Exploring Panama Presented By: Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce Day 1: Thursday, December 06, 2012 Panama City, Panama - Tour Begins Welcome to Panama, a country of lush rainforests, rich history, diverse wildlife and spectacular coastlines. Your tour begins in cosmopolitan Panama City. Day 2: Friday, December 07, 2012 Panama City Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome breakfast before embarking on a city tour. Visit Panama Viejo Visitors Center and Cathedral Tower, exploring the ruins of the oldest Spanish settlement on the Pacific. Next, stop at two local markets specializing in fresh produce and seafood for an introduction to the specialty foods of Panama. Continue to Casco Antiguo, the Old Quarter a UNESCO World Heritage site. A short walking tour down its cobblestoned streets showcases the Plaza de la Independencia, the Presidential Palace, the National Theater and restored colonial churches and monuments. After lunch at leisure, ascend to Cerro Ancon s peak for a captivating view of Panama City. Tonight, relish Panamanian cuisine at a special welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. (B, D) Day 3: Saturday, December 08, 2012 Panama City Today you may choose to explore Panama City on your own or board the Pacific Queen for an optional partial transit through the Panama Canal. Enjoy lunch on board and pass through two locks as you revel in a once-in-alifetime chance to see this incredible engineering feat first hand and learn all about its construction and operation. (B) Day 4: Sunday, December 09, 2012 Panama City - Gamboa Head to Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to watch ships traverse the locks and learn about this engineering marvel s rich past, present and future. Visit a local handicraft market and peruse artisan souvenirs made by indigenous peoples, including the mola embroidery of the Kuna Yala. Continue to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort your home for the next three nights. Here your options are many: enjoy the resort s pool and spa, soak in the sights and sounds from the hammock on your balcony, or take an optional aerial tram ride, kayak trip in the Panama Canal, or nighttime safari boat ride. (B)
Day 5: Monday, December 10, 2012 Gamboa This morning your guide leads a nature walk through your resort s forest and gardens to view its abundant bird population. The remainder of the day at leisure provides you with opportunities for many excursions. Perhaps travel to an Emberá indigenous village board dugout canoes for a scenic ride up the Chagres River to a settlement of Emberá, known as the Keepers of the Rainforest. You may also choose an optional tour to Gatún Locks and the historic Portobelo Fort, which played a crucial role in the trade routes of Panama s past and the pirate s routes of plunder. This evening, learn about the tradition of folklore dance in Panama during a private salsa lesson! (B) Day 6: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 Galeta Marine Laboratory-Colon Free Zone-Panama Canal Railway-Gamboa This morning learn more about Panama s delicate ecosystems at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute s Galeta Marine Laboratory as a staff biologist brings this breathtaking setting to life. Stroll through mangrove boardwalks, spot species of indigenous birds, and learn about the Collette Foundation s support of Galeta s outreach programs for local children. Continue to Colon and enjoy an interesting visit to the Free Zone, the second-largest in the world and the commercial hub of the Americas at the Atlantic gateway to the canal. At the train station in Colon, climb aboard the historic Panama Canal Railway and relax in elegance as you are whisked past stunning scenery in perfectly restored cars. Tonight soak up the ambiance at the oceanfront Amador Causeway where you will relish a delicious seafood dinner while enjoying views of the lights of Panama City s skyline sparkling on the water. (B, D) Day 7: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 Gamboa - Tour Ends Your tour ends today. (B) December 06 - December 12, 2012 7 Days 8 Meals 6 Breakfasts 2 Dinners Highlights: Panama City, Panama Viejo, Casco Antiguo, Local Markets, Miraflores Locks, Gamboa, Salsa Dance Lesson, Smithsonian Galeta Marine Laboratory, Colon Free Zone, Panama Canal Railway "Value Tours" provide all the key destination attractions and core benefits of a standard Collette tour, including the services of a professional Tour Manager. These lower-priced packages feature 3-4 star hotels that may be less centrally located. They also offer more free time, allowing guests to pursue a wider choice of independent sightseeing and dining options. Rates Per Person Double: $1999, Single: $2399,Triple: $1969 * Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Logan Intl Airport,Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges,Hotel Transfers. * Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $175 per person. Day 1-3 Day 4-6 Itinerary at a Glance Doubletree by Hilton Panama City, Panama City Gamboa Rainforest Resort, Gamboa On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Essential Experiences Ride the historic Panama Canal Railway from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Watch ships traverse the Miraflores Locks and learn about this engineering marvel at the Visitor Center. Enjoy three relaxing nights in a deluxe river view room complete with balcony and hammock at Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Try your own steps at a salsa dance lesson and learn about Panamanian folklore music. Learn about tropical ecosystems during a special visit to the Smithsonian Galeta Marine Laboratory. For more information call Jackie Charette Yankee Travel Inc. (401) 789-9728 jackie@yankeetravel.com Included Meals Key B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Please Note: Passport IS required. 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. Each client is responsible for proper documentation and inoculations that may be required and/or recommended to participate on this tour. Please contact your local travel clinic or personal physician for specific details on the destinations you are traveling to and from. Space is limited and will be handled on a first come, first served basis, so book early! The highest point of elevation is 654 feet at Ancon Hill. Panama charges an international airport departure tax the cost of this may be included in your air ticket. Smaller buses, which may not be lavatory equipped, may be used on this program. In this case, frequent stops are made during travel periods. This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets. Extend your vacation with... Optional 3 Days 2-night Playa Bonita Beach Post Extension Rate: $299 USD per person, double, land only 3 Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Dinners Day 7: Gamboa - Playa Bonita Depart Gamboa for Playa Bonita and your luxurious five-star beachfront resort. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. Day 8: Playa Bonita Today free time allows you to independently enjoy Playa Bonita. Relax on the beach, enjoy your resort s spa and amenities, kayak in the tropical waters, or take a nature walk in the adjacent Punta Bruja Reserve. You may also opt to take an excursion to the enchanting Anton Valley, nestled inside the second largest volcanic crater in the world. This evening, enjoy dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean. (B, D) Day 9: Playa Bonita - Tour Ends Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
AVAILABLE OPTIONS: Gamboa Embera Indigenous Village $99.00 Embark on an enchanting excursion to an Emberá village. Transfer to the riverbank and board dugout canoes for a short, scenic ride up the Chagres River to a settlement of Emberá. Known as the Keepers of the Rainforest, the Emberá strive to preserve their rich indigenous heritage despite the increasing pressures of the modern world. Relocated to this area from the Darién, the Emberá lost their nomadic, agricultural way of life but now welcome small groups of visitors. Explore how they are keeping alive ancient techniques of homebuilding and handicrafts. See traditional dances, learn how they create their gorgeous basket weavings and tagua nut carvings, and partake in a simple lunch cooked the traditional way before returning by dugout canoe to the mainland. Spend an unforgettable afternoon with the welcoming and friendly Emberá and gain extraordinary insight into this fascinating culture. Note: When visiting the Embera Village, you will be required to board a dug-out canoe (with assistance from boat captain and staff) which has restricted legroom. The canoe ride is approx. 20 minutes long. If you have hip implants or a restricted ability to board and comfortably sit in a canoe, please check with your doctor in advance and inform your Tour Manager. You may choose to remain at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort and take advantage of the hotel amenities/activities this day instead. Please note: for departures between May 1, 2011 and April 30, 2012, this option runs at the same time as Gatun Locks & Portobelo Fort; passengers can choose one optional tour this day. For departures after May 1, 2012, this option runs at the same time as From the Canal to the Caribbean; passengers can choose one optional tour this day. From the Canal to the Caribbean $105.00 Delve further into the history of Panama and the Canal with a visit to the Gatún Locks and Portobelo Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At Gatún Locks, enjoy an up-close view from the observation deck of the three locks in action and the mules (electric locomotives) which guide ships through. Gain a complete perspective of the entire canal route. Each lock chamber requires almost 27 million gallons of water to fill and then drain which occurs in less than 10 minutes. The massive 7-ft. thick gates control the flow, helping ships raise or lower 85 feet on their journey to the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean. Continue towards Colon and the spectacular Caribbean coast on your way to the sleepy bayside town of Portobelo, founded in 1597. Portobelo played a crucial role in the silver trade routes of Panama s past and the pirates routes of plunder. Enjoy lunch at a lovely local seafood restaurant. See the colonial fortifications where the canons are still pointing towards the bay they once protected. After exploring the historic Fort and the Custom House, visit San Felipe Church, home to Panama s most venerated religious figure, the Black Christ. According to legend it possesses divine powers. This tour provides an in-depth look into Panama s colorful past and exposes you to some of its most stunning scenery. Kayaking in the Panama Canal $55.00 Cruise around the Chagres River, the islands of Gatún Lake and to the edge of the Panama Canal onboard your own kayak and truly experience the rainforest. Glide through the water at your own pace, listening to birds chirping. Search the surrounding jungle for howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, eagles and many other wild animals. Explore this tranquil setting, making your adventure as relaxed and leisurely as you wish. In this stunningly unique setting, there is no better way to connect with nature. Bring comfortable clothes and water shoes; shorts, light t-shirt, hat, sun block, and insect repellent are recommended, along with spare clothes for after your trip. Kayaking equipment is included. Rainforest Canopy Tour Aerial Tram $55.00 Experience the sights and sounds of a tropical rainforest, as you ascend from the shadowy forest floor through the dense undergrowth and up 280 feet to its sun-drenched canopy. Your naturalist guide describes the flora and fauna you pass as howler monkeys call out in the distance. It s a feast for the senses; colorful birds and butterflies surround, and you might also encounter iguanas, sloths or white-faced capuchin monkeys. Once at the top, you can climb the 100 foot tall observation tower for views of the vast rainforest of Soberanía National Park while watching the cargo ships maneuver through the Galliard Cut. Throughout this adventure your guide will be on hand to explain and enhance your encounters. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes; long pants, hat, sun block, sunglasses, camera, binoculars and insect repellent are recommended. Sunset Safari $45.00 What are the rainforest animals doing at night? Search for them during a nocturnal tour from an open-air boat. Enjoy the chance to spot tapirs, capybaras, alligators, rare tropical opossums, western night monkeys and two-toed sloths. Luminescent pairs of eyes reveal scores of reptiles hunting after dark along the edges of the river and Gatún Lake. Two protected species the crocodile and the caiman populate local water. But reptiles are not the only stars of this nocturnal adventure; calls of the nightjar (a whippoorwill cousin) and frogs echo over the still water. Bats dive to the water s surface for a quick drink. During your night safari, learn interesting facts about the Gamboa area. Don t miss this opportunity to experience the nocturnal sights and sounds of the waterfront. Panama City
Pacific Queen Partial Transit of the Panama Canal $145.00 Take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a partial transit through the Panama Canal. Climb aboard the Pacific Queen and enter the canal at the famous Gaillard Cut. Carved through the Continental Divide, this spot is full of historical and geological interest. Sit back and relax on this journey between the seas as your on-board guides recount the captivating stories behind the building of the canal. You will also have the chance to observe the impressive Panama Canal Expansion Project currently underway. Pass through the Pedro Miguel Lock and watch as the Pacific Queen is lowered 30 feet. Enter Miraflores Lake, created when the canal was constructed, on your way to the Miraflores Locks, the final set of locks before the Pacific Ocean. Here the ship will be lowered an additional 60 feet! Enjoy lunch on board before crossing under the Bridge of the Americas and completing your transit. Don t miss the chance to experience one of the world s great engineering marvels this is as close as you can get! 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 $175 per person. TRAVEL TIPS: Exploring Panama 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. 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 Panama, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes with traction. It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers that may be added or removed as the temperature changes. Long sleeves and pants are recommended for those individuals who are sensitive to both sun and insects. Rain gear is also strongly suggested, especially a poncho or raincoat and a sturdy pair of shoes that you won't mind getting wet. As it can be quite sunny in beautiful
Panama, it's a good idea to pack sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. Film, batteries, toiletries, and insect repellent are highly recommended for this trip as well. Don't forget your swimsuit as every hotel on your tour of Panama has a swimming pool. Please see additional packing and travel tips for the optional tours offered at Gamboa on the specific tour descriptions. Bring a camera, 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. In many cases, laundry services are available to you at the hotel, for an additional charge. 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. You may opt to pack wash cloths as they are not readily available in international hotels. 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 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 US dollar is the only paper currency in circulation in Panama. Panama also uses its own coin currency, the Balboa, which is equivalent to one US dollar. You may use US dollars in Panama without any problem, however, change in coins may be in US currency or in Balboa. Balboa coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents. Small bills will be needed for lunches, gratuities and small items such as postcards and postage. Please note that 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 The highest elevation on this tour is at Cerro Ancon peak, 654 feet above sea level. Most time on this tour is spent at sea level. Helpful Hints 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 Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one carry-on (36 inches in length, height and width; not to exceed 11 lbs. /5.2 kg.) and one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) are allowed. Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Wheeled carry-ons are not suitable for coach tours. 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 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 20 to 40 USD. Tipping in Panama is a customary 10-15%, which you can add when paying a restaurant bill if it does not already include a service charge. In Panama it is recommended for travelers to drink purified or mineral bottled water, though tap water is considered safe in most areas. Water can be easily purchased at hotels and local convenience stores. Name Badges Name Badges Collette Vacations provides name badges to our travelers in order to facilitate conversation among fellow travelers. The name badge also ensures that a Collette Vacations representative can easily recognize you, especially at airports upon arrival. Reading List Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? Collette has 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.collettevacations.com/travel-books.cfm Shopping One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you ve just been. As you explore Panama, be on the lookout its most famous products -- coffee; rum; wood and tagua nut ( vegetable ivory ) carvings; brightly colored mola (reverse-stitched embroidery of the Kuna Yala indigenous people); baskets made by the Emberá indigenous people; leather goods; ceramics; other handicrafts; jewelry; posters; and T-shirts with nature and wildlife themes. You're sure to find anything and everything here! Panama City is truly a modern and cosmopolitan shopping center, famous in Latin America for duty-free and luxury goods. World-famous fashion boutiques and department stores in megaplex shopping malls can be found all over Panama City. If you purchase DVDs or other electronic equipment, check to be sure they are compatible with your PC or other home equipment. 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 Panama is on the same time as US Eastern Time, and does not honor daylight savings time. Therefore, Panama is one hour behind U.S Eastern Time when the U.S honors daylight savings time. Tour Manager We pride ourselves on having the best-trained and most experienced tour managers in the industry. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary basis and should be in direct proportion to the level of professionalism and personal service extended to you throughout the tour. Past experience has shown that a guideline of 4-6 USD per person for each traveling day is a customary amount for the tour manager. A customary amount of 3-5 USD per person per day is suggested for the driver. 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. 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.
Register with $400 non-refundable deposit due by September 1, 2012. Balance due by November 1, 2012 TOUR LODGING INFO: Accommodation will be provided on room with daily buffet breakfast basis. PLACE COVERED NIGHTS HOTELS Fiji 07 Nights Outrigger on the Lagoon Resort and Spa TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE: - Lunch and Dinner. - Expenses of personal nature such as tipping, porters, laundry, telephones, drinks etc. - Visas fees if applicable. TOUR ITINERARY: DAY 1 USA NADI (Fiji)- Depart from USA to Nadi, Fiji. Day 2 on Flight You will cross the International Date Line and therefore arrival into Nadi is two days later, on Day 3. Day 3 - Welcome to Nadi, Fiji Transfer in to Hotel Upon arrival at Nadi Airport, our representative will be waiting for you at the main gate, holding the sign board with your name. After a warm Fijian welcome, you will be transferred to the resort via one of the most scenic drives in Fiji. Your resort is located on Fiji's Coral Coast - one of the largest fringing coral reefs in the world. Accommodation at Outrigger on the Lagoon Resort and Spa. Day 4 Day 7 Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji is one of the most enchanting resorts in the South Pacific. Occupying 40 acres on a calm beachfront on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu Island, this Fiji resort getaway embraces the design and hospitality of a traditional Fijian village. Modern air-conditioned hotel rooms and bures (bungalows) are furnished with a full complement of guest amenities. This Fiji hotel s signature VIP Talai service, a traditional butler service with a South Pacific twist, is available to all guests. Talai butlers are available to unpack and press your clothing, give you a tour of the resort, recommend tours and activities, and schedule restaurant reservations. They will also deliver complimentary champagne and canapés to your room every afternoon. These days are free for you to enjoy the various activities at the resort: Enjoy your days at the beach hotel provides complimentary use of kayaks, paddle boards, & snorkeling equipment. Pamper yourself at Bebe Spa Located on a stunning hilltop setting. Hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, and signature treatments utilizing traditional Fijian healing techniques are embraced for your pleasure. A full menu of therapies include cleansing body scrubs, revitalizing massage, blissful body wraps, anti-aging facials, and hand and nail care. Fijian Handicraft Demonstrations - Enjoy Fijian handicraft demonstrations conducted by local artisans. Diving An onsite PADI Dive centre provides PADI-certified scuba diving lessons, dive trips and equipment. Golf - The recently opened Golf Training Facility is a brand new feature for guests. Located within a golf swing away from resort, the facility has a 230 meter driving range, putting green, and chipping practice in and out of bunkers. Swimming pool splash around in the largest pool in the South Pacific; take part in pool aerobics and relax in the whirlpool spa. Tennis and Fitness Keep fit in the 24 hour gym and fitness centre and on the lighted tennis courts. Experience the various Fijian cultural activities, Kava ceremony, evening torch lighting & nightly entertainment. White Water Rafting, cultural Navua River Village Tours, Sigatoka Valley & Tavuni Hill Fort Tour and Suva Day Tour are just some of the other activities that can be organized from the resort. Day 08 The morning and afternoon is free to enjoy the activities at the resort. In the evening, enjoy a famous Traditional Fijian Fire Walking Show where you are taken into the mysterious world of fire walking. Like many mysteries, there is no valid explanation why members of one Fijian tribe have the power to walk on white-hot stones without injury. This unique skill is possessed only by the Sawau tribesmen, who live in the southern side of Beqa Island in Fiji. Day 09 The day is at leisure to enjoy the activities at the resort. Day 10: Departure Today relax and enjoy the last hours at the resort. Our representative will assist you with your transfer to Nadi airport and check in for your flight. And now it s time to say good-by to Fiji.
OPTIONAL TOURS & ACTIVITIES: (Rates are per person) 2 TANK DIVE PACKAGE INCLUDES TANKS AND WEIGHTS AND ROUNDTRIP HOTEL TRANSFERS: USD 375.00 DISCOVER NADI TOUR: USD 75.00 This 6 hour tour starts with the opportunity to explore the Garden of The Sleeping Giant, famous for it collection of orchids and tropical plants. This tranquil garden was founded by Raymond Burr in 1977. From here, you visit the chiefly village of Viseisei, the legendary landing site of the first Fijians. After time to wander around this seaside village the tour continues to Nadi, to the site of the largest Hindu Temple in the South Pacific. Lastly, the tour takes in the colourful sights and friendly faces at the Nadi Market. Includes: Fiji Bottled water Photo Opportunities: Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Viseisei Village, Nadi Hindu Temple and Nadi Markets DISCOVER NAUSORI HIGHLANDS TOUR: USD 75.00 This 4WD 4 Hour tour heads east from Nadi through the productive flatlands behind Fij Jet Set Town. Here sugar cane is mingled with cropping and market gardening. Share the road with farmers using traditional oxen, villagers in bright mumus and school children heading to their rural homes. Ahead lies the destination the peak of the Nausori Highlands, two thousand feet above sea level! The journey up into the highlands affords amazing views back over the rural landscape and to the many tropical islands stretching out from Nadi Bay. From the summit take in the beauty of Viti Levu with uninterrupted views of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island groups on the seaward side, and the valley of a thousand hills inland. Includes: Fiji Bottled water DISCOVER ABACA VILLAGE TOUR: USD 95.00 This 6 Hour tour heads north to the alpine village of Abaca, inside the Koroyanitu National Park. On arrival in the village, visitors are welcomed with a Sevusevu or Kava ceremony in the community hall. After the ceremony, the village offers forest and grassland walks, all culminating with magnificent views of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. There is an opportunity to swim in the river. Alternatively you can go on a guided village tour, where the guide will point out traditional plants and their medicinal uses. This easy walk ends at a natural cave the villagers use for shelter during cyclones and is situated by a beautiful swimming hole which can be used for a refreshing dip. Visitors also have an option to join a guided tour of the village and their gardens. What to take: Sulu (Sarong) for ladies to cover the legs, camera, good walking shoes, bottled water, small notes of Fiji currency for optional purchases in the village, swimwear for a dip in the mountain stream and a towel Photo Opportunities: Unspoiled interior views, views of Sabeto River and the village. Special Notes: Fijian village protocol is to be observed. Ladies are to wear a sarong to cover legs, no hats in the village and courtesy to be extended when taking photographs and during yagona ceremony. DISCOVER SUVA TOUR: USD 125.00 This 8 hour tour takes you to Suva - the hub of the South Pacific and Fiji's political and administrative capital is nestled in lush tropical surroundings. Take in the changing landscapes as you wind your way to the east side of Viti Levu. On arrival in Suva the tour provides an opportunity for sightseeing and shopping, with a buffet lunch included. The tour through the city will take you past many of the key historical sites that give Suva its colonial feel. Time is allocated for a visit to the highly regarded Museum. Click here to download Registration form