Photo credit: Brian McGilloway

As the weather starts to turn from hot to mild here in the U.S., we think it’s a great time to head south and experience some of this country’s most charming cities, y’all. Backroads offers a multi-sport adventure tour that takes you from Charleston, S.C., to Savannah, Ga. and kicks into full gear this fall, just when their weather is at its best.

Begin your bike trip in graceful Charleston, where you’ll get a history lesson as you explore what’s also known as the Holy City, due to its many and varied churches and steeples in the skyline. You’ll also have the chance to marvel at the grand mansions, stunning architecture and beautiful gardens in which there is something blooming in all seasons as you bike Charleston. The historic city is framed with live oaks draped with Spanish moss and every turn is picturesque, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. In addition to biking Charleston through its historic district and enjoying a guided walking tour, enjoy a kayak trip to a bird sanctuary and take in incredible views of the Cooper River Bridge as you pedal across.

On your way from Charleston to Savannah, you’ll also make a stop in historic Beaufort, S.C., and explore surrounding areas such as Hunting Island State Park, which has a beautifully preserved lighthouse; and tour the Penn Center, which describes sea island and Lowcountry African American culture. After Beaufort, you’ll head into lovely Savannah.

As you bike Savannah, you’ll have the pleasure of pedaling along the Intracoastal Waterway to the Isle of Hope, which was home to Savannah’s elite in the 19^th century. Enjoy the city’s many beautiful squares, common areas that have been turned into beautiful parks and surrounding historic mansions.

The lodging on this Premiere Inns trip is stellar, beginning with the Planters Inn in the heart of historic Charleston. A Relais & Châteaux member, The Planters Inn has a gorgeous garden courtyard and is literally a stone’s throw from the Old City Market, which was recently renovated. Other lodging includes the Rhett House in Beaufort, S.C., a Greek revival plantation-style inn, complete with sprawling verandas. Your final night will be spent in the Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah. This Victorian Romanesque mansion has been restored and is located right in the hustle, bustle and beauty of Savannah’s historic district.

You certainly won’t go hungry on this bike tour and you’ll want to sample all the Southern delicacies you can, from coconut cake at The Planter’s Inn in Charleston to fried chicken and biscuits at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room in Savannah.

Ready to experience a bit of Southern culture this fall? Visit our website or contact one of our trip planners 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific at 800-462-2848.

Argentina is a stunning country that has a lot to offer, from some of the highest peaks in the Andes Mountains to some of the most unique wines in the world. And who hasn’t heard of the Argentine Tango … the intoxicating dance that heats up dance floors from South America all the way to the set of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars!

Backroads has put together a bike tour of Argentina that captures the essence of this South American beauty, giving you a taste of the country and its locals complemented by Backroads’ outstanding service.

Our six-day, five night trip begins in San Miguel de Tucaman, a city that is nicknamed “The garden of the Republic” because in the springtime there are flowers as far as the eye can see. From San Miguel, you’ll head to Cafayate, a region known for having the world’s highest-altitude vineyards. Speaking of high altitudes, on the way to Cafayate, you’ll face the challenge of pedaling a 10,000-foot pass!

Have you ever heard of a gaucho? In the U.S., we call them cowboys! Raising cattle is a way of life in this South American country, and gauchos are a great part of the Argentine landscape. On your Argentina biking tour, gauchos will share with our group their passion for horses, music, wine and storytelling. We’ll also enjoy the fruits of their labor, and that of those who work on local farms and vineyards.

On this bike trip, you’ll gain some serious elevation between the Andes and the Quebrada de Cafayate (a brilliant canyon). Each day, your reward is the simple yet breathtaking scenery and the interaction with locals along the way. You can also look forward to relaxing the last two days in Salta at the House of Jasmines, a Relais & Châteaux member. Here you can indulge at the spa or hop back on the saddle for one final steep climb before descending toward Ciénaga Lake.

Of course, daily mileage options are up to you and we provide two vans along the route to help you with whatever you need as you bike Argentina, whether it’s to fix a flat or you’re ready to head back to the hotel. Come bike with us in Argentina. We’ll leave you with memories of this stunning country full of wonderful people and plenty of natural wonders to go around.

To book your Argentina trip today, call us 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific at 800-462-2848.

For more than a decade, a tourism boycott persuaded many travelers to steer clear of Myanmar. But things have changed and Backroads can now fulfill the desire of those who’ve dreamt of traveling to Asia to uncover the mysteries of this secluded country.

For 2013, Backroads is offering an 8-day Myanmar biking tour and an 8-day Myanmar hiking tour, both of which will introduce you to Myanmar’s remarkable scenery, fascinating culture and its welcoming people. And it’s already booking quickly and is appealing to those looking to travel to unspoiled destinations and truly off-the-grid locales. It’s a great one to add to your travel bucket list!

First, let’s talk about the people of Myanmar. You may have the impression that with an organized tour, you won’t have much interaction with the local people. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth with a Backroads adventure. We have relationships with locals who are proud to introduce you to their culture. In fact, we arrange exclusive experiences for you in areas rarely seen by outsiders.

On both trips, you’ll be led off the beaten path to experience temples and the landscape. For example, Yangon (previously the capital of Burma) is a distinctive city with colorful streets and hectic open-air markets. In addition to the public areas, you’ll experience a peaceful stroll with a monk through the impressive 6^th-century Shwedagon Pagoda. This pagoda is the most sacred for the people of Myanmar, as it enshrines strands of Buddha’s hair and other holy relics. The sparkling structure has hundreds of gold plates, and the top of the stupa is covered with 4,531 diamonds, including a 72-carat diamond.

You’ll also experience Mount Popa, which is an extinct volcano that towers 4,900 feet above sea level. Along the southwest spur of the mountain is a rocky turret that rises about 3,000 feet above sea level; this is the home of 37 spirits. Inle Lake is another wonderful stop. You’ll explore this freshwater lake by boat, visit silversmiths, silk weavers and a private home — all set on fixed platforms in the middle of the lake.

If you’ve been waiting to travel to Myanmar, we assure you, the trip is worth the wait. The authentic experiences are many and we’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg here. Go ahead and cross it off your bucket list and see this magical land for yourself. Call us at 800-462-2848 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific time today for more information or to book your Myanmar tour.

Hello, travelers and foodies. Do we have an adventure for you!

On our new Tuscany culinary tour, available in 2013, you’ll not only see the sights and sounds of an amazing region of Italy, but also taste some of the best food that will ever grace your palate. And to top it all off, you’ll also learn how to make authentic Italian cuisine from some of the best cooks in the country.

Backroads’ new Tuscany Walking and Cooking Trip begins in Florence, where you’ll ease into the experience by meandering through vineyards and hiking through hill towns as you make your way to Vescine. There, you’ll take your first cooking lesson with the undisputed masters of Italian cooking … Italian grandmothers!

After cooking with Nonna, you’ll continue on your trip to Chianti, where you’ll take in the beautiful scenery and dine alfresco among the grapevines. Other highlights include a stop at the villa of some of our longtime local friends where you’ll learn the art of making Italian desserts. Tiramisu anyone?

Next, you’ll follow the white roads of southern Tuscany, visit a cheese farm and work with members of your group to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes for a farewell feast.

When it comes to lodging, the places we’ve chosen will make your mouth water, too: A 13^th-century hamlet on the Tuscan countryside; a 13^th-century castle on a hill in Chianti (with watchtowers and an arched stone doorway to boot); and finally, a 15^th-century convent that has been converted into a breathtaking hotel.

This Tuscany hiking tour is the perfect combination of sight-seeing, experiential learning, and food and drink. Did we have you at “Hello?” Visit our website for more info on this trip, or call us at 800-462-2848, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific, to book your Tuscany vacation today.

Each fall, parents gear up their children to head back to school. The list of school supplies is long and sometimes never ending and parents swell with pride as their kids embark on the school year. This brings to mind the schools we get to visit on some of our Backroads trips and the difference we are able to make with our support.

Several of our trips offer the chance for Backroads guests to truly get in touch with the local community and lend a helping hand. This comes in the form of offering support to museums and other national treasures or providing donations and supplies to local schools.

For example, our Walking and Hiking Trip to Peru stops in Ollantaytambo, where we visit a local school, join in sing-alongs and visit classrooms. Backroads works with the school to help them purchase much-needed supplies and games. In the Sacred Valley, also in Peru, we visit a small community where we dance with the locals, interact with the children—soccer anyone?—and bring school supplies.

In Bhutan, where poor waste management threatens the health of residents, Backroads leaders and guests have installed garbage cans along the trail, contributed basic necessities and are currently raising money to build a new kitchen in Chorten Nebu, along with a clean drinking water supply.

Why do we do this? Because Backroads is not just about active vacations, we’re also about Responsible Travel. We understand that any travel has an impact on an area, and we get the amazing opportunity to visit some really interesting and authentic places, some rarely seen by the outside world. So we do what we can to make our impact a positive one. And that means supporting the local environment and culture.

What do our guests think about it?

One guest says: “This was the best trip we have taken with Backroads. Peru was wonderful, the cultural experiences were amazing, the local guide was fantastic and his support crew was off the charts. They are individually excellent and together seemed to work so well. We loved the experience with the local people, children’s school and the village we visited. Backroads giving to the people made it all the more special.”

Another says:  ”The trip was great. Our local guide was a fabulous addition to the trip, and I truly enjoyed his talks on the Incan culture and history. The visit to Huilloc will forever be etched in my mind – the people, the culture, the community and the weavings. Everything we could have possibly wanted all brought together for us to experience.”

Check out all the ways we offer Responsible Travel to Backroads guests and let us know what you think! Better yet, let us help you reserve a spot on an upcoming trip so YOU can help us make a difference.

Traveling single or solo can be the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a chance to experience a destination on your own, while meeting new people who possess the same spirit of adventure. And with Backroads’ unparalleled service, guests can focus completely on the journey at hand while we take care of all the details.

Backroads offers almost 40 Singles + Solos biking tours and hiking tours to locations around the world for singles travel. Here’s a look at two of our favorites:

For six days and five nights in September, you can get away to the California Wine Country Bikefest. Cycle past amazing redwoods and breathtaking coastline, and enjoy farm-to-table dinners and sleeping under the stars with our Deluxe Camping experience. You’ll spend plenty of time biking during this trip that begins/ends in San Francisco and lets you pedal across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge! After your trip, hang out in San Fran, where the annual Jazz Festival, Oktober Fest, Fleet Week and the America’s Cup World Series will all be going on. We think it’s a single’s dream!

Or if you want something a little more exotic, picture yourself next spring on our new Spain biking trip to Andalucía. Arrive in Sevilla, where you’ll embark on a six-day trip that will provide a mix of ancient cultures, mouthwatering cuisine and amazing views of rugged canyons and dramatic cliffs. Then, try your hand at castanets and flamenco dancing. You won’t be able to stop smiling as you immerse yourself into the sights, sounds and tastes of the Spanish culture.

If you’re traveling single or traveling solo, come travel with Backroads. We’ll give you a getaway you’ll never forget! Feel free to call us at 1-800-462-2848, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific, if you have any questions or if you’re ready to sign up for your dream trip.

At Backroads we try to cater to a range of traveler interests  whether you prefer to go on a bike tour or a walking tour or enjoy more casual versus luxury hotels. Our options for lodging are varied and include three main categories:

• Premiere Inns – Many of the places you’ll stay are members of distinguished alliances such as Relais & Châteaux and Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
• Casual Inns — While our Casual Inns are by definition comfortably informal, they must meet a rigorous list of criteria set by the very discriminating Backroads team.
• Deluxe Camping – Truly enjoy the great outdoors by day and night, but relax while your leaders, the camp chef and a camp assistant do all the hard work.

If you’re considering taking a Casual Inn walking tour or biking tour with us, here’s one sample of what you can expect. On Backroads’ Amalfi Coast Walking and Hiking Tour, for example, you’ll stay at Hotel Mamela in Capri. Each room is decorated in bright, unique furnishings and beautiful tiled floors. The hotel offers WiFi, a pool, daily breakfast options and a great location for viewing and touring this beautiful island. Check out the hotel’s gallery to see what a Casual Inn in Italy looks like!

Another example of our Casual Inn trips is the Glacier Park Walking and Hiking Trip. After hiking through Montana and Alberta, you’ll get to relax in the “casual” Glacier Park Lodge. The hotel site is situated on the Blackfeet Reservation and was purchased from the Piegan Indians in the early 1900s. Its opening in 1913 was celebrated by more than 600 invited guests and the Blackfeet Indians who erected teepees on the lawn.

The lodge offers 161 guest rooms, a dining room, bar, espresso stand, gift shop, swimming pool, nine-hole golf course, a day spa and more. Just take a look at some pictures of the Montana lodge. Its lobby is like something from a movie with the main hall flanked by columns made from actual (gigantic) trees. Glacier Park Lodge is casual yet magnificent. We think you’ll agree.

Browse Backroads.com for the region to which you’d like to travel and then simply click the “Casual Inns” option below the trip name. You can check out all the inviting casual places you’ll be staying. Let us know if you have any questions! We’re available every day 7 a.m.-5 p.m. (Pacific time). Just call us at 800-462-2848.

Now is the time to makes plans for a one-of-a-kind Iceland family adventure, as we’ve recently released our 2013 summer travel dates to this magnificent “land of extremes.”

Our Iceland tour, recently named a National Geographic Traveler Tour of a Lifetime, explores the dramatic beauty of this country from its diverse and often contrasting features. They include: glaciers atop volcanoes, stark white icebergs washed up on black sand beaches, and gray lava flats amid white ice fields. It’s truly something to behold on this Iceland bike tour.

Based on this diversity, we’ve created a great family multisport trip in Southern Iceland for you and your family to explore the region’s natural wonders. Get ready to do lots of family biking and hiking, as well as riding on Zodiacs, planes, rafts, horses and even a “super jeep”!

A few highlights include a visit to Skaftafell National Park to view out-of-this-world ice formations, water caldrons, crevasses and a breathtaking icefall; and setting out in a “super jeep” to explore the creeks and rivers near simmering Hekla volcano.

We’ve picked out a selection of Casual and Premiere Inns for this trip, including a comfortable lodge, a countryside resort and a peaceful hotel. Additionally, the Fludir region of Iceland is famous for its organic produce, which you will certainly enjoy at Hotel Fludir, a peaceful hotel in a quiet organic farming community. In addition to its amazing views (rolling hills and ice-capped mountains), you’ll be able to its restaurant menu which includes slowly cooked cod served with potato mousse, vegetables and soy sauce-infused butter; and Icelandic garlic-roasted langoustines with garlic bread and salad. Yum!

This Iceland family trip is the perfect mix of history, culture and adventure and will introduce your family to the wonder of this magical land.

Ready to book or just have questions? We’re available every day 7 a.m.-5 p.m. (Pacific time) at 800-462-2848. You can also visit www.backroads.com.