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Back-Roads Touring Co Ltd: Some Frequently Asked Questions
2007 Season
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Here you should find the answers to all of your basic questions. We've tried to be as comprehensive as is possible but please don't hesitate to contact Special Group Tours if you have further, specific questions. The facts given below form part of our conditions of carriage.
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Questions About Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd
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How long has Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd been in existence and are you registered with any tourist organisation like ASTA, for example?
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Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd (not to be confused with Back-Roads, the California-based bicycling company) was founded in 1986. We are fully licensed by the UK's Ministry of Transport. If you want references for the company then contact your local Visit Britain office (formerly the British Tourist Authority), the Irish or Wales Tourist Boards or post a message to hear what past clients say of us.
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Does the company have an office in any other country than the UK?
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No. There is only one Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd office, based in London, UK.
We do recommend Special Group Tours as an agent accredited to sell Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd tours. SGT is able to answer your general questions, book insurance packages and assist with online flights. Agents win their accreditation by agreeing to implement our 'Customer Service Charter' which defines the level of service we expect them to give our clients in return for receiving commission payments.
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Are your tours guaranteed departures?
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We try hard never to cancel a tour once we've accepted your booking (unless forced to do so by topographical problems, civil unrest or 'act of God'!). Between 1986 and 2003 we cancelled only one tour when French fuel protests made it impossible to run. We ran a full scheduled programme following the September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks despite there being, on occasion, as few as two persons on the tour where other tour participants clients were unable to catch cancelled air flights. Please note, however, that at the time of compiling this web site (December 2003), with uncertainty being the order of the day, we cannot absolutely guarantee all departures in future. If we find that a tour is particularly low-loaded, and we think that there being so few might not be appreciated by tour participants, we give you the option to change tours or cancel at no cost. We will try, however, to honour our historic commitment NOT TO CANCEL a tour once you have booked it.
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Do you only offer scheduled departures or can we plan a customised tour?
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We are delighted to design and operate special customised tours for families, friends wanting to travel together, or any other group. See the relevant page on this site for further details.
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Questions About Accommodations
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What standard of accommodation do you use?
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Our properties are of a three star standard, all with en suite facilities. They are chosen based on architectural interest, position, standard of facilities, cooking and warmth of welcome. Please see our accommodations page for a few photos.
- Please do note, however, that city centre accommodations, despite having a three star designation, are invariably of a lower standard than those outside of the city in every county in which we operate. It is for this reason that we try to find city hotels that are in outlying (but convenient) neighbourhoods where a better standard for the cost can be obtained.
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Do they have tubs or showers?
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Some rooms have tubs, some showers, some both. If you have a preference, please request this at the time of booking and we'll do our best to accommodate you whenever possible.
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Do we dine at the accommodations?
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All breakfasts are taken in the accommodations. We have a minimum of a two-course, home cooked evening meal at many of them but on occasion, to add variety to your tour experience, we also dine out at local pubs and restaurants. When we dine out it is understandably to a budget but in the rare circumstance of a client wanting something special you are able to contribute to, and supplement, the budget. Wines and other alcoholic drinks are not included but tea/coffee is included.
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What meals are included?
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See each tour for a full list of inclusions. Normally all breakfasts and dinners are included except when in major cities of arrival and departure. On some tours, one night is excluded to give time for 'organised independence'.
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Can special dietary needs be accommodated?
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Yes, but please notify us in advance. If you have very particular needs you may find that your choice is limited.
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Is smoking allowed?
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Not usually. Most accommodations we use do not allow smoking in the bedrooms although there may be public areas where it is permitted. Smoking is allowed in pubs and restaurants (but not in some cities such as Dublin). We'd ask those of you who still smoke to respect the wishes of other tour participants and refrain from smoking at the dinner table, even if permitted by the establishment.
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What size are the beds?
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In Europe beds are generally smaller than you might find at home. Single beds, for example, are approximately three foot wide and just over six foot long. If you are a couple, worried about sharing a double-bed, then please request a twin-bedded room at the time of booking your tour. (An English double bed is about the size of an American Queen bed, 60" x 80". The American double bed is smaller).
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Can we get a ground floor room?
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Approximately 60% of the places we use will have limited ground floor accommodation available, but we will only be able to provide for one room per tour. When a ground floor room is requested but not available, we will allocate the lowest, most easily reached alternative room available.
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Do accommodations have elevators (lifts)?
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City centre ones do hve lifts but generally the type of accommodation we'd use would do not. We try to avoid booking accommodations, however, where there might be too many stairs or where the stairs are steep. If you are worried about this, please read our advice below aimed at those with mobility problems.
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What is a 'single supplement' referred to in the price of the tour?
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Unfortunately, most European accommodations charge an additional amount for single occupancy even though the room is often much smaller than the standard room. The single supplement refers to the amount we have to add to the standard tour price paid by persons sharing a twin or double room.
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What's a 'twin' room?
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A twin room is a room for two persons in which there will be two single beds. A 'double' room is for two persons sharing a bed.
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I'm a single. Can I share with someone?
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It might be possible. To be honest, we have found it difficult to 'match-make' in the past and this is not something we recommend.
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Can we get triple room accommodation?
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Yes. However, there is limited triple availability and often a triple room contains a double bed and one single. There is little, if any, cost saving to be made in booking a triple room unless it is to save a 'single supplement' charge.
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What size are the single rooms?
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Single rooms are generally very small in UK accommodations even though you are required to pay a 'single supplement'. Whenever possible we try to ensure that our guests are allocated the largest room available.
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Can Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd arrange additional nights accommodation in the cities of arrival and departure?
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Yes. Please, let us know at the time of your initial booking. We would normally extend your stay in the hotel we'd be using for the main tour but this sometimes might not be possible. In this case, we'd find you the most convenient substitute.
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Questions About Arrival and Departure Arrangements
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Do Back-Roads Touring Co. provide airport transfers?
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Yes, but there are certain restrictions. Airport transfers are provided as complimentary for tours in length of over 6 days, as outlined on each specific tour itinerary. Mini-tours, even if linking several together, your airport transfers are available for a supplemental fee. Please see our Tour Inclusions page for further details.
Most importantly, please note that to qualify for a free airport transfer, it's your responsibility to let us have your flight details six weeks (or more) before the commencement date of the start of your tour. If you're booking a tour that departs in less than six weeks time, then you should give us your flight details when booking the tour. Due to problems with finding individuals at railway stations, we're unable to guarantee transfer from railway stations and you may have to organise a taxi at your own cost to the tour departure hotel.
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Questions About the Mini-Coaches ('vans')
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What sort of vehicle do we travel in?
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You'll either be in a 12 seat Renault Master mini-coach, a Mercedes Sprinter, or a Ford or Renault multi-person vehicle, depending on the numbers on a tour. The vehicles have seatbelts and all seats are forward facing. Luggage is stored beneath the floor or in a rear compartment. See our Mini-Coach page for more info.
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I'm over 6 foot. Is there plenty of leg room?
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Yes, several of the front seats have sufficient room for even the tallest passenger to stretch their legs. We rotate seats also to ensure that no-one is sitting permanently in any particular seat.
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Do the vehicles have A/C?
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When we think weather conditions require an air-conditioned vehicle, we use one. In most cases, however, air-con is not required and the coaches are ventilated by forced air system or have ample opening windows and skylights.
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Questions About the Tour Itineraries
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How much driving do we do?
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We design tours so that there is as little wasted time as possible on the bus and plenty to see while aboard. Inevitably, there are days when travelling between locations may involve freeway driving and more mileage. Generally, a typical day's driving would be anywhere between 110 and 170 miles. There are at least three major attraction stops, 'comfort' and meal stops.
It is always worth remembering that these are 'tours' and not fixed-site holidays and this inevitably involves driving.
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How flexible are the daily itineraries? Can we request visits to special sites/sights?
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The tours are designed to be flexible. That's why we write that itineraries are tentative. When practical, there will be times when we'll be altering the published itinerary at a group or individual request to visit sites of special importance to those on board. However, if we do vary itineraries it must be acceptable to all. We would not miss sites included on the provisional itineraries unless all parties are in agreement, or the particular site is not available on that particular day for a specific reason.
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Are the tours suitable for children?
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Some are, others not so. Please check with us if considering bringing a child. If you're wanting to bring children on a customised tour that's another matter! We can design a tour that will fit the aspirations of all age-groups travelling.
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How much walking on a tour?
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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 we have to park some distance out of the centre. On most tours there are opportunities for some extended walking, often from the accommodations we use.
Please note: if you have a mobility problem or concern you may not find our tours suitable. Please contact us if you have any doubts.
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Are all the entrance fees included in my tour price?
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Most, if not all. These are not the sort of tours when you're expected to be getting your purses out at every turn. We may suggest certain optional evening cultural visits, or on occasion, suggest you enter special attractions. These are optional, however.
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Can I get my hair done / laundry done on tour / go to church or synagogue / post items home?
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Yes. There is generally sufficient free time to incorporate all such functions, though we can't guarantee such in every country. Your guide-companion will be able to advise the most convenient point and assist in making relevant arrangements.
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Is there time to shop?
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Of course! But we will NOT be taking you to 'commission' stops. Our guides are not permitted to profit from your shopping.
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Questions About Fellow Travelers
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Who goes on a Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd tour?
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Our clients, on regular departures, are generally thirty-five and above with a higher proportion being fifty and above. They are English-speaking and in the main come from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore and Hong Kong. We do have other nationalities join occasionally but all tour commentaries are in English.
On average, we have a split of 60/40, women to men.
Very many of our tour participants have traveled with Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd on a previous occasion.
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What about single people?
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You're more than welcome! About 20% of our clients are singles. You'll soon make friends aboard a Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd small group tour.
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Questions About Guide-Companions
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Who leads and drives the tours?
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All of our driver-guide/companions have passed a government test to allow them to drive our specially registered vehicles.
Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd has a policy of seeking continual improvement in all areas of our operation and this applies equally to guide staff. During the winter months all guides take a series of educational courses to enable them to better their diverse skills. On successful completion of such they are paid a higher daily fee. In terms of their knowledge, specialist experience and suitability for handling the small group tours that are our specialty, we believe our staff will not be bettered by any other tour operator.
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Questions About Making a Booking and Payments
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How do I make a booking?
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Please see the relevant section of this web site (Make a Payment page) or contact Special Group Tours if you're reading this as a 'hard copy'. Booking is easy.
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What happens if I have to cancel?
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Please see our cancellation policy. We rarely have cancellations but if you do, through illness or any other reason, there would be a charge. We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance to cover any cancellations.
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Questions About Insurance and Flights
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Can we book our flights through Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd?
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Sorry, no. If you've booked a land package with us, you can buy travel insurance (which we recommend) and get assistance with booking flights through Special Group Tours.
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Questions About Luggage
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How much can we bring with us?
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Most of your questions on luggage and what you should/shouldn't bring with you are answered in the pre-departure information which should be read before actually leaving on a tour. However, it should be noted now that luggage is restricted to one standard sized suitcase and one carry-on per person. A carry-on is defined as something you will bring on the bus each touring day such as a camera bag or day pack.
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What clothes should I bring?
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This sort of information is provided in your pre-departure information. You can visit the Before You Travel page for more info too.
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