Ten unique adventures you can only have on tours with Intrepid Travel

As someone who’s spent decades helping others see the world—and chasing down my own curiosities across all seven continents—I'm often asked what’s left on my list. The truth is, the older I get, the less I care about ticking off countries or sights, and the more I’m drawn to the kind of travel that shifts something inside you.

That's why The Intrepid List: 100 Uncommon Experiences to Change the Way You Travel caught my attention. It isn’t about bragging rights or bucket lists. It’s a thoughtful, well-curated collection of moments that invite you to look deeper, go slower, and connect more meaningfully—with people, landscapes, and yourself.

Some of the experiences in the book brought back memories of places I've stood and people I’ve met. Others made me pause and think, Why haven’t I done that yet? And, naturally, it got me thinking about my own version—ten experiences that have changed how I travel, or that I hope still will.

Here they are, in the spirit of travelling not to escape life, but to let it expand you: ten unique adventures you can only have on tours with Intrepid Travel.

And if you would like to purchase a copy of the Intrepid List yourself, you can do so here.

1. Cicchetti Crawl in Venice

If you're heading to Venice, set aside an evening for a proper cicchetti crawl through the city’s bacari (local wine bars). It’s an easy, authentic way to experience Venetian life. Try small bites like squid ink calamari, salt cod on polenta, or a slice of tramezzino with a glass of local wine or a true Venetian spritz. Your tour leader will find some great spots just beyond the tourist trail, often filled with locals catching up over a snack. It’s not a guided tour—just a relaxed way to explore, eat, and soak in the city’s atmosphere one plate at a time.

Taste cicchetti on Food Adventures in Italy

2. Go Local in Bali

Bali is often known for its beaches, but the heart of the island is inland. A few days spent in the quieter villages around Ubud, Sidemen, or Undisan offers a more grounded experience. You can walk through rice fields, learn to cook traditional dishes, and stay with families who are happy to share their way of life. Or visit a snake fruit plantation and end the day with a home-cooked meal overlooking the hills. It’s peaceful, personal, and a side of Bali many travellers miss.

Meet the local people on Bali Adventure

3. Travel Back in Time in Ireland

While Ireland has seen some huge changes in the last few decades, the Aran Islands feel like stepping into the past. Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, these rocky islands are full of Iron Age ruins, windswept views, and locals who still speak Irish as a first language. There’s something about the pace here: sheep in the road, stone walls stretching to the sea, and a sense that life hasn’t changed much in generations.

Travel back in time on Ireland Adventure

4. Stay in a Temple in Japan

A night at a Buddhist temple in Mount Koya is a peaceful experience — not luxurious, but very special. You’ll sleep on tatami mats, eat beautifully prepared vegetarian meals, and wake early to join the monks for morning prayers. It’s quiet, especially in the cooler months, and a good way to slow down and take in a more contemplative side of Japanese culture. It’s not for everyone, but for those looking for something meaningful, it stays with you.

Wake up in a temple on Best of Japan

5. Bocce with Gunpowder in Colombia

If you find yourself in Colombia, especially in smaller towns like Salento, try a game of tejo. It’s loud, a bit chaotic, and a lot of fun — kind of like bocce, but with targets that explode when hit. Locals take it seriously, but they also welcome newcomers with humour and beer. It’s one of those things you wouldn’t do at home, but you’ll talk about it long after the trip.

Make some noise on Colombia Explored

6. Have Tea with an Amazigh Family in Morocco

On my last trip through Morocco I lost track of how many local families we visited. Each visit was a delight and an opportunity to learn more about local culture. Hiking through the Dades Valley is such a chance to see a different side of Morocco. Along the way, local guides often arrange for tea with an Amazigh family. It’s a simple gesture — mint tea and conversation — but it opens a window into everyday life. These are people deeply connected to their land and traditions. The views are stunning too, with red rock formations and green pockets of farmland tucked into the valleys.

Amazigh tea on Morocco In Depth - a Premium Adventure

7. Feast on Delicacies in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s food is deeply regional and incredibly varied. Some of the best meals you'll have are in people’s homes — in the tea country, or along the southern coast. Whether it’s cooking with a local family or stopping at a roadside stall for hoppers and sambol, food here tells a story. Learning to make a proper curry paste or tasting fresh jackfruit curry in someone’s kitchen really brings you closer to the culture.

Feat on food with Food Adventures in Sri Lanka

8. Stay with the Hmong in Thailand

A night or two at a Hmong lodge near Chiang Mai offers something a bit more grounded than your average resort. The setting is peaceful, with cool mountain air and rice fields all around. In the evening, there’s often a traditional performance, and you might even get to join in. It's not overly polished, which you'll appreciate — it feels more like being welcomed into a community than just being shown something for tourists.

Stay at the Hmong Lodge on Northern Thailand Explorer

9. Cruise past waterfalls on Norway's fjords

One of the most memorable ways to experience Norway’s dramatic landscapes is by boat through the Naeroyfjord. This narrow, glacier-carved fjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with mirror-like waters reflecting towering peaks and plunging waterfalls. The name comes from Njord, the Norse god of the sea, and it’s easy to see why ancient seafarers held this place in awe. The cruise ends in the village of Flam, where you can choose to ride the scenic railway up to Myrdal—a short but spectacular journey past forests, rivers, and mountain vistas. It’s one of those days that feels both peaceful and powerful, etched into memory by the sheer scale of nature.

Sail the fjords on Scandinavian Adventure

10. Visit with the Dead in a Mayan Cave

The Actun Tunichil Muknal cave in Belize is one of the most unusual archaeological sites I’ve seen. It’s a bit of a physical challenge—wading through water, climbing over rocks—but worth every step. Inside, you’ll see pottery and skeletal remains left from Mayan rituals over a thousand years ago. It’s eerie but respectful, and the experience stays with you. It’s not a touristy attraction; it’s a place where you feel connected to something much older.

Visit the cave on Belize Adventure

Each of these ten immersive experiences offers a distinct way to explore the world, from tasting local delicacies to discovering ancient traditions or witnessing breathtaking landscapes. They’re not just trips; they’re opportunities to connect with the essence of a place in a way that goes beyond the typical tourist route.

If any of these experiences have sparked your curiosity, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help you plan a trip that goes beyond the ordinary. Get in touch, and let’s start shaping your next great story.