“Walking the Prosecco Hills” – Veneto to the Dolomites

Please note that this is not a hiking trip, but rather the Italian art of “slow travel” experience, which includes daily walks amidst cultural wonders.

July 3 – 10, 2024

Price listed below the daily itinerary

Join our new Sparkling Adventure with bubbly fun deep into the vineyards and breathtaking mountains of Italy’s Veneto region. Wineries, llamas, spas and alps, oh my! It begins in the hidden gem of captivating beauty of the Prosecco Hills, now declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each day we explore the unblemished scenery in meadows of wildflowers and charming historic villages. Our AFS Grape Escape is for travelers seeking something off the ordinary tourist paths in Europe.

Highlights: Prosecco sparkling wines, dry or sweet, produced by special fermentation, are the trending beverage now. Savor tastings at world-renowned wineries. Italy invented slow food and slow travel. You’ll love our Slow Walk with Llamas, perfect companions for our stroll into the foothills. Our Agro dairy & cheese tour takes us to a Buffalo Farm where mozzarella is produced. Tour the canals and piazzas of the dreamy, floating city of Venice, Italy’s most popular destination. Our home here in the province of Treviso is a stay in an enchanting castle hotel with 2000 years of history. We journey onward into pristine Alpine scenery of verdant valleys, shimmering lakes and blue waterfalls surrounded by the dramatic Italian Alps. The majestic Dolomite mountain range, famous for its peaks and diverse fauna, is another World Heritage Site for its stark beauty. Our summer base is in the glamorous town of Cortina, a home of Winter Olympics and the queen of the Dolomites National Park. Follow our mountain guides who lead us here on some of the world’s finest hiking paths among nature in her finest glory. Adrenaline seekers can opt for a magical paragliding experience off a mountain for spectacular photos. Take a cooking class at a local culinary school to savor the mouthwatering cuisines of northern Italy.

Our wellness spa Hotel Faloria offers the essence of luxury for you to immerse yourself in the healing waters of it’s expansive spa. This vacation is the perfect blend of relaxation, fitness, cultural discoveries, food and wine. It won’t come around again. Join our soft adventure into Venice, Burano, Conegliano, Zuel, Cortina and a dozen towns in between. It’s the perfect ‘aperitivo’to the extraordinary. Andiamo!

Our Glorious AFS Itinerary

Click here for the Trip Tips

Click for PDF printable itinerary

July 3 – Depart USA to Venice (Details soon in Trip Tips)

July 4 – Ciao Italia!

Upon arrival, take the free hotel shuttle and settle in for a comfy stay at Courtyard Venice Airport Hotel

Address: Via Triestina 170, Venice Tessera, Italy, 30173. Ideally located 300 ft (less than a football field) from Venice Marco Polo Airport.

July 5 – Full day tour Hidden Venice & Burano

After breakfast, we head out early to maximize our time for tours. Many of you have been to dreamy Venice before but who wouldn’t want to return! We transfer to Cannaregio station to board a boat into Venice proper. Our guided tour begins in the legendary St Marks Square. On our guided walking tour, we view the famous Basilica, Doges Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Then we venture into the back alleyways for some authenticity that few tourists have yet to discover – Church of Madonna, Jewish Ghetto, the House of Tintoretto, Venetian Squero or gondola boat yard where gondolas are made and more. (We’ll give you some free time to refuel on cappuccino and explore on your own. You may get a ticket for a gondola ride or entrance into Doges Palace if time permits.)

Then, we transfer to Fondamente Nove. This up and coming quayside area is interesting to view the ordinary life of Venetians without any tourists. Here we board our vaporetto boat and cruise to the North Lagoon with exceptional views of Venice. Arrive to charming Burano. The vibrant colored houses make it a photographer’s delight. Stroll the quaint streets and then enjoy an Italian lunch fresh from the Adriatic Sea.

Afternoon transfer 50km at 1.5 hours by coach to our wonderful retreat in the Prosecco Hills. After we check in to Castle Brando, meet at the Faun Terrace for aperitivo and breathtaking views. Then get to know your fellow AFS Travelers over a Welcome Dinner of delectable cuisines.

Overnight: CastelBrando B,L,D

Castel Brando is one of the largest and oldest castles in Europe. It dominates the Prosecco hills, recently a UNESCO World Heritage Site, halfway between Venice and the Dolomites between Cison di Valmarino and Follina, elected among the most beautiful villages in Italy. CastelBrando is a national historic monument. The careful restoration has brought to light the original beauty of a place with 2000 years of history, home to nobles and illustrious leaders over the centuries. ROH (please note that historic European properties have different categories of twin bedded rooms. Run of house means our rooms may differ.)

July 6 – Buffalos & Bubblies! Borgoluce Wine Tasting, Prosecco

After breakfast, we coach to the family-run Borgoluce farm and vineyard to learn about dairy and cheese-making. The 1000-hector agricultural estate lies in the heart of beautiful Veneto region. They take food and wine seriously to unparalleled heights of internationally renowned “Prosecco Superiore” culture. See meadows, orchards, vineyards, mills and dairies working as they have with a thousand-year history in the rich soil here.

The Farm – We begin with a guided educational farm tour to learn about the principles of organic and biodynamic farming. It’s all about slow food now in Italy…pasta made from ancient grains, the finest olive oils, honey and nuts. Meet the free-range chickens, pigs and cows. At the modern Buffalo Shed, learn from the dairymen how mozzarella is produced. Explore the organic garden and small museum.

The Winery – After a walk through the estate and vineyards, we indulge in a wine-tasting experience complemented by delicious food pairings! This estate is the region where the first natural sparkling wines began. Free time to shop for a wonderful array of organic products and wines to ship home. This experience will make you passionate about food and wine.

Walking Tour – Conegliano, in the province of Treviso, is a charming town with a rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Conegliano has it all. We begin a guided walking tour from Corso Vittorio Emmanuel outside the defensive walls known as Refosso. View important monuments such as the 17^th century Church of San Rocco, Piazza Cima, Fountain of Neptune, Dantes Gate, academy theater and many sites in the old town. It has some charming shops and cafés to explore. The town offers cool Vespa tours, E-bikes, picnic hikes and rafting.

Overnight: Castel Brando. B, wine tasting and snacks

July 7 – Grape Escape & Llama Trek

We start the day with a delightful hike into the Prosecco Hills to Pianezze with Slow Llama Tours. Enjoy a Slow Walk with four or five llamas through picturesque forests high in the foothills. Our guide will commentate an interesting fact about the surrounding nature of this region and you’ll get plenty of great “selfies” with your llama. After our group slow walk, you may choose to continue on your own and hike up to the charming mountain town and farm of Malga Mariech for a delicious lunch.

Onto a sparkling afternoon to Parco della Filandetta, a place of wine, nature and art. Stroll the vineyards and admire the art installation set in lush gardens. Tour the Bortolomiol’s Winemaking Cellars family estate. In the wine cellars, an oenologist will teach us about the production here of some of Italy’s finest organic wines. Time for tastings and gourmet bites. You’ll discover five of the best, from dry to sparkling Prosecco wines.

Transfer back to our hotel for your evening free. The Castel Brando, a grand medieval castle, provides a truly unique stay in a hamlet of the Prosecco Hills. The terraces offer stunning panoramic views of the valleys. The gardens are perfect for walking and horse rides. Enjoy the Roman spa, hot tub and pool. Dining halls with 16^th century décor. Three restaurants, wood fire pizzas, a gelato parlor and several bars. See the wine cellars. There’s even a museum and art gallery.

Overnight: Castel Brando B, wine & snacks

July 8 – Cortina: Guided Mountain Hikes & Cooking Class

We check out and head to the town of Cortina, home of the Dolomites – there are a few alpine walks that encompass a region so entirely stunning as the circuit through the dramatic spires of the Dolomites in northern Italy. Our base is from the lively ski town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. It is flanked by the distinctive peaks of Tre Cine, the forest of alpine lakes of Sextener to the WW I bunkers in the Tofane massif. Visitors from around the world come here to hike or walk the breathtaking alpine scenery within the valleys and mountains of pure star beauty.

Glamorous resort town of Cortina – Will host the 2026 Winter Olympics! Host of the 1956 Winter Olympic Games and defined solely in terms of chic and ski, Cortina is a glitzy, glam symbol both on the Italian and international scenes it’s a top destination for mountain and nature enthusiasts, as well as those in search of winter sport activity and, in general, fun. There’s about 250 shops where shoppers can find Italian high fashion as the best of Made in Italy, in addition to local artisan goods, art, jewelry and antiques. Corso Italia, Cortina’s thriving center, is one of the best-known shopping streets on the Peninsula, always teeming with tourists admiring the shop windows and nibling in cafes with trendy locales that line the Corso.

Check into our 5-star hotel. Faloria Mountain Spa Resort, in the quaint village of Zuel, is the perfect retreat for mind, body and soul, www.floriasparesort.com. The alpine design by Flaviano Architetti is “Nordic elegance,” and our renowned chef Giovanni here has won culinary awards. Guests are offered free access to the spa areas and shuttle vans into the town of Cortina. It features a large spa area with heated swimming pool, Turkish bath, sauna and unique spa treatments. Rooms include a balcony with terrace or garden views. Our spa resort is located at the base of the Olympic ski jump near the Faloria chairlifts. Also nearby is Skyline Cortina for summer chairlifts and cable cars to explore the Dolomites!

In the afternoon, we embark on a guided hike with our mountain guides into the National Park of the Dolomites. There are countless trails from easy to difficult. We chose the best for you – the iconic Cinque Torre loop! We ride up cable cars from Refugio Scoiatti. It passes the historic WW I bunker sites. We exit at the Great War Cinque Hiking Trail. Here we do soft hiking with little elevation gain. Then we loop around the 5 famous Towers. The walk takes 1.5 to 2 hours. We break to enjoy a picnic lunch. Guides will determine an average distance of 1 to 2 miles, tailored best for our group. Some can choose to climb up higher elevation to 400 feet. Later we ride cable cars down and transfer to our fabulous mountain retreat.

Later, it’s time for cooking and good chewing. We visit Franz Joseph Stube Restaurant to learn the art of slow cooking from a team of skilled local chefs. Mangia-magia! Time to enjoy our fresh Italian dinner we crafted from scratch.

Overnight: Hotel Faloria Spa B, L, D

Set among the Dolomite mountains, this upscale 5-star hotel is near town and the Faloria cable car. Elegant rooms with wooden floors, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines and Wi-Fi, awarding spa and the largest private swimming pool in the Dolomites. (ROH, see above)

July 9 – Yoga, Mountain Lake, Paragliding, Venice

Early to rise with a hearty breakfast for a full day of adventure! We coach to the beautiful area of Pian de Loa and meet our yogi for a guided yoga class in the middle of a lush forest. Continue to Alpago at stunning Lake Sante Croce nestled in the alps. You’ll get your best Instagram moments here with walks around the crystal clear bluest of blue lake and then break for lunch. Adrenaline seekers – this is the paragliding capital of the Dolomites. Those interested can opt for flying off a mountain peak. You’ll be driven up to Rifugio Dolada for a briefing. At 1500 m, you gear up and enjoy a tandem ride with experienced guide over the alps. ($185. Duration two hours. Weight restriction 220 pounds. Will get an AFS headcount to book as numbers are limited for this popular experience and it’s so worth it.) Others can do easy flat walks, paddleboarding, kayaks, swimming or just chilling on the beach in this beautiful lake region of Italy.

Late afternoon, we had by coach around 2 Hours drive back to Venice. Check into Courtyard by Marriott hotel for overnight.

Courtyard Venice Airport Hotel, by Marriott B, L

July 10 – Arrivaderci. Departure home. (Many may want to extend on own their Italian vacation at trips end to other regions. The new trains can whisk you anywhere.)

Deposit: $600

Land price: $3295 per person twin accommodation based on 24 trip participants. Final payment due Apr 1.

Prepaid gratuities: An estimated amount of $95 will be added to final invoice to cover guides, drivers, ground services, etc., making distribution easier for you. (Single room $895 limited due to small properties and $700 deposit.)

Includes- 2 nights Courtyard Hotel Venice, 3 nights at Castle Brando with access to wellness area, 1 night five-star hotel Floria Spa Resort with access to wellness area, lunch in Burano, breakfast daily, welcome dinner at Castle, tour of Venice, Borgoluce dairy and cheese making workshop with visit to Buffalo farm and other animals, wine estate with tastings and Bortolomiol Winery, morning llama trek with Slow llama, tour of Conegliano, mountain hiking excursion with packed lunch, cooking class with dinner, yoga class, transfers by private coach and all taxes.

Not Included – Air from USA

Itineraries are prepared up to a year ahead and things can change. Modifications may be made. All rooms are run of house.

Have you read the Trip Tips yet? Then Click Here

Italy Travel Trip Tips 2024

Prepare to be thrilled by unique regions in Italy that locals love and without the tourist masses. The Prosecco hills with the Dolomite regions from Venice will be a special adventure with wines, waterfalls, Alps, and llamas! All our past AFS groups over 35 years love our Italy trips, but I’m most excited about our new one, and Janice will be the perfect trip leader for you. You picked a winning vacation.

At present, we have a wonderful group of 19 now, and I know all the two of you. Please understand our contracted price is based on 24 trip participants. We need a few more so please tell your friends and post the AFS trip link on your social media. Come spring, we may have a big waitlist begging to get on this one. Connect now with each other on your private group Facebook page. More details will be coming by email to you as we near departure.

Trip Tips are designed to answer trip-related questions. It’s your responsibility to read this information. Updates and addendums will be posted here. Some travelers have lost their entire trip for not reading what we send on visas, air details, inoculations, etc. Check back from time to time.

FINAL PAYMENT DUE APR 1 Wetravel is our booking management company. It allows you to pay by check electronically without a fee. Please follow the instructions below. If you choose to pay with a credit card, a processing fee at the time of purchase the amount displayed in the upper right-hand corner of your payment screen. To pay online for free, simply enter your checking account routing and account numbers. Alternatively, you can write a check to Adventures For Solo Travelers. Include trip name of country name so that we can apply it correctly. Then text a picture of the check to 770-432-8225, and we will enter your payment without any a processing fee.

Your fearless GTL (Gracious Trip Leader, not a guide but a liaison between our guides and group to ensure things run smoothly).

Your GTL Janice was an early AFSer and has traveled with Suzy since almost the beginning. She has visited more than 96 countries and all 7 continents both on her own and in her job as a writer and television producer! She has actually been to Antarctica TWICE – once with the legendary Jacques Cousteau and a second time with Prince Albert of Monaco. Imagine that. While she currently works mostly with ABC News, she spent 20 years with CNN, reporting news across the globe.

A prolific writer, Janice has written 17 books on travel and history. She also has an independent production company called J-Mac Productions which has afforded her the opportunity to do independent documentaries as well as producing marketing, training and commercial materials. She has won numerous awards including 6 Emmys and three Edward R. Murrows for her work. No words can describe her professionalism and bubbly personality. Janice consistently remains upbeat even when things don’t go as planned and is simply Large Fun to go on a solo travel tour with!

Trip Prep:

Read the revised Heading Abroad with AFS, especially if you are new to AFS.
Ensure your passport is valid 6 months after return date with two blank pages – these are Visa pages, not addendum pages.
Take a photo of your passport to store in the cloud or bring a copy. If you lose your passport, US embassies now except a digital copy from your email. Also good to scan any docs, Covid test, trip tips, etc.
To speed through US Customs download Mobile Passport. Look in your App Store for details.
Notify bank and cc company of travel dates so they don’t block charges.
All airline rules differ. It is imperative to read your airline rules on their website to ensure a smooth departure! Always check your flight before departure.

Fitness level – You should have no trouble walking for this trip. Although there is no strenuous hiking on this trip, there is a much walking through towns and countryside. It’s important not to hold up the group. Our guided hikes around the famous Tori Loop is easy to moderate, around two hours with little elevation gain. Our guides will fully brief all including any who may want to opt out. (Know your limits! AFS trips are generally soft adventure with moderate activity. All included extensive walking. As we age, we think we can do what we used to do but discover on the trip an activity is too strenuous and are slowing down the entire group. You may consider Elder Trek. We cannot be responsible for booking a trip beyond your skill level and physical stamina.)

General Air Info – Consider flying in early to ensure you’ll be there once trip begins. Always download and use your airlines app! Use app to track your booking, delays, bags, to show boarding pass and to contact them. If you have a flight problem go to the airline’s website “contact us” page or reach them by text, social media, Skype or call their international number. Also, premium credit cards often offer many air perks, assistance, insurance, lounge passes, global entry and more. Read more at www.tpg.com for best cards. Many say they want to fly business class but don’t realize fare range from 4K to 9K. We do have two good contacts that can get the sea seats at nearly half cost. We do have two good contacts that can get the sea seats at nearly half cost. Britney Carter, britney@business-class.com, (305) 390-4132 or Alen@skylux.com or ali@business–class.com. Tell them Suzy sent you.

Important Air Dates – Depart USA July 3 to arrive Venice Marco Polo A/P July 4 and return on July 10.

Group Air: None. I know we will not meet the minimum required to make a group booking since this is a small group. This allows you to do your own air providing more flexibility to add on stop overs or pre-and post trip extensions to augment your vacation.

Doing Own Air– Dozens of airlines fly USA round trip to Venice-DL, KL, AF, VA, AA, UA and more. Cheapest departures are from JFK. Note – you may use your miles for a domestic flight up to New York. Google Flights lets you set up their fare alerts when prices drop. Let us know if you find any great price and schedule. We like Google Flights. 3rd-party booking engines like Expedia, make it easy to book, but it is nearly impossible to handle air problems. Buy direct from airline or pay a travel agent to ticket you. If you need help air, our guy Delhi can help, email flights@diversedestination.com with your exact air dates, destination, passport name and details with birthdate.

Airport Transfers- The land portion officially begins when you check-in to hotel on July 4 at the Courtyard Venice airport hotel. There’s no need for a transfer simply make your way to the hotel at the airport. Address: Via Triestina 170, Venice Tessera, Italy, 30173. Ideally located 300 ft (less than a football field) from Venice Marco Polo Airport.

Meet Up With Group- Again, we meet together in the evening of July 4 time TBD in the lobby of our hotel

Baggage– Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland. You change hotel properties several times. 1 carry-on bag & 1 medium suitcase not to exceed 45lb checked bag – weigh on a bathroom scale. You may be responsible for any overage charges. Apple AirTags work great to track checked bags when the airline cannot, also good for carry-on. Leave space for great souvenirs. Be sure to attach ID inside and out of carry-on and checked bag.

Packing- Google weather Venice weather a week prior departure – should be in the 83 to 66. This is the best month to visit.

This trip is so easy and totally casual. Simply pack summer casual clothing with a light jacket for nights and long flights. Think umbrella, daypack, wide-brim hat, sunscreen, comfy sneakers or walking shoes, swimsuit for pool and spa.

Cool travel hacks from our AFSers! Pack overnight outfit in your carry-on, liquid IV packets to hydrate, use packing cubes, downy wrinkle spray, Apple AirTags, extra nylon bag to check laundry home, tons of US dollars for extra tips, fully charged travel banks, less is more, get global entry.

Read Packing 101 in Heading Abroad with AFS

Electric– Don’t forget a portable backup charger, cords, gadgets, etc. Cell phones and tablets do not need a converter; you only need an adapter plug. AFSers often leave charger cords in room, so be sure to double-check your room before check out. All properties have hairdryers. EU 2 prong round plug. See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com

Money Matters – Always ensure you have some cash with you! It is necessary for personal tipping, meals, and shopping. A cash amount of $300 should be sufficient. You can opt to convert your currency upon arrival at the airport, bank, or hotels, or withdraw the local currency from an ATM. It is important to note that those who choose to buy euros in advance in the USA are unaware that they may lose 15 to 20% in the process. To ensure a fair exchange rate, it is advisable to exchange overseas. It is recommended to be cautious when using independent ATMs because of skimmer scams. The safest ATMs can be found at the airport and banks. When entering your pin number, always make sure to shield it from view. Moreover, it is recommended to carry newer bills, preferably from 2016 onwards, as some countries may refuse old or slightly damaged bills.

Master Card and Visa widely accepted. Amex rarely accepted. Credit cards are far safer than using your debit card. I use my credit card for most purchases. Many cards now offer no foreign transaction fees. Currency Exchange Rate $1 = .92 Euro

Follow the link below to create a conversion cheat sheet
https://www.oanda.com/currency/travel-exchange-rates

Gratuities – It’s protocol to tip our local guides, assistants, porters, wait staff, drivers and ground staff. Guidelines have increased globally. A $95 total will be added to your invoice before final paymewnt is due. Please understand this is only the suggested minimum. For ease of distribution, your GTL will tip the different ground services for the entire group each day.

Tipping on own – If service is stellar, feel free to give more directly. All we tourists leave behind is our reputation. I carry a stash of US ones in an envelope to draw from as needed. Porters – AFSers roll bags to their room. If you use a porter, please tip. For group lunches or dinners included, please leave $2 for waitstaff!

Cuisine: Fresh, organic, delicioso! Real pizzas and endless pastas. Seafood, great salads, unique gelato flavors and strong coffees (order Café Americano if you want a large one.) Cocktails expensive, drink local wines. Sfuzo (red) is great. Dine in trattorias and cafes, not restaurants ($$). At night enjoy the wine bars with antipasti.

Retail Therapy: Quality leather goods (purses, shoes, etc. Be careful with designer knock-offs at US Customs.) Gold jewelry, tapestries, fine linens, unique kitchenware not found elsewhere, ceramics, paintings, olive oils, flavored vinegars, spa products, local handicrafts. Note: Stores (and all else) close daily 1:30-4pm for siesta. For items over $100, ask merchant for stamped VAT form to present at airport departure to get 16-18% refund, You must show goods to collect.

Italiano: Good morning, good afternoon, good evening = buon giorno, buona sera, buona note Please and thank you very much = perfavore, molto grazie
Excuse me, pleased to meet you = scuzi, piacere
Goodbye = arrivaderci or ciao

Communication– Internet is available. With smartphones, be sure to check with your provider for rates and coverage for international phone plans before departure. Data Roaming rates can be expensive. To reach home – Texting, iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook messaging when using WIFI. Be cautious using public Wi-Fi without using VPN. Without VPN never open attachments or view financial or personal accounts on the Internet while abroad. Phone calls, text messages, and data usage of all kinds, it is crucial to understand that, unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, every use of your phone incurs a data toll. That means that viewing and downloading email, browsing the web, viewing social media, and mapping all incur data charges, as do applications that we sometimes assume to be “free,” such as Skype and WhatsApp. Unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, however, WhatsApp is using cellular data, so you are getting charged at your provider’s international roaming data rate. Facebook Messenger Phone is an easy free way to make calls.

Get Smart: Bottled water is always best abroad, as our gut isn’t accustomed to local tap water. Stay hydrated.

Be mindful of pickpockets in big cities, especially at night. Never carry your passport outside of the room. The only time anyone has ever lost a passport is when they’ve taken it outside the room.
Travel health – Drink bottled water. Bring sunscreen. Load up on antioxidants like vitamin C to zinc.

Accommodations –Accommodations – Our itinerary has links to each hotel. Note that hotels can change, but it’s rare.

AFS Optionals: this region offer is one of the worlds most scenic paragliding experiences and I highly recommend it. $185. This fills up months ahead. Let us know if you’re interested. Will get a final headcount in Feb. Max weight 240lbs.

Leisure Time – For your free time, it’s best to arrive and ask our local expert guides for suggestions. We notice many newer clients pre-plan many activities on the AFS trip well before they arrive, often with disappointing results. Our daily itineraries are pretty full, but there will be some free time. Expert travelers revel in the element of surprise in a new destination and allow the wind to blow them where it will. Use Google Maps on your phone to find everything nearby.

Amending tour pre-or post-trip. We honor your independent spirit, but encourage you to extend more days at the trip’s end when you’re acclimated well to the destination. If you add another country, we often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them what do you consider the cost of tours, transport, hotels, etc. Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has no responsibility for the quality of your trip.

Private Facebook Group Page – The benefit of the Private FB Group Page is that you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow travelers before departure and share trip photos during and after the tour. The link can be found in your Wetravel welcome letter after your initial deposit. (We found that some never read the Trip Tips jumping right to the Private FB Group Page assuming they will get all trip info needed. Often, they only receive rumors or misinformation. All important information is ALWAYS emailed to each participant and posted in Trip Tips under UPDATES. Nobody misses a thing.)

Emergency Contact – AFS phone or text 770-432-8225, or email us at https://www.afstravelers.com/contact-us/ More contacts will be provided with your Final Docs email 2 to 3 weeks before departure. Your guide can handle a call home for a true emergency. Do not expect to use your trip leader’s cell phone; you’ll need to use your own.

Cancellation Penalty – At booking, we sent you our terms and conditions. Click here for our Terms & Conditions and here for the Cancellation refund policy . In part, it states “a written request for cancellation through email or text with your name and cancellation specifics to 770-432-8225. Please be aware that when a refund is due, a $155 administrative fee will be charged for each cancellation. Any cancellation after November 28, 2023 there are no there are no refunds for any cancellation after November 28, 2023 refunds.

Travel Insurance– While travel insurance is optional, in today’s world we highly encourage you to get standard coverage to cover trip interruption and cancellation. Best source for all is www.insuremytrip.com.

Click here to Purchase Travel Insurance online

Travel Psychology 101 – Prepare for your departure joyfully with no contempt before investigation upon arrival. Please understand that with travel, things are not like at home and changes may occur. Great trips work best for those with an open mind, flexible attitude and adventuresome spirit. If changes occur, embrace them with serendipity. Who knows?… The unexpected may prove to be a better experience. Adapt and go with the flow with a laid-back attitude. Be spontaneous. Be tolerant of foreign cultures in respecting their centuries of traditions. Embrace the differences. Be curious, not shy. Smile – locals will sense your energy of kindness and kindness always begets kindness. Our common goal is to experience different cultures, make new friends, get great photos, have large fun, and return home safely with memories worthy of recollection.