OPENING DOORS IN MOROCCO

 

May 20-June 3,2006

                                                                                                                                                           Photo by Susan Schaefer Davis

 

Click on any photo to see it larger

 

We invite you to join us for a once in a lifetime trip to the warm and welcoming country of Morocco.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As curious travelers, we’ll learn about families and traditions, customs and cuisine, clothes and kids from the people who live there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                               Photo by Susan Schaefer Davis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course we’ll also see the magnificent sights and enjoy the fabulous food, but as important are the visits to private homes, musical encounters and a myriad of other unique experiences.  We want to limit the trip to 14 people, so please sign up as soon as possible in order to reserve your spot for this unique opportunity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                       

        Photo by Sandy Groves

 

 

 

 

 

“The Land of the Farthest West”, at the extreme northwest of corner of Africa, Morocco is at the westernmost edge of the Muslim world, and further west than any European country. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                       Photo by Sandy Groves

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its people are welcoming and highly aware of their special place between Africa and Europe, and celebrate a separate history and unique ethnic mix which distinguishes Morocco from other Arab lands. 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                                                                       

           Photo by Susan Schaefer Davis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to late colonization, traditional ways of life often exist nearly undisturbed. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Photo by Sandy Groves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exotic spices, winding narrow streets lined with artisans using techniques from ancient times, local people in their long caftans and djellabas, as well as those in Western dress—donkey traffic and  modern cars.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                                                                       Photo by Sandy Groves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stark, high mountains, lush green oases, the rugged Atlantic coast, lush cedar forests home to Barbary apes.  And the magical Sahara.  Morocco is a country of continually changing contrasts. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                          Photo by Sandy Groves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The arresting and intriguing architecture, cuisine, history and natural beauty will entice you into further exploration. Good highways, comfortable hotels, delicious food and special activities combine to make this a most memorable journey. 

 

Join us and discover Morocco!

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Photo by Sandy Groves

 

 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

 • Unique meetings and meals with local people in their own homes and villages

 • Special lectures on Moroccan culture

 * Special music presentations

 • Khemisset and other open air markets

 Rabat

 Fes

 • The Sahara

 • Optional overnight in tents in desert

 • Desert camel ride

 • Marrakech

 • Essaouira

 

YOUR STUDY LEADER

Dr. Susan Schaefer Davis is a social scientist with extensive research experience with women and adolescents, and development work in North Africa for agencies including the World Bank, FAO, USAID and the Peace Corps.  She has held teaching or research positions at Haverford College, the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers University and Al Akhawayn University in Morocco.  Susan has a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Michigan and did post-doctoral work at Harvard.

 

She is a vivacious, witty leader who has lived and worked in Morocco for many years, fluent in the Arabic and French spoken there.  We will meet with many of her friends and colleagues, and throughout the trip she will share insights and observations with us.  Her extensive research has produced books on Moroccan women and adolescents   Many of you know her website www.marrakeshexpress.org where she shares her knowledge and collection of Moroccan textiles.  In the “Women Weavers OnLine” section she introduces a program to put women weavers on the Internet directly, and on this trip we will meet some of the women you can see on this site.  Susan looks forward to introducing you to Morocco, where she will open the doors into this fascinating society for us.

 

YOUR TOUR MANAGER

Joan Noble has been traveling the world for over 35 years and brings her curiosity, sense of humor and people skills with her wherever she goes.  Her experience in Morocco goes back many years, researching and planning programs, and accompanying groups from Massachusetts Audubon Society, Harvard Museum of Natural History, University of Colorado and many others to this magnificent and inviting country.  She previously worked and lived for many years, as a graphic designer in New York, Milan, Paris and London and brings her artistic sensitivities to each of her trips, along with her excellent organizational skills.  Morocco is a particular love of hers, and she looks forward to sharing her Morocco with you!

 

YOUR MOROCCAN GUIDE

Speaking excellent English, along with 7 other languages, Ismail Bourkadi is bright, dedicated to his chosen profession and very welcoming, a marvelous ambassador for his country. Working with Joan Noble for several years, he continues to enlighten and enchant his travelers.  He is well known and respected throughout the country by his peers, hoteliers and others, and is a very welcome member of our team.

 

YOUR TOUR OPERATOR

 

Sky Holidays in Casablanca has for many years produced excellent trips for travelers from Greece, Spain, England, Israel and Japan, as well as for  Americans.  Their delight in sharing their country with you is evidenced in the many special touches to be experienced throughout the trip.  Joan has chosen them for their professionalism and attention to detail and has worked with them for over 10 years.

 

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ITINERARY

 

DAY 01             MAY 20                        JFK – CASABLANCA

Depart on overnight flight to Casablanca.

 

DAY 02             MAY 21                        CASABLANCA—RABAT

We arrive early this morning in Casablanca, where we are met by our guide and board our deluxe, air-conditioned bus which takes us to a delicious, buffet breakfast, followed by a guided tour of the renowned Hassan II mosque, one of only two mosques in Morocco which non Muslims may enter.  Completed in 1994, with space for over 80,000 worshippers, this architectural marvel is the second-largest mosque in the world.  Our guide will discuss Islam and the unique architecture associated with one of the world’s great religions.  The calligraphy, mosaics, carved cedar panels and sheer grandeur of this holy place will hold us in awe.

 

Driving into a typical middle class neighborhood in Casablanca, we meet our first Moroccan family and experience our first taste of Moroccan hospitality.  Our hostess, Halima, taught in a women’s center with Susan Davis when Susan was in Morocco in the Peace Corps in the 1960s.  Halima and her family have prepared a delicious lunch for us, featuring family specialties, and will be pleased to answer our questions—and she may have a few of her own!

 

Bidding farewell to the family, we drive an hour north along the Atlantic coast, arriving in the capital city of Rabat.  En route, our team will describe the activities of the next several days. Arriving in Rabat, we’ll enjoy a city tour including the grounds of the royal palace, the Hassan Tower and colonnaded esplanade, and the magnificent tomb of Mohammed V, the sultan who enabled Morocco to achieve independence in 1956.

HOTEL MAJLISS             Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner=BLD

 

DAY 03             MAY 22                        RABAT

Joining us for breakfast is one of the most famous women writers of Morocco.  She’ll share her fascinating history with us, as a woman in a man’s profession—in an Islamic country.  After breakfast, we’ll stroll through the medina (old city) of Rabat.  A short walk through narrow streets lined with interesting shops will lead us to the Museum of Moroccan Arts, located in the Kasbah des Oudaias, over 1000 years old.  Kasbah means a fortified town and refers to the architecture of this place.  The museum, in opulent buildings that are part of a 17c palace, is home to a dazzling array of traditional dress and jewelry from all over the country, ancient Berber instruments and beautifully illustrated Korans. During our stroll through the neighborhoods, we can observe the differences between the layout of buildings in Europe and North Africa, see examples of the classic horseshoe arch, and pass by the oldest mosque in Rabat, dating from 1150 AD.  We walk to the nearby artisan center for a preview of the variety of crafts, following traditions of many centuries, to be seen during our trip.

 

Lunch will be in a typical restaurant.  Susan has arranged for a friend from the Women’s Action Union to join us and we’ll then visit one of their projects which benefits Moroccan women.

HOTEL MAJLISS           BLD

 

DAY 04             MAY 23                        RABAT-KHEMISSET-FES

We drive east to Khemisset and visit the weekly open-air souk, a market where rural people still purchase most of their clothes, household items and food.  The vendors, who come in from the countryside, display their wares under canvas, sheltering themselves and their products from the sun; fruits, vegetables, herbs, clothing, tools, hand-woven rugs and many other items are on sale for the local people who come to shop.  This is a market as yet undiscovered by tourism.

 

Lunch will be in the home of a family Susan has known for years, weavers who help Susan locate some of the rugs on her website.  We’ll stop to see the looms of nearby local weavers and can purchase some of their work, if desired.

 

Our drive continues through the fertile landscape to Fes, the quintessential Islamic city.  Founded in 909 AD, Fes is the intellectual and spiritual capital of today’s Morocco. We’ll stop at a ceramic workshop to see tiles, bowls and mosaics being made using traditional techniques.  Purchases can be packed for shipping or carry-on.  We arrive at our hotel in the early evening.

HOTEL WASSIM                       BLD

 

DAY 05             MAY 24                        FES

Today we enjoy a full day tour including the massive city walls, the king’s palace, the Andalucian area, a historic Koranic school or medrasa and so much more.  Lunch will be in a classic restaurant in the medina.  Later we will explore the narrow streets where no cars or trucks may enter—only donkeys, which carry produce, materials, and any other items requiring transport in or out of the medina.  We see coffee shops filled with men in their djellabas (classic hooded robes), deep in conversation, carts selling nougat and colorful prayer candles, mounds of fragrant mint and shops where woodcarvings, clothing and jewelry are sold.  Entering the extraordinary world of the leather tanneries, we climb several flights of stairs for a dramatic view of the dye vats below, with men working them as they have for centuries.  The surrounding rooftops are spread with drying skins in a myriad of brilliant colors.

HOTEL WASSIM                       BLD

 

DAY 06             MAY 25                        FES – MIDELT

Our drive south, about 2 hours, takes us through the green countryside into the Middle Atlas Mountains.  Our destination is the tiny village of Ben Smim, where we are greeted by Habiba, another of Susan’s friends, She and other women of the village have prepared lunch for us and we’ll talk about their trials and successes in taking  their traditional weavings to the internet.  Susan has assisted them in their marketing efforts.  Go to Susan’s www.marrakeshexpress.org and click on Women Weavers Online for more information and photos.  You will see Habiba and other women we will meet.

 

After lunch, we continue south for a few hours, through several dramatic and every-changing geological areas, across agricultural plains and over forested mountains.  We’ll enter the lush cedar forests near Azrou, and can stop for a walk to look for the Barbary apes which often can be seen foraging on the ground or sitting in the trees—a sight unexpected in Morocco!  Our bus climbs into the Middle Atlas Mountains, where the landscape changes yet again.  Moorlands, granite outcroppings, brooding skies and sheep pastures are reminiscent of the British Isles.  Arriving in the thriving town of Midelt, we go to our charming hotel, a modern reconstruction of a traditional kasbah.  You may choose to relax around the lovely pool or take an optional walk through the small medina to see local minerals, madder root for dying wool and other local products.

HOTEL KASBAH ASMAA          BLD

 

DAY 07             MAY 26                        MIDELT-ERFOUD-MERZOUGA

Heading further south, we witness yet another geological change as we enter the dramatic Ziz Valley, often called “The Grand Canyon of Morocco”.  The River Ziz has cut a deep gorge through the Atlas Mountains, creating magnificent scenery.  We climb high into the mountains and descend into valleys of green oases.  Stopping in the desert town of Erfoud, we change to Land Rovers to make our way into the Sahara.  After an hour’s drive, we arrive in Merzouga in time for a sunset camel ride into the towering, majestic dunes of the Sahara.  This is the Erg Chebbi, the largest area of sand dunes in Morocco.  The stars become bright in the darkening sky and huge masses of sand rise up before us as we ride into the dunes.  As the sun sets, the desert around us is transformed: the light on the sand changes from beige to orange to ochre to purple—a stunning experience.  Dinner under a Berber tent awaits us, complete with music and dance. 

 

There are two choices for an overnight.  (Remember you are now in the desert, where it is likely to be very hot.)  You may choose to spend the night in a Berber tent, with mats on carpets over the sand; full bathrooms are available in the adjoining small hotel (which is also hot, no air conditioning) OR return to the town of Erfoud, after the dinner and music, to stay in a charming and comfortable air-conditioned hotel.  Our 2005 trip stayed at the desert hotel , some in tents and some in rooms, and it was so hot no one slept—but we laughed a lot, between dragging our mats around looking for a breeze and covering ourselves with sheets when a small sand storm came up.  You must decide this tent option before we leave the US in order to secure the space.  There is a small supplemental charge for this option to cover the additional Land Rover transport back to Erfoud.  The desert group would return to Erfoud in Land Rovers and meet up with those at the Erfoud hotel the following morning after breakfast.

HOTEL  XALUCA (Erfoud) or AUBERGE DU SUD (in the dunes)       BLD

 

DAY 08             MAY 27                        MERZOUGA –TINERHIR-TODRA-SKOURA

After breakfast, those who stayed in the desert will visit an area rich in fossils; they can easily be seen underfoot.  Returning to Erfoud, we change to our bus, pick up those at the hotel, and drive on to Tinerhir, a town along the road of the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.  We drive a short distance into the stunning Todra Gorge, where we’ll walk along the riverbed into the gorge to have lunch beside a clear stream. Returning to Tinerhir, we’ll visit a Berber carpet shop.  Here we will have the time to learn about the carpets we’ve seen along the way; they have an exceptional collection of all types.  Susan will talk about the various styles, colors, designs and concepts as we are shown typical examples—while sipping the ubiquitous mint tea, the classic offering of hospitality in Morocco.  Rugs can be purchased and either shipped home, or packed for carrying on the plane.  Be sure to bring color swatches and measurements from home—you will find yourself irresistibly drawn to a carpet--or two!  Our 2005 folks were totally smitten with the rugs and bought several each!!!

 

Our drive will continue along the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs toward the oasis town of Skoura.  We spend tonight in a beautifully -renovated Kasbah that originally housed many families and was fortified against raiders from the desert.

HOTEL BEN MORO                   BLD

 

DAY 09             MAY 28                        SKOURA-MARRAKECH

Susan has prepared another enjoyable and informative experience for us at the nearby village of Zawiyat Tidrhest.  We can visit the homes, the literacy classroom for women, the combined pre-school/Koranic school and the inspiring small museum they have created.  The women here worked with a U.S. development organization, the Near East Foundation, which helped them set up cooperatives for weaving, raising chickens and other income-generating projects.  They’ll demonstrate their weaving techniques, which we can also try.  Rugs, wall hangings, embroideries, charming and interesting small paintings can be purchased.  We’ll discuss the economic development with the members of the local village association, made up of both men and women.  Other villagers will prepare lunch for us and join our group.

 

Bidding farewell to these hospitable and enterprising people, we head for Marrakech.  We drive through Ouarzazate, the administrative center for most of the south, and gateway to the southern oases, but better known for its film industry.  “The Gladiator”, “The Mummy” and “Sahara” are some recently made here.  We climb up and over the High Atlas Mountains through the Tiz-n-Tichka pass, at 7400 feet, through the ever-changing gorgeous landscape into Marrakech.

 

With its red walls, the great souk, ancient monuments and blue backdrop of the often snow-covered High Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is one of the world’s most distinctive cities.  Compared with the European flavor of Casablanca, and the Arab character of Fes, Marrakech moves to the beat of an African drum.  The exciting square of J’ma el Fna awaits us, taking us back 2000 years in time.  Storytellers, clairvoyants, snake charmers, trance dancers and water sellers in traditional dress abound; enticing aromas add to the rich texture—the colors and pulse of Morocco.

HOTEL KENZI SEMIRAMIS                    BLD

 

DAY 10             MAY 29                        MARRAKECH

We spend a full day exploring this exciting city—the Koutoubia Mosque, 14th c Ben Youssef Medersa (an ancient university) and of course the fabulous souk, filled with stalls and shops selling olives and preserved lemons, dried figs and dates; workshops of handcrafted wood, leather and brass, both decorative and practical.  An informative visit to a gallery selling the very best of the crafts will educate us as to what we’ll see in the other shops, and help us to judge the various qualities available. We’ll visit a fascinating Berber pharmacy to learn of ancient and current curative practices, medicines, and spices.  This is a great place to purchase gifts!

 

Our stroll continues through the narrow streets, giving us a sense of the pace of daily life.  We may see a young boy or girl taking the family’s bread to the community bakery, veiled women in djellabas, children playing and people coming to and going from the many neighborhood mosques.  All this accompanied by delicious smells wafting from open windows of living quarters hidden behind the walls, with perhaps a contented cat asleep on a window sill.

HOTEL KENZI SEMIRAMIS                    BLD

 

DAY 11             MAY 30                        MARRAKECH

You have the entire day at leisure to spend relaxing at the hotel pool, or exploring the streets and markets on your own.  Our guide is always available to suggest activities and restaurants for you.

HOTEL KENZI SEMIRAMIS                    B

 

DAY 12             MAY 31                        MARRAKECH-ESSAOUIRA

We’ll visit the beautiful Majorelle Gardens this morning, a peaceful oasis in town recreated by French couturier Yves St. Laurent; his villa adjoins the garden.  It is part of the former residence of French painter Louis Majorelle.  The Islamic Art Museum, within the garden walls, houses a small collection of exquisite artifacts selected by St. Laurent.

 

A two hour drive takes us west to Essaouira, on the Atlantic coast.  Long known as Mogador, from the Phoenician word migdal, or lookout tower, it has been home to Phoenicians, Romans, Portuguese, and a large Jewish population, including the father of Benjamin Disraeli.  The Romans were interested in the purple dye extracted from local shellfish.  Pliny the Elder wrote of the dye’s power to pacify the gods, and describes its use with gold in ceremonial dress reserved for royalty.  Essaouira is also the location where Orson Welles’ “Othello” was filmed, and has long been a destination for artists and musicians from all over the world.  You can even see Bob Marley’s room in our hotel!

 

We’ll enjoy a delicious seafood lunch along the oceanfront.   Essaouira is charming: a clear blue sky accents the white shops and houses; motorized traffic is not permitted in most of the narrow streets.  We’ll stroll through town and along the colorful harbor, stopping to admire the plethora of crafts spilling out of tiny shops and the many art galleries.

HOTEL RIAD EL MEDINA           BL

 

DAY 13             JUNE 01           ESSAOUIRA

The whole day is for your exploring pleasure, to have coffee or mint tea in the squares to watch the world pass by, shop in the many  stalls and stores offering hand made slippers, antiques, jewelry, rugs—or perhaps stroll through the small souk and admire the beautiful displays of spices and fish fresh from the port.  Photo opportunities abound!

HOTEL RIAD EL MEDINA           B

 

DAY 14             JUNE 02           ESSAOUIRA –CASABLANCA

Mid morning we leave this special place and drive north towards Casablanca, stopping for lunch at a delightful restaurant on the beach.  The colorful garden is worth the stop!  We arrive in Casablanca late afternoon, allowing us time for last minute organizing and packing.  A farewell dinner is planned for this evening.

HOTEL   HYATT REGENCY       BLD

 

DAY 15             JUNE 03           CASABLANCA--USA

We leave the hotel this morning and transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S., taking with us memories and new friendships that will last a lifetime.           B

 

NOTE: Our itinerary has been carefully constructed to assure participants of the best Morocco has to offer.  However, should events arise that are beyond our control, itinerary, activities, hotel arrangements, etc. are subject to change without notice.  Be assured we will make substitutions that are as similar in quality and interest as possible.                                                                                                                                    10/10/05

 

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PRICES:

 

$2,793 PER PERSON, IN DOUBLE ROOM, land only, minimum of 11 travelers

 

$470 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT if you desire to room alone, if available.

 

$60 PER PERSON SUPPLEMENT FOR NIGHT IN DESERT TENT OPTION

 (no single available) Susan and Joan would be happy to discuss this option with you, so don’t hesitate to ask us questions!  Contact information at the end of this document.

 

AIRFARE is estimated at approximately $750 pp from JFK, round trip, on Royal Air Maroc; it often can be found for less closer to the date.  (We always use this airline going to Morocco as it is the only non-stop flight from the U.S, and is a good airline.)  The trip begins the morning of May 21 at 7:00 a.m., when the Royal Air Maroc plane arrives from JFK.  If you fly in via Europe, the flights arrive only after 11:00 a..m. Should you decide to do this, you must arrive the day before. We can also give you the name of our air consolidator to assist you in getting the best fare.

 

EARLY ARRIVAL: We can make hotel and transfer arrangements for you if you want to arrive before May 21.  Many travelers like to come a day or two in advance to relax and get over jet lag.

 

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

  • All hotels as indicated
  • All meals as indicated  (B=15, L=11, D=9)
  • Deluxe air-conditioned private bus/driver with assistant to aid in baggage handling
  • Bottled water in bus
  • Land Rovers for Sahara tour
  • Special English-speaking guide
  • Anthropologist Susan Schaefer Davis as Study Leader
  • Joan Noble as Tour Manager
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees
  • Sunset camel ride in Sahara
  • Specially-arranged home visits & meals in several villages
  • Special meetings and talks with local women leaders
  • Weaving demonstrations
  • Private reading by Moroccan author
  • Baggage handling
  • Taxes and services in restaurants and hotels

 

 

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • Air fare
  • Optional desert overnight stay in comfortable tent $60
  • Meals not included
  • Items of a personal nature (i.e. phone calls, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc.)
  • Tips for guide and drivers

 

10/10/05

 

ADDITIONAL COSTS

    Additional meals are approximately $25.00 per person for a full dinner.   The guide and your tour leaders are always available to make dinner recommendations and assist in every way to make your trip enjoyable.

    Tipping is recommended but optional to guide and driver. Suggested tips are $6 a day for the guide and $4 a day for the driver.

 

A NOTE ABOUT HOTELS

We have chosen comfortable, centrally located 3, 4 and 5 star hotels in the cities.  The country hotels are the best available; we have included ones of architectural and cultural interest.

 

FITNESS AND HEALTH

The trip is not strenuous, and anyone who is reasonably fit and in good health should be able to participate. The international flight from JFK/New York City is six-and-a-half hours. Some days the group will spend several hours in a vehicle traveling between destinations. Rest stops and photo stops are planned approximately every two hours.

 

The maximum altitude you will reach on this trip is about 10,000 feet above sea level, while crossing over the mountains. If you have any questions about your ability to participate in this trip, please contact us for more information.

 

You should also be aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available during all or part of your trip. This could include emergency medical care, presence of physicians, or adequate medication.  Each participant must be covered by medical insurance that is valid overseas. We urge you to take out trip cancellation and interruption insurance, available through Joan Noble Inc., or other carriers (see Insurance category on Conditions & Responsibilities by scrolling down past the Reservation Form).

 

 10/10/05

 

 

 

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(scroll down to reservation form, etc.)


 
                         RESERVATION FORM

Please print from tour title through signature lines below and send with payment

 

OPENING DOORS IN MOROCCO

 

May 20-June3, 2006

 

Make check payable to, and mail reservation form and deposit to:

JOAN NOBLE, INC.

 5435 E. Placita del Mesquite

 Tucson, AZ 85712

 (800) 566-9228

 jungljoan@yahoo.com

 

Please reserve_______spaces on May 01-June 3, 2006 trip

 I (We) have enclosed a deposit of $500 per person, for a total deposit of _________________________

Names of persons traveling______________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

(For those traveling together, but having separate mailing addresses, please provide each address and telephone number.)

 Address _________________________________________________________________________

 City _____________________________________ State _________ Zip ______________________

 Home telephone ________________________ Business telephone ____________________________

 E-mail________________________________ Fax _______________________________________

 

 

__ I am traveling alone and would like to share a room. If possible, please assign a roommate.

 I understand that, in the event none is available, the single supplement of $470 will be charged.

 (if available, I would prefer a ___? smoking ___? non-smoking roommate).

 

 __ I would like to room alone and pay the additional charge of $470

 

I (We) have read and accept the policy of Deposits, Cancellations and Refunds and the Statements of Conditions and Responsibilities.

 

I (We) have been advised to purchase personal, medical, trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency evacuation insurance by Susan Davis/Joan Noble, Inc.

 

 

 Signature ____________________________________________ Date ____________________

 

Signature ____________________________________________ Date ____________________

 

 

A parent or guardian must sign if the applicant is under 21 years of age.

 

Please make a copy of this completed form for your records.                                                                  10/10/05

 

CONDITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Please keep for your information

 

JOAN NOBLE INC. (JNI) organizes, promotes, and sells travel programs and travel services that it purchases from other suppliers. The suppliers are independent contractors and are not agents or employees of SUSAN DAVIS (SD)/ JNI. They supply services that include, but are not limited to, transportation, accommodations, meals, and excursions using local guides. While we endeavor to make travel arrangements with reputable suppliers, SD/JNI is not responsible for the willful or negligent acts and/or omissions of such suppliers, their employees, agents, servants, or representatives, including, without limitation, their failure or inadequate delivery of services. All travel and arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the suppliers, air carriers and/or applicable governing laws. SD/JNI and the suppliers providing transportation or any service can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to but not limited to delay, inconvenience, changes to or cancellation of itinerary, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, terrorism, defects in vehicles, breakdown in equipment, any act, omission, negligence or other causes beyond their control. All such losses or expenses will be borne by the passenger, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. SD/JNI is not responsible for expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip (i.e.: air tickets, visa/passport fees, equipment, medical expenses, individual transfers, etc.).

 

Assumption of Risk: I am voluntarily participating in the trip with knowledge that it involves some inherent risks and danger including, but not limited to, forces of nature, terrorism, civil unrest, strikes, wild animals, theft, cancellation or changes in itinerary, negligent action of others or their agencies, or means of conveyance or accommodation which may not be operated nor maintained to standards common in the United States. This includes health-related issues, and I am aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible during all or part of my trip. This includes emergency medical care, presence of physicians, and adequate medication. It is the passenger’s responsibility to judge the appropriateness of the travel activities to their own physical capabilities. By forwarding the deposit, the passenger certifies they agree with these terms and conditions and that they do not have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create hazard for them or other passengers. SD/JNI and its suppliers take no responsibility for special arrangements or problems incurred by passengers unable to participate in the planned activities. The right is reserved to decline any person as a member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the tour at any time.

 

INSURANCE:  You must be covered by medical insurance that is valid overseas. We strongly recommend that you obtain travel insurance as well, including coverage for trip cancellation, loss and theft of baggage, and emergency evacuation. SD/JNI cannot be responsible for these expenses. JNI offers insurance through Travel Insured International; contact us for additional information.  AccessAmerica and TravelGuard are other reliable agencies. You may also use your own insurance; check with your agent to be sure all eventualities are covered.

 

CHANGES IN SERVICES

Rates: Rates are based on tariffs, U.S. exchange rates and supplier fees in effect at the time of printing. We reserve the right to alter our prices. Individual transfers for those traveling independently are not included in the land cost unless otherwise stated. If the group falls below the minimum paying passenger requirement, the expedition is subject to cancellation or re-pricing.

 

Itinerary: SD/JNI reserves the right to cancel or make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in its judgment, conditions warrant, without consulting the participants. Participants have no right to any refund or other considerations in the event of these itinerary changes. SD/JNI reserves the right to cancel any tour before departure, in which case a full refund of all amounts paid to SD/JNI will be made.

 

The supplier(s) for your trip can include, but are not limited to: SKY HOLIDAYS, CASABLANCA. The above conditions and responsibilities also apply in full to the supplier(s), SD/JNI and their representatives.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

SD/JNI may cancel the trip at any time; a full refund of payments sent to them will be returned to clients who paid.  Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure. If client cancels without written notification to JNI by 60 days prior to departure, the deposit is forfeited. If client cancels in writing 59-46 days prior to departure, $350 will be deducted from the deposit to cover administrative costs. If client cancels 45 days or less prior to departure, there will be no refund. There are no refunds on any service/activity during trip which client does not use.

 

ARBITRATION

Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the performance thereunder, including without limitation any claim related to bodily injury, property damage or death, shall be settled by binding arbitration in Tucson, AZ, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association and AZ law. This agreement to arbitrate does not waive or modify the liability relates contained in the foregoing paragraph.

 

RELEASE OF LIABILITY

 As a condition of acceptance each participant understands and has agreed to all information above and the following release of liability. I/We have carefully read the schedule of activities, requirements, the “Conditions and Responsibilities” provided by the brochure, and I/we are aware that the tour involves the risk of personal injury, death or loss (damage) to property. In consideration of the benefits derived by the trip, I/we voluntarily recognize and accept all risks thereof. I/we understand and agree on behalf of myself, my dependents, heirs, executors, and assigns, to release and hold harmless SD/JNI and any of its officers, employees, agents, or representatives, from any and all claims, including but not limited to liability for delays, monetary damages, illness, injuries, death, or for the loss of or damage to property resulting directly or indirectly from any occurrences or conditions. I/we agree to abide by the conditions set forth under the “Conditions and Responsibilities” and other sections as stated herein or elsewhere published. I/we affirm that I/we are covered by medical insurance which is valid overseas. I/we affirm that I/we have not relied on any additional oral or written representation of SD/JNI or their suppliers for executing this release. I/we further acknowledge receipt of this release and I/we understand and accept its terms and conditions. Any questions I/we had concerning this release have been answered to my full satisfaction.

Details as of 10/10/05

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

 

To email us with questions, please click here.   But if you would like to discuss the trip, or need immediate answers, please telephone Joan Noble at (800) 566-9228 after November 7, 2005, or contact Susan and/or Joan at the following email addresses.

 

SUSAN DAVIS can be reached at   sdavis@uslink.net

JOAN NOBLE can be reached at    jungljoan@yahoo.com