Nothing you will see in Egypt has changed. The treasures left behind by the Ancient civilizations remain as they have for thousands of years. The energy is as powerful and transformational, and the hospitality to guests is as loving and passionate as always. In fact, the only place where you will see and feel the change is in the eyes and hearts of the Egyptian People… This is where their change took place, and with their new pride and freedom, the new free Egyptian People are using the freedoms that they saw in visitors the West, to model their own new democracy…and welcoming us now, more than ever, to explore, experience, and share as never before.

Highlight will be our visit to The El-Geroos Elgoodod, which means “New Plantation.” It’s a Christian orphanage that serves girls aged 6-14, who either come from families who are too poor to provide them with food, clothing and shelter or are foundlings from the streets in Cairo.

They live in a well-built four story house in a poorer section of Cairo. The ground floor contains play areas, the second floor includes the kitchen, living room and dining room, and the upper floors are the bedrooms. The girls attend school, and are taken to shop for shoes and clothing at times lime Christmas and Easter. They usually stay until they marry, with the prospective husbands being interviewed and reviewed by the school officials and chaplain. In some cases, when the young
woman graduates and gets a job, she returns to live with her family, now that she can contribute
to the household.

The girls are very warm and welcoming to visitors and fascinated by visitors from other countries. They are eager to learn about foreign countries and customs and to learn some English. They are very grateful for any small gifts that the visitors may bring, but mostly they are eager to make new friends and to learn. Included will be the Magic Dream Pillow project for the younger children

Your Journey Includes:

• Roundtrip air transportation to Cairo
• Cairo/Luxor – Aswan/Cairo flights
• Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, including luggage handling
• Accommodations in First Class hotels
• Hotel service charges and taxes
• Daly breakfast
• Other meals as per itinerary
• Sightseeing as per itinenary
• All sightseeing entrance fees

Special Added Features

• 4 Day/ 3-night Nile Cruise
• Guided by an expert Egyptologist
• Tour of the Sphinx and Great Pyramid, Perfume Factory & Cairo
• Welcome to Egypt dinner.
• Farewell Dinner and entertainment evening

Volunteer Projects in Egypt include

• Work with the El-Geroos Elgoodod, which means “New Plantation.” It’s a Christian orphanage that serves girls aged 6-14, who either come from families who are too poor to provide them with food, clothing and shelter or are foundlings from the streets in Cairo.
• There will be Gift-Giving to children of poverty. They have very little and are genuinely appreciative of even the smallest presents: pens, pencils, crayons, markers, storybooks or educational toys, etc. are great motivators for the kids.
• Participate in renovating and refurbishing school equipment, painting a classroom/tables and/or chairs in the local school.
• The “Dream Project” pairs you with a young child and together discuss their dreams for this art project. We have found it to be a valuable opportunity in teaching children the value of dreaming: how important it is to have dreams, to wish for things, to have goals in life…..and how visualizing ones dreams in this way and keeping them near you while you sleep helps your dreams come true.

Day 1, Sunday: Depart USA
Depart from New York’s JFK Airport on our overnight flight to Cairo.

Day 2, Monday: Arrive Cairo (D)
Morning arrival at Cairo International Airport, where you meet our local tour representative to obtain our Egypt Tourist Visa, clear Immigration and help at Baggage Claim & Customs and transfer by private air-conditioned motor coach to our hotel in the heart of the city. We are really here in this ancient land of mystery! Welcome to Egypt dinner this evening..

Day 3, Tuesday: In Cairo – Visit the Pyramids & Sphinx. Tour to Sakkara (B/L)
After a buffet breakfast, there’s a tour to experience the timeless Sphinx and the magnificent Pyramids of the Giza Plateau, some of the oldest, enigmatic and ageless wonders of the ancient world. Take in the wonder, and absorb the beauty. Later in the morning, visit a local perfume factory near the Sphinx to learn about the ancient Egyptian art of aromatherapy and choose some essential oils. After lunch at a local restaurant, it’s off to Sakkara, part of the great necropolis of ancient Memphis, to visit the Step Pyramid of Zoser, believed by archaeologists to be the oldest known of Egypt’s 97 pyramids. Traditional Egyptologists state that about 2630 B.C. Imhotep, architect to King Zoser, masterminded the Step Pyramid at Sakkara for his burial. Explore the historical aspects of this ancient site, as well as the metaphysical ones at the area where sound healing took place in ancient times. Return to Cairo where we have the evening on our own.

Day 4, Wednesday: In Cairo – The Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo (B/L)
We start our day with a visit the world-famous Cairo Museum, whose collection of relics dating back to 4,000 BC includes the priceless treasures of King Tut-Ankh-Amon. We’ll see the intricate workmanship and the tiniest details of the contents of the luggage packed to accompany him to the next world. Then we continue to tour Old Cairo, including the Church of St. Sergius and Ben Ezra Synagogue near the spot where pharaoh’s soldiers found the infant Moses. After lunch at a local restaurant we climb the hill to the east to Saladin’s Citadel with its Alabaster Mosque of Mohammad Ali. Return to our hotel and dinner on our own at one of the many wonderful local restaurants.

Day 5, Thursday: In Cairo – Volunteer Program (B/L)
After breakfast, we will work with the El-Geroos Elgoodod, which means “New Plantation”. It’s a Christian orphanage that serves girls aged 6-14, who either come from families who are too poor to provide them with food, clothing and shelter or are foundlings from the streets in Cairo. The “Dream Project” pairs you with the younger children and together discuss the student’s dreams for this art project. Dinner on your own this evening.

Day 6, Friday: In Cairo – Volunteer Program (B/L)
After breakfast, you will continue your volunteer work.

Day 7, Saturday: To Luxor – Board Cruise Ship and sightseeing of Valley of the Kings & Karnak Temple (B/L/D)
Transfer to the airport for our flight to Luxor. You will be met and then cross the Nile to the West Bank. In The Valley of the Kings we visit sites that depict ancient daily life and esoteric teachings about the afterlife. The next stop is Queen Hatshepsut’s magnificent Temple to Amun at Der el Bahari. Take a few minutes in one of the out-of-the-way areas to connect with the energies of one of the most famous of all the female Pharaohs who assumed the male role of “King”. There will also be a brief photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon, (the remains of two huge statues of Amenhotep III, and his beloved consort, Tiye, the mother of the famous Akhenaten). Then to our cruise ship for lunch. After lunch, we depart for Karnak Temple to view this magnificent structure. Once connected to Luxor Temple, two miles away by a long avenue of Sphinxes, Karnak, it is the largest columned temple in the world, and was dedicated to Amun-Ra, the Power of Creation and his wife Mut. View the numerous temple areas built by various Pharaohs over time, including gigantic obelisks which were beacons to the pilgrims who made their way here in ancient times. We also view the wonderful Luxor Temple before returning to our cruise ship for dinner.

Day 8, Sunday: A day of cruising the Nile – Luxor-Esna-Edfu (B/L/D)
A relaxing day cruising the Nile. Lunch and dinner onboard as we sail for Edfu. Make sure the camera is ready as we cross the Nile Lock, a fascinating experience. Evening arrival in Edfu as we watch a magnificent sunset.

Day 9, Monday: Onboard Nile Cruise Ship Edfu – Temple of Kom Ombo – Aswan (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast we board horse-drawn carriages to Edfu Temple, dedicated to the god Horus, known as Hor or Heru to the ancients, the principle of the realized male, the Higher Self. This was a great teaching temple and an ancient university. Return to ship for lunch. Leisure time in afternoon to enjoy sailing, swimming, sunbathing or just relaxing. In the evening, there’s a visit to the Temple of Kom Ombo, the only ancient temple dedicated to Horus and Sobek (the crocodile-headed Neter of Digestion & Assimilation). Return to the cruise ship for dinner on board and sail to Aswan, one of the world’s most beautiful resort towns, noted for its peace and quiet. Located on the First Cataract of the Nile and gateway to Nubia, with its colorful bazaar, laid-back atmosphere, warm and welcoming people and a lovely promenade along the Nile, Aswan is a favorite city in Egypt for many visitors. Overnight in Aswan on our Nile Cruise Ship.

Day 10, Tuesday: Morning Aswan Tour – Optional Abu Simbel – Return flight to Cairo (B/D)
Early in the morning, there is an optional tour to Abu Simbel. After arriving on your short flight, we will be taken to the two temples at Abu Simbel are dedicated to Ramses II and his beloved wife Nefertari. The image of the main temple façade is dominated by four enormous seated statues of the Pharaoh, each over 67 feet high. Its immense power and majesty are impossible to depict visually. After the tour, return flight to Aswan for the morning tour.

For those not taking the Abu Simbel tour, it’s a morning to relax and explore Aswan. Then we start the with a morning boat ride to the relocated Temple of Philae, the delicate, elegant, quintessential temple of Isis. This graceful antiquity was meticulously moved stone by stone from its ancient site (now submerged) to its new higher island home in the middle of the lake. Today it gives us – modern man of modern machines and incredible technical knowledge – great insight into what the ancient and intelligent peoples of the world could do with only simple technology and a will to create at their disposal. We also will see the Aswan Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk before disembarking our cruise ship and leave for the airport and the flight back to Cairo. Transfer to our hotel. This evening, our Farewell to Egypt dinner.

Day 11, Wednesday: Back to the USA (B)
Transfer to the Cairo Airport for your flight to JFK.

Your organization could go on a tour like this. To get started CLICK HERE

Experience the natural beauty and spirituality of this natural wonderland as you visit the best that Costa Rica has to offer—On this wonderful journey you will experience wildlife through inland water-ways, stay at a jungle lodge, have a relaxing message in a Spa next to a Volcano (inactive); Enjoy lunch as you cruise on a deluxe Catamaran

Costa Rica offers you one of the world’s greatest collections of rain forests, wild rivers, unspoiled beaches, wildlife, mountains and volcanoes. With its unique combination of beauty and spirituality, it’s the ultimate refreshment for your body, mind and soul.

Enjoy this unique “Vacation with a Reward!”

Most of us look forward to our vacations and take a traditional holiday. But how much better would it be if you could combine great destinations, sightseeing, local cuisine and atmosphere with an opportunity to “give back?”

We are privileged to partner with Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation to create a combination of traditional touring with participating in CRHF renowned “A Bed for Every Child” program and Dream Pillow program that assists children and their families who live in poverty in Costa Rica.

Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation is an organization serving children and their families living in severe poverty. The renowned service program you will be participating in is called “A Bed for Every Child.” The children, typically sleeping on the floors of tiny dwellings made of tin and concrete blocks, are susceptible to all sorts of parasites and illness. CRHF treats them with medicines to purge the parasites and then gives them a bed of their own so they will not be infected again. CRHF has a standard, simple design for the sturdy bunk beds that often have to be broken down and then reassembled on-site inside the tiny homes. The children and their families participate with us in these projects and the joy touches the hearts of all involved. The bed is typically the best piece of furniture the proud family now owns.

Tour Includes:

• Round-trip international flights
• Round-trip transfers between airport and hotel
• Accommodations in the 1^st Class hotels
• U.S. airline and hotel taxes
• Service charges at hotels
• Breakfast every day
• Additional meals included as per itinerary
• Local bilingual guides for sightseeing
• Sightseeing tours, as per itinerary, including entrance fees
• Pre-Paid Gratuities

Added Features:

• Visit to the Arenal Volcano
• Full day Catamaran cruise including lunch
• Contribution on your behalf to the Fundacion Neotropica to benefit Costa Rica’s eco-tourism
• Participating in the CRHF “Bed-Making program
• Costa Rican Humantarian Foundation service program
• “Dream Pillow” program
• Community Project coordinated by the Fundacion Humanitaria

Volunteer Projects in Costa Rica include:

• The Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation is an organization serving children and their families living in severe poverty. The renowned service program you will be participating in is called “A Bed for Every Child.” The children, typically sleeping on the floors of tiny dwellings made of tin and concrete blocks, are susceptible to all sorts of parasites and illness. CRHF treats them with medicines to purge the parasites and then gives them a bed of their own so they will not be infected again. CRHF has a standard, simple design for the sturdy bunk beds that often have to be broken down and then reassembled on-site inside the tiny homes. The children and their families participate with us in these projects and the joy touches the hearts of all involved. The bed is typically the best piece of furniture the proud family now owns.

• The “Dream Project” pairs you with a local student and together discuss the student’s dreams for this art project. We have found it to be a valuable opportunity in teaching children the value of dreaming: how important it is to have dreams, to wish for things, to have goals in life…..and how visualizing ones dreams in this way and keeping them near you while you sleep helps your dreams come true.

• There will be Gift-Giving to children of poverty. They have very little and are genuinely appreciative of even the smallest presents: pens, pencils, crayons, markers, storybooks or educational toys, etc. that are great motivators for the kids.

Donation to Fundacion Neotropica on Your Behalf

As temporal inhabitants of this planet, RMC Travel is donating $25 in your name for this organization. In exchange you will not only receive the satisfaction of collaborating to preserve the richness of the tropics, but will also receive a certificate from the Fundación Neotrópica, a special membership card valid for 3 months and the latest Newsletter as you help Save the Planet.

The Fundación Neotrópica, is a private, non-profit organization that aims to transform existing natural resource management practices in the neotropics into sustainable practices that protect our natural heritage and improve the quality of life for present and future communities. The Fundación Neotrópica promotes all activities that aim to conserve Costa Rica’s natural riches

TOUR ITINERARY – (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Day 1. Friday: US/San Jose (D)
Depart on your international flight to San Jose. Arrive same day. Clear Immigration, Baggage Claim and Customs. Meet your local tour representative. Transfer to our hotel. Late afternoon. meeting with Costa Rica’s Costa Rican Humantarian Foundation staff to discuss the service projects that you will be participating in tomorrow. Group Dinner. Overnight San Jose.

Day 2. Saturday: In San Jose. CRHF Orientation/ CRHF Bed Making Program (B/L/D)
Breakfast will be followed by a transfer to CRHF’s home base at La Carpio. Here is where we participate in the program that features beds that are a standard, simple design for building sturdy bunk beds that after constructing will be personally delivered to the children and their families. Experience the joy that touches the hearts of all involved. The bed is typically the best piece of furniture the proud family now owns. Lunch will be provided for everyone. Return to the hotel for free time and dinner. Overnight San Jose.

Day 3. Sunday: In San Jose. CRHF Bed Making Program & Dream Pillow (B/L/D)
This morning after last minute completion of the bed deliveries we return to CRHF for lunch. After lunch, participate in CRHFrenowned Magic Dream Pillow Workshop. Here we’ll be paired with a student and together discuss the student’s dreams for this art project. We have found it to be a valuable opportunity to teach the children the value of dreaming: how important is to have dreams, to wish for things, to have goals in life…..and how visualizing ones dreams in this way and keeping them near you while you sleep helps dreams come true. Using fabric, non-toxic paints and markers (travelers will bring them), the children create designs and affirmations, as well as put their names on their pillowcases. Sayings such things as Sweet Dreams, Dreams Come True, etc. Each child will leave with a Dream Pillow. We have found that this program gives these children an experience that can affect them very positively for years to come. Dinner at our hotel. Overnight San Jose.

Day 4. Thursday: In San Jose. “Gracias Costa Rica “ Community Volunteer Project (B/L)
This morning we will work with the Gracias Costa Rica program where we will participate in various volunteer activities such as renovating and refurbishing school equipment, painting a classroom/tables and/or chairs in the local school. Help rebuild and clean up areas that have been left impoverished. Return to the hotel for some well-deserved R & R. Dinner on our own at nearby San Jose to try some of the wonderful local restaurants. Overnight San Jose.

Day 5. Tuesday: To Arenal (B/L/D)
After breakfast the journey continues to the Arenal Volcano area as we travel through the Costa Rican countryside. The Arenal Volcano is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world; it has been active since 1968 when it suddenly exploded. Nowadays, trees and vegetation are starting to regenerate in some areas of the volcanoes base. Soon you will see the Volcano hot spring, which are the result of rainwater heated in the Earth’s interior. Once heated, the waters rise to surface, taking with them minerals found in the earth’s rocky crust; this way, waters become very benefic to our bodies because of its temperature that helps to relax muscles, clean pores and rejuvenate the skin. We will make a stop for lunch along the way before arrival at Arenal. Relax this afternoon. Overnight and dinner in Arenal.

Day 6, Wednesday: In Arenal (B/L)
Today, it’s a full-day tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the Rio Frío, both areas considered to be one of the richest in biological diversity in Costa Rica. Our first stop is Los Chiles; a culturally mixed village located only 2 miles from the Nicaraguan border. There a boat awaits us for a river adventure. We will cruises for about 2 ½ hours on a floating Safari of the Tropical Rain Forest, pastures and marshes. The trip includes a typical Costa Rican lunch, with regional fruits, natural juices and coffee, all served for the visitors’ comfort at the new Restaurant Río Frío; canned drinks, natural juices and more during the boat tour. Dinner on our own. Overnight in Arenal.

Day 7, Thursday: To Manuel Antonio – Catamaran Cruise (B/L/D)
We depart for Manuel Antonio, one of the most beautiful spots in Costa Rica, Along the way, we will have we will board have a special day of cruising onboard the Calypso’s super catamaran Manta Raya. With its expansive deck area that includes 2 deck pools, we will enjoy a level of cruising luxury and comfort in 100% Calypso style.

Day 7, Friday: To San Jose Airport (B)
We depart Manuel Antonio To San Jose airport and board our flight home.

Your organization could go on a tour like this. To get started CLICK HERE

Troncones is about 25 miles north of the twin resorts of Zihuatanejo & Ixtapa on Mexico’s Pacific coast. It is the “real” Mexico with its many miles of beautiful, unspoiled, golden beaches. Stroll along the virgin clean sand and go barefoot in the surf where flocks of pelicans skim the crests of waves and endangered sea turtles lay their eggs in the warm sand. It’s a small village of about 1, 500 people who make their living from the sea and has the charm that is a welcome change from many of the countries better know resorts. But it is a village in need of Volunteer Community help, and on this journey, we will be working with the local teachers and other community activists to help the local community.

We will be visiting two of the Local Schools to continue their cultural richness of the region by working with the children supplying school supplies and other needed items. We will spend a full day at the El Refugio de Potosi, a special place dedicated to the preservation of local fauna and flora and work on local facility improvements and construction projects. Included will be the Magic Dream Pillow project is a special favorite for the younger school children.

A special visit will be made to the village of Mesas de Bravo, located about 2 hours from Troncones near the Sierra Madre mountains. The village itself only has about a dozen houses (almost all adobe) and 75 residents. They have no formal water system and are extremely poor. But it does have a primary and secondary school with about 30 students and we will be meeting with them to give out clothes, school supplies, shoes and to help with some home repairs.

Your Journey Includes:

• Roundtrip air to Mexico
• Other tour-related transportation in Mexico
• Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, including luggage handling
• Accommodations in First Class hotels
• Hotel service charges and taxes
• Daly breakfast
• Other meals as per itinerary
• Sightseeing as per itinenary
• All sightseeing entrance fees

Special Added Features:

• El Refugio de Potosi Conservation & education program
• Visit to the Las Cascades waterfalls
• Walking nature tour viewing a multitude of birds and butterflies on a special EcoTour.
• Visit to Zihuatanejo for exploring and shopping
• Farewell Dinner

Volunteer Projects in Troncones, Mexico include:

• The “Dream Project” pairs you with a local student and together discuss the student’s dreams for this art project. We have found it to be a valuable opportunity in teaching children the value of dreaming: how important it is to have dreams, to wish for things, to have goals in life…..and how visualizing ones dreams in this way and keeping them near you while you sleep helps your dreams come true.
• There will be Gift-Giving to children of poverty. They have very little and are genuinely appreciative of even the smallest presents: pens, pencils, crayons, markers, storybooks or educational toys, etc. are great motivators for the kids.
• Participate in renovating and refurbishing school equipment, painting a classroom/tables and/or chairs in the local school,
• Join the fight for the future of the planet by cleaning the river or other clean-up projects
• Visit Mesas de Bravo, a village with about a dozen houses (almost all adobe) and 75 residents, and offer our volunteer services to the villagers and the local school children
• There will be a day spent El Refugio de Potosi, a Center for Wildlife Conservation and Environmental education

TOUR ITINERARY
(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Day 1. Sunday. Depart USA (D)
Depart the USA in the evening for our flights to Zihuatanejo & Ixtapa International Airport. Transfer to Troncones and our welcome to Mexico dinner.

Day 2. Monday, In Troncnoes (B)
Today, we will be working with Troncones students and teachers from the “local schools. We will work with local carpenters assisting them in fixing and repairing school facilities and grounds. Additionally, we will have time with the children to participate in their daily school programs including “Dream Pillow” project. We have found it to be a valuable opportunity to teach the children the value of dreaming: how important is to have dreams, to wish for things, to have goals in life…..and how visualizing ones dreams in this way and keeping them near you while you sleep helps your dreams come true. Using fabric, non-toxic paints and markers (travelers will bring them), the children create designs and affirmations, as well as put their names on their pillowcases. Sayings such things as Sweet Dreams, Dreams Come True, etc. Each child will leave with a Dream Pillow. We have found that this program gives these children an experience that can affect them very positively for years to come. The balance of the day is free to relax by the hotel pool or beach. Dinner on your own at one of the nearby restaurants.

Day 3. Tuesday, In Troncones (B)
This morning we continue with our local Volunteer program doing projects like helping rebuild the local playground, or work in beautifying the local church. Then about noon, we will have transportation to Zihuatanejo where you can spend the afternoon free for independent activities and shopping. Time to have dinner at one of the local restaurants before our transportation back to Troncones in the early evening.

Day 4. Wednesday, In Troncones Excursion to Mesas de Bravo & Las Cascadas Waterfall visit B/L/D)
A special visit will be made to the village of Mesas de Bravo, located about 2 hours from Troncones near the Sierra Madre mountains. The village itself only has about a dozen houses (almost all adobe) and 75 residents. They have no formal water system and are extremely poor. But it does have a primary and secondary school with about 30 students and we will be meeting with them to give out clothes, school supplies, shoes and to help with some home repairs. After lunch, we continue to Las Cascades, to view its beautiful waterfall. Bring a bathing suit for a dip by the falls. Return to Troncones for dinner on your own.

Day 5. Thursday, To Playa Blanca (B/L)
After breakfast it’s to the El Refugio de Potosi, a Center for Wildlife Conservation and environmental education. Here we will start our visit with a limb 50 feet to our safe and shady observation platform. Catch a cool breeze as you enjoy the magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. Visually explore the nearby lagoons, forest and mountains. Then we will volunteer our services to Laurel Patrick, the Refuge Director to assist her with the many projects that need help including the various walks and paths throughout the area that exhibit the flora and fauna to promote conservation and help repair the habitat for promotion and protection of local species., We will see the Butterfly Pavilion. Mexico is home to an astonishing 10% of the world’s butterfly species. We do not know the final count in the Potosi (that is in progress) but we estimate some 70 species of butterflies live in the region. You’ll enjoy viewing native species in free flight; they will light and flutter all around you. Marvel at their fragile beauty while you contemplate the magic of metamorphosis. Guides will point life cycle stages in our breeding areas. Afterwards, we will go to Playa Blanca seaside for a very special lunch before returning to Troncones and the evening on our own

Day 6. Friday, In Troncones (B/L/D
Morning EcoTour, as we explore the various birds and fauna located on Manzanillo Bay as you admire, up-close, the scenery and many different species of local and migratory bird s. Return to our hotel for the balance of the day to relax before our farewell dinner.

Day 7., Saturday, To USA
Transfer to the Zihuatanejo & Ixtapa International Airport for our flight to the USA. Arrive the same day.

Your organization could go on a tour like this. To get started CLICK HERE

Sample itinerary for a special vacation with a reward
in Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose

Costa Rica offers you one of the world’s greatest collections of rain forests, wild rivers, unspoiled beaches, wildlife, mountains and volcanoes. With its unique combination of beauty and spirituality, it’s the ultimate refreshment for your body, mind and soul.

We are privileged to partner with Costa Rican Humantarian Foundation to create a combination of traditional touring and participating in CRHF’s renowned “A Bed for Every Child” program and Dream Pillow program that assists children and their families who live in poverty in Costa Rica.

Costa Rican Humantarian Foundation is an organization serving children and their families living in severe poverty. The renowned service program you will be participating in is called “A Bed for Every Child.” The children, typically sleeping on the floors of tiny dwellings made of tin and concrete blocks, are susceptible to all sorts of parasites and illness. CRHF treats them with medicines to purge the parasites and then gives them a bed of their own so they will not be re-infected. CRHF has a standard, simple design for the sturdy bunk beds that often have to be broken down and then reassembled on-site inside the tiny homes. The children and their families participate with us in these projects, and the joy touches the hearts of all involved. The bed is typically the best piece of furniture the proud family now owns.

Time will also be spend time with the Gracias Costa Rica program where we will participate in various local volunteer activities.

Your Journey Includes:

• Round-trip international flights
• Round-trip transfers between airport and hotel
• Accommodations in the 1st Class BW Irazu Hotel in San Jose
• U.S. airline and hotel taxes
• Service charges at hotels
• Breakfast every day
• Additional meals included as per itinerary
• Local bilingual guides for sightseeing
• Sightseeing tours, as per itinerary, including entrance fees
• Pre-Paid Gratuities

Added Features:

• Special Tirimbina Rain Forest Tour
• “Zip-Ride” over the forest canopy
• Sarapiqui River Cruise
• Costa Rican Humantarian Foundation service programs
• The “Dream Pillow” program
• Community Volunteer Project coordinated by the Fundacion Humanitaria
• Community Volunteer Program with Gracias Costa Rica

Volunteer Projects in Costa Rica include

• The Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation is an organization serving children and their families living in severe poverty. The renowned service program you will be participating in is called “A Bed for Every Child.” The children, typically sleeping on the floors of tiny dwellings made of tin and concrete blocks, are susceptible to all sorts of parasites and illness. CRHF treats them with medicines to purge the parasites and then gives them a bed of their own so they will not be infected again. CRHF has a standard, simple design for the sturdy bunk beds that often have to be broken down and then reassembled on-site inside the tiny homes. The children and their families participate with us in these projects and the joy touches the hearts of all involved. The bed is typically the best piece of furniture the proud family now owns.

• The “Dream Project” pairs you with a local student and together discuss the student’s dreams for this art project. We have found it to be a valuable opportunity in teaching children the value of dreaming: how important it is to have dreams, to wish for things, to have goals in life…..and how visualizing ones dreams in this way and keeping them near you while you sleep helps your dreams come true.

• Work with the Gracias Costa Rica program where you will participate in various volunteer activities such as renovating and refurbishing school equipment, painting a classroom/tables and/or chairs in the local school. Help rebuild and clean up areas that have been left impoverished.
• There will be Gift-Giving to children of poverty. They have very little and are genuinely appreciative of even the smallest presents: pens, pencils, crayons, markers, storybooks or educational toys, etc. that are great motivators for the kids.

TOUR ITINERARY
(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Day 1. Monday: US/San Jose (D)
Depart on our international flight to San Jose. Arrive same day. Clear Immigration, Baggage Claim and Customs. Meet our local tour representative. Transfer to our home base for this week at the BW Irazu Hotel. Free time. There will be an afternoon meeting with Costa Rica’s Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation staff to discuss the service projects that we will be participating in tomorrow Welcome to San Jose Group Dinner. Overnight San Jose.

Day 2. Tuesday: In San Jose. CRHF Bed Making Program (B/L/D)
Breakfast will be the CRHF Program. Transfer to La Carpio, where the bed-building program will take place. The building features beds that are a standard, simple design for building sturdy bunk beds that after constructing will be personally delivered to the children and their families. Experience the joy that touches the hearts of all involved. The bed is typically the best piece of furniture the proud family now owns. Lunch will be provided for everyone. Return to the hotel for free time and dinner. Overnight San Jose.

Day 3. Wednesday: In San Jose. CRHF Bed Making Program & Dream Pillow (B/L/D)
This morning after last minute completion of the bed deliveries you will return to CRHF at La Carpio for lunch. After lunch, participate in CRHF renowned Magic Dream Pillow Workshop. Here you will be paired with a student and together discuss the student’s dreams for this art project. We have found it to be a valuable opportunity to teach the children the value of dreaming: how important is to have dreams, to wish for things, to have goals in life…..and how visualizing ones dreams in this way and keeping them near you while they sleep helps your dreams come true. Using fabric, non-toxic paints and markers (travelers will bring them), the children create designs and affirmations, as well as put their names on their pillowcases. Sayings such things as Sweet Dreams, Dreams Come True, etc. Each child will leave with a Dream Pillow. We have found that this program gives these children an experience that can affect them very positively for years to come.. Dinner at our hotel. Overnight San Jose.

Day 4. Thursday: In San Jose. “Gracias Costa Rica “ Community Volunteer Project (B/L)
This morning we will work with the Gracias Costa Rica program where we will participate in various volunteer activities such as renovating and refurbishing school equipment, painting a classroom/tables and/or chairs in the local school. Help rebuild and clean up areas that have been left impoverished. Return to the hotel for some well-deserved R & R. Dinner on our own at nearby San Jose to try some of the wonderful local restaurants. Overnight San Jose.

Day 5. Friday: In San Jose. Tirimbina Rain Forest Tour and Sarapiqui River Cruise (B/L/D
After breakfast, we depart for the Trimbina Rain Forest where a trained naturalist will help uncover and interpret the secrets of the tropical Rainforest. Discover wildlife hideouts and learn of the rainforest’s natural history in two-life zones that show how the forest has two vastly different uses. Highlight will be a “zip-ride” over the canopied rain forest. Safe and an experience never to be forgotten. Continue. Once to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquíi, where we’ll board a river boat and be on the way to discover the richness of Costa Rica’s nature along the waterway. During this two-hour boat ride, we’ll have the opportunity to witness the magnificent rain forest and its inhabitants, such as toucans, monkeys, sloth, crocodiles and many other exotic species. At a private farm, we’ll be served a delicious home cooked lunch and also experience their wonderful Butterfly Garden. One more opportunity to hike on one of the nature trails before returning to our hotel for a special farewell dinner. Overnight San Jose.

Day 6. Saturday: San Jose/USA (B)
Transfer to the airport for our flight back home.

Your organization could go on a tour like this. To get started CLICK HERE

Be stirred by the spirit as you travel on a special safari and outreach journey to Kenya.

This holiday combines volunteering with a special tour highlighted by a 5-day African Safari.

A perfect touring combination to enhance your travel experience — a holiday that blends touring the countryside with sightseeing, plus an opportunity to give back by serving others.

Our Journey Includes:

• Roundtrip air transportation to Nairobi
• All tour-related transportation in Kenya
• First Class hotel accommodations in Nairobi
• Special hotel accommodations in Kisii
• Exciting Safari accommodations
• Daily breakfast
• Many other meals, as per itinerary
• All tour site and game park entrance fees
• Pre-paid Gratuities
• Fully escorted and guided by local Guides
• Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, including luggage handling

Special Added Features

• Welcome dinner with the School Officials of the Briton Orphanage Camp Project
• A day at the Briton Orphanage Camp Project school
• A visit to Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage
• A visit to the AFEW Nature Center near Giraffe Manor
• A visit to Mutula’s ranch , a private animal sanctuary haven for lions
• A Special 5-day African Safari

Volunteer Service Projects include:

• A visit to the village of Kisii
• The “Dream Project” pairs you with a local student and together discuss the student’s dreams for this art project. We have found it to be a valuable opportunity in teaching children the value of dreaming: how important it is to have dreams, to wish for things, to have goals in life, .and how visualizing ones dreams in this way and keeping them near you while you sleep helps your dreams come true.
• There will be Gift-Giving to children of poverty. They have very little and are genuinely appreciative of even the smallest presents: pens, pencils, crayons, markers, storybooks or educational toys, etc. are great motivators for the kids.
• Visits to various animal orphanages and nature centers

TOUR ITINERARY (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Day 1: Monday: Depart for Nairobi
Depart for Nairobi this morning

Day 2: Tuesday: In Nairobi (D)
Evening arrival in Nairobi, where we are met and transferred to our reserved hotel accommodation. Time to relax a bit before our Welcome to Africa dinner

Day 3, Wednesday: In Nairobi – – Cultural Exchange program (B/L/D)
After breakfast we head to a local school, where we have the opportunity to observe students in class and speak to them about life in North America, as well as let them tell their own stories about life in Nairobi. This friendship and cultural exchange is enriching and inspiring to both the children and the travelers. After lunch at the school, we will have the opportunity to tutor students, as well as engage in further conversation and cultural exchange. Dinner at our hotel with local students.

Day 4, Thursday: In Nairobi – Special day of touring local animal Orphanages & Nature Centers (B)
After breakfast we will visit Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage at the edge of Nairobi National Park, which is a nursery and rehab center for infant elephants that have lost their families, as well as rhino and occasionally zebras and other wildlife. Daphne was the first person to successfully master the art of raising orphaned Nature Center to help educate young African children about wildlife conservation. The Rothschild giraffe are the tallest species and may reach 18 feet in height, but you can see eye to eye with them on the elevated walkway at the center.infant elephants. The wife of the famous naturalist David Sheldrick, Daphne has dedicated her life to conservation. David was founder Warden of Kenya’s giant Tsavo East National Park, in which he served from 1948 until his death in 1976. You’ll enjoy a visit with the elephants as they’re brought by their keepers to the waterhole and salt lick to be fed and socialize – see how they roll in the mud and play fight, and their affectionate interaction with their keepers. Daphne, or a member of her staff, will be on hand to discuss their habits, as well as impart interesting facts about their upkeep. These infants are eventually released into the wild at Tsavo East National Park and end up in the care of other orphans who have been successfully reintroduced to the wild. Next stop the AFEW Nature Center near Giraffe Manor where you may hand-feed the Rothschild giraffe that live here. The giraffe were brought here by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, who founded AFEW (African Fund for Endangered Wildlife) and built the Center. Then we will take a trip out to a private animal sanctuary for Kenya’s priceless heritage, Mutula’s ranch is a haven for lions, cheetahs and rare species. We will visit on feeding day when you can watch the lions being fed, and pet the cheetahs. You will see close up water buffalo, ostrich, camels, tortoises and many birds. In the open field are numerous herds of Thompson’s gazelle, zebra, giraffes, elands other types of deer and ferret monkeys. The sanctuary rears camels, donkeys, beef and dairy cattle, goats and sheep. Additionally, the ranch boasts three established greenhouses which serve the sanctuary and the neighbouring community with fresh organic produce. Next to the greenhouses is a large collection of Langstroth beehives and three tilapia fishponds. Return to our hotel to relax and have dinner on our own.

Day 5&6, Friday&Saturday: On Safari (B/L/D)
Our safari begins as we drive to the Great Rift Valley, a huge geological fault-line that stretches round one-sixth of the Earth’s circumference and is visible from far out in space. The drive will take about three hours. At 2,000 feet deep and 30 miles wide, it runs as far as the eye can see. Its walls are sheer and high and along its length, there are many volcanoes, most now dormant. With bubbling springs and geysers, the landscape is spectacular. Lake Nakuru National Park is a shallow alkaline lake that is world-renowned for its huge concentration of flamingos; at times, hundreds of thousands of these birds give the lake a pink shimmering glow. The park boasts a huge variety of animals, including leopard which is often found snoozing on the branches of the magnificent yellow-barked acacias, lion, buffalo, hippo, waterbuck, warthog, baboon, the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe only found in this park in Kenya, white rhino and the rare black rhino which is protected and guarded here. For the bird-watching enthusiast there are 450 species found in the park vicinity. Your wildlife drives will allow ample wildlife viewing and you’ll also get a chance for a bird and wildlife walk at nearby Soysambu and Lake Elmenteita.

Day 7&8, Sunday&Monday: On Safari -(B/L/D)
Continue your drive going west to The Masai Mara, Kenya’s most famous nature reserve, and one of the settings for the film Out of Africa. The drive will take about 6 hours. It is classic savannah – grasslands, where animals are plentiful and the vistas spectacular. In this dreamlike land, animals live in freedom, and the Masai tend their cattle. Visit the only Masai tribe that still practices their ancient customs. The area, also known as the “Jewel of Africa,” has one of the largest and the most spectacular animal migrations in the world. The reserve is known for its large wildlife, including lion, cheetah, elephant, leopard, black rhino and hippo. There are also over 500 resident species of birds in the park including ostrich, lark and sunbird. The reserve which covers an area of 700 square miles forms part of the Serengeti ecosystem and hosts the world famous spectacle of the annual migration of up to two million wildebeest, thousands of zebra and an escort of carnivores from the Serengeti plains, following the rains and succulent new grass. A costly trek as many of the lame, laggard and sick will fall prey to predators and many more will die in the swirling flood waters of the Mara River as they try to cross it. While the migration depends on many factors such as the rains, you’ll be here during the best time for this spectacle, one of the greatest on earth.

Day 9, Tuesday: To In Kisii (B/L/D)
Leaving the Masai Mara a picturesque drive takes us through villages and farmland en route to the local Villages in Kisii. Kisii is the main centre for the Gusii people. It is also home to Kisii soapstone – a pale pink stone that is often colored with designs. The nearby village of Tabaka is where soapstone is quarried. Visit a local adult learning group whose teacher is studying the SOM. They are learning the basic 3R’s as well as sewing skills in order to support their families. Conditions will be very different from what you are accustomed to in the States. Most homes will probably not have running water and may not even have electricity. Additionally, we will visit other areas in the region including the town of Ogenma and Ogemba in Gucha and Nyamarambe in South Gucha. Overnight and dinner in Kisii.

Day 10, Wednesday: Kisii & Nairobi (B/L)
This morning we spend a little more time with our SOM friends in Kissii as we will do our “Dream Pillow program with the local children. The “Dream Project” pairs you with a local child and together discuss the their dreams for this art project. We have found it to be a valuable opportunity in teaching children the value of dreaming: how important it is to have dreams, to wish for things, to have goals in life, and how visualizing ones dreams in this way and keeping them near you while you sleep helps your dreams come true. A sad goodbye before we travel back to Nairobi, about a 6 hour drive. Returning to our hotel with plenty of time to relax or visit the spa and dinner on our own.

Day 11, Thursday: In Nairobi – “Dream Pillow” program (B/L/D)
This morning, we visit a local school for our 2nd “Dream Pillow” program. Here you will be paired with a student and together discuss the student’s dreams for this art project. We have found it to be a valuable opportunity to teach the children the value of dreaming: how important is to have dreams, to wish for things, to have goals in life, and how visualizing ones dreams in this way and keeping them near you while you sleep helps your dreams come true. Using fabric, non-toxic paints and markers (travelers will bring them), the children create designs and affirmations, as well as put their names on their pillowcases. Sayings such things as Sweet Dreams, Dreams Come True, etc. Each child will leave with a Dream Pillow. We have found that this program gives these children an experience that can affect them very positively for years to come. Again, we can have lunch at the school with each traveler sitting next to the student they worked with on the art project. Afterwards return to the hotel for some free time in the afternoon. Farewell Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 12, Friday: To USA
Transfer to the airport for your connecting flights back to the USA

Your organization could go on a tour like this. To get started CLICK HERE