Question 1

How much luggage can I bring?

Accepted Answer

As we travel in mini-coaches, luggage space is limited. Each of our guests may bring one piece of main luggage of a standard size of no more than 158cm (when the length, width and height is added together) and weighing no more than 20kg. You may also bring one small carry-on bag (backpack or similar) per person.

If you have more luggage, please make arrangements to store it prior to joining the tour. We are unable to carry extra luggage on the mini-coach.

Question 2

What clothes should I bring?

Accepted Answer

A suggested packing list will be provided in your pre-departure information.
We suggest packing for variable weather conditions. If you are travelling through the UK or Europe in the summer, make sure you pack a hat and sunscreen. We also suggest a pair of good shoes for walking tours.

Question 3

Who goes on Back-Roads tours?

Accepted Answer

The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English.  Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth. We welcome first-time travellers, but also find that many of our passengers have travelled with us before!

Question 4

I have health issues - will this be a problem?

Accepted Answer

If you are able to manage your health issue without the need for additional care and special facilities, and it does not present a risk to your fellow passengers, we should be able to accommodate you on a BRT tour. If you are unsure, please check the Dietary, Health, and Special Requirement section of our Terms and Conditions or contact us.

Question 5

What level of mobility do I need?

Accepted Answer

You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms. If you are in any doubt as to whether our tours are suitable for you, please check with us.

Question 6

Do I need to purchase Travel Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While you are welcome to purchase a travel insurance policy of your choosing, we will require you to provide the policy number and company information to us prior to departure. This is to ensure that our Tour Leaders have all of your information prior to arrival – in case they need to step in and assist you before or during the tour.

Question 7

Do you provide airport transfers?

Accepted Answer

Airport transfers are not included in your tour price - it is your responsibility to arrange transportation to and from your chosen airport.

Question 8

Will I need a visa?

Accepted Answer

It is your responsibility to obtain any visas necessary to enable you to visit Europe.
Contact your local consular office for more information.

Question 9

Do you arrange pre and post tour accommodation?

Accepted Answer

For some destinations, pre and post-tour accommodation can be arranged via your travel agent or through our Customer Service team. Please note, all tours start at 6pm on Day 1 of your tour. Therefore, you may not require pre-tour accommodation.
Most tours end in the early evening. We cannot take you to the airport and we suggest you return home the day after your tour to ensure you don’t miss your flight due to unforeseen circumstances.

Question 10

Wherre do I meet my Tour Leader upon arrival?

Accepted Answer

Your Tour Leader will usually meet you in the arrival hotel’s reception area at the tour’s listed start time. If you can’t see your Tour Leader, look out for any notices posted in the lobby or ask a member of the hotel staff.

Question 11

I'm travelling alone, can I share a room with another person?

Accepted Answer

While you won’t be able to share a room with another single traveller, we do offer a very reasonable single supplement rate on all our tours.

Question 12

What rating of hotel do you use?

Accepted Answer

We use a 3-star/4-star standard of accommodation ranging from country inns to town centre hotels (and the odd castle!). Rather than going by the official rating (based solely on facilities rather than the standard of the accommodation), we base our choices on quality, charm and character. In all hotels, the rooms have en-suite bathrooms.

Question 13

How much walking is involved on a tour?

Accepted Answer

In cities, walking tours are offered by your guide. On European mainland tours there is considerable walking as many historic cities prohibit motorised transport and vehicles have to park some distance out of the centre. On most tours there are opportunities for some extended walking, often from the accommodations used.

Question 14

Can you describe a typical day out on tour?

Accepted Answer

Our tours are conducted at a leisurely pace; we take our time and avoid rushing from place to place. Stops are made frequently during the day to avoid extended periods of time on the mini-coach.
On a typical day, we might leave at 9am and arrive at our hotel at 5pm.
We endeavour to build rest and relaxation time into our itineraries, and most inclusions are not mandatory – so if you’d rather explore on your own, you’re welcome to meet up with the group at the designated meeting point.

Question 15

How flexible are Back-Roads itineraries?

Accepted Answer

Some of the visits listed in our itineraries are fixed and included in the overall price of the tour.
However, there is some flexibility to adapt the itinerary according to such things as the weather, special events and group wishes. This is one of the beauties of small-group touring!
If you have a specific request that’s not on the itinerary, we will do our best to accommodate it – but this will depend on the agreement of your fellow travellers and the judgement of your Tour Leader.

Question 16

How much walking is there?

Accepted Answer

Your Tour Leader will guide walking tours of cities on your itinerary.  On European mainland tours, there is a considerable amount of walking. Many historic cities, such as Cassis and Lisbon, prohibit motorised transport. This means that your Driver will need to park some distance out of the centre. You may encounter a few cobblestone streets on our tours in Europe, so we recommend bringing walking shoes or flats instead of high heels.

Question 17

Is there time to shop?

Accepted Answer

Of course! We will not, however, take you to any ‘commission’ stops. Our Tour Leaders are not permitted to profit from your shopping.

Question 18

Am I expected to leave gratuities?

Accepted Answer

Gratuities are not included in your tour price.
Tipping is entirely optional and at your discretion, although it’s common practice throughout Europe. If you feel you’ve received exceptional service, we suggest a tip of £4/€5 per person, per day for Tour Leaders and £3/€4 per person, per day for Drivers.

Question 19

How much driving will there be?

Accepted Answer

We design our tours so that there is as little time as possible on the mini-coach and plenty to see while on board. We travel along the scenic route wherever possible, meaning you’ll see more of the countryside and local village life than on a regular tour.
Inevitably, there are days when travelling between locations may involve motorway driving and more mileage.
Generally, driving time will not last for more than three or four hours per day.

Question 20

Benefits of travelling in a small group?

Accepted Answer

Unlike large coach companies, Back-Roads offers guests a truly personal experience.
On our tours you’ll meet like-minded travellers and enjoy the convenience of your own personal Driver and Tour Leader, who will share their local knowledge and take you to sites that mainstream tourists typically miss out on – and by using luxury mini-coach transportation, we can explore each destination in greater depth.

Question 21

Can you cater for my dietary restrictions?

Accepted Answer

We will do our best to accommodate your dietary needs. Please ensure that any restrictions are made clear to us at the time of booking so we can pass the information on to our hotels, restaurants and suppliers.

Question 22

How much spending money should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Although many meals and entrance fees are included within the price of our tours, you will need to bring spending money to cover non-included meals, drinks and activities.

Question 23

Is porterage services included on the tour?

Accepted Answer

In the hotels, Back Roads include porterage wherever possible.

Question 24

What other things do I need to know about the hotels on the tour?

Accepted Answer

Many of the traditional properties Back Roads use are in historic buildings which have been converted to hotels from the original function, rather than purpose built hotels. Often the rooms are different shapes and sizes and may be smaller than newer chain hotels. Some hotels do not have lifts: in many cases this is due to regulations concerning protected buildings, but the uniqueness and charm of these places will make it quite memorable.

Question 25

Is it possible to get a ground floor room?

Accepted Answer

The majority of the hotels we use have limited or no ground floor rooms. If you require a ground floor room, please request it in advance and we will try our best to arrange it for you.

Question 26

Is there a triple room accommodation?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer triple rooms.

Question 27

Are Back Roads tours all guaranteed departure?

Accepted Answer

As a general rule, we are normally able to guarantee our tours when we have a minimum of seven passengers booked.
However, some tours require a higher number of booked passengers before we can guarantee that they will run. Examples include our tours of Norway. Guaranteed tours are identified on our website via individual Dates and Prices pages.

Back-Roads Touring