NEW TRIP

A Voyage from Tokyo to Fukuoka

Through the Heart of Japan

Japan, South Korea

15 Days

From $15,720

Level 1+

Easiest

Overview

    Contact Us Download Itinerary

    Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

    Overview

    Experience the dynamic landscape of Japan, from the vibrant cities of the mainland to quiet coastal island villages. Departing Tokyo, begin your journey by experiencing traditional Japanese culture at the township of remote Shimizu and walking the cobblestone staircase leading to the sacred kamikura shrine at Shingu. Continue to the ideal vantage point of Kobe port to explore the bustling streets of Osaka for an authentic food tour or spend time in Kyoto among the diverse cityscape of modern architecture and ancient temples. Discover the lush mountainous landscape of the Iya Valley at remote Tokujima, learn about the traditional history of the soy sauce craft in Shodojima, and explore the ancient castle at little-visited Karatsu. At Jeju Island in South Korea, you'll view the extraordinary UNESCO listed Manjanggul lava tubes before discovering the little-known Goto Islands and concluding your journey in Fukuoka. Be immersed in the poignant histories and ancient traditions within these diverse landscapes on this authentic journey through the heart of Japan.

    Arrive: Tokyo, Japan

    Depart: Fukuoka, Japan

    Highlights

    • Visit Arita, Japan's most prodigious exporter of fine porcelain in the 17th century
    • View the iconic red torii gate of the Itsukujima shinto shrine “floating” in the Seto Inland Sea, and visit neighboring cultural sites to witness centuries-old customs
    • Uncover World War II histories including a visit to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park
    • Visit Osaka, the food capital of Japan, or the historic city of Kyoto where traditional and modern architecture collide
    • Explore UNESCO-listed Global Geopark Manjanggul, a 7.4 km long lava tube and cave of South Korea's Jeju Island
    • Visit Shodoshima and hike in the breathtaking Kankakei Gorge

    Overview

      Contact Us Download Itinerary

      Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

      Itinerary

      Download Itinerary Expand All Days

      Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.

      Board the Coral Geographer from Tokyo Bay at 4:00 pm for a 7:00 pm departure. Settle into your cabin and relax as the ship sets sail toward the Sea of Japan. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.
      Shimizu (“pure water” in Japanese) is one of Japan’s most scenic ports with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji. With a mild climate, the area is home to rich tea plantations located on the Nihondiara Plateau. Visit the famous tea plantations, explore the historic township with a bustling seafood market and museum, discover the photogenic miho-no-matsubara pine grove, and take to a hiking trail to enjoy rustic ropeways.
      Translating to “new shine,” Shingu is home to the sacred kamikura shrine located atop a hill. The area also hosts a stunning part of the Kumano River, Dorokyo Gorge, and pilgrimage routes to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kii Mountain Range. Climb the 538 steps to the shine to see gotobiki iwa, the holy rock and picturesque scenery from this elevated viewpoint. Explore the city center to connect with the food, culture, and history of the area and set off on the daimonzaka trail, an impressive cobblestone staircase that leads from the valley up to the temples.
      Today, you may choose to explore Osaka or Kyoto for the day. Time permitting, you may travel by bullet train. Immersive yourself in colorful, bustling Osaka, the food capital of Japan, where ancient and modern architecture collide. Visit Osaka Castle, join a guided tour of famous Dotonburi Street, stroll through Kuromon Market, and take it all in from the observation deck in Umeda Sky Building. Kyoto city, once the capital of Japan, is famous for its classical Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. Learn of the rich history of this area as you visit these places as well as the local street market, Nishiki Market, well known for its fantastic takeaway food.
      The Iya Valley is a remote, mountainous valley with dramatic steep-sided mountain slopes strung with suspension bridges constructed from mountain vines known as kazurabashi. These vine bridges were once the only means for moving people and goods through the challenging terrain with the Wild Monkey Bridge open to visitors who can pull themselves across the river in a wooden cart suspended on a rope. Take a sightseeing boat cruise through the Oboke Gorge, admire artworks and artifacts at the Otsuka Museum of Art, visit a Buddhist temple, and experience an Awa Dance performance, celebrated annually at a festival dedicated to this dance style.
      One of the first islands born to the Gods in the creation myth of Japan, Shodojima literally means “small bean island,” a fitting name for an island where soybean crops were traditionally processed into soy sauce, though it is better known more recently for its olive plantations. Learn about this time-honored condiment with a 400-year-old history at the Marukin Soy Sauce Historical Museum. Experience the making of the Japanese famous Somen noodle and try your hand at dividing the noodles with long chopsticks. Visit Misaki no Bunyojyo, the elementary school featured in the famous film Twenty Four Eyes.
      The famed Itsukujima shrine is one of Japan's most recognizable symbols with its shinto shrine and red torii gate seemingly floating upon the Seto Inland Sea. Itsukujima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Treasure. Other important sites are Daisho-in, a temple of Shingon Buddhism, and Reikado Hall, located on Mt. Misen, the highest peak on Miyajima. Walking paths link Miyajima's cultural sites and Maple Valley, providing the ideal pace with which to absorb centuries-old customs. Stroll around the island, among the deer that wander the same sites, and take in the beauty of the island.
      Forever linked to the WWII tragedy that saw an atomic bomb dropped on the city in 1945, Hiroshima has since been rebuilt while retaining some historical heritage, with the Peace Memorial Park now the city's most prominent feature. Shukkeien Garden dates as far back as the 1600s with its valleys, mountains, and forests represented in miniature with tea houses among the gardens an ideal spot to take time to enjoy the idyllic surrounds.
      High on Mount Katsuyama, Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan's twelve original castles and stands at the heart of the city of Matsuyama. Constructed in the early 1600s, the original tower collapsed after being struck by lightning. A three-story tower was added to the site two hundred years after. Pilgrims dressed all in white are a frequent site at Ishitji Temple, where an inner temple connects to the main temple grounds via a dimly-lit cave and a 650-foot-long tunnel that houses Buddhist statues, carvings, and drawings.
      This trading hub is known for its safe harbor and close proximity to other foreign trading ports. Here you will explore the island's many idyllic surrounds including the Nanatsugama limestone caves, the bustling city area and markets, and climbing to historic Karatsu Castle and one of Japan's top waterfalls, Mikaeri Falls.
      Roughly halfway between the Japanese mainland and the Korean Peninsula, Tsujima was once a single island before a canal divided the island in two in the 1600s, then into three islands in the 1900s with a second canal constructed. In reality there are approximately 100 islands that collectively make up Tsujima with its abundance of natural beauty and untouched forests. Birdwatching is a popular pastime, particularly within the Tsuhjima Wildlife Conservation Center, home to the Tsushima leopard cat, an endangered species. The perfect place for true explorers, take a tour of the area and visit an observation deck for breathtaking views and chances to spot some of the diverse native flora and fauna.
      Jeju Island’s Manjanggul lava tubes are regarded as the finest lava tube system of caves anywhere in the world and are recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark site for their unique geological features and volcanic landforms. The Jeonbang Falls is Korea’s only waterfall that tumbles directly into the sea, while Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak is a flat-topped crater that rose from the sea many years ago. The near-circular crater is popular for its walking trails and elevated position to view the sunrise or sunset.
      With a WWII history, the Maritime Self-Defense Force Sasebo Museum displays historical naval vessels alongside the Former Sasebo Navy Club, which dates back to the late 1800s. At Mukyudo, an air raid shelter is unique among Japan's countless shelters as it was built by school children in the style of a school. The historical pottery town of Arita is where Japan's fine porcelain was first produced around 400 years ago. Arita-yaki pottery is now the most highly regarded pottery across all Japan with its “secret ingredient” kaolin, the essential mineral required to make fine porcelain. Try your hand at pottery making with an opportunity to make your very own Arita ceramics.
      The Goto Islands are best known for Christianity. While religion was banned, the “hidden Christians” settled here and continued practicing their faith in secret until the ban was lifted in the 1870s. Goto Island translates into English as the “five island chain,” with Nakadori and Aokata Islands being two of the most populated. With around 50 churches dotted across the prefecture, such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kashiragajima Church with its stone construction, other interesting sites you will visit include the Whale Museum and the Stone Monuments of Wakamatsu Island. Also a member of the Goto Islands, Fukue Island is the largest of the group with hilly terrain, temples, and churches. Be welcomed into port with wind instruments and a traditional drum performance. Hike Mt. Onidake, the dormant volcano, learn of the area’s history on a visit to the city museum, cruise Abunze coast to view the lava rock formations, and soak in the natural beauty of the island with its beaches, mountains, and craggy coastline.
      Your voyage ends in the Japanese port of Fukuoka. Disembark Coral Geographer at 8:30 am and bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master, and crew.

      Dates & Pricing

      Payment & Cancel Schedule

      At time of reservation: 20% of trip cost
      100 days prior to departure: Balance

      Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

      Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

      Minimum fee: 20% of trip cost
      60-89 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
      59 days or less: 100% of trip cost

      Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

      Included
      • All meals aboard ship, including wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner as indicated in the Detailed Itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
      • Expert education team and guest lecturers
      • Comprehensive and fully guided sightseeing in each destination
      • Lectures, workshops and demonstrations onboard
      • All meals, chef-prepared onboard
      • Selected wines, beer, house spirits, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
      • Captain's welcome and farewell events
      • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea
      • Use of all onboard facilities including reference library
      • Snorkeling equipment
      • Daily guided excursions on Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels and kayaks where conditions allow
      • All entrance fees to National Parks and ports
      • Gratuities
      Not Included
      • International or domestic flights
      • Airport transfers and taxes
      • Travel insurance or emergency evacuation insurance (highly recommended)
      • Alcoholic drinks outside of lunch and dinner service
      • Passport, visa, and vaccination charges
      • Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
      • All items of a personal nature including but not limited to: Wi-Fi, phone, and internet communication, specialty alcoholic beverages, laundry services, medical expenses, phone charges

      Accommodations

      Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

      Coral Geographer

      Days 1-14 (14 nights)

      The Coral Geographer was launched in 2021 and designed with both exploration and comfort in mind. Her shallow draft and advanced navigation systems allow access to locations that are off-limits to large cruise ships, and she carries two trademark “Xplorer” tenders that can seat all guests at once for shore...

      What the Trip is Like

      The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Zodiac landing crafts are used to transport passengers ashore for walking tours. Some agility is required for getting in and out of the Zodiac landing crafts.
      Review Trip Level Details

      Book your trip today

      Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

      Itinerary

      Submit the form below to download itinerary

      Hidden

      Hidden


      Trip Levels

      With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

      Level 1 – Easiest

      Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

      Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

      Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

       

      Level 3 – Moderate

      Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

      Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

       

      Level 5 – Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

      Level 6 – Very Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

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Visit Osaka Castle, join a guided tour of famous Dotonburi Street, stroll through Kuromon Market, and take it all in from the observation deck in Umeda Sky Building.\r\n\r\nKyoto city, once the capital of Japan, is famous for its classical Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. Learn of the rich history of this area as you visit these places as well as the local street market, Nishiki Market, well known for its fantastic takeaway food.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Tokujima","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"The Iya Valley is a remote, mountainous valley with dramatic steep-sided mountain slopes strung with suspension bridges constructed from mountain vines known as kazurabashi. 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Birdwatching is a popular pastime, particularly within the Tsuhjima Wildlife Conservation Center, home to the Tsushima leopard cat, an endangered species. The perfect place for true explorers, take a tour of the area and visit an observation deck for breathtaking views and chances to spot some of the diverse native flora and fauna.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Jeju, South Korea","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Jeju Island&rsquo;s Manjanggul lava tubes are regarded as the finest lava tube system of caves anywhere in the world and are recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark site for their unique geological features and volcanic landforms. 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Zodiac landing crafts are used to transport passengers ashore for walking tours. Some agility is required for getting in and out of the Zodiac landing crafts.","Custom_Terrain":"","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"","Custom_Weather":"","Custom_Accommodations":"","Custom_Cuisine":"","Custom_Transportation":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, or activities you may not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 or email us at <a href=\"mailto:\/\/info@wildernesstravel.com\">info@wildernesstravel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","System_References":"<p>We&rsquo;d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren&rsquo;t listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"This is a new adventure and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions&mdash;and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_Limited_Edition_Adventures":"This is a Limited Edition adventure&mdash;which means a unique trip we've never run before or offer only every few years. Led by our most experienced Trip Leaders, these journeys often take place in remote destinations with only the most basic infrastructure for tourism. If you see a Limited Edition trip scheduled for this year, now is the time to sign up, as spaces fill very early and the trip may not be back for a while! Planned daily activities and actual timings may vary due to local conditions or the discretion of your Trip Leader&mdash;it is important to bring your spirit of adventure for these special exploratory journeys!","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<p><strong>PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Please review your Pre-Departure Information booklet included in this packet for important information regarding Wilderness Travel's COVID-19 protocols, packing lists, recommended reading, tipping, etc.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_COVID-19":"The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organization and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired in 2023. As of March 2024, we no longer require guests who exhibit cold or flu symptoms to test for COVID-19. Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to follow local health protocols, wear a mask in group vehicles and during indoor activities for the remainder of the trip, and may be asked to dine separately. Any travel companion sharing a room with them will also be required to wear a mask at all times in the shared group vehicles for the remainder of the trip.<br><br>We encourage all travelers to actively monitor their own well-being and to use common-sense preventative measures such as regular handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer) and\/or wearing a face mask. If you are feeling sick, we encourage you to self-isolate and\/or wear a mask to protect your fellow travelers. Guests may be required to wear a mask if the Trip Leader believes the situation warrants it.<br><br>Leading up to the trip, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy, including avoiding close contact with anyone displaying cold or flu symptoms and washing your hands often. As always, by traveling with Wilderness Travel, guests agree to be accountable for their own well-being. If you are worried about a fellow traveler's cold or flu-like symptoms, you may opt to wear a mask or distance yourself as needed. It's important to remember that there are inherent risks associated with travel and group settings.<br><br>These protocols will be reviewed and adjusted as guidance evolves. <br><br>","System_Photography":"<strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. You may want to consider renting camera equipment for your trip from places such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lensrentals.com\/\">lensrentals.com<\/a>. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip. Adding their extra insurance fee to cover expensive equipment is recommended. <br><strong><br>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<br><strong><br>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to wtphotoblog@gmail.com or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.<br><strong><br>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. ","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (<a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">wildernesstravel.newheadings.com<\/a>).","System_Questions?":"<p>Our Area Specialists are your single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about your trip!<br>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Pricing_Detail-Small_Group_Adventure":" <br><br>To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. Please note that Wilderness Travel staff, or guests of Wilderness Travel such as travel writers, photographers, or leaders-in-training, are not included in the tier pricing count.","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/leaders\/\">wildernesstravel.com\/leaders<\/a>.<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<p>At time of reservation: 20% of trip cost<br>100 days prior to departure: Balance <br><br><em>Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/p>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Minimum fee: 20% of trip cost<br>60-89 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>59 days or less: 100% of trip cost<\/p><p><em>Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/p>"}}