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Explore European Back Roads

    Travel The Back Roads Of Europe

    Blue-Roads Touring: Travel the Back Roads of Europe in a Truly Personal Way


    Discover Europe as it was meant to be explored—slowly, intimately, and meaningfully—on a Blue-Roads tour. Designed exclusively for small groups of up to 18 guests, these carefully crafted journeys take you away from the busy highways and deep into the heart of each destination, following scenic back roads that reveal the soul of the region. It's a way of travelling that prioritises connection: with the landscape, the culture, the cuisine—and with each other.


    Small Group, Big Experience
    With fewer people, you’ll never feel like just another face in the crowd. Instead, you'll share genuine moments, swap stories over local meals, and enjoy the kind of camaraderie that turns a tour into a collection of lifelong memories. Every journey is thoughtfully paced and designed to make room for discovery, conversation, and unexpected delights.


    Guided by True Local Experts
    Blue-Roads Tour Leaders are more than guides—they’re storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and passionate locals who open doors you wouldn’t find on your own. Their insider knowledge and personal touches ensure every experience feels authentic, unique, and unforgettable.


    Feel the Heart of Each Destination
    From countryside cookery classes to artisan workshops and time spent with local communities, every Blue-Roads tour invites you to go beyond sightseeing. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for the places you visit through immersive encounters that bring history, tradition, and everyday life to the forefront.


    Travel the Road Less Taken
    By sticking to the scenic back roads, you’ll uncover places most travellers miss: hidden villages, family-run vineyards, medieval towns, and breathtaking countryside vistas. It’s a slower, richer, and far more rewarding way to explore Europe.


    A Journey Made for the Curious
    Blue-Roads Touring is for those who want more than just a checklist of landmarks. It’s for travellers who crave meaningful stories, local flavours, and the freedom to uncover the layers beneath the surface. 


    Where will the back roads take you? That’s the magic of the journey.

    5 Things You'll Love

    1. 18 Guests maximum
    2. No main highways, always the back roads
    3. Tour guide & driver travels with you 
    4. No more than 2hrs driving 
    5. Ample free time to explore

    Call us today

    TUSCAN TREATS

    8 days from $2,349 per person (SOLO from $2,936)

    Picture a place where each sun-dappled street leads to a new and surprising discovery. Where golden-lit towns burst with medieval treasures, and sheer, rugged coasts send shivers down your spine. A soft breeze whispers through a neat row of olive trees, and a gently simmering ragù fills the air at every turn. This is more than a tour of Tuscany; it’s an invitation to experience Italy with all your senses. 


    • Explore the mysterious medieval town of Volterra
    • Unlock the secrets of Tuscan cuisine with a cooking class set amongst the romantic Chianti region
    • Indulge in a delectable cheese and wine tasting at a local shop in Pienza  

    Find out more

    ITALIAN INDULGENCE

    13 days from $4,539 per person (SOLO from $5,674)

    Have you ever met a white peacock, or found a truffle deep beneath the ground? This indulgent Italian adventure reveals a new discovery with every twist and turn. Ignite your imagination as blissful lakes invite you to linger, a sea of vines presents a silky Chianti wine, and terracotta towns dance with Renaissance tales. It's time to slow down and soak it all up – the journey won’t last forever, but the memories certainly will.


    • Learn to whip up a delicious Tuscan meal in a traditional countryside villa
    • Join a truffle hunt with a local trifolau and their trusty dog in the sun-kissed hills of Alba
    • Bask in the wonders of Lake Maggiore on a boat tour of the whimsical Borromean Islands
    • Soak up the exquisite scenery and opulent atmosphere of Lake Como

    Find out more

    SPLENDOURS OF SICILY

    10 days From $3,939 per person (SOLO from $4,924)

    Nibble on freshly shaped cheese as buffaloes swing their tails in the distance. Step back to a time when ancient Greeks roamed the earth as their stories are spoken through locals. And witness the trembling glory that is Mount Etna – one of the most active volcanoes in the world. On this expertly crafted tour of splendid Sicily, every day begs a new journey, and a question... What memories will we carve on the cobbled paths before us?  


    • Stroll through Palermo with a local guide and gain a unique insight into the city’s anti-Mafia movement
    • Discover the fascinating history behind the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of Temples
    • Sample rich Sicilian flavours like almonds and cannoli through several soul-stirring tasting experiences 

    Find out more

    ENCHANTING SOUTHERN ITALY

    8 days From $2,799 per person (SOLO from $3,499)

    Welcome to Italy, where pastel-hued cliffside villages, glittering turquoise oceans and gilded palaces collide. Where every winding path laden with history leads to a new memory waiting to be unlocked. Sample soft mozzarella and crunchy peperoncini that tantalise your tastebuds, hear tales of noble kings and queens from a local expert, and soak up fragrant gardens filled with every colour of the rainbow. Embrace this journey as your own and discover something new every step of the way. 


    • Visit the exquisite 18th-century Royal Palace of Caserta
    • Visit a lemon grove near sleepy Minori and indulge in a zesty tasting spread
    • Spend a day exploring the breath-taking and idyllic island of Capri 

    Find out more

    VISTAS OF SWITZERLAND & ITALY

    9 days From $5,399 per person (SOLO from $6,749)

    On this soul-stirring alpine tour, the journey is just as captivating as the welcoming communities and fascinating local traditions you’ll encounter along the way. Watch the mirror-like water ripple as you glide across Lake Iseo towards fairytale Monte Isola. Marvel at the sunlight glinting off the snow-dusted Swiss Alps as you ride the iconic Bernina Express. With us, every moment’s a memory waiting to be cherished long after you return home.


    • Learn the traditions of authentic Italian cuisine with a cooking class in the Franciacorta region
    • Experience scenic train journeys on two of the great alpine railways: the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express
    • Observe a traditional mask-decorating demonstration in the magnificent floating city of Venice 

    Find out more

    ALPINE ESCAPE: GERMANY, AUSTRALIA, ITALY

    10 days From $4,119 per person (SOLO from $5,149)

    When was the last time you filled your lungs with crisp mountain air, indulged in a glass of locally-produced wine (or two) and ambled through knots of colourful streets? Well, now’s your chance to write your next travel tale. Get ready to be inspired by the towering Dolomites whose jagged peaks graze the sky like giant hands reaching up from the earth. Uncover the romance of Verona with its infamous balcony that tells a story of love and loss. And pause at Lake Constance, whose water glistens like millions of turquoise gemstones. This enchanting trio of countries is waiting for you. 


    • Wander the colourful, picturesque streets of Innsbruck, nestled in the Austrian Alps
    • Cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Constance, visiting UNESCO site Unteruhldingen along the way
    • Stay in the magnificent Cortina d’Ampezzo, proudly known as the Queen of the Dolomites
    • Explore the quaint streets of Verona during a guided tour

    Find out more

    MALTA HIGHLIGHTS

    8 days From $2,759 per person (SOLO from $3,449)

    One incredible journey, two beautiful islands, countless lasting memories – the Mediterranean jewel of Malta awaits. Where bright blue waters dazzle and ornate Baroque architecture inspires, local wines sing with flavour and hushed Medieval streets whisper of time gone by – what makes this unique gem sparkle is yours to discover. 


    • Uncover the rich history and magnificent Baroque architecture of Valletta with a local guide
    • Enjoy a scenic cruise around the breathtaking Blue Grotto
    • Explore the fortified medieval city of Mdina 

    Find out more

    PROVENCE & FRENCH RIVIERA

    8 days From $2,959 per person (SOLO from $3,699)

    Imagine skimming your fingers across the tops of lilac lavender fields. Drinking in Avignon architecture that spans the ages. And sipping medium-bodied wines bursting with sweet, floral flavours. Stroll through quaint villages, charming towns and old ports as a southernly breeze caresses your skin and the sun wraps you into a warm embrace on an evocative journey through Provence and the French Riviera. Where will its magic take you?


    • Enjoy a picnic lunch and taste delicious produce at an olive farm     
    • Marvel at the extraordinary Gorges du Verdon: the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’
    • Experience the mesmerising Carrières de Lumières multimedia art show in Les Baux-de-Provence 

    Find out more

    CROATIA & DALMATIAN COAST

    10 days From $3,549 per person (SOLO from $4,437)

    Embark on a voyage through South Croatia and Montenegro, where terracotta roofs glow in the light of golden sunsets and azure waters caress the shores of tranquil islands. Whether it’s sampling local sizzling seafood dishes, meandering through timeless cobblestone streets or soaking in the beauty of cascading waterfalls, this 10-day adventure will leave you with everlasting memories. 


    • Explore Krka National Park’s maze of mesmerising waterfalls and crystalline lakes with a local guide
    • Uncover the fascinating tales behind Our Lady of the Rock islet in the Bay of Kotor
    • Savour the distinct flavours of Croatian cuisine with a cooking class and dinner in Korčula 

    Find out more

    ROMANIA - MOUNTAINS & MONASTERIES

    9 days From $2,449 per person (SOLO from $3,062)

    Majestic mountains, fabled castles and rustic medieval villages await on this storybook journey through Romania. Our spellbinding adventure will take us from the elegant streets of Bucharest to the dramatic forests of Transylvania, where mountain ridges sculpt the landscape, castle spires pierce the sky and half-timbered houses transport us back in time. What stories will be written into the pages of your Romanian fairytale?


    • Uncover legendary tales of vampires in Transylvania’s formidable Bran Castle
    • Relish the sweet taste of homemade brandy during a local distillery tour
    • Wander the perfectly preserved medieval streets of Sighișoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site
    • Experience the charm of Brasov, the gem in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains 

    Find out more

    IBERIAN INSPIRATION - MADRID-LISBON

    12 DAYS FROM $3,999 per person (SOLO from $4,999)

    Sevillian sun-ripened tomato gazpacho, crispy jamón Ibérico croquettes, flaky Portuguese pastel de natas... Take your tastebuds on a tantalising journey as we trace the scenic back roads of Spain and Portugal! Not just a culinary adventure, our path will reveal a heady mix of historical riches – from the Alhambra’s kaleidoscope mosaics to the eye-catching Islamic arches of Córdoba’s Mezquita. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the captivating stories and scrumptious local dishes of ancient Iberia?


    • Fully immerse yourself in the historic charm of Córdoba, Granada, Úbeda, Estremoz and Ronda with stays in atmospheric old town hotels
    • Close your eyes as you savour succulent jamón ibérico at a traditional farm in Sierra de Aracena
    • Tap your toes and clap your hands during a fiery flamenco show in Seville
    • Be blown away by the exquisite beauty of the Córdoba Mezquita – a UNESCO-protected mosque 

    Find out more

    DISCOVER PORTUGAL

    10 DAYS FROM $3,599 per person (SOLO from $4,499)

    Uncover Portugal’s true essence as we journey from vibrant Lisbon to the cinematic Douro Valley and beyond – taking in world-famous pilgrimage sites, sumptuous local cuisine and staggering landscapes as we go. Weave your own travel tale as you discover cosy hole-in-the-wall eateries along cobblestone alleys and seek out the perfect pastel de nata in medieval cities, sip on distinguished wines among lush olive groves and feel the power of the Atlantic Ocean fill up your lungs. It’s all here, waiting to become a part of your story.  


    • Cruise along the Douro River on a traditional rabelo boat and experience the region’s majestic beauty up close
    • Discover the secrets behind the delicious flavours of locally-produced cheeses near Viseu
    • Uncover the world-famous university and charming medieval centre of Coimbra

    Find out more

    NORWAY - FJORDS & GLACIERS

    8 DAYS FROM $3,909 per person (SOLO from $4,887)

    Imagine a place where powerful waterfalls tumble like reams of silk over colossal cliffsides, a world-famous railway snakes its way through dramatic valleys and vast glaciers rumble with legends of centuries past – this is the Norway you’ve been dreaming of. With its fresh salmon delicacies and unique local beers, pastel-hued facades and remarkable medieval stave churches, Norway’s distinctive character is sure to stir the soul.   


    • Soak up the dramatic landscapes and rugged natural beauty of the world-famous Flåm Railway
    • Catch a ferry through the Geiranger Fjord – taking in the spectacular Seven Sister waterfalls along the way
    • Learn about Norwegian salmon farming and sample the local produce on a visit to Hardangerfjord Akvasenter 

    Find out more

    GREECE -LEGENDS & LANDSCAPES

    12 DAYS FROM $4,199 per person (SOLO from $5,249)

    Step into a world of myth and magic – where ancient art and culture flourished, philosophy was founded and gods were made. From awe-inspiring archaeological sites to sleepy towns and coastal treasures, Greece rewards with every twist in the journey. Shrouded in secrets and stories, the legend lives on in this 12-day adventure.


    • Learn from the masters in a traditional Greek cooking class
    • Discover the charms of Naxos, an authentic gem within the Cyclades islands
    • Uncover the secrets of sacred Delphi – a UNESCO World Heritage Site 

    Find out more

    Looking for something else? Ask us about other destinations

    Contact Us

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Please reach us at hello@maptheworldtravel.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

    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.


    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 motorized 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. 

    Please note: if you have a mobility problem or concern, you may not find our tours suitable. 


    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.


    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 traveling between locations may involve motorway driving and more mileage. Generally, driving time will not last for more than three or four hours total per day, and usually no more than 2hrs at a time.


    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.


    $200 per person non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.


    • 60 days plus form departure - Cancellations with more than 60-days notice, we will hold the deposit in a future travel credit for 12 months to put towards another Blue Roads Touring trip.
    • 30-60 days from departure - 50% non refundable.
    • 0-29 days from departure -100% non refundable.


    Inquire About A European Tour Here

    Request a quote here.

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    Phone - (615) 525 0095 Email - hello@maptheworldtravel.com

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