Spend a week exploring some of the best bits of northwestern Europe, from Paris to Amsterdam. Walk the streets of romantic Paris, have a beer in Brussels and discover hidden gems in Ghent. Walk along the cobbled alleys in Belgium, cycle along canals in Amsterdam and visit a floating farm in Rotterdam. Tick iconic landmarks off your bucket list, spend a day in Bruges and enjoy free time to explore at your own pace – all with like-minded travellers!
ExplorerTrain tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Ready to see four iconic countries in one unforgettable trip? This 23-day adventure through France, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco blends historic wonders, mouthwatering food, and immersive cultural moments that’ll stay with you long after you’re home. Wander cobblestone streets, sample wine and pastries, and soak up the rhythms of local life across Western Europe before ferrying across the Strait of Gibraltar into the vibrant heart of Morocco. Between hikes in the Rif Valley and evenings filled with music and mint tea, you’ll discover how travel can truly transform. Bring your curiosity, your camera, and a wide-open mind — this one’s a game-changer.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Seventeen days. Three bucket list countries. One unforgettable adventure through France, Spain, and Portugal. Make the most of your time by hitting all the hot spots along the way. Think walking tours through France’s intricate architecture, spotting Gaudí’s whimsical designs throughout Barcelona, and feeling every note at an emotional flamenco show and a traditional Fado performance. Cap it all off with a visit to a port wine cellar in Porto, and you’ve got yourself one heck of an itinerary. Let’s go make some memories.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Seville, Paris, Porto, Lisbon, E
Seville, Paris, Porto, Lisbon, Evora, Lyon, Nimes, Barcelona, Madrid
Cue the croissants and tapas — this 8-day adventure through France and Spain is serving up the good stuff. Kick things off in Paris with world-famous landmarks and dreamy boulevards, then head to foodie-central Lyon before time-travelling through ancient Roman ruins in Nîmes. Wrap it all up in Barcelona, where Gaudí’s wild designs and beachy vibes bring the fiesta energy. Think iconic sights, incredible eats, and unforgettable moments from start to finish. Your camera roll won’t know what hit it.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Only got nine days? That’s all you need to soak up the magic of France and Spain. Start in dreamy Paris and end in lively Madrid, with a journey that blends iconic sights with lesser-known gems along the way. From the Eiffel Tower to Gaudí’s surreal designs, and from ancient Roman marvels to rustic farmhouse feasts, this trip packs a perfect punch of culture, cuisine, and connection. With a passionate CEO leading the way, you’ll fall head over heels for the region — and probably never want to leave.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
From croissants to pintxos and cathedrals to countryside, this 14-day journey through France and Spain is all about living the good life. Start in the timeless charm of Paris, then wind your way through historic towns and foodie hotspots before ending in culture-packed Bilbao. Along the way, dive into local flavours, sip regional wines, and walk a stretch of the iconic Camino de Santiago. With a local CEO leading the way, you’ll uncover hidden gems, swap stories with new friends, and collect enough memories to last a lifetime.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Paris, Bilbao, Logrono, San Seba
Paris, Bilbao, Logrono, San Sebastian, Lyon, Nimes, Barcelona
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
On this river cruise to France, sail through timeless beauty along the Seine River, where every bend reveals charming towns and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your journey in the magical city of Paris, where you board your elegant river cruise. Take in the romantic atmosphere of the City of Light as you settle in and enjoy a delightful welcome dinner with live music while cruising into the night. Next, you will cruise toward Rouen, a city rich in Gothic architecture and medieval charm. Walk through cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses and admire the towering spires of its famed cathedral, once immortalized by Monet. Then, continue to Le Havre, where dramatic cliffs and coastal beauty await. This vibrant port city, reborn after WWII, offers striking modern architecture and access to the stunning Alabaster Coast. Later, from there sail to the serene town of Caudebec-en-Caux, surrounded by Normandy’s lush countryside. Enjoy the tranquil riverside setting and discover the town’s historic church and quaint charm. Afterwards, enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Vernon, known for its elegant homes and scenic riverbanks. This charming town sits near the inspiration behind many of Monet’s masterpieces. Before long, you arrive in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, steeped in riverside history. Wander through its charming streets and soak in the town’s maritime heritage at the meeting point of the Seine and Oise rivers. Finally, return to Paris and explore its world-famous landmarks and vibrant culture from the Eiffel Tower to the grand boulevards. End your cruise with a festive farewell dinner and music, celebrating an unforgettable journey through the heart of France.
This is a Solo Tour
You don't pay single supplement and get a room for yourself!
Make tracks to embark on a 23-day adventure encompassing France, Switzerland and Italy. Using trains as your primary means of moving about, you’ll get started in the City of Lights before moving into Lausanne and Lucerne, with their UNESCO World Heritage-listed vineyard terraces and views of the Alps. Then it’s into Italy, where you’ll have plenty of free time to explore Rome before heading north to the Tuscan countryside, Cinque Terre, the Portofino Peninsula and more. Best of all, you’ll do with the comforts of rail transport and an expert local leader showing you the way.
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, Venice, Rome, Florence, L
Paris, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucca, La Spezia, Asti, Lake Como, Lausanne, Lucerne, Bellinzona, Ticino Valley Natural Park
Interesting stops but a bit too much on WW I.
Tour of Quarry too long & too much standing. No place for a break.
Enjoyed Normandy & Minen Gate very much.
Our tour director was awesome! He listened to us & adjusted as he could to accommodate everyone.
Loved the very small group size!
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Paris, London, Jack The Ripper L
Paris, London, Jack The Ripper London, Brussels, Lille, Amiens, Normandy
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
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
On this 15-day adventure traversing Europe from Paris to Istanbul, use local trains to follow the historic routes once used by the Orient Express’ carriages in the 19th century. Travel by train all the way from Paris to Budapest, with stops to explore the historic quarters and modern offerings of Strasbourg, Munich and Vienna. Then change lines and follow another historic route from Belgrade to Istanbul, riding local trains to experience Nis, Sofia and Plovdiv as you go. With plenty of free time to explore at each stop, and a passionate local leader on hand to point you in the right direction, there isn’t a moment you’ll want to miss on this rail adventure.
ExplorerTrain tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Paris, Istanbul, Belgrade, Nis
Paris, Istanbul, Belgrade, Nis, Plovdiv, Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, Budapest
27% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Explore some of Europe’s highlights in Spain and France, without the hassle of airport queues or long driving days, with this rail-only eight-day trip from Paris to Madrid. Only using public transport, you’ll get a unique insight into Paris, Nimes, Barcelona and Madrid, with a local leader who knows all the best hidden spots. You’ll taste croissants, tapas and churros, wander through hidden walkways for excellent panoramic views only locals get to see and witness the interesting past of human creative genius with stops at popular landmarks like Sagrada Familia, and Puerta del Sol. Choose to extend your journey and start in the UK, with the optional Eurostar transfer from London to Paris (it only takes 2.5 hours!).
ExplorerTrain tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers