Timely and Timeless Tunisia
Destination
Tunisia
Duration
16 Days
Activity Level
Active
Comfort Level
Superior
Explore Tunisia at a unique moment in time, led by your experienced guide. Experience the essence of Tunisia, present and past. Meet Tunisians who are eager to discuss the enormous potential of their new democracy, including artists and photographers who witnessed the startling events of the Arab Spring. Visit Berber villages and outposts, experience the magnificence and vastness of the Sahara Desert, explore the idyllic Mediterranean island of Djerba. Throughout, stay in unique accommodations including a four-star 100-year-old palace in the heart of Tunis, boutique village hotels, charming guesthouses, and a comfortable working farmstead in the shadow of magnificent Mount Zaghouan.
Few countries on earth match the historical, cultural, and natural splendor of Tunisia. Begin and end in the capital city of Tunis with its wondrous medina (ancient city) and fascinating souqs (markets). Travel onward to ancient Carthage, one of the most important cities in the ancient Roman Empire. Afterward, head south to the ruins of Dougga and the sacred Islamic site of Kairouan, the mountain villages of Tozeur, Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides, and splendid oases in the desert. Next, head east to Tataouine and its ksour (fortified adobe villages), and to Djerba island with both an amazing history and stunning beaches. On a leisurely return journey northward toward Tunis, view troglodyte homes, old Roman ruins, and other significant archaeological sites in towns such as Matmata, El Jem, Mahdia, Sousse, Zaghouan, and Thuburbo Majus.
Great For
- Ancient ruins
- Natural scenery
- Rich culture
We have traveled extensively and have met only a few guides like Mohamed Halouani. He is extremely well-informed about the different local cultures. His forte is to arouse travelers' passion and make history come alive. He made certain we were comfortable at all times.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Tunis
Upon arrival at Tunis, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your boutique hotel to check-in and get settled. Later in the day, gather for orientation, followed by dinner at the hotel and overnight.
Meals
Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Tunisia Palace or similar
Day 2 Carthage & Sidi-Bou-Said Excursion
After breakfast at the hotel, set out to visit the archaeological site of the great ancient city of Carthage, including the Roman theater and baths, Phoenician sanctuary, the ingenious interconnected Punic harbors and houses, and Carthage’s fine archaeological museum on Byrsa Hill. After getting a quick lunch en route, visit the picturesque clifftop village of Sidi-Bou-Said, perhaps one of the prettiest sights in all of Tunisia. Stroll its white and blue streets, take in the mosque and other distinctive Ottoman/Andalusian buildings and architecture, and admire the stunning glimpses of the coast. Return to Tunis where you’ll have the rest of the evening free to seek out dining options on your own.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Tunisia Palace or similar
Day 3 Tunis & Medina Walking Tour
Today, you will take a walking tour through the intriguingly tangled old medina of Tunis. Founded by the Arabs in the seventh century, Tunis existed within the medina walls for more than a thousand years. Visit the oldest religious monuments, the Grand Mosque, the mausoleums, and the souqs of this amazing UNESCO World Heritage site. You will have lunch in one of the old homes within the medina, prepared by a family that has lived there for generations. In the afternoon, continue on to enjoy the medina’s maze of tunnels and alleys dotted with hidden treasures. Visit the country’s oldest madrasas (religious schools for the study of the Quran) and some handicraft workshops where you can observe artisans at work. Return to your hotel and have dinner in town (on your own) for a final night in the city.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Tunisia Palace or similar
Day 4 Drive to Kairouan via Sbeitla
Today, you will drive southwest of Tunis across the valley of the Medjerda River and head toward Dougga, the best-preserved archaeological site in Tunis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built on a hill overlooking a valley. You’ll spend time exploring the ancient Roman monuments, considered by many to be the best in all of Africa – startlingly complete and allowing easy insight into how well-heeled Romans lived. In addition to Roman structures, you’ll also find an old Punic temple and a bathhouse built during the Phoenician period. Other sites of interest include the market, the square, the forum, Antonian Baths, Mausoleum of Ateban, Temple of Caelaestis, and the Arch of Alexander Septimius. Afterwards, continue on to Kairouan, another World Heritage Site, stopping for lunch en route. On arrival in Kairouan, you’ll check-in to your hotel, have dinner, and settle in for a couple of nights.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel La Kasbah or similar
Day 5 Kairouan Exploration
Spend a full day in Tunisia’s holy city of Kairouan, once the Arab capital of all North Africa and one of Islam’s most sacred cities. This city was founded by the Umayyads during the seventh century A.D. and is now an important center for Sunni Islams, attracting Muslims from all over the world. You’ll explore the city’s most significant monuments such as the great mosque Sidi Oqba (the oldest in North Africa), the Aghlabite water tanks, the Barber Mausoleum with its superb Andalusian details, and the new Islamic Art Museum. Find lunch at a local restaurant in town, then take a stroll through the old souqs and visit the handicraft workshops in the afternoon. Kairouan’s medina is an interesting and beautiful place to wander, especially in the late afternoon when the sun creates shadows that highlight its colors and architectural details. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel La Kasbah or similar
Day 6 Drive to Tozeur
Today you’ll head out to the southern part of the country and into the desert, driving first to Sbeïtla to explore the Roman ruins of Sefetula. You’ll see the main baths, located a short distance from the Forum. Archaeologists have identified a twin set of halls, which has led them to believe that a section of the baths was utilized in winter and the other one in summer. Inscriptions making reference to restorations indicate that the baths, which were built in the early 3rd century, were in use during the Byzantine period, possibly until 647 when Sufetula was plundered by Arab raiders. The theatre of Sufetula was built at the edge of a ravine created by the small river to the east of the town. What we see today is largely a modern reconstruction.
Continue on to the southern oasis of Tozeur where you check-in, explore the grounds, enjoy a relaxing dinner, and settle in for the night.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Ksar Rouge or similar
Day 7 Mountain Oases
After breakfast, we board 4WD vehicles for a drive northward through bizarre and barren landscapes to explore Tunisia’s mountain oases. These beautiful, ancient Berber villages near the Algerian border were once part of a Roman defensive line built to keep out marauding Saharan tribes but today are little more than picturesque ruins clinging to the cliff faces. Begin at the Chebika oasis – its great slash of green visible for miles against the barren mountains. Climb up through the village ruins to a great view and a beautiful small canyon fed by a spring with a tiny waterfall. Next, stop at the Mides oasis, less than a mile from the Algerian border and perched high above a dramatic gorge that was once part of the town’s fortifications. Marvel at the gorge, used as a setting for many movies including The English Patient, and the ruined houses built with adobe, then make the short drive to the Tamerza oasis for lunch on a private date palm farm. In the afternoon, cross the salt lake of Gharsa and drive back to your guesthouse amid stark and spectacular views of salt pans and sand dunes.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Dar Horchani Guest House or similar
Day 8 Tozeur City Tour
Tozeur is a charming city in Tunisia’s southwest and is based around a large oasis famous for its palm trees and production of dates, which are exported around the world. The city is a good place to get a good glimpse of the Sahara from and take in traditional Tunisian culture including a wide range of architectural styles. Tozeur was historically an important stopping point for caravans crossing the Sahara, a place to rest and refuel before heading deeper into the desert. It was also used as an important Roman outpost and has since been ruled by a variety of tribes including the Berbers for much of its history, who have perhaps the most influence on the city’s historic architecture. This morning, you’ll enjoy a leisurely tour through Ouled el-Hadef, Tozeur’s beautiful 14th century Medina. This delightful old quarter was built to house the El-Hadef clan that had grown rich on the proceeds of the caravan trade. The area is a maze of narrow, covered alleys and small squares known for its amazing traditional brickwork of protruding bricks that create intricate geometric patterns. The style can only be found here and in nearby Nefta. Like the medinas further north in Tunisia, wandering through the Ouled el-Hadef is a journey of discovery best made by getting lost. The most well-preserved sections are east of the museum, including the house of the former governor (Dar Bey) and outside the boundaries of the old town, the brick minarets of the Mosque of Sidi Mouldi and Mosque el-Ferdous (ave Habib Bourguiba) are very attractive.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Ksar Rouge or similar
Day 9 Douz & Matmata
Today, you will cross the famous Chott el-Jerid, a huge salt lake leading to the very edge of the immense, shifting sand seas of the Sahara, bound for the fine desert oasis of Douz, the “gateway to the Sahara,” largest of Tunisia’s desert oases, and well-known for its dates. If your visit is timed right, you’ll have a chance to stop at the weekly cattle market and explore the various shops where craftsmen will demonstrate their skills in making Saharan shoes and garments. After lunch, head to the Berber region of Matmata to explore the various types of troglodytes and meet the Berbers. Check into your hotel in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Diar Matmata or similar
Day 10 Tataouine to Djerba
After breakfast, head eastward to explore the area of Tataouine with its distinctive fortified ksour (Berber fortified granaries/adobe villages) and below-ground cave dwellings of the native Berber population. Designed for coolness and security, the dwellings and surrounding area attract both tourists and filmmakers (several scenes from Star Wars movies were filmed here.) Visit Chenini, a picturesque ruined 12th century Berber village perched on top of the mountain, then some granaries in the area, crossing through the town of Tataouine and stopping for lunch en route. In the afternoon, continue north to the idyllic small Mediterranean island of Djerba where you’ll check in to your hotel in the village of Erriadh, have dinner, and spend the next couple of nights.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Dar Gaia Guesthouse or Dar Dhaifa Hotel or similar
Day 11 Djerba Island / Erriadh
When Phoenicians arrived on Djerba about 2700 years ago, Berber tribes were already well established on the island. Later, Djerba became home base for some of the most infamous pirates of the day. Also, according to legend, Djerba is the Land of the Lotus-Eaters, where Ulysses paused in the course of his odyssey and had a lot of trouble getting his crew back on board! (You might consider bringing Homer as part of your travel reading.) Our island visit begins with a morning visit to the El-Ghriba synagogue in Erriadh, with an early 20th century building on a site dating back to the 6th century BC, the oldest synagogue in North Africa, and one of the holiest of all Jewish places, hosting an annual pilgrimage of Jews from all over the world. The synagogue also houses one of the world’s oldest surviving Torahs. Also visit the village of Houmt Souq, the island’s capital, for a chance to experience souqs, local markets, crafts, and foods in a charming atmosphere that seems to blend the Middle East with a bit of European village charm. Also visit the south coast village of Guellala and its interesting museum of arts and popular traditions, stopping for lunch en route. Return to Erriadh, where the afternoon is yours at leisure, followed by dinner and your last night on the island.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Dar Gaia Guesthouse or Dar Dhaifa Hotel or similar
Day 12 Mahdia via El Jem
Leaving the island after breakfast, drive toward the coast to El Jem to see its huge old Roman amphitheater. With a capacity of 30,000 people, it is smaller than the Coliseum in Rome but better preserved. Also, visit the archaeological museum then have lunch. Continue north to Mahdia, once the capital of the Fatimid dynasty, where you check-in at your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Mahdia Palace Hotel or similar
Day 13 Sousse & Zaghouan
In the morning, continue your drive through Tunisia’s heartland to Sousse, where you’ll stop to explore the medina with its Arab fort and enticing warren of cobblestone streets and souqs. Afterward, drive northward to Zaghouan and check-in for the night’s lodging at a delightful farm guest house. Here you’ll have breathtaking views of Mount Zaghouan and the plains in an area where the Romans built a massive aqueduct to bring fresh water to Carthage. The owner will show you around the property and invite you to taste some of the farm’s offerings such as olive oil, honey, pastries, and wine. Explore the grounds and pool on your own if you like, followed by a typical farm dinner before retiring for the night.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Guest House Dar Zaghouan or similar
Day 14 Drive to Tunis via Thuburbo Majus
After breakfast, continue north toward Tunis, stopping along the way to explore the archaeological site of Thuburbo Majus, among the best-preserved Roman cities in North Africa surrounded by wheat fields and olive groves, with its fifth century B.C. temples, baths, and various mosaics still in place. Only a small portion of the extensive site has been excavated to date. Afterward, continue on toward Tunis via the Hadrian-era aqueduct, one of the best-preserved in the Mediterranean, stopping for lunch en route. In the afternoon, you will have a very special opportunity to visit the workshop of the first woman glass-blowing specialist in Tunisia, Ms. Sadika Keskes, who will host your visit and explain her craft. Afterward, check-in at your Tunis hotel, enjoy dinner and settle in for the next couple of nights.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Hotel Tunisia Palace or similar
Day 15 Tunis & Bardo Museum
This morning, following breakfast at the hotel, visit the Bardo National Museum, one of the best archaeological museums of the Mediterranean, located in an old 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Beys, former Turkish rulers of Tunisia. The Bardo Museum is particularly known for its beautiful collection of Roman-Byzantine mosaics, the world’s largest. The rest of your day will be free to explore Tunis at your leisure. Attend a memorable farewell dinner tonight within the walls of the atmospheric old medina of Tunis and return to your hotel for your last night in Tunisia.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Tunisia Palace or similar
Day 16 Depart Tunisia
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Or, if this taste of North Africa has piqued your interest and you have the time, allow us to extend your time with a visit to Egypt or Jordan.
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
Explore Tunisia at a unique moment in time, led by your experienced guide. Experience the essence of Tunisia, present and past. Meet Tunisians who are eager to discuss the enormous potential of their new democracy, including artists and photographers who witnessed the startling events of the Arab Spring. Visit Berber villages and outposts, experience the magnificence and vastness of the Sahara Desert, explore the idyllic Mediterranean island of Djerba. Throughout, stay in unique accommodations including a four-star 100-year-old palace in the heart of Tunis, boutique village hotels, charming guesthouses, and a comfortable working farmstead in the shadow of magnificent Mount Zaghouan.
Few countries on earth match the historical, cultural, and natural splendor of Tunisia. Begin and end in the capital city of Tunis with its wondrous medina (ancient city) and fascinating souqs (markets). Travel onward to ancient Carthage, one of the most important cities in the ancient Roman Empire. Afterward, head south to the ruins of Dougga and the sacred Islamic site of Kairouan, the mountain villages of Tozeur, Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides, and splendid oases in the desert. Next, head east to Tataouine and its ksour (fortified adobe villages), and to Djerba island with both an amazing history and stunning beaches. On a leisurely return journey northward toward Tunis, view troglodyte homes, old Roman ruins, and other significant archaeological sites in towns such as Matmata, El Jem, Mahdia, Sousse, Zaghouan, and Thuburbo Majus.
Rates Per Person
Need to Know
Rates Per Person -
Land Cost
$6700
Single Supplement
$1250
Rates Per Person -
Need to Know
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 16 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 the minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures for an additional cost.
Comfort Level
Superior
Modern hotels and comfortable guesthouses
Activity Level
Active
Walking
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.