Peru Family Holiday Itinerary

Starting in

Lima, Peru

Physical Difficulty

2 / 5

Breakfasts included

8

Lunches included

3

Dinners included

2

Ending in

Cusco, Peru

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Jungle Lodge (2 nights), Hostel (1 night)

Transport

Boat , Plane , Private vehicle , Train

Gaze up at Peru’s dazzling peaks and into picturesque valleys to understand why the Andean mountains were sacred for the Incas. This well-paced holiday combines the wonders of the Amazon Jungle with the fascinating history of Cusco. Enjoy a memorable train journey through the heart of the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and breathe in the magical spirit of the Incas.

Day 1: Lima

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru’s capital and one of South America’s most charming colonial cities. As there's little time spent here but so much on offer, you and your family may like to arrive a few days early to see all the sights, including the chic suburb of Miraflores, Central Park and Lovers' Park. Maybe check out some of the many museums or take a short trip out of town to visit Pachacamac, an impressive archaeological site. On the first day of your tour there’s a welcome meeting at the hotel at 5PM, after which you can get to know the other families and your tour leader over an optional dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 2: Amazon Jungle

Take a flight to Puerto Maldonado via Cusco this morning (approximately 2.5 hours) where the mighty Amazon Jungle awaits. Hop in a motorised canoe and head upriver (approximately 2 hours) to your jungle lodge in the Madre de Dios area. Don't forget to look out for wildlife along the way! After checking into your accommodation, join your local guide for a walk through the jungle (30 minutes) to your traditional Amazonian archery lesson where you'll discover how the local indigenous community craft and use their bow and arrow. You and your family can have a go at hitting the targets before heading back to the lodge for a hearty dinner. After dark we'll return to the river by boat in search of caimans and other nocturnal creatures.

Day 3: Amazon Jungle

Start the day with a big breakfast before embarking on a hike through the jungle to Tres Chimbadas Lake (1 hour). Look out for colourful macaws, hoatzins, monkeys and black alligators. If you are lucky you might even catch a glimpse of an endangered river wolf (otter)! Head back to the lodge for a rest, play and some lunch. This afternoon you'll visit a traditional medicine garden where the shaman of the community will introduce you to some plants used for healing. At the end of the tour you and your family will have the opportunity to go to the laboratory and observe how the medicines are prepared. After dinner tonight your guide will take you on a walking tour in search of insects, amphibians, tarantulas, bats, birds and (the shy) armadillo. Listen out for the sounds of the jungle and notice the stars peeking through the trees.

Day 4: Cusco

Transfer by boat back to Puerto Maldonado this morning and collect your large bags. From here, take a flight to Cusco (approximately 40 minutes) and arrive in the early evening. Tonight's plans are up to you. You might like to take a walk around the delightful old city, visiting the Inca walls of the Plaza de Armas or some of the many fine churches around town, or grab dinner and relax with your new friends. Whatever you choose, be sure to take it slow as you adjust to the city's high altitude (3450 m).

Day 5: Cusco

Take an orientation walk through the city with your leader this morning. Along the way you'll meet up with a local musician who will show you and your family around San Blas, the artisans’ neighbourhood. Learn about the significance of music and art in Peruvian culture and history. Visit their home and have a go at playing traditional drums, strings and wind instruments. You'll also be shown how to make and play your own zampona, a traditional panpipe, which you can take home with you. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps head to the local market and pick up some pastries for a picnic lunch. Or, if you're keen to brush up on your knowledge of Peruvian history before visiting Machu Picchu why not check out some of Cusco’s excellent museums? You'll have a full Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket) which means you can access the best attractions in town. If you're still feeling adventurous you might like to climb to the top of the Inca Pachacuti Statue and enjoy the city views.

Day 6: Pisac

Today we make our way by private vehicle into the beautiful Sacred Valley (1 hour). The first stop is Awanacancha, a South American farm, where you and your family can get to know some of Peru's famous furry locals: llamas, alpacas and vicunas! Next up is the town of Pisac, a charming little village nestled at the base of an Inca fort. Start by exploring the colourful local market where hundreds of artisans sell their wares. You might find anything from hand-knitted Alpaca jumpers to ornately decorated Andean ceramics here. Later you will visit a local community to have a delicious lunch and then learn about old techniques of dyeing, spinning and weaving the alpaca wool. After the weaving demonstration, it's off to explore the Inca ruins, which are spread out on the mountains above the town. They are roughly as old as those of Machu Picchu! Spend the evening in Pisac.

Day 7: Aguas Calientes

Venture deeper into the Sacred Valley and discover Ollantaytambo, which is a 1.5 hour drive away. This awesome spot was built over an ancient Inca town, and it's a great example of Inca urban planning. This is one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. Ollantaytambo's archaeological site is located to the east of the Plaza de Armas. The upper terraces offer great photo opportunities of the square grid town below. Once you've done some exploring here, you'll take a midday train (2 hours) up to Aguas Calientes, taking in gorgeous Andean scenery along the way. In Aguas Calientes you can get an early night if you like, in preparation for tomorrow's visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 8: Machu Picchu/Cusco

Take the bus (30 minutes) up to the stunning 'lost city' of Machu Picchu, arriving at 6 am. The site is perched high in the Andes, surrounded by verdant cloud forest. Hidden away on a ridge, Machu Picchu is invisible from below, so it's no surprise it remained a secret for so many years (until 1911). Your ticket grants access to the site for 4 hours. Explore the upper terrace with your family first, then take a guided tour of the ruins with a local guide, learning more about these 200 or so houses and temples. Catch the bus back into town and enjoy some spare time to have lunch and a look around. Take the train to Ollantaytambo (2 hours) and make the rest of the journey to Cusco by private vehicle (2 hours). Perhaps join your group for an optional farewell dinner. Don't forget to trade numbers so you can keep in touch with your new friends!

Day 9: Cusco

With no activities planned today and so much to see and do in Cusco, why not continue your adventure by extending your stay in this archaeological hub. We are happy to arrange additional accommodation for you, please ask your booking agent.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Hotel Casa Andina Select Miraflores, Calle Shell 452, Miraflores , Miraflores, Lima, PERU, Phone: 511 4167500

Finish point

Hotel Taypikala, Calle Inticahuarina 620, , Cusco, Cusco, 84, PERU

Important information

1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.

2. Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.

3. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.

4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 2 and 3 (Jungle Lodge) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

5. Full passport details are necessary for all passengers when booking, but it's especially important for those aged 17 and under (at the time of entering Machu Picchu) due to the varied rates of tickets which are dependent on the child's age and require accurate information.

6. 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.

7. First day - there will be a group meeting at 5pm on Day 1
Last day - there are no activities planned for your last day so you can depart at any time.

8. Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!

9. This trip includes one visit to Machu Picchu. According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only, and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Please refer to the itinerary for details.

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: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/

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





In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency Intrepid's Peru Operations Office can be reached on:

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +51 996 055559 Lima, +51 940 512701 Cusco

Is this trip right for you

Cusco is located a spectacular 3450 metres above sea level, so it's important to be patient as your body adjusts. See the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section for information on altitude sickness.

Tradition runs deep in beautiful old Cusco, so a little homework will put you in good stead. Ask your leader about photography etiquette.

The Amazon Jungle can be very hot and humid, so it's important to drink plenty of water and wear light cotton clothing. Make sure you also bring tropical-strength insect repellent.

The weather can be unpredictable in the Andes. Be sure to bring warm clothes and prepare for all elements.

Why we love it

Hike jungle trails in search of monkeys, parrots, otters and caimans and sleep in a nature lodge lit by candles and kerosene lamps., Meet the local artisans, farmers and townsfolk of the Sacred Valley – not forgetting the cute alpacas and llamas., Be mesmerised by the mother of all Inca cities, the mysterious Machu Picchu, where you'll enjoy a guided tour., With the help of a resident musician, make your own zampona – a traditional panpipe instrument – and learn how to play it like a local., Cusco has something for everyone, making it perfect for a family visit. A boleto touristico pass grants you access to the best sights in town.

Group leader

All Intrepid Family trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to assist your family to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for fun things to do and see - for both kids and parents, recommend great local eating venues that will even get the kids trying new things, 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 countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Our leaders are not babysitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore their destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary.

Safety

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Though obvious please don't allow your children to carry their own passports while on tour.

Your leader 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 leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

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:

http://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us/safety

FIRE PRECAUTIONS:
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD:
Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!

SEAT BELTS:
Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. When travelling in private mini vans or trucks all children (and adults) must wear a seat belt. No children are allowed to sit in the front seat of a vehicle.

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY:
While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

LIFE JACKETS:
While life jackets are generally available on water craft, there may be occasions where they are not provided and child size life jackets are not always readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense.

WATER SAFETY:
Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water with your children, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water.

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

It is a requirement of the Peruvian Tax Authority for our trip leaders to show proof that all travellers on our groups are foreign tourists and are thus exempt from the 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) charged to locals. This may require your trip leader to take a photograph of your main passport page and the page showing the immigration stamp you receive upon entry to Peru.

Last modified (date)

27 Apr 2024

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2024

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. 


ALTITUDE SICKNESS:
Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!

Before your trip:
Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatizing to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.

During your trip.
While our group leader or local representative have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you are aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly.

Please read the following document carefully and, during your trip, utilise the table on the back daily to record your own perspective of your general health and any symptoms you may experience:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/altitude-sickness

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you and your family will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you 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 and your family more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. If you or a member of your family have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

Money matters

The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN).
Peruvian banks are allowed to reject dollar bills which are old, torn (more than one centimetre) and which have too many stamps on them. Please make sure you don't accept bills in such conditions as you may not be able to use them.

MONEY EXCHANGE - ACCESSING MONEY
With ATMs being widely available in major towns and cities, credit and debit cards are the best way to access money in Latin America (note though that charges are made for each transaction). Please check with your bank before departure that your card is accepted in the countries you are travelling to. Also ensure your bank is aware of your travel plans as - suspecting fraud - they may cancel your cards after the first few international transactions.
Be aware that your withdrawing limit may vary from country to country (regardless of your withdrawing limit in your home country) and it can be as low as the equivalent to USD100 per day.
It's also advisable to carry some cash in small denominations bills, for those times when ATMs may not be available. US dollars is the most readily changeable currency.

VERY IMPORTANT:
USD100 bills with serial number CB or BE and any other USD bills that are old, torn, written or stamped on will not be accepted by local banks.

SPENDING MONEY:
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every family is a little different. You know your families spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need. Also make sure you've read your trip details thoroughly so you know what's included in the trip price and what isn't. This should make budgeting a little easier. You'll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that's this document).

TIPPING:
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. We recommend that any tips are given to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader.
Restaurants: Tipping is not expected in local markets and basic restaurants. However if you wish to tip, round your bill up to the nearest 5%. In more up-market restaurants we suggest up to 10%-12% of your bill. Some restaurants already include tipping on the final amount, which should be shown on the bill as: propina, servicio or cubiertos.
Your crew: Tipping is entirely voluntary.  If you feel you would like to tip your leader, they certainly would appreciate it. On a number of our trips, we also use a local guide as well as our own crew. These guides live and travel with you through their home country and it is usual to tip them when they leave. We recommend USD10 to USD15 per person
Please allow approximately US$4 for each domestic departure tax and US$31 for international departure tax from Peru.
Budget for meals not included: 180.00

CONTINGENCY FUNDS:
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you have access to an extra US$500 per family member 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.

What to take

CLIMATE & CLOTHING:
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. Please pack accordingly.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage, although you won't be required to walk long distances with it (max 30 minutes).
Many travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are also convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:
*Comfortable shoes or trainers
* Sandals/flip-flops for relaxing
* Sun-hat
* Torch
* High-factor sunscreen & lipsalve
* Waterbottle
* Insect repellent
* Sunglasses
* Personal first aid kit
* Waterproof bags for valuable items like passports, cameras etc
* A laundry service may be available in some hotels, but we recommend taking biodegradable travel detergent clothes can be washed as you wish.

VALUABLES:
Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe and the safe on the overland truck 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.
, TECHNOLOGY
With the modern world you may want to bring along tablets of smartphones for the children to document their adventure - there are a wide variety of apps out there which we suggest downloading before you depart. There will be opportunities to charge ( just make sure you bring the correct adapter) and there will be wi-fi available on your trip, although it will probably not be at the speeds you are used to at home and it won't be available everywhere.

Climate and seasonal

WEATHER IN PERU
Peru is a fascinating country with four distinct geographical regions. June, July and August are considered the driest months in the highlands and Amazon basin and are optimal for hiking and river journeys. However, even during the rainy season in the Amazon, the rains only fall for a few hours at a time. In the Andes, the rainy season can sometimes just mean a bit of overcast weather. The advantage to travelling in these areas at this time is that many other travellers make the mistake of postponing their plans until the dry season, leaving you with more of Peru to yourself. The best time to visit the infamous Nazca Lines or the coastal areas is from December to April, although the other months of the year are perfectly good times to visit also. Remember that the Inca Trail is closed for cleaning during February, although there are other treks to Machu Picchu which are available at this time.

A couple of rules

We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips.

We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader or local representative, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip.

If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws.

To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders or local representatives and ground staff are final.

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

By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited.

If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local representative immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

Accommodation notes

GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
Family of two - All family groupings of two will be put into a twin room.
Family of three - Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in a handful of places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room.
Family of four or more - You will most likely stay in two twin rooms. If and wherever possible we will aim put you in a quadruple room. Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this.

PERU
Due to local energy supply and infrastructure issues, please be prepared for some cold showers while travelling in Peru.

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:

Your fellow travellers

As you and your family 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 families will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too (for both parents and children). We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow  families is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you and your family 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 families booked on your trip prior to departure.

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.

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.