Tour and itinerary provider Backroads has announced 38 new itineraries for the coming year, significantly expanding its portfolio with an emphasis on adventurous experiences and upscale accommodations. The new schedules highlight multi-generational trips and an expanded presence in South America, with offerings that include Brazil, Chile’s volcanic regions and Cuba.
“For nearly 40 years we’ve taken guests on active travel adventures around the world. Each year our trip designers research the best locations, select excellent hotels and build immersive biking and hiking routes so guests can enjoy outstanding trips in the more than 50 countries where Backroads operates. In 2018 we continue that tradition with an impressive lineup of new departures and destinations for active exploration,” said Tom Hale, founder and president of Backroads.
Following the success of its first small-ship ocean cruise in Iceland, introduced to enthusiastic reviews in 2017, Backroads is expanding similar departures for 2018. New Icelandic itineraries focus on the Northern Lights and the dramatic eastern fjords.
New European options include Italy’s Dolomites, the French Riviera, Scotland’s western Highlands, Slovenia and Croatia. Many of these European trips are walking and hiking programs, including a hut-to-hut trek that crosses parts of Switzerland, France and Italy.
Active adventures have also been added in destinations farther afield, such as Namibia, Zimbabwe and Morocco, and across the United States in New Mexico and Maine.
Families and groups seeking multi-generational travel will find new departures tailored to teenagers and young adults, with choices that include New Zealand, Spain and Alaska’s Wrangell–St. Elias National Park.
Backroads says additional 2018 itineraries will be announced in the coming weeks, further broadening its selection of active, curated travel experiences designed for a range of interests and ages.