BOOK BY APRIL 30 th AND SAVE $500 PER COUPLE MANITOBA, CANADA In Search of the Lord of the Arctic October 25 to 31, 2017 Travel to Manitoba, where the Northern Lights serve as backdrop to a procession of white giants. In this vast landscape of boreal forests, rolling prairie, and the glimmering azure of many lakes, experience the Canadian charms of Winnipeg and Fort Whyte. Fly to Churchill, where in the winter, polar bears often outnumber the people. Board a Tundra Buggy and observe these Lords of the North as they gather to hunt seal and rear their cubs. These majestic predators are just the apex of a diverse ecosystem that boasts over 150 species of birds, 500 species of plants, and 44 species of mammals all protected within the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Come to Manitoba and meet true northern royalty.
DAYS 1/2 ~ NEW YORK/WINNIPEG INN AT THE FORKS. (D; B,L,D) Arrive in the heart of Canada - Winnipeg, Manitoba, where you ll be escorted to the cozy Inn at the Forks, where your guide and a welcome dinner await you after a day of travel (transfer is included in the tour for guests arriving on the group flight, only). Next day, enjoy a day tour of the city of Winnipeg. Start at the Manitoba Museum, where you ll delve into the region s natural and cultural history. This unique museum contains eight interpretive galleries dedicated to the different climates and cultural influences of the province, ranging from the Arctic coast to the southern prairie grasslands. Continue to the Fort Whyte Nature Centre, featuring over 400 acres of natural habitats, including a Bison prairie and special bird feeding stations. Finish your day at the Assiniboine Park Zoo where you ll have a special introduction to the huge assortment of wildlife. DAY 3 ~ WINNIPEG/CHURCHILL TUNDRA INN. (B,L,D) Board a short domestic flight to Churchill on the west shore of Hudson Bay. This is one of the best places on Earth to observe the spectacular offerings of the Arctic ecosystem, from roaming polar bears to the bright jewel tones of the Aurora Borealis. In fact, though it was originally a whaling and fur-trading community, the Churchill Wildlife Management Area was designated in the 1970s to provide a safe and protected area for polar bears to congregate, feed, and give birth. You ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife and unique flora on the tundra. Keep an eye out for Snowy Owl, Eider Duck, and Gyrfalcon in the sky and caribou, Arctic fox, and lemming on the ground. Spend today on a tour of the points of interest in Churchill, including the notorious wreckage of the Miss Piggy, a plane that crashed on the rocks in 1979 while transporting a cargo of pigs. You ll also be treated to a special visit to the facility housing the Polar Bear Alert program. This organization focuses on protecting polar bears and humans from each other, minimizing damage to both our habitats and theirs, and spreading useful, factual information about these incredible creatures. After lunch, stop by the Itsanitaq Museum for an intimate look into the life of the Inuit people, from their traditions, lore, and history to modern-day life and contemporary Inuit artwork. Later, settle in for dinner and a comfortable night at the Tundra Inn. YOUR ITINERARY wildlife in the world, you ll be riding alongside an expert from Polar Bears International, the only organization on earth completely devoted to polar bears as a priority. This expert is guaranteed to care deeply about polar bears and will share his or her expertise as you go. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch around mid-day and weather permitting, settle in after the sun sets to observe the natural wonder of the Northern Lights. The next morning, head back out on the tundra for more views of nature that will be with you for a lifetime. While searching for that iconic Lord of the Arctic, the polar bear, you may also spot one of the 150 incredible avian species indigenous to this region, including the romantically named and much admired Snowy Owl, Ptarmigan or Snow Goose. DAY 6 ~ CHURCHILL/WINNIPEG GRAND HOTEL WINNIPEG AIRPORT. (B,L,D) This morning, head out on a truly remarkable form of transport the dog sled! Hosted by a local dog sledding expert, you ll learn about the history and local significance of dog sledding and the incredible creatures who make it possible. Enjoy meeting the dog team after your ride and taking photographs with them to show off to your friends and family back home. Later, take advantage of the chance (at an additional cost) to take a helicopter tour of the tundra with a polar bear researcher. In the afternoon, visit the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre where you ll be treated to a presentation on the history of Churchill as a region. This evening, catch a domestic flight back to Winnipeg where you ll enjoy a farewell reception with your guides and fellow travelers. DAY 7 ~ WINNIPEG/NEW YORK (B, Meals Aloft) Today, bid farewell to your Arctic adventure as you head out to the airport, bound for home, filled with anticipation to share this remarkable adventure with the friends and family waiting for you there. DAYS 4/5 ~ CHURCHILL TUNDRA INN. (B,L,D Daily) After breakfast, set out on a Tundra Buggy tour of the tundra in search of the ultimate wildlife encounter the polar bear! These buggies are built for the rocky terrain and will move at a leisurely pace perfect for snapping the type of photography you ll be showing to friends and family for decades. As you encounter some of the most visually arresting Bison display at the Manitoba Museum Did you know... Polar bears rely on sea ice to efficiently catch their seal prey. The polar bear s main prey, the ringed seal, relies on sea ice, too for giving birth to and raising their pups. Traditional dog sledding in Churchill The Glow of the Northern Lights on the horizon
Optional Optional Post-Extension Helicopter to Tour Rainy Churchill Pass Checkpoint Experience the majesty of Canada s largest ecosystem from a few hundred feet (approximately 328 feet) above the ground on a one-hour helicopter excursion. You will set out from the town of Churchill in a three- or six-passenger helicopter with an experienced interpretive pilot and fly across the desert-like tundra and northern Your Journey Costs October 25 to 31, 2017 prices per person $6,995 land only, double occupancy. $780 estimated airfare from New York, including airline taxes and fuel surcharges. $1,795 single supplement. $550 Optional Helicopter Ride sections of the boreal forest in search of wildlife, including polar bears, moose, ringed-seals, caribou, and Arctic fox. The aerial tour includes historical sites such as the Ithaca shipwreck and the Prince of Wales Fort, which played a key role in the 18th- Century French/English rivalry for control of the territory and resources around Hudson Bay. Traveler on the lookout for wildlife Two nights accommodation at the Inn at the Forks in Winnipeg. One night accommodation at the Grand Hotel in Winnipeg. Entry to Manitoba Museum, Assiniboine Park Zoo and Fort Whyte Alive. Roundtrip flights from Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba. Three nights accommodations at the Tundra Inn in Churchill. Accommodation is rustic, but comfortable rooms with private facilities. Churchill and area tour, including a stop at the Itsanitaq Museum. Dogsled excursion in Churchill and interpretive program. Parks Canada Interpretive Centre. Northern lights viewing session (weather permitting). Your Journey Includes Two full-days guided Tundra Buggy Adventures. Evening presentation and wine and cheese reception hosted by Polar Bears International. All transfers in Churchill and Winnipeg. GST taxes. All meals are included in Churchill. A welcome dinner and farewell reception are included in Winnipeg. All other meals as indicated in the itinerary. Led by an Interpretive Guide throughout. Gratuities for baggage handling, hotel tips and taxes. All entrance fees to places of interest visited and on sightseeing tours indicated in the itinerary. Complimentary passport wallet and baggage tags. Emergency Evacuation Insurance. It is wonderful to feel the grandness of Canada in the raw. Emily Carr Artist/writer A Polar Bear cub snuggles close to his mother
Churchill Hudson Bay Winnipeg Entry/Departure Route For More Information or Reservations, Please Contact Kathy Pluas at Classic Escapes 800.627.1244 kathyp@classicescapes.com HOW TO BOOK: Fill out and sign the reservation form and send it, along with the relevant deposit to: Classic Escapes, 58-25 Queens Blvd., Woodside, NY 11377. Upon receipt of your signed reservation form and deposit, we will, subject to availability, reserve your spot on the tour. You may consider your booking confirmed when you receive a confirmation notice and invoice from us. RATES: Rates are based on the minimum number of guests outlined in this document, plus airfare costs, currency exchange rates and other factors and are subject to change. Though it is rare for Classic Escapes to make a price adjustment after promotion of an itinerary, we do reserve the right to assess a surcharge if the minimum is not met, or if increases are forced upon us by airlines or other partners or because of changes in currency exchange rates. INSURANCE: It is a condition of booking that the sole responsibility lies with the guest to ensure that they carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover themselves, as well as any dependents /traveling companions for the duration of their trip to Manitoba. Trip cancellation insurance is available through the Penn State Alumni Association for comprehensive coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident as well as damaged or lost luggage. You will receive insurance information from Penn State after you make your reservation. If you choose to make your own flight arrangements for an alumni tour and not use those provided by the tour company, we recommend that you not do so until making your final payment to the tour company confirming details of your trip s scheduled departure. However, if you choose to make your own flight arrangements, the Penn State Alumni Association is not liable for any loss resulting from tour cancellations or changes to tour dates. Participants attending this or other tour programs offered by the Penn State Alumni Association may be photographed for the educational and promotional use of the Alumni Association and Penn State. Please note that all package rates and itineraries listed are subject to change. All alumni tours include optional physical activities for those inclined to be more active. Conditions of Travel Unless promoted as a Penn State exclusive tour, your group may include travelers from other universities. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. This publication is available in alternative media upon request. U.Ed.ALU 17-36 RESPONSIBILITIES: Neither Classic Escapes (the Company) nor any person or agent acting for, through or on behalf of the Company shall be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from any cause whatsoever and without restricting the generality of the aforegoing shall particularly not be responsible for loss or damage arising from any errors or omissions contained in its brochure or other literature, loss or damage caused by delays, sickness, theft, injury or death. In addition the Company shall have the right at any time at its discretion to cancel any trip or the remainder thereof or make any alteration in route, accommodation, price or other details and, in the event of any trip being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable by weather, strike, war, government or interference or any other cause whatsoever, the extra expenses incurred as a result thereof shall be the responsibility of the passenger. The Company may at its discretion and without liability or cost to itself at any time cancel or terminate the guest s booking and in particular without limiting the generality of the aforegoing it shall be entitled to do so in the event of the illness or the illegal or incompatible behavior of the guest, who shall in such circumstances not be entitled to any refund. CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations are only effective on receipt of written notification: The following per person fees are applicable on this tour: Up to July 22, 2017, $300 handling fee, and $300 nonrefundable deposit given to overseas supplier. July 23 to August 1, 2017, deposit is forfeited. August 2 to 21, 2017, less 75% of tour cost. After August 21, no refund is possible. These cancellation fees are also in addition to any imposed by airlines. A red fox searching for food in the tundra A Snowy Owl blending into the terrain
BOOK BY APRIL 30 th AND SAVE $500 PER COUPLE RESERVATION FORM: (Please Print) TOUR CODE: 17NAL1025/PENN Enclosed is my deposit for $ ($1,000 per person) to hold place(s) on the Manitoba, Canada program departing on October 25, 2017. Cost is $6,995 per person, double occupancy, land only. Additional international air from New York is $780, including departure taxes & fuel surcharges. (Currently - subject to change). Final payment due date is July 22, 2017. All final payments are required to be made by check or money order only. I would like to charge my deposit to my credit card: omastercard ovisa odiscover oamerican Express Name on Card Card Number EXP CVN NAME (As it appears on ID): omr. omrs. oms. NAME (As it appears on ID): omr. omrs. oms. NAME FOR NAME BADGE IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE: 1) 2) STREET ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE NUMBERS: HOME: ( ) OFFICE: ( ) MOBILE: ( ) FAX: ( ) E-MAIL ADDRESS: o The two of us above are sharing a room and, where possible, we would like a room with: o ONE o TWO Beds (Make one selection only) o I am sharing with (form sent separately) o I need assistance in securing a roommate. I understand that if the Penn State Alumni Association or the tour operator cannot locate one for me by final payment date, I agree to pay the additional single supplement. I prefer to share with: o Smoker o Non-smoker o I/We wish to participate in the optional helicopter tour at an additional per person cost of $550: o I desire single accommodations, if available, and will pay the single supplement additional cost of $1,795. o Please make my/our round trip air reservations on the group flights via American Airlines from New York. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU OBTAIN TRAVEL INSURANCE. RESERVATIONS ARE ACCEPTED SUBJECT TO TOUR CONDITIONS AND WILL BE CONFIRMED ONLY IF ACCOMPANIED BY COMPLETED FORM SIGNED BY THE TOUR PARTICIPANT(S). I/WE HAVE READ THE CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL ON THIS BROCHURE AND UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS STATED HEREIN: SIGNATURE: DATE: SIGNATURE: DATE: PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE AND SEND TO: Classic Escapes 58-25 Queens Boulevard Woodside, NY 11377
Penn State Alumni Association Hintz Family Alumni Center University Park, PA 16802 PHOTO CREDITS: Classic Escapes; Ron Magill; New Brunswick Tourism; Gerry Ellis; Frontiers North; Ken & Mary Campbell; BevSmith; outdoorsman Fotolia.com Classic Escapes protects our planet.