Guest Reviews: Why Travel Actively

"The riding was just right for me, including the options on various days to ride more or less."

Tom King - Atherton, CA

"This was a great trip. Our leaders were the best. They led us around the countryside with confidence, really seemed to know and love the area, kept us motivated and informed and were very entertaining. We loved Tuscany. The accommodations were excellent, the food and drink outstanding and the cycling offered the right mix of activity, site seeing, and relaxation. We will travel with Backroads again. Thanks for the fun."

Ray Raimo - Condord, NH

"This was a spectacular trip. Everywhere I looked was like a scene out of a postcard. The cool, crisp air made for perfect biking weather. The biking left me with a feeling of accomplishment each day."

Kevin Layman - New York, NY

"Our biking trip was first rate in every aspect. The daily biking excursions were well thought out and the scenery was breath-taking, the food was authentic and delicious, the guides were knowledgeable and kind, and the activities were suited to each person's needs. I can hardly wait to book another trip with Backroads!"

Carolyn Bunch - Othello, WA

"Best trip I have ever been on. The balance between biking and sight seeing was excellent."

Ravan Magrath - Montclair, NJ

"I must say this was one of my life changing experiences. The itinerary was great, and I felt as though I was able to do as much or as little as I wanted. The routes offered both challenging and exciting rides, and the support was outstanding!"

Elaine Diamond - Atlanta GA

"The trip was fantastic. Biking is the way to see Burgundy. I felt as if I entered the Middle Ages and stayed for 5 days, as you see so little evidence of the present on this trip, and instead are immersed in a world of chateaus, abbeys, churches and little medieval villages. The food, accommodations and countryside are outstanding, and are combined with some challenging cycling days."

Lonnie Rosenwald - Mercer Island, WA

"Overall, Portugal is a beautiful spot for biking--the quality of the light on the olive groves, oak trees and vineyards will be etched in my memory forever. I would not have felt this connection with the landscape traveling by any other means."

Polly Frawley - North Yarmouth, ME

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"Probably the best walking trip that I have taken. The walks were ideal for me. Difficult enough that I could feel as though I was actually hiking but I was never scared, exhausted or bored. Such an incredible beautiful part of the world!"

Lynn Rosenfeld

"FAR exceeded my highest hopes and expectations! The planning behind it was perfection itself - unspeakably beautiful hikes (the most rewarding of my life), with extremely competent support both on the trail and in the camp. Superb. Superb."

Mary Beckwith - Lincoln, MA

"I have been on several walking trips before, but this was my first Backroads experience. I would rate your company on top of my list. It was truly a wonderful vacation. I am grateful that I found you and hope to walk with you again."

Nancy Dowd

"Having been on a previous Backroads trip, I knew I would have high expectations--and I was not disappointed. The balance of hiking to other cultural activities (naturalist, storyteller, whiskey tasting, distillery tour) was super and added real dimension to the trip. The hikes themselves were well thought out: pacing, opportunity for additional miles, variety of natural settings (mountains, lakes, farmlands, ocean views)--couldn't have been better."

Cathleen Cote - New York, NY

"We would never have experienced the Amalfi Coast like this on our own. We truly ventured off the beaten paths to see small hillside villages, ancient paths that took us under grape arbors and past terraced farms that were 1000 feet above the sparkling Mediterranean. There were hours where the only people we passed were villagers on foot or on donkeys. The hikes were magnificent and our leaders were absolutely wonderful."

Darlene Hayman - Los Angeles CA

"We had a wonderful time - walked our legs off, had beautiful scenery and weather, and pleasant companions and wonderful leaders. We'll take away wonderful memories (and pictures) of the experience."

Robert Riopelle - Mill Valley, CA

"For years I've wanted to travel through Tibet, although I never quite understood where my desire was coming from... The leaders were able to guide me through an amazingly foreign land while removing all doubt and hesitation I may have had about immersing myself into Tibetan culture... In fact, as I witnessed the passion with which our leaders led us through the cities, hills, and villages, I began to envy their globe trotting lifestyle and picture myself in their shoes one day. This trip proved to be all that it promised and more... The most memorable thing that I'll take from this trip is the friendship that I found with Ghompo and Tseibo, our Tibetan Nomad local tour guides, with whom I hope to visit again soon in the future."

Michael Conti - New York, NY

"Alan & I have been on many trips of all different types and places all over the world. Since our return, I have said to everyone, "This is the best trip, the most fun, varied, and beautiful on which I have ever been. The food was awesome (I love to eat!), the hotels terrific, and the group easy and a pleasure with which to be. Who would believe "dancing" through sheep poop and cow patties could be so much fun! The scenery was breathtaking, the pubs were a delightful break between our AM and PM hikes, and last, but not least, the leaders and your Backroads standards of excellence helped to make our trip wonderful. We are already anticipating one of your Tuscany trips. "

Deborah Feldman - Cherry Hill NJ

"I had the best time meeting the group, laughing, eating excellent food, singing, hiking and sometimes sleeping. The accommodations were great, the trip planning was seamless and the leaders were absolutely fantastic and accommodating at every turn. I haven't laughed this much for a good while. I am recommending it to everyone who will listen. Bravo! Thanks for such an amazing cultural, social and physical experience!"

Erin Shay - Evergreen, CO

"Backroads did an excellent job on delivering on the 'backroads' experience, particularly with the hiking routes, which were truly stunning & interesting. I felt like I got to see places, meet people, and do things that I would not have been able to do on my own with a guidebook. Our trip leaders were extremely enthusiastic, accommodating and entertaining."

Jennifer Keane - New York, NY

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"An outstanding multisport trip that balances cycling, hiking and rafting. Among the best, most enjoyable vacation experiences I've had."

Brian Hale - Fitchburg, WI

"WOW! Telling everyone they need to go on this trip. Leaders were both excellent. The group was amazed that the leaders were able to keep everything together and seamless to us all. The group was perfect; I want to see them all again. Food and lodging were first class. The hiking and biking routes were truly 'backroads'. There was nothing I would change about the trip. Best part was finishing the Inca trail and seeing Machu Picchu from the Gate of the Sun."

Jack Nihem - Frisco, TX

"This was the best Backroads trip we have taken. It was very well planned in terms of places we visited, amount of time at each, variety of activities and quality of our experiences. Everything ran very smoothly. We especially liked the occasional surprise such as a singing group or visit to a community. While active, the trip was also relaxing because we just had to show up. We never had to make a decision."

Marty Brandt - Menlo Park, CA

"This was my first Backroads trip, and I was so impressed with the organization. Biking and hiking was an excellent way to see the people and be able to linger when we wanted. We were able to go at our own pace---perfect for those of us who wanted to 'take it all in'--stopping to chat with the locals, take pictures and just take in the beautiful views of nature and man. It was no ordinary trip. This was a spiritual and emotional experience."

Kathleen Volkmann - San Francisco, CA

"This was our first Backroads trip and we were absolutely blown away by what a great time we had! Every day was a new and exciting adventure! Our leaders were the best, anticipating our every need. It felt like going to visit friends who want to show you all the great things the area has to offer and make you feel welcome and comfortable all the while. We can't stop talking about what a great time we had and, of course, the spectacular scenery we encountered in Yellowstone and the Tetons. This was truly one of the best vacations we've ever taken and we'll definitely see you at Backroads for another trip in the future. Thanks so much!"

Marti Petro - Southlake, TX

"Loved the activities and locations! The opportunities were unlike any other Backroads trip -biking, rafting, ice climbing, fishing. Overall, more than I could have hoped for or expected. I would recommend this trip to anyone."

Matthew Hershey - New York NY

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"Great 'Insider' activities. Very educational and yet fun. The accommodations were fabulous!! It was such a nice treat to end at a stunning place at the end of a long day. It was another part of the trip that made it fun and it was nice to be surprised by each accommodation."

Carrie Burckhartt - Fort Lauderdale, FL

"Amazing! Educational! Humbling! Exciting! Fantastic! It was a fabulous experience; will never forget this... I am still talking about it and sharing photos."

Sandy Kazinski - New York, NY

"What a fascinating way to visit a country! From hiking down a mountainside escorted by llamas, to singing songs to village school children, to a champagne toast at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu -- this trip was magical! I am definitely a Backroads convert. I can't imagine ever seeing a country from behind the window of a tour bus again!"

Rue Richey - New York, NY

"Backroads does a wonderful job of planning hotels, restaurants and taking you to places you wouldn't think to see on your own. I would highly recommend this Peru Insider Trip. There were six family members on the trip and everyone thought it was the best vacation they had ever been on. We would all highly recommend it."

Shelly Gray - Reno, NV

"Especially enjoyed Dario Catagno's presentation about Il Palio and Giovanni Adreani`s enthusiastic "insider" tour of Cortona. Giovanni took us to places that I would never have dreamed of entering like standing on the altar and inside the rectory! He had so much knowledge about art and the history of Cortona."

Betty Woo - Newcastle, WA

"I loved the concept of this trip - to be able to have an in-depth experience in a small region (on a tour) at such a relaxed pace is unique. Personally, after traveling to so many places for what amounts to an overview, this was intoxicating."

Susan Kokx - Portland, ME

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