Moroccan Discovery From the Imperial Cities to the Sahara From $5,195 per person (Land & Air) presents...
September 12—25, 2015
This land of dramatic contrasts invites us to encounter its ancient ruins and sacred mosques, endless desert and storied mountains, imposing kasbahs and spirited souks. As we travel from the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech to the High Atlas and vast Sahara, we open our eyes, and hearts, to a truly foreign land, an age-old culture, and genuinely hospitable people.
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Moroccan Discovery Daily Itinerary - September 12 - 25, 2015 Day 1 - September 12: Depart U.S. for Casablanca, Morocco Depart New York this evening aboard your Royal Air Maroc flight to Casablanca. Day 2 - September 13: Arrive Casablanca/Rabat Arrive this morning in Casablanca, Morocco’s chief port, economic capital, and largest city. You’ll meet your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director at the airport then transfer by coach to Rabat, stopping for refreshments along the way. After checking in at our elegant, well-located hotel near famed Hassan Tower, we have the remainder of the day at leisure. For your convenience, lunch at the hotel is included today. Tonight you’ll meet your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner at Dinarjat, a famous restaurant located in Rabat’s Old Town. Accommodations: La Tour Hassan; Meals: L, D Day 3 - September 14: Rabat Capital of the French Protectorate of Morocco from 1912 to 1956, and Moroccan capital since independence, Rabat has a European elegance yet maintains an Islamic character all its own. We spend the entire day touring this unique city that also was one of the four ancient capitals, or imperial cities, beginning with the fortified Kasbah des Oudaias that surrounds the 17th-century Royal Palace and the beautiful Andalusian Gardens. We also visit Chellah’s Roman relics where we see the remnants of Sala Colonia, the Roman port that was abandoned in 1154. This afternoon we cross the river to Sale where we enjoy lunch in a private home. We then visit Rabat’s Archaeological Museum followed by a short walk through the medina. Late afternoon we return to the hotel, where we enjoy dinner tonight. Accommodations: La Tour Hassan; Meals: B, L, D Day 4 - September 15: Rabat/Meknes/Volubilis/Fez This morning we depart by motor coach for Meknes, Morocco’s youngest Imperial City and also a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose construction was dominated by the Sultan Moulay Ismail, one of Morocco’s most powerful leaders. Despite his reputation as a ruthless warrior, the Sultan was also a builder, and during his 55year reign developed Meknes from a small town into a majestic capital with gigantic ramparts, monumental gates, more than 50 palaces, and 15 miles of exterior walls. We see the impressive Bab el Mansour gateway and visit the ruins of the imperial stables and granaries. After lunch in a local restaurant we continue on to Volubilis, the largest of the Romans’ 17 colonies established in Morocco between the 1st century BCE and the 2nd century CE. The excavated ruins here are particularly noted for their colorful mosaics. The setting is a photographer’s delight, and we’ll have ample time at this UNESCO World Heritage site to take photos. Next we continue on to Fez, arriving late this afternoon. Tonight we enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner together at our hotel. A ccommodations: Hotel Sahrai; Meals: B, L, D
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Moroccan Discovery Daily Itinerary - September 12 - 25, 2015 Day 5 - September 16: Fez “The history of Fez,” writes author Walter Harris, “is composed of wars and murders, triumphs of arts and sciences, and a good deal of imagination.” And a more fascinating city you won’t find anywhere, as we discover on our full-day tour. We begin with a walking tour of Fez’s fascinating medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, focusing on the artisans’ quarters, the 14th-century Koranic schools, and Al Karouine, the medieval theological university that opened in 859 and is believed to be older than its European counterparts Oxford and Bologna. We’ll enjoy lunch together in the medina then mid-afternoon tour the old mellah (Jewish quarter) and its 17th-century synagogue, the royal gates, and the Museum of Fez. Tonight we enjoy dinner together at an intimate family-run riad in Fez, La Maison Bleue. A ccommodations: Hotel Sahrai; Meals: B, L, D
Day 6 - September 17: Fez This morning we travel outside the city to visit a Berber village where residents live much as their ancestors did centuries ago. As a small group highlight we share mint tea with a local family in their cave dwelling. Then we continue on to whitewashed Sefrou, an old Jewish town at the foot of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Returning to Fez, we stop at the renowned pottery factories that create the complex blue-and-white geometric patterns of traditional “bleu de Fez” household and decorative objects. The remainder of the afternoon is free for lunch on your own and for independent exploration. Your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director will be happy to offer suggestions. Tonight we dine together in the hotel’s international restaurant. Accommodations: Hotel Sahrai; Meals: B, D Day 7 - September 18: Fez/Midelt/Erfoud As we venture out to the Sahara, today will be a long day as we’ll cover a substantial distance driving to Erfoud. Traveling inland, we cross the fertile plains beyond Fez and continue through the Middle Atlas mountain range. We stop in the small town of Midelt for lunch. Continuing on we cross the Ziz River, passing rows of sky-scraping palm trees and fortified villages before reaching our kasbah-style hotel on the outskirts of Erfoud late in the day. Originally an oasis fort built by the French, Erfoud is now a sizable city and the gateway to the Sahara. Dinner tonight is at our hotel. A ccommodations: Le Palais du Désert Hotel; Meals: B, L, D
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Moroccan Discovery Daily Itinerary - September 12 - 25, 2015 Day 8 - September 19: Erfoud/Rissani/Merzouga This morning we visit the city of Rissani, with its 18th-century ksar, a virtually impenetrable warren of alleys; then continue on to the ruins of Sijilmasa. Once a central trade point in the Trans -Sahara trade routes, the city of Sijilmasa suffered through years of continuous religious conflict. Today, the ruins lay protected by the World Monuments Fund as they were left after the nomadic tribes of Ait Atta destroyed the city in 1818. We enjoy a tour highlight this afternoon as we set out on a sunset excursion to the breathtakingly beautiful sand dunes at Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara. In the enormous silence we watch the sun set over the desert as we take a camel ride along the erg, Morocco’s only Saharan dunes. Following this experience we return to our hotel, where we dine together tonight. Accommodations: Le Palais du Désert Hotel; Meals: B, D
Day 9 - September 20:Erfoud/Tinehir/Todra Gorges/Ouarzazate With a fairly long travel day ahead of us, we leave Erfoud this morning bound for Ouarzazate in the snow-topped High Atlas Mountains, passing one scene of natural beauty after another. Our first stop is in Tinehir, a stunning mountain oasis rising on a series of lush riverside produce gardens accented by palm trees and dominated by ornate clay villages. Here we visit 984-foot Todra Gorge, home to a variety of rare plant and bird species. After enjoying lunch here, we continue on to El Kelaa Mgouna, Morocco’s “rose capital,” before beginning our journey along the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs,” a region of fortresses with elaborately decorated façades. We arrive in Ouarzazate late this afternoon; dinner tonight is at our hotel. A ccommodations: Le Berbère Palace; Meals: B, L, D
Day 10 - September 21: Ouarzazate/Ait Ben-Haddou/Marrakech We leave Ouarzazate for Marrakech today, stopping en route at Ait benHaddou, one of southern Morocco’s most recognizable villages since it is often used as a location for fashion and film shoots (including Gladiator). A UNESCO World Heritage site, the village’s old section consists of deep red kasbahs so tightly packed together they appear as a single building. The fragility of the buildings – and their state of conservation – means that we may have to stop outside the city itself depending on conditions at this UNESCO site when we visit. Then as we descend from the High Atlas mountains, we pass through typical villages whose stone houses have earthen roofs. In Tizi N’Tichka, we traverse the Pass of the Pastures (alt. 7,415 feet), where life is much as it was centuries ago: shepherds bring their flocks to the high pastures every summer, then return with them to their villages in autumn. Late this afternoon we arrive in fabled Marrakech, an ancient intersection of Berber, African, Mediterranean, and Asian cultural and artistic influences. Considered Morocco’s most cosmopolitan city – and some would say its most beautiful – Marrakech boasts a spectacular location surrounded by rich farmlands and high mountains. We dine tonight at our hotel. A ccommodations: Sofitel Marrakech; Meals: B, L, D
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Moroccan Discovery Daily Itinerary - September 12 - 25, 2015 Day 11 - September 22: Marrakech Although its origins are disputed, it is believed Marrakech was settled in the early 11th century; five centuries later it was one of Morocco’s dominant centers of art and culture. Today Marrakech is the nation’s fourth largest city, with an exciting blend of modern architecture and an ancient walled medina. On our full-day tour we concentrate on Old Marrakech, taking in the Koutoubia Mosque with its 282-foot minaret, an architectural highlight visible from miles way; the relatively contemporary (19th-century) El Bahia Palace with its Andalusian influence and fascinating harem quarter; and the ruins of 360-room Palais El Badii, built in 1578 in the style of Granada’s Alhambra and lavishly decorated with Italian marble and gold. Moulay Ismail “looted” the palace, which took 25 years to construct, to enhance his palace. We return to our hotel for lunch then set out mid-afternoon to explore the city’s souks, including those of yarn dyers, wrought iron and lantern makers, herbalists, and wood carvers and painters. Next we venture to Djemaa El Fna, the heart of Marrakech where your fantasies of Morocco will come to life. Here are snake charmers, storytellers, acrobats, and musicians asking only a few dirhams to enlighten, fascinate, and entertain you. It’s a circus atmosphere that has existed since the city’s earliest days, serving as a mecca for both locals and tourists who come here for food, for fun, or to find a brief respite from daily life. Dinner is on your own in this exotic city. Accommodations: Sofitel Marrakech; Meals: B, L
Day 12 - September 23: Marrakech On today’s excursion we travel via horse-drawn carriage from Menara to the lush Majorelle Gardens, a botanical garden in the heart of the city. French artist Jaques Majorelle created this masterpiece, known for its cobalt blue accents, in 1924 during Morocco’s colonial period as a protectorate of France. Here we are likely to see many of the 15 species of birds native to North Africa. Following a tour of the gardens, we’ll visit the recently renovated Berber Museum, located on the grounds of Majorelle Gardens. The afternoon is at leisure before dinner tonight at a local restaurant in the city’s Old Town. .A ccommodations: Sofitel Marrakech; Meals: B, D
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Moroccan Discovery Daily Itinerary - September 12 - 25, 2015 Day 13 - September 24: Marrakech/Casablanca We leave Marrakech this morning for the 3½-hour motor coach ride to storied Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and most sophisticated city, combining French and Moroccan influences. On this afternoon’s tour we visit the Grand Mosque of Hassan II, the world’s second largest Islamic house of worship, with a 656-foot minaret and a prayer hall three times the size of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. A stunning architectural achievement, the mosque boasts an equally stunning setting on the banks of the Atlantic shoreline. It is also Morocco’s only functioning mosque that is open to non-Muslims and our tour affords us the opportunity to see the palatial interior with its polished marble floor, Venetian chandeliers, and Moorish arches with 70 cedar-paneled cupolas. Other highlights of our Casablanca tour include a visit to the harbor area and the Habous Quarter (“New Medina”), designed by French architects in the 1930s to resolve a major housing crisis; and the Royal Palace. Tonight we gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate our discovery of Morocco. A ccommodations: Hyatt Regency Casablanca; Meals: B, D
Day 14 - September 25: Depart for U.S. After breakfast this morning we transfer to the Casablanca airport for our flights to the U.S. Meals: B
Please Note: We will do our best to adhere to our printed itinerary. Occasionally, though, unexpected obstacles – and opportunities – may arise that will force us to deviate from the itinerary as written. We would ask you to be open-minded and flexible should we vary the itinerary slightly. In addition, please note that airline schedules are subject to change. We will provide you with updated flight information closer to your departure. Since the Sahara Desert and the dunes at Merzouga are located in a fairly remote region, this tour does include some lengthy motor coach transfers. While road conditions in Morocco are generally very good and the scenery very interesting, you should be prepared for fairly long days on tour days 7, 9, and 10.
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Moroccan Discovery Hotel Accommodations La Tour Hassan: 26, Rue de Chellah , B.P. 14, Rabat ,Morocco Phone: 011-212-5372-39000 Fax: 011-212-5377-25408 www.latourhassan.com Dating to 1914, the 140-room La Tour Hassan represents Rabat’s last surviving hotel to be constructed using traditional Moorish-Andalusian design. The citadel-style hotel stands inside a fortress wall at the center of the city and features three restaurants, one bar, internet access, laundry service, fitness center with Jacuzzi, sauna, solarium, and outdoor pool. Air-conditioned rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, and phone. Hotel Sahrai: Dhar El Mehraz, 30000 Fez, Morocco Phone: 011-212-5359-40332 Fax: 011-212-5359-40362 www.hotelsahrai.com Opened in 2014, Hotel Sahrai is a contemporary hotel located on the southern hills overlooking the Fez m ed ina, and a short drive from this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed to resemble the architectural layout of the m ed ina, the 50-room boutique hotel features a restaurant and bar, fitness center, Jacuzzi, spa with massage treatments, sauna, steam room, outdoor pool, tennis court, terrace, and laundry and dry cleaning services. Air-conditioned guest rooms offer private bath with hair dryer, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, mini-bar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.
Le Palais du Désert Hotel: Route de Jorf – BP-310, Erfoud, Morocco 52200 Phone: 011-212-5355-78291 Fax: 011-212-5355-78292 www.palaisdudesert.com Set on the outskirts of the city of Erfoud, this new 44-room kasbah-style hotel offers a traditional Moroccan desert setting surrounding a courtyard. The hotel features two restaurants and bar, internet access, laundry/dry cleaning services, full spa, health center, and an outdoor swimming pool. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, tea- and coffeemaking facilities, TV, and phone.
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Moroccan Discovery Hotel Accommodations Le Berbère Palace: Quartier Mansour Eddahbi,45000 Ouarzazate, Morocco Phone: 011-212-5248-83105 Fax: 011-212-5248-83071 www.leberberepalace.com A traditional Moroccan-style hotel, Le Berbère Palace offers guests a host of contemporary amenities including two restaurants, two bars, internet access, laundry and dry cleaning services, fitness center, swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, tennis courts, terraced garden, and library. Airconditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, TV, and phone. Sofitel Marrakech: Rue Harroun Errachid, Quartier de l’Hivernage,40000 Marrakech, Morocco Phone: 011-212-5244-25600 Fax: 011-212-5244-20505 www.sofitel.com Sitting on the edge of the city at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains and within easy reach of the Medina and Djemaa El Fna Square, the Sofitel boasts three restaurants and a bar; internet access; laundry and dry cleaning services; ATM; fitness center with gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, and solarium; Turkish bath; and two outdoor pools. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, terrace or balcony, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, and phone. Hyatt Regency Casablanca: Place des Nations Unies, Casablanca 20000, Morocco Phone: 011-212-5224-31234 Fax: 011-212-5224-31334 www.hyatt.com This 255-room hotel is conveniently situated in the center of Casablanca in United Nations Square, close to the Old Medina, Habous Quarter, and the central market. The hotel has multiple restaurants and lounges; spa; fitness center with sauna, steam room, and massage treatments; unheated outdoor swimming pool; squash courts and beach volleyball court; boutiques; and laundry and dry cleaning services. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, phone, and internet access.
Moroccan Discovery: From the Imperial Cities to the Sahara Enclosed is my/our non-refundable deposit for $__________($750 per person) for _____ person/people on the “Moroccan Discovery” tour departing the USA on September 12, 2015 and returning on September 25, 2015. I/we understand the final payment is due on or before June 9, 2015. Your deposit may be paid by American Express, Discover, MasterCard, VISA, or personal check. This excursion is limited to 24 participants. Please mail this completed form as soon as possible to: The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Attention: John Guerra, 1010 5th Ave South, Naples, FL 34102. (PRINT CLEARLY)
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PLEASE ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR PASSPORT WITH YOUR DEPOSIT IMPORTANT: THIS IS A MODERATE EXERTION TOUR. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE ABLE TO WALK, STAND AND CLIMB STAIRS WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. I understand that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU is unable to accept any person as a tour passenger who may require special attention because of a medical condition unless they have a companion traveling with them who can provide whatever services and assistance is necessary. I further understand that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU cannot accept or retain any person whose health or general deportment impedes the operation of the tour or affects the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other tour passengers. I accept sole responsibility for determining that I am in good physical and mental health and am able to participate in group touring. I further certify that I have read and agree with the General Terms and Condi-
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Moroccan Discovery: From the Imperial Cities to the Sahara September 12 (Depart USA) – September 25, 2015 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS Please read this information carefully, as payment of a $750 deposit per person represents your acceptance of the following General Terms and Conditions. Please retain a copy of these General Terms and Conditions for your records.
Tour Cost: Total tour cost, air and land, fr om J FK is $5,195 per per son, $5,395 per per son fr om BOS, and $5,495 per per son fr om ORD or RSW. Land-only cost is $4,345 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $750 per person is required with your signed application. Final payment in full is due on or before June 9, 2015. The single supplement is $1,395. Tour costs, which are based on current exchange rates and a group size of 24 participants, are subject to change. Airline taxes, departure fees, and fuel surcharges are subject to change and will affect the total cost of the tour. Upon reservation you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport. In the event an air line ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue. Luggage: Only one car r y-on and one checked bag per person is accepted on tour. Documents: U.S. citizens ar e r equir ed to have a valid passpor t for this tour , valid for at least six months after the conclusion of the t our . Cost of Tour Includes: Round-trip airfare; 12 nights' accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class and First Class hotels; 31 meals: 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 11dinners; Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees; Services of a private Tour Director; Private motor coach transportation; Luggage handling for 1 bag per person; Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers. Cost of Tour DOES NOT Include: Roundtr ip air far e fr om any depar tur e point other than those listed her ein or with the pur chase of a land-only tour package; costs of passports, visas, personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals and beverages not specified; airline baggage fees; communication charges; airline transfers when purchasing a land-only package; gratuities to your Tour Director (suggested gratuities: $10-$15 per traveler, per day), which are at your discretion; optional sightseeing; and travel protection insurance. Cancellations: All deposits ar e non-refundable. If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your written notification. Cancellations received 95 days or more from the date of departure will be subject to a $300 processing fee plus any and all additional charges dependent upon the obligations of The Renaissance Academy of FGCU to its suppliers and the airline refund policies. Cancellations received at or within 94 days of departure are subject to the following schedule of cancellation fees: 94-65 days prior to departure - 65% of the tour cost per person; 64-30 days prior to departure - 85% of the tour cost per person; 29 days or less prior to departure – 100% of the tour cost per person. If a guest makes any changes within 94 and 30 days prior to departure to either their departure city and/or the optional post-tour extension, a $150 per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties will apply. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure. Travel Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Tr avel insur ance is strongly r ecommended. Compar e and pur chase insur ance at www.squaremouth.com or contact your personal travel agent. Neither the Renaissance Academy nor Odysseys can offer travel insurance. Medical Conditions: If you or a member of your par ty suffer fr om any physical challenge or medical condition, you must check with your doctor about the advisability of traveling abroad and make this known to us before you book. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants, but are not responsible for denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants and other independent suppliers. Smoking: Smoking is NOT per mitted in the hotels, on motor coaches, or other modes of tr anspor t used by the gr oup. Responsibility-Tour Participation Contract – IMPORTANT: The Renaissance Academy of FGCU does not pr ovide tr avel ser vices or act as the agent of any provider of travel services. The liability of Florida Gulf Coast University, as a sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as a tour operator, is strictly limited. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU is not responsible or liable for any of the services provided for/by Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. or any other travel agency, or for any of the services of hotels, motor coaches, trains, vessels, aircrafts or other forms of transportation that may be used in connection with the tour. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under its control. All arrangements for transport, accommodations, and services are made upon the express condition that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity of any kind occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including without limitation, any act of negligence or breach of contract of any third party such as an airline, cruise line, train, hotel, restaurant, tour operator/supplier, ground handler, etc., including their employees, agents, servants or representatives, who is to or does supply any goods or services to the tour. Without limiting the foregoing, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates are not responsible for any losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness, weather, strikes, acts of God, acts of terrorism, war, quarantine, criminal activity, the defect of any vehicle or for any other cause beyond their control. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU reserves the right to change the itinerary of the tour or to substitute similar quality hotels or airlines without prior notice. If the tour is cancelled by The Renaissance Academy of FGCU for any reason, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates shall have no liability beyond the refund of all tour participant deposits received by them, net of any and all expenses due to suppliers and the airline refund policies. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, in its sole discretion, may increase the tour price in the event costs increase. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU may decline to accept or retain any tour participant as a participant on the tour at any time. Airline tickets may be sold in conjunction with the services of any airline. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers, cruise line, and other independent suppliers when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger. If you choose to make your own air arrangements, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from cancellation of or changes to this tour. The parties agree that Ft. Myers (Lee County) in the state of Florida shall be the venue for any disputes arising out of this tour. A signed FGCU General Release and Waiver Agreement is required from each participant prior to departure. Important Note: When you pur chase a “land only” package, air por t tr ansfer s and luggage handling at the ar r ival and depar tur e air por ts at the beginning and end of the tour are not included. Should you be at the arrival airport and departure hotel concurrent with the group of arriving Odysseys Unlimited travelers, you are welcome to transfer with the group at no charge, providing additional seating is available. However, please note that the motor coach cannot wait for you; you must be aboard when the coach is leaving. Business Class upgrades apply ONLY to the TransAtlantic portion of your itinerary.