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Explore Taiwan Itinerary

Starting in
Taipei, Taiwan, Republic Of China
Physical Difficulty
3 / 5
Breakfasts included
10
Lunches included
1
Ending in
Taipei, Taiwan, Republic Of China
Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights)
Transport
Private Bus , Metro , Public Bus , Bike
Discover the highlights of Taiwan on this 11-day adventure. After eating your way through Taipei’s famous street food, travel to Yilan to meet an Indigenous community, learn about their way of life and share a home-cooked lunch. Then, explore the pagodas and trails of the serene Sun Moon Lake in the Central Mountain Range before travelling to Chiayi to visit a tea farm and meet nuns at a Buddhist monastery. With a scenic train ride through Alishan’s tropical forests, clam picking at a traditional fishing village and a local leader to show you around, this is an action-packed, immersive introduction to Taiwan.

11 days

Taipei
Yilan
Sun Moon Lake
Chiayi
Alishan/Chiayi
Taichung

Day 1: Taipei

Huan ying! Welcome to Taipei. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Taiwan with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe visit the hot springs at Yangmingshan National Park. After the meeting, head out for an optional dinner to get to know your local leader and fellow travellers.

Day 2: Taipei

After breakfast, explore Taipei with your local leader. Get a sense of the city’s merchant past on Dihua Street – the oldest street in Taipei – and see how young entrepreneurs are revitalising the area. With traditional medicine shops, Fujian-style Qing Dynasty homes and Baroque architecture standing alongside modern cafes and art studios, it represents the many chapters in Taipei’s rich history. Continue to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall – an impressive dedication to the former president of the Republic of China. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Maybe head to the Shilin Night Market for dinner tonight to try fried fish meatballs, oyster omelette or the infamous stinky tofu.

Day 3: Yilan

This morning, take a private transfer to Yilan, stopping off at the National Palace Museum which houses the world’s largest collection of Chinese art. Then, visit a spring onion farm where you'll pop on a pair of gum boots and get grubby in the fields! Pick your own produce before learning how to cook one of Taiwan’s most beloved snacks: crispy spring onion pancakes. Arrive at your hotel in Yilan in the late afternoon, where you’ll have free time to relax or explore at your own pace.

Day 4: Yilan

This morning, visit the Indigenous Atayal tribe – Indigenous people make up just 2.5% of the Taiwanese population, and the Atayal people are one of the 16 main groups. This is a rare opportunity to connect with the community and learn about the cultural significance of their tribal costume and face tattoos. Try your hand at making bamboo rice before sitting down with the locals to enjoy a hearty lunch that showcases Indigenous flavours. Then, head into the forest to learn about traditional hunting and trap-setting techniques. Say goodbye to your hospitable hosts and return to Yilan where you'll have a free evening to explore.

Day 5: Sun Moon Lake

Today, you’ll visit a morning market to learn about the fragrant ingredients used in Taiwanese cooking and how to make peanut roll ice cream. Then, head to Sun Moon Lake – one of the island’s most iconic destinations named after the shapes that its outline forms. This alpine lake – the only natural lake in Taiwan – lies in the foothills of the Central Mountain Range and is surrounded by forested peaks and hiking trails. Tonight, you’ll stay in Puli at a guesthouse surrounded by lush gardens. You have a free evening to take a walk, relax or watch the sunset over the peaks.

Day 6: Sun Moon Lake

After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll along the Ci'en Pagoda Trail through the forested foothills around Sun Moon Lake. At the trail's end, you’ll arrive at the 46-m-tall Ci'en Pagoda, where you can climb to the top and take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Then, keep the active energy going on a scenic cycling adventure along the lake’s shores. The evening is yours to spend how you wish.

Day 7: Chiayi

After breakfast, take a private vehicle to Hugosum Tea Farm. Here, you’ll get an insight into the production of Taiwan’s beloved black tea and roll your own leaves, which will be dried and packaged to take a taste of Taiwan home with you. Then, visit the Chung Tai Chan Monastery – the unique combination of Chinese and Western architecture makes it an impressive sight. You’ll meet one of the resident nuns or a guide for a tour to explore the gardens and dive into the monastery's history. Afterwards, head to Chiayi in a private vehicle where you’ll have a free evening.

Day 8: Alishan/Chiayi

This morning, head to Alishan National Scenic Area – along with Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge, Alishan is one of the most dramatic parts of Taiwan. Climb aboard a train for a picturesque ride on the old Forest Railway, passing tropical, subtropical and temperate forests along the way. Then, hit the Sacred Forest Trail for a hike to get closer to the flora and fauna, including the giant Cypress trees that call this park home. Later, return to Chiayi for a free evening.

Day 9: Taichung

Today, head to the flat and fertile land of Changhua County – sometimes known as the ‘breadbasket’ of Taiwan. Visit Longshan Temple, one of the oldest temples in Taiwan, before continuing to the fishing village of Fangyuan where you’ll try your hand at clam picking and see water birds, fiddler crabs and mudskippers. There'll also be an opportunity to sample fresh seafood like crabs and oysters. In the afternoon, travel to Taichung for a free evening.

Day 10: Taipei

Today, you’ll arrive back in Taipei around midday. The afternoon and evening are free to explore at your leisure. Maybe meet back up with your leader and group for an optional dinner or visit the Taipei 101 Observation Deck for a magnificent view of the city lit up at night.

Day 11: Taipei

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. With no activities planned for the day, you're free to leave the hotel any time after checkout. If you want to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.

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Included Activities

Taipei - Dihua Street walk

Taipei - Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

Yilan - Spring onion farm & cooking demostration

Taipei - National Palace Museum

Yilan - Indigenous Atayal tribe half day visit

Yilan - Morning market visit & Peanut roll icecream making

Sun Moon Lake - Ci'en Pagoda Trail walk

Sun Moon Lake - Bike Ride

Puli - Chung Tai Chan Monastery

Puli - Hugosum Tea Farm

Alishan - Forest railway

Alishan - Sacred Forest Trail hike

Lukang - Longshan Temple

Fangyuan - Clam picking

Tour Operator

Club Adventures partners with a variety of operators worldwide to bring adventure to AAA Members. Your departure will be operated by Intrepid Travel.

Highlights

Discover Taiwan’s culinary traditions by collecting clams, rolling your own tea leaves at a plantation and cooking farm-fresh spring onion pancakes.

Hike through misty mountain foothills to a nine-tiered pagoda overlooking Sun Moon Lake and ride around the emerald-coloured waters on a cycling adventure.

Spend the day with the Indigenous Atayal community to learn about their tribal costumes, face tattoos and traditional survival techniques, and share a home-cooked meal that showcases Indigenous flavours.

Explore stalls piled with dried fruits, herbs and traditional medicines on Dihua Street – considered one of the oldest streets in Taiwan.

Ride the Forest Railway train through Alishan’s tropical and subtropical forests and hike the Sacred Forest Trail among giant Cypress trees.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Horizon Inn, 4F, No.246, Sec. 2, Chang’an E. Rd , Zhongshan District,, Taipei, 10492, TAIWAN, REPUBLIC OF CHINA, Phone: +886 227110102

Finish point

Horizon Inn, 4F, No.246, Sec. 2, Chang’an E. Rd , Zhongshan District,, Taipei, 10492, TAIWAN, REPUBLIC OF CHINA, Phone: +886 227110102

Important information

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, except in Sun Moon Lake and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

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 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

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:





For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local operator on the number below.

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +886 2591 0127 or +886 961 066 121

Is this trip right for you

We use mainly private transport between destinations on this trip to enable you to pack as many highlights as possible into each day. When in Taipei you can expect plenty of walking and to make use of the efficient metro system.

There are several opportunities for hiking and cycling on this trip. While these are not strenuous, they do require a good overall level of fitness.

This trip doesn’t spend a lot of time in Taipei. We highly recommend you spend extra time in this great city. Please consult your booking agent for booking extra accommodation here before or after the trip.

Why we love it

Discover Taiwan’s culinary traditions by collecting clams, rolling your own tea leaves at a plantation and cooking farm-fresh spring onion pancakes., Hike through misty mountain foothills to a nine-tiered pagoda overlooking Sun Moon Lake and ride around the emerald-coloured waters on a cycling adventure., Spend the day with the Indigenous Atayal community to learn about their tribal costumes, face tattoos and traditional survival techniques, and share a home-cooked meal that showcases Indigenous flavours., Explore stalls piled with dried fruits, herbs and traditional medicines on Dihua Street – considered one of the oldest streets in Taiwan., Ride the Forest Railway train through Alishan’s tropical and subtropical forests and hike the Sacred Forest Trail among giant Cypress trees.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative.

Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines, TAIWAN:
Crime rates are low, including for petty crime.

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Last modified (date)

19 Aug 2024

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 


PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE:
Some prescription medications are illegal in Taiwan. You can be jailed or fined if you have these medications. Before you travel, check the Taiwan Customs website for allowances, limitations and documentation requirements: https://eweb.customs.gov.tw/ Consult your doctor about alternatives well in advance of travel. Take legal prescription medicine with you so you remain in good health. Always carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating what the medicine is, how much you'll take and that it's for personal use only.

MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES:
Dengue fever has been known to occur especially in the tropical southern and central regions. Cases of Zika virus were reported in 2016. Protect yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses by ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof, taking measures to avoid insect bites, including always using insect repellent and wearing long, loose fitting, light coloured clothing.

HAND, FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE:
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is common, with more serious outbreaks occurring occasionally. Outbreaks usually start in March or April and peak in May but can continue until August to October each year. It mostly affects children under the age of 10 years but adult cases (particularly young adults) occur. The illness is characterised by fever as well as blisters and rashes on the hands, feet and buttocks. HFMD is spread by direct contact with nose and throat discharges and faeces of infected people. Take usual hygiene precautions, including careful and frequent hand washing and seek medical advice if unwell.

Food and dietary requirements

Taiwan has some of the best food in Asia, including a fantastic street food scene. Vegetarians and vegans are not difficult to cater for. Here are some links to get you excited about what you might eat while in Taiwan:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/taiwan-food-guide/
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/taiwan-food/

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

TAIWAN
The currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). ATMs are widely available in both cities and provincial centres. International credit cards are usually accepted in hotels, restaurants and higher-end shops, particularly in cities and larger towns.


TAIWAN
Tipping is not compulsory in Taiwan but has become customary in tourism.

Group Leader: You may consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline US$ 5-8 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 isn't compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service

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, 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 or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg.
Many travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller suitcases or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps or handles.
If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks.
A lockable bag or small padlock will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well.
You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.

Below are some ideas and helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip.

Essential:
- Clothing: a mixture of lightweight and dry fast clothing and warm layers are recommended essential for travelling in this region. Long shirts, pants, scarves are useful for covering shoulders & knees when visiting religious sites.
- Shoes: sturdy and comfortable shoes for walking long distances are essential.
- Personal travel documents inc. your passport (visa), travel insurance, flight tickets and trip notes. Photocopies of your passport and visa, passport size photos and travel insurance will be handy. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.
- small first aid kit including items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes, Band-Aids and insect repellent, and essential medicine depending on your doctors advice.
- Money: cash/credit card/EFTPOS card and money belt
- Sun protection like a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Recommended:
- Refillable water bottle (1.5-litre capacity suggested): 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.
- Cell phone, camera with spare batteries, charger, and adapter plug
- Hand wash, travel wipes, toiletries and a small towel
- Watch/alarm clock and torch/flashlight (and spare batteries)
- Torch or flashlight esp. for stay at local guesthouses or homestays

Optional:
- Sleeping bag. Useful for camping, overnight trains and poorly heated hotels, particularly during the winter months of Dec - Feb when temperatures are low.
- Sleep sheet. If you are travelling during the hot season you may wish to pack a sleep sheet so you will be comfortable no matter what the weather.
- Earplugs to guard against street noise and snorers.
- A good book, a journal and music player for overnight train rides and longer drives.

Other things to consider:

- Check weather in destinations you are travelling to online a few days before you go to make sure you pack appropriate clothing
- Laundry facilities may not be available in all destinations, so make sure you have a few cycles of clothes to tide you over until your next chance to wash, Please note that accommodation in Taiwan will not provide single use items in the bathroom so please bring your own tooth brush, tooth paste, comb, razor, shaving cream, or shower caps. Or you will be able to purchase these in local convenience stores.

Climate and seasonal

TYPHOONS:
Taiwan experiences typhoons, particularly in the wet/typhoon season (May to November). Flooding and mudslides are common. The direction and strength of typhoons can change with little warning. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe typhoon may not be available to all. If a typhoon is approaching, flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. If a typhoon is approaching, local authorities may declare a 'typhoon day' at very short notice. This ordinarily results in reduced business operating hours and government office closures.
Information on typhoons and other severe weather is available from the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau: https://www.cwb.gov.tw/V7e/prevent/typhoon/ty.htm?

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

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 / MULTI SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. 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 a different Intrepid trip 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 (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

Transport notes

Information not available.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

SOLO TRAVELLERS
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.

We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis.

On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.


OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.