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Best of France

8 Days

  • TOUR DESCRIPTION
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Enquire Now
  • Travel Insurance by Allianz

Tour Description

Croissant, cheese, wine, repeat. Throw in some truly unforgettable views of the Parisian skyline, Burgundy vineyards, Provencal countryside and medieval castles and you’ve got a French escapade you won’t soon forget. On this eight-day adventure, you’ll stroll along the winding canals of Annecy (AKA ‘the Venice of the Alps’), explore the charming village of Sisteron, walk the riverside town of Greoux-les-Bains in Provence, relax on the beach in Nice and take the adventure up a notch on a daytrip to the Gorges du Verdon, AKA the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’.

Priced From:

$ 6395.00pp *

Valid From: 01JAN2027

Valid To: 31DEC2027

Start Location: Paris

End Location: Nice

Countries: France,

Tour Advisors

Beccy Hayes

Travel Specialist

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

  • Discover the spectacular culture, cities and landscapes of France. Dine on world-renowned cuisine, drink celebrated wine and uncover the rich heritage that has inspired countless artists and poets for centuries.
  • Visit a Burgundy winery for a tour, tasting and traditional lunch. Drink some of the world’s most acclaimed wines, surrounded by views of rolling green vineyards bathed in the sun.
  • Uncover the natural beauty of Annecy – nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Annecy is often referred to as ‘the Venice of the Alps’. Gaze out at its crystal-clear lake, pastel-coloured buildings and winding canals.
  • Go on a daytrip to the Gorges du Verdon – the largest canyon in Europe. Take in sweeping views of the canyon from the best vantage points on the Route des Cretes and explore a charming village at the canyon’s entrance.
  • Start your journey in Paris, the ‘City of Lights’. Get your first taste of French cuisine with a welcome dinner at an Intrepid Foundation partner restaurant providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
  • Itinerary

    Day 1 Location: Paris
    Bonjour! Welcome to France. Your adventure begins in Paris, the storied City of Lights that has inspired many artists and poets throughout history. You’ll have a welcome meeting with your local leader and fellow travellers at 6 pm. If you arrive early, it’s highly recommended you start exploring. Maybe go for a stroll along the Seine or stop in at a cafe for a classic French pastry – pain au chocolat, anyone? After tonight’s meeting, you’ll have a welcome dinner with your group at Le Reflet – a restaurant run in partnership with Intrepid Foundation partner Les Extraordinaires, which works to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities in mainstream workplaces. Get your first taste of typical French fare made with fresh, seasonal produce and raise a glass to the start of an incredible adventure.
    Day 2 Location: Dijon
    After breakfast, say ‘a bientot’ to Paris and begin your train journey east, headed to Dijon, the capital of the Burgundy region. Renowned for producing some of France' best wines, Burgundy is filled with historic towns and beautiful vistas of rolling vineyards. When you arrive, you’ll head out on an orientation walk with your leader to get the lay of the land. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. You might like to wander the streets, relax at a cafe, nibble on gougeres (delicate choux pastries with gruyere cheese) with a glass of wine or seek out a dinner spot where you can get stuck into the region’s culinary delights – ask your leader for advice on where to find popular local specialties like beef bourguignon (a rich stew of beef braised in red wine and aromatic herbs), coq au vin (chicken and vegetables slow-cooked in red wine) or escargots a la bourguignonne (snails cooked with butter, garlic and parsley).
    Day 3 Location: Burgundy to Annecy
    Today is all about savouring the rich flavours and unforgettable landscapes of France. Take a private transfer to a Burgundy winery where a passionate vigneron (winegrower) will share the traditions and techniques behind his craft. Burgundy wines are globally renowned for their complexity and elegance, and you’ll get to sample some of the finest local drops around. Paired with a traditional lunch and the picturesque backdrop of the surrounding vineyards, this winery visit will be a feast for the senses. This afternoon, continue to Annecy. This alpine town is often referred to as ‘the Venice of the Alps’, and it won’t take long for you to see why. See the winding canals spilling out onto the strikingly blue lake, fringed by mountains. The town itself is painted in pastel colours, with its old stone streets connected by charming bridges. Settle into your accommodation this evening before a full day of exploring Annecy tomorrow.
    Day 4 Location: Annecy
    Get to know Annecy on an orientation walk with your leader this morning. You’ll explore the fascinating Vieille Ville (Old Town), stroll along the canals and spot monuments like the Chateau d’Annecy and the Palais de l’Ile – a 12th-century palace that sits on a rocky island in the middle of the Thiou River. Soak up the gorgeous Lake Annecy scenery – the exceptionally clear waters here are the result of a highly successful clean-up of the lake that began in the 1950s, after the lake suffered significant pollution. Today, Lake Annecy is one of the cleanest lakes in Europe. During your walk, you’ll make a stop at a fromagerie to sample an important (and beloved) part of the French culinary tradition – cheese! Eight Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheeses are produced around Lake Annecy, including soft cheeses like reblochon and chevrotin, semi-hard cheeses like abondance and hard cheeses like beaufort. The rest of your day is free. Maybe soak up the beautiful surroundings by renting a bike to cycle around the lake, take a paddle-boat ride or, if the weather’s right, go for a swim.
    Day 5 Location: Annecy to Greoux-les-Bains
    Leave the Alps and begin your journey south to the sunny region of Provence. Along the way, visit the town of Sisteron, known as the ‘Gateway to Provence’. Set between mountains and the Durance River, this small town's highlight is its impressive citadel, which dates back to the 13th century and sprawls over more than 10 hectares. Perched on a distinctive limestone ridge overlooking the town, the castle was badly damaged in the 1940s but has since been well restored. You’ll have some free time in town for lunch – Sisteron is famous for its lamb. Then, continue to the town of Greoux-les-Bains. Set on the banks of the Verdon River, this town is full of lively markets, medieval buildings and typical Provencal architecture. It’s also known for its thermal hot springs and spas. When you arrive, your leader will guide you on an orientation walk through town. Tonight, why not gather your group for dinner. Your leader will have all the best local recommendations.
    Day 6 Location: Greoux-les-Bains to Nice
    After breakfast, leave Greoux-les-Bains and travel through the Verdon Regional Natural Park, full of picturesque lavender fields, lakes and gorges. Arrive in the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, tucked beneath limestone cliffs, where you’ll take a walk through the winding streets lined with traditional Provencal homes. Continue to the shores of the Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Pont du Galetas – your gateway to the Gorges du Verdon. This beautiful canyon is the largest in Europe. Follow the Route des Cretes, which offers dramatic views over the cliffs, deep ravines and canyon below. You’ll stop in the town of Castellane, located at the entrance to the canyon. Join your leader for a stroll through the town centre, then you’ll have some time for lunch. In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Nice – the capital of the French Riviera, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Take an orientation walk through the historic centre to see the colourful streets lined with Baroque churches and landmarks like Cours Saleya, famous for its flower and food markets. The rest of your evening is free – how about a seaside stroll or dinner along the promenade?
    Day 7 Location: Nice
    Embrace a free day to experience Nice however you’d like. You could head out on a daytrip to Cannes, home to the famous film festival, or take a half-day trip to the medieval hilltop village of Eze. The town’s vaulted, narrow streets are filled with art galleries and workshops to explore, and the town is crowned by the ruins of a medieval castle. Monaco, Monte Carlo and Saint-Tropez are also popular daytrip options. Back in Nice, you could browse the boutiques in the Old Town, visit the Matisse Museum or kick back on one of the many beaches. You could also take a food tour to try some regional produce and learn about Nicoise culinary traditions. This evening, join your group for a farewell aperitivo where you’ll try pastis – a popular pre-dinner drink – paired with a snack of socca (a flatbread made from chickpea flour that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside). Here's to an incredible adventure!
    Day 8 Location: Nice
    With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, and it’s highly recommended you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

    Dates & prices

    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date :
    25JUN2027
    Return Date :
    02JUL2027
    6395.00NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    16JUL2027
    Return Date :
    23JUL2027
    6395.00NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    20AUG2027
    Return Date :
    27AUG2027
    6395.00NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    03SEP2027
    Return Date :
    10SEP2027
    6395.00NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    17SEP2027
    Return Date :
    24SEP2027
    6395.00NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    01OCT2027
    Return Date :
    08OCT2027
    6395.00NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    23JUN2028
    Return Date :
    30JUN2028
    6715.00NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    14JUL2028
    Return Date :
    21JUL2028
    6715.00NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    18AUG2028
    Return Date :
    25AUG2028
    6715.00NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    01SEP2028
    Return Date :
    08SEP2028
    6715.00NZD
    available

    Trip Notes

    Trip title

    Best of France

    Trip code

    BMSD

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2027 to 31 Dec 2027

    Extended validity

    29 Sep 2028

    Introduction

    Croissant, cheese, wine, repeat. Throw in some truly unforgettable views of the Parisian skyline, Burgundy vineyards, Provencal countryside and medieval castles and you’ve got a French escapade you won’t soon forget. On this eight-day adventure, you’ll stroll along the winding canals of Annecy (AKA ‘the Venice of the Alps’), explore the charming village of Sisteron, walk the riverside town of Greoux-les-Bains in Provence, relax on the beach in Nice and take the adventure up a notch on a daytrip to the Gorges du Verdon, AKA the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’.

    Style

    Original

    Themes

    Explorer

    Transport

    Train, Private vehicle

    Physical Rating

    2

    Physical preparation

    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. 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.

    Joining point

    Paris

    Paris

    FRANCE

    Finish point

    Nice

    Nice

    FRANCE

    Important information

    1. Please provide your full name as per passport and date of birth at the time of booking so that we can secure train tickets for you. 2. 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 note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about 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 Local laws governing tourism facilities in this region may differ from those in your home country and accommodation we use may not have a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

    TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!

    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 You are responsible for obtaining relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip.  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:  http://www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

    Why we love it

    Discover the spectacular culture, cities and landscapes of France. Dine on world-renowned cuisine, drink celebrated wine and uncover the rich heritage that has inspired countless artists and poets for centuries.

    Visit a Burgundy winery for a tour, tasting and traditional lunch. Drink some of the world’s most acclaimed wines, surrounded by views of rolling green vineyards bathed in the sun.

    Uncover the natural beauty of Annecy – nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Annecy is often referred to as ‘the Venice of the Alps’. Gaze out at its crystal-clear lake, pastel-coloured buildings and winding canals.

    Go on a daytrip to the Gorges du Verdon – the largest canyon in Europe. Take in sweeping views of the canyon from the best vantage points on the Route des Cretes and explore a charming village at the canyon’s entrance.

    Start your journey in Paris, the ‘City of Lights’. Get your first taste of French cuisine with a welcome dinner at an Intrepid Foundation partner restaurant providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

    Is this trip right for you

    This trip includes some long drives of 5 to 6 hours, so bring along headphones and your favourite playlists or audiobooks, or use this time to go through your photographs. Or you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery., Summer temperatures can be extreme in France (over 40°C/104°F). It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Many hotels in Europe have fans, not air conditioning. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability for that season., Space is at a premium in Europe, and your hotel is no exception. Rooms are often small, but usually the central location makes up for that. For those travelling as a duo, hotels in Europe often don’t have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together., You’ll need to carry your luggage in and out of the hotels, so packing light will make your journey more comfortable.

    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 will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you 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. There's no obligation to do this though., 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. , 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. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred because of changes to itineraries, including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra USD 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 all travellers; however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. Please confirm with your leader on Day 1 if you need to carry this in cash, or whether access via card or electronically is sufficient.

    What to take

    PACKING On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. You can find Intrepid's Ultimate Packing List on our website. It should be used as a guide only and isn't intended to be a complete packing list.

    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 Operators: +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 leaders and 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/

    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 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.

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