Intrepid Travel has launched new itineraries for 2018 in some of Europe’s least visited destinations. 

Allowing visitors to swap Spain for the Azores, the Alps for Poland’s Tatra Mountains and Croatia for North Cyprus, the new tours offer less-trodden destinations.

In addition to launching new tours in alternative destinations, the operator is also doubling its off-season departures in Europe.

This is to help curb overtourism in the more traditional European destinations and supports the adventure travel company’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism.

Overtourism is a growing issue in many destinations across the world, such as Barcelona and Venice. More than 799,916 tourists from 539 cruises visited the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Dubrovnik in 2016, a 13.5% increase on the previous year that has led to growing tensions among locals and tourists on the over-crowded streets.

Intrepid’s Undiscovered Destinations for 2018 include:
Moldova – as an alternative to Tuscany, enjoy the largest quality wine collection in the world -without the crowds. A 13-day tour in September 2018 costs from £1,695 per person. This price includes 12 nights’ accommodation with breakfast daily, four other meals, transport and most activities. Excludes flights.

Tatra Mountains, Poland – instead of the Alps, try exploring the winter wonderland of Poland. An eight-day winter itinerary in March, November and December 2018 costs from £870 per person. This price includes seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast daily, one other meal, transport and most activities. Excludes flights.

Finland – instead of Iceland, explore Finnish Lapland in winter, home of the indigenous Sami people. Departures run in March, November and December 2018 and cost from £1,945 per person. This price includes seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast daily, transport and most activities. Excludes flights.

Portugal & Azores – as an alternative to Spain, experience the food and wine culture of Portugal, or go Island hopping and hike around Sao Jorge or Faial Islands in the Azores. A 10-day tour in May – September 2018 costs from £2,230 per person. This price includes nine nights’ accommodation with breakfast daily, three other meals, transport and most activities. Excludes flights.

North Cyprus – instead of Croatia, Intrepid Travel’s first North Cyprus tour is an eight-day itinerary which runs in May, July, September and October 2018 and costs from £780 per person. This price includes seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast daily, two other meals, transport and most activities. Excludes flights.

Calabria & Sicily – instead of Venice, discover Italy’s vibrant south. A 15-day tour from the Amalfi Coast to Palermo costs from £2,395 per person. This price includes 14 nights’ accommodation with breakfast daily transport and most activities. Excludes flights.

Intrepid’s CEO, James Thornton said the new itineraries were developed in response to concerns about over-tourism and travellers’ desire to get away from the masses and to uncover new destinations.
“Europe is a firm favourite with our customers, so we’re constantly on the look-out for new ways to explore the continent by adding unique itineraries and new destinations. Over-tourism has become a real issue in many of the world’s most beautiful cities and it’s impacting the experience for locals and for travellers, so in 2018 we’re encouraging travellers to consider the alternatives, and look beyond the typical destinations.”