The Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast
13 Days Starting in Abidjan and ending in Grand Bassam
Visiting: Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, ሀመር።, Boundiali, Odienne, Man, Daloa, Yamoussoukro, Grand-Bassam
Tour Overview
Offering visitors the warmest welcome and a fascinating and rich cultural immersion, it's an ideal time to visit the Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) as it opens up to tourism. Visit remote villages where we witness energetic tribal dances with elaborate costumes, see the striking Niofoin sacred buildings, meet the Senoufo, Baule, Dan and Dozon tribes people and spend time at the end of the trip on the golden sand beaches of Grand Bassam, the former French colonial capital.
Traditional life - Visit bustling markets, kente cloth weaving, meet hunter-gatherer tribesman and embrace the colours, songs and secrets that make up this fascinating country.
Mask Ceremonies - Witness six elaborate ceremonies, all very different, from stilt dancers to the acrobatic 'panther' dance performed by the Paro society.
Yamoussoukro - Visit the stunning Basilica of our Lady of Peace with 7,000 seats and space for over 11,000 standing worshippers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip In Abidjan
Location: Abidjan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: ONOMO Hotel Abidjan Airport
Arrive in the former French colonial city of Abidjan. The shining skyscrapers reflect in the waters along the Atlantic coast surrounded by smaller, humble neighbourhoods. Abidjan is a city of over six million people and is the cultural and commercial powerhouse of the country, with a vibrant music and arts scene.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Abidjan at any time. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting. Should you miss the meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Félix Houphouet Boigny Airport (ABJ), which is a short transfer from the airport.
Day 2: Experience Palm Wine Making, Akyeke And Kente Cloth Weaving. Meet The Baule People And See A Goli Masquerade
Location: Bouake
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mon Afrik
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Abidjan behind we head out into the country towards Bouake. The morning will be spent driving north along the modern highway, passing through the capital Yamoussoukro where we break for lunch. This afternoon we'll visit the village of Gbomi to see the local women making the Ivorian National dish of attieke. Nearby, we will also find traditional palm wine tappers as we meet a local family to take us through the process. This community are famous for producing traditional kente for generations. We'll will meet one of the weavers to take us through the process and then we get to try our hands at weaving.
The Baule are known for their fine wooden handicrafts and Goli masks. The Goli masks, often made from cow, antelope and crocodile, can be quiet intimidating to look at and we hope to see a Goli Masquerade today. A ceremony where two unidentified villagers wear different types of masks; one representing a human face known as kpan and disc-faced masks known as kple kple. The women start to dance and sing begging the masks to arrive and then proceed to welcome the masks as beloved personages, fanning them with scarves and dancing joyously behind them. Kple Kple masks are called to villages in times of danger or during funeral ceremonies. They are believed to connect people with supernatural powers and gods.
After spending the afternoon learning about Baule customs and belief systems we continue on to Bouake, the Ivory Coast's second largest city, arriving in the early evening. Our hotel tonight has a beautiful courtyard garden and pool with a good restaurant offering a wide range of home cooked dishes, the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a leisurely meal.
Day 3: Continue Heading North To Korhogo And Meet The Senoufo People
Location: Korhogo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Rose Blanche
Meals Included: Breakfast
We make our way to Korhogo, the main city in the north of the country. On the journey we'll learn more about the local tribes and communities that live in the area and may stop along the way at points of interest. One of the stops is at Fakaha to see witness how the local dye painters use natural materials to create their amazing art. The village was visited by Picasso, who recognized them as a source of inspiration. The skill in which the artists employ is truly impressive and there is the opportunity to purchase pieces should you wish.
On arrival in Korhogo, we will have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we'll visit is the Gbon Coulibaly museum that houses ancient artefacts that tells the history of King Gbon then check into our hotel where we stay for the next two nights. The hotel features a swimming pool and restaurant and is centrally located. We aim to arrive mid afternoon giving us time to have a swim or a rest before we head out for dinner.
Please note that the activities and visits may move around on days 3 to 5, depending on timings. We'll return to our hotel in the early evening and check in.
Day 4: Discover Senoufo Villages, And Witness The Traditional Highly Energetic And Acrobatic 'Panther' Dance Performed By The Paro Society
Location: ሀመር።
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Rose Blanche
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, we'll explore some of the surrounding Senoufo villages, to get an in depth understanding of their art culture, daily lives and spiritual rituals. Our first stop will be a Koni village to witness traditional iron making. Iron ore was converted directly into wrought iron by heating the ore while at the same time melting the ore's impurities and squeezing them out with hand hammers. We will also witness the distinctive dwellings, decorated with bas-relief carvings.
Next we head to a Kapele village, where we will meet traditional clay bead makers who produce beautiful beads using natural materials and ancient techniques. During our time here we will participate in a workshop to create our own single large clay bead learning the ancient process, a great souvenir of our time here. A wide selection of stunning beads is on sale in the small market and priced very reasonably.
We'll break for lunch back in Korhogo after which there is free time back at the hotel to have a rest or head out to explore the town and see some of the craft stalls such as the Dalekhana artisan centre.
Late afternoon we'll witness our second dance and learn about the Senoufo's secret society called the Poro which has a complex, seven year long initiation ritual involving their young men, called colobele, spending up to 3 months in seclusion in the forest. One job of a colobele is to perform traditional spectacular mask ceremonies, known locally as the panther dance. We'll witness the Boloy Leopard Dance which is an acrobatic high energy dance performed by initiated young men in the community.
We'll return to our hotel in Korhogo in the early evening.
Day 5: Visit The Striking Niofoin Sacred Buildings And Shrine; Afternoon Meeting The Fulani Nomads. Third Dance, The Ngoro, Dance Of The Virgin Girls. Overnight In Boundiali
Location: Boundiali
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Iman Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we head to Boundiali stopping along the way to view the striking architecture of a Niofoin sacred building. This sacred building is where we find the fetish Diby known as the black fetish that protects the communities of Diby and Kalegbin. This community have houses decorated with bas- relief carvings and large clay granaries, and as these areas are generally untouched by western visitors expect a warm but sometimes wary welcome. However, hospitality is an integral part of their culture and they are proud to share their stories and show off their artistic skills. Later this morning, we'll drive to Boundiali, a small town two hours away. We'll have lunch in town, before visiting the surrounding area, home to the Fulani nomads.
A nomadic society who are easily recognised by their conical straw hats, the Fulani live in villages and graze cattle on the nearby land. The ladies here are very welcoming and colourful in their dress and our Leader will arrange for us to spend some time with the women in their homes, learning about their daily life and getting an insight into their culture.
Late in the afternoon, we attend a Senufo village to see the dance of the virgin girls - called Ngoro, part of the Poro Initiation. The young initiates spend months together in secluded sacred groves where they learn the social and religious secrets that turn a girl into a genuine Senoufo. After seven years there is a big celebration for those who have undergone all stages of initiation, in particular the dance of the virgin girls is performed at the end of the first stage of initiation.
We'll return to Boundiali in the evening. It is worth noting that hotels in the far north are more basic, whilst the rooms will have basic ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning, they will be spartan and dining options are much more limited, we will pre order dinner to eat at the hotel. This is the most basic overnight stay of the trip. The hotel advertises that it has a swimming pool, however it is not in use.
Day 6: Drive To Odienne And Meet A Community Of Dozon (Malinke Hunters)
Location: Odienne
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Les Frontieres Odienne
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Boundiali we drive for around four hours to the small town of Odienne, in the north-west of the country. Along the way we'll make a stop at a local shea butter cooperative to meet local women producing organic shea butter.
The Odienne region is populated by the Malinke people, descendants of the former empire of Mali and this community include the Dozo, a hunter-gatherer sect who are feared and respected for their courage on the battlefield.
We'll have a late lunch in Odienne, and around mid-afternoon after the heat has subsided we will drive outside the main town and meet with the Dozo. From here we walk on rocky terrain to meet the Dozo hunters who will teach us about their way of life, hunting in the bush, about the plants and their importance for traditional medicine. There is the opportunity to take a short walk accompanied by the Dozo hunters chanting and playing musical instruments (no more than ten minutes each way, although it is steep in places and involves climbing over some small boulders) to a sacred lookout with fantastic views. It's well worth the effort, however if you prefer, you can stay in the forest clearing with our tour leader.
After this amazing experience, we will meet a local family who have been brewing local beer known as \ Djapalo\ and during our time here we see first hand the entire is process and get to try the finished product. We spend the night in Odienne. The hotel tonight has a in house restaurant and is set in spacious grounds. Please note that the swimming pool is currently under renovations.
Day 7: Full Day Journey To Man Visiting Yacouba Villages En Route And Opportunity To Watch A Masked Dance On Stilts
Location: Man
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Les Cascades
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a long drive of around seven hours to the town of Man, which sits at the foot of the Toura Mountains in a greener part of the country. The roads in the far north are not as good as the rest of the country, so it can be slow-going at times but in this region its part of the adventure.
We will travel through the lands of the Yacouba people, often known as the Dan. The area is fertile with green rolling hills and we will visit villages built on the slopes, characterized by big round mud huts with thatched roofs.
Hopefully we'll have the chance to witness a mask dance, as the villagers call the dancers from the forest by the beat of the tam-tam drum. As they approach, the people begin to sing traditional songs and the dancers enter the circle on long stilts entertaining the crowd with incredible acrobatics to the sound of the tam- tam. Each mask has its own dance and song, steeped in local culture.
There are no restaurant options along the way today, however we will make stops to purchase snacks and drinks. We hope to arrive in Man at our accommodation around 4pm. Our hotel tonight is a three-star property set on the hillside with great views of the surrounding forests and hills, it's very scenic and quiet, in contrast to the town all around it with is buzzing with market traders and stalls. The bedrooms have air con and ensuite bathrooms and there is a great swimming pool, bar and a large terrace with wonderful views of the surrounding hills.
Day 8: Experience The Gla Dance, Visit Zadeplei Waterfall And A Sacred Forest Inhabited By A Population Of Campbell Monkeys
Location: ሀመር።
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Les Cascades
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we will meet the Guere people - also known as Gere, Ngere and Wee to witness one of their mask ceremonies. The Gla or Guere mask dance is the protector of the community. They believe that their god communicates to them through only a couple of humans - the masquerades; we will watch the dance where the masquerades interact with their god. The Guere people are also known for their elaborate face paintings.
There will be free time for lunch in Man; due to the French influence within the country there is choice of traditional West Africa cuisine such as attieke - a couscous like dish made with cassava - or something more familiar such a French baguettes.
Late afternoon we'll head to Zadepleu waterfalls on the outskirts of the town. This natural attraction's close proximity to the town attracts locals and visitors alike for a refreshing dip in the waterfall's pools that are surrounded by lush and green vegetation. We will also visit the sacred forest of Gbepleu inhabited by a population of Campbell monkeys, revered by the Yacoubas. The troop of monkeys live wild in the forest so viewing is not guaranteed, but almost all groups do get to see them.
Day 9: City Tour Of Man Before Afternoon Journey To Daloa
Location: Daloa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Grace
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll start this morning for a tour around Man. Man is an energetic, colourful little town with a buzzing market selling all sorts of produce along a dusty street packed with pedestrians, trolleys, vans and cars, and not many tourists!
After a break for lunch we will begin the four hour journey to Daloa. Our leader will ensure there are plenty of breaks along the way to stretch the legs or at points of interest. As one of the world's largest cocoa exporters, our leader will look for an opportunity to stop at a cooperative cocoa farm for the chance to learn about the country's biggest agriculture.
Day 10: Witness The Striking Zaouli Masked Dance. Take In The Impressive City Sights Of Yamoussoukro Including The Basilica Of Our Lady Of Peace
Location: Yamoussoukro
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Onyx Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
An early departure from Daloa this morning to make our way to Yamoussoukro, the capital city and one of the most surreal urban areas in Africa.
Firstly, we will stop to visit a nearby village known as Tibeheita to see the traditional Zaouli dance. The dancer is always male but the mask itself honors a legendary goddess Djela Lou Zaouli which translates as The Lion's Daughter. It is believe the male that wears the mask takes on a spirit as he dances for the drums.
We'll arrive into Yamoussoukro around mid-afternoon. The first post-independence President of the Ivory Coast was Houphouet-Boigny from Yamoussoukro and he had big dreams to create a city that could rival the best in Europe and as we drive into the city it's possible to see the remnants of his vision. We will have lunch and visit the Basilica of our Lady of Peace, inspired by Saint Peter's in Rome this giant church complex was finished in 1990 and stood as the largest church in the world. It is really hard to believe that you are in West Africa as we walk around this mind boggling building; the basilica has 7000 seats and space for over 11,000 standing worshippers, though it only attracts a few hundred on most Sundays.
Though this is an unmissable stop of any trip to the Ivory Coast, the church is shrouded in controversy as many feel anger and sadness at the incalculable waste of money, given the country's current level of poverty. From here we will pass by the former presidential palace and see the crocodiles that lurk in the surrounding lakes. Our evening is free to relax.
Day 11: Guided Tour Of Abidjan Before Driving To Grand Bassam For Some Time To Relax On The Atlantic Coast
Location: Abidjan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Assoyam Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll have an early breakfast this morning so we can depart first thing for Abidjan, the country's economic capital set on the Ebrie Lagoon. The drive will take whole morning but we'll arrive into the city just in time for lunch and after we've eaten, our leader will show us the highlights. It's a chance to see where traditional meets new, with colourfully dressed women in traditional clothes and businessmen in dapper suits go side-by-side about their daily lives.
We will visit the lively market of Treichville, one of the city's bustling markets where people come to barter, hawk and catch up on gossip. There will be a short amount of free time for shopping at the craft Centre Kava. We'll then visit the National Museum and the Cathedral and drive across the peaceful neighbourhood of Cocody, a residential area which houses the Prime Minister's office and many old French colonial buildings.
We'll drive about one hour to Grand Bassam which is sat on the coast and over a lagoon, laidback Grand Bassam is full of faded French colonial charm and it's an ideal place to enjoy a sundowner on the beach.
Our beach front property has individual well appointed bungalows. There is an excellent restaurant and bar and a swimming pool. The hotel has a section of private beach with an expansive sun terrace. The perfect spot to enjoy a drink looking out to the ocean.
Day 12: Explore Colonial Grand Bassam, Batik Craft Activity. Free Afternoon To Relax
Location: Grand-Bassam
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Assoyam Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
There is no rush at all this morning as we wind down for our last day of discovering the Ivory Coast. Our leader will take us on foot around UNESCO-listed Grand Bassam this morning to experience the slower pace of life. Once a French colonial capital, Grand Bassam was all but deserted after a yellow fever epidemic broke out in the late 1800s but has since built itself up again as a modest seaside town set upon golden beaches. We'll get to take part in a batik craft activity, visit the craft centre which brings together culture from all over the Ivory Coast and the museum.
This afternoon will be free to carry on wandering around taking in the atmosphere. Although swimming in the sea is not advised because of the strong Atlantic current. There are plenty of places to have a drink and just take in the view, or alternatively relax by the hotel's pool to wrap up your Ivory Coast adventure.
Grand Bassam is quiet in the evenings but there are a few places to choose from for the last night's meal including international and African food. A number of simple marquis that serve rustic Ivoirian food on little wooden terraces by the sea.
Day 13: Trip Ends In Grand Bassam
Location: Grand-Bassam
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends this morning after breakfast at out hotel in Grand Bassam.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Grand Bassam at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Felix Houphouet Boigny Airport, which is around one hours drive.
What's Included
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Accommodation
12 nights comfortable hotel
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Fully Guided
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Meals – Breakfast Only
Breakfast: 12
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Why Book this Tour
Explore hasn't operated in the Ivory Coast before so join us for an intrepid journey across the country as we experience the colours, sights and sounds for the first time together
Meals
Breakfasts: 12
Check out our Q&As
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
12 nights comfortable hotel
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Moderate
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
14
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.