Destinations

Battered Mars bars, newspaper-wrapped fish-and-chips and haggis is what Scottish food is all about, right? Well, this may have once been the case, but the modern food scene in Scotland has transitioned from beige fried food to innovative menus exploding with local farm produce and twists on traditional dishes. Given the abundance of rich green fields with a water source every 200 meters, it’s no surprise Scotland is rapidly blossoming into one of the most impressive culinary destinations in the world.

Not only does Spain’s Mallorca have incredible natural beauty, history and culture, but it also boasts an incredible number of hotels that take hospitality and service to the next level. After a long day of biking or hiking, there’s nothing better than a dip in the pool, a well-crafted cocktail or a trip to the sauna at a one-of-a-kind property.

Imagine the sound of your kids laughing as they go white water rafting. Imagine the joy on their faces as they zip-line over rain forests or spot a sloth for the first time. Better yet, imagine the fun you’re going to have when you’re doing these things too!

In the land of azulejos, pastel de nata and Port wine, it’s easy to forget that—outside of the stunning seaside cities of Porto and Lisbon—there’s world-class hiking. Portugal is home to some truly incredible hikes that you don’t want to miss! So come with us as we explore some of the best hikes Portugal has to offer.

It's hard to deny that Machu Picchu is a truly grand feat of engineering, but why was such an impressive structure abandoned? War? Disease? Divine intervention? Learn more about one of the greatest archaeological mysteries in human history, as well as how to explore it on your next visit to Peru!

Imagine: the sun is shining and a gentle sea breeze blows off the Atlantic coast. You’re riding your bike, soaking in the stunning scenery. And then you roll into a quaint village and decide to stop for a snack. What you’re greeted with is the most delicious pastel de nata (custard tart) you’ve ever tasted. Life can’t get much better than this. This is just a snapshot of what makes Portugal a cyclist’s dream in our eyes. Let Backroads bring those dreams to life.

Costa Rica has activities for seasoned thrill seekers and inexperienced explorers alike. We’ve spent nearly 30 years in this Central American paradise finding the best hikes, bike rides, rivers and beaches as well as building longstanding local connections.  

The Hudson Valley’s rolling hills, scenic rivers and charming small towns are a magnet for cyclists like me. The hills are perfect for getting a burn, you’re rewarded with well-earned views and of course, there’s a cruisy valley descent.

The view from a mountaintop is always worth it and always inspires us. But the strange thing is, the view from the top seems to obscure the actual, physical toil it took to get there. Inevitably, we find ourselves lacing up our hiking boots again or putting our cycling shoes back on to climb yet another peak, seemingly oblivious to the incredible challenges ahead. Of course, climb a mountain–including the world’s most iconic ranges–with Backroads and the joy multiplies: logistics, gear, route-planning, lunch stops and guides will all be taken care of so that you can focus simply on finding your stride or cadence and achieving your best day, whatever that means for you.

From world-class cycling and hiking to kayaking, yoga and even wildlife cruises, our Portugal trips are sure to surprise you, delight you and intrigue you at every corner. We offer a range of Multi-Adventure Tours in Portugal that will satisfy your—and your family’s—craving for exploration. Let me tell you a little about them!