Malta, Sardinia and Corsica

Transcription

1 a Malta, Sardinia and Corsica Departs September 2019 *Note. This itinerary is based on our previous tour. It is likely that minor changes will be made. Itinerary correct as at Jan but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed.

2 MALTA, SARDINIA AND CORSICA Three Mediterranean Islands all very different. Sardinia part of Italy, Corsica, governed by France and Malta, an independent nation which was once a British colony. If year-round sunshine and 7,000 years-worth of living history is your thing, the ex-british colony of Malta should be on your travel bucket list. This independent nation comprises three small Islands Malta, Gozo and Comino which is uninhabited. It is a traveller s dream because you can take in every- thing within a small radius, sampling the architecture (both grand and quaint), a stunning fortified harbour, the rocky landscape, traditional hilltop towns, fishing villages, and an upbeat lively capital city, all against the languid backdrop of the magnificent Mediterranean. Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, presenting a rather rugged mountain scape, balanced by placid bays. In rural parts, stone-walled Neolithic fortresses call Nuraghes can still be seen in the fields. Sardinian towns and cities, especially those along the coast, have a rich tradition of shellfish and seafood while inland towns and cities are known for game and farm produce, most notably its capers, olives and Pecorino sardo. The sea around this large Mediterranean Island is among the most beautiful and transparent in all the world. The colour of the water on the Costa Smeralda has to be seen to believed! On our specially tailored island tour over 12 days takes in the very best of what Sardinia has to offer. It is guided by our dear friend Aldo, a native of the island. His passion will surely rub off on you. You will love the sights, the people, the food and the culture of this very special destination. Don t blame us if you find it hard to leave. The Island of Corsica is one of France s 13 regions. It lies directly north of Sardinia and can be easily reached by ferry. Its capital Ajaccio is the birth place of Napoleon Bonaparte and his ancestral home is today used as a museum. Like other Mediterranean islands, Corsica was visited, conquered and highly influenced by many people of the ancient world. The Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Phoenicians, Genovese and Northern Africans all left their mark. France invaded and occupied in the mid 1700 s. Today it relies heavily on agriculture and tourism. It is far less developed than many islands in the Mediterranean. People come for the weather, the food and the glorious scenery.

3 Day 1 TRANSIT Depart Australia from your city in the evening with Emirates for Dubai. All flights to be confirmed. Meals in flight. Day 2 MALTA Arrive Dubai early morning and connect to flight EK749 for Malta at 07.55hrs via Tunis, arriving 14.20hrs in Malta. Transfer to your hotel where you will stay for your entire stay in Malta. The afternoon is for rest and recuperation after a long flight. Tonight there will be a group welcome dinner in the hotel. D Day 3 MDINA - VALLETTA Pick up today is around 09.00hrs. We ll visit the Mdina Glass factory before arriving at the Silent City of Mdina. Here you can stroll through the cobble-stoned streets and enjoy the beautiful architecture. Today you will also visit the stunning Mosta Dome (with a fascinating story in relation to WWII) and the ancient Hagar Qim temples. Weather permitting the group will take a short boat ride to the Blue Grotto. Return to the hotel around 5pm. Dinner is at a local restaurant in the capital Valleta. B/D Day 4 GOZO We will set off around 8.00am for a tour of the charming Island of Gozo. The bus transfer is about 45 minutes and the ferry takes just 20 minutes. On this tour you ll visit many of the major sites of the island; the quaint seaside town of Xlendi (perfect for a coffee stop), Dwejra and its Azure Window, The Basilica of Ta Pinu (subject to it being open), the capital city Victoria, and the Ggantija Temples (one of the world s oldest known free standing structure). There s a fabulous seafood lunch at a local seaside village restaurant. The feast is so good that we don t include dinner tonight as most will want to give it a miss! You ll return around 6.30pm. Your evening is free. B/L Day 5 VALLETTA Today we are collected at around 09.00hrs for a walking tour of Valletta the capital city, the upper Barakka Garden, St.Johns Cathedral, a tour of the famous fortified harbour on a typical fregatina vessel, plus a trip to the Ghar Dalam Temple. Return to the hotel around 5pm. Dinner is at the hotel. B/D

4 Day 6 FREE DAY Today, you can choose either a day to shop, relax by the hotel s pool, visit sights not on the itinerary, like one of the many good museums in Valletta, or take a cruise around the stunning harbour. There are a few non private cruise options available from a two hour harbour cruise to full day cruises with lunch and swimming (weather permitted). Your host can also provide a list of things to see and do. Lunch and dinner at your leisure today. B Day 7 CAGLIARI After breakfast we transfer to the airport and depart for Cagliari via Rome on Alitalia flight AZ887 at 12.45hrs. Welcome to Sardinia! On arrival at around 6.15pm, you ll meet your guide and transfer to the hotel the Margherita Regina for dinner. B/D Day 8 CAGLIARI CAPO SPARTIVENTO Today we will tour the city of Cagliari first visiting the lookout, then the Archaeological Museum and the Spanish District of Castello. Lunch will be at your leisure and then we will transfer to Chia visiting the ancient Phoenician and Roman city of Nora along the way. Check in to your hotel in Sant Antioco (basic but comfortable) late in the afternoon. Dinner is at a local restaurant. B/D Day 9 MONTESSU & GUSPINI After breakfast we will visit the Montessu archaeological site. There is a fair bit of walking required to see these fascinating ruins dating back to 3500 BC. Following that we will transfer to Nebida and have lunch looking over the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. (There will be minimal options for lunch so the hotel can provide a picnic style panini/ water/fruit for those who want it at around 8 euros pp). After this you ll stop at Cala Domestica beach for a stroll along the rocks and a possibly a swim (weather permitting, take swimmers and a small towel)! Then drive to your accommodation the hotel Sa Rocca in Gùspini. B/D Day 10 OLIENA Today we will transfer to Oliena via Nuraghe Losa along the way. Nuraghes are ancient mini pyramid type dwellings found only in Sardinia. Then we will visit Nobel Prize winning Grazia Deledda s museum. Your accommodation tonight is at the very special, Su Gologone Hotel. Make sure you explore the hotel s grounds and different areas terraces. It s more like a museum than a hotel. The food is fabulous! B/D Day 11 ORGOSOLO - CALA GONONE Today starts with a wonderful breakfast at the hotel and a late check out to enjoy its surrounds. Then we visit the very quirky township of Orgosolo with its fabulous politically motivated street art. Then we will transfer to the village of Cala Gonone on the east coast of the island. Here we ll visit the aquarium and have a lunch break. Time permitting, you can take a dip in the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean. Then, on to our accommodation The Hotel Silana - the highest hotel in Sardinia, at exactly 1,000 metres above sea level. The drive along the valley is stunning and many consider it the most beautiful scenery that Sardinia offers. Dinner is in the hotel. B/D Day 12 GORROPU GORGE There are three options for today with options one and two requiring a certain level of fitness. Both of these options include trekking. After breakfast you will transfer by the coach (10 minutes) to the gorges base station where 4wd vehicles (30 minute drive) will drop you at to the start of the trek. There is a 3 km walk to the gorge. This is generally flat but there are a few harder sections with rocky paths. You ll then spend about an hour discovering the gorge which is truly stunning. Option one only for fit people - will then trek around 2 hours up hill back to the hotel. Option two will trek back the 3km walk they came in on. A picnic lunch with sandwiches, fruit and water will be provided for both options one and two. Option three will skip the gorge and visit the small township of Dorgali with its few cafés and traditional hand craft shops. The Gorropu s Gorge is considered to be the deepest canyon in Europe with cliffs of about 450 metres, it is one of the most evocative and wildly magnificent areas, where the force of water erosion has created natural works of art. It is known for its extremely rare floral species and extraordinary beauty. Dinner will be at Hotel Silana. B/L/D Day 13 ALGHERO After breakfast the group will transfer west, to the very pretty township of Bosa, a great place for lunch and to explore on foot. Then we will continue to Alghero and check in at The Hotel Catalunya for a walking tour. This lovely city, more Spanish in style than Italian, is great for souvenir shopping with its quaint cobblestone streets and shops. Dinner will be in the hotel. B/D Day 14 CASTELSARDO After breakfast we ll be transferring to Sassari, the second largest city on the island. We will visit the downtown Piazza d Italia - classified as one of the most beautiful Italian squares. Lunch is at your leisure before driving to Castelsardo. On the way we ll stop to visit the beautiful Romanic church of Saccargia. Accommodation tonight is at

5 hotel Janus. We ll take the local mini bus up to the top of the castle for the magnificent views. Dinner is at a local fish restaurant next to the castle, also with stunning views. B/D Day 15 AGGIUS This morning the group will transfer to Tempio for a lunch stop. Along the way we will visit the village of Perfugas, with its cathedral and the largest Spanish retablo in Sardinia (altarpiece, XV century), constituted of 54 painted works. Then we ll continue to Aggius where the group will visit the Ethnic Museum and Bandits Museum. Accommodation tonight is at a farm stay The Hotel Muto di Gallura hosted by husband and wife Gianfranco & Franscesca. For dinner you will enjoy a typical Sardinian meal in the hotel. All of the food and wine provided during your stay will have been produced and made on site at the farm. During dinner, enjoy a little traditional music and singing. B/D Day 16 AGGIUS & SURROUNDS After breakfast the group will take a tour of the farm before driving to Mount Limbara for some light and easy trekking. This involves about 4kms mainly down hill as the bus will drop us off at the top and meet us for a picnic lunch half way down. Hopefully, nature will come good and show us her flourishing colours and perfumes. Lunch will be a picnic pack provided by the hotel. Time permitting we ll visit the cork factory in nearby Tempio before heading back for dinner at the farm, Muto di Gallura. B/L/D Day 17 SANTA TERESA Today we will head to the very pretty village of Luogosanto before proceeding to Arzachena to visit the ancient Giants Tombs and the Nuraghe La Prisgiona. Then on to Baja Sardinia for lunch and time/weather permitting, a swim in the beautiful waters. Post lunch we will drive to Bear Rock a 15 minute climb up hill for those up to it. The views from the top are extraordinary. The group will then drive to the stunning township of Santa Teresa where you will check in to the Hotel Moderno, close to the piazza. Make sure you have a stroll around this beautiful township s square and nearby beach. Dinner at a local seafood restaurant. B/D Day 18 SANTA TERESA BONIFACIO, CORSICA Today we say goodbye to our guide Aldo & driver and depart Sardinia. Transfer to the port for our 10.00am ferry to the French governed island of Corsica, birth place of Napoleon Bonaparte. On arrival into the cliff side township of Bonifacio, we will be welcomed by our guide at the pier. You ll take the short transfer to the hotel and then enjoy a guided visit around the high town ascending on the mini train. There s a boat excursion to discover the caves of Bonifacio. You won t believe the colour of the water.(note, your transport throughout Corsica will be a smaller style mini coach given the many mountain passes on narrow roads and narrow old city streets). Dinner is at a local restaurant near the hotel. B/D Day 19 BONIFACIO Today the group will take the road to Bavella. The drive is a highlight itself with dramatic rock formations and colours from most delicate red to the darkest grey and sprinkled with giant Laricio pines. The most beautiful panoramas on the Bavella Needles can be seen at the passed called Col de Bavella (1218m high) inside the regional reserve. We ll stop at the Col to discover the Trou of the bomb. We ll have lunch in a typical Auberge at the Col of Bavella and return via some villages before arriving in Ajaccio. Check in to your hotel (small rooms but comfortable and very well located) where we will spend three nights. B/L Day 20 AJACCIO After breakfast you ll discover the panoramic view of the Sanguinaires islands, before returning to Ajaccio for a guided tour and some free time. After lunch, enjoy the handicraft markets around Ajaccio and visit the distillery of essential oils made from medicinal aromatic plants. We will also get to taste different varieties of nougat at a factory and visit a Corsican vineyard where we can try some of the local drop! Dinner tonight is in a family inn in the village of Cuttoli, about 30 minutes drive from your hotel. B/D Day 21 AJACCIO / PORTO After breakfast we head north for a day trip to the Gulf of Porto, classified by UNESCO. The road through the Gorges of Spelunca offers a wonderful parade of rocky granite. The foot of the high rock faces Porto. We ll have lunch in a restaurant on the heights of Porto and take a boat excursion to discover Scandola Reserve. Then, we ll continue through the Piana and the village of Cargèse. The village is situated on the Punta di Cargese. It is dominated by the bell towers of its two remarkable Roman Catholic Churches. Return to the hotel. B/L Day 22 AJACCIO / CORTE / CALVI Today we depart for the beautiful mountain village of Corte (the old capital) at the foot of the Monte d' Oro. On the way we will pass through the villages of Venaco, renowned for its cheese and Vivario. In Corté we will visit the unique citadel along with the Museum of Corsica. Lunch is at your leisure and then in the afternoon, we ll continue to Calvi, taking the road of the Balanina. On arrival into Calvi we will take a guided tour. Check in to the hotel where we will stay for two nights. Dinner is a short walk from the hotel. B/D

6 Day 23 CALVI This morning is free to explore the old, walled city of Calvi or to go to the beach. After lunch, we will transfer to the Parc of Saleccia with the main objective of learning about the flora of the region. Then we will stop in the small harbour of Ile Rousse. For a few years, the city was called "Vaux" after the Comte of Vaux who, in 1768, had achieved the conquest of Corsica. The group will then visit the villages of high Balagne, Corbara and St Antonino. Dinner is at a restaurant near the hotel. B/D Day 24 CALVI / MURATO / BASTIA We will depart the hotel for Saint-Michel, the famous Chapel of Murato, about 1km from the village centre. Then we ll visit a farm to meet the farmer and see his animals and their Corsican rural way of life. The group will visit Murato s old quarters with its bakers ovens and washhouses: the Muratu Suttanu, Lunch, included today, is in a family inn at the village and then in the afternoon we will drive to Bastia where we will spend two nights. Spend a few hours walking to the citadel and then dining at Veiux Port if you can fit dinner in! Note that to get to the citadel you ll need to climb many stairs but the view is spectacular. B/L Day 25 BASTIA CAP CORSE After breakfast we ll visit the Cap Corse with its rocky terrain, crystal clear waters and quaint villages. One such village is Erbalunga, a charming village with its genovese tower built in the 16th century. En route we will visit the villages of Luri, Sant Lucie pass, Pino and Nonza. The only access to the sea in Nonza is its black pebble beach. Lunch will be at your leisure and then we ll take the road to Saint Florent (pictured). We ll return to Bastia late in the afternoon taking in the Col of Teghime along the way. A farewell dinner is included at a local restaurant tonight, to recap on our wonderful memories. B/D Day 26 BASTIA / NICE Today the group has an early morning flight from Bastia to Nice. The guide will say good bye at that time. On arrival in Nice, you will be collected by coach and transferred to your hotel. Day at leisure to stroll the promenade or relax. Note this section of the tour is unguided and unhosted. We will give you some tips on what to see and do. B Day 27 DEPARTURE This morning is free to explore Nice (unguided/unhosted). There will be a group departure for the airport around 1.00pm. Depart for Dubai, then fly back to Australia. Your flight is EK078 departing 15.55hrs (to be confirmed). B Day 28 ARRIVE HOME Malta, Sardinia and Corsica 2019 Tour cost inclusions and exclusions. *NOTE: This itinerary is based on our previous tour. It is likely that minor changes will be made. Please check the Blue Dot Travel website regularly for the most up to date version. The total cost for the 2019 tour will be confirmed 12 months from departure. The cost of the above comprehensive 27 day itinerary is extremely good value at $13,690 ex Australia (Sydney). The cost includes all air-fares (International and internal); transfers between terminals and hotels; hotel and airport portage; all ground travel throughout the region using airconditioned motor-coaches or mini buses depending on numbers. Also included are the entry fees to all places of interest including museums and monuments mentioned in the program plus the services of English speaking guides. Tariff is on a twin-share basis; a single supplement is available for an extra $1,150. If less than 10 persons apply the tour may proceed but without an Australian host. The tour group would be accompanied only by a local English speaking guide in each country. It is possible to fly on to another destination after the tour, let us know if you would like us to help. We can also quote business class international airfares if you prefer to fly at the pointy end of the plane! $250 secures your place on this wonderful trip. Please refer to the booking form. A partial payment will also be required when we lock in your international airfares. The full tariff less deposit and any interim payment is due 60 days prior to departure. You must refer to the terms and conditions attached to this itinerary and available on our website prior to making a decision to travel. Services included: All accommodation on a twin share basis All breakfasts and one other meal each day (some lunches and some dinners as listed) All transfers while overseas Air conditioned mini bus and drive including insurance and petrol when touring in-country English speaking guides for most of the sight seeing Australian tour host subject to minimum numbers being met (10) All entrance fees for museums and places of interest International economy flights plus ferry transfers Services not included: Meals not listed on the itinerary All drinks not listed in the itinerary Any entry visas if required Any government taxes if required Personal expenses Tips Domestic Australian transfers Optional day in Malta If you have any questions please call us on

7 BLUE DOT TRAVEL TERMS AND CONDITIONS As at January 15, Booking and payment terms To register your interest in a tour, a non-refundable deposit of $250 and a completed booking form must be received and acknowledged by Blue Dot Travel (BDT). Approximately 4-8 weeks after your booking has been confirmed we will require a non-refundable progress payment of $2,000 towards your tour. Your final payment becomes due 75 days prior to departure. On certain tours we may be required to book special cruises, ferries, expedition ships, pre-paid entrance fees, special permits, internal flights, etc which may require an additional payment, in which case you will be advised when we accept your booking. Flight class upgrades require payment at the time of booking. If payments are not paid by the due date, the booking will be considered cancelled. Higher deposit payments are required for late bookings please refer to your consultant at the time of booking. A guarantee of full payment is required at the time of booking for all bookings received within 4 weeks of departure. We reserve the right to amend our prices for any tour, without notice, at any time up until final payment has been made by you, in the event of exchange rate fluctuations, increases in fuel costs, airport charges, airfares or increase in other service provider s fees. It is the traveller s duty to ensure they have checked the most up to date travel itinerary prior to the tour departure. These are available on our website. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars and must be paid in Australian dollars. For payments by credit card we add 1.1% to cover merchant fees. No credit card fee is applied to your $250 deposit. 2. Single supplement/sharing accommodation A booking may be accepted on a share room basis on the condition that the person requesting the share reservation agrees that we accept no responsibility for any incompatibility between the persons sharing. Regardless, no guarantee is given that a share room will be available. If not available, at the time of final payment you agree to pay the single supplement. If you choose to pay a single supplement for a tour and due to non-availability of a single room at one or more destinations, a single room cannot be provided, a refund for the single supplement component will be made for any night that a single room was not available. A single supplement means you will receive a room by yourself. The size of the room may (or may not) differ to that of a standard twin or double room. 3. Compulsory Travel Insurance Personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price. Every effort is made to ensure the safety of all participants, however, we insist that you take out a personal travel Insurance policy as a condition of us accepting you on the tour. Each traveller is responsible for ensuring they have the correct level of cover for their individual circumstances. It is the traveller s responsibility to check that your insurance policy (especially those offered by your credit card company), covers you comprehensively for the entirety of the tour you have booked on. You must read your travel insurance PDS with an emphasis on what is and what is not covered. Your travel insurance must be in place before your first instalment is made. In the event of cancellation after flights have been booked, any airfares or other non-refundable interim payments made to BDT, will be forfeited. You may be able to claim this on your travel insurance depending on the circumstances. 4. Discounts Any early bird discount offered, cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount applied such as a regular customer discount. 5. Client responsibilities The client acknowledges and agrees that the tours offered by BDT may be adventurous in nature and that he or she travels at his/her own risk. A minimum level of fitness is required to be able to participate on a BDT. You must be able to walk at least one thousand metres at a reasonable pace without requiring a stop, be able to carry at least your own bags and be able to walk at least up three flights of stairs unassisted. It is the client s own responsibility to obtain and maintain any appropriate travel documents, eg, a valid passport, any valid visas, permits, vaccination certificate or the like. The client has an obligation to disclose to BDT any pre-existing medical condition or allergies when booking the tour and the company reserves its right to refuse a booking with a client suffering from any such condition. The client also has an obligation to carry their own medical needs including legal prescription medicines and basic medical kit. For client s choosing to make land only bookings with BDT, the client will have sole responsibility for managing their own flights and changes to these flights before and whilst on tour including all necessary transfers, hotels etc. BDT does not accept any responsibility for any loss, delay or additional expenses incurred in a delay in joining the tour. 6. Tour amendments and cancellations Amendments and cancellations must be notified in writing to our office. Should you wish to amend your flights after booking there will be financial penalties applied by the airlines depending on the flight class. BDT may charge $150 admin fee for flight changes over and above the airlines fees. If a cancellation is received: More than 75 days before departure, then the non-refundable deposit and progress payment will be forfeited along with any other prepaid portions of your tour such as special cruises, ferries, expedition ships, pre-paid entrance fees, special permits, flights, etc. Between 75 and 31 days before departure, a fee of 50% of the tour cost, less any non-refundable monies paid. 30 days or less before departure, 100% of the tour cost will be forfeited. Depending on the reason for cancellation, these charges may be recoverable under your travel insurance policy. Example of cancellation costs at 60 days Tour cost $10,000 Deposit paid (non-refundable) $250 Progress payment paid (non-refundable) $2,000 Balance of tour cost $7,750 Tour refund at 50% $3,875 Upon commencement of the trip, no refunds will be made for any reason, for unused section(s). If BDT deems it to be appropriate to cancel any tour due to factors beyond its control, such as civil unrest, natural disaster or other emergencies in the areas to be visited, prior to departure when client trust funds have, or could reasonably be expected to have been expended on purchasing elements of the tour, i.e. domestic and international flights, hotel accommodation among other things, then BDT will refund all monies that can be recovered from the recipients of those expenses, without entering into any legal dispute, this being the limit of its obligations. BDT is only obliged to cancel a tour if the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade issue a travel warning stating Do Not Travel. 7. Client Numbers BDT s general policy is to have no more than 16 clients on any tour unless otherwise stated. If less than 10 people are booked on any tour, the trip may proceed without a host accompanying the group. This will be at the discretion of BDT. An in-country guide will still be provided in these circumstances. Should there be too few people booked for any tour, we reserve the right to cancel the tour no later than 90 days before scheduled departure. In this event, a full refund will be made, and BDT will not be liable for any claims made or any additional costs incurred by you including but not limited to flights, transfers and permits paid directly by you. Page 1 of 2

8 BLUE DOT TRAVEL TERMS AND CONDITIONS As at January 15, Itinerary Changes We reserve the right to vary the itinerary, accommodation and forms of transport should any conditions make it preferable, appropriate or necessary to do so. We will provide alternative services as close as possible to those listed. Wherever possible we shall advise you of such changes prior to departure, however we accept no responsibility for any alterations made for any reason, or for any associated loss or damage. If any additional expenses are incurred through delays, accidents, or disruption of planned itineraries because of force majeure or if it considered advisable by our management, such expenses are to be borne by you. It is possible that a route change could be necessary due to inclement weather, political restrictions or any other cause. Route changes will always be at the discretion of the group leader and the local operator. We will not be responsible for postponement or delay caused by delayed flights or schedule changes at any point in tour. No refund will be available in the event of any route or itinerary changes including hotel accommodation. 9. Exclusions Items not included in our tour costs Your personal travel insurance (which is compulsory). Any tourist visas required. Special fees/taxes incurred by local governments and airlines. Transfers not included on the core group s itinerary, for example when you arrive separately from a different destination or using different airline to that booked by BDT. Domestic Australian transfers unless specified on the itinerary. Seat preferences where additional costs apply. Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, and all items of a personal nature. Mountain, road or river rescue or any other emergency evacuation charges. Expenses incurred as a result of illness and any other un foreseen situations and events. Expenses incurred in cases of personal liability, injury or death if you have been participating in optional activities. Excess baggage charges. Loss incurred by rerouting, cancellation, inclement weather, floods, famine, political disruptions, strikes, riots and other disturbances. Meals not stipulated in the itinerary. Alcoholic drinks and other beverages unless stated in the itinerary. Tips to guides, drivers or service personnel on tour. Photography and video fees (where applicable). 10. Blue Dot Travel s rights BDT reserves the right to exclude a client from any tour if they fail to comply with our fair and reasonable instructions while on tour, if they prevent or impede other clients enjoyment of a tour, if they jeopardise the safety of other clients, if they engage in illegal or undesirable behaviour, or if they become a danger to themselves or other clients. If this happens, the client will not be entitled to a refund and BDT will not be responsible for any expenses that the traveller may incur if they are excluded from a tour for any of these or other unforeseen reasons. 11. Consumer Claims If a problem occurs while you are away, it is essential and most practical to try to resolve it locally with the tour host and or guide or tour provider. If you are unhappy with your hotel room, please inform the Duty Manager so the situation may be rectified on the spot. If you have any other complaint, please advise us promptly so that we can attempt to resolve the matter. If you fail to take these steps any claim for compensation may be reduced or denied. If you have an unresolved complaint this must be put to us in writing advising details of the efforts, if any, that were made with the tour host, guide or local operator to resolve the issue. Please send this with supporting documentation within 30 days of return to Australia. No claim made after this period will be considered save to the extent that the law otherwise provides. 12. Photo Competitions If you provide us with a photo from the tour in relation to our on-tour photo competitions, you are providing us approval to use the image in our newsletters, website, social media sites and other promotional material. This is a condition of entry to our on-tour photos competitions. 13. Social Media From time to time, usually whilst on tour, BDT will post photos and videos to the BDT Facebook page and other BDT social media sites. These may include images of individuals and groups of individuals who are on the tour. These are available for anyone to see when they log in to the BDT Facebook or relevant social media site page. Should you not wish to have your image posted on any of these social media sites, you must advise us on or before departure of the tour. Otherwise, you are deemed to have consented to the inclusion of any such material. DISCLAIMER BY BOOKING AGENT (Blue Dot Travel, ACN ) 1. These booking conditions cannot exclude the provisions of the Competition & Consumer Act 2010 or of any relevant State Act or Australian Consumer law. 2. Under these Acts BDT is required to pro vide services to you with due care and skill and to provide services which are reasonable for a particular purpose if you have made that purpose known. The Acts provide a right to compensation in appropriate cases. 3. BDT gives notice that it acts as agent only for our tours, and of all other persons and companies who provide the services outlined in this itinerary and in connection with any tour for which you book and that this contract is between the client and the in-country operator. 4. BDT warrants that its services as a tour direct seller/retailer and booking agent will be rendered with due care and skill. 5. BDT does not state that the route suggested or recommended in the itinerary for any tour is the best or more suitable from any particular point of view. 6. Any maps in the itinerary and other documents are for information only, and may not necessarily show the exact routings. 7. In promoting the tours outlined in our itineraries BDT acts as agents for each travel supplier and their associated companies and contractors, therefore: - all tours outlined in this itinerary, and all tickets, vouchers and documents issued by BDT are subject to the terms and conditions of the persons and companies for whom BDT are agents - all tickets and coupons or vouchers issued by BDT and all arrangements for transport or conveyance or accommodation, are made by BDT as agents for such others persons and companies and are made at your request on the express conditions that BDT shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned whether by reason of defect in any vehicle or mode of transportation, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in carrying passengers or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour or otherwise in connection with the tour or of any provider of any accommodation to provide any facility normally available. - BDT is not responsible for any default, omission, negligence or other act our suppliers and the contractors associated with them. - BDT is not responsible for losses or additional expenses due to delays or changes in transportation services, other services, sickness, accident, injury, weather, strikes, war, civil unrest or disturbance, riots, quarantine or other causes. 8. These terms and conditions cannot be altered or waived by any servant, agent or representative of BDT or of any person providing services on the tour other than in writing signed by BDT. Page 2 of 2

9 BOOKING FORM By paying your deposit, you accept Blue Dot Travel s terms and conditions displayed on our website. TOUR NAME:... Tour Departure Date:... Today s Date:... YOUR DETAILS Passenger 1: Passenger 2: Preferred Name:... Preferred Name:... Full Name (as shown on passport):... Full Name (as shown on passport):... Mr/Mrs/Ms/Dr Mr/Mrs/Ms/Dr First Name Surname First Name Surname Date of Birth:... Date of Birth:... Postal Address:... Postal Address: P/Code:......P/Code:... Home Ph: ( )... Home Ph: ( )... Work Ph: ( )... Work Ph: ( )... Mobile:... Mobile: Passport Number:... Passport Number:... Nationality:... Nationality:... Date of Issue:... Date of Expiry:... Date of Issue:...Date of Expiry:... Important: please photocopy and post or scan & your passport details to us. Accommodation Needs: Double Room Twin Share Single Room (at additional cost) Dietary/Special Needs:... Emergency Contact: Name:... Who will be in Australia while you are travelling. Phone 1: ( )... Phone 2: ( )... Travel Insurance: Provider Name:... Policy Number:... Personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price and we insist that you take out a policy as a condition of us accepting you on the tour. You must be able to walk at least 1000 metres at a reasonable pace without requiring a stop, be able to carry at least your own bags and be able to walk up at least three flights of stairs unassisted. Signature 1:... Signature 2:... Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to keep up with the group while travelling? Yes No How did you hear about us?... PAYMENT To register your interest in a tour, a non-refundable deposit of $250 and a completed booking form must be received and acknowledged by Blue Dot Travel. Approx 4-8 weeks after your booking has been confirmed we will require a non refundable progress payment of $2,000 per person towards your tour. Your final payment becomes due 75 days prior to departure. There are three payment options: 1 Credit Card: Please call (02) or complete and fax/post to Blue Dot Travel. If paying balance by credit card we add 1.1% to cover merchant fees. (Note: merchant fee is not applied to your $250 deposit.) Mastercard Visa Name on Card:... Card Number: Expiry Date: / Amount to Pay: $250 (p/p)... Signature of Card Holder:... 2 EFT Payment $250 (p/p) Please use your surname as a reference when making payment. Account Name: Blue Dot Travel Trust Account BSB: Account Number: Cheque $250 (p/p) Please make cheque payable to Blue Dot Travel Trust Account and post to address opposite, with this completed form. THANK YOU. We look forward to welcoming you. By paying your deposit, you accept Blue Dot Travel s terms and conditions displayed on our website. Blue Dot Travel Phone Fax Suite 109, Ground Floor, 48 Atchison Street, St.Leonards NSW 2065 BDT012018