Well, we can’t tell you exactly what to expect, as each adventure is full of surprising moments, spontaneous discoveries and new connections.
But some things will stay the same – you can always count on exclusive unique experiences, incredible handpicked accommodation, our most experienced local leaders and expert knowledge every step of the way.
Intrepid’s new range of Premium trips have been designed by locals with comfort in mind. Gone are the days of tossing up between an authentic adventure and a smooth journey. Verge off the well-trodden track and into the homes of local families, hidden restaurants and historic hotels.
Whether you’re sipping drinks on the rooftop of a royal haveli in India or taking part in a cooking class in the rainforests of Borneo, Premium adventures offer up moments to surprise and delight even the most seasoned of travellers. So, let’s get into it – read on to find out what to expect on an Intrepid Premium adventure.
1. You’ll enjoy unforgettable and unique accommodation
Our local experts have picked out special, unusual and immersive accommodation that will give you a taste of each country’s culture before you’ve even rolled out of bed. From historic hotels where the walls tell a story, to safari lodges where inquisitive animals stop by your doorstep, you’ll soon discover Premium accommodation is so much more than just a roof over your head. On each Intrepid Premium adventure you’ll experience a feature stay – accommodation chosen for its historical or architectural significance, or to provide an exceptional local experience. You may find yourself falling asleep beneath a canopy of stars at a fabulous camp in the Sahara desert or waking up to the sound of birds at your indigenous owned jungle lodge in the Peruvian Amazon. Throw in modern amenities, first-class service and prime locations and you’re in for a real treat.
2. You’ll be guided by our most passionate and experienced local leaders
Travelling on an Intrepid Premium trip with our most experienced local leaders is like having a friend on the ground, eager to show you the very best bits of their country. You can forget about following a raised umbrella with a shuffling convoy of world-weary tourists – with an average of 10 travellers per group, your leader will be able to take a personal approach and highlight information that is interesting to you, while tailoring suggestions on how to make the most of your downtime. They know each destination inside out, so you won’t need to pull out a guidebook to find out the history of that building, what kind of bird that is or where to eat dinner tonight. Whether it’s digging out a hole-in-the-wall eatery or introducing you to the locals at the market, your leader is on hand to turn language barriers into bridges, facilitate genuine connections and reveal a deeper layer of each destination.
3. You’ll support the communities and environments you visit
At Intrepid, we want to travel in a way that’s better for the planet, the communities we visit and the people we meet. This focus is weaved into every aspect of a Premium adventure, from as small as picking up lunch at the local market, to as big as carbon offsetting all trips. Accommodation is selected for maximum comfort and minimal impact on the environment, often featuring renewable energy sources, local building materials and other green credentials. Intrepid Premium experiences are designed to support the economy and infrastructure of local communities. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch at a community-run teahouse in Morocco that provides income to local women, or spending a day at sea with a self-sustaining fisherman off the coast of a remote island in Croatia, rest assured that you can enjoy an adventure that’s both conscious and comfortable.
4. You’ll see the highlights and lesser-known treasures
From life-affirming encounters with the world’s most celebrated wonders, to the quiet beauty found in everyday moments of local life, Intrepid Premium trips feature more included activities than any other style of trip, and each experience is designed by locals to connect you with the destination. Highlight activities are intertwined with authentic local experiences you won’t find on any other Intrepid itinerary. So you’ll still see the Taj Mahal in all its glory, but you’ll also hit the backstreets for a hyperlocal street food tour to uncover a side of the city most visitors don’t ever see. We’d never take away magnificent game drives through the Masai Mara, but we will add in an immersive visit with a local Maasai village, and you won’t have to trade the pyramids of Giza for an real-life experience – spend a day exploring the site and pop into the home of a local family in Cairo for dinner. Come with an open mind and leave with memories to last a lifetime.
5. You’ll receive Premium service at every turn
From your first step out of the airport to every leg of your journey, our team on the ground are on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly, so the little details don’t get in the way of big adventures. Airport arrival transfers are included on every trip, and our team will give you a call once you’ve settled in to your first hotel, just to check in and see if there’s anything you need before your adventure kicks off. And you needn’t worry about hauling your suitcase from place to place, as luggage porterage is also included on every Premium journey. All incidental tipping (excluding leader tip) is also part of the deal. The result? Less stress and hassle, more time watching sunsets, swapping stories and sipping cocktails on rooftops.
Want to learn more about Intrepid Premium trips? Explore the full range now.
Hero image by Liam Neal.
