Europe Tours in June 2026

It is a fairly full itinerary but we got to see so much and learn so much which is why I travel. Be well rested before you start this tour. We had a 9 hour time difference to catch up on.

I am a novice hiker. While some of the walking was a little more challenging than I had anticipated – there are steep hills – I may have been put off if I had known that first: that would have been a shame because I thoroughly enjoyed it and can happily recommend it. The trip was well organised, could flex to the changes in the weather, has led by a friendly pro who knew his stuff and kept us motivated and safe. The generous, home-cooked meals were delicious, and the accommodation, though basic, was comfortable. Overall, it was a wonderful introduction to hiking, to this beautiful part of Spain, and to the warm and welcoming group I was lucky to join.

My trip manager was amazing and made the trip! The way that it was organised and run was well done in the sense I felt like I got the most out of my trip but also had a really relaxing time. I had a lot of fun !

our travel director was excellent! Very personable and knowledgeable. Always thinking ahead and keeping us in line. We really enjoyed our time with him! And was such a great driver! We felt very safe in her competent hands. Such a great sense of humour and a lovely person. The trip was well planned which enabled us to maximize our time seeing and doing new places and things. It would have been impossible to do this itinerary on our own. The only issue we noted was that some of the heritage hotels were shabby and not up to the standards we would have expected.

Just finished our second tour with Back Roads Touring, this time for 'Corners of Cornwall', and it was again very enjoyable. Our tour guide, Carolyn, was very good and the driver, the effervescent Toni, manoeuvered the Benz Bus with dexterity and aplomb. She must be used to the English traffic and narrow hedgerow lanes. I was not. Carolyn was very organised and efficient and provided as much information and guidance as we needed, and also provided mini-plans (and suggestions) for the towns that we visited so that we didn't get lost ...much. Our travelling companions were primarily from Australia and New Zealand (an eclectic crew), with two Americans for balance. The accommodation was all of a very good standard (though interestingly there was a dearth of mini-fridges in the rooms ...possibly not very British), and all the included breakfasts and included dinners were excellent. It was noticeable that the accommodation at Carlyon Bay/Charlestown, whilst excellent, was well away from the Charlestown village. Suggestions would be to reduce the time at Tregothnan Estate which seemed to drag a bit (but it may have been the rain), and increase the time at Falmouth, which seemed to be used as a base rather than a place to explore (and to increase the free time more generally). The high point (of many) was St. Michael's Mount which was stunning, historic and interesting, made the more so by Carolyn's expertise. I also personally enjoyed Two Bridges Hotel on Dartmoor as being essentially the setting for 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Cornwall and its villages and towns are very beautiful, and so very English (possibly the Cornish people may argue that), though I couldn't help but think it would've been preferable that Henry VIII didn't pull down so many buildings. Another proviso is to be aware that there is a several hour motorway journey to and from Devon/Cornwall and the point of which the tour really begins. Overall a very good tour, itinerary, accommodation, and particularly good tour guide who was there for us all the time, including making sure that we got to our next destination after the tour. Many thanks to Carolyn (and to our travelling companions).

The only issue I had with the itinerary was that we had too much extra time in Killarney and not enough time in Cork. This is as much me as the tour but I found I should have taken some extra time to myself, vs. doing every event.