Guidelines & Booking Terms and Conditions
for the Illuminated Tours
Turkey and Morocco Programs
A word about group travel:
Some of you are veterans of traveling in a group context, for others this is a new experience. It is a somewhat unusual experience, where for a few days you will spend every waking and sleeping moment with others. Many people, I dare say most, find it extraordinary how friendships can form and deepen in such a short amount of time, and you may well come away with friends for a life-time. Others may become mindful of just how much private time you really do need!
We ask all of us to treat our group as a community, and to look out for the welfare of all. It is neither possible nor desirable for us to remain a group of people at all times, and during your free time you will want to form groups of 2-4 people to wander off on your own. These kinds of cliques are a very natural phenomenon. We simply ask that you consider the cliques in a fluid fashion, socializing with different people in the group in different turns, and to keep an eye for anyone who might seem to be left on their own, and extend an invitation to them to join you. These simple acts of kindness go a long way towards making a happier experience for everyone.
Pack lightly!
We would like to urge you, as strongly as possible, to pack lightly. If you can, please, please try to travel only with one backpack and one carry-on. You’ll be so glad you did. We have a lot of people on this program, and space is limited. It is to everyone’s interest if you can limit your luggage. You have to be responsible for carrying all of your own luggage. A rolling carry-on is the ideal size/type of luggage per person.
Transportation and hotel accommodations:
In Morocco, the program involves some overland travel. When we travel outside of the cities of Fez and Marrakesh, we will move from place to place in the comfort of an air-conditioned bus, accompanied by a professional tour guide. We've also scheduled one in-country domestic flight. Working with a local Moroccan travel company, we have arranged accommodations for the entire trip at a series of safe, comfortable, well-established tourist hotels.
Within the standards of Morocco, all of our hotels are rated as four-star hotels. In short, you don’t have to worry. They are clean, safe, and well-taken care of.
Communication (Internet, phone, etc.):
In Morocco, all of the riads and many restaurants and cafes offer wifi, so you can easily keep in touch with friends and family via e-mail. Our hotels will have wireless access, and we highly encourage participants to bring their own laptop computers. This will make both communication and class work much easier and more convenient. Please note, however, that often the internet connection in Morocco is not as strong as in the US or Europe.
Skype, Facetime and other online phone services offer the best (and cheapest) way to stay in touch overseas. Setting up an account on Skype is very easy, and you can call other Skype accounts for free, or call a conventional home phone or cell phone (say, your parents, significant others, etc.) for about 2 cents a minute. It is far and away the cheapest and best way to have your loved ones hear your voice.
Inexpensive international calling cards are also readily available for purchase in Morocco. And, of course, cell phones are another option, though often very expensive.
Money and Credit Cards:
In most Moroccan cities, there are abundant ATM machines available that accept our bank cards and credit cards, and they generally give the most favorable exchange rates. Check with your bank regarding their policy and fees for international cash machines—and be sure to alert all banks and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid suspension of service. Travelers checks are also accepted in Morocco but are slightly less convenient.
We do recommend that you bring some cash, and a credit card, with possibly some Traveler Checks. How much cash? Hard to say: it depends on your own eating expenses, and tendency to want to buy souvenirs. In short, you probably want to have about 30 dollars or so on hand for food/water/snacks every day.
Tipping:
You do not generally need to tip in restaurants. We do tip the bus driver and the Moroccan tour guides. You will tip the bus driver about 2 dollars a day, and the professional tour guides about 3-5 dollars a day. We are with them for 7 days, so if you can plan ahead on giving me between 40 and 50 dollars for their collective tip, that would be lovely. I will present them the tips from all of us in an envelope at the end of the tour.
Dining Options:
The program cost covers some but not all meals. Breakfasts—typically the biggest meal of the day for us—are provided every day. Even if some of you are not “breakfast” people, you really should plan on having a nice and full breakfast. It will keep you energized, and save you a ton of money!
In addition, some of the dinners will also be included in the budget. These are very lavish buffet style meals, with a wide range of salads, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. For lunches and the remaining evening meals, however, you will be on their own.
In Morocco, the food is delicious and all range of fare, quality, and prices are available. It is easy to find tasty meals for very reasonable prices (there are around 9 Moroccan dirhams to the US dollar). Even so, assuming that participants temper the urge to indulge their extravagant tastes at five-star restaurants, they should be able to eat well for $25-30 a day. My guess is that if you are careful, most of you may be able to stay well under that.
Do be sure to set some time money aside everyday for buying bottles of water. The most common health issue that we have in Morocco is related to participants getting dehydrated because of walking around outside a lot and only drinking tea or soda. We’ll go over this.
Personal Conduct Issues:
Morocco is a dynamic and diverse Muslim country. We'll be spending most of our time in the traditional parts--the "medinas"--of two of Morocco's royal cities: Fez and Marrakesh. We will also venture out of the medinas into the modern areas of the cities as well as to the desert outside of Marrakesh and to cities outside of Fez. Along the way, we'll meet with a wide range of people: artists, musicians, Sufi teachers, university professors, and everyday Moroccans 'on the street'. In short, we will see sides of Morocco that not many tourists encounter. As representatives of our universities and our countries, we want to be culturally savvy and respectful travelers. Obviously, we'll insist that everyone obey local laws and respect local customs.
The use of alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs reflects very poorly on our whole group, and is therefore not allowed while we are together as a group. There will be some restaurants that might be suitable for those over 21 who wish to consume some wine/alcohol, and I’ll point them out, but on the whole assume that we are abstaining as a group, in group settings, unless instructed otherwise.
It might seem strict, but there is a reason for it: We will be meeting with many Islamic groups and leaders, and drinking/drugs simply is not tolerated. Furthermore, Moroccans are very astute observers, and if we are seen drinking or smoking in public, it marks us as not very serious students of their culture and religious traditions. Participants who violate these rules or other rules will be sent home at their own expense.
Health Insurance – Please check your personal coverage outside the United States and the procedures for reimbursement. If there are health emergencies, we have access to modern hospitals in each city.
The most common health ailments that participants encounter are: 1) dehydration and 2) stomach issues. Keep in mind that we are walking outside for many hours every day, and that we are there in the springtime. So do think consciously about your water intake. Remember that sodas do not hydrate you, so drink plenty of water.
Stomach issues: It’s gonna happen, at least to a few of you. Most of the times, it is nothing serious, basically a case of travelers’ diarrhea. So bring some Pepto or whatever else you like. Here are a few hints: always drink bottled water. Eat in busy restaurants, not in places that are empty. Do eat salads and fruits, but wash the fruit first. When eating vegetables, try to eat those that are peeled or cooked. Street food is perfectly fine, just use your judgment. In general, if you see lots of people eating in an establishment (so that the food has a lot of “turn over”), that signals a safe place.
Computers:
We strongly recommend for you to bring your laptop with you. This will facilitate checking email and skype-ing home. If you have one, bring it. You’ll be glad you did.
Electricity:
Morocco runs on a different electricity than the US (two prong plugs like most European countries). If you have an international transformer/adapter, do bring it. If not, you won’t need it for your laptop. All you need is the 50-cent plug converter that converts the electric plugs we use in the US to the Moroccan ones. Your laptop itself will convert the current.
If you have a digital camera, definitely bring it. You’ll be glad you did.
***Please note that iPhones and other Smart Phones are very expensive in Morocco and are, therefore, very attractive to thieves. Please try to keep your devices concealed except and when you are using them. The old cities are bustling with people so it is important to have your belongings stored in bags that you can zip up or otherwise close up securely.
Clothing:
There are a couple of issues here: weather and cultural norms. In terms of weather, you will want to have long pants with T-shirts or shirts. You will want probably a light jacket or a sweater for some evenings. Maybe one nice dress shirt, if we get invited somewhere nice.
As far as shoes, I recommend having one of two types: one a sandal-type of a thing that is easy to take on and off, and/or a more secure tennis-shoe for days that we are walking a lot outside. Remember, you want to travel light, so don’t bring a ton of stuff. You’ll want to buy souvenirs, so keep your luggage light. Do check to make sure that your sandals/flip-flops are not the kinds that get slippery over wet stones, because many of the stones we walk upon are cobblestone streets.
The more important issue is cultural sensitivity. For the most part, Morocco is still a fairly traditional country (excepting, perhaps, the modern areas of its larger cities, namely, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier). In Marrakesh and Fez, you will see the full range of outfits, from women wearing Hijab to women wearing Western-style, less modest outfits and everything in the middle. However, in the old parts--the "medinas"--the culture and dress are more traditional. Because we want to be taken seriously as students (and not stupid American tourists), we will try to not dress like American tourists. In other words, we will not wear short pants, short skirts, tank-tops, or revealing dresses. Dress somewhat conservatively. Make sure you are wearing pants, and T-shirts or shirts that cover your shoulders. Use your common sense: no cleavage, no shoulders, no belly showing. Ladies, feel free to follow the same rule.
Head-covering:
I will ask all ladies to carry a scarf with them. We will have to cover our head when going into all mosques and shrines. As a sign of respect, we also ask that you do the same for going into churches and synagogues. That, and wearing the same conservative attire we talked about above are the only clothing practices for going into religious spaces.
If you are very fair and prone to getting sunburned, you can either bring sunscreen or purchase some there. I do recommend a good pair of sun glasses, and if you like a hat to shield you from the sun.
How much clothes to bring/Laundry:
There are laundry services available both in the hotels and in different cities. We suggest packing lightly, and doing laundry there. The more light you travel, the happier you will be. We also suggest leaving plenty of room in your bags for the souvenirs you will be buying. Many people like to have an empty duffel bag that they bring with them.
Medicine:
There are many pharmacies and clinics in Morocco, and medicine is much cheaper than in the States. However, if you take regular medication or birth control pills, do bring them with you. I also recommend your favorite kind of deodorant, because the Moroccan stores may not carry the brand you like. Shampoo, toothpaste, and soaps are very readily available, and you don’t need to bring them.
Buying souvenirs:
Turkey is a shoppers’ paradise. Virtually none of you will resist the urge to buy some little carpet, jewelry, leather goods, ceramics, pashmina shawls, or calligraphy. Enjoy the process, be civil, and use it as a chance to get to know people. Remember that it is very common to be invited in for a cup of tea, and some conversation, before you get down to business. It’s not weird, it’s just Moroccan hospitality.
Here is what we recommend: we will be more than happy to recommend places for you to go that have higher quality items at more affordable prices. It’ll take you a while to have your eyes get used to the items, and be able to tell the quality of things apart. So wait for a while before splurging. Again, feel free to ask us for recommendations on what to buy from where.
Here is our recommendation: don’t buy anything for your first few day in Fez or Marrakesh. Let your eyes adjust to the range of products, and then start picking things up a few at a time.
Textbooks to Purchase (and bring with you!)
Required Books, to be purchased from Amazon or your local independent bookstore:
1) Omid Safi, Radical Love: Teachings from the Islamic Mystical Tradition
[This book will be literally hot off the press, and you will be the first readers of this book. Omid will bring copies for the group, and you can purchase one from him for $20 a copy.]
2) Jalal ad-Din Rumi, The Masnavi, Book One (translation by Jawid Mojaddedi) Order from Amazon or your local bookstore prior to the group, and bring with you.
3) As far as guidebooks go, I do recommend having one. You will be fine with one for all of Morocco. We generally recommend the DK EyeWitness books or Lonely Planet, depending on your preference. DK books are more visually accessible, with great images and charts. Lonely Planet has more textual information and historical context.
* DK EyeWitness Travel Guide: Morocco
*Lonely Planet Morocco
For additional information by city, you might like to consult the following:
Marrakesh:
New York Times 36 Hours in Marrakesh
Conde Nast Traveler Marrakesh
Fez:
New York Times 36 Hours in Fez
Conde Nast Traveler Fez
4) Here are a few articles that offer some background to the history, politics, and religious environment of contemporary Morocco:
*Moderate Islam
Morocco promotes role as mediator of moderate Islam
*Moroccan Politics
The King's Dilemma
*Women's Rights
In a Fight for Land, a Women’s Movement Shakes Morocco
*Moroccan Sufism
Sufism in Morocco: Music, mysticism and moderation
*Interfaith Activities
The Marrakech Declaration
Booking Terms & Conditions
[Last Revised & Updated: September 2020]
Illuminated Tours, LLC is a tour operator selling cultural and spiritual travel packages. Illuminated Tours, LLC is defined to include its owners, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives, and affiliates, (collectively “Illuminated Tours”). Please read the following terms and conditions carefully. These terms and conditions along with any other documents provided by Illuminated Tours to the participant constitute the entire agreement between the parties and the parties agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. The terms "we", "us", "our", and “Illuminated Tours" refer to Illuminated Tours, LLC. The term "you" or “client” refers to the customer booking the travel package. If you do not agree to these terms and conditions, please do not book travel packages through Illuminated Tours.
If you are booking a travel package for another person you agree to inform that person(s) about the Terms & Conditions that apply to the booking you have made on their behalf, including all rules and restrictions applicable thereto and these Terms of Use. You agree to be financially responsible for booking. You also warrant that all information supplied by you or on your behalf, or by members of your party is true, current, complete and accurate.
I. BOOKING PROCEDURES & PAYMENT SCHEDULE
You must make payment for your travel package in accordance with the following booking procedures and specific instructions provided by Illuminated Tours. At the time of confirming a booking, a non-refundable deposit of $1,000is due to secure the travel package. The remaining balance payment is due 90 days before the start date of the travel itinerary. If the booking is made within 90 days of the start date of the travel itinerary, 100% payment is due. If we do not receive any payment due in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you, in which case the cancellation charges set out below will become payable. We reserve the right to refuse a booking without giving any reason and shall in that event return any deposit received.
Illuminated Tours accepts personal checks, payments through PayPal, and wire transfer transactions as acceptable methods of payment. Any fees and currency conversions related to payment shall be the responsibility of the client. Once the deposit or full payment is processed, we will send you a confirmation e-mail of receipt of payment.
II. INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
Included in Travel Package
All accommodations; some meals as specified in the detailed day-by-day itinerary documentation, including all breakfasts; expert leaders and licensed English-speaking local guides; private sightseeing and on-site lectures; entrance fees to historical sites; arrival and departure transfers; all local transport (including flights); local bottled water during sightseeing; and all applicable tourism taxes at time of booking.
Not Included in Travel Package
Travel insurance; international airfare; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; reciprocity and other border fees; airport departure taxes; any and all baggage charges; all gratuities; meals other than those specified in the itinerary; beverages other than those noted in inclusions above or specified in the itinerary; any meals for your guide if you invite him/her to dine with you; sightseeing not included in the itinerary; personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges, Internet access; and optional activities (which are subject to availability).
III. PRICING
Quoted travel package prices are per person, based on double occupancy except where indicated. Although not expected, published prices may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of printing. Illuminated Tours is under no obligation to provide a breakdown in costs of any travel itinerary or services. Any modifications to a travel itinerary, including dates or number of people travelling, will require a revised proposal. Single travelers will be expected to pay a single supplemental fee.
IV. AIR TRANSPORTATION
International airfare (to the travel itinerary starting point and from the ending point) is not included in the travel package. Some travel itineraries require domestic flights as specified in the itinerary. This airfare is included in the price of the travel package. Flight confirmation is subject to availability. Air reservations cannot be confirmed until a passport copy is received by Illuminated Tours.
All air carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Illuminated Tours. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airlines (and not Illuminated Tours), even if purchased through Illuminated Tours (i.e., domestic flights). Illuminated Tours is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to: seat assignments, name changes, schedule changes, flight changes and/or cancellations. Should you change or cancel your air transportation arrangements before or after your travel begins, all airline change and cancellation fees will apply.
V. BAGGAGE AND PERSONAL EFFECTS
Baggage and personal effects are at the owner’s risk throughout the travel itinerary, and Illuminated Tours assumes no liability for lost or damaged baggage. Therefore, you are urged to purchase travel insurance that includes provisions for your baggage. Please check with your international carrier for other baggage restrictions and fees applicable to your international flight.
VI. CANCELLATION BY THE TRAVELER
Any cancellation by the traveler must be requested in writing and must be acknowledged by Illuminated Tours in writing. The cancellation will become effective on the date of acknowledgement by Illuminated Tours. Cancellations are subject to the following policy:
VII. CANCELLATION BY ILLUMINATED TOURS
Should Illuminated Tours deem it necessary to cancel the scheduled trip after payments from the traveler have been received, payment will be refunded or applied towards a future Illuminated Tours trip. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will not include any unrecoverable costs. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking, including, but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.
VIII. TRIP & ITINERARY CHANGES
Illuminated Tours travel packages are carefully tailored but are subject to local laws, regulations, schedules, and closures as well as availability of local partners. Thus, unexpected changes may be made by Illuminated Tours to any given itinerary at any time before or during the trip.
IX. TRAVEL INSURANCE
The purchase of travel insurance is not required in order to book a travel package offered by Illuminated Tours. Employees of Illuminated Tours are not qualified or authorized to: answer technical questions about benefits, exclusions, and conditions of any of the insurance offered, nor evaluate the adequacy of the prospective insured’s existing insurance coverage. Such insurance at a minimum should cover your losses sustained as a result of cancellation, medical issues, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness.
X. YOUR INFORMATION
In order for us to confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide all requested personal details, including a face copy of your passport, legal name, date of birth, passport number, passport country and expiry date, and your home address. Your booking cannot be confirmed without these details.
XI. INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND DOCUMENTATION
By offering travel packages in particular international destinations, Illuminated Tours does not represent or warrant that travel to such areas is advisable or without risk. It is your responsibility to stay informed about the areas to which you will be traveling, including any travel advisories and warnings issued by your country’s government. You are responsible for protecting your own well-being and personal property before, during, and after your booked travel itinerary. Illuminated Tours will not be liable for damages or losses that result from travel to such destinations.
You must be in possession of a machine-readable passport valid for 6 months after your travel itinerary return date along with applicable visas. It is your sole responsibility to secure and/or pay for any and all visas, reciprocity fees, affidavits, immunizations, etc. that are required to be permitted entry into each destination. In some countries you may be subject to entry (reciprocity) fees and/or departure taxes/ exit fees which will be collected at the airports upon entry/departure by local government authorities. Please note that entry to any country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete.
For up-to-date detailed information on travel documents and visas, entry/exit taxes and further information on entry and exit requirements please check with your local consular services. Obtaining and carrying these documents is your sole responsibility. Illuminated Tours bears no responsibility for such information and will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for you, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses including missed portions of your vacation/holiday related to improper documentation or government decisions about entry.
XII. AGE & HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
All travelers must be 18 years of age or older unless they are accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveler under the age of 18. Some activities contained within an itinerary may have different age restrictions than the overall minimum age requirement. Details will be provided at the time of booking.
Recommended inoculations for travel may change and you should consult your doctor for current recommendations before you depart. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all health entry requirements, obtain the recommended inoculations, take all recommended medication, and follow all medical advice in relation to your trip.
XIII. SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS
Please notify us as soon as possible if you or any of your guests will require special accommodations, including ADA accommodations in any hotel which you may be booked. Illuminated Tours will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate this request, but cannot be responsible if ADA accommodations are not available.
XIV. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
During an Illuminated Tours itinerary, there may be opportunities to participate in activities or local events, which are not included in Illuminated Tours’s travel package. Illuminated Tours makes no representations about the safety or quality of these activities and events, or the standard of the independent operator running it. You accept that any assistance given by your expert leader, host, guide or local representative in arranging optional activities does not render Illuminated Tours liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and the activity provider and Illuminated Tours will have no liability for your participation in such activities. You will be bound by the terms and conditions of the independent operator
XV. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Each traveler is expected to act responsibly and adhere to all behavior guidelines established by Illuminated Tours and its local partners. You shall hereby defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Illuminated Tours against any, and all third-party claims arising out of any conduct or omission in breach of these terms and conditions or that otherwise create liability for Illuminated Tours.
XVI. LIABILITY RELEASE
Illuminated Tours does not own or operate any entity which provides goods or services for your booked travel package including, for example, ownership or control over hotels, airline, bus, van, or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. Illuminated Tours is an independent contractor and is not an employee, agent, or representative of any of these suppliers. Illuminated Tours does not own, manage, operate, supervise, or control any transportation, vehicle, airplane, hotel or restaurants, or any other entity that supplies services related to your tour. Illuminated Tours is not affiliated with any other tour operator. All suppliers are independent contractors, and are not agents or employees or representatives of Illuminated Tours. All tickets, receipts, coupons, and vouchers are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by each supplier, and by accepting the coupons, vouchers, and tickets, or utilizing the services, all customers agree that Illuminated Tours is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of nature, acts of God, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, insurrection, riot, theft, pilferage, epidemic, pandemic, illness, physical injury, quarantine, medical or customs or immigration regulation, delay, or cancellation. Illuminated Tours accepts no responsibility for lost or stolen items. Illuminated Tours reserves the right to refuse any client or potential client at its sole discretion.
XVII. ACCEPTANCE OF RISK & WAIVER
You are responsible for purchasing a travel package with Illuminated Tours that complies with your comfort level and for participating in activities that are suitable for your fitness level and capabilities. By making a booking, you acknowledge that Illuminated Tours’s travel itineraries are adventurous by nature and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. You are aware that travels such as those which you are undertaking involve hazardous activities, with a risk of injury or death which may be caused by forces of nature, the negligence of Illuminated Tours, or other persons and companies known or unknown, or of willful or criminal conduct of third parties. Additional risks and dangers may arise including, but not limited to, hazards of travel by train, automobile, motor coach, aircraft and other means of conveyance, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, animal interactions, or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as hiking, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of medical or other emergency, forces of nature, political unrest, other unrest, risks associated with water, food, plants, insects and differing animal regulation, and acts of national and local governments and unrest and acts of others against governments.
These risks are not an exhaustive list but are examples of many kinds of risks. You are voluntarily participating in these activities with the knowledge that there are significant dangers involved, and you hereby agree to accept any and all risks. You are also aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible during some or all of the time during which you are participating in this trip. You accept these risks and obligations and fully assume the risks of travel and work in this type of environment. You fully and forever release and discharge Illuminated Tours and all other related, affiliated, associated or otherwise connected corporations, partnerships, individuals and other entities and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, contractors, agents, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Releasees”) from any and all costs (including, without limitation, actual legal costs), claims, demands, actions, causes of action and liabilities whatsoever for any and all losses, damages, death or injuries to persons or loss of property, which may be sustained by you in connection with or in any way relating to this trip, due to any cause or reason whatsoever including, without limitation, the reckless, willful or negligent actions or omissions of the Releasees or any other person or persons.
XVIII. SAFETY AND COMFORT
In order to guarantee the safety and comfort of the client, Illuminated Tours reserves the right to determine the type of vehicle and number of vehicles required to execute any and all activities in the booked travel package, following local transport laws and regulations.
Where the client occupies a vehicle seat fitted with a safety belt, neither Illuminated Tours nor the Operator nor its agents or co-operating organizations or service providers will be liable for any injury, illness or death or for any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of such an accident or incident. This exclusion and limitation of liability shall not be used to imply that the Operator or its agents or affiliated entities are liable in other circumstances.
XIX. CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
It is acknowledged and understood that traveling to the destinations offered by Illuminated Tours will expose travelers to unique situations and experiences that may differ from those you are familiar with in your home country. We believe that these differences enhance the travel experience. Illuminated Tours will discuss these differences before your trip, but you also have a responsibility to perform your own research and act responsibly while traveling.
XX. APPLICABLE LAW AND VENUE
The State of North Carolina law governs these Terms and Conditions to the fullest extent allowable. Any disputes in connection with a Illuminated Tours travel package or these Terms and Conditions will be initiated in the Superior Courts of the State of North Carolina where exclusive jurisdiction and venue reside. If a court or any other appropriate authority finds any portion of this document to be invalid, the remainder will remain in full force and effect. All client claims must be submitted in writing and received by Illuminated Tours no later than thirty (30) days after the completion the booked travel itinerary. Client claims not submitted and received within this time shall be deemed waived and barred.
XXIII. UPDATING BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
Illuminated Tours reserves the right to update and/or alter these Booking Terms & Conditions at anytime, and it is the client’s responsibility to be familiar with them. The latest Booking Terms & Conditions can always be found on the Illuminated Tours website www.illuminatedtours.com and will supersede any previous versions.
Some of you are veterans of traveling in a group context, for others this is a new experience. It is a somewhat unusual experience, where for a few days you will spend every waking and sleeping moment with others. Many people, I dare say most, find it extraordinary how friendships can form and deepen in such a short amount of time, and you may well come away with friends for a life-time. Others may become mindful of just how much private time you really do need!
We ask all of us to treat our group as a community, and to look out for the welfare of all. It is neither possible nor desirable for us to remain a group of people at all times, and during your free time you will want to form groups of 2-4 people to wander off on your own. These kinds of cliques are a very natural phenomenon. We simply ask that you consider the cliques in a fluid fashion, socializing with different people in the group in different turns, and to keep an eye for anyone who might seem to be left on their own, and extend an invitation to them to join you. These simple acts of kindness go a long way towards making a happier experience for everyone.
Pack lightly!
We would like to urge you, as strongly as possible, to pack lightly. If you can, please, please try to travel only with one backpack and one carry-on. You’ll be so glad you did. We have a lot of people on this program, and space is limited. It is to everyone’s interest if you can limit your luggage. You have to be responsible for carrying all of your own luggage. A rolling carry-on is the ideal size/type of luggage per person.
Transportation and hotel accommodations:
In Morocco, the program involves some overland travel. When we travel outside of the cities of Fez and Marrakesh, we will move from place to place in the comfort of an air-conditioned bus, accompanied by a professional tour guide. We've also scheduled one in-country domestic flight. Working with a local Moroccan travel company, we have arranged accommodations for the entire trip at a series of safe, comfortable, well-established tourist hotels.
Within the standards of Morocco, all of our hotels are rated as four-star hotels. In short, you don’t have to worry. They are clean, safe, and well-taken care of.
Communication (Internet, phone, etc.):
In Morocco, all of the riads and many restaurants and cafes offer wifi, so you can easily keep in touch with friends and family via e-mail. Our hotels will have wireless access, and we highly encourage participants to bring their own laptop computers. This will make both communication and class work much easier and more convenient. Please note, however, that often the internet connection in Morocco is not as strong as in the US or Europe.
Skype, Facetime and other online phone services offer the best (and cheapest) way to stay in touch overseas. Setting up an account on Skype is very easy, and you can call other Skype accounts for free, or call a conventional home phone or cell phone (say, your parents, significant others, etc.) for about 2 cents a minute. It is far and away the cheapest and best way to have your loved ones hear your voice.
Inexpensive international calling cards are also readily available for purchase in Morocco. And, of course, cell phones are another option, though often very expensive.
Money and Credit Cards:
In most Moroccan cities, there are abundant ATM machines available that accept our bank cards and credit cards, and they generally give the most favorable exchange rates. Check with your bank regarding their policy and fees for international cash machines—and be sure to alert all banks and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid suspension of service. Travelers checks are also accepted in Morocco but are slightly less convenient.
We do recommend that you bring some cash, and a credit card, with possibly some Traveler Checks. How much cash? Hard to say: it depends on your own eating expenses, and tendency to want to buy souvenirs. In short, you probably want to have about 30 dollars or so on hand for food/water/snacks every day.
Tipping:
You do not generally need to tip in restaurants. We do tip the bus driver and the Moroccan tour guides. You will tip the bus driver about 2 dollars a day, and the professional tour guides about 3-5 dollars a day. We are with them for 7 days, so if you can plan ahead on giving me between 40 and 50 dollars for their collective tip, that would be lovely. I will present them the tips from all of us in an envelope at the end of the tour.
Dining Options:
The program cost covers some but not all meals. Breakfasts—typically the biggest meal of the day for us—are provided every day. Even if some of you are not “breakfast” people, you really should plan on having a nice and full breakfast. It will keep you energized, and save you a ton of money!
In addition, some of the dinners will also be included in the budget. These are very lavish buffet style meals, with a wide range of salads, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. For lunches and the remaining evening meals, however, you will be on their own.
In Morocco, the food is delicious and all range of fare, quality, and prices are available. It is easy to find tasty meals for very reasonable prices (there are around 9 Moroccan dirhams to the US dollar). Even so, assuming that participants temper the urge to indulge their extravagant tastes at five-star restaurants, they should be able to eat well for $25-30 a day. My guess is that if you are careful, most of you may be able to stay well under that.
Do be sure to set some time money aside everyday for buying bottles of water. The most common health issue that we have in Morocco is related to participants getting dehydrated because of walking around outside a lot and only drinking tea or soda. We’ll go over this.
Personal Conduct Issues:
Morocco is a dynamic and diverse Muslim country. We'll be spending most of our time in the traditional parts--the "medinas"--of two of Morocco's royal cities: Fez and Marrakesh. We will also venture out of the medinas into the modern areas of the cities as well as to the desert outside of Marrakesh and to cities outside of Fez. Along the way, we'll meet with a wide range of people: artists, musicians, Sufi teachers, university professors, and everyday Moroccans 'on the street'. In short, we will see sides of Morocco that not many tourists encounter. As representatives of our universities and our countries, we want to be culturally savvy and respectful travelers. Obviously, we'll insist that everyone obey local laws and respect local customs.
The use of alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs reflects very poorly on our whole group, and is therefore not allowed while we are together as a group. There will be some restaurants that might be suitable for those over 21 who wish to consume some wine/alcohol, and I’ll point them out, but on the whole assume that we are abstaining as a group, in group settings, unless instructed otherwise.
It might seem strict, but there is a reason for it: We will be meeting with many Islamic groups and leaders, and drinking/drugs simply is not tolerated. Furthermore, Moroccans are very astute observers, and if we are seen drinking or smoking in public, it marks us as not very serious students of their culture and religious traditions. Participants who violate these rules or other rules will be sent home at their own expense.
Health Insurance – Please check your personal coverage outside the United States and the procedures for reimbursement. If there are health emergencies, we have access to modern hospitals in each city.
The most common health ailments that participants encounter are: 1) dehydration and 2) stomach issues. Keep in mind that we are walking outside for many hours every day, and that we are there in the springtime. So do think consciously about your water intake. Remember that sodas do not hydrate you, so drink plenty of water.
Stomach issues: It’s gonna happen, at least to a few of you. Most of the times, it is nothing serious, basically a case of travelers’ diarrhea. So bring some Pepto or whatever else you like. Here are a few hints: always drink bottled water. Eat in busy restaurants, not in places that are empty. Do eat salads and fruits, but wash the fruit first. When eating vegetables, try to eat those that are peeled or cooked. Street food is perfectly fine, just use your judgment. In general, if you see lots of people eating in an establishment (so that the food has a lot of “turn over”), that signals a safe place.
Computers:
We strongly recommend for you to bring your laptop with you. This will facilitate checking email and skype-ing home. If you have one, bring it. You’ll be glad you did.
Electricity:
Morocco runs on a different electricity than the US (two prong plugs like most European countries). If you have an international transformer/adapter, do bring it. If not, you won’t need it for your laptop. All you need is the 50-cent plug converter that converts the electric plugs we use in the US to the Moroccan ones. Your laptop itself will convert the current.
If you have a digital camera, definitely bring it. You’ll be glad you did.
***Please note that iPhones and other Smart Phones are very expensive in Morocco and are, therefore, very attractive to thieves. Please try to keep your devices concealed except and when you are using them. The old cities are bustling with people so it is important to have your belongings stored in bags that you can zip up or otherwise close up securely.
Clothing:
There are a couple of issues here: weather and cultural norms. In terms of weather, you will want to have long pants with T-shirts or shirts. You will want probably a light jacket or a sweater for some evenings. Maybe one nice dress shirt, if we get invited somewhere nice.
As far as shoes, I recommend having one of two types: one a sandal-type of a thing that is easy to take on and off, and/or a more secure tennis-shoe for days that we are walking a lot outside. Remember, you want to travel light, so don’t bring a ton of stuff. You’ll want to buy souvenirs, so keep your luggage light. Do check to make sure that your sandals/flip-flops are not the kinds that get slippery over wet stones, because many of the stones we walk upon are cobblestone streets.
The more important issue is cultural sensitivity. For the most part, Morocco is still a fairly traditional country (excepting, perhaps, the modern areas of its larger cities, namely, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier). In Marrakesh and Fez, you will see the full range of outfits, from women wearing Hijab to women wearing Western-style, less modest outfits and everything in the middle. However, in the old parts--the "medinas"--the culture and dress are more traditional. Because we want to be taken seriously as students (and not stupid American tourists), we will try to not dress like American tourists. In other words, we will not wear short pants, short skirts, tank-tops, or revealing dresses. Dress somewhat conservatively. Make sure you are wearing pants, and T-shirts or shirts that cover your shoulders. Use your common sense: no cleavage, no shoulders, no belly showing. Ladies, feel free to follow the same rule.
Head-covering:
I will ask all ladies to carry a scarf with them. We will have to cover our head when going into all mosques and shrines. As a sign of respect, we also ask that you do the same for going into churches and synagogues. That, and wearing the same conservative attire we talked about above are the only clothing practices for going into religious spaces.
If you are very fair and prone to getting sunburned, you can either bring sunscreen or purchase some there. I do recommend a good pair of sun glasses, and if you like a hat to shield you from the sun.
How much clothes to bring/Laundry:
There are laundry services available both in the hotels and in different cities. We suggest packing lightly, and doing laundry there. The more light you travel, the happier you will be. We also suggest leaving plenty of room in your bags for the souvenirs you will be buying. Many people like to have an empty duffel bag that they bring with them.
Medicine:
There are many pharmacies and clinics in Morocco, and medicine is much cheaper than in the States. However, if you take regular medication or birth control pills, do bring them with you. I also recommend your favorite kind of deodorant, because the Moroccan stores may not carry the brand you like. Shampoo, toothpaste, and soaps are very readily available, and you don’t need to bring them.
Buying souvenirs:
Turkey is a shoppers’ paradise. Virtually none of you will resist the urge to buy some little carpet, jewelry, leather goods, ceramics, pashmina shawls, or calligraphy. Enjoy the process, be civil, and use it as a chance to get to know people. Remember that it is very common to be invited in for a cup of tea, and some conversation, before you get down to business. It’s not weird, it’s just Moroccan hospitality.
Here is what we recommend: we will be more than happy to recommend places for you to go that have higher quality items at more affordable prices. It’ll take you a while to have your eyes get used to the items, and be able to tell the quality of things apart. So wait for a while before splurging. Again, feel free to ask us for recommendations on what to buy from where.
Here is our recommendation: don’t buy anything for your first few day in Fez or Marrakesh. Let your eyes adjust to the range of products, and then start picking things up a few at a time.
Textbooks to Purchase (and bring with you!)
Required Books, to be purchased from Amazon or your local independent bookstore:
1) Omid Safi, Radical Love: Teachings from the Islamic Mystical Tradition
[This book will be literally hot off the press, and you will be the first readers of this book. Omid will bring copies for the group, and you can purchase one from him for $20 a copy.]
2) Jalal ad-Din Rumi, The Masnavi, Book One (translation by Jawid Mojaddedi) Order from Amazon or your local bookstore prior to the group, and bring with you.
3) As far as guidebooks go, I do recommend having one. You will be fine with one for all of Morocco. We generally recommend the DK EyeWitness books or Lonely Planet, depending on your preference. DK books are more visually accessible, with great images and charts. Lonely Planet has more textual information and historical context.
* DK EyeWitness Travel Guide: Morocco
*Lonely Planet Morocco
For additional information by city, you might like to consult the following:
Marrakesh:
New York Times 36 Hours in Marrakesh
Conde Nast Traveler Marrakesh
Fez:
New York Times 36 Hours in Fez
Conde Nast Traveler Fez
4) Here are a few articles that offer some background to the history, politics, and religious environment of contemporary Morocco:
*Moderate Islam
Morocco promotes role as mediator of moderate Islam
*Moroccan Politics
The King's Dilemma
*Women's Rights
In a Fight for Land, a Women’s Movement Shakes Morocco
*Moroccan Sufism
Sufism in Morocco: Music, mysticism and moderation
*Interfaith Activities
The Marrakech Declaration
Booking Terms & Conditions
[Last Revised & Updated: September 2020]
Illuminated Tours, LLC is a tour operator selling cultural and spiritual travel packages. Illuminated Tours, LLC is defined to include its owners, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives, and affiliates, (collectively “Illuminated Tours”). Please read the following terms and conditions carefully. These terms and conditions along with any other documents provided by Illuminated Tours to the participant constitute the entire agreement between the parties and the parties agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. The terms "we", "us", "our", and “Illuminated Tours" refer to Illuminated Tours, LLC. The term "you" or “client” refers to the customer booking the travel package. If you do not agree to these terms and conditions, please do not book travel packages through Illuminated Tours.
If you are booking a travel package for another person you agree to inform that person(s) about the Terms & Conditions that apply to the booking you have made on their behalf, including all rules and restrictions applicable thereto and these Terms of Use. You agree to be financially responsible for booking. You also warrant that all information supplied by you or on your behalf, or by members of your party is true, current, complete and accurate.
I. BOOKING PROCEDURES & PAYMENT SCHEDULE
You must make payment for your travel package in accordance with the following booking procedures and specific instructions provided by Illuminated Tours. At the time of confirming a booking, a non-refundable deposit of $1,000is due to secure the travel package. The remaining balance payment is due 90 days before the start date of the travel itinerary. If the booking is made within 90 days of the start date of the travel itinerary, 100% payment is due. If we do not receive any payment due in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you, in which case the cancellation charges set out below will become payable. We reserve the right to refuse a booking without giving any reason and shall in that event return any deposit received.
Illuminated Tours accepts personal checks, payments through PayPal, and wire transfer transactions as acceptable methods of payment. Any fees and currency conversions related to payment shall be the responsibility of the client. Once the deposit or full payment is processed, we will send you a confirmation e-mail of receipt of payment.
II. INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
Included in Travel Package
All accommodations; some meals as specified in the detailed day-by-day itinerary documentation, including all breakfasts; expert leaders and licensed English-speaking local guides; private sightseeing and on-site lectures; entrance fees to historical sites; arrival and departure transfers; all local transport (including flights); local bottled water during sightseeing; and all applicable tourism taxes at time of booking.
Not Included in Travel Package
Travel insurance; international airfare; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; reciprocity and other border fees; airport departure taxes; any and all baggage charges; all gratuities; meals other than those specified in the itinerary; beverages other than those noted in inclusions above or specified in the itinerary; any meals for your guide if you invite him/her to dine with you; sightseeing not included in the itinerary; personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges, Internet access; and optional activities (which are subject to availability).
III. PRICING
Quoted travel package prices are per person, based on double occupancy except where indicated. Although not expected, published prices may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of printing. Illuminated Tours is under no obligation to provide a breakdown in costs of any travel itinerary or services. Any modifications to a travel itinerary, including dates or number of people travelling, will require a revised proposal. Single travelers will be expected to pay a single supplemental fee.
IV. AIR TRANSPORTATION
International airfare (to the travel itinerary starting point and from the ending point) is not included in the travel package. Some travel itineraries require domestic flights as specified in the itinerary. This airfare is included in the price of the travel package. Flight confirmation is subject to availability. Air reservations cannot be confirmed until a passport copy is received by Illuminated Tours.
All air carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Illuminated Tours. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airlines (and not Illuminated Tours), even if purchased through Illuminated Tours (i.e., domestic flights). Illuminated Tours is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to: seat assignments, name changes, schedule changes, flight changes and/or cancellations. Should you change or cancel your air transportation arrangements before or after your travel begins, all airline change and cancellation fees will apply.
V. BAGGAGE AND PERSONAL EFFECTS
Baggage and personal effects are at the owner’s risk throughout the travel itinerary, and Illuminated Tours assumes no liability for lost or damaged baggage. Therefore, you are urged to purchase travel insurance that includes provisions for your baggage. Please check with your international carrier for other baggage restrictions and fees applicable to your international flight.
VI. CANCELLATION BY THE TRAVELER
Any cancellation by the traveler must be requested in writing and must be acknowledged by Illuminated Tours in writing. The cancellation will become effective on the date of acknowledgement by Illuminated Tours. Cancellations are subject to the following policy:
- Cancellation made more than 60 days prior to trip departure: The deposit payment is held by Illuminated Tours.
- Cancellation made between 30 and 60 days prior to trip departure: 50% of total booking cost, inclusive of deposit, is held by Illuminated Tours.
- Cancellation made less than 30 days prior to trip departure: 100% of total booking cost, inclusive of deposit, is held by Illuminated Tours
VII. CANCELLATION BY ILLUMINATED TOURS
Should Illuminated Tours deem it necessary to cancel the scheduled trip after payments from the traveler have been received, payment will be refunded or applied towards a future Illuminated Tours trip. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will not include any unrecoverable costs. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking, including, but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.
VIII. TRIP & ITINERARY CHANGES
Illuminated Tours travel packages are carefully tailored but are subject to local laws, regulations, schedules, and closures as well as availability of local partners. Thus, unexpected changes may be made by Illuminated Tours to any given itinerary at any time before or during the trip.
IX. TRAVEL INSURANCE
The purchase of travel insurance is not required in order to book a travel package offered by Illuminated Tours. Employees of Illuminated Tours are not qualified or authorized to: answer technical questions about benefits, exclusions, and conditions of any of the insurance offered, nor evaluate the adequacy of the prospective insured’s existing insurance coverage. Such insurance at a minimum should cover your losses sustained as a result of cancellation, medical issues, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness.
X. YOUR INFORMATION
In order for us to confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide all requested personal details, including a face copy of your passport, legal name, date of birth, passport number, passport country and expiry date, and your home address. Your booking cannot be confirmed without these details.
XI. INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND DOCUMENTATION
By offering travel packages in particular international destinations, Illuminated Tours does not represent or warrant that travel to such areas is advisable or without risk. It is your responsibility to stay informed about the areas to which you will be traveling, including any travel advisories and warnings issued by your country’s government. You are responsible for protecting your own well-being and personal property before, during, and after your booked travel itinerary. Illuminated Tours will not be liable for damages or losses that result from travel to such destinations.
You must be in possession of a machine-readable passport valid for 6 months after your travel itinerary return date along with applicable visas. It is your sole responsibility to secure and/or pay for any and all visas, reciprocity fees, affidavits, immunizations, etc. that are required to be permitted entry into each destination. In some countries you may be subject to entry (reciprocity) fees and/or departure taxes/ exit fees which will be collected at the airports upon entry/departure by local government authorities. Please note that entry to any country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete.
For up-to-date detailed information on travel documents and visas, entry/exit taxes and further information on entry and exit requirements please check with your local consular services. Obtaining and carrying these documents is your sole responsibility. Illuminated Tours bears no responsibility for such information and will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for you, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses including missed portions of your vacation/holiday related to improper documentation or government decisions about entry.
XII. AGE & HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
All travelers must be 18 years of age or older unless they are accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveler under the age of 18. Some activities contained within an itinerary may have different age restrictions than the overall minimum age requirement. Details will be provided at the time of booking.
Recommended inoculations for travel may change and you should consult your doctor for current recommendations before you depart. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all health entry requirements, obtain the recommended inoculations, take all recommended medication, and follow all medical advice in relation to your trip.
XIII. SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS
Please notify us as soon as possible if you or any of your guests will require special accommodations, including ADA accommodations in any hotel which you may be booked. Illuminated Tours will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate this request, but cannot be responsible if ADA accommodations are not available.
XIV. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
During an Illuminated Tours itinerary, there may be opportunities to participate in activities or local events, which are not included in Illuminated Tours’s travel package. Illuminated Tours makes no representations about the safety or quality of these activities and events, or the standard of the independent operator running it. You accept that any assistance given by your expert leader, host, guide or local representative in arranging optional activities does not render Illuminated Tours liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and the activity provider and Illuminated Tours will have no liability for your participation in such activities. You will be bound by the terms and conditions of the independent operator
XV. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Each traveler is expected to act responsibly and adhere to all behavior guidelines established by Illuminated Tours and its local partners. You shall hereby defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Illuminated Tours against any, and all third-party claims arising out of any conduct or omission in breach of these terms and conditions or that otherwise create liability for Illuminated Tours.
XVI. LIABILITY RELEASE
Illuminated Tours does not own or operate any entity which provides goods or services for your booked travel package including, for example, ownership or control over hotels, airline, bus, van, or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. Illuminated Tours is an independent contractor and is not an employee, agent, or representative of any of these suppliers. Illuminated Tours does not own, manage, operate, supervise, or control any transportation, vehicle, airplane, hotel or restaurants, or any other entity that supplies services related to your tour. Illuminated Tours is not affiliated with any other tour operator. All suppliers are independent contractors, and are not agents or employees or representatives of Illuminated Tours. All tickets, receipts, coupons, and vouchers are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by each supplier, and by accepting the coupons, vouchers, and tickets, or utilizing the services, all customers agree that Illuminated Tours is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of nature, acts of God, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, insurrection, riot, theft, pilferage, epidemic, pandemic, illness, physical injury, quarantine, medical or customs or immigration regulation, delay, or cancellation. Illuminated Tours accepts no responsibility for lost or stolen items. Illuminated Tours reserves the right to refuse any client or potential client at its sole discretion.
XVII. ACCEPTANCE OF RISK & WAIVER
You are responsible for purchasing a travel package with Illuminated Tours that complies with your comfort level and for participating in activities that are suitable for your fitness level and capabilities. By making a booking, you acknowledge that Illuminated Tours’s travel itineraries are adventurous by nature and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. You are aware that travels such as those which you are undertaking involve hazardous activities, with a risk of injury or death which may be caused by forces of nature, the negligence of Illuminated Tours, or other persons and companies known or unknown, or of willful or criminal conduct of third parties. Additional risks and dangers may arise including, but not limited to, hazards of travel by train, automobile, motor coach, aircraft and other means of conveyance, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, animal interactions, or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as hiking, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of medical or other emergency, forces of nature, political unrest, other unrest, risks associated with water, food, plants, insects and differing animal regulation, and acts of national and local governments and unrest and acts of others against governments.
These risks are not an exhaustive list but are examples of many kinds of risks. You are voluntarily participating in these activities with the knowledge that there are significant dangers involved, and you hereby agree to accept any and all risks. You are also aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible during some or all of the time during which you are participating in this trip. You accept these risks and obligations and fully assume the risks of travel and work in this type of environment. You fully and forever release and discharge Illuminated Tours and all other related, affiliated, associated or otherwise connected corporations, partnerships, individuals and other entities and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, contractors, agents, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Releasees”) from any and all costs (including, without limitation, actual legal costs), claims, demands, actions, causes of action and liabilities whatsoever for any and all losses, damages, death or injuries to persons or loss of property, which may be sustained by you in connection with or in any way relating to this trip, due to any cause or reason whatsoever including, without limitation, the reckless, willful or negligent actions or omissions of the Releasees or any other person or persons.
XVIII. SAFETY AND COMFORT
In order to guarantee the safety and comfort of the client, Illuminated Tours reserves the right to determine the type of vehicle and number of vehicles required to execute any and all activities in the booked travel package, following local transport laws and regulations.
Where the client occupies a vehicle seat fitted with a safety belt, neither Illuminated Tours nor the Operator nor its agents or co-operating organizations or service providers will be liable for any injury, illness or death or for any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of such an accident or incident. This exclusion and limitation of liability shall not be used to imply that the Operator or its agents or affiliated entities are liable in other circumstances.
XIX. CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
It is acknowledged and understood that traveling to the destinations offered by Illuminated Tours will expose travelers to unique situations and experiences that may differ from those you are familiar with in your home country. We believe that these differences enhance the travel experience. Illuminated Tours will discuss these differences before your trip, but you also have a responsibility to perform your own research and act responsibly while traveling.
XX. APPLICABLE LAW AND VENUE
The State of North Carolina law governs these Terms and Conditions to the fullest extent allowable. Any disputes in connection with a Illuminated Tours travel package or these Terms and Conditions will be initiated in the Superior Courts of the State of North Carolina where exclusive jurisdiction and venue reside. If a court or any other appropriate authority finds any portion of this document to be invalid, the remainder will remain in full force and effect. All client claims must be submitted in writing and received by Illuminated Tours no later than thirty (30) days after the completion the booked travel itinerary. Client claims not submitted and received within this time shall be deemed waived and barred.
XXIII. UPDATING BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
Illuminated Tours reserves the right to update and/or alter these Booking Terms & Conditions at anytime, and it is the client’s responsibility to be familiar with them. The latest Booking Terms & Conditions can always be found on the Illuminated Tours website www.illuminatedtours.com and will supersede any previous versions.
