moroccan discovery 2015 travel brochure

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This land of dramatic contrasts invites us to encounter its ancient ruins and sacred mosques, endless desert and storied mountains, imposing kasbahs and spirited souks. As we travel from the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech to the High Atlas and vast Sahara, we open our eyes, and hearts, to a truly foreign land, an age-old culture, and genuinely hospitable people. September 12—25, 2015 Moroccan Discovery From the Imperial Cities to the Sahara From $5,195 per person (Land & Air) presents...

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Morocco — a land of dramatic contrasts — invites with its ancient ruins, sacred mosques, lush desert oases, imposing Kasbahs, spirited souks, and villages where life proceeds much as it has for centuries. Our small group tour, limited to just 24 guests, takes us from the imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fez, and Marrakech to the High Atlas and vast Sahara. Our eyes, and hearts, are opened to a truly foreign land, an age old culture, and genuinely hospitable people. We begin our 14-day tour traveling to Rabat visiting the city’s highlights. View the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis, one of five UNESCO sites we visit on tour. Travel to Fez and visit a Berber village to share tea with a local family in their cave dwelling. Set out on a private sunset excursion to the breathtakingly beautiful sand dunes at Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara. In the enormous silence we watch the sun set over the desert as we take a camel ride along the dunes. View the spectacular scenery en route to the sn

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Page 1: Moroccan Discovery 2015 Travel Brochure

This land of dramatic contrasts invites us to encounter its ancient ruins and sacred

mosques, endless desert and storied mountains, imposing kasbahs and spirited souks. As

we travel from the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech to the High Atlas and

vast Sahara, we open our eyes, and hearts, to a truly foreign land, an age-old culture, and

genuinely hospitable people.

September 12—25, 2015

Moroccan Discovery From the Imperial Cities to the Sahara

From $5,195 per person (Land & Air)

presents...

Page 2: Moroccan Discovery 2015 Travel Brochure

Page 2

Moroccan Discovery Daily Itinerary - September 12 - 25, 2015

Day 1 - September 12: Depart U.S. for Casablanca, Morocco Depart New York this evening aboard your Royal Air Maroc flight

to Casablanca.

Day 2 - September 13: Arrive Casablanca/Rabat Arrive this morning in Casablanca, Morocco’s chief port,

economic capital, and largest city. You’ll meet your Odysseys

Unlimited Tour Director at the airport then transfer by coach to

Rabat, stopping for refreshments along the way. After checking in

at our elegant, well-located hotel near famed Hassan Tower, we

have the remainder of the day at leisure. For your convenience,

lunch at the hotel is included today. Tonight you’ll meet your

fellow travelers over a welcome dinner at Dinarjat, a famous restaurant located in Rabat’s Old Town.

Accommodations: La Tour Hassan; Meals: L, D

Day 3 - September 14: Rabat Capital of the French Protectorate of Morocco from 1912 to 1956,

and Moroccan capital since independence, Rabat has a European

elegance yet maintains an Islamic character all its own. We spend

the entire day touring this unique city that also was one of the four

ancient capitals, or imperial cities, beginning with the fortified

Kasbah des Oudaias that surrounds the 17th-century Royal Palace

and the beautiful Andalusian Gardens. We also visit Chellah’s

Roman relics where we see the remnants of Sala Colonia, the

Roman port that was abandoned in 1154. This afternoon we cross

the river to Sale where we enjoy lunch in a private home. We then

visit Rabat’s Archaeological Museum followed by a short walk

through the medina. Late afternoon we return to the hotel, where we enjoy dinner tonight. Accommodations: La

Tour Hassan; Meals: B, L, D

Day 4 - September 15: Rabat/Meknes/Volubilis/Fez

This morning we depart by motor coach for Meknes, Morocco’s

youngest Imperial City and also a UNESCO World Heritage site,

whose construction was dominated by the Sultan Moulay Ismail,

one of Morocco’s most powerful leaders. Despite his reputation as

a ruthless warrior, the Sultan was also a builder, and during his 55-

year reign developed Meknes from a small town into a majestic

capital with gigantic ramparts, monumental gates, more than 50

palaces, and 15 miles of exterior walls. We see the impressive Bab

el Mansour gateway and visit the ruins of the imperial stables and

granaries. After lunch in a local restaurant we continue on to

Volubilis, the largest of the Romans’ 17 colonies established in

Morocco between the 1st century BCE and the 2nd century CE.

The excavated ruins here are particularly noted for their colorful

mosaics. The setting is a photographer’s delight, and we’ll have ample time at this UNESCO World Heritage site to

take photos. Next we continue on to Fez, arriving late this afternoon. Tonight we enjoy a traditional Moroccan

dinner together at our hotel. Accommodations: Hotel Sahrai; Meals: B, L, D

Page 3: Moroccan Discovery 2015 Travel Brochure

Page 3

Moroccan Discovery Daily Itinerary - September 12 - 25, 2015

Day 5 - September 16: Fez

“The history of Fez,” writes author Walter Harris, “is composed of

wars and murders, triumphs of arts and sciences, and a good deal of

imagination.” And a more fascinating city you won’t find

anywhere, as we discover on our full-day tour. We begin with a

walking tour of Fez’s fascinating medina, a UNESCO World

Heritage site, focusing on the artisans’ quarters, the 14th-century

Koranic schools, and Al Karouine, the medieval theological

university that opened in 859 and is believed to be older than its

European counterparts Oxford and Bologna. We’ll enjoy lunch

together in the medina then mid-afternoon tour the old mellah

(Jewish quarter) and its 17th-century synagogue, the royal gates, and the Museum of Fez. Tonight we enjoy dinner

together at an intimate family-run riad in Fez, La Maison Bleue. Accommodations: Hotel Sahrai; Meals: B, L, D

Day 6 - September 17: Fez

This morning we travel outside the city to visit a Berber village

where residents live much as their ancestors did centuries ago.

As a small group highlight we share mint tea with a local family

in their cave dwelling. Then we continue on to whitewashed

Sefrou, an old Jewish town at the foot of the Middle Atlas

Mountains. Returning to Fez, we stop at the renowned pottery

factories that create the complex blue-and-white geometric

patterns of traditional “bleu de Fez” household and decorative

objects. The remainder of the afternoon is free for lunch on your

own and for independent exploration. Your Odysseys Unlimited

Tour Director will be happy to offer suggestions. Tonight we

dine together in the hotel’s international restaurant.

Accommodations: Hotel Sahrai; Meals: B, D

Day 7 - September 18: Fez/Midelt/Erfoud

As we venture out to the Sahara, today will be a long day as

we’ll cover a substantial distance driving to Erfoud. Traveling

inland, we cross the fertile plains beyond Fez and continue

through the Middle Atlas mountain range. We stop in the small

town of Midelt for lunch. Continuing on we cross the Ziz River,

passing rows of sky-scraping palm trees and fortified villages

before reaching our kasbah-style hotel on the outskirts of Erfoud

late in the day. Originally an oasis fort built by the French,

Erfoud is now a sizable city and the gateway to the Sahara.

Dinner tonight is at our hotel. Accommodations: Le Palais du

Désert Hotel; Meals: B, L, D

Page 4: Moroccan Discovery 2015 Travel Brochure

Page 4

Moroccan Discovery Daily Itinerary - September 12 - 25, 2015

Day 8 - September 19: Erfoud/Rissani/Merzouga This morning we visit the city of Rissani, with its 18th-century

ksar, a virtually impenetrable warren of alleys; then continue on

to the ruins of Sijilmasa. Once a central trade point in the Trans

-Sahara trade routes, the city of Sijilmasa suffered through years

of continuous religious conflict. Today, the ruins lay protected

by the World Monuments Fund as they were left after the

nomadic tribes of Ait Atta destroyed the city in 1818. We enjoy

a tour highlight this afternoon as we set out on a sunset

excursion to the breathtakingly beautiful sand dunes at

Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara. In the enormous silence

we watch the sun set over the desert as we take a camel ride

along the erg, Morocco’s only Saharan dunes. Following this

experience we return to our hotel, where we dine together

tonight. Accommodations: Le Palais du Désert Hotel; Meals: B, D

Day 9 - September 20:Erfoud/Tinehir/Todra Gorges/Ouarzazate

With a fairly long travel day ahead of us, we leave Erfoud this morning bound

for Ouarzazate in the snow-topped High Atlas Mountains, passing one scene of

natural beauty after another. Our first stop is in Tinehir, a stunning mountain

oasis rising on a series of lush riverside produce gardens accented by palm trees

and dominated by ornate clay villages. Here we visit 984-foot Todra Gorge,

home to a variety of rare plant and bird species. After enjoying lunch here, we

continue on to El Kelaa Mgouna, Morocco’s “rose capital,” before beginning

our journey along the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs,” a region of fortresses

with elaborately decorated façades. We arrive in Ouarzazate late this afternoon;

dinner tonight is at our hotel. Accommodations: Le Berbère Palace; Meals: B,

L, D

Day 10 - September 21: Ouarzazate/Ait Ben-Haddou/Marrakech We leave Ouarzazate for Marrakech today, stopping en route at Ait ben-

Haddou, one of southern Morocco’s most recognizable villages since it is often

used as a location for fashion and film shoots (including Gladiator). A

UNESCO World Heritage site, the village’s old section consists of deep red

kasbahs so tightly packed together they appear as a single building. The

fragility of the buildings – and their state of conservation – means that we may

have to stop outside the city itself depending on conditions at this UNESCO site

when we visit. Then

as we descend from the High Atlas mountains, we pass through

typical villages whose stone houses have earthen roofs. In Tizi

N’Tichka, we traverse the Pass of the Pastures (alt. 7,415 feet),

where life is much as it was centuries ago: shepherds bring

their flocks to the high pastures every summer, then return with

them to their villages in autumn. Late this afternoon we arrive

in fabled Marrakech, an ancient intersection of Berber, African,

Mediterranean, and Asian cultural and artistic influences.

Considered Morocco’s most cosmopolitan city – and some

would say its most beautiful – Marrakech boasts a spectacular

location surrounded by rich farmlands and high mountains. We

dine tonight at our hotel. Accommodations: Sofitel Marrakech;

Meals: B, L, D

Page 5: Moroccan Discovery 2015 Travel Brochure

Page 5

Moroccan Discovery Daily Itinerary - September 12 - 25, 2015

Day 11 - September 22: Marrakech Although its origins are disputed, it is believed Marrakech was

settled in the early 11th century; five centuries later it was one

of Morocco’s dominant centers of art and culture. Today

Marrakech is the nation’s fourth largest city, with an exciting

blend of modern architecture and an ancient walled medina.

On our full-day tour we concentrate on Old Marrakech, taking

in the Koutoubia Mosque with its 282-foot minaret, an

architectural highlight visible from miles way; the relatively

contemporary (19th-century) El Bahia Palace with its

Andalusian influence and fascinating harem quarter; and the

ruins of 360-room Palais El Badii, built in 1578 in the style of

Granada’s Alhambra and lavishly decorated with Italian marble and gold. Moulay Ismail “looted” the palace, which took

25 years to construct, to enhance his palace. We return to our hotel for lunch then set out mid-afternoon to explore the

city’s souks, including those of yarn dyers, wrought iron

and lantern makers, herbalists, and wood carvers and

painters. Next we venture to Djemaa El Fna, the heart of

Marrakech where your fantasies of Morocco will come to

life. Here are snake charmers, storytellers, acrobats, and

musicians asking only a few dirhams to enlighten,

fascinate, and entertain you. It’s a circus atmosphere that

has existed since the city’s earliest days, serving as a

mecca for both locals and tourists who come here for

food, for fun, or to find a brief respite from daily life.

Dinner is on your own in this exotic city.

Accommodations: Sofitel Marrakech; Meals: B, L

Day 12 - September 23: Marrakech

On today’s excursion we travel via horse-drawn carriage

from Menara to the lush Majorelle Gardens, a botanical

garden in the heart of the city. French artist Jaques

Majorelle created this masterpiece, known for its cobalt blue

accents, in 1924 during Morocco’s colonial period as a

protectorate of France. Here we are likely to see many of

the 15 species of birds native to North Africa. Following a

tour of the gardens, we’ll visit the recently renovated Berber

Museum, located on the grounds of Majorelle Gardens. The

afternoon is at leisure before dinner tonight at a local

restaurant in the city’s Old Town. .Accommodations:

Sofitel Marrakech; Meals: B, D

Page 6: Moroccan Discovery 2015 Travel Brochure

Page 6

Moroccan Discovery Daily Itinerary - September 12 - 25, 2015

Day 13 - September 24: Marrakech/Casablanca We leave Marrakech this morning for the 3½-hour motor

coach ride to storied Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and

most sophisticated city, combining French and Moroccan

influences. On this afternoon’s tour we visit the Grand

Mosque of Hassan II, the world’s second largest Islamic

house of worship, with a 656-foot minaret and a prayer

hall three times the size of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

A stunning architectural achievement, the mosque boasts

an equally stunning setting on the banks of the Atlantic

shoreline. It is also Morocco’s only functioning mosque

that is open to non-Muslims and our tour affords us the

opportunity to see the palatial interior with its polished

marble floor, Venetian chandeliers, and Moorish arches

with 70 cedar-paneled cupolas. Other highlights of our

Casablanca tour include a visit to the harbor area and the

Habous Quarter (“New Medina”), designed by French

architects in the 1930s to resolve a major housing crisis;

and the Royal Palace. Tonight we gather for a farewell

dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate our discovery of

Morocco. Accommodations: Hyatt Regency

Casablanca; Meals: B, D

Day 14 - September 25: Depart for U.S. After breakfast this morning we transfer to the

Casablanca airport for our flights to the U.S. Meals: B

Please Note: We will do our best to adhere to our printed itinerary. Occasionally, though, unexpected obsta-

cles – and opportunities – may arise that will force us to deviate from the itinerary as written. We would ask

you to be open-minded and flexible should we vary the itinerary slightly. In addition, please note that airline

schedules are subject to change. We will provide you with updated flight information closer to your depar-

ture.

Since the Sahara Desert and the dunes at Merzouga are located in a fairly remote region, this tour does in-

clude some lengthy motor coach transfers. While road conditions in Morocco are generally very good and the

scenery very interesting, you should be prepared for fairly long days on tour days 7, 9, and 10.

Page 7: Moroccan Discovery 2015 Travel Brochure

Page 7

Moroccan Discovery

Hotel Accommodations

La Tour Hassan: 26, Rue de Chellah , B.P. 14, Rabat ,Morocco

Phone: 011-212-5372-39000

Fax: 011-212-5377-25408

www.latourhassan.com

Dating to 1914, the 140-room La Tour Hassan represents Rabat’s last surviving hotel to be

constructed using traditional Moorish-Andalusian design. The citadel-style hotel stands inside a

fortress wall at the center of the city and features three restaurants, one bar, internet access, laundry

service, fitness center with Jacuzzi, sauna, solarium, and outdoor pool. Air-conditioned rooms have

private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

Hotel Sahrai: Dhar El Mehraz, 30000 Fez, Morocco

Phone: 011-212-5359-40332

Fax: 011-212-5359-40362

www.hotelsahrai.com

Opened in 2014, Hotel Sahrai is a contemporary hotel located on the southern hills overlooking the

Fez medina, and a short drive from this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed to resemble the

architectural layout of the medina, the 50-room boutique hotel features a restaurant and bar, fitness

center, Jacuzzi, spa with massage treatments, sauna, steam room, outdoor pool, tennis court, terrace,

and laundry and dry cleaning services. Air-conditioned guest rooms offer private bath with hair

dryer, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, mini-bar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Le Palais du Désert Hotel: Route de Jorf – BP-310, Erfoud, Morocco 52200

Phone: 011-212-5355-78291

Fax: 011-212-5355-78292

www.palaisdudesert.com

Set on the outskirts of the city of Erfoud, this new 44-room kasbah-style hotel offers a traditional

Moroccan desert setting surrounding a courtyard. The hotel features two restaurants and bar,

internet access, laundry/dry cleaning services, full spa, health center, and an outdoor swimming

pool. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, tea- and coffee-

making facilities, TV, and phone.

Page 8: Moroccan Discovery 2015 Travel Brochure

Page 8

Moroccan Discovery

Hotel Accommodations

Le Berbère Palace: Quartier Mansour Eddahbi,45000 Ouarzazate, Morocco

Phone: 011-212-5248-83105

Fax: 011-212-5248-83071

www.leberberepalace.com

A traditional Moroccan-style hotel, Le Berbère Palace offers guests a host of contemporary amenities

including two restaurants, two bars, internet access, laundry and dry cleaning services, fitness

center, swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, tennis courts, terraced garden, and library. Air-

conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

Sofitel Marrakech: Rue Harroun Errachid, Quartier de l’Hivernage,40000 Marrakech, Morocco

Phone: 011-212-5244-25600

Fax: 011-212-5244-20505

www.sofitel.com

Sitting on the edge of the city at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains and within easy reach of the

Medina and Djemaa El Fna Square, the Sofitel boasts three restaurants and a bar; internet access;

laundry and dry cleaning services; ATM; fitness center with gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, and solarium;

Turkish bath; and two outdoor pools. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair

dryer, terrace or balcony, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

Hyatt Regency Casablanca: Place des Nations Unies, Casablanca 20000, Morocco

Phone: 011-212-5224-31234

Fax: 011-212-5224-31334

www.hyatt.com

This 255-room hotel is conveniently situated in the center of Casablanca in United Nations Square,

close to the Old Medina, Habous Quarter, and the central market. The hotel has multiple

restaurants and lounges; spa; fitness center with sauna, steam room, and massage treatments;

unheated outdoor swimming pool; squash courts and beach volleyball court; boutiques; and

laundry and dry cleaning services. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer,

in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, phone, and internet access.

Page 9: Moroccan Discovery 2015 Travel Brochure

Moroccan Discovery: From the Imperial Cities to the Sahara

Enclosed is my/our non-refundable deposit for $__________($750 per person) for _____ person/people on the “Moroccan

Discovery” tour departing the USA on September 12, 2015 and returning on September 25, 2015. I/we understand the final

payment is due on or before June 9, 2015. Your deposit may be paid by American Express, Discover, MasterCard, VISA, or

personal check. This excursion is limited to 24 participants. Please mail this completed form as soon as possible to:

The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Attention: John Guerra, 1010 5th Ave South, Naples, FL 34102.

(PRINT CLEARLY)

Name: (Traveler #1) Name: (Traveler #2) ______

Address: Address: ____________

Tel: Email: Tel: Email:

Emergency Contact Name #1: Emergency Contact Name #2:

Emergency Contact Tel #1: Emergency Contact Tel #2:

I/We wish to reserve AIR & LAND for $5,195 pp (Roundtrip air from JFK including airline taxes, fuel surcharges and fees)

I/We wish to reserve AIR & LAND for $5,395 pp (Roundtrip air from BOS including airline taxes, fuel surcharges and fees)

I/We wish to reserve AIR & LAND for $5,495 pp (Roundtrip air from RSW; ORD including airline taxes, fuel surcharges and fees)

I/We wish to reserve LAND ONLY for $4,345 per person

I prefer single accommodations for an additional cost of $1,395 (Single accommodations are limited)

I have the following special requirements (including dietary):

I am travelling alone but will share a room with ____________________________________________

I/We wish to reserve a Business Class upgrade on the RT Trans-Atlantic flight (price available upon request & subject to change)

I/We have read and understood this brochure and agree to be bound by its terms, policies and conditions:

Signature:___________________________________ Date:_______________________________________

Signature:___________________________________ Date:_______________________________________

PLEASE ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR PASSPORT WITH YOUR DEPOSIT

IMPORTANT: THIS IS A MODERATE EXERTION TOUR. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE ABLE TO WALK,

STAND AND CLIMB STAIRS WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. I understand that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU is una-

ble to accept any person as a tour passenger who may require special attention because of a medical condition unless they have a com-

panion traveling with them who can provide whatever services and assistance is necessary. I further understand that The Renaissance

Academy of FGCU cannot accept or retain any person whose health or general deportment impedes the operation of the tour or affects

the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other tour passengers. I accept sole responsibility for determining that I am in good physical and

mental health and am able to participate in group touring. I further certify that I have read and agree with the General Terms and Condi-

Method of Payment (Circle One) – Make Checks Payable to Odysseys Unlimited

Check American Express Discover MasterCard VISA

Card/Account #____________________________________ Exp. Date___________ CCV___________

Name As It Appears On Card: ____________________________________________________________

Signature: ________________________________________________________________________

Page 10: Moroccan Discovery 2015 Travel Brochure

Moroccan Discovery: From the Imperial Cities to the Sahara

September 12 (Depart USA) – September 25, 2015

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Please read this information carefully, as payment of a $750 deposit per person represents your acceptance of the following General Terms and

Conditions. Please retain a copy of these General Terms and Conditions for your records.

Tour Cost: Total tour cost, air and land, from JFK is $5,195 per person, $5,395 per person from BOS, and $5,495 per person from ORD

or RSW. Land-only cost is $4,345 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $750 per person is required with your signed application. Final pay-

ment in full is due on or before June 9, 2015. The single supplement is $1,395. Tour costs, which are based on current exchange rates and a group

size of 24 participants, are subject to change. Airline taxes, departure fees, and fuel surcharges are subject to change and will affect the total cost of

the tour.

Upon reservation you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport. In the event an air line ticket is issued with incor-

rect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.

Luggage: Only one car ry-on and one checked bag per person is accepted on tour.

Documents: U.S. citizens are r equired to have a valid passpor t for this tour , valid for at least six months after the conclusion of the t our .

Cost of Tour Includes: Round-trip airfare; 12 nights' accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class and First Class hotels; 31 meals: 12 break-

fasts, 8 lunches, 11dinners; Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees; Services of a private Tour Director; Private motor coach

transportation; Luggage handling for 1 bag per person; Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers.

Cost of Tour DOES NOT Include: Roundtr ip air fare from any depar ture point other than those listed herein or with the purchase of a

land-only tour package; costs of passports, visas, personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals and beverages not speci-

fied; airline baggage fees; communication charges; airline transfers when purchasing a land-only package; gratuities to your Tour Director

(suggested gratuities: $10-$15 per traveler, per day), which are at your discretion; optional sightseeing; and travel protection insurance.

Cancellations: All deposits are non-refundable. If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your

written notification. Cancellations received 95 days or more from the date of departure will be subject to a $300 processing fee plus any and all

additional charges dependent upon the obligations of The Renaissance Academy of FGCU to its suppliers and the airline refund policies. Cancella-

tions received at or within 94 days of departure are subject to the following schedule of cancellation fees: 94-65 days prior to departure - 65% of

the tour cost per person; 64-30 days prior to departure - 85% of the tour cost per person; 29 days or less prior to departure – 100% of the tour cost

per person. If a guest makes any changes within 94 and 30 days prior to departure to either their departure city and/or the optional post-tour exten-

sion, a $150 per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties will apply. No changes are allowed within

30 days of departure.

Travel Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Compare and purchase insurance at

www.squaremouth.com or contact your personal travel agent. Neither the Renaissance Academy nor Odysseys can offer travel insurance.

Medical Conditions: If you or a member of your par ty suffer from any physical challenge or medical condition, you must check with your

doctor about the advisability of traveling abroad and make this known to us before you book. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate

the special needs of tour participants, but are not responsible for denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants and other independent suppliers.

Smoking: Smoking is NOT permitted in the hotels, on motor coaches, or other modes of transpor t used by the group.

Responsibility-Tour Participation Contract – IMPORTANT: The Renaissance Academy of FGCU does not provide travel services or act

as the agent of any provider of travel services. The liability of Florida Gulf Coast University, as a sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as a tour

operator, is strictly limited. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU is not responsible or liable for any of the services provided for/by Odysseys Un-

limited, Inc. or any other travel agency, or for any of the services of hotels, motor coaches, trains, vessels, aircrafts or other forms of transportation

that may be used in connection with the tour. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant and other ser-

vices from independent suppliers not under its control. All arrangements for transport, accommodations, and services are made upon the express

condition that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, conse-

quential, or incidental damage, injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity of any kind occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its con-

trol, including without limitation, any act of negligence or breach of contract of any third party such as an airline, cruise line, train, hotel, restaurant,

tour operator/supplier, ground handler, etc., including their employees, agents, servants or representatives, who is to or does supply any goods or

services to the tour. Without limiting the foregoing, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates are not

responsible for any losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness,

weather, strikes, acts of God, acts of terrorism, war, quarantine, criminal activity, the defect of any vehicle or for any other cause beyond their con-

trol. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU reserves the right to change the itinerary of the tour or to substitute similar quality hotels or airlines with-

out prior notice. If the tour is cancelled by The Renaissance Academy of FGCU for any reason, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys

Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates shall have no liability beyond the refund of all tour participant deposits received by them, net of any and all

expenses due to suppliers and the airline refund policies. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, in its sole discretion, may increase the tour price in

the event costs increase. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU may decline to accept or retain any tour participant as a participant on the tour at any

time. Airline tickets may be sold in conjunction with the services of any airline. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers, cruise line, and other

independent suppliers when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger. If you choose to make your own air

arrangements, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from cancella-

tion of or changes to this tour. The parties agree that Ft. Myers (Lee County) in the state of Florida shall be the venue for any disputes arising out of

this tour. A signed FGCU General Release and Waiver Agreement is required from each participant prior to departure.

Important Note: When you purchase a “land only” package, airpor t tr ansfers and luggage handling at the ar r ival and depar ture airpor ts

at the beginning and end of the tour are not included. Should you be at the arrival airport and departure hotel concurrent with the group of arriving

Odysseys Unlimited travelers, you are welcome to transfer with the group at no charge, providing additional seating is available. However, please

note that the motor coach cannot wait for you; you must be aboard when the coach is leaving. Business Class upgrades apply ONLY to the Trans-

Atlantic portion of your itinerary.