Tours:
Back-Roads Tours

FLORENCE, LUCCA, VOLTERRA & THE TUSCAN HILLS - Tuscany is a region characterised by rugged hills, fertile valleys, ancient hilltop villages, and some of Italy’s greatest food and wine. Savour the culture of this renowned region as we discover the local art of winemaking and sample the rich red wines that perfectly complement the hearty Tuscan cuisine. Spend a day exploring the Cinque Terre, discover Florence’s renaissance treasures, enjoy a leisurely stroll through medieval towns and cook lunch with an Italian chef.   Tour Inclusions: 8 nights in charming accommodation Back Roads tour guide companion Driver and mini-coach transportation throughout Local guide in Florence European breakfast daily 4 x evening meals, 2 x lunches Olive oil tasting Tuscan cookery class Chianti wine tasting   Entrance Fees Included: Uffizi Gallery, Florence Cinque Terre ferries, trains and coastal walk Baptistery of the Cathedral of Pisa Cathedral of Siena Verrazzano Castle ...more »

CHABLIS, BURGUNDY, ALSACE & CHAMPAGNE - This wonderful journey takes us to three of France’s greatest wine regions, each with its own distinctive charm. From the fragrant whites of Chablis and the classic red wines of Burgundy to sparkling champagne, we not only taste these regional treats but also enjoy the wonderful landscapes in which vines have grown for centuries. Stay in historic villages rich in heritage, visit prestigious vineyards, try superb French cuisine and learn about regional wine from local experts. This is a fantastic in-depth tour for lovers of good food, wine and culture.   Tour Inclusions: 8 nights in charming accommodation Driver/guide companion Mini-coach transportation throughout European breakfast daily 4 x evening meals Wine tasting in Chablis, Burgundy and Champagne Wine experts in Burgundy and Champagne regions The Perching Bar   Included Entrance Fees: Palace of Fontainebleau Domaine Laroche, Chablis The Hôtel-Dieu (The Hospices de Beaune) ...more »

AUSTRIA, SLOVAKIA & CZECH REPUBLIC - Experience the wonders of Vienna and Prague this winter with a fascinating journey across Central Europe. In Vienna, enjoy a gala dinner and concert in the world’s capital of classical music, before heading via Slovakia to Prague, a city rich in medieval history. The Christmas markets in Prague are the most beautiful in the Czech Republic, however few visitors make it to Brno so it’s the perfect place to soak up the festive atmosphere without the crowds.   Vienna Christmas Markets During advent Vienna hosts a number of markets where the aromas of candied fruit, Christmas punch and roasted chestnuts fill the air. Wander around the small wooden market stalls tasting the local treats and admiring the hand crafted Austrian artefacts. A visit to these markets will be included on 10th and 17th December 2012. Brno Christmas Market Stalls sell Christmas treats, gifts and souvenirs and Christmas-related entertainment includes nativity scenes and Christmas carols. A visit to this market will be included on 11th and 18th December 2012. Prague Christmas Market Soak up the festive atmosphere at Prague’s Christmas Market set in the heart of Prague’s Old Town Square. Brightly decorated wooden huts sell traditional Czech food, decorated gingerbread, homemade sausages, mulled wine, handicrafts and the ever-popular trdelnik roll – pastry covered in cinnamon and sugar. Most impressive of all is the Christmas tree draped in dazzling lights and exquisite decorations. At night the square sparkles with thousands of Christmas lights, so be sure to ascend the Old Town Hall Tower for stunning views over the square. A visit to this market will be included on 12th and 19th December 2012.   Tour Inclusions: • 4 nights in charming accommodation • Driver/guide companion • Mini-coach transportation throughout • European breakfast daily • 2 x evening meals • Porterage Included Entrance Fees: • Schônbrunn Palace • Sound of Vienna Dining Experience and Concert • Old Town Hall Tower • St. Vitus Cathedral • Terezin Memorial ...more »

BRECON BEACONS, CONWAY, SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK & PEMBROKESHIRE -  Wales is a land of mystery and delight. It is perhaps the closest of all of Britain’s regions to its Celtic roots -this distinct Celtic heritage continues to define the Welsh culture giving them a strong sense of national pride. On this week-long journey around this fascinating Principality, we take in the major sites and learn about Welsh history, language, culture, and industry, as well as enjoying some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the United Kingdom.   Tour Inclusions: 6 nights in charming hotel accommodation Driver/guide companion Mercedes mini-coach transportation throughout Full English breakfast daily 3 x evening meals and 1 x lunch Early supper experience at Cefn Park “Victorian Kitchen” Welsh whisky tour Visit to a Welsh vineyard Welsh language lesson and tea Trip on a narrow gauge steam railway   Entrance Fees Included: St Fagans National History Museum Big Pit National Coal Museum Caerleon Roman Baths and Museum Abbey Cwm Hir Hall Gardens Caernarfon Castle National Slate Museum, Llanberis Harlech Castle Dylan Thomas Boathouse ...more »

KILLARNEY, KINSALE & KILKENNY - Ireland is renowned for its warm welcome and Irish craic. This tour is an ideal introduction to a diverse land dominated by wild, breath-taking vistas and vivacious people. Meet local characters in ancient pubs, try Irish cuisine, drink in the pub featured in Ballykissangel, learn about the local whiskies and revel in the ambience of towns and villages away from the tourist crowds.   Tour Inclusions: 6 nights in charming accommodation Driver/guide companion Mini-coach transportation throughout Irish breakfast daily 3 x evening meals Kinsale Heritage Walk Irish whiskey tour and tasting Irish entertainment   Entrance Fees Included: Irish National Stud The Skellig Experience Muckross House Garnish Island and ferry Midleton Distillery Kilmainham Gaol ...more »

DUNKIRK, BAYEUX & THE NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES - This 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 driver/guide companion Mini-coach transportation throughout Full European breakfast daily 2 x evening meals   Included Entrance Fees: Juno Beach Museum Pegasus Bridge Museum Utah Beach Museum Dunkirk Dynamo Museum ...more »

Back-Roads Touring has been running successful garden tours for many years and once again our 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. Our tours include some of England’s most iconic gardens, an escorted day at the Chelsea Flower Show and an exploration into the homes and gardens of London, 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.   Tour Inclusions: 10 nights in charming accommodation Driver/guide companion 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: Every year we put on several mini-coaches for this event. In order to keep with the Back Road ethos of small group touring, each mini-coach will follow a different itinerary. Whilst all of the gardens and stately home listed above will be visited, the days in which they are visited and the order of the visits will vary from what has been published.   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. ...more »

SCOTTISH LOWLANDS, LAKE WINDERMERE, YORK & LIVERPOOL - Explore the dramatic regions of the Scottish Borders and Northern England and see for yourself the beautiful British countryside, idyllic lakes, hills and valleys that have inspired the works of many poets and authors including William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and the Bronte sisters. Learn much about Britain’s folklore and history as we introduce you to a fascinating mixture of well-known sites along with some lesser-known gems not often enjoyed by visitors.   Tour Inclusions: 5 nights in charming hotel accommodation Driver/guide companion Mercedes mini-coach transportation throughout Full English breakfast daily 3 x evening meals Chocolate making experience Learn how Gingerbread is made in a traditional shop Cruise in the Lake District Wensleydale cheese making experience Trip on a restored steam railway Beatles experience in Liverpool   Entrance Fees Included: Rosslyn Chapel Hermitage Castle Birdoswald Roman Fort Levens Hall Hill Top Farm Old Grammar School Museum Dove Cottage Bronte Parsonage ...more »

FEATURING GARDENS IN KENT & LONDON - 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 Mini-coach transportation throughout Full English breakfast daily 2 x evening meals All entrance fees to gardens and stately homes included in the itinerary ...more »

BAVARIA, OBERAMMERGAU & MOZART - Visiting historic Christmas markets, held in cities, towns and villages throughout Germany and Austria is becoming increasingly popular - aromas of hot chestnuts, grilled sausages and gingerbread fill the air, while craftwork of real quality can be purchased. With a stunning backdrop of the snow-covered Alps it’s a magical time of year to explore the cities of Munich and Salzburg, enjoy local Bavarian cuisine and visit the Andechs Monastery, where local beer has been brewed since the Middle Ages.   Munich Christmas Market With roots that date back to the 14th century, this Christmas market offers traditional gifts including wood carvings from Oberammergau and exquisite glassware from the Bavarian Forest. The ambience of the Munich Christmas market is further enhanced by the aromas of hot chestnuts, grilled sausages and other tasty Bavarian food. Warm up with a cup of punch or enjoy a delicious baked apple while enjoying the Christmas market concert, held each day from the balcony of Munich’s town hall. A visit to this market will be included on 5th and 12th December 2012. Salzburg Christmas Market The tradition and ambiance of Salzburg’s Christmas market is the perfect start to the Christmas season. Salzburg’s Christmas market is a feast for all the senses and is one of the most famous advent markets in Europe. Sample regional delicacies and shop for locally crafted wares amid the delicious scent of mulled wine as Salzburg choirs entertain the crowds. There’s no better way to get into the Christmas mood. A visit to this market will be included on 7th and 14th December 2012.   Tour Inclusions • 4 nights in charming accommodation • Driver/guide companion • Mini-coach transportation throughout • European breakfast daily • 2 x evening meals • Porterage Included Entrance Fees • BMW museum • Neuschwanstein Castle • Linderhof Palace • Andachs Monastery • Mozart’s Birth House • Hohensalzburg Castle • Salt Mines in Berchtesageden ...more »