Back-Roads Tours
Choose from 43 Back-Roads tours and read 110 verified Back-Roads reviews from past clients of Global Journeys. When you book your Back-Roads tour with us you'll enjoy exclusive online savings, a dedicated travel advisor to look after your booking and the best price guaranteed!
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9 Days Bucharest to Bucharest
Operator: Back-Roads
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30 Tours
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Back-Roads Touring Reviews View all
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The Italian Indulgence tour was my 5th tour with Backroads and possibly the most outstanding. A perfect blend of rural countryside, beautiful lakes and historic cities. There were many highlights for me including staying in the beautiful villas in the Florentine and Langhe Hills, Truffle hunting with Mia the dog, spending time in the elegant Portofino ...read more and enjoying the beautiful Italian Lakes namely Maggiore, Como and Molveno. The pace of the tour was ideal, the hotels away from bus loads of tourists and the culture exquisite. I would highly recommend this tour and the guide, Beatrice. Thank you Tracey and the team at Global Journeys for your assistance in making this dream holiday come to fruition. You have always provided first class service. I will always be a Backroads fan.
Really enjoyed this small groups tour through Provence. Albert our guide was great and I learnt a lot from him along with visiting many beautiful towns and villages.
This was a carefree and efficient way to see such awesome natural landscapes. Would have been good to have a half rest day but otherwise a perfect program of travel itinerary.
Fantastic, very full tour. Great driver and very knowledgeable guide. Everyone should visit the Sir John Monash Centre at Villers Bretonneux. What made this tour very moving was that the guide was able to include war cemeteries and locations that had a personal history for people on the tour. This is a tour I will be recommending to family and fri ...read moreends.
Just completed a very enjoyable Back Roads tour from Paris to Nice. Everything was exactly as promised and both the guide and the tour bus were outstanding. Many thanks to Hannah for looking after my booking so diligently and keeping me informed of any adjustments. I will certainly approach Global Journeys the next time I go travelling.
I booked the Backroads Highlights of Britain tour for my 21 year old daughter, who was travelling by herself overseas for the first time. Our Global Journeys rep, Tracey, advised me that most of the people on the tour would be older, and this was good to know so I could discuss this with my daughter. Made aware of the fact, she was still happy to do ...read more the tour as it was a small group tour and went to all of the places in the UK that she wanted to see, and we had heard good things about Backroads tours. The tour leader was probably in her late 20s or early 30s, which definitely helped my daughter to fit in, and she really enjoyed the tour. The other tour group members were very welcoming and friendly, accommodation and food was fabulous and she was blessed with the weather golds, so she enjoyed it immensely. I would definitely use Global Journeys again.
We had a wonderful time on this trip. It included beautiful coastal places, tours through ancient historic sites, excellent accommodation and meals. We enjoyed every activity; the tour leader was very skilled and helpful and group was relaxed and friendly. The transport was comfortable with a great driver. We fell in love with Greece! We would definitely ...read more recommend this tour with Back Roads.
A step back in time discovering historic Villages in the Cotswolds 2 Susan, NSW, Australia, Sep 2023
This small group tour was enjoyable from the start to the end. The historic Cotswold's villages and the surrounding countryside were stunning. We had regular stops and time to see the individual villages, learn of their history and the movies made in those villages. The two nights in Bath enabled us to enjoy the ingenuity of the Romans dating back 2,000 ...read more years as well as learn about the events of the regency era. I highly recommend this 5 day tour.
Back-Roads Brochures Download the latest Back-Roads brochures to read at your convenience.
Europe & UK (2025-26)
Picture a touring holiday that delves a bit deeper. One that doesn’t simply drop by top sights and major cities, but welcomes you to experience a destination through the eyes of the people who know it best: the locals who call it home. Where journeys...more are made for absorbing never-to-be-forgotten views, not darting from A to B. And each day ends in hand-picked accommodation brimming with local charm. At Back-Roads Touring, we’ve been creating these kinds of small group tours for almost 40 years. We know that the best kind of adventure introduces you to local experiences and sights while providing you with the time and space to explore independently.
Europe & UK (2024-25)
Back-Roads Touring's brochure offers deep-diving holidays, letting travellers experience destinations as locals do. For over 30 years, we've curated small group tours that balance iconic sights with hidden gems, paired with charming local retreats. It's...more not just about sightseeing; it's about immersion and independent exploration. Dive in.
The Back-Roads Touring Experience Choose to travel with Back-Roads on your next adventure!
Welcome to the road less travelled...
At Back-Roads Touring, we’ve spent over 40 years creating small group touring vacations offering a unique range of fascinating and leisurely regional tours throughout the UK and Europe.
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, not darting from A to B. And each day ends in a hand-picked retreat brimming with local charm.
Enjoy the company of a small group
On a tour with Back-Roads you can expect a maximum of 18, but average of 15, guests – ranging from independent travellers to couples and smaller groups.
You’ll meet like-minded people who are ready to explore, without the worry of logistics. There’s plenty of flexibility and free time for you to spend as you please, whether that’s with the group or exploring independently.
Enjoy a more personal style of touring
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 their local knowledge.
Back-Road's experienced Tour Leaders will have ample time to answer all your questions. From your historic intrigue for local lore to your desire for authentic seafood, they will share stories, secrets and insightful recommendations.
The small group size also allows Back-Road's Tour Leaders to tailor elements of the tour based on the preferences of our guests, meaning a much more personal experience.
Charming Local Accommodation
Back-Roads choose characterful accommodation, hand-picked for their local charm that reflects the character of the region you're visiting. From grand medieval castles to quaint country inns, each accommodation on our tours has been carefully selected for its extraordinary setting and unique character.
Whether you stay in a Scottish castle, French chateau, Spanish palace, Italian villa, or Turkish cave hotel, you may be sure that each one will bring more authenticity to the itinerary.
Explore More Explore more Your guide to travelling with Back-Roads Touring
13 February, 2019
Join an Expert-led Battlefields Tour with Back-RoadsPresent day Northern France may conjure up images of picture perfect vineyards and bright green hills, but history tells a darker story. Countless lives were lost on this land when WWI and WWII raged on the now-picturesque countryside and the narratives of a turbulent past were penned on these...
11 February, 2019
Experience the Road Less Travelled with Back-Roads TouringImmerse yourself in the rich history and authentic local culture of the UK, Europe and Asia, exploring rugged coast lines, idyllic countryside estates, picturesque seaside villages and glittering temples with specialist small tour group operator, Back-Roads Touring. Whether you’re a first time...
14 July, 2018
Taking the Backroads of Southern ItalyI grew up in a tiny town where the only main street is about 200m long, the road out to my farm is mostly just one-lane, and it’s natural to wave at every car you pass as you rattle off onto the gravel curb. Safe to say, getting off the beaten track with Back-Roads was right up my alley! I...
13 July, 2018
Reasons You Should Tour With Back-RoadsOur clients speak highly of their touring experience with Back-Roads and many of them choose a Back-Roads tour time and time again. Here are the reasons you should tour with Back-Roads. Take the Road Less Travelled Travelling in mini-coaches a Back-Roads tour takes the scenic route over the...
FAQ's Frequently asked questions for those considering travelling with Back-Roads Touring
Can you describe a typical day out on tour?
Our tours are conducted at a leisurely pace; we take our time and avoid rushing from place to place. Stops are made frequently during the day to avoid extended periods of time on the mini-coach. On a typical day, we might leave at 9am and arrive at our hotel at 5pm. We endeavour to build rest and relaxation...read more time into our itineraries, and most inclusions are not mandatory – so if you’d rather explore on your own, you’re welcome to meet up with the group at the designated meeting point. How flexible are Back-Roads itineraries?
Some of the visits listed in our itineraries are fixed and included in the overall price of the tour. However, there is some flexibility to adapt the itinerary according to such things as the weather, special events and group wishes. This is one of the beauties of small-group touring! If you have a specific...read more request that’s not on the itinerary, we will do our best to accommodate it – but this will depend on the agreement of your fellow travellers and the judgement of your Tour Leader. How much walking is there?
Your Tour Leader will guide walking tours of cities on your itinerary. On European mainland tours, there is a considerable amount of walking. Many historic cities, such as Cassis and Lisbon, prohibit motorised transport. This means that your Driver will need to park some distance out of the centre. ...read more
You may encounter a few cobblestone streets on our tours in Europe, so we recommend bringing walking shoes or flats instead of high heels. Please note, that if you have a mobility problem or concern, you may not find Back-Roads tours suitable. Please let your Global Journeys travel advisor know when enquiring if you have any doubts.
Am I expected to leave gratuities?
Gratuities are not included in your tour price. Tipping is entirely optional and at your discretion, although it’s common practice throughout Europe. If you feel you’ve received exceptional service, we suggest a tip of £4/€5 per person, per day for Tour Leaders and £3/€4 per person, per day for Drivers. ...read more How much driving will there be?
We design our tours so that there is as little time as possible on the mini-coach and plenty to see while on board. We travel along the scenic route wherever possible, meaning you’ll see more of the countryside and local village life than on a regular tour. Inevitably, there are days when travelling...read more between locations may involve motorway driving and more mileage. Generally, driving time will not last for more than three or four hours per day.
What are the benefits of travelling in a small group?
Unlike large coach companies, Back-Roads offers guests a truly personal experience. On our tours you’ll meet like-minded travellers and enjoy the convenience of your own personal Driver and Tour Leader, who will share their local knowledge and take you to sites that mainstream tourists typically miss out on...read more – and by using luxury mini-coach transportation, we can explore each destination in greater depth. What meals are included?
Breakfast (B) is included daily. We also include some lunches and dinners, either in our hotels or in local restaurants. These are indicated by L (lunch), or D (dinner) in the itineraries. You will have some free evenings to try the local cuisine independently. Please note that dinner times in Europe are likely...read more to be later than you might be used to (7.30pm at the earliest and often later in France, Spain and Italy). Can you cater for my dietary restrictions?
We will do our best to accommodate your dietary needs. Please ensure that any restrictions are made clear toyour Global Journeys travel advisor know when enquiring so we can pass the information on to Back-Roads. How much spending money should I bring?
Although many meals and entrance fees are included within the price of our tours, you will need to bring spending money to cover non-included meals, drinks and activities. Are entrance fees to attractions included?
Unlike many tour companies, we include a selection of entrances in our tour prices. Any other entrance fees will be at your own expense. How much luggage can I bring?
As we travel in mini-coaches, luggage space is limited. Each of our guests may bring one piece of main luggage of a standard size of no more than 158cm (when the length, width and height is added together) and weighing no more than 20kg. You may also bring one small carry-on bag per person. If you have more...read more luggage, please make arrangements to store it prior to joining the tour. We are unable to carry extra luggage on the mini-coach. What clothes should I bring?
A suggested packing list will be provided in your pre-departure information. We suggest packing for variable weather conditions. If you are travelling through the UK or Europe in the summer, make sure you pack a hat and sunscreen. We also suggest a pair of good shoes for walking tours. Can I request a ground floor room? Do the hotels have lifts?
The majority of the hotels we use have limited or no ground floor rooms. If you require a ground floor room, please request it in advance and we will try our best to arrange it for you. Most of the hotels we use do not have lifts. For this reason, we recommend that you only join a Back-Roads tour if you are able...read more to walk upstairs unassisted. You are required to inform us about any pre-existing medical conditions and/or mobility challenges that could affect your trip. Do we dine at the hotels?
Breakfasts will be served in our hotels throughout the trip. Included evening meals come in the form of a three-course dinner, either in our hotel or at a local pub or restaurant. Please note that drinks will not always be included. I’m travelling alone, can I share a room with another person?
While you won’t be able to share a room with another single traveller, we do offer a very reasonable single supplement rate on all our tours. Are triple rooms available?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer triple rooms. What rating of hotel do Back-Roads use?
We use a 3-star/4-star standard of accommodation ranging from country inns to town centre hotels (and the odd castle!). Rather than going by the official rating (based solely on facilities rather than the standard of the accommodation), we base our choices on quality, charm and character. In all hotels, the rooms...read more have en-suite bathrooms. Porterage is included wherever possible. What else should I know about Back-Road's accommodation?
Many of the traditional accommodations we use are historic buildings that have been converted to hotels. Often the rooms are different shapes and sizes, and some may be smaller than you might be used to in newer chain hotels. Most of our hotels do not have lifts or air conditioning. In many cases, this is due...read more to regulations concerning ‘listed’ (protected) buildings. However, guests will be offered fans during periods of hot weather (subject to availability). Does Back-Roads provide airport transfers?
Airport transfers are not included in your tour price. You will need to make your own way to the tour start location and are on your own arrangements at the conclusion of your tour. Does Back-Roads arrange pre and post trip accommodation?
For some destinations, pre and post-tour accommodation can be arranged by your Global Journeys travel advisor. Please note, all tours start at 6pm on Day 1 of your tour. Therefore, you may not require pre-tour accommodation. Most tours end in the early evening. Back-Raods cannot take you to the airport and we...read more suggest you return home the day after your tour to ensure you don’t miss your flight due to unforeseen circumstances. What does it mean when Back-Roads say the trip is guaranteed to run?
As a general rule, we are normally able to guarantee our tours when we have a minimum of seven passengers booked. However, some tours require a higher number of booked passengers before we can guarantee that they will run. Examples include our tours of Norway. Guaranteed tours are identified on our website. Your...read more Global Journeys travel advisor will advise you of a tour’s ongoing status. If Back-Roads are forced to cancel a tour, you will be advised at least six weeks in advance. You will then have a choice of a full refund of the amount paid for the tour, or choosing an alternative tour. Who goes on Back-Roads tours?
The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa - and our tours are designed principally for adults, age 18+. 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...read more like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth. We welcome first-time travellers, but also find that many of our passengers have travelled with us before! Do I need to purchase travel insurance on a Back-Roads tour?
Yes. While you are welcome to purchase a travel insurance policy of your choosing, we will require you to provide the policy number and company information to us prior to departure. This is to ensure that our Tour Leaders have all of your information prior to arrival – in case they need to step in and assist...read more you before or during the tour. Terms & Conditions All the boring small print. We recommend you read them, as no one likes surprises!
- Please read Back-Roads Touring Terms & Conditions
- Please also read Global Journeys' Terms & Conditions if you haven't already.
