backroads travel activity levels

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Escorted Tours that are rated by difficulty & activity level - Senior Travel Forum

• Tripadvisor Forums    
• Senior Travel Forums

Escorted Tours that are rated by difficulty & activity level

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Senior Travel forum

My wife and I have tried nearly all of Road Scholar's Easy trips. Are there other tour companies that rate their trips by Easy, Moderate, etc.?

Where do you want to travel to?

USA, Caribbean, Canada, UK, Mexico, Northern part of South America

Well, Tauck rates theirs with both Activity and Pace levels but for the life of me I can't see how to sort them by Activity and Pace on the website!

Here are their definitions of Activity and Pace:

"Activity:

LEVEL 1: May include climbing some stairs and walking for up to an hour at a time over primarily level ground, interspersed with periods of standing.

LEVEL 3: Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

LEVEL 4: Designed for fit, vigorous travelers capable of easily walking three miles or more. Many days might include active pursuits such as hiking, bicycling or sea kayaking for one to three hours at a time. Guests should be capable of walking three or more miles over terrain including hills and rocky or uneven terrain.

LEVEL 1: Generally easy, with occasional free time for rest and rejuvenation.

LEVEL 2: Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights , and extended motorcoach travel.

LEVEL 3: Pacing is sometimes robust, and may include several long days with early hotel departures, active sightseeing and evening activities. Opportunities for daytime rest and rejuvenation may be limited on most days. May include significant motorcoach time, two or more on-tour flights , and/or occasional travel via non-traditional means such as safari vehicles, Zodiac ship tenders, rickshaws/pedi-cabs, etc.

LEVEL 4: Pacing is consistently robust with very full and active days, early hotel departures most mornings, and possible evening activities as well. Little free time may be available for rest and rejuvenation. Travel within the destination may be taxing and could include extended motorcoach time, multiple flights , and/or frequent use of non-conventional transport (safari vehicles, Zodiac ship tenders, rickshaws/pedi-cabs, etc.)."

I looked at several other tour companies for both European and US travel and don't fine activity ratings at first glance.

My first choice was Tauck. I must say that with Tauck, you can opt out for a 1/2 day ,more or less, if you are staying overnight and will not mess up your t our schedule. They are very accommodating about making your trip your own.

Another company is OAT's. Overseas Adventure Travel. They also rate their trips as to the activity involved.

Explore do this.

https://www.explore.co.uk/

The problem with levels of difficulty is that companies ask for no proof that a passenger is actually at that ability level, OAT rates their trips and many people have an over inflated ego, Not many companies are willing to "ship" a person home for their inability to keep up with the group,

almost all companies now rate the activity level of their tours. Collette, GoAhead Tours, many others list a activity level. Sometimes subjective but it is listed.

Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum posting guidelines with regards to family-friendly language and/or subject matter.

Which company?

Look at the OAT site.

https://www.oattravel.com/

Our experience with OAT rating -- several folks opted out of the more difficult adventures, which did not slow the small group.

Good news: NO single supplements.

• Best Coach tour USA 12:27 pm
• How to snow bird with pets?? 11:34 am
• Road Scholar this year Apr 25, 2024
• Holiday ideas needed for elderly parent Apr 24, 2024
• Best trip insurance company Apr 23, 2024
• My mum needs a travel companion Apr 21, 2024
• Small group tour to National Parks Apr 19, 2024
• Tauck Tours - How good are they? Apr 19, 2024
• Emerg medical insurance - 78 y.o Canadian going to Mexico Apr 16, 2024
• Has anyone bought Emergency Assistance Plus? Apr 15, 2024
• Good Life Abroad company Apr 12, 2024
• Staysure Travel Insurance Apr 12, 2024
• AllClear Insurance (UK Based) Apr 10, 2024
• What to do ... lost prescription drugs ... Apr 07, 2024
• Pandemic tour company refund experiences
• Tour Refund suggestions
• Back Packing at 70
• Travel Tips for Seniors
• Seniors enjoying going solo
• Suggestions for finding a *safe* Travel Buddy
• travel insurance policy

Backroads combines physical activity, cultural immersion, intimate local connections, impeccable gastronomy and luxury accommodations to create rewarding journeys around the world.

What is Backroads?

Backroads is a luxury active travel company. Their bike tours, multi-adventure tours, hiking tours and more — including active cruises and active safari tours — allow travelers to immerse themselves in a particular place, from Provence to Patagonia.

Learn why  booking with a Fora Advisor is better than all the other booking methods — including online travel sites.

Why Book Backroads with Fora

Booking with a Fora Advisor means VIP treatment from start to finish. Say hello to…

BESPOKE PLANNING

1:1 support, how to book backroads, book with fora.

Tell us more about yourself to get matched with a Fora Advisor and start planning your dream trip today.

Backroads FAQs

What types of travelers does backroads cater to.

Just about everyone. There are trips for solo travelers, friends, couples and families (with different trips catering to families with teens and younger kids, plus “kids” in their 20s and beyond). Backroads can also arrange private trips.

Do I have to be an athlete to enjoy a Backroads trip?

Absolutely not! Backroads caters to everyone — and every activity level. On any trip, there are always route options with varying degrees of difficulty. Plus, if any activity ever becomes too much, you can always take one of their handy support vehicles back to the hotel (or spa), without any shame. This is your vacation, after all. (If you’re looking for something with more of a slower pace, their Dolce Vita trips are a great option.)

Where can I travel with Backroads?

Backroads’ list of destinations is vast — they run trips on all seven continents. Wherever you choose to go (Oman, Thailand, the Canadian Rockies, Puglia…), there are no wrong decisions.

What’s the hotel situation with Backroads?

Backroads believes strongly in stellar accommodations. From countryside castles and luxe lodges to seaside retreats and hidden gems, all of the properties included on a Backroads itinerary have been rigorously vetted, and many are members of Relais & Châteaux, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Four Seasons and other prestigious collections.

Popular Searches

• Portugal Bike Tours
• Family Trips
• National Parks
• River Cruises
• Women's Adventures

Portugal's Azores Multi-Adventure Tour

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+ Women's Adventures Women 18+ Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18) Families with Older Teens & 20s Best for ages 17-23 (min. age 14) Families with Teens & Kids Best for ages 9-17 (min. age 4)

From $4,499 - $5,799 /person

Activity Levels 1-4

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Casual Plus & Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - From lavish luxury to on-trend boutique, offering experiences as unique as the regions we explore.

Casual Plus Hotels - A step above Casual but not quite Premiere.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

2024 : Apr-Dec 2025 : Jan-Feb, May, Sep, Nov-Dec

Waterfalls, Volcanic Craters & Lush Island Landscapes

Known locally as the “Hawaii of Europe,” remarkable scenery abounds on this rugged archipelago. From volcanic craters to emerald hillsides, powerful waterfalls to smoking fumaroles, explore the island of São Miguel, the Azores' biggest and most geographically diverse. It’s an adventure flavored by fresh pineapple and local delights served up in tiny coastal villages. And it’s one you'll never forget.

• Soak in natural hot springs, savor farm-to-table cuisine and unwind at sumptuous retreats overlooking the ocean
• Hike and bike beautiful routes through the volcanic landscape of Sete Cidades with its abundant vegetation, impressive crater lagoons and mile-wide calderas
• Whale watch in one of the best destinations in the world, and get a front-row seat to the breaching sperm whales and playful bottleneck dolphins that live in these waters
• In this place ripe for eco-adventures, kayak shimmering crater lagoons, swim in geothermal pools and rejuvenate with morning yoga

Start/End Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island

Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

We recommend flying into and out of Ponta Delgada's João Paulo II Airport (PDL).

Please note that trip start and end locations are subject to change and can vary by departure. A Travel Planner, complete with trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at time of booking or soon after and will be viewable in your Backroads account.

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Explore volcanic São Miguel, the largest and most diverse island in the Azores • Hike around viridian Furnas Lake to reach a collection of steaming fumaroles • Witness chefs cooking the famous cozido das furnas stew in geothermal soil • Lush Grená Park nature reserve—with its picturesque waterfall and wooded trails—beckons a visit • Discover the north shore’s dramatic cliffs and shoreline by foot • Historic watermills, breathtaking bluffs and panoramic views are on display • Indulge with a fresh lunch in the red-roofed seaside town of Maia • Cool off with a swim at Maia's natural pools • At a local tea plantation, enjoy a delightful tour and hike • Bike through charming Azorean villages with traditional stucco homes and age-old cobblestone streets • Get your camera ready for sweeping vistas of the volcanic shoreline and sapphire ocean.

An iconic and sumptuous wellness retreat featuring a natural hot spring pool, original Art Deco architecture and sprawling private park. (pool, spa)

Pedal into São Miguel's stunning interior, a gem of the Azores • Breaching sperm whales and playful bottleneck dolphins abound! • Kick back at our luxurious oceanfront retreat • Dinner tonight is a grand farm-to-table affair • A scenic hike on Sete Cidades volcano leads to the beloved Boca do Inferno viewpoint • Soak up incredible views over the volcanic terrain • Kayak the deep green and blue waters of Sete Cidades' peaceful crater lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul • Rejuvenate with a morning yoga class • Opt for a surf lesson at our resort's black-sand beach • Watch mesmerizing waves break against volcanic rock on a final hike along the coast.

Situated in a pristine corner of São Miguel Island, this exquisite resort is a haven of tranquility with organic decor, an indulgent spa and stunning ocean views. (pool, spa)

Our trips range in activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between. Several routes are offered each day so you can choose your perfect amount of activity. Learn more

*Includes shuttle

• Activity Level

What's Included

• All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
• Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
• Snacks and beverages between meals
• Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
• Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
• Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
• Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
• All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
• Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
• On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
• Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
• Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
• Park and other entry fees
• Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
• Select coach transfers
• Baggage transfers and porterage

Not Included: Leader gratuities, transportation to and from your Backroads trip start & end locations, and on-your-own meals & activities.

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

The slower pace, relaxed approach to life and old-world qualities in Portugal are some of the highlights of this spectacular region and are reflected in the hotels and restaurants on this trip. That said, service can lack a sense of urgency when compared with the service found in other parts of Europe. While the hotels we've chosen are some of the finest in the region, they may seem a bit simpler than the Backroads European standard. The same can be said for Portuguese cuisine, which is traditionally a celebration of local flavors but is also a bit more rustic than that of other places we visit in Europe.

Due to ocean tides and weather conditions, the day and time of water activities may vary somewhat by departure. Rarely, an activity may be canceled because of bad weather. If this is the case, your leaders will have alternative options planned.

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

Adventure-Ready Hotels

Ideally located with ready access to trip activities, our Casual hotels are also known for their character and charm.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Casual Plus Hotel

Casual Hotel

• From Backroads (16)
• From Guests (0)

#MyBackroadsTrip

Share your adventure.

Tag @backroadstravel or use #MyBackroadsTrip to submit your photos.

Choose Your Perfect Bike

Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Included in your trip price

• Ideal for avid cyclists
• Responsive, efficient and comfortable
• Drop handlebars only

Performance Road Bike Sizing & Geometry

Swipe to see more

• Suited for a wide range of cyclists
• Comfortable ergonomic seat
• Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
• Upright handlebars only

Backroads Touring Bike Sizing & Geometry

• One of the lightest e-bikes available
• Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
• Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting

Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

Backroads Electric-Assist Bike Sizing & Geometry

Have you gone on this trip? Be the first to leave a review.

Dates & Prices

Select Guests & Rooms

If you require more than 4 rooms or more than 2 beds per room please contact us.

If you require more than 4 rooms or more than 2 beds per room please contact us .

Your guest & room selections

You may only reserve one Stateroom Category at this time. Please call 800-462-2848 if you would like to make other arrangements.

Available Stateroom Categories

Each room must contain at least 1 guest.

Reservations must contain at least 1 adult (18+)

Please select your single room preference(s).

Enter the first & last name of your preferred roommate.

Hang on! Your request is still processing

Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.

1 room, 1 bed

More 2025 Dates Coming Soon

Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group

Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.

Still want to go private? Contact us

Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Book with Confidence

Backroads provides flexible booking policies so that you can plan your vacation with complete peace of mind.

Tell Us About Your Trip

Request a Sample Itinerary

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on pre- and post-trip travel arrangements, regional highlights and more. It's the perfect tool to help you choose!

Not sure of your travel date? Select any departure to view a sample itinerary. We'll also email it to you so you can access it at your leisure.

We're always seeking opportunities to enhance our itineraries; published trip details including routes and activities, as well as trips start and end locations, are subject to change and can vary by departure. Please do not use this itinerary to schedule your flights or any other travel. A Travel Planner, complete with the trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at the time of booking or soon after.

More Trips for You

Our Help Center is full of useful tips on finding your perfect trip, managing your reservation and much more.

Discover Your Next Adventure

By sharing your email address, you agree to the practices described in our  Privacy Policy .

New Tours for Boomers Prove That Travel Adventures Don’t Have an Age Limit

One writer learns what “pace yourself” means while hiking in ireland..

• Copy Link copied

The Gap of Dunloe in County Kerry, Ireland, is among the highlights on a new Backroads trip.

Photo by essevu/Shutterstock

As I gazed at the route ahead, a long ascent of gray boulders, the editor in me thought how trial and trail are similar. Sweating through my clothes, I wished I’d brought shorts, not rain pants, for my September hiking days in a surprisingly dry and sunny Ireland. This was not what I had signed up for.

Weather is a wild card, but I’d chosen this Backroads trip in County Kerry , labeled “easygoing walking” and “ Dolce Tempo ” (that’s Italian for “old farts”) for a reason. Seventy is on the horizon and my feet are not what they were. I hated to admit that I qualified as an older traveler, but thank goodness I did not select the standard version of this journey, which includes several more miles per day and greater elevation gains.

To be fair, I am not really a hiker. My daypack and rain pants were brand new, and I was using walking poles for the first time to pick my way among the big rocks. But for my first visit to Ireland, I wanted to see it from more than a train or bus window.

I’d long wanted to try a Backroads adventure, and its new Dolce Tempo offerings —active, but not too active—appealed to me. The premise of these vacations is that you can go at your own pace and do as much or as little as you want, whether than means skipping the afternoon hike or choosing to walk to the hotel later in the day versus ride in the van. I was about to discover that, for the most part, you could take your own sweet time.

A booming focus on seniors

Backroads launched Dolce Tempo in 2021 with 27 choices. Most of them are in Europe and the USA (often in national parks), but there also are trips to New Zealand, Peru, and Southeast Asia. Next year, the company will feature a total of nearly 400 Dolce Tempo departures, with 8 for the Ireland hiking option alone. It’s also introducing Dolce Tempo Family Trips. Besides hiking adventures, Dolce Tempo offerings include biking (using e-bikes) and multi-adventures (such as rafting and kayaking). Clearly, an audience exists for “active, but not too active” trips often aimed at an older clientele, although there are no age restrictions for adults.

The first and final days offered easy walks, including this one in Kenmare.

Photo by Pat Tompkins

The Baby Boomers cohort—including retirees with the time and money to travel now—has boosted this trend in travel: More companies are promoting tours geared toward mobile older folks who know that the best way to appreciate a place is by foot. It’s not new: Road Scholar has been in operation since 1975 (when it was known as Elderhostel), with educational programs for retirees; it began offering more active trips about two decades ago. Road Scholar’s focus remains people age 50 and older—two-thirds of its participants are Boomers—aside from some family options, such as those that pair grandparents with grandchildren.

The various offerings of Adventures Abroad include Senior Travel Tours that it labels “soft adventures” for people 50 and older. These tours range from one week to several and are limited to 18 participants. ElderTreks focuses solely on what it calls “small group exotic adventures” for travelers over 50. Among them are hiking treks in Eastern Europe, Oman, Madagascar, and Papua New Guinea lasting from one to three weeks at a range of activity levels. Not a hiker? Try Senior Cycling .

Smithsonian Journeys has recently added Active Journeys. Although they are not specifically designed for older travelers, they feature three levels of activity so travelers can choose the pace they want. In addition to several places in Europe, Smithsonian also offers in 2024 three dates for “Gorillas of Rwanda” and “Patagonia Hiking Adventure.” Country Walkers and Walking the World are among the other companies with small-group travel for various levels of activity for any age.

Hitting the trails

For this journey in southwestern Ireland, one concern I had was my fellow travelers. We numbered 20, all couples, aside from me and one other single woman. Ten years ago, when I was sprier, I’d traveled with another well-respected company, dismayed to find myself spending nearly a week with two much older couples, one reluctant to navigate the cobblestones of Old Québec City. They were pleasant but so slow. I did not want a repeat of that experience.

Day Four’s hike called for a pair of hiking poles to navigate steep, rocky sections.

On our first day, during an easy walk into the Gap of Dunloe, I saw that the group looked fit. I estimated ages from mid-50s to mid-70s, mostly at the higher range. (Later, after talking with them, I discovered I’d underestimated ages in general.) Backroads has a brand-new app that shows you each day’s routes, the distances and options, and the elevation changes. And the peppy three Backroads staff accompanying us told us what to expect before we began each hike. They were enthusiastic and well experienced in leading trips. They were also half our age.

That age gap made me wonder, but we were also accompanied on our most strenuous hike by a winsome retired teacher, Mike Murphy, a local who now works with Backroads as a guide. He handled the trail like the proverbial stroll in a park.

I was surprised that our initial walk followed a paved road busy with cars, horse-drawn wagons, and various other hikers. This was no back road but a popular (and scenic) couple of miles. Although rain was forecast and Backroads had urged us to pack rain pants, Ireland continued to be hot and dry throughout the week.

That weather was a real plus on day two. The morning hike included hills, and the group thinned out, with the fittest folks leading the way while others paused more often to catch their breath. You could savor the scenery. Dolce Tempo is not for the Fitbit fans aiming to maximize their mileage. Along this trail, sheep far outnumbered people.

After a pub lunch, we stopped at Rossbeigh Beach. I knew swimming in the Atlantic was an option from the itinerary, but I had pictured a short, rocky beach and frigid water, all gray. Instead, I was treated to a long, wide sandy beach with sunshine and delightfully brisk but welcome water that I shared with a few other swimmers, mostly locals. No, there wasn’t any place to change or shower, but I didn’t care.

An ancient yew tree grows inside the cloisters at the ruins of Muckross Abbey.

Photo by Davaiphotography/Shutterstock

The walks on day three included Torc waterfall and a ramble among the estate at Muckross with “Master” Murphy (the retired teacher) keeping us entertained and informed about local flora and fauna. The quiet ruins of Muckross Abbey were followed by lunch in Killarney; I was happy to find an ice cream shop with such local flavors as Dingle Sea Salt and Irish Brown Bread. We had options to head directly to the hotel or visit Ross Castle and walk or ride from the castle to the hotel. Each day included longer options for those who wanted to get more miles in, but only a few members of our group opted for the extensions.

On day four, I balked. The detailed preview that our guides presented sounded arduous for the heat: scant shade, lots of ups and downs, the sort of path where you needed to watch most steps to avoid a mishap like twisting an ankle (basically, hot and slow). This was the only day with a single, long hike, the only time we carried sack lunches. (There were no facilities of any sort along this trek.)

The sole option for a shorter hike was to start at the end and only go as far as you wanted before turning around. Yes, that meant I’d probably miss the waterfall, as well as the lively Master, but I was among eight or so who opted for the abbreviated route. As we drove off, he was leading the majority of the group through warm-up exercises; it looked like an Irish version of the hokey-pokey.

We back-enders soon spread out and I was hiking on my own. It was the first time I needed two walking sticks to keep my footing on “paths” that were too often steep heaps of large rocks. I plodded on, realizing I’d have to do this all again in reverse. I abandoned my aim to reach the waterfall and stopped in some rare shade. The weird vegan sandwich Backroads had provided (I’m vegetarian) was its only misstep regarding food all week. I couldn’t even guess what it was made of, so I dined on carrot sticks and hummus with my water. (Later, I learned that the others had prosecco near the waterfall; they also said the first half of the walk was the less strenuous part. So it goes.)

Naturally, the final day of hiking was considerably milder and flatter, with the plus of an appealing picnic (unlike the sad sack lunches of day four). And before a farewell brunch on the morning of departures, we did an actual stroll that included an ancient stone circle only blocks from our hotel, a reminder of where paths can lead you.

In addition to deluxe hotels (two of the three had very welcome swimming pools) and top-tier meals (Backroads is not for bargain hunters), several evenings included cultural extras. These highlights included a local storyteller/poet who also sang songs, an informative comparison tasting of several whiskies, and a local troupe of women and girls playing music on traditional instruments and demonstrating Irish dances. (We all joined in dancing for a rousing finish.)

While I found one day’s outing far from “easygoing,” the trade-off was accomplishing something I would not have tackled on my own. That’s part of travel: getting beyond your routine, trying something new.

Would I sign up for Dolce Tempo again? I’m already trying to decide on one among several prospects for next year. Joey Coe, who has led numerous Dolce Tempo groups, says they tend to attract people with “what I call the ‘joy of missing out’ as opposed to the ‘fear of missing out,’ meaning if their body is telling them it’s time to get off the bike and go to the pool, they tend to be happy about it.” As someone who took advantage of every opportunity to swim on the trip, that’s an approach I applaud.

9 Best Travel Companies for Walking Tours and Hiking Tours in 2024

Enjoy some of the world's most beautiful landscapes at the speed of your own two feet..

Review: EF Go Ahead’s Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany with America’s Test Kitchen

There’s something extra special about seeing someplace on foot the way you do on a walking tour, hiking tour, or guided trek. Maybe it’s the slower pace and the ability to actually admire sights you might just zip by in a car, bus, or train. Maybe it’s the easy opportunity for connections and conversations with local people. Or maybe it’s being out in the fresh air, enjoying and appreciating the natural setting of the location you’re visiting.

It’s probably some combination of all three that make walking tours, trekking tours, and hiking tours a popular way to travel. Whether you prefer an easygoing amble, a moderate hike, or a challenging summit, there are some great foot-fueled tours from hiking tour companies that explore famous locales and off-the-beaten-path spots all over the world. Here are my picks for the nine best travel companies offering walking tours and guided hiking trips.

WORLD’S BEST:  15 Best Group Travel Companies for Guided Tours in 2024

1. G Adventures

Small group tour specialist G Adventures  places a special focus on creating guided trips that benefit the destinations visited. The company offers a big range of hiking and trekking tours that let you experience iconic destinations in an active way . Many of these trips are physically challenging excursions, like the  Trans Bhutan Trail and trekking tours in places like  Nepal , Patagonia , and the  Alps . Hiking tours with G Adventures take you all over the world, too, from  Southern Iceland  and  Northern Greece  to  Alaska  and U.S. national parks.

PICK YOUR TRIP: 10 Best G Adventures Tours to Take in 2024

Tour descriptions feature a handy “Is this tour for me?” section that includes the physical rating, service level of accommodations, and visa requirements. Hiking and trekking tours can be filtered by budget, destination, and service and physical levels. And if this kind of travel is new to you, the G Adventures website has answers to commonly asked questions about its hiking and trekking tours, like the effects of altitude and where and how you’ll sleep. 

Quick Facts about Hiking Tours and Trekking Tours with G Adventures

• Average guided tour group size: 10 to 12 people.
• Price range: Pricing varies, with most tours in the $1,000 to $5,000 range.
• What’s included:  Accommodations, some meals, staff and guides.
• What’s not included: Pre- and post-trip airfare, some meals.
• Primary audience: Standard tours are open to adults and children ages 12 years or older when accompanied by a parent. Family Adventures are open to families with children between six and 17 years of age. The company also offers tours just for  18-to-30-somethings .
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Central America, Europe, Middle East, New Zealand, North America, and South America.

2. Explore Worldwide

Adventure travel company Explore Worldwide  has four decades of experience leading immersive, once-in-a-lifetime trips featuring well-crafted itineraries, top local guides, small group sizes, and a commitment to responsible travel. More than 400 tour options take you to 120 countries on all seven continents. Explore offers a range of small-group guided walking tours and trekking tours in locations around the world . Expert guides lead the walks along the planned-out routes, and Explore takes care of elements like accommodations and luggage transfers.

ADVENTUROUS WOMEN: 9 Best Women-Only Travel Groups and Tour Operators for 2024

Walking tours are available at different activity levels so you can choose one that best matches your interests and physical abilities. Easy to moderate options in 2024 include a walking and wine tasting tour of Spain and Portugal , a walking holiday on the Amalfi Coast , and a walking tour of Jordan’s Spice Trails . More challenging treks and bucket-list-types of trips include  Kilimanjaro  and  Mont Blanc  trips. 

In addition to detailed information included in the description for each tour (activity level, information on accommodations and meals, daily itineraries, etc.), the active travel company also offers lots of insight about walking, trekking, and hiking tours in general on its website. You can find answers to  seven common questions about walking vacations and other advice and guidance. 

Quick Facts about Walking Tours and Trekking Tours with Explore Worldwide

• Average guided tour group size: 12 guests.
• Price range: Explore’s walking tours and trekking tours start at $530 per person and go up to $7,650, with most in the $2,000 to $5,000 range.
• What’s included: Accommodations, meals (number of meals vary by tour), tour excursions, leaders and guides.
• What’s not included: Flights to and from tour start/end points (there is an option to purchase them through Explore), some meals, gratuities, and optional excursions
• Primary audience: Solo travelers, couples, and friends who like small group travel and active vacations. Explore guests tend to range from 40 to 70 years of age; about 65% of attendees are female and about 65% are solo travelers.
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, New Zealand, North America, and South America.

3. Intrepid Travel

In its more than 30 years in business,  Intrepid Travel  has taken guests on thousands of trips to all seven continents with a commitment to responsible travel. That means focusing on things like community-based tourism, animal welfare, diversity and inclusion, and climate change when planning trips and itineraries.

The company offers a range of walking tours that allow you to explore destinations on foot in a way that works best for you, e.g., walking, hiking, or trekking. Walking tours travel on defined tracks and smooth surfaces, and you don’t need any special equipment or preparation. Hiking tours take to trails, mountainsides, and other rugged terrain and make for a great in-between option. Trekking tours travel to remote destinations on challenging terrain that requires both specialized equipment and the ability to rough it. 

TOURS FOR TWENTYSOMETHINGS: 7 Best Group Travel Companies for Young Adults in 2024

Intrepid also offers creative alternatives to overcrowded trekking routes. For example, the 12-day Great Inca Road  trek avoids the highly popular Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and brings tourism to new communities along a less-traveled trekking route in Peru. Other good options for walkers, hikers, and trekkers include the company’s tours along  Camino de Santiago , treks to  Everest Base Camp  and  Kilimanjaro , and hiking tours of  U.S. national parks .

You can search trips by region and activity types, and tour descriptions include info on itineraries and inclusions as well as helpful sections labeled “Is this trip right for you?” and “Why you’ll love this trip” to assist with choosing the right adventure. There’s also a  FAQs section  that answers common questions about these kinds of tours and lots of  reviews  for firsthand traveler insight.

Quick Facts about Hiking Tours and Trekking Tours with Intrepid Travel

• Average guided tour group size: 12 people.
• Price range: Prices vary widely; the average price for a 12-day tour is $3,000.
• What’s included: Accommodations, transportation during the tour, most meals, included activities, leaders and guides, and all hiking permits.
• What’s not included: Airfare and travelers’ insurance.
• Primary audience: Tours attract all audiences; there’s an age minimum of 15.
• Destinations: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, and the Middle East.

4. The Natural Adventure Company

Founded in the United Kingdom in 2009 by a pair of avid adventurers and explorers,  The Natural Adventure Company  aims to make walking holidays and cycling vacations financially accessible for travelers interested in exploring areas in a nature-focused way. Most of its tours are self-guided, with itineraries that include stays in small, locally owned accommodations and an emphasis on responsible tourism.

COMFORT ON VACATION:   How to Choose the Best Walking Shoes for Tours

Popular 2024 walking tours from the company include a self-guided tour of the  trails of the Albanian Alps , a self-guided journey along  Portugal’s coastal Fishermen’s Trail , and a privately guided walking holiday in Morocco . Newer offerings for folks who like to travel by foot range from self-guided walking tours in  the Balkans  and the  Swiss and Italian Alps  to a two-week guided tour of the  Corsica GR20 long-distance walking trail . 

Online tour descriptions include a day-by-day itinerary and information on what to expect in terms of everything from accommodations and meals to level of difficulty, terrain, and weather conditions. Reviews from past travelers and photo galleries provide further insight on the trips. You can search tours by destination or holiday type, then further filter by difficulty grade. All walking tours include accommodations, transport, luggage transfers, support from the tour company, and suggestions for food and activities. Some tours also include meals.

Quick Facts about Walking and Hiking Tours with The Natural Adventure Company

• Average guided tour group size: Most tours are self-guided. Guided tours tend to range from eight to 10 guests.
• Price range: Tour prices start at around $300 and average about $1,200.
• What’s included: Accommodations, transport, luggage transfers (as per itinerary), 24/7 phone support. Some tours also include meals.
• What’s not included: Air, train, or bus fare to the destination; connecting transfers; meals not mentioned in itinerary; travel insurance (required); and local tourist taxes.
• Primary audience: Participants on these tours tend to be active and outdoorsy, digitally savvy, and in their 40s and up. Most travel with a partner, but some travel with a family member, friend, or solo.
• Destinations: The majority of the company’s tours are in Europe, but it also offers tours in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. 

5. Exodus Travels

Exodus Travels  led some of the first group trekking trips through the Nepalese Himalaya more than 45 years ago, and today that legacy lives on. The company offers a range of walking and trekking tours  around the world led by experienced trekkers and local guides. Exodus operates in more than 100 countries and focuses on low-impact tourism and contributing to local communities. Walking and trekking tours are available at several different activity levels, from leisurely and moderate trips to challenging and extremely difficult treks.

ACTIVE OLDER TRAVELERS: 8 Best Senior Travel Tour Companies in 2024

Tour groups often stay in locally owned accommodations, and the company’s guided (and self-guided) walking tours allow you to really connect with a destination at your own pace and with a low carbon footprint. Popular tour options include a walking tour of Italy’s Prosecco Hills , a classic trek along Peru’s Inca Trail , and an  Everest Base Camp trek . Newer walking and trekking tour offerings include a coastal walking tour in the French Riviera , a self-guided walking tour on Malta , and a walking excursion on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast . 

Tour descriptions detail daily itineraries and distances traveled each day, information about the local weather and terrain, and reviews from past participants. In addition to filtering the company’s walking and trekking tours by activity level, you can search trips by types of adventure (summits, coastal walks, etc.), price range, and destination. 

Quick Facts about Walking Tours and Hiking Tours with Exodus Travels

• Average guided tour group size: Four to 16 guests.
• Price range: Tours average $2,000 to $4,000 per person.
• What’s included: Accommodations, most meals, airport transfers in destination, services of a local guide, some gratuities, admission to any sites on the itinerary, and any specialized gear needed.
• What’s not included: Pre- and post-trip airfare, some meals, and some gratuities.
• Primary audience: Travelers who like to move. Tours with an activity level of one (leisurely) just require that you be healthy enough for a standard weekend walk. Moderate trips require a basic fitness level since there will be some walking at higher altitude and occasional longer/harder days. Challenging and tough tours require a high level of fitness and often previous experience. 

6. Boundless Journeys

When  Boundless Journeys  puts together its small-group travel tours, it aims to create trips featuring active itineraries, cultural encounters, and authentic experiences. Local guides bring destination-specific knowledge and insight to the tours, and the company has appeared multiple times among the Top 10 World’s Best Tour Operators in  Travel + Leisure ’s World’s Best Awards. The company’s hiking and walking tours allow you to immerse yourself in a destination by seeing it on foot. Local guides take you to the best trails and walking routes in the region. Accommodations are locally run hotels and inns, mountain lodges, and seaside resorts.

INCREDIBLE JAPAN: 10 Best Japan Tours to Take in 2024

The  Tour du Mont Blanc adventure rates as the company’s most-popular waking and hiking tour, taking you through the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps and stopping to admire sweeping vistas and small Alpine villages along the way. Other options include a walking tour of the lesser-known villages and coastline of  Italy’s Puglia region  and a tour that includes hiking along Japan’s Nakasendo Trail  (a historic inn-to-inn walking route linking Kyoto and Tokyo). Trekking tours are also available for a more challenging experience . 

Walking tour descriptions include detailed itineraries, the activity level of each trip, and a “What to Expect” section with a range of information about the destination and the tour. Tours range in duration from seven to 13 days and extensions are offered in certain destinations.

Quick Facts about Walking Tours and Hiking Tours with Boundless Journeys

• Average guided tour group size: Eight to 10 people.
• Price range: Depending on the length of the tour, location, and the type of tour, prices range from $4,895 per person based on double occupancy to $9,895. 
• What’s included: Accommodations, guides, all on-tour transportation, all activities noted in the itinerary, entrance fees, all or most meals.
• What’s not included: International flights to and from destinations, optional meals and activities.
• Primary audience: Boundless Journeys guests tend to be well-educated, well-traveled, active individuals; generally hail from North America; and range in age from 40s to 70s.
• Destinations: Asia, Europe, Latin America, New Zealand, and North America.

7. Backroads

Active travel outfitter Backroads  has been a force in adventure travel since 1979, leading walking tours, hiking tours, biking tours, and multi-adventure tours all around the world. The company offers more than 130 walking and hiking trip itineraries  that take you through rugged spots like  Alaska  and  Patagonia  and scenic locales like  Cinque Terre  and the  Cotswolds . Walking and hiking tours are offered at many different activity levels and for different kinds of travelers.

PACK RIGHT: 10 Essentials for Your Carry-on Bag You Need to Pack

Dolce Tempo tours  move at a more leisurely pace and are well-suited for novices to active travel. Some walking and hiking tours are available for families with older teenagers or kids in their 20s, while others are best suited for adults with a strong fitness level. Tours include almost everything, and accommodations range from casual hotels to more luxurious lodging options. Small group sizes make for a more intimate experience and guides help travelers find the best views and special spots along the way.

Quick Facts about Active Tours with Backroads

• Average guided tour group size:  Backroads hiking and walking trips average 16 guests with a maximum of 20 in the U.S.
• Price range: Prices vary depending on destination and trip length, starting around $2,999 per person double occupancy four a four-day trip.
• What’s included: Accommodations, most meals, trip leaders and guides, private guided tours at some sites, all gratuities at hotels and restaurants, special events (like wine tastings) mentioned in the tour itinerary, park and other entry fees, transportation during the tour, and baggage transfers and porterage.
• What’s not included: Airfare, alcohol, and trip leader gratuity.
• Primary audience: Participants range from couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers to families with older teenagers or kids in their 20s.
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, and North America.

8. Country Walkers

Walking tour company Country Walkers  took its first steps as a tour operator out of an old barn in Vermont in 1979. Today the company helps travelers explore the world on foot in destinations near and far, with a focus on authentic travel and local engagement. The company offers two types of experiences for travelers. Small-group guided walking tours take you beyond just the usual spots for hands-on experiences and connections with members of the local community. For self-guided walking tours, Country Walkers takes care of all the logistics and planning so you can explore at your own pace. 

GO IT ALONE: 10 Best Tour Companies for Solo Travelers in 2024

Local restaurants and small, family-owned or locally based accommodations are part of the equation no matter which option you choose, part of the company’s commitment to sustainable travel, responsible tourism, and the slow food movement. Tours are classified by activity level and range from anyone-can-do-it easy walking tours to challenging excursions where you’ll walk for miles each day, sometimes at high elevations. Each tour description includes information on daily mileage as well as reviews from past travelers to help guests choose the best fit for them.

Options in 2024 include self-guided tours of the  Portugal coast  and  England’s Cotswolds region  and guided walking excursions of  Italy’s Puglia coast ,  Greece , and  Norway’s fjords . Country Walkers offers a number of guest benefits, from the option to book air travel along with the tour to a referral program, plus options for solo travelers.

Quick Facts about Walking Tours with Country Walkers

• Average guided tour group size: About 18 people.
• Price range: Tours range from $2,098 to $8,798 per person, double occupancy.
• What’s included: Accommodations, most meals, and guides or access to assistance for self-guided tours.
• What’s not included: Airfare to and from the destination, airport car service. (You can choose to book a flight-tour combo through Country Walkers to get these and other add-ons.)
• Primary audience: Country Walkers’ main demographic is travelers ages 55 to 80. But the company also welcomes people traveling with their adult children and/or teenage grandchildren. 
• Destinations: Africa, Asia and South Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North America, and South America.

9. World Expeditions

World Expeditions  took its first group of trekkers to Nepal in 1975. Since then, it’s become a go-to operator for travelers interested in small-group active tours, responsible tourism, and “taking the path less traveled.” World Expeditions was the first operator to offer cycling holidays in India (1977) and China (1978) and trekking trips in Mongolia (1980), Tibet (1981), and Japan (1999), and is also the first to offer fully supported commercial treks along the entire length of the  Nepal section of the Great Himalaya Trail .

BRING THE KIDS: 10 Best Guided Tour Companies for Family Vacations in 2024

The company believes that active outdoor travel helps people better experience a destination, no matter the activity level of a trip or age of a participant, and offers both  guided  and  self-guided  walking and trekking tours. On the guided excursions, expert local guides and adventurers enhance the trips with knowledge and expertise. Tours range in difficulty from introductory treks to highly challenging trips. Tour prices include the cost of accommodations, most food, and transport.

Among the company’s unique offerings are tours that help you explore the  Armenia Transcaucasian Trail and  Georgian Transcaucasian Trail  in the Caucasus Mountains. World Expeditions is one of the first operators to offer the option to trek selected sections of the long-distance Transcaucasian Trail in both countries, and you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking vistas and cultural sites along the way.

Quick Facts about Walking Tours ands Trekking Tours with World Expeditions

• Average guided tour group size:  8 to 10 people (maximum of 16).
• Price range:  Upscale, price varies greatly (World Expeditions offers hundreds of itineraries ranging from a few of days to 150 days). 
• What’s included:  Services of an expert local guide, accommodations, private transportation, most meals, sightseeing and national park fees.
• What’s not included:  International flights, alcoholic beverages, tips and gratuities, and travel insurance.
• Primary audience:  Active travelers ages 40 to 65 and older.
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Middle East, North America, and South America.

More from TourScoop:

• 9 Best Companies for Culinary Tours and Food Tours in 2024
• 4 Great Tour Companies with Independent Tours in 2024
• 10 Essentials for Your Travel Toiletry Kit

Road Scholar Debuts Special Trips for Retired Teachers

New Vacation Trend: European River Cruise Companies Are Now Targeting Family Travelers

New Year Tour Sales: They’re Big and They’re Limited Time

What’s tourscoop.

Tour Scoop’s team of travel experts brings you in-depth tour company overviews, tour itinerary reviews, the latest tour news, and travel tips and advice written just for guided tour travelers like you.

More about us

Tour Review: Lindblad Expeditions’ Baja California: Among the Great Whales

Whale watching is only the beginning.

Whale Photography Tips from an Expedition Cruise Photo Instructor

Taking great pics of whales is no easy task. Here are tips.

Tours That Are Surprisingly Great for Teens and Their Families

Guided tours hit the sweet spot when it comes to traveling with teens.

The Scoop: What to Know About G Adventures

Award-winning small-group adventure-travel tours are the G Adventures specialty.

Paradox Travel

Free travel itineraries, reviews and recommendations 

• Jul 13, 2018

What's it like to travel with Backroads?

Updated: Jan 24

An Active-Luxury Travel Review

Backroads introduced me to the concept of Active Travel almost twenty years ago, when I first signed up for one of their cycling trips. At the time, they were already twenty years into it and trips mainly revolved around road cycling or hiking. I spent a glorious week in the Canadian Rockies, gawking at eye-popping scenery, laughing with newly made friends and pedaling in a state of what I like to call ‘activity bliss’. I was hooked after that first experience, and vowed to do it again.

That trip also awakened my own love of travel planning, for myself as well as my friends. In subsequent years and inspired by that first Backroads experience, I planned a group cycling trip of my own, a trekking experience through the Dolomites with two friends, as well as all of the Epic Journeys described on this website. I also fell in love with Active Travel. To me, there is no better way to experience a place than by the force of my own power. So I understand why Tom Hale started this company in 1979. And I understand why 40 years later Backroads is still blowing the doors off of the Active Travel scene. Passion begets passion, and it shows with this company. Today, Backroads does more than just cycling and hiking tours. They offer river cruises, and multi-sport adventures, culinary options and snow experiences. And their destination list has become quite impressive.

My husband and I are still avid cyclists today. Although we both have cycled with a few other Active Travel companies over the years, he had yet to experience a trip with Backroads. And quite honestly, I was curious to see if all their growth and diversification had affected the quality of their original Classic Cycling trip.

Spoiler alert: It hasn’t.

Which Trip?

This particular review is for the Loire Valley Classic Cycling trip. There are so many options to choose from, it's really came down to areas of interest and which tours were available at the time of year that we could travel. We had just finished an 11 day road trip in Iceland , which was actually the stop-over en route to Paris. So France was our choice and since I've always wanted to sleep in a castle, Loire Valley seemed to be the perfect match. We chose the Classic trip but there are also two other levels of service, Deluxe Camping and Premiere Hotels. Our two weeks in Iceland had been a self-planned, windy and cold adventure. So we knew that once we arrived in France, we not only wanted warmer weather, but a plush bed and an upgrade from camping as reward. From our discussion with fellow travelers, the biggest difference between the Classic and the Premier trips is that the Premier accommodations all have a spa option on site and the guests dine at more than one Michelin rated restaurant during their trip. From my personal experience, I can tell you that all of the chateaus that we experienced (4-5star) were gorgeous and each night our dining was a three to four course delight, including one Michelin rated restaurant. So if you choose the Classic option, I doubt you will be disappointed.

A Typical Day

The Backroads group is a master at time efficiency. This is in part, why the trip ran so smoothly. It started as we were comfortably transported from the train station to the countryside in an air-conditioned luxury coach. The guides wisely made use of the available hour to cheerfully go over typically mundane topics - the initial debriefing and of course, bicycle safety.

Each day, as we settled into our room, we were provided information sheets that described the ride distance for the next day, options for variance, as well as what times we need to be ready for dinner and breakfast the next morning.

We were fitted to our bikes on the first day. I was impressed by the guides’ attention to detail and sincere interest in making our rides as comfortable as possible. And every day on the tour, they would check the bikes again, tune them up, make any needed adjustments and have then ready to roll the next morning.

After breakfast, a verbal briefing was given, including any tricky or potential confusing sections of the route, options to shorten or lengthen our distance and any sites we would be visiting en route. Snacks such as nuts, protein or granola bars and fruit were provided both before and throughout the ride.

Then, after all questions were answered, we were off. We’d see the guides and support van at various times on route. But we were free to ride our own pace. Some days I stopped frequently en route to take photos. And others, I simply enjoyed a blissful ride though the countryside. Lunch was provided almost every day except for one, either as a fabulous picnic created by the guides or a three course meal at a local restaurant. And at the end of the day, we were always done riding in time to shower and relax in our rooms, prior to dinner.

Backroads does an excellent job at providing distance options to match a variety of cycling abilities as well as varying levels of interest. Flexibility is one of their strongest assets. I could ride as little or as much as I wanted. The guides were even willing to accommodate guests who did not want to ride at all on a given day. Their attitude was “its YOUR vacation!”. The routes on this trip were amazing. Despite my own experience with foreign country way-finding, many of the lesser known paths that we experienced could only be found by local riders or people who really knew the area. Scenic farms roads, hidden, bike-only asphalt paths , quiet gravel trails through tree-lined tunnels – this is quintessential Backroads style. We rarely had to compete with traffic, saw very few cars while riding and were able to enjoy some of the most pleasurable and relaxed cycling that I have experienced in years.

The Equipment

GPS - When I first rode with Backroads nearly twenty years ago, we used paper maps with type written turn-by-turn directions. Today in 2018, each rider had their own GPS unit that attached to their handle bars which had all of the preset routes already programmed into them. Anyone who was less familiar with using a GPS was patiently given instruction and as much repeated help as needed throughout the week. I loved riding this way! All I had to do was glance down occasionally to watch for upcoming turns and listen to the ‘beeps’ that indicated the turn was coming up. In other words, I was able enjoy my ride with my eyes more on the scenery than on an instruction sheet. Granted, some cyclists still missed turns when not paying attention. And the GPS units themselves can sometimes be a bit ‘finicky’ when under canopy. But overall, I felt that they were an asset. In case any of you reading this are gadget-phobes, printed directions were also provided as backup, as well as the guide’s cell phone numbers in case we got lost. We never did.

Bikes - The bikes are one of the major distinguishing features that set Backroads apart from other cycling tour companies. This may not hold the same value to some travelers as it may to others. And I admit that I can enjoy a ride on pretty much any type of bike. But Backroads tours now have three bikes options to choose from, with no additional charge : The Performance road bike (titanium frame, carbon fiber fork, drop bars and electronic Ultegra shifters ), the Touring bike (titanium frame, upright bars, wider tires) and The E –bike (electric pedal-assist shifting on titanium frame). This last addition is a brilliant move. It removes the final barrier that some potential travelers may have: concern over not being fit enough to ride with their families or travel companions. And this bike option is also available at no extra charge, making it easy for riders with varying ability to enjoy the same trip together. Bravo Backroads!

On the Classic Loire Valley trip, the meals were excellent. Each morning, we had a buffet breakfast available, with a wide variety of light European / continental fare. At most hotels, you could also request hot cooked eggs to your liking. Aside from one, lunches were included and comprised of either a gourmet picnic-style lunch (complete with fresh local pastry) or a three course meal at a local restaurant. The menus were semi-fixed, meaning you had two or three pre-arranged items to choose from for each course. And the choices we had were excellent. Dinners were often a two hour affair! Each evening, we met for, or were transported to dinner and seated either as one large group or at tables of six to eight guests. I enjoyed this, as it allowed for terrific table conversations with the guests that we were riding with. Wine or alcohol was not included with most meals but was always available to purchase. And personally, I felt that wine prices were very reasonable. However, a few evenings Backroads did surprise us with celebratory champagne starters. Nice touch. Similar to lunches, we given two to three choices for each course and the selection was terrific. And as an added bonus, on the night we ate at a Michelin rated restaurant, the chef added several additional small items to our dining experience. I was stuffed.

The chateaus where we stayed were beautiful! Backroads did an excellent job at selecting unique places with visual stunning architecture. Each room was slightly different and we were advised that guest room selection was random. We stayed at three different chateaus and although our second room was the largest, the other two nights were spent in equally beautiful, and very comfortable rooms. One note about Loire Valley chateaus: IF there is air conditioning at all, its usually in the common areas and restaurant. Because of the age of the buildings, not all individual rooms may be retro fit.

Our trip was for adult couples and singles and had eleven guests. Backroads also offers trips designed for families, with activities like fencing and chocolate-making for the kiddos. I liked this size group as it was easy to talk to people, without being too overwhelming. The ages of the guests on our trip varied from 25 – 66 years old, with the majority of the group in their 40’s or 50’s. Every one who was on our trip was really nice. Conversations were interesting, we shared many laughs and it felt as if we were all part of the same global 'tribe': people who love to travel, like to stay active and enjoy good food and a few luxuries along the way.

Another outstanding feature of Backroads is the quality of their staff. Of course, to be in a guide in any tour company, I’d think you would need to have some personality, a thick skin, and a service-oriented attitude. But the team on our trip had obviously been rigorously vetted and included of a lead veteran who had been with Backroads for more than seven years, a fairly new co-leader and an energetic van support guide. All were bilingual, extremely knowledgeable about the area and continually smiling! What stood out for me was that all three of them shared duties, had interchangeable skillsets, and worked as an efficient, collaborative team. All of them were emotionally mature, physically fit, extremely smart and showed genuine interest in each guest. And to add to those admirable qualities, I never felt like anything I asked for was a problem for them to accommodate. Here is an example. I had brought my own cycling shoes and pedals for this trip. During one of the rides, I had the odd experience of losing a screw from one of my shoe clips, leaving it basically impossible to safely get into and out of my pedals. Since I was in the middle of the route, I had to complete that days ride pedaling with one clip-in cycling shoe and one non-clip sport sandal. I was prepared to pedal the remaining days of the tour in my running shoes but the guides barely flinched. “We’ll figure it out!”, was the quick, enthusiastic response. The nearest sporting good or cycling shop was more than fifty miles away. However, the next morning, 'lo and behold', my cycling shoe somehow had a new screw in it and was fully operational. The effort (or the donation) was simply shrugged off with a ‘business as usual’ smile.

The Takeaway

In almost forty years, Backroads has not lost a step.

Even with their immense growth, they have figured out how to maintain that ‘special sauce’ combination that makes them so unique and remain a definitive frontrunner in the Active Travel community. This Classic Loire Valley trip has been a guest favorite for many years and I can see why. The level of seamless organization that I experienced on this route was the reflection of detailed area knowledge, exemplary service, an excellent route plan topped with professional execution.

Yes, many travelers may consider a Backroads trip a vacation ‘investment’. But when I consider everything that is included for the price of the trip - including the level of the service that I received, and the quality of the overall experience - the value is very evident. It was also such a treat for me to let someone else do the work of planning. As I said, I do love organizing my own trips. But sometimes it’s really nice to let go and allow someone else to do it. It feels a little like self-care. The fact that all I had to do was wake up, show up and ride made an activity-filled week feel like a luxury .

Thanks Backroads. You will be seeing me again.

Feel free to check out some of our other travel itineraries  

From all other world (as well as another area  where i love to give a lot of free stuff away), if you like van-camping, check out some of the other cool road trips  we've done in our sprinter van ,   are you a photographer  looking to hone your skills my husband's a pro and hosts affordable online classes  as well as a terrific speaker series  with tips from other world-class professionals that will enhance you skill and creativity., check it out, recent posts.

Winter Wonderland: A Photography Adventure in Lofoten and Alta, Norway

Highlights of Southern Spain

Mercedes Sprinter van conversion review – Insights for buyers ready to try Van Life

More From Forbes

Post-pandemic active travel - your best hiking and walking vacations.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Hiking vacations combine exercise, fresh air and stunning natural beauty in top spots like Italy's ... [+] Dolomites. A perfect post-pandemic vacation, these trips are booking at record pace.

Travel is making a comeback, with a lot more growth on the horizon. As people eager for a change of scenery start to plan their first vacations in a year or two, one of the hottest parts of the travel industry will be my favorite, active travel.

Top tour operators specializing in hiking, walking and biking trips are reporting record bookings for 2022, with heavy demand for Europe as travel-starved North American customers seek to return across the Atlantic.

During the pandemic lockdown many outdoor activities boomed in popularity, including cycling, hiking, golf, running and just about anything that got us out of the house and moving in the fresh air. Many people fell in love with new activities they were trying for the first time, and some also changed their priorities to reflect new behaviors learned during the COVID-19 crisis. Tom Hale, founder and President of specialty tour operator Backroads explained active travel’s sudden popularity, saying, “People want to spend time in wide-open spaces, breathing fresh air and hiking off-the-beaten-path trails.”

Hiking and walking trips run the gamut from moderate to more extreme, and top tour operators like ... [+] Backroads offers options for all tastes.

In the last column I covered the basics of how to go about planning a cycling trip . Today it is time for hiking.

WhatsApp Brand New iPhone Feature Just Launched That s Much Easier To Use

Apple’s iphone ai plans confirmed with new software upgrade, packers complete safety overhaul with georgia’s javon bullard.

For any kind of active travel, the easiest way to plan a great trip is to go with an experienced specialty company. They already know the best routes and trails in the best hiking destinations. Well-trained and experienced guides make the trip much better, not just while hiking, but also by providing insight into the flora, fauna, geology and history of what you are seeing, as well as explaining local food and culture, one of the biggest reasons to travel in the first place.

Tour companies also offer one big practical advantage in the face of potential record-breaking post-pandemic tourism. Lodging in popular hiking/walking destinations like Italy’s Cinque Terre or Switzerland’s Zermatt may prove very hard to get, and these operators already have rooms blocked. They also have reservations at handpicked restaurants for most meals along the way, throw in a lot of extras that would be difficult or even impossible to do on your own, such as VIP tours or private visits to wineries, galleries, studios or castles that never open to the public at all.

Active tour operators also have van support, which helps you get from the trailhead to your hotel at the end of the day, and often allows them to offer multiple length hiking options each day for differing activity levels by having spots where hikers or walkers can jump into the van. These trips usually involve different lodging every night or two along the way, and they move all your luggage. Airport or train station transfers are often included as well.

Active travel doesn't have to mean mountains - one of the world's most popular walking destinations ... [+] is Italy's Cinque Terre, with five stunning coastal towns (this is Riomaggiore) linked by a pedestrian route.

There are three main options for such trips. Privates are the top tier, where it is just your party with fully guided support. This is the most expensive way to go, but in addition to the exclusivity and privacy, it offers the advantage of letting you choose your own dates versus selecting from scheduled departures. The trips are also more customized, even if they are pre-planned itineraries.

Scheduled group departures are the ones listed in the glossy catalogs where there is a preset itinerary offered on specific dates and you sign up and travel with a small group of other hikers or walkers. This offers the most bang for the buck. Some operators offer the same trip with two different lodging price points, like mid-range and luxury options.

In between these two models is the self-guided offering, which takes an existing scheduled trip, turns it private and drops the guides. The luggage transfers and tours and meals are all still included, and this essentially lets you do a private-style trip closer to the price of a group one while still not having to do any serious research, planning or heavy lifting. The downside is you lose the expert input of the guides. Among top tour operators, Butterfield & Robinson pioneered the self-guided option and offers it for popular options such as hiking in the Dolomites or walking in Burgundy, Tuscany or on the Amalfi Coast.

There are some important considerations around difficulty specific to hiking and walking trips. First, the main difference between these is the footing, not the exertion. Walking sounds easier but these trips can be just as physically demanding as hiking. The distinction is that hiking takes place on hiking trails and walking on a mix of streets, forest roads, dirt roads and pedestrian paths, but can still involve long instances and climbing. That being said, while walking trips can be quite challenging, the hardest of all these trips are the more advanced hiking ones, simply because they go up big mountains.

Some of the world's most beautiful scenery can only be accessed on foot.

Each trip is graded for overall difficulty, and each company explains its scale of exertion on its website and catalog. It is extra important to pay attention to the difficulty rating for each trip when hiking. On most cycling and some walking trips if you get tired along the way you can just jump into the van. But on a 12-mile section of wilderness trail that does not cross any roads, there is no way out. This means that while you can get away with a cycling trip that is above your comfort level, doing this on a hiking trip is big mistake.

Finally, hiking trips can be at considerable elevation you will never encounter on other kinds of active travel like cycling or multi-sport itineraries. Hotspots like Kilimanjaro, the Himalayas, Bhutan, the Andes and other parts of South America can all be above the highest altitude hikes in the continental United States, and this can add considerably to the difficulty.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 9-13-day circumnavigation of the highest peak in the Alps that passes through Italy, France and Switzerland. It is one of the most famous multi-day hikes on earth and I cannot say enough about how awesome it is. This is a true Bucket List trip for the avid hiker. For walking, it’s hard to think of a place more coveted and iconic than the Cinque Terre, five beautiful Italian coastal fishing villages linked by a pedestrian path with drop dead Mediterranean views while passing through vineyards.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is arguably the world's best vacation hiking trip

Other top hiking and walking destinations include pretty much anywhere in Switzerland, New Zealand, Ireland, Southwestern Utah’s canyon country, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Canada’s Banff, Patagonia, the Peruvian Andes (Machu Picchu!) and the Himalayas. There are lots more great options, but these are classic ultra-desirable spots, all for good reason.

One notable up and comer is the Dolomites, which has always been a favorite of active travel tour operators but is starting to get more exposure with the American public, and this will continue as the Winter Olympics return to Italy’s Cortina in 2026. The Dolomites are geologically unique and uniquely beautiful, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that puts other mountain ranges to shame, in the northeastern corner of Italy.

Beyond the gorgeous scenery, it has all the charms you expect from Italy, meaning wonderful food and gelato, a mix of luxury and rustic hotels, the gateway is Venice, and the mountains here are full of refugios, a decadent take on the mountain hut where you can pop in from the trail for gourmet off-the-grid meals or spend the night. This makes hut-to-hut hiking trips here a very viable (and far from camping) experience in addition to or mixed with the many great hotels. The appeals of a hiking (or biking or skiing) trip to the Dolomites are many, and the area is so rich in outdoor recreation that it supports a well-regarded local hiking, biking and skiing active travel tour operator, Dolomite Mountains , that specializes in this region, and does so expertly and at very reasonable prices, with a U.S. office. Dolomite Mountains offers private, scheduled group and self-guided options.

The same top tier luxury active travel operators I recommend for cycling, Butterfield & Robinson and Backroads , both offer lots of walking and hiking trips around the world, with heavy focuses on Europe. For the more hardcore hiking trips like the Tour du Mont Blanc or Himalayas, specialists like Mountain Travel Sobek , REI Adventures , National Geographic Expeditions and and lower priced G Adventures are all top choices.

Hiking poles are often overlooked, but they will absolutely make your active experience better.

Essential Gear Recommendation: If you do not already use hiking poles, you should. It is that simple. They engage your upper body and give you a better workout, you burn more calories while conserving energy in your legs, and the really big advantage is safety. It is harder to trip and fall or sprain an ankle or twist a knee when using poles, because in many cases they let you catch a stumble and recover before it becomes a problem. They take wear and tear off your joints when descending, make steep ascents easier, and add security on slippery, steep or dicey terrain. Once you start hiking with poles it’s hard to stop, especially on bigger trips like multi-day hikes in the Alps or Himalayas.

Collapsible poles are ideal for travel because they fit in your luggage, and when traversing steep slopes you want to be able to shorten the uphill pole. Cork handles are preferred because they contour to your hands for custom fit over time, and you want both rubber tips for the poles and removable snow baskets for different terrain, seasons and altitude.

For all these reasons it is hard to beat the Mountainsmith Halite 7075 aluminum trekking poles . You can spend more but you won’t get more. The Outerlock height adjustment levers make for fast, easy and secure height adjustment, wrist straps are really comfortable, handles are cork, and the four-section telescoping poles collapse down to just 16”. At half the price of other premium hiking poles ($80), they include removable hiking baskets, snow baskets and replaceable rubber boot tips, all of which are extras with many brands. All Mountainsmith products come with a lifetime warranty.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Request Your Free Digital Brochure for Adventure Inspiration. Order Now

• New Zealand
• Netherlands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland

Activity Level Guidelines

We have given all our trips an Activity Level, which acts as a guide to the challenges you can expect to face. The information below explains what each Activity Level means, so you can find the right holiday for you.  

Our Family , Walking & Trekking , C ycling and Winte r adventures have category-specific guidelines, which are listed below our standard Activity Levels.  

Activity Levels

All of our itineraries have been graded to help you find the comfort level that best suits you:

Split grades Where a trip falls between two grades, we use an intermediate or ‘split’ grade, for example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). 

Family Activity Levels

For our Family trips, Activity Levels are aimed at children. If your child falls outside the recommended age range for your chosen trip, they may find the adventure a little tougher or easier than the Activity Level indicates. 

Factors we consider when grading our Family trips include: 

• Schedule pace 
• Intensity of the activities 
• Travel time 
• Weather 

Walking & Trekking Activity Levels

Factors we consider when grading Walking & Trekking trips include:  

• Length of trek 
• Trail conditions  
• Level of porterage and support 
• Average altitude, maximum altitude, and average gain/loss per day 
• Weather and temperature  
• Access to local services  
• General comfort levels 

Split and optional grades Where a trip falls between two grades, we use an intermediate or ‘split’ grade, for example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted. 

Back to top

Cycling Activity Levels

It is impossible to be precise when predicating the conditions of a cycling adventure, which can change from one departure to the next. Therefore, our Activity Levels give you an indication of how difficult a trip is expected to be, and an easy way to compare one cycling trip with another.  

Factors we consider when grading our Cycling trips include: 

• Length of ride and time on the saddle 
• Level of vehicle support 
• Average altitude and height gain/loss 
• Temperature range and likely weather conditions 
• Road/trail conditions 
• Remoteness of services  
• General levels of comfort 

Vehicle support On most of our cycling trips, a support vehicle accompanies the riders. This carries tools and spares, refreshments, your luggage and, on occasion, yourself. If there is a high level of vehicle support, you can confidently book knowing there is back-up should you get tired. Equally, this means that friends or couples of different fitness levels can enjoy the same trip. 

Split grades Where a trip falls between two grades, we use an intermediate or ‘split’ grade, for example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate).

Winter Activity Levels

Find snowshoeing Activity Levels and cross-country ski grades below. All other Winter trips, such as mixed-activity, Northern Lights or cultural trips, are set according to the general Activity Levels at the top of the page. 

Our grading system works the same in the summer as the winter, as we take the terrain into account when calculating the grades. So, if you have enjoyed a Level 3 (Moderate) summer trip, choose a Level 3 (Moderate) winter trip. 

Snowshoeing

Cross-country skiing grades.

Exodus offers cross-country skiing holidays to suit a wide range of technical and physical abilities. However, as we provide tuition on these trips (and technique is paramount when cross-country skiing), we use Grades rather than Activity Levels. The aim is still to create groups of similar abilities and fitness. 

To help you find the right adventure for you, we’ve included an equivalent Activity Level for each Grade. But if you’d like to know more, or have any questions, feel free to call and speak to an expert.  

Grade 1 Beginners Equivalent Activity Level: 1 (Leisurely) For complete beginners. We start with the basics, including how to stop using the snowplough technique and how to turn. You will be on skis for at least five to six hours a day, with a focus on tuition, getting comfortable on skis and building towards longer tours through the winter landscape. In some centres, there may also be some easy off-track skiing. This involves heading off the pre-cut tracks, typically across frozen lakes or snow-covered pastures. 

Grade 2 Improvers Equivalent Activity Level : 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) Ideal if you’ve enjoyed at least one Grade 1 trip and grasped the basics. Tuition is offered to refresh and improve technique and typically involve skiing a little further than in Grade 1 weeks, and over more varied terrain (ie more ups and downs), which requires slightly higher fitness levels. In some cases, these are acceptable for newcomers to cross-country skiing. Beginners on these weeks should be very fit and proficient in sports that develop balance (ice skating, roller skating or roller skiing) and will need to pick up the basic technique quickly. Please contact us if you wish to book a Grade 2 holiday but have not skied before. 

Grade 3 Intermediates Equivalent Activity Level: 3 (Moderate) Ideal if you’re looking to push on, tackle slightly steeper terrain and cover more ground each day. Typical groups will have a few weeks’ skiing behind them, be comfortable with the basics and happy on longer day tours. There will still be tuition on these trips. 

Grade 4 Advanced Equivalent Activity Level: 4 (Moderate/Challenging) Choose this grade if you can tackle ‘ups and downs’ competently, can manage a controlled snowplough descent and want to ski at a lively pace. You should also be able to get up swiftly and easily by yourself after a fall. The mix of track and off-track skiing varies. Be prepared for long, steep ascents and descents, and for off-track skiing over variable snow. You need good fitness, stamina, and sound, controlled technique. Climbing skins will be needed on some days. 

Grade 5 Challenging Equivalent Activity Level: 5 (Challenging) For experienced, proficient skiers looking for long, steep ascents and descents, including off-track skiing over variable snow. Good fitness, stamina, and sound, controlled technique is required. 

The Adventure Begins Here

Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus' experts.

For full details regarding your data, including digital marketing please read our Privacy Policy . You can unsubscribe at any time. Protected by Google reCAPTCHA. See Privacy Policy & Terms apply.