Epic New York to San Fran Road Trip
Epic New York to San Fran Road Trip
Epic New York to San Fran Road Trip
22 Days Starting in New York and ending in San Francisco
Visiting: Brooklyn, NYC, Washington DC, Appalachian Mountains, Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, Carlsbad, Santa Fe, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Sierra Nevada, Yosemite, San Francisco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SSRJC
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-35 years
From:
$6795
$6455 (USD)
Operator discount: -$340
Tour Overview
This 22-day road trip adventure through the USA’s many highlights is an epic way to see a lot of this diverse country in just three weeks! From New York to San Fransisco, you’ll see natural landscapes that wow, big cities that inspire and different cultures that bring it all together. Starting in the Big Apple, see monumental Washington DC, drive through the fabled Appalachian Mountains and follow the legendary music trail through Nashville and Memphis. Head deep into the country’s desert to marvel at iconic sites like the Grand Canyon (one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World) and Monument Valley (the backdrop of many famous Westerns). Spend your days travelling through ever changing scenery with your newfound friends and your nights in glittering cities like Vegas, or camping beneath a blanket of stars in Yosemite National Park.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Brooklyn, Nyc
Location: Brooklyn, NYC
Accommodation: Hostel (multishare)
Welcome to New York! Your adventure begins in Brooklyn this morning with a welcome meeting at 10 am at your hostel. After leaving your luggage at the hostel, take the subway to the Big Apple. Head out on a leader-led walk through Greenwich Village to the Highline Trail – a former elevated train line reinvented as a lush public park. After some free time for lunch at Chelsea Market, maybe visit the Oculus Memorial and walk over to Wall Street. Walk through Little Italy and Chinatown, then head back to Brooklyn over the Brooklyn Bridge. Tonight, maybe join your group for an optional welcome dinner in one of the trendy spots nearby.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Washington Dc
Location: Washington DC
Accommodation: Hostel (multishare)
This morning you’ll drive south towards the nation's capital – Washington, DC. Stop at Philadelphia on the way for a quick look at some of the highlights of the Old City, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the 'Rocky' steps – montage, anyone? You’ll have some free time for lunch before continuing to your hostel in Washington. Head out on a leader-led walking tour of the city with your group to orient yourself, then you’re free for dinner – maybe ask your leader for their recommendations on the best local restaurants.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Washington Dc
Location: Washington DC
Accommodation: Hostel (multishare)
This morning, join your leader for a tour of Washington, DC. The rest of your day is free to explore on your own, so grab a map and ensure you maximise your time in this iconic city. Maybe visit one of the world-class museums here (there are almost 100 to choose from!) – including the National Air and Space Museum, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Museum of Natural History and the Newseum. The city is also overflowing with famous monuments and buildings like the White House, Capitol Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Monument, FDR and Jefferson Memorials. After a day of exploring on foot, maybe reward yourself with a relaxing evening at your accommodation or a local restaurant.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Appalachian Mountains
Location: Appalachian Mountains
Accommodation: Cabin (with shared facilities)
Escape the city grind today and venture into the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains – part of the Appalachian Mountains. Visit the Shenandoah National Park – one of the highest and most scenic portions of the Appalachians. Drive along Skyline Drive, running the length of the park – a famed mountain highway that winds through deep woods and past spectacular vistas. Stop to stretch your legs under the impressive oak trees and admire the gorgeous views (this is the perfect spot for some photos). Look out for deer, elusive black bears, squirrels and the abundant birdlife that call this park their home. Arrive at your cabins for the night and enjoy an evening in the heart of the great outdoors. Share stories with your fellow travellers around the campfire and make s’mores – a traditional nighttime campfire treat in North America – as you look up to the stars.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation: Cabin (with shared facilities)
Meals Included: dinner
Head south this morning to the USA’s Country Music Capital – Nashville, Tennessee. When you arrive, join your leader on a short orientation walk through Nashville’s Downtown area, focusing on the bustling entertainment hub of Broadway – a famed strip renowned for the honky tonk bars that offer live music every day of the week! Tonight, join your group for a typical Nashville dinner, including their famed fried chicken – The Nashville Meat and Three. ‘Meat and Three’ serves meats like fried chicken, country ham or meatloaf alongside three side dishes. The Wildhorse Saloon is a great spot in the evening to experience authentic Southern food and live music – you can even learn how to line dance!
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation: Cabin (with shared facilities)
Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, which contains the golden Cadillac that once belonged to Elvis or check out some iconic music venues like the Grand Ole Opry House and the Ryman Auditorium. Tonight, maybe ask your leader for some great recommendations for live music venues, bars and the best eats in town – they will know all the good spots to make the most of your night and avoid the tourist traps.
Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Memphis
Location: Memphis
Accommodation: Hostel (multishare)
Say goodbye to the glitz of ‘Nashvegas’ this morning as you continue your musical pilgrimage to the birthplace of rock and roll – Memphis, Tennessee. Join your leader on a short walking tour to familiarise yourself with the city when you arrive. You’ll head down bustling Beale Street, where traditional blues clubs and ritzier tourist traps rub shoulders – but don’t worry, your leader will give you the lowdown on which bars are worth a look. The rest of the day is free to explore. If you have time, a must-see in Memphis is Sun Studio – the 'Birthplace of Rock', which boasts the first recordings of legendary performers like Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. For those interested in history, there's the National Civil Rights Museum, where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. This evening, why not head out for a famous Memphis-style barbecue?
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 8: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: Hostel (multishare)
Meals Included: dinner
It’s a long drive today as you head across Mississippi, down in New Orleans – otherwise known as the Big Easy. With a mix of Creole, Cajun and European culture reflected in the city’s architecture, cuisine and music, there’s plenty to explore here. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk of the eclectic French Quarter – the historic heart of the city, famous for its cast-iron balconies and nightlife. Then, enjoy an included Po Boy sandwich picnic at Louis Armstrong Park with your group. The rest of the day is yours to explore – maybe take a walk down rowdy Bourbon Street or check out Frenchman Street's live music venues.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: Hostel (Multishare)
Today is a free day to explore bustling New Orleans. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, followed by a leader-led walk through the Garden District. After, why not get to know your new travel buddies a little better over dinner or maybe explore the city further with an Urban Adventures French Quarter Food Tour or a New Orleans Cocktail Tour (see urbanadventures.com for more info on these great options or ask your leader when you arrive).
Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Houston
Location: Houston
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Today, you say goodbye to the buzzing hub of New Orleans and set sights on Houston. Today will be quite a long day on the road, so it’s the perfect opportunity to get stuck into your favourite book or podcast or get to know your fellow travellers a little better. If you spent last night immersed in Louisiana’s famous nightlife, maybe a long nap is in order.
Optional Activities:
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Day 11: San Antonio
Location: San Antonio
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
This morning you'll join the truckers along Highway 10 to San Antonio. This Mexican-influenced city is the home of the Alamo – an original reconstructed Spanish-American fort from the 18th century. When you arrive, why not walk in the footsteps of Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie at the Alamo or stroll along the famous Riverwalk. Maybe grab some pan dulce (sweet bread) for a snack, then spend the afternoon at The Alamo IMAX Theatre or rent a bike and ride the streets for a different perspective of local life. Tonight, why not ask your local leader where the best spot for dinner is and indulge in some puffy tacos or Texas quail.
Optional Activities:
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Day 12: Carlsbad
Location: Carlsbad
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
After a couple of days traversing the state of Texas, today you’ll enter the deserts of New Mexico on your way to Carlsbad Cavern National Park – one of the world’s largest caverns, still only just partially explored. After a long travel day, you’ll enter the park and take a hike with your group into the ‘Big Room’ – a popular route through the largest single cave chamber (by volume) in North America. Explore the cavern at your own pace, then spend the night at a local ranch under the star-studded skies.
Included Activities:
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Day 13: Santa Fe
Location: Santa Fe
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Your road trip north continues this morning with a journey to Santa Fe – the oldest capital city in the United States! When you arrive, get your bearings on an orientation walk with your leader through the Downtown area. After, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. Maybe check out the pueblo architecture surrounding the town plaza or head to the San Miguel Mission – USA’s oldest church. If you’re a bit of an art buff, you’ll want to visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum before finding a cosy spot for dinner – maybe try some of Santa Fe’s specialities like Frito pie or green chili stew.
Optional Activities:
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Day 14: Monument Valley
Location: Monument Valley
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Today’s drive takes you through some of the USA’s classic desert landscapes – a couple of hours staring out the window might be on this morning’s agenda. Your destination is Monument Valley – named after the giant sandstone formations scattered across this part of the desert, Monument Valey has been the backdrop for many of Hollywood’s great westerns. This is also part of the biggest Navajo reservation in the country and home to more than 200,000 Navajo people. When you arrive, you have the option to take a 2.5-hour Navajo-guided jeep tour of the valley. Alternatively, deep dive into the local culture with an overnight jeep tour.
Optional Activities:
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Day 15: Grand Canyon
Location: Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Today, it’s time for your journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World – the Grand Canyon. Leave Monument Valley and make the drive through the desert, stopping at a Native American trading post along the way. When you arrive, enter the park and take in the stunning sight of the gorge – 1.5 km deep and formed over six million years of erosion from the Colorado River. You’ll spend the next two nights here, so you can properly explore this amazing site.
Included Activities:
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Day 16: Grand Canyon
Location: Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Today is a free day to explore all that the Grand Canyon has to offer. Stroll along the South Rim Trail or hike along the South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, maybe opt for the scenic helicopter flight over the canyon for a bird’s eye view of this vast, red landscape. In the early evening, rejoin your group at the edge of the canyon and watch a spectacular nightly display of colour during sunset. You don’t want to forget your camera today!
Optional Activities:
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Day 17: Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation: Hostel (Multishare)
Say goodbye to the canyon and head on towards the glitzy lights of Las Vegas. Today, you’ll cross the western deserts of Arizona towards the original sin city. Vegas may be known for the casinos and late-night adventures, but there’s plenty to do if gambling isn’t your thing. Maybe hit the shops, see a world-class stage show or stroll along Fremont Street and soak up the neon lights and thriving energy of the city’s streets. Before you arrive at your accommodation today, make a stop at Seven Magic Mountains – a desert art installation featuring seven painted boulder totems by the artist Ugo Rondinone – just out of the city.
Day 18: Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation: Hostel (Multishare)
Today, you have another full day to explore Las Vegas. Continue to delve into the city’s highlights at your own pace and discover all things glitz, glam and over the top. Foodies might want to check out one of the celebrity chef restaurants around town – Giada De Laurentiis, Gordon Ramsay and Wolfgang Puck all have places here. Maybe see the Bellagio Fountains or visit one of the many museums. If you didn’t head out on the town last night, this is your chance to get all the hot tips from your leader on the best shows, clubs and restaurants (maybe even hire a limo and go all out for the true Vegas experience).
Optional Activities:
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Day 19: Sierra Nevada
Location: Sierra Nevada
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Farewell, sin city – today, you head for the greener pastures of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, sandwiched between the Central Valley and Death Valley. After a scenic drive, you’ll arrive in the town of Bishop, where you’ll camp for the night. Visit some nearby hot springs with the group to soak away the tires of the road, then maybe head to the Erick Schat’s European-style bakery nearby for a well-earned sweet treat. Alternatively, head here tomorrow morning for a coffee and cake on your way to Yosemite.
Included Activities:
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Day 20: Yosemite
Location: Yosemite
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Today, drive west into the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the famed Yosemite National Park. Stop at Mono Lake for some lunch and a few photos of this otherworldly scenery. Pass through the Tioga Pass if weather permits and continue on through serene landscapes like Tenaya Lake and the Olmstead Point Viewpoint. Here, you can see one of Yosemite’s most recognisable features – Half Dome. When you arrive in the park, settle in at camp and enjoy a night in the quiet surrounds under the stars.
Included Activities:
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Day 21: Yosemite
Location: Yosemite
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Today is a free day to discover the wonders of Yosemite National Park. This is one of the most famous parks in the country, boasting colossal granite cliffs, huge waterfalls and redwood forests that attract local tourists and visitors from all over the world. You might want to spend your day hiking – there are lots of routes available, each with varied difficulty, including the trail to Mirror Lake (45 minutes) or the trek under the cooling breeze of Nevada Falls (4 to 5 hours). Just ask your local leader if you’re not sure, and they can point you in the right direction! Maybe you’d prefer to hire a bike and explore the park that way or visit the park’s museum, gallery, shops and restaurants. In summer, you can also take a relaxing float down the Merced River, looking out for squirrels and bears along the way.
Optional Activities:
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Day 22: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Leave Yosemite behind this morning and drive further west to your last destination – San Francisco. The City by the Bay has a thriving energy and its multicultural heart is what makes this place so unique. Stop at the Golden Gate Bridge on the way for an iconic photo and the last walk with your group, then it’s time to say goodbye. Your trip ends when you arrive in San Francisco – but it’s heavily recommended that you stay an extra few nights here to see what this vibrant city has to offer.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Hostel (multishare) 8 nights, Cabin (with shared facilities) 3 nights, Camping (with facilities) 10 nights -
Meals
2 dinners -
New York City - Greenwich Village & The Highline Leader-led Walk
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Philadelphia - City highlights stop
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Washington DC - Leader-led walking tour
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Shenandoah National Park
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Nashville - Meat & Three Dinner
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Nashville - Leader-led orientation walk
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Nashville - Wildhorse Saloon & line dancing
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Memphis - Leader-led orientation walk
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New Orleans - Po'Boy dinner
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New Orleans - Leader-led French Quarter orientation walk
Transport
- AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN THE USA & CANADA
- We recommend taxis and rideshare services like Lyft and Uber when traveling to and from hotels in the USA and Canada. These services are widely available across North America, offering convenient and accessible transportation options. Private transfers in North America incur high costs and present an increased risk of missed connections due to their fixed schedules. In contrast, taxis and rideshares offer both cost-effectiveness and flexibility, ensuring a smoother journey. With transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and on-demand availability, we believe that taxis and rideshare apps not only offer a reliable alternative to private transfers but also provide a secure, trustworthy, and budget-friendly transportation option for our customers.
- NORTH AMERICA VEHICLES
- Our large fleet of 15-passenger vans are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio or CD players. Your luggage is typically transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van.
- The vans are regularly serviced by a well-established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
- While your group will have a van for all included activities on the trip, the services of the van and leader may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi.
Accommodation
- NORTH AMERICA CAMPING
- The campsites that we use are selected for either their scenic beauty, their convenient location to places of interest and/or the facilities available. We aim to offer you a selection of different types of campsites.
- If you've never camped before - no problem! We provide a complete set of camping and cooking equipment. This includes roomy easy-to-pitch tents, which are shared by only two people and are equipped with thin foam rubber mattresses and vinyl floors. Your leader will show you how to pitch a tent on the first day. On many trips we also spend a few nights in reasonably priced hotels/motels/hostels (as per the itinerary).
- Remember that sleeping bags are not provided. Check out the Packing section for more information.
- You'll find the necessary facilities - toilets and in most cases showers, washing machines and dryers - at many of our campsites. The showers at some campsites only have cold water available and some may require a payment (usually no more than US$1-$3 for a quick shower). This is payable locally and is a contribution towards the cost of a limited water supply. Some campsites won't have any facilities, but this will rarely be for more than one night at a time. This is true of many campsites within Yosemite National Park, so if your trip is visiting this park, please prepare to go without a shower on this night, although it can often be arranged to stop and utilise facilities on our way out of the park.
- In all campsites there are strict quiet hours when no loud noise is allowed. This means that all music, singing and group gatherings must stop. We request that all our travellers respect these campsite rules.
- For trips where there are lodges/cabins used, couples travelling together may be separated as our rooming arrangements are based on single gender.
- Our high-quality camping equipment (including tents) can be affected by bad weather conditions. This can result in some wet and cold conditions inside the tent. Your spirit of adventure and flexibility will help make your adventure trip an exciting and unforgettable experience. On nights where the group is camping, and weather conditions are extreme (such as snow or heavy rain), there may be an opportunity for the group (if everyone agrees) to stay at an alternative location such as a nearby hostel or hotel. When this is the case the upgrade is at your own expense.
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- 1. Your adventure begins promptly at 10am on Day 1 at Grove Street Station in Jersey City, and finishes on arrival in San Francisco at approximately 5pm on Day 21.
- 2. A sleeping bag is required for this trip.
- 3. Please note that the legal drinking age in the US is 21 and in some parts of Canada it's 19.
- 4. Tipping your Leader: While it may not be customary in your home country, tipping it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry in North America. As a guideline, US$10-20 per person per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. Tipping is always appreciated.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
Although our private vehicles do have air conditioning, it has to work pretty hard to keep a full group cool. Expect to feel hot during summer and cold at other times of the year, especially at night. Please consider the season and research the weather conditions to determine the best time to travel for you. Remember to come prepared with adequate clothing.
This trip involves either a partial or full camping experience, giving you access to more remote destinations at close proximity, and the joy of camping under the night skies and beside a campfire. This is a participatory trip – a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride, but you are part of a team! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with camp activities like food prep and washing up. It’s all about giving your new travel mates a hand, and everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own!
Ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Sunday - Sunday
Aug 11, 2024 - Sep 01, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 18, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
Terms and Conditions