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Intrepid Travel In-depth Review: Are their tours any good? [2024]

Intrepid Travel In-depth Review: Are their tours any good? [2024]

A tour that offers trips where you can spread positive impacts to the place you're visiting ... Are they too good to be true? What are their pros and cons? Find out now.

intrepid travel ratings

Raeesha is an expert freelance writer who loves to tap into unique perspectives about heritage, art, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. Coming from a country famed for tourism, she also focuses on promoting sustainable travel choices to minimize environmental footprint. Besides the travel niche, she also writes about economics, business, and linguistics. You will find her guides informative and detailed, albeit with a pinch of dry humor.

Have you ever thought about the impacts you have when you're on your trip? The way you travel, through what transportation methods you take, how you engage with communities, and what you leave behind after the trip can have various impacts on the destination you traveled to. 

In this review, we bring to you a review of a travel agency that'll help you plan your next trip while making sure that you travel responsibly. Stick around and read the entire Intrepid Travel review to find out how you can make use of this service.

Intrepid Travel Logo.

What is Intrepid Travel?

In 1988, two friends, Darrell and Manch, were traveling with friends in a truck in parts of Africa when they came to a realization. They realized that more people would enjoy traveling while minimizing impacts by talking to many travelers. That kickstarted the tour operator  Intrepid Travel .

Apart from presenting a travel itinerary, Intrepid Travel also guarantees their customers a responsible travel experience with them. In order to ensure responsibility while traveling, Intrepid Travel has partnered up with many global and local funds and organizations like Blue Carbon Lab and Eden Reforestation Project.

Intrepid Travel has its own foundation, which funds initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and work towards a sustainable future. 

How does Intrepid Travel work?

Intrepid Travel has a simple and user-friendly interface. You could insert basic information and get a ready-made travel itinerary or have a trip tailor-made based on your preferences.

Readymade trips 

Once you visit the Intrepid Travel website, you can search for itineraries based on your choice of destination and the date of travel. Intrepid Travel will provide you with a range of options to choose from based on the information provided. These options vary from  Premium, Best of,  to  Classic , etc. 

Alternatively, you could also select from various styles and themes and find ready-made trips. In order to look for themes, you have to click on the  Ways to travel  option on the panel at the top of the website. These themes include 18s to 29s, Active Adventures, Adventure Cruising, Cycling, Expeditions, Family, Festivals, Food,  Lonely Planet  Experiences, Polar, Retreats, Sailing, Short-Breaks, Urban Adventures, Walking and Trekking, and Wildlife. 

Intrepid Travel destination and tour search bar.

Personalized trips 

Travelers using Intrepid Travels can also select tailor-made trips from the themes section. In this, you can flexibly choose when and where you want to go and what you want to do because the ready-made itineraries from Intrepid can't be altered. 

You would be traveling with local leaders or travel guides from any travel themes or styles. They will guide you on everything and even deal with the logistics of traveling. With their extensive knowledge of local culture and environments, you will surely get an immersive traveling experience. The help of local leaders also makes group travels easier. 

How old do you have to be to travel with Intrepid?

If you are traveling without adult supervision, you have to be 18 years of age or above. Styles of travel include Premium, Comfort, Original, and Basix. Depending on the style, the provision of services varies, but you would still get the basic services, though. 

Although there aren't any readily available promo codes from Intrepid Travel, they almost always have deals on their website. If you aren't looking to travel anytime soon, you can check the discounts available on the website. If you are making some late plans, you can choose to look at the last-minute deals they have to offer.

Intrepid Travel Tour Packages in India.

What we like about Intrepid Travel

  • Ready-made packages

Intrepid Travel makes your trips so much easier. Choosing from a specific style and/or theme is the best part of this. It allows you to select a trip that is to your liking and within your budget. The intersection of the style and theme gives you even more options. What's even more remarkable is that all the destinations, accommodation, food, and transportation are arranged for you as you reach your destination.

  • Personalization

The thing with ready-made packages is that they don't have flexible arrival and departure dates. If you're someone who needs that freedom in traveling, tailor-made packages are just the thing for you. Even if you are the one who's deciding things, you wouldn't be the one spending time getting things together. Intrepid Travel and its local leaders will do everything for you. 

  • Responsible travel

Responsible travel includes less carbon footprint, respect towards local cultures, and support for local communities. Your use of Intrepid Travel would contribute towards funding grassroots organizations, initiatives, and local communities. After all, responsible traveling isn't just where you'll be going; it's also on you as an individual traveler. Intrepid Travel adheres to COVID guidelines and ensures your safety.

While you aren't required to have travel insurance, Intrepid Travel will recommend travel insurance services, like World Nomads ,  if you think it's something you would like to have.

Tour details for Intrepid Travel Tours.

What's not-so-great about Intrepid Travel

  • Complaints on service 

Intrepid Travel doesn't have a lot of bad reviews. But, we came across some complaints about low-quality accommodation, unreliable local guides, and poor service. Some negative reviews spoke of Intrepid Travel's delay/failure to process refunds during the pandemic. As always, it's important to know that no service is perfect, and there could be issues occasionally. 

Compared to traveling solo, heading on a group tour with companies like Intrepid is a bit more expensive because most travel logistics and planning are arranged for you. Also, when you travel with a group, there's a higher chance of spending on extra "group" activities. However, you may not necessarily enjoy all of them. In this regard, we think it's better to  backpack  solo if you are quite a seasoned traveler. 

Is Intrepid Travel Worth It?

Most of the past users have left satisfying reviews of Intrepid Travel. We also recommend it to travelers that want more out of your travel experience. We believe what they're offering is a great way to explore the world while maintaining a positive impact on the places you go!

You also have many other choices like  G Adventures ,  EF Ultimate Break , and  Under30Experiences  for guided group tours. So, do consider these options before you pick one! 

Our Rating: 4.6/5

  • Tours that makes a positive impact
  • Responsible travel (low footprint)
  • Great tour packages
  • All Inclusive
  • Few complaints on quality of the tours
  • Slightly expensive

Travel the world via Intrepid Travels.

If you're looking to plan your own trip.

Regardless of which tour guides you pick, you're definitely all set to make some memorable experiences. We believe that you'll have a better time by planning and going on a trip solo or with friends and family! After all, traveling at your own pace and your own determined budget is always a win.

If you're planning to travel with your friends or colleagues or any other group of people, Pilot might be able to help you out with it.

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Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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Raeesha Ikram Blog

's Experience

  • Freelancer writer with over 7 years of experience
  • Topics involve travel, customer relations, marketing, and economics
  • Experienced in content writing and copywriting

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Intrepid Travel Review – the Largest “Small Group” Adventure Travel Company

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Intrepid Travel Review – the Largest “Small Group” Adventure Travel Company

Who Are Intrepid Travel Tours Good For?

Intrepid travel styles, destinations, intrepid australia, intrepid cambodia, intrepid costa rica, intrepid cuba, intrepid egypt, intrepid greece, intrepid iceland, intrepid india, intrepid jordan, intrepid morocco, intrepid peru, intrepid sri lanka, intrepid vietnam, intrepid travel reviews, intrepid travel vs. g adventures, intrepid travel insurance, intrepid promo code, final thoughts.

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Traveling the world is an exciting adventure, but for many, it can be a stressful experience. Worries of safety, navigation, and tackling language barriers can be enough to put off many travelers, especially if you’re considering going solo.

Intrepid has been operating small group tours for over 30 years and is one of the major leaders in the industry. You can choose from over 1,000 tours to 100 destinations, selecting the comfort level that suits your budget and travel style. You’ll be guided throughout your journey — right from the point of booking — with advice on visas , currency, and other essential trip information .

Intrepid has been a fully carbon-neutral company since 2010 by investing in projects that actively reduce CO2 emissions. So you can feel safe in the knowledge that you’re traveling as green as possible while embarking on your adventure. Intrepid small group tours usually accommodate up to 16 people but tend to have an average of around 10.

Solo Travelers

Intrepid Solo Travel

Most of us have been in a situation where we’ve been desperate to go traveling, but none of our friends or family are in the position to go with us. You’re then left with the dilemma of going it alone or missing out on the experience altogether. Thankfully, that’s where a small group tour can help.

Even though you’re traveling solo, you’re never really alone on an Intrepid tour. There are rarely single supplement rates as you’ll buddy up with another traveler of the same gender. Of course, you still have the option to upgrade to your own room if you would like to.

Friends or Groups

Intrepid Friends and Groups

Joining a tour with a group of friends is great if you like the idea of spending time with them while also being open to mixing with other people. No one likes being the organizer, so joining a small group tour eliminates the pressure from 1 person having to book everything and manage payments. You’re all equal participants on an Intrepid tour.

Intrepid Family Travel

If you’re traveling with children under 17 , you’re welcome to join a family tour. Let someone else do the organizing and navigating so that you can enjoy the experience of traveling with your family . An Intrepid family tour can be a fun and educational experience for your child and can help them gain confidence by interacting with new people.

Hot Tip:  You might have a long flight or some lengthy road trips to contend with. Prepare yourself with some entertainment by checking out the best podcasts and audiobooks for travel .

If you’re on a budget or believe that a hotel is simply somewhere to rest your head for the night, a Basix Tour could be for you. This tour style focuses on simple accommodation (such as camping or homestays) and lots of free time, so you’re not spending money on excursions that you have no interest in.

Original Tours combine tourist-class accommodation (2- to 3-star hotels) with local and private transport. There’s a blend of planned excursions and independent exploration , suiting those travelers looking for a balance between guided local knowledge and free time.

Comfort Tours feature more comfortable and unique accommodation with more frills than the Basix and Original Tours. Private transport is used throughout, and these tours run at a slower pace with exploration and activities usually led by a guide.

Intrepid Travel Tour Themes and Destinations

18 to 29s tours.

18 to 29s Tours

As the name suggests, these tours are specifically for those that fall into the 18- to 29-years-old age bracket and tend to cover the highlights of a destination with lots of free time. With around 10 people per tour, there are plenty of opportunities for making friends , while also allowing you to explore independently if you prefer.

Hot Tip: Contiki is a similar tour company that caters to young travelers in a similar age bracket —  18 to 35 years old. Some tours can accommodate much larger groups, upwards of 50 people. Read more about the tour types and destinations in our Contiki review !

Adventure Cruising

Intrepid Adventure Cruises

Adventure Cruises accommodate less than 50 passengers  so the ships can explore places that large cruise liners can’t reach. Groups are large enough to socialize with various travelers but are small enough to feel that your arrival on land doesn’t swarm a destination impacting that local experience.

Hot Tip: Our ultimate cruise vacation packing checklist helps ensure that you have everything you need to be dressed for any occasion.

Cycling Tours

Intrepid Cycling Tours

Cycling Tours are an excellent way to enjoy the journey and the destination , peddling along with incredible views and authentic encounters. Each tour has a physical rating , so you can determine whether the trip is right for you, and includes a tour leader and support vehicle.

Hot Tip: If you’re an adventure seeker, you’ll want to pack all of the essentials for your next active vacation.

Family Tours

Intrepid Family Tours

Family Tours consist of family-friendly activities and accommodation mixed with flexible free time. Your tour leader will be specifically trained in family travel with groups accommodating 3 to 5 like-minded families.

Intrepid Food Tours

Food Tours will give you a true flavor of some of the world’s most famous culinary destinations . Discover fresh food markets and local restaurants, or try your hand at a cooking class.

Lonely Planet Experiences

Intrepid Lonely Planet Tours

Intrepid has partnered with Lonely Planet to provide exciting tours for adventurous and independent travelers. Seek out the mountain gorillas of Uganda or ride the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. You’ll have a knowledgeable local leader and can read all about the destination before your trip with 12 months of free access to the Lonely Planet app .

Hot Tip:  Tours often include a fair bit of walking to see the sights, so you’ll need a good pair of hiking boots or shoes . 

Polar Tours

Intrepid Polar Tours

They may be polar opposites, but the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic have 1 thing in common — they’re both incredible destinations. Look out for polar bears and the Northern Lights in the Arctic and kayak among breaching whales in the Antarctic. Exploration ships have modern amenities , and expert leaders hold interesting seminars and guide travelers on exciting excursions.

Hot Tip: One of our writers sailed to Antarctica on a trip booked through Intrepid .

Intrepid Retreats

Retreats are short breaks that could be just a short drive or flight from your home, where you live and explore as the locals do . All retreats feature 1 accommodation, so you’ll only have to unpack once with all your free time spent immersing yourself in the local community rather than traveling.

Other Tour Themes

  • Active Adventures
  • Expeditions
  • Short Breaks
  • Tailor Made
  • Urban Adventures
  • Walking and Trekking
  • Women’s Expeditions

Hot Tip:  Avoid the temptation of pickpockets and keep your hands free to explore with these crossbody bags and purses . 

Intrepid Travel offers over 1,000 tours to over 100 countries within these continents and regions:

  • Antarctica/Arctic
  • Australia and Oceania
  • Central America
  • Middle East
  • North America
  • South America

Intrepid Travel Top Tours

Uluru Australia

From lush rainforests and glistening beaches to baron deserts and cosmopolitan cities, Australia is a country of contrasts. Every region is uniquely different, and due to the sheer size of the country, it’s unlikely that you’ll get to see everything in a single trip. Most tours stick within a particular region . You could be snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, heading out to Kangaroo Island, or exploring the vineyards of the Margaret River.

  • Includes transportation, accommodation, most meals, and some excursions

Hot Tip:  As flights are not included in the tour price, you may want to check out the best ways to fly to Australia with points and miles

Angkor Wat Cambodia

The Cambodian people are the country’s shining stars. Incredibly friendly with smiles all around, this inspiring nation has risen from the 1970s bloodshed of the Khmer Rouge and welcomes visitors with open arms. It’s an unforgettable moment seeing the sunrise over Angkor Wat or spotting a rare freshwater dolphin swimming along the Mekong Delta.

  • Includes transportation, accommodation, some meals, and most activities

Costa Rica Tour

With an ecotourism scene , farm-to-table restaurants, and unspoiled natural surroundings, it’s not surprising that Costa Rica’s motto is “Pura Vida” – the pure life. Spot toucans in the mysterious cloud forests, try your hand at a surf lesson, or glide through treetop canopies on a zipline adventure. There is so much to see and do in Costa Rica , and with a tour, you can let someone else do the driving.

  • Includes transportation, accommodation, and some activities

Hot Tip:  Intrepid tours use locally run guesthouses, homestays, and restaurants to support local communities rather than large chains.

Cuba Tour

When you think of Cuba, you think of colorful colonial buildings, vintage cars, and turquoise waters. But there is so much more to see apart from the vibrant capital Havana and its beautiful beaches. Head out to Vinales to tour a traditional tobacco plantation or enjoy some salsa dancing in historical Trinidad.

  • Includes transportation, accommodation, and excursions

Egypt Tour

Egypt is a land of ancient wonders with a history as long as the Nile itself. Marvel at the magnificent pyramids and bargain for souvenirs in the bustling bazaars of Cairo. Sail down the River Nile on a traditional felucca and discover the ancient city of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.

  • Includes transportation, accommodation, excursions, and some meals

Greece Tour

Discover the ancient ruins of Athens before crossing the Aegean to island-hop your way between the beautiful Greek islands. Weave your way around the cute whitewashed houses of Santorini or explore the clifftop ruins of Delphi. Greece is also renowned for its nightlife , whether you’re looking for a quiet bar to watch the sunset or a club to dance into the early hours.

Icealand Tour

From bubbling hot springs to mountain glaciers, and lush green landscapes to frozen waterfalls, Iceland’s diverse landscape is one of the main attractions that draw visitors to the land of fire and ice. That and the prospect of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon or simply chat with locals in Reykjavik or any of the friendly coastal towns.

India Tour

India captivates many visitors with its thriving culture, historical sights, wild beaches, and wildlife. The busy cities and sometimes intense atmosphere prevent many from venturing to India independently, and taking a tour can alleviate the pressure . If you love exploring temples, then you’re in for a treat as India has millions.

Jordan Tour

Soak up the history of the Silk Road, explore the mysterious deserts of Wadi Rum, and visit the magnificent ruins of Petra. Jordan is a haven for history buffs and adventurers alike . For a more relaxed pace, travelers can watch an Arabian sunrise from their Bedouin camp or float in the mineral-rich Red Sea, enjoying every minute of the famous Jordanian hospitality.

  • Includes transportation, accommodation, and some meals and excursions

Morocco Tour

Wander around chaotic and colorful Marrakesh before changing up the scenery with a trip into the Atlas Mountains where you can hike and visit a Berber village. Amble across the Sahara Desert by camel to reach your Bedouin camp or enjoy yoga or surfing in the coastal towns of Essaouira and Taghazout.

Peru Tour

Hike within the Andes to reach Machu Picchu — the most well-preserved archeological site for ancient Incan civilizations. Although these mountain ruins are the most visited attraction in Peru , there is so much more to this incredible country. Tours will take you to the unique islands of Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, and deep into the Amazon Jungle in search of black alligators.

  • Includes transportation, accommodation, meals, and porters (guided hike)

Hot Tip:  Mosquitoes and other biting bugs can be found all over the world. If you prefer to steer clear of DEET-based repellents, take a look at the best natural insect repellents to help protect you.

Sri Lanka Tour

Due to its modest size, you can see a lot of Sri Lanka in a small space of time . Not that a trip to this enchanting country should be rushed. Savor your journey around the ever-changing landscapes, from the vast plains of the north, the rocky mountains and rain forests of the center, and beautiful beaches framing most of the rugged coastline. See the largest gathering of Asian elephants or go in search of the elusive leopard. The food is delicious, the culture is captivating, and the people are friendly.

  • Includes transportation, accommodation, and some excursions and meals

Vietnam Tour

All who visit Vietnam are blown away by its natural beauty . Watch farmers harvest rice from the colorful fields or sail around the towering limestone rocks of Halong Bay. The powdery white beaches of Phu Quoc Island are glorious, and wondrous waterfalls and caves make for fantastic photo opportunities. If variety is what you’re after, that is exactly what you’ll get visiting Vietnam. One minute you’re negotiating swarms of motorcycles crossing the road in Hanoi and the next your rafting peacefully down the rivers of Ninh Binh.

Hot Tip:  Find out the best ways to fly to Vietnam with points and miles . Currently, there are no direct routes from the U.S. to Vietnam, but with Vietnam Airlines recently receiving the required Air Carrier Permit, this could be on the horizon.

Intrepid Travel is well-reviewed across many of the major review sites. Many customers have recently taken to these sites to negatively review Intrepid’s cancellation and refund policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Trustpilot : 2.8 out of 5
  • TourRadar : 4.6 out of 5
  • Facebook : 4.9 out of 5

These are some reviews from Intrepid’s most popular tours, and more can be found on the individual destination pages :

Great Ocean Road Adventure ex Adelaide “Great little trip from Adelaide to Melbourne if you’re short on time and want to see the Great Ocean Road. The guide was excellent and the itinerary packed a lot in!” — Kaitlyn

Cambodian Traveller “A good introduction to the country stopping at the main points of interest. Would highly recommend Intrepid as its a well organized operation which takes the difficulties out of traveling in a less developed country where you don’t speak the language. The tour guide was a great help, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and kind. A great trip.” — Imogen

Classic Costa Rica “This has been my third trip with Intrepid. As usual I enjoyed it immensely. This trip deserves additional high praise. Their guides as usual are top class, very knowledgeable and approachable. They show not only in words but actions, how looking after the environment is a major part of Intrepids policy.” — John

Hola Cuba – for US citizens “The Hola Cuba Trip For US Citizens is an excellent introduction to Cuba, it’s people and their culture. The trip provides glimpses into the urban cultures of Habana, Trinidad and Cienfuegos while also allowing travelers to see the quieter lives of those in Viñales and Las Terrazas. Our guide Andy was very knowledgeable of the history a culture of his homeland and did an amazing job of sharing the beauty of Cuba through experience and storytelling. I absolutely recommend this trip for travelers thirsty to learn about Cuba and its people.” — Jason

Egypt Experience “Our group traveling in Egypt was a group of 10- a perfect number. Our leader was mature, very knowledgeable, organized, and treated us all with respect. He did not hover over us and gave us information to make decisions. To visit the antiquities of Egypt was amazing and we had plenty of time to absorb these awesome sites. Our visit to a Nubian village and share a family meal was special. This trip is highly recommended.” — Margaret & Tom

Sail Greece: Santorini to Mykonos “Our sailing adventure true Greek islands was an unforgettable experience! If You love sailing and want to see a real beauty of Greece this trip is for you. Swimming and snorkeling in turquoise water, cave exploration, hiking, beautiful sunsets, sunrises and delicious food are all guaranteed. Great mixture of adventure, relaxation and fun. We also had the best skipper ever, Rita. She was so friendly and knowledgeable. Took the best care of us.! Unbelievable woman with a great personality. She shows us so many beautiful places that we couldn’t even imagine. The boat was way over 10 years old, not 5 as in booklet. All through we had a great trip with great people :)” — Marcin

Northern Lights Escape “I had huge expectations of Iceland. My 6 day Intrepid small group tour (9 of us), met them all. Stefano, our guide, was fantastic – funny, knowledgeable and took great care of us. The itinerary allowed us to see and experience all the amazing highlights of Iceland, and more, even though we didn’t luck out with the aurora. Our tour was early March, so everything was white. I’d do it all again in a flash, and will return and do it in summer, too! I highly recommend Intrepid. Just do it!” — Margi

India’s Golden Triangle – For Solo Travellers “This trip was fantastic! I wasn’t sure what to expect as I hadn’t done anything like this before but I’m so glad I booked it. All the hotels were of a good standard as were the tours and transport. Shakti was a fantastic tour leader as was the group I travelled with. I will cherish the memories of this trip forever. I can’t wait to book another trip!” — Chantal

Trek Jordan “Great trip. Ticked all the boxes I was looking for. Loved floating in the Dead Sea and the accommodation there was outstanding. Petra was awesome, especially the trek to the Monastery. That was a great day. Loved trekking Wadi Rum too. What a landscape – no wonder they used it for “The Martian” and other movies. And our guide Muhammad was brilliant – couldn’t have asked for better!” — Robert

Best of Morocco “Intrepid provided an authentic and special experience. I knew my money was going to the people who needed it most. Due to Intrepid’s dedication to providing socially and environmentally conscious tours, the tour drew a unique, like-minded group of people who shared similar values and an appreciation of diverse cultures and the environment. This, along with the exceptional tour guide, are why I will continue to travel with Intrepid in the future. Thank you for a trip of a lifetime!” — Penelope

Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu Extension “This may not be the Inca Trail, but it is still beautiful and cultural. To stand in the Andes and listen to the silence, there are no words. It is still pristine as you wander up through farming communities and then on to the highlands. The waterfall is rather spectacular also and of course Machu Picchu itself. If you are lucky enough to have Kleberth Ovalle as your guide, you will leave much enriched.” — Deb

Cycle Sri Lanka “A wonderful experience to cycle through the country, meeting the local communities and sampling the local food. Some days the terrain was challenging and I was pleased I had an e-bike! Our guide Dodan was enthusiastic, well informed and always went above and beyond the call of duty. A great holiday and one I would thoroughly recommend.” — Heather

Vietnam Express Northbound “This trip gave an excellent overview of Vietnam. The presence of a guide made navigating a country with such a different language and culture to ours much easier. The transport was safe and well organised. Hotels were well situated and clean. We had plenty opportunities to explore on our own but there was always plenty of advice offered about places to avoid.” — Carol

Intrepid Travel and G Adventures are very similar in their product offerings, both offering a wide range of destinations and tour types. Intrepid has over 1,000 tours to over 100 counties , so it does exceed G Adventures’ 700 tours if the range is a factor for you.

Price-wise, both operators are pretty much on par with each other , but if you are comparing a similar itinerary, do check what inclusions are featured as some Intrepid packages include more bang for your buck than G Adventures.

Travel insurance is mandatory when traveling on an Intrepid tour, and your tour leader will need to see documentation before you set off. Although Intrepid doesn’t offer travel insurance, it recommends booking through World Nomads .

Intrepid recommends that your travel insurance covers you for:

  • Medical expenses and emergency repatriation
  • Personal liability
  • Cancellation
  • Curtailment
  • Loss of luggage and personal effects

Hot Tip:  Don’t get overwhelmed with the variety of travel insurance options available! We’ve created an ultimate guide to buying the best travel insurance to help simplify the process. You may also have travel coverages and benefits offered by your credit card .

While it’s unlikely that you’ll find Intrepid Travel promo codes on third party websites, Intrepid does frequently feature offers for specific destinations or tours that need a push. You’ll also find that booking well in advance can provide savings of 10% to 15% . No promo codes are required to obtain these deals; just visit the Travel Deals page on the Intrepid website.

The heart of Intrepid Travel is in its tour leaders — friendly locals, born and bred in the countries you’re discovering. Who better to show you around? Intrepid’s are some of the best in the industry and are consistently praised in customer reviews for the knowledge and personality they bring to the table.

If you’re thinking about your first tour, or have traveled with another tour operator before, don’t hesitate to give Intrepid a go. You’ll have the most extensive choice of tours and destinations of any operator and the comfort of knowing that you’re traveling with a company committed to having a positive impact on the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is intrepid travel a good company.

Intrepid Travel is well-reviewed across many of the major review sites. Most recently, many customers have taken to these sites to negatively review Intrepid’s cancellation and refund policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But overall, the actual tours are highly reviewed.

Where is Intrepid Travel based?

Intrepid was founded in Australia and has offices in Melbourne, Toronto, London, and New York.

Which is better, Intrepid or G Adventures?

Intrepid Travel and G Adventures are very similar in their product offerings, both offering a wide range of destinations and tour types. Intrepid has over 1,000 tours to over 100 counties, so it does exceed G Adventures’ 700 tours, if range is a factor.

Price-wise, both operators are pretty much on par with each other, but if you are comparing a similar itinerary, do check what inclusions are featured as some Intrepid packages include more bang for your buck than G Adventures.

Are flights included in Intrepid Tours?

Flights are not included in the tour prices you see on the Intrepid website, however, you can book your flights through Intrepid. If you book your flights independently, you need to make sure you arrive in time for your welcome meeting on the first day of your tour.

What age group travels with Intrepid?

All age groups are catered for with Intrepid. 18-29s Tours and Family Tours are the only types that come with age restrictions; anyone else is free to join the other tours. Children over the age of 15 are permitted on most tours, provided they are accompanied by an adult over 18.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Age Range: 18 - 80

Average Tour Price: $2,377

Accommodation Style:  Unique stays in boutique 3  and 4 star hotels

Group Size: Small groups - max 16 on most trips. To increase travelers safety during Covid-19, Intrepid has decreased their group size to an average of 10 people

Travel Style: Cultural immersion, active adventure, overland

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Intrepid travel reviews & ratings, we joined the intrepid “real italy food….

We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information....

Audrey Tavares

Central Asia Explorer

This was my third trip with Intrepid, and I'll continue to plan future trips with them. I choose Intrepid to travel to parts of the world where I don't feel comforta...

Sue Barnard

I keep coming back to Intrepid cos they…

I keep coming back to Intrepid cos they just keep doing it right! The organisation, logistics, variety and quality of experiences, the challenges, the balance betwee...

My Favourite Travel Company

Absolutely love travelling with Intrepid and I have done so many ...

Lesley Unsworth

I love Intrepid Real Food adventures…

I love Intrepid Real Food adventures and have now been on a few. India, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Mexico. Morocco Vietnam, as well as Jamaica. It can be very get in amongst...

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Intrepid Travel - Quick Facts

Founded in 1989

No Single Supplement (rare exceptions)

Small Groups: max 16 on most trips (10 max during Covid-19)

Average Age:  48

Travel Style: Cultural immersion, adventure, overland,  sustainable, and active

Accommodation Style: Camping, Hostels, 3 /4 star hotels, locally owned

Top Regions: Asia, Africa, Europe, South America

Other Brands: Peregrine

Commonly compared with G Adventures »

Intrepid Travel is all about ‘real life experiences.’ With a name meaning fearless and adventurous, Intrepid offers nothing less than big travel adventures -- such as an 11-day hike through Papua New Guinea.  However, Intrepid is broad-based enough to offer varied experiences such as food tours in Greece, complete with a visit to a Kalamata olive grove.

Morocco homestay with Intrepid Travel

What Makes Intrepid Travel Stand Out?

  • Responsible travel
  • Industry experts
  • Authentic experiences
  • Small groups

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Intrepid believes that with great travel experiences comes great responsibility. They are focused on responsible tourism which includes not only treading lightly but also making a positive impact on the destinations they send travelers to.  As a Certified B Corp since 2018, Intrepid donates to grass root projects around the world, are a carbon-neutral business and are committed to animal welfare.

Travelers can rest assured when they travel with Intrepid because they will be in the hands of industry experts . Intrepid partners with local leaders to be guides for travelers. This gives travelers first hand experiences from someone who knows the area well.

Above all else, Intrepid strives to get its travelers off the beaten path and under the surface of the local culture. To accomplish this, group sizes are small, maximum of 16 on most trips. This allows for more use of local transportation and lodging, along with fostering cultural immersion . Intrepid also employs local English-speaking leaders who act more as a resource for local exploration than do typical ‘guides,’ shepherding groups from one place to another. 

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Intrepid Travel?

  • All types of travelers
  • Cultural enthusiasts

Intrepid is one of the early pioneers of the “adventure”-style guided trip . Despite its informal beginnings and emphasis on younger, highly adventurous travelers, Intrepid has expanded to a global company with a broad range of trips to fit all ages.

Intrepid divides its small-group trips into three separate styles of travel, all priced accordingly. “Basix,” for budget travelers , keep inclusions to a minimum and offer plenty of free time. “Original” journeys offer more included activities and hotels, while “Comfort” trips offer luxury experiences that include the highest level of included activities and standards of accommodation, as well as roomier vehicles. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there is a style right for your specific desires.

The age range on Intrepid tours varies widely from tour to tour, and they are welcoming to all ages.  The only exception to this are their 18-29 themed tours which are specifically for that age group. 

Intrepid travelers have  a real sense of adventure - whether this means hard adventure, or simply going deeper off the beaten path. Interacting with locals is an important factor when you travel, as is gaining a unique cultural perspective.  A sense of fun is also essential, whether it means going out at night with your tour mates, trying new foods, or exploring the local markets.

Which is better? Intrepid Travel or G Adventures?

Commonly compared, both G Adventures and Intrepid Travel specialize in culturally immersive and off-the-beaten-path experiences. They are top companies to consider if you enjoy local & authetic travel and value having lots of free time during the itinerary. See our ultimate guide to decide which is right for you: Intrepid vs G Adventures, full comparison »

Top Destinations

Monk mediating in Myanmar on tour with Intrepid Travel

Originally focused on small group adventure tours to Asia , Intrepid has expanded rapidly over the years, while maintaining its classic, adventurous, and immersive style. Today Intrepid Travel offers more than 1,000 different experiences in over 100 countries, on all seven continents. Regions with the most trips include Asia , South America , Africa , and Europe .

Does Intrepid Travel include flights?

While all your internal transportation is taken care of, often utilizing traditiona local methods such as tuk-tuks in Thailand, international flights to and from your home and the tour destination are not included.  Their travel specialists can recommend where to look for flights however.

Intrepid Travel Style

Intrepid enjoys using local, unique forms of transportation. You might find yourself traveling by felucca in Egypt   or in a tuk-tuk on the best Thailand tour of your life.

Accommodations, which could range from guesthouses to home stays, are also locally owned, allowing a more authentic taste of the region while contributing to the local economy.

There are a few broad travel styles to choose from when deciding on an Intrepid tour:

1. Basix - Budget travelers who don’t mind, and in fact prefer, simple accommodations - camping and homestays with basic amenities, and crave a lot of free time for exploring independently will love these tours. Public transportation is used exclusively so pack light! These trips often attract a younger crowd who love the idea of throwing a backpack on, keep plenty of room for the unexpected in their schedule, and allocate their travel funds towards spontaneous bus tickets and street food instead of museum tours and 5 star restaurants.

2. Original - These trips take the backpacker spirit of local immersion, incorporating all the benefits that come with going with a planned itinerary. This style is called “Original” because it’s the type of travel that put Intrepid on the map...pun intended. Accommodations are still simple and budget minded - often homestays are used to give you a true sense of place, personality, and culture . Mostly public transportation is used.

3. Comfort - Intrepid is known for the active adventure style of travel and these trips keep that mentality, with a few more creature comforts thrown into the mix. You can expect higher luxury accommodations that include a wider variety of included amenities, transportation is mostly private, though you can still expect to use some public transport, as is the Intrepid way. More meals are included in the trip price, and more group activities - which means a bit less free time to explore on your own.

Why Choose a Tour With Intrepid Travel?

Sample of many spices in Middle Eastern market

Intrepid is a good tour company if you don’t mind foregoing some creature comforts for a truly authentic, local experience . If you enjoy meeting locals when traveling, sampling new and exciting foods , and traveling in mixed-aged groups of 10-16 people, Intrepid could be a good fit for you.

It’s important to note, sometimes “ample free time” can be a blessing and a curse. It sounds great on paper, but if you’re looking to maximize your dollar and your vacation time, be sure you understand the implications of having a lot of free time during your itinerary.

For some travelers this is an absolute requirement, but for others it can be tough to branch off and explore independently - you also need to make sure you allocate enough travel money for independent meals .

The tour leaders are great resources of information for how to spend your free time, but if you like having a full day scheduled from breakfast to dinner, Intrepid may not be the best company for you.

Lastly, if sustainable and responsible travel is important to you, Intrepid has poured millions of dollars into local economies, and has a very strong emphasis on responsible travel. So you can feel good knowing that your money helps support some of the innkeepers, vendors, and communities that you’ll meet along the way.

Is Intrepid Travel Safe?

Yes, Intrepid is a very safe company to travel with and they take the safety of their tour goers very seriously.

In response to Covid-19, Intrepid has reduced their group size to an average of 10 people. Their guides have been fully trained on new sanitation requirements and Covid-19 health and safety guidelines.

They have also implemented flexible booking options. 

General Covid-19 Travel News

Some countries are beginning to reopen to international visitors, with entry restrictions, while others have remained closed. 

Keep checking back regularly to keep up to date with the frequently changing situation of the coronavirus.

Want more information about travel safety and the coronavirus? Read about where it's safe to travel to in 2020 >>

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About the company, the intrepid travel experience.

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

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USTOA is a nonprofit professional association representing the tour operator industry.Its members are made up of companies who provide services worldwide but who conduct business in the U.S.

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I would think carefully before doing business with Intrepid Travel again. In May I went on 2 one-week guided cycle tours in France with Intrepid. They were both great cycles and I enjoyed the cycling very much. However, I had several complaints about the company and some of the guides (not all of them). Once I had paid for my trips, it was very difficult to get in touch with Intrepid to ask a question. During the trips, several times I was told something one day only to have the info change without any good reason. The guides need proper training about dealing with the heat. Some of use suffered from dehydration and heat stroke and the guides were quite flippant about it. I was told that the guides would not leave anyone behind, but it happened several times. There was one guide (a trainee) who really took some of the pleasure out of my cycle tour. She spoke to me with a tone used for a child. This tone and her attitude to me almost bordered on harassment. I went on a third cycling tour with a different company after my 2 with Intrepid and it was much better than my experience with Intrepid. As the demand for ebikes rises, tour companies such as Intrepid need to increase their fleet of ebikes. They also don’t need to charge the huge amount to rent these ebikes. We only want to rent them, not buy them. As the cost of ebikes comes down, if should reflect in the rental price.

Date of experience : May 27, 2023

Reply from Intrepid Travel

Hi Linda, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the cycles on these trips but we are disappointed to hear about your experience with the guides. We will share this feedback with the local operators to ensure this can be improved for future customers.

I can’t recommend the Classic Rajasthan…

I can’t recommend the Classic Rajasthan trip highly enough. The itinerary, activities and accommodation were outstanding and our guide Mukendra was exceptional - fun, kind, informative and well organised. It was a treat to have a proud Rajasthan local who is so passionate about the history, culture, food, spirituality and people to guide us. We all just loved this trip and for me it was a life changing experience Thank you Mukendra and Intrepid

Date of experience : September 12, 2023

Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Cate. We were delighted to read that you found the itinerary, activities and accommodation to be outstanding and that your tour leader Mukendra made your trip extra special. We look forward to welcoming you on another one of our adventure very soon. All the best, Intrepid Travel

Balkan Adventure

Having travelled many times with Intrepid, I find the biggest stand out compared to other companies is having local, highly experienced guides. Our guide Dora who lead us seamlessly through the Balkans for 15 days provided so much in-depth knowledge of the history, culture and resilience of the people in the areas we visited, that I came away with a greater understanding and respect of the beauty of the people and the cities. Not to mention, knowing the best places to try traditional foods such as Burek and Klepe. Highly recommend this tour and travelling with Intrepid.

Date of experience : August 06, 2023

Hello Mel. Thank you so much for taking the time and leaving us a wonderful review! We are so glad to hear that Dora was able to share her knowledge, passion and expertise on this tour. Thank you for being a loyal traveller with us and we hope to welcome you on another Intrepid Tour soon!

My trip in Southern Africa was amazing

My trip in Southern Africa was amazing! 3 countries, countless animals, and natural beauty made for a truly unforgettable experience. The group leader, cook, and driver were exceptionally professional. I learned so much and enjoyed every minute of my trip! Pre-trip customer service was very helpful setting up a sleeping bag hire and an airport transfer.

Date of experience : August 04, 2023

Hi Brandi, thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to read that you had an amazing time exploring Southern Africa with us. It really is such a beautiful part of the world to visit. It is pleasing to know that all of our team members were able to enhance your trip and make it a smooth process. We hope to welcome you back on another trip with Intrepid in the future!

Wild Mongolia…Excellent organisation…

Wild Mongolia…Excellent organisation from the time I left home in NSW, Australia. Intrepid organised my flights also. Was my 10th trip with Intrepid and won’t be my last. They are always easy to deal with. Many thanks.

Date of experience : June 22, 2023

Thank you for sharing your experience, Garry. We are always pleased to hear when our loyal customers continue to choose to travel with us and we look forward to welcoming you on another Intrepid adventure very soon. All the best, Intrepid Travel

Basix Dubrovnik to Venice tour

The Basix Dubrovnik to Venice tour was below expectations for me. Other than the avoidable disorganisation on the trip, one critical piece of information that I would have liked to have known before deciding on taking this tour is that the hotel in Split is remote and requires a taxi back to the hotel in the evenings as buses don't run. I understand that the hotel location in Split is something Intrepid is working to resolve so I would check with them before booking the tour if centrally located accommodations was what appealed to you from the description.

Date of experience : July 13, 2023

Hi Wendy, thank you for your feedback. We are always striving to improve our trips and appreciate you sharing your experience with us!

Family Thailand tour

We did a family intrepid tour of Thailand . It was fantastic from start to finish. The guide was amazing, the itinerary was brilliant and we had one of the best trips we have ever done. We could not recommend intrepid more highly.

Date of experience : July 01, 2023

Hi Rachael, thank you for letting us know all about your time away with your family in beautiful Thailand! It is so amazing to hear of your experience, and we look forward to welcoming you all again when the time comes. Stay well.

A fun, challenging and rewarding way to visit Bali

I would give the Cycle Bali trip a score of 5 out of 5 as the itinerary was excellent and the overall experience was very good. Having a team of 4 friendly and experienced staff, including 2 cycling together with the group, was an excellent level of support and meant that it was very good value for money. The cycling was challenging but the quality of bikes provided was good. I would recommend having a decent level of cycling experience and also fitness, although the tour bus was available for those in the group who found some of the hills too steep.

Date of experience : July 16, 2023

We are delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your Cycle Bail tour, David. It sounds like you had a fantastic time receiving lots of support from your guides and group. Although you mentioned that the cycling was challenging at times, I am sure you felt a sense of achievement after cycling up those step hills. We look forward to you joining us on another one of our active adventures very soon. All the best, Intrepid Travel.

Just spent 3 weeks in Morocco on 2…

Just spent 3 weeks in Morocco on 2 Intrepid tours 9day Nrth and 10 day Sth I had the best time with some fabulous people.The tour guides were great especially our STh Morocco tour guide Khalid We experienced the earthquake whilst we were there He was very calm and reassuring helping us during that time . An asset to the company Highly recommend am even planning on going back to Morocco and using Intrepid again it was such a great experience and wonderful country

Date of experience : August 19, 2023

Hi Irene! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your comments with us. It is fantastic to learn that you had a wonderful experience, and that our tour offered you a great adventure and the best and more prepared tour leader. We can't wait to welcome you back on your next adventure!

Whether 18 or 80 - this is the best holiday ever!

The Vietnam Express Southbound. O.M.G. There are not enough words for how fulfilling and fun this action packed 10 days were. We walked, hiked, swam, paddled, cycled, motorbiked, bussed, trained, flew, tuk-tuked ... and ate ate ate! It had everything - an exploration of all the wonders of Vietnam, and when combined with a great, diverse compatible group from around the world, and a superb guide, magic truly happened. Our incomparable guide Uoc (aka Lucky) was a combination of super organised mother-hen, enthusiastic historian and hilarious jokester who was attentive and caring and ensured everything ran smoothly. Husband and I are in our 60s and have travelled widely, and this trip was up there with the best. So if you're still fit and curious and able to get about (not too decrepit for Intrepid!), dust off your walking shoes, get the cobwebs off your bicycle and do some practice laps in your neighbourhood, and book this trip. I don't know how Intrepid do it for the price, but it's value for money, and you'll come away no longer equating Vietnam with 'war', but having a new love for a beautiful country, it's people ... and of course, their food. Thank you Intrepid, Uoc, and our wonderful group of fellow travellers.

Date of experience : September 04, 2023

Hi Susan! Thank you for your glowing review! We are thrilled to know that your tour really- by the sounds of it- exceeded expectations. We are pleased that your group gelled as they did, and that Uoc (Lucky) was able to help you all create fantastic memories. Your energetic description makes me think that you are still on a 'vacation cloud' and we hope it lasts for quite some time. We look forward to seeing you again in future. Stay well.

My Favourite Travel Company

Absolutely love travelling with Intrepid and I have done so many times. Perfect for solo travellers who don't wish to travel alone!

Date of experience : September 16, 2023

Hey Victoria! Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We can't wait to welcome you back on your next adventure!

Highly recommend

Highly recommend the Cambodian Traveller trip! Our guide, Daro, was fantastic and my fellow intrepid travellers were amazing. Full iteniary but worth every moment. I was very impressed with Intrepid and will definitely travel with them again!

Date of experience : September 05, 2023

Hi Heather, thank you for sharing your experience and posting this wonderful review. It’s great to know how much you enjoyed your experience and that your leader did such a great job. Also, that you were able to experience the amazing culture that Cambodia has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you on another of our adventures soon.

Morocco 13 days of entertaining enlightenment

Intrepid had thought of everything and at so many levels. I was pleased with the ease with which I entered the country having been well briefed in advance and every day was organised to ensure I was made to feel one of the country.

Date of experience : June 03, 2023

Thank you for sharing your experience Norman! It sounds as if you had a wonderful trip to Morocco! We are pleased to hear that everything was well organised and we look forward to welcoming you on another Intrepid tour soon!

Great tripKenya to Zanzibar

Great trip, great guides and excellent value. I have travelled with Intrepid three times now and each one has exceeded the previous. I throughly recommend Intrepid travel for your overseas trip.

Date of experience : June 11, 2023

Hi Tom, what an encouraging review! It is amazing to know that we are exceeding your expectations each time you adventure along with us. We look forward to the next time we are given the opportunity to host you, and cannot wait to see what destination you choose next!

Thoroughly Recommend

We have just returned from the 15 day Turkey Encompassed tour which we thoroughly enjoyed. The tour guide and driver were so generous with their time and knowledge of their amazing country and went out of their way regularly to ensure that everyone made many happy memories. Each day was completely different from the last and the tour certainly does encompass Turkey. All aspects of the tour were well organised and well communicated and we would thoroughly recommend Intrepid Travel tours, particularly Turkey Encompassed.

Date of experience : July 05, 2023

Thank you for sharing your amazing experience on our Turkey Encompassed tour. It was a pleasure to read how both your tour leader and driver were so generous with their time and shared their local knowledge with you. We were so pleased to read that you created so many happy memories from so many different experiences whilst in Turkey and we look forward to welcoming you on another one of our tours in the near future. All the best, Intrepid

Authentic cultural inclusions in abundance

This was the trip of a lifetime- the Okavango experience 10 day safari- jam packed with authentic cultural experiences, excellent knowledgeable local guides, so many inclusions, wildlife galore, and real authentic experiences. Catered brilliantly for our family of 6, ages between 17-53. So many laughs along the way, basic camping with basic facilities but sincerely the most memorable trip to do.

Date of experience : January 07, 2024

Hi Rebecca, thanks for your wonderful review! We're so thrilled that you and your family had such a fantastic experience on your Okavango Intrepid trip. It really does sound like the trip of a lifetime and we're so glad that we could be part of it. We hope to welcome you back on another Intrepid trip in the future!

Awesome trip!

Everything about this trip was wonderful. Our guide, Magda, the incredible scenery, awesome hikes, and a beautiful hotel. I enjoyed every minute of this remarkable trip!

Date of experience : July 26, 2023

Hi Heather, thanks for taking the time to leave a review. We're delighted that you enjoyed every minute of your adventure and hope you have memories to last a lifetime! We hope to see you on another Intrepid trip in the near future.

Our trip to India's Classic Rajasthan…

Our trip to India's Classic Rajasthan was a great experience - varied, interesting and exciting. Accommodation was varied, with some lovely heritage hotels - although a couple of places, although in amazing locations and really great to visit, could do with an upgrade! Our guide was exceptional - interesting facts abounding; care and concern for us all; taking us to excellent restaurants. Altogether a really memorable holiday.

Date of experience : October 02, 2023

Hi Jane, thank you for sharing your experience and posting this wonderful review. It’s great to know how much you enjoyed your tour and that your leader did such a great job. Also, that you were able to experience the amazing history and culture that India has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you on another of our adventures soon.

Our first ever trip with Intrepid and…

Our first ever trip with Intrepid and it won't be the last. Our guide Lochin was excellent, his knowledge and enthusiasm was perfect. Can't recommend this trip too highly.

Date of experience : April 30, 2023

Hello Dustin, Thank you so much for sharing your great experience! We will make sure to share your comments with your local guide Lochin and the team. We can't wait to welcome you back on your next adventure!

Beautiful Bali Intrepid Tour

I have recently returned from completing the Beautiful Bali Intrepid tour. I felt that I had a truly authentic experience and did many activities which I wouldn't have done if I wasn't on tour with Intrepid. The best part of the tour was the wonderful people I met and the friendships I have made. I am truly grateful that there is a company out there like intrepid. I love travelling and would prefer to travel with others instead of solo and I find Intrepid trips suit my travel needs perfectly. They allow me to enjoy travelling with other like-minded people, while feeling safe, and getting to explore great places in an authentic way. I like that Intrepid values supporting local people and businesses, while also caring about animal welfare and the environment. I have already booked 2 more tours and hope to enjoy more in the future.

Date of experience : May 17, 2023

Hi Melissa, Thank you for your amazing review, we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your Beautiful Bali with us, and enjoyed meeting new people trying new experiences, such a great part of travelling! We look forward to welcoming you onto your next Intrepid tours and thank you for your support. All the best, Intrepid Travel

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South India revealed

South India revealed, from 02.02 - 17.02.24 We thought the South Indian trip from Trivandrum to Goa was really good! The tour guide Thilip was extremely personable and constantly looked after us, even when no activities were planned. Explained everything and gave valuable tips, took us to local restaurants to eat and described the food before ordering. The journey with different means of transport, bus, TUK TUK, train and sleeping car was also stress-free with Thilip. The accommodations were good and clean according to the price/performance ratio. Since we ate a lot in local restaurants and also used public transport, we had many nice encounters with Indians. The houseboat trip on the backwaters with homestay was one of the highlights. Sightseeing in Verkala, Kochi, Madurai, Mysore and Hampi were great and well organized. Of course, our small travel group of 10 people also contributed to the whole trip being good and harmonious. We can highly recommend this trip, but you should also be willing to adjust to the country and its people!! Heino and Hannelore Müller, Münster, Germany

Date of experience : 12 March 2024

Reply from Intrepid Travel

Hi Heino and Hannelore, thank you for your wonderful review! We're so delighted that you had such a wonderful time on your South India Revealed trip with Intrepid and experienced all the delights that India has to offer. Engaging with the local people is one of the joys of travel and we're so pleased that your trip afforded you plenty of opportunities to do so. Thank you also for your kind words about your tour leader Thilip. Our leaders are the hear of Intrepid and it's great to know that they were able to enhance your experience. We can't wait to welcome you on another Intrepid trip!

Premium price basic accommodation

I booked a premium trip to India because I wanted good accommodation and the itinerary looked amazing. The itinerary did not disappoint, unfortunately the guide and accommodation let the trip down massively. One of the rooms was filthy, another had a missing window pane, that the guide tried to pass off as a feature! Too many of the hotels had problems with the drains that made spending time in the room unpleasant. The guide was reactive when he needed to be but was mostly focusing on his phone and getting to the end of the walk/activities as soon as he could. I had a good time because the group and places we visited were great but I won't be rushing to do another trip with intrepid anytime soon.

Date of experience : 20 January 2024

Thank you for taking the time to post a review. We are disappointed to learn of your experience and that although you had a good time, you had a good group and the itinerary didn’t disappoint, you will not be rushing to book with Intrepid again. Your feedback is very important, and we would welcome the chance to discuss your comments around your leader and your accommodation in more detail. Please reach out to our Customer Care team with your booking reference and your departure code to customer [email protected]

Delhi to Goa

The whole trip just worked really well. I think this was also due to our fantastic guide, Gajraj Singh. He pitched the tour perfectly, was very knowledgeable about the places we visitedand occasionally slightly changed things to our benefit. The hotels and travel arrangements were as described and removed any stress.

Date of experience : 06 February 2024

Thank you for taking the time to post your review. It’s great to know the trip worked well and that your tour loader Gajrag Singh contributed to your enjoyment. I’m sure he will be delighted to receive this feedback. We hope you will find another of our itineraries to your linking and we can welcome you back on another of our adventures soon.

So glad we chose them for our first small group tour.

Had an amazing trip with Intrepid on the South Morocco Discovery Tour. We'd never been with Intrepid before so didn't really know what to expect. But it was fantastic from start to finish - quick replies to our queries before departure and then the trip itself. Great group of people, amazing Mo, our group leader and we were lucky enough to have 3 other Mo's. The itinerary was pretty full on, with lots of time in the bus but scenery, the stops and the banter on the bus made it part of the experience. We saw so much, from rainy Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert, ancient walled cities to seaside fishing town, and of course Marakkech. Loved every minute - the people, the places and being with Intrepid meant we didn't have to worry about anything. Will definitely use Intrepid for our next trip - so glad we chose them for our first small group tour.

Date of experience : 08 February 2024

Thank you for taking the time to post your review. We are pleased to learn that having been your first Intrepid trip, it was everything you wanted and more. That you loved every minute and that being with Intrepid meant you didn’t have to worry about anything, you could just enjoy the country, the people, and the views. We hope you have some special memories of this special part of the world, and we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

I’ll choose Intrepid Everytime

I’ve done about 6 tours with intrepid. My favorite are the Camping African tours. Very efficient way to see off the beaten path in different counties. Very well organized although I think some of the accommodations needs review. Team leaders, chefs and drivers have all been 10/10. Their customer service is very responsive when answering my queries about visas,food,airport connections ect. I travel at ease knowing I chose intrepid.

Date of experience : 28 November 2023

Hey Jeeleigh! Wow, 6 tours, that's amazing! Thanks for travelling with us. So happy you've had such great experiences. Thank you for your note about the accommodation - if you'd like to send us an email about your concerns regarding the accommodations, we can for sure pass them on to the right department for you! We can't wait to welcome you on your next trip :)

I chose Intrepid due to their small…

I chose Intrepid due to their small group. Their choice in hotels are "0". Here we are in Jakarta to Ubud trip, safety deposit box are encouraged. But i was placed in 3 Rms where they would not work or required someone to come in my room after the fact that I'm already checked in. The toilet also stopped flushing, I honestly had a meltdown! The last thing i need is someone working in the room after a long journey on a minubus or train. The guide was very thoughtful and helpful, a"5". Some of the local itinerary (local factories tour) was subpar or we didn't get a chance to see because they were off or it was the weekend or something else... My biggest disappointment was really choice in hotels. Oh and someone was sick in the group who was a talker and just kept coughing in everyone's face. We are stuffed in a minivan for long rides from city to city sometimes and he would talk non stop and didn't bother covering his mouth when coughing. Intrepid should encourage masking for people who have symptoms such as coughing. He got this other lady sick and I ended up getting sick after a week after.

Thank you for taking the time to post your review. Your feedback is important to us, and we are always looking at ways to improve our trips and our customer’s experience. We would welcome the change to discuss your feedback in more detail. Please reach out to our Customer Care team with your booking reference and departure code to [email protected]

Explore Vietnam

This trip is challenging and sometimes tiring but so rewarding. You see parts of the real Vietnam off the tourist trail, meet real people and hear their stories. Amazing value for money with good, clean accommodation. Travelling through the country on the overnight train with the locals was a fantastic experience. Great variety of cities visited and all the organisation went very smoothly. Lots of additional excursions are offered which are all worth doing - they added to the trip immensely. This was our first Intrepid trip and I’m sure it won’t be our last.

Date of experience : 07 February 2024

Thank you for taking the time to post your review and for sharing your experience with others. It's good to know that although you found the trip challenging and tiring a times, it was also so rewarding. We do hope you will find another itinerary to your liking and we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

Gorillas and Game Parks

Gorillas and Game Parks was an awesome experience and trip. The Intrepid crew was great and very professional. The driving times were quite long, longer than listed, but we stopped every few hours for a break. The tents were in great shape and comfortable.

Hi Michael, thank you for your review. We are pleased to know that you had a fantastic overall experience with us, and your feedback of your tent in particular is great to hear. We do our best to have accurate travel times on our trip notes, thank you for highlighting that for our team to check on. We hope the time with the gorillas was just as magical as you had imagined! With best wishes for your next adventure.

Wonderful trip to Costa Rica

We chose Intrepid for our Costa Rica trip February 2024 after a great trip to Namibia with Intrepid in May 2023. Definitely an intrepid trip! As well as seeing a good bit of Costa Rica--Caribbean, rain forest, cloud forest, Pacific beach--we went tubing, rafting, snorkeling, kayaking through a mangrove swamp and zip lining over the cloud forest. (All very professionally run.) We particularly liked Intrepid's use of family-run businesses. The guide was super organized and very knowledgeable about the areas visited and the plants and wildlife we were seeing.

Date of experience : 28 January 2024

Hello Inge, thank you for such an excellent overview of your tour to Costa Rica! We appreciate your recognition of our local business partners, and we always hope to contribute to local economies that will have a larger impact on the communities we visit. Costa Rica is indeed, a nature lovers dream and we look forward to having you along with us again in future. Stay well.

Experience locals on an Intrepid tour

We have just come back from Morocco, completing our 9th Intrepid tour. We love the way Intrepid find interesting ways to link us with locals. In the Morocco Uncovered tour, for example, we visited a Berber tent on a cold rainy day. The home was toasty warm, the Berber shared his life (so different to ours in suburban Australia), music and love of the land. It was an experience I will never forget. On the same tour, my partners birthday was celebrated in a local house where the family had made all the ingredients for the meal! In the past we have happened (ie not part of the tour) on a circumcision party (Turkey), weddings (Sri Lanka, Turkey, Myanmar), developed an understanding of Jordan as the crossroad of culture, and sharing deep fried locusts (Cambodia). If you want to get to know what it's like to live in a country, meet some locals and have a great time, go Intrepid. Their organisation, logistics and guide are top class.

Date of experience : 05 February 2024

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. It's great to know that being a first time Intrepid traveller, you had an amazing trip and will be booking with Intrepid again. We hope you will find another itinerary to your liking and we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

Exhausting and Exhilarating

We have travelled with Intrepid in Japan, Eastern Europe and now India. On each occasion the tours were well organised, and the guides professional, friendly and great communicators. Our recent Premium trip to India involved early starts and long days but those factors allowed us to see much more than we would have if we had travelled solo. We were introduced to many cultural experiences which added to the overall itinerary. Our guide orchestrated many seamless vehicular changes from bus to car to tuk tuk which allowed us to travel to and from temples, forts, palaces, etc, as efficiently as possible.

Date of experience : 08 March 2024

Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Alan, on what sounds like an incredible Indian adventure. We are so pleased that you felt you got most out of such an exhilarating country by being introduced to many cultural experiences and covering a vast distance. Where will your next adventure be? We look forward to welcoming you on another trip soon.

Premium Intrepid India experience.a few words our India experience…

In a few words our India experience with Intrepid Travel was superb! Our guide was an exceptional human being with a wealth of knowledge which made the trip so much easier and exciting for the travellers! We visited the most amazing and interesting places, many I had never heard of but by the time I left I knew so much more about them. Our accommodation, food and travel were great and thanks to Intrepid our whole trip was fabulous. Certainly recommended!!

Date of experience : 09 February 2024

Hi Richard, thank you for your lovely review! We are thrilled to know that you enjoyed your time with us and that your guide created a memorable experience for you and your group. Thank you for coming along with us to explore such a wonderful destination, and we do hope to see you again when the time comes. Stay well.

Fabulous organised trip to Sri Lanka

Fabulous organised trip to Sri Lanka. Would definitely book through them again. The tour guide was so knowledgeable and took us to places that we would never have seen on our own. Some of the hotels were a little basic but perfectly fine. Definitely a 5* experience.

Date of experience : 02 February 2024

Thank you for your lovely review, Denise. We are delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable time exploring Sri Lanka and that your tour leader took your group to interesting places, off the beaten track. We are always so pleased to hear when customers would love to travel with us again, we look forward to hopefully seeing you on another one of our adventures soon. All the best, Intrepid Travel

Intrepid what can I say Excellent Tour

Intrepid what can I say I will say it’s the best organised trip I have ever been on I was reluctant to go on an organised tour reason being I like to do my own thing This gave everything I wanted to down time by ones self ,but most of all the companionship with others on the tour friendships we now have made but most of all the tour guide who went out of her way to make sure things were done to absolute perfection I would recommend this tour and guide and one could only hope I come across her once again for a tour leader “ Too travel is to Live “

Date of experience : 15 February 2024

Hey Jenice!! Wow we're so happy to hear you had such a great experience on your recent trip with us! So happy you made some life long friends and some wonderful memories. We can't wait to welcome you on another trip :)

Love Intrepid

Been on a few intrepid trips now (last one was Egypt tour in early Feb 2024) and can’t fault them. The guides and travel experiences have all been wonderful. I love that they give back to local communities and try and be as sustainable as possible.

Date of experience : 03 February 2024

Thank you for taking the time to write about your experiences with Intrepid, A- it is much appreciated! We are happy to hear that our focuses with local communities and sustainable practices are being recognized by our travellers. And we are delighted to know that you found value in the time you had with our guide(s). With kind regards and many thanks.

Intrepid Travel offers Terrible Unprofessional service Not sure why the reviews are so good.

Not sure why the reviews are so good. INTREPID maybe a Canadian company, but they are unresponsive and unprofessional to the point of exasperation. I had to insult them several times on the phone for their unprofessionalism and unresponsiveness. My air fares went up by 30% while waiting for their negative answers and I had to pry the answers with pliers over a 20 day period. Stay away. If sailing, try Intersail Group

Date of experience : 27 February 2024

Hi Carlos, thank you for your review. We are sorry you had to wait for answers regarding your specific requests- our team wanted to make sure that we could provide the extra services you were after rather than booking you on a tour that would not have been what you had hoped for. Just to offer some clarity around our company, we are an Australian owned, Bcorps certified business and we do have global offices. We wish you well with Intersail.

I absolutely loved this trip to Antarctica

I absolutely loved this trip. It was very expensive but once we were on the expedition ship you could see why. Everything was just brilliantly organised; the food was excellent, the drinks were a fair price, the whole crew were exceptional, friendly and always there with a smile and happy to chat. The twice-daily excursions were always very well organised, and the crew who took us on them were knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Our beds were turned down every night, it was all just so comfortable. I met so many lovely people and there were a lot of us solo travellers. On a slightly negative side, the Ocean Endeavour's decor is still in the 80s and very much needs updating. The evening entertainment wasn't great on some nights, a couple of evenings there was absolutely nothing to do and I had to ask for music one evening just to try and liven the lounge room up. Other evenings - especially the indoor live music and outside barbecue with DJ - were fantastic. In my 'port hole' cabin the port hole (window) was sealed shut with a metal cover during the two trips along the Drake Passage meaning we had no natural light and had no outside view for four of the eight days at sea. I would've appreciated being advised of this beforehand in order to have a choice of another cabin where there was a window to see the wonderful views during the entire journey. The onboard wi-fi (in this day and age) was charged at an unnecessary extortionate price, and I know it's free on other Antarctica ships. But all-in-all I can't believe I finally made it to Antarctica. It was as wonderful as I imagined it would be, and quite a few of us wished we could've stayed there longer.

Date of experience : 27 January 2024

Hi Sarah, thank you for such a wonderful review! It is amazing to hear of your experience and that you met some new friends while exploring incredible Antarctica with us. We would appreciate the opportunity to speak to you about your cabin, if you would kindly email our team at [email protected] with your booking ID (please send it privately). We hope to hear from you, and stay well.

An unforgettable trip for all the right…

An unforgettable trip for all the right reasons! An expedition to Antarctica on a small cruise ship (Ocean Endeavour) that offered us a comfortable room, good meals and a very professional, polite and friendly crew. The Intrepid Expedition Team gave us informative lectures on the environment, flora and fauna, as well geopolitical history of Antarctica. We had several Zodiac excursions, and guided landings all done safely and in an environmentally-responsible way. And great photo ops of Penguins (3 types), seals, whales and sea-birds aplenty, icebergs, mountains and glaciers.

Hey Diane! Thank you so much for your review. Wow, what an unforgettable trip! We're so happy you enjoyed your voyage to Antarctica with us! Truly a once in a lifetime experience and I'm so happy you got to see so many animals! We can't wait to welcome you on another Intrepid trip in the future :)

Abandoned in South America when things went wrong

My husband booked a holiday for us with Intrepid, to include Buenos Aires, Iguacu and finishing in Rio de Janeiro. Due to industrial strike action in Argentina, we weren’t able to get there (the whole country shut down the day we were meant to arrive with no flights) and because we’d flown via Rio, we were stranded in Brazil. We looked to intrepid to help transfer our accommodation and help us but they didn’t. We had to book our own. My husband called and called and chased them to see what bookings from our original trip could be transferred because we explained we’d booked to get to Buenos Aires two days later, but they wouldn’t help. We secured a new booking at the original hotel and it took them 3 more days to finally agree speak to the hotel in Buenos Aires to transfer our booking. They managed to screw that up too as they booked two single beds when our own booking had confirmed a king bed. It was so disappointing. Upon our return to Rio (tonight) they’d assured us we had a booking at a hotel which not only turned out to be untrue (and we’ve had to pay ourselves again) but the hotel is a dump. We were literally left with no choice to take a room here at 2am otherwise we’d be waking the streets of Rio with our suitcases. Intrepid have been such a let down and the major cause is stress on this holiday. Their idea of a ‘luxury’ hotel is also way off what ours is. The hotels which we did manage to stay at through them (or were meant to be through them!) were average at best. I would not recommend arranging anything through them as they abandon you when things go wrong.

Date of experience : 05 March 2024

Thank you for taking the time to post your review. We are sorry to learn that your trip was affected by the Industrial Strike Action in Argentina. These events were beyond our direct control and records do indicate that we did all we could to assist you during this time. We are sorry to learn that you feel you could have been better supported and that you had issues with your accommodation. We would welcome the chance to discuss this further, as there are some matters that we would like to address. Please reach our to [email protected]

Outstanding & Meaningful Travel Experiences

Intrepid offers a consistently outstanding travel experience, often taking you off the beaten path and exposing you to the real life history and culture of the place you are visiting. Tour leaders are passionate about their country and anxious to communicate, share and impart that enthusiasm. I've taken five trips with Intrepid to varying parts of the world and have always returned home a happier and better person.

Date of experience : 14 February 2024

Hi Alan! Thank you for allowing us to host you on your adventures. We are truly appreciative of your comments- authentic experiences are what we always hope to create for our travellers, and we are honoured to be part of your journey! Stay well and see you soon!

The Globetrotting Teacher

Intrepid Travel Review: Africa Safari on the Okavango Experience Tour

Have you been reading Intrepid Travel reviews but aren’t sure if you should book with them or not? 

I had the chance to do an Intrepid Travel Africa tour in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. This Intrepid review is written based on my experiences to help you decide what’s best  for your safari trip to Africa !

Intrepid Travel Review -Okavango Experience

The  Okavango Experience tour  was my first Intrepid tour, as well as, really my first group tour.

I’ve always traveled independently, be it solo in  Patagonia  or with my husband in  Finnish Lapland . And, with this comes planning out all my itineraries, which I love doing.

But, I admit, there are some destinations I always knew I’d visit with a tour group, whether that was for safety reasons, difficult logistics, or because an expert guide could provide history and knowledge to enhance the experience.

And, if I’m confessing everything, I have long-admired Intrepid’s tour options from afar, more than occasionally lurking on pages detailing tours to Africa, India, and the Middle East. 

Combine this with a longstanding travel wish to visit the Okavango Delta and before I knew it I was signed up for my very own Intrepid Botswana adventure and looking for  award flights to South Africa   with my miles and points!

Is Intrepid Travel Right for You?

Intrepid Travel Reviews Okavango Experience Tour A baboon in Botswana Chobe NP

I’m convinced if you spend a little time on the  Intrepid website  browsing their 1k+ tour options across 120 countries and all 7 continents, reading Intrepid travel reviews from actual travelers, and learning more about what the company stands for, you’ll be able to imagine yourself on one of their tours, just like I did!

Here are some things that stood out for me as I did my research and while I was actually in Africa with them.

Intrepid tours are for anyone looking for an adventure that’s mixed with must-see sights and off-the-beaten-path gems, all while cultivating an authentic, local feel. 

Not a fan of traveling with big groups?  Neither am I. Intrepid prides themselves on small group size, as well as allowing for free time and optional activities.

Do you care about traveling responsibly?  Intrepid is the world’s largest carbon-neutral travel company. They employ local guides, which boosts local economies, and have made it part of their mission to double the number of female leaders.

Intrepid’s local guides are passionate about where they’re from and, with the company’s help, encourage sustainable travel practices like avoiding plastic whether it’s in the form of a water bottle or a plastic bag.

What about the Intrepid Tour Leader?

Intrepid Africa A warthog in Botswana at Chobe NP

My tour guide was the epitome of a cool, laid-back, knowledgeable local who loved to crack a joke and make all of us laugh with his dry sense of humor.

He was a total pro who took the time every day, as many times as necessary, to brief us on what was next and what we needed to do/have/bring to make it successful. He answered questions and kept everything running smoothly. He’d led  Okavango Experience tours  before and it clearly showed.

When you think of  one of the main reasons  WHY  you’d do a tour  over traveling independently, it’s the advantage of having an experienced leader who knows how to make sure the group is having the best adventure possible. Intrepid provided this and more!

Who Travels with Intrepid?

Intrepid Okavango Experience Impala in Botswana in Chobe NP

Typical Intrepid tour groups have travel-loving people from all over the world between the ages of 20-70. My Okavango Experience tour fit this exactly.

The others in the group were from Canada, Australia, the U.S., the U.K., Italy, and Ireland. Some were on their first solo trip. Others had been traveling throughout different parts of Africa. But we were all united through our love for adventure travel.

As I mentioned, this was my first Intrepid trip and, for an introvert like me, the idea of traveling with a group of people I’d never met was daunting.

But, quite honestly, the group’s chemistry was amazing and we talked and laughed it seemed from sun up, right on past Botswana’s unbelievable sundowners.

What’s the Transportation Like?

Intrepid Truck Botswana

My  Okavango Experience tour  used an overland vehicle that was more a super-charged truck than a bus. There were 2 seats on each side separated by an aisle. The lead guide always sat with us in the passenger area, while the driver and the tour cook were upfront.

There was storage above our seats, in the seatbacks in front of us, and individual lockers in the back. This didn’t include the larger compartments accessible from the outside of the truck where we stowed our bigger pieces of luggage.

For the Intrepid safari excursions, we used open vehicles and always split into 2 game drive vehicles.

What are the Accommodations Like?

Intrepid Tent Botswana

Intrepid has 3 different styles of tours, Comfort, Original, and Basix. The  Okavango Experience tour  is categorized as Basix. We slept in tents in established campgrounds, except for the first night in Johannesburg where we stayed at a hotel, and the 2 nights in the remote wilderness of the Okavango Delta.

The tents are a thick, durable quality that sleeps 2 people. Intrepid also provides everyone with a sleeping pad for added comfort. I brought a  compact sleeping pad , as well, and stacked it on top for a little extra lift. 

Most nights the campsites we stayed at were on hotel grounds. Many of the hotels had upgrade space. If you’re interested in upgrading, ask to see the available room first.

On the last night, a few of us considered upgrading and sharing a cabin with 2 bedrooms. However, after seeing it, the tents with our own sleeping bags won out.

I did upgrade 1 night in Maun, the day we left the Okavango, and the hotel was comfortable and clean.

What’s the Food Like?

Okavango delta camping food

I was blown away by the delicious meals our Intrepid cook prepared over the campfire. I seriously ate better than I do when I’m at home!

We had everything from curried vegetables, beet salads, eggs and bacon, nachos, vegetable lasagna(!), and even a chocolate birthday cake for someone in the group. 

I’m a vegetarian, as were others in the group. The cook was, as well, so there were always plenty of options for the carnivores and herbivores.

Intrepid Okavango Experience, Day-by-Day

Day 1: johannesburg.

The first official day of the  Okavango Experience  actually begins at 6 p.m. with a group welcome meeting. The Intrepid guide, cook, and driver introduced themselves and gave us an overview of the trip, as well as important information about Intrepid and our early departure the next morning.

Intrepid is all about responsible travel and it showed right away when the guide reminded us to have a water bottle and refill it from the water dispenser on the truck instead of buying individual bottles of water each day. 

There are no set activities around Johannesburg so technically you could arrive that day. However, I wouldn’t recommend it. You’ll need to adjust to the time difference and be ready for the next day’s 5 a.m. departure for Botswana.

Not to mention, there are notable things to do in Johannesburg like  visit Soweto  and learn about the history of Apartheid or just take a  hop-on-hop-off bus  to see the sights and learn more about the city.

Since the Okavango Experience tour didn’t include time at Kruger National Park, I arrived a few days in advance and had an amazing time on the  Intrepid 3-day Kruger Experience . Logistically, it made sense, too. The drop-off point was the same hotel as the start of the Okavango tour.

Dinner isn’t included on this first night, but you’re certainly not on your own. It’s a great opportunity to meet and chat with others in your group.

Day 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Intrepid Travel Review Botswana Khama Rhino Santuary

Did I mention the  super  early departure? All kidding aside, animals are up early and so for much of the tour you are, too. On the upside, we had several hours of driving (a.k.a time to catch a snooze and enjoy our packed breakfast) and wildlife to see later that afternoon. 

One of the many great things about doing an overland Intrepid Africa tour is not having to worry about any of the travel logistics. Africa is H-U-G-E and the distances from one place to another are often separated by long, scenic roads.

Not only did our capable Intrepid driver safely get us where we needed to be, our tour guide knew exactly where to stop and told us everything we needed to know for a seamless border crossing from South Africa to Botswana.

Arriving at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, we headed to our campsite and learned how to set up our tents. In the meanwhile, our awesome Intrepid cook prepared lunch.

And afterward, we had a short time to settle in, find the showers and bathrooms, and get ready before our late-afternoon game drive.

Botswana Khama Rhino Santuary Giraffe

The Khama Rhino Sanctuary was changed from hunting grounds to a protected area of land to preserve Botswana’s remaining black and white rhino population. The area is also home to zebra, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, and more.

Our game drive guides arrived and our group split up into 2 open game drive vehicles.

For the next few hours, we drove along the sanctuary’s sandy roads and spotted several rhinos, even one with a baby and another that came out right in front of our vehicle.

There were giraffe groups, impala grazing, and eventually a gorgeous sunset that silhouetted the wildlife and led into one of the largest full moons I’ve ever seen.

Day 3: Maun

Another day, another drive…but all the while, we inched closer to the Okavango Delta. After an early rise, packing up camp, and having breakfast, our Intrepid group set off for Maun. Along the way, only rest stops interrupted the group’s friendly chatter.

Maun is the gateway to the Okavango. It’s where anyone venturing into the Delta positions themselves and stocks up on any necessary supplies.

While our tour cook shopped for groceries, we had time in the shopping center to buy snacks, drinks, a required 5L bottle of water for the 2 days in the Okavango, and get Pula, the local currency in Botswana. 

Our campsite was on the grounds of a popular hotel just outside of town. So after setting up camp, our group had the chance to enjoy the pool, grab a drink by the bar, and even connect to some decent WiFi.

During a delicious campsite dinner, our Intrepid guide gave us the full Okavango briefing. Needless to say, our group excitement was running high for the days to come.

Days 4: Okavango Delta

okavango delta jetty station

With the campsite down and breakfast eaten, we loaded our gear into the game drive trucks and were ready for our  Okavango Experience .

Our larger Intrepid truck was too big for the dirt roads we would be on and stayed back at the Maun campsite along with our bigger bags. For the Delta, we packed just what we needed for 2 days into a smaller backpack.

Because it’s beautiful Botswana, you just never know what you’ll see. On the way to the Okavango jetty station, we spotted wildlife from lilac-breasted rollers to elephants. But nothing prepares you for that first glimpse of the tall reeds and blue water of the  Okavango .

We set off in mokoros, the traditional dugout canoes used to navigate the narrow channels of water. Swallowed up by the Delta, we almost immediately came upon elephants eating and hippos soaking. 

The mokoro safari eventually landed on a remote area of dry land with the delta waters on one side and African grasslands on the other. We began our Okavango Delta camping experience by setting up our tents followed by some free time for lunch, relaxing, or even learning how to pole around in a mokoro.

Later in the afternoon, we separated into groups of 4-5 people plus a guide for a walking safari into the grasslands beyond the campsite. Buffalo, elephants, and giraffes were just the start, as we learned what it meant to be on equal footing with the wildlife that was all around. 

We made it back the campsite just as the sun was setting and had lots of laughs during dinner around the campfire. Before bed, we marveled at the pitch-black night of the Delta with its dazzling star-lit sky.

Day 5: Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta Sunset Mokoro safari

Rise and shine for a full morning walking safari going the other direction into the grasslands.

Out of the entire  Okavango Experience tour , this walk is the most physical exercise you’ll have to manage. The grasslands are mostly flat so it’s more about duration stamina, as the walk is 4-ish hours. Even in the Botswana winter, or dry season, by the end of the walk temperatures were around 80°F. 

The Okavango is home to the Big Five and we were sure one of the non-plant-eating ones was somewhere nearby. The zebra and kudu were very skittish and vultures circled overhead. However, it never revealed itself, nor did we find the remnants of a meal.

Okavango Delta Botswana Sunset

The midday was for brunch, mokoro poling lessons, napping, and even a dip in the Delta. Later on, we set off again in the mokoros for a sunset trip through different water channels, spotting hippos and elephants along the way.

Eventually, we made our way to a wider pool of water to watch one of the most amazing sunsets of all time.

Around the campfire that night, the local Batswana who had helped with our campsite, guided us through the grasslands, and poled the mokoros, sang and danced to and with us before the sounds of wildlife just beyond our tents lulled us to sleep.

Day 6: Maun

Today is all about taking down the camp and loading up the mokoros to (sadly) depart from the peace of the Okavango.

But what perhaps would be just transiting between places on a different tour becomes another opportunity to get back on the water (for an hour plus!) and see more of the Delta’s beauty and wildlife.

Once back at the jetty station, the game vehicles were there to return us to our campsite from Day 3, on the outskirts of Maun…but not before stopping to let a large herd of elephants cross the dirt roads leading away from the Okavango. 😉

Back at the campsite, upgrades were available for a hotel room. Those who were camping set up their tents.

Once settled, everyone went on the optional activity to fly over the Okavango Delta in a small plane. After that, it was time for dinner at the hotel restaurant and to reconnect with the world via the hotel WiFi.

And, noticeably, everyone is joyful because that’s what an authentic experience into one of the most amazing places on the planet does to you. And, it’s even better when the logistics are left to the locals who know the area and you can truly soak up every last minute.

Day 7: Nata

Intrepid Africa Botswana Nata Salt Pans Wildebeest

Back on the road again, this time towards the town of Nata and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans a few hours away.

Once again, we camped on the grounds of a lodge in Nata and had access to the hotel pool.

If you’re looking for the nicest place along the  Okavango Experience itinerary to upgrade, this is it. Although, I’ll also add the campsite bathrooms and showers are also by far the best in Nata, too.

After setting up camp, hop into open vehicles to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, one of the largest areas of its kind in the world. Huge herds of wildebeest live here along with migratory birds. There’s a mysterious feel to the place especially as the animals move and kick up dust.

Stay at the salt pans to watch the spectacular sunset before heading back to camp after dark.

Day 8: Chobe National Park

Intrepid Tours Botswana Chobe National Park Elephant

Head to Kasane, Botswana and Chobe National Park today, a several-hour drive and on the doorstep of the Zimbabwe border crossing. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the road. You never know what you might see on this drive!

Kasane is a tiny slice of human life surrounded by national park and wildlife everywhere. Before setting up camp, we had a chance to shop for anything we needed and buy lunch since it’s not included in the day’s itinerary.

Arriving at the campsite, also on hotel grounds, we set up and prepared for our afternoon sunset river cruise on the Chobe River. I’ll be completely honest and say I had no idea what to expect other than being on the water with a beautiful afternoon/evening sky.

Intrepid travel Africa Botswana Chobe National Park Buffalo

Our Intrepid group had our own boat and guide for the excursion and the action started the minute we left the dock with a hippo floating nearby.

What followed was the highest concentration of wildlife in a 2-hour span of time you might ever see. Remember, your Intrepid guide can’t make the animals appear but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

And, of course, the day ended with a brilliant orange sky over the water…just another jaw-dropping day in Botswana and on the  Okavango Experience tour .

Day 9: Victoria Falls

Okavango Experience tour Botswana Chobe NP Lion

The day starts off with an optional activity, an early morning game drive inside Chobe National Park. All but a couple of people chose to go. And, I highly recommend doing it.

Chobe National Park is so impressive. After having been to  Kruger in South Africa  with its wider roads, Chobe feels like you’re actually part of the bush. Not to mention, there’s just so much wildlife in the park itself.

Afterward, head back to camp to pack up and cross the border into Zimbabwe. Briefed on what to expect at the crossing, we all get our visas to enter the country. Kasane and Victoria Falls are about an hour away from each other so it’s really all about getting across the border.

Upon arrival in Victoria Falls, our guide gave us a brief tour of the town to situate us. There’s also an opportunity to sign up for activities, like a helicopter flight over or whitewater rafting near the falls, for later that day or the next. You’re also free to wander around the town, visit Victoria Falls or shop in the markets as you want.

Since it’s the group’s last night together, there’s often a special dinner. We were lucky enough to have some local dancers and singers perform, as well.

Day 10: Victoria Falls

Intrepid Travel Zimbabwe Victoria Falls

There’s nothing official planned for the last day. If you need to fly out at a specific time, you’re free to do so.

The Okavango Experience ends but there’s the option to continue on and do the full loop back to Johannesburg. Because of this, the Intrepid truck and guide stay at the campsite another night. This flexibility works out if you plan to do an activity or shop without worrying about your bags.

Would I recommend the Intrepid Okavango Experience?

Intrepid reviews Botswana Khama Rhino Sanctuary giraffe

 Absolutely, without a single ounce of hesitation, I’d recommend  Intrepid’s Okavango Experience . It was one of my best trips ever and has only made me want to book more Intrepid Africa trips! The other Intrepid reviews of the tour confirm my experience, too.

The mix of experiences each day, the amount of wildlife, the expert Intrepid guides, and the friends made in the group are just the start of what made this tour exceptional.

I L-O-V-E-D the opportunity to get off-the-grid in the Okavango Delta for an unforgettable adventure! It’s also something that’s impossible to do on your own.

One thing that really stood out about this tour  is it included safari excursions in a vehicle, by boat and mokoro, as well as on foot. When you see wildlife from all these vantage points, you can’t help but gain a fuller understanding of and appreciation for the natural world around you.

Not to mention safaris can be expensive! Obviously, the costs are related to the type of experience you want. However, for everything the Okavango Experience includes, you won’t find a better value. 

Want to Extend your Trip?

Intrepid Botswana Hippo

About half of the people on my tour weren’t actually on the Okavango Experience but rather one of the other Intrepid safaris, the  18-day Explore Southern Africa tour . This tour is the Okavango Experience for the first half and the Vic Falls to Kruger tour for the second half. 

The  Okavango Experience  and the  Vic Falls to Kruger  tours can be booked separately. But, if you want to do the full loop back to Johannesburg, take a look at the Explore Southern Africa tour. If I had the time, I would’ve absolutely extended my trip to do the longer tour.

Not Sure About All the Camping?

Intrepid reviews Botswana Khama Rhino Sanctuary baby rhino

In all honesty, I wasn’t either. I’ve camped out for a couple of nights, but never for this long. But, I’m so glad I did and I’d 100% go back and do it all over again for the unforgettable experiences and memories.

But, there are Intrepid tours in Africa and Botswana in the Original and Comfort styles, if camping isn’t something you want to do. These tours don’t have the exact itinerary as the Okavango Experience but include several of the same stops and activities.

For example, the  10-day Botswana Adventure tour  is Intrepid’s Comfort style, with accommodations in hotels, lodges, and houseboats. There are also included activities like an airport arrival transfer, the game drive in Chobe National Park, and the visit to Victoria Falls. 

Intrepid’s  9-day Botswana Highlights  is an Original style tour, which starts and ends in Victoria Falls. Travelers stay in hotels, lodges, and permanent tents on this itinerary to Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, a local village, and Elephant Sands.

Things to Know Before You Go

Depending on when you want to travel, the  Okavango Experience  starts at $1,420.

The 10-day tour includes 9 nights of accommodations (8 camping, 1 hotel), 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners, and all the activities mentioned in the day-by-day breakdown EXCEPT for the airplane ride over the Okavango, the early morning Chobe National Park game drive, and any activities you choose in Victoria Falls.

You should check the requirements for South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe depending on your citizenship. However, as a U.S. citizen, I only needed to get a visa for Zimbabwe, which was purchased and processed at the overland border crossing. In fact, everyone in the group did the same, except the cost was different depending on everyone’s nationality.

If you also plan to visit the Zambia side of Victoria Falls, combined visas for both Zimbabwe and Zambia are available at the border crossing, as well.

Travel Insurance

Intrepid requires all travelers to have travel insurance on their tours. 

AARDY is a travel insurance marketplace where you can search for a variety of plans depending on your needs. And, you’ll need insurance information to complete your required information once you book with Intrepid.

What to Pack for Botswana

okavango delta buffalo skull

This isn’t a comprehensive packing list but the absolute musts for daily comfort.

3-4 Season Sleeping Bag  – Don’t underestimate how chilly it can get at night. If you visit when the Okavango is flooded, particularly between June – August, temperatures can drop into the 30°s-40°s overnight. 

Pillow  – I was so glad to have a travel pillow that opened up into a regular size pillow, but could also be squished down into my compression bag along with my sleeping bag.

Headlamp  – I used mine every day, whether it was inside the tent, around the campfire at dinner, or on my way to the bathroom after dark. Remember, during the winter months (June-August), the sun goes down in Botswana around 6 p.m.

Towel  – No towels are provided at the campsites, so you’ll need your own for showers.

Closed-toe Shoes  – Protect your feet! While you’re focused on that giraffe in the distance or eating with friends around the campfire at night,  what’s  eyeing your toes for its next snack?!?

Hiking Pants  – The perfect type of pants for warmth, sun and insect protection, and coverage from the scratchy, prickly plants in the African bush, while being lightweight and fast-drying.

Warm Fleece  – I wore my Columbia fleece every single day while I was in Botswana along with a long sleeve layer underneath. The nights get chilly but don’t forget the early morning game drives in an open-air vehicle! If you don’t have any tolerance for colder temperatures, you may even want to bring a lightweight winter jacket.

Knit Hat  – Important for early morning warmth, especially!

Gloves  – To keep your fingers warm, but more importantly, to keep your fingers safe as you set up and take down your tent.

Sunscreen and  Mosquito Repellent

Best Time to Go to Botswana and the Okavango Delta

Botswana Chobe water buck

The Okavango Delta floods between June and October. Botswana, overall, is best to visit during the dry season, which runs from May to September.

The daytime temperatures are more comfortable and the evenings are cool to chilly. Even camping out at night, the cooler temperatures were comfortable with the right sleeping bag.

The dry season also comes with fewer mosquitos and as a result, a lower risk of malaria. Travelers should talk with their doctor about prevention methods and medications.

I was in Botswana in the middle of June for the  Okavango Experience  and barely saw a single mosquito until we got closer to Victoria Falls.

Is Botswana Safe?

I can only speak from my experience but not one single time did I feel unsafe. On this tour, you’re with your group a lot, perhaps more compared to city-based Intrepid tours that have free time to explore.

Regardless, in rest areas where we stopped, towns where we shopped for supplies, or even at the campsites after dark, I was comfortable and not worried, at all. If anything, there were spots you had to be more mindful of wildlife than any human.

English was spoken everywhere we traveled throughout South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe and by all activity guides.

Botswana uses Pula, which you’ll need especially for tipping guides. South Africa uses Rand but tipping in U.S. Dollars was fine. Zimbabwe uses the U.S. Dollar and ATMs in the country frequently have no cash due to the country’s ongoing political and financial turmoil.

In Botswana and South Africa, credit cards were accepted in nearly all supermarkets and shopping centers. Cash is preferred in Zimbabwe.

Final Thoughts

Intrepid safaris Botswana Chobe lions

At the start of this review, I said I always knew there were places I’d visit with a guided group.

And, logistically, an overland Africa safari is not something I’d ever want to do with no knowledge of roads, driving conditions, and border crossings.

There are large stretches of open land when you drive in Africa. You have to know where you’re going, where to find gas, and what to do if you have car trouble. 

Why would  anyone  want to worry about this  while planning that bucket list, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime, African safari??

When you’re unsure of the driving logistics, it also makes it really challenging to plan an itinerary.

Not only do you have to do all the research about where to go and what to see, but you’ll also need to make guesses about how much to plan in a day based on the practicalities of traveling in Africa.

Plus, you want guides for an African safari trip. An expert Intrepid guide leading the group means you don’t have to worry about any of the day-to-day details from transportation to meals to activities. Intrepid works with local guides and activity operators all the time so they’ve already been vetted. 

Not to mention, guides talk, especially on game drives! They tell each other where they’re seeing animals so others have a chance to see them as well. 

 Planning a safari trip to Botswana or anywhere in Africa takes a lot of work. Going with a group led by Intrepid’s expert guides on the  Okavango Experience  is one of the best travel decisions I’ve made so far.

Are you interested in an Intrepid Travel Botswana tour?

Like this post? Please share on social media using the share buttons below.

Disclosure: I was a guest of Intrepid Travel. As always, all opinions are my own.

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4 thoughts on “intrepid travel review: africa safari on the okavango experience tour”.

intrepid travel ratings

Fantastic review Jackie that makes us look forward even more to the full 18 day tour that we’ve booked for next July. This will be our fifth Intrepid but first Basix. The rest have been Originals.

The luggage thing has us confused. Everything we’ve read on Intrepid’s website says take only a pack that can fit in the locker inside the bus. We’ve seen a video that showed bags under the truck and you’ve also mentioned the same. We have High Sierra hybrid bags – they have wheels, but are soft sided and can also be a pack. We were a bit concerned they’d be too big for the locker (they are the exact measurement) but if they can go under the bus what do you use the locker for?

Thanks again for the terrific review. We’ll share with our friend (Jacqui!) who we’ve talked into joining us. She’s planning to do exactly what you did – OE and the three day Kruger tour due to time constraints.

intrepid travel ratings

Thanks for reading, Peter and Alan! You are going to have such an amazing time on the full 18-day tour! I also had some time constraints and did the 3 day Kruger experience as well. I’m working on a review about that right now. Your bags should be fine. There are large compartments under the truck that everyone put their big bag in. I had a large multi-day Gregory Backpack that I put under there. Inside the truck, everyone has a locker for additional things, especially if you wanted to secure anything. (Bring a padlock if you want to do this.) Think camera, passport, a slim daypack you want to lock up. Additionally, you have some space above your seat on the truck for a small bag/sleeping bag. Have so much fun and thanks for sharing! 🙂

I’ve shared the link to your amazing report with our friend and will let her know when the Kruger report is up as well.

Sorry, some more questions. Intrepid’s info is limited.

Thanks for the info on lockers, storage and bags. That makes much more sense.

Power on the truck. We’re read it’s down on the wall beside the seat. We’ve also watched a YouTube clip that mentioned USB power up in the overhead shelves. Is it the first or the second? If it’s the first is it a SA/India powerpoint – three round pins with one larger than the other two? Or maybe a Euro plug?

Def planning way too far in advance! Bought our sleeping bags and travel pillows a couple of weeks ago!

Hi Pete and Alan. The power on my Intrepid truck was above the seats in the overhead shelf area. I can’t remember the prong type…Tbh, I had my Anker battery pack so I mostly used that since it charged my phone and my camera and held a charge for days which came in handy in the Okavango. Hope that helps! 🙂

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  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Cool Cruiser

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

5,000+ Club

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

RachelG

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

  • 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

greygypsy

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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Intrepid Travelling

Intrepid Travelling Experiences, Reviews and Advice

Eastwards via Train from Poland to Moscow

Getting a travel visa for Russia is fairly straight forward, but will require a visit to their embassy after obtaining an invitation letter (which is fairly straight forward as you can arrange them on the internet). Russia doesn’t seem to be going out of their way to encourage tourist though, maybe it’s a suspicion of foreigners (a possible hangover from the Cold War era) maybe it’s the years of high energy prices resulting in them really not needing us economically, either way, the added difficulty makes for a more intrepid destination.

The greater difficulty I had around this time was obtaining a Chinese entry visa that I would need at the end of my trans-Mongolian railway journey. Basically I couldn’t apply for one as I traveled through Europe as they repeatedly told me I needed to apply in my country of citizenship – New Zealand – so in the end I needed to travel back to London to apply and thankfully they had no problem issuing me one. As it turns out, I needn’t have worried as despite what you read on their official websites or heard from others, you can apply for an entry visa in Mongolia as you pass through there. That certainly would have saved me a lot of hassle.

Once back in Poland I would begin the long train journey east to Beijing over the coming month. A friends very helpful Polish girlfriend, Magda, basically organized my bus and train out of Poland to Russia.  It’s certainly a big help to have a local around at times.  So off I went from Plock to Warsaw and onwards across the Polish countryside on a night train bound for Moscow. We would be disturbed at the border with Belarus as they have to change all the under carriages as the train crosses the border of the EU (Poland) and Belarus because the track widths are different to inhibit any army invading the former USSR. Thankfully I would meet a nice local girl - Angela – while onboard which not only helped the time pass, but also helped a lot with the Belarusian border officials and customs officers; my journey was nowhere as bad or scary as I expected it to be thanks to your translating!

No matter what you call it, Moskva, Mockba or Moscow, I arrived there after the comfortable 18 hour (1,462km) overnight train ride. I happened to arrive on City celebration weekend, so security was high on account of recent Caucus’ issues. Although a high number of police and some special forces would remain all week so it appears that is just how things are.  I would spend five days in Moscow at both a hostel, where I had a strange experience with a naked girl on my arrival, and a local Muscovite family home in an apartment block in the suburbs who I had arranged to stay with through couchsurfing . Couchsurfing allows you to connect, and often stay with, local people to better experience life when visiting new places, rather than doing solely the ‘tourist things’ you experience life as a local, it’s a fantastic way to get beneath the exterior and gain a better understanding of local life. You often make friends for life with your host too, Natalie and I have traveled together several times since and still keep in touch nearly 10 years later!

I would also meet Amelia (who, god bless her) asked if I needed help at the train station to buy tickets as it was all in Russian. I really did need the help as buying the tickets at the station for trains on the trans-Mongolian route can be difficult, but half the price than using an agent if you can manage it! You can’t go to Moscow and not go to the ballet, I went to a mid week performance of Swan Lake with Anna, a Russian girl who asked if I needed help when I was studying my map on a corner after I arrived. I don’t think she figured she would end up showing me around and attending the theatre with me too! Who said the Russians aren’t welcoming of lost looking foreigners!! Oh right, I did…

Enduring thoughts from Moscow

  • I’m told there are fewer guys than girls here, and from some of the couples I see here, I believe it.
  • More police and security than expected.
  • Best metro I have ever seen and used. Trains every 90 to 120 sec without fail.
  • A romantic city? Every day I see many people with bunches of flowers

The next destination on my intrepid journey around the world is east via the Trans-Mongolian railway . I’ll stop in Novosibirsk, Irkutsk and Ulan Bator before I reach Beijing in two weeks time.

Auschwitz I & II

Trans-Mongolia Railway

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