Tour Description

Set off on an unforgettable journey through Italy’s sun-drenched, slower-paced Puglia region. Embrace the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast, sip sweet Moscato di Trani where it’s made (in Trani, of course) and tour Lecce’s Roman ruins, Baroque churches and whitewashed alleyways. Wander among trulli houses in Alberobello and the ancient hillside sassi dwellings in Matera. Then, finish in Bari, where the lanes of the Old Town lead to the Basilica di San Nicola and medieval squares, filled with spots for the best seafood and limoncello by the Adriatic. With a local leader at your side, and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, why not head down and say ciao to Italy’s southern slice of the Adriatic.

Priced From:

$ 4641.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2027

Valid To: 31DEC2027

Start Location: Minori

End Location: Bari

Countries: Italy,

Tour Advisors

Beccy Hayes

Travel Specialist

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Join the sophisticates of Puglia at a harbour-side bar in Trani and sip a glass of Moscato di Trani where it’s made, with the Adriatic’s sparkling waters before you.

Explore the otherworldly sassi of Matera – ancient stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs overlooking a dramatic gorge. Then, spend the night overlooking them, picturing what life was like long ago.

Discover the distinctive Baroque architecture of Lecce, taking plenty of photos of the ornate churches, grand palazzi and lively piazzas that give this city such a special flavour.

Spend a free day your way on the Amalfi Coast – maybe wander to Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea and Chiostro del Paradiso, hike the Valley of Mills or visit Ravello’s villas.

Toast to your adventure, sipping local limoncello and snacking on focaccia barese in the tangled streets of Bari’s Old Town.

Itinerary

Ciao! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Amalfi Coast, in the small town of Minori. The Amalfi peninsula is a land of rocky coasts, cliff-top vistas, bright seas, tiered lemon groves, whitewashed villages, steep cliffs and blue skies. You'll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive in Minori Town early, why not take a self-guided stroll in search of some gorgeous panoramic views of the coast. Or you could just plant yourself at a sunny piazza cafe and enjoy a macchiato or a gelato.

You have a free day to explore Minori and Amalfi Town (just a quick bus ride away) today. If you're after a relaxing walk with a few cultural highlights, maybe stroll from one side of the town to the other and visit the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea and the Chiostro del Paradiso. If you’re after something more active, maybe head out on a walk through the Valley of Mills. Or you could hop on a bus to the Valley of Dragons to reach pretty Ravello – for centuries, its lofty position and sunny, dry climate have beckoned writers, artists, musicians and travellers. Ravello also boasts two magnificent villas, the 11th-century Villa Rufolo – once the home of Wagner – and Villa Cimbrone – a 19th-century mansion with sprawling gardens and great views over the Gulf of Salerno. You could also take a half-day walk along the narrow trail of the famous Sentiero Degli Dei (the Walk of the Gods) through forests and fields of wildflowers, olive groves and vineyards.

This morning, set off by train to Italy's east coast, where you’ll spend the next two nights in Trani, known as the 'Pearl of Puglia.’ Once an ancient trading hub for merchants travelling to the Near East, this bustling port town is a favourite summer yachting destination. When you arrive, hit the limestone streets on a walking tour to explore the historic centre and its medieval churches, the most notable being the white cathedral that rises from the seawall by the ocean. Later, maybe head out with your fellow travellers and kick back on the waterfront to watch the sophisticates of Puglia clink glasses of Moscato di Trani in cosy bars.

Today is a free day to explore all that Trani has to offer. You might like to visit the dramatic Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino, which begun in 1099 and has taken over two centuries to finish – the soft, white-pink limestone Norman cathedral is dedicated to the famously foolish St Nicholas the Pilgrim, whose bones lie in the crypt below the church. Inside, it’s bright, airy and simply furnished, with the remains of a 12th-century mosaic near the main altar. You might also head to the castle built by Frederick II – the king of Sicily, Italy, Germany, Jerusalem and the Holy Roman Emperor in the 13th century. Or maybe explore the medieval Jewish quarter, built in all-white stone, and its two largest synagogues, the Scola Nova and the Scola Grande. Fishermen sell the day’s catch in the marina, so maybe head there for dinner and grab a glass of wine harbourside.

Head south today to Lecce – the Baroque architecture here is so distinctive it has its own name, barocco leccese! Elaborate palazzi (mansions) complement a defensive main square, while Roman ruins and magnificent allegories dance across ornate facades. The university gives the town a lively feel, and there are little boutiques, antique shops and delicious delis to explore, here. Take a tour of the town with a local guide, then have your afternoon and evening free to explore at your own pace.

Embrace a free day to explore Lecce. If open, maybe step beneath the city and see the restored Roman amphitheatre excavated in the 1930s. Built in the 2nd century AD, the remarkably intact theatre seated 15,000 people. Overlooking the arena is the Colonna di Sant'Oronzo – a statue of Lecce's patron saint mounted on a Roman column. Maybe check out the Basilica di Santa Croce’s facade of sheep, dodos, cherubs and monsters, or head to the Piazza del Duomo. Used in the past as a defence against invaders, the square's openness is bordered by a 12th-century cathedral, a 68 m (223 ft) bell tower, a 15th-century Episcopal palace and an 18th-century seminario. In the afternoon, meet up with your group for an aperitivo with local specialties like friselle, taralli, puccia, bombette and burrate.

This morning, head to a local masseria to meet an olive oil producer. Learn how the techniques have changed over the millennia, then try a taste for yourself. Some olive trees here are thought to be close to 3000 years old and the farm has been active since Roman times. Continue to Ostuni and have some time to explore its narrow streets before moving on to Alberobello – a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town’s beehive-shaped trulli – small, dry-stone houses built from local limestone in the 14th century – are the big drawcard here. The origins of the buildings are unclear, although it's possible the mortar-less dwellings were created to be easily dismantled in a feudal tax evasion scheme. Wander the Old Town quarter of Rione Monti, where thousands of trulli and souvenir shops rise over the hill, or head over to Rione Aia Piccola and see trulli family dwellings.

After breakfast today, you’ll leave the fairytale town behind and move on to Matera – home to another ancient and unique style of home. One of the oldest cities in existence, Matera's otherworldly sassi – stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs overlooking a gorge – are a haunting and bittersweet insight into ancient life here. The Old Town’s resemblance to Jerusalem has attracted film directors of biblical epics, but its dark interiors were the scene of poverty in the mid-20th century. Duck down into the sassi through the knot of staircases and alleyways that snake through the limestone ravines and take a guided tour to appreciate both its ancient and modern history. Tonight, you’ll stay in accommodation with balconies that overlook the sassi.

This morning is free for you to explore the narrow alleyways and caves of Matera before boarding a local train to Bari around lunchtime. Sitting on a small peninsula in the Adriatic Sea overlooking Greece, Bari is the prosperous capital of Puglia. The tangled streets of its Old Town – Bari Vecchia – conceal Romanesque churches, a market, medieval piazzas and a Swabian castle. The Basilica di San Nicola was built to hold the relics of St Nicholas, which were stolen from Turkey by local Bari fishermen and have made the city a place of pilgrimage since 1087. Maybe take a walk along the stone walls, with the sea lapping on one side and the medieval town on the other. Maybe see out your last night with a group meal by the harbour, sampling local limoncello and some of the city’s famous seafood.

Your journey will come to an end after breakfast today and you are free to depart at any time. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

28OCT2026

Return Date :

06NOV2026

5460.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

21APR2027

Return Date :

30APR2027

5085.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

28APR2027

Return Date :

07MAY2027

4965.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

05MAY2027

Return Date :

14MAY2027

5020.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

12MAY2027

Return Date :

21MAY2027

5110.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

26MAY2027

Return Date :

04JUN2027

5330.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

09JUN2027

Return Date :

18JUN2027

4965.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

07JUL2027

Return Date :

16JUL2027

4890.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

21JUL2027

Return Date :

30JUL2027

4820.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

04AUG2027

Return Date :

13AUG2027

4820.00NZD

available

Trip Notes

Trip title

Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia

Trip code

ZMSQ

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2027 to 31 Dec 2027

Extended validity

25 Oct 2028

Introduction

Style

Original

Themes

Explorer

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Taxi

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 7 Bello

V Alfonso Gatto, 39

Minori

84010

ITALY

Phone: +39 089877619

Joining point instructions

Capodichino Airport in Naples (airport code NAP) has bus connections to Naples Central Station from where you can catch frequent trains to Salerno (1 hour). From Salerno regular buses run along the coast to Amalfi, stopping in Minori. Get off at Hotel 7 Bello stop. Alternatively, if you arrive into any of Rome's Airports (airport codes FCO and CIA), you can catch a train or bus to Rome Termini Station, and from there another train to Salerno (3 hours). For train schedules please visit trenitalia.com. If you have pre booked an arrival transfer from Naples Airport (NAP) your transfer driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall holding a board with the Intrepid Logo or your name. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +39 089871530.

Finish point

Residence Zodiacus

Via Roberto da Bari, 101

Bari

ITALY

Phone: +39 0805246654

Finish point instructions

Residence Zodiacus is halfway the train station, the historic centre of the town and the seafront; a few steps away from the elegant shopping streets and the important monuments such as the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Cathedral and the famous Teatro Petruzzelli.

Important information

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip. Availability is limited due to small property we use. Please speak to your agent for further information.

Group leader

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

Safety

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

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

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

FIRE PRECAUTIONS Local laws governing tourism facilities in this region may differ from those in your home country and accommodation we use may not have a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!

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 You are responsible for obtaining relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip.  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: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Why we love it

Join the sophisticates of Puglia at a harbour-side bar in Trani and sip a glass of Moscato di Trani where it’s made, with the Adriatic’s sparkling waters before you.

Discover the distinctive Baroque architecture of Lecce, taking plenty of photos of the ornate churches, grand palazzi and lively piazzas that give this city such a special flavour.

Spend a free day your way on the Amalfi Coast – maybe wander to Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea and Chiostro del Paradiso, hike the Valley of Mills or visit Ravello’s villas.

Toast to your adventure, sipping local limoncello and snacking on focaccia barese in the tangled streets of Bari’s Old Town.

Is this trip right for you

Please keep your luggage as small and light as possible. You'll be travelling on public transport, where storage space is limited. You'll need to be able to lift your luggage into storage racks, walk across cobblestone streets with it and carry it up and down stairs., Due to the terrain, the means of transportation on this trip is a mix of local trains, private vehicles and public buses. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Trains are comfortable and all have toilets, however, they can often be quite busy., Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (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. Additionally, please be aware that July, August and the first half of September is high season along the Southern Italian coast, which means that the local infrastructure is under a lot of pressure with a lot of people in the towns we visit. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season., Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together., If you have more time to explore the region, you can extend your trip and see more of Italy by starting your travels in Rome. Check out our 'Rome to Southern Italy' trip (ZMSSC). Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.

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 travel health information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though., BREAKFASTS There are some continental breakfasts included on this trip which may simply include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice (or similar)., VEGETARIANS Vegetarians might find the menu selection in Europe less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

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., EUROPE The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in the following destinations: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain. All other European countries still have their own national currencies. You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Europe. You can obtain EUR cash prior to arriving through normal outlets such as banks and currency exchange offices., BUDGET Please budget for additional meals and expenses while on your trip. We suggest EUR 280.00 for meals not included on this trip. Our suggestion is based on past traveller feedback but you may choose to spend more or less., TIPPING Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be., We recommend budgeting approximately EUR 10-20 per person per week to tip local service providers for activities included in this trip, in local currencies. This doesn’t include a tip for your leader., YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE Tipping your group leader or local representative is highly appreciated if you feel they’ve provided outstanding services throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, the recommended amount is 4-7 USD or EUR per traveller per day (in a currency relevant to your destination). Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip., CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred because of changes to itineraries, including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra USD 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 all travellers; however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. Please confirm with your leader on Day 1 if you need to carry this in cash, or whether access via card or electronically is sufficient.

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

WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill. While it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when you're travelling, sometimes your acommodation or transport will have a water dispenser you can use. 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.

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.

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 leaders or local representatives 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:, Intrepid's Local Operator: Italy Emergency Phone: +390683945085

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

The Intrepid Foundation

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

Accommodation notes

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

Transport notes

TRANSPORT IN EUROPE Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action., PRIVATE VEHICLES Our private vehicles are locally sourced and are air conditioned and comfortable, which makes travelling enjoyable. On some days we will be covering long distances, which will make these days feel longer, however spectacular views and interesting stops along the way make up for it., TRAINS The main mode of transportation on this trip is by train. Italian long-distance and inter-regional trains are comfortable and often decked out with air-conditioning. Toilets are always available. Some of the trains have snack bars (or vending machines) and power points next to the seats but that cannot be guaranteed on every journey. Regional and metropolitan trains are usually a bit more basic and can be quite busy, but this just adds to the experience. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long (and short) distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre of your next destination.

Travel insurance

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

Your fellow travellers

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

Itinerary disclaimer

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

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

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