Europe

This year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, pivotal moments when allied forces liberated occupied France and ultimately brought an end to World War II. As a Backroads Trip Leader in Brittany & Normandy, I’ve witnessed first hand the profound impact of revisiting this history and the sense of pride and hope it instills.

From the infectious rhythms of Cuba’s iconic salsa music to the down-home pluckiness of Bluegrass by-the-fire in Kentucky, the live music on the trips below strikes just the right chord. 

We just got back from Mallorca and Menorca, where, as you can see in these photos shot by Liz, I had a smile on my face for the whole week.

The most sparsely populated country in Europe, Iceland is a place where nature dwarfs humanity. It’s awe-inspiring and humbling, and it’s one of our favorite places to travel—here are five reasons why.

We asked Trip Leader Elle Lichter to take us on a virtual trip to France’s world-famous Loire Valley to share her insights and behind-the-scenes info from this beautiful corner of Europe, and satisfy just a bit of your wanderlust!

As a former Glasgow bartender, I’ve spent most of my working life writing lists of “cool Scottish stuff” on napkins for passing tourists. I couldn’t be more excited to give you some bona fide inside knowledge that will bring your Caledonian adventure to life!

The dark, cold waters of Scotland's Loch Ness stretch 23 miles in length and plunge to depths of nearly 800 feet, making it the largest body of water (by volume) in all of Great Britain. And so, it's no wonder that for centuries, people have wondered what strange creatures may live beneath the lake's inscrutable surface... perhaps beasts like the infamous Loch Ness Monster.

Santorini is a Greek island like no other. Stunningly beautiful and distinct from its neighbors in the southern Cyclades, its overwhelmingly gorgeous scenery and fascinating rich cultural history are best paired with moussaka, souvlaki and some of the best wines in the world rooted in 3000 years of viticulture.

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.

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.