Amalfi Coast: Hike & Kayak Itinerary

Starting in

Naples, Italy

Physical Difficulty

3 / 5

Breakfasts included

7

Ending in

Minori, Italy

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

Private minibus , Public bus , Boat , On foot , Kayak

Lace up your boots and set your sights towards the spectacular Mediterranean horizon. This eight-day hiking and kayaking trip on the Amalfi Coast is a nature-lover’s dream! Stroll through the lush Mulini and Ferriere valleys, say Buongiorno to local farmers along the Pathway of the Gods, hitch a ride on a boat to the glamorous island of Capri and paddle to secluded beaches by kayak in the afternoon sun. Soak up sunsets, eat your weight in delicious Italian food (carbs, anyone?) and get active in one of the most beautiful parts of Italy, if not the world.

Day 1: Naples

Benvenuto! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Naples – the capital of the Campania region – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe head out and discover some of Naples' impressive architecture and monuments, many of which date back to the Spanish rule of the 16th and 17th centuries. Maybe check out the Royal Palace of Naples or head through a grand plaza to Museo di Capodimonte. A European cultural capital since the time of the Greeks, this city has lots to offer. After the meeting, maybe ask your leader for recommendations for an authentic Neapolitan pizza for dinner.

Day 2: Pompeii / Hiking on Vesuvius / Agerola

After a leisurely breakfast, board your private minibus to the Pompeii archaeological site this morning. Here lie some of the world’s most fascinating and preeminent ruins. Finely preserved, they give you an authentic image of what daily life was like in a Roman city with villas, temples, theatres and bustling markets. Walk along the chariot-marked streets that were nestled under the shadow of Vesuvius until the fatal eruption in 79 AD. Visit the Roman Forum and Basilica, nearby temples, public baths and the tiny Odeon created for music recitals. After lunch, head to mighty Vesuvius. Walk around the rim of Vesuvius' crater, with sulphuric gases and steam still emerging from the gravel, then take a scenic drive to the Agerola high plain. Along the way, you'll be dazzled by views over the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

Day 3: Agerola

Today is a free day for you to relax in Agerola or enjoy some of the area's walking trails. Maybe take a walk to the viewpoint of Punto Panoramico for some great views over the Amalfi Coast. From here, descend through a spectacular landscape, which overlooks the Isle of Capri and the densely forested mountains of Cilento National Park. Your path leads you through class Mediterranean landscapes with vineyards, chestnut trees, oaks and scenic areas of shrubs and flowers. You can spot many old ruins dotted along the hillsides. In spring, you can even smell the Italian herbs as you walk past steeples of limestone rocks and through lush vineyards. This afternoon maybe visit the village of Bomerano, where you can grab some lunch, an aperitif or taste some of the local limoncello.

Day 4: Hiking along Sentiero Degli Dei / Positano / Amalfi

This morning perhaps enjoy a coffee before embarking on what has become one of Italy's most famous hiking trails, the 'Sentiero degli Dei' (Footpath of the Gods) which will bring you all the way to Positano. This path winds its way through unique scenery and boasts unrivalled views along the coast. Walk through forests and fields of wildflowers, past ancient stone huts and beside sheer walls of granite. Glimpse local farmers tending their crops by hoe and elbow grease, herds of goats feeding beside the trail beside their shepherds, and teams of workmen commuting by mule. By late morning you will reach Vallone di Grarelle, then continue to the hamlet of Nocelle, a picturesque village situated above Positano. A walk through the village leads to what’s known as the Montepertuso Crossing – a deep gorge with limestone walls. From Montepertuso it's just a short walk down the old steps, through olive groves and vineyards, to beautiful Positano (though you can take a bus instead if you like). From Positano continue to Amalfi by boat and enjoy the scenery from a different view point.

Day 5: Hiking on Capri Island / Amalfi

Today is dedicated to the rightly famous Isle of Capri, a place where Roman emperors used to come as tourists. You will take a ferry from Amalfi to Capri, following the beautiful coastline and passing the islands of the mythical sirens that were mentioned in Homer's Iliadand Odyssey. As you approach, witness Capri’s coastline in all its glory: mighty cliffs, shard-like rock formations, crashing blue seas. Have your camera at the ready on this short cruise. When you arrive in Capri, you will see the popular sights, then take a beautiful circuit walk. During this walk you will pass Villa Jovis (the ruins of the most impressive Roman villa on the island, once home to Emperor Tiberius), see a historic monastery and explore the winding alleyways of the village of Capri. Part of your walk follows untouched coastline and passes many impressive grottoes, and there's time to dip your feet in the water. Your walk can be extended or shortened in many ways today, depending on the wishes of the group. Late in the afternoon you will travel by boat back to Amalfi.

Day 6: Kayaking & Hiking around Amalfi

Get ready for a magical day of walking. Start in the quiet backstreets of Amalfi, heading up to the village of Pontone. Walk on the narrow ridge and then beneath shady pine trees and through fields of wildflowers. This brings you to a viewpoint from which you can see across the Valle del Dragone (Valley of the Dragon) and the luxurious gardens and villas of Ravello. A series of ups and downs takes you to the ruins of the famous watchtower (Torre dello Zirro). After retracing your steps to pretty Pontone, you can enjoy a drink under the shade of lemon trees and gaze down upon the town of Amalfi. Then walk down into the shaded Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Watermills). Here you will find remnants of Europe’s earliest paper mills, strewn among thick foliage fed by the valley's streams. You may pass locals collecting wild mushrooms and stout men carrying half their body weight in lemons on their heads. The path takes you deep into the valley and the entrance of the nature reserve ‘Valle delle Ferriere’. This is one of the most interesting nature reserves of the area and an ideal place for lunch. From here it's an hour back down to Amalfi, past the Museo della Carta (paper museum). We then gather on the beach of Amalfi for another unique experience: paddling along the stunning coastline. After a brief introduction, we will outfit everyone with paddle and offer some basic kayaking instruction (if needed!), and then embark on our trip along the coast towards the amazing small little beach of Santacroce. Upon arrival why not have a relaxed ‘aperitivo’ on the beach and then slowly paddle back to Amalfi.

Day 7: Hiking to Ravello / Amalfi

From your hotel you will follow the Valley of the Dragon up to Ravello – another highlight of the coast. The French novelist André Gide once described this town as being ‘closer to the sky than the seashore’. For centuries, its lofty position and sunny, dry climate has made it an appealing place for writers, artists, musicians and travellers. Ravello also boasts two magnificent villas – the superb 11th Century Villa Rufolo which was once a papal residence and later the home of Wagner, and Villa Cimbrone, a sumptuous 19th Century mansion with fabulous gardens and unequalled views over the Gulf of Salerno. Retrace your steps along a rather steep mule track down again to Amalfi. Sweeping panoramas will reward your efforts.

Day 8: Amalfi

After breakfast this morning, your 'Walking the Amalfi Coast' adventure comes to an end. There are no more activities planned for today and you're able to depart at any time. From here, it's easy to arrange onward connections. You may wish to board one of a number of ferries that sail from Amalfi to Salerno or Naples. Alternatively, there are local SITA buses that run to Sorrento, Salerno or Naples where you can catch onward rail connections. Your leader will be able to assist.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Hotel Neapolis, Via Francesco del Giudice 13 , Naples, ITALY, Phone: +39 0814420815

Finish point

Hotel 7 Bello, Via Strada Nuova, 39, , Minori, 84010, ITALY, Phone: +39 089877619

Important information

1. This trip requires a good level of fitness and health, due to the varied terrain and potentially hot temperatures. Many of the hiking days involve steep hills and lots of steps that you'll need to be able to walk up and down. Walking times vary between three and six hours a day, but the rewards are worth every step.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 1 where you will be in twin share accomodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.
3. Mt Vesuvius has strict capacity limits on the number of people allowed to visit at anyone time. There may be times when it is impossible to secure entry to the hike. If this occurs the activity will be replaced by a “Pasta Experience”,at a local “Pastificio” (pasta factory).
4. This trip has different Start and Finish Point accommodation depending on the time of year - please check the Accommodation section for further details.
5. Accommodation providers on the Amalfi Coast are experiencing unprecedented demand therefore it is possible your group may be spilt between nearby hotels. Your tour leader will advise the details of this on day 1 (if your departure is affected).
6. Due to limited storage space on transport travellers can bring one piece of main luggage only (20 kgs max). It cannot be guaranteed that excess luggage can be transported, and fees may apply.

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

If you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact our local operations office : Intrepid Operator Number: +49 8677 918 6657 and dial 1 for Transfers

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

Intrepid's Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

Is this trip right for you

This multi-active trip requires a good level of fitness, due to the varied terrain and potentially hot temperatures. Many of the hiking days involve steep hills and lots of steps that you'll need to be able to walk up and down. Walking times vary between three and six hours a day, but the rewards are worth every step.

Summer temperatures around the Amalfi Coast can be extreme (up to 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s essential to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. If you’d prefer not to share, a single-room supplement is bookable at an additional charge, subject to availability. Please ask your booking agent for more details.

Why we love it

Enjoy free time in Naples to kick off your adventure and maybe descend below the city streets to discover the famous catacombs or indulge in a traditional pizza in one of the many delicious local eateries., Discover the ancient Roman town of Pompeii, which has been frozen in time under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. Explore the vast ruins, including the House of the Faun and the Temple of Apollo, then ascend the volcano and explore hidden sulphonic vents with a specialist volcanology guide., Hike along the Path of the Gods along the spectacular Sentiero degli Dei – one of the most scenic trails in the world – in picturesque Amalfi., Kayak along Amalfi’s coastline, soaking in the gorgeous scenery, sparkling waters and colourful architecture from a different perspective. Stop at the small beach in Santacroce for an aperitif and then paddle back in the warm afternoon sun., Explore the island of Capri – once a lavish retreat for Roman emperors – and see the mighty cliff faces, secluded coves, refreshing grottos and spectacular Mediterranean scenery., By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio. Donations help them regenerate 22 hectares of unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in Italy.

Group leader

All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader 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 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 takes care of logistics, 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 also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Safety

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice 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 destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your 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.

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 or relax and take it easy. 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 judgement 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's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines, 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!, 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.

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)

30 Aug 2024

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Additional Information

Health

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

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

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

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.

VEGETARIANS
Vegetarians might find the menu selection in Europe less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

BREAKFASTS
There are some continental breakfasts included on this trip which may simply include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice (or similar).

Money matters

CURRENCY
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in the following destinations: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. All other European countries still have their own national currencies.

CASH
You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Europe. Before leaving home, check if your bank will charge fees for using your card internationally. Card payments are not always accepted in stores and restaurants. We recommend you carry some cash for these purposes.

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.

BUDGET
Please budget for additional meals and expenses while on your trip. We suggest EUR 525.00 for meals not included on this trip. Our suggestion is based on past traveller feedback but you may choose to spend more or less.

TIPPING
If you're happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's 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. The following amounts are per person suggestions based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers: In local markets and basic restaurants and cafes - round your bill up to the nearest €1. In more up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill. Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your tour leader. We suggest €2-€3 per day for local guides. You may also 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 would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group, however we suggest €1-€2 per day for drivers. You may also consider tipping your tour leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €4-€5 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service. In total, we recommend you budget approx €5-€10 per day of your trip to cover tipping.

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

PACKING
On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. You can find Intrepid's Ultimate Packing List on our website. It should be used as a guide only and isn't intended to be a complete packing list.

, WALKING EQUIPMENT
In addition to your 'normal' daily clothes, you will need the following essential items:
- Walking boots with good ankle support and tread
- Good quality waterproof/windproof jacket and trousers
- Sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses
- A warm sweater or fleece
- Day pack, WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you., LUGGAGE LIMIT
The weight limit for luggage is a maximum of 20kg per person. Due to limited storage space on transport travellers can bring one piece of main luggage only. Backpacks or duffel bags are an ideal choice. It cannot be guaranteed that excess luggage can be transported, and fees may apply.

Climate and seasonal

SUMMER
Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C/104°F), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

SHOULDER SEASON
In contrast, weather in shoulder season can be unpredictable, and snow is not unheard of at higher altitudes. If you travel at the start or towards the end of the European season please pack accordingly with warm and/or waterproof clothes (preferably layers). The advantage of travelling during this time is that there are less tourists around.

A couple of rules

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

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

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

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

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

Accommodation notes

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.

TWIN SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.

CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.

PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

FACILITIES
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Transport notes

TRANSPORT IN EUROPE
Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.

Travel insurance

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

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

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

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


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

Your fellow travellers

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

SOLO TRAVELLERS
On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

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

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

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

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
A single supplement is available on this trip, please refer to your booking agent for further information.

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.

MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES
Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.