Biology, Conservation & Culture in the Azores
Destination
Azores
Duration
12 Days
Activity Level
Vigorous
Comfort Level
Superior
Calling all ocean enthusiasts, sustainability champions, and curious explorers—this rare adventure is crafted just for you! Dive into the heart of the Azores, a breathtaking archipelago in the Atlantic, where lush landscapes, volcanic wonders, and vibrant culture converge. Over 12 unforgettable days, you’ll embark on a small-group journey that highlights the islands’ natural beauty, rich heritage, and deep commitment to conservation.
The Azores is one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries, serving as a vital migratory route and home to numerous whale species. Your adventure kicks off on São Miguel Island, where you’ll immerse yourself in the marine wonders of the Atlantic. Become a marine biologist for a day, assisting experts in cetacean research as you observe majestic whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitat. This hands-on experience not only offers incredible wildlife encounters but also contributes to vital research and conservation efforts.
Beyond the sea, you’ll explore sustainable agricultural practices on the island, tasting Europe’s only pineapple wine at a historic plantation and learning about the traditional farming methods that have sustained the Azorean people for generations. In Furnas, delve into geothermal marvels at the Furnas Monitoring & Research Center. Enjoy a unique thermal green tea tasting, and stroll through the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden before soaking in its rejuvenating iron-rich hot springs. On Pico Island, walk through UNESCO World Heritage vineyards, follow ancient stone paths, and uncover the island’s rich winemaking traditions.
Your journey will be guided by Dinis Jacob, a São Miguel native with a deep connection to the natural world. With a background in biology and a master’s degree in nature conservation, Dinis has extensive expertise in cetaceans and a passion for preserving the unique ecosystems of the Azores. His local knowledge and enthusiasm for the islands will enrich every aspect of your adventure.
Throughout your journey, savor farm-to-table dining, with seasonal ingredients sourced from local organic farms. This exceptional small-group experience is more than a trip—it’s an opportunity to connect deeply with the Azores, leaving you inspired by the islands’ unique blend of tradition, natural beauty, and unwavering dedication to sustainability.
Great For
- Conservation & Sustainability
- Active Adventures
- Cultural Immersion
We are all interconnected - people, animals, our environment. When nature suffers, we suffer. And when nature flourishes, we all flourish.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in the Azores
Welcome to the Azores, a stunning archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage.
Upon your arrival, you’ll be transferred to the Nine Dots Azorean Art Boutique Hotel, where your rooms will be ready for an early check-in. Take advantage of a free day to unwind, settle in, and explore at your own pace. Then, at 7:15 PM, join us in the lobby for a short walk to a local restaurant, where a delightful welcome dinner awaits, offering a perfect introduction to the flavors and warmth of the Azores.
Meals
Dinner
Lodging
Nine Dots Azorean Art Boutique Hotel
Day 2 São Miguel Island: Marine Biologist for a Day
Get ready for an immersive day of intense research and learning about the majestic cetaceans of São Miguel Island. If you’re passionate about marine life and curious about the daily work of our biologists, this thrilling experience is made for you.
In recent years, over 3,000 sperm whales and 500 blue whales have been identified in the Azores. You will observe whales and dolphins in São Miguel while uncovering more about the environment and social behavior of baleen and sperm whales.
Your adventure begins at 8 am in Ponta Delgada harbor. Throughout the day, you’ll alternate between sea observations in a zodiac and working alongside experienced marine biologists back at the office. On the boat, you’ll have the chance to try multiple research methods. Document various species using techniques like photo identification. Assist in collecting microplastics with a plankton net, filtering water to quantify the microplastics present. Record acoustic data with a directional hydrophone, giving you the unique opportunity to hear and capture the sounds emitted by cetaceans. Also attempt to collect biological samples, such as cetacean skin and stool, for further analysis.
All the data you collect will be added to a comprehensive database and carefully analyzed. Throughout the tour, you’ll gain extensive knowledge about the cetaceans of the Azores and spend a full day immersed in the work of professional biologists.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Nine Dots Azorean Art Boutique
Day 3 São Miguel Island: Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada, the largest city in the Azores archipelago, is a place where rich cultural and historical significance come together. Today’s exploration of the city introduces you to the heritage of the city and is also the perfect introduction to the history and culture of the Azores.
On your walking tour through the heart of the city you will see some of Ponta Delgada’s most fascinating sites, including:
- Forte de São Brás: A historical fortress offering insights into the city’s maritime defense.
- São Francisco Square: Home to the Convento da Nossa Senhora da Esperança (Our Lady of Hope), where you’ll find the revered Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Our Lord of Miracles), central to one of Portugal’s largest religious festivities, celebrated annually around the fifth Sunday after Easter.
- Sena Freitas Garden: A peaceful spot featuring the exterior façade of Conceição’s Palace, the seat of the Presidency of the Azores Regional Government.
- Portas da Cidade (City Gates): The iconic symbol of Ponta Delgada, offering a glimpse into the city’s historic architecture.
- Parish Church of São Sebastião: A stunning example of Azorean religious architecture.
- Mercado da Graça (farmers’ market): A vibrant market where you can experience the fresh, aromatic flavors of local produce.
- Church of São Pedro: Another beautiful church, showcasing the island’s rich religious heritage.
- Marina of Ponta Delgada: A picturesque spot to take in views of the harbor and the surrounding landscape.
As you explore these cultural and historical gems, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Ponta Delgada’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.
In the afternoon, visit the Musa Azores studio to learn about their remarkable work. This innovative project is deeply rooted in sustainability, designed to minimize waste from the Musa acuminata Colla, a specific type of banana tree, by crafting unique artisanal pieces. Here, you’ll witness how creativity and environmental consciousness come together to create something truly special.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Nine Dots Azorean Art Boutique
Day 4 São Miguel Island: Coastal Clean Up & Caldeira Velha
This morning, contribute to citizen science as you participate in a coastal clean-up.
The group will be divided into smaller teams to work under the guidance of staff and a scientific protocol. Collect, separate, and catalog trash from different areas along one of the coasts of the island. The collected scientific data will be shared with projects to which the clean-up organization serves as Ambassadors.
In the afternoon, head to Caldeira Velha, where you’ll find four natural pools with temperatures ranging from 25 to 38°C (75 to 100°F). The highlight of the park is the stunning waterfall at the end, offering a breathtaking backdrop for photos. Although the pool beneath the waterfall isn’t as warm as the others, the cascade provides a perfect natural massage for your back. The thermal waters are renowned for their therapeutic and medicinal properties. The pools are shallow, allowing you to stand or sit comfortably, creating a natural relaxation spa. You can even apply the iron residue from the walls of the pools to your skin for a therapeutic treatment. Each hot spring pool offers a unique experience.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Nine Dots Azorean Art Boutique
Day 5 Pico Island: Criação Velha
Your day begins with an early start as we check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport at 6:15 am for our flight to Pico Island, arriving at 9:00 am.
From the airport, we’ll head directly to the Criação Velha trail, celebrated for its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage. Since 2011, this trail has been part of the Protected Landscape for Vineyard Culture and stands as one of the island’s most iconic routes. Here, you’ll walk through a vast, active vineyard area, surrounded by well-preserved stone walls that tell the story of Pico’s winemaking tradition.
This circular trail, which begins and ends in the heart of Madalena, spans approximately 10.8 kilometers and takes about 3.5 hours to complete.
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the trail is steeped in elements of wine culture, including “rola-pipas” (ramps used for rolling wine barrels to boats), “relheiras” (marks left by ox carts), shelter houses, wine cellars, tidal wells, and more. As you walk, you’ll learn what makes Pico’s wine culture so distinctive and how this extraordinary landscape came to be. The volcanic stone walls and the fresh salty breeze from the Atlantic contribute to the area’s unique character, producing a truly one-of-a-kind wine, found nowhere else in the world. As you traverse a 1,500-year-old lava field, you’ll be treated to views of the rock islets off Madalena’s coast, Pico Mountain, and other fascinating geological formations.
Next, you’ll savor this exceptional wine with a visit to the garden of Solar Terra Brum in Pico, the most representative old residence in the history of viticulture in the Azores. Located in the heart of Criação Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage wine region, this visit offers a perfect conclusion to your exploration of Pico’s remarkable wine culture.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Pico Terramar & Spa Hotel
Day 6 Pico Island: Whale Watching
During today’s whale and dolphin watching adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to observe some of the 28 cetacean species that inhabit the waters around the Azores. While nature offers no guarantees, whales and dolphins are frequently spotted during these half-day tours, along with turtles, seabirds, and other fascinating marine life.
Springtime is the ideal season for whale watching in the Azores. During this period, you may witness some of the world’s largest animals, including Blue whales, Fin whales, and Sei whales, as they migrate through the archipelago’s clear waters.
Lajes do Pico is one of the top locations in the Azores for whale watching. It’s home to the Azores’ first whale-watching company, and the deep seabed to the south of Pico brings these majestic creatures close to the coast, with the stunning Pico mountain providing a picturesque backdrop.
Before setting out on the boat, marine biologists will give you a briefing on the cetacean species you may encounter, the safety measures aboard, and how to respect the animals and adhere to observation rules at sea. You’ll also learn some intriguing historical facts. For your safety, each passenger is required to wear a life vest during the tour.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll visit the renowned Whalers Museum, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the whaling heritage that holds such special meaning and importance to the local community.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Pico Terramar & Spa Hotel
Day 7 Pico Island: Whaling History
Many of the old whaling artifacts on Pico Island have found new life in modern times. The historic whaling boats, once used in the island’s whaling industry, have been lovingly refurbished and are now celebrated in regattas. This morning, you’ll step aboard one of these storied vessels, setting sail as you learn about the rich history that surrounds them.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit the studio of Mr. Tavares, the last living whaling boat artisan. As you watch him work, you’ll gain insight into the craftsmanship and tradition passed down through generations.
The old whaling lookout posts, known as vigias, have also been restored and are now used for a more joyful purpose—spotting whales for research and whale-watching tours. Today, the community proudly uses these traditional methods to locate these magnificent sea creatures, honoring the past while embracing a more sustainable future.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Pico Terramar & Spa Hotel
Day 8 Pico Island: Santana to Lajido
Embark on a journey by foot today along a coastal trail guiding you to a historic site where the renowned Pico liqueur wine was once crafted. As you walk, you’ll see UNESCO World Heritage-listed vineyards, pass through lush vegetation and pastoral fields, and tread ancient stone paths once traveled by ox carts. The trail hugs the island’s northern edge, offering breathtaking sea views. One of the highlights of this trail is the chance to walk on the lava fields, where you can witness the raw geological forces that shaped Pico, the youngest of the Azores islands, revealing its volcanic origins with every step.
Your day culminates in Lajido, one of Pico’s oldest wine production areas. Here, you’ll discover an exceptionally well-preserved site, complete with traditional wine cellars, manor houses, and relics from the golden age of wine production, creating an immersive open-air museum experience that brings the island’s rich history to life.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Pico Terramar & Spa Hotel
Day 9 São Miguel Island: Herdade do Ananás Pineapple Plantation
This morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at 9:15 am and transferred to the airport for the flight back to São Miguel Island (with a layover on Terceira Island). You’ll arrive in São Miguel at 12:40 pm.
Upon arrival, you’ll head directly to a local restaurant for lunch before beginning the afternoon’s exploration.
The highlight of the day will be a visit to a pineapple plantation on the outskirts of Ponta Delgada. “Herdade do Ananás” is a family project, lovingly revived by the grandson to honor his grandfather. Did you know that this exotic fruit takes nearly two years to grow ready to serve on your table?
After touring the pineapple greenhouses, you’ll enjoy a tasting of their locally produced wine. This plantation is the only producer of pineapple wine in Europe, making it a truly unique experience.
Finally, make your way to Furnas, where you’ll check in at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, ready to relax and soak in the beauty of this extraordinary location.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Day 10 São Miguel Island: Furnas
This morning, you’ll visit the Furnas Monitoring & Research Center, a hub dedicated to the conservation of the Furnas volcano and its surrounding landscape. Here, you’ll gain insights into the area’s unique biodiversity, geodiversity, and rich natural and cultural heritage.
Next, you’ll enjoy a unique thermal green tea-tasting experience. The rich mineral content of the waters in Furnas imparts a distinct taste and color to the green tea making it unlike any other.
Afterward, you’ll explore the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden with a guided tour led by the resident botanical engineer. You’ll wander through the centennial park, famous for its extraordinary collection of native Azorean plants and other species from around the world that have adapted to the local environment. At the end of your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to take a dip in an iron-rich hot-water swimming pool (be sure to bring a darker swimsuit), with water temperatures ranging from 35-40°C (95-104°F). This promises to be a wonderfully relaxing experience.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Day 11 São Miguel Island: Life on the Farm
Today, visit the the farm of Gorete and Eugénio. Your hosts welcome you to their homestead and invite you to channel their way of life as you meet their animals, explore the property, and learn about the produce they cultivate.
Gorete and Eugénio, both born in the 1970s on the same street to dairy farming families, grew up witnessing the challenges their parents faced as farmers. From an early age, they absorbed the values of resilience, love, and the mindset of “sharing is caring.” To honor their ancestors and preserve their legacy, they decided to create a unique place where visitors can connect with the land, the animals, and the plants they cherish. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to savor a delicious traditional Azorean meal and experience the time-honored tradition of removing hot, freshly baked bread from the oven, just as it was done in the old days.
This evening, we’ll gather for our farewell dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant. The menu is always seasonal, featuring ingredients handpicked from Inês and Paulo’s organic farm, ensuring a truly authentic and flavorful dining experience to conclude your journey.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Nine Dots Azorean Art Boutique
Day 12 Depart Azores
Sadly, it’s time to say farewell to the Azores. You’ll be picked up at the hotel in time your departure flight.
Spend your flight home reflecting on the beautiful archipelago, the ideas you encountered, and the connections you made along the way.
Meals
Breakfast
Dates & Price
Dates
This unique opportunity is offered on these dates, and may not be repeated.
- Apr 5-16, 2025
Best Time of Year to Visit
Calling all ocean enthusiasts, sustainability champions, and curious explorers—this rare adventure is crafted just for you! Dive into the heart of the Azores, a breathtaking archipelago in the Atlantic, where lush landscapes, volcanic wonders, and vibrant culture converge. Over 12 unforgettable days, you’ll embark on a small-group journey that highlights the islands’ natural beauty, rich heritage, and deep commitment to conservation.
The Azores is one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries, serving as a vital migratory route and home to numerous whale species. Your adventure kicks off on São Miguel Island, where you’ll immerse yourself in the marine wonders of the Atlantic. Become a marine biologist for a day, assisting experts in cetacean research as you observe majestic whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitat. This hands-on experience not only offers incredible wildlife encounters but also contributes to vital research and conservation efforts.
Beyond the sea, you’ll explore sustainable agricultural practices on the island, tasting Europe’s only pineapple wine at a historic plantation and learning about the traditional farming methods that have sustained the Azorean people for generations. In Furnas, delve into geothermal marvels at the Furnas Monitoring & Research Center. Enjoy a unique thermal green tea tasting, and stroll through the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden before soaking in its rejuvenating iron-rich hot springs. On Pico Island, walk through UNESCO World Heritage vineyards, follow ancient stone paths, and uncover the island’s rich winemaking traditions.
Your journey will be guided by Dinis Jacob, a São Miguel native with a deep connection to the natural world. With a background in biology and a master’s degree in nature conservation, Dinis has extensive expertise in cetaceans and a passion for preserving the unique ecosystems of the Azores. His local knowledge and enthusiasm for the islands will enrich every aspect of your adventure.
Throughout your journey, savor farm-to-table dining, with seasonal ingredients sourced from local organic farms. This exceptional small-group experience is more than a trip—it’s an opportunity to connect deeply with the Azores, leaving you inspired by the islands’ unique blend of tradition, natural beauty, and unwavering dedication to sustainability.
Rates Per Person
Need to Know
Rates Per Person -
Group size of 8-12 persons
$8,950
Groups size of 7 persons
$9450
Single Supplement
+ $1,650
Rates Per Person -
Minimum group size is 7 participants with a $500 small group charge to operate the trip as stated.
Need to Know
Inner island flights included: from São Miguel to Pico and from Pico to São Miguel.
Minimum group size of 7 participants. If group numbers fall below 7 modifications to the leadership or activities may be needed.
We are happy to have you participate in a Journeys International program!
Please read these terms and conditions thoroughly. They contain information that will be important to your planning and guide how we will handle any circumstances that may change in the midst of planning or while a program is underway. If after reading our materials and talking with our staff you decide to participate in a Journeys International program, please send us your deposit along with your completed Reservation Form and Explorer Information Forms. Important: Your booking is only complete once we receive your deposit, completed Reservation Form, and completed Explorer Information Form, and once we have confirmed that space is available.
Pricing and Payment
We will confirm your reservations once we receive a non-refundable booking deposit, a Reservation Form signed by each person responsible for payment, and an Explorer Information Form signed by each participating adult or the guardian for each participating child, and if space is available. Custom programs during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to confirmation. The deposit contributes to non-recoverable costs of holding space and servicing your booking through the stages of preparation, execution, and follow-up and cannot be refunded if you choose to cancel.
We charge an additional planning fee of $250 per program for preparing customized proposals. This fee may be credited to your total cost upon booking, but it is non-refundable if you choose not to finalize your reservation.
Prices are stated in U.S. Dollars, based on double room occupancy, unless otherwise noted. We will send an invoice for your total estimated cost when we send your reservation confirmation. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to your program start date regardless of whether any arrangements are still pending. Although we do our best to avoid increasing prices after we receive your deposit, in some cases it may be necessary to adjust pricing after we receive payment to allow for changes in group size, rooming status, currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges and/or other circumstances attendant to the challenges of adventure.
Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your program participation and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure, then your reservation may be canceled subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated below.
Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available are not available toward bookings made through third-party travel agencies, advisors, or planners.
We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Paying by credit card offers you certain consumer protections, including the ability to initiate a chargeback if you believe we have committed consumer fraud. You may not use credit card chargeback as an alternative to compliance with your agreement with these terms and conditions.
Late Signups
Early reservations are encouraged! Some programs and flights fill several months in advance. We can confirm your space once we receive your deposit and signed Reservation and Explorer Information Forms. We try, but cannot guarantee, to accept late signups. In the event that we are able to accept reservations fewer than 60 days before a program’s start date, additional fees may apply to cover administrative costs necessary to expedite your reservation confirmation and transmit your program materials. For reservations made fewer than 60 days in advance of your program’s start, full payment is due at the time of booking.
Program Changes
We understand that circumstances arise that lead you to inquire about changes to your custom program, and we aim to satisfy your requests. Once activities and accommodations have been confirmed, we charge a $50 change fee, in addition to the difference in costs for the services booked. When changes are requested less than one week before your program’s start, the change fee is $100. For changes requested after a program has begun, the change fee is $200.
Journeys International reserves the right to change or reprice any program due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control. Journeys International cannot guarantee conformity with the provided program plan at any point in time. Among other things, if necessary Journeys International may change the scheduled dates of a program; omit or alter sections of the plan; substitute lodgings, leaders, or conveyances; or change meals, activities, or waypoints; all without notice and without allowance for refunds and with participants bearing the responsibility for increased costs, if any. Should this become necessary, Journeys International will not be liable for extra costs that participants may incur as a result of changes, including but not limited to flight change fees, additional meal costs, or additional accommodations. We strongly recommend that participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, adequate to cover such costs.
Cancellations & Refunds
If you must cancel before your program begins, please notify Journeys International in writing by emailing info@journeysinternational.com or writing to your adventure specialist directly. You may request a refund according to the following schedule. Some programs require additional non-refundable payments beyond this schedule, as noted in the program description. In the case of cancellation, such amounts are withheld in addition to the amounts listed here.
Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation Penalty |
---|---|
61 or more | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable |
31-60 | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable, plus 50% of total land costs above amount of initial deposit |
0-30 | 100% of total land costs |
Please note: cancellation of airfare, other transit, lodging, and ticketed tours and activities is subject to the policies of the individual carriers or providers and is not included in the schedule above. Additional cancellation fees are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption and that may reimburse you for cancellation penalties and extra expenses should a circumstance force you to cancel or interrupt your participation.
Departure is defined as the date on which travelers will leave their home state, province or city, or the program start date as indicated on the program description, whichever comes first. Cancellation date will be considered the date that we receive written notification of your intent to cancel according to the local time observed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Payments due at the time of cancellation remain the responsibility of the participant. No partial refunds are possible for unused hotel rooms, air or land travel, program days, or other sight-seeing arrangements included in the land cost.
If Journeys International cancels or postpones a program before the program starts for reasons completely within its discretion, such as but not limited to insufficient group size, all money for services described in the program description will be refunded in the form of credit towards a future program with Journeys in the same location originally planned, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, or the client may submit a written request for a refund to the original form of payment. If a program’s cancellation is necessary due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, credits and refunds will be issued according to the standard cancellation schedule, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, without regard to whether client or company initiates cancellation or postponement. Once a program begins, there are no refunds for unused goods or services.
Air Fares
We can help you to secure air travel arrangements for Journeys International programs. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. Journeys International and/or the airfare consolidator may charge a ticketing fee for this service. For group programs, if you prefer to fly on dates other than those listed as program dates, or if you arrive at your destination other than at the group arrival time, then you may incur additional fees to cover the separate transfer, contingency, and coordination costs which frequently arise from arrival and departure on flights different from our regular bookings. We will let you know about these fees ahead of time, if they apply. If you must change your air routing after ticketing, there is a charge of $50 per change, in addition to change or cancellation charges levied by the airline.
If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we may help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times. If you arrange your own flights, we can book ground transfers to meet you on arrival in your destination if you wish, and you agree to pay additional costs, as applicable.
Transfers Between Programs
You may transfer between some programs upon written request. More than 60 days before your program start date, the deposit transfer fee is $100 per person plus any cancellation fees charged by airlines, hotels, or ground service providers. 60 days or fewer before the program start date, full cancellation penalties from the original program apply. In the event that Journeys International cancels a program, you may transfer the full amount of your payments to another program without penalty, subject to availability.
Expenses Covered
Normally, our stated total costs include the costs of all guides, leaders, facilities, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, costs of described activities, food as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the activities described in the itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses Not Covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in program descriptions; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
If a program must be modified due to medical emergency, acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, then the participant may incur additional costs that are not included in the program price. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, to cover these risks.
Travel Insurance
Journeys International strongly recommends that you purchase a Travel Protection Plan, or travel insurance, sufficient to protect your investment in travel, personal assets and health during your program. Doing so will mitigate a significant amount of financial risk and decrease your need to worry about things beyond your control. We do not require you to purchase such travel insurance; however, we know many travelers who have benefited from purchasing travel insurance because the insurance carrier assumed risks that would otherwise have been the risk of the traveler. Travel Protection Plans often cover things like theft, baggage loss, trip interruption or cancellation, emergency evacuation, emergency medical treatment, flight delay or cancellation, airline or service provider bankruptcy, jury duty, personal or family sickness leading to cancellation, U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings about terrorism issued for the destination, and other risks as described in the insurance policy. In particular, consider the availability of higher-cost “Cancel for Any Reason” and/or “Interrupt for Any Reason” policies that may allow policy-holders to recoup a significant portion of trip costs under a much wider range of circumstances than standard policies may allow; we have seen travelers benefit from this selection when public health crises, personal turmoil, and civil unrest arose in their destinations. Please note that while we at Journeys will do our best to help you to have a pleasant and successful experience, Journeys International assumes no liability for many of the types of losses described above. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance and you suffer a loss, then you will be responsible for the associated costs.
For your convenience, we will provide a recommendation for an insurance carrier that offers competitive rates and has proven reliable, fair, and prompt in responding to claims, but we can offer no guarantee that our recommended carrier will meet your needs and you are welcome to contact any insurance carrier that you prefer. It is important to obtain insurance immediately upon signing up for your program in order for problems arising from pre-existing conditions to be covered.
All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy that covers you while in your travel destination for the duration of your trip. For some individuals or for some destinations, it may be advisable to purchase a supplemental policy. Contact your provider for coverage details.
Group-Sized Pricing & Group Minimums
Many programs are guaranteed to depart at prices published on our website with as few as two participants. In some cases, it may become necessary to increase prices depending on the size of the group. We do everything we can to make a program operate as planned even with a single participant. Additional costs for small groups vary from program to program. When pricing for a group program is based on the number of participants, staff and guests of Journeys International (such as topic experts, journalists, photographers, leaders-in-training, or others) are not included in the numbers counted to determine the price. Final decision to cancel a program due to insufficient signups is made at least 60 days prior to departure.
Lodging Accommodations
Lodging accommodations are usually double occupancy in hotel rooms, tents, or other facilities as described in trip itineraries. Please contact our office to discuss pricing and availability of alternative accommodations, if desired. We try to honor specific requests for lodging, but in some cases, we may have to book and confirm equivalent-standard accommodations. In rare cases it may become necessary to make same-day or out-of-class substitutions.
If you are joining alone for a group program but would prefer a roommate, then let us know! We are often able to match solo participants. If a roommate is not available or if you prefer single accommodation, then you must pay the Single Supplement, if one applies. For some programs it is not possible to guarantee single accommodations.
Assumption of Risk
Throughout any program of Journeys International, certain risks and dangers may arise. These include, but are not limited to, travel by train, foot, automobile, aircraft, raft, boat or other means of conveyance; the hazards of traveling in rough or mountainous terrain; high altitude; undeveloped areas; the forces of nature; civil unrest; terrorism; labor interruption; close proximity to fellow program participants; exposure to illness or virus; and accident or illness in remote areas without means of rapid evacuations or availability of medical supplies and facilities. The unique nature of adventure programs entails inherent risks that may be involved in unique program activities and travel away from home and, in fact, the specific nature of these activities is often a reason for participation. Even if a trip or program is rated “easy” these dangers and risks are present. Journeys International and its agents and operators will have no liability regarding emotional distress, equipment, access to, or adequacy of medical care, evacuation plans, or emergency supplies that may be provided. When you sign the Explorer Information Form, you agree to participate in these activities with full knowledge of the dangers and risks involved and agree to assume all risks, including trauma, sickness, injury, and death.
While Journeys International intends that your experience be safe and comfortable, Journeys does not have legal or operational control or ownership of facilities, staff, services, or transportation providers and acts only as agent for the owners of such facilities, staff, services, and transportation. Journeys International is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act by any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any third party not under its control.
In consideration of the right to participate in Journeys International programs and the service arranged for you by Journeys International and its agents and representatives, you unconditionally and fully assume all risks of bodily injury, death, emotional trauma, property damage, and/or theft, however caused, including those mentioned above, as a result of participation, and release Journeys International, its agents, and its representatives from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, suits, debts, demands that you may have, including for bodily injury, death, or property damage, loss of income, and other claims.
Fitness to Join
Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of Journeys International’s programs. It is your responsibility to select/design a trip appropriate to your own abilities and interests. You are responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake your trip, and for consulting with your physician for medical advice regarding travel. On some Journeys International programs, participants travel in rugged areas remote from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all programs, especially those involving hiking or trekking. Most programs require some walking. By signing the Explorer Information Form, participants certify that they are fit for rigorous activity and do not have any physical, mental, or other condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, prolonged travel, high altitude, heat, cold, natural phenomena, or particular foods, notify Journeys International in writing prior to booking. We assume no responsibility for medical care, and we cannot guarantee meeting special dietary requirements or vegetarian needs. Participants may be required to furnish a physician’s statement of good health for some programs.
Journeys International’s or the individual group leader’s or guide’s judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual’s fitness to embark upon, or to continue, a program. Journeys International reserves the right to refuse reservations or deny participation to anyone whom it deems unsuitable for a program or certain activities. Once a reservation has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy for the duration of their participation. Proof of such coverage may be required.
Personal Conduct
You are responsible for acting in a manner considerate and respectful of fellow group members and local culture in areas visited.
You are responsible for reading all health-related information provided in advance of the program, adhering to all guidance given by guides and site staff, and conforming to the established standards of personal hygiene to minimize risk of disease. This may include a requirement to wear a face mask when in proximity to other people, whether indoors or outdoors, or other measures intended to limit the spread of disease; failure to do so when requested may result in your dismissal from the program.
Certain activities included in your program may require specific safety precautions. You are responsible for listening to instructions, adhering to guidance, and following the protocols provided for safety throughout the program. If you are unsure about safety precautions, you are responsible for seeking advice. If guides or staff perceive your behavior as risky, uncooperative, or otherwise unsafe, they may remove you from an activity for the safety of yourself and others.
Smoking or vaping are not permitted in buses, cars, below decks on boats, in tented camps, in designated non-smoking areas, or during guided tours and activities. Participants agree not to consume cannabis for the duration of the program and understand that possession or use of cannabis may be illegal and subject to severe punishment in some destinations. Participants agree to follow all local laws in the jurisdiction(s) where the program takes place and acknowledge that Journeys International cannot be responsible for ensuring participants’ compliance nor for any costs or consequences of non-compliance.
Sexual harassment or misconduct of any sort by Journeys program participants is not tolerated. You may not make jokes or sexually suggestive comments or gestures regarding the bodies or bodily activities of fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program. You may not touch fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program unless invited. You may not solicit sexual services during the dates of your participation in a Journeys program.
Environmental Stewardship
Journeys International believes that we have a responsibility to protect the earth for future generations. Tourism may be responsible for up to eight percent of annual worldwide emissions of greenhouse gasses. Journeys International advocates that adventure travelers who make environmentally conscious choices when selecting their destinations and activities should also make the environmentally conscious choice to offset the carbon footprint of their travel to compensate for their personal contributions to global climate change. Every Journeys International invoice includes an optional donation to the Earth Preservation Fund’s carbon offset program to be used to purchase and permanently retire certified carbon credits to offset the carbon footprints of Journeys’ program participants. The Earth Preservation Fund purchases carbon credits that have been certified under a reliable third-party standard. Participants who choose to make this donation may also be eligible to claim a tax deduction. There is no penalty for opting out of this donation.
Recording
Journeys International may take photographic, audiographic, and videographic recordings during your program, and may use your image and voice for promotional and commercial use without compensation.
Planning & Preparation Services
We look forward to working with you! After we receive your deposit, we will send you a planning packet containing things like medical and immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a recommendation for travel insurance, packing checklist, reading list, cross-cultural information, and an initial invoice for the balance due. About 3 weeks before your program begins, we will send you a final notes packet including last-minute reminders and contact information for your program. You are responsible for reading all information provided, and for bringing all clothing and equipment noted on the packing list. If you are leaving home before the scheduled trip departure date, please let us know how we can best reach you in case any details change in the days immediately prior to your program’s start.
Please call our office at any time if you have questions about your trip or for additional information.
Duration 12 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.
Group Size 8-12
Comfort Level
Superior
Activity Level
Vigorous
Activity Level
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.