Italy | DISCOVERING PUGLIA - TRIP ITINERARY - Boundless Journeys

 
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Italy | DISCOVERING PUGLIA - TRIP ITINERARY - Boundless Journeys
Italy | DISCOVERING PUGLIA
COASTS AND VILLAGES OF THE ITALIAN HEEL | 8 DAYS

May 11-18, 2019
September 21-28, 2019

                        TRIP ITINERARY

               1.800.941.8010 | www.boundlessjourneys.com
Italy | DISCOVERING PUGLIA - TRIP ITINERARY - Boundless Journeys
How we deliver
THE WORLD’S GREAT ADVENTURES
A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that      Small groups. Although the camaraderie of a group of like-
infectious spirit is woven into every one of our journeys. Our     minded travelers often enhances the journey, there can be
staff travels the globe searching out hidden-gem inns and          too much of a good thing! We tread softly, and our average
lodges, taste testing bistros, trattorias, and noodle stalls,      group size is just 8–10 guests, allowing us access to
and discovering the trails and plying the waterways of each        opportunities that would be unthinkable with a larger group.
remarkable destination. When we come home, we separate
                                                                   Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both
wheat from chaff, creating memorable adventures that will
                                                                   scheduled, small-group departures and custom journeys so
connect you with the very best qualities of each destination.
                                                                   that you can choose which works best for you. Not finding
Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand-             exactly what you are looking for? Let us customize a journey
crafted journeys have received accolades from the                  to fulfill your travel dreams.
world’s most revered travel publications. Beginning from
                                                                   Customer service that goes the extra mile. Having trouble
our appreciation for the world’s most breathtaking and
                                                                   finding flights that work for you? Want to surprise your
interesting destinations, we infuse our journeys with the
                                                                   traveling companion with a bottle of champagne at a tented
elements of adventure and exploration that stimulate our
                                                                   camp in the Serengeti to celebrate an important milestone?
souls and enliven our minds. Whether you are looking for
                                                                   There is no request that is too big—or too small—for our
a challenging physical expedition or a leisurely cultural
                                                                   staff to handle. From your first call, we guide you through
exploration, Boundless Journeys has exceptional itineraries
                                                                   choosing your trip, provide advice on preparing for your
to match your sense of adventure.
                                                                   adventure, and hold your hand until you return home.
Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for
traveling with a knowledgeable insider, and our expert local
guides will open doors for you that other travelers miss, like
dinner with their extended family in Peru’s Sacred Valley, or
meeting an art scholar in Florence. Relationships developed
over many years allow you to experience our destinations
through a well-connected friend.

    Multi-year recipient of Travel + Leisure magazine’s “World’s Best Tour Operator”; and recognized by the editors of National
                  Geographic ADVENTURE magazine as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.

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Italy | DISCOVERING PUGLIA - TRIP ITINERARY - Boundless Journeys
Italy | DISCOVERING PUGLIA
Thank you for your interest in this fantastic journey to Italy’s Puglia region. We     TOUR OVERVIEW. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .              4
have hand-crafted this tour from our own experience and hope you fall in love
with the area—as we have!                                                              THE JOURNEY.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      6

                                                                                       ACCOMMODATIONS .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                          9

THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS JOURNEY                                                       WHAT TO EXPECT. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                10
We love Italy—the scents, flavors, scenery, and the people. The landscapes
                                                                                       OUR GUIDES . .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       12
are soul-stirring, with sweeping vistas of vineyard-cloaked hills, stately cypress
trees, and gnarled olive groves grounded in red earth.                                 NEXT STEPS .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   13
The Puglia region, located in the heel of Italy’s “boot,” is known for its unique      BOUNDLESS BEYOND.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                            14
whitewashed architecture in seaside towns, lack of tourists, and farmland that
cascades into coastlines. It is a place where the union of art, food, and nature has
been celebrated for thousands of years, in a region that has endured numerous
wars, invasions, and dozens of civilizations—all of which have left their mark on
the land and culture. Join us as we venture to this western “gateway to the East”
and explore a lesser-known side of Italy the crowds have yet to find.

HIGHLIGHTS
    • Discover the unique architecture and villages of the Italian heel.
    • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage towns of Alberobello and Matera.
    • Explore the region on foot, including walks along the Adriatic coast, through
      olive groves, and on the cobbled streets of historic towns.
    • Savor delicious cuisine and delve further into local gastronomy with a
      cooking class, olive oil tasting, and cheese tour.

800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com                                                                                                                             3
Italy | DISCOVERING PUGLIA - TRIP ITINERARY - Boundless Journeys
TOUR
    OVERVIEW

  THE BASICS
Duration:		        8 day trip
Tour start:		      Bari, Italy
Tour end:		        Bari, Italy
Accommodations:    7 nights in 4-star boutique hotels
Trip rating:		     1         2           3           4      5
			                Easy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Strenuous
			                (See page 10 for more information)
Land cost:		       $4,995 per person
Single Supplement: First one reserved on each
			                departure: $200 (Must reserve at
			                least 120 days ahead)
			                Additional: $700 (limited availability)

  WHAT’S INCLUDED
Just pack your bags—we’ve got you covered! When you’re on a Boundless Journeys adventure, every detail is taken care
of for you, so you can relax and truly experience each moment. Put your wallet away, leave your travel books behind, fold
up your maps, and BE there. Your Boundless Journeys adventure includes:
    •   Expert leadership
    •   All accommodations
    •   All meals as noted except dinner on Day 3
    •   All activities as noted in the itinerary
    •   Local wine and beer with included dinners
    •   Group transfer to Lecce on Day 1 and to the airport on Day 8, and all transportation while on tour
    •   All gratuities except for those for your guide(s) and driver, which are at your discretion
International airfare is not included in the price of your trip. Please contact your local travel agency or the airlines directly to
make any arrangements you may need. If you would like assistance with booking your flights or other travel plans, please
contact Boundless Journeys directly at 1.800.941.8010 for a referral to our partners who will best fulfill your needs.

4                                                                                            Boundless Journeys © 2019
Italy | DISCOVERING PUGLIA - TRIP ITINERARY - Boundless Journeys
ITINERARY AT-A-GLANCE

DAY 1                                                              DAY 5
Group transfer from the Oriente Hotel in Bari to Lecce             See the beautiful Parco Dune Reserve on foot today,
(approximate 2-hour drive time), where we’ll check into            walking along an ancient Roman road surrounded by
our hotel and have a brief orientation with our guide before       olive trees. Learn how farmers produce cheese using a
tonight’s welcome dinner.                                          500-year-old recipe. Visit a nearby wetland and meet the
                                                                   local fishermen. Enjoy time relaxing on the beach before
DAY 2                                                              our return to Ostuni.
Cooking class this morning to learn about local cuisine.
Guided walking tour of Lecce to discover its beautiful             DAY 6
Baroque architecture, often referred to as the “Florence of        Guided walk through the Grotte di Castellana, a large
southern Italy.”                                                   complex of caves known for beautiful stalagmites and
                                                                   stalactites in a limestone plateau. Afternoon transfer to
DAY 3                                                              Alberobello for a winery visit and tasting before settling in to
Day in Otranto, touring the medieval historic town, its            an authentic trullo house.
Spanish castle, and cathedral. Walk along the coast to view
the famous Salento coves, take a dip in the Adriatic Sea,          DAY 7
and visit a lighthouse before returning to Lecce for dinner        Day trip to Matera for a guided walk of the Sassi district.
this evening.                                                      Free afternoon to explore independently before returning to
                                                                   Alberobello for our farewell celebratory dinner.
DAY 4
Visit a typical “masseria” to learn about this traditional style   DAY 8
of architecture, then tour an ancient underground olive oil        Group transport to Bari Airport after breakfast.
mill and enjoy a tasting. Explore “the White City” of Ostuni
independently until dinner together this evening.

800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com                                                                                        5
Italy | DISCOVERING PUGLIA - TRIP ITINERARY - Boundless Journeys
THE
      JOURNEY

                                                                  about the history and culture of this “Florence of the South”
    DAY 1: Arrival and Transfer to Lecce                          as we stroll through piazzas, admiring ornate stonework full
Activity Overview: 2 hours drive time                             of allegorical meaning. Dinner will be together this evening.
Welcome to Puglia! We meet our guide at 2 p.m. in the             Accommodation: Le Club Boutique Hotel, Lecce
lobby of the Hotel Oriente, centrally located in downtown         Meals: B, L, D
Bari. We then drive approximately two hours, south along
the Mediterranean coast, toward the tip of Italy’s “heel” and
the city of Lecce. Upon arrival, we check-in to our hotel and       DAY 3: Otranto and the Adriatic Sea
have a brief orientation meeting with our guide followed          Activity Overview: Walking on country roads, trails, and
by dinner together this evening, where we toast to our            along the coast
adventures to come!                                               Activity Level: Easy to moderate
                                                                  Activity Length: 3-5 hours, about 7 miles
Accommodation: Le Club Boutique Hotel, Lecce
Meals: D                                                          Today begins with a guided exploration of another iconic
                                                                  town in Puglia—Otranto. Teeming with history, Otranto
                                                                  lies at the easternmost point of Italy on the Adriatic Sea—
    DAY 2: Lecce                                                  historically, a prime location for a port during the expansion
Activity Overview: Walking on city streets                        of global trade, but which also left it susceptible to attack
Activity Level: Easy                                              by foreign seafarers. We hear tales of conquest as we
Activity Length: 2-4 hours, about 3 miles                         walk through the streets of this medieval old town, tour the
                                                                  Spanish castle, and visit the Otranto Cathedral—known for
After breakfast this morning, we dive into our first experience
                                                                  its enormous 12th-century “Tree of Life” floor mosaic.
of regional gastronomy. We begin with a visit to a local
market, where we learn about and select seasonal produce.         From here, we head to the coast for an easy walk along the
We then set off for our cooking class, where we have the          coves and creeks for which Salento is famous, and perhaps
opportunity to create a full meal typical of the Puglia region,   take a dip in the Adriatic Sea if the weather is warm. En
from appetizer to dessert. We reap the benefits of our efforts    route back to Lecce, we stop for a short walk to see the
this afternoon, enjoying our meal with a well-deserved glass      hidden Palascia lighthouse, high on a cliff with views of the
of wine.                                                          sea all around.
Later this afternoon, we meet our local guide for a walking       Arriving back in Lecce, the evening is yours to relax, explore,
tour of Lecce. Known for its dazzling array of Baroque            and dine at your leisure.
architecture, Lecce also has deep roots in Greek culture, a
                                                                  Accommodation: Le Club Boutique Hotel, Lecce
long history of traditional papier-mâché craft, and the lively
                                                                  Meals: B, L
ambience that accompanies a university town. We learn

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Italy | DISCOVERING PUGLIA - TRIP ITINERARY - Boundless Journeys
DAY 4: Ostuni                                                      DAY 5: Parco Dune Natural Reserve
Activity Overview: Walking on city streets                         Activity Overview: Walking on country roads and trails
Activity Level: Easy                                               Activity Level: Easy to moderate
Activity Length: 3 hours                                           Activity Length: 4-5 hours, up to 6 miles
Our destination this morning is Ostuni, often called la            We begin today with a short drive toward the coast, our
Città Bianca, or “the White City,” for bright, whitewashed         destination is a natural dune reserve that we explore on foot.
building walls. Originally painted with lime to brighten the       Our guide leads us on a walk along an ancient Roman road
dark medieval alleys, the white walls also kept the interior       surrounded by olive trees, some of which are thousands of
temperature of buildings cool. In later centuries, the practice    years old! Along our route, we stop at a masseria, where
continued during epidemics to quell the spread of disease.         local farmers tell us how they produce a traditional style of
                                                                   cheese using a 500-year-old recipe.
Our first visit is a typical masseria, a farmhouse located on
an expanse of land that was traditionally used for agriculture.    After lunch, we visit a nearby wetland, and meet fishermen
These were often owned by wealthy barons, and showcase             who work in the area. We enjoy the beach, perhaps taking
an architectural style that is a hybrid of rustic country living   a walk or relaxing in the sun, before our return to Ostuni for
and the elegance demanded by the noblemen who built                dinner and leisure time this evening.
them. We’ll tour their ancient underground olive oil mill and
                                                                   Accommodation: Masseria Valente, Ostuni
taste the farm’s current products.
                                                                   Meals: B, L, D
This afternoon, we have time to settle in to our
accommodations and independently explore the crooked                 DAY 6: Alberobello
streets of Ostuni. The uniform white color catches the
                                                                   Activity Overview: Walking on paths and stairs
colorful light of dawn and dusk, and it is a delight to get
                                                                   Activity Level: Easy
lost in the labyrinth of narrow passages. From the pinnacle
                                                                   Activity Length: 2-3 hours, about 2 miles
above town, take in sweeping views of the surrounding
landscape and Adriatic coast. Perhaps enjoy an apéritif            This morning we transfer to a large complex of caves set in
before wending back through the maze, where we meet to             a limestone plateau known as Grotte di Castellana. A guide
dine together this evening.                                        leads us through this otherworldly underground cavern;
                                                                   along our walk, we learn about its wide array of stalagmites
Accommodation: Masseria Valente, Ostuni
                                                                   and stalactites, fossils and formations—millions of years
Meals: B, L, D
                                                                   old!

800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com                                                                                       7
Italy | DISCOVERING PUGLIA - TRIP ITINERARY - Boundless Journeys
In the afternoon, we head deeper into the beautiful Itria            their livestock in cave dwellings that lacked running water
Valley to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site                  or power. This led to a near-constant outbreak of malaria
known for its trulli. A trullo house is a dry, stone dwelling with   and other diseases, and the area was often referred to as
a conical roof—a style of architecture completely unique to          “Italy’s shame.” The city began to modernize in the mid-20th
towns in this valley, with some structures dating back to the        century, when the government demanded inhabitants move
14th century.                                                        out of the grottoes and into newer buildings. Today, the
                                                                     revitalized Sassi district showcases a well-preserved living
Upon arrival in Alberobello, we stop to visit a family-owned         history, with some former cave dwellings now operating as
winery, where we learn about the local viticulture and               restaurants and inns.
wine production of this region. Of course, as we continue
our adventure in Puglian gastronomy, we will have the                We have the afternoon free to explore independently before
opportunity to taste a selection of their wines.                     returning to Alberobello. This evening, we gather for a
                                                                     farewell dinner and celebrate our successful journey!
Our accommodations this evening are in an authentic trullo
                                                                     Accommodations: Trulli Holiday or Le Alcove, Alberobello
house in the historic center of town.
                                                                     Meals: B, L, D
Accommodations: Trulli Holiday or Le Alcove, Alberobello
Meals: B, L, D
                                                                       DAY 8: Departure
                                                                     Today we say arrivederci to Puglia! A group transfer to Bari
    DAY 7: Matera                                                    Airport will be provided after breakfast.
Activity Overview: Walking on cobblestone streets
                                                                     Meals: B
Activity Level: Easy
Activity Length: 2-3 hours
We drive inland approximately one hour this morning to                 PLEASE NOTE: This is a typical itinerary, and actual
Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage town located in the                    activities may vary to take advantage of weather
Basilicata region. Set on the edge of a ravine, Matera is              conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to
one of the oldest cities in Italy, and has been inhabited              play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are
continuously since the Paleolithic Era. Here, we have a                as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the
guided walk of the Sassi district, known for its homes carved          right to change these should the need arise. See our
out of the limestone caves and cliffs. Formerly, the area was          booking terms and conditions for more information
one of Italy’s poorest, with entire families living alongside          about our change policy.

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Italy | DISCOVERING PUGLIA - TRIP ITINERARY - Boundless Journeys
ACCOMMODATIONS
                             NIGHTS 1, 2, & 3
                             Le Club Boutique Hotel
                             2 Via Regina Isabella
                             Lecce, Italy
                             Tel: +39-0832-246044 | info@leclublecce.com
                             www.leclublecce.com
                             Set in the heart of Old Town, Le Club Boutique Hotel offers a prime location for
                             exploring the best of Lecce while enjoying four-star amenities and service.

                             NIGHTS 4 & 5
                             Masseria Valente
                             SP 21 Contrada Valente
                             Ostuni, Italy
                             Tel: +39-0831-1593048 | info@masseriavalente.it
                             www.masseriavalente.it
                             This 18th-century typical farmhouse is set in a large garden and is located
                             mid-way between Ostuni and the coast. Relax and enjoy quintessential Italian
                             countryside, the onsite pool and veranda, and well-appointed rooms.

                             NIGHTS 6 & 7 (MAY DEPARTURE)
                             Le Alcove
                             7 Piazza Ferdinando IV
                             Alberobello, Italy
                             Tel: +39-080-4323754 | info@lealcove.it
                             www.lealcove.it
                             Ideally-located in the main square of Alberobello, Le Alcove offers an opportunity
                             to spend an evening in a carefully restored trulli house. Each room offers its own
                             unique decor and ambience, but all interiors are cozy and luxurious.

                             NIGHTS 6 & 7 (SEPTEMBER DEPARTURE)
                             Trulli Holiday
                             1 Piazza A. Curri
                             Alberobello, Italy
                             Tel: +39-080-4325970 | info@trulliholiday.com
                             www.trulliholiday.com
                             This unique accommodation offers guests an opportunity to spend the night in an
                             authentic trulli house, a traditional style of architecture in the Itria Valley. Rooms
                             are comfortable and tastefully decorated to accentuate the rustic-chic interior.

800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com                                                                        9
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WHAT TO
      EXPECT

TRIP RATING                                                        are average temperatures in the region during the spring
Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and           and fall:
flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of               AVERAGE TEMPERATURE ºF (HIGH/LOW
adventure and a positive attitude. Italy: Discovering Puglia
                                                                                                 MAY           SEPT
is rated 2, easy, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most
                                                                                 Bari            72/55         78/61
strenuous). It features walks of varying lengths and easy -to-
                                                                                Otranto          68/55         75/64
moderate difficulty that average 3-6 hours per day. Walks
on this tour will be on varying terrain, including cobblestone     You may obtain more detailed weather information at www.
streets in and around villages and some dirt roads and             weatherbase.com.
trails. Walks are broken up by rest, cultural activities, and
meals. Please refer to the detailed itinerary for descriptions     WHEN TO GO
of the activities on each day of the trip.                         The shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall take
                                                                   advantage of warm weather while avoiding the crowds
PREPARING FOR THIS TRIP                                            of (often Italian!) tourists who flock to Puglia in July and
It is very important that you realistically assess your            August. Day time temperatures during May and September
physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip.        are usually warm enough to swim, but still cool enough for
The more well-prepared you are for the activities, the more        comfortable walking. Springtime sees colorful wildflowers
you will enjoy yourself. As a general guideline, we suggest        in bloom, cascading over stone garden walls. In the fall,
that you engage in easy to moderate aerobic activities             vineyards burst with purple grapes as the harvest begins.
(such as walking, hiking, jogging, or cycling) for at least 30-
45 minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before the           TRAVELER’S RESPONSIBILITY
trip. If you live in a flat area, try to incorporate some stairs   Trip participants have certain responsibilities to both
into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline         Boundless Journeys and your fellow travelers. This includes
capability (consult your doctor before undertaking any new         understanding the conditions described in the trip itinerary
fitness program). Please contact us if you have any doubts         and making sure it is appropriate for your interests and
regarding your physical match with this tour.                      abilities, based on a review of the trip ratings, consultation
                                                                   with Boundless Journeys’ staff, and perhaps your doctor.
WEATHER                                                            In addition, trip participants are responsible for preparing
The weather in late spring and early fall is usually very          for a trip by undertaking the proper fitness training. At the
pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from the low           guide’s discretion, a participant may be asked to leave the
60s to the upper 80s, dropping to the 50s and 60s at night.        trip if the guide feels that the person’s further participation
While these months are not in Italy’s “rainy season,” there        may be detrimental to the individual or to other trip
can be cool breezes or showers at any time. The following          participants. If you have any questions about the difficulty

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level of the trip you have chosen, please contact Boundless         Boundless Journeys has taken the Travelers Against
Journeys to speak with one of our Destination Managers.             Plastic company pledge to promote sustainable travel and
                                                                    encourage travelers to avoid buying bottled water when
SMALL GROUP TRAVEL                                                  they travel. You can take the pledge, too, and learn more
Small group travel affords us the opportunity to seek out the       about TAP’s efforts at www.travelersagainstplastic.org.
most remote and exotic destinations on the planet. Often we
are exploring these locales with just 8-12 guests. The nature       CUISINE
of active group travel is such that not all participants have       Italy is famous for its cuisine, and with good reason.
the same ability level or interests. Traveling at a pace that       Located in the heel of Italy’s “boot,” Puglia is a traditional
is comfortable for the entire group, with a spirit of flexibility   agricultural region, known for homestyle, country-inspired
and adventure, are all part of this shared experience.              cuisine. Local wheat, tomatoes, artichokes, beans, fennel,
                                                                    peppers, onions, beef, and lamb are commonly found in
DRINKS WITH MEALS                                                   many dishes. Puglians pride themselves on their pasta,
At Boundless Journeys we believe group dinners are a time           orecchiette, shaped like little shells and usually served
to celebrate our day, while enjoying the best of local cuisine,     with meat and vegetable-based sauces. Puglian pasta is
and good company. In keeping with this spirit, we typically         traditionally made only from durum wheat flour, water, and
include local beer and wine with group dinners. If you prefer       salt, because eggs were historically considered a luxury.
premium wine, or liquor, please feel free to order what you         In addition, fresh burrata, an abundance of seafood on
like, and you may settle your tab at the end of the meal.           the coast, and desserts made from regional almonds,
                                                                    honey, and sweetened ricotta cheese ensure a complete
DRINKING WATER                                                      experience of local flavors.
We provide purified or bottled water on all trips; however,
in an effort to reduce waste, we strongly encourage you             One dinner (on Day 3) is not included in your trip cost as we
to bring a water bottle to refill where safe to do so. This         believe that venturing out on your own is an important part
will be the case in much of Europe, as well as a few other          of discovering a new culture.
destinations, where tap water is safe to drink. In parts            Please inform us of any specific dietary restrictions by
of the world where water must be purified, bottled water            completing your Smartwaiver form, and we will do our
may be our only option. Here, we do our best to provide             best to accommodate you. Please call our office with any
purified water from larger containers to refill your bottles,       questions or concerns about our ability to meet your needs.
rather than using many small single-use bottles throughout
your trip. This is just one small way we strive to travel more      TRANSPORTATION
responsibly and we appreciate your efforts in helping us to         All on-tour transportation is provided in private, air-
protect the extraordinary places we visit.                          conditioned, passenger vans.

800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com                                                                                       11
OUR GUIDES
With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with
local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen
destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical
things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own.
Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team
of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure. Here are some
of the guides we work with in Italy.

                                          MARIA MERLINI
                                          Maria grew up in the Sicilian city of Catania and also speaks the local dialect.
                                          She has traveled extensively herself and has previous experience working as an
                                          international aid worker. She is passionate about showing off the wonders and
                                          beauty of her beloved country, as well as introducing guests to the culture, food,
                                          and way of life of Italian people. Maria currently splits her time between Sicily and
                                          South Africa, where she is also a guide.

                                          MICHELE SENSINI
                                          Michele spends his life moving between Rome and a small village in the central
                                          Apennines Mountains. After studying political science at university, he became a
                                          journalist, producing tourism guides and promoting environmental conservation.
                                          In 2004, he realized his dream of becoming a tour guide, combining his passion
                                          for communication, nature, and history. Michele spends the time he is not guiding
                                          exploring Rome with his wife. He looks forward to sharing his knowledge of Italy’s
                                          history and culture with you!

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NEXT STEPS

TO MAKE A RESERVATION                                                  CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
You can call Boundless Journeys at 800-941-8010, request               If it becomes necessary to cancel your trip, the following
a reservation online, or contact your travel agent. We will            schedule applies to your land cost and is determined by the
confirm your spot with a deposit of $500 per person and the            day that we receive written notification:
payment of internal airfare, payable by check or credit card.                • >90 days prior to the trip will be charged $100.
The balance for your trip is due 90 days prior to departure.                 • 90-61 days prior to the start of the trip will be charged
                                                                               25% of the trip price.
ONCE YOU RESERVE                                                             • 60-46 days prior to the start of the trip will be charged
As soon as you confirm your adventure, we will provide you                     50% of the trip price.
with an extensive, detailed trip planner that includes arrival               •
BOUNDLESS
 BEYOND

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL                                               LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION?
At Boundless Journeys we are committed to exploring the          Here are just a few examples - one more involved, and one
world in a responsible way and continually seek ways to          quite simple - of how our travelers give back to the places
tread lightly across the unique landscapes and diverse           they have explored with us:
cultures on this planet. Here are just some of the ways we           • The Botswana School Project was created in 2012
aim to travel responsibly:                                             by Boundless Journeys guests who saw that there
MAKING CONNECTIONS                                                     was a need for books, supplies, and computers in
On some of our trips, our guests have the opportunity to               schools they visited in northern Botswana.
visit organizations working to protect the environment and           • A Bhutan guest donated baby outfits to families she
improve the livelihoods of local communities. Whether it is            met on mountain trails and in rural communities and
bathing elephants at a conservation center in Myanmar, or              schools.
enjoying a farm-fresh meal at a family-owned organic farm            • Two sisters who traveled to Peru donated school
in Costa Rica, our guests form meaningful connections with             supply kits to a local school we visit on our Sacred
the people and places they visit.                                      Valley & Machu Picchu tour.
GOING LOCAL                                                      Learn more:
Whenever possible, we use small, locally operated hotels         www.boundlessjourneys.com/responsible -travel/
that have sound environmental practices; groups dine at
                                                                 PROUD MEMBERS
restaurants that feature fresh and authentic regional cuisine;
                                                                 Boundless Journeys is proud to support the following
we choose partners that strive for the highest standard of
                                                                 organizations and the important work that they do:
responsible practices; and we employ local guides and
support local economies.
CONSERVING WILD PLACES
On many of our trips, we explore stunning natural landscapes
where conservation is of the utmost importance. As visitors,
we not only tread lightly, but actively contribute to the
conservation of parks and protected areas.

14                                                                                      Boundless Journeys © 2019
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