Walk the Cairngorms in Summer
from $1764
Duration: 5 Days
There’s something to be said for exploring the Scottish Highlands in summer. While you won’t experience the sorts of scorching temperatures you might find in other parts of the world, you will find a vibrant countryside that’s come to life in the warmer weather. On this 5-day walking trip, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the region’s most striking peaks and most beautiful landscapes, with the guidance of a local leader who can share stories of the area and the conservation efforts in place to keep it pristine. Cool off with an afternoon on the ‘beach’ at the dreamy nearby Loch Morlich, where canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding are on option. Plus, you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy the quaint village life – including few whiskys and a meal at a favourite local pub. And with your base being the small Scottish town of Aviemore, you’ll neither be on the move nor stretched for time each day, with plenty of time to explore your way. Welcome to the Cairngorms – a gateway into the real Scottish countryside.
  • Experience the freedom of hiking in the UK’s largest and wildest National Park – the Cairngorms.
  • Hike a stage of the famous Speyside Way long distance trail, passing through heather moors and Caledonian pine forests on the way.
  • Walk around the dark blue waters of Loch an Eilein, where the ancient ruins of a 14th century castle sit atop a small island in the middle of the lake.
  • Your local leader will have plenty of local stories to share – especially about the nature of the Cairngorms National Park and conservation projects in the area.
  • Loch an Eilein guided hike
  • Aviemore - Guided Speyside Way Trail hike
  • Craigellachie guided hike
  • Cairngorms Peak to Pub hike
  • Day 1 Location: Aviemore
    Welcome to Aviemore! On arrival, make your own way to tonight’s guesthouse accommodation where you will stay for the rest of your trip in the Scottish Highlands. This is located only a kilometre or so from Aviemore’s railway station, however taxis are also available. An important welcome meeting will take place at your accommodation at 1pm, so we suggest arriving with time to spare. Meet your group and leader and find out what lies ahead, then hop into a taxi to Loch an Eilein where your first walk will get underway. Hike around the deep blue waters of Loch an Eilein – look out for the ruins of a 14th century castle atop a small island in the middle of the lake. Then, follow a path through ancient woodland and past Lily Loch before returning to Aviemore for the evening. Your leader will have the local take on the best place for dinner or drinks tonight.
    Day 2 Location: Aviemore
    After breakfast this morning your leader will take you for a hike straight from your guesthouse along the renowned Speyside Way Trail, which runs over 100 kilometres from Aviemore to the Moray coastline. Take on a stunning section of the trail, walking with your group from Aviemore to the village of Nethy Bridge, known as a wildlife hotspot, so much so that the BBC Springwatch team made the village their base for 2 consecutive years. You’ll pass by heather moors and Caledonian pine forests to this quaint village with small corner pubs, cafes and an art gallery. It’s just like out of your favourite classic UK dramas. Spend some time exploring Nethy Bridge before taking a public bus back to Aviemore in the early afternoon (approximately 30 minutes). After this, the rest of the day is for you to continue to explore this slice of Scotland at your own pace.
    Day 3 Location: Aviemore
    Today, after breakfast you’ll leave the accommodation on foot to begin a three-hour walk in the nearby Craigellachie National Nature Reserve. Many local communities in the Highlands have a hill that they like to think of as ‘theirs’, and for Aviemore’s it is definitely Craigellachie. This peaceful haven is close to town, but makes you feel as though you’re a world away. As you walk, you’ll pass through a birchwood forest with various small lochans (lakes) before the trail climbs above the tree line where you’ll eventually reach the summit. Here you can enjoy the spectacular 360-degree views across the Cairngorms National Park, including towards the high plateau, where you will be hiking tomorrow. After descending and walking back to town, you’ll take a local bus to nearby Loch Morlich, famed for its sandy shores. You’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure – either making the most of the range of watersports on offer at the loch such as canoeing or stand up paddle boarding, or you could even catch the bus back to town for a bit of shopping.
    Day 4 Location: Aviemore
    Today is the pinnacle of your walking trip with a full day hike known as the Cairngorms ‘Peak to Pub’. After breakfast you’ll take the public bus (approximately 20 minutes) to your starting point which is located at an elevation of 610 metres (2,000 feet) above sea level. Today you’ll be climbing to one of the Cairngorms most well-known summits called the Creag a Chalamain. Set off across the moors, keeping your eyes peeled for the local reindeer herd! Your local leader will be able to share plenty of stories about the area, including some of the latest conservation projects that are happening across the Cairngorms. As you approach a rocky chasm, you’ll take a tiny trail up to the summit. The views from the top are incredible, as you can see three out of six of the UK’s highest peaks. After taking photos and having time to catch your breath and soak up the vista, you’ll begin your descent via a different route, following an old drover’s trail through the beautiful Rothiemurchus Forest. You’ll finish the day’s walk back in Aviemore at the local pub, located next to the River Spey where you might like to enjoy a final night of dinner and drinks as a group.
    Day 5 Location: Aviemore
    With no activities planned for today, your Scottish adventure finishes after breakfast at your guesthouse. You’re free to discover the countryside at your leisure, or begin your homeward journey.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    07JUL2023
    Return Date:
    11JUL2023
    1905NZD
    not available
    Departure Date:
    18AUG2023
    Return Date:
    22AUG2023
    1960NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    09SEP2023
    Return Date:
    13SEP2023
    2160NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    30SEP2023
    Return Date:
    04OCT2023
    1905NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    04 Jul 2023

    Trip title

    Walk the Cairngorms in Summer

    Trip code

    BWXA

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023

    Introduction

    There’s something to be said for exploring the Scottish Highlands in summer. While you won’t experience the sorts of scorching temperatures you might find in other parts of the world, you will find a vibrant countryside that’s come to life in the warmer weather. On this 5-day walking trip, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the region’s most striking peaks and most beautiful landscapes, with the guidance of a local leader who can share stories of the area and the conservation efforts in place to keep it pristine. Cool off with an afternoon on the ‘beach’ at the dreamy nearby Loch Morlich, where canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding are on option. Plus, you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy the quaint village life – including few whiskys and a meal at a favourite local pub. And with your base being the small Scottish town of Aviemore, you’ll neither be on the move nor stretched for time each day, with plenty of time to explore your way. Welcome to the Cairngorms – a gateway into the real Scottish countryside.

    Style

    Comfort

    Themes

    Walking & Trekking

    Transport

    Private vehicle,Public bus

    Physical Rating

    2

    Physical preparation

    The walking on this trip is over easy to moderate terrain, covering up to 20 km per day. There are daily ascents and descents. The hills are short, but terrain can be rocky, sometimes with loose gravel, or with roots, which may become slippery when wet. This tour is ideal for nature lovers, and the guides set an even pace, providing time to take photos and to appreciate the beautiful countryside.

    Joining point

    Ravenscraig Guest House

    141 Grampian Road

    Aviemore

    PH22 1RP

    UNITED KINGDOM

    Joining point description

    Exceptional 4* Guest House, set in a unique victorian villa in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park - Ravenscraig located in the town of Aviemore along with it's exceptional amenities is the perfect base for exploring Scotland's Great Outdoors and relaxing in the ultimate Highland getaway.

    Joining point instructions

    Ravenscraig Guest House is located in walking distance from Aviemore train station. To reach the guesthouse, follow the main, Grampian Road for about half a mile. Ravenscraig Guest House will be on the left side. Alternatively, local taxis are available upon arrival.

    Alternate Joining point

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

    07 Jul 2023 (BWXA230707), 18 Aug 2023 (BWXA230818), 09 Sep 2023 (BWXA230909), 30 Sep 2023 (BWXA230930)

    CAIRNGORM GUEST HOUSE

    139 Grampian Rd Aviemore, Highland, PH22 1RP

    Aviemore

    UNITED KINGDOM

    Finish point

    Ravenscraig Guest House

    141 Grampian Road

    Aviemore

    PH22 1RP

    UNITED KINGDOM

    Alternate Finish point

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

    07 Jul 2023 (BWXA230707), 18 Aug 2023 (BWXA230818), 09 Sep 2023 (BWXA230909), 30 Sep 2023 (BWXA230930)

    CAIRNGORM GUEST HOUSE

    139 Grampian Rd Aviemore, Highland, PH22 1RP

    Aviemore

    UNITED KINGDOM

    Important information

    1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 1pm on Day 1 in Aviemore. This trip ends on Day 5 after breakfast and you are free to leave at any time. 2. 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. 3. Aviemore is on the mainline and has regular trains south to Edinburgh, Glasgow and beyond, as well as north to Inverness (which is the nearest airport). It’s possible to travel to Inverness Airport by a combination of train and bus. 4. If you plan to arrive by car, our accommodation offers free parking space on first-come-first-served basis. In case the car park is full, there is plenty of on street free and safe parking just outside of the hotel.

    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

    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 a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. Entry requirements can change and are different depending on your nationality. Please refer to your government's foreign travel advisories, the consular websites for the countries you’re travelling to and those you may transit through. Always follow visa advice from official websites; not all visa information found online may be valid. You can also head to Intrepid’s Entry & Health requirement page to get the latest information on travel documents and visa requirements, plus local government COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine policies: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/visa-health-requirements

    Why we love it

    Experience the freedom of hiking in the UK’s largest and wildest National Park – the Cairngorms.

    Hike a stage of the famous Speyside Way long distance trail, passing through heather moors and Caledonian pine forests on the way.

    Walk around the dark blue waters of Loch an Eilein, where the ancient ruins of a 14th century castle sit atop a small island in the middle of the lake.

    Your local leader will have plenty of local stories to share – especially about the nature of the Cairngorms National Park and conservation projects in the area.

    Is this trip right for you

    There are a number of planned walks on this trip of varying lengths. Be sure to pack adequate footwear and clothing to suit hiking in the summer months. This trip begins at 1pm on Day 1, so we suggest arriving in the morning or the day before to ensure you don’t miss the important welcome meeting.

    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).

    Money matters

    CURRENCY The local currency in Scotland is the Scottish Pound (strictly speaking, this is Pound Sterling issued by Scottish banks), which is interchangeable with the British Pound (GBP). Please note that Scottish banknotes may not be accepted by businesses outside of Scotland. 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. 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. 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. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

    What to take

    What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage, although you won't be required to walk long distances with it (max 30 minutes). Many travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. As this is a centre based trip, once you check in to your hotel you will not need to pack again until the end of the trip. In that respect, suitcase with wheels may be an option too. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list MAIN LUGGAGE What you need to bring will vary according to when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. As well as your underwear, toothbrush and other items you always need to pack for travel, below are some items that you specifically need for this trip. You need to bring your main piece of luggage as well as a small to medium backpack for day activities (20-25 litres). One with waist strap would be most comfortable for all included walks ESSENTIALS - Day pack: for carrying essentials during activities - Trekking clothing: A mixture covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers is recommended. Your activities will take place in the outdoors, where weather may change quickly. Lightweight, comfortable, and quick drying clothes for the activities are best. Laundry facilities may not be available on every day basis, so make sure you have a few cycles of clothes. - Hiking boots with a good grip, ankle support and waterproof membrane that are comfortable to walk for an entire day - Walking Poles for support on steep uphill sections and longer descents - Comfortable shoes for shorter walks or evenings spend around accommodation - Sport sandals - Light jacket, fleece and base layers - Wind and waterproof jacket - Breathable, non-cotton hiking t-shirts - Long hiking pants or zip-offs - Nylon hiking shorts - Water bottle or bladder: you will need water during activities and it’s best to avoid buying unnecessary plastic. - Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat or bandana - Torch/flashlight/headtorch - Toiletries RECOMMENDED - Personal medical kit. A larger kit will be on hand with your leader, but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, antihistamine tablets and any personal medication you may need - Camera with spare batteries/power bank: You will have access to power to recharge your electrical items daily - Travel wipes/hand sanitizer OPTIONAL - Torch/flashlight/headtorch - Ear plugs & eye mask - A good book, a journal and music player VALUABLES Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. It’s also recommended to bring a copy of all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list. WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.

    Climate and seasonal

    The areas visited on this trip can be cold throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season, and at night. Rain is possible at any time of year. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, and snow fall is common. Summers on the other hand can be quite hot, and temperatures can reach up to 30 C. Please familiarize yourself with what climate to expect and bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, rain coat and anything else that you think may be applicable.

    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: Intrepid's Local Operator: During office hours - +44(0)1479 420 020. Out of office hours - +44 7766 794 640

    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

    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.

    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.

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