TAILOR MADE CAMBODIA NOVEMBER 8 12, The 2015 DASIL Post-Congress Trip to Cambodia

Transcription

1 TAILOR MADE CAMBODIA NOVEMBER 8 12, 2015 The 2015 DASIL Post-Congress Trip to Cambodia

2 ITINERARY PREPARED FOR The 2015 DASIL Post-Congress Trip to Cambodia TAILOR MADE CAMBODIA NOVEMBER 8 12, 2015 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 ARRIVE SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA Your journey begins as you arrive into Siem Reap, Cambodia. After passing through Immigration and Customs you are met by your Abercrombie & Kent representative and transferred by private vehicle to your historic hotel. Note: The current cost for obtaining a Cambodian visa on arrival is USD $30.00 (subject to change without notice) and you will need 2 passport sized photos. First established in 1929, Raffles Grand Hotel d Angkor was totally restored and refurbished by Raffles International in It now takes its place among the grand historic hotels of the world with its elegant accommodations, award winning services and state of the art facilities all in a relaxed atmosphere with Cambodian hospitality and Angkorian overtones. Accommodation: Raffles Grand Hotel d'angkor (Landmark Garden View Room OR Landmark Pool View Room) MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9 SIEM REAP B Journey to Ta Prohm temple as it rises in the golden light of early morning, exploring it at leisure before other visitors arrive. Ta Prohm, which is for many visitors, the romantic experience of Angkor. Its modern name, meaning Old Brahma, is quite inaccurate, as the temple was built by Jayavarman as a Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary. One of the most spectacular effects of the forest s encroachment of Ta Phrom is the way trees have grown into and around the towers and galleries. This temple has been featured in several Hollywood movies such as Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones and Two Brothers. Afterwards you return to your hotel for a late breakfast. You then drive outskirt of Siem Reap to visit Banteay Srei. En route you have a chance to see farmer activities, which in some obvious aspects, stands apart from the other monuments of the Angkor region. Relatively isolated, 13 miles north east of the main temple group, Banteay Srei is built in pink sandstone rather than the more usual gray, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy and is one of the very few temples that was not endowed by royalty. It was, in fact, built by Yajnavaraha, a Brahmin priest and key figure at court in the 10 th century. You also have an opportunity to meet local villagers and see how they produce their commodities.

3 Time permitting; on the way back you stop and visit Banteay Samre. Banteay Samre temple is approximately 1,312 feet east of East Baray, 1 mile from Pradak village and south of the road from Pradak to Phnom Bok. The temple was built in the middle of the 12 th century by King Suryavar-man II, it is dedicated to Visnu Brahmaninsm. The proportions of Banteay Samre are splendid. A unique feature is an interior moat with laterite paving, which when filled with water must have given an ethereal atmosphere to the temple. All of the structures around the moat are on a raised base with horizontal moldings, decorated in some areas with figures framed by lotus buds. You also visit Sam s Brothers Clean water project, an A&K Philanthropy project that provides local communities with clean water. This evening you embark on a private one hour sunset cruise in a beautiful Khmer boat rowing along the moat of the South Gate of Angkor Thom. As you cruise along enjoy a sunset view reflecting from the water while sipping cocktail over canapés. (This is an optional excursion. Not included in tour cost). Accommodation: Raffles Grand Hotel d'angkor (Landmark Garden View Room OR Landmark Pool View Room) TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 SIEM REAP B You rise early this morning to witness the beautiful sunrise over the wonderful ruins of Angkor Wat by Remork (tuk tuk). This is a glorious example of classical Khmer architecture, which is regarded by many as the quintessential Angkor experience. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones and sculptures. Continue in deep details led by local expert guide to explore the religious citadels of Angkor Wat is the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture and one of Asia's most magnificent archaeological ruins. Constructed under the reign of Suryavarman II ( ), Angkor Wat is covering an area 480 acres encircled by an enclosure wall nearly four miles long. Angkor Wat is a representation of the Hindu cosmology and is dedicated to the god Vishnu. The five towers of Angkor Wat are the representation of the five peaks of Mount Meru, home of the gods and centre of the Hindu universe. The temple s greatest sculptural treasure is its 1 mile long bas-relief that wraps around the walls of the outer gallery along with the 2,000 figures of Khmer Devas and Apsaras. Surprisingly, it was finished in less than 40 years by innumerable laborers, master builders and stonemasons. The king actually lived to see it finished. Return to hotel for late breakfast. After breakfast you take a remork to visit a local monastery to meet monks with alms offering following by a blessing ceremony to earn merits in the Buddhist tradition.

4 You also visit Tonle Sap Lake (Great Lake) to observe local life as it unfolds along the floating villages that dot the shoreline. Tonle Sap Lake is one of the area s unique geographical wonders, as it offers visitors insights into the centuries-old traditions of riparian life and the natural splendor of the country. Lastly, stroll around the craft center of Artisan d Angkor - a school for underprivileged youngsters where they are taught the ancient crafts of wood and stone carving, creating lacquerware, painting and silk weaving. Many of the students crafts are offered for sale in the school store, ranging from beautiful silks and stunning lacquerware to elegant stone and wood carvings. All the proceeds go towards the running of the school. Accommodation: Raffles Grand Hotel d'angkor (Landmark Garden View Room OR Landmark Pool View Room) WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 SIEM REAP B D This morning you begin your exploration of the archaeological treasures of Angkor Wat, seat of the once mighty Angkor Empire and one of the world s greatest travel destinations. (Please Note: visitors are required to have their photo taken on-site before being allowed admittance into the Angkor Wat complex.) Angkor's hundred or so temples constitute the sacred skeleton of a spectacular administrative and religious center whose houses, public buildings and palaces were constructed of wood -- now long decayed -- because the right to dwell in structures of brick or stone was reserved for the gods. You begin at the mysterious Bayon Temple, which was constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. This temple complex marks the exact center of Angkor Thom, making it the most venerated of the city s temples. The structure is considered by most Angkor specialists to be one of the finest examples of classical Khmer architecture. Situated in front of the east entry tower of the enclosing wall at the Royal Palace is the Terrace of the Elephants. It has three platforms and shows signs of having been rebuilt and added to. The south stairway is framed with three-headed elephants gathering lotus flowers with their trunks, which form columns. The Terrace of the Leper King is supported by a base which is over 80 feet long. The sides are faced in sandstone and decorated with bas-reliefs, which are divided into several registers. The original statue of the Leper King can be found in the courtyard of the National Museum in Phnom Penh. The iconography of the so-called Leper King is uncertain. Some historians think the figure represents Kubera, god of wealth, who allegedly was a leper. Following lunch at your leisure you visit the Roluos Group, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (Reign ). These ninth century constructions launched classical Khmer architecture with several fundamental innovations. The Roluos Group is comprised of three temples located closely together: LoLei, Preah Ko and Bakong temples. Your first stop is LoLei temple, surrounded by the first reservoir used for irrigation. Created by Indravarman I, it revolutionized Khmer hydrology. You then go to Preah Ko, where the six brick

5 towers constructed in 879 are dedicated to the worship of not only Shiva and Gauri, but the ancestors of the king. Afterwards you continue on to visit the remaining temple of the group, Bakong temple. From here you can enjoy an oxcart ride to Prey Monty village, located three miles to the west of Bakong temple. Along the way you discover the daily life of Khmer people. This evening you enjoy a farewell dinner at one of these three venues: Khmer Athakorn House includes: Welcome dance traditional musical upon your arrival Selection of 5 courses either Khmer Set Menu, or Western Set Menu Pre-dinner cocktail for 30 minutes with feather free flow of soft drinks, chilled juices, Angkor beer, house wine (white & red), and house spirit, with canapés Free flow for 3 hours after pre-dinner cocktail feather for soft drink, chilled juices, Angkor beer, house wine (white & red), and house spirit Stage Performance Music with 1 Cambodian Traditional Instrument (Roneath) 5 sets of Cambodian traditional performance Theme tables set up with flower centerpieces and candle light Full team of catering services Menu printed for each client with attached with company logo Torch light and candle light a long pathways Thommanon Temple includes: Welcome dance traditional musical upon your arrival at temple Selection of 5 courses either Khmer Set Menu, or Western Set Menu Pre-dinner cocktail for 30 minutes with feather free flow of soft drinks, chilled juices, Angkor beer, house wine (white & red), and house spirit, with canapés Free flow for 3 hours after pre-dinner cocktail feather for soft drink, chilled juices, Angkor beer, house wine (white & red), and house spirit Stage Performance Music with 1 Cambodian Traditional Instrument (Roneath) 5 sets of Cambodian traditional performance Theme tables set up with flower centerpieces and candle light Full team of catering services Menu printed for each client with attached with company logo Torch light and candle light a long pathways Apsara Terrace at Raffles Grand Hotel d'angkor includes: Private use of Apsara Terrace Asian BBQ Buffet or deluxe set menu 2 hour drinks during dinner including house wine, Angkor beer, juices, soft drinks and water Cambodian Traditional performance (5 shows) with Bokator-Khmer martial art Table set up with lotus flower centerpieces Torch lights under the table Tea light candles along walk way and around dinner area CD background music Staffing with traditional uniform Accommodation: Raffles Grand Hotel d'angkor (Landmark Garden View Room OR Landmark Pool View Room) THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 DEPART SIEM REAP B

6 Your journey comes to an end as you are met and transferred by private vehicle to the airport in preparation for your homebound flight. IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING PASSPORTS AND VISAS Please note: U.S. passports holders must have in their possession a signed, valid passport that will remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the completion of this trip. Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages (excluding amendment pages) available for entry and exit stamps. If you are not a citizen of the United States, your entry requirements may vary please contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited and obtain the specific requirements for entry.

7 TERMS & CONDITIONS THE PRICE OF YOUR TRAVEL PROGRAM INCLUDES: Accommodations As shown in the itinerary, based on double triple single occupancy rooms with private bath or shower. Meals Bottled water included during sightseeing. As indicated in the itinerary; B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Transfers Private vehicle, unless indicated in the itinerary otherwise. At international airports passengers cannot be met on arrival (or assisted with departure) inside secured areas (including Immigration, Customs Halls and Baggage Claim areas). On arrival your A&K representative (holding an A&K signboard) will greet you as you exit these restricted sectors. Baggage Handling The vehicle can accommodate up to one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. If you intend to travel with additional luggage, please advise your A&K Travel Consultant prior to departure in order to arrange for a larger vehicle. Any additional cost will be advised. While travelling, if larger vehicles with larger storage capacity are needed, you will be advised of the additional cost and asked to pay locally. Southeast Asia Economy - Checked baggage one piece per person with a maximum weight of 44 lbs Business - Checked baggage one piece per person with a maximum weight of 66 lbs Domestic flights within Cambodia and international flights on Bangkok Airways allow only 10 pounds for carry-on bags. All other flights allow 15.5 pounds for carry-on bags. Luggage weight restrictions on commercial flights may vary. To ensure that you have the most accurate information, we recommend that you check with the issuing carrier with whom you booked your flights, regarding their specific baggage restrictions. BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED, for reasons of safety as well as the physical capacity of the aircraft. If your luggage is overweight, you will incur considerable extra costs and your bags can be delayed as they may not travel with you. While Abercrombie & Kent will endeavor to protect your property, baggage, personal effects and other possessions are carried at your own risk. Baggage Protection is strongly advised. Sightseeing Sightseeing arrangements have been made with your special interests in mind. All sightseeing excursions and entrance fees are included as detailed in your itinerary. Every effort has been made to confirm that scheduled sightseeing venues will be open at the time you plan to visit them. However, individual estates, museums, gardens and other points of interest can change their hours of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular attraction is closed on the day or time of your visit, your guide will offer alternative arrangements.

8 Guides The services of professional English-speaking drivers and guides (or driver-guide, depending on location), as detailed in your itinerary. Guides and driver-guides are restricted to work eight hours per day. Should you require additional time or mileage that is not in the itinerary; costs will be quoted on request and paid for locally. Surface Transportation Surface transportation for all transfers and scheduled sightseeing has been included as outlined in your itinerary, using private vehicles (in some destinations, four-wheel-drive as required). Air Transportation n/a Taxes, Service Charges Hotel taxes and service charges imposed for accommodations and services specified in the itinerary. THE PRICE OF YOUR TRAVEL PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDE: Cost of obtaining passports or visas Cost of any required or recommended vaccinations or other health precautions Any international or internal scheduled airfares (unless specified in Inclusions ) Airport departure taxes Excess baggage or shipping charges Meals (other than those stated in Inclusions ) or room service charges Personal items such as drinks; laundry; telephone or fax charges; traveller s Guest Protection; equipment rental Excess mileage carried out at the request of the participants Additional driver-guide services Incidentals during your stay Any other expense not mentioned in The price of your travel program INCLUDES section. Air Transportation Airfares are not included in the Tailor Made tour cost. Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC has special agreements with many carriers and can offer quotations from any gateway. Please ask your Travel Consultant about our special fares. All international and internal air quotes are subject to change and can carry penalties and surcharges, until final payment has been received by A&K. Flight confirmation is based on availability. Please note that certain airfares are subject to a service fee. Air reservations will not be confirmed until a passport copy is received by A&K. Optional Expenses Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services or other optional additions to your established itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally. Gratuities You are travelling on an independent itinerary, and the cost of your program does not include gratuities. Please refer to the destination information provided for tipping guidelines. Dining With Your Guide On days when dinner has not been included in your itinerary (or in your tour cost), you may, at your discretion, choose to invite your guide to dine with your party. You are under no obligation to do so but, if you do extend such an invitation, the guide is your guest and you will be responsible for the cost of his/her meal.

9 BOOKING CONDITIONS Payment A deposit of 25% of the total tour cost is required at the time your booking is received. The balance of payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Reservations received less than 120 days prior to departure must be paid in full at the time the booking is received. Additional deposits may need to be collected, if applicable exceptions are listed below. Cancellation Cancellations received by A&K for Tailor Made programs are subject to the following penalties: 121 days or more $500 per person days 20% of the tour price days 50% of the tour price 60 days or less 100% of the tour price INTERNAL AIR: 100% non-refundable Additional cancellation penalties may apply above and beyond those noted above if your tour is inclusive of a stay at certain properties and/or for certain services or fees. Please review the list of properties and their specific cancellation penalties noted below. GUEST PROTECTION PROGRAM We offer a travel Guest Protection policy through Aon Affinity / Berkely Travel including trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical, baggage, and emergency medical evacuation coverage. In order for the coverage to include the Pre-existing Condition waiver, it must be purchased within 14 days of making your trip deposit. PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges. Rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars on the current rate of exchange and tariff as of January, 2015 A&K reserves the right to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, taxes and V.A.T. received after prices are quoted and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. A&K is under no obligation to give a breakdown in costs of any journey. Additional expenses incurred due to change, delay or cancellation of any flights, or any delays or events beyond A&K s control, will be the responsibility of the client. Flights are occasionally subject to overbooking or cancellation. If this occurs, Abercrombie & Kent s correspondent companies will do all possible to assist clients in boarding or finding alternate arrangements. IT MUST BE STRESSED THAT THIS IS DONE AS A COURTESY TO CLIENTS, AND ABERCROMBIE & KENT CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR DENIED BOARDING, NOR FOR THE ADDITIONAL COSTS THUS INCURRED, NOR FOR MONIES NOT RECOVERED FOR MISSED LAND ARRANGEMENTS DUE TO AIRLINE DELAYS. Abercrombie & Kent, Inc. and their representatives reserve the right to withdraw any tour or any part of it, to make alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary or desirable, to refuse to accept or retain as a member of the tour any person at any time, and to pass onto tour members any expenditures or losses caused by delays or events beyond its control.

10 LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT S RESPONSIBILITY Abercrombie & Kent, USA, LLC, its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents and assigns (collectively A&K), does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip. It purchases transportation (by aircraft, coach, train, vessel or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant, ground handling and other services from various independent suppliers (including from time to time other affiliated Abercrombie & Kent companies). All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, A&K is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such person or entity or of any third person. In addition and without limitation, A&K is not responsible for any injury, financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure, illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time. There are many inherent risks in adventure travel of the type involved here, which can lead to illness, injury, or even death. These risks are increased by the fact that these trips take place in remote locations, far from medical facilities. Passenger assumes all such risks associated with participating in these trips. TRAVEL ADVISORIES AND WARNINGS It is the responsibility of the traveller to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U. S. State Department s travel website at travel.state.gov or by phone at In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location(s) of the trip, should the traveller still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, the traveller assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against. ARBITRATION AGREEMENT Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions, to the Limits on Abercrombie & Kent s Responsibility clause, to the brochure, to any information relating in any way to the trip, to the trip itself, or to any products or services related to the trip, shall be settled solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in Chicago, Illinois in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, except that (a) in lieu of a personal appearance at arbitration, the arbitration may be conducted by telephonic means, (b) arbitration is the exclusive forum for dispute resolution (no court actions), and (c) except as otherwise provided by statute, each party shall bear its own costs and expenses and an equal share of the arbitrator and administrative fees. TRAVELLER S REPRESENTATIONS The traveller represents that neither he nor she nor anyone travelling with him or her has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or herself or other members of the tour. A&K reserves the right to decline to accept anyone on a trip, and to remove from the trip, at his or her sole expense, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers on the trip. ANY PAYMENT TO ABERCROMBIE & KENT CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN AND IN MORE SPECIFIC PRE-DEPARTURE PASSENGER DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING THE PERSONAL INFORMATION FORM. Abercrombie & Kent accepts all major credit cards.

11 ONE NAME: ONE UNPARALLELED STANDARD WORLDWIDE Throughout, you ll see references to Abercrombie & Kent (or simply A&K ). This is our shorthand for the many independent A&K companies that work with Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, of Downers Grove, Illinois, to provide its guests with a consistent worldwide standard of expertise and excellence in travel. Their independence allows our guests to benefit from unique local knowledge and specialized services available only from destination based operating companies around the globe Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, ABERCROMBIE & KENT, A&K, CONNECTIONS, CONNECTIONS BY ABERCROMBIE & KENT, INSPIRING EXPERIENCES, GUARDIAN ANGEL, MARCO POLO CLUB, PRIVATE JOURNEYS, SIGNATURE SERIES, SIMPLY THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL, TRAVELLING BELL BOY and the ampersand design are service marks owned by Abercrombie & Kent Group of Companies, S.A.