Treasures of Scotland 2023

Wow what an incredible trip! Backroads thought of everything and the staff were incredible. We had an unbelievable experience.

This was my 13th trip with Backroads and it definitely exceeded my expectations, which is harder and harder to do!

ANZACs On The Western Front with Steve Western. We did this tour in 2018 and it was way beyond expectations. We visited every major battlefield and also experienced some spectacular accommodation along the way. Steve's knowledge is exceptional and he was very engaging, prepared to discuss and explain various aspects of the war for the ANZACs. The enormity of the challenges faced is well communicated and at various sites the grief at the appalling losses was very real. This tour is so good I intend doing it again once a couple of mates retire.

Backroads is a premium travel/adventure company. They provide structure but also promote making the journey your own. Guides highly trained and totally focused on making each person’s experience safe, fun and memorable. They seek out the best opportunities to play hard and rest well. Hands down the best tour company I have experienced.

I had a wonderful experience touring Italy, this July 2023, with Backroads. Our tour leader was exceptional in her knowledge of all things around us. Our driver did an amazing job under VERY difficult circumstances. Bravo Luciano. The accommodations were fantastic. The provided meals were delicious.(not to mention the wine tasting🍷 or the ‘two a day’ gelato rule🍦, so we won’t)😁 The scenery as we passed through was astounding, particularly Tuscany and then up into the northern mountains. Breathtaking. Thoroughly enjoyable. Roger.

ANZAC on the Western Front I highly recommend this tour for anyone who is interested in the history of WW1; whether a history buff or for those, like myself, who had a basic general knowledge. The information is presented with in-depth detail and immersive style by visiting and walking the battlefields. For me, this provided stark clarity of what transpired and has piqued a curiosity to learn more. Steve, our tour guide of many years experience in leading this tour and of studying the war, was very keen to share his encyclopaedic knowledge. The tour invited us to submit any personal requests and Steve went above and beyond to ensure these were met. It was incredibly moving to watch some of our tour members laying a poppy, a cross or even a cigarette at the grave of a fallen relative. It had a profound impact on myself when I walked on the Bullecourt battlefield where my Grandfather had fought and was wounded. After Steve explained so eloquently the futility and carnage of the battle I had a greater understanding of m age as he was then. There is so much ground to cover on this tour, so be prepared for full days. The accommodation provided an authentic experience. As you would expect the hotels used are older buildings, in-fact on our first night in Lille the hotel had been used by the troops in WW1. While the accommodation was a little quirky they were always very clean with friendly and helpful staff. I would like to thank Steve for bringing together such a diverse group with his humour and easygoing manner. And, I need to acknowledge, his endless patience. We all became a tight knit group, looking out for each other and at times being asked, jokingly, to tone it down at one of our pre-dinner drinks. I honestly don’t know how we had the energy, but obviously enjoyed each other’s company. An absolutely fabulous trip!

This was our first experience with Backroads and it was wonderful!! Your staff at the office and your group leaders are wonderful—you made it so easy to organize and plan all we needed. Truly a 5 star experience!

The Backroads commitment to a personal level of service is apparent and so very appreciated. The genuine interest and execution of so many detailed extras made a significant difference in the experience. Backroads is truly a Small Giant.

June 2024 Dalmation Coast tour of Croatia and Montenegro was excellent with an interesting and very comfortable range of accommodation and quality sites and experiences. Excellent tour leader, driver and comfortable bus. In contrast, the Eastern Europe tour a week later was very disappointing. No where near the quality of accommodation, meals and experiences eg no museums open during our one day in Krakow and no tour of the ghetto. Also totally inadequate legroom in bus, too much travelling and missed opportunities. Terrible organised meals. Excellent tour leader and driver. Suggest Backroads reassess this tour as our two experiences were nothing alike.

Currently on a Portugal tour, at this moment on the Douro river cruise. Sad to say but truely don’t bother. Small little boat we are stuck inside no ventilation limited views and you can’t take pictures due to the closed dirty windows