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Premium Scotland

8 Days

  • TOUR DESCRIPTION
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Enquire Now
  • Travel Insurance by Allianz

Tour Description

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Scotland’s rich history, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Starting in Edinburgh, travel through the rolling hills and ancient pine forests of Perthshire, the dramatic Highlands, and the ruggedly beautiful west coast, with stops in two national parks. Feel the warmth of Scottish hospitality with a traditional ‘wee dram’ and marvel at the country’s natural wonders, including a visit to the fabled Loch Ness, perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of the legendary Nessie! Wander through tranquil rural islands and relax in the charm of a historic country manor house. Learn about vital conservation efforts to restore Scotland’s native forests, step back in time at Blair Castle, a 700-year-old treasure, and the Highland Folk Museum, where Scotland’s ancestral stories are brought vividly to life. Fans of Outlander will recognize this setting, featured in several scenes of the series. Your journey concludes back in Edinburgh, where a unique walking tour reveals the city’s hidden gems and untold stories through the eyes of passionate local guides. This is more than a holiday, it’s a deep dive into the heart of Scotland, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a true connection to this extraordinary land.

Priced From:

$ 9070.00pp *

Valid From: 01JAN2025

Valid To: 31DEC2025

Start Location: Edinburgh

End Location: Edinburgh

Countries: United Kingdom,

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

  • Cruise the serene waters of the iconic Loch Ness, soaking in the scenery and keeping an eye out for the legendary Nessie.
  • Discover a hidden forest folly in the Scottish Highlands, perched above a cascading waterfall.
  • Visit the Cairngorms National Park to step back in time in an open-air museum that brings Scotland’s rural past to life.
  • Cross the ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’ to explore the peaceful, rural islands of Seil and Easdale.
  • Enjoy two nights at a historic mansion house near Edinburgh, nestled in beautiful, Victorian walled gardens.

    • Itinerary

    Day 1 Location: Dunkeld
    Welcome to Scotland! Your journey begins in Edinburgh, the nation’s vibrant capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its medieval charm, cobbled streets, the iconic Edinburgh Castle, and as the birthplace of Harry Potter. Whether you’ve been exploring Edinburgh or are just arriving, meet your local leader and fellow travellers at Edinburgh Airport at 1:30 pm. From there, you’ll head north on a private transfer, crossing the impressive Queensferry Crossing with its striking views of the Firth of Forth. Your first stop is a local distillery, where you’ll enjoy a whisky tasting, a perfect way to break the ice and immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich heritage. Afterward, continue to your hotel in the picturesque village of Dunkeld, nestled on the banks of the River Tay, Scotland’s longest river. Once settled, join your guide for a welcome briefing to kick off your adventure before enjoying a delicious welcome dinner with your group.
    Day 2 Location: Dunkeld
    Perthshire, often called the "Gateway to the Highlands," is a stunning region in central Scotland, known for its lush landscapes, rolling hills, and picturesque glens. Take a morning walk in a captivating, local, woodland area, known as the Hermitage. The Hermitage was initially crafted in the 18th century as a pleasure ground for the Dukes of Atholl. Its forest paths are flanked by towering ancient pines, leading to crashing waterfalls, where the River Braan plunges into deep, frothy pools below. Overlooking the falls stands a picturesque folly, a perfect spot to admire the powerful and cascading falls. Later in the afternoon, visit a local nature reserve, a tranquil haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. This 130-hectare reserve is centred around a large freshwater loch surrounded by woodlands and wetlands, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem. The reserve is best known for its iconic ospreys, which return each spring to breed. The evening is free to explore the local restaurants and pubs.
    Day 3 Location: Inverness
    Today begins with a tour of Blair Castle, a true treasure with over 700 years of captivating history. Its evolving architecture, combined with the serenity of its beautifully maintained gardens, offers a perfect blend of heritage and natural beauty, a delightful immersion into Scotland’s storied past. From there, head north toward the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, with a stop at a living history museum to explore the lives of Highland ancestors. The Highland Folk Museum brings history to life, showcasing how the people of the Scottish Highlands lived, worked, and dressed through the centuries. Then it is on to Inverness, the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands. With a history stretching back more than a thousand years, the city has played a pivotal role in events like the Jacobite risings of the 17th and 18th centuries. The late afternoon and evening are yours to explore at your leisure.
    Day 4 Location: Argyll
    After breakfast, embark on a journey to one of Scotland's most legendary and mysterious sites, Loch Ness. This vast freshwater loch spans around 23 miles and plunges to a depth of over 750 feet. Holding more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined, Loch Ness is also famous for its elusive resident, the mythical creature ‘Nessie’. Here, embark on a relaxing boat cruise and take in the stunning expanse of this iconic loch. In the afternoon, visit to Dundreggan, a stunning estate rich in diverse landscapes, including woodlands, heathlands, and wetlands. The area is home to important conservation efforts, particularly through the Trees for Life charity, which is dedicated to rewilding the land and restoring native Caledonian pinewood forests. Learn about these vital conservation initiatives, as well as the reintroduction of native species, while exploring scenic trails and enjoying birdwatching in this tranquil natural haven. From here, head west to the harbor town of Oban, known for its picturesque harbour, breathtaking views of nearby islands, and vibrant seafood scene. Upon arrival, check in and take some time to settle into your surroundings.
    Day 5 Location: Argyll
    Leaving the hotel, it’s a short drive to the 18th-century arched bridge known as the ‘Bridge Over the Atlantic,’ which connects the mainland to the Isle of Seil. Seil and Easdale are two picturesque islands off the west coast of Scotland, linked by this aptly named bridge. Seil, the larger island, features lush landscapes, charming villages, and stunning coastal views. With a population of just 500 people, it really feels like the edge of the world. From here, board a tiny ferry that whisks us across the strait to the even smaller island of Easdale, home to only 50 residents. You’ll explore both islands, soaking in their natural beauty, fascinating history, and tranquil atmosphere - ideal for a peaceful retreat - before heading back to your hotel on the mainland, where the evening is free to enjoy the vibrant scene of Oban.
    Day 6 Location: Edinburgh
    Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Kilmartin Glen, one of Scotland’s most significant prehistoric sites. This remarkable valley is home to over 350 ancient monuments, including standing stones, burial cairns, and stone circles, some dating back over 5,000 years. A private guide will take you through the glen, offering insight into the fascinating history of the site, from its role in Neolithic and Bronze Age rituals to its importance in Scotland’s early cultural development. After a brief stop at Loch Lomond continue south, arriving at our historic mansion house. Carberry Tower, dating back to the 15th century, was originally built as a country house and later expanded. Its historical significance is tied to the Jacobite Rising of 1745, with the surrounding area being the site of the surrender of Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s forces during the rebellion. One of the highlights is the Victorian walled garden, which has been lovingly restored. Tonight is free to wander around the grounds and maybe grab dinner at the onsite bistro.
    Day 7 Location: Edinburgh
    Today, return to Edinburgh for a walking tour with a difference. The Invisible Cities tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s hidden stories and history. The initiative empowers (mostly homeless) individuals by providing training and employment as guides, raising awareness about homelessness and fostering social inclusion. Through personal stories, the guides challenge stereotypes, encourage empathy, and share fascinating insights and historic details about this iconic city. With the afternoon free, why not explore the quirky independent shops on Market Street or browse the trendy boutiques of George Street. Art lovers will appreciate Edinburgh’s rich cultural offerings, including the Scottish National Gallery and the Dean Gallery. Upon returning to the mansion house, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner to remember, sharing stories and reflecting on the week’s adventures in Scotland.
    Day 8 Location: Edinburgh
    This morning after breakfast, there are no activities planned. A transfer to Edinburgh city centre or Waverley Station is included. If you’d like to extend your stay with additional nights in Edinburgh city centre and take a Harry Potter-themed walking tour or just explore the Old Town further, just speak to your booking agent.

    Dates & prices

    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date :
    13JUN2025
    Return Date :
    20JUN2025
    9070NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    01AUG2025
    Return Date :
    08AUG2025
    10275NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    12SEP2025
    Return Date :
    19SEP2025
    10275NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    10OCT2025
    Return Date :
    17OCT2025
    9895NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    23APR2027
    Return Date :
    30APR2027
    9290NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    14MAY2027
    Return Date :
    21MAY2027
    9290NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    11JUN2027
    Return Date :
    18JUN2027
    9290NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    02JUL2027
    Return Date :
    09JUL2027
    9290NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    27AUG2027
    Return Date :
    03SEP2027
    9465NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    10SEP2027
    Return Date :
    17SEP2027
    9290NZD
    available

    Trip Notes

    Last modified (date)

    30 Aug 2024

    Trip title

    Premium Scotland

    Trip code

    BWPS

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

    Introduction

    Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Scotland’s rich history, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Starting in Edinburgh, travel through the rolling hills and ancient pine forests of Perthshire, the dramatic Highlands, and the ruggedly beautiful west coast, with stops in two national parks. Feel the warmth of Scottish hospitality with a traditional ‘wee dram’ and marvel at the country’s natural wonders, including a visit to the fabled Loch Ness, perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of the legendary Nessie! Wander through tranquil rural islands and relax in the charm of a historic country manor house. Learn about vital conservation efforts to restore Scotland’s native forests, step back in time at Blair Castle, a 700-year-old treasure, and the Highland Folk Museum, where Scotland’s ancestral stories are brought vividly to life. Fans of Outlander will recognize this setting, featured in several scenes of the series. Your journey concludes back in Edinburgh, where a unique walking tour reveals the city’s hidden gems and untold stories through the eyes of passionate local guides. This is more than a holiday, it’s a deep dive into the heart of Scotland, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a true connection to this extraordinary land.

    Style

    Premium

    Themes

    Explorer

    Transport

    Private Vehicle

    Physical Rating

    2

    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

    Black Sheep Coffee

    Unit 7 Jubilee Rd, Ingliston, Edinburgh EH12 9DN

    Edinburgh airport

    Edinburgh

    UNITED KINGDOM

    Joining point instructions

    The trip begins at Edinburgh Airport at 1.30pm on Day 1. Your meeting point is Black Sheep Coffee in the arrivals hall (before security) at Edinburgh Airport. Here you will be met by your Leader before setting off on your group private transfer to the first destination of the trip, Dunkeld. Pre trip accommodation booked through Intrepid will be at the Voco Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel in Edinburgh city centre.

    Finish point

    Carberry Tower Mansion House

    Carberry Tower Mansion House, Carberry Tower Estate, Musselburgh EH21 8PY.

    Edinburgh

    UNITED KINGDOM

    Finish point instructions

    A transfer to Edinburgh city centre or Waverley Station is included. If you would like to extend your stay, post trip accommodation will be at the Voco Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel in Edinburgh city centre.

    Important information

    1. 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. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. Pre trip and post trip accommodation will be at the Voco Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel in Edinburgh city centre.

    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. 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

    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.

    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

    Cruise the serene waters of the iconic Loch Ness, soaking in the scenery and keeping an eye out for the legendary Nessie.

    Discover a hidden forest folly in the Scottish Highlands, perched above a cascading waterfall.

    Visit the Cairngorms National Park to step back in time in an open-air museum that brings Scotland’s rural past to life.

    Cross the ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’ to explore the peaceful, rural islands of Seil and Easdale.

    Enjoy two nights at a historic mansion house near Edinburgh, nestled in beautiful, Victorian walled gardens.

    Is this trip right for you

    On most days you’ll be exploring on your feet, whether that is enjoying a forest walk, exploring tiny islands on the west coast, or discovering the history around each corner in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Therefore, you will need a basic level of fitness and should expect to be walking and active for at least a couple of hours each day. However, this is not a hiking tour.

    Health

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

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. BREAKFASTS There are some continental breakfasts included on this trip which may simply include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice (or similar).

    Money matters

    CURRENCY The local currency in Scotland is the Scottish Pound (strictly speaking, this is Pound Sterling issued by Scottish banks), which is interchangeable with the British Pound (GBP). Please note that Scottish banknotes may not be accepted by businesses outside of Scotland. 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. BUDGET Please budget for additional meals and expenses while on your trip. We suggest GBP 375.00 for meals not included on this trip. Our suggestion is based on past traveller feedback but you may choose to spend more or less. 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. 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, USD 8 - 10 per person per day (in a currency relevant for your destination), can be used.

    What to take

    PACKING On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. You can find Intrepid's Ultimate Packing List on our website. It should be used as a guide only and isn't intended to be a complete packing list.

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

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

    WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill. 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. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you.

    WHITE NIGHTS The closer you travel to the second half of June, the shorter the nights are in this part of the world. As many of our accommodations may not have suitable curtains to block out light you may want to consider bringing an eye-mask, especially if you are a light sleeper. Similarly, in winter months, especially in Highland and Island areas, the days are shorter, and it gets dark early. This can impact the availability of certain views and outdoor activities. CLOTHING & CLIMATE The climate in this region is extremely varied. In shoulder season (April, May, September, October and beyond) you can expect temperatures to vary between single digits and warm sunny days, while from June until September temperatures can reach well above 30 C. It is always a good idea to bring a warm windproof jacket, a hat and waterproof footwear and waterproof pouch/bag to protect your phone and documents. No matter which time of year you decide to travel, it can get quite cool at night especially when in the countryside, so we recommend that you bring a warm jacket or fleece.

    Climate and seasonal

    The areas visited on this trip can be cold throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season, and at night. Rain is possible at any time of year. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, and snow fall is common. Summers on the other hand can be quite hot, and temperatures can reach up to 30 C. Please familiarize yourself with what climate to expect and bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, rain coat and anything else that you think may be applicable.

    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. In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Europe Operations Team can be reached on the number listed below: Intrepid local operator : Available for phone call on +44 (0)1479 420 020 or +44 (0)7766 794 640

    Responsible travel

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

    The Intrepid Foundation

    Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports Eden Reforestation Projects, who are tackling climate change by restoring forests across the world; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within local communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Madagascar, Kenya and Nepal. To find out more or make a donation, visit: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eden-reforestation-projects 

    Accommodation notes

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

    Transport notes

    One of the highlights of this trip is our use of private transportation. Private vehicles allow us to make frequent stops at intriguing points of interest that may not be reachable via public transport. Need a taxi, no problem, please speak to your group leader should you require a taxi outside of what is included.

    Travel insurance

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

    Your fellow travellers

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

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway 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 (5 nights),Feature Stay (2 Nights)

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