Tour Description

Uncover the Alps in all their glory as you spend eight days hiking the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc. Following a circuit route from Chamonix in France, come face to face with dizzying peaks, glittering lakes and rolling pastures, passing through Switzerland and Italy on the way. Each day ends in charming accommodation, and your luggage will be transported for you to lighten the load. With a highly qualified International Mountain Leader as your guide who will not only ensure your safety, but also show you what makes this part of the world so special, you can focus on the gorgeous natural scenery!

Priced From:

$ 5593.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2025

Valid To: 31DEC2025

Start Location: Chamonix

End Location: Chamonix

Countries: France, Italy, Switzerland,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Chris McKinnel

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Spend a week of hiking to the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, lakes, glaciers and mountain pastures – the Tour du Mont Blanc is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most iconic and beautiful long-distance treks.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the view! Comfortable and clean hotels and lodges are included each night, offering hearty meals and truly magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

Take a load off – literally! Your luggage will be transferred between your accommodation each day, meaning you’ll only have to carry a day pack and your luggage will be waiting at your hotel.

Soak up the beautiful scenery of the French and Swiss Alps with a likeminded small group of travellers by your side – every day brings a new gorgeous landscape! Think mountains, cable cars, vast green landscapes and (hopefully) clear skies.

Focus on the hiking and the scenery, while someone else worries about the logistics. With an experienced and highly qualified International Mountain Leader by your side every step of the way, you can rest assured you’re in safe hands.

Itinerary

Bienvenue! Welcome to France (and the Alps!). Your adventure begins in Chamonix – a small French town with a big reputation. Chamonix played host to the first ever Winter Olympics in 1924, and is one of Europe’s premier destinations for hiking, skiing and snow sports. It’s recommended that you fly into Geneva airport, where bus transfers are readily available to Chamonix. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel, where you’ll meet your group and your local leader – a highly qualified International Mountain Leader. They will brief you on what to expect while hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc and provide advice on equipment, which can be hired in Chamonix if required. After, you may like to head into town to get to know your group over dinner, and perhaps sample some of the region’s famous Savoie wine.

It’s time to step out for your first day on the Tour du Mont Blanc, starting off with a short transfer to Les Praz village. From here, you’ll be flying high as you ride a cable car up to La Flegere (1813 m). Not only does this provide unbeatable views of the Mer de Glace glacier and the landscapes you’ll be exploring over the coming week, but also cuts out a difficult and tiring climb. Today’s hike starts on a balcony path and climbs gently towards Lac Blanc (2352 m) – a beautiful lake where reflections of the surrounding peaks can be seen in the mirror-like waters. Your leader will point out the sharp needles of the Aiguille du Dru, Aiguille Verte, Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc, which can all be admired from this incredible vantage point. Stop for a picnic lunch and enjoy the view before heading down through one of the region’s most beautiful trails bordering the Cheserys lakes.

Fuel up over breakfast this morning then take a short transfer over the border to Switzerland. Your leader will guide you on a walk through vibrant forests of pine and larch before emerging to wide open pastures – be sure to have your cameras ready for this gorgeous Swiss scenery! Stop here for lunch among deep green forest, rolling hills and towering mountains. The impressive Grand Combin massif will stay in your sights all day as you walk through to Champex – the lakeside village where you will spend the night.

Board a transfer bound for Val Ferret – the starting point for today’s hike. Start with a steep climb before reaching Col Ferret, where you’ll pause to take in the views of the valley below and the nearby glacier. As you begin your descent, you’ll cross the border into Italy, walking down towards Arnouva. From here, it’s a bus journey to your hotel in the breathtakingly beautiful Courmayeur valley. Here, you’ll see how the culture within this landscape varies over short distances. Join your group for dinner and experience alpine cuisine with an Italian flair.

Start the day with a scenic bus journey up to Visailles (1659 m) – you’ll want to keep your eyes glued to the windows for this one! Hop off at the bottom of the debris-covered Miage glacier and begin your climb to the enchanting Lee Blanche valley, where sheep roam and wildflowers bloom. Hike up to the Seigne pass (2516 m), then cross the border back into France (but don’t forget to look behind you at the south face of Mont Blanc!). Continue your walk down to the remote Les Chapieux, where a private shuttle will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Bourg St Maurice. You can take advantage of the hotel spa to relax before going to a local restaurant specialising in French cuisine for dinner tonight.

Lace up your boots and leave your alpine lodge behind as you embark on a steep ascent towards the Col Du Bonhomme mountain pass. This section can be challenging but the views from the top make every step worth it. Hike on to the refuge at the Croix du Bonhomme and take some time out for lunch, soaking in more marvellous views of the Mont Blanc massif. Next up is a steep descent through a shady gorge fringed with pine forests, leading to an ancient Roman road. Follow the road to the pretty little chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge, and finish up in the town of Contamines, where you’ll stay for the evening.

Today marks your final day on the Tour du Mont Blanc, but there’s still plenty of sights to see. Kicking off from Contamines, hike to the inviting hamlets of Gruvaz, Champel and Bionnassay – home to a Baroque style 17th-century chapel. Follow a path that leads out to the Col de Voza – a historic pass that was one of the first used by travellers to reach the Chamonix valley. From here, you’ll take a cable car down the slopes to Les Houches, where you’ll hop on a bus and return to Chamonix. The streets of Chamonix are lined with excellent restaurants, so you may like to celebrate your massive accomplishment over dinner with your group this evening.

Your hiking adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’re staying on in Chamonix, there’s plenty of shops, museums and restaurants worth exploring. Another option is to take a cable car up to the peak of Aiguille du Midi. Sitting at 3842 m, there’s no better spot to take in views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains. If you need help booking additional accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

08JUN2025

Return Date :

15JUN2025

6465NZD

available

Departure Date :

13JUN2025

Return Date :

20JUN2025

6660NZD

available

Departure Date :

15JUN2025

Return Date :

22JUN2025

6710NZD

available

Departure Date :

20JUN2025

Return Date :

27JUN2025

6710NZD

available

Departure Date :

21JUN2025

Return Date :

28JUN2025

6710NZD

available

Departure Date :

29JUN2025

Return Date :

06JUL2025

6465NZD

available

Departure Date :

04JUL2025

Return Date :

11JUL2025

6465NZD

available

Departure Date :

06JUL2025

Return Date :

13JUL2025

6465NZD

available

Departure Date :

11JUL2025

Return Date :

18JUL2025

6215NZD

available

Departure Date :

13JUL2025

Return Date :

20JUL2025

6215NZD

available

Trip Notes

Trip title

Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc

Trip code

ZFXB

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Introduction

Style

Original

Themes

Walking & Trekking

Transport

On Foot,Cable Car,Public Bus,Private Vehicle

Physical Rating

Physical preparation

Although no mountaineering experience is required on this trip, a good level of physical fitness is necessary. You must be comfortable hiking up to 8-10 hours a day, with many steep uphill sections, uneven, rocky terrain and in unpredictable weather. This hike is a strenuous one, so the better prepared you are, the more you should enjoy it. We recommend that in the months leading up to your climb you increase your physical fitness with aerobic exercise. Walking, running and stair-climbing will all strengthen your legs and improve your stamina.

Joining point

Hotel Le Prieure

149 allée Recteur Payot Mont Blanc

Chamonix

74400

FRANCE

Phone: +33 450532072

Joining point instructions

Shuttle bus services from Geneva Airport offer the most appropriate way of getting to Chamonix in terms of time and efficiency. The journey between Geneva Airport and Chamonix in nine or 13-seater minibuses takes approximately 1h 40min and cost €17 - €20 (subject to change). Minibuses would operate every 2-3 hours throughout the day. There are no direct train services from Geneva to Chamonix. Travelling from Geneva to Chamonix by train will require a minimum of 1 change. From Chamonix Sud Bus Station, your hotel could be reached by foot (400 metres, 5 min walk).

Finish point

Hotel Le Prieure

149 allée Recteur Payot Mont Blanc

Chamonix

74400

FRANCE

Phone: +33 450532072

Important information

1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 01 in Chamonix and end on Day 8 after breakfast. 2. It is crucial to bring all essential packing items for this trip (gear and clothing). Please refer to a Packing List in Essential Trip Information document. 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. It only applies to nights in Chamonix and we are unable to provide single room on the trek. The single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 4. Luggage transfer included is for 1 piece of luggage per person with a strict weight restriction of 9kg and packed in a soft bag/duffle bag or a rucksack. Any excess luggage can be stored in Chamonix for the duration of the trek at extra cost of €40.

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. On this tour, your leader is also your Mountain Guide, awarded with International Mountain Leader (IML) batch. Highly skilled in navigating, crossing various terrain, safeguarding the party in harsh weather conditions, your IML guide is also an expert in first-aid, trekking equipment and has a great knowledge of local microclimate, flora and fauna. The aim of the group leader, apart from being your mountain guide, is to also take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. 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.

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

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.

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!

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

Sit back, relax and enjoy the view! Comfortable and clean hotels and lodges are included each night, offering hearty meals and truly magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

Take a load off – literally! Your luggage will be transferred between your accommodation each day, meaning you’ll only have to carry a day pack and your luggage will be waiting at your hotel.

Is this trip right for you

This is a hiking trip and some of the sections are demanding. You must be fit and in good health to join this trip. Please carefully read descriptions of all hikes in the day to day itinerary. If need be, please start preparing for this trip physically 4 to 6 weeks prior to your departure. Be sure to bring the appropriate gear required for alpine hikes. See the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail. Luggage transfer included is for 1 piece of luggage per person with a strict weight restriction of 9 kg and packed in a soft bag/duffle bag or a rucksack. This trip visits points over 2500 m, where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Please be aware of the symptoms and let your leader know if you or any of your fellow travellers experience any. This is a point-to-point walking trip, allowing you to access remote and beautiful parts of the alps. However, this also means once you start a day’s walk, there’s no turning back – so be prepared! 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 15 kg (33 lb). Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. You'll also need a day pack to carry water and a camera for daytrips.

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. As this is a walking trip, it will be a good idea to stock up on snacks you can fuel on during the day; mixed nuts, energy bars and sweet fruit are usually the best choice for this sort of activity.

Money matters

The monetary unit is the euro (€), divided into 100 cents. CASH You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Europe. Before leaving home, check if your bank will charge fees for using your card internationally. Card payments are not always accepted in stores and restaurants. We recommend you carry some cash for these purposes. 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 If you're happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. The following amounts are per person suggestions based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers: In local markets and basic restaurants and cafes - round your bill up to the nearest €1. In more up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill. Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your tour leader. We suggest €2-€3 per day for local guides. You may also have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group, however we suggest €1-€2 per day for drivers. You may also consider tipping your tour leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €4-€5 per person, per day 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 of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service. In total, we recommend you budget approx €5-€10 per day of your trip to cover tipping. 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

As well as your underwear, toothbrush and other items you always need to pack for travel, below are some items that you specifically need for this trip. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list MAIN LUGGAGE You need to bring your main piece of luggage as well as a medium backpack for day’s walks (25-30 litres). You will carry your lunch, extra layers, sun protection and all other essentials in a day pack so make sure it is big enough. One with waist strap would be most comfortable for all included walks. Please note, your main luggage is going to be transported from one hotel to the other while you walk. Luggage transfer included is for 1 piece of luggage per person with a strict weight restriction of 9kg and packed in a soft bag/duffle bag or a rucksack. Any excess luggage can be stored in Chamonix for the duration of the trek, at extra cost. ESSENTIALS - Day pack: for carrying essentials during activities - Trekking clothing: A mixture covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers is recommended. Your activities will take place in the outdoors, where weather may change quickly. Lightweight, comfortable, and quick drying clothes for the activities are best. Laundry facilities may not be available on every day basis, so make sure you have a few cycles of clothes. - Wind and waterproof jacket, waterproof over trousers. - Hiking boots with a good grip, ankle support and waterproof membrane that are comfortable to walk for an entire day - Walking Poles for support on steep uphill sections and longer descents - Comfortable shoes or Sport sandals for shorter beach walks or evenings spend around accommodation - Light jacket, fleece and base layers - Breathable, non-cotton hiking t-shirts - Long hiking pants or zip-offs - Nylon hiking shorts - Water bottle or bladder of 1-2 liters capacity: you will need water during activities and it’s best to avoid buying unnecessary plastic. - Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat or bandana - Torch/flashlight/headtorch - Toiletries RECOMMENDED - Personal medical kit. A larger kit will be on hand with your leader, but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, antihistamine tablets and any personal medication you may need - Personal reusable fork and spoon set. Many hotels in North America issue disposable cutlery with meals. We encourage all travelers to help reduce plastic waste by bringing your own cutlery set (fork and spoon only) - Ear plugs & eye mask - Camera with spare batteries/power bank: You will have access to power to recharge your electrical items daily - Travel eco-friendly wipes/hand sanitizer OPTIONAL - Swimwear - A good book, a journal and music player VALUABLES Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. It’s also recommended to bring a copy of all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list. WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way (1-2 liters capacity recommended). The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 liter plastic bottle takes 2 liters of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.

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. Weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Conditions are often more extreme and can change very quickly up in the hills and mountains. A fine and clear day can turn cold, wet and windy with very poor visibility setting in within minutes. Always carry a rani jacket with you and extra layer of clothing, as well as sunglasses and sunhat.

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: Altai: +33(0)7 82 83 55 04

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 Cooperativa Coraggio, who implement agricultural projects on unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in communities in Italy. Donations help their regeneration project on 22 hectares of land at Borghetto San Carlo Estate, located on the outskirts of Rome. 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/cooperativa-coraggio

Accommodation notes

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

As this is a walking trip the majority of distances will be covered on foot. Some stretches may be done by public bus or private vehicle.

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. 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. 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.

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

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