Welcome to OUT Adventures
Gay owned OUT Adventures and Intrepid Travel have partnered together to provide a comfortable travel environment for not only for gay and lesbian travellers,
but also their friends and family who want to experience the world at the grassroots level with like-minded people. Go on, Get OUT and experience the real world.
From glorious Rome and the seaside fun of the Cinque Terre, to the lovely lakes region and fabulous Florence, this OUT Family Adventure is brimming with culture and cuisine sure to delight both young and old. Cycle through the Tuscan countryside, climb aboard a cable car for views of the Italian Alps, cross the canals of Venice and sample a rainbow of gelati flavours along the way.
Our OUT Family Adventures are designed specifically for the spirited family. We keep in mind, however, that travelling with kids sometimes requires a slightly different perspective. We travel at a slower speed - recognising that showing your family around our exotic destinations can take time and allowing you to enjoy a relaxed pace while still offering plenty of optional activities.
We try, where possible, to ensure you have at least two nights in the same destination so you are not constantly having to unpack those bags. Hotels are chosen carefully to provide your family with small comforts to make your stay more enjoyable - such as restaurants nearby or accommodation with pools.
Travel times are limited so that you are not on local transport for more than seven hours or travelling too long after dark - we know that a journey with kids can be great fun, especially when they are having a good time!
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Gay Rating
Physical Preparation
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Tipping
Important Notes
Group Size
Accommodation
Non-traditional families deserve non-traditional family vacations. That's why our Family Adventures give your kids just as much of a chance to discover the world as you. Show your children exotic lands and new cultures - all in a safe, non-judgemental holiday. And don't worry parents. It's not only about the kids, there's still plenty of activities for you to enjoy too! But, this is NOT a baby-sitting service. Far from it, these trips are an exciting and stimulating way to spend time together with your family.
You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5:00pm. If your flight arrives too late we recommend that you consider booking a night's accommodation prior to the trip so you can ensure you are able to attend this meeting. We will collect your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader. Your group leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. If you are going to be late please inform the hotel reception. Your leader will leave details for your arrival on where and when to meet.
Check-in time at our joining point hotel is after 2:00pm. Early check-in is not guaranteed, however if you arrive early, luggage storage is available. Speak to the hotel reception on arrival.
You can easily obtain Euros on arrival in Europe (if you have an ATM card or travellers' cheques) so there is no need to arrive with this cash from home.
Welcome to Rome, one of the world's true living museums - there is just so much to see here! On day 2 we start by taking a relaxed stroll led by your group leader past a few of the city's best sights. Rome is a great place to enjoy one of Italy's greatest treasures - gelati. (A gelato is included on this walk.) Today we also visit the Time Elevator - a multi-sensory look at 2500 years of history which is both educational and fun.
If you wanted to visit the magnificent Vatican City, including St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, we suggest you arrive a day or two earlier to see this site and the other highlights of Rome.
The Vatican Museum:
The Vatican Museum is closed on some days including Sunday unless it is the last Sunday of the month. Check the Vatican website for these dates. www.vatican.va
Tickets can be booked in advance at this website: http://en.roma.waf.it/museo_dett/29-other-museums/1063-vatican-museums.html
Our accommodation in Rome:
For nights 1 and 2 we stay at a centrally located hotel. All rooms have en-suite We make use of triple or quadruple rooms as appropriate.
On day 3 we take a morning train to Lucca (approx. 4 hours) where we collect our bicycles in time for a ride around the city walls (approx. 1 hour).
On day 4 day we take a trip to Florence where we can visit the famous statue of David and the beautiful Ponte Vecchio.
Florence Museums:
Florentine State Museums (Uffizi, Accademia, Pitti Palace, Medici Chapels, Bargello, Archaeological Museum, Davanzati) can all be booked in advance. Reserve tickets by phone on (+39) 055 294883 from Monday to Friday 08:30-18:30, Saturday 08:30-12:30. You can also book online on www.weekendafirenze.com. We suggest that you book at least 2 months in advance especially for the Uffizi as this museum experiences enormous queues (up to 5 hours) all year round. The individual museums have slightly different opening times and closing days between them but the website - www.firenzemusei.it has everything you need to know about all of them. Make your reservations for these museums for the late afternoon of day 4 of this itinerary.
Day 5 is a free day for you to explore Lucca or relax in your apartment.
Day 6 finds us in Pisa where you can see the amazing Leaning Tower, the Baptistry and Duomo.
To accommodate our travellers in Lucca, we have several separate apartments located near its centre so you may be a short walk away from your other group members and your leader. It is an approximate 25 minute walk from the train station to our main apartment in Lucca. Should you wish to organise a taxi for yourself or your luggage to get to or from the station, your leader will be more than happy to assist in arranging this for you at your expense.
The apartments in Lucca are a real treat. Staying in the city centre allows easy access to all the sights and the restaurants and bars- it is all an easy stroll from your front door. This is your chance to look behind those facades. Each apartment has 2-3 rooms with a shared bathroom. The kitchen is fully equipped and you can choose to buy your own groceries and supplies for meals. Some of our groups make Italian feasts with local ingredients during their stay. Our apartments are not hotels, there is no reception, room service or cleaning service every day, no televisions or washing machines, but plenty of charm and you just cannot beat the location.
On day 7 we leave Lucca by train, bound for the small beachside town of Levanto (approx. 3 hours), where we stay for the next three nights. Before dusk we have time for a quick dip in the Mediterranean and the chance to explore Levanto with its streetside cafes, parks and seafront promenade.
On day 8 you have the option to walk along this stunning stretch of coast and the path of the Cinque Terre. Olive groves and vineyards cover the mountains that plunge into the sea - the vistas here are breathtaking.
If you're feeling energetic, walking the entire path (12 kms and approx. 5 hours walking time) will give you the best taste of the villages and countryside. However, you can jump on a train between any of the villages, or to get back to our base whenever you want. Please note that some sections of the Cinque Terre path can be quite difficult with challenging up hill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges.
~ Riomaggiore to Manarola is easy and takes 25 minutes on a paved path.
~ Manarola to Corniglia is easy and takes approximately 50 minutes on a partly paved and partly rocky path.
~ Corniglia to Vernazza is medium level difficulty and takes approximately 1.5 hours on a rocky path.
~ Vernazza to Monterosso is more challenging, takes approximately 2 hours on a rocky path.
Our accommodation in Levanto:
For nights 7, 8 and 9 we stay at a centrally located hotel. All rooms have en-suite. We make use of triple or quadruple rooms as appropriate.
On day 10 we make an early start to travel by train to the charming town of Stresa in the Italian lakes region (approx. 5 hours). Stresa has all the amenities of both a traditional resort and a winter ski resort. The remainder of the day is free for you to check out the local area.
The Italian lakeland scenery is beautiful with blue waters, soaring mountains, woodlands, exotic gardens, Victorian-style resort towns, historic hamlets, traditional Italian fishing villages and reminders of a bygone era in every direction.
Boarding a local ferry boat on day 11, we take a scenic trip on the lake past the beautiful Borromeo Isles. We can picnic on the islands in one of the fishing villages and maybe visit the markets and churches in one of the lakeside hamlets. Later we take the cable car up to the top of Mount Mottarone, from where there are wonderful views (weather permitting) of the Lakes Region, the Italian Alps and the Monte Rosa Massif. In the evening you can stroll the quaint streets of the town, people-watch from the pavement cafes or enjoy Italian food at one of the many lakeside restaurants.
Our accommodation in Stresa:
For nights 10 and 11 we stay at a conveniently located small hotel. All rooms have en-suite. We make use of triple or quadruple rooms as appropriate.
On day 12 we travel the last leg of our journey to Venice (approx. 5 hours). There are only two ways to get around Venice, by boat or on foot, and the rest of the day is free for you to wander and lose yourself in Venice's maze of alleyways and canals.
We start day 13 with a leisurely walking trip lead by your group leader that passes all the major sights of this most historic and picturesque city - the Grand Canal, the old-world shops of the Rialto Bridge, the Palace of the Doge (ruler of Venice), and the Bridge of Sighs.
Day 14 is departure day. There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is 10:00am. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel reception. There may be a small service fee.
We recommend you consider booking a few nights accommodation after this trip to see all the sights of Venice.
Our accommodation in Venice:
For nights 12 and 13 we stay at a conveniently located simple hotel. All rooms have en-suite. We make use of triple or quadruple rooms as appropriate.
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.out-adventures.com
The trip includes a range of accommodation, such as basic hotels with western facilities or overnight trains. Days of being on the move are well interspersed, communication with the outside world is ever-present and a wide variety of food is commonly available.
You are required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary may include easy paced walks or bike rides, but these are on mainly flat ground.
This trip travels to a somewhat conservative area. We encourage you to experience the destination and culture with the following in mind:
Accommodation - We do not foresee any areas of concern on this trip.
Public Display of affection - These are not common in this area however in some cases holding hands is acceptable.
Gay Activities - This trip may have limited gay hosted events, meals or day tours due to the cultural sensitivity of this region. We will do our best to provide a safe, comfortable environment for you and your fellow travellers to experience this culture.
Please read the important notes & local dress section of the Trip Notes for more detailed information
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense.
For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below.
If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
While these are all included activities, of course you have the choice to pass on any one of them if you need time with the family, or if you want to just relax. Our itinerary is flexible so you can do as much or as little as you like. Our included activities are selected because they capture the imaginations of our younger travellers and still interest the older ones.
Welcome dinner
Time Elevator, Rome
Cycling in Lucca
Dinner at Pecora Nera restaurant in Lucca
Florence day trip
Pisa half-day trip
Cinque Terre hike including villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso
Ferry on Lake Maggiore
Cable car up Mt Mottarone
Traghetto across the Grand Canal
Venice vaporetto day pass
All optional activities are entirely your choice and are not included in price of this trip. The following is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
Colosseum and Roman Forum (Rome) - EUR10
Vatican Museums (Rome) - EUR13
St Peter's Dome climb (Rome) - EUR5
Puccini Concert (Lucca) - EUR15
Guinigi Tower climb (Lucca) - EUR4
Leaning Tower climb (Pisa) - EUR15
Mottorone Alpine Botanical Gardens (Stresa) - EUR2
Zoological park (Stresa) - EUR6
Venezia Concerto (Venice) - EUR30
Accademia Gallery (Venice) - EUR7
Campanile (Venice) - EUR7
Doges Palace and Bridge of Sighs (Venice) - EUR11
St Mark's Basilica Treasury (Venice) - EUR2
Ca' d'Oro (Venice) - EUR6
Guggenheim Museum (Venice) - EUR10
Confraternity of St Roch (Venice) - EUR6
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many OUT Adventures destinations. Please note we recommend that any tips are given directly to the intended recipient by a member of your group as our group leaders are prohibited from collecting cash for tips.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:
Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants - leave the loose change. More up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill.
Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest 1-2EURO per person per day for local guides.
Your Group Leader: You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline 2EURO 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 of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Alterations to itinerary:
Please note that while we operate successful trips in Europe throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables.
Booking museums and attractions in advance:
To avoid disappointment we have outlined (where applicable) in the day to day itinerary some important information on some of the major museums and attractions in Europe. Some of our groups have experienced lines of up to 5 hours to visit some of the major sites, while some sights are so popular they are booked out completely months in advance, making it impossible for you or your leader to arrange a visit while you are on the trip. Please note that many museums and attractions in Europe are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. We recommend you carefully consider which sites and museums you are going to want to visit and that you make your reservations in advance where possible. If applicable we have given you information in this itinerary which outlines which day of the trip is a suitable time to make your reservations, as well as any other information that may help with planning your visit.
Summer temperatures in southern Europe:
In the south of Europe, summer temperatures can reach over 40 degrees Celsius, which means that it can be quite uncomfortable for those not used to extreme heat. Not all our hotels have air conditioning.
Travelling in Europe:
Europe is a region which may be very different to anything you have experienced before. Expense, crowds, differing cultures can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new challenge. During our time here we have come to love this region but we know that we should always expect to encounter some difficulties along the way. In some parts of Europe there are very different attitudes to time keeping and service. Buses and trains will sometimes be late, plumbing can sometimes be temperamental and waiters may not seem as keen to serve you as you may be used to. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a sense of humour, then we know that you - like all of us - will be captivated by every part of Europe.
Maximum of 14 travellers per group
Hotels (9 nts), private apartments (4 nts). Please note some accommodation has shared bathroom facilities.
For families on trips we make use of triple and quad rooms. Please note that on occasions additional beds may be fold-away beds or portable beds.
If there is a family of 3 with 2 adults with 1 child, it may not be possible to use triple rooms. In these cases, one of the adults will share with the child and the other adult will share with another adult passenger in your group. If there are 2 adults travelling with 2 children, for safety and security reasons 1 adult will share with 1 child at all destinations on this trip.
The style of accommodation described in the day to day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions alternative arrangements may need to be arranged due to availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, however this is not always possible which means we will not be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
Additional Accommodation:
If you have purchased pre or post trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialties so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section of these notes for details of meals included.
Allow EUR €490 for meals not included.
13 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
There are some simple breakfasts included on this trip which comprises simply of bread, butter, jam, coffee/tea and juice (or similar).
Train, ferry, vaporetto, cable car, local bus, metro, bicycle, walking
All OUT group trips are accompanied by one of our gay or gay friendly group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavor to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.
Your leader will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. OUT leaders aim to support local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit - and who better to hear it from than the locals themselves? If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
If you are happy with the level of service provided by your group leader, we recommend that you reward them with a $2 to $4 USD tip per day.
Our leaders are not baby-sitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore this new destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary.
2010 Joining Point Hotel for this trip. To be advised
Arrival transfers are not included in the price of this trip.
We are currently contracting our joining point hotel for this trip. Please ensure you download the most recent trip notes before your departure so you have the correct joining point details.
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
2010 Finish Point Hotel for this trip. To be advised
We are currently contracting our finishing point hotel for this trip. Please ensure you download the most recent trip notes before your departure so you have the correct joining point details.
Departure transfers are not included in the price of this trip.
Departure transfers are not included in the price of this trip.
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Melbourne Office can be reached on Tel: +61 3 9473 2650. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change.
It is important that you check for yourself.
Europe:
Most western visitors do not require visas to visit Europe as a tourist, and are stamped in on arrival for 3 months. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.
Some hotels offer a laundry service however this can be expensive. Self-service laundries are available in most bigger cities although not always conveniently located. Consider bringing some bio-degradable laundry soap when travelling.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by refilling from the tap or from drinking water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation.
In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe and dress codes are similar to those you are used to at home. Please note though that in many churches modest dress is required; no shorts or skimpy tops are permitted.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Passport and Any Visas required for this trip
Travel insurance including insurer details, 24 hr emergency contact telephone number and policy number
Flight Tickets/Vouchers
Intrepid trip confirmation voucher
Photocopies of important documents to be kept separately (we recommend you scan and email these to a personal email address so you can access them while travelling)
Latest trip notes (this information)
Money (traveller's cheques/cash/credit cards)
Money belt or pouch (to be worn under clothes)
First aid kit
Personal Medication/prescriptions
High protection sunscreen
Hat / wide brim hat
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Alarm clock
Night clothes/sleepwear
Swimming costume
Swimming towel
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
Refillable water bottle
Camera
Comfortable daypack to carry your personal needs during the day
Local language phrase book
Warmer clothes particularly if travelling outside of the summer months
Waterproof jacket
Toiletries
Travel plug / international adapter
Mobile phone- check you have international roaming access
Remember to pack as light as possible as you will have to do a lot of luggage carrying!
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.
The most convenient and cheapest way to acquire money is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Bancomat as they are often referred to. Check with your bank in advance concerning the suitability of your account/card overseas and any international fees that will be applied.
You can obtain local currencies easily at airport's and major train station's, but be sure to bring some extra emergency cash that can be exchanged if the ATMs are not functioning.
When leaving home don't forget your PIN and make sure you know the telephone number for cancelling your card if it is stolen. Keep this in a safe place.
Credit cards are not always accepted in stores and restaurants. While travelling we recommend you carry some cash to pay for restaurant bills and other services. Change can be difficult to obtain so throughout the day, try to gain as many small denominations as you can.
You might be advised to take some of your money as travellers' cheques from a major financial institute. Travellers' cheques have security advantages, however please be aware that the exchange rates may not be favourable and that it is difficult to change Travellers' cheques in most countries. Be particularly aware that after hours money exchanges and hotel receptions carry high commissions- sometimes up to 20%.
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency only in the following of our destinations: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain. All other destinations still do have their national currencies.
For more information on exchange rates refer to www.oanda.com prior to travel.
For money safety we recommend that you carry your cash and credit cards in a secure money belt or pouch concealed under your clothes.
Remember when you leave to take some coins with you. Kids love to see coins from foreign countries and they make great souvenirs.
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All OUT Adventures travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience.
If, in the opinion of our group leader, any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or
the rest of the group, OUT Adventures reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore
ask that you read the itinerary in these Trip Notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete
the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. Please be aware that for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
When selecting your trip please read the Intrepid brochure and itinerary carefully, and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please contact us at help@intrepidtravel.com should you require any clarification on what is involved on your itinerary. As we rely on public transport and do quite a bit of walking to get to our hotels you do need to be reasonably physically fit and able to carry your luggage. For travellers over 70 years a completed Intrepid Medical certificate is required.
Intrepid reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel.
We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure.
Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues
affecting our trips: www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport,
air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling.
Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables.
A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however
during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure.
While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional
activities you undertake are not part of your OUT Adventures itinerary, and OUT Adventures makes no representations
about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when
selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel
any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions
and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to OUT Adventures' operational safety policy at
www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any
feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Please be aware that while travelling in Europe there is the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on the metro and other public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
There are some common scams operating in Europe as well. Please ensure that you always travel with a validated ticket on transport systems (this often means stamping your ticket) and that if you are encouraged to enter the metro system without a ticket be warned that this is a ploy to get you fined. Another common scam is used by children who distract you with a map or a newspaper and while you are attending to them, your valuables are stolen.
Be aware, walk in pairs, stay in well lit places after dark and keep your valuables safe at all times.
On an OUT trip you will be travelling with other gay or gay-friendly passengers. We encourage open minded friends and family to join our trips. As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.
Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travelers booked on your trip prior to departure.
With the exception of our Comfort and In Style trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort & In Style trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
We believe strongly in low impact, or rather, positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.out-adventures.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveler.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for OUT Adventures travelers. OUT Adventures' philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.out-adventures.com/feedback
Thanks
Do you want to see your travel photos published? To celebrate all that is travel photography,
OUT Adventures holds an annual photography competition. For more information, prize details, entry form and competition conditions,
please visit www.out-adventures.com/photocomp.
Send entries to The Editor,
OUT Adventures,
PO Box 98026, 970 Queen St E
Toronto, ON
Canada, M4M 3L9
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