AUSTRIA | 10 less obvious things you should definitely do in Innsbruck, Salzburg and Graz

feeling on top of the world up the Nordkette mountain range, Innsbruck
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One of my New Year's resolutions for 2017 was to explore more of Europe. Sure, exotic long-haul destinations are fabulous, no one doubts that. But I don't want to be that person who doesn't make the most of having one of the most vibrant continents in the world on their doorstep. I'm already guilty for similar things as a Londoner; I've lived here all my life, and I've never been been inside the Tower of London. Outcry!

So when I received an email from the Austrian National Tourism Board (ANTO), asking if I'd like to hit up three Austrian cities over five days in the summer, and indulge in a bit of solo travel, I was thrilled. A new country - tick. Travelling on my own, on my own terms - tick. Mountain air and all of the konditoris - tick.

On the agenda, Innsbruck, followed by Salzburg, ending up in Graz. There would be train travel thanks to the awesome OBB train company in between (the business class tickets and fully functioning wifi were gratefully received - I got so much work done!). And I had loose suggestions of what I might want to get up to there, but it was ultimately down to me. The real focus of this #UncoverAustria campaign was to showcase the country in all its summertime glory, as many people's immediate thoughts about Austria are related to skiing or Christmas markets (both of which I hear are great too).

the cool infographic ANTO created
to promote me heading out there

Innsbruck is is the capital of Austria's Tyrol province, surrounded by the craggy peaks of the Austrian Alps. Because of this, it's a stunner. The locals love to be outdoors, usually found skiing in the winter, or hiking and mountain biking in the summer. The centre is compact and walkable, it's packed with culture and university students, and a lot of it reflects the glory days of Emperor Maximilian I, who made Innsbruck his imperial capital 500 years ago.

Salzburg may well be the best known from the bunch, thanks to it being the film location for much of the The Sound of Music (can't say that I've seen it - whoops), the birthplace of Mozart, and the home of Red Bull. It's right on the border with Germany, and the storybook Old Town burrowed below steep hills looks much as it did when Mozart lived there 250 years ago. 

If I had to pick a favourite (don't make me choose!), Graz would probably be it. It's the capital of the southern Austrian province of Styria, it's the second largest city in the whole country, yet it's also the most relaxed. 

There aren't any big hitting sights to check off, or particular claims to fame (although, this is where Arnold Schwarzenegger is from, and I hear he visits every year), meaning your time can be spent leisurely meandering, and soaking up the atmosphere. Colourful buildings, secret passageways, idyllic Renaissance courtyards, and endless excellent al fresco places to drink and dine. The Graz locals inherit a lot of their way of life from nearby Italy; they enjoy eating, drinking and spending time with friends. But there's also a youthful energy, with an edgy vibe thanks to a vibrant arts scene and great nightlife. Absolutely my kind of city.

Looking past the money-spinners, and a lot of the more obvious stuff you'll find in any run-of-the-mill guide, I've come up with a few things I think are really worth doing across these three cities. And stay tuned for the second post from this trip - a culinary tour of two cities: 20 things to eat in Salzburg and Graz. As well as a video!

views of the river Salzach in Salzburg
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1) Innsbruck | head up the Nordkette mountain by cable car 

Known as the "Jewel of the Alps", Nordkette mountain is quite frankly, breathtaking. It's at the heart of Innsbruck, and is part of Karwendel Nature Park, Austria’s largest nature park. The supremely excellent thing about getting to the top of it, is that you can do so from the city centre in a matter of minutes.

You first hop on the modern Hungerburg Funicular (designed by the late and great Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid), which leaves directly from Innsbruck's old town, stopping at the Alpine Zoo (Europe's highest altitude zoo) and then Hungerburg. It's here you then switch to the cable car to continue you ascent up the mountain.  

We glided over majestic forests, the out-of-service ski lifts (it all must look quite spectacular covered in snow), and hikers following the the flat and snaking trails. If I return to Innsbruck one day (fingers crossed), hiking these is top of my agenda. I love a good hike, and there are ones to suit all levels of abilities here.

At an altitude of 6,250ft you'll come across Seegrube Restaurant, where you should stop for a typically Tyrolean lunch (schnitzel for me), and definitely a hot chocolate with cream and a side of brandy. Set aside at least an hour or so for ample sensational view soaking, and all of the picture taking. It's glorious up there.

nordkette.com/en/

scenes from up The Nordkette, Innsbruck

2) Innsbruck | eat cake at Tyrol's oldest cafe

Cake and Austria go hand in hand, so it makes sense to indulge at every given opportunity. But if you're forced to prioritise one konditorei in Innsbruck, it should be Café Munding. 

Once frequented by dukes, queens, and princes, Café Munding has been in the same family since 1803, making it the oldest coffee and cake spot in Tyrol. The interiors are surprisingly basic, probably to take as little attention away from the stars of the show as possible - beautiful cakes. Expect the likes of rich chocolate gateau studded with gold leaf and fresh raspberries; individual apple streusels with teeny Tyrolean hats; lemony tarts; and fat doughnuts.

obligatory cake selfie at Café Munding

Select your sin, order a coffee, and enjoy them al fresco as you watch the locals go by.

munding.at
Café Munding, Kiebachgasse 16, 6020 Innsbruck

3) Innsbruck | set aside time for photography

Due to two aborted plane landings, eventually resulting in a diversion to Munich airport in Germany (best not to ask..), from which I had to continue the journey to Innsbruck by car, I ended up having the least amount of time here out of the three cities. Yet despite this, I found the majority of the images on my camera were from Innsbruck; it is an exceedingly photogenic part of the world.

At the end of every road, there seems to be another monumental mountain. The cobbled streets of the old town are flanked by colourful buildings. And it's hard to beat a 6,000 feet vantage point over the whole city up the Nordkette.

So if you are a person that enjoys taking photos, be sure to factor into your itinerary some time to get intentionally lost and capture the beauty of Innsbruck.

Innsbruck looking most exquisite
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4) Salzburg | climb up to the fortress for the city views

On the note of vantage points, high on my agenda when I visit any new city is finding the best one. I love a good skyline shot, and if I can time it at golden hour, even better.

The best place to do this in Salzburg is on the ascent up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, high above the rooftops of the Baroque historical district. The fortress is absolutely worth visiting in its own right, and you can either make your way up on foot (you'll be a little out of breath at points, but it's very picturesque), or you can ride the fortress funicular (“Festungsbahn”) from the Festungsgasse. 

The fortress plays host to the famous Salzburg Fortress Concerts (wonderfully atmospheric, I bet), there are plenty of museums, and every Sunday at 11.45am, musicians perform in the 'Trumpeter Tower', the Baroque fanfare wafting down on the breeze to the Old City below.

I hiked up just before dinner time, and arrived when the fortress was closing, do didn't get to take a look inside. But I did get this shot of Salzburg at sundown. So, silver linings.

Festung Hohensalzburg, Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg

Salzburg at sundown from the Hohensalzburg Fortress
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5) Salzburg | experience dinner and a Mozart show in Europe's oldest restaurant

I didn't get to do this, and I'm gutted. The whole thing runs from about 6.30pm until quite late, and I just didn't have the time. But if and when I return to Salzburg, this is number one on my to do list.

Salzburg is where Mozart was born, it's a city with a deep connection to classical music and the arts, Mozarteum Salzburg University is one of the finest in the world to study music and dramatic arts, and all this love for culture is celebrated year round through concerts and festivals. 

So it makes complete sense (to me, at least), to combine this world class level of music and performance, with a great meal, in the form of the Mozart Dinner at what is also Europe's oldest restaurant, St Peter Stiftskeller (it dates back 1200 years!).

It's a dinner concert, if you like, transporting diners back to Mozart's time. You get an evening of entertainment by candlelight, a menu based on historical recipes served during concert intermissions, there are period costumes and instruments, and Mozart's exquisite pieces are performed by the talented Amadeus Consort Salzburg, all within the setting of the restaurant's grand baroque hall.

I was told it's loved by locals and tourists alike, and it sounds like great fun. It's 56 Euros a head (68 Euros at Christmas), and alcohol is extra. You're on grand communal tables as pictured below, so it's a great chance to say hi to your neighbours if you fancy it. But do book ahead, as it's very popular.

stpeter.at/en/
St. Peter Bezirk 1/4, 5020 Salzburg

inside St Peter Stiftskeller Restaurant in Salzburg, and the grand Baroque Hall bottom left
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6) Salzburg | visit Red Bull's Hangar-7 and stay for breakfast

I only realised during this trip that Red Bull is Austrian, and the founder Dietrich Mateschitz is from Salzburg. Which explains the slick Hangar-7 at Salzburg airport. 

It's a unique and impressive building housing a collection of 25 historical aeroplanes, helicopters, and Formula One racing cars, and is also home to Austrian aviation team, The Flying Bulls. It even has the pod that Salzburg-born Felix Baumgartner jumped to Earth from, and the space suit he was wearing, when he skydived from a helium balloon all the way up in the Earth's stratosphere, back in October 2012. I remember watching that live on TV. Equal parts incredible and crazy.

All that cool stuff aside, you should definitely also visit for the food. Carpé Diem cafe does a mean breakfast spread, showcasing an array of local Austrian specialities, beautifully presented on a three tiered stand. I duly removed them all and placed on the table for flatlay purposes - sorry guys! 

Expect the likes of local ham and cheeses; 'Eggs Benedict' with potato foam and crispy bacon; tomato and mozzarella toast; Bavarian veal sausage with sweet-potato mustard; smoked salmon with cucumber yoghurt, horseradish and crisp bread; beef tartare with potato crunch; waffle; bircher muesli; Danish pastries; kombucha; and some other tasty bits. Then there's also the restaurant Ikarus, where a different top chef from around the world takes the reigns of the kitchen each month. A great concept.

It's completely worth heading a little way out of the city (it's not far) for Hangar-7. You can appreciate one of Salzburg's more contemporary offerings, and eat well. 

hangar-7.com/en/
Hangar-7, Salzburg Airport Wilhelm-Spazier-Straße 7A, 5020 Salzburg

Red Bull's Hangar-7 at Salzburg Airport, and breakfast at Carpé Diem café
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7) Salzburg | chill on the banks of the Salzach River

When in any city, make like the locals. In Salzburg's case in the summertime, this involves relaxing on the grassy banks of the river Salzach. On a sunny day, you'll find families, couples, groups of friends, and solo sunbathers taking time out on the city's answer to a beach.

You can either loll about on the sloping banks themselves right by the water's edge, or find a sun-drenched bench on the walkway above. Either way, pack a picnic, get hold of some ice cream, enjoy the views, and embrace the downtime.

locals enjoying the sunshine on the banks of the river Salzach in Salzburg
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8) Graz | head to the top of the city's largest department store, but not for the shopping

Well of course, you can shop if you like. But my main reason for telling you to visit the top floor of Kastner & Öhler, and walk through to the al fesco area of Freiblick Bar, is because of the views (I'm all for great views, as you might have gathered).

You'll find a little viewing platform jutting out over the road, which you can clearly see from the street below. It's a great spot from which to appreciate Graz's stunning architecture and red rooftops. You also get a terrific view of the clock tower on top of Schlossberg hill just ahead (more on that below).

No need to purchase anything in the bar if you don't want to, just head straight on through, and be sure to have your camera with you.

freiblick.co.at/essen
Freiblick Bar, 6th Floor, Kastner & Öhler, Sackstraße 7-13, 8010 Graz

views of Graz from the Freiblick Bar, 6th Floor of Kastner & Öhler
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9) Graz | marvel at the exquisite palace staircases

I was on the Taste of Graz Walking Tour, which ended up lasting much longer than it should have, because my lovely guide learnt of my love for beautiful architecture. He mentioned he also does a walking tour that specifically visits the spectacular staircases found in some of the old royal palaces dotted around the city, and he showed me a couple.

We would walk along a main road, come across an absolutely huge and imposing door, right there on the street next to any other normal shop, Gunther would lean into it to shove it open, and behind these doors were the sorts of sights below. No one was guarding them, and they were completely free and available for anyone to just pop in and check out. Yet it felt to me that no one new these jewels were right there, hiding in plain sight.

I don't have the addresses or locations for these, and I can't find any mention of the staircase tour online, so I'd suggest getting in touch with Graz Tourism if you're keen on learning more about where to find them.

beautiful palace staircases in Graz

10) Graz | climb the steps of Schlossberg hill

OK I'll admit, my initial thoughts when reading 'clock tower fortress' weren't dominated by excitement. But actually, it's positively bucolic up there. 

The Schloßberg is a tree-clad hill right in the centre of Graz, surrounded by the ochre red rooftops I mentioned above. The hill is a public park, and the ascent by foot is short slog up some stairs, but great for stopping every so often to take in the views. 

The bell tower itself, an icon of the city and part of an old fortress dating back to the 16th century, is impressive in its own right. The park has many levels of space to lounge about and watch the clouds drift by. It's also only really from up here that you can fully appreciate the alien design of the Kunsthaus, the city's contemporary art museum.

Plus, when you descend, you can do so via an alternative route, through the Herberstein Garden, known as the 'Hanging Gardens of Graz'. It's a series of terraces with small vineyards and Mediterranean plants, making the most of the south facing aspect. My favourite bit about this spot are the views and photo opportunities - quelle surprise!

views from the top of the Schloßberg, Graz
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Note: This is a sponsored post in partnership with the Austrian National Tourism Board. I'm thrilled they invited me along to experience some of this wonderful country. And I truly revelled in the solo travel aspect. It's been great fun and a pleasure to collaborate on. All views remain my own, as always.

PORTUGAL | 10 things to expect from Intrepid's food-focussed tour through Porto, Lisbon, and the Alentejo region

our lovely Intrepid Travel group in Lisbon

Organised group travel: my first time

I’ve never been on an organised group trip abroad before. Well ok, I have. But they’ve always been designed for “media” – journalists, bloggers, writers etc. How they work is a few people will be sent somewhere, usually with a cool and curated jam-packed agenda, often hosted by a tourism board, in order to showcase the area and all it has to offer. 

Flights, meals, activities, experiences, accommodation, and ground transport are all sorted in advance by the organisers, there’s a comprehensive itinerary (although often a bit too ambitious, with little free/down time), and there isn’t really anything to think about other than making sure you don’t forget your passport.

Porto tiles, Portugal

They’re more often than not awesome (if not excruciatingly exhausting). But when I write up the experience, I’m always left thinking that it would be a real challenge for someone to replicate themselves.

When I take my personal, non-work related trips, I spend inordinate amounts of time researching and planning, especially when it comes to where and what I'll be eating (more on my recent thoughts on eating experiences whilst travelling in TRAVEL | Is VizEat the future of authentic local dining experiences in people's homes?). I want the best food for the best price, I want to make sure I'm not 'settling' when there might be a superstar tin shack around the corner, and I want to indulge in as much superlative eating as my finite time and budget can possibly allow. This all requires significant forward planning.

When I went travelling for eight months with my partner back in 2015, I 'planned' for two whole years. I ended up with a gargantuan spreadsheet that would have crashed most computers, with a row for each day of the circa eight months we would be away. What started off as a simple budgeting tool grew into a colour-coded, multi-layered, multi-columned, pivot tabled behemoth. It became the life of two people for most of a year in cell form. So yeah, I can get carried away with pre-holiday research. 

daily scenes in Porto, Portugal

My ideal travel formula is as close to the following as possible: 

MAX. COOL EXPERIENCES + 
BEST NON-TOURISTY AND AUTHENTIC PLACES TO EAT + 
SOLID ACCOMMODATION + 
PLENTY OF PHOTO OPPS + 
SUPPORTING AND INTERACTING WITH THE LOCALS 

= MIN. EXPENSE AND MIN. STRESS

A lot like Einstein’s theory of relativity, (when it’s achieved) it’s a thing of beauty.

It turns out that Intrepid Travel - 'small groups, big adventures and responsible travel' - have my magic formula almost down to a T. They do all the researching, planning, organising and booking on your behalf. Unique experiences, non-touristy places to eat and ways to see things, solid accommodation, for a very reasonable fee. Add to that the feel good factor of their sustainability initiatives, and it’s a winning combination. 

They’re so closely aligned to how I travel anyway, that I will seriously be considering them for my personal trips going forward.

I was invited to an abridged version of their Real Food Adventure - Galicia & Portugal tour. We experienced five out of what would usually be the full eight day trip, skipping the stops in Spain.

For first-time group participants like me, here are 10 things you can expect from Intrepid's food-focussed tour through Porto, Lisbon, and the Alentejo region. 

But before that, here's a short video I stitched together from the trip:

1) Fab group dynamic and small numbers

One of the things Intrepid really pride themselves on are their small group numbers. That number does vary depending on where and how they're travelling, but we're talking an average group size of ten people. Which means you can legitimately all eat together in a restaurant, all fit into a bar - actually do the real life, everyday things - without standing out like a sore thumb. 

There's nothing more touristy then seeing a tour group of 30+ parading through the small cobbled streets of an ancient town, with the leader brandishing an umbrella above their head. Shudders. Intrepid's small groups mean you stay under the radar, and travel, eat and sleep the local way. But there's still enough people in them to create a good social vibe. 

I heard stories of people making friends for life, and there even being a few marriages, thanks to Intrepid. And where there are marriages, babies often follow. To think, you as a travel company, have been the catalyst in helping create new life. That's a pretty big deal. 

And I actually have a friend who has been on a few Intrepid tours, who has stayed close friends with those in his group. He never shuts up about how great they are. I can now totally see why.

good times with our little Intrepid Travel group

2) Urban Adventures local guides and knowledge

Everyone knows that the best people to help you get under the skin of a new destination are those who call that place home. It's the natives that will show you the cool hidden spots, the hang-outs where only the locals go, the hip new joint that's just opened.

I was really impressed that whilst we had Marco from Intrepid with us throughout our whole trip, every time we reached a new destination, we met with a new local guide who lived there. Many of those were from Urban Adventures, a division of Intrepid Travel that focuses on day long city tours (or shorter), that take travellers to the most interesting places to meet locals, and really find out what makes a place tick.

One of my favourite local tours from the trip was when Joana from Urban Adventures met us in Lisbon. She walked and talked us through the Mouraria District with its fabulous street art, the Alfama District where Fado music was born, and took us to a cool hole-in-the-wall bar to sip on some Ginjinha, a Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries, which went straight to my head.

I also really like the fact that the restaurants the meals are eaten in vary depending on the guide, as each will have their own favourites. Nothing is set in stone, and because the group is small, things can be flexible.

our fab local Urban Adventure guides throughout the trip

3) Solid accommodation

One thing I'd mentally prepared myself for was accommodation that left a lot to be desired. For some reason, I'd associated group travel with having to deal with a few compromises. Sure, you'll get all these cool and unique experiences, with a small group of people you really get on with, and you're making memories that will last a lifetime. But, you might have to share a room, or there won't be showering facilities, or your bed is in a pig shed.

Shows what I know. The accommodation was in fact a solid highlight, in all three places we stayed. Intrepid have a budget for beds, and their people on the ground source the best value-for-money rooms. What they guarantee are 'simple, clean and well located hotels', but what I experienced was much more.

Particularly in Lisboa Tejo Hotel, which seemed to have just finished refurbishing all its rooms to a really high standard and design. And even more so, the Herdade da Amendoeira farm stay in the Alentejo region. A positively bucolic setting in rural Portugal, with converted cattle sheds transformed into exquisitely furnished rooms in the style of traditional old Alentejo houses, fully equipped with air conditioning and other mod cons. A truly glorious corner of the world.

Herdade da Amendoeira farm stay in the Alentejo region, Portugal

4) Beautiful sights

As someone who takes a lot of pictures, and likes to share a lot of those on Instagram, one of my high priorities when I travel is seeing and capturing beauty, in all its forms. I'm happy to report, there was no shortage of that on this trip.

From the expansive vistas across Portugal's fertile and wine-producing Douro Valley, to the spectacular tiled facades of Porto's buildings, to the stunning view out the window from our table in Raiz Restaurant in Porto, I barely pulled the camera away from my face.

lots of great sights and photo opportunities, Portugal

5) A lot of food and wine

There was no missing the fact that this was a food (and wine!) focused tour. Of course, any of Intrepid's tours will be punctuated with the day's meals. But in between those meals, we did even more eating and drinking. I was in my element.

On our first day we went on an Urban Adventures walking food tour, stopping to graze on local delicacies along the way, from codfish cakes paired with a caramel and aniseed liquor called Eduardino, to local cured meats and cheeses, to a whole Port tasting.

Our time in the Douro Valley was understandably focused around wine - my kind of day. With two winery visits and several tastings under our belt, we also stopped off at a small and very old olive oil producing plant, to see how it was done in the old days. The lunch from that day, in a traditional restaurant up on a hill, was one of my favourite meals from the trip. Roast turkey (I was gnawing on the bones long after the staff had cleared our plates), local fish, fresh salad, roast potatoes - simple food cooked really well.

And then there was the evening meal at the farm stay (I really did like that farm stay), which was another stellar feed. Vegetable soup, slow roast pig cheeks, roast potatoes, fried eggs from the roaming chickens on the farm, superbly seasoned rice, and more salad. Home cooked food wins for me every time, and it was great to experience some of that on this trip.

some great eating with Intrepid Travel in Portugal

6) Plenty of free time

The thing that has put me - and I reckon a lot of other people - off from considering a group trip before, is the thought of spending all of my time around other people. I am someone that loves (and needs) my own space, and company. And the threat of having to share both for a whole week is frankly, terrifying.

Have no fear. It turns out Intrepid is fully aware and appreciative of this common desire, and so strike a perfect balance between included activities and 'me time'. Not everything is scheduled; not all meals are planned. If you stumble across a cool cafe that you want to chill out in on your own before you head to the next destination, you'll have plenty of time to do that. 

And because all the nitty gritty stuff involving crossing borders, negotiating prices, and organising logistics is taken care of, you can maximise your time off and focus all your energy on having the experience of a lifetime. Amen to that.

down time in Lisbon

7) Sustainable and responsible travel

Here's something that's pretty cool: the majority of Intrepid trips are Carbon Offset. That's over 800 trips! And they're also low impact by design, meaning they try to use public transport where possible (the train from Porto to Lisbon was great fun), stay in locally owned and simpler styles of accommodation (again, that farm stay 💙), and eat at locally owned eateries.

Then there's the whole local guides thing. It translates to economic empowerment, meaning people can earn a living and support their families through tourism, without having to commute for hours, or leave their home altogether. Intrepid end up putting your money into local hands and economies.

There are a few other cool responsible tourism initiatives they can shout about, and you can find more in this report:

• A Kilimanjaro trek for women’s land rights across Africa
• Raising $700,000 for Nepal after the earthquake of 2015
• Our decision to remove orphanages from our itineraries
• Our drive to employ female tour leaders in India
• Our progress towards becoming a B-Corp – a certification for businesses to want to benefit society as well their shareholders

It's comforting to know you're giving your hard earned money to a company that takes responsible and sustainable tourism very seriously.

Pinhao train station, Portugal

8) Getting out of the city

the Douro Valley, Portugal

I loved the fact we ventured out of the cities, something I find quite a challenge to achieve on my personal trips. 

My partner doesn't drive, and I have no experience driving on the right hand side (I really need to address that). When it comes to travel, if you don't hire a car, or don't join some sort of tour, it's quite difficult to get out of the city and into the countryside. So I was really pleased to see Intrepid had a healthy mix of urban and rural on this tour.

From Porto we drove for about an hour and arrived at the simply spectacular Douro Valley, where we visited wineries and drank all the wine (you couldn't do that if you hired a car). Also, the roads down the sides of the valley were barely wide enough for a Mini, and excruciatingly steep. I categorically would not have been comfortable driving there anyway. Hence why it's best to have a local behind the wheel, who could probably navigate those tiny roads with their eyes close (our driver's eyes were firmly open). 

And then from Lisbon, we headed to the Alentejo region and stayed on a working farm (oh yes, that farm stay).

9) Unique, real life experiences

I've wanted to try my hand at making cheese since about Christmas 2005, when I was determined someone would get me a Lakeland cheese making kit for Christmas. But it never came to be. 

No worries. Because I got to have a go at making fresh goat's cheese on a farm in the Portuguese countryside, from that morning's milk, whilst the goats bleated away in the field next door. I'm not sure it gets more authentic than that. Much cooler than any Lakeland kit.

This is a great example of some of the unique experiences Intrepid weave into their tours, that you won't find through a search engine. The little noodle bars, the backstreet bodegas, or the live Fado performance Joana took us to in a Lisbon restaurant, that had me covered in goosebumps through all three courses of my dinner.

getting hands on with cheese making, Herdade da Amendoeira farm stay

10) Really good value

Firstly, take a look at the Intrepid website and their prices. You'll notice, they're not expensive. Then when you realise all the stuff that's included, it becomes increasingly apparent how these guys offer unbeatable value.

They offer three styles of travel, all of which come with more inclusions than you might expect on a typical group adventure. Whilst another tour might drop their clan off at the Taj Mahal and leave them to it, the local leaders Intrepid work with will give you great value the whole way. 

Note: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Intrepid Travel. I'm honoured they invited me along to experience this trip - I had an absolute blast. I'd love to try out more Intrepid trips! It's been great fun and a pleasure to collaborate on. All views remain my own, as always.