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My first solo touring experience

Tuscany
Lucy Caskey on our Tuscan Treats tours

Lucy Caskey

Lucy is a travel obsessed foodie, working in Marketing for Back-Roads Touring. On all her journeys, she loves searching for hidden local gems – away from the typical tourist hotspots.

17th October 2019

My first solo travel experience with Back-Roads Touring

Our small group tours are popular with a whole range of travellers; from couples to groups of friends, there’s something for everyone – but what about solo passengers? Our Marketing Executive, Lucy Caskey, went on the Tuscan Treats tour to find out for herself, and we asked her what she thought. So, if you’re thinking about embarking on your own solo adventure with us, Lucy’s experience will hopefully give you an idea of what to expect.

'My Back-Roads Touring tour last month was the first time I have ever travelled alone – I have always chosen to go with family or friends instead. This time, however, I decided to do something different and take the plunge with a solo tour of Tuscany. Of course, I wanted to enjoy an authentic experience, but I also wanted to have an experience that was truly my own – to do something for myself. I also wanted to feel more confident in doing things on my own and meet a few like-minded people along the way. I thought a small group tour would be the perfect introduction to independent travel – and I wasn’t wrong!

Tours of Tuscany

'Deciding to go on this tour was the best decision I’ve ever made! I was in a small group, made up of a whole range of different people travelling together – from sisters, to friends and couples. The group was very friendly, especially to me because they knew I was travelling alone. The Tour Leader was also great company and always made the extra effort to check in, which really helped me to feel a part of all the amazing things we were doing.

'As for the tour itself? Well, it exceeded every expectation I had – and I have not stopped raving about it to my friends since I got back (I think I may have even converted a few of them to try a solo trip themselves!). Although we were in a group with a set itinerary, our experience never felt ‘touristy’ or forced. It was just a group of likeminded people, exploring beautiful places and enjoying fantastically put-together activities.

Discover Tuscany with Back-Roads

'Our guide was a true Tuscan local, and never failed to impress with his in-depth knowledge of the history of each of the places we visited – and he was always happy to take a question. He was a great asset to the group and really made our trip such a pleasure. He packed a lot in, but I never felt rushed and was able to really appreciate everything we saw. We travelled to each destination in a private mini-van, which was comfortable and roomy enough to stretch out your legs between stops! 

'If I had to choose, the highlight of my trip would have to be the gelato tasting in San Gimignano (the raspberry and rosemary flavour is a must-try!). I also loved our visit to the organic winery, where we were treated to a sumptuous lunch and a wine tasting! 

Tuscan cuisine

'If you’re thinking about heading off on a solo adventure, but don’t like the thought of being all alone; or, like me, you would like to meet new people and see the best your chosen destination has to offer, then you really can’t go wrong with a small group tour. I now feel confident in booking another solo trip and am excited to join one of the new Back-Roads Touring Japan tours early next year.'