This will be only the second blog in which we have featured just a single supplier. We take great pride in finding the right fit for our clients on every itinerary we design, which is why we call ourselves "travel tailors". But in this instance, we have come across a company that we are so impressed with, we just have to share what they are about and what they have to offer.
Backroads will celebrate their 40th anniversary this year. They are widely known for organizing the best cycling tours on the planet which now run in 52 different countries, but are so much more than that with active multi-adventure trips for all ages in locations across the globe that will truly immerse you in the culture and communities of a country, whilst keeping you moving, stretching, hiking, surfing, and biking. There are active trips for Foodies in France or trekking in Bhutan among sacred Himalayan peaks (below). They will also design ANY of their itineraries to be private for your group, with 8 to 16 being the ideal size. I am not going to do the breadth of tours available justice in one ezine, but here's my idea of their Top 5.

• families with older teens (17+)
• families with teens, plus kids aged 9 to 17
• families with younger kids, aged 4 to 12
• adults only

2. Yoga
Yoga has jumped on to many of Backroads programs for 2019. Perhaps the most exotic is the India Multi-adventure tour with yoga, that will lead you through Rajasthan's caravan routes and desert palaces. An example of the off the beaten path joyful experience you could have - cycle to a rural Rajasthan home and be treated to a home-cooked meal, then watch the family demonstrate traditional dhurrie rug weaving, a thousand year old craft. And this is luxury...your last night will be at Oberoi Udaivilas (below), one of the most romantic hotels in the world.

3. Galapagos

Backroads have partnered with small luxury ship cruise line KleinTours, to offer a truly unique multi-adventure active Galapagos experience. Whilst sailing the islands is absolutely the best means of enjoying the diversity here, on this Backroads expedition, you will also hike and even bike on an exclusively designed ride through the misty highlands of Santa Cruz, keeping an eye out for Darwin's finches. Time on the water kayaking and snorkeling is also extended compared with regular cruises.

4. Active River Cruises
I'm not joking. Backroads have found a way to work off those extra wine and food calories even while you're still enjoying yourself on the cruise. This time, in partnership with AmaWaterways, Backroads clients have their own tour conductors for special biking opportunities on the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Seine and in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, on the Mekong (above). You will have a choice of 3 bikes to suit your own riding style - a regular touring bike, an electric assist bike, or their custom-designed titanium road bike. This equipment plus GPS are included in the tour price. If hiking is more your style, again there are active opportunities on the Douro and on the Amazon!

5. Iceland (above and below)
Backroads have five different itineraries for Iceland that vary geographically and by activity level. Venture on an unforgettable guided ice walk at Skaftafell National Park and encounter the eastern fjords abundant wildlife, with herds of Icelandic horses, sheep, reindeer and noisy nesting seabirds. Go at the right time of year and have just a little luck and the Northern Lights might just illuminate your life. My favorite activity - set sail on an authentic Icelandic fishing boat, then enjoy an invite from your boat captain to lunch at his fishing cottage cafe.

If you'd like to discover your Active Adventure, let us know by clicking here. 

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