Truffles, Castles & Tastings: Our Favourite Signature Moments

We asked our Italy and Malta Tour Leaders to share their expert local knowledge, including culinary tips, historic tales, and the best place to catch a majestic Mediterranean sunset.

Windswept coastlines harbouring tales of ruthless pirates and mischievous mermaids. Charming fishing villages encompassing narrow cobbled streets, quaint cottages and age-old sea shanties.

Our UK and Ireland Tour Leaders share their favourite legends from their tours, including a lovestruck mermaid in Cornwall and the five sisters still waiting for their suitors in the Scottish Highlands.

Sharing my solo travel experience: A story of adventure post-heartbreak

After losing her husband Norbert in a tragic accident three years ago, Marlene Manto’s life and identity changed forever. Refusing to let the grief and fear of solo travel prevent her from embarking on a bucket-list trip to England, Marlene booked our Highlights of Britain tour and had the trip of a lifetime.

Making it her mission to inspire other first-time solo travellers through her experiences, Marlene sat down with us to share some of her hesitations, fears and highlights whilst travelling with Back-Roads Touring.

Towering mountains and enchanting lochs. Dramatic castles and quaint villages. Infamous battles and gripping legends.

Since my first visit to the UK, the undeniable charm and diverse landscapes of Scotland had placed the country high on my travel bucket list. Hence, when the opportunity arose to travel with my father on Back-Roads Touring’s A Scottish Journey tour, I knew this would be an incredibly unique trip.

Starting and ending in Edinburgh, the ‘old man’ and I spent nine days exploring the mesmerising landscapes of Cairngorms National Park, Isles of Skye and Mull and Scottish Highlands. Embracing the Back-Roads Touring style of travel from the get-go, we immersed ourselves in the rich history and culture of Scotland’s ancient lands – all the while, sharing laugher-filled meals with our new-found friends and extremely knowledgeable guide and driver.

Upon conclusion of the tour, it was difficult to refine our highlights to just a few – but after a couple of drams and a natural level of compromise between father and daughter, we managed the task. Thinking of discovering bonnie Scotland for yourself? Let our top three experiences inspire you.