Classic Copper Canyon by Train and Holland America Line April 16-25, 2010 from $2,495.00 per person
All aboard! One of the world's great train trips is through Mexico's stunning Copper Canyon over the storied Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway. Many companies offer Copper Canyon tours but most are flawed in that there are long segments and days by bus, or on Mexican airlines in and out of small airports. Even worse, some offer only a cursory view of this spectacular natural wonder, four times the size of the Grand Canyon and featuring 37 bridges and 86 tunnels. Train Holidays has designed a showcase tour that offers up three days in the Copper Canyon and travels the entire route of the Chihuahua al Pacific Railway. Nicer still, guests travel to Mazatlan and the start of the Copper Canyon trip not by bus or air, but in the comfort and convenience aboard the superb ships of Holland America Line. By special arrnagement, guests enjoy a three-night 'mini cruise' from San Diego to Mazatlan. Could there be a nicer way to start a holiday?
Comfort is the byword of this program with many thoughtful touches and extras. A professional US tour guide is with you from start to finish, the hotels utilized are excellent, comprehensive sightseeing is included and so that you may begin your trip without worrying about missed connections or delays, we begin with an overnight luxury hotel stay in San Diego so that you are 'in place' the day before the ship sails. There is only one flaw and it is that this unique and beautifully designed holiday is available once only. We encourage you to reserve now to avoid disappointment. All aboard!
Features:
- Fully escorted by professional tour manager from start to finish.
- Overnight luxury hotel stay in San Diego the evening before sailing at the Sheraton including transfers from the airport or train station upon arrival and to the pier on sailing day.
- Rare three-night voyage from San Diego to Mazatlan aboard the superb ships of Holland America Line with two nights cruising the pacific en-route.
- Special party and events aboard ship.
- Complete sightseeing daily while in the Copper Canyon is included as are all meals in the Canyon.
- The Copper Canyon by train with three days in the Copper Canyon, more time than anyone else offers in this wonder of the world. We traverse the line from El Fuerta to Chihuahua with short day trips on the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway, not missing a mile of spectacular scenery.
- First Class hotel stays in El Fuerte, Divisadero, Creel and Chihuahua with all meals.
- Overnight stay in El Paso at the end of the tour including suite accommodations with complimentary airport transfer.
- Easy air or train connections into our starting point, lovely San Diego, California.
- No flights into or within Mexico on Mexican aircraft.
- No long tiring bus trips unlike other tour operators who spend two days each way driving from the US into the Copper Canyon.
- Mini-cruise from San Diego aboard Holland America Line, the perfect leisurely and indulgent start to a magical trip.
Standard Inside from $2,495.00* per person, Large Inside from $2,595.00* per person, Standard Outside from $2,795.00* per person, Verandah from $2,995.00* per person, or Superior Verandah from $3,595.00* per person.
*Taxes of $189 per person are additional and NOT included in above rates. Additional categories aboard ms Oosterdam may be available. Please call for details, Rates are based on double occupancy. For more information call 1-800-662-9824. Please note that travelers to and from certain destinations in the Western Hemisphere will soon be required to have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. For more information, please visit www.travel.state.gov/passport.
Colors of Costa Rica, Escorted 10 days & 9 nights July 11th to July 20th, 2010 from $945.00
You can reserve space free for up to 3 days, then a $300 deposit per person is due. Full payment due 60 days prior to departure.
A great vacation just for you! Discover Costa Rica with our expert English speaking tour guide and enjoy the magic of the tropical rainforests. Enjoy a tour with all meals, all activities, all hotels, all transportation and everything immerse in the great Costa Rican nature! Our expert guide will show you all the secrets of Costa Rica. Enjoy Nature! Enjoy Costa Rica!
Highlights:
- 3 nights in San Jose
- 2 nights in Tortuguero
- 2 nights in Arenal
- 2 nights in the Pacific Coast
- 9 breakfasts
- 8 lunches
- 9 dinners
- All transfers
- Entrance fees
- English speaking guide throughout the tour
- All mentioned excursion
Arrive Saturday, July 10, 2010 and depart Monday, July 19, 2010.
Day 1 San Jose, Costa Rica Hotel La Condesa
Welcome to the “rich coast,” friendly land of democracy and rare natural beauty. With naturalist guides, see exotic birds and wildlife, hike in jungle rainforests, view volcanoes, soak in hot springs and cruise through biological reserves. Relax on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Our transportation will be available during the day, in order to transfer you to your hotel, for a two night stay. Rooms are available for check in after 3:00 p.m. Dine at your hotel, The Hotel Villas and Casino La Condesa located on Monte de la Cruz, in the Central Valley; strategically located only 30 minutes away from Juan Santamaria International Airport. All rooms have an incredible view of the Central Valley, free high speed wireless internet, cable TV, mini-bar, coffee maker, direct dial phone, safety box, hair dryer, ironing board and iron, and a bathtub equipped bathroom. Have a good time in front of the chimney bar, swim in the indoor pool, exercise at the gym, play squash or enjoy a good cup of coffee at the beautiful courtyard “Patio de Los Condes”.
Day 2 Poas Volcano, Coffee Plantation and Typical Town Hotel La Condesa
During breakfast, join your hotel guide for a welcome briefing. This morning enjoy a drive through Costa Rica’s famous coffee growing region. Next, weather permitting, visit Poas Volcano. You can safely view inside the dramatic crater from an overlook. Lunch, and then continue enroute to Sarchi typical town, time to shop for colorful handcrafts, including painted oxcarts. Enjoy dinner and retire to Hotel La Condesa for the evening.
Day 3 Banana Plantation, Tortuguero Park Mawamba Lodge
Scenic morning drive through Braulio Carrillo Park. Look for cascading waterfalls. See a banana plantation. Then, cruise through rivers and canals to the 47,000 acre Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero is home to more than 300 species of birds. Look for toucans, parrots, kingfishers and the rare green macaw. Enjoy lunch, and then visit the Tortuguero village. Enjoy dinner and explore Tortuguero, land of incredible biological diversity; where at night, from July to September, impressive Green Sea Turtles nest on the beach. A tropical sanctuary for an amazing array of wildlife; such as monkeys, crocodiles and iguanas, among many others. Discover the lush vegetation that abounds in the midst of the Rainforest. During your stay, enjoy our pool surrounded by exotic gardens and relax in the ranchos with hammocks. Comfortable rooms with ceiling fans provide tranquil garden views. Stroll through the nature trails or take a leisurely walk on the pristine beach in front of the Lodge. Comfortable rooms feature private bathrooms, hot water, ceiling fans and chairs for a pleasant, relaxing evening.
Day 4 Tortuguero Park, Boat Safari Mawamba Lodge
Cruise this morning with naturalist guides along rivers lined by raffia palm, habitat of howler and white-faced monkeys, green iguanas and tropical birds. Look for white and snowy egrets and the amazing nests of the Montezuma oropendola. Then, enter the mysterious reflecting waters of Cano Palma wildlife reserve. Return to your lodge for lunch. Free time to enjoy the swimming pool and tropical flower gardens at your lodge. Next, an afternoon boat excursion into the rivers of Tortuguero Park. Look for others, turtles and manatees. Listen to the joyful jungle sounds as you dine.
Day 5 Pineapple Tour, Fortuna Hotel Casa Luna Lodge
Morning cruise on Tortuguero River then lunch. Visit a pineapple plantation in the afternoon. Sample Costa Rica’s famous sweet organic pineapples. Next, through scenic countryside to the San Carlos Valley for a two night stay in Fortuna. Have dinner then settle into the Hotel Casa Luna Lodge, located in the La Fortuna area with an impressive view of the Arenal Volcano as well as a breathtaking view of the Cerro Chato and Cerro Perdidos. Guests are surrounded by a wonderful mountain range and the rich vegetation of tropical gardens. The area is rustic-colonial designed. The rooms are furnished with two comfortable queen-size beds, air conditioning, cable TV, coffee maker, private bathroom and a refrigerator.
Day 6 Butterfly farm, Frog Pond, Nature Hike, Hot Springs, Arenal Hotel Casa Luna Lodge
During the morning, visit a Maleku Indian Village replica, a Butterfly Garden, a Frog Pond and Nature Hike. Have lunch then return to the hotel. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the volcanic hot springs. Weather permitting; see nearby Arenal Volcano’s softly glowing lava flow. Enjoy dinner then relax at your hotel.
Day 7 Hanging Bridges, Central Pacific Coast Hotel Doubletree by Hilton Puntarenas
This morning enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the rainforest at the Hanging Bridges, rated one of Costa Rica’s top tourist attractions. Hike on six suspension bridges, through lush tropical rainforests canopy. Enjoy views of a waterfall and look for tropical birds. Enjoy lunch then enter the Puntarenas province. Drive through the only tropical dry forest in Costa Rica. Then, to Costa Rica’s beautiful Central Pacific Coast for a 2 night stay. Have dinner at the Hotel Doubletree by Hilton Puntarenas; a modern, full-amenity, all-inclusive resort hotel. This Costa Rica Hilton hotel is perfectly situated alongside a beach of the Central Pacific region outside the port city of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Comfortable rooms feature Sweet Dreams Beds by Doubletree Sleep Experience. Contemporary styled rooms featuring refreshing colors and terraces overlook lush gardens. Each room is equipped with wireless high-speed internet access, coffee table with chairs, 27” flat screen TV, in-room climate control, iron and board, hairdryer, coffee maker and Doubletree AM/FM alarm clock radio with MP3 connectivity. Also features two line corded and cordless phones and spacious bathrooms. Lounge on a private access, dark volcanic sand beach after a stimulating day tour, or by one of several sparkling hotel pools or spas. Other amenities include: children’s pool, fun activities, fitness center, aerobics classes, beach soccer, tennis, ping-pong, nightly entertainment, Casino, beach and pool games, arts and crafts, a Discotheque and more.
Day 8 Central Pacific Coast, Carara Hotel Doubletree by Hilton Puntarenas
After breakfast, spend the morning walking the forest trails in search of the native inhabitants of Carara National Park, including the colorful Ara Macao. Have lunch then enjoy a carefree leisurely afternoon. Time to beach comb or swim the pristine beaches of your resort. Have dinner and retire to your hotel.
Day 9 San Jose and Farewell dinner Hotel La Condesa
Enjoy breakfast and lunch at the resort. Afternoon return to San Jose. Farewell dinner at a View point with typical dances. Stay at the hotel that evening.
Day 10 San Jose Your tour ends after breakfast at your hotel. Our transportation will provide transfers throughout the day to the San Jose airport.
Price does not include tips, airfare, departure taxes and personal expenses. General fees and taxes are additional.
Call us today at 1-800-662-9824.
European River Cruises
A story began over 80 years ago on a spring day in 1928, while using his family's rowboat to transport commercial goods across beautiful Lake Lugano, Switzerland, Antonio Mantegazza became inspired to share the stories and legends of his home with others. He soon began transporting tourists around the area and River Cruising was born.
European waterways today provide room for vessels to explore. On a River Cruise you will travel in style and comfort on a ship that offers large staterooms. The vessels will enhance your vacation experience and make you feel at home or as if you are at one of the finest resorts. Most include: ceiling to floor windows, sliding glass doors, French balconies, hotel style beds, Egyptian linen, flat screen TV, spacious closets, minibar, safe, hairdryer and climate control. Wines, soft drinks and beer are complimentary on every vessel. With true flavors of fine local cuisine, such as fondues of Germany, we'll delight your taste buds with regional specialties as well as Western favorites.
Sample itineraries:
Paris to Normandy, 9 days, $2,149.00 pp
Burgundy to Provence, 12 days, $2,769.00 pp
Tulip Time, 9 days, from Amsterdam, $1,799.00 pp
A Taste of the Danube, 8 days, from Budapest, $1,279.00 pp
Magical China and the Yangtze River, 12 days, from Shanghai, $2,799.00 pp
There are over 110 departures in Europe, Egypt and South America
Choose from hundreds of vacation packages, we have a perfect vacation for everyone!
Call us at 1.800.662.9824 to book your vacation today.
Helpful hints for low price travels:
Call ahead for holiday travel plans, minimum of 6 to 8 months in advance.
Family summer vacation should be booked by February.
When cruising: remember to let us know if you are: a senior, military, a past cruiser and where you live. A guarantee on a ship will give you a chance to upgrade for no additional cost.
We will do the searching for you and find the best price out there!
Every journey tells a story - let Grand Crowne Travel be apart of your journey. Our new location is at the Towne Center as you come in the front door. Contact us today at 1-800-662-9824, local 417-334-1690, fax 417-334-2390, or sleffel@grandcrownetravel.com.
