Chicago International Travel

 
 
 

August 8-13, 2023

Full trip details: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/guatemala-retreat

Please RSVP here on Meetup to express interest in finding out more. As well, this trip is promoted on several channels so note that RSVP numbers here do not reflect actual guest count.

Join us for a 6-day immersion in nature, local culture, and rejuvenating yoga. Perched on a volcanic crater lake surrounded by sweeping conical peaks, the stunning vistas of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala are sure to take your breath away. Limited road access means that much of the lake's small villages are only accessible by boat, creating a peaceful haven where connection thrives, and life moves at a slow pace. With prevalent Mayan communities in the region, strong indigenous traditions still prevail.

Our gorgeous retreat center is the perfect sanctuary from which to base our inward and outward explorations. Enjoy a full-service farm-to-table restaurant, providing all your meals with plenty of organic and locally grown food. An expansive yoga deck opens onto breathtaking views of the lake and common areas as well as a library and onsite sauna, giving you space to connect and realign the mind and body. Daily yoga classes offer the opportunity to connect within while exploring unique activities that connect you to the thriving communities and bountiful lands surrounding you.

Trip Includes:

Accommodations

• 5 nights/6 days at an idyllic and sustainably-built retreat center

Transportation

• Airport transfer to/from La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
• All in country transportation to/from included activities

Activities

• Daily yoga and meditation
• Yoga props like bolsters, cork yoga mats & handmade yoga blocks
• Onsite sauna
• Day trip to permaculture community with open air market, natural pools & more
• Cacao and chocolate-making workshop
• Organic farm tour and waterfall hike
• Mayan Fire Ceremony
• Add-on activities: kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rock-climbing, hiking, acro-yoga & more

Meals

• Three meals a day, plus coffee/tea, two snacks, and dessert

Additional

• Engagement session with our community partner + donation to their organization
• Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
• Dedicated Traverse host throughout trip
• Adherence to our Covid-19 Safety and Risk Management Framework
• Small group experience, max 14 people

RSVP for more details or see the link below. You can also reach out with a message on Meetup or via email to: [masked]

Full trip details: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/guatemala-retreat

 
 
 

September 9-17, 2023

See the full trip details and secure your spot: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/italy-food-and-art-tour

Please RSVP here on Meetup to express interest in finding out more. As well, note that this trip is promoted on several channels so RSVP numbers here do not reflect actual guest count.

Join us on this 9-day tour through the most alluring sites, tastes, and scenes of Northern Italy. Our itinerary starts in Milan and journeys through the diverse sites of Venice, Parma, and the Dolomites. Along the way you'll enjoy a fascinating look into the artistic traditions and distinct culinary specialties unique to each region. Traverse and taste your way through scenic mountains and coastline, while exploring local artisan forms such as wood-carving, glass-blowing, and mask-making. You'll also enjoy an in-depth cooking class, visits to wineries as well as a peek into time-honored methods for creating Italian staples like culatello and parmesan cheese. Through these different regional traditions, you'll gain insight into why culinary and artistic heritage are the pride of Italian people.
This trip has been put together and will be led by an Italian native and you will traverse the stomping grounds of her home region. She will be there every step of the way, to lead you through regions and experiences in Italy that most tourists would not know to explore.

TRIP INCLUDES:

Accommodations

• 8 nights in boutique 3- or 4-star accommodations

Transportation

• Transfer from Linate airport (LIN) upon arrival
• Transfer to Linate airport (LIN) on final day of trip
• Metro costs in Milan
• Gondola lift ticket in Dolomites
• Private ground transport days 2-4 and on day 7
• Boat transport in Venice to hotel & between hotel to included sites/destinations
• Train from Venice to Parma
• Roundtrip taxi to Torrechiara castle from Parma
• E-bike rental in Torrechiara
• Daily breakfasts at our accommodations
• Multiple dinners & lunches (4 dinners + 3 lunches) + aperitivo in Parma

Activities

• Orientation walks around main sites of Milan, Venice & Parma
• Visit to woodworking shop in Tesero
• Cooking class in Cavalese
• Learn about mask-making in Venice
• Visit to glass blowing center in Murano + demonstration
• Visit to cellars at Corte Pallavicina (with lunch)
• Culatello museum tour
• Parmesan cheese factory tour
• Dall'Asta winery visit (and lunch)
• Additional options to add another cooking class in Parma as well as a mask-making workshop in Venice

Additional

• Visit to our local community partner + donation to their organization
• Dedicated Italian-native guide throughout
• Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
• Adherence to our Covid-19 Safety and Risk Management Framework
• Small group experience, max 12 people

See the full trip details and secure your spot: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/italy-food-and-art-tour

 
 
 

SEPTEMBER 16-24, 2023

See all the details here:
https://traversejourneys.com/trips/peru-machu-picchu

This 9-day itinerary offers two options: Choose to hike the classic Inca Trail or opt for the non-hiking version and explore the Sacred Valley, both culminating with a visit to Machu Picchu. We’ll start together in Cusco and learn about ancient Andean culture before heading to Ollantaytambo for cultural immersion and a pachamanca traditional feast. From there, hikers will take off on the 4-day hike and non-hikers will stay back and explore Moray, Salineras, Pisaq and other ancient sites. We’ll all meet up together at Machu Picchu with our fantastic local guide before heading back to Cusco for our last night of fabulous Peruvian cuisine.

Included:

Accommodations

• 8 nights’ accommodations in boutique
• Centrally located hotels

Meals

• Daily breakfast
• 6 dinners
• 3 lunches (hiking) or 1 lunch (non-hiking)

Transportation

• Transfers to/from Cusco airport
• All transportation between Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and group excursions

Activities

• Cultural exchange with our community partner to learn about the preservation of the Quechua language + contribution to their organization
• Entry fee to Machu Picchu + bus to/from Aguas Calientes + train to Ollantaytambo
• Boleto turistico with entry to more than 12 museums & archeological sites
• Healthy, nourishing meals using traditional ingredients and local sourcing
• Small group experience, max 16 people

Hiking option

• 4 days/3 nights hiking the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu
• Healthy, nourishing meals prepared by our on-site cook, starting with breakfast on departure day to breakfast on last day of the hike
• Clean, potable water throughout the hike
• A team of local porters to carry provided tents, chairs, food, medical emergency kit and other equipmentSleeping mat provided (you will carry)
• Entry fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes + train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Option for a full or half porter to carry some or all of your suppliesLocal guides 24/7

Non-hiking option

• Continued stay in Ollantaytambo
• Excursions & entry fees to the Moray ruins, Salineras salt mines, and Pisaq artisanal market
• Organic farm lunch with a visit to a local rum distillery and brewery
• Optional visit to Chinchero to learn about traditional textiles
• Train to/from Aguas Calientes + bus to/from Machu Picchu
• Entry fee to Machu Picchu + guided tour
• Traverse representative 24/7

See the full itinerary and inclusions here: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/peru-machu-picchu

 
 
 

September 27 - October 5, 2023

For all the details and to secure your spot:
https://traversejourneys.com/trips/morocco-retreat

This 9-day Morocco yoga retreat combines site-seeing with rejuvenating yoga each morning and evening. Starting in Marrakech, we head to the UNESCO-protected village of Aït Ben Haddou. Then we continue into the Sahara for a desert "glamping" experience: complete with a camel ride, oasis excursion, and music under the stars. En route back to Marrakech, we stop at Berber women’s textile co-op to learn about the important work they do in their community. Finally, we return to the bustling city of Marrakech, discovering the souks and crafts throughout the medina. Throughout the trip you'll experience flavorful cuisine, impactful artisanship, and traditions within the Moroccan way of life.
For the complete Moroccan experience, you can choose an optional 3-night add-on to Fes and Chefchaouen. Here you'll discover luxury riads in Fes as well as the vibrant colors of "the Blue Pearl" of Chefchaoeun. The trip add-on does not include daily yoga.

TRIP INCLUDES

Accommodations

• 8 total nights’ accommodations in boutique villas and 2 nights desert camping permanent structure tents with real beds

Transportation

• Transfers to/from airport on arrival & departure days
• Private ground transit between Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou and the Sahara

Activities

• Daily yoga + meditation
• Visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou
• Sahara desert excursion with 2 nights all-inclusive camping complete with camel ride, stargazing, traditional music & food and an oasis outing
• Marrakech souk tour and entry to Bahia Palace and Madrasa ben Youssef
• Optional hamman spa and massage add-on
• Optional cooking class add-on

Meals

• Daily breakfast + 6 lunches + 7 dinners

Additional

• Visit to a traditional Berber textile women’s co-op + donation to their organization
• Dedicated Traverse yoga instructor & host + local guide
• Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
• Optional add-on to Fes & Chefchaouen
• Adherence to our Covid-19 Safety and Risk Management Framework
• Small group trip, max 12 people

For more information and to secure your spot:
https://traversejourneys.com/trips/morocco-retreat