Europe Explorer

This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary includes lots of free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in. We recommend booking tickets one month in advance for any optional activities that require pre-booking.

As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender. Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be small and in some cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.

Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Please keep in mind that many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air-conditioning. In Winter, warm waterproof layers will be needed as snow and rain can be expected. Carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Trains are a fast way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets, however they can get busy. You'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the Essential Trip Information.

The best way to experience a city is by doing as the locals do – and in this case that means using public transport such as trams, buses or metro at some locations. It’s better for the environment and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life; just be aware you may find yourself sharing a busy bus ride with local commuters or running up the stairs at a metro station.

1. A single supplement is not available on this trip.
2.Venice will implement a visitor’s fee for all travellers visiting the city between 18 April 2025 and 27 July 2025 This fee is not payable by Intrepid customers; however, you will need to apply for an exemption before arrival at https://cda.comune.venezia.it/en/richiestaEsenzione. For further information, please see the “Passports, visas and entry requirements,” section of your Essential Trip Information

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 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. 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 group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it 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.

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. On most trips, our 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.

Generator Barcelona, Carrer de Còrsega 373, Barcelona, 08037, SPAIN, Phone: +34 932200377

Generator Barcelona is a stylish, modern hostel located in the heart of the Gràcia district close to popular attractions such as Casa Batlló. It offers a vibrant décor, a lively bar, a lounge area, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city. The hostel is known for its social atmosphere.

Alternate Joining Point

To reach Generator Barcelona from Barcelona El Prat Airport, you can take the R2 train to Estación de tren Granollers Centre and get off at Passeig de Gràcia, followed by a 15-minute walk to the hostel. If you prefer, you can also take a taxi ride which takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, we can also book a private transfer for you. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact your agent.

B&B Hotel Roma San Lorenzo Termini, Via dei Sabelli, 177, Rome, 00185, ITALY

Alternate Finish Point

To Fiumicino FCO Airport: take the Leonardo Express train from “Roma Termini” or take the Regionale Veloce train from "Roma Tiburtina" or "Roma Termini" to “Fiumicino Aeroporto”.

To Ciampino CIA Airport: take the Regionale Veloce train towards from "Roma Tiburtina" or "Roma Termini" to “Ciampino Aeroporto”.

By Train

To Termini station: take bus no. 71 at the "Tiburtina/Reti" heading in the “Lega Lombarda/Provncie” direction for 5 stops. Get off at the “Turati/Fanti” bus stop on via Filippo Turati

To Tiburtina station: Take bus no 163, 545 or 448 to Tiburtina station (only one direction)

The B&B Hotel Roma San Lorenzo Termini is a 3-star hotel located in the historic San Lorenzo area, equidistant from Rome’s Termini and Tiburtina train stations. 

Breakfasts included: 20

Lunches included: 

Dinners included: 

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.

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.

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).

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.

SPANISH SIESTA
Shops, attractions and businesses may be closed for up to 5 hours in the middle of the day. This gives the locals time to escape the heat and spend time with their families, take a long lunch or simply sleep through the warmest time of day. This means that people work later into the evening and dine between 8pm and 10pm. We recommend that you try to do as the locals do - avoid the heat of the day and stay out later at night.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

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

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.

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 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.

EUROPEAN TRAINS
The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Trains are comfortable and often decked out with air-conditioning, toilets, a snack bar (or vending machine) and power points.

PUBLIC BUSES
This trip covers some distances by public buses. Buses in Central Europe can range from high standard coaches with reclining seats and air-conditioning to Soviet era vehicles for shorter distances.