Tour Description

Follow the ancient Via Transilvanica trail through Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, passing small villages, forests and rolling hills. Hike to spiritual sites like the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sucevita and Moldovita monasteries and explore Bran Castle, linked to the Dracula legend. Experience traditional Transylvanian life with occasional homemade dinners and local wine shared with welcoming residents in nearby towns. Visit the Tasuleasa Social NGO and learn how this organisation behind the Via Transilvanica trail project is working to promote local economies by connecting travellers to Romania’s heritage.

Priced From:

$ 4050.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2026

Valid To: 31DEC2027

Start Location: Cluj-Napoca

End Location: Brasov

Countries: Romania,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Hike parts of the Via Transilvanica – a 1400 km trail that crosses diverse landscapes, offering a unique way to experience Romania’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Experience the genuine hospitality of the local people living in small villages along the trail and learn about each community's culture.

Learn about Romania’s culture, religion and traditions as you hike through historical and spiritual sites on the Via Transilvanica trail like the Sucevita Painted Monastery.

Visit Bran Castle – a place filled with history, legend and mystery. Explore the stories and myths surrounding this iconic castle, known worldwide as the inspiration for Dracula’s home.

Be part of a larger movement – Via Transilvanica supports local economies and tourism development by connecting communities, helping to preserve traditions and promoting sustainable travel throughout the region.

Itinerary

Buna Ziua! Welcome to Cluj Napoca – the unofficial capital of Romania’s Transylvania region. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, you might like to explore this 2000-year-old city on foot or hit up the famous Piezisa Street for a drink. After your welcome meeting, maybe head out to dinner and get to know your group.

This morning, you’ll travel to Gura Humorului. On the way, you’ll stop at the headquarters of Tasuleasa Social NGO – the organisation behind the Via Transilvanica trail project. This 1400 km trail crosses Romania and is designed to connect diverse regions and communities by reviving rural areas through travel, storytelling and shared experience. Here, you’ll learn about their work, how the trail was created and can ask questions. After lunch, you’ll continue to Gura Humorului, where you'll check into your accommodation for the night.

Travel to Sucevita and visit the Sucevita Painted Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its detailed frescoes and peaceful setting. After exploring the monastery, you'll set off on today’s hike through forests, rolling hills and nearby villages, offering scenic views of the Carpathian foothills. Your hike finishes in Moldovita, where you’ll visit another UNESCO World Heritage listed painted monastery. Later, head back to your accommodation in Gura Humoroului for the night.

After breakfast, travel back to Moldovita, where you finished your hike yesterday. When you arrive, you’ll visit the Painted Egg Museum. Learn about the art, featured patterns and cultural significance of egg painting. After, set out on today’s hike to Sadova along the Via Transilvanica trail. This route includes short but steep climbs and takes you through quiet forests and meadows. You’ll make your way through traditional villages like Sparturi and soak up the views of the Bucovina region’s valleys. After, you'll be transferred to Vatra Dornei for the night.

Today’s hike starts in Paul Mestecanis. The trail to Vatra Dornei is downhill through the Carpathian landscape. As you hike, take in the surrounding Romanian countryside of quiet forests and open meadows, and enjoy wide views of the hills around you. Along the way, stop for a homemade lunch with a great view at Cabana Gigi Ursu – a nearby mountain chalet. Your hike finishes in the spa town of Vatra Dornei, known for its mineral springs, and maybe spend this evening exploring before heading back to your accommodation for the night.

Take a morning transfer to Sighisoara. After lunch explore the town on a guided walk. This beautifully preserved medieval town in Transylvania is known for its colourful houses and cobbled streets. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the town at your own pace. Maybe climb the stairs of the Sighisoara’s Clock Tower or visit Biserica din Deal, also known as the Church on the Hill. Tonight, maybe enjoy dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.

After breakfast, set off on today’s hike from Saschiz to Sapartoc. This segment of the Via Transilvanica will take you through the Terra Saxonum region, known for its Saxon heritage and Transylvanian countryside. Along the way, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Saschiz Fortified Church, known for its 15th-century defensive tower and Gothic architecture. After, stop at Spartoc Village – a quiet rural village that offers a glimpse into traditional Transylvanian life. Here, you’ll sit down to a home-cooked dinner made with local ingredients before heading to your accommodation in Sighisoara.

This morning you travel to Viscri for the starting point of today’s hike. Before you set off on the trails, visit the Mihai Eminescu trust – a foundation dedicated to preserving Romania’s cultural heritage. Learn how they are supporting the restoration of traditional architecture and sustainable development in rural communities. Today’s route offers beautiful Transylvanian landscapes as you hike through meadows and forests, with panoramic views of the Fagaras Mountains in the distance. Pass through traditional Saxon villages and see the UNESCO World Heritage listed fortified church in Viscri. Today’s hike ends in Cobar – a small village known for its preserved rural life and the Gospodaria Cobor, a cultural retreat that provides insight into local traditions and hospitality. Tonight, you'll sit down to dinner and a wine tasting, sampling some of the region’s local produce before travelling onto Faragas, where you'll stay tonight.

This morning begins with a scenic hike from Zarnesti to Bran. The trail leads gently above the mountain resort, climbing toward Măgura Peak. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views over the valleys and hills surrounding Bran and Moieciu, with the dramatic Bucegi Mountains rising in the distance. The path meanders through meadows alive with wildflowers, before opening into clearings dotted with traditional houses. There are several perfect spots to pause and capture photographs of the iconic Bran Castle before continuing on. Following the hike, visit the castle itself to explore its fascinating history. Later, transfer to Brasov for check-in, and perhaps conclude your adventure with a special farewell dinner.

There are no activities planned for today and you can depart at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Brasov further, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

09MAY2026

Return Date :

18MAY2026

4050NZD

available

Departure Date :

04JUL2026

Return Date :

13JUL2026

4050NZD

available

Departure Date :

15AUG2026

Return Date :

24AUG2026

4050NZD

available

Departure Date :

12SEP2026

Return Date :

21SEP2026

4050NZD

available

Departure Date :

08MAY2027

Return Date :

17MAY2027

4265NZD

available

Departure Date :

03JUL2027

Return Date :

12JUL2027

4265NZD

available

Departure Date :

14AUG2027

Return Date :

23AUG2027

4265NZD

available

Departure Date :

11SEP2027

Return Date :

20SEP2027

4480NZD

available

Trip Notes

Trip title

Hiking in Romania: Via Transilvanica Trail

Trip code

WMXT

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2026 to 31 Dec 2027

Introduction

Style

Original

Themes

Walking & Trekking

Transport

Private vehicle,On Foot

Physical Rating

Physical preparation

You’re in for a hiking trip and a good level of fitness is essential. We don't ask travellers to complete a physical participation form for this trip however we do ask you read through the trip notes carefully to ensure that this trip is the right trip for you. You must be comfortable hiking up to 8-9 hours a day, with many steep uphill sections, uneven, rocky terrain and in unpredictable weather. If you’re already a regular exerciser, it might be an idea to up your game a little. Run those extra laps, or take few longer walks, ideally with a day pack on your back. If you’re not exercising so regularly (2-3 times a week), it’s important to start in the weeks leading up to your departure (4-6 weeks prior at least). Your best choice would be to start walking regularly 2-3 times a week including at least one longer walk (up to 15 km). It’s important to not only walk on flat surface, so if you cannot access a hilly terrain easily, walking up and down the stairs is a good replacement. Top that up with some general fitness exercises and any other cardio related classes and you will see a huge progress in your fitness levels.

Joining point

Cluj-Napoca

ROMANIA

Finish point

Brasov

ROMANIA

Important information

1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1 in Cluj-Napoca. The city can be reached by short flight from Bucharest or many other European airports (e.g. London, Munich, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Brussels, etc). 2. This trip ends on Day 10 after breakfast in Brasov, and you are free to leave at any time. Brasov is well connected with Bucharest by trains, with more than 20 connections daily, including night trains. 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Group leader

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

Safety

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

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

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

SCAMS Common scams operating in Europe include ploys to get you fined on the metro without a validated ticket. Ensure that you always travel with a validated ticket (have your ticket stamped). Another common scam is used by children who distract you with a map or a newspaper and while you are attending to them, steal your valuables. You may also come across players offering you to participate in the so-called "shell game". This is a scam and you will most certainly lose your money.

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

Visas

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

Why we love it

Hike parts of the Via Transilvanica – a 1400 km trail that crosses diverse landscapes, offering a unique way to experience Romania’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Experience the genuine hospitality of the local people living in small villages along the trail and learn about each community's culture.

Learn about Romania’s culture, religion and traditions as you hike through historical and spiritual sites on the Via Transilvanica trail like the Sucevita Painted Monastery.

Visit Bran Castle – a place filled with history, legend and mystery. Explore the stories and myths surrounding this iconic castle, known worldwide as the inspiration for Dracula’s home.

Is this trip right for you

This is a hiking trip and in some places you won’t have a support vehicle with you, meaning you'll have to walk from A to B. Be prepared for long days (up to 9 hours) and long distances (over 20 km a day). You'll cover the highlights of the long-distance trail, meaning sometimes you'll have a long drive as you travel from one place to another to start hiking. Some hikes are point-to-point with no shortcuts or the possibility to turn back. Please review the descriptions carefully to ensure you’re comfortable with the time, distance and terrain. Check the packing list carefully and come prepared to complete and enjoy each hike.

Health

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

Food and dietary requirements

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

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. The local currency in Romania is the Romanian New Leu (RON) TIPPING Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be. We recommend budgeting approximately EUR 10-20 per person per week to tip local service providers for activities included in this trip, in local currencies. This doesn’t include a tip for your leader. YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE Tipping your group leader or local representative is highly appreciated if you feel they’ve provided outstanding services throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, the recommended amount is 4-7 USD or EUR per traveller per day (in a currency relevant to your destination). Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

What to take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage, although you won't be required to walk long distances with it (max 30 minutes). Many travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. As this is a centre based trip, once you check in to your hotel you will not need to pack again until the end of the trip. In that respect, suitcase with wheels may be an option too. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list MAIN LUGGAGE What you need to bring will vary according to when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. 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. You need to bring your main piece of luggage as well as a small to medium backpack for day activities (20-25 litres). One with waist strap would be most comfortable for all included walks 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. - 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 for shorter walks or evenings spend around accommodation - Sport sandals - Light jacket, fleece and base layers - Wind and waterproof jacket - Breathable, non-cotton hiking t-shirts - Long hiking pants or zip-offs - Nylon hiking shorts - Water bottle or bladder: 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 - Camera with spare batteries/power bank: You will have access to power to recharge your electrical items daily - Travel wipes/hand sanitizer OPTIONAL - Torch/flashlight/headtorch - Ear plugs & eye mask - 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. 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 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres 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.

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: If you have booked an arrival 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 the transfer operator directly on the number listed in the joining point instructions in the section above. Intrepid's Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

Responsible travel

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

The Intrepid Foundation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

Accommodation notes

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

Transport notes

TRANSPORT IN EUROPE Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action. LONG TRAVEL DAYS As we cover lots of ground on this trip, expect some long travel days on local trains and buses. This is an opportunity to mix with the locals and enjoy the scenery out the window. Travel schedules are known to change with little notice. Not all transport may have air conditioning.

Travel insurance

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

Your fellow travellers

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

Itinerary disclaimer

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

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

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11 Sep 2027