Wishing you an Intrepid Christmas

Another turkey dinner, an afternoon doze and more charades. Christmas day gets more predictable every year, but it doesn’t have to, says leading adventure travel operator Intrepid Travel.

“More and more of us are choosing to escape the yuletide festivities and to discover what the rest of the world is doing on December 25th” says Intrepid’s Daniel Pawlyn.

“And the more off the beaten track the better. It feels doubly special to be sharing a meal with a tribal family who have no concept of Christmas when you know that everyone at home is tucking into that second helping of Christmas pudding.”

This year celebrate a more Intrepid Christmas. Would you rather be…

…sipping sherry with granny or drinking rum with the Cubans?
Classic Cuba, 8 days, from £375

Located on the north-western tip of Cuba, isolated and peaceful Maria la Gorda is the perfect spot for a truly relaxing Christmas day. Dive into the clear waters and discover a world rich with coral, gorgonians, sponges, snappers and barracudas –and it’s the fiery sunset and not the fairy lights which will light up your evening as you dance the night away with a glass of rum in hand!

Salsa your way into the festive season and enjoy a week-long adventure exploring the Caribbean rhythms, natural beauty and colonial elegance of Cuba.

Departing 22nd December from Havana, prices start from £375 per person, excluding international flights, plus a local payment of CUC $185. Book through Intrepidtravel.com/qsl.

…watching the Queen’s Speech or discovering the castles of ancient Kings?
Winter Wonderland, 15 days, £990

Prague Castle is the largest medieval castle complex in Europe, the ancient seat of Czech kings throughout the ages and a magical place to take in on a brisk Christmas morning walk. Winter is a fantastic time to see Charles Bridge dusted with snow or to cosy-up in one of the city’s vaulted cellar bars to keep in the warmth.

Journey through three of the most beautiful countries in Europe and enjoy spectacular snow-capped mountains in Austria, hearty meals in Berlin and fairytale castles in Cesky Krumlov.

Departing 16th December from Vienna, prices start from £990 per person, excluding international flights, plus a local payment EUR200. Book through Intrepidtravel.com/wsw.

…unwrapping presents or unravelling centuries of history?
Classic Rajasthan, 15 days, £460

Jump aboard Indian Railways for an awe-inspiring Christmas day on a grand scale. The sheer size and beauty of the Taj Mahal lives up to all expectations, and exploring Agra Fort’s stunning mosques and palaces gives a fascinating insight into India’s Mughal past.

On this classic Rajasthan adventure you’ll discover old and new side by side as you stay in former forts, take a camel safari into the desert and catch a Bollywood blockbuster.

Departing 23rd December from Delhi, prices start from £460 per person, excluding international flights, plus a local payment of INR10000. Book through Intrepidtravel.com/hsc.

…taking the dog for a walk or trekking though remote Dogon villages?
Journey to Timbuktu, 14 days, £785

Spend Christmas day on a journey of discovery as you trek to remote Dogon villages while the sun rises over the stunning Bandiagara Escarpment. The famous mask dance in the village of Tirelli is the only Christmas afternoon entertainment you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Mali is home to a wide range of vibrant cultures, historic empires and ancient civilizations. From the colourful market of Djenne to the fascinating river-life of the Niger, you’ll discover the warm spirit of this West African pearl.

Departing 22nd December from Bamako, prices start from £785 per person, excluding international flights, plus a local payment of EUR500. Book through Intrepidtravel.com/xsj.