2024 DOLCE TEMPO
Easygoing E-biking, Walking and Multi-Adventure Trips
Travelers have raved about our Dolce Tempo trips since we debuted them in 2019. So this year, we’re introducing even more options for adventurers who prefer to savor their journey at a more leisurely pace —including trips for families with young adults 17+. Easier than our other trips but still wonderfully active, these getaways embrace a more easygoing state of mind for you and your fellow travelers, with all the same qualities found on every Backroads trip. Whether you’re a returning traveler or considering your first Backroads adventure, we invite you to join us on a Dolce Tempo journey and experience the world in a whole new way.
Tom Hale Founder, President & CEO
Avery Hale Smith Executive Vice President
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DOLCE TEMPO EXPLORE • ESCAPE • UNWIND
THE CHOICE IS YOURS The Backroads Difference
p. 4 p. 6 p. 8
Choose Your Activity World-Class Leaders
Hotels & Cuisine
p. 10 p. 12
Your Fellow Travelers
OUR TRIP COLLECTION Easygoing E-biking
p. 14 p. 28 p. 42
Easygoing Walking
Easygoing Multi-Adventure
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Frequently Asked Questions
p. 54 p. 56
Calendars
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EXPERIENCE THE BACKROADS
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. 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.
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. 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.*
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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 more than 40 countries. We are the only company offering distinct family trips for three different kids’ age ranges. Incredible E-bikes One of the lightest e-bikes available, the Backroads custom designed Titanium Electric-Assist Bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Available for guests 16 or older. †
*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.
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EXPLORE AT AN EASYGOING PACE Set your own pace on a Dolce Tempo trip, exploring a region up close and in depth. JOURNEY ON TWO WHEELS On our e-bike dedicated trips, pedal into the heart of a region on the world’s most scenic routes. Choose from a range of mileage and route options each day, traveling at your own pace with unparalleled van support. Easy-to- use directions for each day’s routes are loaded by your leaders onto a GPS device for you. E-BIKING
SAVOR EVERY STEP Journey on foot and life’s little details come alive, creating unforgettable encounters and cultural revelations. With our insider access, you have unique opportunities to converse with locals and hear experts share their rich history and culture. WALKING
E-BIKE, WALK & SO MUCH MORE Explore a region actively. E-bike, stroll, spot wildlife with a naturalist, zip-line, kayak, raft and so much more. Engage in fun and culturally rich activities that best highlight the destination. MULTI-ADVENTURE
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SO MUCH MORE THAN ACTIVE
Being on a Backroads trip is about more than the physical activities. The world opens itself to you, one precious moment at a time.
Meet bears, moose, bald eagles and wolves at a wildlife conservation and rehabilitation center Alaska Multi-Adventure, see p. 49
Journey to a remote Berber village to see traditional life and share mint tea with locals. Morocco Walking, see p. 36
Learn how grape varietals and traditional winemaking techniques have helped elevate Valencia to a terroir of note. Madrid to Valencia E-biking, see p. 16
Sail through the World Heritage landscape of Halong Bay, exploring its hidden beaches, lagoons and caves. Vietnam & Cambodia Walking, see p. 37
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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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RECHARGE AT THE WORLD ’ S BEST HOTELS
Our Premiere hotels offer 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 e-bike or step out of your walking shoes, our carefully hand-selected hotels
await, 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.
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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 e-biking, walking 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
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.
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
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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. Choose from E-biking, Walking and Multi-Adventure trips.
NEW
FAMILY ADVENTURES For Families with Young Adults 17+ Easier than our other trips but still wonderfully active, these unique journeys are perfect for families new to active travel or those who like to stop and smell the roses (or sip the espressos, taste the gelati and mix it up with the locals).
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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E-BIKING
TUSCANY WINE COUNTRY Journey through the Heart of Italy
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $6,299 to $6,999 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos | Families • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search TU1B Luxuriate at world-class hotels and wellness spas, including the elegant and unforgettable COMO Castello del Nero, and savor authentic Tuscan cuisine.
Cypress-lined roads overlooking vineyards from Siena to Radda and beyond. Wines grown here for millennia. Castello del Nero’s fine dining. Hotels? Tuscany’s finest.
Experience quintessential Tuscany on undulating rural roads, coasting through hilltop towns to the open countryside where olive groves and lush vineyards line our way.
Explore hilltop towns far away from the tourist hot spots, where locals gather in the central square to chat, trade gossip and indulge in a creamy gelato.
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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E-BIKING
Coastlines, Hill Towns & World Heritage Sites PUGLIA’S SALENTO TO MATERA
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $5,799 to $6,699 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search PL1B Taste the region’s delicious wines and classic Pugliese dishes, learn how mozzarella is made using age-old techniques, and stay in luxurious hotels.
Whitewashed towns. Majestic sea views. The aroma of orecchiette pasta calling you to slow down and relish this moment, and as you relax in your elegant getaways.
Discover history from the locals on tours of two World Heritage sites — the intriguing troglodyte settlement of Matera and picture- perfect Alberobello.
Drink in the dramatic views of the Adriatic Sea while you ride along the coast, taking the opportunity to break for coffee or gelato as the mood strikes.
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E-BIKING
NEW!
NEW!
Karst cliffs and pine tree forests. Medieval towns and whitewashed villages. Superb wines and iconic paella while you watch a colorful sunset. Let the region’s charms put you in a tranquilo state of mind. Wine & Paella from Gorges to Beaches MADRID TO VALENCIA
Salty-sweet local cuisine. The jagged peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana set against the curve of the coast. Tiny Moorish hamlets and thriving cities. E-bike through this marvelous place and see how it all comes together. A Classic Mediterranean Isle MALLORCA
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6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $4,999 to $5,399 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $6,299 to $6,799 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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NEW!
E-BIKING
PYRENEES TO COSTA BRAVA Barcelona to Glorious Peaks & Mediterranean Beaches
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $5,499 to $5,999 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search CA1B Relax at Relais & Châteaux retreats and dine on acclaimed Catalan fusion cuisine and fresh seafood paired with great wines, straight from local sources.
Barcelona’s superb tapas and celebrated wines. Riding to the Pyrenees on some of the best roads in Europe. Costa Brava’s beaches, with views that inspired Salvador Dalí.
Experience the artistic genius of Salvador Dalí, king of the surrealists, at the eponymous museum in Figueres and explore landscapes where farmers work the earth.
E-bike picturesque routes in the Spanish and French Pyrenees. Stunning views abound, and there’s no place like Barcelona to kick off your journey.
Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa
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E-BIKING
Among Grand Châteaux & Regal Rivers LOIRE VALLEY
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $5,699 to $6,499 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search LV1B Relish exquisite cuisine and award- winning wines from local grapes. Relax at hotels offering splendid architecture, gorgeous grounds and unique, warm hospitality.
The sweet smell of fruit orchards. The faint accordion in the air. Savoring local wines and cuisine. Seeing memorable châteaux and caverns. The Loire is a feast for the senses.
Dive into the history of this valley, home of the French court during the Renaissance. Explore historic châteaux and enjoy the lively culture of the riverbank towns.
Enjoy riding through this lush valley, passing by charming villages and historic vineyards—with plenty of stops for wine-tasting and people-watching.
Loire Valley Lodges
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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E-BIKING
Medieval Villages to Splendid Spa Retreats PROVENCE TO LAVENDER COUNTRY
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $5,999 to $6,799 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search PR1B Unwind at some of the finest spas in France, with Relais & Châteaux splendor awaiting in Gargas. Cap off each day with farm-to-fork cuisine and celebrated wines.
E-bike through Provence, home to luxury hotels, meadows, iconic fountains and cobblestone squares. Taste local wine, figs and apricots. Breathe in lavender-scented air.
Journey by e-bike to some of the most beautiful villages in France, rolling through vineyards, lavender fields and amid the ocher-hued hamlets of Roussillon and Gordes.
Visit local markets, taste one of the most famous goat cheeses in France and discover the Luberon’s Roman history. Our roots here run deep— join us in a Provence less traveled.
La Coquillade
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E-BIKING
Sparkling Champagne & the Alsace Wine Route CHAMPAGNE & ALSACE
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $6,499 to $7,399 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos | Families • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search AS1B Vacation in the most luxurious regional hotels, enjoy a private dinner and Champagne pairing at Moët & Chandon, and relish two- Michelin-starred cuisine in Alsace.
Ride along quiet canals as they flow by you. Savor superb cuisine in Alsace and sip Champagne in Champagne. In this captivating corner of France, there’s much to celebrate.
Visit the burial grounds of monk Dom Pierre Pérignon. Learn from local wine merchants and feel transported to another time in fairy-tale Alsatian villages.
The region’s dedicated bike paths are a cyclist’s dream. From vine- laced hills and the Route des Vins to sleepy French canals and the tranquil Alsatian forests.
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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NEW!
E-BIKING
Montreux to Lucerne SWITZERLAND
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $6,699 to $7,299 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search SW1B Enjoy stays at grand castle- hotels with world-class spas and experience European hospitality at its finest with gourmet meals in decadent dining rooms.
E-bike through vineyards overlooking Mont Blanc. Dine in the shadow of Gruyères Castle. From Geneva to Lucerne, try a sampling of Switzerland at your own sweet pace.
Discover Switzerland’s history and culture with visits to ancient cities and châlet-filled villages, tastings at cheese farms and stories of local traditions.
Pedal against the backdrop of the Alps and ascend dramatic mountain ranges on scenic trains, funiculars and an exterior elevator to behold expansive views.
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
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E-BIKING
Medieval Villages from Prague to Vienna CZECH REPUBLIC & AUSTRIA
6 DAYS CASUAL & PREMIERE HOTELS From $4,199 to $4,499 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search CZ1B Relais & Châteaux luxury plus former monasteries and castles welcome you. Dinners of the region’s exquisite cuisine pair with crisp Rieslings and Grüners.
Bohemia’s gentle contours are made for e-biking. The Wachau Valley wine region is vacation bliss. From the wild Vltava to the blue Danube, there’s so much to soak in.
Get to know two distinct cultures in one in-depth adventure, from the 13th-century Czech town of Český Krumlov to the riverside castle ruins of Dürnstein.
E-bike along the fabled Danube River and past idyllic Austrian vineyards, pausing to sip local vintages and savor sun-warmed landscapes along the way.
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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E-BIKING
Mix centuries-old monastic breweries with pastel towns. A dash of wildflowers and crystalline lakes. The e-bike: a cherry on top. The perfect way to savor the Bavarian and Tyrolean Alps. Bavaria & Alps from Munich to Salzburg GERMANY TO AUSTRIA
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $5,699 to $6,299 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size You could spend a lifetime exploring the twisting streets of Prague and Berlin. The opulent Prussian palaces and quaint Czech villages. But a week is a good place to start. Germany to the Czech Republic BERLIN TO PRAGUE
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6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $5,099 to $5,599 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size
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NEW!
E-BIKING
Edinburgh to St Andrews SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
6 DAYS PREMIERE & CASUAL PLUS HOTELS From $6,399 to $6,999 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search SL1B E-bike through the picturesque villages and rolling farmlands of the Scottish Lowlands to the misty bens and heather moors of the Scottish Highlands.
Discover a place where the land still feels wild. Valleys lead to remote lochs and magical woodlands. Castle ruins and stone villages hint at centuries of human history.
Stay in elegant castles and quaint country estates where amenities include high tea, rejuvenating spas, fine dining, Scotch tastings and plush surroundings.
Soak in Scotland’s bucolic beauty and rich maritime history — found deep in quaint fishing villages and scenic harbors — as you pedal across the ancient Kingdom of Fife.
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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E-BIKING
Amsterdam to Bruges NETHERLANDS & BELGIUM
o \ Search XX1X 6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $4,799 to $5,199 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos | Families • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size Search NL1B European luxury defines this itinerary, from 19th-century hotels to farmhouses. Enjoy the same scenery that inspired the Dutch master painters.
E-bike through these two bicycle-loving countries with a backdrop of windmills, canals and pancake-flat fields. You’ll feel like you’re riding into a Dutch School oil painting.
Experience the history of these two countries, from our historic lodgings in the Hague to the WWI legends of Flanders Field. And join the locals as they ride their bikes.
Enjoy protected bike lanes alongside centuries-old canals, landscapes echoing with the ring- ring of cyclists’ bells, and views of windmills and flower fields.
H o t e l d eCsa Ipntdi oens
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E-BIKING
So much more than a place for world-class wine. Elegant wineries and tasting rooms. Endless scenic back roads, bohemian communities, redwood forests and gorgeous landscapes perfect for exploring by e-bike. Wine Country & Luxurious Getaways NAPA & SONOMA
Glorious rides along the Santa Ynez Valley’s rolling hills. Unhurried stops at boutique wineries and coastal cycling routes into the heart of the Ojai Valley. Exquisite meals, luxury hotels and unforgettable sunsets. Beaches & Retreats on the American Riviera SANTA BARBARA TO OJAI
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5 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $4,799 to $5,199 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $4,499 to $4,899 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos | Families • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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E-BIKING
NEW!
The blue vastness of the Atlantic. Maritime history comes to life as you stroll in Siasconset and e-bike to the cliffs of Aquinnah. Discover Nantucket and the Vineyard’s colonial past. Historic Harbors & New England Charm MARTHA’S VINEYARD
Set your wheels in motion along the beautiful Bay of Fundy. Gaze at the crashing North Atlantic. E-bike past historic towns. Savor fresh Nova Scotian lobster and farm-to-table cuisine. Enjoy every minute of it. Historic Lunenburg to the Bay of Fundy NOVA SCOTIA
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5 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $4,299 to $4,699 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size
6 DAYS CASUAL HOTELS From $3,399 to $3,699 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size
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WALKING
Italy’s Seaside to Tuscan Villages CINQUE TERRE & TUSCANY
6 DAYS CASUAL & CASUAL PLUS HOTELS From $4,299 to $4,699 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos | Families • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search CQ1W Enjoy comfortable casual hotels, family-owned and strategically located. Traverse the countryside, discovering new regional wines and local specialties.
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!
Stroll through classic Italian villages and picturesque vineyards and be welcomed by friendly locals eager to share their culture and the fruits of their labors.
Walk the centuries-old trails that connect the five villages of Cinque Terre’s coastline, a World Heritage site, then continue to the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany.
Villa Le Barone
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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WALKING
France’s D-Day Beaches to St-Malo BRITTANY & NORMANDY
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $4,999 to $5,399 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search BN1W Savor the natural bounty with fresh oysters, famous local apple cider and specialties like moules- frites and Normandy’s celebrated Camembert cheese.
From Omaha Beach and D-Day memorials to St-Malo, mystical Mont-St-Michel and the windswept Emerald Coast. The history and landscape will transport you.
Discover the compelling history of this region, from D-Day beaches and other World War II sites to medieval treasures, and explore its vibrant contemporary culture.
Walk the cliffside trails of Brittany’s Emerald Coast, with the English Channel on one side and fields of wildflowers on the other. And take in tranquil beaches in Normandy.
Grand Hôtel Barrière Dinard
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WALKING
Castles, Gardens & the Cotswold Way ENGLAND’S COTSWOLDS
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $5,799 to $6,299 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search EL1W Discover British hospitality at our unforgettable premiere hotels, from a palatial 15th-century country manor to a estate nestled in the heart of an English village.
Walk from honey-colored villages to quiet woodland. Explore an ancient castle and savor a fresh pint in a traditional English pub. The Cotswolds welcome you.
Amble leisurely, with plenty of opportunities to admire gardens and villages along the route. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in English country life.
Enjoy classic English footpaths that wind through forgotten forests and deserted hillsides, along cobblestoned streets and past crumbling castles.
Barnsley House
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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WALKING
Edinburgh, St Andrews & Loch Lomond SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $5,799 to $6,299 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search SL1W Savor locally sourced meals and the joys of a local pub. Vacation at a family-run inn, a seaside hotel in historic St Andrews and a luxury resort on Loch Lomond.
Lofty crags and shimmering lakes. Quaint fishing villages. Walks in remote corners of rugged wilderness. Three luxe hotels, two spectacular national parks, one incredible trip.
Discover ages-old footpaths and feel history come to life. Connect with locals over a spot of tea or a dram of Scotch whiskey. Explore picturesque Dunkeld.
Morning strolls and afternoon rambles from The Cairngorms to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Parks. There’s no better way to experience the Highlands.
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WALKING
Cork, Killarney & Ancient Celtic Gems IRELAND
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $4,999 to $5,399 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search IR1W
Relish the beauty of an emerald meadow. The charm of a centuries-old footpath. A pint at a lively pub. And the satisfaction of an evening of storytelling and laughter.
Experience our local connections, like our fantastic guide, who’ll bring stories of the region to life. Discover camaraderie like never before on a vacation.
Enjoy the gracious hospitality of our premiere properties, from a charming family-owned hotel in Killarney to a Relais & Châteaux manor on Kenmare Bay.
Be amazed by the beauty of Ireland and its varied landscapes: from dramatic coastal cliffs to placid meadows and silent forests, this is the right place to explore on foot.
Park Hotel Kenmare
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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WALKING
Lisbon to Porto PORTUGAL
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $4,999 to $5,399 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search PG1W Relax in luxury at our collection of premiere hotels—from former palaces to working wineries—and savor the fusion of contemporary and traditional gastronomy.
Verdant hills rolling to the dazzling Atlantic coast. Moorish castles and pastel palaces. Grape-laden vines and world- class red wines. Que lindeza. What loveliness.
Learn about Portugal’s culture through wine tastings, guided tours, stops in local villages and World Heritage sites, including Coimbra and Porto.
Stroll footpaths with lovely vistas of the opulent estates of Sintra on the Portuguese Riviera to the vineyards and winding waterways of the Douro River Valley.
Tivoli Palácio de Seteais
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WALKING
Portugal to Spain A TASTE OF CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $4,899 to $5,299 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos | Families • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search ST1W Luxuriate at boutique hotels and savor the local cuisine. From wine tasting in Portugal to seafood- sampling in Spain, let our stunning restaurants tickle your palate.
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.
Join the legions of pilgrims that have walked this ancient route. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Santiago de Compostela and Ponte de Lima, steeped in history.
Explore a stretch of the iconic Camino from Porto to Santiago, passing windswept coastlines, dramatic pine forests and well- tended vineyards along the way.
Torre de Gomariz
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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WALKING
The Sacred Valley, Cusco & Machu Picchu PERU
7 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $5,499 to $5,999 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search PE1W Enjoy South American luxury at our premiere hotels. Behold the breathtaking mountain backdrop as you lounge by the pool or relax with a massage.
Hike in Cusco at 11,000 feet. Visit hidden weaving villages. Investigate the ruins of Sacsayhuamán. Climb terraced mountainsides. Stand above it all at Machu Picchu.
Appreciate the pre-Columbian culture of Cusco and hear tales of the Spanish conquest. Experience this vibrant city with market visits and local cuisine.
Discover the wild landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, from Machu Picchu to the Temple of the Moon. Explore this jaw-dropping setting as the Incas did—on two feet.
Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa
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WALKING
Marrakech, the High Atlas & the Sea MOROCCO
6 DAYS PREMIERE & CASUAL PLUS HOTELS From $5,599 to $6,399 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search MO1W Bask in the serenity and flavors of Northern Africa. Sip refreshing mint tea as you enjou ocean views at luxury hotels and quiet rose gardens at a mountain retreat.
Awaken your senses in Morocco. Feel the sway of a camel as it walks across the sand. Marvel at splendid co lors and architecture. And listen to the rhythm of Berber music.
Meet locals and learn about life in a remote Berber village. Peruse Marrakech’s markets, lingering at shops and taking in the buzz of music and chatter.
Wander through olive groves, verdant valleys and deep canyons. Journey into the High Atlas Mountains and ride across amber sands on the back of a camel.
Heure Bleue Palais
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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WALKING
Halong Bay to Majestic Angkor Wat VIETNAM & CAMBODIA
10 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS & CASUAL SHIP From $7,299 to $7,899 per person double occ. + $550 internal air CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search VC1W Taste Vietnamese imperial cuisine and dine in a traditional local home. Luxuriate at exquisite hotels and on two nights aboard our private ship in Halong Bay.
Sailing on Halong Bay. Greetings from villagers. Angkor’s ethereal ruins. Exploring an ancient citadel. A journey of color and intrigue, both dramatic and serene.
Marvel at Hué’s impressive 19th- century citadel, home to palaces, shrines and stone walls. Wander the quaint, lantern-lit streets of the ancient port of Hoi An.
Walk amid Cambodia’s temple ruins, a photographer’s dream. Discover the mythical landscape of Halong Bay by boat, where karst cliffs jut out of placid waters.
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WALKING
NEW!
Meandering river trails through old-growth forests. High-desert cliffs and jagged spires. From the Cascades to the Pacific Crest Trail and the raging Deschutes River. It’s not just the lake that dazzles here. National Park Adventure in Oregon CRATER LAKE & CASCADES
Ancient glaciers plunge between emerald peaks. Otters play in kelp beds. Wildflowers dazzle. Wander through unforgettable landscapes and visit towns, each with a unique charm. Alaska’s grandeur is hard to believe. Journey on the Wild Kenai Peninsula ALASKA’S KENAI
o \ Search CK1W
o \ Search AL1W
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $4,299 to $4,599 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size
6 DAYS CASUAL HOTELS From $3,899 to $4,199 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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WALKING
Imposing cliffs and towering waterfalls. An expanse of winding trails, jaw-dropping viewpoints and raw wilderness. Soak up the magnificence of this world- renowned treasure on foot. National Park’s Half Dome to Waterfalls CALIFORNIA’S YOSEMITE
Experience one of California’s most iconic regions on this bucket-list escape. Phenomenal hotels, lush and expansive vineyards, world-class wineries and breathtaking scenery await. Vineyards, Redwoods & Pacific Coastline NAPA VALLEY & SONOMA
o \ Search YO1W
o \ Search WC1W
6 DAYS CASUAL PLUS HOTELS From $4,699 to $5,099 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos | Families • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size
5 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $4,599 to $4,999 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size
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WALKING
Epic National Parks in the Southwest UTAH’S ARCHES & CANYONLANDS
5 DAYS CASUAL & CASUAL PLUS HOTELS From $3,299 to $3,499 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search MC1W Sip a post-stroll libation surrounded by Moab’s iconic cliffs. Gaze up at a spellbinding blanket of stars–there’s nothing as mesmerizing as a desert sky.
The vast canyons of the Colorado Plateau. Spires that soar in fiery hues. Walk amid Utah’s magnificent arches and the massive monoliths of a red-rock wonderland.
Explore different perspectives from breathtaking Island in the Sky in Canyonlands. Take in views of the golden sun on the tips of soaring sandstone formations.
Geologic grandeur is yours to discover on foot. Walk right up to Delicate Arch and amid the rippling rock layers of Colorado National Monument.
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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WALKING
Walk to impossibly blue lakes and breathtaking waterfalls. Inhale the distinctive scent of Douglas fir. Discover hidden Kananaskis Country along trails through open meadows lined with wildflowers. Banff & Lake Louise CANADIAN ROCKIES
Dramatic rocky shores with sweeping coastal views. Fresh produce and seafood that reveal their harvesters’ love of the land and ocean. Friendly locals. The perfect place to recharge and rejuvenate. Bay of Fundy to Historic Lunenburg NOVA SCOTIA
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o \ Search NS1W
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $4,499 to $4,899 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size
6 DAYS CASUAL HOTELS From $3,399 to $3,699 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size
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NEW!
MULTI-ADVENTURE
Journey amid Italy’s Dramatic Peaks DOLOMITES
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $5,999 to $6,699 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search DM1M Hike breathtaking routes through high-alpine meadows, where colorful wildflowers dazzle and imposing alpine massifs soar toward the sky.
Hike and e-bike through electric-emerald valleys and dramatic limestone massifs. Take it slow: savor exquisite mountain meals, fine Italian wines and elegant hotels.
Embark on an exhilarating rafting adventure on the rolling rapids of the Ahrn River, admiring panoramic views of the magnificent Zillertal Alps above.
Experience South Tyrol’s multicultural mosaic as you e-bike through a stunning mountain setting that includes charming hamlets and farms.
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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MULTI-ADVENTURE
PORTUGAL
Alentejo Countryside to the Atlantic Coast
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $5,399 to $6,099 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search PG1M
From tree-dotted hills high above the Atlantic to stunning architecture in ancient cities. Walking and cycling routes expertly paired with rich traditions, culture and wines.
Experience Portugal’s never-ending charms. Travel from Lisbon through the famous Algarve, exploring World Heritage sites and quaint fishing villages.
Enjoy stylish hotel getaways and discover the best of the region’s food and drink—from classic fresh seafood to fruity olive oil samplings and wine tasting.
Walk breathtaking coastal trails, e-bike among the Alentejo’s enchanting farmlands and get a taste of surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Quinta da Comporta
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NEW!
MULTI-ADVENTURE
Land of Fire & Ice ICELAND’S GLACIERS & COAST
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $6,799 to $7,199 per person double occ + $400 internal air CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos | Families • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search IC1M Enjoy modern comfort and tasteful design at our hotels and sample Icelandic delicacies crafted by chefs who blend the traditional and the contemporary.
A hot tub steaming in the chilly air. A hearty bowl of soup at a hiking refuge in a misty valley. A cozy hotel perched at the foot of one of the world’s largest glaciers.
Dive into a rich culture, where myths and fables of Huldufólk (elves) and trolls abound, and learn about the fascinating history of this remote island.
Explore Iceland’s stunning and rugged landscapes, where volcanoes and glaciers are a part of daily life, and discover the beautiful Westman Islands.
UMI Hotel
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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MULTI-ADVENTURE
Interlaken to the Bernese Oberland SWITZERLAND
o \ Search XX1X 6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $5,599 to $5,999 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos | Families • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size SW1M Visit charming villages and hear stories of early mountaineers. Walk historic trails alongside locals and alpine cows adorned with traditional bells.
From idyllic valleys to iconic peaks, experience the best of Switzerland. Explore spectacular landscapes encircled by snow-covered mountains and sparkling lakes.
Indulge in Swiss delights like rich fondue and chocolate paired with regional wines. Gaze at snowy mountain peaks and waterfalls from the trail and your hotel.
Soar into the highest peaks on scenic chairlifts to walk beside alpine lakes, coast down winding bike paths and even ride a Swiss all-terrain downhill scooter.
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MULTI-ADVENTURE
Historic Split to Dubrovnik & the Bay of Kotor CROATIA TO MONTENEGRO
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $5,699 to $6,499 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos | Families • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search DC1M Imbibe crisp local wine, sample farm-to-table-cuisine and enjoy our luxurious lodgings that range from chic, modern design to baroque 17th-century style.
Two unique and extraordinary places united by miles of untouched Adriatic coastline. Grand peaks, medieval villages, crystal-clear bays and dazzling panoramic views.
Learn about the history of this seafaring stretch of coastline, from medieval villages to walled fortress-towns and from Marco Polo to Game of Thrones .
Miles of pristine coastline. Walk to hidden swimming coves and e-bike past vineyards and through quaint villages—all with the Adriatic as your sparkling backdrop.
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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MULTI-ADVENTURE
Journey among the Sun-Splashed Mythical Greek Isles SANTORINI & CRETE
6 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $6,599 to $7,499 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos | Families • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search GR1M Celebrate the local bounty with terrace dinners and tavern lunches. Indulge your senses in our luxe hotels with spa treatments and poolside afternoons.
Deep mountain gorges and rugged island terrain. Tranquil Cycladic beaches and iconic blue-and-white architecture. Vestiges of great civilizations. Legendary hospitality.
Explore the remains of ancient civilizations. Discover the myths that live in the caves of Crete, and go beyond the beaches on whitewashed Santorini.
Journey back in time through old- world villages and historic sites as you walk and e-bike through groves of olive trees and orchards of apricots, figs and pomegranates.
Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas
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MULTI-ADVENTURE
Mountains & Rugged Coast from Christchurch to Queenstown NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND
9 DAYS CASUAL & PREMIERE HOTELS From $5,899 to $6,799 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search NZ1M Experience one-of-a-kind hospitality at our casual hotels. Enjoy stargazing from mountain retreats and sample the cuisine of this island paradise.
Stunning diverse scenery. Ever-changing natural beauty. Ocean mist in your face. Fresh air in your lungs. The sheep have it made here. This week, they aren’t the only ones.
Take your time exploring the quaint villages and unique landscapes that define this nation, and enjoy learning the history of this singular destination.
Discover the South Island, a one- of-a-kind playground for outdoor fun. E-bike, stroll and raft your way across these stunning settings for an adventure you’ll never forget.
Millbrook Resort
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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NEW!
MULTI-ADVENTURE
ALASKA
Mountains, Coastline & Wildlife
6 DAYS CASUAL & PREMIERE HOTELS From $4,199 to $4,699 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search AL1M From a wondrous hideaway nestled in the Chugach Mountains to a chic retreat at the base of Mount Alyeska, the wilds of Alaska are always just outside the front door.
Walk through dense forests to breathtaking glaciers. Raft beside icebergs, cruise among fjords and watch for nesting bald eagles. The Alaskan wilderness is calling!
Visit quaint coastal towns with surprises at every turn, dine on fresh sea-to-table cuisine and uncover parts of Alaska’s rich and unique cultural tapestry.
Explore Alaska’s captivating landscapes — from towering glaciers to temperate rain forests and spectacular fjords — and discover its ecological diversity and grandeur.
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MULTI-ADVENTURE
E-bike down Waterfall Alley. Hike the Trail of Ten Falls. Cycle through fertile Willamette Valley’s Wine Country. Kayak the Wind River. Linger over farm-to- table cuisine in Hood River. Welcome to the Gorge. Oregon’s Waterfalls to Willamette Valley COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE
San Juan & Whidbey Islands SAN JUAN ISLANDS
Here the sun shines, the sea glistens, the wildlife beckons and the pace is leisurely. Find your rhythm e-biking, kayaking and walking in the Pacific Northwest—nature’s perfect playground.
o \ Search CG1M
o \ Search PS1M
6 DAYS CASUAL & PREMIERE HOTELS From $4,099 to $4,399 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size
5 DAYS PREMIERE HOTELS From $3,799 to $4,099 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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MULTI-ADVENTURE
National Park Jewels & Canyons UTAH’S BRYCE & ZION
6 DAYS CASUAL HOTELS From $3,599 to $3,999 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos | Families • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search CY2M Enjoy comfortable and historical national park lodges, set in ideal locations for catching an epic sunset or sipping a glass of wine under a sea of stars.
Hoodoos, arches and mazes. Trails through slot canyons bursting with wildflowers. Rides with pink sandstone walls towering around you. A starry night from the canyon rim.
Discover Zion’s most notable features, including narrow slot canyons, scenic rivers and towering cliffs. Explore the charming and artsy town of Springdale.
Stunning panoramic views await on rides through colorful Snow Canyon and Zion’s canyon floor. Walk among Bryce’s vibrantly colored hoodoos and spires.
Bryce Canyon Lodge
Call us at 877.462.2848 | backroads.com
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MULTI-ADVENTURE
Bozeman to Jackson YELLOWSTONE, TETONS & BIG SKY
6 DAYS CASUAL HOTELS From $4,599 to $4,999 per person double occ. CHOOSE A TRIP FOR • Couples, Friends & Solos • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search YT2M Stay at rustic lodges providing stunning views and modern comforts, including one of Yellowstone’s newest lodges, with a focus on sustainability.
The grandeur of Big Sky Country. Yellowstone’s one-of- a-kind geothermal wonders. The Tetons’ soaring majesty. Earth, water, sky. Access to nature abounds.
Take in sweeping valley views while on a trail ride alongside local wranglers. Admire the vibrant colors of this area’s smaller pools, springs and streams.
Hike to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a geologic wonder. E-bike beneath the Tetons’ jagged mountains amid shimmering lakes and dense forests.
Dolce Tempo: Easygoing by Design
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