International Bike Tour Operators
Website: http://www.backroads.com/
Phone: 800-462-2848
Location: ITALY FRANCE CANADA USA ARGENTINA COSTA RICA ECUADOR PANAMA PERU BALI BHUTAN CHINA INDIA MYANMAR NEW ZEALAND THAILAND VIETNAM CAMBODIA MOROCCO SOUTH AFRICA BOTSWANA ISRAEL NORWAY TURKEY SWITZERLAND SPAIN SLOVENIA SPAIN IRELAND ICELAND HOLLAND BELGIUM GREECE CZECH REPUBLIC AUSTRIA
Price: Luxury
As one of the largest providers biking, cultural, hiking and sport trips, Backroads offers some of the best adventures coupled with accommodations in the industry. The company offers guests a selection of 300 trips in 44 countries including the most popular destinations in the world: France, Italy, USA, Costa Rica, China, India and New Zealand. Despite their size, the service from the staff is never compromised resulting in an amazing trip. Backroads is positioned towards the luxury end of the spectrum, though there is some flexibility in terms of accommodations for those who don’t want to spend quite as much.
The price of each trip varies on duration, location and number of individuals in the group. There are several accommodation options: “Casual Inns” which feature 3-4 star hotels and “Premiere Inns” which boost the luxury level to 4-5 stars. Of course the latter is more expensive. Backroads focuses primarily on the upper-middle cost to lower luxury cost, depending on the chosen options.
From an experience standpoint there are options to suite all levels. Also, the company offers fully-supported and self-guided vacations. Since Backroads is such a large company, the average group size is 16 travelers. Backroads is always highly-regarded within the single community as being an excellent way to meet new people.
Overall rating |
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4.6 (19) |
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4.7 (19) |
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4.6 (19) |
Food |
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4.5 (19) |
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4.7 (18) |
Value |
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4.5 (18) |
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4.7 (18) |
We did the Danube River Cruise Bike Tour with Backroads in September of 2016. We had heard that Backroads was the best and had high expectations but we were still blown away by how great this trip was. Easily the best vacation we've ever taken. The ship was sparkling and luxurious and the novelty of having our floating hotel room waiting for us at the end of each day of biking was just too cool. The Backroads guides had everything organized perfectly and we never felt in need of anything at all. We felt lucky to be with Backroads because we saw and did so much more than anyone else we talked to. I can't say enough about the trip - HIGHLY recommended.
Location of Tour
Austria
Your Location
Seattle
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Overall rating |
|
5.0 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
|
5.0 |
Food |
|
5.0 |
Bike Quality |
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5.0 |
Value |
|
5.0 |
Customer Service |
|
5.0 |
We had a fantastic tour with Backroads in Provence. Food, hotels, guides, and rides were all magnificently curated. Highly recommended.
Location of Tour
Provence, France
Your Location
Lexington, MA
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Overall rating |
|
4.9 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
|
5.0 |
Food |
|
5.0 |
Bike Quality |
|
5.0 |
Value |
|
4.0 |
Customer Service |
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5.0 |
My wife and I go on many bike trips and we find Backroads to be extremely reliable. The tours guides are excellent, and they really know aspects such as wine, food, history, art, and local culture. We have been on tours with multiple companies, and Backroads does the best job on the route maps and daily briefings. It would be nice at the price point if alcohol was included other than the welcome toast, but then again people get carried away, and the riding is better with fewer hungover people.
Location of Tour
Multiple
Your Location
Los Angeles
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Overall rating |
|
4.7 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
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5.0 |
Food |
|
4.0 |
Bike Quality |
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5.0 |
Value |
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4.0 |
Customer Service |
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5.0 |
We went through Tuscany with Backroads. The hotels where we stayed were great. All of the meals were good, and there was a fantastic cooking class. I am not a big biker normally and the van was always there when I needed it around the big hills. That reflected how much attention the guides were paying to my needs. They were really great.
Location of Tour
Tuscany
Your Location
Providence, RI
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Overall rating |
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5.0 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
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5.0 |
Food |
|
5.0 |
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N/A |
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N/A |
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5.0 |
Beware Backroads is getting cheap. After paying thousands, you are likely to get hot, attic rooms, poor van support and whatever happened to cocktail hours? Having been a happy repeat customer of Trek travel, we decided to give Backroads a try for an upcoming trip to Barcelona since Trek did not have a trip that fit our schedule. We found poor van support, poor maps that were hard to follow and overall cheap treatment for the price. Some guest always seemed to be stuck with a terrible attic room and having paid nine thousand for a five night trip for two, one would expect a reasonably nice hotel room. Think twice before choosing this company and see if you can get them to guarantee they won't stick you in an attic room!
Location of Tour
Spain
Your Location
Costa Brava
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Overall rating |
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2.3 |
Guide Quality |
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2.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
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2.0 |
Food |
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3.0 |
Bike Quality |
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3.0 |
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2.0 |
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2.0 |
Gorgeous locale, beautifully selected routes, trails, itinerary. Perfect pace. Time of a lifetime for our family mix of adults and kids. Perfect opportunity for individual , family, group experiences. Working parents can`t bike this way otherwise.”
Location of Tour
Glacier
Your Location
New England
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Overall rating |
|
5.0 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
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5.0 |
Food |
|
5.0 |
Bike Quality |
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5.0 |
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5.0 |
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N/A |
My wife and I (age 61 and 70 respectively) joined eleven other guests for five nights and 6 days bicycling 156 miles across parts of Brittany (St-Malo, St-Michel) and Normandy (around Bayeux, the D Day sites, and local scenic spots). We connected to/from the trip by Paris trains to St-Malo and from Cains, giving us time in Paris after the Backroads trip. Our two excellent trip leaders and one ride support made the trip efficient, well-briefed, historic, and fun. With chances to go at your own pace (options every day) and "off on our own", we found the riding just right. The bikes, vans, and food are excellent and Backroads brings almost 40 years experience to making each guest feel special. We chose budget lodging, which was just fine. We made several new friends and will do another biking trip with them soon.
Location of Tour
France
Your Location
Claremont, CA
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Overall rating |
|
4.8 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
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4.0 |
Food |
|
5.0 |
Bike Quality |
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5.0 |
Value |
|
5.0 |
Customer Service |
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5.0 |
I was on a tour through the Netherlands into Belgium. Besides bragging rights back home, "I biked from Amsterdam to Bruges," it was an unbelievably wonderful experience for me. I had had a slew of setbacks and went on this trip to try and get reacquainted with myself, to do something healthy and to see beauty. I got all of that and then some. I got to know myself as I passed dunes, sea walls, canals, Windmills, fields of flowers, wheat and cattle. We pedalled on an archipelago, we laughed until our sides ached and the sadness that had enveloped me evaporated with the winds of the Netherlands and the sun and chocolate of Belgium. The Tour group couldn't have been more accessible with information, guidance, knowledge and companionship. I did get reacquainted with myself and found satisfaction, courage and confidence. How can any price tag compete with these accomplishments. The bicycle paths were a bonus. I know that on our trip, there were a number of fears and obstacles facing us and I believe we all made remarkable progress in overcoming the fears we arrived with. How can you beat that?
Location of Tour
The Netherlands/Belgium
Your Location
New York, NY
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall rating |
|
4.8 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
|
5.0 |
Food |
|
5.0 |
Bike Quality |
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4.0 |
Value |
|
5.0 |
Customer Service |
|
5.0 |
This company, and especially the three leaders could not have been more professional, caring, and/or ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!! The trip was not cheap, but it was definitely worth every penny! The group was great and the tour was so well organized it was phenomenal! Definitely a "GREAT" recommendation!
Location of Tour
California
Your Location
Florida
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall rating |
|
5.0 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
|
5.0 |
Food |
|
5.0 |
Bike Quality |
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5.0 |
Value |
|
5.0 |
Customer Service |
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5.0 |
We do at least one 7 day bike trip a year, some here and some in Europe, and always used used other companies. This was our first Backroads trip and there will be more. We felt so pampered on this Nova Scotia trip! All 3 guides were fabulous and also a very nice bunch of guests. The route was a perfect mix of coastal sites, valley farms and the Bay of Fundy. Thank you!
Location of Tour
Nova Scotia
Your Location
Delaware
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall rating |
|
5.0 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
|
5.0 |
Food |
|
5.0 |
Bike Quality |
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5.0 |
Value |
|
5.0 |
Customer Service |
|
5.0 |
Outstanding in every way!!! From logistics to food to the exploration this trip was expertly managed. Our guides and support staff were incredible!!
Location of Tour
Utah & Arizona
Your Location
Pennsylvania
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall rating |
|
5.0 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
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5.0 |
Food |
|
5.0 |
Bike Quality |
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5.0 |
Value |
|
5.0 |
Customer Service |
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5.0 |
“This was my sixth trip on Backroads, the trips are awesome and only get better. How is that possible? I have been home less than 24 hours and I have already told my friends about Backroads. Thank you for being an awesome travel company. I will be back!”
Location of Tour
Belize and Guatemala
Your Location
Greenwood, IN USA
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall rating |
|
5.0 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
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5.0 |
Food |
|
5.0 |
Bike Quality |
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5.0 |
Value |
|
5.0 |
Customer Service |
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5.0 |
Having just completed our 4th cycling trip with Backroads, I really can't imagine ever using another company. All 4 of our trips have been nothing short of spectacular and we are already planning our 5th one. What sets Backroads apart in my opinion, is the quality of the trip leaders and the support. I'm not sure what the screening process is for leaders but it is unfailingly successful. We have left each trip exclaiming over how much we loved not just the cycling, the accommodations, the scenery and the food but most importantly, the trip leaders and other individuals in the group. I really cannot say enough about how wonderful Backroads is throughout the entire planning process as well as the trip. Don't delay - take that Backroads trip now! You will not be disappointed.
Location of Tour
New Zealand
Your Location
Connecticut, USA
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall rating |
|
5.0 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
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5.0 |
Food |
|
5.0 |
Bike Quality |
|
5.0 |
Value |
|
5.0 |
Customer Service |
|
5.0 |
We did a family trip (three adults, two in their 60's, one in her 50's, and two daughters in their 20's) to the South Island of New Zealand starting December 26, 1014. It was one of the most fun trips of our lives, and we have traveled a LOT. It was our first bike trip, and our first Backroads trip. Our three guides were GREAT. Biking is a great way to see New Zealand. What made it great? The scenery, the food, the guides, and also the other people on the trip. The bike equipment was absolutely top notch, as was the food, and we stayed in the nicest places that the towns we visited had to offer. Clearly if you do a trip like this the other people on the trip are going to be like minded individuals, which they were--most had brought their adult children in their late teens and early 20's with them on the trip. I highly recommend Backroads, and I highly recommend this Backroads trip. One caveat of traveling to the South Island of New Zealand---expect to be rained on at some point, and expect there to be overcast conditions--but that is out of the hands of Backroads.
Location of Tour
South Island of New Zealand
Your Location
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall rating |
|
5.0 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
|
5.0 |
Food |
|
5.0 |
Bike Quality |
|
5.0 |
Value |
|
5.0 |
Customer Service |
|
5.0 |
In June 2014, we took the family camping tour to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. The camping equipment was good and the sites were well chosen and well prepared for us, we had a group of 21, including 10 children ranging in age from 6-16. Our tour had 3 leaders and 2 camp cooks. It was exceptionally well run! The leaders were great, very accommodating to all and wonderful with the kids. My daughter, age 16, was the oldest and a bit dismayed to see no other teens. The leaders always gave her options and by the end of the trip she was very happy--she sometimes biked with the adults and other times hung out with a leader and the younger kids. The food was excellent and all the Backroads employees went out of their ways to ensure we were having a good time. They were flexible and offered choices. For example, one rainy morning our kayaks trip was cancelled. The leaders offered alternatives and we ended up at a lodge watching the World Cup (with games offered for the kids). It was a great way to see these national parks and all on the trip talked of doing another tour. The only drawback was the tipping recommendations. Backroads is not a cheap tour company and the recommended tipping is a bit outrageous ($500 for a family of 4). Though I felt we received excellent service, I would prefer the company offer better compensation from the existing fees for the trip. That being said--it is an excellent tour. This is our second Backroads family trip and both have been great.
Location of Tour
Yellowstone & the Grand Tetons
Your Location
Kalamazoo, MI
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall rating |
|
4.9 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
|
5.0 |
Food |
|
5.0 |
Bike Quality |
|
5.0 |
Value |
|
4.0 |
Customer Service |
|
5.0 |
I am considering conversion to Buddhism so I can be reincarnated as a Backroads leader. These are some really special people who clearly love what they do. All three leaders were competent bike mechanics. They were doing everything from fixing my youngest daughter`s helmet straps to using the barrel adjuster to tweak the cable tension. Our trip was truly spectacular.
Location of Tour
Tuscany, Italy
Your Location
Nashville, TN
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall rating |
|
5.0 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
|
5.0 |
Food |
|
5.0 |
Bike Quality |
|
5.0 |
Value |
|
5.0 |
Customer Service |
|
5.0 |
MY Husband and I took a North Carolina bike tour with Backroads. We absolutely LOVED IT and consider it the best vacation we've ever taken. The instructions for each day trip were spot on. We had many levels of riders in our group and the guides accommodated all of them. The team leaders at Backroads were knowledgeable, friendly and encouraged everyone to ride at their own level. The hotels we stayed at were fantastic. The trip went well beyond our expectations. We will ride with Backroads again.
Location of Tour
North Carolina
Your Location
United States
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall rating |
|
5.0 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
|
5.0 |
Food |
|
5.0 |
Bike Quality |
|
5.0 |
Value |
|
5.0 |
Customer Service |
|
5.0 |
We enjoyed the 4 day biking trip in Death Valley. Our 3 leaders were enthusiastic and always there if you needed support. There not many roads here but it was a quiet time of the year so traffic was not a problem. There is limited lodging and restaurants in Death Valley but we enjoyed the Furnace Creek Inn and the grounds for relaxing after the rides. This was our 10th trip with Backroads. We have enjoyed all our trips and the support they give. Everyone pays the same price and you get out of it what you want. We will be going on other Backroads trips.
Location of Tour
Death Valley
Your Location
South Haven, MI
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall rating |
|
4.8 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
|
5.0 |
Food |
|
4.0 |
Bike Quality |
|
5.0 |
Value |
|
5.0 |
Customer Service |
|
5.0 |
This was our 6th Backroads trip and I can't believe that the company is getting even better. Our leaders were exceptional--a great combination of Italian Nationals plus an American. The three leaders used two vans so there was always plenty of support whenever we needed it. We marked the food a 4 because there was just too much of it! Take it easy on the snacks Backroads!
Location of Tour
Tuscany
Your Location
San Diego, CA
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall rating |
|
4.8 |
Guide Quality |
|
5.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
|
5.0 |
Food |
|
4.0 |
Bike Quality |
|
5.0 |
Value |
|
5.0 |
Customer Service |
|
5.0 |
Having travelled with BackRoads previously (2 yrs ago) we knew we could expect an adventure that was a good value for the money. Unfortunately, the trip we took in 5/2013 was horrible. First, the trip was oversold with 26 quests and 2 guides. There was no history, botanical/geographical information provided because our main guide was the Maine person and the other guide was new. Lunch was cold cuts, candy, power bars etc. The accommodation were terrible/dirty/uncomfortable. I filled out a Trip review and requested someone contact me- no reply. I posted on FB- erased. Posted again on FB and they responded with a letter from Tom Hale offering $200 for our next trip. No interest in what was wrong. I didn't want their money, I will not use it as I will never take a BR trip again. There is so much out there to do that I wouldn't take the chance with BR again.
Location of Tour
Bryce/Zion/Grand Canyon
Your Location
NC
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall rating |
|
1.7 |
Guide Quality |
|
3.0 |
Hotel / Accommodations |
|
1.0 |
Food |
|
1.0 |
Bike Quality |
|
2.0 |
Value |
|
1.0 |
Customer Service |
|
2.0 |