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Eastern Turkey Explorer Itinerary

Starting in
Istanbul, Turkey
Physical Difficulty
2 / 5
Breakfasts included
10
Lunches included
1
Ending in
Antalya, Turkey
Accommodation
Hotel (10 nights)
Transport
Private Bus , Boat , Train
Journey from Istanbul to Antalya on this 11-day adventure, where you’ll see ancient ruins, bustling villages and sunken cities. Visit the historical towns of Sanliurfa and Mardin, take in golden hour on top of Mt. Nemrut and set off on a tasting trail in baklava's birthplace. Cruise through Euphrates, sit down to a home-cooked meal at Nahil Guesthouse and learn about the dawn of human civilization as you walk through the archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe and Catalhoyuk.

11 days

Istanbul
Sivas
Adiyaman
Mardin
Sanliurfa
Halfeti / Gaziantep
Gaziantep
Konya
Antalya

Day 1: Istanbul

Hos geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Istanbul – the only city in the world to straddle two continents. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the streets in the Sultanahmet District, head to a local hangout for panoramic views of the Marmara Sea or visit the ancient hippodrome, the Blue Mosque. Tonight, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner and dig into an authentic Turkish kebab.

Day 2: Sivas

This morning, you’ll board a train and travel to Sivas – the heart of Anatolia. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcast. When you arrive, take an orientation walk through the city’s old quarters, known for its impressive Seljuk architecture. Along the way, visit the Cifte Minare and Buruciye Madrasahs and learn about the region’s history before returning to Sivas for a free evening.

Day 3: Adiyaman

Depart Sivas this morning and travel southeast to Adiyaman. When you arrive, visit one of Turkey’s most iconic sites, Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO site that dates back to 1st century BC. Stop at the ancient Roman Cendere Bridge before reaching the summit for sunset. Unwind as the giant stone heads start to glow in the golden evening light and learn about the story and history layered into this magnificent site.

Day 4: Mardin

Set off early this morning to the ancient city of Mardin. On the way, you'll stop in Diyarbakır – known for its black basalt walls, rich Kurdish culture and tasty local food. If you're hungry, be sure to try a liver kebab (a true local favourite). Then, continue through the rugged Mesopotamian landscape to Mardin – a hilltop city with golden stone buildings and sweeping views all the way to Syria. After checking into your accommodation, join your leader on a short walk around the area to help you get your bearings. Then you’re free to explore the city’s winding streets – maybe with a glass of local Syriac wine to end the day.

Day 5: Mardin

After breakfast, take a guided walk through Mardin’s old streets. Explore the city’s main sights with your local leader, walk past the historic madrasahs and lively bazaars. After, visit the Living Museum and meet local artisans, including copper workers and telkari (fine silver filigree) artists, who are keeping the centuries-old tradition alive. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe visit the beautiful Deyrulzafaran Monastery and the historic Kasımiye Medrese just outside the city.

Day 6: Sanliurfa

Start your day with one of the most significant sites of human civilization - Gobekli Tepe – an archeological site over 11,600 years old which features the oldest known megaliths! As you walk through the site, see the tall T-shaped stone pillars, decorated with animals and symbols, and learn about the religious rituals that existed long before farming began. After, head to Sanliurfa, also known as the City of Prophets. When you arrive, listen to the inspiring story of Nahil Guesthouse that's committed to support local women's livelihood and enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch there. The afternoon is free. Maybe visit the Sanliurfa Archeology Museum, which displays artifacts from Gobeklitepe and the region or stroll through the bazaars. Tonight, maybe join Sira Gecesi Night – a tradition in Sanliurfa that's now been revived with music and dances to celebrate human connections and the beauty of life.

Day 7: Halfeti / Gaziantep

Before heading to Gaziantep this morning, you’ll stop in Halfeti – a small town part of the global Cittaslow (slow city) network. Located by the Euphrates River, Halfeti is famous for the old village of Savasan, partially submerged after the Birecik Dam was built. The sunken mosque and abandoned stone houses tell a quiet story of the past. Then, set off on a scenic hike along the Degirmendere Trail. This lesser-known path winds through wild nature, rocks and lakes. After the hike, take a boat tour on the Euphrates to see the sunken city up close, where minarets and rooftops rise above the water. Later this afternoon, you’ll arrive in Gaziantep. Maybe find a local restaurant for dinner or walk through the lively bazaars and try some of the city’s famous pistachios and baklava.

Day 8: Gaziantep

Gaziantep is Turkey’s undisputed culinary capital and a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy – which is why today is all about tasting the local flavours! You’ll start the day like the locals do with a hot bowl of Beyran soup (a mix of meat, rice, garlic and spices). Then, set off through the streets on a food crawl, sampling some of the city’s signature dishes including ali nazik (smoked mashed eggplant topped with spiced beef), katmer (flaky pastry with clotted cream and pistachios) and gaziantep (Turkish coffee, sometimes infused with pistachio). You’ll then discover the birthplace of baklava, Gaziantep, where layers of golden pastry are made with great care. See the spice markers and coppersmith bazaar, where you can buy handmade souvenirs or fragrant local spices.

Day 9: Konya

After breakfast, you’ll travel into the heart of Anatolia to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Catalhoyuk – one of the world’s oldest and best preserved Neolithic settlements. Explore the closely packed mudbrick houses and learn about the daily life in this early community. After, drive to Konya, passing through wide plains and beautiful Anatolian landscapes. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations.

Day 10: Antalya

This morning, head south toward the Mediterranean coast, stopping for lunch in Ormana Village – an old Yoruk settlement tucked in the Taurus Mountains. Located near the streams that feed the Manavgat River, Ormana is part of the Ibradi District, whose ancient name means 'land of abundant waters’. Stroll through cobbled streets lined with stone and timber houses, some restored and others still holding stories of the past. Then continue to Antalya – a lively coastal city blending Roman history with beach-town vibes. The rest of the day is free – maybe explore the Old Town’s Ottoman mansions and Roman harbour or relax at a seaside café as the sun sets over the Mediterranean. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers – a great chance to reflect on the week, share stories and celebrate the memories made across Turkey.

Day 11: Antalya

As there are no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to stay in Antalya longer, just chat to your booking agent ahead of time.

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Included Activities

Sivas - Old city walking tour

Adiyaman - Cendere Bridge

Adiyaman - Sunset at Mt. Nemrut

Mardin - Leader-led orientation walk

Diyarbakir - Diyarbakir Castle

Mardin - City walking tour

Mardin - Living Museum

Sanliurfa - Sira Gecesi Night Entertainment

Sanliurfa - Home-cooked lunch

Sanliurfa - Gobeklitepe guided tour

Halfeti - Countryside hike

Halfeti - Boat tour

Gaziantep - Local Street Food crawling

Gaziantep - Baklava making demonstration

Konya - Catalhoyuk guided tour

Antalya - Ormana Village visit

Antalya - Leader-led Orientation Walk

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

Visit Gobekli Tepe, Catalhoyuk and Mt Nemrut. Learn about the layered history and evolving civilization of the region as you wander through these archeological sites.

Indulge in a home-cooked meal at Nahil Guesthouse – an organisation committed to providing fair work and support for local women. Then, try some local dishes on a street food tour in Gazientep – the birthplace of baklava!

Travel through the rugged Mesopotamian landscape to Mardin. Walk past the historic madrasahs and lively bazaars, visit the Living Museum and meet local copper workers and telkari artists.

Walk through the Halfeti countryside, then cruise along the Euphrates River on a boat tour and see the sunken city up close, where minarets and rooftops rise above the water.

Take part in the Sanliurfa tradition of Sira Gecesi. Explore the city’s nightlife, which is brought alive by music and dance to celebrate human connection and the beauty of life.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Weingart Hotel, Hacımimi, Necatibey Cd. No:69 , Istanbul, TURKEY, Phone: +90 212 945 60 20

Finish point

Argos Hotel, Tuzcular Mah. Balıkpazarı Sok. No:6, Kaleiçi, Antalya, 07100, TURKEY, Phone: +90 2422472012, Fax: +90 2422417557

Important information

1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability. Please consult your booking agent if you are interested.

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:





Intrepid Turkey Office: +90 850 309 68 76

Is this trip right for you

There are some long travel days on this trip, but there will be plenty to see, breaking up the journey along the way.

There is limited time in Istanbul or Antalya, so it’s highly recommended to speak with your booking agent if you are interested in staying longer.

Why we love it

Visit Gobekli Tepe, Catalhoyuk and Mt Nemrut. Learn about the layered history and evolving civilization of the region as you wander through these archeological sites., Indulge in a home-cooked meal at Nahil Guesthouse – an organisation committed to providing fair work and support for local women. Then, try some local dishes on a street food tour in Gazientep – the birthplace of baklava!, Travel through the rugged Mesopotamian landscape to Mardin. Walk past the historic madrasahs and lively bazaars, visit the Living Museum and meet local copper workers and telkari artists., Walk through the Halfeti countryside, then cruise along the Euphrates River on a boat tour and see the sunken city up close, where minarets and rooftops rise above the water., Take part in the Sanliurfa tradition of Sira Gecesi. Explore the city’s nightlife, which is brought alive by music and dance to celebrate human connection and the beauty of life.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavour 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 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. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip.

In Turkey, in accordance with local regulations your Leader will also be a registered Guide with the Ministry of Tourism. They will have vast general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, specialized knowledge of the sites visited and provide full guiding services.

Safety

FREE TIME & OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Your group leader or local representative 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 group leader or local representative 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 judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

INTREPID SAFETY STANDARDS
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:

www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

, SAFETY IN TURKEY:
We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before your departure and that you ensure your travel insurance covers you for all areas in your itinerary. We have links to all major travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting your trip on our safety page.

The safety of our travellers and staff is our first priority. We continue to monitor the situation through official travel advisories and our local operations team, and we’re able to quickly change arrangements if for any reason we become concerned. If there should be any changes to the situation you will be advised immediately.

Whilst travelling in Istanbul before, after or during your tour we would recommend avoiding crowded areas like Taksim Square, Galatasaray and Kadikoy Meydan after 6.00pm especially on a weekend. If using public transport in the city please refer to http://www.iett.gov.tr/en for the latest updates and announcements.

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)

Information not available.

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2026 to 31 Dec 2026

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. 


DRINKING WATER
As a rule, we recommend you don't drink tap water, even in hotels, as it may contain much higher levels of different minerals than the water you are used to at home. For local people, this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for visitors drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally, this isn't serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it's enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Many hotels and lodges provide safe drinking water, while bottled water is another alternative. Water consumption should be about two litres a day. Rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhea blockers are available from many pharmacies - please source from home and bring them with you on your travels.

Food and dietary requirements

Your group leader or local representative will endeavour to cater to specific dietary requirements where possible, and vegetarianism and gluten intolerance will be catered for in most instances. There are, however some meals and activities that are fixed in advance and therefore cannot be modified to suit dietary requirements.

Please notify your booking consultant of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader or local representative will endeavour to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic.

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.

TURKEY
The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency in Turkey. Most goods and services can be paid for using the local currency. Given the fluctuating value of TRY, we recommend reviewing the exchange rates as your trip approaches. For everyday costs, eg meals, we recommend paying in TRY. EUR and USD are accepted for larger purchases, eg hot air ballooning. You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Turkey. Smaller venues take cash only.

Turkey is often misjudged when it comes to costs you might have as a tourist, eg dining out and shopping. Prices can also vary considerably between regions. Cities like Istanbul and Antalya are very European and the standard of restaurants and cafes is very high so costs are equivalent to their European counterparts. Eating in local restaurants, roadside stalls and markets is still inexpensive and lots of fun. Budgets are a personal choice but please don't expect Turkey to be a budget destination.

TIPPING
Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.

YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
Tipping your group leader or local representative is highly appreciated if you feel they’ve provided outstanding services throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, the recommended amount is 4-7 USD or EUR per traveller per day (in a currency relevant to your destination). Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

YOUR DRIVERS
You may 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 recommend tipping your drivers USD 2 – 4 per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination).

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.

COMMISSIONS
Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective.

What to take

Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take it in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible.

If your trip includes travelling on overnight trains or primarily using public transport, the smaller your luggage, the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful, especially when travelling on public transportation as well.

When you're exploring during the day, you'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket and activity-specific items like a swimsuit, a waterproof pouch/bag for your phone, or hiking shoes.

Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill. 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. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you.

Climate and seasonal

Turkey is a large country split into seven regions. As a rule of thumb the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have typical Mediterranean climates with hot summers and mild, wet winters. In the east it is more mountainous with warm summers and very cold, snowy winters. Central Turkey (Cappadocia), has low rainfall, very dry, hot summers and very cold winters. Istanbul and coastal centres can experience very high humidity.

Winter (November to March) can be very cold. Not all of our hotels have heating so consider bringing thermals, a scarf, gloves and a warm jacket for travel in this period. Summer (June to August) can be very hot. Not all of our hotels have air-conditioning, and in those that do it's not always functioning. Please consider the seasons when planning your trip.


RAMADAN
The important month of Ramadan is expected to be in progress 16 February to 18 March 2026 and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.

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

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Transport notes

There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from main tourist routes. Windy roads, rough surfaces and cramped conditions make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort.

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 the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements. For example, some mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality. Travellers from the European Union, Switzerland or the USA who decline travel insurance when travelling outside 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.