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Adventures – Experiences – Exploration
Exclusive travel for thirty and forty somethings…..
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MOROCCO Trip Notes
-------------------------------------------------------------- Overview
Morocco is a land where African, European, and Arab
cultures mix. Across the Strait of Gibraltar, it is the closest
African country to the European continent. You will find
that is home to an amazing mixture of art, food, music,
history, architecture, adventure and hospitality which make
it truly an incredible destination.
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Itinerary
Day 1. Casablanca – Arrival
Welcome to Morocco!! Upon arrival at Casablanca airport,
you will be met and transferred to your hotel in
Casablanca for your first night in Morocco. A welcome
meeting with your tour leader is scheduled at 6pm, please
double check in the reception after your check-in. A
delicious dinner is included tonight at one of the local
restaurants.
Accommodation Hotel Kenzi Basma
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Day 2. Fes
Today, you will drive to the archeological site of Volubilis
which a provincial Roman capital was once. Meet your
local guide and set up for a discovery tour of this beautiful
town followed by a delicious home cooked lunch at Moulay
Driss with one of the local families. Afterwards, make two
hours’ drive to the living museum of Fes and your home
for the next 2 nights. You will have the rest of the day at
your leisure after checking in your hotel.
Accommodation Riad Myra
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Day 3. Fes
Today, meet your local guide for a full day guided tour of
the medina of Fes. During the tour, you will see the
craftsmen practicing their daily traditional work, markets,
beautiful tanneries and many mosques. Walk in the thin
streets of the medina (the largest car-free urban zones in
the world). You may want to see some of monuments
such us Merderssa Attarine, Foundouk Nejjarine. Spend
the whole day exploring the city and why not try a
delicious meal of Fes: the chicken stuffed pastilla.
Accommodation Riad Myra
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Day 4. Merzouga
Today, leave Fes and drive south for several hours to the
golden dunes of Merzouga. During the transfer, you will
witness a change in the scenery. You will stop for lunch at
Midelt market town, originally built as a base for mining in
the area and surrounded by farmland and orchards.
Afterwards, continue to Erfoud, store your main baggage
change to camels for 1001 nights experience followed by
glass of wine in the sand and a delicious dinner prepared
by our Nomad friend.
Accommodation Golden Camp
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Day 5. Dades Valley
Bid farewell to the Sahara and drive to Dades valley, you
may want to visit Museum of El Khorbat. Make sure to
grab your camera during the drive as the route is very
scenic and remarkable. After checking in your hotel, you
will take an enjoyable walk you will pass Berber villages,
and meet local Berbers along the way. To fully enjoy this
walk, please bring good walking boots, sunglasses, sun
cream and plenty of water.
Accommodation Kasbah Tizzarouine
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Day 6. Ait Benhaddou
This morning, you will drive to Ait Benhaddou. If this
Kasbah looks familiar, that’s because many Hollywood
movies have been filmed here such us the mummy, Prince
of Persia, Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones,
Gladiator… Enjoy a walk in the Kasbah and discover this
beautiful town at your leisure.
Accommodation Kasbah Titrit
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Day 7. Marrakech
Meet your driver today who will take you to Marrakech, an
ancient city with a touch of European modernity. The drive
is very beautiful as you will pass via Tiz N Tichka pass and
the driver will be happy to do stops for pictures. When the
nights falls, meet your guide in Jamaa El fna square for a
foodie tour where you will have the chance to taste
Morocco’s well-known street food, followed by a delicious
dinner in the stalls of the square.
Accommodation Riad Nashira
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Day 8. Marrakech
Today, meet your driver who will take you to a cooking
class with chef Tarik. You will explore his organic kitchen
garden surrounded by beautiful olive groves and orchards
set in a traditional Berber douar. After eating what you
have prepared, you will come back to Marrakech to the
medina for a Hammam experience in a luxury spa.
Accommodation Riad Nashira
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Day 9. Farewell
There are no activities planned for the final day. In the
morning there will be a private transfer from Marrakech to
the airport in Casablanca.
To sum it up this is how you experience the rich tapestry
and traditions of Morocco, FFX Adventures style. You get
to visit the crème de la crème of the country’s historical,
archaeological and architectural sites. You get to immerse
in the epic dunes, desert scapes and nomadic lifestyle of
the Sahara. You get to cook - and eat - authentic, organic
Berber food with a local chef. You get down time, spa-
time, me-time and team-time as part of this small-group
adventure experience for like-minded people in their 30s
and 40s. All topped and tailed with exquisite food, high-
quality accommodation and safe, reliable and trained local
guides drivers and guides.
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Included Meals
8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 6 Dinner
Also included is a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner.
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Included Accommodations
1 night at Hotel Kenzi Basma in Casablanca
2 nights at the Riad Myra in Fes
1 night at The Golden Camp in the Sahara Desert
1 night at Kasbah Tizzarouine in the Dades Valley
1 night at Kasbah Titrit in Ait Benhaddou
2 nights at Riad Nashira in Marrakesh
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Tour Leader
Your FFX Adventure has a professional nationally-
licensed English-speaking tour leader. Our tour leaders
are selected and trained to lead your group throughout
your adventure. They have extensive local knowledge and
are there to assist you in your travels and make your
experience well beyond just satisfactory.
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Included Amenities and Activities
Private transfers upon arrival from airport to starting
accommodations.
Private 2 ½ hr. group transfer from final accommodation in
Marrakech to airport in Casablanca.
Private guided tour of the ancient Roman city of Volubilis.
Private homecooked Moroccan lunch.
Private guided tour of the stunning city of Fes.
Private camel ride in the Sahara Desert to the lux Golden
Camp
Sleeping in lux tent accommodations for a night under the
starts in the Sahara Desert.
A private guided hike and walk in the famous Dades
Valley.
A private street foodie tour in Marrakesh
A cooking class with one of Morocco’s famous local chefs.
A traditional Moroccan Hammam massage.
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Travel Documents in Order to Enter Morocco
Your passport should be valid for six months following date of entry.
No visa is required for stays up to three months for North Americans and Europeans.
Tickets and documents for return or onward travel.
On your first arrival in Morocco, you will be given an entry number on your passport. Please keep it handy as it will be required in the hotels.
Vaccination: International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever required if arriving from an infected area within five days.
We advise you to make a photocopy of your passport, carried separately, in case of an emergency.
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Liability Waiver and Confidential Medical Certification
and Release
All travelers, regardless of the physical level, must complete the digital Liability Waiver and the Confidential Medical Certification and Release at least 70 days before departure. You can find the Liability Waiver here https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5abbcc242515b/web/ or on our site under the About tab. You can find the digital Confidential Medical Certification and Release form here https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5abbecd19e024/web/ or on our site under the About tab. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Personal Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for every traveler on an
FFX Adventure. We will need your travel insurance
information no later than 21 days before departure.
Please provide our office with a copy of your travel
insurance policy by emailing us at
Travelers will have to present to their tour leader during
the welcome meeting their travel insurance credentials. If
a traveler does not have proper travel insurance
unfortunately, they will not be allowed to continue on the
adventure.
You must have travel insurance with a minimum medical,
evacuation, and repatriation coverage of at least USD
$200,000 covering all applicable dates of travel with FFX
Adventures. This insurance must cover personal injury
and emergency medical expensive. You are strongly
recommended to extend your coverage to include
cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that may
arise as a result of the loss, damage, injury , delay, or
inconvenience while traveling.
FFX Adventures does not sell travel insurance directly, but
we can provide a list of travel insurance providers.
Please call us at 1-833-924-1096 or email us at
[email protected] for further information.
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Flights
The Furthest Frontiers Expeditions office will need your arrival flight information at least 55 days before departure so that we can arrange your airport transfer to the starting hotel. Please call our office at 1-833-924-1096 or email us at [email protected] If you need help acquiring flights, please contact our
partner Air Treks at
https://www.airtreks.com/about/contact/
If you have any questions, feel free to call Air Treks at
1-877-AIR-TREKS (1-877-247-8735)
For business and first class please call
1-877-482-4368
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Starting Point
Hotel Kenzi Basma, Casablanca, Morocco
Address: Avenue Moulay Hassan 1er, Casablanca 22000, Morocco
Phone: +212 5222-23323
Private transfer upon arrival at Casablanca airport to hotel.
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Starting Point Joining Instructions
After arrival at the airport, look for the private driver with
your name on the sign, the driver will take you to the
starting hotel.
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Arrival Complications
We care about you and your schedule. Be sure to notify
our office of any schedule changes that will affect your
tour with us.
If your flight arrives late or if you do not see a driver
holding your name on a sign, we recommend that you take
a local taxi to the starting hotel. Tell the taxi Hotel Kenzi
Basma in Casablanca. Please inform your Tour Leader
during the first meeting so you can be reimbursed
following your trip.
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Late Arrival
If you arrive after the tour begins, we will do our best to
assist you. Please contact the starting hotel and ask to
speak or leave a message with FFX Adventures Tour
Leader. If you cannot reach the tour leader please call our
office at 00-1-314-769-9001 or after office hours at 00-1-
618-910-1084.
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Emergency Contact
In the event of an unforeseen emergency, notify your tour
leader. If necessary or as instructed, please call our office
at 00-1-314-769-9001 or after office hours at 00-1-618-
910-1084.
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What to Take Checklist
Important Documents
• Flight info Please send FFX Adventures your flight
information to [email protected] at least 55 days
before departure so we can arrange your included private
transfers from the airport to the starting hotel.
• Insurance info (required) (with photocopies)
Please send FFX Adventures a photocopy of your travel
insurance for this trip or provide the policy number and
insurance company phone number please email
[email protected] at least 21 days prior to
departure.
• Passport (required) (with photocopies)
Please send a photocopy of your passport via email to
[email protected] at least 70 days prior to
departure.
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General Items
• Binoculars
• Camera (with extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit, and debit cards
• Day pack (used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• First-aid kid (sunscreen, whistle, aspirin, ibuprofen, band
aids, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes,
antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tables for mild cases
of diarrhea, water purification tablets or drops, insect
repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be
taking)
• Flashlight
• Money belt
• Outlet adapter – Morocco uses the two round pins
Outlet example
• Reusable water bottle
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries
• Watch
• Waterproof backpack cover
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Conservative Dress
Many parts of Morocco are socially conservative, so it is
typically best to dress modestly with clothes that cover the
knees and shoulders.
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Warm Weather
Sandals
Shorts and skirts (though in keeping with conservative
dress codes)
Headwear for sun protection
Swimming suit
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Photography
As in all foreign countries, it is considered polite to adhere
to and show respect for local customs. Urban culture is
greatly influenced by Western culture, but in rural areas
traditional values and customs survive. You should always
ask permission before taking photographs of local people
as offence could easily be taken. Some locals may ask for
a few Dirhams when being photographed.
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Laundry
Laundry facilities is offered by most of the hotels for a
charge.
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Money Exchange
The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
Please check out http://www.xe.com for current exchange
rates.
Before making any decisions with cash or credit/debit
cards, we recommend consulting your bank. Please notify
your credit card company that you will be traveling
internationally. You will have to tell them where you will be
traveling and what dates you will be out of the country to
ensure that your card will work while overseas.
When traveling abroad, we recommend using a
combination of US dollars and cards as fees and ATM
availability can affect your card usage.
We also recommend traveling with several different cards
as a backup in case of difficulty. It should be noted that
some shops do charge a fee for credit card usage.
Major international credit cards are accepted in larger
shops, hotels & restaurants. Be sure to get the 4-digit
numerical PIN to use ATMs outside of US. We
recommend you to keep a small amount of change in
Moroccan Dirham for use as tips & for small purchases.----
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Emergency Funds
In case of unforeseen emergencies, such as a natural
disaster, we strongly recommend you make an extra $500
available, just as a precaution. It is extremely rare for the
emergency funds to be needed, but we recommend
having them nonetheless.
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Tipping
For those helping you on your tour, it is a validation of their
hard work and service to you. We have provided an
average guideline for your group to adhere to if you wish
to use it. However, the amount you decide to tip is entirely
up to you.
Guides full day 150 MAD ($20)
Guides half day 100 MAD ($13)
Driver full day 100 MAD ($13)
Driver half day 50 MAD ($6)
The price is per person.
Taxi drivers do not expect tips but it is polite to round up the figure.
Service charge is sometimes added to restaurant bills. If it is not, a typical gratuity would be 10%.
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Tips for airport and hotel porters are sometimes included in our airport transfers.
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Local Food
You can find a variety of Moroccan traditional dishes which change depending on where you are in the country. The most common and popular Moroccan dishes are Tagines (vegetables and meat or chicken slow cooked in a clay of ceramic vessel); Couscous (a salty and sweet mixture made from steamed semolina and wheat flour, vegetables and meats); Moroccan Mechoui (roasted or grilled meat).
The authentic Moroccan minted tea is also an essential part of Moroccan gastronomy. Made from fresh mint, loose Chinese gunpowder green tea, some even add aromatic jasmine water to give it another touch. You can find it wherever you go!
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Health
Although it is safe to do so in most big cities, it is always
advisable not to drink tap water or eat raw vegetables,
especially in Desert areas.
Bottled mineral water is available throughout the country.
Many hotels claim to have a no-smoking policy, please be
aware that this policy is not always enforced and you will
almost always still find an ashtray in the room.
Pharmacies are open Monday to Friday, and Saturday
morning but closed on Sundays.
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Vaccinations
While there is a limited risk of Malaria in some parts of
rural Morocco (remote areas of the sub-Saharan desert),
it is recommended to check with the CDC for information
on vaccinations at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/morocco
or consult your physician.
It is recommended that vaccinations should be given 4 to 6 weeks out so they can take effect before travel. It is your responsibility to have the proper vaccinations that your doctor advises. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Electricity
In Morocco, you will find two associated plug type, types C and E.
Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins
Plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin.
Morocco operates French style on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.
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Safety and Security
There is no greater area of importance than the safety of
our travelers. We make a great effort to understand and
analyze situations in different countries and how those
situations could affect our groups. We work closely with
our local partners to monitor events, as well as
establishing protocols which are in place to address any
situation that could arise. Please visit the U.S. State
Department for further information at
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/tr
aveladvisories/morocco-travel-advisory.html
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Weather
Please visit Holiday Weather for the latest weather
information and charts.
https://www.holiday-weather.com/country/morocco/
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Time Zone
GMT +1 hour
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Language
Arabic is the official language, Berber (another dialect) and French are widely spoken while English is understood in most Moroccan cities.
ENGLISH FRENCH MOROCCAN DIALECT
Good Morning
Bonjour Sbah El Khir
Good Evening
Bonsoir Masaa El Khir
Goodbye Au Revoir Beslama
Please S'il Vous Plait
Afak
Thank You Merci Choukran
Yes Oui Na'am
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No Non La
Water L'eau L'ma
Good Bien Mzyan
Money L'argent Flous
How Much?
Combien? Bechhal?
Where Is? Ou Se Trouve?
Fayn?
Ok D'accord Wakha
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Local Handicrafts
You can purchase all kinds of souvenirs and Moroccan handicraft items such as candles; accessories and bags made from leather; wooden items such as small boxes, chests and tables; chessboards made from wood from trees such as cedar, pine, beech and olive; Moroccan artisan carpets; ceramic items such as vases, jars, pots, plates and trays.
You may find beautiful jewelry made from gold or silver with carved motifs decorated with valuable stones such as diamonds or emeralds.
What is also captivating is the vibration of colors, the variety of textures and the fabrics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Communication
Hotels and public facilities will have Wi-Fi so it is possible to keep in touch. In remote places or on treks, you will not be able to communicate often. It’s always recommended to get a phone card and to make sure your phone is unlocked or set to international mode.
Mobile Phones
Depending on the destination and the coverage it will vary. Most phones will work, but it is a good idea to talk to your phone provider about global roaming before you leave.
Medical Information
Our tour, adventure and expedition travels can take you to very remote areas where limited or no sophisticated medical facilities exist. A medical emergency situation is extremely unlikely. Our tours, adventures and expeditions are intended for travelers in reasonably good health along with that of their fellow travelers.
The medical information you provide to FFX Adventures will be held in the utmost strictest confidence to evaluate fitness for travel. Please note that this may include transmitting your information overseas to any countries to which you may be visiting or to a FFX Adventures supplier or local partner but only as required. The collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information are governed by the FFX Adventures Privacy Policy.
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Everyone who has made a booking with Furthest Frontiers Expeditions must complete the liability wavier and the Confidential Medical Certification and Release at least 70 days before departure. If you book a trip between 70 to 21 days before departure, we will need this form, as soon as possible. The medical wavier and the confidential medical certification and release is sent via email when a booking is made. These documents are also available on our site.
What is the age restriction to go on a FFX Adventure?
FFX Adventures are exclusively offered for travelers in their thirties and forties, unless otherwise indicated in the Tour description. You must meet the minimum age of 30 and the maximum age of 50 to participate in any Tour operated by FFX.
Special Dietary
FFX Adventures will try our very best to accommodate all dietary requirements. Please note that in some of the destinations we visit it may be very difficult to arrange special dietary meals. Please let us know any food requirements or allergies at the time of booking. We will forward this information to your group leader.
Accommodation Check-In
Check-in time can vary from hotel to hotel. Most of the time check-in is between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. If you arrive earlier, you will be able to store your luggage at the hotel and have a few hours to explore. Please note that depending on the trip and your arrival time, FFX
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Adventures may have arranged to have a room available upon your arrival.
How many people are on a group trip?
At FFX Adventures, we like to keep our groups small. Most groups average between eight to twelve travelers. We have set a limit on most trips to have no more than 16 travelers. By keeping the group size small, this allows us to make our way through local communities with ease, as well as, providing the ability to get acquainted with your new travel companions and soon to be friends.
Gender Balance
When it comes to gender, we find that most trips 60/40 female to male.
What Happens During Free Time?
Free time is when you have time on your own or with new friends you have made while on group trips. This time gives you the opportunity to venture off and explore. Depending on the location, you have many options to choose from. You can do whatever you choose during your free time. Your tour leader will always be able to provide you with recommendations.
Can I find out who is in my group before departure?
For privacy concerns, we cannot share information about fellow travelers. On most trips, the ratio of solo travelers to
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couples is about 70:30 with most of our clients from the United States.
Luggage Limits
Packing the right clothing and gear for your trip is essential. We always suggest packing as light as possible. We recommend brining one rucksack, duffel bag or suitcase per traveler that weighs no more than 35lbs. You will be required to carry your luggage. This might sometimes be upstairs and on and off the transport. In addition, we recommend bringing a day pack, carryon or backpack to use during certain day outings.
Excess Luggage
Most starting point hotels can store your excess luggage for you. This is at your own risk and expense. A nominal fee is often charged by the hotel to store your luggage. In addition, this would only be an advantage if the trip you are on is returning to the starting location.
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Additional Notes
As you will have a driver at your disposal for most of your stay you will not need local taxis very frequently.
If you do need to use one during your leisure time, petits taxis are the most common: carrying up to 3 people, they are ideal for short journeys. Bear in mind that these taxis are usually shared, unless you specify and agree on a price at the beginning of your journey. At night there is a compulsory surcharge of 50%. You would normally not pay more than 20 Dirham for a 10 minute ride during the day.
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General Travel Rules
You must, at all times, comply with the laws, customs,
foreign exchange, and drug regulations of all countries
visited. The decision of the tour leader and/or FFX
Adventures is final on all matters likely to affect the safety
of any traveler or staff member participating in the tour. If
you fail to comply with a decision of a tour leader, or,
otherwise, interfere with the wellbeing of the group, the
tour leader may instruct you to leave the tour immediately
with no right to refund.
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Feedback
At the end of your tour, we will send you an anonymous
survey to complete. Your feedback is important to us in
order for us to provide the best service possible. If you
wish, you can even have a representative call you to talk
about your tour and listen to any feedback you wish to
provide. Please call us at 1-833-924-1096 or email us at
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Adventures – Experiences – Exploration
Exclusive travel for thirty and forty somethings….
www.ffxadventures.com
Email [email protected]
Toll Free Phone 1-833-924-1096
Local Phone 1-314-769-9001
Afterhours Phone 1-618-910-1084
Address PO Box 190122 St. Louis, MO 63119
