Italy ANCIENT SICILY HIKING

Transcription

1 Italy ANCIENT SICILY HIKING CULTURAL & CULINARY ADVENTURE 8 DAYS June 10-17, 2018 September 23-30, 2018 TRIP ITINERARY

2 How we deliver THE WORLD S GREAT ADVENTURES A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that infectious spirit is woven into every one of our journeys. Our staff travels the globe searching out hidden-gem inns and lodges, taste testing bistros, trattorias, and noodle stalls, and discovering the trails and plying the waterways of each remarkable destination. When we come home, we separate wheat from chaff, creating memorable adventures that will connect you with the very best qualities of each destination. Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, handcrafted journeys have received accolades from the world s most revered travel publications. Beginning from our appreciation for the world s most breathtaking and interesting destinations, we infuse our journeys with the elements of adventure and exploration that stimulate our souls and enliven our minds. Whether you are looking for a challenging physical expedition or a leisurely cultural exploration, Boundless Journeys has exceptional itineraries to match your sense of adventure. Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider, and our expert local guides will open doors for you that other travelers miss, like dinner with their extended family in Peru s Sacred Valley, or meeting an art scholar in Florence. Relationships developed over many years allow you to experience our destinations through a well-connected friend. Small groups. Although the camaraderie of a group of likeminded travelers often enhances the journey, there can be too much of a good thing! We tread softly, and our average group size is just 8 10 guests, allowing us access to opportunities that would be unthinkable with a larger group. Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both scheduled, small-group departures and custom journeys so that you can choose which works best for you. Not finding exactly what you are looking for? Let us customize a journey to fulfill your travel dreams. Customer service that goes the extra mile. Having trouble finding flights that work for you? Want to surprise your traveling companion with a bottle of champagne at a tented camp in the Serengeti to celebrate an important milestone? There is no request that is too big or too small for our staff to handle. From your first call, we guide you through choosing your trip, provide advice on preparing for your adventure, and hold your hand until you return home. Multi-year recipient of Travel + Leisure magazine s World s Best Tour Operator ; and recognized by the editors of National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth. 2 Boundless Journeys 2018

3 Italy ANCIENT SICILY HIKING Thank you for joining us on this fantastic journey to Sicily. We have hand-crafted this tour from our own experience and hope you fall in love with the area as we have! THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS JOURNEY The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily boasts a diverse and historic culture dating back to ancient times. Known as Trinacria to the early Romans due to its triangular shape, Sicily has become a haven for refreshing cuisine, historical preservation, and breathtaking archeological sites. Our adventure unfolds as we leave the bustle of Palermo and head to the countryside where we spend our days walking the historic hilltops of Erice, the Iato Valley, Castelbuono, Caltabellotta, and Cefalù. Our journey is accented with tastings from the surrounding vineyards, insight into Sicilian gastromony, and the continued ornament of the countryside by the Normans magnificent architecture. TOC TOUR OVERVIEW... 4 THE JOURNEY... 6 ACCOMMODATIONS... 9 WHAT TO EXPECT OUR GUIDES NEXT STEPS BOUNDLESS BEYOND HIGHLIGHTS Daily walks above the turquoise sea, through lemon groves, and past clifftop gardens Exploring fascinating medieval villages and impressive Norman cathedrals on foot Ancient Greek and Roman ruins in beautiful settings Exciting Mediterranean cuisine, fine wines, and deluxe accommodations We had the time of our lives and we ve travelled a lot. But the difference was Boundless Journeys. Can t wait to take another trip! - V.M., Katonah, NY

4 TOUR OVERVIEW THE BASICS Duration: Tour start: Tour end: Accommodations: 8-day trip Palermo Taormina 7 nights in charming accommodations Trip rating: Easy Strenuous (See page 10 for more information) Land cost: Single Supplement:* $4,595 per person First two reserved on each departure: $495*; Additional singles: $995 *Must reserve at least 120 days ahead WHAT S INCLUDED Just pack your bags we ve got you covered! When you re on a Boundless Journeys adventure, every detail is taken care of for you, so you can relax and truly experience each moment. Put your wallet away, leave your travel books behind, fold up your maps, and BE there. Your Boundless Journeys adventure includes: Expert leadership All accommodations All meals except one lunch (Day 8) and two dinners (Days 5 & 6) All activities as noted in the itinerary Local wine and beer with included dinners All gratuities except for those for your guide(s) and driver, which are at your discretion International airfare is not included in the price of your trip. Please contact your local travel agency or the airlines directly to make any arrangements you may need. If you would like assistance with booking your flights or other travel plans, please contact Boundless Journeys directly at for a referral to our partners who will best fulfill your needs. Transportation to and from the tour s arrival and departure locations is not included. Please see Arrival & Departure section for more information. 4 Boundless Journeys 2018

5 ITINERARY AT-A-GLANCE DAY 1 Meet in Palermo and drive towards the medieval hilltop citadel of Erice. Along the way, visit the ancient Greek city of Segesta. DAY 2 Walk along wild coastline in the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve and perhaps take a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Transfer to Menfi. DAY 3 Enjoy a walk through the hilltop village of Caltabellotta with sweeping views of the sea and mountains. Learn the secrets of Sicilian cuisine with a cooking class. DAYS 4-5 Visit Selinunte, the largest archeological park in Europe. Hike in the Madonie Mountains through villages and farms, before continuing to Castelbuono for a relaxing afternoon. Taste wines from the surrounding vineyards, and celebrate with fine cuisine. DAYS 6-7 Walk to the captivating seaside town of Cefalù with its medieval streets, picturesque coastline, and dominating Norman cathedral. Transfer to Taormina, Sicily s best-known resort, perched dramatically above the sea. Explore the flanks of Mount Etna, hiking over a recent lava flow and through shady chestnut and pine groves. Enjoy a picnic of local gourmet treats. DAY 8 Say arrivederci in Taormina, Italy. *2017 Trip Cost offered until 2018 prices are set, up to a 5% increase

6 THE JOURNEY DAY 1: Archeological Park of Segesta, Erice Activity Overview: Walk on trails and country roads Activity Level: Easy Activity Length: 3 hours, approximately 4 miles; drive time approximately 1.5 hours En route to the medieval city of Erice, our journey unfolds in the Archeological Park of Segesta. While its magnificent Doric temple is impressive, it is just one of the many highlights of this large outdoor museum. The semicircular theater, from which a vast and scenic panorama can be seen to the north, boasts a hilltop position on Mount Barbaro second to none. After taking in this spectacular site of antiquity, we continue to the mountaintop city of Erice, where a cable car brings us the final stretch into town. We enjoy a late day walk along the cobblestone streets, and perhaps allow the aromas of neighborhood pastry shops entice us inside. This evening we enjoy our first dinner together, and toast to our week ahead. Accommodation: Residence San Martino, Erice Meals: L, D DAY 2: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve Activity Overview: Walk along country roads and trails Activity Level: Easy to moderate Activity Length: 4-5 hours, approximately 6 miles; drive time approximately 30 minutes Today s excursion brings us to the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, offering miles of pristine coastline set against steep mountains. Our walk immerses us in one of Italy s most beautiful coastal areas, now protected from future development. Here, classic Mediterranean vegetation flourishes in a profusion of yellow broom, rosemary, and capers above a turquoise sea. We explore the coastline on foot, and weather permitting, take a swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea. After our invigorating hike along the coast, we stop for lunch, and perhaps a refreshing granita (Italian slush), before continuing to La Foresteria, our home for the next two nights. Here we are enchanted by herb gardens, vineyards, locally-produced wine, and unparalleled Sicilian gastronomy. This evening we enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Accommodation: La Foresteria, Menfi Meals: B, L, D DAY 3: Caltabellotta Activity Overview: Walk along country roads and trails Activity Level: Easy to moderate Activity Length: 3-4 hours, approximately 5.5 miles; drive time approximately 2 hours This morning we arrive in Caltabellotta, one of the oldest hilltop villages in Sicily. Its uniquely prominent position on Mount Kratas has made it a significant and strategic place for more than 2,000 years. Fought over, dominated, and destroyed over the years, Caltabellotta has always managed to regenerate itself. Here we enjoy a 5-6 mile walk with spectacular views of the sea and mountains. After our walk we are rewarded with a visit to a local restaurant, where artisan-crafted pasta delights our senses. Following lunch we may choose to stretch our legs with a 6 Boundless Journeys 2018

7 Our guide, Alex Gullo, is the most knowledgeable, fun, and caring guide who showed us the best parts of Sicily. We experienced everything as insiders rather than as tourists. J.S., Hilton Head, S.C. relaxing walk through the vineyards surrounding our hotel, or along the pristine beaches of the Mediterranean Sea. We reconvene in the kitchen of our hotel, where we discover the secrets of Sicilian cooking with a demonstrative lesson using seasonal ingredients. Dinner tonight is al fresco on our hotel terrace. Accommodation: La Foresteria, Menfi Meals: B, L, D DAY 4: Selinunte & Castelbuono Activity Overview: Walk along trails Activity Level: Easy to moderate Activity Length: 2-3 hours, 4 miles (optional afternoon walk, 2 miles); drive time approximately 3.5 hours This morning we visit Selinunte, the largest archeological park in Europe, with extraordinary Greek temples and the remains of one of the largest cities in western Sicily. After visiting this site of antiquity, we drive to our hilltop resort, Relais Santa Anastasia. From here we enjoy a spectacular view of the medieval village of Castelbuono, and many acres of vineyards and olive groves. This afternoon, we enjoy a walk through the vineyards and a tour of the Abbazia Santa Anastasia Winery, known for its biodynamic approach to winemaking. Tonight, we dine together at our hotel restaurant, Corte dell Abate, where we are treated to fresh Mediterranean cuisine. Accommodation: Relais Santa Anastasia, Castelbuono Meals: B, L, D DAY 5: Madonie Mountains Activity Overview: Walk along country roads and trails Activity Level: Moderate Activity Length: 2-3 hours, approximately 3 miles; drive time approximately 45 minutes Our morning hike in the interior Madonie Mountains reveals Sicily s deeply rustic culture. Interior Sicily is a completely different world, and to many Sicilians, it s the true Sicily of tiny mountain villages, farms, shepherds, and fresh-made cheeses. After our morning hike in the countryside, we enjoy a lunch at a favorite local spot, before returning to our inn. This evening you may do as the Sicilians, and stroll through the streets of Castelbuono, perhaps stopping for an aperitivo, before enjoying dinner on your own. Accommodations: Relais Santa Anastasia, Castelbuono Meals: B, L DAY 6: Cefalù & Taormina Activity Overview: Walk along country roads and trails Activity Level: Easy to moderate Activity Length: 3 hours, approximately 6 miles; drive time approximately 2.5 hours Our day begins with a walk through the Relais Santa Anastasia vineyards to the farming countryside above Cefalù, interspersed with small villas, orange groves, and private vegetable gardens

8 A BOUNDLESS MOMENT IN SICILY In the kitchen at La Foresteria, the chef sends soft plumes of flour into the air as he kneads and rolls, creating delicate, even shapes with his hands. Before him is a still-life painting of Sicilian bounty: ruby tomatoes and dark, shiny eggplants, ceramic bowls of green olives and hard-boiled eggs, bouquets of parsley and basil, and bottles of the estate s own Fiano wine grown and harvested in the surrounding countryside. In Cefalù, we might refresh with a lemon, coffee, or almond granita while strolling the medieval streets. We may also choose to visit the Cathedral-Basilica, or the Mandalisca Museum, and perhaps take a stroll on the beach before driving to Taormina. Taormina also has some of the most spectacular views in the world its Greek and Roman origins, medieval streets, and magnificent position overlooking the Ionian Sea have made it a favorite destination for centuries. This evening you are free to walk through the winding streets of Taormina and dine at one of the many charming restaurants in town. Accommodations: NH Collection Taormina Hotel, Taormina Meals: B, L DAY 7: Mount Etna Activity Overview: Walk along country roads and trails Activity Level: Easy to moderate Activity Length: 4-6 hours, approximately 8 miles; drive time approximately 50 minutes Today we drive through graceful, dusky towns built of black lava stone to the lower slopes of Mt. Etna, the powerful volcano that the locals have learned to love despite its many spectacular eruptions. Our exciting hike takes us across lava fields from the 1983 eruption, and through pine forests and shady chestnut groves. Part of our hike is strenuous because we ascend on lava ash, which can make for rough footing, but the volcanic landscape is breathtaking. At the highest point of our hike, we have views down into a huge lava-covered valley, with Etna s main crater visible above. This evening we toast to our week in Sicily with a farewell dinner in Taormina, enjoying, one last time, the flavors of a region we have come to revere. Accommodations: NH Collection Taormina Hotel, Taormina Meals: B, L, D DAY 8: Departure Today we say ciao to this spectacular island and return home with stories of ancient times, astonishing scenery, and fine Italian wine. A transfer is provided to the airport at Catania after breakfast. Meals: B PLEASE NOTE: This is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise. See our booking terms and conditions for more information about our change policy. 8 Boundless Journeys 2018

9 ACCOMMODATIONS NIGHT 1 Residence San Martino Via Pietro Salerno Erice, Italy Tel booking@hotelelimo.it The elegant Residence San Martino, located in the center of Erice, offers modern and comfortable apartments in a restored historic building. Two garden courtyards offer a relaxing place to sit and enjoy a caffé. NIGHTS 2 & 3 La Foresteria Contrada Passo di Gurra Menfi, Italy Tel planetaestate@planeta.it La Foresteria boasts views across rolling vineyards to the sea, stylish rooms, a swimming pool, fragrant herb gardens, and a professional kitchen in which guests may observe the preparation of fresh, local cuisine. NIGHTS 4 & 5 Relais Santa Anastasia Contrade Santa Anastasia Castelbuono, Italy Tel info@santa-anastasia-relais.it A former abbey, this charming hotel stands on a hill overlooking a valley of vineyards, a short distance from the medieval village of Castelbuono. NIGHTS 6 & 7 NH Collection Taormina Hotel Via Circonvallazione, 11 Taormina, Italy Tel nhcollectiontaormina@nh-hotels.com Located in the heart of Taormina s historic center, the 5-star NH Collection Taormina Hotel was built at the beginning of the 20th century and reopened in Each room enjoys a wonderful view of the surrounding panorama, from the roofs of Taormina to the Greek Theater, and the intense blue of the Bay of Naxos

10 WHAT TO EXPECT TRIP RATING Boundless Journeys trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Ancient Sicily Hiking is rated 2+, easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). It features walks of varying length and difficulty, that average 3-6 hours per day. It is always possible to opt out of a day s walking if you would prefer to relax at the hotel. Please refer to the detailed itinerary for descriptions of the activities on each day of the trip. PREPARING FOR THIS TRIP It is very important that you realistically assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. The more well-prepared you are for the activities, the more you will enjoy yourself. As a general guideline, we suggest that you engage in easy to moderate aerobic activities (such as walking, hiking, jogging, or cycling) for at least minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before the trip. If you live in a flat area, try to incorporate some stairs into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline capability (consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness program). Please contact us if you have any doubts regarding your physical match with this tour. WEATHER The climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot summers, and short, mild winters. The weather in late spring and early fall is usually very pleasant, with daytime temperatures that range from low 60s to upper 80s, and the 50s and 60s at night. While these months are not in Italy s rainy season there can be cool breezes or showers at any time. Please come prepared to walk rain or shine. We will always walk unless weather conditions make it dangerous to do so. The following are average temperatures in Sicily during the spring and fall: AVG. TEMPERATURE ºF (HIGH/LOW) June 77/68 September 81/72 You may obtain more detailed weather information on www. weatherbase.com. WHEN TO GO Sicily has a pleasant sunny climate and the spring and fall months tend to be the best times to visit, as this avoids the very hot summer months and peak tourist season. Mountainous areas can be surprisingly cool, especially in the evening. A swim in the sea is possible from April to October, with water temperatures increasing throughout the summer months. TRANSFER DAYS On this tour we have the opportunity to visit both the east and west coasts of Sicily. In order to see the highlights of this diverse island, we will be spending some time driving from one town to the next, with driving times of 1.5 to 3.5 hours on transfer days. TRAVELER S RESPONSIBILITY Trip participants have certain responsibilities to both Boundless Journeys and your fellow travelers. This includes understanding the conditions described in the trip itinerary and making sure it is appropriate for your interests and abilities, based on a review of the trip ratings, consultation 10 Boundless Journeys 2018

11 with Boundless Journeys staff, and perhaps your doctor. In addition, trip participants are responsible for preparing for a trip by undertaking the proper fitness training. At the guide s discretion, a participant may be asked to leave the trip if the guide feels that the person s further participation may be detrimental to the individual or to other trip participants. If you have any questions about the difficulty level of the trip you have chosen, please contact Boundless Journeys to speak with one of our Destination Managers. SMALL GROUP TRAVEL Small group travel affords us the opportunity to seek out the most remote and exotic destinations on the planet. Often we are exploring these locales with just 8-12 guests. The nature of active group travel is such that not all participants have the same ability level or interests. Traveling at a pace that is comfortable for the entire group, with a spirit of flexibility and adventure are all part of this intimate experience. DRINKS WITH MEALS At Boundless Journeys we believe group dinners are a time to celebrate our day, while enjoying the best of local cuisine, and good company. In keeping with this spirit, we typically include local beer and wine with group dinners. If you prefer premium wine, or liquor, please feel free to order what you like, and you may settle your tab at the end of the meal. DRINKING WATER We provide purified or bottled water on all trips; however, in an effort to reduce waste, we strongly encourage you to bring a water bottle to refill where safe to do so. This will be the case in much of Europe, as well as a few other destinations, where tap water is safe to drink (please review Immunizations & Health Concerns for more information). In parts of the world where water must be purified, bottled water may be our only option. Here, we do our best to provide purified water from larger containers to refill your bottles, rather than using many small single-use bottles throughout your trip. This is just one small way we strive to travel more responsibly and we appreciate your efforts in helping us to protect the extraordinary places we visit. Boundless Journeys has taken the Travelers Against Plastic company pledge to promote sustainable travel and encourage travelers to avoid buying bottled water when they travel. You can take the pledge, too, and learn more about TAP s efforts at CUISINE Sicilian cuisine is built upon influences from Turkey, Greece, and the Middle East. This blend lends a slightly spicy base to many dishes. While fresh fish and seafood specialties are the most common, you will also find rabbit, game, and other dishes when in season. Delicacies such as fish-stuffed ravioli served with prawn sauce, chicken or veal marsala, seafood stews, fish gnocchi with sun-dried tomatoes, or shrimp flan with red wine sauce are but a few of the regional specialties you might enjoy. Because the Italian kitchen serves only fresh local ingredients, menu choices are limited at dinners to ensure prompt and efficient service for our groups. As a general rule, Europeans tend to eat at or after 8 p.m. Dinner is served in several courses starting with an antipasto (appetizer) and followed by a primi (usually pasta or risotto), a secondo (a meat or fish dish), and dessert. Dinners can last up to two hours. Breakfast, served at the hotel, is typically buffet style including bread, jams and butter, pastries, juices, and yogurt. Eggs, cheese, cold cuts, and fruit may sometimes be available. Lunches vary from pasta and salad at simple country trattorias, to picnics, to panini sandwiches at cafés. Two dinners are not included in your trip cost, as we believe that venturing out on your own is an important part of discovering a new culture and cuisine. Your guide will be happy to make recommendations. Vegetarians can easily be accommodated. Please inform us of specific dietary restrictions by completing your Guest Questionnaire

12 OUR GUIDES With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work the mark of a truly great leader our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure. Here are some of the guides we work with in Sicily. ALESSANDRO GULLO Since 1998, Alex has been a walking guide throughout Italy, from the Dolomites to Sicily, enjoying sharing Italy from all points of view - the natural beauty, the food, the wine, and the historical sites, with a particular look at the Italians of today. Born in Sicily, and currently living in Umbria, Alex was educated in the U.S. as well as in Italy. He combines his charming personality with vast knowledge to make our Italian adventures more than memorable. KEEGAN ALAGNA With an American mother and an Italian father, Keegan grew up in a bilingual home enriched with insights into two cultures and two countries. He grew up on a working farm in the Assisi countryside, and developed a passion for the natural world and the outdoors at a young age. During Keegan s post-graduate work in geology at the Università di Perugia, his research often took him abroad - even to Mongolia, where he consulted on volcanic phenomena. Keegan currently lives in Orvieto, and enjoys leading walking tours with a focus on first-hand awareness of Italy s history, its natural wonders, and the Italian people. 12 Boundless Journeys 2018

13 NEXT STEPS TO MAKE A RESERVATION You can call Boundless Journeys at , request a reservation online, or contact your travel agent. We will confirm your spot with a deposit of $500 per person and the payment of internal airfare, payable by check or credit card. The balance for your trip is due 90 days prior to departure. ONCE YOU RESERVE As soon as you confirm your adventure, we will provide you with an extensive, detailed trip planner that includes arrival and departure instructions, a complete packing list, regional information, required documents, a reading list, and other details. TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE In addition to your detailed trip planner, we will you a quote for Travel Guard trip insurance. Please let us know if you would like us to purchase a policy on your behalf. If you choose to decline this service, we ask that you sign and return the Insurance Waiver included in your trip planner package. Boundless Journeys strongly recommends purchasing Trip Insurance. CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY If it becomes necessary to cancel your trip, the following schedule applies to your land cost and is determined by the day that we receive written notification: >90 days prior to the trip will be charged $ days prior to the start of the trip will be charged 25% of the trip price days prior to the start of the trip will be charged 50% of the trip price. <45 days prior to the start of the trip will be charged 100% of the trip price. QUESTIONS? WHICH TRIP IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Adventure travel may involve exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, and activities that may be new to you. If you have any questions about the level of comfort, difficulty, or activities included on your trip, please call Boundless Journeys at , or us at info@ boundlessjourneys.com. Our travel experts look forward to helping you select the perfect adventure. VISIT US ONLINE for: additional departures special promotions detailed itineraries inspiring photography guide bios ENJOY FOOD & WINE? Check out... ITALY: Tuscany & Umbria CROATIA: Dalmatian Coast Kayaking & Hiking SLOVENIA: Julian Alps Hiking EXTENDING YOUR TRIP? Consider... IRELAND: Walking trails of the Emerald Isle PORTUGAL: Porto, the Douro Valley & Lisbon THE ALPS: Tour de Mont Blanc Hiking PREFER A PRIVATE TRIP? The perfect option for alumni and family reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, or just to catch up with friends in fabulous destinations. Mark your calendar and leave the planning to us! Call our travel experts today:

14 BOUNDLESS BEYOND RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL At Boundless Journeys we are committed to exploring the world in a responsible way and continually seek ways to tread lightly across the unique landscapes and diverse cultures on this planet. Here are just some of the ways we aim to travel responsibly: MAKING CONNECTIONS On some of our trips, our guests have the opportunity to visit organizations working to protect the environment and improve the livelihoods of local communities. Whether it is bathing elephants at a conservation center in Myanmar, or enjoying a farm-fresh meal at a family-owned organic farm in Costa Rica, our guests form meaningful connections with the people and places they visit. GOING LOCAL Whenever possible, we use small, locally operated hotels that have sound environmental practices; groups dine at restaurants that feature fresh and authentic regional cuisine; we choose partners that strive for the highest standard of responsible practices; and we employ local guides and support local economies. CONSERVING WILD PLACES On many of our trips, we explore stunning natural landscapes where conservation is of the utmost importance. As visitors, we not only tread lightly, but actively contribute to the conservation of parks and protected areas. LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION? Here are just a few examples - one more involved, and one quite simple - of how our travelers give back to the places they have explored with us: The Botswana School Project was created in 2012 by Boundless Journeys guests who saw that there was a need for books, supplies, and computers in schools they visited in northern Botswana. A Bhutan guest donated baby outfits to families she met on mountain trails and in rural communities and schools. Two sisters who traveled to Peru donated school supply kits to a local school we visit on our Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour. Learn more: -travel/ PROUD MEMBERS Boundless Journeys is proud to support the following organizations and the important work that they do: 14 Boundless Journeys 2018