Destinations

Choosing the river cruise that aligns with your interests can be both exciting and overwhelming. Do you dream of exploring fairytale castles, charming towns, lush vineyards or famous cities? Are you bringing the kids? Teenagers? Adult children? Do you want to cross multiple borders and see many countries in one trip or prefer a more immersive experience in one? To make your decision easier, let us give you a rundown of the incredible views and vibes you can expect on some of our most scenic European river cruises!

The Rhine, the Danube, the Seine: steeped in history, the names of these major rivers evoke images of fairy-tale castles, small towns with red-tiled roofs and some of the most significant cultural centers in Europe. Taking a Backroads Active River Cruise along one of Europe’s iconic waterways is a wonderful way to discover the Continent’s rich cultures, fascinating history and scenic landscapes.

When your whole family loves being active outdoors, sometimes it’s difficult to find an adventure travel vacation that caters to everyone’s needs, especially if you want to combine multiple types of activities in one trip. Want to not just hike, but bike, kayak and zip-line too? Maybe a little horseback riding or snorkeling? Managing the logistics of organizing with multiple individual tour providers can be challenging if you plan it on your own.

Hike atop seaside cliffs in France, walk through historic Spartan battlegrounds in Greece or trek among the world-famous Dolomites in Italy. For outdoor enthusiasts, Europe beckons. Lace up your boots and get ready for some of the world’s most iconic trails.

When you were a teenager, did you want to go on vacation with your parents?  I certainly didn't! In fact, once I reached the age where I didn't have to go on vacation with my parents... I simply refused to go! You see, when I reached my twenties, my parents visited me and I visited them for holidays and special events but we never considered taking a vacation together as adults. There simply wasn't a vacation option out there that equally appealed to every one of us.

We’ve been leading Backroads guided bike tours in France for nearly four decades. From historic routes in Normandy to the sunny villages of Provence, here are what we think are the best cycling destinations in France.

Home to a culture that grew separate from foreign influence, Japan is true to itself and has a distinct character from almost any other place on Earth. Beyond its culture, the land feels undiscovered and is beautiful in its own right. You’ll be up close and personal with this unique culture and stunning landscape as you explore the island on your bike.

Home to over 100,000 miles of hiking trails, choosing the “best” among these natural wonders is no easy task, but here we share with you our top five hiking trails in France. From coastal strolls to rugged mountain ascents, each of these trails offers a unique journey into France’s breathtaking wilderness

When you think of England, you might instantly picture London, the country’s capital, brimming with culture and life. But just four hours west of London lies Cornwall, a traditional Celtic region designated as one of England’s Areas of Outstanding National Beauty. There’s a reason this stunning landscape is one of the most popular getaways in the UK, and why Brits look forward to holidaying here in the summer. While the narrow coves boast white-sand beaches edged with blooming wildflowers, they also whisper the legends and secrets of King Arthur.

The excitement of travel never goes out of style, and 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for active adventures. From women-only trips and epic alpine hikes to unplugged cycling and chasing dark skies, the trends shaping our year reflect a shared love of exploring the world in meaningful ways. Based on what’s already resonating with our guests, here are the top active travel trends that are inspiring us for the year ahead.