Jordan and Israel Explorer
Destination
Jordan
Duration
12 Days
Activity Level
Active
Comfort Level
Superior
To explore the ancient lands of Jordan and Israel is to come face-to-face with the various epochs of history that have made us who we are. The Jordanian capital, Amman, was previously known as Philadelphia, and its Roman theater reminds us of the glories of that great empire. Mysterious Petra appears out of nowhere—a remarkable rose-colored city hewn from the sandstone cliffs by the Nabataean people and now regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The desert at Wadi Rum resonates to the exploits of T.E. Lawrence, more popularly known as Lawrence of Arabia. Then there is Jerusalem—one of history’s great cities and a holy site for many of the world’s religions. From the Wailing Wall to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and from the Temple Mount to the narrow streets of the Old City, there are few cities in the world that are more evocative and exciting, yet still, mean so much to so many people.
Itinerary
Day 1 Amman
On arrival at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport, you are met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day is free for you to explore Amman.
Meals
None
Lodging
Larsa Hotel or similar
Day 2 Aqaba
After breakfast, you are transferred to Aqaba. The journey takes approximately four hours. On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the town and port.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Marina Plaza Tala Bay or similar
Day 3 Aqaba / Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp
After a brief orientation of Aqaba, you may visit the old castle (time permitting) before driving to Wadi Rum. After lunch in the small village of Rum and a browse around the excellent and informative visitor’s center, you visit several of Wadi Rum’s distinctive rock formations and soak in the vast silence and spectacular desert landscapes. Meet your Bedouin hosts and ride camels to your traditional Bedouin tent situated deep within Wadi Rum. The Bedouins live in scattered camps throughout the area. Enjoy an evening with them at their camp, set in this amazing location. Wadi Rum is a truly beautiful place with towering sandstone mountains. It fully deserves the amount of time we spend here, with the wind-sculpted rock formations changing hue throughout the day from sunrise to sunset. Wadi Rum is probably best known for its connection with the enigmatic British officer T.E. Lawrence, who was based here during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917-1918. Much of David Lean’s film of his exploits, “Lawrence of Arabia,” was actually filmed in Wadi Rum.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Suncity Bedouin Camp or similar
Day 4 Wadi Rum / Petra
It’s well worth rising early and watching the cliffs change color as the sun comes up. Enjoy a walk in the morning and scale one of the large dunes to enjoy sensational views of the surrounding area. Photographers will be especially delighted. Then take 4WDs from the camp back to the main entrance of Wadi Rum. The visitor center is a great spot to buy souvenirs, mostly made by a women’s cooperative which supports traditional local industries. You then continue your journey to Petra. On arrival, there is time in the afternoon to check out the town, or just relax in preparation for a big day of exploring Petra tomorrow.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Petra Guesthouse or similar
Day 5 Petra
For most people, the image of Petra is a narrow chasm with glimpses of the famous Treasury in the distance. You are sure to be surprised by the size and scale of this ancient city, built by the Nabataean people. Explore the old Roman road, amphitheater, and several old tombs. You may also climb up to the Monastery for a fine view of the entire site. It is a memorable day and sure to be one of the main highlights of your trip. There is a cafeteria on the site where you may enjoy a light lunch. In the mid-afternoon, return to your hotel and consider enjoying a Turkish bath. This is a great experience and Petra is an excellent – and safe – place to try one. The cost is around US$21 per person. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
TBD
Day 6 Shobak / Dana / Madaba / Amman
This morning, drive along the King’s Highway, a road that dates back to the time of the Old Testament. Stop at Shobak Castle, originally built to protect the eastern flank of the Latin Kingdom and its trade routes to the sea before it fell to Saladin in 1189. Enjoy a walk through the site and then continue to the ancient village at Dana, where local artisans sell attractive silver jewelry and charms. You then reach Madaba, where you visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, which houses an ancient mosaic map of the region. This is of particular interest, as it clearly depicts Palestine and Lower Egypt around 550 AD. Expect to arrive in Amman in the late afternoon. In the evening, you may try one of several fine restaurants for dinner. (Please note that Kerak Castle is not included in your tour, as it is often very congested and busy. Your guide can arrange an optional visit. Many travelers prefer instead to spend any extra time in Amman.)
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Petra Guesthouse (or similar)
Day 7 Jerash / Dead Sea / Amman
The Roman city of Jerash is quite well-preserved. Founded in the time of Alexander the Great, by the 3rd century AD, it had become a center of considerable importance. Today it is one of the grandest ancient cities in the world with an imposing collection of archways, theaters, baths, public buildings, and colonnaded streets. Visit the site in the morning and later drive down to the Dead Sea. The afternoon is at your leisure to float in the warm therapeutic waters, the world’s saltiest. Return to Amman for the night.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Larsa Hotel or similar
Day 8 Bethlehem / Jerusalem
Today is an early start as you leave Amman and head for the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge. Located only 40 kilometers from Amman, this marks the border with Israel. It is important that you read the “Additional Information” notes at the end of this itinerary regarding crossing the border from Jordan into Israel. Once you have cleared immigration and customs, you are met by your new driver and given a quick tour of Jericho – considered by some to be the oldest, longest inhabited city in the world – before being transferred to Jerusalem. In the afternoon we make a short journey south to Bethlehem, where we make our pilgrimage to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, built over the site that marks it as the traditionally-accepted birthplace of Jesus Christ and a sacred place for Christians and Muslims alike. Its impressive Constantine mosaics, colonnaded ancient basilica and the small grotto that marks Jesus’ birthplace are all impressive. We then drive to Beit Sahour to visit one of the most sacred places for Christians, the Shepherds’ Field, identified in the New Testament as the site where the Angel of the Lord visited the shepherds and informed them of Jesus’ impending birth. At long day’s end, return to Jerusalem.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Dan Hotel or similar
Day 9 Jerusalem
Begin your tour of Jerusalem with a panoramic view of the city’s great urban skyline – the serried buildings and ancient ramparts of the Old City, the churches adorning the Mount of Olives and the iconic gold of the Dome of the Rock. Start the day with a short drive to the Mount of Olives to take in a panoramic view of the city’s extraordinary ensemble before driving to the Garden of Gethsemane. From there you walk to St. Stephen’s Gate through which one enters the Old City. Walk to the ‘Cardo’ in the recently restored Jewish Quarter, which was the old north-south axis in Roman times. Visit the Western (Wailing) Wall, Via Dolorosa (Stations of the Cross), and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. When entry is permitted, you can also visit the Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque. After lunch (not included), the tour continues with a visit to Yad Vashem (Israel’s memorial to the Holocaust). Please note that Yad Vashem is closed on public holidays and also on Fridays and Saturdays. On these days, you will visit Mount Zion, the Cenacle and the Dormition Abbey instead.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Dan Hotel or similar
Day 10 Nazareth / Sea of Galilee
This morning is a drive through the Jordan Valley, whose fertile lands were chronicled in the Bible, stopping en route at Beit Shean to view a well-preserved Roman theatre and a unique Byzantine mosaic floor. Passing through Tiberias, one of Judaism’s four holy cities, we stop at Yardenit – the new commemorative site of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. At Nazareth, you will visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, which incorporates, according to Roman Catholic tradition, the cave in which Mary received the news from Gabriel that she would give birth to Jesus. Afterward, return to Tiberias to sail across the Sea of Galilee to Tabgha, where Jesus performed the Miracle of the Multiplication of the loaves and fishes. We stop off at the ancient settlement site of Capernaum situated on the banks of the Kinneret, where Jesus once lived and Peter’s house still stands, before returning to Tiberias for our overnight stay in a hotel on a kibbutz.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Sea of Galilee Hotel or similar
Day 11 Tiberias / Acre / Caesarea / Tel Aviv
Leave Tiberias and head northward to the ancient crusader port of Acre, a World Heritage listed site with an eventful history from the time of the crusades through the Napolionic battles to the present day. Visit the massive complex of buildings occupied by the Knights of St John as well as the Knight Templars’ secret tunnel. Passing through Haifa we arrive at Caesarea, which served as the capital of Israel during the Roman and Byzantine eras and which nowadays holds some of the country’s finest classical remains, including an aqueduct and a graceful theatre which overlooks the Mediterranean. Around 5:00 pm you arrive in lively Tel Aviv, where your last night is spent in Israel’s liveliest city. With its lively cafe culture and relaxed beach scene, Tel Aviv makes for the perfect endpoint to your adventure.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Metropolitan Hotel or similar
Day 12 Tel Aviv / Onward
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12:00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. If you have arranged a private airport transfer you will be advised of the pick-up time. Bid farewell to your tour leader and your group.
Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Tel Aviv.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
None
Dates & Price
Dates
Custom & private on your dates. Contact an Adventure Specialist to create your dream trip! Schedule a call or tell us more about your dream trip!
Best Time of Year to Visit
To explore the ancient lands of Jordan and Israel is to come face-to-face with the various epochs of history that have made us who we are. The Jordanian capital, Amman, was previously known as Philadelphia, and its Roman theater reminds us of the glories of that great empire. Mysterious Petra appears out of nowhere—a remarkable rose-colored city hewn from the sandstone cliffs by the Nabataean people and now regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The desert at Wadi Rum resonates to the exploits of T.E. Lawrence, more popularly known as Lawrence of Arabia. Then there is Jerusalem—one of history’s great cities and a holy site for many of the world’s religions. From the Wailing Wall to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and from the Temple Mount to the narrow streets of the Old City, there are few cities in the world that are more evocative and exciting, yet still, mean so much to so many people.
Rates Per Person
Need to Know
Rates Per Person -
Land Cost from
$6,350
Single Supplement
+ $950
Rates Per Person -
The land cost published is for the stated itinerary and is subject to change. This covers accommodations, transfers, activities, touring, guide services and meals as described in the full itinerary.
For a custom & private adventure, the final cost will be based on the activities selected, trip duration, accommodations, etc. Developing an initial custom trip itinerary is a service we provide to all clients at no cost. If after development of the initial itinerary you request additional development but are not ready to make a deposit, a trip planning fee may apply.
Need to Know
Ramadan occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is an exciting (and at times, frustrating) time to travel in the Middle East. In the evenings, there is a celebratory atmosphere as people break their fast, and to witness all this is a real highlight. However, during the day, people must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activity, so if you encounter someone who is a bit grumpy, be sympathetic! Tourist sites are generally unaffected although some places may close early; your trip will be planned around this as well as the Eid el Fitr feast, which celebrates the end of Ramadan.
Crossing the border from Jordan to Israel: You cross between Jordan and Israel at the Allenby Bridge. This border is about 40 km (approx. 1 hr) from Amman and about 30 km from Jerusalem. Here you will say goodbye to your Jordanian driver/guide.
Your Jordanian driver/guide is not allowed to travel into Israel just as your Israeli leader is not allowed into Jordan.
When you have finished at the Israeli entry point, you will be met by your driver and guide outside the immigration point near the taxi stand. Please keep an eye out for a sign for your group. Allow up to three hours for crossing the actual border. If you are to return to Jordan after Israel you must have a valid Jordanian visa; you cannot obtain this at the Allenby Bridge border. You will also be required to pay an exit fee of approx. US$38, which is paid on the Israeli side of the border.
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 2 - 12
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.
Comfort Level
Superior
Activity Level
Active
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.