When you’re known as the small group touring experts, there’s an expectation you excel at making tours feel intimate and passengers special. Hot off the tail of her Back-Roads Enchanting Southern Italy tour, we quizzed Zoe Macfarlane on how her experience stacked up. Plus, we’ve got Back-Roads 2024 Europe sale news!
When Zoe Macfarlane got back from her Italian tour with Back-Roads, we wanted to know everything: the highlights, the tour goss, why she has so many pictures of Amalfi’s cat population. Here’s what you need to know.
Tell us a bit about your trip with Back-Roads.
“I was amped when I got the call to travel to Italy with Back-Roads. Firstly, it’s ITALY! Who wouldn’t want to go to one of the world’s most desirable destinations?
Secondly, I knew Back-Roads as the small group touring experts, which suits my travel style. I’ve been a backpacker and a digital nomad, and if I’m choosing a tour, I would only consider one with limited passenger numbers.
From invitation to plane departure, it was a whirlwind three weeks, with almost no time to prepare. Thankfully, that doesn’t matter when you’ve got an itinerary planned, accommodation booked, and an expert tour leader ready to greet you on the ground.
September proved the perfect month for an 8-day Enchanting Southern Italy sojourn around Naples and the Amalfi Coast. The big crowds had lessened, the weather was on point, and Amalfi cats had come out from their hot-weather hiding places (kitty cuddles were an unexpected perk).”
What were your expectations about Back-Road’s small group journeys?
“In the naughties, I worked as a tour leader for Travel Indochina, so I experienced the benefits of small group tours with an experienced company.
As I escorted travellers around Southeast Asia, the group benefitted not only from expert tour guides, hand-selected hotels, and insider tips but from bonding with like-minded travellers. I could see how much connection on a small group tour upped their enjoyment.
My experience made me both prepared for and excited by the prospect of an intimate Italy tour with Back-Roads. Ours was a lovely 13-strong crew (18 is the max) from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
Before my tour, I didn’t know Aussies and Kiwis are Back-Roads’ main clientele; I assumed Brits because of the company’s UK base. Both good, but Antipodean wit always makes for lively bus journeys!
Talking of buses, small groups make everything speedier on the ground. Our group was miraculously on time every time and zippy getting on and off our luxury bus. It might sound minor, but wasted tour time can factor into your overall tour experience.”
What else did Back-Roads deliver?
“Small group tour sizes are not the only stand-out element to travelling the Back-Roads way. My favourite was Back-Roads’ commitment to include free time on itineraries for independent endeavours.
It sang to my former backpacker soul to include side adventures like hikes and kayaking. Plus, it was fun to reunite with the group and discover what they got up to. Some shopped, some sipped, some snapped.”
What were some of the surprises travelling the Back-Roads way?
“One of my tour highlights was our driver, Carmine. He was diminutive in size (well under 5 foot), but large in personality, and everyone fell in love with him. Carmine was as much a part of our small group vibe as peppy tour leader, Nicho.
The passion of the guides proved how well Back-Roads recruited their crew. As a tour leader – and on tours – you invariably encounter guides who sound bored or jaded (or both) as they regale historical facts.
Not so with Back-Roads! Our dynamic pocket-rocket guide Roxanna imparted her former archaeological career knowledge as we toured Pompeii. And Paestum guide Maria had a lovely run of catchphrases (“Nothing new under the sun”) that enlivened our experience as she revealed Paestum’s Greek history.”
What did the tour include that you’d never have discovered by yourself?
“Quite a few elements, actually. I would have made it to Pompeii, but I doubt Paestum would have been on my radar. Our cute country accommodation there was a highlight.
A creative workshop at Fes Ceramics in Minori was an activity I would never have considered but was a highlight. We kicked off with happy hour and a pottery demonstration, before being loose with paints and a ceramic tile each. After two days in the kiln, the big reveal of our individual masterpieces was a special moment.
Staying in Minori proved how wise it is to let experts plan your travel. Glitzy Positano or Amalfi appealed, but after visiting those bustling coastal towns, I was grateful to return to sleepy Minori.”
Have you got your eye on any other Back-Roads tours?
“Oh yes (hint, hint)! Their Norway: Fjords and Glaciers tour looks amazing. It’s a destination where an itinerary and expert guide would make explorations easier.
I’ve only been to Norway’s far north, and I had to rely on the kindness of strangers to get to Tromsø from the island I visited! As I recounted in my tour vs solo review, you can lose countless hours (and sweat) touring places that aren’t well set up for free-spirited travellers.
Mountains, Valleys, and Lakes of Switzerland also looks incredible. Every time I’ve looked at Switzerland, I’ve felt overwhelmed by the many transport options, so having everything organised on a small group tour would be a total win. Plus, I can only imagine the hidden gems Back-Roads have uncovered to include on this 10-day itinerary!
Hmmm, it does seem Back-Roads has spoilt me for future travel!”
2024 sale now on
Back-Roads is offering savings off selected tours from now until 20 February 2024. That includes Enchanting Southern Italy (now $3,960); catch Zoe’s tour highlights here.
Also save $200 off small group journeys like La Belle France (now from $4,958), Tuscan Treats (from $3,227), Corners of Cornwall (now $4,473), and Highlights of Northern Spain (now $5,539).
*All from prices and per person, twin share.
The deets
If you’ve got clients looking for a small group tour around Europe, get in touch pronto. Head to backroadstouring.com.
For questions, talk to your Back-Roads local BDM.
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