Adventure and luxury are not opposites. The world’s most immersive travel experiences happen when you leave the lobby — and we know exactly who to trust to take you there.
There is a category of travel that no resort experience can replicate — the kind where you earn the view, taste the food at its source, and fall asleep genuinely tired in the best possible way. That is adventure travel done right.
We curate active travel experiences for clients who want depth over distance — partnering with the world’s most respected adventure operators to deliver itineraries that are physically engaging, culturally immersive, and never short on comfort at the end of the day.
For over four decades, Backroads has built exceptional biking, hiking, and multi-adventure trips across more than 50 countries — and they remain, in our view, the finest active travel operator in the world.
Backroads combines active travel and luxury — think world-class hotels, impeccable gastronomy, and expert-vetted biking, hiking, and walking routes. Their guest satisfaction rating speaks for itself: an average of 9.8 out of 10, backed by over 45 years of experience.
As your travel advisors, we help you navigate Backroads’ extensive catalog — matching you to the right destination, trip style, and pace — and layer in additional pre- and post-trip hotel stays, private transfers, and elevated touches that make the full journey feel seamless.
From Tuscany’s vineyard roads to Croatia’s coastline, guided cycling tours offer immersive destination experiences.
Guided walks through Patagonia, the Dolomites, Kyoto’s temple paths, and the Scottish Highlands.
Kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding, zip-lining, and more — built into dynamic itineraries.
Culinary journeys that combine active exploration with local flavors and destination-specific cuisine.
Game drives, bush walks, and conservation experiences at Africa’s most exceptional safari camps.
Small luxury ships on active river and ocean itineraries with the ease of unpacking once.
We vet guides, equipment, group sizes, and accommodation quality so you don’t have to — matching you to the right operator for your specific travel style.
From pre-trip hotels and upgrades to private airport transfers and post-trip planning — every surrounding detail is coordinated seamlessly.
Cabin categories, optional excursions, dietary needs, pre-trip extensions, and room preferences are handled before you arrive.
Your pre- and post-adventure stays include VIP upgrades, breakfast benefits, property credits, and priority check-in privileges.
Cycling through Tuscany, hiking the Cinque Terre coastal trail, or exploring the Dolomites on foot. Italy rewards active travelers at every turn, and the food at the end of the day is unmatched.
Ancient pilgrimage routes, temple-to-temple walks, and cycling through rural countryside that most visitors never see. One of the world’s great active travel destinations.
Coastal cycling, island-hopping kayak routes, and multi-sport adventures against a backdrop of medieval cities and impossibly blue water.
For the traveler who wants something genuinely remote. Torres del Paine, Los Glaciares, and the wild southern Andes reward those willing to work a little harder.
Multi-day hikes, cycling the countryside, and adventure at every altitude. A destination that seems designed for active travel.
Active in a different register: snorkeling, outrigger paddling, diving, and open-water swimming in some of the clearest water on earth.
Backroads | Abercrombie & Kent | Natural Habitat Adventures | |
Best for | Active travelers who want daily flexibility and luxury hotels | Fully bespoke luxury adventure with white-glove service | Conservation-minded travelers seeking rare, up-close wildlife experiences in some of the world’s most remote destinations — from polar bear encounters in Churchill to gorilla trekking in Rwanda. |
Trip style | Guided group or private; biking, hiking, multi-sport | Tailor-made private or small group; safaris, expeditions | Conservation-focused expeditions with immersive wildlife experiences and remote adventure travel. |
Activity level | Moderate to high; multiple daily route options | Varies; comfort and access prioritized | Moderate; varies by expedition, destination, and wildlife activities. |
Accommodation | Luxury hotels and boutique properties | Five-star hotels and exclusive camps | Expedition lodges, intimate camps, and private expedition vessels. |
Group size | Small groups; private available | Private and small group | Small groups of 8–12 guests. |
Destinations | 50+ countries; strong in Europe, Americas, Asia | 100+ countries; exceptional in Africa and remote regions | 45+ countries across 7 continents with exceptional access to polar regions, Africa, and the Galápagos. |
Price range | $$$$ | $$$$ | $$$ |
Who books this | Active luxury travelers who want to move and eat well | High-net-worth clients who want total customization | Conservation-minded travelers seeking meaningful, close-up wildlife encounters and expert-led expeditions. |
Not at all. Most of the operators we work with — including Backroads — offer multiple activity levels within the same trip. On any given day there are easier and more challenging route options, and support vehicles are always nearby. If you can walk comfortably for a few hours, most active trips are well within reach.
A group departure is a scheduled itinerary that you join alongside other travelers, typically 8–16 guests. A private trip uses the same operator infrastructure — routes, guides, accommodations — but exclusively for your party. Private trips offer more flexibility on dates, pace, and customization, and are ideal for families, couples, or anyone who prefers not to travel with strangers.
Yes — that's exactly what we're here for. When you reach out, we'll ask about your typical activity level, any physical considerations, and what a good day of movement looks like for you. From there we match you to an operator and itinerary that fits, whether that's a leisurely walking tour of Provence or a multi-sport expedition through Patagonia.
On supported group trips, daily route options already account for varying conditions. On private itineraries, we build in flexibility wherever possible — and our on-trip support means you have a direct line to us if real-time adjustments are needed. We work with operators who are experienced at adapting without disrupting the overall experience.
For the operators we recommend — yes. Backroads, Abercrombie & Kent, and our other preferred partners pair active days with genuinely excellent hotels, lodges, and camps. You will not be camping unless you've specifically requested it. The end-of-day experience is as important to us as the adventure itself.
Absolutely — and we strongly encourage it. Pre- and post-trip hotel stays allow you to arrive rested, explore independently, or recover before flying home. We arrange these extensions through our preferred hotel partners, which means you benefit from VIP amenities, room upgrades, and dedicated concierge access on both ends of your trip.
Popular Backroads departures and private itineraries in peak season can book out 9–12 months in advance. We recommend reaching out as early as possible, especially for summer Europe trips, holiday departures, and any private family itinerary. That said, we can often find last-minute availability — so it's always worth asking.
Our planning fees vary by trip complexity. We'll be upfront about any fees at the start of our conversation — and in many cases, our advisor relationships with operators mean you receive the same pricing you'd find booking direct, with the added benefit of our expertise and support throughout the journey.
Tell us where you want to go, how active you want to be, and what kind of traveler you are — and we’ll design the perfect adventure around it. Whether that’s a Backroads group departure, a fully private guided itinerary, or something in between, we’ll find your fit.
