Tour Description

Follow your feet on this 6-day hiking tour that shows off the very best of Yosemite National Park. Giant sequoia trees, the massive Half Dome rock, stunning views from the top of Sentinel Dome and thunderous waterfalls of the appropriately named Mist Trail – this hiking trip covers a lot of ground in a short time. Best of all, you get to experience Yosemite with a bit of comfort, thanks to transportation to and from the trailheads and accommodation close to the park’s entrance. But this trip is more than just pretty sights – you’ll also learn about the area’s Native American heritage and pioneer past, and about the important work being done to preserve and protect the region.

Priced From:

$ 3573.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2025

Valid To: 31DEC2025

Start Location: San Francisco

End Location: San Francisco

Countries: United States Of America,

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

Enjoy an itinerary designed to show you the very best that Yosemite National Park has to offer, with an expert local leader doing all the navigating for you.

Hike at your own comfort level with options for alternate routes and a schedule that eases you in – your first hike is an easy one, allowing you to go slow before tackling more serious trails.

Learn about the important work being done by Yosemite Conservancy, with an educational guided walk through the historic Ahwahnee village, where you’ll learn about Native American heritage and the park’s conservation efforts.

Take on the challenge of the Four Mile Trail to Sentinel Dome – the views from Glacier Point over Yosemite Valley are some of the very best in the park.

Get an introduction to Yosemite National Park with a walk through the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, passing beneath (and through!) the towering trees.

Itinerary

Welcome to California! Your adventure begins in San Francisco – The City by the Bay that boasts a beautiful setting and a vibrant, multicultural heart. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe check out the vintage stores along funky Haight Street, catch the tram down to the waterfront or take an adventure cruise on the bay past Alcatraz Island.

This morning, leave San Francisco behind and hit the road headed for the famous Yosemite National Park. After arriving, enjoy the first walk of your trip – an easy, downhill hike at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The grove is home to, no surprise, a couple dozen mature giant sequoia trees, including one that’s been carved into a tunnel you can walk right through. Of course, what goes down must come back up, but your return upward climb will be rewarded once you arrive at your accommodation. While many visitors to Yosemite stay in campsites, you’ll get to unwind at a rustic mountain lodge within a short drive to the park entrance. Settle into your home for the next few days and soak up the atmosphere.

The Mist Trail is Yosemite's signature hike, and today you get to experience it for yourself. Starting from the east of Yosemite Valley you’ll cross the Vernal Fall Footbridge, make your way up granite stairways and zig-zag up rocky switchbacks. The trail gets you right up close to Vernal and Nevada Falls, so be sure to pack your rain gear as you’ll get sprayed! There are also incredible views scattered along the whole route, looking out across the valley toward the iconic Half Dome and rock formation and along the Merced River. In the evening, rest up back at the lodge.

Today, you’ll take things up a notch with a walk along Yosemite’s Four Mile Trail. Start at the base of Sentinel Rock, then make your way to the top of Yosemite Valley. A consistent, steep gradient means the trail is certainly not a regular walk in the park, but the views of the valley, El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls from the top of Sentinel Dome are more than worth the effort. Once you’ve finished the walk, head back to your accommodation to rest up!

Today is slightly different, with a free morning for you to enjoy your way. Head to Yosemite Valley for more hiking on your own, or perhaps to visit local museums, rent a bike or anything else that interests you. Your tour leader will be able to help you with arrangements. In the afternoon, your group will rendezvous for an included walk with an expert guide from Yosemite Conservancy. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the important work the group does for the Native American community and preserving their culture within the park. As you walk from the historic Ahwahnee Hotel through the meadows of Yosemite Valley and past the ruins of an old pioneer village, you’ll hear Native American stories and history, and learn about Yosemite’s role in the country’s conservationist movement. Your guided walk will end at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, where your leader will be waiting to transport you back to the lodge for your final night.

After saying fond farewells to Yosemite, you’ll head west to vibrant San Francisco. Stop in at a local restaurant along the way for a final lunch with your group, then continue on to do a walk over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Your adventure then finishes upon arrival in San Francisco at around 3 pm. No accommodation is provided for tonight, but if you do wish to spend extra time in the city, just speak to your booking agent.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

03MAY2025

Return Date :

08MAY2025

4355NZD

available

Departure Date :

10MAY2025

Return Date :

15MAY2025

4530NZD

available

Departure Date :

31MAY2025

Return Date :

05JUN2025

4530NZD

available

Departure Date :

07JUN2025

Return Date :

12JUN2025

4705NZD

available

Departure Date :

14JUN2025

Return Date :

19JUN2025

4705NZD

available

Departure Date :

21JUN2025

Return Date :

26JUN2025

4705NZD

available

Departure Date :

05JUL2025

Return Date :

10JUL2025

4530NZD

available

Departure Date :

19JUL2025

Return Date :

24JUL2025

4355NZD

available

Departure Date :

02AUG2025

Return Date :

07AUG2025

4355NZD

available

Departure Date :

16AUG2025

Return Date :

21AUG2025

4355NZD

available

Trip Notes

Last modified (date)

21 Aug 2024

Trip title

Hiking in Yosemite National Park

Trip code

SIXY

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Introduction

Style

Original

Themes

Walking & Trekking

Transport

Private vehicle

Physical Rating

Physical preparation

The walking on this trip is over easy to moderate terrain and distances covered can vary from 5 to 20 km (please check day descriptions for details). Some of the walks are circular but some can be out-and-back walks. Be prepared for daily ascents and descents, sometimes with short, steep sections. Terrain can be rocky with loose gravel, or with roots, which may become slippery when wet. This tour is ideal for nature lovers and the leaders set an even pace, providing time to take photos and to appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

Joining point

Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf

1300 Columbus Ave

San Francisco

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Alternate Joining point

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

03 May 2025 (SIXY250503), 10 May 2025 (SIXY250510), 24 May 2025 (SIXY250524), 31 May 2025 (SIXY250531), 07 Jun 2025 (SIXY250607), 14 Jun 2025 (SIXY250614), 21 Jun 2025 (SIXY250621), 05 Jul 2025 (SIXY250705), 19 Jul 2025 (SIXY250719), 02 Aug 2025 (SIXY250802), 16 Aug 2025 (SIXY250816), 30 Aug 2025 (SIXY250830), 06 Sep 2025 (SIXY250906), 13 Sep 2025 (SIXY250913), 20 Sep 2025 (SIXY250920), 27 Sep 2025 (SIXY250927), 11 Oct 2025 (SIXY251011), 02 May 2026 (SIXY260502), 09 May 2026 (SIXY260509), 23 May 2026 (SIXY260523), 30 May 2026 (SIXY260530), 06 Jun 2026 (SIXY260606), 13 Jun 2026 (SIXY260613), 20 Jun 2026 (SIXY260620), 04 Jul 2026 (SIXY260704), 18 Jul 2026 (SIXY260718), 01 Aug 2026 (SIXY260801), 15 Aug 2026 (SIXY260815), 29 Aug 2026 (SIXY260829), 05 Sep 2026 (SIXY260905), 12 Sep 2026 (SIXY260912), 19 Sep 2026 (SIXY260919), 26 Sep 2026 (SIXY260926), 10 Oct 2026 (SIXY261010)

Stanford Court San Francisco

905 California Street, Nob Hill,

San Francisco

CA 94108

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Phone: +1 4159893500

Alternate Joining point description

Stanford Court is in a prime location in Nob Hill, steps from Union Square it offers guest wonderful views of the city. Amenities include state of the art fitness center and day use of e-bikes for those wanting to explore the city on 2 wheels. All rooms are equipped with a HD television with HDMI and USB Ports, USB outlets, and a mini-fridge.

Alternate Joining point instructions

The Stanford Court hotel is 30-minute taxi from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The BART runs hourly from the airport to downtown San Francisco. The closest station to the hotel is Powell Street, with a 10min walk to the hotel. If you have prebooked an airport transfer through us, your driver will call/text you with the number you have provided us with their contact information and meet you in your airline baggage claim area. For further assistance, please call (415) 432-9420. Please note: If your flight is delayed more than 90 minutes, you must call +1 415-432-9420 to hold the driver.

Finish point

Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf

1300 Columbus Ave

San Francisco

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Alternate Finish point

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

Stanford Court San Francisco

905 California Street, Nob Hill,

San Francisco

CA 94108

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Phone: +1 4159893500

Important information

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8am on Day 1 in San Francisco. Please see Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary. 2. You are expected to arrive back into San Francisco around 3pm and dropped off at the same location as the joining point on the final day. There is no accommodation included on the last day in San Francisco, however we can request any additional nights should you need them. 3. A single supplement is available for this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Group leader

Your group leader’s role involves organising the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip and managing trip logistics. Your leader is also fully qualified and experienced to lead all the treks/hikes included in this trip, therefore, your leader is also your trekking/hiking guide. In addition, they are responsible for driving the van and navigating across the country/state. The allowable driving times for drivers is strictly controlled in North America. This ensures our drivers are well rested and are not over-tired from too many hours on the road. Please note that guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24 hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time, etc. It is essential that leaders are well-rested in order to safely lead hikes. We ask our travellers to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ time off and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.

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

Enjoy an itinerary designed to show you the very best that Yosemite National Park has to offer, with an expert local leader doing all the navigating for you.

Hike at your own comfort level with options for alternate routes and a schedule that eases you in – your first hike is an easy one, allowing you to go slow before tackling more serious trails.

Take on the challenge of the Four Mile Trail to Sentinel Dome – the views from Glacier Point over Yosemite Valley are some of the very best in the park.

Get an introduction to Yosemite National Park with a walk through the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, passing beneath (and through!) the towering trees.

Is this trip right for you

This is a hiking trip; a good fitness level will help you enjoying all included walks and activities. We will walk up to 8 miles (12.5 km) per day, with elevation gain of 1970 ft (600 m) Yosemite National Park boasts warm summers but be prepared for colder evenings and possibly rainy days. Good clothing and appropriate footwear are a must. On our final day we will reach San Francisco around 3 pm. This night’s accommodation is not included so please plan your departure accordingly, or pre-book a post-tour night.

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. PERSONAL MEDICATION Medical prescriptions written outside of the US and Canada aren't accepted at local pharmacies. We recommend you bring along your personal medications in the necessary quantities for your trip. DEHYDRATION & SUN PROTECTION The most likely medical incidents to occur on our trips are dehydration, over exposure to the sun and twisted ankles from walking on uneven ground. While hiking please ensure you drink enough water to remain hydrated as some hikes don't have refill stations for your water bottles. The sun (especially in desert areas in the West) can be harsh, particularly in the warmer months. Ensure you apply adequate sunscreen and wear a hat.

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.

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 most convenient way to access money is via ATMs, which are plentiful throughout North America. Check with your bank for information on their international fees. Most optional activities can be paid for with credit card. TIPPING Tipping is part of the culture in North America – while it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of many industries including the tourism industry, in North America. YOUR LEADER You may consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline US$10-20 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 and involvement of your leader on your trip. Tipping is always appreciated. LOCAL GUIDES During your trip you may have a local expert guide for an included activity. As a guideline we suggest $5-$10 per person per local expert as a tip. TIPPING WHILE OUT AND ABOUT Restaurants: We suggest 18% to 22% of your bill. Bars: We suggest US$1 per drink. A charge that isn’t normally listed in North American menus or pricing are the state and federal taxes. Keep this in mind when your bill comes out slightly higher than the original price listed. 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

All luggage is carried in trailers or inside the vehicle so please don't bring more than one medium sized bag, backpack or suitcase (20kg/44lb maximum) per person. Your suitcase/rucksack may get some rough handling, so make sure it's a tough one. A small daypack with your water bottle and camera may be carried with you inside the vehicle. If traveling in shoulder season (April, May, September, October), please be prepared with extra cold weather clothing as temperatures can dip below freezing at night. Even during summer months it can get quite cold overnight, especially in desert and mountainous areas. ESSENTIAL:  Water bottle or bladder system. We recommend 2-3 litres of total capacity  Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses  Closed-in hiking shoes with a good grip, ankle support and waterproof membrane that are comfortable to walk for an entire day  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. We’ve listed some specific recommended pieces below. Laundry facilities may not be available on everyday basis, so make sure you have a few cycles of clothes.  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  Comfortable shoes or sport sandals for shorter walks or evenings spent at the hotel  Torch/flashlight/headtorch  Personal travel documents which may include a passport, visa, driver's license, travel insurance, flight tickets and your Essential Trip Information. Photocopies of these documents stored separately from the originals will be handy. While not valid, a photocopy of your identification makes it much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. RECOMMENDED:  Cell phone, camera with spare batteries, charger, and power/plug adaptor (Types A & B are used in North America. Voltage is 120V). Some of our vans have USB-2 style charging ports inside.  Insect repellent (insects are present intermittently all over the USA and Canada depending on recent rainfall.)  Personal trekking/hiking poles  Gaiters or waterproof pants – recommended for wet or snowy conditions  A cotton bandana or scarf. Can be wetted and worn around the neck to facilitate evaporative cooling in dry and hot conditions, used as sun or dust protection, or used to protect your neck and head from cold  Travel eco-friendly wipes/hand sanitizer  Swimwear  Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes, anti-diarrhoeal, antibacterial gel, wet wipes, blister patches/moleskin, bandaids/plasters etc. OPTIONAL:  Lip balm and extra moisturizer if traveling to arid desert areas.  Ear plugs to guard against a snoring roommate  A good book, a journal or headphones to listen to music with. If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our essential checklist for hiking/trekking trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/trekkies-packing-guide/

Climate and seasonal

WEATHER IN NORTH AMERICA Due to the size and topography of the US and Canada, there's a huge amount of variation in the climate. We recommend you consider both the season and the part of North America you intend to visit, so that you can best pack for your adventure. We recommend you check the weather in your destination 10 days prior to your arrival to help guide your packing choices. The climate in the Yosemite National Park, located in California, along the mountain range of Sierra Nevada and about 250 kilometers (155 miles) east of San Francisco, varies mainly with altitude, and experiences significant differences in temperature between night and day. In general, however, winter is cold, while summer is the sunniest and driest season. Precipitation follows the Mediterranean pattern, ie with a maximum in winter and a minimum in summer, especially at medium and low altitudes, while at higher altitudes, some afternoon downpours or thunderstorms can break out during summer. In quantity, precipitation varies with altitude and slope exposure: it generally increases with altitude, but it's also more abundant along the western slopes. In Yosemite Village, in the valley of the same name and at 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) of altitude, 930 millimeters (36.5 inches) of rain (or snow) fall per year, with a pronounced minimum in summer, when the rains are very rare. In summer, it's hot during the day, with highs often above 30 °C (86 °F), but nights remain cool: the daily temperature range is remarkable. Sometimes in mid-summer, there can be very hot days, with peaks of 40 °C (104 °F) and more, while in other situations, the temperature can approach the freezing point at night. USA NATIONAL HOLIDAYS The following national holidays are observed in the US, which can affect our itinerary as traffic can be extreme, and shops, restaurants and attractions can be closed: New Year's Day (01 January) Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday of January) Washington's Birthday (third Monday of February) Memorial Day (last Monday of May) Independence Day (4 July) Labor Day (first Monday in September) Columbus Day (second Monday of October) Veterans Day (11 November) Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday of November) Christmas Day (25 December)

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. LEGAL DRINKING AGE In the US the legal drinking age is 21. In Canada the legal drinking age is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec, and 19 in the remaining provinces and territories. Our leaders are not able to help underage customers buy alcohol.

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 our 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 local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask 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 POLICE AND AMBULANCE In case of an emergency, local authorities can be contacted by calling 911 – this is the toll free phone number for the police, fire department and the ambulance in the USA and Canada. In case of doubt, call the operator on 0. For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local operator on the number below. Intrepid's Local Operator: +1 435-231-9696

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

The Intrepid Foundation

We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than $14million dollars and supported more than 160 communities worldwide. Now, with over 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ The Grand Canyon Conservancy is on a mission to protect the Grand Canyon National Park for future generations. With almost 6 million visitors to the park annually, the Grand Canyon Conservancy runs educational programs and immersive experiences that teach people about the park's cultural and environmental significance. Donations support trail restoration and maintenance, conservation and preservation of native vegetation and wildlife, and educational programs. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation: https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/grand-canyon-conservancy

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.

Transport notes

AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN THE USA & CANADA We recommend taxis and rideshare services like Lyft and Uber when traveling to and from hotels in the USA and Canada. These services are widely available across North America, offering convenient and accessible transportation options. Private transfers in North America incur high costs and present an increased risk of missed connections due to their fixed schedules. In contrast, taxis and rideshares offer both cost-effectiveness and flexibility, ensuring a smoother journey. With transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and on-demand availability, we believe that taxis and rideshare apps not only offer a reliable alternative to private transfers but also provide a secure, trustworthy, and budget-friendly transportation option for our customers. NORTH AMERICA VEHICLES Our large fleet of 15-passenger vans are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio or CD players. Your luggage is typically transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van. The vans are regularly serviced by a well-established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible. While your group will have a van for all included activities on the trip, the services of the van and leader may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi.

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 The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. 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. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

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 (1 night),Lodge (4 nights)

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