Journey to Israel & Jordan. Designed Exclusively for. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Sarasota

Transcription

1 Journey to Israel & Jordan Designed Exclusively for Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Sarasota

2 Day 1 April 29, 2014 Arrive EILAT, ISRAEL Welcome to Eilat! You are met on arrival at the Eilat airport and privately transferred to your hotel in the city, arriving late afternoon. Over the years, the city of Eilat has become the ultimate resort city with hotels and beaches packed with thousands of Israeli vacationers and tourists from around the world, who come to relax in the country s southernmost spot. The secret of this little city s charm is its special location in the northern end of the Bay of Eilat. The combination of a hot climate, a tropical sea and a breathtaking background of wild, bare granite mountains has turned it into a tourist gem all the year round. Eilat s location made it strategically significant during the many historical periods in which it served as a port starting in the days of King Solomon (who built a large fleet of ships that he sent to Ophir), through the Nabataeans, the Romans, the Arabs and the Crusaders, all of whom ruled the Land of Israel. The modern city of Eilat was established in In the early 1950s, a quay was built in the new city, and subsequently a port that became the basis for the new city s economy. Toward the end of the 1960s, the tourism industry began developing in the city, and today Eilat is a paradise for tourists, travelers and vacationers, with a variety of Eilat hotels. The city s many and varied restaurants suit all tastes, and there are also clubs, colorful shops and a promenade along the northern shoreline, which hosts vibrant bazaars during the summer. The bay is one of the major attractions, thanks to the beautiful beaches, water sports and some of the best diving spots in the world. In the south of the city is the Coral Reserve, with splendid tropical fish among the reefs. Within the precincts of the reserve is the Underwater Observatory, with a marine museum that displays collections of fascinating sea animals. Not far from the observatory is the Dolphin Reef with its resident group of dolphins. The Arava region north of the city and the Eilat Mountains are arid desert. In between the exposed mountains, there are many nature and beauty spots as well as archaeological and historical sites, which make Eilat a good starting point for special trips in the area, such as camel treks, jeep tours and more. After arrival, the remainder of the day is yours to relax into your hotel and explore the surrounding area. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening. Meals: Dinner included today 2 Hotel: Queen of Sheba Hilton Seaview Room

3 Day 2 April 30, 2014 Exploring EILAT, ISRAEL. Following breakfast, join your fellow travelers and invited Mote guests in a private meeting room at the hotel for a lecture/discussion about Mote s history in the Gulf of Aqaba as well as a roundtable discussion. Afterward, you will be transferred by motorcoach to the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences for a tour, including a visit to their new ocean acidification facility, where Mote researchers undertake scientific studies with their Eilat colleagues. Lunch will be enjoyed at the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences. After lunch you may choose to participate in either a Snorkel/Dive excursion or a visit to the Underwater Observatory. The Snorkel/Dive Excursion is a guided excursion to Coral Island and includes all equipment. These reefs are secluded and tranquil and offer first-hand exploration of the beauty of the Red Sea. At the Underwater Observatory Marine Park, visitors enjoy a rare opportunity for a close-up look at the rich and enchanting life of the Gulf of Eilat without having to get wet. Later this day you will be transferred back to your hotel and have the opportunity to spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. You will return to the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences for a beach dinner in the evening. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Hotel: Queen of Sheba Hilton Seaview Room Day 3 May 1, 2014 Exploring EILAT, ISRAEL After breakfast, your local guide will meet you at the hotel and travel with the group to the Kibbutz Yotvata in the southern Negev in Israel. Located approximately 25 miles north of the Red Sea, Yotvata is the first, biggest and most prosperous Kibbutz in Hevel Eilot Regional Council. Yotvata is a cooperative community, where most adult residents work on the kibbutz in production, services or education. The revenues are equally distributed among the members regardless of their position, along the idea that each one gives as much as he can and receives as much as he needs. Most of daily affairs are conducted communally education, holidays, dining and more. You will be taken on a tour of this prosperous kibbutz and learn about its connection to Mote. Afterward you will enjoy lunch. Following lunch, you will visit the National Mariculture Center, a national research institution (a non profit governmental corporation) established in 1967 to generate knowledge for the sustainable use and protection of Israelʹs marine, coastal and freshwater resources. 3

4 A tour of the center will be provided by one of the center s staff where you will learn about Mote s connection to the National Mariculture Center. This evening a special birthday group dinner is planned for Mote Founder, Dr. Eugenie Clark. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Hotel: Queen of Sheba Hilton Seaview Room Day 4 May 2, 2014 Eilat to AQUABA, JORDAN Following breakfast, you will have the option of two excursions: A Dive Excursion to the Japanese Gardens, which includes 2 guided dives, as well as all equipment. Among the waters of the Red Sea lies one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, Japanese Gardens. Its mazes, bays, deep canyons, and the abundant beautiful fish that swim among the majestic coral have made it an internationally renowned diving site. The magic and silence of this underwater world is calming and enchanting. The coral reef in Eilat extends more than 3,900 feet along the shore and is one of the northernmost reefs in the world. It is the only one of its kind in Israel and, as such, has been declared a nature reserve. The reef has become a pilgrimage site for sea naturalists and for professional and amateur divers and snorkelers. The reef is made up of a primary wall of coral that descends to a depth of feet. Behind this is a sandbar with two huge rocks known as Joshua and Moses, and behind these is another steep wall of coral that descends to a depth of 115 feet. The beautiful coral creates colorful garden like formations containing many varieties of fish and marvelous sea creatures. There are more than 270 species of coral in this underwater jungle, among which are numerous small habitats that contain more than 2,500 species of underwater life some of them unique to the Red Sea. These include sea turtles, sea urchins, oysters, sea anemones, crabs, sponges, octopuses, cuttlefish, numerous fish species, and even several species of dolphins which combine to make diving at the site a special experience. A Bedouin Experience by Camel This 4 hour excursion departs from the Camel Ranch near Eilat and is divided in to three separate rides. During the first hour, the caravan of camels passes through Nachal Shlomo and Nahal Zfahot and continues climbing through the wadi between acacia trees and sharp ridges. The winding route leads up to the panoramic lookout point where there is a short stop for enjoying the view and taking photographs. From this point, there is a short descent on foot (leading the camels) before remounting for a further half hour ride till we stop for a light snack.

5 While the camels stretch and wait, the guide and the riders organize the snack. While sitting beside the sizzling coals of the authentic desert oven, you will enjoy a light snack of Bedouin pita bread, labena in olive oil, olives and desert herbal tea. This is followed by a peaceful half-hour ride back to the Ranch. (A guided Jeep tour is also available from the Ranch at the same price if a guest does not want to do the camel ride). Mid day everyone will regroup from their excursions and you will travel by motorcoach a short distance to the Arava border crossing between Israel and Jordan. Upon arrival at the border, you will disembark and cross the border on foot. Porters will assist with transferring your luggage. Once in Jordan, you will be met by Travcoa s Jordanian guide and escorted to your waiting motorcoach for the drive to your Aqaba hotel. Aqaba is a fusion of history, nature, and city life surrounded by picturesque mountains and blue sea. It is a microcosm of all the good things Jordan has to offer, including a fascinating history with some outstanding sites, excellent hotels and activities, superb visitor facilities, good shopping and welcoming, friendly people, who enjoy nothing more than making sure visitors have a good time. Bathing in its year round warm sun, Aqaba invites you to relax on its beaches, partake in the exhilaration of its water sports and explore the coral reefs of the Red Sea. For more than 5,000 years, Aqaba has played an important role in the economy of the region. It was a prime junction for land and sea routes from Asia, Africa and Europe, a role it still plays today. Around its quiet streets and between its modern structures, Aqaba holds special monuments with a rich history beginning in the Iron Age, and continuing across ancient civilizations from the Edomites, Nabateans, Romans and Byzantines to Muslims. Because of this vital function, there are many historic sites to be explored within the area, including what is believed to be the oldest purpose built church in the world. Aqaba is a great place to stay if you are planning to visit the striking desert landscape of Wadi Rum and the Nabatean city of Petra, among the World s Seven Wonders, which are a short drive away. Aqaba, with its excellent accommodations and entertainment options, is an ideal base from which to explore these sites. Perhaps Aqaba s greatest asset is the Red Sea itself, home to hundreds of different types of corals and sponges, with a wealth of brilliantly colored fish. Here you can experience some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. The temperate climate and gentle water currents have created a perfect environment for the growth of corals and teeming marine life. Here you can swim with friendly sea turtles and dolphins as they dart amongst the schools of multi colored fish. Night dives reveal the nocturnal sea creatures crabs, lobsters and shrimp as they search for a midnight snack. Glass bottom boats are a great way to see the undersea wonders of the Red Sea for those who would prefer to stay dry. Plus, there are plenty of other water sport activities available, as well as an extensive and interesting Marine Park. Enjoy lunch at the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for you to explore on your own. The hotel is within walking distance of the shops and the waterfront. This evening you may walk or have a short transfer to the Royal Yacht Club for a wonderful dinner overlooking the Marina. 5

6 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Hotel: Kempinski Aqaba Deluxe Room Day 5 May 3, 2014 Exploring AQUABA, JORDAN Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your leisure. Later this morning you will be transferred to the University of Jordan s Marine Science Station and Aquarium. Here the group will meet with officials from the University and be taken on a tour the Marine Science Station and Aquarium. Mid day, you will transfer to the Royal Yacht Club. You can choose from two excursion options, both which include lunch. Option 1: 3 4 hours private snorkeling trip on the Red Sea onboard a beautiful 100 foot wooden sailboat Option 2: 3 Hour private Glass Bottom boat cruise, onboard a 55 foot yacht The Yacht and sailboat tours include the use of snorkeling kit, towels, one soft drink, and BBQ lunch with fish fillet, chicken, kebab, Arabic bread, humus, and salads. Later in the afternoon you will be transferred back to the hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure. This evening enjoy a seafood dinner with the group. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Kempinski Aqaba Deluxe Room Day 6 May 4, 2014 Exploring AQUABA, JORDAN Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel at your leisure. This morning the group will be welcomed to Aqaba by the Chief Commissioner Aqaba Special Economic Development Zone Authority. Afterward, you will have time to explore Aqaba on your own and shop at Old Town Aqaba market before returning to the hotel for lunch. Early afternoon you will travel by motorcoach to Wadi Rum, Jordan s largest desert and one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. Once in the desert, you will leave your motorcoach and board 4x4 vehicles for an exciting exploration of this beautiful region. Early evening you will arrive at a beautiful desert viewpoint, and enjoy a champagne toast as the sun sets. Afterward, you will continue by 4x4 to an exclusive camp in the middle of the desert. Here large Bedouin tents are set up to serve as the groupʹs sitting room, where you will enjoy an exclusive Bedouin dinner and a wonderful birthday celebration for Mote Founder, Genie Clark. 6

7 Following dinner you will be transferred back to your hotel in Aqaba for the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Hotel: Kempinski Aqaba Deluxe Room Day 7 May 5, 2014 Travel from AQUABA to PETRA to AMMAN After an early buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will depart Aqaba and travel north to the ancient Nabatean Capital city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Petra, the world wonder, is without a doubt Jordan s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction. It is a vast, unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled here more than 2000 years ago, turning it into an important junction for the silk, spice and other trade routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome. Entrance to the city is through the Siq, a narrow gorge, almost a mile long, that is flanked on either side by soaring, 25 foot high cliffs. Just walking through the Siq is an experience in itself. The colors and formations of the rocks are dazzling. As you reach the end of the Siq you will catch your first glimpse of Al Khazneh. This is an awe inspiring experience. A massive façade carved out of the sheer, dusky pink rock face dwarfs everything around it. It was carved in the early 1st century as the tomb of an important Nabataean king and represents the engineering genius of these ancient people. Petra was also featured in the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Your visit of Petra starts with a short horseback ride, followed by a walk through the Siq. Your tour then gradually unfolds the mysteries of the Rose Red City with its spectacular treasury, Royal Tombs and burial chambers. After a fascinating guided tour of Petra, you will enjoy lunch at the Basin Restaurant, located inside the archaeological site. Following lunch, it is time to leave Petra and travel north to Amman via the Kings Way. Time permitting, a stop may be made in the Christian Town of Madaba ʺThe City of Mosaics and visit the St. George Church, with its mosaic map of the Holy Land from Byzantine times, and the Archaeological Park, which houses the remains of several Byzantine churches, including the amazing mosaics of the Church of the Virgin. 7

8 Another possible stop is Mount Nebo, the place where it is believed that Moses was buried and the most revered Holy site in Jordan. When you stand at the top of this mountain, you can see, as Moses did, the vast panorama that encompasses the Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea, Jericho and Jerusalem. Early evening you will arrive into Amman and check into your deluxe hotel. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening. Late evening you will be transferred to the Queen Alia International Airport, 20 minutes north of Amman for your early morning flight back to the U.S. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Hotel: InterContinental Hotel, Amman Deluxe City view Day 8 May 6, 2014 AMMAN Home Depart on an early morning flights back to the U.S. End of Services 8

9 Inclusions Exclusions 7 nights of deluxe accommodations at hotels as noted Gratuities for drivers and guides and airport porters All meals and meal gratuities from dinner on April 29 to dinner on May 5. Porterage at hotels, and porter assistance at border crossing Luxury 48-seater motorcoach for touring and transfers Local expert English-speaking guides for sightseeing and assistance with transfers Fees for all attractions and excursions as described in the itinerary Border crossing fee from Israel to Jordan Visas (if applicable) International Airfare Travcoa can assist with flights Travel Insurance/Protection Plan Any item not detailed within the itinerary 4 complimentary land packages based on double occupancy (2 rooms) for Founder and VIPs 4 round-trip business class tickets: Tampa to Eilat and Amman to Tampa for Founder and VIPs $300 donation per person to MOTE (not included for Founder and 3 VIPS) All planning, communications and operations expenses Beautiful black leather document portfolio, leather luggage tags and leather passport holder. Journey Pricing Component Journey Price Estimate Notes Land Arrangements $5295 per person* Land Arrangement price is per person, based on 20 Single Supplement $1200 per person guests in double occupancy as noted*. Single occupancy must add Single Supplement to Land International Flights Arranged separately- Approximately Arrangement price. Airfare is additional unless $5000 USD for Business Class otherwise stated. Other restrictions may apply. PRICE PER PERSON IN US$ AS FOLLOWS*: $5295 Retail Price per Person, based on 20 paying guests $5395 Retail Price per Person, based on 19 paying guests $5495 Retail Price per Person, based on 18 paying guests $5595 Retail Price per Person, based on 17 paying guests $5695 Retail Price per Person, based on 16 paying guests

10 Deposit Schedule Type Date Notes Initial Deposit $1500 per person deposit is due with finalized itinerary Final Payment Due 120 days prior to tour departure. International Flights Booked and Schedule Provided Due 48 hours following confirmation of journey itinerary Note: Air fares are subject to change from the time of quotation until the time of purchase. St. Armands Travel can assist in securing flights. Cancellation Policy Day prior to departure cancellation occurs Penalty Notes 91 days or more prior to departure $1500 per person Travel insurance is available days prior to departure 50% of journey price per person for an additional charge (through St. Armands days prior to departure 75% of journey price per person Travel). 29 days or less or en route 100% of journey price per person Other Terms and Conditions: This proposal is only an estimate. Tours, hotels, flights and other additional services may vary in price depending on the date of travel and occupancy levels. The exact price will be quoted once the space has been secured. All hotels are suggested accommodations and subject to availability at time of confirmation. We reserve the right to substitute accommodations of equal or better quality. St. Armands Travel will be under no obligation to provide a breakout of the costs associated with this itinerary. Travel Insurance provided by St. Armands Travel: A travel insurance plan can help cover your vacation investment should the unexpected occur before you leave or while you re on your trip. To learn more, please contact St. Armands Travel at (941)