Charleston to Savannah: Exploring Gullah Geechee Culture
from $6203
Duration: 7 Days
On a seven-day journey from Charleston to Savannah, take part in enlightening tours and encounters to discover the culture, history and impact of the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved West and Central Africans. Travelling with a local leader and meeting expert guides along the way, you’ll uncover Charleston’s Black heritage on an eye-opening bus tour, dive into Gullah Geechee culture during explorations of James Island, Johns Island and St Helena Island, watch an emotive performance in the storied city of Beaufort, and find out about Georgia’s Gullah Geechee heritage on a guided tour of Savannah. Full of good food, music and storytelling, this adventure is not just educational – it’s a whole lot of fun.
  • Dig into Charleston’s Black heritage on an eye-opening city tour, and tour the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church, an important figure in the civil rights movement.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the Gullah Geechee people when you explore James Island and Johns Island, enjoy a traditional lowcountry lunch and take part in a sweet grass weaving workshop.
  • Meet the Gullah Geechee people of St Helena Island, explore with a local guide and learn about their unique language and strong beliefs before tucking into a tasty lowcountry lunch.
  • Take part in a soul-stirring performance in Beaufort, where music and dance are used to share the experience of enslaved Africans brought to South Carolina, then share a seafood boil with the locals.
  • Travel to Savannah, Georgia, and learn about the state’s Black and Gullah heritage during in-depth tours with local experts.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, the Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance. Donations help them create inclusive and equitable opportunities for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) tourism businesses.
  • Charleston -Gullah Geechee Heritage Tour on James & Johns Island
  • Charleston - Sweetgrass Basket Workshop
  • Charleston - International African American History Museum
  • Charleston - Black Heritage & Culture Tour with a local guide
  • Charleston - Mother Emmanuel AME Church Tour
  • St. Helena Island - Penn Center
  • St. Helena Island - Gullah Style Lunch
  • St. Helena Island - Island Tour with a local guide
  • Beaufort - Reconstruction Era National Park guided museum and walking tour
  • Beaufort - Robert Smalls Burial Site & Tabernacle Baptist Church
  • Beaufort - Gullah Geechee Live Cultural Performance & Seafood Boil Dinner
  • Savannah - Skidaway Island State Park Walk
  • Savannah - Pin Point Heritage Museum
  • Savannah - Black Heritage & Culture Tour with a local guide
  • Day 1 Location: Charleston
    Welcome to Charleston, South Carolina! With one foot in the past and another planted in the present, remnants of the city’s history are evident wherever you look. Your adventure kicks off with a 6pm welcome meeting at your hotel where you’ll meet up with your local leader and fellow travellers.
    Day 2 Location: Charleston
    This morning we'll take a guided tour of James Island and Johns Island to gain a deeper understanding of Gullah Geechee culture. The Gullah Geechee people are descendants of West and Central Africans enslaved on the rice, indigo and Sea Island cotton plantations of the lower Atlantic coast. This isolated enslavement led to the development of rich and unique culture, language and art, with many ties to their African roots. Enjoy a lowcountry lunch and then take part in a sweet grass workshop where you’ll learn about the origins of sweet grass basket weaving and craft a piece yourself.
    Day 3 Location: Charleston
    Today you will head out to discover Charleston’s Black heritage on a city tour with a local guide. Stop at the Old Slave Mart Museum to learn about the role Charleston played in the Atlantic slave trade. and visit the new International African American History Museum to hear of the triumphs of the Black people who stayed in Charleston in the post Reconstruction era – the museum hasn’t officially opened yet, but you’ll be invited in for a first look and private tour. This afternoon, tour the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church. Founded in 1817, this is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the Southern United States. Learn about the role the church played in the civil rights movement, and pay respects to the victims of the 2015 massacre which claimed the lives of nine African American church members, including the pastor. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries of the city. You may like to check out the Charleston City Market, or visit the Chuma Gallery, showcasing the art of the Gullah people of coastal South Carolina.
    Day 4 Location: St. Helena Island / Beaufort
    Say goodbye to Charleston after breakfast this morning and travel to St Helena Island, known for its rich Gullah Geechee culture and history. On arrival, pay a visit to the Gullah Geechee Visitor Center, meet some of the Gullah Geechee locals who call the island home. Join local guides for a tour of the island and find out how the Gullah Geechee have retained their West African culture and traditions while eluding the effects of slavery, and learn about their beliefs and unique language. Enjoy a flavoursome lowcountry lunch before touring the Penn Center, the site of the former Penn School, one the first schools in the country for formerly enslaved individuals. From here, continue to the city of Beaufort, located on Port Royal Island. Beaufort is celebrated for its seafood and soul food, so be sure to ask your leader for tips on where to eat tonight.
    Day 5 Location: Beaufort
    Head out this morning and get to know Beaufort, starting with a walking tour of the future home of a Harriett B. Tubman Museum and the Tabernacle Baptist Church, a registered national historic site. You’ll also visit the burial site and memorial of Gullah pioneer Robert Smalls and hear his remarkable tale of heroism during the civil war and his influence on the state of South Carolina. Learn about the Reconstruction Era National Park on a guided museum and walking tour. The afternoon is yours to explore the charming town of Beaufort. This evening, come together to watch an emotive performance by a local nonprofit theatre group that captures the experience of enslaved Africans brought to South Carolina, and the strength and determination that ensured their Gullah Geechee culture and traditions would live on. After enjoying an interactive performance of music, dance and theatrics, tuck into an outdoor seafood boil with residents of Beaufort and St Helena Island.
    Day 6 Location: Savannah
    Leave South Carolina behind and cross the state line as you travel to Savannah, Georgia. On arrival, meet with a local expert for an enlightening tour of Savannah’s Black cultural heritage. Explore the Pin Point Heritage Museum, dedicated to Gullah Geechee culture, then see a different side of Savannah when you visit Skidaway Island State Park. Take on some of the park’s most beautiful hiking trails and enjoy a peaceful break from the city. Return to Savannah in the afternoon and join a local guide for a tour that digs into the city’s history of slavery. This evening, you may like to join your group for a final dinner at a local restaurant and toast to the end of your adventure.
    Day 7 Location: Charleston
    After breakfast, travel back to Charleston where your adventure will come to an end around 1pm.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    27APR2024
    Return Date:
    03MAY2024
    6530NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    25MAY2024
    Return Date:
    31MAY2024
    6530NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    15JUN2024
    Return Date:
    21JUN2024
    6530NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    13 Dec 2023

    Trip title

    Charleston to Savannah: Exploring Gullah Geechee Culture

    Trip code

    SHKG

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jul 2023 to 31 Dec 2024

    Introduction

    On a seven-day journey from Charleston to Savannah, take part in enlightening tours and encounters to discover the culture, history and impact of the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved West and Central Africans. Travelling with a local leader and meeting expert guides along the way, you’ll uncover Charleston’s Black heritage on an eye-opening bus tour, dive into Gullah Geechee culture during explorations of James Island, Johns Island and St Helena Island, watch an emotive performance in the storied city of Beaufort, and find out about Georgia’s Gullah Geechee heritage on a guided tour of Savannah. Full of good food, music and storytelling, this adventure is not just educational – it’s a whole lot of fun.

    Style

    Comfort

    Themes

    Explorer

    Transport

    Private vehicle

    Physical Rating

    2

    Physical preparation

    Many of the North American national parks that we visit have hiking opportunities where walks up to 4 hours can be an option for you. There are often easier options too.

    Joining point

    Parson Inn

    111 President St, Charleston,

    Charleston

    SC 29403

    UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    Finish point

    Charleston, SC

    Charleston

    UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    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.Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport). 3.This trip starts in Charleston on Day 1 at 6pm. This trip finishes around 1pm on Day 7. Please do not book any flights until after 3:30pm this day.

    Group leader

    All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative 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 group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip. NORTH AMERICAN LEADERS Our leaders in the US and Canada are also responsible for driving the van and navigating across the country. The allowable driving times for drivers is strictly controlled in North America. This ensures our drivers are well rested and are not over-tired from too many hours on the roads. It's strictly forbidden for non-qualified rangers to present any information about some National Parks in North America, therefore we adopt a system (as requested by the park rangers) where our leader will encourage travellers to visit the information centres in the National Parks for details about the site.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

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

    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

    Dig into Charleston’s Black heritage on an eye-opening city tour, and tour the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church, an important figure in the civil rights movement.

    Gain a deeper understanding of the Gullah Geechee people when you explore James Island and Johns Island, enjoy a traditional lowcountry lunch and take part in a sweet grass weaving workshop.

    Meet the Gullah Geechee people of St Helena Island, explore with a local guide and learn about their unique language and strong beliefs before tucking into a tasty lowcountry lunch.

    Take part in a soul-stirring performance in Beaufort, where music and dance are used to share the experience of enslaved Africans brought to South Carolina, then share a seafood boil with the locals.

    Travel to Savannah, Georgia, and learn about the state’s Black and Gullah heritage during in-depth tours with local experts.

    By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, the Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance. Donations help them create inclusive and equitable opportunities for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) tourism businesses.

    Is this trip right for you

    This trip is designed for everyone who wants to learn about this unique part of the US and its history. This trip is run by Black Cultural Heritage Tours in partnership with Intrepid to ensure that Black entrepreneurs and communities get a fair and equal share of revenue, exposure and opportunity. The South gets mighty steamy in the summertime. Pack appropriately, drink plenty of water and you might even grow to love it. September through to November is hurricane season, so if you’re travelling over this period you should pack a rain jacket and waterproof shoes. You're in the Deep South of the USA, so expect a lot of (delicious) fried food and barbecue. Vegetarians may have fewer options, as a lot of southern cuisine is meat-based.

    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.  COVID-19 The safety and well-being of our travellers, group leader or local representative, crew, staff, and suppliers continues to remain our highest priority as we travel. Intrepid has no specific vaccination, testing or vaccination requirements, however please be aware that some parts of the world still require COVID-19 vaccination or testing as part of their entry requirements and may have their own quarantine or isolation protocols. Please check for any additional requirements on your government's foreign travel advice website or here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/visa-health-requirements PERSONAL MEDICATION Medical prescriptions written outside of the US and Canada aren't accepted at local pharmacies. We recommend you bring along your personal medications in the necessary quantities for your trip. DEHYDRATION & SUN PROTECTION The most likely medical incidents to occur on our trips are dehydration, over exposure to the sun and twisted ankles from walking on uneven ground. While hiking please ensure you drink enough water to remain hydrated as some hikes don't have refill stations for your water bottles. The sun (especially in desert areas in the West) can be harsh, particularly in the warmer months. Ensure you apply adequate sunscreen and wear a hat.

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. The most convenient way to access money is via ATMs, which are plentiful throughout North America. Check with your bank for information on their international fees. Most optional activities can be paid for with credit card. TIPPING Tipping is part of the culture in North America – while it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of many industries including the tourism industry, in North America. YOUR LEADER You may consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline US$10-20 per person per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. Tipping is always appreciated. LOCAL GUIDES During your trip you may have a local expert guide for an included activity. As a guideline we suggest $5-$10 per person per local expert as a tip. TIPPING WHILE OUT AND ABOUT Restaurants: We suggest 18% to 22% of your bill. Bars: We suggest US$1 per drink. A charge that isn’t normally listed in North American menus or pricing are the state and federal taxes. Keep this in mind when your bill comes out slightly higher than the original price listed. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

    What to take

    All luggage is carried in trailers or inside the vehicle so please don't bring more than one medium sized bag, backpack or suitcase (20kg/44lb maximum) per person. Your suitcase/rucksack may get some rough handling, so make sure it's a tough one. A small daypack with your water bottle and camera may be carried with you inside the vehicle. ESSENTIAL:  Reusable water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5 litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. Tap water in the USA and Canada is safe to drink and there are many places to fill up along the way, so please save plastic by bringing your own water bottle.  Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses  Lightweight, breathable clothing you can layer. No matter the season, you should be prepared for changing temperatures and weather conditions. Make sure to have a warm outer layer even in summer months as well as a waterproof jacket.  Closed-in walking/hiking shoes. We highly recommend that you take a pair of comfortable, closed-in/closed-toe walking shoes. Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings from dangerous animals in this environment.  Personal travel documents which may include a passport, visa, driver's license, travel insurance, flight tickets and your Essential Trip Information. Photocopies of these documents stored separately from the originals will be handy. While not valid, a photocopy of your identification makes it much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. RECOMMENDED:  Cell phone, camera with spare batteries, charger, and power/plug adaptor (Types A & B are used in the USA and Canada. Voltage is 120V)  Insect repellent (insects are present intermittently all over the USA and Canada depending on recent rainfall.)  A cotton bandana or scarf. Can be wetted and worn around the neck to facilitate evaporative cooling in high temperatures, used as sun protection, or used to protect your neck and head from cold/rain.  Swimwear  Comfortable sandals/Recovery shoes. To put on after a day of hiking or during a long ride in the van.  Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes, anti-diarrhoeal, antibacterial gel, wet wipes, bandaids/plasters etc. OPTIONAL:  Travel pillow if you like to sleep during long drives  Lip balm and extra moisturizer if traveling to arid desert areas.  Ear plugs to guard against a snoring roommate  A good book, a journal or headphones to listen to music with. WINTER: If you are travelling on one of our winter trips in North America be prepared for temperatures to drop to well below zero (Celsius). We recommend you bring shoes for walking across snow or ice (good waterproof walking boots with a good grip), a warm wind and waterproof jacket and trousers, gloves or mittens, thermals and base layers, fleece, good head wear and sunglasses. If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list here:

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

    Climate and seasonal

    WEATHER IN NORTH AMERICA Due to the size and topography of the US and Canada, there's a huge amount of variation in the climate. We recommend you consider both the season and the part of North America you intend to visit, so that you can best pack for your adventure. We recommend you check the weather in your destination 10 days prior to your arrival to help guide your packing choices. SOUTHEAST USA The Southeastern USA generally experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot and humid summers, mild winters, and a significant amount of rainfall. Summer (June to August): Temperature: Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching above 90°F (32°C) and high humidity levels. Heatwaves are common, so it's important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Rainfall: Thunderstorms are frequent during the summer months, and rainfall can be heavy. Be prepared for sudden downpours and the possibility of flash floods. Fall (September to November): Temperature: Fall brings milder temperatures, with highs ranging from the 60s to 80s°F (15-30°C). Humidity levels generally decrease, making it a more comfortable time to visit. Hurricane Season: The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 with its peak from September to October. While not every part of the southeastern USA is directly affected by hurricanes, it's essential to be aware of weather updates during this period. Winter (December to February): Temperature: Winters are relatively mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 40s to 60s°F (4-20°C). However, cold snaps can occur, particularly in northern parts of the region. Occasional Frost: Some areas may experience occasional frost or freezing temperatures, especially in inland and northern locations. Spring (March to May): Temperature: Spring brings warmer temperatures, with highs ranging from the 60s to 80s°F (15-30°C). It's a popular time for outdoor activities and festivals. Pollen: Pollen levels can be high during spring, causing allergies for some individuals. Consider this if you have allergies. USA NATIONAL HOLIDAYS The following national holidays are observed in the US, which can affect our itinerary as traffic can be extreme, and shops, restaurants and attractions can be closed: New Year's Day (01 January) Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday of January) Washington's Birthday (third Monday of February) Memorial Day (last Monday of May) Independence Day (4 July) Labor Day (first Monday in September) Columbus Day (second Monday of October) Veterans Day (11 November) Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday of November) Christmas Day (25 December)

    A couple of rules

    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 or local representative, 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 or local representatives and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative 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 representative immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section. LEGAL DRINKING AGE In the US the legal drinking age is 21. In Canada the legal drinking age is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec, and 19 in the remaining provinces and territories. Our leaders are not able to help underage customers buy alcohol.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    POLICE AND AMBULANCE In case of an emergency, local authorities can be contacted by calling 911 – this is the toll free phone number for the police, fire department and the ambulance in the USA and Canada. In case of doubt, call the operator on 0. 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: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Black Cultural Heritage Tours: +1 847 769 2586

    Responsible travel

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

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than 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 group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA), which creates inclusive, equitable opportunities for small Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) tourism businesses. Donations help CHEA provide access to industry-specific technical assistance, capacity building, and industry networks for small travel and tourism businesses through its Diversity Tourism Academy (DTA). To find out more or make a donation, visit: https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/chea

    Accommodation notes

    The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

    Transport notes

    NORTH AMERICA VEHICLES Our large fleet of 15-passenger vans are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio or CD players. Your luggage is typically transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van. The vans are regularly serviced by a well-established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible. While your group will have a van for all included activities on the trip, the services of the van and leader may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi.

    Travel insurance

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

    Your fellow travellers

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

    Itinerary disclaimer

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

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