WINTER YOUR WAY 2026-2027 ADVENTURES
HIKING & WALKING • BIKING • MULTI-ADVENTURE
Dear traveler, Summer’s in full swing, which makes it a great time to start thinking about where the next adventure might take you. And the choices with Backroads for winter travel have never been this varied: sunny escapes and snowy adventures in North America, fairy-tale winter in Europe, vibrant cultures across Asia and Latin America and wildlife safaris in Africa. Maybe this is the year you trade your usual winter routine for something truly special. We’re already looking ahead to a trip this October in Japan. Bring people together with the gift of a shared adventure—and come home with memories that last long after the snow melts. See you out there, AWE-INSPIRING & ACTIVE
Tom Hale Founder, President & CEO
Avery Hale Smith Chief Experience Officer
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Cambodia
SUN SNOW OR THIS IS THE WINTER TO GO ACTIVE
Canadian Rockies Snow Adventure
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EXPERIENCE THE BACKROADS DIFFERENCE
Extraordinary Hotels Our hand-selected hotels are some of the world’s best, with options to suit every taste and travel style—Premiere for the most exceptional stays, Deluxe for charming hotels and boutique inns, and Casual for relaxed lodges and comfortable retreats. Read more about our hotels on pg. 10
Unbeatable Choice We offer more than 7,000 departures worldwide, so wherever, whenever and however you want to travel, there’s a trip for you. We design and run every trip across 500+ itineraries in 60+ countries each year. Our experience shows in the details. Complete Flexibility & Support Take it easy or take it up a notch—it’s always up to you, even if your travel companion prefers a different pace. Multiple daily route options, 2+ support vans and 3+ leaders mean you can explore independently or with the group. Move between solo and shared time whenever you like, on any route you like. Straight Talk From terrain and distances to hotels, climate and local customs, we tell it like it is before you book so you know what to expect and can choose the trip that’s right for you.
Top-Tier Bikes for Every Rider Custom-engineered and maintained by our
professional mechanics, our fleet of 10,000 titanium bikes is in a class of its own. Ride a complimentary performance road bike or a hybrid e-bike, or upgrade to our new high-performance e-bike*. Experts at Trip Design Since 1979, we’ve designed and operated active trips around the world. Today, 12 Regional Directors and 27 Regional Leads work with 300+ Trip and Market Experts to craft every itinerary. We build on real relationships with a focus on authentic culture.
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Backroads has been redefining active travel since 1979. While anyone can claim to be the best, delivering on that is another thing. If you haven’t traveled with us yet, this is what sets us apart.
The Right Size, the Right People Our groups are small enough for flexibility yet big enough to welcome a variety of fun-loving travel companions. With options like Family Adventures, Women’s Adventures, Dolce Tempo, Private Trips and Unplugged Trips (no e-bikes), you’ll have options to travel with people seeking the same kind of adventure. The Best Leaders, Bar None With an average guest rating of 9.8/10, our leaders are in a league of their own. Our recruiting, hiring, training, benefits and performance programs are singular in the world of travel, attracting outstanding individuals and developing their talents and skills. They’re not independent contractors, but valued employees with strong ties to the communities where they lead. Never Subcontracted We don’t subcontract because we don’t trust others to do the job we’ve promised you we’ll do.
Family Travel Perfected We’ve spent years fine-tuning the art of family travel and know how to create trips every generation will love. Whether traveling with little explorers, independent teens or young adults, we’re the only active travel company offering family trips for different age groups, which makes all the difference. No One Does Private Better Unrivaled in our selection of ready-to-book dates and adventures across the globe, traveling with your crew has never been easier—or more fun. Thousands of expertly planned itineraries, perks for Private Trip Organizers and dedicated support every step of the way. *Hybrid e-bikes available across Europe, North America and most southern hemisphere trips; Performance e-bikes ($400) available on Biking Trips in Europe and North America.
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It feels good to move. Hiking, biking or paddling, you’re part of the landscape—not just passing through it. With expert support and the flexibility to experience the world your way, Backroads trips invite you into the heart of a place, where natural wonders, time-honored traditions and meaningful cultural encounters await. It’s active, and so much more. SEE THE WORLD UNDER YOUR OWN POWER
Let’s move: backroads.com/go-active
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WAYS TO GO ACTIVE
BIKING
Whether you chase the climb, coast into town or linger where the view holds you—this is biking with Backroads: immersive, flexible and awe-inspiring from start to finish.
HIKING & WALKING
Thoughtfully supported adventures that give you the freedom to wander the world’s most beautiful trails at your own pace and in great company. Includes: Active Culinary, Home Base & Lodge-to-Lodge
MULTI-ADVENTURE
Love a little bit of everything? So do we. Bike, hike, paddle and dive into local thrills like rafting, surfing and rock climbing—for the travelers who want it all. Includes: Active Safaris, Glamping & Snow Adventures We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5, so that you can find a trip that fits just right. 1 2 3 4 5 Easygoing Moderate Challenging Travel Your Way However you like to travel, there’s an adventure to match. From more relaxed Dolce Tempo journeys to challenging hikes and Unplugged Bike Trips (no e-bikes)—and everything in between.
Chile
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Guides, interpreters, facilitators, cheerleaders and all-around sources of inspiration and goodwill, our Trip Leaders set Backroads apart. This team of pros is rigorously trained, brilliantly resourceful and just plain fun. Their greatest superpower? Making every journey feel personal—and totally unforgettable. See for yourself how the most carefully cultivated global workforce in travel defines the quality of your trip experience. THE BEST LEADERS. BAR NONE.
Meet the team! backroads.com/leaders
”Backroads’ leaders are beyond compare. Fun, funny, passionate, emotionally intelligent and kind. In any other industry… COOs!”
BOB MALLEY • SOUTHFIELD, MA
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WHERE YOU’LL STAY
One of the most memorable parts of the journey is where you stay. It’s that walk-through-the-door moment when you realize you’re somewhere extraordinary. We choose hotels the same way we design our days: with the full experience in mind. Every stay is hand-selected for its sense of place and how well it complements the adventure—whether that’s a celebrated luxury hotel or a standout local gem. After nearly 50 years, we’ve built deep relationships with hundreds of the world’s most sought-after and distinctive hotels, helping us secure exceptional places in the right locations at the right times.
Choose the hotel style that fits you best:
Premiere | Casual | Deluxe | Small Ships
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Four Seasons Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Chile
YOUR FELLOW TRAVELERS ADVENTURES ARE BETTER TOGETHER
Couples, Friends & Solos
Women ’ s Adventures
Families Your Private Group
Bhutan Hiking &Walking
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At Backroads, we believe who you travel with is just as important as where you go. That’s why we design trips for every kind of traveler—creating unique ways for people to connect, explore and experience the world together. Whether you arrive solo or with others, you’ll have the flexibility to go at your own pace and engage in whatever way feels right. Real camaraderie, fostered by adventure.
Your Own Room, For Less Traveling solo? We’ve made it easier than ever. On select departures worldwide, enjoy
private room savings. backroads.com/solo
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“This was one of the best weeks of my adult life. The Backroads combination of great trip leaders, wonderful hotels, amazing food and seamless logistics are impossible to beat!”
SHAWN HENNESSEY • NORWOOD, MA
BIKING
6 Days, 5 Nights Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec Activity Levels 2–4 P remiere & Deluxe Hotels $5,899–$6,649/person double occ. (single occ. from $1,000) Trip price includes $1,100 internal air Start/End San José Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos Search CRAB on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
Arenal Volcano to the Osa Peninsula Costa Rica
› Ride in the shadow of imposing Arenal Volcano and enjoy a boat ride across its eponymous lake › Experience the Osa Peninsula, an off-the-beaten-path gem National Geographic called “one of the most biologically intense places on Earth” › Soak in jungle hot springs tucked into a lush natural garden of palms, bromeliads and ferns › Take a break from the saddle, trade it for a harness and zip-line through the treetops—we couldn’t leave out this Costa Rican highlight › Pedal seaside along the Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf), keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins
Dates Available UNPLUGGED No E-Bikes (see p. xx)
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7 Days, 6 Nights Jan–Apr, Jun–Aug, Nov–Dec Activity Levels 1–2 Premiere Hotels $5,699–$7,849/person double occ. (single occ. from $1,100) Trip price includes $1,000 internal air Casual Hotels Also Available See web for pricing Start/End San José Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos
› Hike through a cloud forest to Costa Rica’s largest waterfall, Catarata del Toro, which plunges into an ancient volcano crater › Run the rapids of the Río Sarapiquí, scanning the shore for toucans, sloths and other unique jungle dwellers › Bike scenic byways along Lake Arenal in the shadow of imposing Arenal Volcano and the towering trees of the rain forest › Indulge in local specialties prepared fresh by an expert chef in a cooking class Cloud Forest, Waterfalls, Volcanoes & Beaches Costa Rica Highlands to Coast
• Women’s Adventures • Families: Kids & Teens • Families: Teens & 20s
Search CRAM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
Also Available DOLCE TEMPO Easygoing by Design
• Hike/Walk • Bike • Raft • Yoga
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HOTEL SPOTLIGHT
Pura vida meets island time on this two-nation escape. From misty mountains to luminous Caribbean waters, vivid landscapes meet luxury. Escape to Cloud Forests & Caribbean Islands Costa Rica & Panama • Hike/Walk • Snorkel • Kayak • Yoga • Raft NEW MH IUKLI TNI G- A&D WV EANL TKUI NR GE
7 Days, 6 Nights Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec
Activity Levels 1–3
Premiere Hotels $10,199–$12,099/person double occ. (single occ. from $3,200) Trip price includes $1,400 internal air Start/End San José/Frangipani Island Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos
Nayara Bocas El Toro Did somebody say private island? Thatched-roof bungalows suspended on boardwalks above the shallows are your home away from home at this dramatic escape.
Search CRPM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
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Fields of sugar cane. White-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Historic Havana. No one immerses you like we do in this one-of-a-kind country. Cultural Connections & Havana Highlights Cuba • Hike/Walk • Bike
6 Days, 5 Nights Jan–Jun, Nov–Dec
Activity Levels 2–4
C asual & Deluxe $4,599–$5,249/person double occ. (single occ. from $600) Start/End Havana Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Families: Teens & 20s
Search CUBM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
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7 Days, 6 Nights Jan–May, Nov–Dec Activity Levels 1–3 Premiere Hotels $6,299–$7,199/person double occ. (single occ. from $1,300) Start/End Flores/Placencia Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos
Maya Temples to the Caribbean Belize & Guatemala
› Bike and hike through unique rural landscapes, like Guatemala’s Lake Petén Itzá, and unspoiled wild ones in Belize’s forest reserves › Marvel at crumbling pyramids and causeways in Tikal National Park, considered by many to be the most spectacular Maya ruins in existence › Check out ancient ceremonial caves and explore Central America’s fascinating underground world with headlamps and local guides › Snorkel and float above the world’s second-largest barrier reef, where tropical fish and sea life flourish
• Families: Kids & Teens • Families: Teens & 20s
Search BZGM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
• Hike/Walk • Bike • Kayak • Snorkel • Yoga • Zip-line
LATIN AMERICA • BELIZE | COSTA RICA | CUBA | GUATEMALA | PANAMA 17
HIKING & WALKING
LODGE-TO-LODGE
9 Days, 8 Nights Apr–Dec Activity Levels 3–5 Premiere Hotels $7,599–$8,699/person double occ. (single occ. from $1,200) Start/End Cusco Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Families: Teens & 20s Search PELW on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
› Hike unencumbered from lodge to lodge, with porters and mules handling your luggage and leaving you free to soak up the scenery › Trek the famed Salkantay Pass route to 15,200 feet for breathtaking views of the dramatic snow-covered Andes › Observe a stunning bird’s-eye view of Machu Picchu and join our local guide for a visit to the Lost City, where we gain insight into Inca culture › Relax in style after full days of hiking at comfortable high-altitude lodges—many complete with hot tubs! › Take a grand tour of the Andes’ diverse landscapes, from cloud forest to alpine steppes and Cusco’s charming streets Journey Through the High Andes from Cusco to Machu Picchu Peru
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HIKING & WALKING
7 Days, 6 Nights Feb–Dec Activity Levels 2–4 Premiere Hotels $6,099–$6,999/person double occ. (single occ. from $1,100) Start/End Cusco Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos
Sacred Valley, Cusco & Machu Picchu Peru
› Hike a section of the renowned Inca Trail, entering Machu Picchu for the first time through the ancient Sun Gate › Sink into luxury—from a garden resort in the Sacred Valley, exquisite casitas in the cloud forest, to a former palace in the heart of Cusco › Our knowledgeable local guide brings each kilometer to life with fascinating history and insider stories › Explore the citadel of Sacsayhuamán, the fortress of Ollantaytambo and more spectacular Inca sites › Savor Peru’s modern culture and cuisine in cooking lessons, intimate village visits and more
• Women’s Adventures • Families: Teens & 20s
Search PERW on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
Also Available DOLCE TEMPO Easygoing by Design
LATIN AMERICA • PERU 19
BACKROADS GIVES BACK
Sol y Luna Foundation Backroads is proud to support the Sol y Luna Foundation, whose life-changing work brings education, health care and vital opportunities to children and families in need throughout Peru’s Sacred Valley. . Read more at backroads.com/- complete - (for FP)
MULTI-ADVENTURE
8 Days, 7 Nights Apr–Oct Activity Levels 1–3 Premiere Hotels $6,899–$7,599/person double occ. (single occ. from $1,300) Start/End Cusco Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Families: Teens & 20s Search PERM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Peru
› Unearth the secrets of fascinating Machu Picchu and explore sky-high Cusco, alive with Inca history and modern Andean culture › Bike through dreamy farming villages in the Sacred Valley alongside the mighty Urubamba River › Hike a section of the renowned Inca Trail, a bucket-list route that winds between verdant mountainsides and through lush cloud forest › Discover Peru’s flavors and culture in private homes where you’re invited to farm-to-table meals and demonstrations of local traditions
• Hike/Walk • Bike
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HIKING & WALKING
7 Days, 6 Nights Jan–Mar, Dec Activity Levels 2–4 Casual Hotels $5,099–$5,749/person double occ. (single occ. from $900) Trip price includes $400 internal air Start/End Pereira/Cartagena Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Women’s Adventures Search COLW on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
The Coffee Triangle, Caribbean Coast & Cartagena Colombia
› Hike amid hundred-foot-tall palm trees in the Lorax -worthy dreamscape of the Cocora Valley › Stroll the cobblestone streets and smell the coffee in colorful highland villages where wooden balconies are festooned with bougainvillea › Trek the coastline of Tayrona National Park, singled out by The New York Times as one of the most beautiful corners of South America › The warmth of the Colombian people shines through in encounters with Indigenous communities, coffee farmers and more › Experience the romance of the World Heritage city of Cartagena, a perfect bookend to your trip
LATIN AMERICA • COLOMBIA | PERU 21
MULTI-ADVENTURE
8 Days, 7 Nights Jan–May, Dec Activity Levels 1–2 Premiere Hotels $8,799–$10,399/person double occ. (single occ. from $1,800) Trip price includes $800 internal air Start/End Quito Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos
Ecuador’s Magical Wildlife, Islands & Peaks Galápagos & Andes
› Walk along high-elevation ridges in the Andes with spectacular views of mighty peaks and deep blue lakes › Hike between highland villages and visit local gardens, weaving studios and more where ancient Indigenous traditions are just business as usual › Experience close encounters with the Galápagos’ extraordinary birds, reptiles and sea creatures alongside an expert local guide › Whiz past giant tortoises crossing the road as you bike in the Galápagos—a way few people see the islands!
• Families: Kids & Teens • Families: Teens & 20s
Search ECAM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
• Hike/Walk • Snorkel • Bike • Kayak
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MULTI-ADVENTURE
ACTIVE OCEAN CRUISE
8 Days, 7 Nights Mon–Mon, Mon Activity Levels 1–2 Premiere Ship $12,199–$19,299/person double occ. (single occ. from $8,200) Start/End Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos Search ECSM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
› Welcome aboard the Silver Origin, where life at sea comes with next- level luxuries like floor-to-ceiling windows and a personal butler › Experienced national park guides lead us through landscapes filled with lava lizards, ancient tortoises, iguanas and colorful birdlife › Bike the back roads of the islands’ mountainous interiors, a facet of this place that few tourists get to experience › Snorkel way out at sea—meeting rays, sharks and other denizens of the deep—then lay out on sugar-white sands (often with sea lion neighbors) Luxury & Exploration in Ecuador’s Enchanted Archipelago Galápagos Ocean Cruise
• Hike/Walk • Snorkel • Bike • Kayak • Zodiac
LATIN AMERICA • ECUADOR 23
BACKROADS GIVES BACK
Hacienda Zuleta With Backroads’ support, the Condor Huasi Project champions the survival of the Andean condor, rebuilding its population and helping to secure its future in the wild. Read more at backroads.com/- complete - (FPO)
HIKING & WALKING
LAND + ACTIVE CRUISE
11 Days, 10 Nights Jan–Dec Activity Levels 1–2 P remiere Hotels & Ship $13,399–$15,449/person double occ. (single occ. from $4,000) Trip price includes $1,100 internal air Start/End Quito Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Families: Teens & 20s Search ECRW on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
Ecuador’s Vibrant Cultures & Wildlife Wonders Galápagos, Andes & Amazon
› Experience three amazing trips in one—an epic traverse through Ecuador’s biodiversity, history and culture › Navigate the Amazon’s watery world of rivers and creeks, then follow in Darwin’s wake as you explore remote Galápagos shores by yacht › Stay in a luxury mountain hacienda and working farm where spectacular mountain trails are right at your doorstep › In each region, get up close and personal with extraordinary creatures, from sea turtles and reef sharks to caimans, macaws and Andean condors › Encounters with local families, traditional recipes and fascinating ruins immerse you in the culture of this ancient land
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“The access we were afforded, along with the warm, informed, enthusiastic kindness of our leaders was simply priceless.”
JONI LICHT • TRAVERSE CITY, MI
NEW
BIKING
7 Days, 6 Nights Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov Activity Levels 2–4 Premiere Hotels $6,799–$7,999/person double occ. (single occ. from $1,100) Start/End Buenos Aires/Montevideo Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos Search URGB on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
› Combine blissful traffic-free countryside riding with a stay in Montevideo, Uruguay’s breezy and livable seaside capital › Ride through rolling hills covered with vineyards and stop for tastings, picnics and soaring views › Art takes center stage at an eclectic sculpture park, a meeting with an Afro-Uruguayan instrument maker and more › Relax into the natural world’s rhythms as you explore coastal pine forests and shimmering lagoons teeming with birds › Sample the flavors of this small South American nation at every turn, from a cookout under the stars to a bustling urban market visit Vibrant Buenos Aires to Wine Country and the Coast Uruguay’s Wine Country
Also Available DOLCE TEMPO Easygoing by Design
LATIN AMERICA • ECUADOR | URUGUAY 25
MULTI-ADVENTURE
7 Days, 6 Nights Mar–May, Oct–Dec Activity Levels 2–4 P remiere & Deluxe Hotels $7,199–$8,099/person double occ.
› Discover Mendoza—renowned for its wine and home to Argentina’s best grapes thanks to the region’s sunlight, good soil and broad temperatures › Learn about the winemaking process and sample the region’s signature blends, including award-winning Malbecs › Explore the majestic ravines of the Andes, cycle beneath vast skies and raft the rushing Mendoza River › Experience Argentina’s culture as you dance the sultry tango and savor local cuisine from gourmet experiences to wood-fire cookouts Towering Peaks & Luxurious Vineyard Escapes Argentina’s Mendoza Wine Country & Andes
(single occ. from $2,200) Start/End Mendoza Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos
Search AGMM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
• Bike • Hike/Walk • Raft
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HOTEL SPOTLIGHT
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort This National Historic Landmark features a stunning setting in the foothills of the Andes and a history of hosting world leaders and diplomats.
MULTI-ADVENTURE
7 Days, 6 Nights Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec Activity Levels 1–3 Premiere Hotels $6,499–$7,999/person double occ. (single occ. from $1,100) Casual Hotels Also Available See web for pricing Start/End San Martín de los Andes/Bariloche Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos
› Hike, bike, raft and kayak amid spectacular emerald lakes and snow- covered Andean peaks › Discover Nahuel Huapi National Park on a private boat crossing of its namesake lake and hike on beautiful Isla Victoria › Rest your head at historic lodges perched in stunning locations where the wilderness is at your fingertips › Live the Argentine ranch life as you sample yerba maté and ride horseback at a private family-owned estancia Mountains, Lakes & Gaucho Culture Argentina’s Patagonia Lake District
• Women’s Adventures • Families: Kids & Teens • Families: Teens & 20s
Search ARLM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
• Hike/Walk • Bike • Kayak • Horseback Ride • Raft
LATIN AMERICA • ARGENTINA 27
HIKING & WALKING
7 Days, 6 Nights Jan–Mar, Nov–Dec Activity Levels 3–5 Premiere Hotels $7,399–$8,799/person double occ.
› Take the grand tour of Argentina’s Nahuel Huapi National Park and the many arms of its eponymous lake › Float through high-altitude steppes on a peaceful river and stop for a swim at a backcountry beach › Rest your head at lodgings as diverse as Argentina itself, from a cozy wilderness ranch to a European-inspired lakeside palazzo › Grand hikes take you high atop peaks, box canyons and jagged alpine amphitheaters › Argentina’s stellar cuisine awaits at trailside refugios , a traditional asado (cookout) and an interactive empanada-making class Rugged Peaks & Lakes of Bariloche Argentina’s Patagonia Lake District
(single occ. from $2,300) Start/End Bariloche Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos
Search ARLW on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
Also Available DOLCE TEMPO Easygoing by Design
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HIKING & WALKING
8 Days, 7 Nights Jan–Mar, Oct–Dec Activity Levels 2–4 Premiere Hotels $7,499–$8,999/person double occ.
Epic Peaks, Lakes & Glaciers Argentina’s Patagonia
› Hike below Cerro Fitz Roy’s iconic spires in Los Glaciares National Park, an ice-laden World Heritage Site that’s home to hundreds of glaciers › Cruise among towering aquamarine icebergs in the Upsala Glacier channel and witness the spectacular calving of the Perito Moreno Glacier › Stay at an exclusive estancia, reachable only by boat, and experience the wilderness as old-time ranchers once did › Gawk at ancient fossils and witness the imprints of glaciology and geological history on hikes through the rocky peaks › Ride horseback in the awe-inspiring Patagonian landscape—no better place than this to play gaucho!
(single occ. from $1,800) Start/End El Calafate Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Women’s Adventures • Families: Teens & 20s
Search ARPW on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
LATIN AMERICA • ARGENTINA 29
BIKING
7 Days, 6 Nights Jan–Mar, Oct–Dec Activity Levels 2–4 Premiere Hotels $7,399–$9,999/person double occ. (single occ. from $2,200) Start/End Puerto Varas/Pucón Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos Search CLEB on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
› Embark on an epic road-biking trip through Chile’s Lake District, a diverse patchwork of forests, lakes, waterfalls and grand volcano cones › Savor local flavors at every step of the way: fresh dairy products, traditional barbecue and of course, Chile’s renowned wines › Ride roads less traveled by foreigners—but beloved by Chileans—in some of the country’s favorite landscapes › Meet Indigenous community leaders, descendants of German settlers and other local characters › Kick back at chic hotels that mix cozy frontier warmth with striking modern elements Lakes, Volcanoes & Pampered Pleasures Chile
Dates Available UNPLUGGED No E-Bikes (see p. xx)
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MULTI-ADVENTURE
7 Days, 6 Nights Jan–Mar, Nov–Dec Activity Levels 1–3 P remiere & Deluxe Hotels $6,999–$7,899/person double occ. (single occ. from $1,500) Start/End Pucón/Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Families: Teens & 20s Search CLEM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
› Dive into this undiscovered region, where forests brimming with biodiversity brush up against lakes and Chilean farm-to-table culture › Paddle white water rapids, explore volcanic caves and kayak across a pristine mountain lagoon › Hike along rushing rivers in the remote interior of Parque Futangue and on the rocky slopes of Calbuco Volcano › Quiet bike-friendly roads traverse shimmering lakeshores and soaring passes—can you say “paraíso de ciclistas”? Rain Forests, Lakes & Volcano Views Chile
• Hike/Walk • Bike • Kayak • Raft
LATIN AMERICA • CHILE 31
HIKING & WALKING
“Paine” is the Aónikenk word for “blue.” And yes, there are many sources of it here. But these bucket- list hikes will make you feel anything but blue. Blue towers. Technicolor Andes. Torres del Paine Peaks, Lakes & Glaciers Chile’s Patagonia
8 Days, 7 Nights Jan–Mar, Nov–Dec
Activity Levels 2–4
Premiere Hotels $10,099–$12,099/person double occ. (single occ. from $2,300) Start/End Puerto Natales Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos
Search CLTW on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
HIKING & WALKING
AL OAC NTD I DGV E+ - SROCTA AOI UCVFL-TEALI ARNOV NIAECD RCG YRUE UI S I I ES E
Sail on glacial waters among fjords and penguins. Then trek through the Andes, where peaks pierce the southern sky. By land and by sea, prepare to be spellbound by this land of extremes. Torres del Paine, Tierra del Fuego & Cape Horn Chile’s Patagonia & Fjords Cruise
9 Days, 8 Nights Jan–Mar, Dec
Activity Levels 1–3
P remiere Hotels & Casual Ship $12,499–$15,549/person double occ. (single occ. from $3,000) Start/End Ushuaia/Punta Arenas Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos
Search CLPW on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
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MULTI-ADVENTURE
ACTIVE OCEAN CRUISE
11 Days, 10 Nights Feb, Dec
Penguins, Icebergs, Glaciers & Epic Grandeur Antarctica Ocean Cruise
Activity Levels 1–2 S mall Luxury Ship $17,899–$29,899/person double occ. (single occ. from $13,500) Start/End Ushuaia Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos Search AAAM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
› Discover Antarctica’s untamed landscapes by water, land and treks across solid ice › Kayak amid icebergs and bundle up to hike across a frozen wonderland › An expert expedition team guides you on excursions to landings where few other humans have set foot, reached by nimble Zodiacs › Spot incredible wildlife, from humpback whales to seals, seabirds and the South Pole’s most famous residents: gentoo penguins
• Hike/Walk • Zodiac • Kayak • Wildlife Cruise
LATIN AMERICA | ANTARCTICA • ANTARCTICA | CHILE 33
“Backroads is the perfect balance of activity and relaxation. We have memories from the trip that will last a lifetime.”
NANCY GILBERT • CUPERTINO, CA
HIKING & WALKING
6 Days, 5 Nights Mar–May, Sep–Nov Activity Levels 1–3 P remiere & Deluxe Hotels $5,799–$6,499/person double occ.
Magical Marrakech, the High Atlas & the Sea Morocco
› Follow the trail to a remote Amazigh village in the Atlas Mountains to see traditional life and share mint tea with locals › Immerse yourself in a vast landscape and gain a different perspective— from the back of a camel! › Discover the dazzling colors, majestic architecture and palm tree-lined boulevards of vibrant Marrakech › Luxuriate at spectacular retreats, from an opulent Moroccan riad to a grand Marrakech oasis surrounded by Moorish-inspired gardens › Explore the narrow streets and alluring shops of Essaouira, an artsy port town and World Heritage Site on Morocco’s Atlantic coast
(single occ. from $1,500) Start/End Marrakech Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Women’s Adventures
Search MORW on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
Also Available DOLCE TEMPO Easygoing by Design
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HOTEL SPOTLIGHT
Londolozi Private Game Reserve An elegant game lodge with exceptional leopard sightings and immersive bush experiences—all with a deep commitment to conservation.
MULTI-ADVENTURE
ACTIVE SAFARI
11 Days, 10 Nights Mar–Apr, Jun–Dec Activity Levels 1–3 Premiere Hotels $16,999–$20,149/person double occ. (single occ. from $2,000) Trip price includes $5,600 internal air Start/End Cape Town/Johannesburg Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Families: Teens & 20s Search SABM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
Biking, the Big Five & Luxury Game Lodges South Africa & Botswana
› Discover the wonders of Cape Town, from the flora-rich slopes of Table Mountain to the rugged Cape of Good Hope › Search for the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo—in open-topped Land Rovers with our expert local guides › Kick back poolside at spectacularly remote safari camps, where elephants and vervet monkeys play › Hike along the Great Escarpment to see diverse wildlife on the fringe of the forest
• Hike/Walk • Safari • Bike • Yoga
AFRICA • BOTSWANA | MOROCCO | SOUTH AFRICA 35
MULTI-ADVENTURE
ACTIVE SAFARI
9 Days, 8 Nights May–Jul, Sep–Oct, Dec Activity Levels 1–3 Premiere Hotels $19,099–$22,099/person double occ. (single occ. from $4,800) Trip price includes $5,300 internal air Start/End Windhoek, Namibia/Livingston, Zambia Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos Search NABM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
› Hike up into Namibia’s iconic rust-hued Sossusvlei Dunes, some of the highest—and most beautiful—on the planet › Relax and recharge at luxurious lodges set in wildlife-strewn private game reserves, seamlessly linked by exclusive flights › Discover Zambia and Zimbabwe’s famous Victoria Falls, a breathtaking explosion of thunder and spray on the Zambezi River › Interact with local guides and communities, learning about regional culture, flora and fauna across this vast African landscape Victoria Falls, Okavango’s Wildlife & Sossusvlei’s Red Dunes Namibia, Botswana & Zambia
• Hike/Walk • Safari • Canoe
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BACKROADS GIVES BACK
World Bicycle Relief For 10 years, Backroads has supported World Bicycle Relief, bringing mobility and opportunity to communities in need. Last year, when they expanded their operations into Tanzania, we joined the effort as an anchor funder. Read more at backroads.com/- complete - (FPO)
NEW
MULTI-ADVENTURE
ACTIVE SAFARI
9 Days, 8 Nights Jun–Jul, Dec Activity Levels 1–2 Premiere Hotels $15,399–$18,399/person double occ. (single occ. from $3,800) Trip price includes $2,300 internal air Start/End Arusha/Zanzibar Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos
› Bike, hike and safari among a vast array of animals and scenery, with chances to photograph Africa’s legendary Big Five › On the tropical island of Zanzibar, dive into a marine paradise as you snorkel vibrant reefs and bask on a sun-drenched sandbank › Connect with a land and its people during a Maasai village visit, interpretive walking safaris and a coffee farm tour › Explore extraordinary World Heritage Sites, from the savanna of the Serengeti to the Swahili trading center of Stone Town Serengeti Wildlife Wonders to Spice Island Enchantment Tanzania & Zanzibar
• Families: Kids & Teens • Families: Teens & 20s
Search TZZM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
• Safari • Hike/Walk • Bike • Snorkel
AFRICA • BOTSWANA | NAMIBIA | TANZANIA | ZAMBIA | ZANZIBAR 37
HOTEL SPOTLIGHT
Amankila A tropical sanctuary featuring tiered infinity pools, luxurious accommodations and a private beach on Bali’s east coast.
MULTI-ADVENTURE
7 Days, 6 Nights Jan–Jul, Sep–Oct, Dec Activity Levels 2–4 Premiere Hotels $6,499–$7,799/person double occ. (single occ. from $800) Start/End Ubud Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos
› Enliven your senses in Bali, a world of striking natural beauty, captivating culture and intoxicating flavors › Raft through a jungle-draped canyon on the Ayung River, splashing in waterfalls along the way › Connect with the bustling local life as you bike and walk through friendly rural communities and visit outdoor markets › Relax at our luxury retreats, indulging in five-star amenities—like a three-tiered infinity pool and traditional Balinese spa Sacred Temples, Tropical Waters & Luxurious Retreats Bali
• Women’s Adventures • Families: Teens & 20s
Search BLIM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
• Bike • Hike/Walk • Raft • Snorkel
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MULTI-ADVENTURE
ACTIVE OCEAN CRUISE
8 Days, 7 Nights Jun–Oct Activity Levels 1–3 Premiere Hotels $9,599–$17,999/person double occ.
› Behold white-sand beaches, mountains jutting up from the sea and bungalows stilted over impossibly clear waters › Snorkel in warm, crystalline inlets among a kaleidoscope of tropical fish and coral gardens › Bike to ancient sacred sites on pristine Huahine and immerse yourself in Polynesian culture as you hike on lush Moorea › Sail across Bora Bora’s stunning turquoise lagoon, taking in views of the commanding Mount Otemanu Sailing Idyllic Isles from Tahiti to Bora Bora Tahiti
(single occ. from $4,800) Start/End Papeete Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos
Search TIIM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
• Bike • Hike/Walk • Snorkel
ASIA & THE PACIFIC • BALI | TAHITI 39
BIKING
9 Days, 8 Nights Jan–Feb, Nov–Dec Activity Levels 1–3 Premiere Hotels $7,449–$9,349/person double occ. (single occ. from $1,900) Trip price includes $450 internal air Start/End Chiang Rai/Phuket Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos Search THDB on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
› Join locals in the time-honored tradition of offering alms to novice monks at sunrise › Discover the magic of Chiang Mai, the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, with its centuries-old temples and colorful markets › Delve into Thailand’s intriguing cultural roots and connect with our Thai friends—they’re happy to share stories with you › Bike from temple to temple along stunning backcountry lanes, where villagers rush out to greet you › Fly to Phuket and kayak, swim and boat beneath limestone karsts in the tropical wonderland of Phang Nga Bay National Park Ancient Northern Kingdoms to Southern Island Hideaways Thailand
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› Discover the joy of Thai cuisine with incredible street food, home- cooked meals and a chef-guided cooking experience › Bike from forest-covered hillsides and rice fields to the Golden Triangle’s ancient cities and temples › Immerse yourself in natural beauty with a hike through the jungles of northern Thailand › Fly to the dreamy island of Phuket and swim at our lavish resort’s white-sand beach Chiang Mai & the Golden Triangle to Tropical Island Beaches Thailand NEW MULTI-ADVENTURE
9 Days, 8 Nights Jan–Mar, Dec Activity Levels 1–3 Premiere Hotels $7,249–$9,849/person double occ. (single occ. from $2,100) Trip price includes $450 internal air Start/End Chiang Rai/Phuket Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos
• Families: Kids & Teens • Families: Teens & 20s
Search THDM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
• Hike/Walk • Bike • Kayak • Yoga
ASIA & THE PACIFIC • THAILAND 41
MULTI-ADVENTURE
8 Days, 7 Nights Jan–Mar, Nov–Dec Activity Levels 1–4 Premiere Hotels $7,999–$8,999/person double occ. (single occ. from $2,000) Start/End Launceston/Hobart Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Families: Teens & 20s Search TASM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
› Hike in dramatic Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park among glacial lakes and towering peaks › Kayak along the azure bays and white-sand beaches of Freycinet National Park › Watch for resident platypus and echidna as you hike the trails through ancient rain forests › Bike the iconic Lyell Highway, an area few get to see, with a stunning viewpoint at Nelson Falls National Parks, Wildlife & Wineries Down Under Australia’s Tasmania
• Hike/Walk • Bike • Kayak
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Wildlife, Wilderness & Wine from Mountains to Sea Australia’s Tasmania NEW HIKING & WALKING
8 Days, 7 Nights Jan–Mar, Nov–Dec Activity Levels 2–4 P remiere & Deluxe Hotels $7,499–$8,399/person double occ. (single occ. from $1,800) Start/End Launceston/Hobart Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Women’s Adventures Search TASW on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
› Ferry across the enchanting Lake St Clair and see firsthand why the Aboriginal name for it is leeawuleena , or “sleeping water” › Hike through Freycinet National Park with its pink granite peaks and striking coastal views over Wineglass Bay › Discover the region’s viticultural history over lunch at a local vineyard › Hike through the lovely myrtle rain forest and button grass plains of Dove Canyon › Stroll along Bluestone Bay, past coastal heath and pockets of eucalyptus, to the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs below
ASIA & THE PACIFIC • AUSTRALIA 43
HIKING & WALKING
7 Days, 6 Nights Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec Activity Levels 3–5 Premiere Hotels $8,699–$10,599/person double occ. (single occ. from $1,600) Trip price includes $1,200 internal air +15% sales tax Start/End Queenstown Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos Search NZFW on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
Fjords & Trails from Milford Sound to Queenstown New Zealand South Island Fiordland
› Only eleven hikes in all of New Zealand are deemed “Great Walks;” come experience three of them, from land, air and sea › Take a cruise through Milford Sound, where the frequent rains layer the fjord walls with waterfalls and rainbows › Revel in the rain forest during your stay at the stunning Milford Sound Lodge, which offers exclusive access to Fiordland National Park › Soar over Queenstown in a gondola, stroll through the botanical gardens or linger in every quaint shop by the lakefront › Dine by elegant, suspended fireplaces as floor-to-ceiling windows reveal the staggering range of The Remarkables mountains
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“Some moments on a Backroads trip feel like more than just a hike or a tour. In those moments, you’re more than a tourist, more than a spectator. You’re part of the place.”
LAURA GIBBS • BIRMINGHAM, MI
HIKING & WALKING
7 Days, 6 Nights Jan–Mar, Oct–Dec Activity Levels 1–3 Premiere Hotels $6,999–$8,199/person double occ. (single occ. from $2,400) +15% sales tax Start/End Blenheim/Christchurch Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Women’s Adventures Search NZMW on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
Wild Coastlines & Wine Country New Zealand South Island
› Explore the Queen Charlotte Sound, a stunning maze of forested hills, quiet coves and coastal trails › Kayak the sheltered waters of Ngākuta Bay, gliding past forested bays and spotting fur seals, soaring gannets and playful dolphins › Savor farm-to-table Kiwi cuisine and sip world-famous Marlborough wine at the source › Hike scenic sections of the Queen Charlotte Track, one of New Zealand’s most iconic trails, staying at secluded wilderness lodges › Discover the Kaikoura Coast, where rugged mountains meet sapphire seas rich with marine life
ASIA & THE PACIFIC • NEW ZEALAND 45
HIKING & WALKING
9 Days, 8 Nights Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec Activity Levels 1–4 Casual Hotels $6,699–$7,499/person double occ. (single occ. from $2,400) +15% sales tax Start/End Christchurch/Queenstown Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos Search NZSW on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
From Christchurch to Queenstown New Zealand South Island
› Hike through the unmatched natural wonders and sacred sites of the South Island—it’s a New Zealand tradition! › Explore the stunning landscape surrounding Lake Wānaka, an absolute gem of the South Island › Relax at family-owned wilderness lodges that showcase Kiwi hospitality and allow access to remote areas › Discover the many charms and secrets of Arrowtown, rich in gold- mining history, and Hokitika, renowned for its jade › Experience a variety of scenery, from alpine tundra and glaciers to dramatic coastal rain forest trails to seascapes
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MULTI-ADVENTURE
9 Days, 8 Nights Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec Activity Levels 1–3 Casual Hotels $6,699–$7,399/person double occ. (single occ. from $2,300) +15% sales tax Start/End Christchurch/Queenstown Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Families: Teens & 20s Search NZSM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
› Marvel at verdant rain forests, wild rivers, crashing waves and rugged coastline on the beautiful Tasman Sea › Hike through alpine wetlands to a historic sheep station once used by musterers (shepherds) during the days of high-country sheep farming › Raft the mystical Kawarau River, cross an iconic swing bridge and trek beneath the Rob Roy hanging glacier › Bike and hike through dramatic varied scenery and mountain ranges, finishing in a Pinot grape-growing wine region Mountains & Rugged Coast from Christchurch to Queenstown New Zealand South Island
• Bike • Hike/Walk • Raft
ASIA & THE PACIFIC • NEW ZEALAND 47
MULTI-ADVENTURE
8 Days, 7 Nights Jan–Mar, Oct–Dec Activity Levels 1–3 Premiere Hotels $7,999–$8,699/person double occ. (single occ. from $3,200) +15% sales tax Start/End Auckland/Napier Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Families: Teens & 20s Search NZNM on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
› Raft exhilarating white water rapids on the famed Tongariro River and hike to the thunderous and awe-inspiring Huka Falls › Bike through beautiful Hawke’s Bay, where some of New Zealand’s best and most famous vineyards and award-winning wines are produced › Discover the splendor of Cathedral Cove’s sculpted sandstone forms and hidden coves with gorgeous beaches by kayak › Experience Māori culture through a traditional hangi feast and captivating performances Rain Forest, Beaches & Vineyards from Auckland to Hawke’s Bay New Zealand North Island
• Bike • Hike/Walk • Kayak • Raft
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BACKROADS GIVES BACK
REACH Bicycle Donation Backroads donated 100 bikes to the REACH school and provided hands-on repair training, fueling independence for its under-resourced students and caregivers. Read more at backroads.com/- complete - (for FP)
BIKING
8 Days, 7 Nights Jan–Mar, Oct–Dec Activity Levels 1–3 Premiere Hotels $7,949–$9,949/person double occ. (single occ. from $1,200) Trip price includes $550 internal air Casual Hotels Also Available See web for pricing Start/End Hanoi/Siem Reap Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Families: Teens & 20s Search VCAB on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
› Fly to fascinating Hué, once the capital of imperial Vietnam, and discover an important Vietnam War site › Ride through the heart of the countryside past traditional ox carts and dwellings on stilts › Experience a traditional water blessing, a solemn ritual that locals practice to bring good luck › Behold sunrise at the dramatic Angkor Wat ruins—a memorable experience and unforgettable sight! › Explore beautifully preserved Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s oldest towns, with its charming alleyways and lantern-lit evenings Mystical Angkor Wat, Ancient Citadels & Lantern-Lit Villages Vietnam & Cambodia
ASIA & THE PACIFIC • CAMBODIA | NEW ZEALAND | VIETNAM 49
HOTEL SPOTLIGHT
Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang An exquisite fusion of indoor-outdoor living awaits in private villas just beyond the entrance to World Heritage Angkor Wat.
HIKING & WALKING
LAND + ACTIVE CRUISE
T rip Length Varies Jan–Mar, Oct–Dec Activity Levels 1–2
› Walk amid Cambodia’s thrilling Khmer temple ruins, whose beauty is both legendary and camera-ready › Marvel at Hué’s impressive 19th-century citadel, the Imperial City, and admire its lovingly restored shrines and stone walls › Discover the marine secrets of stunning Halong Bay, where a cave or hidden lagoon awaits at every turn › Savor some of Asia’s most delicious and distinctive cuisine, and learn some of its secrets in a cooking class in historic Hoi An › Explore the tree-lined boulevards of Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter, from artisan stalls to French colonial landmarks Journey from Halong Bay to Majestic Angkor Wat Vietnam & Cambodia
P remiere Hotels & Casual Ship $8,549–$10,149/person double occ. (single occ. from $2,200) Trip price includes $550 internal air Start/End Hanoi/Siem Reap Available for: • Couples, Friends & Solos • Women’s Adventures Search VCAW on backroads.com for full itinerary, dates, hotels & more
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