Saudi Arabia Highlights Itinerary

Starting in

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Physical Difficulty

2 / 5

Breakfasts included

8

Lunches included

2

Dinners included

3

Ending in

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Glamping (shared facilities) (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Metro, High-Speed Train

Journey through some of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic landmarks on this nine-day adventure from Riyadh to Jeddah. Stroll through Souk Al Zal, the colourful market in Riyadh’s Deera district, ride the Riyadh Metro and watch Elephant Rock glow red as the sun sets. Sit down to a traditional Najdi lunch inside a 19th-century emirate palace in Al-Ghat, explore ancient rock art at Hegra and visit Quba Mosque in Madinah. Eat like a local every step of the way, spend two nights camping on a date farm in the heart of AlUla and learn about the region’s rich history along the way.

Day 1: Riyadh

Salam! Welcome to Saudi Arabia. Your adventure starts with a 6 pm welcome meeting in Riyadh – the birthplace of modern Saudi Arabia. Once a walled, mud-brick wallalong desert trading routes, this capital is now a contemporary metropolis with more than 4000 mosques, shopping centres, palaces, museums and traditional souq. If you arrive early maybe explore one of the mosques, wander through the National Museum or visit Kingdom Tower. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group.

Day 2: Riyadh

After breakfast, begin the day with a walking tour of Riyadh’s Deera district. Stroll through Souk Al Zal, a colourful market selling traditional clothing, antiques and jewellery, then continue to Al Murabba Palace – a historic square-shaped residence once home to King Abdulaziz Al Saud. Explore its rooms, exhibitions of personal belongings and photographs, and a remarkable collection of antique cars. Next, take a short walk to the Riyadh Metro. With 85 stations spanning 176 km, the network features distinct architecture designed by world-renowned firms at each station. Ride the metro to a local home, where you’ll be welcomed with warm hospitality and treated to a traditional Saudi lunch – a local experience of the country’s generous and welcoming hospitality. Later, head to Diriyah, birthplace of the first Saudi state and home to Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautifully preserved adobe structures.

Day 3: Unayzah

After breakfast, you’ll hit the road. On the way to Buraydah, stop at the small town of Al-Ghat – one of the largest and best-preserved traditional villages in Saudi Arabia. Learn about the Najdi architecture and the historical significance of this ancient oasis town, which once served as an important centre of the Saudi state. Visit Qasr Al-Imarah (Amara Palace), a 19th-century emirate palace with 50 rooms built around a central courtyard, complete with a small mosque and adjoining residences. Enjoy a traditional Najdi lunch inside the palace, prepared as part of a project supporting local women through training and employment. After lunch, with farm views, you’ll continue to Buraydah. This evening, visit the Old Market – a living museum of Najdi heritage, where traditional crafts, clothing, aromatic coffee and 140-year-old homes sit side by side.

Day 4: Hail

This morning, travel to Hail – a historic city once considered the capital of the Arabian Desert and a key stop for pilgrims travelling to Mecca from the north. Enjoy some free time for lunch, then continue to Jubbah. When you arrive, explore Umm Sinman with a local guide. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most significant rock art locations in the Middle East. With carvings dating back more than 12,000 years, the site reveals depictions of humans, animals and inscriptions from the Neolithic period through to early Islam, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient life and culture. Return to Hail in the evening and head to the outskirts of the city for a traditional Kishta dinner. Enjoy a meal cooked over coals beneath the stars, with rugs, cushions and a welcoming tent creating an authentic Saudi picnic experience.

Day 5: AlUla

After breakfast, you’ll travel to AlUla – home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, Hegra (Mada’in Saleh). Today is bit of a long travel day, so it’s a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. This desert region is filled with striking rock formations, ancient canyons, rock art and over 100 tombs carved by the Nabataeans more than 2000 years ago. Your accommodation for the next two nights is a camp set on a working date farm, surrounded by palm groves and sandstone cliffs. Later today, you’ll visit Elephant Rock (Jabal Alfil). Rising 52 m above the desert, this sandstone giant glows red at sunset. With food trucks, music and occassionaly DJ’s, sunken seating and deck chairs it’s the perfect spot to sit back and soak up the atmosphere. Tonight, you’ll have dinner at a local Yemeni restaurant before returning to camp.

Day 6: AlUla

Start today with a guided visit to Hegra, the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom and Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore intricate facades of monumental tombs carved into sandstone cliffs, from the smallest tomb at just 2.7 m to the largest at an impressive 21.5 m, as your local rawee storyteller brings the site’s history to life. Later, head back to camp for some free time before an afternoon walk along the AlUla Heritage Oasis Trail – a scenic path through palm groves, farms and mudbrick houses leading into AlUla’s Old Town. Once a crossroads of the Silk Road and Incense Route, the Old Town is now a blend of ancient alleys, artisan shops and cafes. Tonight, you can continue to explore Old Town at your own pace or join an optional stargazing and storytelling experience in the desert, followed by dinner under the stars.

Day 7: Madinah

This morning is free for you to do as little or as much as you like! Maybe visit Jabal Ikmah, a UNESCO site of ancient inscriptions known as AlUla’s open-air library, or join a guided tour of Maraya – the world’s largest mirrored building. After lunch, you’ll journey through volcanic landscapes of black lava stone and rugged mountains along an ancient pilgrimage route to Madinah. Along the way, stop at the old Hijaz Railway station – once the arrival point for pilgrims travelling from as far as Damascus. Then continue to Madinah. When you arrive, join a local female guide and take in the incredible atmosphere around Al Masjid an Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque, with its 10 soaring minarets. Then, visit Quba Mosque, the first ever built, and learn about the city’s 1,400 years of history before sharing a simple dinner at a local market in Madinah.

Day 8: Jeddah

This morning, ride the Haramain High Speed Railway to the coastal city of Jeddah – a commercial hub sitting on the Red Sea. When you arrive, visit the central fish market. Here you’ll wander through the stalls and choose your own fresh seafood to take to a nearby restaurant to be cooked for lunch – a popular and local way to dine! Later, explore Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic old town founded in the 7th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Early this evening, qander through narrow lanes lined with traditional houses, some built from coral stone and seashells, and see the intricate wooden window frames and doors. Maybe browse colorful souqs filled with fabrics, jewels, spices and souvenirs – a chance to pick up a bargain like the locals do. Tonight, maybe get your group together and head out for dinner – the perfect way to celebrate a trip well-travelled!

Day 9: Jeddah

As there are no further activities planned today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’re not ready to say goodbye to Saudi Arabia, why not stay a few extra days – just speak with your booking agent ahead of time.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Gardino Hotel & Residence, Takhassusi Street Al Mohammadiyyah, Riyadh , Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA

Finish point

Ibis Jeddah Malik Road Hotel, King Abdul Aziz Road, Az Zahra District, , Jeddah, 23522, SAUDI ARABIA, Phone: +966 126921444

Important information

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. Checked in luggage on the high speed train from Madinah to Jeddah is restricted to 1 x 25kg bag.
4. Please provide a copy of your passport at time of booking in order to to secure train tickets.

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's Local Operator: +966 554447070

Is this trip right for you

Saudi Arabia's tourism industry is still in its infancy, and there are some challenges to overcome, like a lack of infrastructure in some locations, reliable systems, and trained leaders and guides. Even the most experienced leaders are still very new to group travel. Sites are occasionally closed with little, or no notice and restoration work is common. You’ll need to have a degree of flexibility when travelling here., Hotel standards and service levels vary across the country and may differ from what you’ve experienced elsewhere. Locals are new to international tourism, so please have an open mind and heart., The country has strict laws and customs that visitors should be aware of before travelling, such as dress codes. Alcohol is also banned. Please see the Essential Trip Information for more detail., Saudi Arabia is a large country, and you’ll cover a lot in this action packed but short trip. Be prepared for some long travel days where lunch stops will be simple and limited., The luggage allowance for the bullet train is 25kg for your main piece of luggage. You need to be able to lift and carry your luggage up and down stairs by yourself, without difficulty.

Why we love it

Discover Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site – Hegra. See ancient rock art and over 100 tombs carved by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago, then settle into your camp on a working date farm in the heart of AlUla., Step inside a local home for a traditional Najdi lunch in Riyadh and experience the warmth of hospitality in Saudi culture. Then, visit a 19th-century emirate palace in Al-Ghat for lunch, where the palace supports and employs local women., Explore Madinah with a local female guide. Join pilgrims in the city’s heart, visit Quba Mosque and learn how this sacred city has evolved over 1,400 years., Eat like a local at Jeddah’s vibrant central fish market, then explore Al Balad – the city’s Old Town and UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through narrow lanes lined with traditional houses, some built from coral stone and seashells., Journey through time with a local guide at Umm Sinman – a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring some of the Middle East’s most prominent Neolithic rock art. Then, enjoy a traditional Saudi Kishta (picnic dinner), cooked over coals beneath the stars.

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. We also recommend saving the phone number for emergency consular assistance for your government’s consulate in the destination/s you’ll be travelling. 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., Is Saudi Arabia safe for female travellers?
It’s generally considered safe for female travellers to visit Saudi Arabia, whether solo or as part of a group as, overall, the rate of crime in Saudi Arabia is low.
As with any destination, there are a few do’s and don’t’s that all travellers should follow, such as adhering to local laws, dressing appropriately in places of worship and respecting cultural traditions. Women should behave and dress in a similar way to locals and stick to well-populated areas, especially when venturing out at nighttime.
Saudi Arabia’s judicial system is based on Islamic law (Shari'ah) and this may be different from what travellers’ are accustomed to in their own countries. Travellers should check their own country’s travel advisory for details, before travelling.
It's against the law to have sexual relations or live together outside of marriage.
, LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS IN SAUDI ARABIA
LGBTQIA+ rights aren’t recognised in Saudi Arabia and a high degree of caution should be undertaken by LGBTQIA+ travellers. Homosexuality remains illegal and may carry heavy penalties such as imprisonment or deportation. You will not be able to enter Saudi Arabia if your passport has an 'X' gender marker. Transgender identities are not recognised in Saudi Arabia and transgender travellers could also face difficulties with dress code and access to medical care while travelling., HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES - ALULA
Alula has a number of popular high risk activities being offered to foreign and national tourists alike. The safety of our travellers and staff is our first priority. Unfortunately, to date none of these activities have passed Intrepid's minimum safety standards. As a consequence, we are not able to facilitate the booking (including transportation to) these activities. Fortunately, Alula has plenty more to offer than adventure activities and we are confident that you will have a great time exploring the area under the guidance of our knowledgeable local leaders.

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. 

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure., SAUDI ARABIA
Your trip leader will endeavour to cater to specific dietary requirements where possible. Gluten intolerances and vegan diets can be challenging in some parts of Saudi Arabia. Be prepared for there to be limited choices in some locations. Please speak with your trip leader about any dietary requirements at the start of the trip so that they can assist you throughout the trip.

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. , SAUDI ARABIA
The local currency in Saudi Arabia is the riyal (SAR). ATMs are available in main cities and towns inside banks, airports and shopping centres. Most ATMs accept international cards such as Visa and Mastercard, but we recommend you confirm with your bank if your card will work in Saudi Arabia and inform them of your travel plans. ATM withdrawal limits may vary depending on the bank and the type of card you are using. You can also use your credit cards or Apple Pay to make payments in most of the shops, souqs and restaurants. We recommend carrying some local cash for small purchases along the way. Money exchange bureaux are not common in Saudi Arabia, unlike neighbouring countries. , 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., 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

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

GENERAL PACKING LIST
- Passport & photocopy + copy saved on phone
- Visa (if required) & photocopy + copy saved on phone
- Flight tickets
- Credit/debit cards
- Personal medication + copies of prescriptions
- Phone
- Charger
- Travel adapter (plug type G)
- Power bank
- Daypack
- Toiletries
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Hand sanitiser
- Insect repellent
- Tissues
- Ear plugs & eye mask
- Refillable water bottle
- Quick drying towel
- Underwear & socks
- Sleepwear
- Swimwear plus something to cover up for women ie. sarong, caftan etc. See the responsible
travel section for more details on clothing and swimwear for women in Saudi Arabia
- Light-weight, loose, long sleeved tops for good sun protection
- Tops that cover the shoulders & midriff for both men & women
- Light-weight, loose, long pants or skirts
- Scarf for women for when visiting religious sites or to cover nose & mouth if windy in the desert
- Warmer layers for nights in the desert and cooler months
- Flip flops or sandals
- Comfortable, enclosed shoes for walking

LUGGAGE LIMIT
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, we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg. Please keep in mind that checked in luggage on the high speed train from Madinah to Jeddah is restricted to 1 x 25kg bag (plus a carry-on).

VALUABLES
Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safes to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy 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.

RESTRICTED ITEMS
Alcohol is prohibited and shouldn't be brought into the country under any circumstances
, 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

SAUDIA ARABIA CLIMATE & WEATHER
Saudi Arabia has a predominantly desert climate, meaning that the summers are very hot and dry, and the winters are more temperate. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best seasons to visit. The weather during these seasons is mild and comfortable, with temperatures averaging between 20-30°C (68-86°F). Winter (December to February) can be chilly in the evenings and drop to as low as 5°C (41°F) in some locations so we recommend bringing warm clothes for the evening or early mornings.

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. , LOCAL LAWS
Saudi Arabia welcomes tourists – as with all destinations, travellers to the country should check their own country’s travel advisory for details, before travelling.
Saudi Arabia’s judicial system is based on Islamic law (Shari'ah) and this may be different from what travellers’ are accustomed to in their own countries.
In general, when it comes to Saudi Arabia's laws and social rules:
• It is illegal to preach or publicly practice a religion other than Islam.
• Refrain from questioning religious values or public morals.
• Don't criticise the country, its royal family or practicing religion in public (including on social media).
• Dress modestly in public.
• Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.

Accommodation notes

Some of the accommodations on your trip will have a swimming pool, but access may only be available to men and children, or only open for you to swim during particular hours. , Saudi Arabia is not a particularly pedestrian friendly destination so even when accommodation is centrally located, it won’t always be practical to explore the surrounding area on foot. Uber and Careem are easily accessible and used for getting around locally. We recommend chatting to your leader or local guide.

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 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.