Provence is the France of artists and artisans, where lavender fields meet ancient villages and time-honoured cuisine. Experience the highlights on this compact adventure, which takes you from Forcalquier’s cobbled lanes to the elegant boulevards of Aix-en-Provence, via the beautiful villages of the Luberon mountains. En route, you’ll indulge your inner Francophile, combing local markets, sampling local produce, and meeting the local people – an experience made all the more immersive thanks to the expert insight of your local tour leader.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The itinerary was well planned to give a range of experiences throughout the holiday. The visits to a winery, cider brewing were very interesting, and some more of this type of local experience would fit well with all the other visits. I found the visits to Normandy and other War Memorial sites of particular interest and quite moving.
The viewing of historic places such as Monet's garden, the Taurin Tapestry and other special places were excellent breaks from the large number of castles visited.
The provision of free time to allow our own investigations of some towns was most welcome, providing some leisure time too.
The small group size is an attraction to the Back Roads touring style as it allows all members of the touring party to meet and mingle well.
The tone of the holiday was set by the friendly and knowledgeable tour guide, Marie Plattard, and the expert coach drive, Alex. Marie was always available to provide local information and suggestions for our free time, and to help where possible with any problems we may have had.
I would certainly seek-out what Back Roads tours had to offer when considering other country holidays, and recommend it to my friends and family.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Great and diverse tour of South West France. From the busy cities to coast, Alps and countryside all were fantastic. Great tour guide and driver who were friendly, helpful and informative. Loved the convenience of being dropped close to locations and picked up in the right spot at the end.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bordeaux, Sarlat-la-Canéda, Biar
Bordeaux, Sarlat-la-Canéda, Biarritz, Midi-Pyrénées, Carcassonne, Albi
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
Hike the GR20 in Corsica, one of the most beautiful mountain treks in the world. Over 13 days, we hike 110mi (180km) in mountainous terrain, rising from the Mediterranean Sea to granite peaks topping 8,530ft (2,600m). Rather than take the classic north-to-south route, we head in the opposite direction, with the sun on our backs, a quieter trail, and the toughest legs at the end of the trip. You won’t be doing it alone either. The adventure is guided by an experienced International Mountain Leader with expert knowledge on the route and you’ll be part of a small group of like-minded hikers ready with words of encouragement.
Trekking and Hiking
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
Corsica, Conca, Vallone, Haut As
Corsica, Conca, Vallone, Haut Asco, Carrozzu, Ortu Di Piobbu, Calenzana, Bastia, Bavella, Cuscionu Plateau, Cozzano, Col De Verde, Vizzavona, Refuge Petra Piana, Refuge De Manganu
Just returned from the Loire Valley cycling trip with Explore and had a fantastic time. Our group leader, Erwin, was absolutely top notch—knowledgeable, fun, and great at fixing bikes on the fly (a very handy skill on a trip like this!). He was incredibly responsive to any issues, whether it was saddle woes or a hotel hiccup—he always did his best to sort it out quickly and with a smile.
The tour itself was stunning. The route took us through beautiful countryside, charming towns, and past jaw-dropping châteaux. There was also plenty of time in the afternoons and evenings to explore off-bike, enjoy a glass (or two) of local wine, and soak in the atmosphere.
We did hit a bit of a heat wave, but that’s just luck of the draw. Erwin made sure we took lots of water and shade breaks to keep the group comfortable, which was much appreciated.
The hotels were as expected—nothing fancy, nothing awful. Some rooms were quite warm due to the unusual heat, but fans were provided and that helped.
We were called the "guinea pig group," as this was Explore’s first time running this particular tour in quite a while. That said, it was an excellent experience, and with Erwin fine-tuning the itinerary along the way, I imagine it’ll be even better for the groups that follow.
Bicycle toursSightseeing Tours
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
Tours, Amboise, Chenonceaux, Blo
Tours, Amboise, Chenonceaux, Blois, Château De Chambord, Cheverny, St. Pierre-des-Corps
Head for 90 degrees North! Since the 16th century, the greatest expeditions have repeatedly attempted to reach the North Pole. This mythical geographic point inspires and attracts as much as it fascinates dreamers and conquerors, seeking out the other side of the world. Following in the wake of Frederick Cook, Robert Edwin Peary or Roald Amundsen, who were among the many who sought to achieve this elusive goal, you will be part of the chosen few who will attempt to reach this near-unattainable point, some 700 km from the nearest land. Swept by the winds and the currents, the ice floe is constantly drifting and your ship's Captain will manoeuvre carefully in an attempt to reach the northernmost point of our planet. From Spitsbergen, you will set sail north to the waters at the edge of the Earth, towards landscapes that continually change according to the ice, and the light at play in the skies above. Nature reigns supreme here, sheltering exceptional wildlife; polar bears, seals and a variety of whales call these glacial waters home and you will have a chance to spot them as you journey towards the North Pole - the Holy Grail of all polar explorers.
Be among the few people in the world - to go in search of the Geographic North Pole.
Perfect your photographic skills - learn from the eye and sound advice of British photo ambassador Ian Dawson
Enjoy the rugged and varied landscapes of Spitsbergen - jagged mountain peaks, gigantic glaciers and steep-sided cliffs that reach down to the sea
Incredible wildlife - polar bears, seals, whales and a prolific array of Arctic birdlife
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Fab tour loved every minute! Peter Myer made it the best thank you Explore! Aurora and Raffa were amazing at Hotel du Bois made us feel right at home! A little suggestion (not complaint) would have loved an English speaking channel on the tv.
Walking toursAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Chamonix, Mont Blanc, Les Praz
Chamonix, Mont Blanc, Les Praz, Cascades De Berard, Le Tour, Lac Blanc, Les Houches
Excellent itinerary and leader. Couldn't have been better.
From medieval castles, to delicious food, to exploring an underground cave with a river in it...just magical!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Uncover the Alps in all their glory as you spend eight days hiking the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc. Following a circuit route from Chamonix in France, come face to face with dizzying peaks, glittering lakes and rolling pastures, passing through Switzerland and Italy on the way. Each day ends in charming accommodation, and your luggage will be transported for you to lighten the load. With a highly qualified International Mountain Leader as your guide who will not only ensure your safety, but also show you what makes this part of the world so special, you can focus on the gorgeous natural scenery!
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Chamonix, Argentiere, Champex, C
Chamonix, Argentiere, Champex, Courmayeur, Les Chapieux, Les Contamines-Montjoie