Tackle some of the world’s best walking trails without sacrificing your creature comforts on these nine all-new adventures.
If you’re a keen hiker, you’re probably used to roughing it a bit. Keeping things simple – with homemade trail mix and and a trusty tent in tow – is often part of the appeal, allowing you to focus on connecting with nature and seeking out those mind-blowing views.
But for those of us who like to get our steps in but prefer a soft landing at the end of the day, it means that certain trails often end up in the too-hard, maybe-I’ll-be-limber-enough-for-that-one-day mental list.
That’s where Intrepid’s new range of Premium Walking & Trekking trips come striding in.
Combining the best of Intrepid’s Walking & Trekking adventures with Premium comforts, these new trips smooth out the rougher edges of outdoor exploration. Travellers will hit the same incredible routes, but they’ll also get exclusive experiences, stay in standout accommodation and refuel with more included meals, all while being guided by of one of Intrepid’s most experienced leaders.
Here’s what you can expect to find on the trail.
Wine, dine and wander along wadis in Jordan
Keen to journey through Jordan in a way that few travellers do? With a knowledgeable local leader by your side, the new 7-day Premium Walking and Hiking Jordan trip will show you new perspectives on the country’s icons.
Case in point is the ‘Back Door to Petra’ hike, which follows the ancient trading route once used by the Nabataeans, winding through dramatic desert landscapes before arriving at Petra’s famed Monastery (Ed-Deir). There’s also a stay at an ecolodge in the Dana Biosphere Reserve – imagine birds chirping, the sun rising over the mountains and a sky of endless stars.
Take on grand-by-name and grand-by-nature hikes in Arizona
Don’t have long to spare? The 3-day Premium Hiking in the Grand Canyon trip keeps things short, sweet and incredibly scenic.
From your base at the El Tovar Hotel – which has hosted famous faces including Theodore Roosevelt, Paul McCartney and Oprah Winfrey – you’ll hike the South Kaibab trail along the narrow ridgeline of Cedar Ridge, see the Bright Angel Fault and follow the historic hand-cobbled Grandview Trail. To keep you going, there’s a picnic lunch with five-star-worthy views.
Get an up-close view of Vietnam’s scenery
Vietnam gets rave reviews from Intrepid travellers. And now, there’s an all-new way to explore the country.
The 9-day Premium Walking & Hiking in Vietnam trip takes travellers on unforgettable walks through valleys, tea plantations, limestone peaks and rice terraces in Nam Ti and Hoang Su Phi. Get your breath back at two Feature Stays, including at an ecolodge high in the hills of Tu Le, and celebrate your summits at the end of the trip with a traditional Vietnamese dinner in a beautifully restored historic mansion.
Mix coastal and mountain hikes in Morocco
Intrepid’s Morocco adventures are another fan favourite, and now the 9-day Premium Hiking and Trekking in Morocco will take you beyond the trails of popular Mount Toubkal.
As well as hiking through the Atlas Mountains and across the Tizi N’Tamatert Pass, you’ll wander along the cliffs, sand dunes and shorelines of Essaouira. Learn about the buried ruins of Dar Sultan Palace, then finish the adventure at a luxurious riad in the heart of a Marrakech medina.
Explore Peru’s ancient Inca sites with ease
Sitting high in the Andes, it’s only right that Machu Picchu gets the elevated Premium treatment.
On the 7-day Premium Walking & Hiking in Peru trip you will walk along a section of the legendary Inca Trail, of course. But you’ll also rest weary legs in a room with a view at your Feature Stay in Aguas Calientes, meet members of the Paru Paru community during a hike to Kinsa Qocha lagoon and visit a renowned farm-to-table restaurant in Cusco.
Read more: How to carry spaghetti on the Inca Trail: Inside Intrepid’s efforts to reduce single-use plastics
Head out on pasta-powered walks along Italy’s Amalfi Coast
See some of Italy’s prettiest spots on the 7-day Premium Walking & Hiking on Italy’s Amalfi Coast trip. Routes include the iconic Pathway of the Gods and the Path of the Lemons – and you’ll soon see why they’re both worth worshipping. You’ll also taste some of Italy‘s finest flavours on a visit to a family-run limoncello farm in Naples, walk the caldera rim of Mount Vesuvius and spend two nights at the historic Hotel San Michele in Capri.
Hike in style through the US’ first national park
Hitting the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Inspiration Point, Grand Prismatic Hot Springs and Old Faithful, the 5-day Premium Walking & Hiking in Yellowstone trip isn’t short of a highlight. You’ll get to explore this epic landscape and learn about its history in the company of an experienced leader.
You’ll also follow the Firehole River to the biggest backcountry geyser in the park, summit Mount Washburn and settle in for a Feature Stay at Canyon Lodge in the heart of the national park’s wilderness.
Read more: Our US national parks need protection: Here’s why Intrepid is stepping up
Go high-end through Nepal’s Himalayas
Usually, heading to higher altitudes means having to sacrifice some creature comforts. But that’s not quite the case on the 8-day Premium Hiking and Trekking in Nepal’s Annapurna region trip.
As you hike through the foothills from Ghatte Khola to Syauli Bazaar, you’ll cross suspension bridges strung with prayer flags, pass rivers and rhododendron forests, and say namaste (hello) to friendly locals. Then, enjoy sundowners on mountain-view terraces, ensuite bathrooms (a real luxury in this part of the world) and even a hot water bottle in bed – the dream after a day on the trail.
Make your way around all of Madeira
Combining an all-new way to explore with an all-new destination, the 6-day Premium Walking & Hiking in Madeira trip will take you to the coastlines, rolling hills and volcanic mountains of this spectacular Portuguese outpost.
You’ll work up a sweat hiking along ancient aqueducts, coastal paths and farmlands on trails like 25 Fontes or Pico do Ruivo, before soothing aching muscles in the natural volcanic rock pools of Porto Moniz. And it wouldn’t be a Premium trip without a chance to try famous Madeira wine over lunch at a vineyard with a view.
Ready to hit the trails with all the extras? Explore the full range of Intrepid’s Premium Walking & Trekking trips.
