Backroads
Backroads
Tom Hale, Backroads founder and president, built Backroads with his passion for exploring the world’s most fascinating places actively. Thirty five years later, each Backroads employee and legions of loyal travelers could not imagine a better way to travel—immersing yourself in the life of a region and exploring hidden corners while enjoying the benefits and enormous satisfaction of traveling under your own power. These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus, or in a few excursions from a cruise ship or a secluded resort. Active travel is, at its heart, a way of connecting more authentically with the world. Sure, Backroads provides superb accommodations and meals, and opportunities you could never arrange on your own. But all of our comprehensive planning and support is aimed at something far simpler: bringing you the immediate, highly personal satisfaction of discovering a new world on your own terms.

Articles Written

Thomas Cole, A View of the Two Lakes and Mountain House, Catskill Mountains, Morning 1844
June 25, 2019

Ansel Adams, Georgia O'Keeffe & the Landscapes That Inspired Them

Explore with Backroads the remarkable landscapes that inspired the art of Ansel Adams, Georgia O’Keeffe, Claude Monet and many others.

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Twomey Winery, Calistoga
June 24, 2019

The Wines of Wine Country

Celebrate the exceptional union of the vélo and the vino with Backroads in California Wine Country! Spin, stop, sip, savor, spa and smile while you immerse yourself in the winemaking traditions of Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

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Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite National Park
June 20, 2019

Yosemite Hiking & Walking Tour Video

Yosemite National Park: 761,266 acres of "WOW!" Check our video showcasing Backroads Hiking & Walking Tour where we visit iconic sites like Half Dome, El Capitan & Yosemite Falls!

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Pool Relaxing in Germany with Backroads
June 19, 2019

The Relaxing Side of Backroads Trips

Wonder if you’ll have time to relax during your Backroads active adventure? Absolutely! In fact, sometimes it turns out that the quieter, not-so-active moments of travel are treasured as one of the highlights.

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Lake Como Hiking with Backroads
June 6, 2019

Italy's Lake Como & Bellagio Video

Maggiore, Como and Orta could easily steal the title of Great Lakes. Shimmering blue waters set against a stunning alpine backdrop. Majestic palazzos, timeless villas and lovely lakeside towns. And quiet hikes above it all. The views, the flavors, the wines.

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Yellowstone geyser - Backroads Travel
May 18, 2019

History of America's National Parks

America’s National Park Service was founded on the ideals of individual naturalist authors and artists like John Muir. Their awe-turned-advocacy promoted a shift in thought: nature is a treasure that needs to be preserved, protected and cherished. Explore our National Parks with Backroads!

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Sweden to Denmark Video Backroads
May 18, 2019

Sweden To Denmark Bike Tour Video

Sweden and Denmark share connections. Pristine cities and endless islands basking in the blissful Scandinavian summer sun. Nordic cuisine is innovative and delicious. The locals are charming, happy, enviably good-looking--and they share your love for the bike.

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Biking in Puglia with Backroads
April 16, 2019

Puglia to Basilicata Bike Tour Video

Puglia is genuine. Untouched. And there's no better way to experience it than by bike. Cycle past olive trees and seaside towns. Ride through a sunny paradise between the blue waves of the Adriatic and the flawless green of Basilicata. Share a table with the kindest people on the Italian peninsula. Welcome to Italy less traveled. Welcome to Puglia.

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Lake Como Hiking with Backroads
February 1, 2019

Hiking Lake Como and the Italian Lakes Region

About an hour north of Milan, Italy's capital of fashion and design, a trio of stunning freshwater lakes are located within just a few hours of each other. They're surrounded by jaw-dropping mountains that feature nearly every shade of green, and perched along their shorelines are a continuous series of picturesque lakeside villages, villas and palaces. Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta each offer visitors a chance to experience the fusion of culture that exists between the Alps and the rest of Italy; an opportunity to experience the rich Italian culture in a new way. And the hiking here is spectacular!

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