BEST OF BAJA CALIFORNIA

Transcription

1 BEST OF BAJA CALIFORNIA $4999 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE TYPICALLY $8299 LOS CABOS ESPIRITU SANTO LOS ANGELES THE OFFER When they talk about California dreaming, they may well be talking about Baja California. This stunning part of the Mexican coastline is abundant with marine life including grey whales, whale sharks and sea lions; rich with traditional gastronomy; vibrant with arts and culture; thriving with nightlife; and offers a vast desert landscape spanning mountains and beaches. Discover the Baja California Peninsula and beyond on this dreamy 15 day package. See the dramatic rock formations of Cabo San Lucas and the historic township of San Jose del Cabo. Admire Mexican colonial architecture in Todos Santos; search for whale sharks on tour and be mesmerised by the azure waters of Espíritu Santo Island. See Los Angeles at leisure, before boarding your fournight cruise to romantic Catalina Island and the port city of Ensenada. This incredible package includes return international flights, internal flight, four night Baja California Carnival Cruise aboard Carnival Imagination ship, eight nights accommodation, 26 meals, and more! INTERIOR STATEROOM $4999 OCEAN VIEW STATEROOM $5299 JUNIOR SUITE $5699 *Please note: all information provided in this brochure is subject to both change and availability. Prior to purchase please check the current live deal at or contact our customer service team on TRIP (8747) for the most up-to-date information. If you have already purchased this deal, the terms and conditions on your Purchase Confirmation apply and take precedence over the information in this brochure.

2 THE ITINERARY Day 1 Australia - Los Cabos, Mexico Today depart from either Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, *Adelaide or *Perth for Los Cabos, Baja California, Mexico. Upon arrival at Los Cabos Airport you will be transferred by private bus to the hotel. The hotel is located on the beach next to the fresh water estuary in San Jose del Cabo. Facilities include a pool, gym, tennis and a wide range of restaurants and bars. The all-inclusive plan includes all meals, snacks and national drinks. Please note: due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the day before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive prior to departure. This evening enjoy a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Holiday Inn Resort Los Cabos, San José del Cabo Meals included: Dinner;In-Flight Day 2 San José del Cabo Free Day Today enjoy the day either relaxing or exploring this beautiful area. On the southern tip of the exciting Baja Peninsula are two small and very different towns: San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Picturesque and historic San Jose del Cabo still looks like the 18th century mission town it once was. Cabo San Lucas, where the Pacific meets the warm waters of the Sea of Cortes, is home to world-class marlin fishing and offers great entertainment. In between the two towns is a gorgeous seacoast corridor, home to elegant hotels, championship golf courses, golden beaches and dramatic red rock formations. Every year from December to April, several thousand California grey whales migrate here to mate and give birth to their young in the warm lagoons and protected waters of this region. Today you could also take the opportunity to join some amazing optional tours (not included). Snorkel and Sea Adventure Tour or a One Day Luxury Sail Tour in the amazing Jacques Cousteau once called the Sea of Cortez. Overnight: Holiday Inn Resort Los Cabos, San José del Cabos Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner Day 3 San Jose del Cabo - Todos Santos - La Paz (approx. 290km day) After breakfast you will drive to Todos Santos, located 70km north of Los Cabos on the Pacific coast. A Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) located on the Pacific side, rich in Mexican colonial architecture, arts and crafts and artists vibrant galleries. In the late 19th century the town became a prosperous sugar producer, but depleted aquifers have eliminated the industry. In the last ten years, the temperate climate of Todos Santos has attracted organic farmers and the town s wonderfully laid-back style has attracted many artists. You will explore Todos Santos on foot and then enjoy a delicious Mexican lunch. In the afternoon continue your journey to La Paz, the capital of the State. A peaceful city visited by Hernan Cortes in 1535 and now a tranquil port with a nostalgic vibe. It has a beautiful collection of beaches, plazas and a three mile long boardwalk. Enjoy the rest of the day in this peaceful city, don t miss out on a beautiful Baja sunset on La Paz s splendid palm-lined boardwalk. Overnight: Hotel Catedral, La Paz Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch Day 4 Whale-shark Tour & Kayaking in Balandra s Bay Today you will enjoy a whale-shark tour from La Paz and then kayaking in Balandra s Bay with lunch included. First you will experience one of the world s most memorable wildlife adventures. Around nine species of whales visit Baja California Sur every year, they return to their place of birth, to bring their own calves into this world. Remember Mother Nature works at her own pace, although the season regularly starts on November, viewing is best between January and March, when the massive mammals give birth and rear their calves. Next you will enjoy Balandra s Bay, 40min from La Paz,

3 THE ITINERARY Mexico s most stunningly beautiful beach area. It is an isolated, unpopulated coastal area with eight beaches, an interior salt lagoon and a rock formation called El Hongo (the mushroom). The area is surrounded by low reddish mountains that contain the occasional desert tree and huge cardón cactus. The red colour of the mountains contrast with the white sands of the beaches facing the Gulf with its turquoise, blue and green waters. These waters are filled with thousands of multi coloured small fish, coral, starfish and stingrays. Overnight: Hotel Catedral, La Paz Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch Day 5 Espíritu Santo Island Day Trip Today after breakfast you will experience another magical adventure, Espiritu Santo Island a 40min boat ride from La Paz. A treasure of shallow azure inlets and sorbet-pink cliffs, Espíritu Santo is one of La Paz s gems. It s part of a UNESCO World Heritage site comprising 244 Sea of Cortez islands and coastal areas and a worthy day trip. The island of Espiritu Santo is the closest island to the bay of La Paz and possesses the most stunning views of all the islands in the Sea of Cortez. Its contrasting desert landscapes and reddish limestone cliffs juxtaposed with a turquoise blue sea is a breathtaking example of the exquisite vistas found here. Admire the Ensenada de Pescadores, a quiet beach with few visitors except for the fishermen that inhabit a small dwelling set away from the beach with its own sheltered slipway. You will also pass by Playa Partida. On the northeastern spit, up against the rocks, there is a marvellous spot to make camp. The huge crater walls that surround this area and the vast expanse of shallow water provide a spectacular view. It s easy to imagine how Partida and Espiritu Santo were one landmass before the volcanic crater was breached by the sea. A boxed lunch will be served in Candelero, considered by many the most attractive bay on the island. It has a stunning beach with a spectacular ridge splitting the bay in half with several detached islets and a larger island in the middle of the bay. Further attractions include an interesting 10-minute walk up the northern stream. In the afternoon return back to La Paz and spend the rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight: Hotel Catedral, La Paz Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch Day 6 La Paz - Loreto (approx. 355km day) Today depart to little-known Loreto a small, charming town located midway on the Baja Peninsula bordering the Sea of Cortez. It is famous for being the first capital of the California s with Jesuit missions built in the 17th century. Loreto has a quaint downtown area with shaded plazas and an attractive boardwalk where locals and tourists enjoy strolling along the waterfront. The town motto is 300 years old and still undiscovered. Whale watching is very popular in Loreto from mid December to mid March. The islands and waters of Bahía de Loreto National Park are home to dolphins, whales and pelicans. Upon arrival you can relax for rest of the day or take the opportunity to join an optional tour to San Javier (not included). The remote village of San Javier is one of the most popular side-trips in southern Baja California. Visit the village and mission of Saint Javier. The village that surrounds the mission is small, even by Baja standards, with a population of less than 150. This charming village has a few very basic accommodations, one small restaurant and a small store, with limited supplies. The main street, that leads to the mission is cobblestone and many of the modest homes display a huge variety of colourful flowers and different types of fruit trees. The optional tour includes lunch. Overnight: Hotel Loreto Bay Golf Resort & Spa, Loreto Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Isla Coronado Day Trip This morning enjoy a boat ride to the jewel of Loreto - Isla Coronado, located 12km away from Loreto. Look for majestic sea lions as they bask in the sun in their natural habitat, on a small rock island among many multi coloured fish, pelicans,

4 THE ITINERARY dolphins and sometimes even whales. Today you can swim, sunbathe and relax on stunning white sand beaches and you will also enjoy a traditional lunch. Whale lovers can take the opportunity to join an optional Blue Whale Tour (not included). The tour in the Sea of Cortez embarks on a search for the biggest animal on earth and you will be astonished by the rich fauna the Loreto Bay has to offer. There are very few places in the world where blue whales give birth near the coast and the Loreto Bay National Park is one of these privileged places. Visit the Whale Triangle populated by blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions; with some luck it is also possible to spot orcas and pilot whales! Overnight: Hotel Loreto Bay Golf Resort & Spa, Loreto Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch Day 8 Loreto, Mexico - Los Angeles, USA Enjoy breakfast today and spend the morning at leisure before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Los Angeles. Upon arrival you will be met by a representative and transferred to the hotel. Overnight: Hilton Long Beach, Los Angeles Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 Los Angeles - Begin 4 Night Baja Mexico Carnival Cruise Today enjoy the morning at leisure in Los Angeles before being transferred to Long Beach Port to board Carnival s Imagination ship, your home for the next four nights. The cruise departs at 6.30pm. Overnight: Carnival Cruises Carnival Imagination ship Meals included: Breakfast;Dinner experiences. Overnight: Carnival Cruises Carnival Imagination ship Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner Day 11 Ensenada, Mexico 8:00am to 6:00pm Ensenada is a port city on the Pacific coast of Mexico s Baja California peninsula. At its heart is the harbour and waterfront area with the Malecón promenade. Once a casino, the Riviera de Ensenada is now a cultural centre. Overnight: Carnival Cruises Carnival Imagination ship Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner Day 12 At Sea Overnight: Carnival Cruises Carnival Imagination ship Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner Day 13 Long Beach, Los Angeles, USA - Arrive at 7:00am - Australia This morning arrive back into the port of Long Beach, Los Angeles. Once you have disembarked you will be met by a representative and transferred to the Hilton Long Beach, where you will be able to leave your bags (room not included) and enjoy the day at leisure. At the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight back to Australia. Meals included: Breakfast;In-Flight Day 14 In Transit Day 15 Arrive in Australia *Please note some flights may arrive +1 day later due to flight scheduling. Day 10 Catalina Island, USA - 7:30am to 4:30pm Catalina Island, one of California s Channel Islands, lies southwest of Los Angeles. It s known for its wildlife, dive sites and Mt. Orizaba, its highest peak. It is also known as the island of romance, vision of beauty, perfection and surreal

5 TOUR INCLUSIONS HIGHLIGHTS Discover the best of Baja California Visit Los Cabos, Todos Santos, La Paz, Loreto, Los Angeles and more Enjoy a full day at leisure in beautiful Los Cabos Explore Todos Santos on foot and enjoy a Mexican lunch Enjoy a whale shark spotting tour from La Paz Kayak in the stunning waters of Balandra Bay Witness the contrasting colours of stunning Espiritu Santo Island Discover the small, charming town of Loreto Look for majestic sea lions in the small rock island of Coronado Enjoy California s vibrant capital city - Los Angeles Dock at Catalina Island known as the Island of Romance Cruise to Ensenada on the Baja California peninsula TOUR ESSENTIALS All parking and check point charges Airline and cruise taxes and charges TRANSPORT Transportation by private A/C vehicles TRANSFERS Return airport and cruise port transfers FLIGHTS Return international flights (economy class) from SYD/MEL/ BNE/*ADL/*PER 1-way international flight (economy class) from Loreto, Mexico to Los Angeles, USA CRUISE 4 night Baja California Carnival Cruise Sail aboard the Fantasy-class Carnival Imagination ship Standard pre-paid gratuities/tipping onboard ACCOMMODATION 8 nights hotel accommodation DINING Enjoy 26 meals including all meals while cruising

6 IMPORTANT INFORMATION *Please note: all information provided in this brochure is subject to both change and availability. Prior to purchase please check the current live deal at au or contact our customer service team on TRIP (8747) for the most up-to-date information. If you have already purchased this deal, the terms and conditions on your Purchase Confirmation apply and take precedence over the information in this brochure. BOOKING INFORMATION After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. The Passenger Information Form must be completed within 72 hours of purchase. Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below. On purchasing this Travel Offer you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions, in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. Please note: all additional charges are payable direct to your Travel Consultant (unless otherwise stated). OFFER ESSENTIALS Travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 2nd March This travel offer is priced for one person based on twin share. Single Traveller Supplement For solo travellers a mandatory single supplement applies: Interior Stateroom: $1600 Ocean View Stateroom: $1700 Junior Suite: $2150 Departure Dates (2019) Please see TripADeal website for current departure dates. Surcharges Please note: dates/months with a * incur a land high season surcharge of $200 per person. Departure Cities Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, *Adelaide or *Perth Interstate Surcharges *Adelaide or *Perth: $100 per person FLIGHTS Full Service Airline(s) Used Delta Airlines, Virgin Australia, United Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Alaska Airlines plus any codeshare partners (subject to availability). Arrive early in Los Cabos, Mexico $200 per person, subject to availability Please note: Arrive early is not available for departures from Australia prior to 19th January This fee does not include extra nights accommodation, meals or airport transfers. No flight booking changes or cancellations permitted after air tickets have been issued. Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking. Stay behind in Los Angeles, USA $200 per person, subject to availability. Please note: This fee does not include extra nights accommodation, meals or airport transfers. No flight booking changes or cancellations permitted after air tickets have been issued. Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking. Stopover Packages Not available. Flight Class Upgrades Premium Economy (Australia to Mexico and USA to Australia flights only): Starting from $2599 per person. Business Class (Australia to Mexico and USA to Australia flights only): Buy now for $7699 per person. Please note: *Starting from quotes will be processed and returned for your consideration. All Premium Economy and Business Class upgrades are subject to availability (if we are not able to fulfill your business class request the upgrade cost will be refunded). On any upgrade purchase, short haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed in a Premium or Business cabin; subject to aircraft configuration. CRUISES Cabins All cabins are subject to availability; some cabins may have restricted views. ACCOMMODATION Accommodation Used 3-4 Star (self-rated) San José del Cabo: Holiday Inn Resort Los Cabos La Paz: Hotel Catedral Loreto: Hotel Loreto Bay Golf Resort & Spa Los Angeles: Hilton Long Beach Cruise: Carnival Cruises - Carnival Imagination ship Please note: rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type, and are subject to availability based on seasonality. Properties will be confirmed, no later than two weeks prior to travel. Extra Nights Los Cabos, Mexico (Pre Tour): $425 per room including buffet breakfast. Los Angeles, USA (Post Tour): $540 per room including breakfast. Please note: extra nights are subject to availability until the time of booking. Airport transfers are not included if you wish to arrive early or stay behind. Maximum Room Capacity 3 people (subject to availability). Child Policy No child discounts. Full price applies for all children travelling with their parents. Valid for Children/infants 8 years old and over. Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors allowed.

7 IMPORTANT INFORMATION Triple Share No discounts apply for 3rd person travelling. Full price applies, subject to availability. Please note: Triple shares may be required to share existing bedding. Bedding Configuration Double or twin bedding (subject to availability). Adjoining / Interconnecting Rooms Subject to availability and at the hotels discretion. Please enquire on booking if you require this option. GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION Minimum group size 25, maximum group size 30 per vehicle. Optional Tours / Activities Day 2: Snorkel and Sea Adventure Tour - $155 AUD Day 2: One Day Luxury Sail Tour - $210 AUD Day 6: San Javier Tour - $130 AUD Day 7: Blue Whale Tour - $260 AUD Please note: prices are based on per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions. The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone prior to submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability). Some tours require minimum numbers to operate. Shore excursions can be booked/ reserved directly with the cruise line prior to travel (subject to availability). Shore excursions can also be booked whilst onboard (subject to availability). EXCLUSIONS Visa fees and requirements (A tourist visa is not required for Mexico however a USA ESTA Visa waiver is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian passport). Meals/beverages not stated in the itinerary (including any specialty restaurants onboard cruise). Gratuities/tipping: * Recommended Land: $5 USD per person/ per day. * Mandatory Cruise: Additional gratuities are payable on additional items and services such as wines and spa treatments. Optional activities/tours (including any onshore excursions as part of cruise). Personal expenses. Travel insurance (Mandatory). Please note: A comprehensive travel Insurance policy must be organised BEFORE all details can be finalised. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURE Baja California and California The average temperature in Baja California and California in January and February is mild at 17.5 C. Afternoons can be really warm with average high temperatures reaching 23 C. The weather in January to March is droughty with no rain. March is a very warm month at 20 C and afternoons can be hot with average high temperatures reaching 26 C. February is a peak month for both grey whales and visitors. The best time to visit Baja is undoubtedly between mid January and mid March - when the grey whales migrate to the lagoons to give birth. There are so many whales here at this time, that you can just drop anchor and wait for them to swim up. TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER Tour Guide: Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction in which he or she is guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves the group at the end of the tour, they do not travel with the group. Tour Leader: An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides in each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village, and offer information on the place visited on the bus, however they are not required to have specific knowledge on art, architecture, or history. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and if caught doing so, can be fined. Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when particularly required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. FLIGHTS Baggage Information for Loreto, Mexico to Los Angeles, USA Pre paid baggage is not included for the Loreto, Mexico to Los Angeles, USA flight. Baggage can only be purchased when checking in online or at the checkin kiosk for $25 USD per person for first bag and $25 USD for second bag (restrictions on weight and volume of bag). Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points At TripADeal we do not arrange seat selection. It is important to highlight that some Airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the Airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the Airline once you have your flight information. CRUISE Disembarkation: Begins approximately 2 hours after docking. Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing. Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice. Check your specific sailing for exact departure and arrival times. All times

8 IMPORTANT INFORMATION are local to the port. Cruise Loyalty Discounts: Please note: Travellers booked via TripADeal will not be entitled to receive any cruise line customer loyalty discounts. Similar to airline frequent flyer programs, this is outside of the TripADeal booking process. However, customers may contact the cruise line direct upon receiving their TripADeal travel documents to request any membership benefits they are entitled to. Cabin experience: On a Carnival cruise, your stateroom is your home base. When the day is done, once you ve had your fill of fun, you ll head back to your stateroom and settle in for the night. No matter which kind of room you choose, you ll find yours a well-appointed way to wind down the day. And whether it s day or night, all staterooms have a room steward on duty, an attendant you can call for complimentary room service and more sweet perks inside. Interior: An Interior stateroom is the most affordable way to cruise, and Carnival Imagination s interiors are not just cozy, but are full of things you d expect from any Carnival stateroom: a full private bathroom, Carnival Comfort Collection linens and just-a-call-away 24-hour room service. Ocean View: Catch a glimpse of what s going by from your Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Imagination, where you ll get views you won t find anywhere on land. Don t miss sunrise and sunset at sea your comfy stateroom is the best way to experience these! Junior Suites: As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Imagination, you can t help but feel that you re stepping into luxury. With VIP check-in, more indoor space for stretching out and an outdoor balcony made for fresh air and great views, try a Junior Suite for a private oasis away from home. COACH TOUR Meals: For meals not included in the tour, for all other meals; lunches and dinners the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify TripADeal of any dietary requests/ requirements. Please note; we will do our best to meet your requests/ requirements, however cannot guarantee that we will always be able to. Luggage: You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on the tour. With regards to luggage, you must carry your own luggage from the coach to the hotel room and back to the coach. The driver will assist with the uploading and off-loading of the luggage from the coach. Fitness Level Required / Mobility: Our vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair access, so unfortunately our tours are currently not suitable for wheelchair users and those less mobile. Please note: a standard level of fitness will be required. If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel. Gratuities / Tipping Gratuities (tips) are not included in the tour price for services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip for the tour leader and driver is $5 USD per person per day, which will be collected whilst on tour. Pre-paid gratuities onboard the cruise are included in the package price. Any optional extras purchased onboard the cruise will have up to an 18% gratuity added. VISAS Mexico A tourist visa is not required for Mexico if travelling on an Australian Passport. United States An ESTA (Visa Waiver) for the USA is a strict requirement when travelling to or flying through the USA. Once a USA ESTA Visa Waiver is issued it is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner) and will allow multiple entries into the USA. For information on ESTA eligibility or to apply, please visit: gov/esta/ Please Note: Due to recent changes in the USA Immigration policies, TripADeal recommend all travellers visit US Customs & Border Protection: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. It is also important to note, some areas of employment such a journalism, government authorities and charity organisations may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may in turn affect the type of application required. INSURANCE We are proud to offer a range of travel insurance products - please ask your Travel Consultant for more information. SCHEDULE OF FEES Voluntary Changes This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue. 1st Change - $ per person + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/ accommodation/other travel provider. 2nd Change - $ per person + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/ accommodation/other travel provider. Subsequent changes - $ per person + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/ accommodation/other travel provider.

9 IMPORTANT INFORMATION Changes within 30 days of departure $ person + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel provider. Changes within 14 days of departure $ per person + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel provider. Name Changes Due To Passenger Error If the incorrect name has been advised to TripADeal, charges of $ per person + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/ accommodation/other travel provider.