Destinations

Venture somewhere new or see an old favorite in a fresh light. From chasing the northern lights to experiencing the world’s best wine countries, we’ve gathered stories and insider tips on the places you simply can’t miss.

Guest cycling past mountain town, large mountain range in background.
August 25, 2025

The Best Bike Routes in Italy

At Backroads, we’ve been leading guided bike tours in Italy for over three decades. Check out a few of our favorite routes and learn more about some of the best cycling destinations in the country.

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Group of people on top of a cliff looking down at grassy hills
August 19, 2025

More Riviera than Meets the Eye

Meaning ‘coastline’ in Italian, the term Riviera originated in northwestern Italy to define the area surrounding the city of Genoa. Now, every country promotes its own version of a Riviera as a promise of a perfect seafront or lakefront vacation. Let’s narrow in on three European Rivieras worth a vi…

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Evening, city view of San Francisco with houses illuminated by lights
August 14, 2025

24 Hours in San Francisco

There's something about San Francisco. Something that sets it apart from other major world cities. Is it the natural setting: a hilly peninsula surrounded on three sides by indigo Pacific waters? Perhaps it’s the postcard-perfect aesthetic: the parade of ornate pastel Victorians alongside a riot of…

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Quebec
July 29, 2025

The Nine Most European Cities in North America

Rich in culture, full of charm and steeped in fascinating history, European towns and cities have captivated travelers from across the pond for centuries. Enticed to sample the local delicacies, take in unique architecture and cultivate a better understanding of their rich history, North Americans o…

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Town full of white and brown buildings with a church bell tower in the center
July 24, 2025

Seven Things We Love About the Canary Islands

Just off the northwest coast of Africa, right by Morocco, this Spanish archipelago boasts dazzling beaches, dramatic landscapes and a rich blend of cultural influences. Its seven islands hold a world of wonders from volcanic terrain to white-sand beaches. Still undiscovered by North American tourist…

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Two hands holding up glasses of champagne
July 8, 2025

The Most Romantic Cities to Bookend Your Backroads Trip

Some cities are made for love. Whether it’s the dreamy canals of Venice or the Eiffel tower twinkling against a sunset sky, certain places have that irrepressible spark. If you’re looking for the perfect backdrop for a couple's getaway, look no further. We’ve paired our favorite romantic cities with…

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Outdoor hot tub surrounded by tall plants and trees
June 27, 2025

As Seen on Screen: The 8 Best Trips for Movie & TV Buffs

We love watching Hollywood make fantastical worlds out of some of our favorite travel destinations, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing them in real life. These star corners of the globe have been featured in famous films and television series – check out the list below and join us to become…

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Active river cutting through two large mountains
June 24, 2025

Yellowstone National Park in Every Season

Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872, when President Ulysses S. Grant set the land apart “as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” This vast natural space of over 2 million acres has served exactly that purpose for over 150 years now.

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table of guests cheersing
June 19, 2025

Wine Regions on Every Continent: An Around-the-World Tasting Adventure

If sipping a glass of Pinot while overlooking vineyard-draped hills is your idea of bliss, you’re not alone. But why stop at Napa or Bordeaux when the world is bursting with wine regions just waiting to be explored? Whether you're a casual enthusiast or a full-blown oenophile, these regions offer th…

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Large lake surrounded by bushes and plants, with snow-capped mountains in the distance
June 17, 2025

Time Travel to Estancia Cristina

I used to call it “the end of the world,” but I was corrected by the locals who rightfully refer to it as “the beginning of the world.” After spending a few weeks in Patagonia, I now understand why. This faraway land straddling Chile and Argentina is larger than life, raw and multifaceted. Despite t…

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