Destinations

The British invented the idea of walking & hiking for pleasure. And ramblers across the UK campaigned for decades to secure everyman’s right to roam. So, it makes sense that the 2,800-mile England Coast Path is slated to open in 2020. And when it does, it will be one of the longest hiking trails in the world.

There’s simply no other place quite like Alaska. Exploring it on foot means that you breathe in all that the land has to offer. In just one day of hiking in Alaska, you can experience more untouched wilderness and see abundant wildlife than on a multi-day backpacking trip somewhere else.

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.

Sonoma County is a mecca for three different types of fanatics—foodies, wine aficionados, and bike fiends. I was lucky enough to grow up in this beautiful part of California's Wine Country and I'm forever indebted to it for instilling in me a love of cuisine, grapes and bicycles. Many Backroads guests on our Wine Country trips find themselves with a day or two to spare in my native land, and I (of course) think that I know how to spend it best. Allow me to share what I would do if I had a few days in Sonoma County.

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!

The Lofoten Islands reach far out into the Norwegian sea and are connected by a network of bridges, winding narrow roads, tunnels, fjords, towering mountain peaks and one picturesque fishing community after another, with their humble red houses looking so striking against a backdrop of green hillsides and blue sea.

The Cinque Terre, which translates literally to "Five Lands," is a group of five villages along a six-mile stretch of the Ligurian coastline in northwest Italy. Evidence of civilization here dates back to the 11th century. These villages, along with their coastlines and hillsides, are part of Cinque Terre National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favorite destination for just about any traveler who has had the good fortune of visiting this magical destination.

"Wow, these tomatoes actually taste like something." The vibrant produce grown in gardens mere steps from where we dine during our Backroads trips through Croatia often garners this reaction. Leaders often jokingly respond, "Because it's grown with love," but, in all seriousness, that's the simple truth. After leading Backroads trips here for the past two years, I've been lucky enough to dine on some of the most delicious, fresh and original meals in all of Croatia, in some of the most undiscovered places. More than just great meals in the homes of our local hosts, these are experiences that offer a window to the genuine culture, passions and real day-to-day world of the people who call this place home.

Northern Italy's Dolomite Mountains are one of Europe's great alpine playgrounds. When we were lucky enough to have world travelers Roamaroo join us on our Dolomites Multi-Adventure Tour, we challenged them to create a video that captures the excitement, beauty, luxury and adventure of this amazing corner of the Alps.

It seems word has officially gotten out about this adventurer's playground, and globe-trotters from near and far want to experience firsthand why it's such a unique and sought after tropical destination. From hiking incredible landscapes to sipping a cup of locally grown coffee, it's easy to see why Costa Rica is one of the most popular holiday destinations Backroads offers.