THE UNITED KINGDOM AND BEYOND
SMALL GROUP TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Travel in small groups has many very positive benefits. We have the flexibility to travel
where, when and with whom we wish. Travelling in a specially designed mini-coach
allows us to get off the beaten track and into villages seldom on the tourist trail. We are
pleased to offer an alternative to the traditional larger group tour and are proud to be
working in conjunction with Back-Roads Touring, a well respected British company
which has been operating for 22 years providing fascinating small group tours and
individual travel throughout the UK and Europe.
Scheduled departures are designed to offer a balance of well-known sites with lesser
known local gems. Our expert Driver/Guide is more of a travelling companion who will
share his/her specialist knowledge of the region and take us to those places where the
locals go, places that only a mini-coach can reach. We will live the history of the visited
regions, sample life in small villages and enjoy experiences that are simply not possible
with larger groups of travellers. Gain a genuine insight into the local culture and taste
the delicious regional cuisine. While many evening meals are included, allowing us to
share with our fellow travellers, other meals will be on our own, allowing us the freedom
to venture out to dine with the locals.
If you prefer to travel with your own group of friends or family, Craig Travel, along with
Back Roads Touring, can tailor-make your own private tour, taking you to those special
places in the UK or Europe you have always wanted to visit, under your own steam.
Your private Driver/Guide will take care of the driving and navigation, so you can sit
back, relax and enjoy the pleasure of your own flexible tour.
As always Craig Travel will provide our expert personal service to look after all your
other travel needs (hotels, airfares, insurance and more).
The trips available range from one day adventures to complete two week journeys and cover a diverse list of destinations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and across Europe.
Simply scroll through the following list and click on the title – you will then see a detailed itinerary, dates offered and prices in Canadian Dollars. If you have any questions please feel free to give us a call and we will help you get started on planning your unique small group adventure! Call 1 800 387 8890.
Travelling to England during the winter months is to experience England in all its festive glory. The Cotswolds, known for their gentle hillsides, outstanding countryside with sleepy ancient limestone villages, historic market towns and picture postcard scenes is what you might call “typically English”. It is where time has stood still for over 300 years. Here we explore historical regions away from the maddening summer crowds as we take a journey through history as we visit Shakespeare's Stratford, magnificent Oxford, the Georgian city of Bath and the Victorian city of Gloucester. Also included are some of England’s best-loved treasures including Stonehenge and Royal Windsor Castle. Meander through snow-dusted countryside, enjoy the warm hospitality of traditional pubs and inns and buy gifts in one of the medieval Christmas Markets.
Unique Experiences:
Stay three nights in the heart of the Cotswolds, a traditional English dinner, Christmas markets in Bath (Nov/Dec)
Tour Inclusions:
• 3 nights in characterful and charming accommodation
• Driver/Guide companion
• All mini-coach transportation
• English cooked breakfast x 3
• Local evening meals x 2
• Entrance fees as listed:
Christ Church College, Oxford
Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester
Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Stratford
Goodrich Castle, Ross-on-Wye
Lacock Abbey
Roman Baths & Pump Rooms, Bath
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Windsor Castle
Travel through the magical winter landscapes of Bavaria and Austria’s Tirol valley and you will see why so many people flock to this region to experience a white Christmas. Crossing over the border from Germany we admire the mountainous landscape as we travel through the valleys and into the villages and towns nestled in the Alps. Highlights of this tour will the fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein, the medieval town of Kufstein in the Tirol, Mozart’s charming Salzburg and the opera in Vienna as well as the opportunity to experience local dishes in traditional restaurants. This is a tour encompassing rich cultures, magnificent landscapes and grandiose architecture with the added opportunity of visiting the famous Christmas markets during November and December. If you are looking for a winter wonderland, this tour will not disappoint!
Tour Inclusions:
5 nights in charming & distinctive accommodation
Driver / Guide
All mini-coach transportation
Guided city tours
European Breakfast Daily
Local evening meals x 3
Local luncheon x 1
Strauss / Mozart Concert
Entrance Fees as listed:
Neuschwanstein
Mauthausen Concentration Camp
Benedictine Monastery, Melk
Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna
Wine Tasting
The magnificent setting of Hampton Court Palace is a fantastic backdrop for the world’s largest flower show. Packed with ideas on how to grow specific types of plants and flowers, how to nurture the environment and make the most of your garden, the show combines quality, innovation and creativity, featuring spectacular show gardens and stunning horticultural exhibitions. And to make your visit special, we have built a delightful tour around this iconic event, taking you to some of the best homes and gardens in London and Kent.
Tour Inclusions
3 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
All mini-coach transportation
Full English breakfast daily
2 x evening meals
Entrance Fees Included:
Hampton Court Flower Show 2012
RHS Wisley
Hever Castle
Sissinghurst
Chartwell
Kew Gardens
Ham House
Hampton Court Palace
In the event we are unable to visit a garden due to unforeseen changes in opening hours or bad weather, we will substitute an alternative garden of equal interest.
Switzerland, famous for its snow-covered Alps, cheese, chocolate, knives, watches and especially fondues! Historical old towns, castles, churches and abbeys are witnesses to the rich traditional heritage. Whilst the skiing is the big pull this time of year, there is still plenty to offer the traveller during the winter months - arguably the best time to visit this region. The arresting scenery is truly eye-opening with white mountains dominating the landscape and rustic villages blanketed in snow. Ski resorts such as St Moritz are awash with cafes, bars and boutiques where skiers, residents and visitors alike soak up the lively atmosphere. Delight in the flavourful food and drink beside log fires– including tasty meat stews, hot apple strudel, piping hot chocolate and mulled wine. There are few countries that can offer such an enchanting Christmas experience as Switzerland does!
Tour Inclusions
6 nights in charming & distinctive accommodation
Driver/Guide companion
All mini-coach transportation
Breakfast daily
Local evening meals x 2
Alpine train journey with lunch*
Cable car to Mount Titlis with lunch
Entrance fees as listed:
Château de Chillon
Engelburg Monastery/Cheese Dairy
UNESCO Abbey Library in St Gallen
Tour of Maestrani Chocolate Factory
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
*The Glacier Express runs from the 12th Dec 2011and will include lunch. Departures prior to this date will include a local train journey Andermatt-Davos with lunch included in Andermatt.
Travel through the Loire Valley and you will understand why French kings and feudal lords and ladies of the court were seduced by the beauty of this region. Here you will find the all the opulence and grandeur that once was the “heart” of France. Its eye-catching scenery is filled with historic towns, splendid wineries, hunting forests, limestone cliffs and magnificent châteaux – still eye-opening during the winter months. This is the best time of year to savour the region at a leisurely pace without the summer crowds. You can really experience the area alongside the locals. This is a tour with a difference. Enjoy the mouth-watering French cuisine, lesser known local wines and taste the regal life as we stay in a French château. If you are looking for an authentic French cultural experience this is the tour that will deliver just that.
Tour inclusions:
4 nights in characterful local accommodation, including a château
Driver / Guide companion
All mini-coach transportation
European breakfasts x 4
Local evening meals x 2
Entrance fees as listed:
Abbey of Fontevraud
Wine Tasting
Azay-le-Rideau
Château de Villandry
Château de Chenonceau
Château de Cheverny
Discover some of the most wonderful countryside on this epic journey from England to Scotland. Experience it all in idyllic Back- Roads fashion, with the perfect blend of informed sightseeing and independent exploration promising an unforgettable introduction to these great lands. As a first time visitor to these historical, cultural and lesser frequented landscapes, or as a return visitor wanting to see a little more than the regular sites, this is perhaps the best tour you can take to discover life behind the tourist façade.
Tour Inclusions
5 nights in charming & characterful accommodations
Driver/Guide companion
All mini-coach transportation
English cooked breakfasts x 5
Evening meals x 3
Entrance fees as listed:
Ely Cathedral
Oliver Cromwell’s house
Lincoln Castle & Cathedral
York Minster
Richmond Castle
Hadrian’s Wall
Jedburgh Abbey
Italy is a spectacular destination at any time of the year, and winter is no exception. From the majesty of ancient Rome, the grandeurs of Florence, the romance of Venice and the wintery splendour of the lakes and mountains of the north, you will experience the wonders of Italy in all its aspects, and get a taste of Switzerland as we cross the border to St Moritz over the stunning Alps. Culture, cuisine, fabulous architecture and inspiring scenery and, of course, we will dip into the alluring Christmas markets and other local delights we find along the way.
Inclusions
12 nights in charming & distinctive accommodation
Driver / Guide Companion
All mini-coach transportation
Local guides in Rome, Florence & Venice
European breakfast daily
Evening meals x 6
Entrance fees as listed:
Catacombs, Rome
Vatican Museum, Rome
Duomo, Florence
Santa Croce, Florence
Venice Water Taxi
La Scala museum, Milan
Bernina Express train to St Moritz.
Please note:
This tour involves a lot of walking and is only suitable for those who are fully mobile.
Italy continues to inspire visitors year after year and this tour has been carefully crafted to create an intimate and indulgent introduction to one of the world’s most popular peninsulas. Whilst we try to avoid the crowds, we include all the major must-see attractions plus, take you to hidden gems in classic Back-Roads fashion. Breach the typical tourist barriers to become totally immersed in the history of Rome, the creativity of Florence, the romance of Venice, and the glamour of Milan. Then move beyond the signature cities to the rustic countryside regions, the Cinque Terre and the lakeside spectacle of Lake Como. Enjoy the splendours of Italy as you uncover the elegance of Italian culture, cuisine and history.
Back-Roads Experiences
Private guided tours in Rome, Florence and Venice, visit remote Tuscan villages, enjoy a ferry ride on beautiful Lake Como, enjoy local Italian meals and taste regional specialities, taste local wines in Chianti, explore the stunning Cinque Terre, visit the Swiss lakeside town of Lugano.
Tour Inclusions
13 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mini-coach transportation throughout
Local guides in Rome, Florence and Venice
European breakfast daily
6 x evening meals
Entrance fees included:
Catacombs, Rome
Vatican Museum, Rome
Duomo, Florence
Cinque Terre walk, train and ferry
Santa Croce, Florence
Lake Como ferry ride
Water taxi, Venice
La Scala Museum, Milan
Historic heroes, ancient sites and regal castles meet with picturesque villages and towns on this insightful introduction to southern England's most engaging people and places. This leisurely small group tour explores historical regions away from the crowds. We enjoy Shakespeare's Stratford, magnificent Oxford and the Georgian city of Bath as well as visiting some of Britain’s best known sites, including Stonehenge, the well preserved castle at Windsor and Churchill's Blenheim Palace. There is no better introduction to England for first time or returning travellers. Back-Roads offers a unique experience as we travel along the scenic route and stay in traditional accommodation so you can really enjoy the local English countryside and way of life.
Back-Roads Experiences:
Visit Harry Potter film locations in Oxford and Lacock, enjoy a cosy evening meal in the Cotswolds, see local thatched cottages and learn how they are made, taste local produce, visit an olde English pub.
Tour Inclusions
3 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mercedes mini-coach transportation throughout
Full English breakfast daily
2 x evening meals
Entrance Fees Included:
Christ Church, Oxford
Blenheim Palace
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon
Roman Baths, Bath
Lacock Abbey
Stonehenge
Windsor Castle
Gourmets will love the fine food, history buffs will relish the architecture, literature lovers will delight in scenes straight from the printed page and breath-taking views will impress absolutely everyone. This is the tour that has it all, but even its busy schedule allows ample time to embrace the back roads and add a few adventures of your own.
Back-Roads Experiences
Visit the stunning gardens of Trebah and Heligan, spend a morning in the lovely St Ives and visit a local art gallery, explore Britain’s maritime past in Falmouth, try local fish and chips, visit Doc Martin’s Port Isaac, lunch at Rick Stein’s “The Seafood Restaurant,” wind through Dartmoor National Park and see roaming wild ponies.
Tour Inclusions
6 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mercedes Mini-coach transportation throughout
Full English breakfast daily
3 x evening meals
1 seafood lunch at Rick Stein’s “Seafood Restaurant,” Padstow
Entrance Fees Included:
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
St Michael’s Mount
The Gardens of Trebah
Pendennis Castle
If you yearn for rich culture, sumptuous food, eye-opening architecture, stunning chateaux and fine wines, then a visit to France will certainly satisfy. A French affair of the most enticing kind! Fine wine and long, lingering lunches, rich history, stunning scenery and a laidback lifestyle awaits you on this small group tour in Northern France and the Loire Valley. It is La Belle France, a delightful discovery for both the first time visitor and those who have already fallen in love with France and wish to uncover more of its secrets. You will be left craving for more of France!
Back-Roads Experiences
Monet’s garden of Giverny, delicious local French meals, cider tasting in Normandy, chateaux visits in the Loire, wine tasting, enjoy lunch in gorgeous coastal towns in Normandy, World War II landing beaches in Normandy, Bayeux Tapestry.
Tour Inclusions
8 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mercedes-Benz mini-coach transportation throughout
European breakfast daily
4 x evening meals
Entrance fees included:
Monet’s House and Garden at Giverny
Bayeux Tapestry
Musée du Débarquement, Arromanches
Château de Villandry
Château d’Ussé OR Azay-le-Rideau
Château de Chenonceau OR Château de Cheverny
Wine tasting
The landscape of rolling hills, towering peaks and plummeting waterfalls together with medieval castles, deep mines, roads old and new and ground-breaking modern architecture all reflect a history of the conquest, exploitation yet amazing resurgence of an indomitable people. Back-Roads will take you on a spectacular journey through this mystical land where you will discover its unique Celtic heritage, delicious local food and awe-inspiring vistas. It may be a small country, however, it's landscape is incredibly varied – with 3 National Parks, 5 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 43 blue flag beaches, 641 castles, 11 million sheep and 2 languages. The distinct Celtic heritage continues to defy the Welsh culture giving them a strong sense of national pride and self-belief. Expect to receive a warm 'Croeso' as you explore its more remote areas along the country lanes - as only a Back-Roads tour can!
Back-Roads Experiences
Fascinating heritage attraction at St Fagans, Snowdonia National Park, visit its mining past, see a Welsh Male Choir practice, taste the local ‘Welsh cakes,’ visit castles and ancient fortresses, enjoy a steam train journey in Northern Wales, descend into a slate mine, travel through national parks and local villages.
Tour Inclusions
5 nights in charming hotel accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mercedes mini-coach transportation throughout
Full Welsh breakfast daily
3 x evening meals
Entrance fees included:
Chepstow Castle
Llechwedd Slate Mine Tour
Conwy Castle
Caernarfon Castle
The Welsh Highland Railway steam train
Bodnant Garden
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
A unique sightseeing experience, this comprehensive journey is tailored to those who want to fully experience British history and culture. True to the Back-Roads philosophy, this tour shares some of the best-kept secrets of this idyllic land. Our tour is designed to bring you the very best of Britain, from shimmering lakes, towering mountains, thatched cottage villages, traditional pubs, quaint harbours and medieval towns and cities. On leisurely days and fun evenings you'll discover more about the amazing people, history, landscape and culture of these unique countries – England, Wales and Scotland.
Back-Roads Experiences
Stay in the heart of the Cotswolds, wind through Wales’ Snowdonia National Park, shop at the Chester’s Rows, explore Bronte and Wordsworth country, experience the Victorian way of life at Ironbridge and try the best fish and chips in Whitby.
Tour Inclusions
7 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mercedes mini-coach transportation throughout
Full English breakfast daily
4 x evening meals
Fish and chips in Whitby
Entrance fees included:
Christ Church College
Ironbridge Gorge Museums
Conwy Castle
Roman Amphitheatre, Chester
Bronte Parsonage, Haworth
Captain Cook Museum, Whitby
Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage
Hadrian’s Wall visitor site
Rosslyn Chapel
Explore the heart of Ireland on a fascinating tour that combines the best-known icons of the ‘Emerald Isle’ and local lesser known gems. Take a journey through this charismatic country, steeped in history, offering wild open vistas, spectacular coastlines of towering cliffs, pristine sandy beaches and picturesque local villages. Enjoy a Guinness or two off the beaten track and get a taste of the true Irish way of life.
Back-Roads Experiences
Meet local characters in a traditional Irish pub, private guided tour in Derry, stay in an Irish castle hotel, enjoy traditional Irish evenings, explore the stunning Dingle Peninsular, visit Patrick Pearce’s Cottage, taste fresh bread, visit a private stately home.
Tour Inclusions
11 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mercedes mini-coach transportation throughout
Full Irish breakfast daily
5 x evening meals
Irish whiskey tasting and tour
Entrance Fees Included
Newgrange
Battle of the Boyne site
Hill of Tara
Ulster-American Folk Park
Parkes Castle
Cottage of Patrick Pearce
Bantry House
Rock of Cashel
Glendalough
Powerscourt Estate
Back-Roads Touring has been running successful garden tours for many years and once again the Chelsea Flower Show Tours in May will take pride of place. The highlight of the gardening year, the Chelsea Flower Show, is the centrepiece of our garden-themed touring programme. Be surprised by award-winning gardens, learn new gardening tips and admire the resplendent flower displays in the hall. This 7-day tour includes some of London's most iconic gardens, an escorted day at the Chelsea Flower Show and an exploration into the homes and gardens of Kent. Take inspiration from the gardens, learn of their history from our passionate Back-Roads guide and enjoy this truly unique and fascinating tour.
Unique Experiences
A full day to explore the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, visit some of London’s iconic gardens, explore stately homes and magnificent gardens including Wisley, Sissinghurst, Hever Castle and Great Dixter, stay in charming accommodation, meet like-minded gardening enthusiasts, visit lesser known gardens in Kent.
Tour Inclusions
6 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mini-coach transportation throughout
Full English breakfast daily
3 evening meals
All entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
Please note:
In the event we are unable to visit a garden due to unforeseen changes in opening hours or bad weather, we will substitute an alternative garden of equal interest.
Back-Roads Touring has been running successful garden tours for many years and once again the Chelsea Flower Show Tours in May will take pride of place. The highlight of the gardening year, the Chelsea Flower Show, is the centrepiece of our garden-themed touring programme. Be surprised by the award-winning gardens, learn new gardening tips and admire the resplendent flower displays in the hall. This 11-day tour includes some of London's most iconic gardens, an escorted day at the Chelsea Flower Show and an exploration into the homes and gardens of Kent and Hampshire. Take inspiration from the gardens, learn of their history from our passionate Back-Roads guides and enjoy this truly unique and fascinating tour.
Back-Roads Experiences
A full day to explore the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, explore stately homes and magnificent gardens including RHS Wisley, Sissinghurst, Hever Castle and Heale House, spend a day on the Isle of Wight to see Queen Victoria’s Osbourne House, meet like-minded gardening enthusiasts, explore the magnificent plants at Kew Garden, dinner in a London restaurant.
Tour Inclusions
10 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mercedes-Benz mini-coach transportation throughout
Full English breakfast daily
5 x evening meals
All Entrance fees to gardens and stately homes included in the itinerary
Please note:
In the event we are unable to visit a garden due to unforeseen changes in opening hours or bad weather, we will substitute an alternative garden of equal interest.
ANZAC Day Dawn Ceremony 25 April 2012
The Australian War Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux commemorates the battle on the 24th/25th April 1918, when Australian and Commonwealth Soldiers liberated the town. In front of it lie the graves of over 770 Australian soldiers, as well as those of other Commonwealth soldiers and since 2008 it has been the site of the special ANZAC Day dawn service. Experience this unique event on our 6 Day ANZAC tour departing 23 April and join fellow countrymen and local townspeople in remembering those who fought during the Great War at one of its most poignant sites.
Back-Roads Experiences:
Anzac Day dawn ceremony in Villers-Brettonneux, Polygon Wood, Tyne Cot, visit personal sites (requested in advance), pay tribute to the fallen at the Pheasant Wood Cemetery, travel through The Somme, visit the Victoria School, hear stories from the frontline and the historical background from your battlefield guide.
Tour Inclusions
4 nights charming accommodation in Ypres and Amiens
Specialist battlefield Driver/Guide
All mini-coach transportation
European breakfast daily
2 evening meals
Commemorative gift
Entrance Fees Included as listed:
Hooghe Crater Trenches
Hooghe Museum Ypres
Wellington Tunnels
Victoria School Museum
Savour the culture of this renowned region in true Italian tradition - slowly, like a glass of fine wine or an indulgent 6-course feast. This remarkable tour is flexible enough to allow for a cappuccino stop or theatre visit when the whim takes you, but it is also cleverly crafted to reveal Tuscan treasures often overlooked on the typical tourist trail. Every meal is an adventure of fresh produce and divine wine and every accommodation stop is a showpiece of the region's rich culture, history and creativity. Bello!
Back-Roads Experiences
Relax in a gorgeous villa in the heart of Tuscany, cook your own Italian lunch with a chef, wine tasting in Chianti, enjoy a day exploring the Cinque Terre, discover Florence with a local guide, meander through Tuscany at leisure, stroll through medieval towns, try the local gelato!
Tour Inclusions
8 nights in charming accommodation (2 nights at staying in a Tuscan villa)
Driver/guide companion
Mini-coach transportation throughout
Local guide in Florence
European breakfast daily
Cookery class
4 x evening meals, 1 x lunch
Entrance Fees Included:
Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Cinque Terre ferries, trains and coastal walk
Wine tasting
Please note: This tour involves a lot of walking and steep inclines and is only suitable for those who are reasonably fit.
The North of England is a well-guarded British secret – and rightly so! It is known for its welcoming locals, dramatic landscape, picture-perfect villages and rugged countryside. Our Lakes and Dales itinerary is designed to introduce you to the very lakes and hills that inspired William Wordsworth and other Lakeland poets and authors, including Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin and the landscapes of J W Turner. We also explore the Lancashire and Yorkshire dales, specifically the area known universally as Bronte Country in memory of the three Bronte sisters. If you want to really get away from it all – this is the tour that will take you into the British countryside to discover the England of old.
Back-Roads Experiences
Visit the home of literary greats including Beatrix Potter, Wordsworth, Bram Stoker and the Bronte sisters, enjoy a ferry ride on Lake Windermere, see the second highest pub in Britain, enjoy fish and chips in Whitby.
Tour Inclusions
4 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mercedes Benz mini-coach transportation throughout
Full English breakfast daily
2 x evening meals
Entrance Fees Included:
Levens Hall
Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop Farm
Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Castle Howard
Bronte Parsonage Museum, Haworth
Travel through the Loire Valley and you will understand why French kings and feudal lords and ladies of the court were seduced by the beauty of this region. Here you will find all the opulence and grandeur that once was the “heart” of France. Its eye-catching scenery is filled with historic towns, splendid wineries, hunting forests, limestone cliffs and magnificent châteaux. This is a tour with a difference - experience the area alongside the locals as you travel through this electable countryside at an unhurried pace. Enjoy mouth-watering French cuisine, local wines and taste the regal life as we visit opulent French châteaux. If you are looking for an authentic French cultural experience then this is the tour that will deliver just that.
Back-Roads Experiences
Wine tasting in the Loire, enjoy a wine and food tasting session at a private chateau, enjoy a gourmet meal in Chinon, stay in a magnificent chateau in the Loire, see a unique Leonardo da Vinci location, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tour Inclusions
4 nights in charming accommodation (2 nights in a chateau hotel)
Driver/guide companion
Mercedes-Benz mini-coach transportation throughout
European breakfast daily
2 x evening meals
Entrance Fees Included
Clos Lucé
Food and wine taster session at a chateau
Wine tasting in the Loire
Abbey of Fontevraud
Château de Villandry gardens
Azay-le-Rideau gardens
Château de Chenonceau
Château de Cheverny
Château de Chambord
A land of intrigue, drama, warmth and culture that will enchant visitors of all ages and interests. Scotland is a captivating place of immense contrasts and is surely one of the most beautiful and historically fascinating countries in the world. From vibrant Glasgow and refined Edinburgh to the gentle rolling hills, dramatic coasts, towering mountains, breathtaking lochs and heather covered highlands all richly peppered with ancient castles, villages, and abbeys telling the tale of it’s often turbulent history. Travel along the whisky trail, explore mystical lochs and ancient monuments, visit Royal castles and explore this land’s ancient history. Beyond the mainland, the Western Isles retain much of their Norse character and offer some of Scotland’s most seductive scenery and mythical heritage.
Back-Roads Experiences
Travel to the Scottish islands of Skye and Mull, learn how the Scottish make their famous whiskey and visit the last remaining cooperage, meet local characters and taste local Scottish food.
Tour Inclusions
6 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mercedes mini-coach transportation throughout
Full Scottish breakfast daily
4 x evening meals
Ferry to Mull and Iona
Entrance Fees Included
Iona Abbey
Dunvegan Castle
Museum of Island Life
Culloden Museum
Speyside Cooperage
Whisky tasting
Stirling Castle
Retrace the steps of Australian and New Zealand troops in the Great War. This heart-rending battlefield tour pays tribute to their extraordinary valour, reviving their experience from behind the lines to the battlefield, with the help of a specialist guide. Back-Roads Touring offers unparalleled experience in the region, bringing the events to life as we explore the significant sites that shaped modern history. It is a poignant, utterly unrivalled journey that will grip you from the first moment, and forever change your perspective on life, loyalty and national spirit.
Tour Inclusions:
3 nights in charming accommodation
Specialist Battlefield Guide/Driver
Mercedes- Benz Mini-coach transportation
Full European breakfast daily
2 x evening meals
Entrance fees as listed:
Hooghe Crater Trenches
Hooghe Museum Ypres
Wellington Tunnels
Victoria School Museum
This superb four-day tour will take you from defeat to victory, tracing the events during one of the most gripping periods of the 20th century. From the miracle of the Dunkirk Shield, to the Dieppe Raid and the beaches of Normandy, we'll travel along Hitler's Atlantic Wall, in the footsteps of brave soldiers.
Tour Inclusions
3 nights in charming accommodation
Specialist Battlefield Guide/Driver
All mini-coach transportation
Full European breakfast daily
2 x evening meals
Entrance Fees Included:
Juno Beach Museum
Pegasus Bridge Museum
Utah Beach Museum
Dunkirk Dynamo Museum
The South of France has been one of the most fashionable tourist destinations for more than a century. This tour has it all, from quiet provincial towns to glamorous cities where you can enjoy local wines, delectable food and discerning culture. From the attractions of Nice, Cannes and the mountain villages that overlook the azure Mediterranean to Monaco, with its famed gambling capital Monte Carlo. Then there is Provence, the inspiration of a thousand artists and writers from bygone to contemporary times including Van Gogh and Cézanne. Even the shortest stay illustrates the magnetic pull of this region; its history, unspoilt towns and villages, chic Riviera resorts, gastronomic delights and scenic diversity.
Back-Roads Experiences
Lunch and wine tasting at a private vineyard, see Van Gogh’s Starlit Café, try a bouillabaisse lunch at the old port in Marseille, enjoy the ravishing countryside.
Tour Inclusions
10 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mini-coach transportation throughout
European breakfast daily
4 x evening meals
Lunch in a private vineyard
Entrance fees as listed:
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Paul Cézanne’s studio
Popes Palace and St Bénézet Bridge, Avignon
Wine tasting
Roman Theatre, Orange
Enjoy the spectacle that is Edinburgh Tattoo on a tour that will really give you a taste of the rich Scottish heritage. We travel to some of Scotland’s most historic sites in its Border region including its beautiful capital, Edinburgh and enjoy the genuine warm hospitality at our Scottish hotel every evening. Castles, lochs, Scottish entertainment and local pubs are all included on this introduction to Scotland that will leave you hankering for more!
Tour Inclusions:
3 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/Guide companion
All mini-coach transportation
Full Scottish cooked breakfast daily
2 x evening meals
Other entrance fees as listed:
Edinburgh Tattoo ticket (Section 12-14)
Edinburgh Castle
Bannockburn Battlefield
Stirling Castle
This fabulous tour takes you from the splendours of Madrid through wonderful Andalusia - a land of history, culture, stunning coastlines, flamenco and fiestas! Not only has it inspired such celebrated painters as Picasso and Velasquez, but it has also held an enduring fascination for writers. It is a unique area where east meets west in an exotic melting pot of cultures. You will delight in the wines and cuisine and be beguiled by the stunning sights and sounds.
Back-Roads Experiences
Wine and tapas in Valdepeñas, sherry tasting in Cadiz, flamenco dancing in Seville, historical sites, visit beautiful coastal towns along the Andalucían coast.
Tour Inclusions
10 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mini-coach transportation throughout
European breakfast daily
4 x evening meals (including dinner with flamenco dancing in Seville)
Wine tasting and tapas
Local guides in Toledo, Seville and the Alhambra
Entrance fees as listed:
Santa Maria la Blanca, Toledo
San Juan de los Reyes, Toledo
Mezquita, Cordoba
Synagogue, Cordoba
Real Alcazar, Seville
Nerja Caves
The Alhambra, Granada
One of the most interesting places on earth, the Orkney Islands offer a mix of outstandingly rugged coastal scenery teeming with bird and sea-life and the greatest single collection of pre-historic remains in the Worl. This is a land steeped in Viking history and contemporary sites dating from the two great World Wars. The tour departs from and returns to Inverness. We make the most of the sightseeing opportunities enroute to the island through Europe's last great wilderness region.
Back-Roads Experiences
Travel to Scotland’s wilderness, see the ancient site at Skara Brae, see remnants of Viking settlements, taste local whisky.
Tour Inclusions:
3 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/Guide companion
Mercedes-Benz mini-coach transportation throughout
Full Scottish breakfast daily
1 x Scottish evening meal
Entrance fees as listed:
Dunrobin Castle
Maeshowe
Skara Brae
Broch of Gurness
Brough of Birsay
Earl’s Palace Kirkwall
Bishop’s Palace Kirkwall
Highland Park Distillery
Castle of Mey
Uncover the delights and secrets of the south west of France on this very special tour– you will be amazed at what treats this lesser-known area of the country has to offer. Enjoy not only the wonderful cuisine, but go back in time to the old Aquitaine of history, bask in the warmth of the Atlantic coast in stylish Biarritz, and marvel at the prehistoric art of the Lascaux Caves and the mighty medieval stronghold of Carcassonne. Our tour wouldn't be complete without a taste of what Bordeaux is perhaps most famous for – the fabulous wines of St Emilion, Margaux and Médoc, to name a few.
Back-Roads Experiences
Try local wines, shop in Biarritz, visit the isolated village of Rennes-le-Chateau, shop in Sarlat’s famous markets, try local French cuisine.
Tour Inclusions
9 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
All mini-coach transportation
European breakfast daily
5 x evening meals
Entrance fees as listed:
Two wine tastings
Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. Albi
Château de Pau
Lascaux II Caves
National Museum of Prehistory, Les Eyzies
Please note: This tour involves a lot of walking and steep inclines and is only suitable for those who are reasonably fit.
ANZAC Day Dawn Ceremony - 25 April 2012
The Australian War Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux commemorates the battle on the 24th/25th April 1918, when Australian and Commonwealth Soldiers liberated the town of Villers-Bretonneux . In front of it lie the graves of over 770 Australian soldiers, as well as those of other Commonwealth soldiers and since 2008 it has been the site of the special ANZAC Day dawn service. Experience this unique event on our 3 Day ANZAC tour departing 23 April and join fellow countrymen and local townspeople to remember those who fought during the Great Wars at one of its most poignant sites.
Tour Inclusions:
2 nights accommodation in the Amiens area
Specialist Battlefield Guide/Driver
Mercedes-Benz mini-coach transportation throughout
Full continental breakfast daily
2 x evening meals
Dawn Service
Return Eurostar to Lille from London
Commemorative gift
This wonderful journey takes us to three of the greatest wine areas of France, each with its distinctive charm. From the classic red wines of Burgundy, the fragrant whites of Alsace to sparkling champagne, we not only taste these regional treats but also enjoy the wonderful landscapes in which the vines have grown for centuries, historic towns both great and small and, of course, we will sample the tasty local cuisines along the way. This is a fantastic in-depth tour for lovers of good food, wine and culture.
Back-Roads Experiences
Taste wine in boutique wineries and famous champagne houses, enjoy gourmet French meals accompanied by the local wine, learn more about wines from an expert in each region, stay on a winery, be immersed in French culture.
Tour Inclusions
8 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mercedes-Benz mini-coach transportation throughout
European breakfast daily
4 x evening meals
Wine tasting in Chablis, Burgundy and Champagne
Local wine expert in Chablis, Burgundy and Champagne
Entrance Fees Included
Palace of Fontainebleau
Ancient legends, winding country lanes and delectable Devonshire cream teas await you on this delightful tour to the south west coast of Britain. Relive Arthur’s reign and discover the tales of Camelot as we take you on a journey through some of England’s prettiest countryside. See where Thomas Hardy and Jane Austen were once inspired and step inside centuries-old settings of romance as we pass through these ancient and untouched lands in the West Country.
Back-Roads Experiences
Stay in a British seaside resort, enjoy a famous Devonshire cream tea, follow the legend of King Arthur, explore the English Riviera.
Tour Inclusions
2 nights in charming accommodation
Drive/guide companion
Mercedes-Benz mini-coach transportation throughout
Full English breakfast daily
2 x evening meals
Devonshire cream tea
Entrance Fees Included:
Winchester Castle and Cathedral
Glastonbury Abbey
Discover the hidden treasures and authentic culture of Italy. This tour will take you off the beaten track - visit ancient sites, taste local delicacies and enjoy Europe’s most dramatic stretches of coastline with its towering cliffs and picturesque coves. Back-Roads will ensure you experience the ‘real Italy’
Back-Roads Experiences
Visit the Isle of Capri, enjoy real Italian food, travel with a local guide, enjoy pizza in Naples – the home of pizza, see the white marble temples at Paestum, taste local delicacies including real mozzarella and limoncello.
Tour Inclusions
9 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mini-coach transportation throughout
Local guides in Rome, Pompeii, Paestum, Ravello, Phlegraean Fields and Naples
European breakfast daily
4 x evening meals
1st Class train Rome – Naples
Entrance Fees Included
Mozzarella tasting
Limoncello tasting
Pompeii
Paestum
Villa Rufolo, Ravello
Villa Cimbrone, Ravello
Phlegraean Fields
Tour Inclusions
Specialist Battlefield Guide/Driver
All mini-coach transportation
All entrance fees
Tour Combinations
This tour can be combined with other France battlefields tours: the Ypres Salient and Fromelles/Vimy Ridge weekend day trips to form a 2 or 3 day tour. If you require a Eurostar transfer from London to France please request at time of booking.
Tour Inclusions
1 Night in unique & traditional accommodation
Specialist Battlefield Guide/Driver
All mini-coach transportation
European Breakfast x 1
All entrance fees
Tour Combinations
This tour can be combined with the Somme day trip to form a 3 day tour.
Ireland is renowned for its warm welcome and Irish craic, this tour takes you on a journey through some of the iconic and lesser known regions of the south. Meet local characters in ancient pubs, try Irish cuisine, enjoy the hospitality and revel in the ambience of towns and villages away from the tourist crowds. This is an ideal introduction to a diverse land dominated by wild, breathtaking vistas and vivacious people.
Back-Roads Experiences
Enjoy Irish hospitality in local haunts and ancient inns, explore Irish history, shop in a local market, learn about local whiskies, visit a traditional working farm and drink in the pub featured in ‘Ballykissangel.’
Tour Inclusions
6 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mercedes-Benz mini-coach transportation throughout
Irish breakfast daily
3 x evening meals
Irish entertainment
Entrance Fees Included:
Irish National Stud
The Skellig Experience
Muckross House
Cork Gaol
Garnish Island and ferry
Midleton Distillery
Kilmainham Gaol
Italy is a country of wonderful contrasts, and on this spectacular tour we head south to the mystical island of Sicily, still part of Italy but a very special place with its own distinctive heritage and culture. Perhaps the most historically cosmopolitan region in the whole of Europe, so many cultural influences have shaped this land – Asian, African, Greek, Roman to name but a few – there is no other place quite like it. It is a unique place full of art, archaeology, history, folklore, breathtaking scenery and of course, great food and wine! You will be enchanted.
“If you like Italy as far south as Rome, go further south. It gets better. Italy intensifies as you plunge deeper” . Rick Steves
Back-Roads Experiences
Try local wines, be captivated by the amazing coastline, eat Sicilian food, explore the region’s unique history with a local guide, visit ancient sites.
Tour Inclusions
7 nights in charming accommodation
Driver / Guide Companion
Mini-coach transportation throughout
3 guided tours (Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse)
European breakfast daily
4 x evening meals
Entrance fees as listed:
Cappella Palatina, Palermo
Cathedral of Monreale
Wine tasting, Marsala
Selinunte
Temples of Agrigento
Tour Inclusions
2 nights in charming accommodation
Specialist Battlefield Guide/Driver
All mini-coach transportation
European Breakfast x 2
All entrance fees
Tour Inclusions
Specialist Battlefield driver/guide
All mini-coach transportation
All entrance fees
Tour Combinations
This tour can be combined with the Somme and Ypres Salient weekend day trips to form a 2 or 3 Day tour.
Tour Inclusions
Specialist Battlefield driver/guide
All mini-coach transportation
All entrance fees
Tour Combinations
This tour can be combined with the The Somme and Fromelles/Vimy Ridge weekend day trips to form a 2 or 3 day tour.
The central focus of this once-in-a-lifetime tour is of course the moving ANZAC Day ceremony in Gallipoli, where we remember all those young men who fought and died for their country. We will also experience the varied and fascinating attractions Turkey has to offer, from ancient Troy to the scenic delights of the Bosphorus, from opulent palaces to the ruins of Ephesus. A tour of many contrasts.
Back-Roads Experiences
ANZAC Day Dawn Ceremony accompanied by a Australian battlefield expert, enjoy a Bosphorus cruise, explore the local markets and Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, visit ancient sites including Ephesus.
Tour Inclusions
10 nights accommodation
1 night stayover at ANZAC Cove (Dawn Ceremony)
English-speaking professional guide
Mini-coach transportation throughout
Breakfast daily
5 x evening meals
Australian Battlefield Expert for ANZAC Day
Sleeping bag for overnight at ANZAC Cove
Entrance Fees Included:
All entrance fees per the itinerary
Please note: This tour involves a lot of walking and steep inclines and is only suitable for those who are fit. The night prior to the Dawn Service is spent in ANZAC Cove, and sleeping bags will be provided.
Southern England is characterised by its rolling countryside, traditional country inns, quaint local towns and villages and winding lanes. We travel through parts of Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset to search out little known corners of this part of the country and see historical sites and picture perfect villages that can only be explored along the backroads. Visit Royal homes and castles, taste local food and ales and see famous film sites (including Highclere Castle – the set of Downton Abbey) and see the areas that have inspired artists, poets and writers. Stopping into traditional country inns, staying in charming hotels and visiting historic sites is all part of the experience, however, this tour offers a more in-depth insight into the idyllic English countryside and local life.
Back-Roads Experiences:
Visit Highclere Castle – the set for Downton Abbey or Windsor Castle, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on the Isle of Wight, see roaming ponies in the New Forest, visit a family-run smokery, taste ‘Cheddar’ cheese, try local cider.
Tour Inclusions
3 nights in charming accommodation
Driver/guide companion
Mercedes-Benz mini-coach transportation throughout
European breakfast daily
2 x evening meals
1 x lunch
Ferry to the Isle of Wight
Entrance Fees Included:
Carisbrooke Castle
Osborne House
Buckler’s Hard
Roman Baths, Bath
Cheese tasting, Cheddar Gorge
Highclere Castle OR Windsor Castle
This is an incredible historical journey to try and understand what lead to the rise of Hitler and the Third Reich, and the effects of World War II on Austria and Germany. As we travel in the footsteps of Hitler we travel to regions and learn about the characters that shaped events in World War II. Visit Vienna where Hitler saw the unravelling of an Empire, Munich the birthplace of the Nazi party, Nuremburg where the Nazi war criminals faced justice and Berlin the once divided but now vibrant capital. This tour will enthral you as it is a rare chance to be able to walk back through history and see a region transformed from wartime rage to one of peace, beauty and tranquillity.
Back-Roads Experiences
Visit Courtroom 600 in Nuremberg, learn more first-hand about the rise and fall of Hitler, visit emotive sites and fascinating museums, see where the wall that once stood dividing Berlin.
Tour Inclusions
8 nights in charming accommodation
Battlefield driver/guide companion
Local expert guides Vienna, Munich, Nuremberg and Berlin
Mini-coach transportation throughout
European breakfast daily
4 x evening meals
Welcome drink
Entrance Fees Included
Third Man Museum, Vienna
Obersalzberg Museum
Bus and lift to Eagle’s Nest
Courtroom 600 and Museum, Nuremberg
Tour Inclusions
1 night in charming accommodation
Specialist Battlefield Guide/Driver
All mini-coach transportation
European Breakfast x 1
All entrance fees
Tour Combinations
This tour can be combined with the Fromelles/Vimy Ridge day trip to form a 3 day tour.
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