OPENING DOORS IN MOROCCO 2010

                          Photo by Jenay Katkowsky (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.

 

             Photo by Susan Schaefer Davis

 

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

 

 

 

 

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 Jenay Katkowsky

 

 

 

“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 (note wires and satellite dish). 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Jenay Katkowsky

 

 

 

 

 

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 Susan Schaefer Davis

 

 

 

 

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 Susan Schaefer Davis

 

 

 

 

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!

 

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

 • Casablanca

 • Fes

 • The Sahara

• Marrakech

 • Essaouira

 • Optional overnight in Berber tents in the Sahara

 • Desert camel ride

 Small group is limited to 14 travelers

(SCROLL TO BOTTOM FOR RESERVATION FORM)

COMMENTS FROM PREVIOUS TRIPS

For the past several years we have taken small groups on similar trips with great success. Some comments have been:

“I liked the opportunity to meet with many different types of Moroccan people, to visit their non-profits, and the wonderful opportunities to photograph.” Ann Steiner, NYC

“The breadth and variety of experience from very small, personal village visits to big city markets was priceless.”

“Excellent trip, with wonderful staff and varied experiences. We had great food, great interactions with people on all levels, and the warmth of the Moroccan people was felt by all.” Kathy H.

“ I thought it was a very well-organized tour, and very good value for money.”

“Good info pre-trip, great staff, large bus gave us space to spread out. Loved the smaller hotels……Traveling felt much, much safer than I expected – meaning merchants were not in my face. People on the streets just ignored us. I never felt unsafe, even when by myself.”

“It was great to learn about people’s lives, and their thoughts about their culture.” Joan, university professor

"The trip was fascinating and far exceeded my expectations... One of the many highlights for me was being invited into the homes of ordinary (although in fact, far from ordinary, as it turned out) Moroccans...who opened their homes and hearts to us." Chrissie T.

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.  She will open the doors into this fascinating society for us to meet many of her friends and colleagues. Her work there 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.

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 29                             JFK – CASABLANCA

Depart on overnight flight to Casablanca.

DAY 02      MAY 30                             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 breakfast. We then have 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 our study leader Susan Davis when she was in the Peace Corps in the 1960s.  Halima and her family have prepared a delicious lunch for us, 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 guide and Susan will describe the activities of the next several days. We’ll enjoy a tour of Rabat that includes 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 CHELLAH             Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner = BLD

DAY 03      MAY 31                              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.  Wonderful photo opportunities abound along the way: carved doors, flowers against the white and blue walls, cats asleep on windowsills. 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. 

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 CHELLAH           BLD

DAY 04      JUNE 1                              RABAT-KHEMISSET-FES

We drive east to Khemisset and visit the weekly open-air souk, a market where rural people still purchase their supplies.  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.

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.  We arrive at our hotel in the early evening.

HOTEL ROYAL MIRAGE             BLD

DAY 05      JUNE 2                             FES

Today we enjoy a full day tour including the massive city walls, the king’s palace, the Andalucian area, a Koranic school or medrasa for young children 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 ROYAL MIRAGE          BL

DAY 06      JUNE 3                               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. We enjoy a 20 minute stroll through the beautiful countryside, past orchards and fields, wild lavender and daisies in bloom, sheep and goats watching us from a hill, and arrive at the farmhouse of Susan's friend Habiba. The women of the household have prepared a deliciouslunch for us and we’ll talk about their trials and successes in selling  their traditional weavings. Susan has assisted them in their marketing efforts.  Visit Susan’s website 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 ever-changing geological areas, from agricultural plains through forested mountains to the desert.  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.  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      JUNE 4                            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.  You may choose to spend the night in a Berber tent, sleeping on foam rubber mats, with sheets, on carpets over the sand; full bathrooms are available in the adjoining small hotel (which can be hot, as there is no air conditioning) OR return to Erfoud, after the dinner and music, to stay in an 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 about this tent option before we leave the US in order to secure the space.  There is a small supplemental charge ($60 per person) for this option.  The rest of the group would meet up with those at the Erfoud hotel the following morning after breakfast.

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

DAY 08      JUNE 5                           MERZOUGA –TINERHIR-TODRA-SKOURA

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 in 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 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      JUNE 6                          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, and charming and interesting small local paintings can be purchased.  We’ll discuss economic development with the members of the local village association, made up of both men and women.  Other villagers will prepare lunch for us.

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”, "Sahara" and “Lost in Translation” 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 landscapes 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      JUNE 7                             MARRAKECH

We begin the day with a visit to the beautiful Majorelle Gardens. Originally the home of French painter Jacques Majorelle, it was purchased and reovated by French couturier Yves St. Laurent, whose villa is adjacent. The Islamic Museum within the gardens contains a choice collection of Moroccan artifacts.

We'll continue exploring this exciting city—the Koutoubia Mosque, 14^th 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, and 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. A highlight will be our visit of the Bert Flint museum, a private collection of the best of Moroccan artifacts.

HOTEL KENZI SEMIRAMIS                    BL

DAY 11      JUNE 8                             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      JUNE 9                            MARRAKECH-ESSAOUIRA

A three and a half hour drive takes us west to Essaouira, on the Atlantic coast.  We stop to visit a women's argan oil co-op, producing food and beauty products from this indigenous nut. 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, or murex.  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 BLD

DAY 13      JUNE 10                       ESSAOUIRA

The whole day is for your exploring pleasure, to have coffee or mint tea in the squares and 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 11                    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   ROYAL MANSOUR       BLD

DAY 15      JUNE 12                   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

PLEASE NOTE: Changes in content, pacing, hotels, etc., may occur due to circumstances beyond our control. Be assured we strive to make necessary changes equal or superior to original plans..                                                                                                                                   

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PRICES:

$2975 per person (less than the 2008 price, and REDUCED from $3,165)
in double room, LAND ONLY, based on 11-14 travelers
If fewer than 11 sign up, there will be a small supplement charged in order not to cancel the trip. Clients will be advised.

$495 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 is at the end of this document.

AIRFARE is estimated at approximately $950 pp from JFK, round trip, on Royal Air Maroc. Royal Air Maroc is the only airline flying direct to Casablanca from the US. The trip begins the morning of May 30 at 7:00 a.m., when the Royal Air Maroc plane arrives from JFK.  Other airlines fly to Casablanca via Europe, arriving the following day around noon or later, so you would need to arrive in Casablanca a day early. Many of our travelers come in a day or two early to beat jet lag, so this flight arrangement would work.

EARLY ARRIVAL: We can make hotel and transfer arrangements for you if you want to arrive early.   The cost for this is $165 double, $193 single per night.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• All hotels as indicated
• All meals as indicated  (B=14, 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
• Special visit to Bert Flint Museum
• 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:

• International air fare
• Meals not included in itinerary
• Items of a personal nature (i.e. phone calls, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc.)
• Tips for guide and drivers

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, $4 a day for the driver and $1 a day for his assistant.

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. It is strongly recommended that each traveler be covered by trip cancellation, interruption, medical and emergency evacuation insurance. Noble Journeys recommends, but is not responsible for, insurance through Travel Insured International.

PRICES BASED ON CURRENCY EXCHANGE AS OF TODAY'S DATE

7/19/2009

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                        RESERVATION FORM

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

OPENING DOORS IN MOROCCO

May 29-June 12, 2010

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

NOBLE JOURNEYS
5435 E. Placita del Mesquite
Tucson, AZ 85712

(800) 566-9228 or (520) 271-2011
joan@noblejourneys.com

Please reserve ___ spaces.

 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 __________________________________________________ Home telephone__________________________

 City __________________________ State _________ Zip __________ Business telephone_________________________

 E-mail____________________________________________________ Cell telephone_____________________________

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 $495 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 $495.

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.
Click here for link to travel insurance.

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.                                                                  7/19/2009

 

CONDITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Please keep for your information

NOBLE JOURNEYS (NJ) 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)/ NJ. 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/NJ 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/NJ 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/NJ 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/NJ 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/NJ cannot be responsible for these expenses. Noble Journeys recommends, but is not responsible for, policies through Travel Insured Interntional at www.travelinsured.com or (800) 243-3174. Our agency # is 46716.

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/NJ 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/NJ reserves the right to cancel any tour before departure, in which case a full refund of all amounts paid to SD/NJ 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/NJ and their representatives.

CANCELLATION POLICY

SD/NJ 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 NJ 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/NJ 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/NJ 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.

7/19/2009

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

SUSAN DAVIS can be reached at   sdavis@uslink.net

JOAN NOBLE can be reached at    joan@noblejourneys.com

7/19/09J