Intrepid unveils Premium Walking and Trekking on 10 trips
Intrepid Travel is expanding its top tier with a new Premium Walking and Trekking collection that marries active days with elevated stays. The 10 itineraries, spanning three to nine days across five continents, open for booking on August 12, 2025, with first departures in January 2026. The lineup covers Vietnam, Nepal, Jordan, Morocco, Peru, Italy, Madeira, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon, pairing guided hikes with boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and feature stays. Intrepid says Premium is its fastest-growing style since launching in 2022, and walking and trekking demand has surged nearly ninefold.
Key Points
- Why it matters: Active travel is booming, and travelers want comfort after big hiking days.
- Travel impact: Small groups, typically capped at 9 to 12, improve trail flow and access.
- What's next: Bookings open August 12, 2025, with departures beginning January 2026.
- Premium features include handpicked stays, exclusive experiences, and experienced local leaders.
- U.S. highlights include Grand Canyon and Yellowstone premium hiking.
Snapshot
The new Intrepid Premium Walking and Trekking range targets travelers who want serious days on the trail without sacrificing creature comforts. Across 10 itineraries from three to nine days, guests hike marquee routes like Peru's Inca Trail, Italy's Amalfi Coast paths, Nepal's Annapurna region, and Jordan's back-door approach into Petra, then return to boutique hotels, eco-lodges, or luxury desert camps. U.S. options include a three-day Grand Canyon program with a feature stay at the historic El Tovar Hotel and a five-day Yellowstone itinerary near the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Intrepid positions these trips as small-group experiences, typically capped between nine and twelve travelers, and led by its most experienced leaders.
Background
Intrepid launched its Premium tier in 2022 as a higher-comfort complement to its Basix, Original, and Comfort styles. Since then, Premium has become the company's fastest-growing category, while its walking and trekking portfolio has seen demand multiply nearly ninefold. The new range represents the first time Intrepid has applied the Premium approach specifically to hiking and trekking, bundling elevated lodging with guided day hikes, transfers, and curated cultural experiences. The announcement lists 10 trips across Italy, Madeira, Vietnam, Nepal, Morocco, Peru, Jordan, and the United States. Bookings open on August 12, 2025, and first departures start in January 2026. Examples include eco-minded stays in Jordan's Dana Biosphere Reserve, a feature stay at El Tovar on the Grand Canyon's South Rim, and boutique hotels in Peru and the Dolomites.
Latest Developments
Where Intrepid's new premium hikes go, and what they include
The 10-trip slate blends classic and trending routes with premium lodging and standout inclusions. Europe gets the Amalfi Coast and Dolomites, plus Madeira's volcanic landscapes. Asia features Vietnam's Sapa region and Nepal's Annapurna lodges. North America adds Yellowstone's geyser country and a three-day Grand Canyon program with an El Tovar feature stay. Morocco's High Atlas valleys and Essaouira's coastal tracks, Peru's Inca Trail day-hike to the Sun Gate, and Jordan's Dana-to-Petra progression fill out the list. Trips are designed around guided day hikes, private transfers where relevant, and handpicked properties, including eco-lodges and luxury desert camps. Group sizes remain small, typically capped between nine and twelve travelers depending on itinerary, and trips are led by Intrepid's most experienced leaders.
Analysis
Intrepid's move meets a clear market shift, where travelers want to earn the views by day, then return to quality lodging, reliable dining, and seamless logistics at night. By focusing on day-hike formats rather than full pack-carrying treks, the Premium Walking and Trekking range widens appeal to fit, time-constrained travelers seeking approachable distances and elevation with strong support. The brand's curation of feature stays, like Jordan's Feynan Eco-Lodge and the Grand Canyon's El Tovar, signals an emphasis on sense of place, not just star ratings. Small group caps, commonly nine to twelve, help with trail pacing, safety, and access to boutique properties that cannot host large groups. Strategically, Premium hikes diversify Intrepid's North American product with recognizable national-park headlines while reinforcing its depth in Jordan, Peru, Italy, and Nepal. For advisors, the clear style ladder, inclusive features, and defined physical ratings simplify qualifying clients and setting expectations on fitness, heat, and terrain.
Final Thoughts
If you have clients who want a polished hiking experience with strong local leadership and authentic stays, this collection hits a sweet spot. The itineraries keep the hiking front and center, then layer in memorable feature properties, cultural dining, and smart transfers that maximize time on trail. With bookings opening August 12, 2025, and departures starting January 2026, these departures will suit travelers who value comfort, small groups, and reliable logistics. For those clients, Intrepid Premium Walking and Trekking is a compelling new option.