Italy ANCIENT SICILY HIKING

Transcription

1 Italy ANCIENT SICILY HIKING CULTURAL & CULINARY ADVENTURE 8 DAYS May 19-26, 2019 September 29-October 6, 2019 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 2019

3 Italy ANCIENT SICILY HIKING Thank you for your interest in this fantastic journey to Sicily. We have handcrafted 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 exploring the historic hilltops and breathtaking coastlines of Erice, Monte Cofano, and Caltabellotta, before departing for the eastern half of the island. Our journey is accented with tastings from the surrounding vineyards, experiencing Sicilian gastronomy, and cultural excursions that take us into the heart of Sicilian history. TOC TOUR OVERVIEW... 4 THE JOURNEY... 6 ACCOMMODATIONS... 9 AEOLIAN ISLANDS EXTENSION WHAT TO EXPECT OUR GUIDES NEXT STEPS BOUNDLESS BEYOND HIGHLIGHTS Walk above the turquoise sea, through lemon groves, and hike along the volcanic landscape of Mt. Etna Explore fascinating medieval villages, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and the famous Valley of the Temples Savor delicious Mediterranean cuisine, delight in fine wine, and relax in deluxe accommodations each evening Wander the iconic towns of Erice, Syracuse, and Taormina 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 11 for more information) Land cost: Single Supplement:. $4,995 per person First two reserved on each departure: $700; Additional singles: $1,200 (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 4 & 6) All activities as noted in the itinerary All on-tour transportation 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 2019

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. DAY 4 This morning depart for Syracuse. Along the way, we stop to visit the iconic Valley of the Temples, one of the most famous archeological sites in the world. DAY 5 Explore Syracuse and Ortigia by day, with a late afternoon boat tour offering a new perspective as you appreciate the idyllic coast from afar. DAY 6 Walk through the beautiful city of Catania and enjoy a cultural tour. This afternoon, transfer to Taormina, Sicily s best-known beach town, perched dramatically above the sea. DAY 7 Explore the flanks of Mount Etna, hiking over a recent lava flow and through shady chestnut and pine groves. Enjoy a wine tasting this afternoon and a celebratory farewell dinner this evening. DAY 8 Say arrivederci in Taormina, Italy or continue our adventure in the Aeolian Islands! (See page 10 for more information)

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 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 Casa Miregia, 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: Casa Miregia, 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 go to a nearby inn to further immerse ourselves in Sicilian food culture. Set among herb gardens and an onsite vineyard, we ll learn about local gastronomy and take part in a cooking demonstration as we assist with our own lunch preparation. We ll dine al fresco on the terrace, enjoying fresh air and the lush surrounding landscape. Our journey continues on to Caltabellotta, one of the oldest hilltop villages in Sicily. Its uniquely prominent position on Mount Kratas has made it a significant and strategic 6 Boundless Journeys 2019

7 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 in a well-deserved dinner. We return to our hotel in Menfi this evening. Accommodation: Casa Miregia, Menfi Meals: B, L, D DAY 4: Valley of the Temples Activity Overview: Walking tour Activity Level: Easy Activity Length: 3-4 hours; drive time approximately 3.5 hours This morning we set out for Syracuse, on the southeastern coast of Sicily. Along the way, we stop in Agrigento to visit the Valley of the Temples, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. A local guide will regale us with tales of early Greek civilization in Sicily, and we ll tour the picturesque landscape marked by olive trees, almond groves, and temples including the well-preserved Temple of Concordia, and the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas. Upon arrival in Syracuse, we ll have a chance to settle in to our accommodations and enjoy the evening at our leisure. Explore the lovely neighborhood of Ortigia and choose from one of the many enticing restaurant options for dinner. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Ortigia, Syracuse Meals: B, L DAY 5: Syracuse and Noto Activity Overview: Walking tour Activity Level: Easy Activity Length: 3 hours; drive time approximately 1.5 hours We begin today with a private cultural tour of Syracuse, which was the largest city of the ancient world during the Greek Classical Period surpassing even Athens and Corinth at the time! We ll visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park and its famous Greek theater, explore the chic neighborhood of Ortigia, and learn about the significant role the city played as one of the early major powers in the Mediterranean. This afternoon, a leisurely boat ride along the coast gives us an opportunity to view the city from a new perspective, imagining how ancient sailors would have felt arriving at the coast of the vast metropolis. We ll enjoy a stroll through the baroque town of Noto before dinner this evening, before returning to our hotel in Syracuse. Accommodations: Grand Hotel Ortigia, Syracuse Meals: B, L, D DAY 6: Catania & Taormina Activity Overview: Walking tour Activity Level: Easy to moderate Activity Length: 3 hours, approximately 4 miles; drive time approximately 2 hours Our day begins with a drive north to the city of Catania, known for baroque churches, colorful markets, and lively piazzas. We ll tour the historical highlights as well as visit

8 A BOUNDLESS MOMENT IN SICILY As we gather in the kitchen, 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. local markets, along the way sampling street food steeped in tradition and flavors. In the afternoon we continue our drive to Taormina, which 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: Hotel Belvedere, Taormina Meals: B, L DAY 7: Mount Etna Activity Overview: Walk along country roads and trails Activity Level: 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 hike takes us across lava fields from the 1983 eruption, and through pine forests and shady chestnut groves. We ascend on lava ash, which can make for challenging 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 us. 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: Hotel Belvedere, 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 in Catania after breakfast. Some may choose to continue the adventure with a 5-day extension to the Aeolian Islands! For more information, please see page 10. 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 2019

9 ACCOMMODATIONS NIGHT 1 Residence San Martino Via Pietro Salerno Erice, Italy Tel: info@casevacanzeerice.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 Casa Miregia Contrada Cinquanta 51 Menfi, Italy Tel: info@casinamiregia.it Casa Miregia offers Sicilian hospitality and complete relaxation amid olive trees, vineyards, and an onsite garden. Relax by the pool, or simply take in the tranquil oasis of this rural property located only 10 minutes from the coast. NIGHTS 4 & 5 Grand Hotel Ortigia Viale Mazzini 12 Syracuse, Italy Tel: info@grandhotelortigia.com Located on the coast, the Grand Hotel offers both a private beach and easy access to Ortigia s historic streets. This 5-star hotel offers the best of Old World ambience, modern amenities, and world-class service. NIGHTS 6 & 7 Hotel Villa Belvedere Via Bagnoli Croce 79 Taormina, Italy Tel: info@villabelvedere.it In operation since 1902, the Hotel Villa Belvedere is conveniently located just a few minutes from the Public Botanic Garden and the pedestrian center of Taormina. Enjoy deluxe accommodations and views over the Bay of Nexos and Mount Etna

10 AEOLIAN ISLANDS EXTENSION The following trip extension serves as a great addition to our journey to Sicily. Please contact our home office at for more details, or if you wish to reserve. THE BASICS Duration: 5-day trip Tour start: After breakfast on Day 8 in Taormina, Sicily Tour end: Catania, Sicily Accommodations: 4 nights in boutique hotels Trip rating: Easy Strenuous Land cost: $2,145 per person (double occupancy) Single supplement: $315 WHAT S INCLUDED Expert leadership All accommodations Meals as indicated in the itinerary All on-tour transportation All activities noted in the itinerary All gratuities except for those for your guide and driver, which are at your discretion HIGHLIGHTS Explore dramatic and unusual scenery, including active volcanoes, rocky coastlines with black sand beaches, and Mediterranean villages steeped in history. Visit three distinct islands: Stromboli, Lipari, and Vulcano. Hike up two volcanoes with near continuous, visible activity. ITINERARY AT-A-GLANCE DAY 8 - Private transfer to Milazzo, where we ll take a hydrofoil ferry to the island of Stromboli, known for its volcano and dramatic landscape. Easy walk and exploration of the western side of the island to see the Sciara del Fuoco the lava scars from eruptions. Overnight Stromboli (B,-,D) DAY 9 - This morning offers a chance to relax on the beach or enjoy a boat tour, taking a leisurely lunch independently before meeting for a guided sunset hike to the top of Stromboli, where a viewpoint allows for safe viewing of volcanic activity. Overnight Stromboli (B,-,D) DAY 10 - We begin today with a hydrofoil to the largest island, Lipari. An easy hike takes us along the south side of the island, before touring Lipari Castle and the Archeological Museum. Overnight Lipari (B,L,D) DAY 11 -A short boat transport takes us to Vulcano this morning, known for its black beaches and thermal springs. We ll set off on a 3-hour hike to the center crater, where we may be able to see fumarole eruptions. We transfer back to Milazzo and Catania for dinner this evening. Overnight Catania (B,L,D) DAY 12 - After breakfast, transfer to nearby Catania Airport for international flights home. (B,-,-) 10 Boundless Journeys 2019

11 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) May September October Palermo 71/60 80/71 73/64 Syracuse 78/52 87/62 78/56 Taormina 69/54 77/63 69/56 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

12 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 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 Boundless Journeys 2019

13 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 is one of the guides we work with in Sicily. MARIA MERLINI Maria grew up in the Sicilian city of Catania and also speaks the local dialect. She has traveled extensively herself and has previous experience working as an international aid worker. She is passionate about showing off the wonders and beauty of her beloved Sicily, as well as introducing guests to the culture, food, and way of life of Sicilian people. Maria currently splits her time between Sicily and South Africa, where she is also a guide. You couldn t find a better guide, or person, than Maria. Her knowledge, compassion & enthusiasm were key. -Joan R., Italy: Ancient Sicily Our tour was earthly, fulfilling and to a certain extent humbling. We had an opportunity to experience the rich history as it entwined with the food, farming, culture, scenery, and religion. Our guide was knowledgeable, organized and patient. She turned a great trip into an experience we will talk about to friends for years. We had a wonderful tour and look forward to selecting our next adventure with Boundless Journeys. -Diane & Steve L., Italy: Ancient Sicily

14 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: Puglia CROATIA: Dalmatian Coast Kayaking & Hiking SLOVENIA: Julian Alps Hiking EXTENDING YOUR TRIP? Consider... 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: Boundless Journeys 2019

15 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: