FINLAND, ESTONIA AND ICELAND: EXPLORING ALVAR AALTO ARCHITECTURE

AND NORDIC DESIGNVIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY,

COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY OF VCU ARTS AUGUST 21 – SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

www.LearningThroughTravel.com

866-853-2711

FINLAND, ESTONIA AND ICELAND: EXPLORING ALVAR AALTO ARCHITECTURE & NORDIC DESIGN

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY, COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY OF VCU ARTS

Crystal clear streams run through vast forests lighted by the midnight sun, and reindeer roam free. Even the arts mimic nature: witness the music of Jean Sibelius, Finland’s most famous son, which can swing from a somber nocturne of midwinter darkness to the tremolo of sunlight slanting through pine and birch, or from the crescendo of a blazing sunset to the pianissimo of the next day’s dawn. The architecture of Alvar Aalto and the Saarinens—Eliel and son Eero, visible in many U.S. cities, also bespeaks the Finnish affinity with nature, with soaring spaces evocative of Finland’s moss-floored forests.

East Meets West: Helsinki displays a provocative blend of Swedish and Russian influences. Admire the double-headed golden eagle symbolizing imperial Russia in the market square as well as the clean lines of the Scandinavian-designed wares in stores around it, and taste Russian-style Baltic Herring and the delicacies of a Swedish smörgåsbord in the same meal.

Feel the Heat: Finns love their saunas. There are more than 2 million hot spots here, the majority in small cabins separate from their owners’ summer cottages. The best of them are located at water’s edge, ensuring a short commute from stifling heat to an invigorating dip in a lake or the Baltic.

Arctic Wonder: Finns’ characteristic modesty concerning their country is cast aside when they speak of cross-country skiing under the Northern Lights or hiking during the short autumn in Lapland’s deciduous forests.

A Mind for Design: In big-name stores like Marimekko and Iittala, as well as the boutique shops of the Design District in Helsinki and smaller towns and cities, you’ll find homewares, furniture, clothing, and accessories of exceptional craftsmanship and style.

If you like majestic open spaces, fine architecture, and courteous locals, Finland is for you. Mother Nature dictates life in this Nordic land, where winter brings perpetual darkness, and summer, perpetual light.

FINLAND, ESTONIA AND ICELAND: EXPLORING ALVAR AALTO ARCHITECTURE & NORDIC DESIGN

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY, COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY OF VCU ARTS

Your package from Washington D.C. includes:

• Roundtrip International Air IAD/Keflavik/Helsinki/Keflavik/IAD

• 7 nights accommodation in Helsinki at the Sokos Presidentti Hotel or similar

• 1 night accommodation in Turku at the Sokos Hamburger Bors Hotel or similar

• 2 nights accommodation in Jyväskylä at the Original Sokos Hotel Pailjonki Hotel or similar

• 1 night accommodation in Reykjavik at the Icelandair Marina Hotel or similar

• English speaking escort/guide throughout Finland, Estonia and Iceland

• All transfers by deluxe motor-coach or mini-coach throughout Finland and Iceland

• All entrance fees to sites as per program with specially arranged behind the scenes tours

• 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 4 dinners

• Porterage of 1 piece of luggage per person

• Hotel taxes, VAT charges (if required), service charges

• U.S. Departure Tax, Airport Security and Fuel Surcharge (subject to change)

ITINERARY Day 1 – Friday – August 21 – Departure

Depart Washington Dulles International Airport for your overnight flight to Iceland.

Day 2 – Saturday – August 22 – Keflavik/Helsinki

Arrive into Keflavik International Airport and connect with a short flight to Helsinki.

Welcome to Helsinki, the capital city and known as the “Daughter of the Baltic”! A vibrant seaside city, Helsinki welcomes all with its tree-lined avenues, graceful parks, and distinctive architecture.

After check-in at the hotel and time to get refreshed, meet with your guide for a fun and informative walking tour of the city. You start by walking from your hotel to Senate Square. This historical square dates back to 1778 and is surrounded by the Main Lutheran Church, the Senate Building, and the University with its neo-Classical atmosphere. The architecture in Helsinki is characterized by Nordic minimalism and refinement.

From here, you will walk to the central railway station of Eliel Saarinen and see the National Theater and Sanoma Talo.

Continuing on, you will pass the formidable buildings that dominate the Helsinki skyline. Pass Kiasma (the museum of contemporary art - opened in 1998), the Finlandia Congress Hall, the National Museum and Parliament House.

Walk past the waterfront Töölöbay Park, and then continue your walk up to Töölö residential area, through the Hesperia Park. You’ll see the famous Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, a magnificent modern-day structure built entirely of bedrock and quarried stone. Designed by architects and brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen the church was opened in 1969.

The interior was excavated and built directly out of solid rock and is bathed in natural light which enters through the skylight surrounding the center copper dome. Many concerts take place at the church because of the excellent acoustics.

This evening a welcome reception and dinner will be at the hotel.

ACCOMMODATIONS: PRESIDENTTI HOTEL (D)

Day 3 – Sunday – August 23 – HelsinkiYour exploration of Alvar Aalto begins today.

Visit the Architect Museum where you will see collections of more than 85,000 black-and-white photographs, slides,

original drawings, copies of more than 500,000 drawings, documents and models.

See the exhibit of Decades of Finnish Architecture 1900–1970 that explores the history of building in the 20th century against a background of Finnish society, taking into account economic, political and technological developments.

See drawings of the husband and wife architects Raili and Reima Pietilä known for their designs throughout the world including Finland, Brussels, India and Kuwait. You can also see works by Carl Ludwig Engel who was commissioned by Czar Alexander to design the major new public buildings in Helsinki.

Your next visit will be to the Alvar Aalto Home and Studio. Built in 1955 just off of Aalto’s main residence, the studio is one of Aalto’s finest architectural designs. The white-rendered, wall-like, closed-in mass of the building conceals a garden shaped like an amphitheater in its inner courtyard. Bay windows and skylights allow for plenty of natural light -- ideal for examining documents and drawings. Every last detail was designed to enhance the aesthetic and work environment.

The house was the first building that Aalto designed in Helsinki and was designed in what was called “romantic functionalism”. The house has practical features including a walk-in closet in the bedroom (unusual at that time) and a two-sided china cabinet that is accessible from both the kitchen and the dining room. Aalto’s use of natural materials in the house gives you an idea of how his designs would take shape in the coming years.

ACCOMMODATIONS: PRESIDENTTI HOTEL (B, L, D)

Day 4 – Monday – August 24 – Sipoo and Porvoo

After breakfast you will leave Helsinki for a full day tour to Sipoo and Porvoo.

This old town is situated at the mouth of the River Porvoo. It

was an important trading center as early as the Middle Ages. Upon arrival in Porvoo, you will stop at the Old Bridge from where you will be able to see one of the most photographed views in Finland: the Old Town of Porvoo with a decorative row of red riverside storehouses.

You will then continue by foot to the Old Town where your

guide will take you through this charming part of Porvoo with its idyllic little houses and narrow winding streets. You will also have time to walk around on your own and to visit the different small handicraft shops or perhaps visit the Cathedral dating back to 1418.

Continue your journey to Sipoo along the King’s Road, the

most significant travel route in the Nordic countries. The road has been used by kings and their couriers, bishops and townsmen, artists and armies ever since the thirteenth century.

The road leads you to rural community of Sipoo where you

will visit a private family home and farm, specialized in organic farming. The members of the family will welcome you upon arrival and invite you to their home. Enjoy your time here exploring the farmhouse as your gracious hosts tell you about life in the countryside. Enjoy lunch and spend some time with the family.

ACCOMMODATIONS: PRESIDENTTI HOTEL (B, L)

Day 5 – Tuesday - August 25 – Otaniemi and Tapiola

Today’s visits will take you outside of Helsinki.

See the studio and home of Finland’s famous architects Eliel Saarinen, Herman Geselius and Armas Lindgren. In 1901 architects Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren and Eliel Saarinen began building the studio/home in the National Romantic style utilizing natural materials including logs and natural stone. The studio/home was completed in 1903 and became the residence of Eliel Saarinen and Armas Lindgren. Plans were drawn up at the Hvitträsk for the Helsinki Railway Station, the National Museum of Finland and the monumental Munkkiniemi-Haaga project, among other significant Finnish projects.

Visit Otaniemi, the largest technology hub in Finland, as well as Northern Europe. Continue to the Aalto University which Alvar Aalto modeled after an American style university campus. First to be built was the student campus of TKK, which also served as one of the Olympic Villages in the 1952 games.

Continue to Tapiola that was constructed in the 1950s and 1960s by the Finnish Apartment Foundation and was designed as a garden city and is the model for Reston, Virginia and Columbia, Maryland. Tapiola became a large influence on Finnish urban planning and was the largest and most valuable of the new construction ideologies in the 1960’s.

ACCOMMODATIONS: PRESIDENTTI HOTEL (B, L)

Day 6 – Wednesday - August 26 – TurkuThis morning you will leave Helsinki for Turku.

Visit the Paimio Sanatorium designed by Aalto and thought to be the beginning of his famed career. In 1928 with an outbreak of tuberculosis, a committee was formed to find the finest design for a new sanatorium. Aalto submitted and won the bid. With his wife they set out to design a comfortable and healthy sanatorium. With various wings of different heights, gardens, courtyards and sections the Aalto’s design met all of the requirements allowing for fresh air, sunlight and hygiene.

After lunch continue on to visit the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Museum of History and Contemporary Art. The museum is an underground area of ruins that tell the history of the oldest city in Finland. The exhibition halls of Ars Nova are located in the Rettig palace, a former residence completed in 1928. Contemporary art as well as the art collection of the foundation are presented here.

Visit the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, a unique outdoor museum. The museum is located in the only whole wooden area surviving the Great Fire in 1827. The houses, many of them dating to the 18th century, lie on their original building sites. Over 30 workshops from different fields of craftsmanship display the city’s handicrafts history and craftsmen’s dwellings. August highlights Handicrafts Days and you will have the opportunity to see masters and journeymen of different professions gathered at the museum.

Time permitting a visit will be made to Turku Castle. The castle is more than 700 years old and stands guard over the river Aura estuary since the 1280’s. Its granite stone walls hold within them the history of Finland, Sweden and the other Nordic countries.

Arrive at your hotel for overnight.

ACCOMMODATIONS: HOTEL HAMBURGERBORS (B, L)

Day 7 – Thursday – August 27 – Turku/Jyväskylä

After breakfast leave Turku for Jyväskylä, the hometown of Aalto.

Driving through the countryside you will make a stop at the Villa Mairea. Maire and Harry Gullichsen commissioned architects Aino and Alvar Aalto to build an “experimental” home allowing the couple to design the residence in a wooded area. The incorporation of the woods was brought into the residence in designing birch columns of original design throughout the house. The main living area appears to open and close, which reproduces a similar experience as when walking through a forest. A forest light shines through the undulating screen that forms the wall between the bookcase partitions of the library and the ceiling to further imitate the experience of being outdoors.

ACCOMMODATIONS: SOKOS HOTEL PAILJONKI (B, L)

Day 8 – Friday – August 28 – JyväskyläJyväskylä has more Aalto buildings than any other city in the

world. Here, in the 1950s, he continued his exploration of red-brick construction, especially on the campus of the University of Jyväskylä and at the Säynätsalo Town Hall.

Visit the Aalto Museum and have a behind the scenes tour exploring Aalto’s buildings and interior design pieces, as well as his personal life. The white period is showcased with rectangular, windowless tile work -- all in white -- which creates a rich texture when it catches the sunlight. The skylights covering the roof provide interior lighting, as well as additional height inside and out.

Visit the island of Muraatsalo where Aalto built his own summer house, the aptly named Experimental House. The L-shaped main building and a separate guest wing enclose three sides of a courtyard. While the exterior walls are white washed, the inward-facing walls are comprised of panels of various shapes and sizes -- all of them covered with brick and tile work in various patterns. The walls were a testing ground where Aalto experimented with different textures, materials and designs, playing with brick, stone and ceramic swatches and setting them against various finishes and ornamental plants.

In addition to being a summer home, this was a laboratory where the architect sought inspiration from nature and tried out new techniques. In a radical experiment which he called “building without foundations”, he skipped the concrete substructure and instead built the guest wing on a pre-existing natural rock formation. This wing was also designated to

experiment with solar heating, an area where Aalto was way ahead of his time.

ACCOMMODATIONS: SOKOS HOTEL PAILJONKI (B, L)

Day 9 – Saturday - August 29 – Jyväskylä/Helsinki

Return to Helsinki today, making a stop at Lahti to visit Sibelius Hall.

Sibelius Hall, a wooden concert and congress center, was developed on the Vesijärvi waterfront in the spring of 2000. Its architects, Hannu Tikka and Kimmo Lintula, are quoted as saying “the forest had always provided our ancestors with nourishment and raw materials, but it also involves mythical memories and scents – it has a relaxing essence”. So they designed Sibelius Hall in celebration of their ancestors.

The Main Hall is an acoustic miracle, which creates unforgettable musical memories for concert goers. The auditorium seating and stage are situated in an oval-shaped ‘shoebox’ hall. The adjustable acoustics are formed by a vertically movable canopy which is on top of the stage in order to achieve the maximum acoustic flexibility. The acoustics are also reinforced by 188 acoustic doors located on the sides of the hall that open to form an echo chamber, complemented by woolen curtains. The corrugated walls were designed to break up reflected sounds. A place was reserved for an organ behind the loft above the stage. The organ was finished and put in place in 2007.

The sophisticated coloring of the Main Hall is a combination of graphite-grey, natural white, and the warm red of old string instruments. The floor is oil- and heat-treated smoke birch parquet. A glass façade covers the massive wall elements with sandwich-structured laminated veneer lumber panels, filled with sand (18 cm thick insulation) and mineral wool. All of the Main Hall’s structures are made of glulam timber.

If you are standing in the middle of Forest Hall and you look up, you will see a star chart, a night sky, depicting the constellations as they appeared at the moment of Jean Sibelius’s birth on the 8th of December 1865. The supporting structure of the hall consists of nine pinewood pylons with criss-crossing branches of beams, which were turned on Finland’s largest lathe, at Köyhänperä in Reisjärvi. The ceiling is supported by glulam grilles produced by Vierumäen Teollisuus Oy.

Arrive back in Helsinki later this afternoon.

ACCOMMODATIONS: PRESIDENTTI HOTEL (B, L)

Day 10 – Sunday – August 30 – TallinnFerry over to Estonia where you will spend the day.

The walking tour around the Old Town starts at the pier. You walk up to the Great Sea Coast Gate, the medieval entrance to the Old Town, and pass the cannon tower Fat Margaret, which today houses the Estonian Maritime Museum. You will head up Pikk Street towards the Town Hall Square.

Along the way you can see an ensemble of merchant houses called Three Sisters, various guildhalls, and the House of the Black Heads.

Keep an eye out for Catherine’s Passage between Vene and Müürivahe Street where you can pop into the studios of local artisans (glassware, ceramics, leather, textiles). In Town Hall Square you can admire the medieval gothic Town Hall and the Town Hall Pharmacy. It’s also the best place for a broad range of local arts and crafts shopping.

After lunch in one of the Lower Old Town restaurants, it’s time to head uphill to Toompea. You will visit a few lookouts from where a magnificent view opens on the harbor and the Lower Old Town. It’s worth visiting the St. Mary’s Cathedral, one of the most important sacral buildings in Estonia, known for its unique collection of coats of arms displayed on the walls.

Also of interest is the Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, inaugurated in 1900. The Patkul stairs will take you back down to the Lower Old Town, leading you to the medieval Town Wall and the Square of Towers. Soon you will return to the Fat Margaret Cannon Tower and then back to the harbor to take the ferry back to Helsinki.

ACCOMMODATIONS: PRESIDENTTI HOTEL (B, L)

Day 11 – Monday – August 31 – Helsinki

The day is at your leisure to enjoy the city on your own.

This evening your final dinner and reception will be at the Restaurant Savotta.

ACCOMMODATIONS: PRESIDENTTI HOTEL (B, D)

Day 12 – Tuesday - September 1 – Helsinki/Reykjavik

Leave Helsinki early this morning for Iceland.

Arrive in Reykjavik, a small but exciting city!

One of Alvar Aalto’s later works is the Nordic House. It is a hidden gem among the better known masterpieces and features most of Aalto’s signature traits. These are evident in the ultramarine blue ceramic rooftop that takes its organic shape from the mountain row in the background, the central well in the library and the extensive use of white, tile and wood throughout the building. Alvar Aalto also designed the furnishings including lamps and most of the furniture.

Before arriving in the city, your guide will point out the place where the peace light that Yoko Ono lights once a year in remembrance of John Lennon is.

See the major sites of the city including the Harpa Concert Hall. The main designers of the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center are Danish architectural firm Henning Larsen Architects and Icelandic architectural firm Batteríið Architects. Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson designed the south facade, and developed the principle for the remaining north/east/west facades and roof in collaboration with Henning Larsen Architects and Batteríið Architects. Elíasson deploys light, color and natural phenomena to test how physical movement, sensual engagement, and the interaction of body and brain influence our perception of our surroundings.

See the Church of Hallgrimur with its steeple rising above all other buildings in Reykjavik. It is the largest church of the country with a seating capacity for 1200 people in the nave. It was under construction longer than any other building in Iceland and has at times generated considerable controversy.

Visit the Pearl, where you will have a panoramic view of the entire city

After check-in at your hotel and some time to relax, walk at your leisure through the cobblestone streets to the famous Restaurant Reykjavik, where you will have a seafood buffet dinner.

After dinner enjoy a stroll around the city. The people of Reykjavik love to gather to socialize, so most places are filled with laughter and happy people.

ACCOMMODATIONS: MARINA HOTEL OR SIMILAR (B, D)

Day 13 - September 2 – Reykjavik/Departure

After breakfast you are off to the Blue Lagoon! Immerse yourself in the beauty of the sky and mountains that surround you as you enjoy the famous natural geothermal pools. If you would like, a 30-minute Blue Lagoon Massage can be arranged. Relax in the water as you sip your house specialty “Blue Lagoon” drink and unwind!

After a relaxing time at the Blue Lagoon and lunch you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. (B, L)

Please send this reservation form to Learning Through Travel along with a copy of your passport and your non-refundable deposit. If you do not have a passport, or if it has expired, please send us a copy of your legal identification which states the proper spelling of your name.

GUEST# 1Last/First/Middle __________________________________________________________________ Male Female Passport #__________________________ Date of Birth_______________Citizenship________________________________ Date of Issue_____________________ Date of Expiration_______________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________________________________

Daytime Telephone #_____________________Evening Telephone # _____________________Cell # ___________________ Email Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________

GUEST# 2Last/First/Middle __________________________________________________________________ Male Female Passport #__________________________ Date of Birth_______________Citizenship________________________________ Date of Issue_____________________ Date of Expiration_______________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ALL RATES ARE PER PERSON. LAND AND AIR RATES INCLUDE THE INTERNATIONAL AIR TAXES, AIRPORT SECURITY AND FUEL SURCHARGES. Please reserve twin /double accommodations from IAD participants $6,238.00 Please reserve single accommodations for an additional $688.00 (single accommodations are limited)

Please reserve twin/double accommodations land only $5,438.00 (no international air included) for participants Please reserve arrival and departure transfers for participants for $150.00 (if taking air independent to group) I/We would like to upgrade to Business Class for $1325.00 per person I/We would like to upgrade to Economy Comfort Class $700.00

I wish to share accommodations with_______________________________________________________________________In case of an emergency, notify_________________________Relationship______________ Telephone # ________________Mailing Address 2 Weeks Prior to Departure _________________________________________________________________

Please try to arrange a roommate for me. If a roommate cannot be found, I agree to pay the single cost. I am a smoker I require a special diet (please include your dietary needs on a separate page) I am a vegetarian but will eat chicken fish I do not have any physical limitations that require special attention. Most situations can be accommodated but, we must know beforehand in order to make arrangements.

FINLAND, ESTONIA AND ICELAND: EXPLORING ALVAR AALTO ARCHITECTURE AND NORDIC DESIGN

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY, COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY OF VCU ARTS

AUGUST 21 – SEPTEMBER 2, 2015RESERVATION FORM

Please charge my credit card the non-refundable deposit of $750.00 per person upon registration. Final payment is due by May 15, 2015 and is payable by personal check, money order or credit card. If final payment is not received by

June 1, 2015 Learning Through Travel, Inc. reserves the right to consider the booking as cancelled by you and may charge you any cancellation fees that apply unless alternative arrangements have been made.

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Credit Card # ___________________________________________________________ Exp. Date______________________

3 Digit Pin #____________(last 3 or 4 digits located on the back or front of card)

Signature: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Date _________________________________

FINLAND, ESTONIA AND ICELAND: EXPLORING ALVAR AALTO ARCHITECTURE AND NORDIC DESIGN

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY, COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY OF VCU ARTSAUGUST 21 – SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

TERMS & CONDITIONSRESERVATIONS: A non-refundable deposit of $750.00 per person is due by May 15, 2015. Final payment is due by June 1, 2015 (75 days prior to departure). If final payment is not received by June 1, 2015 Learning Through Travel reserves the right to consider the booking as cancelled by you and levy cancellation charges unless alternative arrangements have been made. Please note that this trip has limited availability and reservations will be held on a first come basis. Charges on your credit card will show as Learning Through Travel. This tour is based on a minimum of 10 – 14 participants. If there are more than 15 participants the rate will be reduced and your final invoice will reflect the final payment amount.

RATES: All rates are based on tariffs and value of foreign currencies in relation to the EURO as of February 1, 2015 and are subject to change. Learning Through Travel (LTT hereafter) will do their utmost to keep prices as published. Should increases be forced upon them by airlines, land operator, hotel, and/or exchange rates, etc. they reserve the right to surcharge a fee of up to a maximum of 10% of tour cost. (LTT is not responsible for typographical errors).

INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR LAND AND AIR PACKAGE

• Roundtrip International Air IAD/Keflavik/Helsinki/Keflavik/IAD• 7 nights accommodation in Helsinki at the Sokos Presidentti Hotel or similar• 1 night accommodation in Turku at the Sokos Hamburger Bors Hotel or similar• 2 nights accommodation in Jyväskylä at the Original Sokos Hotel Pailjonki Hotel or similar• 1 night accommodation in Reykjavik at the Icelandair Marina Hotel or similar• English speaking escort/guide throughout Finland, Estonia and Iceland• All transfers by deluxe motor-coach or mini-coach throughout Finland and Iceland• All entrance fees to sites as per program with specially arranged behind the scenes tours• 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 4 dinners• Porterage of 1 piece of luggage per person• Hotel taxes, VAT charges (if required), service charges• U.S. Departure Tax, Airport Security and Fuel Surcharge (subject to change)•

NOT INCLUDED

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, meals not mentioned in program, mineral water, coffee, tea,alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, tips to drivers, guides, escorts, travel insurance, etc……..

TRAVEL INSURANCE

LTT strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance before any trip. Travel insurance offers travelers coverage for unforeseen problems, from a cancelled flight to a serious illness or in rare cases, even an act of terrorism or the financial default of a travel sup-plier. If you miss a travel connection, even for reasons beyond your control, you are NOT necessarily protected from financial loss un-less you have travel insurance. For example, if you encounter mechanical problems, flight delays, or inclement weather that causes you to miss connections, the airline carrier might re-book you, although in many cases (such as bad weather) it is NOT guaranteed (in which case you may either have to purchase an entirely new roundtrip ticket or forego the entire prepaid trip without any reimburse-ment). Travel insurance can cover new flights or provide trip cancellation coverage (for a covered loss), as well as emergency medical expenses and medical transportation.

Travel insurance also provides 24-hour “911” emergency travel agency-type service, in case a traveler has to change a flight or a ho-tel room, in addition to assistance with emergency cash transfers, lost baggage, and pre-trip consultation services (travel advisories, passport requirements, inoculation information, etc.

HOW TO PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCEYou may go to www.learningthroughtravel.com and click onto the Travel Guard Logo to view the various policies and purchase insurance. Complete the online application to purchase the travel insurance. Once you have completed the application online you will receive a policy via your email address.

TERMS & CONDITIONS (continued)Please be sure to read all policy information thoroughly and note that if you have a pre-existing condition you must apply for the insurance within 14 days of the trip deposit date. Keep all boarding passes, ticket copies, and receipts for expenses paid during your trip if it later becomes necessary to file a claim. * Please note that Travel Guard Insurance is only available to US and Canadian residents at this time. If you live elsewhere, please check for such coverage within your home country for independent providers.

CHANGE FEESOnce you reserve your tour, changes are possible subject to availability at the time of your request. Requests for deviations, date changes in class of service are subject to applicable fees incurred by airlines and land operators. Any deviations are subject to an LTT administration fee of $150.00 per person. You will be advised of the additional charges before LTT makes the final booking. LTT requires that all changes to be made in writing and a revised invoice will be sent to you for the additional charges. No changes will be made without written consent and authorized payment. If you make roommate changes during your trip you will be responsible for the payment of your single/double room fee as well the single/double room fee for your original roommate. Any voluntary changes made throughout your tour stay will be charged to your credit card on file with LTT.

CANCELLATION FEESYour deposit of $750.00 is non-refundable• If cancellation occurs 74 days to 45 days prior to departure, you will lose 50% of total trip cost.• If cancellation occurs 44 days or less prior to departure, registrant will be considered a “no show.• No refunds will be issued for unused portions of the trip.All cancellations must be made in writing by email or fax to LTT and will not be accepted by telephone.

The dated letter of cancellation will calculate cancellation penalties. Refunds due will be processed 6-8 weeks from date of the arrival of cancellation letter.

RESPONSIBILITYReservation of Right to Decline Reservations and Right to terminate: LTT hereby reserves the right to decline to accept reservations for this tour and/or retreat for any reason in its sole discretion. In the event a reservation is accepted, LTT further reserves the right to terminate any participant (or any member of his/her family) from the tour and/or retreat and its attended activities in the event any participant is declared to be disruptive to the group or others in the country in which the tour is given and or 2) the participant (or any member of his/her family) violates the customs or rules of the country wherein the tour is being held. In the event that any participant (or any member of his/her family) is terminated for the reasons listed above, it is expressly understood that the participant (or any member of his/her family) will not be refunded any monies that have previously been paid for the remainder of the tour. By your signature below, you agree that in the event of a termination of you or any member of your family, LTT will NOT be responsible for your accommodations and/or your transportation for the remainder of the tour, and the monies previously paid for same will not be refunded. LTT acts as an agent in making and securing all arrangements for transportation, sightseeing, international air (if purchased in tour package), and accommodations for the tour and/or retreat concerned. LTT does not own, manage, or operate any transportation vehicle, hotel; restaurant or any other supplier of services and it is not responsible for airline tickets purchased independently from the tour. All coupons, receipts and tickets (if Applicable) issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by suppliers. By accepting these Terms and Conditions you acknowledge (and your parents or guardian if you are a minor) that neither LTT or any of its representatives shall be liable for any loss, injury or damage to you, your belongings or in connection with any accommodations, services resulting directly or indirectly from any occurrences beyond its control including Acts of God, weather delays/cancellation, breakdown of equipment, strikes, theft, or cancellation of or changes to scheduled services. All accommodations, services and facilities are subject to the laws and the customs of the countries in which these services are rendered. LTT reserves the right to make necessary changes in the itinerary and or services, to substitute airlines or accommodations or to cancel any tour at its own discretion in which case the sole liability of LTT towards the client shall be a refund of money paid less an administration fee. No employee of LTT can change the terms under which you agree to participate in the tour. LTT is not responsible for presenters’ contents of material or if he/she cancels the tour. Hotels, Airlines or Cruise Ships concerned are not held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time you are on board their craft or on their property. The passage contract in use by the airlines involved when issued constitutes the sole agreement between you and them, in purchasing a passage contract as part of your trip participation (and your parents/guardians if you are a minor) you acknowledge and accept the foregoing conditions. In signing this you express knowingly that you have been advised by LTT that you are responsible for the arrangements of your visa (if applicable), that you have checked with your personal physician in regards to recommended inoculations for travel and or any other medical precautions/regulations. I have read and accept the foregoing Terms & Conditions.

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