THE MAYAN WORLD 2019 PRE-TOUR MAIN TOUR POST-TOUR 1 & 2 Belize & Tikal Guatemala Mexico
Booking DETAILS A discount of $500pp if all 4 tours are undertaken! Early Bird Registration savings for all registrants! To avail the Early Bird offers, please send your completed registration form and applicable Registration and Deposit fees by Wednesday, 31 January 2018 Registration and Deposit fees are payable to Conferencing Nomads. See Page 2 and 3 of the attached Registration Form for details. To book, please send Page 1-3 of the Registration Form with the applicable Registration and Deposit fees to: Conferencing Nomads Attention: Dr Nighat Faruqi 210/747 Botany Road Rosebery NSW 2018 AUSTRALIA Note: All reservations are strictly subject to availability at the time of booking. Enquiries Dr Nighat Faruqi +61 (0)422 063 743 nfaruqi@conferencingnomads.com www.conferencingnomads.com
PRE-TOUR BELIZE & TIKAL 5 10 MARCH 2019 Day 1-2 DEPART AUSTRALIA. ARRIVE BELIZE Tue/WED 5-6 Leave Australia on Tuesday 5 March for Belize via Dallas, USA. On arrival in Dallas on the same day, transfer to our hotel. Evening at leisure. Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Downtown, Dallas (B) The next morning, after breakfast, checkout and transfer to the airport for our flight to Belize. At the Belize City airport, we will be met and transferred to our hotel. Accommodation: Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina, Belize City https://www.radisson.com/belize-city-hotel-bz/belize Day 3 SAN IGNACIO THU 7 MORNING CONFERENCE SESSION 1 After lunch, we will have a tour of the Belize City followed by our transfer to the vibrant city of San Ignacio famous for its positive and infectious local vibe! On arriving in San Ignacio, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore the town. Accommodation: San Ignacio Resort Hotel, San Ignacio (B L D) https://www.sanignaciobelize.com/ Pre-Tour 1
Day 4 CARACOL, RIO FRIO CAVE FRI 8 Day 6 TIKAL SUN 10 Today we have an exciting day ahead of us! First, we will explore the stunning Caracol ruins. Following the footsteps of Maya rulers, we will climb up the steps of the massive Caana pyramid and browse through the three temples sharing its lofty peak. On the way back to town, we will stop at the alluring Rio Frio Cave and take a refreshing dip in the pools. Accommodation: San Ignacio Resort Hotel, San Ignacio (B L D) After breakfast, we will start a tour of the ruins of Tikal, with some 3,000 ancient structures rising from the rainforest floor. Not only are we going to enjoy a fascinating tour of this impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, but we will also experience the sights and sounds of tropical birds and animals that live in the jungle canopy. After lunch, we will be transferred to airport for our flight to Guatemala City for the start of the Main Tour. (B L) Day 5 YAXHá SAT 9 MORNING CONFERENCE SESSION 2 After lunch, we will cross the border to Guatemala and drive to the Mayan ruins of Yaxhá. Here, we can enjoy the spectacle of more than 500 buildings discovered so far including the only twin pyramid complex outside of Tikal. Viewing sunset atop one of the temples is simply stunning! Accommodation: Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel, Flores (B L D) http://www.laslagunashotel.com/ PRE-TOUR COST Please visit www.conferencingnomads.com and Register your Interest to receive all costs. TRIP INCLUSIONS 2 conference sessions for delegates with tea breaks 5-night accommodation at well-appointed hotels as mentioned or similar on a twin-share basis Economy class airfares Australia Belize City bought in conjunction with the Main Tour airfares (airfares/taxes subject to change) Economy class airfares Flores Guatemala City Daily breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners Sightseeing and entrance fees as outlined Bilingual local guides All group transfers in conjunction with airfares purchased through Conferencing Nomads Accompanying Conferencing Nomads personnel Porterage Tips to drivers and guides. Pre-Tour 2
MAIN TOUR GUATEMALA 10 21 MARCH 2019 Day 1 GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA SUN 10 Leave Australia on Sunday 10 March for Guatemala via Dallas, USA arriving in Guatemala City on the same day. On arrival, transfer to our hotel and join the Pre-Tour delegates. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Accommodation: Westin Camino Real, Guatemala City http://hotelcaminoreal.com.gt/en/home/ Day 2 GUATEMALA CITY MON 11 MORNING CONFERENCE SESSION 1 After lunch, we will start our city tour. Guatemala City, the hub of the country, home to the best museums and galleries is a fascinating place. Our tour will cover some of the main monuments including the Metropolitan Cathedral, Central Square, Casa MIMA, and a museum. This evening we will enjoy our Welcome Dinner. Accommodation: Westin Camino Real, Guatemala City (B L D) Main Tour 3
Day 3 GUATEMALA CITY QUETZALTENANGO (XELA) TUE 12 After breakfast, we will head towards Quetzaltenango also known as Xela. Set against a backdrop of volcanoes, the city is known for its neoclassical buildings, which we will discover this afternoon. On the walking tour, we will learn of Xela's indigenous and colonial past and explore its central park, Cathedral, Natural History Museum, and Municipal Theatre. The tour is topped off with a chocolate tasting! Accommodation: Hotel Latam, Xela (B L D) http://en.ghlhoteles.com/hotels/guatemala/quetzaltenango/latam-hotel-plaza-pradera-quetzaltenango/ Day 4 XELA WED 13 MORNING CONFERENCE SESSION 2 After lunch, we will travel to Totonicapán well known for the variety of handicrafts produced here. In the evening we will enjoy dinner hosted by a local family accompanied by marimba music and dance performance. Accommodation: Hotel Latam, Xela (B L D) Day 5 XELA LAKE ATITLáN THU 14 Morning transfer to Lake Atitlán via the Chichicastenango Markets. We will visit St Tomas Church where local Maya people come to perform Mayan rituals within the Catholic Church - demonstrating the interesting way the two faiths have combined in recent times. Accommodation: Hotel Atitlán, Lake Atitlán (B L D) http://www.hotelatitlan.com Main Tour 4
Day 6 LAKE ATITLáN FRI 15 Today, we make a day trip to the captivating San Juan La Laguna. Here, we will visit a weaving cooperative and a Naïf painting workshop before boarding a boat for lunch at a nearby village on the picturesque lake. Accommodation: Hotel Atitlán, Lake Atitlán (B L D) Day 7 LAKE ATITLáN SAT 16 MORNING CONFERENCE SESSION 3 Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the beauty of the sparkling lake, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. Accommodation: Hotel Atitlán, Lake Atitlán (B) Main Tour 5
Day 8 LAKE ATITLáN ANTIGUA SUN 17 After breakfast, transfer to Antigua, via the Mayan archeological site of Iximché where we experience a Mayan ceremony performed by a Shaman. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, Antigua (B L) http://www.casasantodomingo.com.gt Day 9 ANTIGUA MON 18 This morning, we will have a walking tour of this enchanting colonial city exploring its cultural, architectural and social history with a behind-the-scenes look at some of Antigua's ornately decorated churches, Spanish colonial-era ruins, and the tomb of the first Guatemalan saint. Following this, we will embark on an exciting food tour! This feast for the senses combines the robust flavours of Antigua's street food with its colourful traditions and a visit to some of the most favoured eateries of the locals. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, Antigua (B L) Main Tour 6
Day 10 ANTIGUA TUE 19 MORNING CONFERENCE SESSION 4 An exciting afternoon awaits us! We will board our chicken bus for a coffee tour in San Miguel Escobar. Here, we will get to visit families supported by a nonprofit organisation promoting environmentally responsible agriculture in Guatemala. Of course, we will also sample the local brew. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, Antigua (B L) Day 11 VOLCAN PACAYA WED 20 Another fun-filled day! We will be transferred to Volcan Pacaya on top of which a delicious picnic lunch awaits. Volcano hiking is huge chunk of the culture in Guatemala; the energetics will have the opportunity to hike up enjoying the lovely vistas of the surrounding fields and hills, all wrapped in green and mist. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, we will enjoy our farewell dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, Antigua (B L D) Main Tour 7
Day 12 DEPARTURE THU 21 This morning, delegates will be transferred to the Guatemala City Airport for their return flight via Dallas reaching home on Saturday 23 rd March. Post-Tour 1 delegates will be transferred to the Guatemala City Airport for their flight to Cancun, Mexico. (B) MAIN TOUR COST Please visit www.conferencingnomads.com and Register your Interest to receive all costs. TRIP INCLUSIONS 4 conference sessions for delegates with tea breaks 11-night accommodation at well-appointed hotels as mentioned or similar on a twin-share basis Economy class return airfares Sydney/Brisbane/Melbourne/Adelaide/Perth Guatemala City via Dallas with Qantas (airline/airfares/taxes subject to change) Daily breakfasts, 9 lunches and 6 dinners Sightseeing and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary Bilingual local guides All group transfers in conjunction with airfares purchased through Conferencing Nomads Accompanying Conferencing Nomads personnel Porterage Tips to drivers and guides. TRIP EXCLUSIONS # Accommodation within Australia, where needed Meals and drinks not indicated in the Inclusions Optional tours / activities other than those specified Items of a personal nature, beverages, laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar etc. Travel insurance (compulsory) Visas, where applicable Anything not mentioned in the trip inclusions. # Applicable also to the Pre-Tour and Post-Tours 1 and 2 Main Tour 8
POST-TOUR 1 TASTE OF MEXICO 21 27 MARCH 2019 Day 1 ARRIVE TULUM, MEXICO THU 21 After the Main Tour finishes, we will take our flight from Guatemala City to Cancun, Mexico. On arrival, transfer to Tulum on the Mexico s Caribbean coast. Rest of the day is for you to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. Accommodation: Maya Tulum Resort, Tulum (B D) https://mayatulum.com/ Day 2 VALLADOLID, IZAMAL FRI 22 This morning, we will explore Tulum, the only Mayan coastal city, with its ruins perched atop limestone cliffs overlooking the white, sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean coast (title cover). We will then transfer to Izamal. On the way, we will stop at Valladolid, fondly called the Sultaness of the East. In Valladolid, enjoy the beauty of the crystal-clear water of the underground X'kekén cenote. Accommodation: Hacienda Santo Domingo, Izamal (B L) https://www.izamalhotel.com/english/ Post Tour 1 9
Day 3 CAMPECHE SAT 23 Day 6 MÉRIDA TUE 26 This morning, we will explore The Yellow City of Izamal known for its traditional golden yellow buildings. After lunch, transfer to Campeche, a beautiful city within the Yucatan Peninsula. Accommodation: Casa Don Gustavo, Campeche (B L) http://www.hotelsincampeche.com/ Today is at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Mérida, Mérida (B D) Day 7 DEPARTURE WED 27 Day 4 CAMPECHE SUN 24 MORNING CONFERENCE SESSION 1 Delegates returning home will be transferred to the Mérida Airport, for their flight via Mexico City and Dallas or Los Angeles, reaching home on the 29 th. Post-Tour 2 delegates will be transferred to the Airport for their flight to Guadalajara. (B) After the conference session, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore this amazing World Heritage-listed walled city where art and history come together. Accommodation: Casa Don Gustavo, Campeche (B) Day 5 MÉRIDA MON 25 MORNING CONFERENCE SESSION 2 Afternoon transfer to the cultural capital of the Yucatán Peninsula - Mérida. Mérida is undoubtedly one of Mexico s most vibrant charming towns steeped in colonial history, with narrow streets, broad central plazas and the region s best museums. POST-TOUR 1 COST Please visit www.conferencingnomads.com and Register your Interest to receive all costs. TRIP INCLUSIONS Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Mérida, Mérida (B L) https://www.hotelhaciendamerida.com/en 2 conference sessions for delegates with tea breaks 6-night accommodation at well-appointed hotels as mentioned or similar on a twin-share basis Economy class airfares to Australia bought in conjunction with the Main Tour airfares (subject to change) Economy class airfares Guatemala City Cancun and Mérida Mexico City Daily breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners Sightseeing and entrance fees as outlined Bilingual local guides All group transfers in conjunction with airfares purchased through Conferencing Nomads Accompanying Conferencing Nomads personnel Porterage and tips to drivers and guides. Post Tour 1 10
POST-TOUR 2 COLONIAL MEXICO 27 MARCH 3 APRIL 2019 Day 1 ARRIVE GUADALAJARA WED 27 After the Post-Tour 1 ends, we will take a morning flight from Mérida to Guadalajara, known as the land of tequila and mariachi and rich in history and traditions. On arrival, transfer to our hotel. Rest of the day is for you to enjoy the historic city of Guadalajara. Accommodation: Hotel Morales, Guadalajara (B D) http://www.hotelmorales.com.mx/en/ Day 2 GUADALAJARA, Tequila THU 28 A dusty town tucked in the volcanic valleys northwest of Guadalajara and surrounded by the UNESCO-listed blue agave plantations, Tequila s rich history is about more than just a name. As the birthplace of the eponymous drink, Tequila has been producing Mexico s national beverage since the 16 th century and the surrounding state of Jalisco is the only area of the country where the potent spirit can be legally produced. We will have a city orientation tour in the afternoon. Accommodation: Hotel Morales, Guadalajara (B L) Post Tour 2 11
Day 3 GUADALAJARA FRI 29 MORNING CONFERENCE SESSION 1 The rest of the day is for you to enjoy your leisure time! Accommodation: Hotel Morales, Guadalajara (B) Day 4 GUANAJUATO SAT 30 Today, we will transfer to Guanajuato. Falling in love with Guanajuato is easy. It s a place full of magic and unique energy and hence perhaps named a World Heritage Site. After lunch, we will explore its boundless beauty. Accommodation: Hotel Boutique 1850, Guanajuato (B L) http://www.hotel1850.com/index.php/en Day 5 GUANAJUATO SUN 31 MORNING CONFERENCE SESSION 2 The rest of the day is free for you to discover the town s beauty. Day 7 MEXICO CITY TUE 2 Today, we will transfer to Mexico City. On arrival, check in at our hotel for our final night stay in Mexico. The rest of the day is at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Geneve, Mexico City (B) http://www.hotelgeneve.com.mx/en Day 8 DEPARTURE WED 3 Today, we will transfer to the airport for our return flight to Australia via Los Angeles reaching home on the 5 th April. POST-TOUR 2 COST Please visit www.conferencingnomads.com and Register your Interest to receive all costs. TRIP INCLUSIONS Accommodation: Hotel Boutique 1850, Guanajuato (B) Day 6 SAN MIGUEL ALLENDE MON 1 Apr After breakfast, we will transfer to San Miguel de Allende, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico and known for its baroque Spanish architecture and thriving arts scene. We will enjoy a city tour followed by lunch and a visit to wine and cheese making artisanal factories. Accommodation: Hotel Mision, San Miguel de Allende (B L D) http://www.hotelesmision.com.mx/e_index.php 2 conference sessions for delegates with tea break 7-night accommodation at well-appointed hotels as mentioned or similar on a twin-share basis Economy class airfares to Australia bought in conjunction with the Main Tour airfares (subject to change) Economy class airfares Mérida Guadalajara Daily breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners Sightseeing and entrance fees as outlined Bilingual local guides All group transfers in conjunction with airfares purchased through Conferencing Nomads Accompanying Conferencing Nomads personnel Porterage and tips to drivers and guides. Post Tour 2 12