Page 1 of 5 SAVE $100 March 02 - March 10, 2015 9 Days 14 Meals 8 Breakfasts 6 Dinners Highlights: San Jose, Coffee Plantation, Guanacaste, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Hanging Bridges, Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal Cruise, Cooking Demonstration, Cano Negro Refuge, Zarcero, National Theatre Rates Per Person DON'T MISS OUT! BOOK NOW! Double: $2299, Single: $2799, Triple: $2269 REGULAR RATES Double: $2399, Single: $2899, Triple: $2369 * Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Baltimore Washington Intl Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers * Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $230 per person Itinerary at a Glance Day 1 Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel, San Jose Day 2-3 Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort, Guanacaste Day 4-5 El Establo, Monteverde Day 6-7 Arenal Springs Resort, Arenal Day 8 Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel, San Jose On some dates alternate hotels may be used. Essential Experiences Learn about Costa Rica's unique vegetation on a guided nature walk through the cloud forest. Spot indigenous wildlife on a Cano Negro river boat cruise. Grasonville Senior Center presents: You're Invited! Special Travel Presentation Grasonville Senior Center Monday, Aug. 18, 2014-6:00 PM PO Box 147, Grasonville, Maryland, 21638 Tropical Costa Rica Day 1: Monday, March 02, 2015 San Jose, Costa Rica - Tour Begins Lush forests and stunning waterfalls exotic wildlife and endless coastlines Costa Rica is truly a slice of paradise. Your tour begins in the colorful capital city of San Jose. Upon arrival, relax and soak up the sights of your new surroundings. Day 2: Tuesday, March 03, 2015 San Jose - Doka Coffee Estate - Tamarindo Beach (Guanacaste) Travel through the verdant countryside of the Central Valley to the fertile region world-renowned for coffee. A tour of the Doka Coffee Estate highlights the history and cultivation of coffee and its importance to the Costa Rican economy. This afternoon, arrive in the Guanacaste region, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches. Here, rest and relaxation go hand-in-hand with mesmerizing ocean views and lush tropical greenery. Settle in for a relaxing two-night stay. (B, D) Day 3: Wednesday, March 04, 2015 Tamarindo Beach Fun in the sun is in store for you as you enjoy this tropical paradise. Explore the nearby town and beaches, take an optional cruise or simply relax by the pool or beach and take advantage of the amenities offered at your lovely resort. (B) Day 4: Thursday, March 05, 2015 Tamarindo Beach - Monteverde You won t believe your eyes as you travel into the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! In this spectacular ecosystem, you will encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. Upon arrival in Monteverde, a nature walk allows you to discover the natural beauty of the cloud forest first hand. This forest is the home of the world s largest population of the endangered quetzal, celebrated for its gorgeous jewel-toned plumage. Keep your eyes peeled and you may be lucky enough to spot this elusive bird! (B, D) Day 5: Friday, March 06, 2015 Monteverde Begin your day at Selvatura Park, a cloud forest reserve in the heart of Monteverde. Venture into a different world, exploring one of the world s largest butterfly gardens with more than 30 species of tropical butterflies. Next, in a nearby gallery containing more than 100 beautiful hummingbirds, you will be dazzled by the 14 different species. Enjoy a guided, leisurely-paced Hanging Bridges walking tour and learn about the cloud forest s unique ecosystem, its mammals, birds, plants and flora. This evening, enjoy an informative lecture on the migratory birds that flock to Costa Rica every year. (B, D) Day 6: Saturday, March 07, 2015 Monteverde - Lake Arenal Cruise - Arenal Begin the day with a visit to a tree nursery and learn about Monteverde s reforestation efforts of indigenous trees. Travel through the beautiful mountainous landscapes of Monteverde to Arenal, where breathtaking views of the volcano await you. Enjoy a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, the largest and most important lake in Costa Rica. Later, check in for a two-night stay at a typical lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano which has been generating lava for the past 30 years. Before dinner, enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how native, exotic vegetables and plants contribute to the unique flavors of Costa Rican cuisine. (B, D)
Page 2 of 5 Enjoy the tropical landscapes and breathtaking scenery surrounding Arenal Volcano. For more information call Ann Martin Grasonville Senior Center (410)827-6010 amartin@qac.org Included Meals Key B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Day 7: Sunday, March 08, 2015 Arenal - Cano Negro - Arenal Of all Costa Rica s nature preserves, the remote 20,000 acres of Cano Negro are home to the largest viewable selection of indigenous wildlife. Embark on a Cano Negro guided river boat trip in a panga (covered canoe), making frequent stops to watch and photograph the wildlife around you which may include crocodiles, river otters, sloths, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies, all known to live in the area. The Arenal Volcano area is also known as the land of spas and hot springs. Later in the day you will have an opportunity to attain a state of complete relaxation with an optional visit to one of the finest spas in the region. (B, D) Day 8: Monday, March 09, 2015 Arenal - Zarcero - Grecia - National Theatre - San Jose Travel to the charming town of Zarcero to visit its well-known whimsical topiary garden. Continue to the small, picturesque town of Grecia to see the unusual metal church constructed of brick-red metal panes, walk the beautifully landscaped central park, or shop at the traditional local market. Later, visit San Jose s colorful Plaza de Cultura and the National Theatre, a magnificent building of post-baroque splendor. This evening, enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner. (B, D) Day 9: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 San Jose - Tour Ends Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your adventure in Costa Rica. (B) Please Note: Book Now rates valid until Sep 02, 2014, valid on air inclusive packages only. Passport IS required. Taxes/fees to be paid in local currency or USD upon exiting the country are approximately 32 USD. To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times. We want you to enjoy your tour with us; therefore, it is important that you know this tour is an adventure! You will view spectacular scenery while experiencing the culture and heritage of the region. We have selected small, comfortable hotels for their locations and they may be considered rustic. Most hotels/lodges utilized on this program consist of two floors with no elevators. This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected. Extend your vacation with... Optional 4 Days 3-Night Jungle Adventure Post Extension Rate: $449 per person, double, land only 8 Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners Day 9: San Jose - Tortuguero National Park Enjoy an exciting soft-adventure jungle extension to Tortuguero, the Amazon of Costa Rica. Explore the region s wildlife by boat, viewing macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons and other native species. Enjoy a memorable two-night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world s first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtle s nesting habitat and eggs. (L, D) Day 10: Tortuguero National Park An early morning bird watching excursion is offered so you may learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Later, experience a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica s 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees. (B, L, D) Day 11: Tortuguero National Park - San Jose Return to San Jose today for your last night in Costa Rica before your return home. (B, L) Day 12: San Jose - Tour Ends (B) Please Note: Due to luggage size and weight restrictions on the boats, please bring an overnight bag for the two night stay in Tortuguero National Park. Please make arrangements with the concierge s desk at the hotel in San Jose for luggage pick up and for storage until your return from Tortuguero. Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request. The transportation to and from Tortuguero as well as your guide in Tortuguero are provided by the lodge where you will be staying in Tortuguero. These services and sightseeing as specified in your itinerary will be provided by the personnel of the lodge in Tortuguero. This price includes meals as outlined; roundtrip transportation to Tortuguero; 2 nights at the Evergreen, Aninga or Pachira lodge, 1 night in San Jose; and transfer to San Jose Airport on the last day.
Page 3 of 5 AVAILABLE OPTIONS: Arenal Natri Spa Treatment-Arenal Springs $160.00 What is good for the body is good for the soul. A well-deserved spa visit provides a complete treatment experience to replenish your mind, body and soul. Experience supreme pampering and relaxation with a choice of one of several different, exhilarating spa service packages. Each package includes 3 different spa treatments from aromatherapy and mud massages to exfoliation and reflexology. Certified therapists will guide you to a state of complete relaxation as you enjoy unforgettable therapeutic facial and body treatments. Your choice of packages are: Citrus Spa Package (135 minutes) Citrus Exfoliation, Aromatherapy Massage, Natural Mask Sanctuary Package (135 minutes) Herb Exfoliation, Relaxing Massage, Reflexology Springs Spa Package (125 minutes) - Sugar & Honey Exfoliation, Mud Massage, Facial Massage Guanacaste Afternoon Sunset Catamaran Cruise $85.00 All aboard for an exciting afternoon of sailing along the Guanacaste coastline. Relax and enjoy the ocean breeze as your beautiful catamaran sails past miles and miles of enchanting coastline. In past excursions, participants have viewed marine life such as turtles, dolphins, flying fish, and possibly whales (mainly October through December). A special stop in a charming bay allows time for snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, or for a walk on a tropical sandy beach. Snacks and unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are served on request by the friendly crew. As you return back to port, your memorable adventure concludes with an amazing Costa Rican sunset (weather permitting). Clients are required to swim to shore in order to enjoy a walk on the beach. Monteverde Cloud Forest Canopy Adventure $60.00 Experience the unique sensation of flying through nature! For nature lovers, the greatest adventure of it all is to take a Zip Line Canopy Adventure Tour. Selvatura Adventure Park and Canopy Tour is one of the best soft adventures in Costa Rica. Canopy Tour guides start by outfitting you with the appropriate equipment; then they take you through each of the 12 cables and 19 platforms and through the Tarzan Swing (optional). Selvatura Park is one of the longest Canopy Tours in Costa Rica, and is the only zip line canopy tour located inside the actual virgin cloud forest of Monteverde. Feel pure adrenaline and excitement of flying up to 35 miles per hour, viewing magnificent landscapes. Zip lines ranging from 120 to more than 2,000 feet in length and 60 to 400 feet in height let you experience the cloud forest from a whole new perspective. The tree top canopy tour not only offers a great adventure but also an opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Trained personnel (accredited by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism) accompanies you throughout the tour. If you are looking for a fun adventure and amazing rides, this canopy tour is your best choice. The tour usually takes between 2.5 and 3 hours and may be completed by people ranging between the ages of 8 and 99. General conditions: All guides and equipment used is certified by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT). For security, children under 8 years old cannot take the tour. Clients over 100 kilograms weight (217 pounds) must be evaluated by the technical staff (according to his/her height and physical condition) upon arrival. Staff will determine if those clients can participate in the tour. Suggestion: bring long pants, hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, insect repellent, and a raincoat. CANCELLATION WAIVER: Worry-Free Cancellation Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected. Plus, you're covered on tour. Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered. Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $230 per person. Click here for complete details. TRAVEL TIPS: Tropical Costa Rica Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour. Accommodations On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable. In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than standard U.S. accommodations. Please be assured that we use high quality properties throughout each country. Please note that most hotels utilized on your Costa Rica program consist of two floors with no elevators. Air conditioning is not available at the lodges in Tortuguero, however each room does offer ceiling fans. ADA The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Persons requiring individual assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member who has special mobility, dietary or other like needs. Arrival Day Suggestions Due to varied flight schedules and different arrival times of our tour guests, your tour will not have any scheduled activities prior to dinner on Day 1. Should your flight schedule allow for an earlier arrival time that day, enjoy the great opportunity for some independent exploration. Clothing & Packing Tips As you prepare to explore Costa Rica enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes with traction. While many opt to wear shorts and tee-shirts, long sleeves and pants are recommended for individuals who are sensitive to both sun and insects. It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers that may be added or removed as the temperature changes. Rain gear, such as an umbrella, raincoat or poncho and sturdy shoes you can get wet, are highly recommended items to pack. Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, film, batteries, toiletries and insect repellent are highly recommended when traveling in Costa Rica. If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Do not place it in your checked luggage. You may want to carry an extra prescription in a separate bag in case medication is lost. Currency
Page 4 of 5 Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to and would dispense local currency. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted, to inform them that you are traveling and to determine if any charges apply for each transaction. You may exchange your money at airports, banks, exchange bureaus, and at most hotels. In most cases, a commission charge will be assessed to exchange your money. At the hotel or in the city usually offer a better currency exchange rate than airports. We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services. The local currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon. USD is sometimes accepted by local vendors. It is suggested that you bring small bills with you. We suggest you exchange money upon arrival at your destination, according to your spending needs. Local currency will be needed for lunches, gratuities and small items such as postcards and postage. If you intend to use US dollars in Central American countries, the bills cannot be very old, torn or marked on or they will not be accepted by local banks or institutions. If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of greater than 30 days from the start of the tour. Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to and would dispense local currency. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted, to inform them that you are traveling and to determine if any charges apply for each transaction. You may exchange your money at airports, banks, exchange bureaus, and at most hotels. In most cases, a commission charge will be assessed to exchange your money. At the hotel or in the city usually offer a better currency exchange rate than airports. We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services. The local currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon. USD is widely accepted in most tourist areas, though colones may be required for some small purchases. It is suggested that you bring small bills with you. We suggest you exchange money upon arrival at your destination, according to your spending needs. Local currency will be needed for lunches, gratuities and small items such as postcards and postage. If you intend to use US dollars in Central American countries, the bills cannot be very old, torn or marked on or they will not be accepted by local banks or institutions. If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of greater than 30 days from the start of the tour. Electricity An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it is the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function. Elevation Highest elevation: Monteverde Cloud Forest at 4,100 feet. Helpful Hints Bring a camera, memory cards, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home. Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact and a copy of your passport. Remember when flying you can only take one quart size bag with no more than 3 ounces of any one liquid. Liquids that do not fit in the one quart size bag and are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Remember to hydrate and get up and stretch while flying. If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to. Included Features The following are included in your tour package: transportation via motorcoach, accommodations, hotel luggage handling, meals, sightseeing, admission charges (as outlined in your itinerary), and applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and dining room wait staff. Customary gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, drivers and tour managers have not been included. Luggage Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) is allowed on tour. We also encourage just one carry-on bag per individual (for carrying items that might be needed during the day s sightseeing excursions or camera/video equipment). Dimensions for carry-ons should not exceed 17" x 12" x 10", allowing it to fit under the seat or in the overhead rack of most motor coaches. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both the outside and inside of the bag. Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight. Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive No Worries Travel Protection ) to cover these eventualities. Meals Most meals are included as indicated in your document itinerary. Guests with special dietary requirements must advise their travel counselor at the time of booking and also the tour manager upon joining the tour. When information is provided, every effort will be made to accommodate these requests. Please be advised that the average cost of meals (not inclusive of tax and gratuity) that are not included in your tour are as follows: lunch 10 to 15 USD and dinner 10 to 20 USD. Tipping in Costa Rica is 10%, but when eating in restaurants, it will be added to your bill. In Costa Rica, it is customary to drink purified or mineral bottled water. Water can be easily purchased at hotels and local convenience stores. Name Badges Collette provides name badges to our travelers in order to facilitate conversation among fellow travelers. The name badge also ensures that a Collette representative can easily recognize you, especially at airports upon arrival. Reading List Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? We have pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/d/25/r/cv/mcms.html Smoking Smoking Restrictions: Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please alert your agent upon tour booking. Please be mindful of locations where smoking is prohibited: the motorcoach, at dining venues and other restricted areas on tour including most hotels. Customers are responsible for any fines incurred for failure to comply with smoking restrictions. Time Zone Costa Rica is two hours behind U.S Eastern Time when the U.S honors Daylight Saving Time and one hour behind Eastern Time when the U.S. honors Standard Time. Transportation Transfers We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive vacation. Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients. Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets. On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving passengers. If you have secured your own transfer, you may meet your tour manager at the hotel. Motorcoach Information: We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles.
Page 5 of 5 Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only. Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience. Seat Rotation: Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests. This fosters communication and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the tour manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy. Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees Land Only Vacations: If you chose to purchase a land only vacation, pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your land only rate. You must purchase these internal flight segments and the schedule must match the flights that we utilize on the group tour. Please provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so we may secure services if you purchased transfers from us, as well as maintain emergency contact. Air Inclusive Vacations Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour. In order to comply with Homeland Security s Secure Flight mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non -expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial). If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage. Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual. Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency. Back to Top - Back to Itinerary - Back to Extensions - Back to Options Section - Back to Travel Tips