Tour Description

Begin your 8-day Portuguese adventure in the UNESCO-listed city of Porto. Follow a local guide on a tasting tour of the city’s namesake wine and seafood specialties, then head south to Aveiro – Portugal’s very own Venice. Continue to Lisbon to explore its historic neighbourhoods, churches and castles – and don’t forget to try a pastel de nata (or three)! Then make your way to Evora to meet local cork producers and winemakers, before wrapping up in Olhao with beach time, boat trips and those famous Algarve sunsets.

Priced From:

$ 5330.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2026

Valid To: 31DEC2026

Start Location: Porto

End Location: Lagos

Countries: Portugal,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Journey north to south across the best of Portugal’s cities, beaches and countryside with stops at Porto, Aveiro, Lisbon, Alentejo, Evora and Olhao.

Taste the best of Porto on a locally guided tasting tour, sampling port wine, traditional Portuguese salt cod fritters and more.

Explore the port city of Aveiro, maybe taking a wander along its saltwater canals of lined with colourful Moliceiro boats that were once used to farm seaweed.

Learn about the traditional crafts of southern Portugal on a visit to a cork farm in Alentejo and a winery in Evora – complete with a wine-paired lunch.

Feel the wind in your hair on a boat trip through Ria Formosa Park. Explore marshlands, look out for wild dolphins and stop at islands that separate the Atlantic from the lagoon.

Itinerary

Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your adventure begins in Porto – Portugal’s colourful coastal city named for its specialty: port wine. If you arrive early, explore all the city has to offer. Get a great view of the city on the Dom Luis I Bridge, explore the streets on foot or visit heritage sites like the baroque Torre dos Clérigos. Tonight, meet your group and local leader at a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, perhaps enjoy a welcome dinner at a local Portuguese restaurant with your group, ask your leader for their recommendations.

Not only is Porto famous for its port wine, but it’s also a hotspot for foodies. Sample the best of both on a walking tour with a local guide. Start out with the classic combination of pastel de nata and coffee (or tea), before your next stop sampling some of Porto’s regional seafood, bolinho de bacalhau (codfish croquettes) and broa de avintes (bittersweet bread) paired with a glass of local wine. Continue on your tasting tour with stops for more city staples and a glass of port wine. The afternoon is free to enjoy Porto at your leisure. Perhaps visit Livraria Lello, nicknamed ‘The most beautiful bookstore in the world,’ or take in the sunset from Vila Nova de Gaia with another glass of the city’s famous export.

Say goodbye to Porto and head south to Aveiro where you’ll have some free time – your bags will be stored in Aveiro train station while you explore the city. Built on the Rio de Aveiro lagoon and connected via canals, the brightly painted Moliceiro boats here resemble Venetian gondolas and were once used to harvest seaweed. Maybe dig into some grilled seafood or traditional eel stew for lunch, then head back to the station to board an early afternoon train to Lisbon. Upon arrival, you might like to freshen up and find a spot for dinner and drinks to get a feel for Portugal's capital.

Start the day with a leader-led orientation walk of Lisbon. Much of Lisbon’s character lies in its grand boulevards, castles, churches and cobbled streets lined with restaurants, bakeries and bars. After, the rest of the day is free to explore your way. Maybe catch a tram to the Belem district to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery, visit the iconic Lisbon Cathedral, or explore the medieval citadel of Sao Jorge Castle – which sits on the highest point of Old Town. Or if you’re feeling a more relaxed vibe, grab a table at a tavern for some petiscos (share plates) or watch the world go by at a rooftop bar.

After breakfast, head to the Alentejo region, well-known for its cork and olive farms. Stop by a local producer for a guided tour of a cork and holm oak forest. Learn about their centuries-old trees and specialised cork harvest methods as you explore the grounds with a cork expert. Continue to the capital of the Alentejo region, Évora. This city dates back to Roman times, as seen by the centrally located Roman Temple. Take a sightseeing break for lunch and ask your leader where the most authentic eats are. After the break, join your group for an orientation walk. There’s a lot to see in a city this old, but one definite stop will be to the Chapel of Bones, earning its name from its wall of human skulls and bones. Pass by other Evora highlights like the oldest medieval cathedral in Portugal then enjoy an optional dinner together with your group.

Say goodbye to the Alentejo region and take a private transfer to Olhao in the Algarve. On the way, stop at a local winery where you’ll learn about the production of a local wine variety called Amphora which is made with techniques that date back to the Roman era. Finish the tour with a wine-paired lunch of local favourites, then continue to Olhao in time to catch an Algarve sunset. Maybe kick back along the waterfront with a cold drink, or head out on an optional sunset boat trip through Ria Formosa Natural Park.

You’ll explore Ria Formosa Natural Park on a boat trip this morning. Cruising past small islands, fishing villages and marshes, you’ll learn about the park’s unique ecosystem and maybe spot seabirds or wild dolphins if you're lucky. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend as you like – how about unwinding on the beach or having a wander through the city’s traditional fisherman’s quarter? Tonight, maybe gather your group for a farewell dinner and raise a toast to your Portugal adventure.

There are no activities planned for today, and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your time in Portugal, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

26APR2026

Return Date :

03MAY2026

5330NZD

available

Departure Date :

10MAY2026

Return Date :

17MAY2026

5330NZD

available

Departure Date :

24MAY2026

Return Date :

31MAY2026

5330NZD

available

Departure Date :

21JUN2026

Return Date :

28JUN2026

5330NZD

available

Departure Date :

19JUL2026

Return Date :

26JUL2026

5330NZD

available

Departure Date :

16AUG2026

Return Date :

23AUG2026

5330NZD

available

Departure Date :

06SEP2026

Return Date :

13SEP2026

5330NZD

available

Departure Date :

20SEP2026

Return Date :

27SEP2026

5330NZD

available

Departure Date :

04OCT2026

Return Date :

11OCT2026

5330NZD

available

Departure Date :

18OCT2026

Return Date :

25OCT2026

5330NZD

available

Trip Notes

Trip title

Portugal Explorer: Porto to Algarve

Trip code

ZMKP

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2026 to 31 Dec 2026

Introduction

Style

Comfort

Themes

Explorer

Transport

Train,Private vehicle

Physical Rating

Physical preparation

EXPLORING EUROPEAN CITIES One of the pleasures of travelling in Europe is the ease at which cities can be explored on foot. On most trips, our leader will take you on frequent orientation walks, and you will be able to further explore in your own time. We recommend you pack comfortable walking shoes for this trip. Many of our customers are surprised at how much they end up walking, however this is entirely up to you, and public transport to take you back to our accommodation is never far away. This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day's activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don't want to participate.

Joining point

Fontinha Hotel Porto

R. da Fontinha 87 91, 4000-243 Porto, Portugal

Porto

PORTUGAL

Phone: +351 229761050

Joining point instructions

You can take the metro (Line E - purple) from Aeroporto station directly to Trindade station. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs approximately EUR 2.15. From Trindade, it’s a short 7-minute walk to the hotel. If you prefer, you can also take a taxi form the airport. The ride to Fontinha Hotel takes approximately 25–30 minutes and costs around EUR 25–30, depending on traffic. Pre-bookable arrival transfers are also available, do not hesitate to reach out to your agent if you wish to book one.

Alternate Joining point

For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.

26 Apr 2026 (ZMKP260426), 10 May 2026 (ZMKP260510), 24 May 2026 (ZMKP260524), 21 Jun 2026 (ZMKP260621), 19 Jul 2026 (ZMKP260719), 16 Aug 2026 (ZMKP260816), 06 Sep 2026 (ZMKP260906), 20 Sep 2026 (ZMKP260920), 04 Oct 2026 (ZMKP261004), 18 Oct 2026 (ZMKP261018), 25 Apr 2027 (ZMKP270425), 09 May 2027 (ZMKP270509), 23 May 2027 (ZMKP270523), 20 Jun 2027 (ZMKP270620), 18 Jul 2027 (ZMKP270718), 15 Aug 2027 (ZMKP270815), 05 Sep 2027 (ZMKP270905), 19 Sep 2027 (ZMKP270919), 03 Oct 2027 (ZMKP271003), 17 Oct 2027 (ZMKP271017)

Porto

PORTUGAL

Finish point

Vila Galé Lagos

Estrada da Meia Praia s/n 8600-315 Lagos

Lagos

PORTUGAL

Phone: +351 282 771 400

Finish point description

Vila Galé Lagos is a contemporary hotel located by Meia Praia beach, just a short distance from the historic centre of Lagos. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and balconies. Facilities include a large outdoor swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant, and bar — making it an ideal place to relax at the end of your trip.

Finish point instructions

The closest airport to Lagos is Faro Airport (FAO), located approximately a 1-hour drive from Lagos. There is also a public bus service between Lagos and Faro, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a taxi and request assistance from your leader or hotel staff in arranging it. Pre-bookable airport departure transfers are also available, do not hesitate to reach out to your agent if you prefer to book one.

Alternate Finish point

For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.

Algarve

PORTUGAL

Important information

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Group leader

All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. We also recommend saving the phone number for emergency consular assistance for your government’s consulate in the destination/s you’ll be travelling. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts PERSONAL SAFETY Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

Visas

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Why we love it

Journey north to south across the best of Portugal’s cities, beaches and countryside with stops at Porto, Aveiro, Lisbon, Alentejo, Evora and Olhao.

Taste the best of Porto on a locally guided tasting tour, sampling port wine, traditional Portuguese salt cod fritters and more.

Explore the port city of Aveiro, maybe taking a wander along its saltwater canals of lined with colourful Moliceiro boats that were once used to farm seaweed.

Learn about the traditional crafts of southern Portugal on a visit to a cork farm in Alentejo and a winery in Evora – complete with a wine-paired lunch.

Feel the wind in your hair on a boat trip through Ria Formosa Park. Explore marshlands, look out for wild dolphins and stop at islands that separate the Atlantic from the lagoon.

Is this trip right for you

Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be extreme in Portugal (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. There will be some train transportation on this trip. Trains are a fast way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right in the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets; however, they can sometimes be quite busy. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section. Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. On this trip, it is recommended to travel light. You will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 20 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb as Portugal is known to have steep streets, cobblestone walkways, steps and uneven terrain.

Health

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. BREAKFASTS There are some continental breakfasts included on this trip which may simply include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice (or similar). VEGETARIANS Vegetarians might find the menu selection in Europe less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. EUROPE The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in the following destinations: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain. All other European countries still have their own national currencies. You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Europe. You can obtain EUR cash prior to arriving through normal outlets such as banks and currency exchange offices. BUDGET Please budget for additional meals and expenses while on your trip. We suggest EUR 350.00 for meals not included on this trip. Our suggestion is based on past traveller feedback but you may choose to spend more or less. TIPPING Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be. We recommend budgeting approximately EUR 10-20 per person per week to tip local service providers for activities included in this trip, in local currencies. This doesn’t include a tip for your leader. YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE Tipping your group leader or local representative is highly appreciated if you feel they’ve provided outstanding services throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, the recommended amount is 4-7 USD or EUR per traveller per day (in a currency relevant to your destination). Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

What to take

Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take it in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible. If your trip includes travelling on overnight trains or primarily using public transport, the smaller your luggage, the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful, especially when travelling on public transportation as well. When you're exploring during the day, you'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket and activity-specific items like a swimsuit, a waterproof pouch/bag for your phone, or hiking shoes. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you.

Climate and seasonal

SUMMER Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C/104°F), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. SHOULDER SEASON In contrast, weather in shoulder season can be unpredictable, and snow is not unheard of at higher altitudes. If you travel at the start or towards the end of the European season please pack accordingly with warm and/or waterproof clothes (preferably layers). The advantage of travelling during this time is that there are less tourists around.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Feedback

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid's Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

Responsible travel

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel DRESS CODE In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe. When visiting churches, monasteries or other religious sites modest dress is required - shorts or sleeveless tops may not be permitted, for both men and women.

The Intrepid Foundation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip supports REFOOD, who work directly with local communities in Portugal to rescue quality food from going to waste and use this to provide meals for those in need. Donations help them promote a circular movement that benefits the environment and helps to feed those living in food scarcity. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation, visit: https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/refood

Accommodation notes

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE BASIS Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own. CHECK-IN TIME Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. FACILITIES Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Transport notes

TRANSPORT IN EUROPE Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region, please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance, your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number, rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements. For example, some mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality. Travellers from the European Union, Switzerland or the USA who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

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17 Oct 2027