Italy Family Holiday
from $3440
Duration: 8 Days
Fall in love with Italy and rediscover the rewards of family travel on this carefully crafted itinerary designed with both you and your kids in mind. Journey from the ruins of Rome to the shadow of mighty Mt Vesuvius – watch little faces light up as a guide brings history back to life among the ancient ruins of Pompeii, sit back and relax with some Sangiovese while the youngsters frolic on the farmlands of an agriturismo, create treasured memories on a relaxing day trip to the elegant island of Capri, and know that family pizza night will never be the same after you take-away the tricks of the trade in a cooking demonstration in Sorrento. With all the logistics and essential experiences taken care of, treat yourself to some family time on this Italian adventure that does the job, so that you don’t have to.
  • History class has never been this immersive. Explore the town frozen in time with a day and night in Pompeii, including a short hike to the summit of the volcanic Mt Vesuvius.
  • Italy is the perfect place for a family holiday. The famously laid-back atmosphere of sun-drenched southern coast is the perfect place to relax and spend some quality time together.
  • Learn the art of southern Italian pizza at a family-run agriturismo, then enjoy a glass of wine while the kids explore the farm full of friendly wild-rabbits.
  • Cruise across the Bay of Naples to Capri – a holiday destination favoured by the Roman emperors. With its glistening grottoes and little white houses with flower-filled gardens, it’s easy to see why.
  • Let your expert leader take the hassle out of family travel as they guide you through the history and highlights of Italy, so relax and hand over the responsibility – you deserve it.
  • Pompeii - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Mt Vesuvius - Crater Rim Walk & Summit Climb
  • Sorrento - Gelato Making Demonstration
  • Minori - Tasting Agriturismo le Grottelle
  • Sorrento - Capri Day Trip by Hydrofoil
  • Sorrento - Pizza making demonstration and Dinner at Agriturismo
  • Day 1 Location: Rome
    Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Jam-packed with ancient ruins, yummy gelaterias and a colosseum made famous by that movie that came out before your kid’s were even born, Rome offers your family the perfect first taste of Italy. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, until then why not go out and explore what this exciting city has to offer – there’s something for all ages. Check out the artistic masterpieces and the jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, or step inside the arena and the ancient Colosseum, where gladiators once battled and wild animals were set loose. After the formalities of the meeting this evening, take the opportunity to introduce yourselves to your leader and the other families joining your tour. Perhaps head out for a group meal and toast with a slice of pizza (or a forkful of pasta) to the Italian adventure to come – when in Rome!
    Day 2 Location: Pompeii
    Jump on board a train today as you journey to one of the world’s most famous ancient sites – the preserved city of Pompeii (3 hours). On 26 August 79AD, nearby volcano Mt Vesuvius erupted spewing molten rock and ash all over the city, causing this thriving Roman trading centre to be frozen in time – an ancient tragedy that allows modern visitors to take a unique look at the lives of the Romans, and how they lived and worked 2000 years ago. Spend a few hours on a walking tour around Pompeii – you and your kids will be captivated by the incredible stories behind this ancient tragedy as your local guide brings the fascinating history to life. The finely preserved ruins include villas, temples, theatres and a once-bustling marketplace. Your hotel this evening is located very close to the archaeological site, so you won’t have far to go once you decide to call it a day.
    Day 3 Location: Minori
    Wander streets lined with chariots, visit the magnificent amphitheatre and drop by the incredibly well-preserved Villa of Mysteries, where you and your family can wander between rooms and imagine what life would have been like as a wealthy Pompeii suburbanite. Take a short ride up mighty Mt Vesuvius and walk to the summit for staggering views over the Bay of Naples (45 minutes). Soak up the view and snap plenty of photos before walking across the cinders to the lip of the central crater (30 minutes). Don’t worry, although Mt Vesuvius is still considered to be an active volcano, the last eruption was in 1944 and there's no sign of recent volcanic activity. See first-hand the awesome power of the volcano that engulfed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, then make the 30-minute descent. Continue to the Amalfi Coast town of Minori, a beloved holiday spot for thousands of years, and arrive around lunch time. With its fine piazzas, maze of old streets, sidewalk cafes and sparkling ocean, there is truly something for everyone here.
    Day 4 Location: Minori
    Take a free day to explore Minori at your own (or your kids) pace. There are many beaches to choose from, though be aware the nicer they are the more crowded they will be (particularly during Summer from June to August). Hire a few deck chairs if you want to relax, or alternatively if you’re feeling more active, you can rent a paddle boat or kayak and explore the sea. The walk from Minori to Ravello is also beautiful and a great way to see the region, while it’s only about an hour each way, it is steep in parts and there are a lot of steps, so it’s moderately difficult. The views along the way more than make up for any huffing and puffing – but remember to pack plenty of water and sunscreen before leaving. This evening, why not head out to a local restaurant with your family and try the Minori speciality, scialatielli (thick ribbons of fresh pasta).
    Day 5 Location: Sorrento
    Leave Minori in the rear-view mirror this morning and enjoy a stunning drive past mountains to an agriturismo, a working farm that also provides meals and accommodation. While you won’t be staying here tonight, you will get to spend 1.5 hours in gorgeous surrounds, sampling produce grown on site – a sure way to get your kids to eat their veggies! Continue to Sorrento, another beautiful resort town, famous for its lemons and surrounding plunging cliffs. Arrive early in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore. Later, learn the secrets behind Italy's sweet treat in a gelato making demonstration, and perhaps indulge in some for a well-deserved dessert.
    Day 6 Location: Sorrento
    Head to the port this morning and board a lifted hydrofoil boat to Capri. Cruise across the glorious Bay of Naples for approximately 30 minutes before arriving in the holiday destination favoured by the Roman emperors. Capri’s dramatic rocky coastline is pierced by natural grottoes, while narrow roads wind inland through fragrant citrus groves, past villages of little white houses with flower-filled gardens. Though its unmatched setting and natural beauty means it’s popular with visitors, there are still many hidden corners and treasures to explore. On arrival, wander around the Marina Grande and the little town of Capri before taking a bus up to Anacapri to enjoy the best views of the island and bay from the top of Monte Solaro, reachable by cable car. Around mid-afternoon, take the 1-hour ferry back to Sorrento, where you’ll have a free evening to spend as a family.
    Day 7 Location: Sorrento
    There are many options for your free morning in this seaside town – make sure to grab a gelato (or three) while you’re here, Sorrento has some of the finest scoops in Italy. This afternoon you’ll get a hands-on lesson in crafting everyone’s favourite Italian dish – pizza! Enjoy a cooking demonstration and delectable dinner in an amazing location, an agriturismo with incredible views of Mt Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. Eat, laugh and enjoy a glass of wine while the kids explore the farm alongside adorable wild rabbits. Enjoy southern Italian hospitality at its finest during your final night on this family adventure.
    Day 8 Location: Sorrento
    Wave arrivederci to Italy and your new friends. Those who have booked transfers will be taken to the airport to board their onward plane, while those who have not are free to leave at any time after check-out.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    08JUL2023
    Return Date:
    15JUL2023
    3910NZD
    not available
    Departure Date:
    22JUL2023
    Return Date:
    29JUL2023
    3910NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    29JUL2023
    Return Date:
    05AUG2023
    3910NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    05AUG2023
    Return Date:
    12AUG2023
    3910NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    22JUN2024
    Return Date:
    29JUN2024
    3925NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    29JUN2024
    Return Date:
    06JUL2024
    3440NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    03JUL2024
    Return Date:
    10JUL2024
    3440NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    06JUL2024
    Return Date:
    13JUL2024
    3440NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    13JUL2024
    Return Date:
    20JUL2024
    3440NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    20JUL2024
    Return Date:
    27JUL2024
    3440NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    04 Jul 2023

    Trip title

    Italy Family Holiday

    Trip code

    ZMFI

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023

    Introduction

    Fall in love with Italy and rediscover the rewards of family travel on this carefully crafted itinerary designed with both you and your kids in mind. Journey from the ruins of Rome to the shadow of mighty Mt Vesuvius – watch little faces light up as a guide brings history back to life among the ancient ruins of Pompeii, sit back and relax with some Sangiovese while the youngsters frolic on the farmlands of an agriturismo, create treasured memories on a relaxing day trip to the elegant island of Capri, and know that family pizza night will never be the same after you take-away the tricks of the trade in a cooking demonstration in Sorrento. With all the logistics and essential experiences taken care of, treat yourself to some family time on this Italian adventure that does the job, so that you don’t have to.

    Style

    Comfort

    Themes

    Family

    Transport

    Bus,Train,Minivan

    Physical Rating

    1

    Joining point

    Hotel San Marco

    Via Villafranca, 1

    Rome

    ITALY

    Phone: +39 06490437

    Joining point instructions

    Please make sure that you provide your flight details, including which airport in Rome, no later than 14 days before departure to book your arrival transfer with us. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre trip accommodation booked through Intrepid. There are two international airports servicing Rome. Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is 30kms/18miles southwest of central Rome. Ciampino Airport (CIA) is 27kms/16miles southeast of central Rome. At both airports, for your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met in the Arrivals Hall by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. If 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 +39 388 730 4208. Arriving at Fiumicino Airport (FCO) We recommend taking the Leonardo Express train, which takes you to Termini Station in 30 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi will cost approximately EUR48. Always take official airport taxis with a fixed rate. Arriving at Ciampino Airport (CIA) There are several public buses to Termini Station. Alternatively, a taxi will cost approximately EUR35. Always take official airport taxis with a fixed rate.

    Alternate Joining point

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

    08 Jul 2023 (ZMFI230708), 22 Jul 2023 (ZMFI230722), 05 Aug 2023 (ZMFI230805)

    Hotel San Marco

    Via Villafranca, 1

    Rome

    ITALY

    Phone: +39 06490437

    Alternate Joining 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.

    Alternate Joining point instructions

    Please make sure that you provide your flight details, including which airport in Rome, no later than 14 days before departure to book your arrival transfer with us. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre trip accommodation booked through Intrepid. There are two international airports servicing Rome. Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is 30kms/18miles southwest of central Rome. Ciampino Airport (CIA) is 27kms/16miles southeast of central Rome. At both airports, for your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met in the Arrivals Hall by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. If 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 +39 388 730 4208. Arriving at Fiumicino Airport (FCO) We recommend taking the Leonardo Express train, which takes you to Termini Station in 30 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi will cost approximately EUR48. Always take official airport taxis with a fixed rate. Arriving at Ciampino Airport (CIA) There are several public buses to Termini Station. Alternatively, a taxi will cost approximately EUR35. Always take official airport taxis with a fixed rate.

    Finish point

    Carlton Hotel of Sorrento

    Via Correale, 15, 80067

    Sorrento

    ITALY

    Phone: +39 081 807 2669

    Finish point description

    The Hotel Carlton International is centrally located in beautiful Sorrento. The hotel is just 100 metres from the famous Piazza Tasso and features a swimming pool and well-appointed garden filled with plants trees and flowers. The 76 rooms at this hotel are equipped with private facilities including ensuite, hair dryer and satellite TV. Wi- Fi is free and available throughout the hotel.

    Finish point instructions

    We are happy to arrange a departure transfer for you at an additional charge. Please ask your booking agent if you would like to add this service and provide your flight details at least 15 days prior to arrival. If you have pre-booked a departure transfer, please reconfirm the time of your transfer with your tour leader. Alternatively, the hotel will be able to assist you with arranging a taxi or coach service.

    Alternate Finish point

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

    29 Jul 2023 (ZMFI230729)

    Hotel Crawford

    Corso Marion Crawford, 77

    Sorrento

    80065 Sant'Agnello N

    ITALY

    Phone: +39 081 807 1772

    Alternate Finish point description

    The Hotel Crawford is located a short walk or drive from the centre of Sorrento. The recently renovated rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, safe, ensuite facilities, hair dryer and satellite TV. Wi- Fi is free and available throughout the hotel. The hotel also features a rooftop terrace with sea views and nearby you will find a number of restaurants. In addition, the beach is just 2 minutes walk away and guests of the Hotel Crawford are able to access the beach club facilities of “La Marinella" to enjoy the seaside.

    Alternate Finish point instructions

    We are happy to arrange a departure transfer for you at an additional charge. Please ask your booking agent if you would like to add this service and provide your flight details at least 15 days prior to arrival. If you have pre-booked a departure transfer, please reconfirm the time of your transfer with your tour leader. Alternatively, the hotel will be able to assist you with arranging a taxi or coach service.

    Alternate Finish point

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

    08 Jul 2023 (ZMFI230708), 22 Jul 2023 (ZMFI230722), 05 Aug 2023 (ZMFI230805)

    Hotel Del Corso

    Corso Italia 134 - Sorrento

    Sorrento

    80067

    ITALY

    Phone: +39 0818071016

    Alternate Finish point description

    Located on the town’s main high-street, the Hotel del Corso is a noble building dating back to the end of the eighteenth century. The rooms are spacious, all with private bathrooms, shower and hair dryer, air conditioning, LCD TV, telephone and safe. The hotel has a garden terrace aswell as a roof solarium terrace with a gorgeous view of the Golf of Naples.

    Important information

    FAMILY TRIPS:  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:  Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old. DISCOUNT:  A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: 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.

    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

    Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service 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 areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable 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, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. 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. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us/safety SCAMS Common scams operating in Europe include ploys to get you fined on the metro without a validated ticket. Ensure that you always travel with a validated ticket (have your ticket stamped). Another common scam is used by children who distract you with a map or a newspaper and while you are attending to them, steal your valuables. You may also come across players offering you to participate in the so-called "shell game". This is a scam and you will most certainly lose your money. 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! 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 money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

    Communications

    With the modern world you may want to bring along tablets of smartphones for the children to document their adventure - there are a wide variety of apps out there which we suggest downloading before you depart. There will be opportunities to charge ( just make sure you bring the correct adapter) and there will be wi-fi available on your trip, although it will probably not be at the speeds you are used to at home and it won't be available everywhere.

    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

    History class has never been this immersive. Explore the town frozen in time with a day and night in Pompeii, including a short hike to the summit of the volcanic Mt Vesuvius.

    Italy is the perfect place for a family holiday. The famously laid-back atmosphere of sun-drenched southern coast is the perfect place to relax and spend some quality time together.

    Learn the art of southern Italian pizza at a family-run agriturismo, then enjoy a glass of wine while the kids explore the farm full of friendly wild-rabbits.

    Cruise across the Bay of Naples to Capri – a holiday destination favoured by the Roman emperors. With its glistening grottoes and little white houses with flower-filled gardens, it’s easy to see why.

    Let your expert leader take the hassle out of family travel as they guide you through the history and highlights of Italy, so relax and hand over the responsibility – you deserve it.

    Is this trip right for you

    As there are potholes and cobblestones in many European cities, it's recommended that you leave any wheelie bags/cases at home and bring a backpack instead. As this is an eight-day trip, a large backpack should be enough to carry all of your belongings. Italy is steeped in majestic old buildings, and often there are no lifts or escalators, particularly in some train stations or hotels. You may have to carry your bags up and down stairs, but the trek will be worth it. Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be very high in Italy (over 40°C), which can make things uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. Make sure you pack some sturdy and comfortable shoes as there can be a lot of walking around the towns, ruins, and walking trails of this area.

    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. All Intrepid 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 cope with 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, Intrepid Travel reserves 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. Pharmacies are well equipped in Europe and widely available, however, we recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained in some of the rural locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.

    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. There's no obligation to do this though. Food in Europe is varied and differs significantly between countries and regions. Expect to sample delicious local meals in almost every location you’ll visit on this trip. However, if you do not feel like having a local delicacy, world type food is also widely available, especially in bigger cities. European diet is mostly meat based; vegetarians might find the menu selection less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and choices may be limited to soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets will 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 included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own. European breakfasts are often basic and may simply include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice (or similar.)

    Money matters

    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.

    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 lightly to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. You can find Intrepid's Ultimate Packing List on our website. It should be used as a guide only and isn't intended to be a complete packing list. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list TRAVELLING ON LOCAL TRANSPORT It's important that your bags can be locked, as on local transport it may be necessary that your luggage gets stowed separately (and unattended). The smaller your bag the better for you and other passengers, for when it comes to travelling on local buses and trains it's often only the smaller bags that will fit into the storage areas inside the bus or your cabin. To ensure maximum comfort, try to pack small and light. LUGGAGE STORAGE Where Intrepid covers the cost of luggage storage during included day trips, we allow for one bag/backpack only, so it's advisable that you travel lightly and keep luggage to a limit of one item (plus your day pack). Extra luggage storage will be at your own expense. WATER BOTTLE Consider bringing 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 ends up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please consider water purification techniques such as iodine or micropur and use the water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day. On some of our trips in Europe it is possible to purchase responsibly sourced reusable water bottles. Thirty per cent of the cost of each bottle is donated to the Intrepid Foundation, specifically to the Support to Life project, which offers humanitarian assistance to Syrian Refugees in Turkey. Please ask your leader for further information regarding this initiative and the availability of the bottles.

    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

    After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travellers.

    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: 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. But we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Europe Office can be reached on the number listed below: Intrepid's Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

    Responsible travel

    We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please visit our website for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/rt/responsibletraveller DRESS CODE In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe. Note when visiting churches, monasteries or other religious sites modest dress is required - shorts or skimpy 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 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.

    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:

    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.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    Occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. The information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It's very important that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.intrepidtravel.com Please note that while we operate successful trips in this region throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route.

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