Europe

Can you believe there are no trespassing laws in Scotland? It's true—Scotland's "Right to Roam" will allow you to discover the hidden corners and forgotten ruins of this stunning country.

The first time I saw Italy was by bike. As it turned out, taking it slow, savoring the details, connecting more personally with the destination is all deeply embedded in the very nature of traveling by bike.

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!

We were 19 strangers meeting for the first time at the airport in Heraklion, Crete. We all had a common passion for cycling, hiking, seeing the world, and eating great food. Our easily identifiable Backroads jerseys came in handy while we were waiting for each other's arrivals.

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.

About an hour north of Milan, Italy's capital of fashion and design, a trio of stunning freshwater lakes are located within just a few hours of each other. They're surrounded by jaw-dropping mountains that feature nearly every shade of green, and perched along their shorelines are a continuous series of picturesque lakeside villages, villas and palaces. Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta each offer visitors a chance to experience the fusion of culture that exists between the Alps and the rest of Italy; an opportunity to experience the rich Italian culture in a new way. And the hiking here is spectacular!