Trek the Alps from France to Italy and Switzerland; cross glaciers and pine forests, visit remote villages and mountain refuges before finishing your days with local cuisine and wines. The Mont Blanc region boasts one of the world's premier hiking circuits and the highest mountain in Western Europe. Trekking Mont Blanc Active 2009 GPE 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Europe France, Switzerland, Italy Chamonix Chamonix France France Trekking/Hiking 12 5 Standard http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/france/france_montblanc_1.jpg Arrive in Chamonix at any time. Head to Les Houches and begin with a cable car ride to the start of your hike. Climb through beutiful spruce forests and alpine meadows, past the magnificent Bionnassay Glacier. Enjoy views of the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc Range before descending to Les Contamines. Hike along the old Roman road towards Col Du Bonhomme. As we ascend Mont Blanc, we are rewarded with awesome views down into the Vallee des Chapieux, where you'll spend the night. Continue climbing through open pastures, arriving at the Col de la Seigne and the border with Italy, before descending into the beautiful Val Veny. Pass by picturesque glacier lakes en route and enjoy a night in the Italian town of Courmayeur. Today is a much-needed rest day. Spend the day taking it easy, with options for a cable car ride to Punta Helbronner on Mont Blanc or a transglacial crossing from Italy into France. Walk past the Glacier de Pré de Bar, cross the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) and drop into Switzerland through the Valley of La Fouly (1457m). Spend the night in the picturesque chalet-filled town of the same name. An easier walking day takes us past rivers, charming Swiss towns and beautiful countryside. Spend the night in the lovely lakeside town of Champex. Today’s tough hike starts at Champex d’en Bas and a steep switchback path heading upwards for great views of the Rhône Valley below. Take the Bovine Way, an old trail used to access the flower-filled summer cow pastures high above the valley. Continue on to Trient, Switzerland. Saying good-bye to Switzerland, return to France via the Chamonix Valley. Time to wind down as the trek comes to an end. Finish off your tour with an optional cable car ride to the Aiguille du Midi for a closer look at the heights of Mont Blanc before our final night and farewell dinner in Chamonix. Our circuit begins and ends in France, starting at Chamonix. Today is an arrival day, with no planned activities.

The Mont Blanc mountain range is one of the most spectacular regions in the Alps. Marked trails on the circuit straddle three countries (France, Italy and Switzerland) and cross over mountain passes allowing hikers to enjoy the magnificent scenery on this long loop. The majesty of Mont Blanc with the summer flora of wildflowers, shrubbery and trees has inspired generations of alpine visitors, and this region has been attracting mountaineers and hikers from around the world for over two hundred years. Late spring to summer is the best time for hiking in this area.

The town of Chamonix is an authentic French mountain town, located at the foot of Mont Blanc. It lies in one of the most picturesque valleys of the French Alps, with innumerable alpine peaks towering around you, pine forests, alpine valleys to explore, and beautiful glaciers spilling from the high massif. The town is home to 10 000 inhabitants, swelling to 100 000 during peak season.
Estimated Hiking Time:7-8hrs
Distance: 18km
Elevation: Start 1781m; Highest 2120m; Finish 1460m

We take the bus to Les Houches, where we begin with a cable car ride to Bellevue. From here on a clear day you’ll enjoy great views of the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc Range. Our hike takes us past the Bionnassay Glacier, up to the Col de Tricot, after which a steep descent brings us to our lunch spot. Following lunch we climb up to Le Truc and then back down to Les Contamines.

The French Alps form an arc from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, 350 km long with an average width of 100 km. The average altitude is 1100m with Mont Blanc, the highest point, at 4807m. We can witness the processes of ice movement and erosion of the Mont Blanc massif. The area is characterized by dramatic gorges, wide flat rivers, mountain torrents and sharp pinnacles.
Estimated Hiking Time: 7hrs
Distance: 20km
Elevation: Start 1460m; Highest 2483m; Finish 1870m

A short drive will take us to where we begin hiking along the old Roman road toward the Col Du Bonhomme (2329m) and the Croix du Bonhomme (2483m). After a steep ascent and some traversing, we stop for lunch and are rewarded with awesome views down into the Vallee des Chapieux. We then descend to Les Chapieux, our home for the evening. This is a tough day but the fantastic views and the satisfaction of coming over the Col du Bonhomme make it all worthwhile! Estimated Hiking Time: 6-7hrs
Distance: 30km
Elevation: Start 1789m; Highest 2516m; Finish 1240m

Continue climbing through open pastures, arriving at the Col de la Seigne (2,516m) and the border with Italy, before descending into the beautiful Val Veny, passing picturesque glacier lakes en route. We spend the night in the Italian town of Courmayeur, the biggest town in the Italian Mont Blanc circuit, and you’ll have a free evening to explore the town’s restaurants and bistros. We have scheduled a rest day in Courmayeur, so you have the opportunity to enjoy the older areas of Courmayeur and Entreves, take a cable car from La Palud to Punta Helbronner on Mt Blanc, or ride another cable car for the transglacial crossing from Italy into France. Estimated Hiking Time: 5-6hrs
Distance/Elevation: Route may vary depending on conditions and group ability

Walk past the Glacier de Pré de Bar, cross the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) and drop into Switzerland through the Valley of La Fouly (1457m) where we spend the night in the picturesque chalet-filled town of the same name. Estimated Hiking Time on Day 7: 5hrs
Distance/Elevation: Route may vary depending on conditions and group ability

An easier walking day today takes us past rivers, charming Swiss towns and beautiful countryside. The scenery, now forest and pastoral scenes, will not disappoint. You'll pass through some small villages, the most charming of which is Tre Le Champ. Notice how the woodpiles are stacked meticulously, like perfect building blocks. Here it's an art. We spend the night in the lovely lakeside town of Champex.

Take the opportunity on day 8 (a rest day) to visit the world-known museum Fondation Pierre Giannada and to walk in the vineyards of the Rhone Valley. Estimated Hiking Time: 5-7hrs
Distance: Finettre d'Arpette 14km ; Lower route 18km
Elevation: Start 1466m; Highest 2665m (Finettre)/2049m (Lower); Finish 1297m

Today’s tough hike starts at Champex d’en Bas and a steep switchback path heading upwards for great views of the Rhône Valley below. Taking the Bovine Way, an old trail used to access the flower-filled summer cow pastures high above the valley, we continue to Trient, Switzerland. Weather permitting, we have the option of taking the Fenêtre d’Arpette, a “window” through the mountains offering spectacular views. Estimated Hiking Time: 6hrs
Distance: 15km
Elevation: Start 1297m; Highest 2220m; Finish 1453m

Saying goodbye to Switzerland, we head back to the Chamonix Valley passing through a larch forest to the Col de Balme and on to Argentière and Chamonix. We have another opportunity to take a cable car, this time to the Aiguille du Midi (3937m) for a closer look at the Mont Blanc. Alternatively take the Montenvers train to La Mer de Glace and stroll back down to Chamonix.

From the top of the Aiguille du Midi (3842m), you can practically touch Mont Blanc. It stretches across glaciers and snow fields and is one of the best ways to enter into the secret world of glaciers; arrival is via the world's highest téléphérique (cable car), from Chamonix. At 14km long, 1800m wide and as deep as 400m, the Mer de Glace is the second-largest glacier in the Alps. Here you can step inside and take a tour in an ice cave that is carved anew each Spring. Please note that traversing the glacier without proper equipment or a guide is dangerous and should not be done.
1349 1279 769 629 1679 1199 1069 1639 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 1349 1279 769 629 1679 1199 1069 1639 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 1349 1279 769 629 1679 1199 1069 1639 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 1349 1279 769 629 1679 1199 1069 1639 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 1349 1279 769 629 1679 1199 1069 1639 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 1349 1279 769 629 1679 1199 1069 1639 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 1349 1279 769 629 1679 1199 1069 1639 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 1349 1279 769 629 1679 1199 1069 1639 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 EUR Accommodation Local hotels and mountain refuges (11 nts) (multi-share). Brochure Notes 1. Please note this trip is a trekking trip from start to finish. Passengers are required to carry their own packs and there are no support vehicles. It is possible to leave your gear at the hotel in Chamonix as the trip begins and ends here. Departure Departs every two weeks (June-Sept) DepEnd Sat-Wed Group Leader Tour leader throughout, local guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights The Alps, France, Italy, Switzerland, Chamonix, Les Houches, Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, Les Chapieux, Col de la Seigne, Val Veny, Courmayuer, La Fouly, La Forclaz. Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow EUR250 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included 9 Continental breakfasts, 6 Box lunches, 4 Dinners. Min Pax 6 Recommendation Looking for some culture and history to combine with your active European holiday? Try our Ultimate Italy, EIUL for a nearby tour that allows you to experience the very best that this amazing country has to offer. StartFinish ex Chamonix Testimonial "The trip far exceeded my expectations. I thought it was extremely well organised and was impressed with the amount of choice of activities we had." - Zoe Knights travelled on Trekking Mont Blanc Transport Local bus, walking. What's Included Glacier cable car rides, transglacial crossing from Italy to France, mountain hikes. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
About Accommodation On some days we will be using mountain refuges, which are basic accommodations, often multi-share.

Please note that Hotel Chamonix is affiliated with Hotel Crete Blanche and that in some cases the group could be divided with the neighbouring hotel. Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro Trek the Alps from France to Italy and Switzerland; cross glaciers and pine forests, visit remote villages and mountain refuges before finishing your days with local cuisine and wines. The Mont Blanc region boasts one of the world's premier hiking circuits and the highest mountain in Western Europe. Checklist - Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- Euros and travellers cheques
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera and film/batteries and charger, reading/writing material
- Waterproof cover and plastic bags for backpack
- Hiking boots (worn in)
- Hiking poles
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Waterproof pants (optional)
- Swim wear (optional)
- 2-3 lightweight shirts/t-shirts
- Sun hat
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 1 pair hiking pants/track pants (convertible pants/shorts are useful)
- 2-3 pairs socks and underwear
- 1 light fleece/long-sleeved shirt
- 1 heavy fleece/jacket
- Warm hat/touque
- Gloves
- Small towel
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable and in small/light bottles)
- Flashlight/Headlamp
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- Water purification tablets
- Pocketknife
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, moleskin, anti-histamine, any extra prescription drugs you may be taking). Departure Tax Usually included in international air ticket Detailed Trip Notes Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro Trek the Alps throught France, Italy and Switzerland; cross glaciers and pine forests, visit remote villages and mountain refuges and finish your days with local cuisine and wines. The Mont Blanc region boasts one of the world’s premier hiking circuits and the highest mountain in Western Europe. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures local office (Spain)
Local Emergency Cell Phone: +34 627 357 664

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description This G.A.P Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician. Important Notes Please note this trip is a trekking trip from start to finish. Passengers are required to carry their own packs and there are no support vehicles. It is possible to leave your gear at the hotel in Chamonix as the trip begins and ends here. Night stops and routes may vary depending on weather conditions, daily group progress and availability. Flexibility is very important.

Please note that hotel Chamonix is affiliated with hotel Crete Blanche and that in some cases the group could be divided with the neighbouring hotel. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel Chamonix
Hôtel Le Chamonix
58, Place de l'église
(+33) 04-50531107
(+33) 04-50536478
www.hotel-le-chamonix.com
hotel-le-chamonix@wanadoo.fr

Please note that hotel Chamonix is affiliated with hotel Crete Blanche and that in some cases the group could be devided with the neighbouring hotel. Joining Instructions Chamonix is most easily accessible from Geneva, to which you can find international flights from virtually any major world city. From here, consider these options to transfer to Chamonix:

Mountain Dropoffs - An airport transfer company offering private and shared transfers from Geneva airport to Chamonix. You can call ahead to arrange a transfer so that a Mountain Dropoffs driver will be waiting in the arrivals terminal, holding a sign with your name clearly written. If you are not able to book this ahead and see a Mountain Dropoffs vehicle waiting at the airport with space available, the driver can book you in immediately. Cost is 40 Euros one way or 80 Euros for a return trip. See www.mountaindropoffs.com, or call +33(0)450 47 17 73

Alpybus - A bus service that runs several departures daily between Geneva Airport and the Chamonix Valley (1.5 hrs ride). A one way fare is 40 Euros per passenger (min. 3 passengers)

For more info. contact:
T: +44(0)1509 213696
M: +41(0)7953 93754
or see www.alpybus.com

Chamvan - A private shuttle service that operates between Geneva airport (or a designated spot in Geneva) to the Chamonix valley. The cost varies between 25-40 EUR depending on the number of passengers.
T: +33 (0)6 32 24 03 94
or see: www.cham-van.com/

Train - It is possible to take the train from Geneva to Chamonix, though it involves a number of changes. You can arrange this locally from the Geneva rail station.

Taxi ride Geneva - Chamonix: Cost is approximately EUR150

When you arrive in Chamonix, the hotel is situated smack in the centre of town — next to the City Hall, opposite the tourist office, behind Le Chamonix Bar.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities are planned. Your Tour Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. The Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your Tour Leader where the closest laundromat is. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Western Europe. Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros, traveller’s cheques and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities All prices are per person, in Euro amounts.

Chamonix:
Mountain bike rental €39 pp half day; €59 pp full day
Horseback riding €20 (1 hr); €35 (1/2 day); €60 (full day)
Parapenting €90 - €235 pp depending on the length of flight & departure points
Rafting €28pp (45 min); €31 (1.5 hrs); €104 (full day with lunch)
Hydrospeed €34-€45 pp (for approx 1 hour)
Canyoning €57 pp (half day); €92 pp (full day)
Aiguille du Midi €14.40 - €33.80
Return Tramway du Mont Blanc €8.50 - €22 (Mer de Glace glacier train)

Courmayeur:
Quads €90 (2 people per quad) full day

Champex:
Fondation Pierre Giannada, Martigny: 15euros Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2). Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from €5-20 per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader or skipper did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €20-25 per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take We strongly recommend the use of a backpack. Remember that you will have to carry your own backback throughout the trip, you may leave some extra gear or a peice of luggage at the start hotel and get it back on day 10 at the end of the trip ( check with your tour leader or hotel desk about the luggage storage policy ).

Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.