Intrepid Travel has released a new range of day trips in Barcelona, Paris and Venice that offer alternative experiences in Europe’s most overtouristed cities.
Developed by Intrepid’s local teams, the new ‘Uncommon Day Trips’ have been designed to meet growing visitor demand while highlighting that responsible visitation is still possible amid overtourism pressures.
“These new day trips are designed to promote responsible travel in cities grappling with overtourism, responding to the high demand with a meaningful alternative,” Intrepid Travel general manager experiences Erica Kritikides said.
“They are proof that you can still have incredible local experiences in some of the world’s most popular destinations, going beyond the hotspots to explore a genuinely local side of the city. They reflect Intrepid’s overarching experience design philosophy – providing immersive, locally-led experiences that encourage cultural exchange, a deeper connection to the destination and respect for the daily lives of the communities we encounter.”
“As someone who lives in a one of the lesser-known neigbourhoods, I can tell you that most people, especially the vendors in the market, were surprised that we wanted to bring visitors there, but also open to seeing how it goes,” Intrepid operations manager Juan Sanchez said.
“This will be a learning process for both sides and I believe the best thing we can do is start taking small but meaningful actions as a responsible company, helping to redistribute tourism dollars to local areas, supporting residents and showing travellers that there are other ways to explore the city.”
Growing range into the lesser-known
Travelling in small groups of no more than 12, the new trips run for two to three hours and build on Intrepid’s growing day trips range. They take travellers into lesser-known neighbourhoods while supporting local businesses and fostering meaningful cultural exchange.
“Overtourism in Venice is a major issue, and while it’s difficult to stop, it can be managed more effectively,” Intrepid tour leader Camilla Feiffer said.
“Venice is a unique and fragile city, and the challenge is finding a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving everyday life for its residents. Authentic Venice still exists, but you need to go a bit deeper and be willing to look beyond the most crowded spots. I believe part of the solution lies in moving toward a slower, more mindful way of travelling. Instead of trying to see all of Italy in a week, it’s about seeing less but experiencing more – engaging with the local culture and dedicating time to explore each place in greater depth.”
“Overtourism is obviously an issue in Paris as it is one of the most visited cities in the world,” Intrepid tour leader Benoit Collas said.
“Locals feel their neighborhoods are being taken over and no longer feel like their own, while tourists may be disappointed if they were expecting an ‘authentic experience’. While iconic sites are often overcrowded, many equally charming areas remain overlooked. This new trip highlights one such neighbourhood which has a real local feel, is charming and historic and offers travellers amazing views of the Eiffel Tower, far from the usual crowds below.”
The Uncommon Day Trips
- On the Uncommon Barcelona (3 hours, $96) trip, travellers visit a community garden in El Born, a protected green space that nurtures local life amid the pressures of gentrification in the Old Town. They also spend time in the neighbourhood of El Clot, exploring its local market and rambla and experiencing local life away from the crowds.
- The Uncommon Venice (2.5 hours, $128) trip invites travellers beyond the busy canals to discover a different side of the city. Experiences include a visit the Pescheria di Rialto market which dates back to the Middle Ages and a chocolate tasting workshop at a women-owned artisanal shop, where travellers learn how Venice became one of Europe’s earliest gateways for cacao.
- On the Uncommon Paris (2 hours, $89) trip, travellers enjoy fresh pastries at a neighbourhood market and visit tranquil parks offering a quiet refuge from the busy city. Along the way, travellers have the chance to see the Eiffel Tower from unique vantage points, revealing a side of the city defined by everyday life, rather than crowds.
With the addition of these three new trips, Intrepid now runs 25 day trips in Europe, across 11 cities. Intrepid also runs 236 multi-day trips in the region, spanning 42 different countries.
Its European operations are run out of five local offices, including their newest in Rome, Italy which opened in March 2026.
Intrepid also acquired French adventure travel company Altai Group in April 2026 and Dutch tour operator Sawadee in February 2025, strengthening its regional operations and responding to growing demand for culturally immersive, responsible travel in Europe.
