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Everything You Need To Know About Intrepid’s Peru: Women’s Expedition Tour

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The Republic of Peru, or just Peru as it is more commonly known, is a country in South America known for its arid plains, tropical Amazon rainforest and the peaks of the Andes mountains. It’s a diverse country, which is the 19th largest in the world. It’s a country visitors enjoy exploring, and now Intrepid is offering an all-female expedition to the Peru for an 8-day adventure that will open your eyes to a different way of living.

The Places You’ll See

No trip to Peru would be complete without visit the capital city of Lima, which is where your adventure begins. You’ll visit the historic downtown where you will see manor houses and grand churches. The Almeda Chabuca Granda park is the perfect place to pick up some tasty snacks at one of the many food stalls. In Cusco you will explore the spectacular Plaza de Armas, which is the heart of the city, complete with colonial and Inca buildings and beautiful churches. On your way to the Sacred Valley you will visit the small community of Umasbamba, and the Umasbamba Textile Museum and you will spend the night in the Inca site of Ollantaytambo. You will travel the Inca Trail on your way to Machu Picchu, passing by ancient ruins, travelling through the Dead Woman’s Pass and seeing the snow-capped peak of Cordillera Vilcabamba. Visiting the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu is of course a highlight you won’t ever forget, after all it is one of the world’s most spectacular locales.

Things To Love

Not only will you get a lot of outdoor exercise on Intrepid’s Peru: Women’s Expedition, thanks in part to a four day trek along the Inca Trail, but you will be following in the footsteps of the Incas themselves. Part of the charm of the all-women tour is that you will be led by a female leader and accompanied by female porters. You will get to eat local food, learn traditional techniques such as weaving, and meet inspiring women. Of course visiting Lima and Machu Picchu are huge highlights, but hearing the history of the country from a female perspective is unique onto itself.

Things To Keep In Mind

The Peru: Women’s Expedition visits places that are at high altitude, which means thinner air. This can cause sickness, regardless of health or age. You will also be doing a lot of walking, meaning you need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this getaway. You also need to be aware that you will be camping along the Inca Trail, so you will only have access to basic facilities at times. You also need to make sure to pack proper footwear and clothing for a hiking trip. Machu Picchu also has regulations that must be followed when visiting, including a pre-determined route that only goes in one direction, and that once the tour is over you must leave the grounds. No solo exploration is allowed.

Due to the ongoing civil unrest in Peru, Intrepid has cancelled all departures up to the end of February and posted the following on their website: At Intrepid, the safety of our travellers, leaders and operators is a major priority. Since our very first days as a tour operator, travelling responsibly and safely has been at the heart of everything we do. With this in mind, we monitor world events very closely. Intrepid makes operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources.

Peru is a beautiful country, and thanks to Intrepid’s: Peru Women’s Expedition, you have a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit it. Click here, or contact us today to find out more.

Intrepid has been taking people on adventures around the world for over 30 years. They are a responsible business that is committed to their customers, making sure they are there for them every step of the way.  Whether it’s their first adventure, or their tenth, Intrepid will always find ways for their travellers to experience something new. From new foods, to new learned skills, Intrepid takes people away from their home to have an experience of a lifetime.  Along the way they make sure to respect the local communities and the environment of the places they visit, while bringing everyone closer together.

Why You’ll Love Intrepid’s Morocco: Women’s Expedition Tour

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Photo: Intrepid Travel

The African Kingdom of Morocco is a diverse country that has a little bit of everything. From epic mountain ranges to massive deserts and ancient cities, every traveller will be able to find something to do there. It’s even more remarkable when the beaten path is left behind, and sites are seen that aren’t normally found in guidebooks.  Intrepid is offering an all-female expedition to the remote and less-travelled areas of Morocco for a week long adventure that will be remembered for a lifetime.

The Places You’ll See

Explore Marrakesh, one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco. Here you will have the opportunity to see the lively town square of Djemaa el Fna, full of singers, drummers, fortune tellers and more, discover the Koutoubia Mosque, the tropical gardens of the French painter Jacques Majorelle, the Palais Bahia, the ruins of the Palais Badi, and the Saadian tombs in the Medina. You’ll journey to Bou Tharar village to enjoy Amazigh (Berber) music and a local traditional meal, as well as visit a farm. You’ll hike to Agouti Village where you will learn how to cook their local food. In Amejgag you will attend a weaving workshop, and in Issoumar village you will be regaled with traditional folk tales and play music with the local women.

Things To Love

Throughout your time in Morocco you will get a chance to find out what it’s like to be a woman in the country. You’ll be inspired by the stories of the locals, be guided by the M’Goun Valley’s first female guide who will bring the region to life and learn some new skills along the way. Of course during your hike between the remote villages, you will not only get some amazing exercise, but also be able to see some incredible views of the countryside and small villages you pass through. Throughout the entire trip, you will also get to taste some delicious local cuisine that you will be talking about for years to come.

Things To Keep In Mind

The Morocco: Women’s Expedition isn’t for everyone. From days 3-6 you will be walking anywhere between 4 to 7 hours a day. The terrain isn’t entirely flat either, as you will be walking along rocky and hilly surfaces that may be unstable at times. You’ll need to pack appropriate footwear and clothing, including a warm jacket and raincoat. You’ll also need to bring a sleeping bag, because some of your accommodations may not be heated. You will also be sharing rooms with some of your fellow female travellers during your trip, including bathroom facilities.

Morocco is an unbelievable country you will want to see with your own eyes. Travelling together with other female explorers is an opportunity of a lifetime you won’t want to miss, and Intrepid will take you there. Morocco: Women’s Expedition has multiple departures throughout 2023 & 2024. Click here, or contact us today to find out more.

Intrepid has been taking people on adventures around the world for over 30 years. They are a responsible business that is committed to their customers, making sure they are there for them every step of the way.  Whether it’s their first adventure, or their tenth, Intrepid will always find ways for their travellers to experience something new. From new foods, to new learned skills, Intrepid takes people away from their home to have an experience of a lifetime.  Along the way they make sure to respect the local communities and the environment of the places they visit, while bringing everyone closer together.

Top 5 Reasons You’ll Want To Visit Dubrovnik

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For many, catching a glimpse of the ancient world is one of their top reasons for taking a vacation. There’s something to be said about checking out old castles, preserved churches and medieval architecture. If that whets your appetite, the city of Dubrovnik, historically known as Ragusa, in Croatia, should be at, or near the top of your list.

Dubrovnik sits near the Adriatic Sea in the region of Dalmatia, in southeastern Croatia. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, thanks in part to being added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979. Of course there’s another reason for its popularity too; the city was featured in the popular HBO TV shows Game of Thrones as the capitol city of King’s Landing. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Dubrovnik.

Walk The City Walls: Dubrovnik is one of the most famous walled cities in the world, and thankfully they are still mostly intact after an extensive restoration project brought them back to life in the late 1990s.  The 1.5 mile walk will take you throughout the city, and along the way you will encounter several forts and bastions that are built into its ramparts. The most important one, The Tower Minceta, is the highest point in the city and gives an incredible view of not only the city, but the harbour, countryside and mountains.

The Dubrovnik Cable Car: Another way to get a great view of the city is by taking the cable car to the top of Mount Srd. This fairly inexpensive trip only takes a few minutes, but from the top you can see distant islands and the Montenegro coast on a clear day.

Explore Old Town: Game of Thrones fans won’t want to miss exploring old town. From the narrow streets, to roman churches, synagogues and more, every corner will help bring the TV show to life. There’s even a drawbridge entrance by the harbour fans will easily recognize.

The Franciscan Church and Monastery: Sometimes it’s the little things, hidden away that are the most memorable. That certainly describes this historic and sacred place. You’ll find a beautiful, peaceful cloister garden where you can catch your breath and relish in the silence, or you can explore the ancient architecture of the church. There’s even a small museum located within for you to enjoy.

Dubrovnik Beer Company: You certainly won’t go hungry while exploring Dubrovnik, and will find many fine examples of Croatian food throughout the city. You may also find yourself wanting to give some local brew a try as well, and the Dubrovnik Beer Company is one of the most popular for that. The modern brewery is perfect for fans of craft beer, and for those who are interested in more than just a historical view of Dubrovnik.

A stop at Dubrovik is included in the Mediterranean Cruise – from Athens (Piraeus) onboard Silversea. Contact us today to find out more.

Things to do in Costa del Sol

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Costa del Sol literally translates to ‘Coast of the Sun’ in English, and it’s hard to come up with a more fitting description. With miles and miles of beaches and end to end resort towns, tourists will be hard pressed not to find several ways to relax and unwind in this popular region in the south of Spain. It’s not all about resorts and beaches however, and with so much to do it can get a little overwhelming. Not to fret though, we’re here to help you decide on some of the things you’ll want to see during your visit.

Cueva de Nerja: Four kilometers east of Nerja you will find a vast network of caverns that lie beneath the mountain foothills. Over five million years ago water hollowed them out, and now visitors can view the amazing rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites that shift colour as you look at them. Make sure to bring a good camera, because this natural wonder is one you will talk about for years to come.

Museo Picasso Málaga: The art enthusiast won’t want to miss this museum located in the city where Pablo Picasso was born. Over 200 of his works are on display, showcasing the majority of his career. From paintings, to sculptures, sketches and cubism, this museum has it all. Housed in the 16th-century Buenavista Palace, the museum is an excellent place to get inspired.

Catedral de Málaga: It took 200 years for this epic cathedral to be finished, thanks in part to the massive amount of money needed to build it. Some of it, including one of the two bell towers, still hasn’t been completed. Highlights include a small courtyard with fragrant orange trees, 40m high domed ceilings, 15 chapels, and plenty of art. On the roof you can get an incredible panoramic view of the city of Málaga.

Alcazaba: Spain is known for their ancient palaces and fortresses, and while Alcazaba in Málaga may not be the grandest, it’s still a treat you won’t want to miss. This palace dates to the 11th-century when the Moors were in control, and features beautiful arches, courtyards, fountains and spectacular views and lush greenery.

Rock of Gibraltar: Making your way to this monolithic limestone promontory can easily be a highlight of your vacation. A nature reserve covers the upper area and is home to hundreds of Barbary macaques. Tourists also come to explore the labyrinthine of tunnels that cover the area.

Museo Automovilístico Málaga: Fashion and car lovers may find this odd museum interesting. It juxtaposes cars from the 1900s to the 1960s with haute couture fashion from the same time period, while maintaining a sense of humour. You’ll also find displays dedicated to British cars, art deco, hats and more, meaning this museum has a little something for everyone.

A stop at Costa del Sol is included in our Iberian Discovery & Morocco itinerary. Contact us today to find out more.

7 Can’t Miss Attractions In Verona

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Fans of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet will know Verona well, and they will know the city is one of the most romantic places to visit in all of Italy. Not only can you visit many of the sites mentioned in the play, but the city is also known for its picturesque plazas, castles, Roman amphitheater, countless churches and more. This ancient city is a place to fall in love. Here are 7 can’t miss attractions the city has to offer.

  1. Duomo di Verona. This cathedral may not be as eye catching as some of the larger cathedrals, but its simplicity is part of its charm. From the white and rose marble exterior, to the clock over the front entrance and rose marble floors, the Duomo di Verona, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare, is as romantic as they come.
  2. Verona Arena. This 2,000 year old Roman amphitheater could originally hold 30,000 spectators at gladiator contests, and is the third largest in Italy. Shockingly enough you can still attend events at it, such as pop concerts and the world-famous opera festival, but unfortunately only 15,000 people are allowed to attend any of the events these days.
  3. Piazza delle Erbe. When you visit this bustling marketplace, you will have a hard time imaging that ancient Romans used to use it as a forum for chariot races. You will find local, fresh produce and herbs, and will enjoy the medieval fountain in the middle of the square.
  4. Lamberti Tower. The tallest structure in all of Verona is the Lamberti Tower, which was built in 1172. From atop the 84 meters tall structure you can get the best panoramic view of the city. The tower is also famous for its two bells, one which rang when the work day was over, and one which rang in times of war. Those not wishing to climb the tall staircase can choose to ride the elevator instead to get to the top.
  5. Ponte Pietra. Bridges are important attractions all across Italy, and Verona ‘s is one of the most important Roman monuments in the city. The Ponte Pietra crosses the Adige River and was built around 100 BC. It has several arches and is made out of red brick and white stones. Unfortunately it’s not all original, as it was destroyed by Germans during World War II and later restored.
  6. Casa di Giulietta. Shakespeare fans will undoubtedly want to visit this 13th century house due to its connection to Romeo and Juliet. Rumor has it that it’s where the real-life Juliet was born, and even has the famous balcony where she stood when Romeo pledged his love to her. Of course the most photographed balcony in the world was added in the 20th century, but that doesn’t stop the shutterbugs.
  7. Giardino Giusti. If you are looking for one of the best examples of Italian Renaissance gardens, look no further. The 16th century garden has neatly trimmed hedges, tall slender trees, fountains, grottoes and statues. It’s one of the top attractions in the city, thanks to its awesome beauty.

    Verona is just one of the stops on the Best of the Italian Lakes package. Other tours of the city are possible as well. Contact us today to find out more.