Tour Description

This 11-day adventure from Lisbon to Barcelona is the perfect introduction to two countries packed with natural scenery, cultural city life and delicious cuisine. Soak up the rocky coastlines along the Algarve, head out for some optional kayaking or boat rides, then dive into Spain for tapas, churros and hiking. Enjoy the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains on a hike, see some street art and dive into the local culture of Seville, Granada, Madrid and Barcelona. This trip has heaps of free time to choose your own adventure, making sure you see all the iconic sights on your list, with a handy local leader to show you the way.

Priced From:

$ 2515.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2025

Valid To: 31DEC2025

Start Location: Lisbon

End Location: Barcelona

Countries: Portugal, Spain,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Take a day trip out to Monachil in Spain and hike the Los Cahorros trail near the Sierra Nevada mountains. You’ll walk along suspension bridges, through waterfalls and soak up the beautiful natural landscape.

Feast on the delicious food in two countries known for their cuisine, with a tapas tasting of local favourites in Seville and a churros sampling in Madrid (don’t forget to eat countless pastel de natas during your time in Lisbon!).

Wander the colourful streets of the multicultural Lavapies neighbourhood in Madrid during a street art tour with a local guide and graffiti enthusiast. This company supports sustainable tourism and promotes social projects within the local community.

See the incredible views from the Ponta da Piedade trail in Lagos – this stretch of endless coastline boasts beautiful natural scenery, rock caves, grottoes, and crystal-clear waters.

Carve your own adventure with tonnes of free time for activities you want to do – maybe go kayaking in Lagos, see the sites in Barcelona, or simply chill out on the beach in the Algarve.

Itinerary

Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your adventure officially kicks off in Lisbon with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe head to one of the many outdoor cafes and soak up the city’s energy. You could ride on the Gloria cable car – this bright yellow funicular is one of Lisbon’s most photographed images! Explore the trendy neighbourhood of Bairro Alto or try a pastel de nata (a sweet and delicious custard tart and Portugal’s most famous pastry). After your meeting tonight, maybe head out to the Miradouro de Santa Catarina with great views of the city and listen to the street performers play as the sun goes down.

This morning, you’ll say goodbye to Lisbon and head to Lagos by public transport. Set on the banks of the Rio Bensafrim, Lagos has a temperate Mediterranean climate, many beaches and a rich cultural heritage. When you arrive, take an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings before heading to the water along the Ponta da Piedade trail. A small section of the popular Fisherman’s Trail, the walk gives you great views of the natural arches, towers, grottoes and caves that have been eroded into this limestone coast. This afternoon you’re free to feast on freshly caught fish at a restaurant overlooking the water or to watch the sunset before throwing yourself into the pumping local nightlife.

You have a free day in Lagos today to take on some fun, optional activities. After breakfast, maybe head out for a kayaking adventure and paddle through the clear water, natural rock archways and gorgeous coastal scenery. You could also take a 1-hour boat tour around the Algarve Caves, sailing along the coast and soaking in the landscape.

After breakfast, you’ll travel to your first stop in Spain – Seville. If the legends are to be believed, this city was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. Seville is famous for its oranges, tapas and flamenco, all three of which are ingrained in the city’s proud people. When you arrive, you’ll get your bearings with an orientation walk. Then, the rest of the evening is free. Maybe explore shaded Barrio Santa Cruz or San Jacinto – the bustling main street of the Triana quarter.

Today is a free day to wander Seville at your own pace. Check out the world's largest Gothic cathedral and maybe climb the adjoining Moorish tower known as La Giralda. While you might have to line up, it's well worth it for the views over the city! Perhaps visit the Alcazar – a complex of palaces used by Moorish and Christian rulers through the ages, now gaining international fame as a shooting location for ‘Game of Thrones’. If you’re a museum buff, maybe head to the Museum of Fine Arts or the Archaeological Museum. As Seville is the tapas capital of Spain, you’ll link back up with your group this evening for a tasting tour with your leader. Sample some of the tasty morsels on offer in one of the city's many tapas bars. After, maybe keep the night going and catch a local flamenco performance.

Take a local bus to Granada today. Sitting at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is packed with Moorish architecture, great tapas bars and natural beauty. When you arrive, take a walk with your leader to get your bearings. After, you’re free to maybe climb the steep streets up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset views over the famous Alhambra. You may also want to pass by the old Arab quarter of the Albaicin – a labyrinth of alleys, fountains, plazas and whitewashed houses.

This morning you’ll journey to Monachil, where you’ll set off on a hike through the scenic Los Cahorros trail. This exciting hike features long rope bridges, swimming holes, waterfalls and a few narrow paths that require the use of handles in the rock. After, take the bus back to Granada for a free evening. If you like, you can visit the Alhambra Palace to discover the 11th-century marvel and its red fortress towers and gorgeous gardens. Explore the fountains and pools, centuries-old defensive walls, and the viewpoints overlooking Granada. Tonight, maybe wander down Carrera del Darro or grab some local bites with your group.

Travel to the bus station to start your journey to Madrid – the Spanish capital known for its boulevards, architecture, cuisine and manicured parks. When you arrive, check into your hotel and then head out on an orientation walk tonight with your leader to get your bearings. You’ll stop along the way for some churros (fried doughnuts), a staple snack in Spain. Then why not ask your leader the best spot for dinner and head out with your fellow travellers.

Head out on a street art tour today with a local guide. You’ll walk through the streets of Madrid’s Lavapies neighbourhood and explore the district to really experience the art culture like a local. Learn some backstories of local artists and maybe even try your hand at some stencil graffiti too (if you’re lucky)! The afternoon is then free for you to explore how you wish. Maybe hang out in El Retiro Park or explore Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velazquez and other Spanish masters. You might also want to check out the Royal Palace of Madrid – the official residence of the Spanish royal family.

Today you’ll head to Barcelona, where Catalan cuisine, an eclectic art scene, Gothic architecture and non-stop nightlife are just some of the many highlights. When you hop off the train, check into your hotel, recharge, then head out to walk the streets with your leader. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to maybe check out the iconic Sagrada Familia – the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Tonight, why not head out on the town with your group to a local restaurant and toast to a trip well-travelled.

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to extend your time in Barcelona, and it’s recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

06APR2025

Return Date :

16APR2025

2620NZD

available

Departure Date :

18MAY2025

Return Date :

28MAY2025

2605NZD

available

Departure Date :

04JUN2025

Return Date :

14JUN2025

2515NZD

available

Departure Date :

15JUN2025

Return Date :

25JUN2025

2515NZD

available

Departure Date :

02JUL2025

Return Date :

12JUL2025

2515NZD

available

Departure Date :

13JUL2025

Return Date :

23JUL2025

2615NZD

available

Departure Date :

30JUL2025

Return Date :

09AUG2025

2615NZD

available

Departure Date :

10AUG2025

Return Date :

20AUG2025

2615NZD

available

Departure Date :

27AUG2025

Return Date :

06SEP2025

2615NZD

available

Departure Date :

03SEP2025

Return Date :

13SEP2025

2715NZD

available

Trip Notes

Trip title

Essential Spain and Portugal

Trip code

ZMYP

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Introduction

Style

Basix

Themes

18 to 35s

Transport

Train,metro,public bus

Physical Rating

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.

Joining point

WOT Lisbon Patio

R. TOMÁS RIBEIRO 8

LISBOA 1050-229

Lisbon

PORTUGAL

Joining point description

Situated in Lisbon, nestled in the heart of the coolest zone, brimming with shops, culture, and eateries and short distance from Liberty Avenue, the hostel has a number of amenities including a terrace, a shared lounge, a bar and free WiFi. Local points of interest like Bairro Alto and Chiado are reachable with public transport. Closest metro stations: Picoas and Parque Metro stations.

Joining point instructions

To reach the hotel from the airport you can use public transport. From the aiport you can take bus 722, 783 or 744 (30 mins) and stop at Picoas metro station (150m away from the hostel). Alternatively you can take a taxi, which will take about 15-20 minutes.

Alternate Joining point

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

03 Sep 2025 (ZMYP250903)

Be Lisbon Hostel

Rua dos Anjos 1F

Lisbon

1150-032

PORTUGAL

Alternate Joining point description

Be Lisbon Hostel is a vibrant and modern accommodation located in the heart of the city, offering a welcoming atmosphere for travelers. With comfortable dormitory-style and private rooms, the hostel features stylish decor, a communal kitchen, and a cozy lounge area for guests to relax and socialize. Its central location makes it easy to explore Lisbon's famous attractions, restaurants, and nightlife, making it a great base for both solo travelers and groups. The friendly staff are always ready to provide local tips and recommendations, enhancing your stay in this beautiful city.

Alternate Joining point instructions

To get to Hostel Be in Lisbon from the airport, you can take a taxi, which will take about 15-20 minutes . Alternatively, you can use the metro by taking Line 1 (the red line) from the airport to “Alameda,” then transfer to Line 2 (the green line) and continue to “Intendente” From there, it’s a short walk to the hostel.

Finish point

Hotel Ingles

Carrer de la Boqueria

Barcelona

SPAIN

Phone: +34 933173770

Finish point description

Hotel Inglés is a small urban hotel located 15 meters from Las Ramblas and next to the famous Boqueria Market and the Lyceum Theater. The Hotel is very well connected by metro, line 3 next to the hotel, bus lines, and bus to the airport, in Plaza de Cataluña, 500 meters from the hotel, near the train station, and 20 minutes by car to the Airport.

Important information

A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 4, 5, 6 & 7 (multi-share hostels) where you will be in shared accommodation 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

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

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.

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

See the incredible views from the Ponta da Piedade trail in Lagos – this stretch of endless coastline boasts beautiful natural scenery, rock caves, grottoes, and crystal-clear waters.

Carve your own adventure with tonnes of free time for activities you want to do – maybe go kayaking in Lagos, see the sites in Barcelona, or simply chill out on the beach in the Algarve.

Is this trip right for you

It’s bunking season! As accommodation on this trip is multi-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender, an excellent opportunity to get to know other like-minded people. Travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to the single gender dormitories. Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (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 keep in mind that many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air-conditioning. In Winter, warm layers will be needed as snow can be expected in some regions. Carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. We recommend packing light for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations, buses and hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs, and across cobblestones. A travel towel can come in handy too when staying in European hostels. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential trip information’ section.

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. 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. MEAL TIMES IN SPAIN Meal times in Spain are later than in many other countries. Dinner is usually served between 8pm and 10pm. While this takes some getting used to it is a great way to observe Spanish food culture.

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. OPTIONAL TIPPING KITTY On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your group leader or local representative distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. This excludes restaurant tips for meals not included in your itinerary. The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent which can be checked at any time, and any funds remaining at the end of the tour will be returned to group members. We have found that this is easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is at your own discretion, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative. YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, 4-7 USD or EUR per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination), can be used. 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. 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. Before leaving home, check with your bank regarding fees you may be charged for using your card overseas. You can obtain EUR cash prior to arriving through normal outlets such as banks and currency exchange offices.

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

TRAVELLING ON LOCAL TRANSPORT It's important that your bags can be locked, as on local transport it may be necessary that your luggage gets stowed separately (and unattended). The smaller your bag the better for you and other passengers. To ensure maximum comfort, try to pack small and light.

WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. 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. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L 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. WINTER The winter months in Europe are usually quite cold and possibly snowy. Temperatures can drop to freezing or below, and snowfalls are common, especially at higher altitudes. You will need to be prepared to travel in varying temperatures and snow. Extra layers, a warm jacket, hat, gloves and good footwear are a must. SPANISH SIESTA Shops, attractions and businesses may be closed for up to 5 hours in the middle of the day. This gives the locals time to escape the heat and spend time with their families, take a long lunch or simply sleep through the warmest time of day. This means that people work later into the evening and dine between 8pm and 10pm. We recommend that you try to do as the locals do - avoid the heat of the day and stay out later at night.

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 you have booked a transfer and you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact our local operations office : Intrepid Operator Number: +49 8677 918 6657 and dial 1 for Transfers 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. BULLFIGHTING Bullfighting is illegal in most countries, but remains legal in some areas of Spain. While supporters consider bullfighting an art form or cultural event, and in a recent court ruling has even been declared to be part of Spain's 'national heritage', we discourage our travellers to support this activity due to the pain, fear and discomfort the animals experience during these public shows. Please see our stance on animal welfare for further details: intrepidtravel.com/animal-welfare

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 Open Arms, which protects people fleeing from their home country to reach Europe by sea. Donations help Open Arms protect immigrants abandoned in international waters fleeing war, persecution and poverty. They collaborate with healthcare and frontline research teams to support immigrants through health emergencies or any other crisis and also work in their countries of origin to strengthen communities and build alternatives to irregular or unsafe immigration. 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/open-arms

Accommodation notes

We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid 18 to 35s style of travel. Our first accommodation choice is always as close to the main attraction of the destination as possible, however, sometimes we are not in the right centre of action, which means you may need to hop on a public transport to get to the city centre. Service and accommodation in Europe may be different to the standards you are used to. Your accommodation will not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges and in particular destinations, rooms may be rather small. 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. ROOMING ALLOCATION Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with other travellers of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. CHECK-IN TIME Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for your arrival, especially if you're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means you won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, you can store your luggage and go exploring. 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.

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 USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of 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.

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. 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

Multi-share Hostels and Hotels (10 nights)

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