sojourns travel

(470) 327-8344 | moc.levartyenruojos%40olleh

• 2d620758-f994-4cbc-b842-fa4db5695399
• 7a387296-f666-4e8c-a218-2a14d778a92d
• 11b66fee-3b4a-4404-a86f-5965397e3ebd
• d7e34280-2418-415f-8f34-257edefa35de
• 27a72ed2-eb78-4724-bb54-80c5eac281be
• 2ae77804-df83-4255-94e2-2ae13c751ef6
• 69b96734-e67b-46f9-9651-c37776fa1558

Your Trip of a Lifetime Awaits...

We design unforgettable travel experiences, 100% Crafted-for-You.

Create Once In a Lifetime Memories

Relax. we'll handle everything, see the best of the world stress free, you deserve more than a "trip." you deserve a world-class travel experience., good news... that just happens to be our specialty., we bring you the world.... and that includes all things disney.

There's just something about the Magic of a Vacation you don't have to plan! Leave it to our team of Disney Destination Specialists!

Unforgettable Vacations Crafted-For-You

Let us demystify travel for you. From cruises to beachfront resorts, land tours and sporting event packages, our agency can build you the ultimate personalized itinerary for an unforgettable vacation. We’ll help you understand all the details and accent your trip with special amenities and VIP perks you won’t find booking on your own. From planning, logistics, booking, and dealing with the inevitable problem...doing it on your own is not an option for those who want to see the world without stress. In this post-COVID world, more and more are turning to professionals for help. For over 25 combined years, we've been creating unforgettable travel experiences for clients around the world. What does that mean for you? You can enjoy the trip of a lifetime without an ounce of traveler’s anxiety. We know you want a flawless vacation filled with amazing moments with the people you love. We're here to make that happen. You may even make new friends with us along the way. Ready to start planning your next journey?

Our Travel Services and Specialties

Professional Travel Planning

Our Services

Top destinations, top travel styles, getting started is so, so easy, pick a date.

We set time aside to have uninterrupted Discovery Calls. Find a date convenient for you.

Pick a Time

Do you prefer morning, afternoon, or evening? We have several options available.

We'll Chat!

Our discovery call is the first step to your luxury dream trip, we can't wait to explore your ideas with you!

Why Travelers Choose Us

Our global travel network at your service.

We have relationships with top luxury travel companies worldwide, all to your benefit. If you need anything while traveling, our network and us are there 24/7 to make sure that your trip goes off without a hitch! Here are a few of our partnerships:

Latest From Our Blog

The trip of a lifetime awaits you. are you ready.

(470) 327-8344

moc.levartyenruojos%40olleh

Matthew 6:33 | 1 Corinthians 16:14 | Zechariah 4:10a | Matthew 5:41 | Psalm 139:3-6 Florida Seller of Travel Registration No.: ST42949 ©Sojourn Souls Travel Co. LLC DBA Sojourney Travel Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Client Agreement | Advertising Disclosure Policy

All rights Reserved

Looking for ideas on where to travel next?

Subscribe to A Delightful Sojourn for up-to-date intel on what’s happening in the world of travel. Especially if you’re baby boomers like us!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Why book with Sojourn?

These days, it’s more important than ever to have a trusted travel planning partner.

Experts In Travel

Travel is complicated.  And you need an experienced travel planning partner.  We are not only expert planners, we’re experienced travelers ourselves so we can plan your trips using personal knowledge & experience.

We’re There For You

There is never a problem until there is a  problem .  The bottom line is, when the going gets tough, we’re here for you.  That means you talk to us, not a call center, a bot, or an inexperienced travel agent who never travels.

Clients have been trusting us to handle their travel since 1984.  Without integrity, we would have nothing.  We are now entering our 4th decade of business and continue to maintain the highest level of integrity.

Let’s face it. Travel is complicated.

Your vacation won’t be a proper one if things go awry..

So don’t let any travel mishaps join you on your trip. Let us craft the perfect vacation for you. Choose to use our custom travel planning services so you can make sure that Mr. & Mrs. Mishap aren’t stowaways in  your  suitcase.

About Sojourn

Sojourn Travel was founded in 1984 and has been providing travel services to clients from around the world for over 3 decades. You can learn a bit more about us here .

Travel Advisors

Sure, of course, we’re travel advisors. We’re also referred to as travel planners and travel designers – there are many names for us these days and they all fit.

But perhaps more importantly, we’re travelers too! Just like you. That means that we’re actually experienced in everything that we’re talking to you about.

As a result of our expertise in the art of travel, our clients trust us to assist them with their travel plans…. over and over and over !  Because let’s face it.  Travel is complicated!  Especially post-pandemic.  What if there is another one? It’s easy to buy a simple airline ticket online.  But for anything more complicated what you really need is someone with experience in  your  corner.  Someone that you can have an  actual discussion  with versus only being able to type out your questions or problems inside an online chatbox on some random website.

Our Promise To You…

Every journey planned by Sojourn is crafted by human hands – specifically, ours .

No chatbots, no novices, no people who have never traveled – just decades of experience and a pinch of fun!

We are a  100% virtual company  because, well…. our  team travels too!   Proximity does not have to be a factor in choosing a travel agency. W e work with clients all over the world and we easily communicate by phone, email, and Zoom, regardless of where any of us happen to be.

• [email protected]
• 866-879-7375
• Need our mailing address? Pretty old school, but you can find that on our Contact page.

Useful Links

• Secure Credit Card Form
• Traveler Profile Form
• Travel Insurance
• Passports & Visas
• Travel Alerts & Warnings

Veteran owned and operated luxury Travel agency committed to creating your most cherished and rewarding vacation memories.

Featured Cruises

Featured destination, featured tours.

Most Popular Trips

Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy

elevated destination experiences

JOURNEY WITH PURPOSE

Elevated global experiences that connect you in ways you never imagined. Exclusive access. Inclusive travel. Experiences of a lifetime.

CURATED LUXURY TRAVEL

Sojourn is an immersive travel experience company born out of a passion to do things differently. Connect with the world's most beautiful destinations with the belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place. 

By leaving a part of ourselves within the communities we visit, and bringing back a part of these destinations with us in heart and mind, our goal is to transform our experiences in ways that will positively impact us.

CREATING EXPERIENCES IS AN ART

INDIVIDUAL APPROACH, UNFORGETABLE EXPERIENCES

We are constantly curating the very best experiences and properties that share our commitment to creating one of a lifetime adventure with every detail considered. 

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

The process of creating your unforgettable trip is entirely collaborative, and we're ready to present some bucket-list opportunities for you to check off!

United States

September 19 - 22 2024 · 3 nights

Napa Valley : The Perfect Blend

Inspire all your senses during our quintessential Napa Valley wine country experience.

FROM $2150/ pp

6 SPOTS LEFT

PAY ONLY $1975/ pp DEPOSIT

September 26 - 29 2024 · 3 nights

Napa Valley Luxe

Experience Napa Valley like you have never before with this next level luxe getaway. Elevated in every way.

FROM $3950/ pp

PAY ONLY $2375/ pp DEPOSIT

Switzerland

December 1 - 8 2024 · 7 nights

Switzerland & Austria: An Alpine Holiday

Alpine Elegance: Elevate Your Holidays in Switzerland and Austria

FROM $4750/ pp

5 SPOTS LEFT

PAY ONLY $2598/ pp DEPOSIT

April 4 - 11 2025 · 7 nights

Indonesia: Bali Bliss

Indonesian paradise and a haven for all things nature. A dream destination known for ancient culture and warm hospitality.

FROM $5195/ pp

South Africa

February 2 - 11 2025 · 9 nights

South Africa - Wildlife Wonders Odyssey

Embark upon a wild magestic expedition throughout the Savannah, Safari, Wine Country and Cape Town.

FROM $8145/ pp

TO TRAVEL IS TO LIVE.

What people are saying.

Check out our testimonials

"Trip of a lifetime!!"  That's what I experienced, and what people commented upon seeing my social media posts.  Cannot WAIT to do it again!

Everything just flowed so perfectly. Every detail considered. Our Michelin Star private chef experiece was such an indulgent evening.

Wow! How do they find these properties? Luxury, nature, zen. It is almost like our accomodations were in a vortex. Very special energy.

EXCLUSIVE ACCESS

Whether scouting cultural enclaves with locals, venturing into exclusive culinary adventures, or connecting to yourself with ultra-zen wellness experiences, travel with Sojourn is to connect your journey with purpose. 

Upcoming International Destinations

Connect with the world like never before. Our 2024/2025 global destinations take us to exotic locations to fuel our senses in all new ways. 

Our theme for this season is 'majestic world' - with the immersion of nature, mountains, seas and savanna that will leave you in awe. 

Greece: Jewel of the Mediterranean

May 26 - June 4, 2024

Embark on an opulent journey through the cultural treasures and breathtaking landscapes of Athens, Santorini, and Crete. Begin in Athens, where a private guide escorts you through the Acropolis, revealing the storied history of ancient Greece, providing a seamless blend of luxury and heritage. 

December 1 - 9, 2024

Discover the most radiant cities in Central Europe during the festive Holiday time and experience the grand architectural, artistic and cultural heritage of the Old World, exploring Baroque-era treasures with the finest local experts. 

April 4 - 11, 2025

Nowhere on the planet offers the same combination of surfing, spirituality and sun-kissed sybaritic pleasure as Bali. On the Island of the Gods, fresh ideas arrive like waves, creating a glorious cocktail of cultures and influences. 

SOJOURN BLOG

Sojourn Team · Wed 10 Jan 2024

Travel Trends in 2024

As we step into the realm of 2024, the world of travel is undergoing a fascinating evolution....

ETIAS: European Travel Requirements for 2025

Changes are coming! Be prepared for European Travel in 2025.

Our Nonessential Essentials for Travel

With the summer travel season almost upon us, we always have to make sure we have our essentials when traveling...

Receive inspiration in your inbox.

THE WORLD IS AT YOUR FEET

Let's Journey Together!

Great Service. Great Reviews.

Client testimonials.

The University of Central Arkansas continues to use Sojourn Travel to book our group flights because of the excellent customer service we receive. They always work to get the best deals and even keep us under budget if possible. They assist students who have last minute changes or cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances. For example, last July we had students stuck on the tarmac at an airport in France due to maintenance issues and when I notified Sojourn Travel, they immediately rebooked them on the next available departure without further delay

Natalie Flemming Study Abroad Coordinator University of Central Arkansas

Please allow this email to serve as confirmation of my gratitude for all of the travel services you continuously provide not only to myself, but the entire network of Somerset personnel. During the past year, I have traveled extensively, ran into countless occasions that required immediate attention from you, and thankfully your professionalism and methodical approach in solving the circumstances prevailed. Whether it is a quick email, or a conservation, it is always a pleasure to be served by you. Bernardo Montero Principal/President Somerset Academy Charter Schools, Inc.

Luz at Sojourn Travel has provided excellence in planning both professional and personal travel packages for me. She always finds the best choice at just the right price. I love her enthusiasm and attention to my travel plans!

Dr. Joy Galliford University of Miami

THANK YOU Sojourn Travel. I had such a blast on the Culinary Delights of Italy tour. The intimate tours and private dinners will be kept in the best memories of my life. We look forward to traveling with you all again.

Florance Eloi Student Miami Culinary Institute

I want to thank you for arranging my recent trip to Indonesia. It was a trip I will never forget. The duration and number of flights in my itinerary left room for error, but your expertise in scheduling four flights in each direction involving three different airlines turned out perfectly. All flights booked were close enough in time to cut down on waiting, but left me with enough time to get through customs and airport security. The hotels you chose were wonderful, especially the Melia in Dubai. Thank you for listening, answering all my questions and securing the shuttle and travel insurance. I am ready to travel again, but only if it involves your assistance. Your service was extraordinary and much appreciated.

Wanda K. Texon Associate Curator of MOAD & Director of Campus Galleries Miami Dade College

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the above and beyond efforts you extended to us as President of Sojourn Travel Consultants in the preparation of my Miami Dade College School of Architecture Study Abroad Program. I have been a professor at Miami Dade College for the past 20 years and have traveled extensively around the world. In the past 4 years, I created and organized 4 Study Abroad programs every summer session. This year’s trip to Asia was my fifth Study Abroad Program.

For each Study Abroad Program, I have had to coordinate and communicate with several different agencies and organizations including air, ground and sea transportation through multiple countries and cities, reservations at various hotels and excursions for over 20 different countries and dozens of cities. None of these agencies has responded in a more timely and professional manner as Sojourn Travel has in assisting me during the nearly 1 year preparation. I have to state, that due to your diligence and attention to detail, this has been the most successful and well-organized program and at the same time one of the most challenging due to the places of travel (United Arab Emirates, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Japan and South Korea). It was comforting to know you were always available around the clock and any day of the week. When I asked for yet another option, you would gladly and quickly responded with an answer. The day of my departure to Dubai from Fort Lauderdale airport, it was very reassuring to have you show up at the airport at 3 am simply to make sure all would go smoothly and as we had planned.

I strongly commend your efforts and I’m looking forward working with you again for next year’s Study Abroad Program… Thank you!

Mario F. Ortega, M.Arch, MSAS. School of Architecture Miami Dade College

My Europe experience was spectacular. I loved every minute of it.

Katherine Lee Student Miami Dade College

I want to express my deep appreciation for all of your assistance with travel arrangements for my daughter and grandson for their British Isles trip. Your responsiveness, attention to detail, knowledge of the airlines, and fantastic attitude made the entire process so much easier. The stress I was feeling as I began to plan the trip was completely eliminated after my first interaction with you.

I can truly say that your assistance personified the best customer service I have ever encountered. The flights we needed were identified and confirmed in record time. The seats preferred were obtained, and the bag tags were sent with time to spare.

Luz, you are a gem!

Myrl Weinberg, FASAE, CAE Chief Executive Officer National Health Council

Wow! What an amazing trip I had! Sojourn set me up with the trip of a lifetime to Paris, London and Dublin! The hotels, food, tours and tour guides were A grade! I will most definitely sign up for your tours again!

Michael Rivera Student Miami Dade College

I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know how much I enjoyed our trip to Italy. There were so many things we did that I would have never done them if I had gone on my own. (Actually I have been to Italy about 4 times before and have never done them.) Some of these wonderful memories include the lunch at Castelo Felini – what a wonderful way to kick off our trip. The cooking class at the Academia Barilla was something I will never forget. And the crowning glory was the Fattoria Lavacchio! Simply a small piece of heaven.

Thank you for all your assistance before and during this trip. You were most helpful and never too busy to answer my questions and requests. I’m looking forward to another wonderful trip.

Nereida Walker

Italy was the best experience of my life!! I loved every minute of it! Thank you Luz!

Ashley Derrickson Student Miami Dade College

Working with Sojourn on our student travel program was a wonderful experience. Sojourn took care of the logistics without us having to worry about anything. It left us with the time to prepare and teach the course materials to the students. We will continue to use Sojourn in the future.

Maria C Mari, CPA, CMA, CFrA Professor School of Business Miami Dade College

My students rave about the educational trips that Sojourn Travel has arranged over the years. They keep asking me “when are we going again.” Luz arranges customized experiences, such as visiting the Vatican at night, staying in a villa in Morocco and other great special features no other tour operator does. She finds out what our needs are and makes it happen. As a professor, it’s great peace of mind. In addition to that, Sojourn Travel handles the payments and even assists with the marketing, I highly recommend them.

Maritza Marrero Associate Professor International Hospitality Center Miami Dade College

Before being introduced to Luz at Sojourn Travel, I dreaded the process when asked to make travel arrangements. The one thing constant is change and there can be many changes that take place with coordinating travel for someone else. Luz has always been patient and very accommodating. Now when I’m asked to make travel arrangements, I simply e-mail Luz and await a rapid response. No more dread, no more worries with my travel arrangements placed in the more than capable hands of Luz!!!

Audrey Hadley Secretary Honors College Miami Dade College

Throughout the years, Luz Chaoui has arranged both my personal and school related business trips. She often times provides different quotes and possibilities to ensure we are absolutely satisfied with our decisions. I recommend her to anyone looking for a professional travel agent. I know that anyone using Sojourn Travel will always be satisfied not only with the price given but also with the professionalism provided.

Judith C. Marty Principal Mater Academy

As an airline pilot, I am all too familiar with the highs and lows of traveling. I recently started planning a vacation for my wife and I to Greece. Due to a busy work schedule, I decided that I did not have enough time to book the trip on my own. I called Luz at Sojourn Travel, and, after getting a feel of what we wanted out of our vacation, she quickly booked our trip. We stayed at several places in Greece and had a wonderful time!

Sojourn Travel offers a very personalized service. What ever your needs are, Luz cares deeply about providing her very best at a very affordable price. If you have upcoming travel plans, give Sojourn Travel a try. I will not use anyone else!

Dear Luz: I wanted to let you know that my family and I truly appreciate all the trips you have arranged for us during the last 10 years. No matter where we are you are always available even when your with your family on vacation. You handle your customers problems without any excuse and always take your time to make us feel special and 100% comfortable.

Keep up your outstanding work, as you have clients here forever. We thank you for your undivided attention at all times. It’s a true pleasure doing business with someone that not only loves her job, but that does it with her heart.

Luz at Sojourn Travel Consultants provided me with excellent customer service over several months as we planned a student trip to Indonesia for thirty students. As we sat on a weather-grounded plane that threatened all our connections, Luz was on the phone with us while negotiating with airlines. She has always been prompt, extremely courteous and sensitive to the needs of her customers. I recommend her without hesitation.

Gregory Galford AIA Assistant Professor of Interior Architecture Chatham University

Luz Chaoui has been my travel agent for close to (if not over) 20 years. She does amazing work with travel. She is THE BEST!!

Pio Ferro Program Director Power 96! WPOW / Beasley Broadcasting

For about 15 years, Luz at Sojourn Travel has been creating itineraries for my girls who are now in college and grad schools. I highly recommend employing Sojourn to create and handle itineraries for students. Luz is very conscientious, knowledgeable, personable and caring. She will work with you in a most cordial manner while routing your family members safely to their destinations. Simply stated – she is the best!

Vicki Richards www.vickirichards.net

Our Foundation has utilized the services of Sojourn Travel for several years now and we are extremely pleased with the level of professionalism we receive from Luz. While every company claims they have great customer service, rarely do you find a company that delivers it the way Luz does. There is great comfort in knowing that Luz is only a phone call away to take care of our travel needs night or day at a very affordable price.

Danielle Putnam Executive Assistant to the President Darrell Gwynn Foundation

Luz Chaoui is a huge asset to our organization. Thanks to her hard work and dedication we no longer spend our time booking our own travels and negotiating hotel prices. Thanks to Luz we now have a worry free system that allows all of the sales force to contact her with travel plans and she does the rest. With Luz we have a credible, reliable individual who always does her best to support our travel needs. She is a pleasure to work with and, quite frankly, I don’t know how we did it without her in the past. I am sure Luz will make an immediate impact in any company she works with.

Ralph Acosta Regional Sales Manager for Mexico, Central America, Venezuela & the Caribbean Falcon Technologies

Before working with Luz, trying to coordinate our travel arrangements was a nightmare. We travel frequently and I found myself spending an enormous amount of time doing research for flights and hotel accommodations. When I handed over our travel arrangements to Luz the results were magnificent.

Paula Richards The Richards Group

Luz has been of great support for all my travels since the year 2006. She has handled my travel arrangements and earned my trust in a satisfactory manner. She is very knowledgeable and reliable and only an email away when I need to book travel.

Carla Parra Arrom, LLM, Dip (ITM), TEP AVP Relationship Manager Mercantil Commercebank N.A.

We were policing our travel policies ourselves and were spending too much time and resources making our own travel arrangements. We decided to use Luz exclusively because of her ability to police our travel policy impartially, her honesty and her extensive knowledge. We now have been using Luz for about five years without incident, and we are thrilled to have hired her as our exclusive travel agent.

Tony Samitier Executive Vice President Falcon Technologies Inc.

Luz has been arranging all of our journeys for many years. She truly makes a difference in the service that she offers by always going the extra mile and offering different options to ensure our travel needs are met. Her knowledge of which hotel to stay in, which airline to fly, what are the best frequent flyer programs and how to redeem points has positively affected our bottom line. She is truly an expert and professional in her field and I have recommended her to my clients, friends and family.

Ana Maria Parra Vice President EFG Capital International

Luz at Sojourn Travel has been booking all of our business and personal travel for over 17 years. She is so Pleasant, Efficient; Detail Oriented and Professional that she is near PERFECT! I have recommended her to all our friends and business associates and all have been as pleased as I.

Angel Nello Pardo President DMR Corporation

We have been doing business with Ms. Luz Chaoui and Sojourn Travel for over 12 years. Before Luz we spent a great deal of time looking for our travels. It was both stressful and costly. After hiring Luz 12 years ago, we have someone who is credible, reliable and does an outstanding job in arranging our travels. We feel very fortunate to be able to have Luz looking out for the best possible deal and always able to accommodate us with our travel plans to our full satisfaction.

We highly recommend Luz to anyone that is looking for an honest and dependable travel agent. She has an extensive knowledge of the travel industry and handles herself in a very courteous and professional fashion.

Michael S. Bowman President Anchor Marine

Global Sojourns

Living Life, Arms Wide Open

While your stay may be temporary —  your memories will last a lifetime. 

Global Sojourns’ approach to travel is deeply personal. We have lived within Africa’s warm embrace for many years and have traveled extensively throughout the continent. As a result, we provide you with an in-depth, meaningful and unique experience – a journey filled with connections to people, places and traditions in an intimate, responsible and mutually respectful way.

A Global Sojourns trip will be customized for you, determined by your interests and budget. Whether you travel independently or, with family and friends, your journey is your own. We seek just the right balance of exploration, wildlife and culture.

If you prefer to consider one of our pre-designed, small group trips, see Upcoming Trips for further details or inspiration.

Our business is based on personal referrals – the ultimate compliment from earlier travelers and a testament to how our expertise, knowledge and attention to detail will make your journey unforgettable.

We invite you to take advantage of our passion, local relationships, and love of finding exceptional destinations and experiences.

Are you ready?

Get Started

To get the ball rolling, head over to our Safari Planner for information about our process and fill out the online form. This is the first step in our collaboration with you, which will help us form recommendations that meet your priorities and expand your options. As soon as you complete the form, we will be in touch!

Meet the Team

Priscilla Plummer Creator / Cheerleader Priscilla followed her passion to Africa more than 30 years ago and nothing makes her happier than to connect travelers with her favourite people and places. Her MS in International Development underlies our deep commitment to culturally sensitive travel and philanthropic work.

Pam Buttner Grounding Element / Hand Holder Pam’s nurturing personality makes her a natural at taking care of everyone and all of the details. Her grounding spirit enables us to keep on track. Having lived and traveled extensively throughout Africa, she brings priceless knowledge and perspective to the team.

Wendy Burger Go-To-Person-For-How-To-Do-Everything You might not experience Wendy directly because she usually deploys her magic behind the scenes. But, like us, you will benefit greatly from all she makes happen. 

We love to help you experience Africa in ways that traditional tours seldom allow. With decades of experience creating unique journeys, living and working in various African countries, we offer a rare depth of knowledge. We search out fascinating cultural quests and untrodden locales, customizing and executing a journey for you like none other. We link you into our trusted wealth of carefully cultivated contacts who share our passion and commitment.

Going Deeper

Are you searching for lasting value? Many of our guests prefer to experience something profound – insights that help them perceive things differently and learn something new. We strive to make meaningful connections – to both nature and people – that enhance your perspective on life and ‘the bigger picture.’

During your trip planning process, we listen, ask questions and dig for nuances that could get lost in an email. Always available for a chat, we believe no question is too basic or insignificant. Our goal is to fully understand your needs and create an itinerary that provides you a trip of a lifetime. While you travel, we monitor your progress to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Global Sojourns is not just about travel, our heart and soul belong to the communities where we live, work and have deep connections. Global Sojourns Giving Circle (GSGC) is our U.S. registered not-for-profit organization and core to our Global Sojourns family. It supports and trains local mentors who guide children, primarily girls, toward a brighter future. GSGC is helping to break the cycle of poverty gripping these communities.

Client Testimonials

“I loved the camps you chose… just the right combination of “rustic luxury” and outdoor experiences. I felt I was experiencing an Africa of many years ago. All of the learning that came with the trip was phenomenal — from amazing guides who knew EVERYTHING, to the cultural and historical info. I’m still trying to absorb it all.  – Cindy K. (Zimbabwe, South Africa)

This itinerary is the best I have ever seen. Thank you very much. I almost cried I was so happy with what you have put together… Following the exhilaration of trekking for two days with these gifted, kind and professional men, we had become family. It will remain the most memorable and cherished experience of our time in Africa. –Jacqui V. & Sandra R. (Zambia, South Africa)

Read more testimonials

Global Sojourns Giving Circle

Global Sojourns founder Priscilla Plummer and a small band of hearty souls launched Global Sojourns Giving Circle (GSGC) in 2008 to create lasting, responsible change in Southern Africa.

A U.S. registered non profit, GSGC partners directly with local communities to create sustainable support for children’s education and empowerment. GSGC primarily supports girls clubs run by local women who serve as aunties , or confidantes, mentoring girls in safe spaces. With support and training from GSGC, the aunties gently guide girls to stay in school, avoid early marriage and pregnancy. GSGC-sponsored girls clubs help girls share their challenges, gain confidence, and envision and obtain a brighter future in what is currently a deeply patriarchal society. Each girl’s success helps to break her family’s – and community’s – cycle of poverty.

Community elders who once viewed GSGC with skepticism now implore us to expand these community-driven programs. Girl’s club alumnae are attending university and/or starting careers or businesses in their villages or towns. Some have initiated their own clubs. These young women become pillars of their communites and serve as positive examples to the next generation.

We are extending our work to include GSGC-sponsored boys clubs – an exciting opportunity to mentor boys to become men who understand the benefits of confident, educated girls and women.

By traveling with Global Sojourns, you are helping reduce poverty, strengthen communities and work to conserve wildlife in the long run.

Follow Global Sojourns Giving Circle on Facebook and Instagram .

Privacy Overview

• Ethical Travel Agent
• Hawaii Travel Specialist
• Alaska Travel Specialist
• Ocean Cruising
• Group Travel Specialist
• Adventure and Active
• Family Vacations
• Safari, Animals, and Wildlife
• Destinations
• Join me tours
• Hawaiian Islands
• San Francisco Area

• 510-883-3800
• ekimmel@amazingsojourns.com

Moscow might be one of the world's most exciting cities, an embodiment of the intricate fusion of the old and the new. You will definitely be able to fill your time here with history, art, culture, and great food. Visit the many churches and cathedrals, enjoy a show at the Bolshoi Theatre, or go for a walk in one of the city's many parks – Moscow certainly has many ways to enchant you.

It is truly an adventure to go out for dinner in Moscow. The city teems with extravagant themed restaurants where one is transported through both time and space. You may suddenly find yourself in Thailand, on a farm or in the past century. If you want to have good food and spend less, you can go to some of the city’s many Georgian and Armenian restaurants. There are also food chains such as Moo-Moo and Yolki-Palki, where you can serve yourself inexpensive, simple Russian fare. For most restaurants, it is recommended to book a table in advance. Discover some of the best restaurants in Moscow, Russia:

Moscow is a city teeming with cafes that suit all tastes and wallets. In the summer, city parks turn into visitor magnets with abundant outdoor cafes - the recently re-conceptualised and ever-evolving Gorky Park being one of the main summertime hot spots. Outside of parks, there are multiple cafes at nearly every corner, ranging from local and international coffee shop chains to quirky themed establishments. Here are some of the best cafes in Moscow, Russia:

Bars & Nightlife

The nightlife scene in Moscow is varied, and long gone are the days when the only kind of venues in operation were luxury establishments guarded by stern-looking bouncers. Although some places still enforce FC/DC, many are now leaning towards a more casual approach to entry - the recent decade has seen a rise in the number of casual bars modelled after hip urban haunts of West European capitals. Wine bars, craft breweries, bohemian cafes, indie bars, and glitzy nightclubs are all to be found in abundance, spread throughout the city's many neighbourhoods. And here are the best bars and nightclubs in Moscow, Russia:

In order to satisfy the wishes of Moscow's well-off upper middle classes, many chic designer stores have opened their stores in Moscow. Today there is definitely a risk that tourists will return home with considerably more expensive souvenirs than fur hats and Russian "matryoshka" dolls, which are readily available throughout - a good place to start browsing for these is the souvenir market right next to the Red Square.

Tourist Information

Send To A Friend

{{offertitle}}.

• Your Name *
• Your Friends' Name *
• Your Email *
• Your Friends' Email *
• Personal Message *
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Request A Quote

{{SupplierName}} | Starting {{LowAmount}} | Book From {{BookingDates}}

• Name * First Last
• Contact me by Both - Phone/Email Email Only Phone Only
• Best Contact Time Morning Afternoon Evening
• Desired Departure Date Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Trip Length Number of nights
• Departure City
• Number of Adults
• Number of Children Under 18 years of age
• Comments or Requests
• Please add me to your email list to receive promotions and travel news

• FIND YOUR NEXT BIKE TOUR
• BIKE TOUR CALENDAR
• SOUTHERN US
• MULTI-SPORT TRIPS
• NATIONAL PARKS
• NEW ENGLAND
• SOUTH AMERICA
• SHORTER BIKE TOURS
• WARM WINTER TRIPS
• SPRING TRIPS
• SUMMER TRIPS
• WHY TRAVEL WITH SOJOURN?
• SOJOURN TEAM
• PAST GUESTS -COMPASS CLUB
• MEDIA CENTER
• THE EXPERIENCE
• GUEST REVIEWS
• RIDE STRONG VERMONT
• INTERNATIONAL GROUP TRAVEL OFFER
• BIKES & EQUIPMENT
• TRAVEL INSURANCE
• SOJOURN WEB STORE
• TERMS & CONDITIONS
• REFER A FRIEND
• EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT
• TRAVEL ADVISOR PROGRAM

Why Travel with Sojourn?

The good life by bike, and beyond, while we love our cycling, it makes up only one facet of what a true sojourn trip entails. we believe in immersing ourselves in local cultures and discovering the hidden gems of the world. take in the aromas of local cuisine, engage in outdoor adventures, relax in iconic accommodations and experience the support of exceptional tour leaders. don’t just come for a bike tour - come for the trip of a lifetime.

From Vietnam to France to Glacier National Park, we are committed to offering exceptional trips in regions with which we are deeply familiar. Our trips are carefully designed by some of the most experienced trip planners at Sojourn. The commitment to impeccable service, world-renowned luxury hotels, carefully designed routes, custom fitted bikes, professional leader support and unwavering attention to details, stays true for every single trip.

Gracious, engaging, and intelligent, our expert team of tour leaders consist of professionals from all walks of life and make exceptional travel companions. Always a step ahead, they are adept at everything from spinning wrenches to whipping up fabulous picnic lunches to suggesting the perfect wine with your dinner selection.

Distinctive Lodging

Sojourn’s no-compromise approach to accommodations means that your home away from home will offer unparalleled relaxation in luxury at the end of a rewarding day of discovery. from highly reviewed and acclaimed maria cristina in san sebastian, spain or the reverie saigon, vietnam, rated "one of the top 50 hotels in the world", to the acclaimed prince of wales in waterton, canada, and the inn at shelburne farms in vermont, the premier properties featured on sojourn tours have been meticulously selected to further immerse you in these beautiful locales..

The Reverie, Saigon, Vietnam

Designed by top Italian designers, the eye-popping interiors are best described as projecting an "unapologetic splendor" and its rooms "ranging from sophisticated modern and classical European to whimsically sassy.

View This Tour

Imperial Palace, Annecy, France

The exceptional environment of the peninsula and its majestic "Belle Époque” façade make this hotel a stunning destination set amid Lake Annecy and the mountains. Ideally situated in the heart of the Alps in Upper Savoy, only 30 minutes from Geneva airport this is symbolic building for the people of Annecy and is located a few minutes away on foot from the city center.

Hotel Maria Cristina, San Sebastian, Spain

Designed by French architect Charles Mewes for Queen Maria Cristina and built in 1912, the iconic royal hotel with 107 rooms and 29 suites is located in the San Sebastian city center and is part of a luxury collection brand.

Quinta de Pacheca, Douro, Portugal

This well-known winery and hotel offer whimsical and luxury wine barrel suites to complete the experience for the Oenophiles.

Prince of Wales, Waterton Park, Canada

A luxurious hotel with incredible scenery, featuring panoramic views of Upper Waterton Lake and the surrounding mountains.

The Inn at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne,Vermont

This majestic property has been maintained and restored since the 19th century. The Inn’s restaurant features fresh products harvested from the Farm and other nearby specialty farms.

Bar Harbor Inn, Bar Harbor, Maine

Unpack your bags only once while enjoying five nights in an oceanfront room just a stone’s throw from beautiful Frenchman’s Bay. This beautiful inn features spacious rooms and modern amenities, and is a just a short walk from shops and restaurants. Watch the sunset from your own private porch overlooking the water.

Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa, Sonoma Coast, California

A Four-Diamond property that is poised atop a tranquil bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Bodega Bay Lodge reflects the wild beauty of this romantic region and offers an array of incredible things to do in Sonoma. Watch the fishermen ply the bay for the day’s catch. Spot migrating whales in the waves. Scout for rare birds in a location prized by the Audubon Society and Alfred Hitchcock. Stroll two miles of soft sands, hand-in-hand.

Mouth-Watering Dining

Enjoy savory picnic lunches prepared by your tour leaders. from the michelin star restaurant in sonoma's madrona manor to traditional french and alpine cuisine at relais & châteaux 5-star hameau albert 1er in chamonix, we treat you to the finest cuisine as you bond over stories of the day's adventure..

Ellie Greenspan - Sojourn Guest

• View All Trips

What’s Included

• OPEN POSITIONS

STAY CONNECTED:

Featured in.

• Enter Email Here... *

Most Recent Posts

Hotel Reviews on YouTube

Still haven’t found what you’re looking for, click here to check out all posts.

• North India Temple Tours
• Buddha’s Trail
• Highlights of North India
• North & South India Tour
• Royal Rajasthan Tour
• Golden Triangle
• Maharaja Express (The Heritage of India)
• Maharaja Express (The Indian Panorama)
• Palace on Wheels
• Maharaja’s Express – The Indian Splendour
• Maharaja’s Express – Treasures of India
• Deccan Odyssey – Jewels of the Deccan
• Deccan Odyssey – Maharashtra Splendor
• Deccan Odyssey – Maharashtra Wild Trail
• Holi – Festival of Colors
• Diwali – Festival of Lights
• Dessert Festival
• Pushkar Fair
• North India Shopping Delight
• In the Tiger Heartland
• Taj and Tiger
• On The Rhino & Tiger Trails
• Gujarat warps & wefts 1
• Gujarat warps & wefts 2
• Discovering Tamil Nadu
• Essence of Kerala
• Princely Experience
• Taj and Regal Experience
• Best of Rajasthan
• Golden Triangle Extension
• Best of Karnataka & Kerala
• Ayurveda Packages
• Culinary Tours
• Photography Tours
• Sports Tours
• Educational Tours
• Adventure Tours

Latest News

No posts were found.

Find Your Destination

• No products in the cart.

Destination

Explore Diverse Cultures Within The Rich Haven of the Indian Subcontinent

Eastern Sojourns is a platform that lets you accomplish your Luxury Travel dreams, promises to give you the utmost, premium, and magnificent service throughout your journey.

A commitment to providing you with a customized itinerary that is comfortable, safe, extravagant, and exhilarating all at the same time.

We are a Luxury Travel Company in New Delhi , with representative offices across 21 cities in India 3 offices in the Indian subcontinent.

Quintessential Luxury Travel Agency

After spending over 36 years in the field of tourism and travel, we bring to you a unique opportunity to witness the Indian subcontinent through our lens of experience.

We specialize in customized bespoke programs for managing Incentive Travel Groups, Luxury FITs / Groups, cultural / adventure groups / FIT’s, MICE, students and sports groups.

As everyone has their own idea of a perfect holiday, we take the time to listen and create tailor-made travel experiences just for you.

Join us and relish the experience of a unique, rewarding amazing voyage.

Choose Your Destination

The Indian Subcontinent – Snuggled between East Asia and the Middle East is packed with natural, beautiful wonders and is a land full of surprises. You will witness the world’s highest peaks, majestic lush forests, magnificent deserts, mesmerizing hill stations, artifacts, ruins, relaxing beaches, or anything else you want! With diverse cultures and breathtaking scenic views, the Indian subcontinent has a rich ancient history that has various cultural legacies leaving you with a powerful aura.

Experience a transcendental journey with Eastern Sojourns, which connects you with the destination through its people, history, cuisine, wellness , cultures, and spirituality .

Nepal & Tibet

Bhutan Tour Packages

OUR WORLD YOUR WAY

With almost 4 decades of experience in the travel & tourism industry, we use our first-hand expertise to create a bespoke holiday.

TRUE TRAVEL EXPERTS

We’ve spent years researching destinations, which help us plan the perfect holiday. Our team uses its in-depth knowledge of all destinations to give you a unique experience.

FOR US, IT'S PERSONAL

We are proud of the lifelong relations we have established with our clients over the years. We make your travel dream a reality, from charter flights to Bollywood, you name it and we’ll make it happen.

ROUND THE CLOCK ASSISTANCE

24/7 assistance throughout your holiday. Our travel experts will take care of you at every step of your journey.

Most Popular Tours

Get inspired by your travels, let us at Eastern Sojourns help you with incomparable travel experiences. We deliver service standards that go beyond all expectations and are comparable to the very best in the world.

Celebrating Karnataka & Kerala

Exploring Tamil Nadu

Kerala’s Spirit

Regal Rajasthan Retreat

Royal Adventure

Testimonials.

“We had an amazing trip to India organised for us by Eastern Sojourns. Everything ran like clockwork and we were extremely well looked after by the team. All the local guides were very knowledgeable and ensured we always got the best out of our visits to the palaces and the famous landmarks along the way. We stayed in some fabulous hotels in iconic locations. A trip of a lifetime which we will always remember!”

Ian and Anne Goode,

Exceptional experience, unparalleled attention to detail, seamless organization and hyper personalization Eastern Sojourns exceeded all expectations. From the moment we started planning our trip to the final farewell, every detail was meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. Their expertise in curating bespoke experiences ensured that we immersed ourselves in the richness of India's culture.

David Martin,

Appreciate all of the personal touch and assistance. Felt very safe and secured through out the tour. The tour was right pace and covered all the highlights in a easy way. The guides were excellent with varying prospective. Appreciate diversity of guides. Also all drives were very professional and excellent in crazy traffic.

Caroline & Natallie Schreder,

I recently had one of the most professional and well-planned itineraries organised by Eastern sojourns in India. I could not recommend the tour enough especially as I was travelling with my daughter and it was our first major trip post covid. The holiday was amazing. All guides were knowledgeable and attentive. The driver was super. All staff were punctual and professional and went out of their way to make our holiday amazing.

Catriona Edwards,

Excellent service and a very well organised tour par excellence. Will certainly like to use their services again in future. Congratulations to the entire team !

Gurdeep Suri,

Our family and some close friends traveled earlier this month to the tea gardens in Darjeeling. It was a unique experience for all of us as it was the first time we set out on something like this. We stayed at an old colonial heritage bungalow located in the midst of the tea garden. The itinerary was planned very well and it was a perfect holiday. The arrangements were organized by Eastern Sojourns. Besides the flawless planning and remarkable service, we found the ES staff very polite and courteous. It has been a pleasure dealing with them. Keep up the good work team Eastern Sojourns!

Ravijit Chaudhuri,

Excellent service provided by the ES team. I recently booked a stay with them for a palace resort near Jaipur. The package provided along with guidance at every step was remarkable. The hospitality and personal attention we got at the resort was great. Absolutely recommend Eastern Sojourns! The best part being everything was hassle free

Ms Albha Oberoi,

I planned a surprise weekend getaway for my wife with Eastern Sojourns. Their team is really good with all arrangements and understood my requirements easily. Arranged everything, despite me getting in touch with them almost last minute. They also got me a better rate at a Palace hotel than any other online portal. Kudos ! Was able to plan a beautiful Hot air balloon ride with their help. Great experience.

Mr. Agam Talwar,

ecently we booked an all ladies trip to the northeast with my friends. Thank you ES team, the trip was very comfortable and carefully planned. Team ES made sure we all enjoyed our vacation and were also safe. The highlight was the tea tasting experience in Darjeeling. The arrangement was great. The one thing I would like to mention here is that Eastern Sojourns understood that we were all elderly ladies and made sure the itinerary matched our pace.

Ms Anuradha Oberoi,

As a travel expert and blogger I have travelled to various locations in India with the help of many travel and tour companies. But I had to take the time out to write this special review. Eastern Sojourns is one such exceptional company. They did such a great job in helping me travel to the south of India for an ayurvedic retreat. The service was impeccable, every minute detail was taken care of. Their team was very sweet and always available for my questions. They got me a great rate and also managed some of my last minute requests with ease. Will surely travel with them again

Ms Simran Shah,

What an outstanding experience! Recently booked a three day trip to Rajasthan with Eastern Sojourn. Their team was very easy to communicate with and was always available even at odd hours which is rare. I requested for a few special arrangements and they did a better job than my expectations. Me and my family enjoyed the trip immensly. I am happy to recommend them to anybody looking for great and reliable service.

Ms. Angel Verma,

"Our trip to India was a dream, thanks to Mr. Bedi. The hotels were great and we were met and guided everywhere with punctuality, skill and kindness. What a wonderful trip. We hope it will be the first of several. "

Aaron Neckowitz,

“Bharat & the team, thank you for all you did for us. This trip was incredibly well organised and I would be very happy to work with you again. There is nothing to fault. Thank you very much!!”

Ms. Theresa Barnes,

“Student and staff found the trip to be fun, enlightening and informative. It has been an absolute joy and privilege to have toured with Mr. Bedi. I am sure we will be joining you for another tour in the very near future! ”

Kunali Patel,

Follow us :, easternsojourns.

Global Sojourns

Global Sojourns is a boutique adventure travel company that specializes in customized mid-range and luxury level trips to Africa.  It was founded in 1997 in Zimbabwe and is currently based in Vancouver, Washington, USA.  Alongside, and informing the drive behind the travel company is a U.S. registered nonprofit, Global Sojourns Giving Circle (GSGC), which partners directly with local communities to create sustainable support for children’s education and empowerment. GSGC primarily supports girls’ clubs run by local women who serve as passionate mentors who act as confidantes, nurturing girls in safe spaces. With support and training from GSGC, our Mentors gently guide girls to stay in school, avoid early marriage and pregnancy. GSGC-sponsored clubs help girls share their challenges, gain confidence, envision, and obtain a brighter future in what is currently a deeply patriarchal society. Each girl’s success helps to break her family’s – and community’s – cycle of deep poverty.

When and why did you begin your impact tourism program?

Global Sojourns Founder, Priscilla Plummer, has lived in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa and worked in international development before starting the company.  In 1997, with a deep understanding and drive for wanting to empower marginalized people (particularly young women), she decided to launch a way to assist travelers who wanted to contribute to meaningful support in Africa. She wanted these contributions to not only benefit local communities, but also travelers in a way that would help them learn and gain a broader perspective of the world.  Her prior work in development and women’s issues, together with extensive research on effective use of small grants, influenced a decision to focus on supporting girls and education via community-based organizations.

When looking for a model for the Global Sojourns’ philanthropic program, Priscilla met Marc Ross Manashil at CREST’s first Travelers’ Philanthropy Conference in 2004 at Stanford University.  Marc was promoting international philanthropy through the concept of Giving Circles. The model appealed, because it provides a great platform, not only for donor contributions but also for their learning. Global Sojourns Giving Circle officially launched in 2007.

Please provide brief examples of some of your most impactful projects.

The focus of Global Sojourns Giving Circle activities is around the facilitation of clubs ; safe spaces created for the nurturing of young girls living within communities near protected wildlife-tourism areas. GSGC does not run these clubs, but instead empowers young women within these areas to do so, as mentors. This is done through the provision of financial backing, mentorship training, communications and providing practical resources and social support for the growing network of these clubs. These young women are passionate about contributing to a positive future for themselves and their communities. They recognize that cultivating a confident, compassionate and purposeful young population as a powerful way of doing so.

One example is a young woman named Procedure who joined one of the early formed clubs as a teenager in 2014. Procedure gained a lot of social support and belief in her future within the club which helped enable to secure a job in a curio shop in her hometown of Victoria Falls. In her free time, she started helping girls in her neighborhood.  GSGC noticed this and helped her to set up a trust and she is now following her passion of helping girls and runs two formal clubs, called Girl’s Time, mentoring 60+ girls.  who are receiving the same support and sense of community that helped Procedure direct her life in a positive direction. She has also gone onto consult and advise other changemakers who have approached GSGC to start their own clubs in other areas of the country.

“It doesn’t seem like so long but there is so much growth.  So much change, so much growth.  It’s amazing to actually watch a transformation from being in a club to being a leader of a club, and to be able to impact the lives of so many young girls. To be able to give what I couldn’t get as a young girl.  To have the opportunity to be part of these clubs is cause for relief.  To say, “You can do this. You can live for more than just you. You can touch lives.  So from being a girl in a club to being an Auntie, working with the GSGC, it’s been amazing.

So much growth through the years and now, being able to actually present the GSGC’s model to people from other communities who are expressing so much interest.  Our communities are so affected and to actually be one of the people presenting a model that has worked so beautifully for me as a person, I’ve seen the impact that it has in a person’s life.  I’ve personally experienced it.  It has worked in my life and I see it working through me and in other people’s lives.  The experience of presenting the model to people in Dete just a few weeks ago- to see that hunger in people and to be able to share with them this model, to see that they want to change their community and for us to be able to help, for me to be part of this big thing, is a very big thing.  It’s amazing.” – Procedure, Global Sojourns Giving Circle Mentor

From starting to test workshops with girls in Livingstone, Zambia in 2009 and to now having over 24 clubs in 4 different countries in 2020 (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Madagascar & South Africa), the success of this mentorship model is apparent. This growth has happened organically, from the mentors themselves sharing their experiences and successes with others. Requests for more programmes are increasingly being received from the people living in these areas, as well as from communities we’re not directly involved with. We see this as a powerful, positive indicator as to the impact of this model.

Has your impact tourism program helped, hurt, or had no impact on your business?

There has been some sourcing business due to our philanthropic work, but it is not measured as that was the purpose.  The purpose is to provide those with a heart for Africa, and a will for a world of equal opportunity, with a way to give back in a manner that is direct, responsible, and impactful and to provide supporters with a connection and increased understanding of the people and communities that they are contributing to.

Since 2007, though, Global Sojourns has become known as a trusted provider of such experiences and therefore has attracted, through word of mouth, more of the kind of traveler we desire— those who wants to know that their visit contributes to a positive journey for a local life too.

Vetting Process

How do you select projects.

Through the successes of the purposely gradual development of the clubs, we’re attracting and being approached by like-minded individuals and locally based organizations who share our values and common mission. These individuals and organizations are applying for us to fund and assist with training for the implementation of our mentorship clubs model within their communities. We have a formal process to assist in selecting which of these to support.

Via the network of the 24 current clubs, we release annual requests for proposals. Initially new club mentors are provided small grants to start to become an established mentor. At this stage they move through a process of being trained and nurtured by experienced aunty mentors ; in person meet-ups, presentations, club gathering sit-ins, documentation templates and provision of mentorship guideline tools). Through this stage, the capacity, dedication and communicative ability of a potential new mentor is assessed.

Once a positive record is established, the new potential mentor is invited to take part in a full grant application process that takes place on an annual basis, for all club mentors. They are provided with a template to complete and submit. Once all submissions are in, a budget analysis is undertaken and a GSGC vetting committee (selected from board members and donor circles) selects applications that fit a qualifying set of criteria and an announcement of grant awards are made. Once funds are dispersed to awarded mentors, they are required to adhere to a reporting protocol including quarterly report submissions and regular, ad-hoc communications updates on their club activities. Should reporting frequency or quality not be kept up, the grantee risks losing their grant in the following year.

Our philosophy of giving:

• Support passionate locally based individuals and organizations with leadership potential, where limited amounts of money will make a significant difference.
• Rigorously research, engage with and assess potential grantees before committing funds.
• Monitor the clubs we invest in through a reporting protocol, regular communications, regional and annual gatherings involving other mentors, M&E Committee and GSGC Board Members.
• Give input, but more importantly, listen to the Mentors running the clubs as they express how our support can best be utilized.
• Educate ourselves about the clubs, the issues, the cultures/communities, and about best practices in international philanthropy.
• Regularly connect with the clubs and the mentors running them.

What is the structure to ensure ongoing accountability?

A monitoring & evaluation team is constantly connected to teams on the ground via a reporting protocol and adhoc communications. These quarterly reports are reviewed by a committee, who engage with mentors on questions and learnings from them. There are also regular regional gatherings with mentors , as well as an annual gathering with all participating mentors (from all regions) as well as the M&E committee and GSGC board members. These gatherings ensure a regular finger on the pulse of how each mentor is running their clubs.

In addition to this, club budgets and accounts are reviewed on an annual basis through the grant awarding process, with adhoc audits being contractually agreed to be allowed to occur as and when needed.

Employee Engagement

How are your employees and your company involved in the projects.

There are only 3 employees for Global Sojourns travel company, whom are all very much involved and inspired by the programmes, offering travelers detailed information to find out more, should they want to.

Currently, the GSGC network is made up of 25 female and male mentors, who receive grants to run their clubs, but who also host travelers to the area (through Global Sojourns) to help them understand their communities better. There are also a group of 10 – 15 volunteers, based around the world (primarily in the US) who participate in various GSGC committees.   These are all past travelers who have visited/experienced the programmes firsthand during their travels with Global Sojourns.

What have been staff reactions?

To help answer this question, we asked one of our travel team to provide a few words about what the Global Sojourns Giving Circle programmes mean to her:

“I have been very privileged to see GSGC unfold and continue to be amazed at the wisdom and strength that the Aunties and Mentors embody each and every day. They continue to do so despite challenges and hard times. They aren’t afraid to try something new; they forge ahead with the resources that they have at hand and share with each other their own experiences so that they can learn from each other – to uplift one another. That is rare! No matter what continent you may live upon, these are rare traits by any standard. They embody the quote “Be the change you want to see in the world” – they make it happen. Not every traveler is interested in these nuances because these kind of nuances take time to witness and experience. Not every traveler has the time to spend in today’s fast paced world. With Global Sojourns, we try to create an experience for our travelers to get a glimpse of the magic that is GSGC, it is subtle magic but unwavering in its strength and effect that it has on the girls and boys. It’s a privilege to be a part of it!” – Pam Buttner, Global Sojourns Travel Specialist

Have you provided staff training to support your impact tourism program?

No formal training on the programmes is undertaken as part of induction into Global Sojourns because the GSGC is core to who we are, and each person knows this before they join the travel side of the company. Training is in the form of continuously engaging with the news and developments that happen in the mentorship clubs via internal communications within Global Sojourns and regular Familiarization trips to programmes during travel experiences.

Funding Model

How are funds raised from travelers.

Small donations are included in travel costs, for those travelers visiting areas where mentorship clubs are run. They are made aware of the fact that this is happening and offered further opportunities to support the programmes upon their return home from their travel experiences.

How do you solicit donations?

Donations are solicited via several strategies:

• Online fundraising campaigns around specific days and/or events (Mother’s Day; Birthday Challenges; and current donors/travelers host gatherings in their home countries)
• Consistent contact and relationship nurturing with past and current donors has proven an effective method in attracting further financial support (via phonecalls, personal e-mails, newsletter distribution & social media engagement)
• An annual donation renewal opportunity is distributed (vial email) towards the end of the fiscal year to all past and current donors, offering them the opportunity to continue their support

Are donations tax deductible?

Yes, the GSGC is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization in the US.

How are funds distributed?

Through the annual grant application, vetting and awarding process undertaken by prospective mentor club leaders. Since 2008, US$486k has been distributed for programming

To date, how much has been raised?

Roughly US$550k has been raised since 2008. Most of it has distributed, with reserve fund being kept ringfenced for emergencies.

Do project funds go into a separate account or to a foundation to ensure transparency and separation from business revenue? If not, what is your process to ensure financial accountability of donated funds?

Yes, into a different account.

Visitor Engagement

Do travelers visit the project sites why or why not.

Yes, travelers are offered the opportunity to visit clubs near wildlife tourism areas they are visiting. Visits are not a standard, built in feature to all itineraries. Should a traveler be interested in learning more about the programmes, their itinerary is customized to allow a visit when and where it is appropriate for the mentorship club proposed to visit.

Do you offer opportunities for voluntourism and/or material donations? Why or why not?

Not on a formal basis, it is very rare that we offer volunteer placements. We are not set up for voluntourism. Our trips are designed for travelers/participants to learn about the issues facing our local networks and the work that they are doing to address those issues.  Our time on these trips is spent connecting, listening, and learning rather than doing .  Global Sojourns is not averse to providing hands-on assistance but only in circumstances where there is a specific request from our mentors and we happen to have skills that meet those needs.

Our visits to the projects can be tailored to the traveler’s needs/itinerary – anywhere from one to three days where we focus on learning about the local issues and the work being done by the boys and girls groups. We believe that the most effective use of the GSGC trips is to initiate relationships between the traveler and the people doing the work on the ground. At this time, it is common for the traveler to then become a supporter of GSGC, returning home with a much better understanding of the issues, they feel connected to the people they have met and the projects they have seen. Through this connection, the traveler then starts to raise awareness (as well as funds) by sharing theirexperience with others when they are back home.

How is the impact tourism promoted or marketed to guests?

Mainly through conversations with our clients, inclusions in social media published material and a feature on our website.  We are currently working on ways to more effectively create links between the travel and GCSC work on our website and in pre-departure materials.

What type of educational opportunities and/or materials do you give to travelers?

We primarily focus on discussions – whether in person or via phone.  We are working on revising an Ambassador Booklet to help clients prepare for visits with local communities.  We find that most people don’t read through the trip material, so we are looking at more innovative way to share information

The educational opportunities for travelers lie in the experience of visiting the projects and our team of local hosts/Mentors sharing about the work they do, the conditions they do it under and the impact it has on young girl’s lives within their community.

Community Perspectives

How do you ensure that your values and approach align with those of the community supported.

Rapid feedback loop via the mentors and the communities they live within. The model is shaped by them. It’s intrinsically built into our work.

How are you ensuring that your projects meet the most relevant needs of the community?

Again, rapid feedback loop via the mentors ensures the work is relevant. There is a culture of open dialog (written and verbal) between the Mentors and GSGC staff, encouraging the ability to engage if they need to make tweaks to their programming based on the local conditions and context.  One of our core values is relevancy .

Do you engage in ongoing dialogue with the local community? If so, how?

We are in ongoing dialogue with our community of Mentors via a closed Facebook group, WhatsApp and phone calls. These mentors are in constant interaction with their communities.  

Has there ever been a time when adjustments to your approach or project have needed to be made as a result of community feedback? Please explain how you were able to adapt.

Adjustments and improvements to programmes are constantly taking place, due to how the organization functions. Two examples are:

• After feedback from the mentors, the historically used term “aunties” was highlighted to diminish the level of professionalism they approach their work with. It was decided to use the term “mentors” instead.
• After initially introducing an approach of running workshops to deliver female empowerment material and practices, we moved to the model of setting up clubs. This happened after realizing that long time periods are required to facilitate deep seeded support and change.

Community Partner Perspectives:

“I love working with the GSGC because I love the freedom that they give you. Its not like other organizations where you have they saying, “do this, do that”.  They give you the space to think.  You are given the ability to come up with ideas and discuss and see what works and what doesn’t work.  Each Auntie is bringing in something.  You are learning from one another so it’s a wonderful circle of people who have great ideas which we can all learn from and achieve a goal together as one.  – Racheal Musonda, Believe Foundation, Livingstone, Zambia

I love the GSGC model and I would so wish for other organizations to follow this model.  They come into the community and they work with people already on the ground that have a passion for the work and that are literally living in those communities and are facing the same challenges and are aware of the challenges that the young girls are facing and are going through the same processes, with their own children. And we think that getting people from communities and making them part of the program, literally embedding them into the program is the way to go.  Its sustainable, it means that you are guaranteed that whether there is oversight from the outside or not, you’re guaranteed there is self-management.  People know they have to do this work.  It’s their passion.  It’s their need.  They see the difference everyday of their work.  They aren’t coming in and finding a report and saying “you have to deal with this issue” because they are within those communities. They know this is the area that they have to work on, this is what we need to focus on, what we need to concentrate on with the girls and each day we see a sustainable change in the lives of girls.” – Sefelepelo Sebata, Rise N Shine Trust, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Lessons Learned

Why do you feel your impact tourism program has been so successful.

The clearest indicator is an increase in demand for more clubs to be set up. We have significantly more girls wanting to join the clubs than we currently have funding for. Parents / caregivers, teachers and community leaders have increasingly approaching with requests to increase capacity for more girls to join clubs and have safe spaces. We also have communities in other areas, which we are not directly involved with, reaching out to us with requests to launch programmes with them.

What challenges has your company faced in developing a successful program?

Funding, we don’t have enough funding to support the demand being requested for more mentorship clubs. We are also hamstrung by the fact that many of our committees fulfilling functions like vetting grant applications and offering communications and marketing services are dependent on voluntarily contributed time and skills, which makes it difficult to expect hard deadlines for completion of these tasks.

Why do you feel it is important for the tourism industry to not only promote a produce but to provide environmental and community support?

The tourism industry has the responsibility for considering and supporting the health of the local context it operates within intrinsically tied into its existence. Without a healthy local ecological environment, which is dependent on a healthy social context and visa-versa, there would be no product for an industry to sell. This is a clear, logical argument. There is a deeper one than that, though, in that to visit a place, a beautifully preserved wilderness area is a privilege. To be welcomed into such a place, with a delicate balance of people and ecology preserving it, only to take an experience for yourself (to just pay for the food and service you receive) leaves opportunity for a one-way result, experienced by all parties in the exchange. A more holistic acknowledgement of the value of each participant in the tourism exchange (traveler, host, local community, local ecology) provides for a greater level of satisfaction and sustainability for all.

“ Tourism doesn’t work if you don’t include local communities ” – Beks Ndlovu, Founder &CEO, African Bush Camps

For more information contact: Priscilla Plummer, [email protected] Website:   globalsojourns.com & www.gsgivingcircle.org

This Impact Tourism Handbook was made possible by generous financial support from Elevate Destinations , Hilton , Holbrook Travel , and Overseas Adventure Travel .

• Destination Guides

7 Concierge Recommendations for a Perfect Day Out in Moscow

By Chris Boyle

We asked Moscow’s top concierges to share their personal recommendations for the perfect day in the capital

MS. ANASTASIA TOPOROVA

CONCIERGE, RITZ-CARLTON MOSCOW

+7 495 225 8888

“Start your perfect day in Moscow by exploring the city center, which is also where The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow is located.”

The 8 Best Restaurants in Moscow

Confidante: beautiful branded hotels, azerbaijan, dubai and beyond: fairmont expands luxury portfolio.

“A walking tour around the Kremlin – around 45-60 minutes – will not only give you a great perspective on Moscow’s most important landmark, but also introduce to you the surrounding attractions. A couple well worth seeing are Alexander Garden with its beautiful fountains and flowerbeds, and the Moskva river embankments with stunning views of the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square, from its many bridges.

After your walking tour, enjoy an exclusive shopping experience at GUM department store; an architectural wonder in its own right, located directly on Red Square. Besides offering world-renowned luxury brands, GUM also sells a great variety of local brands – in foodstuffs and fashion.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite walking around GUM, head to Bosco Café. This excellent meeting place is located in the same building as GUM, with its floor-to-ceiling windows directly facing Red Square. An experience not to be missed.

Content from our partners

A Taste of Europe with AmaWaterways

Elite Traveler Celebrates Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in Beverly Hills

Inside The Chateau, Nemacolin’s Reimagined Centerpiece Hotel

A visit to the Winzavod Contemporary Art Center should be on the list of every art lover visiting Moscow. A former winery dating back to Soviet times, Winzavod has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind arts venue representing the diversity of contemporary culture, including Russian modern art.

Before setting out for dinner, stop by The Ritz-Carlton and enjoy a fabulous foot massage in the ESPA spa. Pamper yourself in the Swarovsky lit swimming pool, Jaccuzi, sauna, steamroom and the lounge zone.

Take the lift to the 12th floor of the hotel and order a ‘Vodka Tasting’ in the O2 Lounge rooftop bar. This fabulous experience consists of three stages of vodka enlightenment. The ceremony begins with an introduction from the vodka sommelier. Guests will discover why the perfect vodka should contain 40 percent alcohol, the connection between vodka and famous Russian scientist Mendeleev, why the most popular vodkas are made of wheat, rye or potato, and why some vodka tastes sweet, despite containing no sugar. Then, the sommelier offers a tasting of three Russian premium and luxury vodkas. Finally, according to our tradition, a set of Russian-style ‘zakuski’ dishes in a miniature format, are served as accompaniment to the tasting. Lasting 30 to 45 minutes, this special vodka ceremony is the perfect start to a dinner and a unique introduction to Russian culture.

A lavish dinner ‘à la Russe’ is a must experience for every visitor. Book a table at one of Moscow’s finest restaurants serving upscale Russian cuisine, such as the legendary Café Pushkin.”

BEST RESTAURANTS

Café pushkin.

Cuisine: Russian

+7 495 739 0033

26A Tverskoy Boulevard

www.cafe-pushkin.ru/en

BEST shopping

+7 495 933 7300

www.tsum.ru

Visit Red Square.

Andrey korystov.

SENIOR CONCIERGE AND MEMBER OF LES CLEFS D’OR, RADISSON ROYAL HOTEL, MOSCOW

+7 495 221 5555

Best Breakfast: Café Pushkin

Lunch in: the most cafe.

+7 495 660 0706

6/3 Ul. Kuzentsky Most, bldg. 3 107031 Moscow

+7 495 788 4343

3 Red Square

Cara&Co

+7 495 223 4111

4th Syromyatnicheskii per, h. 1, bld. 9, Moscow

www.caraandco.com

Barvikha Luxury Village

+7 495 225 8880

Odintsovsky District, Moscow 143082

www.barvikhahotel.com

• Visit the heart of Russia: Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral and The Kremlin.
• Take a private tour to Meiendorf Castle in Barvikha, one of President Dmitry Medvedev’s residences.
• Enjoy the ballet or opera at the famous Bolshoi Theatre.

BEST COCKTAILS

+ 7 495 229 5519

8, Novinskiy Boulevard, Lotte Plaza shopping center, 21st floor, Moscow 2295519

www.kalinabar.ru

+7 495 988 7444

Savvinskaya Embankment, Pereulok 12, Str 8, Moscow

www.sohorooms.com

MRS VIKTORIA KLOKOVA

CHIEF GUEST RELATIONS EXECUTIVE, BARVIKHA HOTEL & SPA

+7 495 504 1269

29th km Rublevo-Uspenskoye shosse, Ilyinskoe poselok

Tzarskay Okhota

+7 495 418 7982

186a Rublyovo-Uspenskoe shosse, 29th km Khukova

9am – breakfast in the hotel 10.15am – meet the guide in the lobby 10.30am – 6.30pm tour of Moscow including the Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, GUM galleries 12pm – Kremlin, the Armory Chamber 1.45pm – Kremlin, the Kremlin Cathedrals, the Diamond Fund 4pm – St. Basil’s Cathedral 6pm – GUM Galleries 7pm – Dinner at Café Pushkin Second day: 9am – breakfast at Veranda y Dachi restaurant (Italian/Japansese/Uzbek) 10.45am – 3pm – transfer from the restaurant to the Tretyakov Gallery with the guide 4pm – 5pm – late lunch at Oblomov restaurant, during the tour 5.30pm – transfer to the hotel

YULIA BORTNIKOVA

MEMBER OF LES CLEFS D’OR ORGANIZATION, ARARAT PARK HYATT HOTEL

“Please note that recommendations are for summer 2011 only.”

Begin your day at Red Square with breakfast at Café Bosco; a perfect location on the first floor at GUM, the famous department store. The terrace faces Red Square and is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral before the crowds arrive. The breakfast menu is full of fresh juices, coffee, omelets and pastries, and is served from 9am until 12pm.

Your private guide can collect you from Bosco and take you to the Kremlin Tour. Walking through the Alexandria Garden you’ll visit some of the major museums of the country, the beautiful grounds, the cathedrals, the Armory Chamber and Treasury Room. All tours to The Kremlin must be organized at least one month in advance.

Lunch can be taken at Strelka Bar, which boasts a fantastic terrace, right above the Moscow River and opposite the beautiful Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.

After lunch, remember to walk across Patriarch Bridge, where you can take some wonderful photos.

If you still have enough energy, I recommend a visit to the Pushkin Museum of Fine Art, which is located near the Cathedral. There are many excellent artists on display: Monet, Gauguin, Degas and Picasso to name but a few.”

+7 495 789 8652

Ulitsa Petrovka 3/6

novikovgroup.ru

• A day trip with a private guide and chauffeur to Suzdal: Suzdal is an authentic Russian village with its own kremlin (fortress). Nearby, you can visit the Spaso-Evfimiev monastery and the museum of wooden handcrafts. Why not spend a day on a Russian estate and take a course in Russian cuisine using organic products from the garden – with a full lunch or dinner afterwards.
• Memorial Museum of Astronautics: The Memorial Museum of Astronautics is located in the basement of the memorial ‘To Space Pioneers’ – a unique monument in Moscow built in honor of the first Earth satellite launch on November 4, 1964. The museum is the brainchild of Sergei Korolev, the Chief Constructor of rocket-and-space systems during the 1950s and 1960s. The Museum Fund contains space technology items, personal possessions of Soviet spacemen, archive documents, video and photo materials, numismatic collections, philately, deltiology and faleristics objects and works of art.
• One day Tour with a private guide and chauffeur to Sergiev Posad: Sergiev Posad is the center of the Russian Orthodox religion, and home to the magnificent medieval Trinity Monastery of St. Sergei. Built in the 14th century, for many years – even under Communism – it was the official seat of the Patriarch of Russia. This is a full day trip of around five to six hours, with a traditional lunch in one of the local restaurants.

EKATERINA SAFRONOVA

CONCIERGE, HOTEL NATIONAL

+7 495 258 7000

The perfect summer weekend:

– Breakfast in Moskovskiy restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Kremlin

– Kremlin tour with the best private guide, including a visit to the Armory Chamber – a world-renowned treasure trove, the Diamond Fund and the Red Square. On Saturdays at noon there is a ceremonial parade by the Presidential regiment (horses and military) in the Cathedral Square at the Kremlin.

– Lunch at the Trellis Terrace at Turandot restaurant between the fountains and marble statues with a marvelous view of the Metropolitan Centre

– Enjoy Russian classical ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre

– Dinner at the elegant Bolshoi restaurant after the performance

– Luxury breakfast served in your presidential suite

– Private tour around Moscow including a view of the masterpieces of Russian Fine Art at the Tretyakov Gallery

– Lunch at ‘The Sad’, a brand new Ginza project restaurant located next to the Tretyakov Art Gallery

– The authentic Russian Banya bathhouse experience at Expeditzia

– Dinner at Expeditzia Restaurant (Siberian, Arctic cuisine), one of the favorite restaurants of our president Dmitry Medvedev. Try omul (whitefish) from Lake Baikal, Kamchatka crab or marinated grilled elk meat.

+7 495 775 6075

Pevchesky lane 6, 109028

www.expedicia.ru

Enjoy a walk around Old Arbat in Moscow’s historic centerat

MICHAEL HOPF

CHIEF CONCIERGE, HOTEL BALTSCHUG KEMPINSKI MOSCOW

+7 495 287 2000

For the perfect day in Moscow:

“Start with breakfast at the Restaurant Baltschug, which has the best buffet breakfast in town.Then head out on foot for a private tour of The Kremlin, including a visit to the Armoury (look out for the Fabergé eggs). For lunch, try the hip Bosco Bar, a modern brasserie-style restaurant on the ground floor of iconic GUM department store with a great view of Red Square. In the afternoon, visit the New Tretyakov Gallery National Museum of Russian Fine Art or visit Garage – a superb contemporary arts center based in a former bus depot in the north of Moscow.”

GQ Restaurant

Cuisine: European and Asian

+7 495 956 7775

5 Baltschug Street

eng.novikogroup.ru

Cuisine: French

+7 495 933 3389

9-21 Nikolskaya Street

www.baccarat.com

Denis Simachev

+7 495 629 5702

12 bldg 2, Stoleshnikov pereulok, Moscow 103031

www.denissimachev.com

PAVEL NIKOLAYEV

HEAD CONCIERGE, SWISSÔTEL KRASNYE HOLMY

“Begin with a morning tour of The Kremlin, followed by an Italian lunch at Bontempi and a visit to the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, where you can see one of the best Impressionist collections in the world.”

“Then, I recommend a visit to the Lenin Mausoleum or Sparrow Hills on the banks of the Moscow River, which has one of the best views over the city. In the evening make your way to the City Space Bar centerat Swissôtel Krasnye Holmy and enjoy some of finest cocktails in the capital.”

Latest in Luxury

The explorer.

Thank you for subscribing to Elite Traveler.

Put-in tours

Original tour agency in moscow and st petersburg..

Onboard a Soviet van!

Welcome to Russia!

We are Sergey and Simon, a Russian and a Frenchman, both  passionate about Moscow, Saint-Petersburg and classic cars. Together, we have created Put-in tours. Our goal is to help you experience Russian culture off the beaten path. Join us onboard our classic Soviet van and let’s get rolling!

In Moscow we offer you a city tour to discover most of the city in an original way as well as a night tour to admire the lights. Our pubcrawl is ideal to explore Moscow’s night-life and have fun. If you are craving to discover Russian culture, come impress your senses during our monastery diner or join our 100% Russian Banya Excursion . The latest will also bring you to Sergiyev Posad and it’s famous monastery!

For the most extreme travellers, our shooting tour will deliver your daily dose of adrenaline whereas our tank excursion will let you ride a real tank and shoot a bazooka.

We also offer help to receive your visa , safe and multilingual airport transfers , as well as organisation services for team-building events or bachelor parties .

All our excursions (but the monastery diner) happen onboard our Soviet military vans and can be covered by our  professionnal photographer or videographer.

In Saint Petersburg

We welcome you in Saint Petersburg onboard our Soviet van to discover the imperial city with our city tour and night tour .

Continue your discovery in style! The adrenaline lovers will like our shooting tour  which brings 3 Russian weapons to the tip of your trigger finger.

Follow us on Social Media...

Our partners

© Copyright 2021 - Put-in tours Designed by SD Marketing & Design

At Put-in tours, we put you in our classic Soviet vans to go explore Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Russian culture off the beaten path. Discover our Moscow city guided tour, visit Moscow by night, join our banya & Sergiyev Posad excursion, visit and dine in one of Moscow's oldest monastery or even Luzhniki stadium, before you party on our famous pubcrawl! Original and atypical tours : Shoot AK47 and a bazooka after riding on a tank with our tank & bazooka excursion ! Extreme tours: Fly a fighter jet in Moscow onboard a L-29 or L-39 aircraft!

© Copyright 2021 – Put-in tours

Design web: SD Marketing & Design

Home About us Videos Moscow Saint-Petersburg Contact Online booking Blog Disclaimer Privacy Policy

WhatsApp us

Journey to Moscow

   Welcome to Moscow - the capital of Russia, its political, scientific, historical, architectural and business centre, from which power and might of the Russian state developed.