Backroads: What's New in 2014

Resting—on our laurels or otherwise—isn't something that comes easy to us here at Backroads. Our trip planners are passionate about finding new destinations for you to explore, and our 2014 lineup showcases a collection of our all-time best itineraries, plus new trips in Iceland, Greenland, Spain, the U.S. and more!

New Classic Biking Trips

CANARY ISLANDS: A Sunny Escape to Gran Canaria & Tenerife 
Just northwest of the African coast, Spain's Canary Islands present huge rewards for those who love (or live!) to ride. This adventure—an ideal wintertime getaway—features two of our favorite isles and introduces you to some of the finest biking routes in Europe.

EPIC RIDE 2014: Legendary Rides in Northern California 
Get set for the ultimate challenge. Ride with us in some of the sweetest cycling terrain you'll find anywhere in America: long twisting climbs, glorious descents, sinuous back roads and endless views of vineyards, redwood forests and crashing surf—the biking in northern California is unparalleled. One date only.

CAROLINAS: Asheville to Greenville 
Join us in the cycling capital of the South. From the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the undulating rollers of South Carolina's Blue Ridge Foothills, from vibrant and artsy Asheville to the outdoor lover's mecca of Greenville, get set to experience one of our most pedal-perfect offerings yet.

New Classic Multisport Trips

ICELAND: Exploration at the Edge of the Arctic Circle 
Experience Iceland's epic natural beauty by bike, foot and on the water. Whether you're looking for a self-contained escape with something a bit different from the usual European vacation, or you'd like an action-packed centerpiece to a longer getaway, you're certain to have a memorable journey in the Land of Fire and Ice.

SWITZERLAND: Massif Thrills in the Swiss Alps 
The Alps astonish travelers like no other mountains on Earth. You'll explore this stunning landscape with the help of an inventive network of gondolas, cable cars and funiculars that bring you up close to beautiful lakes, flower-filled meadows and thundering waterfalls.

GULF ISLANDS: Scenery & Superb Cuisine on British Columbia's Undiscovered Isles 
Simple pleasures abound in the Gulf Islands: a stroll on a rugged beach, stretch-forever views of pristine forests and waterways—and the most delicious smoked salmon you've ever tasted! Here at the edge of the continent, you won't have to hike, pedal or paddle far to find your bliss.

SAN FRANCISCO TO MONTEREY: Redwoods, Surf & Sea Lions on California's Central Coast 
On foot and two wheels, explore a beautifully undeveloped stretch of California coastline. Discover wind-scoured beaches, sinuous cliff-edged roads and classic seaside towns like Carmel and Santa Cruz. These six brilliant days in the Golden State are sure to leave an impression.

New Classic Walking Trips

ICELAND & GREENLAND: Spectacular Wilderness at the Top of the World 
From vibrant Reykjavík to active glaciers and a remote outpost where sled dogs outnumber the humans, adventure awaits at the Arctic Circle. If you're the breed of traveler who gravitates toward the earth's hinterlands, this may be one of your life-list trips.

PROVENCE COOKING: A Flavorful Journey in the Lubéron, Les Baux & Windswept Alpilles 
Learn the secrets of Provençal cuisine from a Michelin-starred chef. Walk in the very forests, fields and orchards that nurture each succulent produit du terroir. Taste vintages where the grapes are grown. Sample olives, goat cheese, herbes de Provence and other classic specialties. With Backroads you'll expand your culinary repertoire alongside our local friends.

GALAPAGOS & ANDES: The Ecuadorian Highlands & Darwin's Enchanted Islands 
Get set for more culture, wondrous wildlife, natural beauty and pure, simple FUN than you can imagine! Rich traditions and epic landscapes await in the highlands. Then hike with naturalists in the Galápagos for intimate encounters with remarkable creatures.

PANAMA: From the Canal to the Cloud Forest 
Experience the vacation of a lifetime in Panama, a tropical paradise long beloved by explorers and adventurers. Discover breathtaking landscapes—cloud forest, rain forest and volcanoes. And witness a wealth of fascinating wildlife in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

New Family Trips

ICELAND & GREENLAND: A Nordic Adventure in the Land of the Inuit, Sled Dogs & Glaciers 
Experience an action-packed week on the Arctic Circle—it's your very own Norse saga! Here massive glaciers loom larger than life. Waterfalls roar and icebergs crack. In Iceland and Greenland's vast frontier, the sense of unexplored wilderness is omnipresent.

SOUTH AFRICA & BOTSWANA: An Active Safari from Untamed Wilderness to Unrivaled Luxury 
Promising more than you can imagine and everything you expect: premiere lodges, classic scenery right out of National Geographic, and once-in-a-lifetime cycling and hiking in game reserves with the continent's best rangers—all seamlessly connected by our private charter flights.

SAN FRANCISCO TO MONTEREY: Redwoods, Surf & Sea Lions on California's Central Coast 
Get set for good times in the Golden State. This new oceanside adventure along California's stunning central coast has something for everyone, from easy-going beach walks to energetic rides. A highlight for kids? Seeing marine creatures up close at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium!

New Singles-Solos Deluxe Camping Trips

ALASKA: Pure Wilderness on the Magnificent Kenai Peninsula 
Imagine trails to hike, rivers to raft, quiet coves to explore by kayak and breathtaking roads to ride. Picture glaciers and volcanoes, bald eagles everywhere you look, and vast sea waters teeming with puffins, sea otters and humpback whales. Be part of an incredible Alaska camping adventure this summer.

BRYCE, ZION & GRAND CANYON: Adventures in the Incredible Canyons of Utah & Arizona 
Venture into a labyrinth of spires and hoodoos in Bryce Canyon. Gaze in awe at the Grand Canyon's immensity. Cycle on Zion's crimson-colored roads and hike amid the park's soaring rock faces. Three epic national parks. Six glorious days. And countless opportunities to mix, mingle and play in the great outdoors.

CANADIAN ROCKIES: Bike, Walk & Raft in Banff & Jasper National Parks 
Amid the grandeur of Banff and Jasper National Parks, savor unparalleled moments, like pedaling over lofty Sunwapta Pass or venturing onto the Athabasca Glacier with skilled glacier guides. Enjoy the stories, laughter and good times that flow so easily around the campfire. We've got a tent waiting for you...

SAN JUAN ISLANDS: Biking, Hiking & Sea Kayaking Washington's Islands of Adventure 
Pedal through towering corridors of fir and cedar, past sheltered inlets and coves. Explore driftwood beaches, walk a shaded lakeside trail and marvel at magical sunsets. All around you are shimmering waterways and emerald green islands. It's Pacific Northwest camping as you've imagined—only better!

YELLOWSTONE & TETONS: Bike, Hike & Kayak in Wyoming's Wilderness 
Out west in Wyoming, finding your next adventure is easy. Witness hot springs, hissing geysers and bubbling mud pots. Bike and hike through alpine meadows and untouched forests beneath the sawtooth peaks. Spot wondrous wildlife, from elk to eagles, bison to bears. And soak up a mother lode of Old West spirit!

 

 

"BACKROADS JUST DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO PUT TOGETHER ANYTHING BUT THE PERFECT TRIP! THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER MEMORABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE."

—JAN DOTSON 
LOVELAND, CO