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UK & SMALL GROUP TOURS - UP TO - Eurolynx Travel Limited
2020-21

 UK &
EUROPE
S M A L L G RO U P T O U R S
            UP TO

            18
           GUESTS
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02                                                                                       03
WELCOME

                                                                                         WELCOME
                                 Picture a touring holiday that
                                 delves a bit deeper. One that doesn’t simply
                                 drop by top sights and major cities, but invites you
                                 to see a destination through the eyes of the people
                                 who know it best: the locals who call it home.
                                 Where journeys are made for absorbing never-to-
                                 be-forgotten views, not darting from A to B. And
                                 each day ends in a hand-picked retreat brimming
                                 with local charm.

                                 At Back-Roads Touring, we’ve spent over 30 years
                                 creating these kinds of small group tours. We
                                 know that the best kind of adventure is one that
                                 introduces you to local experiences and sights
                                 while providing you with the time and space to
                                 explore independently.

                                 The key ingredient? Experienced Tour Leaders
                                 who can turn an exciting getaway into something
                                 truly extraordinary. They’ll tell you the stories and
                                 secrets behind stately homes as you wander the
                                 corridors; show you the perfect position to see the
                                 sunset over a city skyline; and point you towards
                                 the exact patch of coastline where you can try
                                 oysters straight off the boat.

                                 All the while, you can be confident that your
                                 Back-Roads tour is being run responsibly and
                                 with sustainable tourism in mind. In fact, our
                                 commitment to green practices has earnt us a
                                 Silver Green Tourism rating.

                                 Turn the page to explore our inspiring tours of
                                 the UK and Europe – and discover the
                                 Back-Roads Difference.

          Castle Combe

          backroadstouring.com
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04                                                                                                                                                                                                       05
CONTENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                         CONTENTS
                                          Contents
           About Us                               United Kingdom                                    Italy and Malta                                      Central and Eastern Europe
           Where We Go                      06    Orkney and the Highlands - 4 DAY             28   Malta Highlights - 7 DAY                       78    Christmas Markets: The Best of Saxony
                                                                                                                                                                                                   124
                                                                                                                                                         and Bohemia - 6 DAY    NEW
           The Back-Roads Difference        08    Heart of England - 5 DAY                     30   Tuscan Treats - 7 DAY                          80
                                                                                                                                                         An Austro-Hungarian
           Travelling in Style              10    Kent: The Garden of England - 6 DAY          32   Enchanting Southern Italy - 7 DAY              82                                              126
                                                                                                                                                         Christmas - 7 DAY   NEW

           Discover a Local Way of Life     12    Chelsea Flower Show - 7 DAY                  34   Vistas of Italy and Switzerland - 8 DAY        84
                                                                                                                                                         Essence of Austria - 7 DAY                128
           Feed Your Curiosity              14    Hampton Court Flower Show - 7 DAY            36   Secrets of Puglia - 8 DAY                      86
                                                                                                                                                         A Journey through Germany - 8 DAY         130
           Hand-picked Accommodation        16    Corners of Cornwall - 7 DAY                  38   The Splendours of Sicily - 9 DAY               88
                                                                                                                                                         Explore Eastern Europe - 9 DAY            132
           Guided by the Best               18    English Christmas Markets - 7 DAY      NEW   40   Italian Indulgence - 12 DAY                    90
                                                                                                                                                         Mountains, Valleys and Lakes              134
           What Our Guests Say              20    Royal Tour of Britain - 8 DAY                42                                                        of Switzerland - 9 DAY

           Save with Us                     21    The Wonders of Wales - 8 DAY                 44
                                                                                                    Croatia
           The App                          21    Treasures of Scotland - 9 DAY    NEW         46   Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast - 9 DAY        94    Scandinavia and the Baltics
           FAQs                             22    A Scottish Journey - 9 DAY                   48                                                        A Scandinavian Journey - 7 DAY      NEW   138
                                                                                                    Lakes and Coastlines of                        96
                                                                                                    the Adriatic - 9 DAY
           Combine Tours                    24    Battles of Britain - 9 DAY                   50                                                        Northern Lights: A Lapland Winter
                                                                                                                                                                                                   140
                                                                                                                                                         - 8 DAY   NEW
           Terms and Conditions             147   Enchanting Eastern England - 9 DAY           52

                                                  Highlights of Britain - 10 DAY               54   France                                               Norway: Fjords and Glaciers - 8 DAY       142

                                                                                                                                             NEW   100   Highlights of the Baltics - 8 DAY         144
                                                  London to Paris via the Channel Islands -         A Traditional Alsace Christmas - 5 DAY
                                                                                               56
                                                  11 DAY
                                                                                                    La Belle France - 9 DAY                        102

                                                                                                    Paris to Nice through Vineyards                104   Travelling for longer?
                                                  Ireland                                           and Mountains - 9 DAY
                                                                                                                                                         Extend Your Trip                          146
                                                                                               60   Provence and the French Riviera - 9 DAY        106
                                                  Corners of Southern Ireland - 7 DAY

                                                                                         NEW   62   Jewels of South West France - 10 DAY           108
                                                  The Headlands of Ireland - 9 DAY

                                                  The Emerald Isle - 12 DAY                    64

                                                                                                    Battlefields
                                                  Spain, Portugal and Morocco                       ANZACs on the Western Front - 5 DAY            112

                                                  Discover Portugal - 9 DAY                    68   WWI Battlefields - 5 DAY                       114

                                                  Highlights of Northern Spain - 10 DAY        70

                                                  Majestic Morocco - 10 DAY                    72   Canals
                                                  Iberian Inspiration - 11 DAY                 74   Burgundy Cruise - 7 DAY                        118
               Cotswolds
                                                                                                    Loire Valley Cruise - 7 DAY                    120
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06                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 07
WHERE WE GO

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   WHERE WE GO
                                             Where We Go
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   FINLAND

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              10 Day | Jewels of South
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              West France. Take time to
                                                                                                                                                     NORWAY                                                                                                   savour the finer things in life on

                                                                                                                                                                         SWEDEN
                                                                                                                                                                                                             HELSINKI                                         this journey of discovery through
                                                                                                                                           BERGEN
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              South West France. As we seek
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ST PETERSBURG
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              out the region’s gastronomic
                                                                                                                                                                                       STOCKHOLM            TALLINN
              9 Day | Treasures of                                                                                                                                                                           ESTONIA                                          gems and treasured vineyards,
              Scotland. Enchanting lochs,                                                                                                                                                                                                                     we’ll travel over mountain passes,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      RUSSIA
              haunting glens and soaring                                                              INVERNESS                                                                                                    LATVIA                                     along the Atlantic coast, and
              mountains: Scotland is home to                                                          SCOTLAND                                                                                              RIGA                                              into enchanting castles and
              many diverse treasures. On this                                                                                                                                                                                                                 otherworldly caves. See page
                                                                                                            EDINBURGH
                                                                                                                                                     DENMARK
              tour of the Borders and Central                                                                                                                                                            LITHUANIA                                            108
                                                                                                                                                               COPENHAGEN
              Belt, we’ll discover some of
                                                                                                                                                                                                             VILNIUS
              the country’s most spectacular
              views and fascinating stories –                                                                   ENGLAND                                                                  POLAND
                                                                                                   DUBLIN
              all of which lie in lesser-visited                                            IRELAND
                                                                                                            WALES
              locations off the beaten track.
                                                                                                                        LONDON
              See page 46                                                                                    CARDIFF              BELGIUM             GERMANY
                                                                                                                                                                         PRAGUE
                                                   9 Day | The Headlands of                                                        LILLE
                                                                                                                                                                     CZECH REPUBLIC            KRAKÓW
                                                   Ireland. Captivating nature,
                                                   centuries of history and an                                                                                                                SLOVAKIA
                                                                                                                                 PARIS
                                                   abundance of rural charm – the
                                                                                                                                             BASEL
                                                                                                                                                               MUNICH            VIENNA
                                                                                                                                                                                              BUDAPEST
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9 Day | Lakes and
                                                   headlands of Ireland have so                                                                      ZURICH
                                                                                                                                                                        AUSTRIA                                      11 Day | Highlights of the
                                                                                                                             FRANCE                                                      HUNGARY                                                              Coastlines of the Adriatic.
                                                   much to offer those lucky enough                                                                 SWITZERLAND
                                                                                                                                                                         SLOVENIA                                    Baltics. A decadent display              Travel from plunging gorges to
                                                   to visit. Join us on this immersive
                                                                                                                                                            ITALY   VENICE   CROATIA                                 of history, lavish Baroque               towering mountains; discover
                                                   tour and experience local                                  BORDEAUX
                                                                                                                                                                                      TROGIR                         palaces and tranquil towns,              clifftop fortresses and Riviera-
                                                   hospitality, intriguing legends                                                                   NICE
                                                                                                                                                             FLORENCE          DUBROVNIK
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     this tour of the Baltics will take       style villages; taste delicious
                                                   and long-standing traditions –                             BILBAO
                                                                                                                                                                                      MONTENEGRO                     you through some of Europe’s             wines and tuck into countless
              8 Day | The Wonders of               from Dublin to the coast and
                                                                                                            SPAIN                                                     ROME
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     last remaining hidden gems.              local specialities. This journey
              Wales. On this captivating           back again. See page 62
                                                                                                                         BARCELONA                                                                                   From the grandeur of Vilnius
                                                                                           PORTO                                                                                       BARI                                                                   through Italy, Slovenia and
              journey through deep green                                                                                                                                     NAPLES
                                                                                         PORTUGAL            MADRID                                                                                                  to St Petersburg’s timeless              Northern Croatia captures the
              valleys, past snow-dusted
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     masterpieces, it’s perfect for           beautiful diversity of these
                                                                                         LISBON
              mountains and along an
                                                                                                                                                                    PALERMO
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     culture addicts and architecture         unforgettable countries. See
              unforgettable coastline, we’ll
                                                                                                                                                                             CATANIA                                 enthusiasts alike. See page 144          page 96
              venture high and low soaking up
                                                                                                                                                                     MALTA
              Wales’ most iconic sights. Join                                                                                                                            ST JULIAN'S
                                                                                                       MOROCCO
              us as we walk the ancient lands                                                         CASABLANCA                                                                                                      North America and Asia Tours
              of Celts and Romans, immersing                                                                                                                                                                          Did you know that Back-Roads Touring also offers a wide range of tours
              ourselves in age-old local                                                                                                                                                                              through North America and Asia? Visit our website to find out more.
              traditions as we go. See page 44

                                                                                                      backroadstouring.com                                          backroadstouring.com
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08                                                                                                                                                                                           09
THE BACK-ROADS DIFFERENCE

                                                                                                                                                                                             THE BACK-ROADS DIFFERENCE
                                   The Back-Roads Difference

                                                                  Enjoy the company                                Feed your                                   Embrace
                                                                   of a small group                                curiosity                                   the view
                                                                With small group sizes of no more          Stories waiting to be unravelled.           Immerse yourself in nature on
                                                                 than 18 people, you can expect             Secrets waiting to be revealed.         uplifting journeys through evocative
                                                                   a more personalised touring          Fascinating cultures, delicious flavours     landscapes. From rolling hills and
                                                                experience – and with like-minded         and unexplored terrain. Feed your           swathes of forest to shimmering
                                                                 travellers at your side, you’ll find    curiosity and embark on a voyage of             coasts, islands and canals,
                                                                that a journey shared is a journey       discovery with Back-Roads – and let        breathtaking views lie around every
                                                                           best enjoyed.                the new and exciting take centre stage.    corner when you take the scenic route.

                                                                     Discover a local                            Savour each                                  Guided by
                                                                       way of life                                moment                                       the best
                                                               There’s no better way to understand         Slow the pace and take it all in;        Insightful, attentive and passionate,
                                                               the essence of a destination than by      there’s plenty of time to enjoy each         our Tour Leaders will unlock the
                                                               meeting the people that call it home.     step of the journey. Whether you’re             experiences that make your
                                                                Learn traditional crafts, stories and    touring a historic home, enjoying a        Back-Roads tour truly special – from
                                                               recipes as you venture off the tourist    meal or indulging in a wine tasting          adding personal touches to your
                                                                 trail and behind the scenes with         session, you can do so safe in the         itinerary to bringing destinations to
                                                                   exclusive local experiences.         knowledge that you won’t be rushed.            life with their local knowledge.

                            Cornwall, England

                                                               backroadstouring.com
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TRAVELLING IN STYLE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              TRAVELLING IN STYLE
                                                 Travelling in Style

                      On the road                                                                         On the water                                                     How much luggage can I bring?
                      Cast thoughts of long journeys spent zipping up and down motorways from             Should you choose to take to the                                 As we travel in mini-coaches, luggage space is limited. Here’s what you can take
                      your mind. A Back-Roads tour promises a more leisurely style that gives you the                                                                      with you on tour:
                                                                                                          water in France, you can be sure that
                      freedom of travelling in your own vehicle – but with none of the hassle.
                                                                                                          our boutique barges will accommodate
                                                                                                          you in style. On our Burgundy and
                      On the vast majority of tours, we travel by Mercedes or Mercedes Vito mini-                                                                                                                                 1 x handbag /
                                                                                                          Loire Valley cruise trips, we travel in                                      1 x suitcase
                      coaches that come equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning and large                                                                                                                              small backpack
                                                                                                          private hotel barges. These custom-
                      windows for enjoying the view. With the flexibility to go anywhere a car can,
                                                                                                          built, innovatively designed vessels
                      we’re able to take the smaller roads through beautiful scenery and get right to
                      the heart of tiny villages and buzzing cities.                                      allow us access to smaller regional
                                                                                                          waterways and unspoilt rural scenery,

                      Along the way, your Tour Leader can offer intriguing insights about the places we   all while offering up spacious sun
                      see over the onboard PA system. And, with long drives kept to a minimum, you’ll     decks, bicycles for exploring the
                      have plenty of time to stretch your legs and explore sites for yourself.            towpaths – and even a Jacuzzi!
                                                                                                                                                                                               20 KG
                                                                                                                                                                                               158 CM

                                                                                                                                                                           If you have more luggage, please make arrangements to store it prior to joining
                                                                                                                                                                           the tour. We are unable to carry extra luggage on the mini-coach.

                                                                                                                      backroadstouring.com          backroadstouring.com
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DISCOVER A LOCAL WAY OF LIFE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              DISCOVER A LOCAL WAY OF LIFE
                                     Discover a Local Way of Life
                                                                               VENTURE OFF THE TOURIST TRAIL
                                                                               AND GET TO THE HEART OF EACH
                                                                                 DESTINATION WITH GENUINE
                                                                                    LOCAL EXPERIENCES.

                                                                                                                                                                    Go punting on the River Cam                                         Embark on an olive oil experience
                                                                                                                                                                    in Cambridge                                                        in Portugal
                                                                                                                                                                    Take in spectacular views of the world-famous Cambridge             Discover rural Portugal’s scenic delights on a visit to a family-
                                                                                                                                                                    College ‘Backs’ from a different perspective as you float lazily    owned farm near Tomar – where you’ll be treated to a tour
                                                                                                                                                                    along the Cam in a traditional punt. From King’s College            of the beautiful olive grove. After receiving an unforgettable
                                                                                                                                                                    Chapel to the Wren Library, your local chauffeur will fill you in   insight into the olive cultivation process, we’ll finish up with an
                                                                                                                                                                    on the fascinating stories behind the colleges and their alumni.    olive oil, cheese and local jelly tasting. Delicioso!
                                                                                                                                                                    TOUR: Enchanting Eastern England, see page 52                       TOUR: Discover Portugal, see page 68

                               Browse the stalls at Gallipoli’s famous                              Learn how to make authentic                                     Meet the 21st Lady of the magnificent                               Visit the animals at a traditional
                               Fish Market                                                          Moroccan couscous                                               Traquair House in Scotland                                          reindeer farm in Lapland
                               The biggest of its kind in the Salento region, Gallipoli’s Fish      Roll up your sleeves and prepare to learn the secrets behind    Step back in time on a guided tour of the impressive Traquair       Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you visit a family of
                               Market is world-renowned for stocking the freshest seafood           a couscous recipe that’s been handed down for generations.      House, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland. While here, you’ll   third-generation reindeer herders at their farm in the heart of
                               money can buy. Situated in the shadow of the city’s magnificent      Under the watchful eye of a local expert, you’ll learn how to   meet the house’s current owner – Catherine Maxwell Stuart, the      Lapland. After meeting the animals, you’ll learn more about
                               castle, and filled with everything from eels to prawns and           steam this Moroccan delicacy to perfection in a traditional     21st Lady of Traquair – and will have the opportunity to sample     reindeer husbandry – and gain an understanding of how the
                               lobster, there’s no better place to rub shoulders with the locals.   tagine – giving it a delicious aromatic flavour.                the variety of ales produced in the house’s brewery.                herders live in harmony with their snowy surroundings.
                               TOUR: Secrets of Puglia, see page 86                                 TOUR: Majestic Morocco, see page 72                             TOUR: Treasures of Scotland, see page 46                            TOUR: Northern Lights: A Lapland Winter, see page 140

                                                                                                                                         backroadstouring.com       backroadstouring.com
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FEED YOUR CURIOSITY

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     FEED YOUR CURIOSITY
                                        Feed Your Curiosity
                                         AWAKEN YOUR SENSE OF ADVENTURE AND DELVE INTO
                                          NEW PLACES, NEW CULTURES AND NEW FLAVOURS.

                                                                                                                    Go behind the                       Taste delicious wines                   See fully restored
                                                                                                                       scenes at                          in the celebrated                        Spitfires at
                                                                                                                 Canterbury Cathedral                    region of La Rioja                     Biggin Hill Hangar
                                                                                                                 The oldest working church             As we travel through the              A facility dedicated to restoring
                                                                                                                 in England, the magnificent           vineyard-dotted landscapes of         WWII Spitfires to their former
                                                                                                                 UNESCO-protected Canterbury           La Rioja you’ll have the chance       glory, the Biggin Hill Heritage
                                                                                                                 Cathedral is home to medieval         to sample wines at not one, but       Hangar makes for a memorable
                                                                                                                 ruins, an oak-roofed Chapter          two distinguished wineries. And       port of call for those with an
                                                                                                                 House and a staggering gothic         with plenty of tapas side dishes      interest in British history. During
                                                                                                                 nave. On this behind-the-             to complement each glass, the         your tour, you’ll see a grand total
                                                                                                                 scenes tour, you’ll delve into the    experience will be a treat for both   of six fully restored Spitfires – and
                                                                                                                 iconic building’s history with a      the oenophiles and gastronomes        discover the lengthy process
                                                                                                                 knowledgeable local guide.            among us!                             taken to get them back in the air.
                                                                                                                 TOUR: Kent: The Garden of             TOUR: Highlights of Northern          TOUR: Battles of Britain, see
                                                                                                                 England, see page 32                  Spain, see page 70                    page 50

                                                                                                                   Enjoy a Scottish                      Learn how to make                   Discover local cheeses
                                                                                                                     experience at                        traditional Black                    in the heart of the
                                                                                                                    Aberdeenshire                           Forest gâteau                          French Alps
                                                                                                                  Highland Beef Farm                   At a charming café in the Black       At a historic fromagerie set
                                                                                                                 Beginning as it does with a           Forest region of Germany, we’ll       amidst the spectacular scenery
                                                                                                                 traditional piper performance,        discover the history behind one       of the French Alps, we’ll meet
                                                                                                                 our experience at Aberdeenshire       of the country’s most famous          a local cheese ripening expert
                                                                                                                 Highland Beef Farm promises to be     confections: the Black Forest         – who’ll be happy to share the
                                                                                                                 an unmistakably Scottish one! After   gâteau. After an expert has           traditional processes behind
                                                                                                                 meeting the owner, Grace, (and of     shown us how to make this             his art with us. After touring the
                                                                                                                 course, her Highland cows), we’ll     decadent dessert like a true local,   cheese cellars, we’ll get to the
                                                                                                                 indulge in a premium beef tasting –   we’ll have the chance to taste a      main attraction: a tasting session.
                                                                                                                 with sumptuous lunch included.        sample or two.                        TOUR: Paris to Nice through
                                                                                                                 TOUR: A Scottish Journey, see         TOUR: A Journey through               Vineyards and Mountains, see
                                                                                                                 page 48                               Germany, see page 130                 page 104
                      Florence, Italy

                                                                                         backroadstouring.com   backroadstouring.com
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
                                                          Hand-Picked
                                                        Accommodation
                                                     LOOKING FOR A BOUTIQUE STAY LOADED WITH CHARACTER AND
                                                   LOCAL CHARM? FOR THOSE THAT VALUE A LITTLE BIT OF ‘ME TIME’,
                                                                       THESE ARE SURE TO DO THE TRICK.

                                                                                                                                                        Seaside Glass Villas                                             Hotel Eguren Ugarte
                                                                                                                                                        With large windows and glass roofs designed to showcase          A hub for enotourism (or ‘wine tourism’, as it’s more widely
                                                                                                                                                        the snowscapes of Lapland to dramatic effect, Seaside Glass      known), the idyllic Hotel Eguren Ugarte is an oasis of calm at
                                                                                                                                                        Villas make for a unique overnight stay in Kemi. And with        the foot of Northern Spain’s sun-soaked Sierra de Cantabria
                                                                                                                                                        soul-stirring views across the frozen sea and up to the starry   mountains. While you’re here, be sure to try some of Rioja’s
                                                                                                                                                        northern sky, you could be forgiven for choosing to lie in...    traditional cuisine at the Martín Cendoya Restaurant.
                                                                                                                                                        TOUR: Northern Lights: A Lapland Winter, see page 140            TOUR: Highlights of Northern Spain, see page 70

                            The Mulberry Inn                                              Schloss Purschenstein                                         La Bastide de Tourtour                                           Leeds Castle Stable Courtyard
                            A rural bolthole set amidst the natural beauty of Wales’      Dating back to the 12th century, the magnificent Schloss      Nestled amidst acres of beautiful pine woodland (and just a      Surrounded by parkland, gardens and, of course, a shimmering
                            Ceiriog Valley, The Mulberry Inn isn’t only wonderfully       Purschenstein makes for an atmospheric stay in the heart      stone’s throw away from the spectacular Gorges du Verdon         moat, it’s no wonder that Leeds Castle is often described
                            comfortable and well-equipped – it’s also the perfect base    of Saxony. Lovingly renovated and filled with charming        river canyon), La Bastide is an elegant hilltop estate in        as ‘The Loveliest Castle in the World’. And we won’t just be
                            from which to explore the soul-stirring sights of Snowdonia   antiques, this is a real taste of Central European history!   Tourtour – locally known as ‘The Village in the Sky’. To stay    visiting – we’ll be staying in the grounds, in the wonderfully
                            National Park (with a delicious menu to await your return).   TOUR: Christmas Markets: The Best of Saxony and               here is to get lost in its magic!                                cosy Stable Courtyard. What better way to beat the crowds?
                            TOUR: Highlights of Britain, see page 54                      Bohemia, see page 124                                         TOUR: Provence and the French Riviera, see page 106              TOUR: Kent: The Garden of England, see page 32

                                                                                                                             backroadstouring.com       backroadstouring.com
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18                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          19
GUIDED BY THE BEST

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            GUIDED BY THE BEST
                         Guided by the Best
                                                                                                                                                              MEET ITALIAN
                     PASSIONATE AND KNOWLEDGEABLE, OUR TOUR LEADERS HAVE WHAT IT
                                                                                                                                                              TOUR LEADER
                                 TAKES TO MAKE YOUR TRIP TRULY SPECIAL
                                                                                                                                                                 Flavio

                                                                                                                             If you don’t know your pasta al dente from your carbonara             FLAVIO’S CLASSIC
                                                                                                                             sauce, then you need to meet Italian food lover and
                                                                                                                                                                                                   CARBONARA RECIPE
                                                                                                                             Back-Roads Tour Leader Flavio Lazzaretto.
                                                                                                                                                                                                   for 4 people
                                                                                                                             Flavio started off his professional career as an IT engineer before
                                                                                                                             realising that his dream job did not involve sitting in front of a    INGREDIENTS
                                                                                                                             screen. Enter: a Tour Leader career with Back-Roads.                  ½ kg spaghetti
                                                                                                                                                                                                   ½ onion
                                                                                                                                   ‘I wanted to meet and talk to people, to explore
                                                                                                                                                                                                   4 eggs
                                                                                                                                   and to manage challenging situations, which is
                                                                                                                                                                                                   200g guanciale (dry cured pork cheek)
                                                                                                                                   why I applied to work as a tour guide,’
                                                                                                                                                                                                   or bacon
                                                                                                                                   ‘I already had experience guiding international                 Salt and pepper to taste
                                                                                                                                   students in my hometown of Padova and I worked
                                                                                                                                   as a golf travel manager, fostering and growing my              METHOD
                                                                                                                                   passion for travelling and inspiring other people               •   Fill ¾ of a big pot with water and bring to the
                                                                                                                                   which is the main reason why I love this job.’                      boil, adding a pinch of salt when it’s boiling.
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Then cook the spaghetti in it (al dente of course,
                                                                                                                             Flavio’s love of food came from his parents who shared the love
                                                                                                                                                                                                       as you want the pasta to remain firm).
                                 Micaela Hobbs                                                                               of Italian recipes with him from a young age.
                                                                                                                                                                                                   •   In a frying pan, cook the thinly sliced onion
                                 What inspired you to become a Tour Leader?                                                        ‘My parents worked very hard and for long hours                     with olive oil. Use a high heat to fry the
                                 A desire to share my passion for the culture, history and spectacular scenery of the              when I was a young boy, and I had to learn to be                    onion until it’s almost black (the word
                                 places we visit. What better way to earn a living than by visiting amazing places while           independent also in the kitchen.                                    carbonara comes from this carbon
                                 giving others the opportunities to fulfill their dreams?                                                                                                              colour).
                                                                                                                                   ‘Nevertheless, Italian cuisine is so varied and
                                                                                                                                   prepared with fresh ingredients that is always a                •   Once the onion is ready, add the pork
                                 How do you create memorable experiences for your guests?
                                                                                                                                   pleasure to cook, even for myself but it’s always                   or bacon (previously diced) and
                                 I endeavour to go above and beyond by paying attention to even the little things and
                                                                                                                                   better if friends are coming over.’                                 cook until browned.
                                 keeping the tours flexible and fun. It is so rewarding to create experiences that connect
                                 us emotionally, whether it’s from sharing laughter, stories, music, scenery, or meals.                                                                            •   While the meat is cooking,
                                                                                                                                                                                                       whisk the eggs in a mug and
                                                                                                                                                                                                       add salt and a generous pinch of
                                                                                                                                                                                                       pepper.
                                                                                                                                                                                                   •   Strain the spaghetti and add the pasta in the
                                 Agnes Bukowiecka                                                                                                                                                      pan with the bacon and onion. Mix everything

                                 What’s the most rewarding part of your job?                                                                                                                           on a high heat before turning off the heat. Then:

                                 Expanding my knowledge and curiosity of the world, as well as being able to                                                                                           stir the eggs in the same pot, add parmesan (or

                                 see and explore places I probably would never have had the chance to visit and                                                                                        pecorino cheese) and a bit of pepper.

                                 share them with fellow travellers. Experiencing beauty is most intense when it is                                                                                     Voilà! Mix and serve on warm plates.

                                 shared with others.
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Wine notes: Serve with a full-bodied
                                                                                                                                                                                                   (but not too strong) red wine, like a
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Chianti Riserva or Valpolicella Ripasso.

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20                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        21
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          SAVE WITH US | THE BACK-ROADS APP
                                   What Our Guests Say                                                                                                       Save With Us
                      ‘Best touring experience I could ever imagine.
                              Simply superb in every aspect.’              ‘The Cornwall tour exceeded my expectation.
                                                                                                                                          TRAVELLED WITH                                                                              BOOKING MORE
                                     - Shirley Milicich                            We would and will recommend                              US BEFORE?                                                                               THAN ONE TOUR?
                                                                            your company to our friends with confidence
                                                                           that they would be well looked after and have
                                                                                                                                             Save $165 NZD                                                                                 Save $165 NZD
                                                                                      an adventure every day.’
                      ‘Back-Roads focuses on experiences                                                                                       per person                                                                                    per person
                                                                                           - Anne Mitter
                        that reveal the current culture
                       and history of the people you are
                        visiting. This is the hallmark of                  ‘Interesting concept of travel using
                        a Back-Roads tour and they are                      back roads. Trip was very special
                                                                           because of our Tour Leader’s care,
                                                                                                                                              The Back-Roads App
                                   wonderful!’
                                      - John McCavley                        support and sense of total safety
                                                                            with driver’s expertise on narrow
                                                                                     country lanes.’
                       ‘ A fantastic experience! We really felt like we                  - Rosemary Long
                      were immersed in Italy, not just sitting on a bus
                                  looking from the window.
                        Our Tour Leader was great at explaining the
                                                                            ‘Fantastic tour – visiting unique places and
                        history, geography, current national issues or
                                                                            never feeling rushed. I will travel again with
                       just about anything else we had asked about
                                                                               Back-Roads and recommend them.’
                       Italy or the Italian way of life. 12 days was not
                                                                                          - Debra Simeon
                       long enough but gave us a great opportunity
                        to see the changing landscapes, architecture
                               and people that is the real Italy!’
                                        - Sonya Watson                       ‘We enjoyed the Barge Jeanine, a
                                                                             good change from bus travel. The
                                                                           barge crew were excellent, food great.
                       ‘Our Tour Leader was fantastic,
                                                                            Our Tour Leader was a good guide,
                         and many aspects of the tour
                                                                           helpful and knowledgeable. So, all in
                        were outstanding. Every day he
                                                                            all a wonderful, different holiday.’
                      endeavoured to ensure that we were
                                                                                          - Maxine Wright
                       given the best possible experience                                                                                        Check in for your tour with the Back-Roads App
                       taking into account the diversity                                                                                   VIEW YOUR B OOK I NGS • CHECK YO U R ITINER A RY • VIEW TOUR MAPS

                         of the group, expectations and                    ‘Extremely happy with Back-Roads. Always had                C H AT W I T H O T H E R G U E S T S O N YO U R T O U R • K E E P T R A C K O F YO U R B U D G E T
                                                                                  a fantastic experience. Thanks.’                                    U S E T H E C U R R E N C Y C O N V E R T E R • L E AV E F E E D B A C K
                          unexpected circumstances.’
                                                                                          - Jane Hardstaff
                                   - Gabrielle Darlington                                                                                                                Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark
                                                                                                                                                                         of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

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22                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 23
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
                                 Frequently Asked Questions
                                 IS BACK-ROADS FOR YOU?                                                                  HOTELS                                1 of your tour. If your tour departs              WHAT’S                                      PEACE OF MIND
                             I have some health issues. Will this be a problem?
                                                                                                                     Do the hotels have lifts (elevators)?     in the morning, we advise that you
                                                                                                                                                                                                               INCLUDED?                                 Do I need to purchase travel
                                                                                                                                                               arrive at the hotel the night before so
                                                                                                                     Most of the hotels we use do not have                                                     Are entrance fees to attractions          insurance for a Back-Roads tour?
                             If you are able to manage your health issue without the need for additional care                                                  you’re ready to meet your guide in
                                                                                                                     lifts. For this reason, we recommend      the morning. If your tour commences
                                                                                                                                                                                                               included?                                 Yes. While you are welcome to
                             and special facilities, and if it does not present a risk to your fellow passengers,
                                                                                                                     that you only join a Back-Roads           in the evening, you may not require                                                       purchase a travel insurance policy of
                             we should be able to accommodate you on a Back-Roads tour. If you are unsure,                                                                                                     We include a selection of entrances
                                                                                                                     tour if you are able to walk upstairs     pre tour accommodation – so you                                                           your choosing, we will require you
                             please check Clause 30 of our Terms and Conditions or contact us.                                                                                                                 in our tour prices. Any other entrance
                                                                                                                     unassisted. We may need you to fill out   can arrive at your leisure. Most tours                                                    to provide the policy number and
                                                                                                                                                                                                               fees will be at your own expense.
                                                                                                                     a self assessment form if you advise us                                                                                             company information to us prior
                             Are Back-Roads tours suitable for children?                                                                                       end in the early evening. We cannot
                                                                                                                     of any mobility requirements.             usually drop you off at the airport,            What is not included in a Back-           to departure. This is to ensure that
                             Our tours are designed principally for adults, but we will consider accepting
                                                                                                                                                               so we suggest you return home the               Roads tour?                               our Tour Leaders have all of your
                             children aged 12 or over on request. Please note: family rooms are not always           What grade of hotel do you use?           day after your trip finishes to ensure                                                    information prior to arrival – in case
                             available. We do not offer child rates.                                                                                                                                           When you travel with Back-Roads,
                                                                                                                     We use a 3-star/4-star standard of        that you don’t miss your flight due to                                                    they need to step in and assist you
                                                                                                                                                                                                               many aspects of your tour will be
                                                                                                                     accommodation ranging from country        unforeseen circumstances.                                                                 before or during the tour.
                             Can you describe a typical day out on tour?                                                                                                                                       included in the overall trip price –
                                                                                                                     inns to town centre hotels (and the                                                       such as entrance fees to sites listed
                             Our tours are conducted at a leisurely pace; we take our time and avoid rushing from    odd castle!). Rather than going by
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Is my payment protected when
                                                                                                                                                                                                               within the itinerary, and included
                             place to place. Stops are made frequently during the day to avoid extended periods      the official grading (based solely on
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         booking a tour with Back-Roads?
                                                                                                                                                                                                               breakfasts and dinners. However,
                             of time on the coach. On a typical day, we might leave at 9am and arrive at our hotel   facilities rather than the standard                                                                                                 Yes. We are a member of ABTA – a
                                                                                                                                                                                                               some costs are not covered. These
                             at 5pm. We endeavour to build rest and relaxation time into our itineraries, and        of the accommodation), we base                                                                                                      trusted travel brand that supports
                                                                                                                                                                                                               include:
                             most inclusions are not mandatory – so if you’d rather explore on your own, you’re      our choices on quality, charm and                                                                                                   high service standards and promotes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Airfares, unless otherwise
                             welcome to meet up with the group at the designated meeting point.                      character. In all hotels, the rooms                                                            specified in the listed inclusions   responsible tourism. All holidays sold
                                                                                                                     have en-suite bathrooms.                                                                     • Transfers, unless otherwise          by ABTA Members are financially
                             How much driving is there on Back-Roads tours?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    specified in the listed inclusions   protected. See our Terms and
                             We design our tours so that there is as little time as possible on the mini-coach       What else should I know?                       MEALS                                         • Lunches, unless otherwise            Conditions: https://backroadstouring.
                             and plenty to see while on board. We travel along the scenic route wherever             Many of the traditional                   What meals are included?                             specified in the listed inclusions   com/terms-and-conditions
                             possible, meaning you’ll see more of the countryside and local village life than on     accommodations we use are historic                                                           • Driver/Tour Leader gratuity is at
                             a regular tour. Inevitably, there are days when travelling between locations may
                                                                                                                                                               Breakfast (B) is included daily. We
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    your discretion                      Are the tours always guaranteed
                                                                                                                     buildings that have been converted
                                                                                                                                                               also include some lunches and                                                             to run?
                             involve motorway driving and more mileage. Generally, driving time will not last        to hotels. Often the rooms are                                                               • Social drinks
                                                                                                                                                               dinners, either in our hotels or in local
                             for more than three or four hours per day.                                              different shapes and sizes, and some                                                         • Meals on free nights                 As a general rule, we are normally
                                                                                                                                                               restaurants. These are indicated by (L)
                                                                                                                     may be smaller than you might be                                                             • Items of a personal nature           able to guarantee our tours when we
                                                                                                                                                               for lunch, (D) for dinner in the itineraries.
                                                                                                                     used to in newer chain hotels.                                                               • Entrance fees not listed in the      have a minimum of six passengers
                                                                                                                                                               You will have some free evenings to try
                                                                                                                     Most of our hotels do not have lifts                                                           tour itinerary                       booked. However, some tours
                                                                                                                                                               the local cuisine independently. Please
                                                                                                                     or air conditioning. In many cases,                                                          • Incidental expenses, such as         require a higher number of booked
                                                                                                                                                               note: dinner times in Europe are likely
                                                                                                                     this is due to regulations concerning                                                          room service charges incurred        passengers before we can guarantee
                                                                                                                                                               to be later than you might be used to
                                                                                                                     ‘listed’ (protected) buildings.                                                                at hotels. All expenses of this      that they will run. Examples include
                                                                                                                                                               (7.30pm at the earliest and often later in
                                                                                                                     However, guests will be offered fans                                                           kind must be settled prior to        our French canal tours and our tours
                                                                                                                                                               France, Spain and Italy).
                                                                                                                     during periods of hot weather.                                                                 leaving the accommodation            of Norway. Guaranteed tours are
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Laundry costs                        identified on our website, and your
                                                                                                                                                               Are you able to cater for my
                                                                                                                     Can Back-Roads arrange pre and                                                               • Shipping charges for the return      travel agent will be able to advise
                                                                                                                                                               dietary restrictions?
                                                                                                                     post tour accommodation in the                                                                 of purchases made on tour            you of a tour’s ongoing status. If
                                                                                                                     cities of arrival and departure?          We will do our best to accommodate                 • Charges for the return of            we are forced to cancel a tour, you
                                                                                                                                                               your dietary needs. Please ensure                    property lost on tour                will be advised at least 6 weeks in
                                                                                                                     Yes. You can request for us to arrange
                                                                                                                                                               that any restrictions are made clear               • Pre and post tour                    advance. You will then have a choice
                                                                                                                     pre and post accommodation at the
                                                                                                                                                               to us at the time of booking so we                   accommodation                        of a full refund of the amount paid for
                                  Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
                                                                                                                     time of booking. Please note: most
                                                                                                                                                               can pass the information on to our                                                        the tour, or an alternative tour.
                                                                                                                     tours start at 8.30am or 6pm on Day
                                                                                                                                                               hotels, restaurants and suppliers.
24                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        25
COMBINE TOURS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          COMBINE TOURS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   BRITAIN

                                                      Combine Tours                                                                                                 EDINBURGH

                                                                                                                                                                                   1     ALNWICK
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             10 Day Highlights of Britain      page 54
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             + 9 Day Enchanting Eastern England page 52

                                                                                                                                                          SCOTLAND

                OUR ITINERARIES AND DEPARTURE DATES ARE DESIGNED TO CONNECT TOGETHER – ALLOWING YOU TO                                             SCOTTISH BORDERS        11             DURHAM

                 SEE EVEN MORE OF THE UK AND EUROPE ON THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME. EXTEND YOUR TRIP BY                                                 LAKE DISTRICT 2
                                                                                                                                                                      2
                                                  COMBINING TOURS AND CREATE YOUR PERFECT HOLIDAY.                                                                                              1       NORTH YORK MOORS
                                                                                                                                                                                  YORK      2
                  PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION AND DON’T FORGET TO ASK ABOUT OUR MULTI TOUR DISCOUNT                                                   LIVERPOOL
                                                                                                                                                      SNOWDONIA                         2           2    LINCOLN

                                                                                                  SPAIN AND PORTUGAL                                                       2        PEAK                       SANDRINGHAM
                                                                                                                                                          LLWYNMAWR               DISTRICT
                                           2 BRAGA
                            PORTO             PENAFIEL                                               11 Day Iberian Inspiration        page 74                     WALES                                  2    CAMBRIDGE
                          DOURO VALLEY 2
                                                   PINHÃO
                                                  LAMEGO
                                                                                                     + 9 Day Discover Portugal         page 68                     COTSWOLDS            2
                                                                                                                                                                                                               LONDON
                                                                                                                                                                                   OXFORD
                                        1 VISEU
                                        COIMBRA                                                                                                                                  ENGLAND
                NAZARÉ

                           2         TOMAR
                ÓBIDOS
                         ALVADOS
                                                                                MADRID
                     2   LISBON
                                                                SPAIN

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ITALY AND SWITZERLAND
                                                                             TOLEDO 1                                                                    SWITZERLAND            ZURICH
                                    1 ESTREMOZ                                                                                                                                                                                               12 Day Italian Indulgence         page 90
                                          MONSARAZ                                                                                                               LUCERNE

                                                                                     VALDEPEÑAS                                                          INTERLAKEN 2            ANDERMATT                                                   + 8 Day Vistas of Italy and
                     SIERRA DE ARACENA        1
                                                                                                                                                                                        1 PONTRESINA                                         Switzerland                       page 84
                                                                                    ÚBEDA
                                                        CÓRDOBA 2
                                           SEVILLE 2                                                                                                                            TIRANO 1
                                                                                                                                                      LAKE MAGGIORE                                 1 TRENTO
                                                                                                                                                                       2
                                                                                                                                                                                LECCO
                                                                                        2                                                                                                2
                                                                                1                                                                                                                        VERONA
                                                                        RONDA           GRANADA                                                                   ASTI FRANCIACORTA             2                    VENICE

                                                                                                                                                    CHERASCO 1                            SIRMIONE

                                                                                                                                                                            1            ITALY
                                                                                                                                                          SANTA MARGHERITA
                                                                                                  IRELAND                                                                                                     FLORENCE
                                                                                                                                                                                            PISA
                                                                                                     9 Day Headlands of Ireland        page 62
                                                                                                                                                                                LUCCA 2                       2 TUSCANY
                                                                                                     + 7 Day Corners of Southern Ireland page 60
                                                               NORTH IRISH                                                                                                                                        1 PERUGIA
                                           GWEEDORE              COAST
                                                  1
                                                           2
                  SLIEVE LEAGUE CLIFFS            1       DERRY   1 BELFAST
                                                      DONEGAL
                           ROSSES POINT               NORTHERN        STRANGFORD LOUGH                                                                                                                           ROME
                                                       IRELAND  HILLSBOROUGH
                ACHILL ISLAND
                                    2
                                         STROKESTOWN
                          WESTPORT
                                             PARK
                                                      KILDARE      DUBLIN
                         CLIFFS OF
                          MOHER           1
                                                                                                                                                                                                            ASIA AND
                                              ENNIS                AVOCA                                                                                                                                  NORTH AMERICA
                                              IRELAND
                                                           1                                                                                                                                              Feeling inspired? Searching for
                  KILLARNEY     2                              WATERFORD
                                                                                                                                                                                                          that next destination? Why not
                RING OF KERRY
                                          2                                                                                                                                                              enquire about our unforgettable
                         KENMARE
                                        KINSALE
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Asia escapes or North American
                                                                                                                                                                                                        adventures? Book as a combination
                                                                                                                                                                                                         or a returning customer and save.
26
 26                                                                                                                                         27
UNITED KINGDOM

                                                                                                                                            UNITED KINGDOM
                                              United Kingdom
                                        DISCOVER AN INFLUENTIAL NATION STEEPED IN RICH HISTORY AND
                                        GRAND TRADITIONS AS YOU EXPLORE THE UNITED KINGDOM FROM
                                           THE STUNNING COASTLINE TO THE VERDANT COUNTRYSIDE.

                     Castle Combe, Cotwolds
                 Scotney Castle, Kent

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ORKNEY AND THE HIGHLANDS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ORKNEY AND THE HIGHLANDS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Enjoy a two-night stay in Orkney,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   the home of some of Europe’s
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   most ancient sites

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Explore the impressive Dunrobin
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Castle and its gardens

                                                                                                                                                                                                               Dunrobin Castle                     Travel beautiful coastal and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   countryside roads through the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Highlands

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   INCLUSIONS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ••      3 nights in boutique accommodation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Experienced Back-Roads Tour
                           Ring of Brodgar                                                                                                                            Italian Chapel, Scapa Flow               Whisky tasting                             Leader and Driver

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ••     Premium mini-coach transportation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Daily full Scottish breakfasts (B),
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2 dinners (D)

                                                           Orkney and the Highlands                                                                                   DAY 4 WICK – DUNROBIN CASTLE
                                                                                                                                                                      – INVERNESS. After one final
                                                                                                                                                                                                                What Our Guests Say                 ••    Ferry crossings
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Whisky tasting

                                                           Inverness | Kirkwall | Wick                                                                                breakfast together we’ll hit the road
                                                                                                                                                                      back to Inverness. It’s been a tour        ‘A very recommendable and           •    Entrance included to all attractions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          in the itinerary, including:
                                                                                                                                                                      that’s delved deep into Scotland’s            pleasant tour amongst                 Maeshowe Tomb, Skara Brae,
                                                                                                                                                                      heritage, so it’s only fitting that we            a lovely group of                 the Ring of Brodgar, the Broch of
                                                   4    DAYS           •   3   NIGHTS              •   UP    TO       15     GUESTS                                                                                                                       Gurness, the Brough of Birsay, the
                                                                                                                                                                      finish with a stop at the historic             like-minded people.’
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Italian Chapel, Dunrobin Castle
                                                                                                                                                                      Dunrobin Castle. We’ll take some                   - Renate Martin
                           Discover dramatic landscapes,                                                                                                              time to explore the impressive white                                         For tour exclusions please see our FAQs
                                                                                                                                                                      towers and formal gardens of this                                            on p.22
                           towns steeped in Viking history                                                                              2   ORKNEY
                           and ancient sites – whose roots                                                                                                            stately home before travelling the
                                                                                                                                                                      meandering coastal road over the           ‘Overall one of the best
                           stretch back over 5,000 years – on                                                                                                                                                                                                   TOUR CODE: BEHOHII-0
                                                                                                                                                                      Dornoch and Cromarty Firths. Don’t          tours I have been on.’
                           this fascinating journey through                                                                             WICK
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              P R I C E S     F R O M
                                                                                                                                    1                                 forget to focus your camera lens on
                           the Orkney Islands and the                                                                                                                                                                       - Peter Terry                     $ 2 , 2 8 9   P P
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                N Z D
                                                                                                                                                                      the soul-stirring Scottish scenery as
                           Highlands of Scotland.                                                                                                                     we go! When we reach Inverness,                                                         Single room from $2,749 NZD
                                                                                                                           DUNROBIN CASTLE                            we’ll say our goodbyes. (B)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ‘Thoroughly enjoyed myself.                  2020                     2020
                           DAY 1 INVERNESS –
                           STRATHPEFFER – ORKNEY. Our                                             STRATHPEFFER
                                                                                                                                                                      This tour can be combined with                  Excellent driving,                  DEPARTS                  DEPARTS
                           journey through the misty crags                                                                                                            A Scottish Journey page 48                 knowledgeable guide, good               28          APR          11          AUG
                                                                                                                                  SCOTLAND
                           and heather-clad moors of Scotland                                                                                                         and/or Highlights of Britain             company – excellent experience.’          05          MAY          25          AUG
                                                                                                             INVERNESS
                           will begin in Inverness today. After                                                                                                       page 54.                                                                           19          MAY          01          SEP
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       - Linda Harper
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         09          JUN          08          SEP
                           meeting the group, we’ll admire the
                                                                                   Tour Start/End Point          Overnight Stop          Day Stop       By Ferry
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         14          JUL          15          SEP
                           staggering vistas, soaring peaks and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         28          JUL
                           wide valleys as our road takes us
                           north. Our first stop of the day will be        level. Today we’ll walk in the footsteps         DAY 3 ORKNEY – WICK. From the                                                                                         DATES SHOWN IN GREEN ARE
                           Strathpeffer – a stylish Victorian spa                                                                                                                                                                                 GUARANTEED DEPARTURES                         G
                                                                           of ancient islanders at the mysterious           St Magnus Cathedral to the Bishop’s
                           town, where we’ll have some free time           Maeshowe tomb, the Neolithic village             Palace, we’ll find plenty of Norse
                           to explore. Afterwards, we’ll leave             of Skara Brae and the mystical Ring              sites on our doorstep in Kirkwall. This                                                                               For up-to-date availability and pricing,
                           land behind and sail to Orkney on a                                                                                                                                                                                    please visit our website.
                                                                           of Brodgar – taking in the history and           afternoon will see us venture to Scapa
                           short ferry journey, complete with an           significance of each site as we go. Our          Flow, where we’ll see the famous
                           abundance of scenic views. Kirkwall,            next stop will be the Iron Age Broch             Italian Chapel and stop for a photo
                           first settled by the Vikings, will be our       of Gurness – and, if the tides are on            opportunity at the WWII shipwrecks.
                           home for the next two nights.                   our side, we’ll round off the day with           Later on, we’ll board the ferry to the
                                                                           an atmospheric walk to Brough of                 mainland – where we’ll reminisce on
                           DAY 2 ORKNEY. Majestic landscapes,
                                                                           Birsay island. (B,D)                             our tour and enjoy a farewell dinner in
                           scenic roads and an imagination-firing
                                                                                                                            Wick. (B,D)
                           history: Orkney delivers on every

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 30                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            31
HEART OF ENGLAND

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               HEART OF ENGLAND
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Visit the childhood home and final
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              resting place of William Shakespeare
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              in Stratford-upon-Avon

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Go behind the scenes at Longleat
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              House, one of England’s most
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              impressive stately homes
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Longleat House, Longleat
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Enjoy high tea at the charming
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Old Rectory Tearoom in Castle
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Combe

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              INCLUSIONS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ••      4 nights in boutique accommodation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Experienced Back-Roads Tour
                   Broadway                                                                                                                               Old Rectory Tearoom, Castle Combe         Roman baths, Bath                                Leader and Driver

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ••     Premium mini-coach transportation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Daily full English breakfasts (B),
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     2 dinners (D)

                                                  Heart of England                                                                                        After imagining ourselves as costume
                                                                                                                                                          drama heroes and heroines, we’ll step
                                                                                                                                                                                                    before we move on to Avebury,
                                                                                                                                                                                                    an immense stone circle set within
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ••    Guided walking tour of Oxford
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Traditional high tea

                                           Oxford | Bath | Longleat | Avebury                                                                             inside the magnificent abbey – whose
                                                                                                                                                          peaceful cloisters took a starring turn
                                                                                                                                                                                                    an ancient landscape of enigmatic
                                                                                                                                                                                                    monuments, tombs and roads. While
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                •    Entrance included to all attractions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     in the itinerary, including:
                                                                                                                                                          as the Hogwarts hallways in the Harry     Stonehenge attracts tourists from                Shakespeare’s birthplace, Anne
                                                                                                                                                          Potter series. Then: onwards to Bath,     around the world and does not permit             Hathaway’s Cottage, Lacock
                                           5   DAYS         •   4   NIGHTS             •   UP    TO        18     GUESTS                                                                                                                             Abbey, the Roman Baths,
                                                                                                                                                          a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city       close access, at Avebury we’ll have
                                                                                                                                                          with true ‘wow’ factor, where we’ll       the opportunity to walk freely among             Longleat House
                   Neolithic man, Roman                                                                                                                   make ourselves at home for our final      the standing stones. Steeped in           For tour exclusions please see our FAQs
                   forces, celebrated writers and                                                                                                         two nights. (B)                           mystery, this prehistoric stone circle    on p.22
                                                                                     STRATFORD-UPON-AVON                                                                                            is a fascinating sight – and makes for
                   contemporary filmmakers have                                                                                                           DAY 4 BATH. After receiving a
                                                                                                                                                                                                    a tremendous final stop. Later this
                   all made a mark on England’s                                                                                                           fascinating insight into Roman life on                                                          TOUR CODE: BEHHOLL-0
                                                                                                                                ENGLAND                                                             afternoon, our trip will come to a
                   heartland. This tour follows their                                           2     COTSWOLDS                                           a morning visit to the Roman Baths,
                                                                                                                                                                                                    close back in London. (B)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         P R I C E S     F R O M
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       P P
                   tracks – covering Wiltshire’s                                                                                                          we’ll visit the museum at No. 1 Royal                                                          $ 2 , 4 9 9       N Z D
                   ancient stone circles and movie-set                                                                                                    Crescent. The afternoon will then be      This tour can be combined with                       Single room from $2,999 NZD
                                                                                LACOCK                                                                    yours to explore the town for yourself.   Kent: Garden of England page
                   good looks, Oxford’s ‘dreaming
                                                                           BATH     2           AVEBURY            OXFORD                                 You could enjoy a bit of ‘me time’        32 and/or Corners of Cornwall                        2020                     2020
                   spires’ and Bath’s incredible                                                                                                          at Thermae Bath Spa (Britain’s only       page 38.                                         DEPARTS                  DEPARTS
                   architecture.                                      LONGLEAT                                                                            thermal spa), and bathe in mineral-                                                       16          MAR          29          JUN
                                                                                                                                       LONDON             rich waters while scanning the skyline                                                    30          MAR          06          JUL
                   DAY 1 LONDON – OXFORD –                                                                                                                from the rooftop pool – or, if you’d                                                      06          APR          13          JUL
                   COTSWOLDS. After meeting with                                                                                                          prefer to explore on foot, you could                                                      20          APR          27          JUL
                   the group in London, we’ll set our                                                                                                     discover Bath’s proud independent                                                         27          APR          03          AUG
                                                                        Tour Start/End Point          Overnight Stop        Day Stop
                   sights on our first stop: charming                                                                                                     side as you wander past stylish
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    04          MAY          10          AUG
                   Oxford. Here, we’ll learn about the                                                                                                                                                                                              11          MAY          24          AUG
                                                                                                                                                          boutiques and celebrated coffee
                   poets, professors, scientists and            DAY 2 COTSWOLDS – STRATFORD-                     our hotel, where the evening will be                                                                                               18          MAY          07          SEP
                                                                                                                                                          shops. At our last dinner together,                                                       25          MAY          14          SEP
                   sporting heroes that have graced the         UPON-AVON – COTSWOLDS. The                       yours to enjoy at your leisure. (B)
                                                                                                                                                          we’ll swap stories and look back                                                          01          JUN          21          SEP
                   city’s streets over the years. Then:         life and times of William Shakespeare
                                                                                                                 DAY 3 COTSWOLDS – LACOCK –               on our English journey with fond                                                          08          JUN          28          SEP
                   we’ll venture through quintessential         will take centre stage in riverside
                                                                                                                 BATH. Day three promises to be an        memories. (B,D)                                                                           15          JUN          05          OCT
                   English countryside to meet with the         Stratford-upon-Avon today – where                                                                                                                                                   22          JUN          19          OCT
                                                                                                                 indulgent one, with an afternoon of
                   Cotswolds. This charming area is a           we’ll see the playwright’s timbered                                                       DAY 5 BATH – LONGLEAT –
                                                                                                                 high tea on the agenda at the quaint
                   patchwork of green hills and farmland,       childhood home and his wife Anne                                                          AVEBURY – LONDON. The current                                                      DATES SHOWN IN GREEN ARE
                                                                                                                 Old Rectory Tearoom before we move
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             GUARANTEED DEPARTURES                         G
                   peppered with centuries-old villages         Hathaway’s pretty thatched cottage. A                                                     seat of the Marquess of Bath, the
                                                                                                                 on to Lacock. This showstopper of
                   and caramel-hued cottages. We’ll             stroll through the blooming gardens                                                       impressive Longleat blends classic
                                                                                                                 a village often doubles as a film set,
                   end the day with a delicious welcome         here is a must! There will be plenty of                                                   architecture with creative interiors –                                             For up-to-date availability and pricing,
                                                                                                                 and you may recognise it from Pride                                                                                         please visit our website.
                   dinner. (D)                                  time to explore some more Cotswold                                                        and it’s here that we’ll start the day.
                                                                                                                 and Prejudice or Downton Abbey.
                                                                hamlets as we wind our way back to                                                        We’ll have plenty of time to explore

                                                                                                                             backroadstouring.com         backroadstouring.com
3232                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    33
KENT: THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        KENT: THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Visit the iconic castles and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        gardens of Hever, Leeds, Dover
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        and Sissinghurst

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Delve into history on a behind-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        the-scenes tour of Canterbury
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cathedral
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Cobblestone street, Rye
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Sample celebrated beers at
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        brewery
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        INCLUSIONS

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Chartwell House, © National Trust
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       ••     5 nights in boutique accommodation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Experienced Back-Roads Tour
                              Leeds Castle                                                                                                                          Canterbury Cathedral                                                                      Leader and Driver

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ••
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Images/David Sellman
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Premium mini-coach transportation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Daily full English breakfasts (B),
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1 lunch (L), 3 dinners (D)

                                                  Kent: The Garden of England                                                                                       during their frequent stays). Then:
                                                                                                                                                                    onwards to the Shepherd Neame
                                                                                                                                                                                                              covert cannons every few paces. The
                                                                                                                                                                                                              afternoon will see us back in Rye,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        •     Beer tasting at Shepherd Neame
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              in Faversham

                                             Canterbury | Maidstone | Rye | Sissinghurst                                                                            Brewery in Faversham, where we’ll be
                                                                                                                                                                    treated to a tour – with the chance to
                                                                                                                                                                                                              where some free time will allow for
                                                                                                                                                                                                              the chance to see more of the town
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        •     Wine tasting at Chapel Down in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Tenterden
                                                                                                                                                                    sample some award-winning beers.
                                                                                                                                                                    We’ll round off the day with a seaside
                                                                                                                                                                                                              before our farewell dinner. (B,D)         •     Entrance included to all attractions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              in the itinerary, including: Hever
                                                       6   DAYS       •   5   NIGHTS            •    UP    TO       18    GUESTS                                                                              DAY 6 RYE – SISSINGHURST                        Castle and Gardens, Canterbury
                                                                                                                                                                    stroll in the quaint town of Whitstable
                                                                                                                                                                                                              – HEVER CASTLE – LONDON.                        Cathedral, Leeds Castle, Rye
                                                                                                                                                                    before returning to the castle for the
                                                                                                                                                                                                              There’s still time for two more stops           Heritage Centre, Dover Castle,
                              Open a treasure box of storybook                                                                                                      evening. (B)
                                                                                                                                                                                                              before our tour comes to a close.               Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens,
                              castles, secret tunnels and                        LONDON                                                                             DAY 4 MAIDSTONE – TENTERDEN               After visiting Sissinghurst Castle              Chartwell House
                              enchanting gardens as we dedicate                                                                                                     – RYE. Next stop: historic Tenterden,     (where we’ll find poet and writer Vita
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        For tour exclusions please see our FAQs
                              six days to England’s exquisite                                                                                                       a quintessentially English town           Sackville-West’s famous gardens),         on p.22
                                                                                                                                 WHITSTABLE        BROADSTAIRS
                                                                                            CHARTWELL HOUSE                                                         overlooking the valley of the River       we’ll move on to Hever Castle – the
                              South East. On our travels we’ll see                                                  FAVERSHAM
                                                                                                                                                                    Rother. After taking a look around,       fairytale childhood home of Anne
                              why Whitstable has been dubbed                                                                                                                                                                                                       TOUR CODE: BEHGOLL-0
                                                                                                                                         1                          we’ll pull up a chair and get comfy at    Boleyn. Then: back to London, where
                              the ‘Pearl of Kent’ – and discover                                                                CANTERBURY                                                                    we’ll say our goodbyes. (B)                         P R I C E S     F R O M
                                                                                                        MAIDSTONE   2                              SANDWICH         the Chapel Down winery – where we’ll
                              the tales that make Canterbury the                                                                                                    clink glasses over an included wine                                                           $ 2 , 6 9 9   P P
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    N Z D
                                                                               HEVER CASTLE
                              jewel in the county’s crown.                                                                                                                                                    This tour can be combined with
                                                                                                                         TENTERDEN                                  tasting. Our final destination of the                                                         Single room from $3,389 NZD
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Heart of England page 30
                                                                                                    SISSINGHURST                                DOVER
                                                                                                                                                                    day will be the charming market town
                              DAY 1 LONDON – CHARTWELL                                                                                                                                                        and/or Corners of Cornwall                          2020                     2020
                                                                                                                                                                    of Rye, where we’ll pay a visit to the
                              HOUSE – CANTERBURY. After                                                                                                                                                       page 38.
                                                                                     ENGLAND                                                                        Rye Heritage Centre. (B,L)                                                                DEPARTS                  DEPARTS
                              meeting the group in London, we’ll                                                           2   RYE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             15          MAR          05          JUL
                              set a course for our first historic                                                                                                   DAY 5 RYE – DOVER – RYE.
                                                                                 Tour Start/End Point        Overnight Stop          Day Stop                                                                                                                29          MAR          19          JUL
                              stop: Chartwell House. Many of                                                                                                        Today we’ll dedicate some time to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             05          APR          26          JUL
                              us will know the public face of Sir                                                                                                   exploring Rye’s cobbled lanes and                                                        19          APR          02          AUG
                              Winston Churchill, but a chance to          DAY 2 CANTERBURY – SANDWICH                    Place’. Tonight, we’ll rest our heads in   timber-clad houses, experiencing                                                         03          MAY          16          AUG
                              see inside Chartwell will give us a         – BROADSTAIRS – MAIDSTONE.                     the grounds of the spectacular Leeds       some of the magic that inspired                                                          10          MAY          23          AUG
                                                                          Our second day will begin with a               Castle. (B,D)                              writers and artists such as Henry                                                        17          MAY          06          SEP
                              glimpse into his private home. From
                                                                          visit to the magnificent Canterbury                                                       James and Paul Nash. After tracing                                                       31          MAY          13          SEP
                              the library to the sitting room and
                                                                                                                         DAY 3 MAIDSTONE – FAVERSHAM                                                                                                         07          JUN          20          SEP
                              study, this red stone manor is a time       Cathedral. The oldest working church                                                      the shoreline and spotting those
                                                                                                                         – WHITSTABLE – MAIDSTONE.                                                                                                           14          JUN          27          SEP
                              capsule brimming with insights into         in England, this UNESCO World                                                             famous white cliffs, we’ll arrive at
                                                                                                                         This morning we’ll take some time                                                                                                   21          JUN          04          OCT
                              1930s family life. We’ll move on to         Heritage Site is home to medieval                                                         Dover Castle: the gateway to the                                                         28          JUN          18          OCT
                                                                                                                         to explore Leeds Castle on a guided
                              Canterbury this afternoon – where a         ruins, an oak-roofed Chapter House                                                        English coast. This fortress boasts
                                                                                                                         tour of the famous moat, the areas
                              welcome dinner awaits. (D)                  and a staggering gothic nave. Then:                                                       evocative interiors that tell centuries                                            DATES SHOWN IN GREEN ARE
                                                                                                                         below stairs and the grand bedrooms                                                                                           GUARANTEED DEPARTURES                        G
                                                                          we’ll move on to medieval Sandwich,                                                       of historic tales, not to mention far-
                                                                                                                         (some of which were favoured by
                                                                          and Broadstairs – which Dickens                                                           reaching views from the Great Tower
                                                                                                                         King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson
                                                                          immortalised as ‘Our English Watering                                                     and dark medieval tunnels with                                                     For up-to-date availability and pricing,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       please visit our website.

                                                                                                                                     backroadstouring.com           backroadstouring.com
3434                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   35
CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Stroll the fabulous show gardens
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      at the Royal Horticultural Society
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Tour the historic manor houses
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      and beautiful gardens of South
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      East England
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Hever Castle, Kent
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Enjoy overnight stays in historic
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      royal towns Tunbridge Wells and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Windsor
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      INCLUSIONS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ••      6 nights in boutique accommodation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Experienced Back-Roads Tour
                      Chelsea Flower Show, London                                                                                                            Chelsea Flower Show, London                 Kew Gardens, London                                 Leader and Driver

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ••     Premium mini-coach transportation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Daily full English breakfasts (B),
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             2 dinners (D)

                                               Chelsea Flower Show                                                                                           and royal tradition, Windsor will be
                                                                                                                                                             our final stop of the day. (B,D)
                                                                                                                                                                                                         DAY 7 LONDON – HAMPTON
                                                                                                                                                                                                         COURT – KEW GARDENS –
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ••      Afternoon tea river cruise in Windsor
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Guided tour of Kew Royal Botanic

                                          London | Tunbridge Wells | Windsor
                                                                                                                                                                                                         LONDON. It may be the last day of                   Gardens
                                                                                                                                                             DAY 4 WINDSOR – THE SAVILL
                                                                                                                                                             GARDEN – WINDSOR. What
                                                                                                                                                                                                         the tour, but there’s still time to enjoy
                                                                                                                                                                                                         some more English treasures before
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       •     Entrance included to all attractions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             in the itinerary, including: Ightham
                                                                                                                                                             better way to spend the day                                                                     Mote, Scotney Castle, Sissinghurst
                                                                                                                                                                                                         we say goodbye. This morning we’ll
                                             7      DAYS     •   6   NIGHTS             •       UP     TO       18     GUESTS                                than discovering Windsor’s regal                                                                Castle Garden, Great Dixter, Hever
                                                                                                                                                                                                         take a look around the splendid
                                                                                                                                                             highlights? First, we’ll visit the Savill
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Hampton Court Palace and Gardens                    Castle, RHS Garden Wisley, the
                                                                                                                                                             Garden in Windsor Great Park. As we
                                                                                                                                                                                                         before moving on to Kew. The palm                   Savill Garden, Waddesdon Manor,
                      Stop and smell the roses on
                                                                                                                                                             walk through the themed gardens, be
                                                                                                                                                                                                         house, a jaw-dropping example of                    Cliveden, Chelsea Flower Show,
                      this leisurely tour of South East                      WADDESDON MANOR
                                                                                                                                                             sure to keep an eye out for an array                                                            Hampton Court Palace and Kew
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Victorian engineering, is sure to add
                      England’s greatest gardens and                                                                                                         of rare plants from around the world!                                                           Royal Botanic Gardens
                                                                                                                 ENGLAND                                                                                 a final flourish to that holiday photo
                      show-stealing stately homes. And                                                                                                       After some free time, an afternoon tea
                                                                                                                                                                                                         album. (B)                                   For tour exclusions please see our FAQs
                      the jewel in the crown? A trip                                                                                                         cruise awaits us back in Windsor. (B)                                                    on p.22
                                                                                                     CLIVEDEN
                      to the green-fingered event of                                                                                                                                                     Due to the large number of
                                                                                                                                                             DAY 5 WINDSOR – WADDESDON
                                                                                                             2   LONDON                                      MANOR – CLIVEDEN – LONDON.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         visitors during peak season,
                      the year, the Royal Horticultural                       WINDSOR       2                                                                                                                                                              TOUR CODE: BEHCFLL-0 BEHFCLL-0*
                                                                                              THE   CHELSEA                                                  This morning we’ll swap English
                                                                                                                                                                                                         entrance to all attractions
                      Society Chelsea Flower Show.                                           SAVILL FLOWER             IGHTHAM MOTE
                                                                                                                                                                                                         (apart from Chelsea Flower                             P R I C E S     F R O M
                                                                                            GARDEN SHOW                                                      country houses for an elegant
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              P P
                                                                                                                                                             French château: the Grade I listed
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Show) will be subject to                               $ 4 , 1 5 9       N Z D
                      DAY 1 LONDON – IGHTHAM MOTE                                                                 TUNBRIDGE WELLS
                      – SCOTNEY CASTLE – TUNBRIDGE                           RHS GARDEN WISLEY                                                               Waddesdon Manor. Then: onwards
                                                                                                                                                                                                         availability. In the event                             Single room from $4,989 NZD
                                                                                                        HEVER CASTLE
                                                                                                                          2     SCOTNEY CASTLE                                                           that we are unable to visit
                      WELLS. Our tour of England’s green                                                                                                     to Cliveden, which boasts colourful
                                                                                                                                GREAT DIXTER                                                                                                                    2020                      2020
                      and pleasant land will begin at one                                                                                                    gardens for every season (not to
                                                                                                                                                                                                         an attraction, we will make
                      of the most unique manor houses in                                                                                                     mention glorious views over the River
                                                                                                                                                                                                         alternative arrangements.                          DEPARTS                   DEPARTS

                      Kent: Ightham Mote. This medieval                  Tour Start/End Point            Overnight Stop        Day Stop                      Thames). This afternoon, we’ll return                                                         16          MAY          20*          MAY
                      house dates back over 700 years, and                                                                                                   to London – where we’ll look forward
                                                                                                                                                                                                         This tour can be combined with                    17          MAY          20*          MAY

                      can only be reached via an ancient                                                                                                     to the excitement of the days to
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Highlights of Britain page 54                     18          MAY          21*          MAY
                                                                 This morning our road will turn east                DAY 3 TUNBRIDGE WELLS – HEVER                                                                                                         19          MAY          22*          MAY
                      stone bridge that stretches over its                                                                                                   come. (B)
                                                                                                                                                                                                         and/or Corners of Cornwall
                                                                 to Sissinghurst Castle Garden, an                   CASTLE – RHS GARDEN WISLEY
                      very own moat. This afternoon we’ll
                                                                                                                                                                                                         page 38.
                                                                 iconic retreat that’s renowned for                  – WINDSOR. After breakfast in                                                                                                   DATES SHOWN IN GREEN ARE
                                                                                                                                                             DAY 6 LONDON – CHELSEA                                                                                                                G
                      visit the charming Scotney Castle,         its romantic design and colourful                   Tunbridge Wells, we’ll make tracks to   FLOWER SHOW – LONDON .                                                                  GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
                      where we’ll take some time to wander       rose arrangements. Then: we’ll swap                 the award-winning gardens of Hever      Today the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
                      the gardens before we end our              sculpted layouts for a naturalistic                 Castle – the childhood home of Henry    will be yours to enjoy. From urban                                                      For up-to-date availability and pricing,
                      delightful day in Tunbridge Wells.                                                             VIII’s second queen, Anne Boleyn.                                                                                               please visit our website.
                                                                 approach to planting at Great Dixter.                                                       patches with remarkable water
                      Tonight, there’s a welcome dinner on       Here, we’ll tour the old timber-framed              This afternoon will see us wandering    features to gardens that conjure                                                        Please note: There are a number
                      the agenda. (D)                            house that was home to famous                       tranquil RHS Garden Wisley, taking      images of different countries from                                                      of dates where more than one
                                                                 British gardener Christopher Lloyd –                in the sounds of the water flowing      around the world, this spectacular
                      DAY 2 TUNBRIDGE WELLS –                                                                                                                                                                                                        departure will be running at the
                      SISSINGHURST CASTLE – GREAT                and explore the gardens that were his               through the rock garden and relaxing    event showcases the very best of                                                        same time.
                      DIXTER – TUNBRIDGE WELLS.                  pride and joy. (B)                                  in the Alpine Meadow. Rich in history   contemporary garden design. (B)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     *These departures run in reverse.
                                                                                                                                backroadstouring.com         backroadstouring.com
3636                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         37
HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Stroll the fabulous show gardens
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            at the Hampton Court Flower
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Show

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Tour the historic manor houses
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            and beautiful gardens of South
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            East England
                                                                                                                                                                                                               Sissinghurst Castle Garden
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Enjoy overnight stays in historic
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            royal towns Tunbridge Wells and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Windsor
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            INCLUSIONS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ••      6 nights in boutique accommodation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Experienced Back-Roads Tour
                            Hampton Court Flower Show                                                                                                              Hampton Court Palace, London                Scotney Castle, Kent                                Leader and Driver

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ••     Premium mini-coach transportation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Daily full English breakfasts (B),
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   2 dinners (D)

                                                 Hampton Court Flower Show                                                                                         and royal tradition, Windsor will be
                                                                                                                                                                   our final stop of the day. (B,D)
                                                                                                                                                                                                               event showcases the very best of
                                                                                                                                                                                                               contemporary garden design. (B)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ••      Afternoon tea river cruise in Windsor
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Guided tour of Kew Royal Botanic

                                                London | Tunbridge Wells | Windsor
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Gardens
                                                                                                                                                                   DAY 4 WINDSOR – THE SAVILL
                                                                                                                                                                   GARDEN – WINDSOR. What
                                                                                                                                                                                                               DAY 7 LONDON – HAMPTON
                                                                                                                                                                                                               COURT – KEW GARDENS –
                                                                                                                                                                                                               LONDON. It may be the last day of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             •     Entrance included to all attractions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   in the itinerary, including: Ightham
                                                                                                                                                                   better way to spend the day than                                                                Mote, Scotney Castle, Sissinghurst
                                                    7   DAYS          •   6   NIGHTS             •   UP       TO     18     GUESTS                                 by discovering Windsor’s regal              the tour, but there’s still time to enjoy           Castle Garden, Great Dixter, Hever
                                                                                                                                                                   highlights? First, we’ll visit the Savill   some more English treasures before                  Castle, RHS Garden Wisley, the
                                                                                                                                                                   Garden in Windsor Great Park. As we         we say goodbye. This morning we’ll                  Savill Garden, Waddesdon Manor,
                            Aromatic gardens, esteemed stately                                                                                                                                                 take a look around the splendid
                                                                                                                                                                   walk through the themed gardens,                                                                Cliveden, Hampton Court Palace
                            homes, charming countryside                                 WADDESDON MANOR                                                            be sure to keep an eye out for an           Hampton Court Palace and Gardens                    and Kew Royal Botanic Gardens
                            vistas - this leisurely tour of South                                                                                                  array of rare plants from around the        before moving on to Kew. The palm
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For tour exclusions please see our FAQs
                                                                                                                          ENGLAND                                                                              house, a jaw-dropping example of
                            East England’s greatest gardens is                                                                                                     world! Then: after some free time, an                                                    on p.22
                            certainly one for the photo books.                                                                                                     afternoon tea cruise awaits us back in      Victorian engineering, is sure to add
                                                                                                             CLIVEDEN                                              Windsor. (B)                                a final flourish to that holiday photo
                            And the main event? A trip to the
                                                                                                                                                                                                               album. (B)                                        TOUR CODE: BEHHFLL-0 BEHFHLL-0*
                            green-fingered event of the year, the                                                     2                                            DAY 5 WINDSOR – WADDESDON
                                                                                         WINDSOR     2                    LONDON
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      P R I C E S     F R O M
                            Hampton Court Flower Show.                                                                                                             MANOR – CLIVEDEN – LONDON.                  Please note: There are a
                                                                                                           THE HAMPTON                                                                                                                                                $ 3 , 9 5 9   P P
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        N Z D
                                                                                                          SAVILL COURT           IGHTHAM MOTE                      This morning we’ll swap English             number of dates where more
                                                                                                         GARDEN FLOWER                                                                                                                                                Single room from $4,749 NZD
                            DAY 1 LONDON – IGHTHAM MOTE                                                          SHOW                                              country houses for an elegant               than one departure will be
                            – SCOTNEY CASTLE – TUNBRIDGE                                                                   TUNBRIDGE WELLS                         French château: the Grade I listed
                                                                                        RHS GARDEN WISLEY                                                                                                      running at the same time. There
                            WELLS. Our tour of England’s green                                                   HEVER CASTLE
                                                                                                                                    2      SCOTNEY CASTLE          Waddesdon Manor. Then: onwards              are also departures where the                          2020                      2020
                            and pleasant land will begin at one of                                                                         GREAT DIXTER            to Cliveden, which boasts colourful         itinerary is reversed.                             DEPARTS                   DEPARTS
                            the most unique manor houses in Kent:                                                                                                  gardens for every season (not to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 04          JUL          10*          JUL
                            Ightham Mote. This medieval house                     Tour Start/End Point          Overnight Stop          Day Stop                   mention glorious views over the River       Due to the large number of                        06          JUL
                            dates back over 700 years, and can                                                                                                     Thames). This afternoon, we’ll return       visitors during peak season,
                            only be reached via an ancient stone          to Sissinghurst Castle Garden, an                DAY 3 TUNBRIDGE WELLS – HEVER           to London – where we’ll look forward        entrance to all attractions                 DATES SHOWN IN GREEN ARE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           GUARANTEED DEPARTURES                         G
                            bridge that stretches over its very own       iconic retreat that’s renowned for               CASTLE – RHS GARDEN WISLEY              to the excitement of the days to            (apart from Hampton Court
                            moat. This afternoon we’ll visit the          its romantic design and colourful                – WINDSOR. After breakfast in           come. (B)                                   Flower Show) will be subject to
                            charming Scotney Castle, where we’ll                                                           Tunbridge Wells, we’ll make tracks to                                               availability. In the event that we          For up-to-date availability and pricing,
                                                                          rose arrangements. Then: we’ll swap                                                      DAY 6 LONDON – HAMPTON                                                                  please visit our website.
                            take some time to wander the gardens          sculpted layouts for a naturalistic              the award-winning gardens of Hever      COURT FLOWER SHOW –                         are unable to visit an attraction,
                            before we end our action-packed day           approach to planting at Great Dixter.            Castle – the childhood home of Henry    LONDON. Today the Hampton                   we will make alternative                    Please note: There are a number
                            in Tunbridge Wells. Tonight, there’s a        Here, we’ll tour the old timber-framed           VIII’s second queen, Anne Boleyn.       Court Flower Show Show will                 arrangements.                               of dates where more than one
                            welcome dinner on the agenda. (D)             house that was home to famous                    This afternoon will see us wandering    be yours to enjoy. From urban                                                           departure will be running at the
                            DAY 2 TUNBRIDGE WELLS –                       British gardener Christopher Lloyd –             tranquil RHS Garden Wisley, taking      patches with remarkable water               This tour can be combined with              same time.
                            SISSINGHURST CASTLE – GREAT                   and explore the gardens that were his            in the sounds of the water flowing      features to gardens that conjure            Highlights of Britain page 54
                            DIXTER – TUNBRIDGE WELLS.                     pride and joy. (B)                               through the rock garden and relaxing    images of different countries from          and/or Corners of Cornwall                  *This departure runs in reverse.
                            This morning our road will turn east                                                           in the Alpine Meadow. Rich in history   around the world, this spectacular          page 38.

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