Isola Madre and Isola Bella, The Pisa Baptistery of St John
The Splendours of Sicily 2019 – 9 days
Centuries-old monasteries and Norman churches. Ancient Greek temples and bustling Italian markets. Sicily is a living museum wrapped in superb scenery that ranges from sheer gorges and golden beaches to a remarkable volcano.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 8 nights in boutique accommodation
- Experienced Back-Roads Driver and Tour Leader
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- Daily European-style breakfast (B), 3 lunches (L), 3 evening meals (D)
- Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary, including: Monreale Cathedral and Cloister, Valley of Temples in Agrigento, Villa Romana del Casale, Mount Etna