Northern Italy Family Holiday
from $3134
Duration: 8 Days
Delight on a family-focused cultural exploration of the best sights and finest food that Italy has to offer on this 8-day tour of the country’s best. Get exploring in the winding canal maze of Venice, dip your toes in the ocean by the beautiful Cinque Terre coastline, make and taste authentic Italian pesto, savour delicious Tuscan cuisine, get the perfect snap of the Learning Tower of Pisa and try as much gelato as you can. There’s something for all ages in Italy as you whisk through Venice to Rome on this family-focused escapade – now that’s totally amore.
  • Try your hand at mask making in Venice at a local specialised Venetian Atelier, ready to help your family discover this unusual artform for yourselves.
  • Test your family’s fitness with a hike on the renowned paths of the Cinque Terre, and test their culinary skills with a hands-on pesto making class in Levanto.
  • Oh, and did we mention the food? During your family’s adventure-filled days, be sure to try as many Venetian, Tuscan and Roman favourites you can – your group leader will have a heap of suggestions.
  • Explore the wonders of the Vatican Museums using an audioguide so you can linger over the many wonders inside and go at your own pace.
  • Head to the World Heritage-listed Leaning Tower of Pisa to take photos with your family, including the classic “Here’s me holding up the tower!” shot.
  • Venice - Traghetto Boat Ride
  • Venice - Venetian Mask Making Class
  • Venice - Leader led orientation walk
  • Cinque Terre - 'Il Laboratorio del Pesto' Making & Demonstration
  • Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
  • Pisa - Pisa Visit & Orientation walk
  • Vatican City - Vatican Museum
  • Rome - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Day 1 Location: Venice
    Welcome to Venice, Italy. This watery wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years – is literally sinking under the weight of its sights. Your Italian adventure will begin with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. There are no activities planned before the meeting, but if you arrive early there are plenty of things to keep you and the family busy. Take a walk around the maze of streets behind Piazza San Marco and begin to understand the complex canal system of Venice. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the endless amounts of boutique shops that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. After the meeting, enjoy dinner with the other families at a local restaurant.
    Day 2 Location: Venice
    After breakfast, venture out and explore Venice on an orientation walk. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Wander around at the Doge’s Palace, the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs, taking in the views of the waterways as you go. Once the walk comes to an end, take a quick gondola ride over to Rialto – the heart of the city. Take some free time to explore the city, and consider catching a vaporetto (water bus) to San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for a panoramic view of Venice. Otherwise, travelling down the Grand Canal via Venetian gondola is a great way to immerse yourself in the waterside culture, or the Palazzo Ducale overflows with paintings from Italian masters making it well worth a visit too. Meet up again in the afternoon at the private workshop of a professional mask maker, where you’ll learn to make your own mask using traditional working methods treasured by the people of the city.
    Day 3 Location: Cinque Terre
    Take a morning trip to the Italian Riviera – a region studded with tree-coated mountainsides and colourful townships sitting in the background of the tranquil Ligurian sea. The first stop on this trip through is Levanto – nestled between a thickly wooded valley and the ocean. During your stay here, chop and blend up basil, olive oil and other ingredients as you enjoy an authentic pesto making class with a local family. Once you’ve got a grasp of these traditional Italian culinary techniques, cooking at home will no doubt become that much better.
    Day 4 Location: Cinque Terre
    Venture out on the footpaths of Cinque Terre – a region of Italy famed for its coastline and pastel villages on sharp cliff faces. These paths weave between the villages past olive groves, vineyards and onwards to idyllic, breathtaking vistas. You can choose to walk just a few sections if you like – all of the available paths offer excellent views of the majestic scenery. Otherwise, you’re also more than welcome to take a train from village to village if you’d prefer to put your feet up and relax.
    Day 5 Location: Pisa
    Spend some time relaxing on the beautiful Cinque Terre coastline – perhaps go for a dip in the waters or source out some fresh local seafood. Afterwards, travel on an early afternoon train to Pisa (approximately 2.5 hours). Once you arrive, take a bit of time to explore the Field of Miracles while taking in the intricately structured architecture of Duomo Cathedral, Piazza Del Duomo and of course, the World Heritage-listed Leaning Tower of Pisa.
    Day 6 Location: Rome
    Today you will take the train from Pisa to Rome but not before you get the chance to try some of the city’s famous gelato and snap some family photos with the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, or, if you’re daring enough, scale up the 300 spiralling stairs to get a better view of the field below (own expense). After you arrive in Rome, the evening is yours to enjoy your way. You may like to settle down to a traditional Roman dinner in a trattoria – known to be simple but full of flavour.
    Day 7 Location: Rome
    Vatican City is the smallest country on the planet yet holds many of the Catholic world’s most significant sites. Today you’ll get to explore some of its highlights including the St Peter’s Basilica, The Sistine Chapel, and Piazza San Pietro. Explore the wonders of the Vatican Museums using an audioguide so you and your family can go at your own pace. Tonight is free for you to eat the best Roman pizza and gelato in town – it’s not hard to find them, but it takes local knowledge to eat away from the tourist traps and in authentic places. Luckily you’ve got a local leader to show you the way and give you all suggestions!
    Day 8 Location: Rome
    Your Northern Italy Family Holiday comes to a close today and there are no further activities planned. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! If you would like to extend your stay in Rome, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    15JUL2023
    Return Date:
    22JUL2023
    4175NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    05AUG2023
    Return Date:
    12AUG2023
    4100NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    15JUN2024
    Return Date:
    22JUN2024
    4575NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    22JUN2024
    Return Date:
    29JUN2024
    4080NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    29JUN2024
    Return Date:
    06JUL2024
    4080NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    06JUL2024
    Return Date:
    13JUL2024
    4080NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    13JUL2024
    Return Date:
    20JUL2024
    4080NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    27JUL2024
    Return Date:
    03AUG2024
    4080NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    10AUG2024
    Return Date:
    17AUG2024
    4080NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    21SEP2024
    Return Date:
    28SEP2024
    4080NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    04 Jul 2023

    Trip title

    Northern Italy Family Holiday

    Trip code

    ZMFD

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023

    Introduction

    Delight on a family-focused cultural exploration of the best sights and finest food that Italy has to offer on this 8-day tour of the country’s best. Get exploring in the winding canal maze of Venice, dip your toes in the ocean by the beautiful Cinque Terre coastline, make and taste authentic Italian pesto, savour delicious Tuscan cuisine, get the perfect snap of the Learning Tower of Pisa and try as much gelato as you can. There’s something for all ages in Italy as you whisk through Venice to Rome on this family-focused escapade – now that’s totally amore.

    Style

    Comfort

    Themes

    Family

    Transport

    Train,taxi

    Physical Rating

    2

    Joining point

    Hotel Ca Formenta

    Castello 1650, Via Garibaldi

    Venice

    30122

    ITALY

    Phone: +39 8662663306

    Joining point instructions

    Hotel Ca Formenta is a lovely small hotel in an enviable location, situated at the beginning of Via Garibaldi, just 10 minutes from St. Mark’s Square and within walking distance of the Biennale Gardens and the Arsenale. Please make sure that you provide your flight details no later than 14 days before departure to book your arrival transfer with us. For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met in the Arrivals Hall of Venice’s Marco Polo Airport (VCE) by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. 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 3334 112 840 or +39 3382 044 390. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or public bus from the airport to Piazzale Roma. The ATVO (blue) bus takes around 20 minutes from the airport to Piazzale Roma. As traffic can't enter the narrow alleyways of the old town, taxis and buses terminate at Piazzale Roma. From Piazzale Roma, take the ACTV no. 5.1 or no. 6 vaporetto and get off at the “Giardini” stop. Turn left, walk along the Riva dei Sette Martiri, pass the bridge and continue to the hotel. Alternatively, take the ACTV no. 4.1 vaporetto or, if you prefer a beautiful, romantic route along the Grand Canal (about 50 minutes), take the no. 1 instead. Get off at the “Arsenale” stop, turn right and follow the shoreline; cross over two bridges and you’ll find the hotel.

    Alternate Joining point

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

    15 Jun 2024 (ZMFD240615), 29 Jun 2024 (ZMFD240629), 06 Jul 2024 (ZMFD240706), 13 Jul 2024 (ZMFD240713), 27 Jul 2024 (ZMFD240727), 10 Aug 2024 (ZMFD240810), 21 Sep 2024 (ZMFD240921)

    Rimona Place (formerly Kosher House)

    Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, 2873

    Cannaregio

    Venice

    ITALY

    Phone: +39 0418226131

    Alternate Joining point description

    Kosher House Giardino Dei Melograni overlooks Venice’s Ghetto and its canals. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, TV, a safe and a minibar. Some rooms offer canal views, others overlook Campo del Ghetto Nuovo Square. The hotel is the only kosher residence of the city, ideally located in one of the oldest and best preserved Jewish ghettos in Europe. It is within walking distance to all the most important tourist and cultural sites, but away from the crowded streets. Please note that reception closes at 8pm. Should you anticipate a later arrival than 8pm please make sure you let you travel agent know so the hotel can be informed and arrangements for a late check-in can be made. In case of delays please phone the hotel directly on the above number in advance.

    Alternate Joining point instructions

    If you would like to pre book an arrival transfer with us, please make sure that you provide your flight details no later than 14 days before departure to book your arrival transfer with us. For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met in the Arrivals Hall of Venice’s Marco Polo Airport (VCE) by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. 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 3334 112 840 or +39 3382 044 390. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or public bus from the airport to Piazzale Roma. The ATVO (blue) bus takes around 20 minutes from the airport to Piazzale Roma. As traffic can't enter the narrow alleyways of the old town, taxis and buses terminate at Piazzale Roma. From Piazzale Roma walk over the arching pedestrian bridge that crosses the Grand Canal, with the water bus dock on your left. Continue walking straight, alongside the canal, past Santa Lucia railway station. The name of the street becomes Lista di Spagna and veers away from the canal. Once you reach Piazza San Geremia, cross the square diagonally and exit it at the far left corner. Cross another bridge, then turn left immediately along Canale di Cannaregio. After 30 metres/100 feet turn right into a tiny alleyway through a tunnel (to the right of GamGam restaurant). This is Calle Ghetto Vecchio. Continue straight, then diagonally across another small square, across another bridge, after which you will find yourself in Campo del Ghetto Nuovo Square. The hotel is right in front of you. The entrance to the hotel is through the little garden on the right. This walk should take approximately 15 minutes. If you prefer not to walk you can take the vaporetto (public water bus) line 42 or 52 from the water bus stop at Piazzale Roma or in front of the train station and get off at Guglie. From the water bus stop walk along Canale die Cannaregio (with the canal to your right) then turn left into a tiny alleyway through a tunnel (to the right of GamGam restaurant), then follow the instructions as above. IMPORTANT NOTE The reception desk at Kosher House closes at 8pm. Should you anticipate a later arrival than 8pm please advise your booking agent so that the hotel can be informed and arrangements for a late check-in can be made. In case of delays please phone the hotel directly on their number listed above.

    Alternate Joining point

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

    05 Aug 2023 (ZMFD230805)

    Hotel Al Nuovo Teson

    Castello 3980/3981,30122

    Venice

    ITALY

    Phone: +39 041 5205555

    Finish point

    Hotel San Marco

    Via Villafranca, 1

    Rome

    ITALY

    Phone: +39 06490437

    Finish point description

    Hotel San Marco is situated in a historic 19th century Italian palazzo and located close to Termini Station – the transport hub of Rome, and just around the corner from Castro Pretorio – one of the underground Line B metro stations. All rooms include digital TV, free Wi-Fi, minibar, air conditioning and private en-suite bathrooms with heated towel racks, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

    Finish point instructions

    Hotel San Marco is approximately 10 minutes walk away from Roma Termini, the main railway station, from where there are trains and/or buses to both of Rome's airports.

    Important information

    Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you. Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel. A Single Supplement is available on this trip, please ask your booking agent for more information.

    Group leader

    All Intrepid Family trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to assist your family to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for fun things to do and see - for both kids and parents, recommend great local eating venues that will even get the kids trying new things, 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 countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Our leaders are not babysitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore their destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary.

    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 leader 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 leader 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 Leader 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

    WATER SAFETY: Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water.

    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!

    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.

    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 Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa 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. Entry requirements can change and are different depending on your nationality. Please refer to your government's foreign travel advisories, the consular websites for the countries you’re travelling to and those you may transit through. Always follow visa advice from official websites; not all visa information found online may be valid. You can also head to Intrepid’s Entry & Health requirement page to get the latest information on travel documents and visa requirements, plus local government COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine policies: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/visa-health-requirements

    Why we love it

    Try your hand at mask making in Venice at a local specialised Venetian Atelier, ready to help your family discover this unusual artform for yourselves.

    Test your family’s fitness with a hike on the renowned paths of the Cinque Terre, and test their culinary skills with a hands-on pesto making class in Levanto.

    Oh, and did we mention the food? During your family’s adventure-filled days, be sure to try as many Venetian, Tuscan and Roman favourites you can – your group leader will have a heap of suggestions.

    Explore the wonders of the Vatican Museums using an audioguide so you can linger over the many wonders inside and go at your own pace.

    Head to the World Heritage-listed Leaning Tower of Pisa to take photos with your family, including the classic “Here’s me holding up the tower!” shot.

    Is this trip right for you

    The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Italian trains are comfortable and all have toilets. Please note that you will have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'What to Take' section of the Essential Trip Information. Summer temperatures can be extreme in many regions of Italy (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 consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. Please note that rooms in Europe can seem rather small by American or Australian standards and often there are no double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. 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 opinion of our group leader or local guide any 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. COVID-19 The safety and wellbeing of our travellers, leaders, crew, staff, and suppliers continues to remain our highest priority as we travel. You can read more about how we will keep you safe on our trips, including our COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safe-travels VACCINATION POLICY From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for this trip. However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully. For more information, including a detailed FAQ about this policy, please visit https://www.intrepidtravel.com/covid19. HEALTH SCREENING If you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to complete a self-screening health form at the group meeting for this trip. If you are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms or have any health concerns during the trip, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required. Travellers who test positive while taking part in an Intrepid trip will need to leave the group for a minimum of five days and may only rejoin the group if presenting as asymptomatic – our team will assist them in arranging a place to self-isolate and any onward journey. It's quite possible that the destination country may have different or more strict protocols than your home country regarding COVID-19. This may include hotel or hospital quarantine or quarantine for the group. Please check your government's travel advice or contact the closest embassies to find out the details. We ask all travellers to continue to monitor their health throughout their travels and report any relevant symptoms to their tour leader.

    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 the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. 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 If you're happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. Optional Tipping Kitty: On Day 1 your tour leader will discuss with you the idea of running a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then your tour leader pays the tips for drivers, local guides, and hotel staff (excludes restaurant tips). The leader will keep a running record of all monies spent which can be checked at any time, and any money remaining at the end of the tour returned to group members. This is often the easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty at your own discretion, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your tour leader. COMMISSIONS Unfortunately, commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or restaurants are an ingrained part of the tourism industry. Rather than turning a blind eye, we’ve tried to legitimise the practise with a centralised fund. Moneys are collected from recommended and fully vetted suppliers and funnelled back into our business. This keeps the trip cost low (for us and for you) and makes sure you only get the best experiences. If you’re unhappy with any places your leader recommends, or feel the quality of the trip is being compromised in any way, please let us know in your feedback.

    What to take

    What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg. Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps). If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:

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

    WATER BOTTLE: Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.

    Climate and seasonal

    HOT WEATHER Summer temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. Conversely, shoulder and off season can bring a variety of weather, from strong winds and even snow at higher altitudes to pleasant and warm spring days. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leaders are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    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 our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader 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. 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 leaders, 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 When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative and you should dress accordingly. To respect the local culture and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. As a guideline, shoulders and knees at the minimum (and everything in between including midriff and cleavage) should be covered at all times. Wearing shorts and singlet tops is not appropriate and may well restrict your entry into sites of a religious nature, family homes, and will limit your local interaction opportunities in general. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly warm climate.

    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 12.8 million dollars and supported more than 130 communities worldwide. Now, with almost 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. By simply being on this trip, Intrepid Travel will make a donation to the Intrepid Foundation on your behalf. If you choose to donate too, 100% of your donations will go directly to our partners on the ground – where they’re needed most. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your leader or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports Cooperativa Coraggio, who implement agricultural projects on unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in communities in Italy. Donations help their regeneration project on 22 hectares of land at Borghetto San Carlo Estate, located on the outskirts of Rome. To find out more or make a donation, visit https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/cooperativa-coraggio

    Accommodation notes

    GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS: Family of two - All family groupings of two will be put into a twin room. Family of three - Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in a handful of places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room. Family of four or more - You will most likely stay in two twin rooms. If and wherever possible we will aim put you in a quadruple room. Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this.

    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 leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader 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

    You will travel in a group with other like-minded families who may have come from all over the world. We find that the kids of all ages usually bond well and act as a catalyst for the rest of the group. If you are keen to know the ages of other children on the trip, then please ask your booking agent. 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.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: A selection of optional activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only and are subject to availabilities. For our families we have priced an all inclusive package including entrance fees, transport and local guide where relevant to assist you with budgeting the exact amount required on tour. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination. The optional activities listed in your itinerary are activities that are available to you as a guideline and have been checked locally. The decision to partake in any activity not listed above is entirely at your own discretion and risk. If you do have any complaint about or problem with, any such optional activity your claim should be directed to the activity provider and not to Intrepid Travel.

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