Charming towns, so much history and an informative guide made this tour very enjoyable. The group of 15 was just right - any more would have made the bus too
cramped.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Fantastic trip. In Switzerland every day got better.
Scenery was perfect.
Train journeys was my favourite days .
Boating on the lakes close second.
Only draw back for me was the non stop talking guide.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Venice, Zurich, Sirmione, Sils i
Venice, Zurich, Sirmione, Sils im Engadin, Interlaken
I took part in this tour as the agenda gave a chance to visit places on my bucket list such as Oxford. I was not disappointed. The tour guide and driver were very professional and as a first time solo traveller I felt comfortable in a small group. I met and made friends on this trip and will look to doing other tours with Back Roads in the future.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Slovenia, with its picturesque cities and astonishing natural wonders, is a destination that deserves to be on your radar. After exploring its highlights, embark on a cruise of the Venetian Lagoon, where you’ll treat yourself to a private evening lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica, explore the colorful facades of Burano, and sail south to discover Chioggia. Complete your spectacular Italian adventure with a stay in Rome, where a local guide will whisk you away to the city’s most charming and historic sites.
Rediscover the joy of rail travel on this extra-special cultural adventure in Spain. Using the excellent train network, we discover the highlights of Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Cordoba, getting to the heart of each on expertly led tours, a flamenco show in Seville and tapas tour in Madrid. With the train seats prebooked and an expert tour leader managing the schedule, you need only worry about soaking up the culture and sharing the adventure with your small group of like-minded travellers.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Rediscover the joy of train travel on an extra-special cultural adventure through Spain and Portugal. Using the excellent rail network, we explore the landmarks of Madrid, Seville, Lisbon and Porto. There’s also time to tour Faro and the university city of Coimbra and take a scenic boat ride along the Douro River. With the train seats prebooked and an expert tour leader managing the schedule, you only need to worry about soaking up the culture and sharing the adventure with your small group of like-minded travellers.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Porto, Madrid, Barcelona, Douro
Porto, Madrid, Barcelona, Douro Valley, Seville, Faro, Lisbon, Coimbra
Discover all that’s great about northern Portugal: the scenic waterways of the Ria de Aveiro, salt flats of Figueira da Foz, wines of the Douro Valley and Dão, and timeless majesty of Porto. Scenic tours by train and traditional moliceiro boat allow us to see the region from a different angle, while staying in a Premium hotel each night makes the trip extra special.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Porto, Peso Da Régua, Aveiro, Vi
Porto, Peso Da Régua, Aveiro, Viseu, Douro River, Lamego
The Atlantic Coast biking holiday route represents a week in the freshest, lightly salty air imaginable. A boost to both body and mind. As you cycle southwards from the Galician coastal region in the north, the beauty of continuously changing views over the vast Atlantic will impress itself on your mind and soul.
Taste both Galician and Portuguese seafood. Encounter latter-day pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, with whom you share a few kilometres. Meet the nicest fishermen and their wives who will welcome you and enjoy sharing their lifetime experiences and customs.
Stroll through the fish markets and watch them as they work. Visit Porto, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, classified as a Unesco World Heritage. Learn about Port Wine and the unique culinary dimension associated with it. Dance on saltpans and bring back some excellent salt crystals from there. Taste, smell, meet and bask in the sun as you cycle gently along this beautiful coast and allow yourself to daydream.
After a great day cycling, the night will cherish you with nothing less than the freshest air conceivable.
Mountain biking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Porto, Baiona, Baiona, Caminha
Porto, Baiona, Baiona, Caminha, Viana Do Castelo, Vila Do Conde, Furadouro, Mira
Immerse yourself in one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world with our Douro Valley Bike Tour. Savor the rich local gastronomy, featuring products and dishes that capture the essence of Europe. Cycle through the stunning landscapes of the International Douro Valley, along the border with Spain, where you can witness over 170 bird species nesting on cliffs that soar over 200 meters high.
Pedal along the serene Douro River, meandering through lush forests, almond groves, and terraced vineyards that offer breathtaking panoramic views. Enhance your bike tour with a relaxing cruise on a typical Rabelo boat or a scenic train journey, always accompanied by the majestic Douro. Stay in renowned accommodations tied to wine production, from charming hotels overlooking the river to traditional olive oil estates and elegant townhouses.
Each stay promises cozy comfort and a deep connection to the region’s heritage. Enjoy seamless transfers from the airport, making your adventure hassle-free. Choose between varying cycling stages to tailor your journey through this Unesco World Heritage Site.
Please see the itinerary below for more details.
Mountain bikingBicycle tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Porto, Miranda Do Douro, Sendim
Porto, Miranda Do Douro, Sendim, Torre De Moncorvo, Vila Flor, Sabrosa, Peso Da Régua
As one of our Independent Tours, Sicily's Vino & Volcanoes encompasses the must-see sights and tastes of this spectacular Italian island. Explore at your own pace, taking time to savour the local delicacies and pausing to create those moments that last a lifetime. As the name suggests, this exclusive tour includes a tasting of local wine, a boat tour from Ortigia island, and a guided group walk on the flanks of mighty Mount Etna, the most active stratovolcano in the world.
Your island journey begins in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ragusa Ibla, an important city of the arts in Italy. The historic centre is brimming with architectural treasures dating back to the 17th century, with stunning churches and baroque style mansions perched on their own hilltop. Your next stop is Noto, another baroque beauty that's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll enjoy wine tasting at a local enoteca and have two nights to discover Noto's famous buildings, some of the finest examples of Sicilian baroque style, not to mention the city's famous frozen granita - perfectly refreshing on a summer's day!
Continue onwards to Syracuse, an exquisite coastal city where you'll stay for two nights on its small island of Ortigia. Wander the labyrinth of charming medieval streets, packed with history and an incredible local market bursting with colour, scents, and authentic Sicilian flavours; the ideal opportunity to sample homegrown produce.
Your Italian adventure concludes on the northern tip of Eastern Sicily in the unmissable hilltop town of Taormina. Overlooking the beautiful bay below with Mount Etna commanding attention in the distance, Taormina is home to a remarkably well-preserved Greek Theatre from the 3rd century which we highly recommend visiting. Don't miss the small village of Castelmola, famous for its medieval castle, local almond wine, and panoramic views across Etna. From the coast, you can enjoy hidden coves and sandy beaches, rent kayaks, snorkels, or embark on a boat tour across the glistening Mediterranean.
No trip to Sicily would be complete without visiting Mount Etna; we have included a guided group tour to this iconic volcano (includes return transfers) where you'll benefit from insider knowledge as you explore Etna's craters and lava flows - the highlight of your Sicilian Tour.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Catania, Noto, Island Of Ortigia
Catania, Noto, Island Of Ortigia, Taormina, Mount Etna
Andalucia is a land of contrasts, known for its distinctive architecture, eclectic cities, and vast mountainous regions. Our tour of these three cities takes you from the coast of Malaga to the history of Granada and onto the shining star of Andalucia, Seville.
Beginning in Malaga, there’s much to see in this artistic city beyond the popular beaches. Take your time to explore this lively city full of ambience and culture. As the birthplace of Picasso, we highly recommend visiting his museum, full of intriguing artwork. No visit to Malaga would be complete without admiring the Alcazaba; built in the 11th century this is an incredibly important historical site and not be missed when in Malaga. Spend your nights sampling the local tapas or join one of the many wine tours in the city.
Take the train from Malaga to Granada where you’ll experience another unique city within Andalucia. Famous for the imposing Alhambra Palace, we’ve arranged a guided group tour for you to learn about the beauty and history of this monumental building from local experts. Full of flamenco flair with an incredible backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada has an incredible atmosphere.
Your tour of three cities ends in perhaps the most spectacular of them all, Seville. Here, we have arranged a Flamenco Show in a traditional Tablao so that you can become fully immersed in the Andalucian culture. Seville is a striking city with new discoveries around every corner, from the central mosque of La Giralda to the Royal Palace, you won’t be short of extraordinary architecture and history. From Seville, you have the option to prearrange a wine tasting in Jerez de la Frontera, an area famous for its wines and traditional horse performances. End your Andalucian adventure on a warm Seville evening, with a tapas board and glass of chilled wine to keep you company.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Seville, Malaga, Frigiliana, Gra
Seville, Malaga, Frigiliana, Granada, Alhambra, Jerez De La Frontera
This ultimate Venetian vacation is perfected by one unique quality: your stay onboard our floating boutique hotel. Not only will you benefit from an enviable location in Venice, you’ll also find that your hotel transports you to hidden gem towns nearby. Explore the waterfront shops, colorful facades and peaceful canals unique to Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. Farther south, discover Chioggia—a charming southern port loved by fishermen. And savor the spectacular wine and cuisines of this region every step of the way.
South of Lisbon’s Wonders is a fully guided 8-hour tour that offers an immersive insight into Portugal’s local tradition, culture and natural beauty.
On the trip, you will get to cross the iconic Tejo River by Vasca da Gama Bridge—one of the longest bridges in Europe and enjoy the scenic views as you make your way to Palmela Castle. Inhabited since the pre-historic times, this castle stands as one of Portugal’s oldest and holds stunning views of Tejo and Sado River.
Continue your tour to witness the stunning Arrabida Mountain inside Arrabida Natural Park where you will visit Arrabida Convent, perfectly hidden between lush trees and natural beauty of the park before heading to Azulejos de Azeitão, the Tile Factory. Here, you will witness the centuries-old techniques of handmade tiles that is still in use today. You can also choose to learn to make one yourself!
After a travel back in time, quench your thirst at Portugal’s iconic winery as you immerse in the unique art collection. Take a full hour to explore the winery and taste some of the best wines in the country. Your next stop is the picturesque California beach.
Lastly, you will head to Cristo Rei. Inspired by the Brazilian Christ the Redeemer statue, the Cristo Rei viewing platform offers the best views of Lisbon city. After an eventful tour, our representative will drop you back to your accommodation via Abril Bridge.
