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
Frankfurt to London in 10 days—this group tour is your ticket to a relaxed yet enriching European adventure, especially crafted for senior travelers. Experience the dynamic energy of Frankfurt and the timeless allure of London, with carefully arranged transport, hotels, and meals ensuring a seamless journey.
Along the way, explore captivating cities and landmarks, with plenty of free time to savor local cuisine and culture. The easy pace means you can fully immerse yourself in each new environment, enjoying both guided highlights and leisurely moments.
The tour’s unique selling point is its comfortable, direct route between two of Europe’s major cities, offering the perfect blend of structure and flexibility for travelers seeking a classic, stress-free trip.
Experience 10 unforgettable days exploring France at your own pace with this self-drive adventure. Start in Paris, where world-famous landmarks and rich history set the stage for your journey. Drive to Normandy to visit the historic D-Day beaches, charming coastal towns, and medieval wonders like Mont Saint-Michel. Then, head to the Loire Valley, home to breathtaking châteaux and renowned vineyards.
Self-drive or vehicle rental
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Take a ten-day rail-only adventure from Paris to Rome. You’ll start in the City of Lights, then you’ll zoom to Switzerland for a mountain getaway. In Lausanne, see the iconic Cathedral and maybe visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Vineyard Terraces of Lavaux for a wine tasting, then head to Lucerne for incredible views of the lake and surrounding Alps on Mount Pilatus. Take the Gotthard Panorama Express to the city of Bellinzona, where you’ll hop on another cable car for more mountain views. Make your way to Rome, where you’ll have plenty of free time to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World and sit down to a fresh lunch with an Intrepid Foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio.
ExplorerTrain tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Paris, Rome, Lausanne, Lake Luce
Paris, Rome, Lausanne, Lake Lucerne, Lucerne, Ticino Valley Natural Park
Arriving into London, Britain puts its best foot forward with the internationally renowned Chelsea Flower Show. Be on the lookout for the royal, the rich and the famous at the world’s premier garden show. Hop the English Channel and experience the finer things in life as you cruise through the canals of medieval Bruges and witness the world’s largest flower auction in Amsterdam. Live it up at the Loire Valley Chateaux—where the riverside castles at Chenonceau and Chambord flash back to the heyday of the French royal family. The regality continues with a tour of King Louis XIV’s palace of Versailles before the vacation draws to a close at Monet's Garden and water-lily pond.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Paris, London, Amsterdam, Monnic
Paris, London, Amsterdam, Monnickendam, Bruges, Giverny, Loire Valley
Let the romance of Europe sweep you away on the 'Spain and Switzerland with enchanted Alsace' tour. Over 10 days, this group trip for seniors starts in Madrid and ends in Paris, guiding you through some of the continent’s most captivating cities and countryside. With all accommodations, transport, and meals arranged, you can relax and enjoy the journey’s cultural richness. The tour’s unique appeal is its focus on the magical Alsace region, adding a fairytale touch to your European adventure.
From Madrid’s dynamic energy to the elegance of Paris, the 'Spain, Burgundy, Alsace and Black Forest' tour presents a 10-day group adventure tailored for seniors desiring an easy yet enriching sightseeing experience. Traverse both Spain and France with guided city tours, staying in comfortable hotels and enjoying inclusive meals and transport. This itinerary stands out by weaving together the heritage of Madrid, the culinary delights of Burgundy, the old-world allure of Alsace, and the enchanting forests of Germany. For those who appreciate effortless travel with a sophisticated mix of destinations, this tour package offers a memorable European mosaic.
Madrid and Paris are just the beginning and end points on the 'Paris, Lourdes, Côte d’Azur, Provence and Barcelona with Madrid' tour, a 10-day journey designed for those who appreciate relaxed yet comprehensive travel. This guided walking trip covers major Spanish and French highlights, with comfortable group accommodations, transport, and meals provided throughout. Ideal for seniors, the trip’s easy activity level ensures everyone can enjoy the experience. The USP lies in the seamless route connecting historic Paris, spiritual Lourdes, the Mediterranean allure of the Côte d’Azur, and the vibrancy of Barcelona and Madrid, all without the hassle of complex planning.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Paris, Madrid, Tours, Lourdes, M
Paris, Madrid, Tours, Lourdes, Marseille, Barcelona
It’s the most wonderful time of the year on this 10-day Europe Highlights Christmas tour! This festive journey will take you from Italy to Switzerland and back again with countless adventures in between. Discover the beauty of Venice, Munich’s famous Christmas markets, the Amsterdam canals, the twinkling lights of Paris and the snowy Swiss Alps on Christmas day. Visit mountainous Innsbruck, explore the charming Belgian city of Ghent, cruise the Rhine River and admire Florence’s masterpieces. End the tour in Rome on New Year’s Eve after making memories to last a lifetime!
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
10-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rome, Venice, Bavaria, Rhine, Am
Rome, Venice, Bavaria, Rhine, Amsterdam, Paris, the Swiss Alps, Tuscany
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