This Travel Company’s Newest Itineraries Are Women-only and Curated With a Female-first Lens

When friends George Butterfield and Sidney Robinson embarked on a summer study abroad trip to Europe in 1957, they could not have anticipated the journey that awaited them. Traveling by ship with a group from Montreal to London, they meandered through Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and France. Robinson’s sister, Martha, soon joined the adventures, marrying Butterfield in 1964. After completing their master’s and law degrees, the trio yearned to see more of the world. “Quite simply, we wanted to get back to Europe,” Martha Butterfield told Travel + Leisure. In 1966, driven by their passion for travel and adventure, they founded luxury active travel outfitter Butterfield & Robinson (B&R).

Through B&R, the three transformed their youthful wanderlust into a legacy of extraordinary journeys that continue to inspire travelers. They led their first European trip in 1966 with 44 students, a 10-day cruise from New York to Naples on the Leonardo da Vinci ocean liner, with stops in Madeira, Gibraltar, Majorca, and Sicily. However, it was during their first all-biking trip — a breathtaking 45-day journey from Vienna to Paris — that Martha Butterfield says they “found their stride.” The biking excursion not only cemented the foundation of their enterprise but also embodied their vision to offer deeply immersive travel experiences.

In September, B&R launched four new women-only itineraries in response to the growing demand for travel experiences tailored specifically to women. Kristi Elborne, director of sales and trip design, shared that B&R’s women’s-only collection was inspired by co-founder Martha Butterfield, who helped pioneer active luxury travel worldwide. Elborne said, “This collection celebrates adventurous women who also enjoy the finest in high-end hotels, exquisite cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences.”

Designed entirely by women, these trips provide a dedicated space where like-minded women can explore new destinations together through a female-first lens. Elborne added that the trips also “focus on empowering stories and exclusive events with women who are shaping their communities.”

Of the four options, B&R's Camino de Santiago Walking itinerary delivers a thrilling adventure for history seekers. It retraces an extensive network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe, ending at the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Another exciting itinerary, the Vancouver to Tofino Women’s Multi-Active, explores Vancouver’s bustling Granville Market. Participants then travel to Tofino, a stunning town on Canada’s western coast, to partake in female-led surf classes, kayak through the serene waters of Pacific Rim National Park, embark on an exhilarating e-bike ride to Ucluelet, and engage in a bead-making workshop with First Nations elders.

Then there's the Cambodia & Vietnam Women’s Biking itinerary, which traverses the Hai Van Pass, among the world’s most scenic coastal roads. And during the Tuscany & Umbria Women’s Multi-Active experience, travelers navigate the Tuscan countryside and engage in delightful wine tastings, crostata cooking classes, and intimate castle dinners.

These itineraries, which range from four to seven nights, cater to varying activity levels ranging from two to three, with three being the most active.

While each itinerary offers something different, group sizes are capped at 16 participants to ensure a more attentive, enriching, and individualized experience. This small group size fosters camaraderie, empowerment, and adventure among female travelers. Additionally, every trip connects participants with B&R’s incredible partners around the world, including inspiring female chefs, war veterans, tuk-tuk drivers, and more, who provide unique insights and meaningful connections along the way. Reflecting on the company's core values, Martha Butterfield added, “As my husband has always said, we've never aspired to be the biggest — just the best.”

Since guiding their first trips in the 1960s, the founders have made it their mission to provide one-of-a-kind transformational experiences. “These places aren’t just stops on a map; they are homes to friends we know intimately and have developed meaningful relationships with,” said Martha Butterfield. This personal closeness deeply enriches the travel experience for everyone involved.

B&R’s team of experienced designers are avid adventurers who constantly visit new pockets of the world to scope out the next best spot. In 2026, B&R will add three new women-focused itineraries in Peru, Switzerland, and Spain’s Andalucia region. “B&R will continue to encourage travelers to immerse themselves in incredible places, forge new friendships, and explore the world on two wheels or two feet,” Martha Butterfield told T+L.