Curious about what its really like to go on a Dolce Tempo trip? Three of my coworkers recently returned from their easygoing journeys, so I asked them. Here’s what they said.
What’s so special and different about a Dolce Tempo Easygoing trip? I spoke with three colleagues from the Backroads Marketing Department who recently returned from their own journeys: Andreina Prado, Associate Designer; Anubha Gupta, Junior Production Designer; and Celi Stucken, Paid Media Lead. Here, they share their firsthand experiences and what it’s like to travel as a Dolce Tempo guest.
Which trip did you go on and why did you select this trip? Who did you go with?
ANDREINA: I went on the Cinque Terre & Tuscany Walking Trip.
One of my friends here at the office invited me to go with her just three weeks before the trip, so it was a bit of a spur-of-the-moment decision. And I am so glad I did, because it is the only trip I’ve gone in my almost five years as an employee. Also, we didn’t know each other that well outside of work. Luckily for us, we traveled perfectly together and now we are great friends that still hang out all the time.
ANUBHA: I went on Greece’s Peloponnese Multi-Adventure Trip with my partner. I initially selected this trip because of timing, but I was excited for something that I knew wouldn’t be super physically intense and would leave plenty of time to explore and enjoy the hotels (the spa at Euphoria Retreat in particular!)
CELI: I did the California Wine Country E-biking Trip with my husband. I’m not based in the Berkeley office, but my husband and I met in the Bay Area, and we both enjoy wine so we specifically wanted to go to Napa. The dates lined up and I’m so happy we did Dolce Tempo, because we got a chance to experience such beautiful luxury hotels while still getting a good sweat on!
Have you been on a Classic trip?
ANDREINA: Not yet!
I had a recent injury—I broke my leg after just falling two steps leaving my house... it required surgery and left me with titanium in my leg, so I’m not as mobile as I used to be, even though I’m in my early 30s. Something low key as my first big activity was definitely more my pace.
But even though my leg is healing, I am partial to doing another Dolce Tempo as a preference. Though I know Backroads trips are so flexible that I can go at my own pace regardless of the trip I choose.
ANUBHA: No, but our trip leader was describing the differences between the Dolce and Classic version of my trip, and I honestly think I’d sit out the parts that were additional in the Classic version!
CELI: No, I have not been on one yet. Dolce Tempo was the perfect pace, and I think I would choose Dolce over Classic when available. I heard most people in my trip group say the same thing.
Did you hesitate to book a Dolce Tempo trip? What did you expect it to be like?
ANDREINA: Not at all! While I am always first in line to go kayaking, zip-lining or horseback riding on a vacation, I am also the one to take the time to take it easy and relax and enjoy the accommodations and local cuisine—especially if there is a beach, pool or massage involved.
ANUBHA: I initially hesitated because I thought it would attract an older or smaller crowd, but I actually ended up really enjoying the intimate group setting.
CELI: I hesitated at first because the Classic trips seem to be the most popular, but after experiencing one, I think they’re truly a hidden gem. I’d absolutely recommend giving one a try!
What activities did you do? Where they harder or easier than you expected?
ANDREINA: I had hiked a lot on my own before I broke my leg, so it was a pretty rude awakening lagging behind in a group where the others were older than me. It was harder than I expected, despite how easy these trails would have been for me before my injury.
ANUBHA: Mine was a Multi-Adventure so we were hiking, e-biking and kayaking. It was my first time on an e-bike, and I was blown away by how seamless the boost was and how easy they were to ride. The hikes were on par with the hikes I do on my own at home, which ended up being a perfect pace.
CELI: We did a Bike Trip so every day was biking; initially it was challenging because I hadn’t been on a bike in years! But I quickly got the hang of it again and it was the perfect combination of challenge and ease. Because we spent half the day biking, I had such good sleep–now I know why people get into biking! One of the hotels we stayed at also offered activities such as yoga, Pilates, a gym, pool and pickleball, so we also picked up those activities in between.
What activities did you skip? Why?
ANDREINA: I skipped any longer hikes. I also took some half days if I was tired from the day before or noticed my leg needed rest. My Trip Leaders were helpful in suggesting which ones would be good to opt out of. And on the last day I completely stayed back—I slept in to lounge by the pool. We were staying at a beautiful Tuscan villa, and it was a sunny day—perfect for sunbathing with a good book.
And to the surprise of our fellow guests, we also skipped going out at night. We much preferred to call it a night and get into our PJs, especially if we had an early wake-up call. We were truly in our Dolce Tempo vibes for the trip.
ANUBHA: None!!! Pretty much everyone in our group made it to every activity.
CELI: We decided to skip one day of biking to recharge; we have little ones at home and never get rest time between kids and work. So we took a day to enjoy the hotel and the activities they had on site. Then we met back up with the group for dinner and drinks. It was the perfect day! The rest of the group never skipped a biking day—I was so impressed!
What were the other guests like? Were you able to connect with them and did you feel comfortable hanging out with them?
ANDREINA: There was an instant group dynamic of everyone getting along. The other guests were a mix of singles, couples and siblings. It was a small group, and we never felt like we did not belong. It was easy to chat with them on the trail or at the table.
ANUBHA: It was a group of six: my partner and I, a couple from Canada and two women who had been friends since high school. I felt like I had the opportunity to truly connect with each person one-on-one.
CELI: There were eight of us plus two Trip Leaders. We had a couple celebrating their anniversary, a lovely woman celebrating her birthday, and the sweetest couple on the trip because they enjoyed biking plus the connection of making new friends. Everyone was great and connected well! It was a small enough group that we were able to get to know everyone individually.
For your next trip, will you intentionally look for a Dolce Tempo trip or are you open to Classic trips? What trips are you considering next?
ANDREINA: Since Backroads is so flexible, I am open to a Classic trip but would prefer a Dolce if that’s an option. International travel for me may have to wait until next year, so I am looking for something closer to home on the West Coast, hopefully before the year is out. Maybe Palm Springs or Santa Barbara?
ANUBHA: I’d be open to a Classic trip so I could try something new and get the bigger group experience too! But I loved the Dolce Tempo trip and if the stars aligned, I’d definitely do one again. Would love to do another trip in Europe.
CELI: Everyone on my Dolce Tempo trip was interested in doing future Dolce Trips. I would love to try a Multi-Adventure trip next time. But I would be open to anything (except maybe Unplugged as I am not an advanced rider.)
Would you agree with the idea that by saying no to all-day activities (like in the Classic trips) you actually said yes to a lot of other things (other activities, etc.)?
ANDREINA: Absolutely—I was able to get one of my best massages ever at one of the hotels. So enjoying the amenities is definitely a plus. And I had time to explore the town nearby and bring back goodies from local shops.
ANUBHA: Yes! I was able to enjoy the amazing spa at one of my hotels (Euphoria) and explore the towns on my own with all our free time. It was perfect having a half-day of activity and then the rest of the day to ourselves.
CELI: Everyone on my trip felt like even the Dolce Tempo trip had us on the go, so we were all wondering about the pace of the Classic trips. I think this was a good balance.
What advice would you give someone who is considering a Dolce Tempo trip?
ANDREINA: Whatever is holding you back, I can say that it is most likely a non concern! You should go ahead and try it because you are probably considering a Dolce Tempo trip for a good reason already. It’s both as active as you want it to be or as flexible and laid back as you’re hoping.
ANUBHA: It’s the perfect mix of being a bit active and also getting to relax and be independent from your group! It really feels like a vacation and I totally recommend it.
CELI: Do it! It’s the perfect trip for a beginner or for a first Backroads trip.
Anything else you’d like to add?
ANDREINA: My travel partner ended up being a lot more active than me, and she trailed ahead of me a lot. But I did not ever feel alone; I was blissfully enjoying nature with the group not too far off, or I had a Trip Leader or a fellow traveler pacing beside me.
ANUBHA: My partner and I were the youngest in the group, but we tended to always be at the back of the pack! On our bike rides and hikes, we’d stop to wade in the ocean or a babbling brook, pick mulberries and honeysuckle and take pictures. We appreciated the flexibility of knowing we could stop and smell the roses along the way.
CELI: It was a magical backroads experience, and we can’t wait to do another in the future!
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