Tour Description

From grand cities and medieval villages to sparkling coastlines, you’ll discover the best of Portugal on this eight-day Premium adventure. Starting in thriving Lisbon, go out in search of rich culture, delicious pastel de natas (Portuguese tarts) and some of the world’s best wines alongside a small group of like-minded travellers and a knowledgeable local leader. Discover the birthplace of port as you wine your way around the Douro Valley, touring wineries and staying in a gorgeous Feature Stay hotel among the rolling hills of the region. Then, step back in time at the ancient University of Coimbra and learn the secrets of Fado at an intimate live show. Take a tile-painting workshop, a full-day excursion of gorgeous Sintra and walk along cobblestoned streets that give you a glimpse into the past. This is Portugal!

Priced From:

$ 5419.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2025

Valid To: 31DEC2025

Start Location: Porto

End Location: Porto

Countries: Portugal,

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

Visit local wineries during a tasting tour in the picturesque Douro Valley during an Exclusive Experience, stopping off for a lunch made with regional delights.

Get an insight into Fado – an atmospheric amalgamation of music and poetry, during a soul-stirring and intimate live show in Coimbra.

Spend a night in the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley – your Feature Stay accommodation takes you into the heart of the region. Enjoy outdoor pools, excellent onsite restaurant and unforgettable views.

Explore Sintra’s Pena Palace during a Premium Exclusive Experience. Then, explore at your own pace – wander the colourful architecture in the foothills of the mountains or head to UNESCO World Heritage site, Quinta da Regaleira.

Create a personalised memento of your trip and learn about the history of the vibrantly coloured tiles that adorn the facades of buildings all over Portugal with a tile-painting workshop.

Itinerary

Ola! Welcome to Portugal. When you arrive at the Lisbon airport, you’ll be picked up by an Intrepid representative and taken to your centrally located hotel. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe head to one of the many outdoor cafes and soak up the city’s energy. After your meeting, you’ll join your leader and small group for a welcome dinner at one of Lisbon’s thriving restaurants. Going out to eat is one of Portugal’s great pleasures, and tonight, your leader will introduce you to traditional Portuguese recipes and a culinary scene that’s exploding with regional flavour.

This morning, join a local guide for a walking tour through the city of Lisbon. First, take a ride on the historic Gloria cable car – this bright yellow funicular is one of Lisbon’s most photographed images! Then, explore the trendy neighbourhood of Bairro Alto, the popular Chiado area and the narrow, cobbled streets of Alfama, dotted with hole-in-the-wall eateries and old homes. Pop into a local establishment to try a pastel de nata – a sweet and delicious custard tart and Portugal’s most famous pastry. Visit Lisbon Cathedral and hear how it was built on the site of an old mosque in 1150 by Lisbon’s first bishop, Gilbert of Hastings. It wouldn’t be a tour of Lisbon without stopping off to sample some ginjinha – Portugal’s iconic cherry liqueur. The rest of your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.

Head outside the city for a full-day excursion to Sintra – a resort town in the foothills of the mountains. Your leader will explain how the cooler climate made Sintra a summer retreat for royalty and why it has drawn and inspired many poets, writers and travellers for centuries, including Lord Byron. Spend some time exploring Sintra’s colourful Pena Palace before continuing to the town. You’ll have a free afternoon to explore these picturesque surroundings at your own pace. Grab some lunch, then maybe visit the National Palace or Quinta da Regaleira – this castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a great spot for a gorgeous photo!

Sitting on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra was once the medieval capital of the county, and its royal heritage can be felt in its ancient streets and buildings. Get to know the city as your leader guides you through the lanes and squares of the Old Quarter this morning. The real star of the show is Coimbra’s prestigious university – one of the oldest in the world. You’ll visit the Joanine Library within the university, then this evening, get to know more about this nation’s cultural heritage by heading to a traditional Fado music show. Portugal’s version of the blues is hauntingly beautiful and hearing it performed live is an experience to remember. Your leader can recommend some superb spots to eat after the show.

Travel from Coimbra to the Douro Valley today. Famous for its scenery, the Douro Valley is also known for producing some of the world’s most delicious wine. Today, you’ll head out for a tasting tour at one of the region’s best wineries. You can’t spell Portugal without Port, and to taste this iconic fortified wine is to taste thousands of years of Portuguese history. Learn the story of its origins and the history of wine production in the area while discovering which locally produced vino is your tipple of choice. Sit down to a light picnic lunch of rustic regional specialities prepared with fresh local ingredients (and paired with more wine, of course!). Then continue to your Feature Stay accommodation – tucked away between the rolling hills and terraced vineyards of the spectacular Douro Valley, your home for the night boasts unbeatable views of the Douro River. When you arrive, you might like to make the most of your hotel's scenic outdoor pools, or maybe grab dinner on the terrace and soak in the scenery.

This morning, enjoy a gentle boat ride on the Douro River, stopping by the riverside village of Pinhao. From here, make your way to Porto – a romantic city on the banks of the river. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk through twisting alleys, crisscrossing staircases and baroque churches. Pass old bridges, cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes and explore at your own pace. In the evening, head to the nearby city of Vila Nova de Gaia to end the day with some sunset drinks.

Learn about the history of tiles in Portugal this morning with a tile-painting workshop. Steeped in centuries of tradition, hand-painted tiles can be seen on the facades of buildings and churches, telling the stories of Portugal’s past with vibrant colours and designs. Then, your afternoon is free. Maybe head to one of the city’s riverfront cafes for a coffee and pastry overlooking the colourful rows of old houses or take a walk around the World Heritage listed Ribeira district. Another option is to take the local train to the seaside city of Matosinhos where you can relax on the beach, dine at the fresh seafood restaurants or stroll along the promenade. Regroup tonight for a final dinner at one of Porto’s local restaurants.

There are no activities planned for today and your trip comes to an end. You’re free to leave at any time after check out. If you wish to spend some more time exploring Porto, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

15MAR2025

Return Date :

22MAR2025

5995NZD

available

Departure Date :

29MAR2025

Return Date :

05APR2025

5995NZD

available

Departure Date :

12APR2025

Return Date :

19APR2025

5995NZD

available

Departure Date :

26APR2025

Return Date :

03MAY2025

5995NZD

available

Departure Date :

03MAY2025

Return Date :

10MAY2025

6055NZD

available

Departure Date :

06MAY2025

Return Date :

13MAY2025

5995NZD

available

Departure Date :

17MAY2025

Return Date :

24MAY2025

5995NZD

available

Departure Date :

20MAY2025

Return Date :

27MAY2025

6055NZD

available

Departure Date :

24MAY2025

Return Date :

31MAY2025

6670NZD

available

Departure Date :

31MAY2025

Return Date :

07JUN2025

6235NZD

available

Trip Notes

Trip title

Premium Portugal

Trip code

ZMPP

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Introduction

Style

Premium

Themes

Explorer

Transport

Private vehicle,Local train

Physical Rating

Physical preparation

This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day's activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don't want to participate. EXPLORING EUROPEAN CITIES One of the pleasures of travelling in Europe is the ease at which cities can be explored on foot. On most trips, our leader will take you on frequent orientation walks, and you will be able to further explore in your own time. We recommend you pack comfortable walking shoes for this trip. Many of our customers are surprised at how much they end up walking, however this is entirely up to you, and public transport to take you back to our accommodation is never far away.

Joining point

Hotel Moon & Sun

Rua de Sá de Noronha 70

Porto

PORTUGAL

Phone: +351 222 081 875

Joining point description

Hotel Moon & Sun Porto is located in the old part of Porto, close to Praça Carlos Alberto just a few minutes’ walk from Clérigos Tower, the city's art galleries and other landmarks. The contemporary hotel is aimed at comfort, allowing guests to feel at home while taking advantage of its prime location for an authentic experience of the city. Facilities include a bar, free Wi-Fi throughout the property and a shared lounge. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk and room service for guests. A continental breakfast is served each morning.

Alternate Joining point

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

15 Mar 2025 (ZMPP250315), 29 Mar 2025 (ZMPP250329), 05 Apr 2025 (ZMPP250405), 12 Apr 2025 (ZMPP250412), 19 Apr 2025 (ZMPP250419), 26 Apr 2025 (ZMPP250426), 03 May 2025 (ZMPP250503), 06 May 2025 (ZMPP250506), 10 May 2025 (ZMPP250510), 17 May 2025 (ZMPP250517), 20 May 2025 (ZMPP250520), 24 May 2025 (ZMPP250524), 31 May 2025 (ZMPP250531), 03 Jun 2025 (ZMPP250603), 10 Jun 2025 (ZMPP250610), 14 Jun 2025 (ZMPP250614), 17 Jun 2025 (ZMPP250617), 24 Jun 2025 (ZMPP250624), 28 Jun 2025 (ZMPP250628), 12 Jul 2025 (ZMPP250712), 19 Jul 2025 (ZMPP250719), 09 Aug 2025 (ZMPP250809), 23 Aug 2025 (ZMPP250823), 30 Aug 2025 (ZMPP250830), 02 Sep 2025 (ZMPP250902), 06 Sep 2025 (ZMPP250906), 09 Sep 2025 (ZMPP250909), 11 Sep 2025 (ZMPP250911), 13 Sep 2025 (ZMPP250913), 16 Sep 2025 (ZMPP250916), 18 Sep 2025 (ZMPP250918), 20 Sep 2025 (ZMPP250920), 23 Sep 2025 (ZMPP250923), 25 Sep 2025 (ZMPP250925), 27 Sep 2025 (ZMPP250927), 02 Oct 2025 (ZMPP251002), 04 Oct 2025 (ZMPP251004), 09 Oct 2025 (ZMPP251009), 11 Oct 2025 (ZMPP251011), 14 Oct 2025 (ZMPP251014), 20 Oct 2025 (ZMPP251020), 27 Oct 2025 (ZMPP251027), 04 Nov 2025 (ZMPP251104), 11 Nov 2025 (ZMPP251111), 18 Nov 2025 (ZMPP251118), 14 Mar 2026 (ZMPP260314), 28 Mar 2026 (ZMPP260328), 04 Apr 2026 (ZMPP260404), 11 Apr 2026 (ZMPP260411), 18 Apr 2026 (ZMPP260418), 25 Apr 2026 (ZMPP260425), 02 May 2026 (ZMPP260502), 05 May 2026 (ZMPP260505), 09 May 2026 (ZMPP260509), 16 May 2026 (ZMPP260516), 19 May 2026 (ZMPP260519), 23 May 2026 (ZMPP260523), 30 May 2026 (ZMPP260530), 02 Jun 2026 (ZMPP260602), 06 Jun 2026 (ZMPP260606), 09 Jun 2026 (ZMPP260609), 13 Jun 2026 (ZMPP260613), 16 Jun 2026 (ZMPP260616), 23 Jun 2026 (ZMPP260623), 27 Jun 2026 (ZMPP260627), 11 Jul 2026 (ZMPP260711), 18 Jul 2026 (ZMPP260718), 25 Jul 2026 (ZMPP260725), 08 Aug 2026 (ZMPP260808), 15 Aug 2026 (ZMPP260815), 22 Aug 2026 (ZMPP260822), 29 Aug 2026 (ZMPP260829), 01 Sep 2026 (ZMPP260901), 05 Sep 2026 (ZMPP260905), 08 Sep 2026 (ZMPP260908), 10 Sep 2026 (ZMPP260910), 12 Sep 2026 (ZMPP260912), 15 Sep 2026 (ZMPP260915), 17 Sep 2026 (ZMPP260917), 19 Sep 2026 (ZMPP260919), 22 Sep 2026 (ZMPP260922), 24 Sep 2026 (ZMPP260924), 26 Sep 2026 (ZMPP260926), 01 Oct 2026 (ZMPP261001), 03 Oct 2026 (ZMPP261003), 08 Oct 2026 (ZMPP261008), 10 Oct 2026 (ZMPP261010), 13 Oct 2026 (ZMPP261013), 19 Oct 2026 (ZMPP261019), 26 Oct 2026 (ZMPP261026), 03 Nov 2026 (ZMPP261103), 10 Nov 2026 (ZMPP261110), 17 Nov 2026 (ZMPP261117)

Figueira by The Beautique Hotels

Praca da Figuera 16

Lisbon

PORTUGAL

Phone: +351 210492940

Alternate Joining point instructions

The Hotel Figueira by The Beautique is located in Figueira Square, a stone's throw from historical Rua Augusta in the heart of Lisbon. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. Upon landing please proceed to airport arrivals and your driver will be waiting for you. If you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact our local operations office at +49 8677 918 6657 and dial 1 for Transfers. If you are making your own way to the starting point hotel in Lisbon, the Humberto Delgado airport is 10 Km away from the hotel and you can get there in different ways: METRO: The closest station to the Hotel is Rossio, on the green line. Restauradores and Baixa/Chiado on the blue line are also within walking distance from the Hotel. ( cost 1.45 EUR pp) TAXI: There are taxi stops all over the city and leaving from the airport . The Hotel’s address is Praça da Figueira nº16 (approx 20 EUR) BUS: There are several bus stops near the Hotel. There is also a stop for the Aerobus, line 1, near the Hotel. This will take you to and from the Airport. (4 EUR pp)

Finish point

Hotel Moon & Sun

Rua de Sá de Noronha 70

Porto

PORTUGAL

Phone: +351 222 081 875

Finish point description

Finish point instructions

If you are making your own way to Porto Airport (airport code OPO) the hotel's reception will be able to help you book a taxi or transfer. Alternatively it is easy to catch the metro Linha E (purple line) to the airport. The ride takes about 30 minutes. Pre-booked departure transfer to Porto Airport: You will be collected at the hotel's reception. Please check with your host for the exact time of your pick up. In case of flight cancellations, changes or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the emergency number listed in the trip notes.

Important information

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your leader 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 aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.

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.

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.

SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts.

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.

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

Visit local wineries during a tasting tour in the picturesque Douro Valley during an Exclusive Experience, stopping off for a lunch made with regional delights.

Get an insight into Fado – an atmospheric amalgamation of music and poetry, during a soul-stirring and intimate live show in Coimbra.

Create a personalised memento of your trip and learn about the history of the vibrantly coloured tiles that adorn the facades of buildings all over Portugal with a tile-painting workshop.

Is this trip right for you

Many of the wonderful cities and sites of this trip are explored on foot. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. Summer temperatures can be very high in this region (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. The places visited on this trip often have cobblestone streets. Wheeling luggage across these surfaces can be difficult. For this reason we recommend following the guidelines in the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information.

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. 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. 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. 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. TIPPING Tips are included on all Intrepid Premium trips, covering hotel staff, local guides and the people who will take care of you during your travels. This amount does not include a tip for your leader, so you may wish to set aside some funds for this. It is customary to tip your leader for outstanding service provided during your trip. 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. Tips are greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and leadership during your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, US$8-10 per person (in a currency relevant for your destination), per day can be used.

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. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible, ensuring that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Help will be on hand in most locations, but there may be times you need to handle your own luggage, for example in airports and train stations. A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this trip. It is recommended that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and certainly no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, jacket, etc. when you’re exploring during the day. Below is a link to our ultimate packing list, a guide to get you started:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

Climate and seasonal

SUMMER Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C/104°F), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. SHOULDER SEASON In contrast, weather in shoulder season can be unpredictable, and snow is not unheard of at higher altitudes. If you travel at the start or towards the end of the European season please pack accordingly with warm and/or waterproof clothes (preferably layers). The advantage of travelling during this time is that there are less tourists around.

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

If you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact our local operations office : Intrepid Operator Number: +49 8677 918 6657 and dial 1 for Transfers In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid's Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

Responsible travel

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

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/ This trip supports REFOOD, who work directly with local communities in Portugal to rescue quality food from going to waste and use this to provide meals for those in need. Donations help them promote a circular movement that benefits the environment and helps to feed those living in food scarcity. 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/refood

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.

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. 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

Comfortable hotel (6 nights),Feature stay (1 night)

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