Highlights of Malta & Gozo
from $3175
Duration: 7 Days
Malta may be one of the world’s smallest countries, but when it comes to ancient history, natural beauty and compelling culture, it’s in the big league. Uncover the highlights and hidden treasures of Malta and Gozo on a 7-day adventure with a leader to help you see the country through the eyes of a local. Discover what makes Valletta so special, go back in time at the Three Cities and explore the ancient site of Hagar Qim. Jump across to neighbouring Gozo and hike along the coastline, enjoy wine tasting at a local winery and discover its history. One thing’s for sure – this is a place worth raising a toast to.
  • Get to really know Valletta during a walking tour with a local guide, then join your leader for explorations of the historic Three Cities, Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa.
  • Experience Malta’s tangible history during a visit to the Hagar Qim archaeological site. Dating back as far as 3600 BC, this is one of the oldest religious sites in the world.
  • Meet a local family at the Xwejni Salt Pans, dating back to Roman times, and learn how they have been harvesting salt from here for more than 160 years.
  • Enjoy a wine tasting with delicious nibbles at a family-ran winery in Gozo, with the most incredible views, where the owners themselves will tell you all about the wine-making process.
  • Explore the fortified city of Victoria, Gozo’s capital, paying visits to the medieval citadel, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House and Gozo Nature Museum.
  • Valletta - Three Cities Walking Tour
  • Valletta - Visit to St John's Co-Cathedral
  • Valletta - City Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Valletta - Traditional Maltese Pour-Over Coffee at Local Cafe
  • Marsaxlokk - Town & Harbour Visit
  • Malta - Island Highlights Tour
  • Mdina - Town Visit
  • Hagar Qim - Archaeological Site Visit
  • Mdina - Lunch at Local Restaurant
  • Gozo - Blue Grotto boat trip
  • Gozo - Xlendi Coastal Cliff Hike
  • Gozo - Village Bakery Visit & Snack
  • Victoria - Citadel walking tour and museums visit
  • Gozo - Xwejni Salt Pans Visit
  • Gozo - Wied al-Ghasri Coastal Hike
  • Gozo - Local winery visit & wine tasting
  • Day 1 Location: Valletta
    Welcome to Malta! Your adventure starts in Valletta – this little capital city packs a real punch when it comes to historical sights and top-drawer attractions. A meeting will take place today at 6pm at your hotel where you’ll meet your local leader and the other members of your group. If you arrive with time to spare, you may like to pay a visit to the National Museum of Archaeology, or perhaps take a stroll along the restaurant-lined waterfront. After your meeting, why not get to know your group over a meal in town – your leader will be able to recommend some great spots to eat. Aljotta (fish soup) and Gbejniet (Maltese cheese) are particularly delicious!
    Day 2 Location: Valletta
    This morning, meet up with a local guide from Valletta who will let you in on local secrets as you explore the city on foot. Start off with a visit to the St. John's Co-Cathedral and learn about the city’s fascinating connection to the Order of the Knights of St. John, then you’re in for a real treat as you stop by a traditional cafe and sample some tasty Maltese pour-over coffee. Once you’re energized, swing by the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a beautiful public space with a history stretching back to the 16th century. From the gardens, ride a large elevator down to the Grand Harbour, taking in incredible views as you descend, then say goodbye to your guide and hop aboard a ferry with your leader. Visit the Three Cities, Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa, each providing a unique glimpse into the country’s past. First, walk the streets of the fortified city of Senglea as your leader shares facts about its history, then jump on a dghajsa, a traditional Maltese water taxi, and travel to Vittoriosa. Take a step back in time as you explore the city brimming with ancient churches, palaces and noble homes, then finally head to Cospicua where you’ll walk its winding streets and discover remnants of Malta’s turbulent past. Return to Valletta and enjoy the rest of the afternoon for your own explorations.
    Day 3 Location: Malta / Gozo
    Greet the day and get out to explore more of Malta. Start with a visit to the little fishing town of Marsaxlokk to check out the local market and colourful fishing boats, then continue to the unbelievable archaeological site of Hagar Qim. As one of the world’s oldest religious sites, dating as far back as 3600 BC, exploring the remains of the ancient temple is a truly incomparable experience. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to a fantastic local restaurant housed in an 18th-century Baroque building which serves up a mouth-watering menu made with locally sourced ingredients. After lunch, drive on to the fortified city of Mdina and walk through centuries of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine and Arab history. Afterwards, travel to Cirkewwa and board a ferry bound for Mgarr on the neighbouring island of Gozo. Then catch a public bus to Marsalforn. This delightful seaside resort town will be your base for the time spent on Gozo. Enjoy a boat tour out to the stunning Blue Lagoon. This evening why not sit back and soak up the laidback atmosphere.
    Day 4 Location: Gozo
    This morning, head to Victoria, the capital of Gozo island, and explore the ancient citadel and some of the town’s most interesting museums, including the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House and Gozo Nature Museum. After brushing up on the cultural and natural history of Gozo. Next up is a visit to a local traditional bakery. The afternoon is all about exploring Gozo's stunning nature on some of the island's best walking trails. Start by catching a taxi the village of Sannat, from where you’ll embark on a hike along the dazzling coastline. Skirt the edge of cliffs and take in awe-inspiring views with every step, pass by an old Maltese watchtower and wind down a peaceful country lane before finishing up in the village of Xlendi. Cool down with a swim in Xlendi Bay before returning to Marsalforn for your the night.
    Day 5 Location: Gozo
    This morning, walk to the Xwejni Salt Pans, dating back to Roman times and meet the family who have been harvesting these ancient pans for 160 years and learn about the process – in peak summer you may even have the chance to watch it firsthand. Of course, no visit is complete without tasting some of the salty goodness. Continue walking along Gozo’s North coast, enjoying glorious views of the Mediterranean as you walk to the Wied il-Ghasri area. Stop for a swim in the inviting green-blue waters before returning to Marsalforn. After an active morning in Gozo, head out and visit a lovely local family running a winery on Gozo. Learn all about their secrets of wine making, sit down and enjoy their wonderful wine and delicious snacks, all with a stunning view.
    Day 6 Location: Gozo
    The day is yours to discover more of what Gozo has to offer. There’s something here to suit every interest, so be sure to speak to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day. You may like to head to one of the island’s gorgeous beaches and stretch out with a good book, cooling down with dips in the Mediterranean, or perhaps you’d prefer to get active and hike to more ancient ruins and medieval villages.There's also the opportunity to kayak around Comino Island and vist the Blue Lagoon (subject to weather). However you choose to spend your time here, it’s sure to be a day to remember!
    Day 7 Location: Gozo / Valletta
    It’s time to leave Gozo behind, first catching a public bus to Mgarr, then hopping on a fast ferry back to Valletta. Your adventure comes to an end on arrival to Valletta, however if you’d like to extend your stay just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    16JUL2023
    Return Date:
    22JUL2023
    3460NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    06AUG2023
    Return Date:
    12AUG2023
    3240NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    20AUG2023
    Return Date:
    26AUG2023
    3460NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    03SEP2023
    Return Date:
    09SEP2023
    3565NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    10SEP2023
    Return Date:
    16SEP2023
    3430NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    17SEP2023
    Return Date:
    23SEP2023
    3430NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    24SEP2023
    Return Date:
    30SEP2023
    3300NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    01OCT2023
    Return Date:
    07OCT2023
    3460NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    08OCT2023
    Return Date:
    14OCT2023
    3175NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    15OCT2023
    Return Date:
    21OCT2023
    3240NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    04 Jul 2023

    Trip title

    Highlights of Malta & Gozo

    Trip code

    ZLSM

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2024

    Introduction

    Malta may be one of the world’s smallest countries, but when it comes to ancient history, natural beauty and compelling culture, it’s in the big league. Uncover the highlights and hidden treasures of Malta and Gozo on a 7-day adventure with a leader to help you see the country through the eyes of a local. Discover what makes Valletta so special, go back in time at the Three Cities and explore the ancient site of Hagar Qim. Jump across to neighbouring Gozo and hike along the coastline, enjoy wine tasting at a local winery and discover its history. One thing’s for sure – this is a place worth raising a toast to.

    Style

    Original

    Themes

    Explorer

    Transport

    Local bus,Ferry,Private vehicle

    Physical Rating

    2

    Physical preparation

    This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day's activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don't want to participate. EXPLORING EUROPEAN CITIES One of the pleasures of travelling in Europe is the ease at which cities can be explored on foot. Your 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

    Amery House

    27 Amery Street

    Sliema

    SLM 1704

    MALTA

    Finish point

    Valletta

    Valletta

    MALTA

    Important information

    1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip. Availability is limited due to small property we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Valletta. This trip finishes on Day 7 upon arrival back to Valletta at around 1 pm. Please take this into consideration when booking your flights to and from Malta. We are happy to book additional accommodation before or after the trip for you, subject to availability.

    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

    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

    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: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

    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 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 Visas for Malta are not required for passport holders of the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. All other nationalities should check with the relevant authorities.

    Why we love it

    Get to really know Valletta during a walking tour with a local guide, then join your leader for explorations of the historic Three Cities, Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa.

    Experience Malta’s tangible history during a visit to the Hagar Qim archaeological site. Dating back as far as 3600 BC, this is one of the oldest religious sites in the world.

    Meet a local family at the Xwejni Salt Pans, dating back to Roman times, and learn how they have been harvesting salt from here for more than 160 years.

    Enjoy a wine tasting with delicious nibbles at a family-ran winery in Gozo, with the most incredible views, where the owners themselves will tell you all about the wine-making process.

    Explore the fortified city of Victoria, Gozo’s capital, paying visits to the medieval citadel, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House and Gozo Nature Museum.

    Is this trip right for you

    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 between 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.

    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 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. 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. The following amounts are per person suggestions based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers: In local markets and basic restaurants and cafes - round your bill up to the nearest €1. In more up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill. Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your tour leader. We suggest €2-€3 per day for local guides. You may also have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group, however we suggest €1-€2 per day for drivers. You may also consider tipping your tour leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €4-€5 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 of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service. In total, we recommend you budget approx €5-€10 per day of your trip to cover tipping. CASH You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Europe. Before leaving home, check if your bank will charge fees for using your card internationally. Card payments are not always accepted in stores and restaurants. We recommend you carry some cash for these purposes. CURRENCY The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in the following destinations: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. All other European countries still have their own national currencies. BUDGET Please budget for additional meals and expenses while on your trip. We suggest EUR 315.00 for meals not included on this trip. Our suggestion is based on past traveller feedback but you may choose to spend more or less.

    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 10kg / 22lb. 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 along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your leader will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination and if it is you can simply refill with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

    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

    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. 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 number below: If you have booked an arrival transfer, and you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly on the number listed in the joining point instructions in the section above. In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Europe Operations Team can be reached on the number listed below: Intrepid'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 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

    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 Eden Reforestation Projects, who are tackling climate change by restoring forests across the world; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Kenya and Nepal. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eden-reforestation-projects

    Accommodation notes

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

    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.

    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

    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 is 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, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. 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 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 leader know you are interested in the Group 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 leaders 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.

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