2025 Itinerary, Pricing and Registration: Treasures of Turkey Exploration

2025 Treasures of Turkey Exploration

Daily Itinerary
September 25 – October 4, 2025 –  10 Days/9 Nights

There is a special magic and beauty to Turkey that so few have experienced. I’m thrilled to offer an outstanding program to help you explore the true treasures of this complex country.  Get ready for an outstanding adventure of discovery as we’ve included significant attractions and combined them with unique, personalized experiences just for our group.

Turkey is the ideal Exploration for active world travelers who are ready to walk the paths and hike the steps in to Turkey’s unique terrain and historical sites. Join me to discover the Treasures of Turkey and all its colorful and mystical offerings in a program I have planned for you with the help of my incredible travel partners at Learning Journeys!

DAILY ITINERARY

Thursday, September 25 – DAY 1 – ARRIVE in ISTANBUL, WELCOME DINNER

Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) where you will be greeted by our Learning Journeys staff outside the Arrivals Terminal, holding a sign with your name on it. Together, they will transfer with you to the hotel for check in.

OPTIONAL AFTERNOON TOUR: For those with earlier arrivals, we have an optional afternoon tour available for an additional fee.  Please see details at the end of the itinerary section.

This evening, we will meet as a group in the lobby to greet our English-speaking guide, who will provide a brief orientation about our upcoming tour.  Tonight we will enjoy our Welcome Dinner at a Local “Meyhane” located in the Flower Passage within 10 minutes walking distance to your hotel. It’s time to celebrate our arrival in Istanbul with an evening of sophisticated indulgence and flavorful memories.

This evening marks the beginning of a splendid week in Istanbul as we extend an exclusive invitation for a delightful dinner experience at a local restaurant where culture and gastronomy unite to craft an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the authentic celebration of traditional meyhane culture, savoring the iconic Turkish “Lion’s Milk” – Raki. Explore its captivating history and nuances while indulging in a curated selection of traditional mezzes and fresh seasonal fish, expertly prepared in quintessential Turkish fashion.

Overnight at 10 KARAKOY Boutique Hotel. (D)

Friday, September 26 – DAY 2 – ISTANBUL CITY ORIENTATION & FOOD TASTING

After breakfast, meet our Guide in the lobby at 9:00am to begin our tour. We will cross over the Bosphorus Bridge and continue to the lovely neighborhood of Kuzguncuk, with a unique tradition of tolerance maintained over the years. Once a center for the Jewish community, Armenians and Greeks, in the 60’s a small group of Black Sea farmers settled in the area. Since 2000 it has been popular amongst artists and intellectuals. We’ll enjoy a soft Bosphorus breeze and see the traditional wooden houses looking over Kauzguncuk’s city garden — quite a hidden gem away from the bustling districts of Istanbul.

Along the walk, we will taste some of delicacies of Turkish cuisine; stop by historic bakeries and local food making stores. You will taste a delicious simit (a special bagel with sesame seeds) and borek – one of the most traditional Turkish pastry dishes still enjoyed widely today. Enjoy them with black Turkish tea in traditional small “s” shaped glasses.

Later this afternoon, continue the our walking tour in Kadikoy ( Chalcedon) where we will wander by the local fish market, antique shops, second–hand book seller shops, and continue our street food tasting experience of Turkish. We will complete our day of touring on a local ferry back to Karakoy, for a traditional Turkish Baklava Tasting  at one of the most well-known baklava makers in the land.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE: Turkish Hamam Spa Experience. For those in our group who want to try an authentic 2-hour late afternoon spa experience referred to as a “Turkish Bath” or “Ottoman Bath”,  reservations can be made in advance to enjoy this unique session.

This evening, we will depart the hotel at 8:00pm for dinner at a local Turkish Kebab restaurant overlooking the Golden Horn – named such as the sun’s yellow rays often reflect on the water making it appear golden.

Overnight at 10 KARAKOY Boutique Hotel. (B,L,D)

Saturday, September 27 – DAY 3 – EXPLORE ISTANBUL in OTTOMAN STYLE, GRAND BAZAAR, BELLY DANCING, DINNER CRUISE

After breakfast and a morning briefing from our Guide, depart for the Historical Peninsula, a Unesco Heritage Site since 1986, and from where four major empires were ruled throughout history. We will begin with a step back in history at the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans that has been turned into a museum boasting an unrivalled collection of jewelry including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond – the 3^rd largest in the world! We’ll see collections of court costumes, ceramics, weaponry and take a stroll through the courtyards that surround the Palace.

We’ll continue on to the fabulous Blue Mosque, one of the most important places of worship in the world. It is named for the blue Iznik tile work that decorate its interior and its iconic dome with six minarets can be seen from all over the Sultanahmet neighborhood.

Following a delicious lunch of Ottoman Cuisine, get ready to visit the Grand Bazaar, open since 1455 and expanded many times since. The result is an enormous labyrinth of covered streets lined with thousands of shops selling, for example, hand-woven carpets and kilims, gold and silver jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, leather goods, fine antiques and illuminated manuscripts.

Get ready to move as we have some fun and enjoy an authentic belly dance class led by the tutors of Belly Dancer’s Studio. Belly dancing is not only an excellent exercise approach but it is also one of the most beautiful dance arts in the world.

We’ll return to the hotel to freshen up before our private Bosphorus dinner cruise on the open sea at sunset! Wait until you see the sights along the way as we sail toward the Black Sea. This cruise is said to be “one of the most unforgettable excursions available between two continents, Europe & Asia.”  Our dinner cruise will take us past the most recent palaces of the Ottomans: the Dolmabahce Palace and Beylerbeyi, and other elegant homes, mansions and modern villas. Enjoy this special evening on the water!

Overnight at 10 KARAKOY Boutique Hotel. (B,L,D)

Sunday, September 28 – DAY 4 – EXPLORE MORE TREASURES OF ISTANBUL

Today we will explore the historic section of Istanbul, called Sultanahmet.  First stop is the ancient Roman Hippodrome, the 3,500-year-old obelisk brought from Egypt in 390 CE. Next we’ll visit the Byzantine Underground Cistern built in the 6th century as a secure water reservoir for the city and one of Istanbul’s most unusual tourist attractions!

Get ready for a fascinating next stop to Nakilbent Cistern, a remarkable 6th-century Byzantine underground water tank now situated beneath an authentic Turkish handicraft shop. On this remarkable shop’s terrace, we’ll enjoy a fantastic lunch.

Fascinating architecture and design will surround us as we continue past the extraordinary Haggia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Mosque built in the 6th Century. The original design was said to mirror the image of the heavens, and its design extremely influential in the Medieval years.

This afternoon we’ll visit the Old Spice Market where you’ll find a diverse selection of spices, sacks of henna, varieties of oils and herbs, and of course the world’s very best Turkish delight candy! Outside of the Bazaar, you’ll find the food market where you will be amazed with the variety of olives, fresh fruits and vegetables. Following this tour, we’ll return to our hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight at 10 KARAKOY Boutique Hotel. (B,L)

Monday, September 29 – DAY 5 – FLIGHT TO THE SEACOAST – EXPLORE IZMIR – COOKING CLASS

After breakfast and check out, we’ll meet our driver and Guide to head to the airport and our flight to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport on Turkey’s western coast.

On arrival in Izmir, head out to explore this ancient city once known as “Smyrna.”  Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and borders the Aegean Sea. This port city was, in Ottoman times, a melting pot that included Greeks, Armenians, Jews, French and Italians.

We will visit the Roman Agora, the open-air museum of Izmir which was used as a square shaped marketplace during the Roman rule of the city. Get ready to explore the antique Bazaar and get tempted by the variety of delicious, local street foods.  Save room for lunch though, as we’ll enjoy ours at a local restaurant before heading to our hotel for late afternoon check in.

Tonight we will enjoy a special treat with a cooking class of authentic Turkish food. You’ll love participating with this hands-on experience in a friendly environment and cozy atmosphere that feels like home at City Restaurant. This restaurant and its kitchen are located in one of the few neighborhoods to has preserved its original social-ethnic composition since the 17th century! By smelling, touching and tasting the ingredients of Turkish cuisine you will better understand Turkish customs, traditions and life perspective with our passionate teachers and cooks.

Overnight at La Vista Boutique Hotel (B,  L, D)

Tuesday, September 30 – DAY 6 – ANCIENT EPHESUS – ORGANIC FARM – HOME OF VIRGIN MARY

Today, you will visit the ancient city of Ephesus (UNESCO Heritage) – a stunning and partially excavated archaeological site where digging has taken place for over a century. The city was an important Greek trading city and later a Roman provincial capital and home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Diana, the massive foundation of which can still be seen today after nearly 3 millennia. The ruins of Ephesus include the striking Celsius Library, built in the 2nd century AD with its giant columns and façade, and the spectacular Grand Theater.

Continuing on, we’ll visit the Temple of Hadrian, built in the 2nd century AD and named after the Roman emperor. Our tour also includes a special visit to the Roman Villas or  “Terrace Houses” which rise above the main streets of Ephesus as a testimony to the importance and the wealth of the city. These houses belonged to the politically or economically important citizens of Ephesus and were in use until the city was abandoned.

Today we have a very special lunch planned at the women-owned and operated, Degirmen Organic Farm where local women work the land owned by “Iron Lady” Gürsel Tonbul. Ms Tonbul is a true pioneer in organic farming and self-sustainable operation of farming.

Venturing on after lunch, we will drive to Mt. Pagus and travel up a small tree-lined path which leads to a tiny stone cottage that clings to the side of Bulbul Mountain outside of Ephesus. This cottage is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary, who is said to have come here towards the end of her life in the company of St. John sometime around AD 40. Below the house you will find a fountain, where a sacred spring feeds three fonts, each bestowing a unique blessing upon visitors.

We’ll then return to our hotel to relax and enjoy dinner.

Overnight at La Vista Boutique Hotel (B, L, D)

Wednesday, October 1 – DAY 7 – FLIGHTS TO CAPPADOCIA – WINE TASTING

After breakfast and hotel check-out, we’ll head back to the airport for our flight back to Istanbul and on a connection to Kayseri and the surrealistic landscape of Cappadocia. Cappadocia is a geologic wonder of multi-hued volcanic pillars and twisting valleys sculpted by a millennium of rain and wind.

Cappadocia is a region of central Turkey surrounded by a triangle of towns: Nevsehir, Nigde and Kayseri.  Famous for its “fairy chimneys,” these unique geological formations have been created from porous, volcanic rock debris that is easily carved, chipped and eroded by the elements. This region is also known for its ties to early Christian history.

Enjoy a wine tasting experience to wrap up this day spent amid fairy chimneys and Byzantine vestiges. We’ll visit a local vineyard with some of the oldest perched vines in the world, and taste the fruity wines made from local grapes. After our tour, on we’ll go to the Nino Cave Suites for dinner and overnight.

Overnight at Nino Cave Suites. (B, D)

Thursday, October 2 – DAY 8 – CAPPADOCIA

OPTIONAL SUNRISE HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: For those with no fear of heights who are ready for adventure and want to see the most iconic images of Cappadocia from above, take a look at the details below this itinerary.

Enjoy breakfast at our hotel before we depart to discover more about the local Christian history at the Goreme Outdoor Museum – UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved here within the earth are 15 churches, 7 refectories and numerous storerooms and living quarters. The churches have been decorated with frescoes of stories and symbols of the New and Old Testaments dating back to the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. The frescos also provide records of visits by St. George, St. Theodore and St. Barbara. These structures at Goreme are a marvel of ingenuity, engineering and faith dating back to the 11^th century. Goreme Valley is where thousands of people once lived in homes cut into the soft rock walls of caves and “fairy chimneys.”

Next we’ll head underground to experience Cappadocia’s underground city Kaymakli, which was cut out of volcanic rock as deep as 300 feet during the period from the 6th to the 10th Centuries. One can go as deep as seven floor levels of the underground city through an intricate labyrinth of tunnels.

Let’s explore ancient terra cotta and pottery production dating back to the Hittites as we travel to the village of Avanos. Here you’ll see beautiful old houses and discover more about the ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories. We’ll visit one of the handicraft centers to learn about the production process and the art of pottery making.  On our way back to our cave hotel, we’ll visit the Pigeon Valley and enjoy a panoramic tour of the famous place where the guano of revered pigeons was collected and used as a fertilizer.

This evening’s dinner is on your schedule at our hotel.

OPTIONAL EARLY EVENING WHIRLING DERVISHES SHOW.  The Whirling Dervishes Performance is approximately one hour where you’ll learn about this meditative practice and witness the twirling up close from their ceremony in a museum and cultural center.

Overnight at Nino Cave Suites. (B, L, D)

Friday, October 2 – DAY 9 – GEOLOGIC WONDERS OF CAPPADOCIA – FAREWELL DINNER

This morning after breakfast, we’ll drive to the Love Valley —situated in the very center of modern-dayTurkey. The Love Valley is a natural wonder of geologic formations that sit on a high plateau. The arid environment hot and dry, creating these huge, natural structures which to some seem like some sort of ancient homage to male fertility!

We’ll continue exploring other sandstone formations as we arrive in Zelve and the Red Valley. Zelve is surrounded by deep red stone, versus the white stone of Goreme. The central ridge that runs through the valley, used to be the natural divide between the Christian and Muslim communities. Here we can visit two of the most interesting churches in the area: The Church of Grapes and the Fish Church. We will also visit Pasabagi (Monk’s Valley) known for multiple stems and caps, peculiar to this area.

Today we’re getting a taste of Greek influence with lunch at a local restaurant in the ancient Greek town of Mustafapasa (Sinasos). This community features spectacular old Greek houses which are excellent examples of late Greek settlements and architecture. After lunch we’ll stop at the Keslik Monastery, which houses the well-preserved 9th century Chapel of St. Stephen.

We’ll wrap up our day with a return to our cave hotel and a Farewell Dinner gathering.

Overnight at Nino Cave Suites. (B, L, D)

Saturday, October 3 – DAY 10 – CAPPADOCIA  BACK TO ISTANBUL FOR DEPARTURE

Today we conclude our Treasures of Turkey Exploration together.  After breakfast we’ll all head to the airport for our flight back to Istanbul and transfers to flights back to the USA.  We hope you’ve enjoyed the true treasures of this historic country and its lovely people. Until we meet again, safe travels to all!

OPTIONAL TRAVEL OFFERINGS on the 2025 Treasures of Turkey Exploration

We have several exciting and unique experiences that may be of interest to those traveling on the Treasures of Turkey Exploration. These are completely optional for you or someone in your traveling party.  Descriptions are below. We will ask for non-refundable commitments to any optional offerings by June 15 to reserve appropriate capacity. Costs for these offerings are shown below, and will appear on your final payment invoice.

 

OPTION #1

PRE or POST-EXPLORATION HOTEL ROOM at 10 KARAKOY HOTEL in Istanbul

Double / Single: USD $280.- per night / per room includes Breakfast & VAT

OPTION #2

DAY 1 Guided Afternoon Historic Districts of Istanbul Tour – only offered Thursday 9/27/25 with a 1:00pm departure from 10 Karakoy Hotel lobby. The areas covered by this tour are NOT a part of other tour days for our Exploration.

USD $125. per person based on 8 – 10 paying guests

Meet your Tour Guide in the lobby of the hotel. Travel via private vehicle to Istanbul’s vibrant Pera District (officially called Beyoglu now). The Beyoglu district surrounds the one-mile long Istiklal Street and is populated by cafes, theatres, shops, and restaurants.

Next we’ll explore the Galata district where the Genoese, Venetians and the Jewish Society of Old Constantinople used to live.  Hike up the Galata Tower for a 360-degree view of Istanbul – a romantic cosmopolitan city at the watery crossroads of cultures and continents.

Onward to the Fener and Balat districts. Fener was historically the most important Greek quarter in the city, becoming one of the most prosperous after Orthodox practitioners were re-settled by the Sultan of the Ottomans. The Ecumenical patriarchate of Constantinople is also here.

Next door is Balat District, one of the oldest and most impressive districts in the city. The district is also the former Jewish Quarter of Istanbul – developed starting in 1492, when Jews persecuted under the Spanish Inquisition were offered asylum by the Sultan. Here brightly colored buildings lean over cobblestone streets. You will visit the uniquely constructed Bulgarian Iron Church – Stevi Stefan Church which sits on the shore of the Golden Horn.

OPTION #3

DAY 2 – Turkish Bath & Hamam Experience – only offered on Friday, September 28 in the late afternoon departure from our hotel.

USD $240. per person

From the earliest days, the Turkish Bath or “Hamam” has offered a unique full-body bathing experience used for health and wellness. Over the course of two hours, you will experience an invigorating, exfoliating skin scrub to stimulate the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Next, a luxurious, foam wash and rinse to cleanse the skin. Finally, enjoy a 30-minute relaxing massage to ease muscle tension. The result is rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit, Turkish Bath style!

OPTION #4

DAY 8 – Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride – only offered on Thursday, October 2 in Cappodacia with an early morning departure from the hotel.

USD $425. Per Person

Greet the dawn from high above the formations of Cappadocia in the Goreme Valley. This popular activity for those visiting this region of Turkey, offers a visually stunning, panoramic perspective on the area.  As the balloon “envelope” inflates, step into the basket below and be prepared to move with the winds as your pilot uses currents at various altitudes to float you through the area – often below the ridge line and close to the natural chimney rocks!   This one-hour experience typically includes about ten people in the basket or carriage for the ride.  NOTES: Hot air balloons can sometimes reach high altitudes. If you have concerns about heights, please don’t choose this adventurous activity.  Also note that weather conditions may require rescheduling or cancelling this option up to the last minute at the pilot’s discretion.

OPTION #5

DAY 8 – Whirling Dervishes Performance – only offered on Thursday, October 2 in Cappodacia with a late afternoon departure from the hotel.

USD $70.Per Person

Drive to nearby Sarihan and travel inside to watch the Whirling Dervishes Performance.  Sarihan (Yellow Caravanserai) is located about 6 miles north of the city of Urgup. This historic area used as an inn and trading post among many things, was constructed by Seljuk Sultan Alaattin Keykubat in 1217. It has a huge courtyard with an elaborate gateway. Here, travelers took a break from their journey in this excellent example of Seljuk-Turkish architecture. Today, Sarihan serves as a museum and cultural center following a significant restoration in the late 1980’s. Whirling dervish ceremonies were started as a form of meditation by Jalaluddin Rumi, the famous Sufi Muslim mystic and poet, in the 13th century. The one-hour ceremony of meditation, mesmerizing music and uninhibited whirling begins at 6:30pm. Through this holy practice, the Dervishes forget themselves and their ego to connect more closely to the Divine.

Pre & Post Hotel Accommodation – 10 KARAKOY Hotel, Istanbul

Double or Single: USD $280. Per Room, Per Night includes Breakfast & VAT

UNUSED TOUR ELEMENTS. No refund will be given for any unused tour features, whether because of customer’s choice, operational reasons, because of bad weather or any other reason.

ERRORS. In case of printing, typographical error, computer error, verbal or human billing error, we reserve the right to invoice or re-invoice participants with corrected billing.

BAGGAGE. Each traveler is limited to one large suitcase (maximum 50 lbs.) and one small carry on due to limited baggage area on buses. For some airlines and taxi/coach transfers, extra luggage may be subject to an extra charge due on the spot.

You are responsible for complying with the airline regulations concerning their baggage allowances and with the airline restrictions on the size, weight and contents of your check-in and carry-on bags. Check with the carrier for luggage guidelines. Learning Journeys is not responsible for loss or damage of luggage or personal belongings. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended to cover loss or damage of your luggage.

AIRPORT: We recommend you arrive at the airport for your check-in at least 3 hours prior to your international flight departure time and 2 hours prior for your domestic flights.

PASSPORT and VISA. A Visa is not currently required to enter Turkey.

For travel outside the United States U.S. citizens must have valid passports, with an expiration date of at least six months after the scheduled return date. If possible, you should renew your passport approximately 9 months before it expires. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas are required. Each traveler is responsible for processing any required visas. Please ask the respective consulate for visa processing schedule to ensure you receive your documentation at least 7 days prior to departure. Any information provided pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements.

A valid Government-issued photo ID is required for all domestic flights within USA. It is suggested that you use a passport for domestic travel as well. Select countries require additional documentation for children under the age of 18 years especially when one parent is traveling without the other parent. Learning Journeys is not responsible for denial of boarding due to passenger negligence and cannot offer assistance on location or at the airport. If a passenger has not met the requirements as stated above and is denied boarding the cost of the tour is fully non-refundable.

NAMES MUST MATCH PASSPORT. The name given on your Learning Journeys booking must match the name on your passport, and in-turn, the name on your air ticket. Any variation between the spelling of your name on your air-ticket and passport will require re-ticketing, often at the cost of a completely new ticket. The airline will deny boarding if your airline ticket does not match your passport. Learning Journeys requires a copy of passengers’ passport be forwarded no later than 95 days prior to departure. Passengers are responsible for providing accurate information including the exact name as listed on the passport, date of birth and passport number. If the information forwarded is incorrect, the passenger will be liable for any change fees which may occur.

FEES FOR CANCELED LAND SERVICES. If you cancel your complete land reservation, the cancellation charges listed will apply. Cancellation charges are based on the number of days from the time Learning Journeys is notified of your cancellation, to the start of the services provided – whether air and land or just land services. (Some charges may be avoided by your purchasing optional travel insurance explained below).

CANCELLATIONS & COMPLAINTS. We work around-the-clock to ensure your vacation goes smoothly and according to plan. But unexpected problems, often out of our control, can still arise. We urge you to work with us in correcting the problem on the spot instead of dealing with it after you return home. If your program has a tour manager, you are required to work with them to resolve pending issues.

If a cancellation or refund is warranted, it is under the express condition that you release Learning Journeys from all further liability and you thereby waive all additional rights and remedies under this contract or any applicable state, federal or foreign law.

GUESTS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other transportation vehicles, or other personal needs. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. It is the passenger’s responsibility to travel with a collapsible wheelchair, if needed. Electric wheelchairs are not permitted. Please provide your Learning Journeys Program Manager about any specific dietary needs or any specific issues which may require attention during your program.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION. Deluxe motor coach transportation will be provided to you based on the number of participants in your party. Should the number of participants on any motor coach tour drop below estimated passengers, we reserve the right to operate the tour with a smaller vehicle. Please also note that smaller coaches may not have the same facilities as full-size coaches (no lavatories, TV, etc.). Baggage is limited to one carry on and one suitcase per person. If luggage guidelines are not followed, a second vehicle may be added to accommodate the excess baggage at the passenger’s expense. There are strict laws concerning driver hours on touring coaches that must be always respected. A typical touring day can last 8 hours only. In addition, here are mandatory rest periods during the working day and weekly rest periods depending on the length of the tour.

DELAY CHARGES: If your flight delays cause additional charges for transportation/guides waiting times you will be responsible to pay extra charge on the spot directly to the vendor. If you purchased travel insurance, it may be covered under the policy. We recommend you check with your Travel insurance company on coverage for trip delay.

EXPERIENCES & TRANSFERS: Sightseeing and entrance fees have been included as specified in itinerary. All foreign airport transfers are also included in the land cost unless otherwise requested by the agent. Land arrangements will be provided as described; however, Learning Journeys reserves the right to substitute sightseeing features. Optional add ons and hotel reservations are non-refundable once reserved and paid.

TIPS AND SERVICE CHARGES: All taxes and service charges levied by the hotels or charged by various governments and municipalities are included. We have not included tips to the restaurants, chambermaids, drivers/guide or escort. Tips to servers, chambermaids and local guides should be left at the time of service. Tour Manager and driver tips should be given at the end of the tour.

Suggest Tipping in USD

Suggested Tipping to be given in the end of each tour:

• Local Guide: $8 for half-day tour and $10 per person for a full day
• Driver: $4 per person per day
• Tour Escort: $10 per person per day

Exceptional circumstances may warrant a higher tip.

SINGLE ROOMS. Be aware that single rooms are often smaller than double rooms. Ask about a “double room/single use” option at a cost above the normal single supplement.

CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY CHANGES. In rare cases scheduled tours may be cancelled. In such cases Learning Journeys reserves the right to change the scheduled tour itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice and/or to substitute airlines, hotels or features of a similar category for those listed in the confirmed itinerary. Learning Journeys shall not be held liable for any such changes.

CUSTOMIZED TOUR CANCELLATIONS BY LEARNING JOURNEYS. From time-to-time a tour departure may be cancelled for lack of participation or other operational reasons. In such a case, Learning Journeys sole responsibility is to provide a complete refund of monies received without any other liability whatsoever including any additional costs or fees related to cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations not made by Learning Journeys.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for necessary cancellations due acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond the company’s control.

MISCELLANEOUS. Foreign air-conditioning systems in public places, hotels and motor coaches are not up to U.S. standards. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs.

The right is reserved to decline, to accept or retain any person as a member of these trips at any time. In any such event, Learning Journeys’ sole obligation is to refund for any unused accommodations or other trip features. Passenger certifies not to have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers.

RESPONSIBILITY. Learning Journeys Ltd. and their employees, shareholders, officers, and directors does not own or operate any entity which goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, guides or trip leaders, food service providers, equipment suppliers, ground operators, etc., including, without limitation, various entities which may utilize the Learning Journeys name. Learning Journeys is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under its control.

Without limitation Learning Journeys is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation, any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract of any third party, such as an airline, train, hotel, restaurant, or food supplier; bus, taxi, van, or local ground handler; local outfitter or guide, which is, to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for any loss, injury, death, or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule or failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart safely; overbooking or downgrading of accommodations; insolvency or default of any third party; acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond its control and cancellation policies per the contract will apply.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE WARNINGS. In the case of a government issued warning, we will provide our utmost consideration to the severity of the warning and accomplish everything possible to safeguard the well-being of our passengers. We reserve the right to evaluate each booking on a case-by-case basis for potential refund/cancellation fees, re-scheduling of tours or itineraries and postponements.

BINDING ARBITRATION. I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to these Terms and Conditions, this release, the catalog, or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association in New York. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive New York law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or part of this contract is void or voidable. Upon payment of a deposit, tour participant indicates acceptance of the above Terms and Conditions and of the Arbitration Agreement.

NOT INCLUDED: Passports, laundry, food and beverages not listed on the itinerary International Travel Tax and Porterage at U.S. Airports, as well as all other items of a personal nature.