BRAZIL Cruzex 2018 PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION Friday, 16 th Friday, 23 rd November, 2018 After a break of several years, CRUZEX - the largest flying exercise for fighters (and tankers) in South America - is scheduled to take place at Augusto Severo AB outside Natal, Brazil from the 18 th to 30 th November this year. At the last CRUZEX six South American countries plus the USA and Canada, sent a total of 96 aircraft to participate in the exercise; at the initial planning meeting held in March, the representatives of the air forces of 13 countries attended (out of 21 invited to participate): Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, Sweden, Portugal, Canada, France, UK and the USA. So we should see a fabulous, wide range of different fighter-types from a large number of countries: for example, the Kfir pictured above, of the Colombian Air Force! We are there for Arrivals Day, the day before the exercise officially gets under way, on Natal AB located a few miles outside of the town. We spend 4 full days either outside or inside the base we await a decision on our request for base access; we also spend one day at Recife out of where the support aircraft operate and all the tankers are based again we hope to be given air-side access. We fly on the scheduled services of TAP Air Portugal from London to Natal via Lisbon, returning from Recife via Lisbon back to Heathrow; travel in-country is by chartered coach with driver (see appropriate paragraph on page 4 General Information ); stay each night in a comfortable hotel (a short drive from the airbases as the airport hotels are not very good); and are accompanied by an Ian Allan Tour Manager. For those looking to see different fighters of different air forces, then CRUZEX ticks the boxes. Past exercises have proved very popular with enthusiasts from around both South America and Europe. PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local) DAY 1: FRIDAY, 16 th NOVEMBER Between 09:00 09:25 please check-in with TAP Air Portugal who operate from Terminal 2 at London s Heathrow Airport. Then meet your Ian Allan Tour Manager and fellow enthusiasts who will be gathering in the check in area. Latest recommended check-in time is 3 hours prior to departure i.e. 09:25. London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2 Flight: TP 367 Departs: 12:25 Lisbon Arrives: 15:10 On arrival we go directly to the gate of our connecting flight to Natal; boarding should commence at approximately 16:50. Lisbon Flight: TP 5 Departs: 17:20 Natal Arrives: 22:00 Tour 227841 Brazil - CRUZEX Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 1 of 6
After the usual procedures we enter the Arrivals Hall and meet our local guide. Boarding our coach we transfer the few miles to the Comfort Hotel & Suites Natal where we stay 5 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel is located in the Ponta Negra district of Natal and is a 4-minutes walk from the beach. On-site facilities include a restaurant, outdoor pool and rooms are equipped with flat-screen TV, minibar, in-room safe and air-conditioning. There is free Wi-Fi throughout. www.atlanticahotels.com.br/hotel/natal/comfort-hotel-suites-natal DAY 2: SATURDAY, 17 th NOVEMBER Departing the hotel at 09:00, today is when most participating aircraft will arrive. We will stand at the threshold of the runway as they land. The coach can also take those that wish, around the airbase on public roads (where possible), to see what is in view. With a small number still operational, will the Fuerza Aerea Argentina bring their A-4AR Fightinghawks along? (Pictured here!) We return to the hotel by 18:00. DAYS 3-6: SUNDAY, 18 th WEDNESDAY, 21 st NOVEMBER We leave the hotel each morning at 09:00, and depending on the decision from the FAB, we hope some of the time will be onbase. At all other times we will stand at the landing end of the runway getting photographs of the aircraft as they come in low over the perimeter fence (like we do at NATO Tiger Meets). Pictured right is one of Peru s MiG-29 fighters. As soon as the afternoon wave on the Wednesday lands back we depart for Recife, a drive of around 4½ hours. We stay overnight at the Ibis Recife Aeroporto Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel is located opposite and within walking distance of the terminal and on-site features include a restaurant, bar and free wi-fi. The spacious rooms are equipped with air conditioning and cable TV www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-8842-ibis-recife-aeroporto/index.shtml DAY 7: THURSDAY, 22 nd NOVEMBER Today is spent inside and/or outside Recife- Guararapes/Gilberto Freyre International joint airbase where the various tankers and support aircraft are based and from where they will operate. Pictured left is one of Força Aerea Brasileira s F-5 Tigers with its AAR probe deployed. This evening we check in with TAP Air Portugal for our return flight to London, via Lisbon. Latest recommended check-in time is 3 hours prior to departure: 21:30. DAY 8: FRIDAY, 23 rd NOVEMBER Recife Flight: TP 12 Departs: 00:30 Lisbon Arrives: 10:45 Following the signs for Transit Passengers we go along to the departure gate of our onward flight to London; boarding should start around 14:15. Lisbon Flight: TP 356 Departs: 14:45 London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2 Arrives: 17:30 Whilst waiting for our luggage in Baggage Reclaim, we bid each other farewell until our paths cross again. Tour 227841 Brazil - CRUZEX Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 2 of 6
TOUR PRICE PER PERSON TOUR: 227841 From 2,215.00 From 169.00 On request Based on sharing a twin bedded room with private facilities, on a bed and breakfast basis Single room supplement Land only (please speak with one of our consultants before booking) TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Flights on the scheduled services of TAP Air Portugal from London s Heathrow Airport as stated UK, Portuguese and Brazilian Airport Taxes, and UK Passenger Service Charge All transfers by air-conditioned charter coach 6-night s accommodation in rooms with private facilities Breakfast each morning Services of a local English-speaking guide Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager Coach driver s gratuity NOT INCLUDED Visa see page 4 General Information Travel insurance see page 6 General Information Personal expenditure, e.g. telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc Additional tips and gratuities Tour 227841 Brazil - CRUZEX Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 3 of 6
GENERAL INFORMATION Payment for A deposit of 400.00 per person should accompany your Booking Form, with the balance due 10 weeks prior to the tour s departure. Please see your Booking Confirmation/Invoice for the exact date. Please note that a reminder of the payment date will not be sent. Tours Affected by World Events or Unforeseen/Unplanned Circumstances In an ever-changing world, events may occur immediately before or during a tour that result in cancellations or changes to the tour itinerary. For example, an increase in security may result in an approved visit being cancelled by the host, etc.. cannot be held responsible for any tour being cancelled, or itineraries affected, due to world events or circumstances beyond our control. Coach Travel only use coaches chartered from reputable companies, with a driver. Where we have had to cancel a tour, due to the small number of bookings, we have looked at the possibility of renting a 16-18 seater mini-van, with our tour manager driving. However, without exception, the hiring of such a vehicle is illegal if any of the occupants make any payment towards the rental price, fuel and/or other expenses - known as for hire or reward. Any such rental, made without these facts being made known to the rental company at the time of booking, also invalidates all insurance covering the vehicle, contents and persons. The DVLA has also confirmed that any for hire or reward rental could breach the normal driving classification of a standard UK driver s license. Therefore, we do not undertake any tours using 9-18 seater mini-vans from a rental company; either with our tour manager, or a member of the group, driving. Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Consular Advice The FCO's consular service is a major operation. Every hour of every day consular staff around the world are advising and helping British nationals. We suggest you visit www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo for up-to-date passport, visa and security information on the destination you intend visiting. In addition, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) provide an Information Line for UK callers only, telephone: 020 3117 0599. This line is open between the hours 10:00 16:00, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). Passports and Visas Citizens of the UK are required to be in possession of a machine readable full UK Passport which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return to the UK. UK passport holders do not require a visa to enter Brazil. However, you may have to show a return air ticket and proof of sufficient funds on arrival. Non UK passport holders should consult their nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate. Baggage Regulations Air Portugal Departing from London s Heathrow Airport Checked Baggage: TAP Air Portugal will transport 1 piece of checked baggage per person free of charge, the total dimensions of which must not exceed 62 inches (158cms). Maximum weight is 50lbs (23kgs). Cabin Baggage: in addition to the checked baggage allowance, each passenger is allowed to take onboard the aircraft one piece of cabin baggage, up to a maximum of 22x16x8inches (55x40x20 cms). These dimensions include wheels, handles, and side pockets. Total weight of the carry-on baggage must not exceed 15lbs (8kgs). Passengers are required to place the baggage in the overhead compartment or under their seat. Tour 227841 Brazil - CRUZEX Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 4 of 6
Also, you can take a handbag/wallet/purse with the maximum length 15ins (37½ cms), width 10ins (25 cm), depth 5ins (12½ cms), or the total of three dimensions do not exceed 30ins (75cms) with the total weight not exceeding 3.3lbs (1.5kgs); this condition also applies to notebooks, or portable personal computers; walking stick (crutches) used by elderly passengers, sick passengers, and handicapped passengers; camera or small binoculars. Limited quantities of liquids are allowed as hand baggage but must be carried separately through security in a clear plastic, zip-top or re-sealable bag that does not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches), or quart size. Individual containers must not exceed 90ml or 3 American ounces, and items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed. The bag can only contain: shampoo, suntan lotions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and hair spray, perfumes, cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss, water and other drinks, soups and syrups and other items of a similar consistency. At security all remaining items should be placed in the tray provided for screening, e.g. car keys and fobs, cash, solid food, books, newspapers, cigarettes and tobacco, belts and shoes. Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. All wheelchairs will be subject to search. Please note, you may be subject to a hand search by the security team and required to remove footwear to be x-ray screened. Once in the departure lounge passengers may purchase certain items in any shop and take it onto the aircraft as normal. Passengers may be subject to a secondary search at the departure gate before boarding. Any items not on the approved list will be removed. As baggage regulations can change with little warning, due to security requirements, you are strongly advised to contact the airline for the latest information nearer to the time of your departure. Meals Breakfast is included in the hotels each morning. Health Requirements There are currently no known mandatory or recommended precautions required for travel to Natal and Recife. However, we recommend that you consult your local doctor or health centre for the latest information. Currency The national currency is the Brazilian Real. Please note: US Dollars are not usually accepted in payment. ATMs: if you don't want to take cash there is a wide network of cash machines in the country (they are as practically as widespread as in the UK) and you can use ATMs to withdraw money while you are there. Many shops and restaurants will accept card payments, although smaller cafes or shops may not. Unlike some other countries in South America, the only currency you can withdraw from Brazilian ATMs is the Brazilian Real. Credit/debit cards: as with travel to any country in South America, if you're planning to use your cash card to withdraw Reais in Brazil, we'd advise you to contact your bank before travel so that they know the dates you will be overseas. Alternatively, a pre-paid currency card can be a great (and safe) alternative. Change can be an issue in Brazil, and if you've just been to a cash machine and try and pay for a coffee with a 50-Real note, you'll be likely to hear "o senhor(a) tem troco?" or "do you have change?". It's a good idea to try and break large bills as often as possible, particularly in bigger shops and restaurants, so that you have plenty of change for when you need it. It is also possible to use your card directly to pay for things in many shops and restaurants, and you can do this using most UK debit/credit cards. You will find that Visa is marginally more widely accepted than Mastercard, and Amex (as everywhere) is less common still. You may be asked to show ID whenever making a purchase using your card. Travellers cheques: exchanging them is becoming increasingly difficult and the commission rates are high. Not all Casas de Cambio will exchange travellers cheques, but if you do want to use them, Amex cheques are more widely accepted than other kinds, and you'll get better rates on US Dollar or Euro-denominated cheques. Tour 227841 Brazil - CRUZEX Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 5 of 6
Climate and Dress November in Natal is the driest month of the year. Daily low temperatures are around 76 F, rarely falling below 74 F, nor higher than 79 F. Rainfall is very low at 0.2in, with a 4% chance of rain, on any one day. We therefore recommend summer items of clothing including a hat (and sunblock) and a rainproof. Travel Insurance For citizens of the United Kingdom, can provide competitive and comprehensive insurance cover for the duration of your tour. However, if you do not wish to take out our insurance, you must ensure that comparable or greater cover is taken. The number of your Insurance Policy should be written, if known, on your Booking Form at the time of making the reservation, but no later than the date when final payment is due. A copy of the policy must be forwarded to. Individual insurance policies are arranged through CoverMore Insurance Services Limited; the premiums for which will vary according to your circumstances. Full details are available on request. Wheelchair Assistance at Airports If you require wheelchair assistance at the airports you must have this service requested and confirmed in advance. Airlines and airports no longer provide this service without prior confirmation. Please annotate your booking form accordingly Flexible Itinerary We are very happy for enthusiasts to take time away from the printed itinerary to pursue their own interests, so long as they inform the Tour Manager. It will be the individual s responsibility to ensure that they re-join the group in the hotel at the stated time on the day of departure. Land Only Price For enthusiasts who would prefer to join the tour at Lisbon Airport or in Natal (instead of flying from the UK with the main group), we will happy to quote you a Land Only price. This price will not include any international long-haul flights and you are strongly advised to contact us before making your own flight arrangements in the event that there has been a change to the published itinerary. Please note that the Land Only price is based on you meeting the tour either at Lisbon Airport or the Natal hotel. Flight Timings & Connecting Travel Arrangements to Departure Airport All flight departure and arrival times are correct at the time of preparing each itinerary, however, airlines change times with little or no prior warning. In practice such changes are only a few minutes either way and the final itinerary will show the actual times. Clients making their own arrangements to get to the departure airport by air, rail, coach etc., should bare the above in mind if purchasing non-refundable or non-changeable tickets. cannot be held responsible for any changes to flight times, and any privately arranged travel tickets to the airport becoming invalid. Pre-departure For connecting flights from UK regional airports please call on 01932 255625 for the latest special offers. Airport Hotel and/or Car Parking We can offer special rates for the above at most UK airports, please ask for details. Pleasure Flights Disclaimer Should you decide to undertake any pleasure/sightseeing flights which have not been offered or sanctioned by us, will not be held liable for any injuries or death resulting thereon. * * * Tour 227841 Brazil - CRUZEX Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 6 of 6