The Chicago Travel Meetup Group

MOROCCO TRIP!
• Dates: May 4 - 15, 2024 (12 days / 11 nights)
• Cost: $3150 (per person, excluding flights)
• Single supplement: $675
• Details: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/trip-to-morocco/

Check out pictures from previous trips to see what we do, where we go, and who goes on the trips: https://flickr.com/photos/155293978@N02/albums/72157712258291947.

If you have any questions, please email info@globe-drifters.com.

Discover the best of Morocco and its local culture in a small group… From ancient medinas to vast Saharan dunes; Morocco’s enchanting landscapes will mesmerize and transport you back in time. Haggle for spices and textiles in bustling souks, sleep under an immense blanket of twinkling stars in the Sahara Desert, and caravan by camel just like Berber nomads.

The Blue City: Chefchaouen’s brilliant blues will engulf you for 3 days and 2 nights whereas many groups skip it or just do a quick stop.

It’s your vacation!: All the must-sees are included, but if there’s a particular activity that you would like to skip, your tour leader is there to offer alternative options.

Extraordinary accommodations: The riads on this trip are hand-picked for their uniqueness and quality. They include a boutique hotel that is built right into the side of a gorge wall and a luxury desert camp straight out of Arabian Nights!

TURKEY TRIP!
• Dates: May 23 - June 2, 2024 (11 days / 10 nights)
• Cost: $3500 (per person, excluding international flights)
• Single supplement: $650
• Details: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/turkey/

Check out pictures from previous trips to see what we do, where we go, and who goes on the trips: https://flickr.com/photos/155293978@N02/albums/72157710013233457

If you have any questions, please email info@globe-drifters.com.

Beat the crowds and visit Turkey in tranquility… No one likes to travel to amazing, awe-inspiring places and swim through seas of oblivious tourists taking a million selfies. Our trip has been carefully planned to beat the crowds so that you can actually see and enjoy the bucketlist sites in Turkey as well as some unique, off-the-beaten-path things.

Queen Cleopatra’s ancient pools: Swim among the famous Roman temple’s ruins in these pools steeped in history just a few hours before closing to avoid crowds and have the place to yourself!

Private Bosphorus River cruise: Sail on your own private yacht and explore lesser-known, intimate estates along the riverfront.

Pamukkale (Cotton Castle): Stay the night for a sunset visit to avoid the hordes of day-trippers.

NAXOS - GREEK ISLAND TRIPS!
• Dates (10 days / 9 nights):
May 23 - June 1, 2024
June 1 - 10, 2024
• Cost: $3150 (per person, excluding flights)
• Details: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/greek-naxos-slowcation/

See pictures from past trips here: GREEK ISLANDS PHOTOS!

This trip is a “Slowcation” and you can read more about it here: https://globe-drifters.com/slowcations/

Below is some information. If you have any questions, you can email info@globe-drifters.com.

Off-the-beaten-path Greek island paradise… Naxos is an authentic Greek island in the Cyclades away from the masses of tourists. It is the perfect mix of sandy beaches, stunning turquoise waters, olive groves, mountains, and local traditions. Naxos is also Zeus’ childhood home and boasts wonderful Greek food as well as amazing hospitality!

Beaches: Sun-soaked and radiant, Naxos is a great location to take some time and relax in the many sun loungers on the beach.

See what few tourists see: Visit Naxos’ inland which most visitors skip. Take in the charming Greek villages and majestic mountain ranges on the Cyclades’ largest island.

Boat life!: Channel your inner James Bond as you speed around in a boat to the idyllic village of Naoussa on Paros and the picture-perfect beaches in and around Naxos.

Stay in a boutique hotel located in the peaceful countryside of Naxos but just a 15-minute walk into the island’s old town (with a grocery store and plenty of cafes & restaurants) and a 10-minute walk to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean Sea (with umbrella and beach chair rental available!)

• September 14 - 24, 2024
• September 25 - October 5, 2024

• Cost: $3500 (per person, excluding flights)
• Single supplement: $350
*4 rooms available on each trip with no single supplement fee!
• Details: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/tuscany-umbria-villa-slowcation/

Check out pictures from previous trips to see what we do, where we go, and who goes on the trips: ITALIAN VILLA SLOWCATION PHOTOS!

What is a slowcation? Click here to find out: https://globe-drifters.com/slowcations/

If you have any questions, please email info@globe-drifters.com.

Experience small town Italy like a local… Tuscany conjures up dreams of life at a slower pace where you can soak in the culture, food, and picturesque vistas of the Italian countryside. Stroll through narrow passageways of medieval villages perched on hilltops. Pick out cheese & wine at the market in town and chat with the locals. Then, head back to your 18th-century villa passing olive groves in time for an amazing sunset. Tuscany is the dream vacation and now is your chance!

Live like a local: Sip on espresso & people-watch at a sidewalk cafe in town. Stop by the local grocery store for provisions to prepare a family-style meal in the villa’s fully-equipped kitchen. End the day with a glass of fine wine in your new home.

Ideal location: Most villas in the region are 7 kilometers on average to the closest town & you’d need a rental car during your trip. Our villa is only a 15 to 20-minute walk into town with charming shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Discover Italy: Many of Tuscany & Umbria’s most famous towns are only 30 – 45 minutes away from the villa so you can explore all the best locations in the region without going far.

Please email info@globe-drifters.com if you have questions!

JAPAN TRIP!
• Dates: October 17 - 26, 2024 (10 days / 9 nights)
• Cost: $5300 (per person, excluding flights)
• Single supplement: $850
• Details: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/japan/

See below for more information. Please email info@globe-drifters.com if you have any questions.

Experience the best of Japan's unique culture, iconic food, and ancient history on this 10-day trip... Discover the Land of the Rising Sun as you visit a foodie's paradise in Osaka, the imperial palaces of Kyoto, Tokyo's eclectic mix of ultramodern and traditional, and lots more in between! Japan's culture and history are thousands of years old and you'll experience its traditions which are still very much alive in the daily lives of its citizens.

Get sumo!: Go to a sumo match to see the graceful art of Japanese wrestling. This exciting sporting event is sure to get your adrenaline pumping!

Ramen-making!: Get a hands-on lesson on how to make this famous comfort food and dine on your creation!

Geisha... Beauty, Grace, and Discipline: Enjoy a geisha performance with dinner in Kyoto, one of the best places to witness this dying craft.

Fall into Japan: This trip is in the autumn when there are fewer crowds and the golden yellow, brown, and orange leaves will provide the perfect backdrop to take in the country's beauty!

ICELAND TRIP!
• Dates: (11 days / 10 nights)
October 11 - 21, 2024
October 25 - November 4, 2024
• Cost: $4700 (per person, excluding flights)
• Single supplement: $800
• Details: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/iceland/

Check out pictures from our past trips to get an idea of the group and what we do: ICELAND TRIP PHOTOS!

See below for more information. Please email info@globe-drifters.com if you have any questions.

A slower-paced, small group tour through Iceland… There’s so much to do and see in Iceland that it’s tough to fit it all in one trip. Lots of fast-paced tours cram everything into 5 short days but we take our time and travel at a slower pace around the island in 11 days which means no rushing in and out of the bus with only 10 minutes to take a photo at every stop. Our small group size also allows us to experience some of Iceland’s less-traveled spots:

Hot springs: In addition to the must-see Blue Lagoon, cleanse your body & soul in some less crowded hot springs.

Secret Iceberg Lagoon: Take a zodiac to a hidden iceberg lagoon where it’ll be just you and the towering masses of ice, up close and personal!

Beer spa & jacuzzi: Soak in wooden, beer-filled jacuzzis overlooking breathtaking mountain ranges all while sipping on your favorite glass of lager.

ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS TRIP!
• Dates: January 31 - February 12, 2025 (13 days / 12 nights)
• Cost: $5150 (per person, excluding international flights)
• Single supplement: $1,100
• Details: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/galapagos-and-ecuador/

See photos from past trips here: ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS PHOTOS!

Check out the trip page for the detailed itinerary, what's included, FAQ, etc. If you have any questions, email info@globe-drifters.com!

“It is not the strongest of species that survive… But the one most responsive to change” – Charles Darwin. Discover the capital city of Quito and the magical Cloud Forest in mainland Ecuador before delving into the Galapagos Islands on our 12-day trip. The mere mention of these islands conjures up dreams of adventure, intrigue, and excitement. It’s a place of mystery that millions know about but only a handful have explored.

Walk in the clouds: Spend 2 nights in the ethereal Cloud Forest where colorful birds sing, powerful waterfalls roar, and white, fluffy clouds float around you.

Get a good night’s rest: Stay on land and explore the Galapagos Islands on day trips for a more comfortable night’s sleep. This also allows you to explore the culture and interact with the locals in your free time.

No hidden costs: All domestic flights and national park fees are included! ($1000 USD value)

EGYPT TRIP!
• Dates: February 2 - 12, 2025 (11 days / 10 nights)
• Cost: $4500 (per person, excluding international flights)
• Single supplement: $1050
• Details: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/egypt/

See pictures from past trips here: EGYPT PHOTOS!

See below for more information. Please email info@globe-drifters.com if you have any questions.

Explore the temples and pyramids of Egypt… Step back in history to discover the mysticism of ancient Egypt, the secrets of the River Nile, the intricacies of the local culture, and so much more on our 11-day, small group trip!

Cruise the Nile River: Sail in comfort for 4 days on one of the best boats on the Nile; a true, premium cruise!

Float through the Valley of the Kings: Drift through the sky in a hot air balloon for a bird’s eye view of the ancient pharaonic landscape.

Abu Simbel minus the crowds!: Enjoy Abu Simbel, one of the best temples in Egypt, at sunset after all the daytrippers have gone and witness a spectacular light & sound show over the temple as night falls.

Stay up-to-date on this trip and upcoming ones by joining the Facebook travel group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/613025845523107.