TORONTO — Intrepid Travel is expanding its footprint in Europe with the launch of 32 new itineraries across 15 countries, including three brand-new destinations for the company Madeira, the Canary Islands and the Faroe Islands.
This marks one of Intrepid’s largest expansions in the region to date and reflects shifting traveller demand amid concerns over overtourism and climate change.
While bookings to popular destinations like Greece, Spain and Croatia are still seeing year-on-year growth, the company says that more travellers are choosing to visit these destinations during shoulder season months. As a result, Intrepid has expanded departure dates throughout the year.
The company also notes that demand for alternative summer destinations has surged – up 23% in the Nordics and 52% in the Balkans. Serbia, the Czech Republic and Albania all rank among Intrepid’s fastest-growing European destinations.
“Travellers have long shared a deep love of Europe, but the realities of overtourism and climate change are reshaping where and how people choose to explore,” says Erica Kritikides, General Manager of Experiences, Intrepid Travel. “As is true of all our trips, Intrepid is committed to creating responsible European travel experiences, in partnership with our locally-based teams, that not only inspire travellers but also support communities and protect these remarkable places for the future.
Highlights of the new collection include:
- Explore Faroe Islands (5 days): Explore coastal villages, hike dramatic cliffs and enjoy a home-cooked Faroese lunch on a family farm.
- Premium Walking and Hiking in Madeira (6 days): Climb Pico Ruivo, visit secluded beaches and taste Madeira’s famous wine at a traditional winery.
- Northern Sweden by Rail (9 days): Travel through Arctic landscapes by train, visiting Abisko National Park and remote villages near the polar circle.
- Norway: Hike, Bike & Kayak (7 days): Combine fjord hikes, glacier treks, cycling and kayaking along UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord.
- Hike the Albanian Alps (8 days): Trek the Accursed Mountains from Montenegro to Albania, ending with a boat ride across Komani Lake.
- Croatia and Montenegro: Hike, Bike & Raft (7 days): Kayak the Adriatic, explore Durmitor National Park and raft the Tara River.
- Sail Greece: Skiathos, Skopelos & Alonnisos (8 days): Cruise lesser-known Greek islands with swimming, paddleboarding and dolphin spotting.
- Greece & Turkey Adventure: Athens to Istanbul (9 days): Journey overland through villages, temples and lesser-known cities between Athens and Istanbul.
- Slovenia Family Holiday with Teenagers (7 days): Cycle around Lake Bled, raft the Soča River, hike Tolmin Gorges and relax by the Adriatic.
- Greece Family Holiday (8 days): Visit Delphi and Olympia, learn Greek mythology, take a cooking class and unwind on Poros Island.
- Premium Albania and Montenegro (10 days): Explore Kotor Bay and Albania’s Riviera with wine tasting and a traditional home-cooked meal.
- Premium Prague to Bucharest (22 days): Visit six countries from Prague to Bucharest with castle stays and UNESCO-listed towns.
With these additions, Intrepid now offers trips in 35 European countries. To view Intrepid’s full range of new trips, click here.