2024 EXPLORE THE WORLD THE BACKROADS WAY BIKING • WALKING & HIKING • MULTI-ADVENTURE
See web for our full collection of trips
WELCOME! ADVENTURE AWAITS
FRONT COVER Lofoten Islands
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As the Backroads family business continues to expand, we’re filled with gratitude and appreciation for our guests, who continue to be at the heart of everything we do, and for our world-class team, the most passionate and carefully crafted global workforce in travel. For 2024, we’re excited to announce lots of great new itineraries worldwide. We’re particularly thrilled about our latest collection, Women’s Adventures. These extraordinary active vacations celebrate all the amazing women in the Backroads community with travel experiences just for them. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you who have journeyed with us in the past and continue to return, year after year. We hope you, and those of you who are new to Backroads, find inspiration here for your next adventure. We can’t wait to see you out there soon.
Tom Hale Founder & CEO
Avery Hale Smith Executive Vice President
THE CHOICE IS YOURS The Backroads Difference
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World-Class Leaders Choose Your Activity Accommodations
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Active Ocean & River Cruises
Inspired Cuisine
Your Fellow Travelers
Families—with Trips for All Ages
OUR TRIP COLLECTION Europe
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North America
Latin America, Africa, Asia & Pacific
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Frequently Asked Questions
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Calendars
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BACKROADS EXPERIENCE THE
The Very Best Leaders Backroads Trip Leaders are our employees—not independent contractors. They’re rated 9.8 out of 10 by our guests. Our world-class recruiting, hiring, training, benefits, compensation and performance programs are second to none. More Leaders Not only are our leaders world class, there are more of them, with at least three on each trip.* Never Subcontracted We don’t trust others to do the job we’ve promised we’ll do for you. Two or More Support Vans Multiple support vans make all the difference. When one van is spoken for the additional van(s) remain at your service.*
Multiple Daily Routes Choose from several routes each day to give you the freedom to explore at your own pace, always with empowering GPS maps/directions.** Perfect for Mixed Abilities Take it easy or take it up a notch. It’s up to you—do as much or as little as you like. Experts at Trip Design With 45 years of experience, our 50-person in-house trip development team, led by 12 Trip Designers with an average tenure of 17 years, partners with 200 Field Experts to create the ultimate experience for you. World’s Best Hotels As the leader in active luxury travel, our Premiere hotels are among the finest properties around the world. When you prefer a less luxurious option, our Casual hotels are known for their character, charm and setting.
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Italy’s Dolomites Multi-Adventure
DIFFERENCE — JUST THE FACTS
The Right Group Size Our groups are small enough to explore the world with optimum flexibility and big enough to welcome a variety of fun-loving travel companions. World Leaders in Family Travel We’ve revolutionized family travel, with over 1,000 scheduled departures for families in
*Less than 5% of our guests choose trips that are small enough to support with one van and less than three leaders. **All trips have GPS-powered maps and directions available via the Backroads On Trip App. And for bike rides, we also provide Wahoo GPS devices for easy turn-by-turn navigation. † E-bikes are available throughout North America and Europe, and most Southern hemisphere trips. Straight Talk We tell it like it is—we want you on the right trip for you. Unbeatable Choice Backroads is unmatched in our offering of 6,000 biking, hiking and multi-adventure trips. Wherever, whenever and however you want to travel, we have a trip for you.
more than 40 countries. We are the only company offering distinct family trips for three different kids’ age ranges. The Best Bikes
Our custom bike fleet is unrivaled in active travel with more than 10,000 professionally maintained titanium bikes, including complimentary e-bikes worldwide, carbon pro bikes and more. †
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THE LEADERS YOU WANT TO TRAVEL WITH Backroads Trip Leaders elevate your vacation into a seamless, worry-free and unforgettable adventure. Their secret? Big smiles, deep local knowledge and a healthy helping of behind-the-scenes wizardry. They’re the best in the business, and they earn praise from the most discerning experts we know: our guests. Backroads travelers tell us we have the best leaders anywhere with words of praise that distinguish them in the world of travel. See for yourself how this most carefully cultivated global workforce defines the quality of your trip experience.
Visit backroads.com/leaders to watch the video and learn more about our amazing leaders!
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“By far the best group travel I have experienced... the joy, knowledge, humor and attention to detail by the leaders had us feeling like we were part of a family. Their attitudes ignited cohesion of the entire group, several people were traveling solo, all felt included.” Toni Hoge • El Cajon, CA
“Our leaders were perfect. Honestly, where do you find these extraordinary people?” Buffy McKay • Ridgewood, NJ
“Backroads Trip Leaders are the absolute best. They show such concern for the well-being of the guests and amazing flexibility and readiness to adapt to the needs of the group.” Yolanda Becker • Fort Worth, TX
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Southern Spain’s Andalucía Biking
JOURNEY ON TWO WHEELS The joy of exploring new landscapes under your own power, the moments of shared discovery and the satisfaction of celebrating it all with an icy gelato in the next piazza—all at your own pace, with no obligation to slow down or keep up with anyone else. BIKING
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Chile Patagonia & Fjords Cruise Walking & Hiking
We’ve been exploring the world’s wild trails and ancient footpaths for more than three decades. Hitting the trail with your fellow travelers is exhilarating, immersive and simply fun—and the support of multiple leaders guarantees you can always go at your perfect pace. SAVOR EVERY STEP WALKING & HIKING
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Join us as we bike, hike, paddle and so much more on these active and culturally rich adventures, expertly planned to highlight the unique character of your destination. Experience a region from different angles, discovering exhilarating activities and immersing yourself in its culture and landscapes. THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS MULTI-ADVENTURE
Iceland Northern Lights Multi-Adventure
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Look for this icon
DOLCE TEMPO
DOLCE TEMPO
Easier than our other trips but still wonderfully active, these unique journeys are perfect for first-timers or anyone who likes to stop and smell the roses (or sip the espressos, taste the gelati and mix it up with the locals). Choose from E-biking, Walking and Multi-Adventure trips. Now available for families with young adults 17+. EASYGOING BY DESIGN g
Puglia’s Salento to Matera E-biking
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Yes, we find the best bike rides and hikes in the world, but being on a Backroads trip is about more than the physical activities. It’s not just the invigorating walk, it’s the interaction you have with the local farmer or chef along the way. It’s not just the thrilling ride on your bike, it’s the cold pint you enjoy at the local pub. By exploring on two feet or two wheels, the world opens itself to you, one precious moment at a time. SO MUCH MORE THAN ACTIVE
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Piedmont, Italy Savor the taste of history in the Alfieri Family’s private 17th-century castle and winery.
Ouirgane, Morocco Journey to a remote Berber village to see traditional life and share mint tea with locals.
Savannah, Georgia Experience the language, songs and traditions of the thriving Gullah community.
Crete, Greece Sip a glass of Ouzo and move to the beat of a traditional Cretan dance with the locals.
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Provence to French Riviera Walking & Hiking
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RECHARGE AT THE WORLD ' S BEST HOTELS Our Premiere hotels offer
ready to offer you the very best stay. We have longstanding relationships with some of the finest hotels in the world, from sumptuous independent properties to prestigious alliances like Auberge Resorts Collection and Relais & Châteaux, and our decades of experience working with the best hotels give us the inside knowledge to secure our favorite rooms well in advance.
experiences as special as the regions we explore, from lavish luxury at historic castles to on- trend stylish boutique hotels. And when you prefer a less luxurious option, our Casual hotels are known for their character, charm and proximity to our Backroads activities. When you hop off the bike or step out of your hiking shoes, our carefully hand-selected hotels await,
LEFT TO RIGHT: Les Roches Blanche (French Riviera), Therasia Resort Sea & Spa (Sicily), Abbaye de la Bussière (Burgundy), Icehotel (Iceland), Oberoi Udaivilas (India)
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Danube River Cruise Biking
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SMALL SHIPS, BIG ADVENTURES
Enjoy the active, invigorating experience of traveling with Backroads from the comfort of a small luxury river or ocean ship. Intimate ships. Spacious staterooms. Time onboard to relax and onshore to bike, hike and explore each day’s sights. Led by your expert Trip Leaders, with enough flexibility and activity to get you away from the crowds
and into the region’s hidden gems. Our small cruise ships feel more like boutique retreats, offering an experience a world away from the typical large cruise. With carefully planned itineraries, and a floating hotel that covers more distance, you’ll see the world while only unpacking once. For dates, see web.
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LOCAL FLAVORS, INSPIRED CUISINE
From farm-to-table lunches in country kitchens to Michelin- starred culinary adventures, we believe that the best vacations are full of mouthwatering memories. After a day of biking, hiking or poolside relaxing, it’s time to see what else is on the menu. Our dining experiences reflect the unique flavor of every region we visit. We dine together because memorable meals go well with a side of storytelling and laughter— but you always have the option to split off and do your own thing.
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ADVENTURES ARE BETTER TOGETHER
Over more than four decades, we’ve built a community around our love of active travel. That’s why our trips are so special: because of the people you share them with. Our group sizes are small enough to deliver the personalized
support you need, and large enough to keep the conversations interesting. And with unique trip types thoughtfully tailored to different travelers, your adventure will feel like it was designed just for you—because it was.
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CLASSIC TRIPS For Couples, Friends & Solos
Enjoy enormous flexibility on our small group trips. Discover the world and enjoy the fun-loving company of your fellow Backroads travelers with as much or as little camaraderie as you like. Our small groups help solo travelers to feel welcome in every part of the world. We’ll even help find you a roommate, if you choose.
NEW
WOMEN’S ADVENTURES Experience a destination that might be thousands of miles from everything you know, but instantly feel at home in a community of women. Whether you’re finding your path on the Camino de Santiago or a moment of zen amid Sedona’s red rocks. This is an opportunity to engage with the world and to prioritize your own curiosity as you travel in style, letting someone else take care of all the planning.
PRIVATE TRIPS Whether you’re traveling with friends, family or colleagues, our Private Trips are a great way to see the world. You get the same amazing Backroads itineraries—continually refined and improved for over four decades—enjoyed with the traveling companions of your choosing. Visit backroads.com/private to learn more.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Only Backroads offers trips for three distinct age groups.
FAMILY TRIPS Only Backroads offers the kind of unique, authentic experiences that families just can’t find elsewhere. Up-close, in-person, active fun in the world’s most beautiful places with all the decision making left behind. Make cherished memories and
live the stories you’ll tell for decades, whether your kids are entering elementary school, celebrating a high school graduation, enjoying college life or striking out on their own as young adults. Learn more at backroads.com/family
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FOR FAMILIES WITH TEENS & KIDS For ages 9-17 (ages 4+ ok)
Time together and time apart add up to a better time for everyone. Discover the magic of active travel together in the great outdoors. Kids enjoy cool activities with our equally cool leaders, while adults explore further or relax with a cocktail.
FOR FAMILIES WITH OLDER TEENS & 20s
For ages 17+ (younger siblings 14+ are welcome) With busy schedules all around, it can be hard to reconnect for fun together. These trips offer just the right mix of family fun and activities with new friends.
FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG ADULTS 20s & BEYOND For ages 20+ (younger siblings 17+ are welcome)
Now launched into the real world, your adult kids have full calendars. Bond together as family–and as friends. Your kids will love taking a break from juggling life’s new demands to travel with their parents and their peers on these unforgettable trips.
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MULTI-ADVENTURE
DOLCE TEMPO
DAYS 1–2 Meet in Lisbon, Portugal’s stylish capital city | Explore pine- clad hills and views of the turquoise sea as you bike through Portugal's Serra de Grandola region | Paddleboard over the glittering waters of a clear lagoon | Find your center at an all-levels yoga class | Visit picture- perfect Cais Palatifica, a quaint spot full of wooden buildings, long narrow piers and gorgeous waterfront views | Hike through enormous rice fields and forests of pine and cork trees | Wander the chic town of Comporta, relaxing over an espresso and browsing the bohemian stores | Lunch at a stately adega (farmhouse), sampling local wines and learning about the cultivation of rice | Catch a wave at a beginner's surf class | Unwind at our sumptuous getaway, mere steps from white-sand beaches and surrounded by acres of pine trees and lush green rice fields. » Quinta da Comporta - Premiere shown bottom left DAYS 3–6 Bike through charming coastal towns where surfers mingle with artists and farmers | Follow winding paths along the coastline filled with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters | Don't forget to bring a bathing suit—if the weather is right, this is the perfect place for an impromptu dip! | Make your way to the ruins of a 17th-century fort | Hike on the cliffs above the beaches of Arrifana, famed for their beauty and pale-gold color | Weave through breathtaking grottoes and sand-colored rock formations as you kayak among the Algarve caves | Vacation and dine on exceptional cuisine at our scenic hotel. » Praia do Canal Nature Resort - Premiere Portugal is the place to have an adventure beyond the crowds. Bike past hillsides and vineyards. Hike along wild coastline. Surf rolling waves into the shore. Explore quiet beaches. Alentejo Countryside to the Atlantic Coast PORTUGAL g
PORTO
PORTUGAL
Lisbon
MADRID
Comporta
Serra de Grandola
Melides
Atlantic Ocean
Aljezur
Arrifana
Lagos
Algarve Caves
6 DAYS ACTIVITY LEVELS 1–3 • Bike • Walk/Hike • Kayak • Surf • Paddleboard • Yoga ACCOMMODATIONS Premiere Hotels $5,399 to $6,099 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Families with Teens & Kids • Families with Older Teens & 20s • Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search PGLM on backroads.com
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Quinta da Comporta
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BIKING
PORTUGAL
DAYS 1–2 Discover the allure of Lisbon, where old-world charm meets cosmopolitan culture | Bike past olive and cork trees and endless vineyards in Portugal’s agricultural heart | Visit an olive oil farm and learn about the centuries-old process behind this regional delight | Relish a typical Alentejo- style dinner in one of the area’s most beautiful villages and enjoy luxury Ancient villages, world-class Mediterranean wine and cuisine. From off-the-beaten-path rides in Alentejo to Relais & Châteaux elegance on the Algarve’s golden coast. From Lisbon to Vineyards, Castles & Beaches PORTUGAL’S ALGARVE & ALENTEJO
Lisbon
SPAIN
Evora
Monsaraz
Alqueva
Atlantic Ocean
PARIS
COSTA VICENTINA NATIONAL PARK
BARCELONA
Monchique
Portimao
Sagres
6 DAYS ACTIVITY LEVELS 2–4 ACCOMMODATIONS Premiere Hotels $5,399 to $6,099 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search PGLB on backroads.com
accommodations in historic Monsaraz. » São Lourenço do Barrocal - Premiere
DAY 3 Admire the warm tones of terra-cotta in Portugal’s pottery capital and fill up on souvenirs before picnicking at a traditional family-run herdade (farmhouse) | Bike amid a bucolic rolling landscape en route to Évora | Discover Alentejo’s spectacular capital—a World Heritage site, vibrant university town and member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network. » Convento do Espinheiro Hotel & Spa - Premiere DAYS 4–6 Experience dramatically different landscapes in the neighboring Algarve region | Take in majestic coastal views from the Monchique Mountains toward honey-hued limestone cliffs | Enjoy the fragrance of orange blossom flowers as you bike quiet country roads | Swing through a Moorish hamlet before settling into our beachfront Relais & Châteaux hotel | Ride along the rugged coast near Sagres, protected by Costa Vicentina National Park | Adventure to Vasco da Gama’s home port | Savor local flavors at our farewell dinner | Close out your journey with an early morning ride through a fishing village or a walk on the beach. » Bela Vista Hotel & Spa - Premiere
OUR GUESTS SAY IT BEST “ We are obsessed with Backroads.
Love the value, the service, the activities, the ‘special’ stuff that happens along the way, the leaders who are so knowledgeable, and the ‘like minded’ guests/friends that we meet on the trips.” DANA STEELE | TIBURON, CA
25 877-GO-ACTIVE | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |
WALKING & HIKING
DOLCE TEMPO
DAYS 1–2 Meet in colorful Porto, a World Heritage city known for its beautiful tiled façades and incredible Port wine | Journey to Vitorino dos Piães and admire the abundant cork trees as you walk an easygoing stretch of the Caminho Português (Portuguese Way) en route to the oldest town in Portugal | Pause for a delicious lunch at a villa on a traditional quinta (farm) | Venture through eucalyptus woodland in the Labruja Mountains | Green hills, forests and rural villages provide a peaceful backdrop en route to Rubiães | Listen to melancholy fado , the traditional music of Portugal. » Torre de Gomariz - Premiere DAY 3 Travel to Spain and hike to the hilltop ruins of circular stone castros, remains of ancient Celtic settlements | From the summit of Monte Santa Tecla, take in views of the Minho River estuary | In atmospheric A Guarda, taste the local zamburiñas (scallops) | Walk a stunning coastal section of the Camino, savoring panoramic vistas of Galicia’s rugged western seaboard | Soak up the charm of Baiona’s fishing port and historic quarter. » Parador de Baiona - Premiere DAYS 4–6 Journey by private boat to explore Cíes Island Nature Reserve, one of Spain’s most spectacular national parks | Relax on white-sand beaches or walk across pristine Monteagudo Island | Enjoy the lively wayfaring atmosphere along the Camino Francés en route to Santiago de Compostela | Tour the old quarter of beautiful Santiago | Enter the magnificent cathedral with hundreds of pilgrims—a memorable way to cap off your trip! » Hotel A Quinta da Auga - Premiere Admire the vast and powerful sea. Taste crisp Vinho Verde and fresh seafood. Discover tiny villages with Celtic heritage. Join pilgrims on the Camino. Find your path. Catalonia’s Dramatic Coastline & Idyllic Mountains TASTE OF CAMINO DE SANTIAGO g
Santiago de Compostela
MADRID
Melide
Atlantic Ocean
SPAIN
Cies Islands
A Guarda Baiona
Rubiaes
Cervaes
Vitorino dos Piaes
PORTUGAL
Porto
6 DAYS ACTIVITY LEVELS 1–4 ACCOMMODATIONS Premiere Hotels $4,899 to $5,399 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Women’s Adventures NEW! • Families with Older Teens & 20s • Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search STGW on backroads.com
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NEW!
BIKING
DOLCE TEMPO
SPAIN
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DAYS 1–3 Start your journey in the spellbinding city of Palma, Mallorca’s capital and a living museum of Gothic and Moorish architecture | Bike through the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO Heritage site known for its pine forests, dramatic cliffs and quiet, winding roads | Enjoy a sensational descent to picturesque Pollença, a former Roman settlement built during the 13th century to avoid pirate attacks | Ride past vineyards and almond trees into the heart of Mallorca’s exquisite wine region | Take in awe-inspiring views of the Mediterranean Sea as you bike toward the bluffs of Cap de Formentor | Relax over a beachfront lunch in the sunny inlet of Cala Barques, where sparkling water might just tempt you in for an afternoon swim | Delight in the flavors of Oli s’Illa—the island’s exceptional olive oil—made from the same olive trees that dot the landscape you ride. » Son Brull - Premiere DAYS 4–6 Hop aboard a short flight bound for Menorca, Mallorca’s captivating and lightly populated sister island | Bike on quiet roads through the island’s bucolic landscape | Find bliss at Torralbenc, a chic hotel housed in a classic whitewashed Menorcan lloc (farmhouse) | Before sitting down to a delicious dinner, sample local beer and cheese with the chef and owner of an artisan brewery | Visit bayfront Fornells, a 17th-century fishing village known for its lobster stew | Stroll through the narrow alleys of postcard- perfect Binibèquer, a small resort town with spectacular views of Menorca’s southern coast. » Torralbenc - Premiere Two distinct and enchanting isles. Tranquil rolling routes from the Tramuntana foothills to sapphire waters. Timeless villages, idyllic escapes. It’s Balearic bliss. A Two-Island Adventure in the Mediterranean SPAIN’S MALLORCA & MENORCA
Balearic Sea
Cap de Formentor
Fornells
Cala Barques
Mahon
Alaior
Binibequer
Pollenca
Serra de Tramuntana
Palma
PARIS
Bay of Palma
MADRID
Mediterranean Sea
6 DAYS ACTIVITY LEVELS 1–4 ACCOMMODATIONS Premiere Hotels $5,599 to $6,299 per person double occ. + $200 internal air CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search MAMB on backroads.com
27 877-GO-ACTIVE | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |
BIKING
CROATIA
DAY 1 From bustling Split, home to Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, set out for a bike tour through Croatia’s hinterland and the Dinaric Alps’ stunning karst landscape | Follow the Cetina River to seaside Omiš, a medieval pirate haven | In the quiet coastal village of Duće, relish garden-fresh Croatian cuisine. » Hotel Plaža Duće - Casual DAYS 2–3 Sail to Brač, renowned for its white stone | Ride past seaside villages and picturesque stone walls | Head to Hvar, a chic isle where average annual “sun fall” is 2,724 hours | Enjoy a home-cooked meal made with vegetables fresh from a local garden | Bike amid jagged limestone cliffs and endless rosemary and lavender fields | Take the plunge in refreshing waters off quiet beaches | Behold brilliant sunsets from Hvar Town harbor. » Hotel Amfora - Casual DAY 4 Bike a hilly route around Korčula Island, lush with vineyards, olive groves and forests | Discover elegant Korčula Town, a fortified medieval village and former Venetian settlement—it’s a reputed birthplace of Marco Polo. » Hotel Liburna - Casual DAYS 5–6 Savor lovely ocean vistas as you cycle past charming villages | Turrets, spires and tiled roofs add the finishing touch to Dubrovnik, an architectural masterpiece | Enjoy dinner in Dubrovnik’s old town | Take in views of this World Heritage site during a guided walk of the historic center, Over 200 days of sunshine per year. Pristine beaches, hidden coves and dazzling architecture. From Split to Dubrovnik. Sail between islands. Bike to your heart’s content. Sapphire Waters of the Dalmatian Coast CROATIA
Split
ROME
Duce Omis
Brac Island
Hvar Town
Hvar Island
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Korcula
Korcula Island
Adriatic Sea
Dubrovnik
6 DAYS ACTIVITY LEVELS 2–4 ACCOMMODATIONS Casual Hotels $5,599 to $6,499 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search DCTB on backroads.com
surrounded by magnificent city walls. » Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik - Premiere
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MULTI-ADVENTURE
DOLCE TEMPO
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Historic Split to Dubrovnik & the Bay of Kotor CROATIA TO MONTENEGRO
VIENNA
CROATIA
ROME
Split
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
DAY 1 Witness the vast beauty of the Dalmatian Coast on a journey from Split to Korčula Island | Bike along the southern coast of Korčula past vineyards, olive groves and quaint villages | Discover historic Korčula Town, on one of the most verdant islands in the Adriatic | Savor some of the best locally sourced seafood in Croatia. » Aminess Korčula Heritage Hotel - Casual DAYS 2–3 Bike through the wine-growing region of the Pelješac Peninsula, from inland villages to the vast blue coast | Explore the World Heritage site of Dubrovnik, with its turrets, spires and red-tiled roofs | Sail to car-free Lopud Island, home to the summer residences of wealthy sea captains for centuries | Hike past ancient churches and ruins that showcase the island’s Greco- Roman and Slavic heritage | Panoramic views await at hilltop Sutvrač Fort. » Royal Blue Hotel - Premiere DAYS 4–6 The Konavle region, on the southernmost tip of Croatia, provides plentiful views of mountains and the sea | Bike across the border to Montenegro | Board a boat to the Porto Montenegro marina in the coastal town of Tivat, whose rocky mountains are dotted with cypress, fig, olive, cedar and pine trees | Hike past fortresses and hilltop towns along the wondrous and vast Bay of Kotor, a World Heritage site | Explore the winding cobbled streets, charming squares, medieval churches and aristocratic mansions of Kotor | Finish your adventure with a kayak excursion on the bay’s sapphire waters. » Regent Porto Montenegro - Premiere Two unique and extraordinary places united by miles of untouched Adriatic coastline. Grand peaks, medieval villages, crystal-clear bays and dazzling panoramic views.
Viganj
MONTENEGRO
Korcula
Dubrovnik
Tivat
Adriatic Sea
Bay of Kotor
6 DAYS ACTIVITY LEVELS 2–4 • Bike • Walk/Hike • Kayak ACCOMMODATIONS Premiere Hotels $5,699 to $6,499 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Families with Teens & Kids • Families with Older Teens & 20s • Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search DCMM on backroads.com
OUR GUESTS SAY IT BEST “We were looking for a trip of a lifetime and we got it!” JENNIFER BAZAN-WIGLE | TUCSON, AZ
29 877-GO-ACTIVE | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |
MULTI-ADVENTURE
DOLCE TEMPO
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Oia
Sun-Splashed Mythical Greek Isles SANTORINI & CRETE
GREECE
Thirasia
ATHENS
SANTORINI
DAYS 1–3 Start your active journey in Crete biking past tiny villages and olive groves | Sip a glass of sparkling wine and learn a traditional Cretan dance | Soak up the sun over lunch at a local eatery | Cool off with a swim in the dazzling sea or relax in the pool at our resort | Hike tranquil paths through soaring gorges and an idyllic Mediterranean countryside | Explore the ancient ruins at Lato, a well-preserved archaeological site with panoramic views of Crete’s mountains and valleys | Hop aboard a boat for an excursion to neighboring Spinalonga Island | Bike quiet roads from the island’s rugged interior to the Aegean Sea | Visit the Areti Monastery in Karydi and discover the legend behind this fortified site | Sample regional dishes and enjoy Cretan hospitality at a local taverna | Opt to find your balance in a yoga class by the beach or pamper yourself at the spa. » Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa - Premiere DAYS 4–6 Ferry across the jewel-toned Sea of Crete to awe-inspiring and alluring Santorini | Wander through picturesque mazelike walkways, past the island’s signature blue and white buildings that climb uphill like an architectural bougainvillea | Hike one of Santorini’s most scenic volcanic trails | Step into the past as you explore the quiet island of Thirasia | Sample crisp, volcanic soil-grown local wines | Luxuriate in the elegant simplicity of Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas, a Greek Isle oasis | Capture the beauty of the Cyclades during a sunrise walk for a perfect lasting memento. » Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas - Premiere shown bottom left Deep mountain gorges and rugged island terrain. Tranquil Cycladic waters and iconic blue and white architecture. Vestiges of great civilizations. Legendary hospitality.
Sea of Crete
Heraklion
Plaka
Spinalonga
CRETE
Karydi
Lato
6 DAYS ACTIVITY LEVELS 2–4 • Walk/Hike • Bike ACCOMMODATIONS Premiere Hotels $6,799 to $7,799 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Families with Teens & Kids • Families with Older Teens & 20s • Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search GRCM on backroads.com
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Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas
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ACTIVE RIVER CRUISE
BIKING
DOLCE TEMPO
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DAYS 1-2 Take an easygoing bike ride through the Bavarian Forest to the Danube River | Nothing like a bit of oompah music to get things started—enjoy an Oktoberfest-style celebration before we set sail | Fall in love with Bavaria’s quiet biking routes and stunning views into Austria | Stroll amid Italian baroque architecture in Passau, the City of Three Rivers. DAY 3 Ride in the Austrian countryside along the famed Donauradweg (Danube bike path) | Take a guided walk in Linz | Choose an excursion to Salzburg or Český Krumlov—both spectacular World Heritage sites. DAYS 4-5 Bike or cruise the most stunning stretch of the Danube through Wachau Valley vineyards and sleepy hamlets | Visit majestic Melk Abbey, inspiration for Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose | Pedal past Austrian vineyards | Discover Vienna, a hub of Central European culture and tradition. DAY 6 Follow bike paths in serene Donau-Auen National Park | Ride between two capital cities—Vienna and Bratislava—passing remnants of the former Iron Curtain | Dine at Schloss Hof, a famous castle and working farm | Join a walking tour of Bratislava’s charming medieval center. DAYS 7-8 Discover the landmarks of historic Budapest during a guided walk | Explore this remarkable city with its posh coffee shops, hip ruin pubs, thermal bathhouses and countless museums | Soak in the view from a golden-hour Let the river be your guide. Bike through the Bavarian Forest. Walk among baroque architecture. Sample local beer and wine and discover tucked-away villages. Prague to Budapest through Five Countries DANUBE RIVER CRUISE
POLAND
BERLIN
GERMANY
Prague
CZECH REPUBLIC
SLOVAKIA
Weissenkirchen
Vilshofen
Vienna
Passau
Bratislava
Melk
Linz
Budapest
AUSTRIA
HUNGARY
ITALY
8 DAYS ACTIVITY LEVELS 1-4 ACCOMMODATIONS Small Luxury Ship $7,399 to $10,699 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Families with Teens & Kids • Families with Older Teens & 20s • Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search DANB on backroads.com
city cruise along the Budapest skyline. » AmaWaterways - Small Luxury Ship
31 877-GO-ACTIVE | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |
BIKING
English Channel
FRANCE
DAY 1 In Normandy, connoisseurs of Calvados will delight in the scenic Cider Route | Ride dedicated bike paths along a coastline that inspired belle epoque artists, including novelist Marcel Proust and couturier Coco Chanel | Admire castles and manors perched atop green rolling hills | Pause in one of the enchanting Norman villages with half-timbered thatched-roof houses that line our route and have a glass of delicious Pommeau, a popular local aperitif | Discover the Norman countryside of picture-perfect Pays d’Auge and the An unforgettable journey along the coast of France, where past and present harmonize. Bike amid rambling beaches, rugged cliffs, historic sites and quiet villages. D-Day Landmarks, Mont-Saint-Michel & Seaside France BRITTANY & NORMANDY
Port-en-Bessin
Arromanches
Omaha Beach
Cabourg
Bayeux
Beuvron-en-Auge
Caen
Orne River
Emerald Coast
NORMANDY
St-Malo
Mont-Saint-Michel
Dinard
Dinan
PARIS
BRITTANY
Rennes
6 DAYS ACTIVITY LEVELS 1–4 ACCOMMODATIONS
Premiere Hotels $5,099 to $5,799 per person double occ. Casual Hotels $3,999 to $4,299 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Families with Teens & Kids • Families with Older Teens & 20s • Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search BNYB on backroads.com
coastal flowers of Côte Fleurie. » Grand Hôtel Cabourg - Premiere
DAYS 2–3 Ride across the Pegasus Bridge | Bike along the Côte de Nacre | Visit fascinating Arromanches, the D-Day beaches and the remains of Mulberry Harbor | Join a historian for a private tour of Omaha Beach and the American Military Cemetery | Behold the German stronghold of Longues-sur-Mer | Stroll through the town of Bayeux, home to the epic 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry. » La Chenevière - Premiere DAYS 4–6 Explore the island monastery of World Heritage Mont-St-Michel, destination of a centuries-old pilgrimage | Get to know riverfront Dinan, a medieval port town with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets | Follow the idyllic Rance River to Dinard, an exquisite town overlooking the sea | Bike past riverside St-Suliac | Taste fresh oysters from a waterfront market in Cancale, oyster capital of Brittany | Hit the ramparts at St-Malo, a fortified oceanside city with vistas of the Emerald Coast. » Grand Hôtel Barrière Dinard - Premiere
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BIKING
DOLCE TEMPO
DAYS 1–2 Bike through a World Heritage landscape on portions of La Loire à Vélo, a 500-mile-long network of cycling routes | Pedal from fields of wheat and sunflowers into the Forêt de Villandry | Experience joie de vivre as you bike amid serene woodland and celebrated Cabernet Franc vineyards | Discover Candes-St-Martin and Montsoreau, members of the Plus Beaux (Most Beautiful) Villages of France | Pass fascinating troglodyte caves that have housed people (and wine!) for centuries | Admire incomparable Château d’Ussé as you ride past it | Dine on classic French specialties with views of the valley bathed in evening light. » Château de Rochecotte - Premiere DAYS 3–4 Explore the Vouvray vineyards of the Loire’s north bank and the rich landscape of French nobility on the south | Walk in the footsteps of famous kings and Leonardo da Vinci as you stroll through Amboise | A fresh treat from a local patisserie is perhaps the perfect accompaniment to a post- ride rest along the river | Soak up the glamour on a private tour of Château de Chenonceau, which spans the River Cher and brims with rare tapestries and extraordinary paintings. » Domaine des Hauts de Loire - Premiere shown bottom right DAYS 5–6 Bike to 16th-century Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley and the week’s grand finale | Enjoy the luxurious amenities at our spectacular farmhouse-turned-hotel | Spin around the castle-dotted landscape, enjoying the quiet morning as the countryside slowly comes to life. » Relais de Chambord - Premiere Green woodlands and lush valley vineyards. Renaissance majesty and gracious castle-hotels. A French cycling sojourn through a natural and architectural wonderland. Grand Châteaux & Regal Rivers LOIRE VALLEY g
FRANCE
Chambord
Loire River
Onzain
Vouvray
St-Pierre-des-Corps
Amboise
Chenonceaux
St-Patrice
Villandry
Cher River
Usse
Candes- St-Martin
PARIS
Indre River
6 DAYS ACTIVITY LEVELS 1–4 ACCOMMODATIONS
Premiere Hotels $5,699 to $6,499 per person double occ. Casual & Casual Plus $3,999 to $4,299 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Families with Teens & Kids • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search LVYB on backroads.com
33 877-GO-ACTIVE | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |
Domaine des Hauts de Loire
MULTI-ADVENTURE
Biarritz
DAYS 1–2 Hike in the vast Basque Coast Geopark | Towering above the sea, the spectacular Flysch cliffs are more than 60 million years old | Stroll along the beach to an atmospheric fishing village | Share the path with pilgrims walking the St. James Trail to Santiago de Compostela | In San Sebastián, spend time exploring the town, hanging out on the beach or kayaking to a little island that offers views of the bay and mountains | Try delicious pintxos , the popular local snacks | Lounge poolside at our palatial retreat. » Hotel Maria Cristina - Premiere DAYS 3–4 You’re in one of Europe’s top surfing spots—care to give it a try? | Enjoy a leisurely ride into France and the seaside town of St- Jean-de-Luz | Hike France’s stunning Basque landscape | Bike by sheep- dotted hills and quaint farmhouses | Savor views of the sea from our hotel’s lovely terrace | Wander St-Jean-de-Luz’s narrow streets. » Grand Hôtel Thalasso & Spa - Premiere DAYS 5–6 Explore the countless charms of French Basque Country | Ride along the coast and through vibrant fishing communities | Get to know the lavish coastal city of Biarritz, dubbed the “queen of beaches and the beach of kings” ever since Empress Eugénie de Montijo and her husband, Emperor Napoleon III, made Biarritz the favorite resort of the European aristocracy | Visit the old port and covered marketplace, Les Halles de Biarritz, where locals gather to eat, drink and shoot the breeze | Linger over a morning coffee at our luxurious clifftop hideaway. » Hôtel du Palais - Premiere shown bottom left Bask on a Basque beach. Nibble on pintxos . Learn to surf with the pros. Hike, bike and kayak amid glorious landscapes, from Spain’s Camino to French St-Jean-de-Luz. Bilbao to San Sebastián & Biarritz BASQUE COUNTRY
Atlantic Ocean
Hendaye
St-Jean-de-Luz
FRANCE
Flysch Cliffs
Olhette
San Sebastian
BASQUE COAST GEOPARK
From Bilbao
Bilbao
SPAIN
MADRID
6 DAYS ACTIVITY LEVELS 1–3 • Bike • Walk/Hike • Kayak • Surf ACCOMMODATIONS Premiere Hotels $5,599 to $6,399 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Families with Teens & Kids • Families with Older Teens & 20s • Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search BQYM on backroads.com
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Hôtel du Palais
MULTI-ADVENTURE
DOLCE TEMPO
DAYS 1-2 It’s love at first sight when you catch a glimpse of the mountain landscape of the Dolomites | Ride a gondola to Seceda, gateway to the jagged peaks of the Geisler range | Hike through picture-perfect alpine meadows in the Puez Odle Nature Park, a World Heritage site | Linger over a cold post-hike birra on the terrace of a typical mountain hütte | Bike among the meadows and forests of the Seiser Alm as you make your way past the Schlern massif down to the storybook village of Selva in Val Gardena | Indulge at the spa or soak up alpenglow while sipping an aperitivo on the terrace of our resplendent hotel | Dine on Michelin-starred regional cuisine. » Alpenroyal Grand Hotel - Premiere DAYS 3-4 Hike manicured trails through dramatic alpine terrain | Admire views of neighboring Sella and Sasso Lungo massifs from high above the Badia Valley | Savor hearty Tyrolean dishes like canederli (bread dumplings) and apple strudel | Bike through the rolling Badia Valley with views of the Fanes mountain group | Enjoy panoramic vistas and wildflowers while hiking along the Pralongià plateau | Challenge your coordination on a high-ropes course with zip lines woven into the treetops | Relax in the pretty town of Corvara. » Hotel La Perla - Premiere DAYS 5-6 Explore an open-air WWI museum with a local guide | Traverse bucolic cirques, spotting marmots and edelweiss | Stroll the stylish Corso Italia in the posh resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo | Unwind at our historic and luxurious hotel | Take a final spin along the scenic Boite River. » Grand Hotel Savoia - Premiere Ascend to alpine bliss. Jaw-dropping views of dramatic peaks and a lively blend of Austrian and Italian cultures. A world-class mountain landscape awash in alpenglow. Alpine Adventures beneath Majestic Mountains DOLOMITES g
Rienz River
ITALY
PUEZ ODLE
Fanes Mountains
Seceda
Val Gardena
Cortina
Corvara
Cinque Torri
Selva
Adige River
Bolzano
Venice
To Venice
ROME
6 DAYS ACTIVITY LEVELS 2–4 • Bike • Walk/Hike ACCOMMODATIONS Premiere Hotels $5,999 to $6,899 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Families with Teens & Kids • Families with Older Teens & 20s • Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search DMTM on backroads.com
35 877-GO-ACTIVE | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |
BIKING
ITALY
Italian Vineyards & Romantic Coast TUSCANY BY THE SEA
Ombrone Valley
Castiglione della Pescaia
Orvieto
DAYS 1–3 Bike through the rolling coastal hills of Southern Tuscany | Our first taste of the region’s extraordinary cuisine awaits at a family-style lunch | Follow cycling routes past rustic farms, verdant forest and tidy vineyards | Discover the breathtaking Ombrone Valley | Breathe in the sea air on an exhilarating ride through foothills and valleys to the bustling fishing port of Castiglione della Pescaia | Kick back on the beach or indulge in gelato as you stroll the old town center | A bike route lined with olive, cypress and pine trees leads to our beautiful resort | Ride through the Bruna river valley, pausing in a hilltop village for a farm-to-table lunch | Tackle the climb to fairytale Montemassi or spend the afternoon at the spa | Sip Super Tuscans before a private cellar tour and gourmet dinner at a renowned local wine estate. » L’Andana - Premiere DAYS 4–6 Enjoy a scenic ride and take in vistas of the bay during lunch at a beachfront trattoria | Explore Orbetello Lagoon, a World Wildlife Fund oasis, and watch the migrating birds on the quiet shores of Lake Burano | Climb to the hilltop town of Capalbio as the blue ocean shimmers in the distance | Sail across the sea on a historic luxury boat | Relax in Porto Ercole or in the comfort of our sumptuous hotel | Pedal to the summit of Monte Argentario, offering panoramic views of the wooded hills and blue-green lagoon below. » Argentario Golf Resort & Spa - Premiere In Maremma, nature abounds. Countryside vineyards and farms. Clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Untouched Orbetello Lagoon. Sandy beaches of the Silver Coast.
Capalbio
Lake Burano
Porto Ercole
Orbetello Lagoon
To Rome
Rome
Tyrrhenian Sea
6 DAYS ACTIVITY LEVELS 1–4 ACCOMMODATIONS Premiere Hotels $5,999 to $6,999 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search TUMB on backroads.com OUR GUESTS SAY IT BEST “Your formula works, hire the right people on all ends, from booking, trip coordinator, to leaders who are beyond exceptional... They know how to make every experience a memory. ” JONATHAN PINKUS | PARADISE VALLEY, AZ
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WALKING & HIKING
DOLCE TEMPO
ITALY
DAY 1 Hike across a dramatic landscape to Portovenere, taking in expansive vistas of the Golfo della Spezia | Walk along coastal trails past terraced vineyards and olive groves | Splendid views await at our waterfront hotel | Savor fresh frutti di mare at a seaside restaurant. » Hotel della Baia - Casual DAYS 2–3 Get to know the Cinque Terre’s majestic coastline, a World Heritage site, by hiking and by train | Well-groomed paths lined with ancient stone walls lead from stunning Riomaggiore through cliffside Manarola, quiet Corniglia and vibrant Vernazza to inviting Monterosso al Mare | Pass elegant villas en route to posh Portofino | A walk along Portofino’s postcard-perfect waterfront is a must | Explore Santa Margherita Ligure, the childhood home of Christopher Columbus | Enjoy Mediterranean flavors and dinners by the sea. » Hotel Continental - Casual DAYS 4–6 Head inland to Chianti’s quintessential Tuscan villages, vineyards and cypress-flanked lanes | Hike through the medieval villages of Greve in Chianti and Panzano | Stroll through the narrow streets of the historic ridgetop Radda, the epicenter of Chianti Classico | Walk to Volpaia and its 1,000-year- old Castelvecchi wine cellars to enjoy a signature Backroads picnic with a glass of local wine | Soak up grand pastoral panoramas from the strada bianca (white road), surrounded by vineyards and olive groves | Sip regional wines at a fun and informative tasting | Extend your adventure with a visit to Florence, birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and our magnificent gateway city. » Villa Le Barone - Casual Plus The simplest way to describe this journey’s gorgeous views, delectable wines and fresh seafood, warm sunlight, turquoise sea, cypress trees and hill towns: bellissimo! Coastal Italy’s Seaside Charm & Tuscan Villages CINQUE TERRE & TUSCANY g
To Florence
ROME
Santa Margherita Ligure
Portofino
Monterosso al Mare
Vernazza
Florence
Corniglia
Riomaggiore
Manarola
Montefioralle
Portovenere
Greve
Volpaia
Panzano
Radda
Pisa
Chianti Mountains
Ligurian Sea
6 DAYS ACTIVITY LEVELS 1–4 ACCOMMODATIONS Casual & Casual Plus $4,299 to $4,699 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Women’s Adventures NEW! • Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search CQTW on backroads.com
37 877-GO-ACTIVE | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |
MULTI-ADVENTURE
DOLCE TEMPO
DAY 1 Savor breathtaking alpine scenery as you commute the Swiss way: by chairlift! | Hike on a ridge above the deep blue Lake Oeschinen, surrounded by limestone cliffs, snowy peaks and hanging ice | Meander through alpine meadows and pine forests that give way to superb views of the Blüemlisalp and Hohtürli Passes | Admire unique artworks carved from stone and wood at an outdoor sculpture gallery. » Waldhotel Doldenhorn - Premiere DAYS 2–3 Ride past the turquoise waters of Lake Thun en route to Interlaken | Easy cycling leads past cheery wooden chalets to lakeside Thun | Hop aboard a cogwheel train bound for Grindelwald | Indulge in a decadent fondue paired with regional wines | Admire the iconic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau towering above the emerald-green landscape | Hike from First Peak to Bachalpsee, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes | Let loose on an exhilarating descent by Trotti bikes into Grindelwald Valley. » Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof - Premiere DAYS 4–6 Descend down the Grindelwald Valley along winding rural roads | Cycle alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz and past countless waterfalls | Journey from the pastoral Bernese Alps to the rugged Uri Alps, where narrow valleys are lined by towering spires of rock | Pamper yourself with the pristine amenities of our stunning resort | Relax off the beaten path in the quaint village of Engelberg | Trek on foot to a traditional mountain dairy farm where we get an exclusive cheese tasting at the source. » Kempinski Palace Engelberg - Premiere Hike and bike through spectacular landscapes encircled by snow- covered mountains and sparkling lakes. From the valleys of the Bernese Oberland to the North Face’s iconic skyline. Sparkling Lakes & Mountain Thrills in the Swiss Alps SWITZERLAND g
SWITZERLAND
Engelberg
Gerschni Alp
Lake Brienz
Interlaken
Lake Thun
Bachalpsee
Eiger First Peak
Grindelwald
Lake Oeschinen
Monch
Jungfrau
Kandersteg
GENEVA
MILAN
6 DAYS ACTIVITY LEVELS 1–4 • Walk/Hike • Bike ACCOMMODATIONS Premiere Hotels $5,599 to $6,099 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Families with Teens & Kids • Families with Older Teens & 20s • Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search SWAM on backroads.com
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