Backroads Unplugged Bike Tours 2026 & 2027: The Complete Guide to Acoustic No E-Bike Cycling Adventures
- Danny Rodriguez-Stahl
- Jul 5
- 7 min read
By Danny Stahl, Certified AmaWaterways, Viking, Tauck, Backroads & Silversea Advisor | Danny’s Adventures | dannysadventures.com
Unplugged tripled in size for 2026, 2027 prime dates filling fast:
Backroads Unplugged launched in 2025 and tripled in size for 2026 with departures worldwide. Prime summer dates in Tuscany, Provence, and Croatia are the fastest-filling Unplugged departures.
The 2027 Unplugged collection adds new destinations including the Dolomites and a new Parma to Verona and Venice Active Culinary route. Contact me today to confirm availability on your target dates.
SKIP THE RESEARCH & GET THE SAVINGS.
CONTACT ME TODAY!
I am Danny Stahl, a certified Backroads advisor based in Raleigh, NC, serving clients nationwide. I know current availability, and every active promotion and discount. My service is completely complimentary.
Hours: Monday–Friday 8am–6pm ET | Saturday 8am–11am ET
The e-bike is one of the great democratizers of active travel, it opened Backroads' most spectacular routes to travelers who previously could not manage the climbing. But a meaningful subset of cyclists has never wanted electric assist.
They came to Backroads specifically for the satisfaction of earning the views. For the burn in the quads on the switchback above a Tuscan valley. For arriving at the hilltop village knowing they rode every meter of elevation themselves.
Backroads Founder, President and CEO Tom Hale put it best: when Backroads started in 1979 running trips across the American West out of his garage, it was all about the camaraderie on the road and tackling a big climb together, then riding into lunch to celebrate.
Unplugged Bike Tours return to that spirit acoustic cycling in the company of other riders who enjoy doing the same, on Backroads' brand-new custom titanium Performance bikes, with the same world-class Trip Leaders and full support that define every Backroads departure.
What Exactly Is Backroads Unplugged?
Unplugged Bike Tours are dedicated departures where the group rides without electric assist, under their own power. E-bikes are not available to standard guests on Unplugged departures (Backroads allows e-bikes only for a strictly limited number of guests who want to keep pace with an acoustic cycling companion).
The trips use Backroads' brand-new custom titanium Performance bikes. Every other element of the Backroads experience, minimum three Trip Leaders per departure, full support van on the route, multiple daily distance options, luggage transfers between hotels, and Backroads' hotel relationships remains identical to a standard Backroads tour.
Backroads Unplugged | Standard Backroads Biking |
Backroads Unplugged | Standard Backroads Biking |
No electric assist — acoustic pedal-powered only | E-bikes available on most itineraries |
Custom titanium Performance bikes with wireless shifting, disc brakes, carbon wheels | Custom titanium Touring or Performance bikes |
Drop handlebars only — bring your own pedals or use flats | Flat and drop handlebar options |
Group of like-minded cyclists who all chose no e-assist | Mixed group — some e-bike riders, some acoustic |
Same minimum 3 Trip Leaders per departure | Minimum 3 Trip Leaders per departure |
Same full support van on every route | Full support van on every route |
Same multiple daily distance options | Multiple daily distance options |
Same Backroads hotel tier and dining standard | Same Backroads hotel tier and dining standard |
Same luggage transfers between hotels | Luggage transfers between hotels |
The Backroads Unplugged Bike: Custom Titanium Performance
The Unplugged program uses Backroads' newly redesigned custom Performance Bike, a next-generation titanium frame with advanced wireless shifting, responsive disc brakes, and lightweight carbon wheels.
This is not a rental bike shop standard touring machine. It is a purpose-built road performance bicycle designed specifically for the kind of riding Backroads does: long days on mixed surfaces, sustained climbing, and the variable road conditions of rural Europe, coastal Canada, and the western United States.
• Titanium frame — the material of choice for long-distance performance cycling: lighter than steel, more compliant than aluminum, more durable than carbon
• Advanced wireless shifting — no cables to stretch or fray over multi-day use
• Responsive disc brakes — consistent stopping power in wet Alpine descents, Tuscan white roads, and coastal rain
• Lightweight carbon wheels — the single greatest performance upgrade on any road bike for climbing
• Drop handlebars only — Unplugged is a performance cycling product, not a hybrid tour
• Bring your own pedals (Backroads provides flat pedals if you prefer)
• Fitted by Backroads Trip Leaders at the start of each trip for frame size and saddle height
Backroads Unplugged Destinations 2026 & 2027
Europe
• Tuscany, Italy (Level 2-4) — the defining Unplugged destination. Rolling Chianti hills, white gravel strade bianche between cypress-lined farms, hilltop medieval towns. The Backroads Tuscany Unplugged is the most booked European Unplugged departure.
• Provence Wine Country to Luberon, France (Level 2-4) — lavender plateaus, the Luberon massif, the optional Mont Ventoux challenge (the Tour de France's most iconic climb) for those who want the full acoustic achievement
• Croatia Dalmatian Coast (Level 2-3) — coastal roads, island ferry crossings, the Dalmatian islands by bike with no e-assist on the hairpin descents to crystal water
• Portugal Algarve and Alentejo (Level 2-4) — the cliffs of the Algarve coast and the golden cork oak plains of the Alentejo under human power
• Scottish Highlands (Level 2-4) — Glen Coe, the Isle of Skye road, and Highland passes under your own power
• Camino de Santiago – Basque Country (Level 2-4) — the pilgrimage route through the Basque foothills to Santiago de Compostela
• NEW 2027: Dolomites Bike Tour (Level 3-5) — one of Backroads' most challenging bike tours, tackling the legendary Dolomite mountain passes on acoustic bikes
• NEW 2027: Parma to Verona and Venice Active Culinary (Level 1-4) — Emilia-Romagna's gastronomy — birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto, and balsamic vinegar — on an Active Culinary Unplugged route
North America
• California Wine Country (Level 2-4) — Backroads Founder Tom Hale personally joined the first Unplugged departure on this route in May 2025
• Nova Scotia, Canada (Level 2-3) — the Cabot Trail and the Celtic coast under your own power
• Vermont (Level 2-4) — covered bridges, maple forests, and New England hill towns
What's Included on Every Backroads Unplugged Tour
• All hotel accommodations at your chosen tier (Premiere, Deluxe, or Casual)
• Backroads custom titanium Performance bikes — fitted to your size
• All breakfasts and most dinners at local restaurants
• Minimum 3 Trip Leaders per departure
• Dedicated support van following every route
• Multiple daily route options at different distances
• Luggage transferred between hotels every day
• GPS devices for every rider
• All group activities and excursions on the itinerary
Not included: International airfare, Trip Leader gratuities, personal lunches during free time, and travel insurance.
Who Is Backroads Unplugged Right For?
• Cyclists who have felt crowded out by e-bikes on standard guided tours and want a group of like-minded acoustic riders
• Experienced recreational cyclists who want the satisfaction of completing the climbs under their own power
• Cyclists training for a longer event who want a structured multi-day supported ride in a beautiful destination
• Riders who want the premium Backroads experience — hotels, food, support — without the e-bike option
• Anyone who has done a standard Backroads tour and wants the more focused cycling experience
Activity levels on Unplugged: Unplugged tours use the same 1-5 activity level scale as all Backroads trips, but because there is no e-assist option, guests should honestly assess whether they can complete the harder routes on a given day.
The support van is always present and can pick up any rider, there is no judgment and no one left behind. But honest fitness assessment before booking is more important on Unplugged than on a standard Backroads tour.
The climb. The summit. The descent into a Chianti village with a glass of Sangiovese waiting.
Under your own power. Every meter. That is what Backroads Unplugged is for.
BOOK SMARTER, NOT HARDER.
CONTACT ME TODAY!
I am Danny Stahl, a certified Backroads, AmaWaterways, Viking, Tauck, & Silversea advisor based in Raleigh, NC, serving clients across the country. I stay updated on current availability and all active promotions and discounts. Additionally, I have access to rates and offers not available to the general public. My services are completely free of charge.
Hours: Monday–Friday 8am–6pm ET | Saturday 8am–11am ET
Frequently Asked Questions: Backroads Unplugged Bike Tours
What is Backroads Unplugged?
Backroads Unplugged Bike Tours are dedicated acoustic cycling departures where the group rides without electric assist, under their own power. E-bikes are not available to standard guests on Unplugged departures. The tours use Backroads' custom titanium Performance bikes with wireless shifting, disc brakes, and carbon wheels. Every other element of the Backroads experience remains identical: minimum three Trip Leaders, full support van on every route, multiple daily distance options, luggage transfers between hotels, and Backroads' premium hotel and dining standard. The Unplugged collection launched in 2025 and tripled in size for 2026.
Can I bring my own bike on Backroads Unplugged?
Backroads does not typically accommodate personal bikes on its tours due to logistics, support requirements, and the need for a uniform fleet for Trip Leader familiarity. The Backroads custom titanium Performance bike used on Unplugged tours is designed specifically for multi-day performance cycling and is available in multiple frame sizes, fitted by Trip Leaders at the start of each departure.
What activity level is Backroads Unplugged?
Backroads Unplugged tours use the same 1-5 activity level scale as all Backroads trips. Unplugged destinations range from Level 2-3 (Croatia, Portugal Algarve) to Level 3-5 (Dolomites 2027). Because there is no e-assist option, guests should assess their cycling fitness honestly before selecting an Unplugged departure. A certified Backroads advisor matches you to the right Unplugged itinerary based on your cycling background and fitness level.
What destinations are available on Backroads Unplugged in 2026?
2026 Backroads Unplugged destinations include Tuscany Italy, Provence France, Croatia Dalmatian Coast, Portugal Algarve and Alentejo, Scotland Highlands, Camino de Santiago Basque Country, California Wine Country, Nova Scotia, and Vermont, among others. New 2027 Unplugged additions include the Dolomites Bike Tour and a Parma to Verona and Venice Active Culinary route.
How is Backroads Unplugged different from a standard Backroads bike tour?
The only difference is that Backroads Unplugged tours are dedicated to acoustic no-electric-assist cycling, with e-bikes available only to a very limited number of guests who want to keep pace with an acoustic companion. Standard Backroads bike tours accommodate both acoustic and e-bike riders on the same departure. The hotel quality, Trip Leader standard, support van, route options, and all inclusions are identical.
Can a travel advisor get a better price on Backroads Unplugged?
Yes. Certified Backroads advisor Danny Stahl can confirm current availability on Unplugged departures, apply group savings of 25% to 100% for groups of 12 or more, and advise on which Unplugged destination matches your cycling fitness level.
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