Thank you for your interest in a Passport & Pearls retreat. We design meaningful travel experiences  — not traditional tours. Our retreats are intentionally curated for mid‑aged attendees seeking connection, culture, and a little adventure wrapped in comfort.

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By reserving your space, you agree to the following Retreat Conditions. Please review the information below carefully before submitting your deposit.

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Our Retreat Philosophy

We built Passport & Pearls on the belief that travel is better together. As former solo travelers who found our own best friends across the globe, we designed these retreats to foster that same spark. There’s nothing we love more than watching our guests transition from solo explorers to 'travel buddies' who plan their own annual adventure​

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What Makes You Different?

What sets us apart is that we are with you from the very first step. While most tours expect you to "hit the ground running," we prioritize your comfort. We intentionally build in downtime the moment you arrive, and our pre-trip workshops ensure that by the time we land, we aren't strangers—we’re a community ready to support one another.

Because we travel with multiple guides, we offer a level of dedicated, side-by-side support that other tours simply don't. Whether you need someone to escort you back to your room for extra rest or just need a bit of extra guidance, we are there. Our goal is to remove the intimidation from travel, providing a safety net that lets you explore with total confidence.

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On the other hand, we believe in the power of independence. If you find that you want more time to explore on your own or see something specific off the beaten path, you are given the full freedom and support to do so. We just ask that you let us know for your safety. There is no pressure to do everything with the group; we are flexible and here to ensure you have the best experience, exactly as you see fit.

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How do I register for a trip?​

Simply email: info@passportandpearlstours.com 

Include your name, phone number, and the trip you are interested in, and one of our guides will contact you and get the needed forms and payment options to you.

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What’s Included?

We aim to make our retreats seamless and enriching. Retreat pricing typically includes:

• Boutique or culturally immersive accommodations

• Curated group experiences and cultural excursions

• Retreat hosts and local guides when appropriate

• Group ground transportation during the retreat

• Select meals and hosted gatherings (as outlined in your itinerary)

• Retreat welcome gifts and materials

Specific inclusions vary by retreat and will be listed on each retreat page.

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The "Prep & Connect" Phase

• 3 Pre-Travel Culture Workshops:

  • Language & Culture: Essential phrases. and local etiquette.

  • The Art of Packing: A "Master Your Suitcase" session on what to bring. (and what to leave behind).

  • Travel Safety: Expert-led session on avoiding scams and pickpockets to ensure a stress-free journey.

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What is the Prep and Connect Phase?

• 3 Pre-Travel Culture Workshops:

  • Language & Culture: Essential phrases. and local etiquette.

  • The Art of Packing: A "Master Your Suitcase" session on what to bring. (and what to leave behind).

  • Travel Safety: Expert-led session on avoiding scams and pickpockets to ensure a stress-free journey.

NOT included 

• Round-trip airfare to Nice or other airports; airfare tickets must be purchased individually

• Optional free-day services or excursions

• Optional boat excursion/ Bellet Vineyards/ Museum admissions

• Tips for drivers, tour guide

• Gratuities for luggage handlers and hotel staff

• Most Lunches and Diners

• Pre- and post-retreat travel expenses

What about weather or a strike?

Travel comes with surprises — and we embrace the beauty of flexibility. Itineraries may shift due to weather, local events, or opportunities that enhance the group experience. Adjustments are not grounds for refunds.

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What about Physical Activity & Comfort Expectations?

Our retreats are designed to be active yet accessible for most middle-aged people in reasonably good health. While we prioritize comfort, cultural immersion sometimes requires flexibility. Our hotels are centrally located so we can be close to the heart of each destination. However, they may provide fewer American‑style amenities, and our people policy emphasizes NO Divas!

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Guests must be able to do the following, including but not limited to:

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• Carry or roll your own luggage for up to 15 minutes over uneven pavement from the bus to the hotel, then up 1–2 flights of stairs to reach your room. We do our best to keep stair situations to one flight and actively seek out properties with elevators. However, we cannot control if an elevator is out of service on the day of arrival — flexibility is essential.

• Be comfortable on your feet during two‑hour walking tours, climbing stairs, hopping on and off public transportation, and standing or walking for up to four hours inside museums and outdoors in various weather conditions.

• Sleep in hotels that may have non-ice-cold air conditioning, possible street noise, slow Wi‑Fi connections, or Wi‑Fi only in common areas. Guest rooms and restrooms in historic or boutique properties can also be smaller than typical American hotel standards.

• Enjoy personal exploration time after group activities. While our guides are friendly and often socialize, guests should feel comfortable navigating towns and cities independently. There will always be an option to be escorted back to your room, and our team is only a phone call away should you ever need assistance or get turned around.

Our retreat hosts and guides cannot provide physical assistance for these activities. Guests requiring assistance must travel with an able companion who can be fully responsible for providing that support.

If you have concerns about the physical demands of our retreats, we encourage you to contact us before booking so we can help you determine if the experience is a good fit.

How much luggage can I take?

We encourage packing light:

• One carry-on-size suitcase

• One personal/day bag

• One expandable

Guests should be able to manage their own luggage during hotel transitions.

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What if there is a "bad apple" in the group?

At Passport & Pearls, our retreats are rooted in sisterhood, positivity, and mutual respect. We are intentional about creating an uplifting, drama‑free environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued.

To protect that experience, all guests agree to conduct themselves in a respectful and cooperative manner throughout the retreat.

The following behaviors are not aligned with our community standards:

• Diva attitudes or entitlement

• Persistent negativity that impacts group morale

• Disrespect toward fellow guests, hosts, guides, or local partners

• Disruptive or unsafe behavior

• Any unlawful activity

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Passport & Pearls reserves the right to remove any participant whose behavior compromises the safety, harmony, or overall retreat experience of the group. Removal will be at the guest’s own expense, and no refunds or credits will be issued.

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What if I'm running late? Or "Don't feel like it" one day?

Our itineraries are thoughtfully curated, and group timing is essential to maintaining the flow of our experiences.

If a guest does not arrive at the designated meeting time, our team will make one courtesy call and/or text message.

If there is no response or the guest does not arrive within a reasonable grace period, it will be assumed they have chosen to enjoy personal/off time. The group will proceed with the day’s scheduled activities as planned.

Please note:

• No refunds or credits will be provided for missed tours, excursions, meals, or prepaid activities.

• Guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation to rejoin the group if applicable.

We appreciate everyone’s mindfulness in honoring group time so that all can fully enjoy the retreat experience.

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What is the smoking policy?

Smoking or vaping is not permitted during group activities, on transportation, or in shared spaces.

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What is the Deposits & Payments, Cancellations, and Refunds Policy?

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Cancellation Policy

90+ Days: $250 fee + any non-refundable hotel or ground transport costs

89–60 Days: $150 fee + 75% of tour cost + non-refundable expenses

59–1 Day: 100% non-refundable

All cancellations must be submitted in writing.

Email: info@passportandpearlstours.com

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Payment Schedule

Deposit: $500 (tour agreement required)

Second payment: 50% of balance 60 days prior to departure

Final Payment: Remaining 50% due 30 days prior to departure

Payment Methods: Check or Credit Card (3.9% PayPal processing fee)

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I'm a solo travler is that ok?

Many of our guests travel solo — and leave with sisters. Private rooms are available for an additional fee, or you can let us know if you would like a roommate. If there is one available that feels like a good fit for both parties, we are more than happy to make that connection. You may meet a fellow solo traveler during our prep & connect phase.

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Should I Get Health, Safety & Travel Insurance?

All guests must complete required waivers and health forms prior to travel .We will be more than happy to guide you with an insurance policy

Travel insurance is strongly encouraged and should include:

• Trip cancellation/interruption

• Medical coverage

• Emergency evacuation

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Are there Any Forms or Agreements?

To participate in a Passport & Pearls retreat, all guests are required to review and sign our General Release & Waiver Agreement along with our Health & Safety Pledge prior to departure.

These documents help ensure the well‑being, preparedness, and shared understanding of everyone in our sisterhood travel circle.

Please note:

• All information provided must be complete and accurate.

• Altering or omitting requested information will render the agreements invalid.

• Failure to submit properly completed forms may result in removal from the retreat at your own expense.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a safe, supportive, and seamless retreat experience for all.

What to include in the Privacy Policy

Generally speaking, a Privacy Policy often addresses these types of issues: the types of information the website is collecting and the manner in which it collects the data; an explanation about why is the website collecting these types of information; what are the website’s practices on sharing the information with third parties; ways in which your visitors and customers can exercise their rights according to the relevant privacy legislation; the specific practices regarding minors’ data collection; and much, much more. 

To learn more about this, check out our article “Creating a Privacy Policy”.