It is no secret, we love the Intrepid Original Style adventure tours. They are the trips Intrepid built their reputation on. They're the perfect choice for those after a great mix of included activities and free time to explore a destination on their own. These tours run at a relaxed pace, include plenty of free time, are built from local know-how and have an off-the-beaten-track vibe. Our travellers love them because they’re the opposite of the clichéd big bus group tour: think small and adventurous.Intrepid use a combination of local and private transport and mostly stay at tourist-class hotels – though you could also find yourself camping or the privileged guest of a local family while on a homestay.
Here is our line-up of the best new Intrepid Original Style adventure tours for 2019.
Copenhagen to Northern Norway 15 days from $6,350 Physical rating 2 out of 5 From beautiful cities that seamlessly blend historic architecture and modern design to sprawling landscapes of pristine natural beauty, Scandinavia has a lot going for it. This 15-day journey through Sweden, Denmark and Norway begins in stylish Copenhagen, where the streets are made for cycling, the boutiques are plentiful and the cuisine is world-class. Discover the neoclassical architecture, leafy boulevards and delicious hagabullen (giant cinnamon buns) of Gothenburg before escaping to the serene beaches and nature reserves of the Gothenburg archipelago. Have your curiosity piqued at Oslo’s eccentric museums and discover endless photo opportunities in Trondheim, one of Norway’s prettiest town. Explore the majestic mountains, deep fjords and untamed beauty of Norway’s north while hiking and kayaking around the Lofoten Islands. Then wrap up the adventure above the Arctic Circle in Tromso, a town famed for its Northern Lights displays.
Venice to Vienna 10 days from $3,495 Physical rating 2 out of 5 From the melancholy beauty of Venice, the sinking city, to the city of Vienna, this 10-day trip takes you on a historical journey through Italy and Austria. Take in breathtaking alpine meadows in Alpe di Siusi and beautifully preserved medieval buildings in Salzburg, indulging in flaky pastries and rich coffee along the way. With a mix of scheduled activities and free time to explore on your own, this trip is the perfect introduction to the charm of central Europe. Take me from Venice to Vienna
Highlights of the Azores 7 days from $2,740 Physical rating 2 out of 5 Although modern Portugal can be credited for its contributions to art, architecture and world-class dining, there’s a distant remnant of the Old Empire lying far from the mainland. From the rolling blue hydrangeas of Faial, the steep cliffs of Sao Jorge and the black volcanic soil under the vineyards of Pico, the Azores offer a delightful insight into both island and Portuguese living. Discover a new side to ancient Portugal on this island-hopping Atlantic adventure. Take me to the Azores
Madagascar Baobabs & Beyond 11 days from $2,410 Physical rating 3 out of 5 Discover the varied landscape of Madagascar in this 11-day adventure, exploring lakes, cruising rivers, and scrambling through karst forests. Watch ancient baobab trees turn golden in the light of the sunset, see the legendary tombs of the Vazimba people while caving and experience life along the Tsiribihina River during a two-day cruise.
South China: Hike, Bike & Kayak 9 days from $2,375 Physical rating 3 out of 5 Enter a world of both natural wonder and big city glamour. Admire the majestic beauty of Longji rice terraces, appreciate limestone karsts dotted around rice paddies in Yangshuo, discover the abandoned towers of Kaiping, indulge in a passionate food culture, and hit the water in Hong Kong. Take me hiking, biking and kayaking in South China
Japan Expedition: Okinawa 9 days from $4,465 Physical rating 3 out of 5 Embark on an ultimate Okinawa journey – a special group of islands that lie to the southwest of Japan. Being so far away from the main islands of Japan, Okinawa has always been considered an exotic destination even in Japan. With its distinct culture inherited from the Ryukyu Kingdom, yours will be a journey full of adventures both culturally and physically. Walk through the lively Makishi Market, visit the former underground headquarters of the Japanese Navy and learn a few karate moves in Naha. Travel to Ishigaki, part of the remote Yaeyema Islands at the southwestern point of Japan. Ride on a glass-bottom boat, snorkel with manta rays and cycle around charming Taketomi Island. Hike through dense virgin jungles and canoe mangrove-lined rivers in Iriomote. This is an expedition that doesn't disappoint! Goin' back down to Okinawa!
Highlights of Ecuador 17 days from $5,524 Physical rating 2 out of 5 Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. Tour the Galapagos' outstanding natural beauty and interesting history by foot, boat and bike on this active adventure. Trace Darwin's theory of evolution, spot colourful, bizarre and beautiful creatures and have an experience that is completely out of this world as you discover the incredible Galapagos Islands. Show me the highlights of Ecuador
Best of Nicaragua 9 days from $1,575 Physical rating 2 out of 5 With a nickname like the ‘land of lakes and volcanos’, a trip to Nicaragua wouldn’t be complete without plenty of time spent at both. Tick both boxes by visiting Ometepe Island, a lush, rainforest-filled island formed by two volcanos that rose from Lake Nicaragua. Learn about Nicaragua’s revolutionary past in bohemian Leon, stroll the colourful colonial streets of Granada, then head to Nicaragua’s Pacific coast for the sun, surf and laid-back vibes of San Juan del Sur. In Nicaragua, the nature is uninterrupted, the food is delicious and volcano boarding is real slightly-scary-but-thrilling sport. Experience it all on this nine-day adventure. Show me the best of Nicaragua
Solomon Islands Expedition 8 days from $1,935 Physical rating 2 out of 5 With a thriving traditional culture, white-sand beaches, reefs teeming with sea life and jungles strewn with WWII relics, the Solomon Islands are a rarely visited destination that have so much to offer travellers. Travel from Honiara, the capital, to WWII battle theatres across the main island and learn about the important campaign fought between Allied forces and the Japanese. Meet Barnie, on the island of New Georgia, who has made his own 'museum' of war relics collected over his lifetime then spend some time absorbing the Melanesian culture of the island communities. With plenty of time to swim and snorkel around the pristine reefs, as well as a visit to Skull Island, John F. Kennedy's wartime base and the site of his near-death, this trip perfectly balances history and relaxation with opportunities to really immerse yourself in the local culture. Take me on the Solomon Islands Expedition