Europe

With so much packed into such a small place, it’s easy to miss what makes each region truly distinct. That’s where a real local comes in handy. Luckily for us, we’ve got Scotland and UK Regional Expert Keith Emslie to help us unravel this rich tapestry of cultures.

They say that the memory of tastes and smells is the strongest and longest-lasting of them all. Well, if I had to describe what my childhood tasted and smelled like, I would say olive oil and warm bread.

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.

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.

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.

Explore with active travel experts to some of the most stunning regions in the world. Join Backroads for spring bike rides in North America, summer hikes in Europe, fall safaris in Africa and winter adventures in South America. Get ready for an incredible year of travel!

Guests on Backroads trips to Ireland explore their family history and connect with the land and culture. Alison traced her great-great-grandfather's roots in Schull, feeling a deep connection despite finding no physical evidence. Sean, with a name like O'Shea, felt drawn to Ireland, especially after discovering his father's childhood village. Both guests experienced the warmth of Irish hospitality and the beauty of the countryside, creating lasting memories on their ancestral journeys.

Croatia: it’s one of our favorite places to host our guests, and for good reason! Whether it’s the iconic architecture made famous by Game of Thrones, crystal blue waters or delicious meats and seafood, Croatia delivers a wide range of experiences that we love to share.

After a fun-filled and full day of biking or hiking, there’s nothing like sipping a cold beer and taking in a stunning view. Whether you fancy celebrating in a festive biergarten in Germany or drinking craft beer along the rocky coastline of Maine, a cold brew after an exciting day of adventure is the perfect recipe for a vacation well spent.

The aurora borealis, or the northern lights, are truly a spectacle. We’ve all seen those stunning photos of green, pink, purple, blue, and indigo curtains dancing through the sky. It’s something many of us dream of seeing in our lifetime, and we’re here to tell you that 2024 is the year to see them.