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October 17 - October 29, 2013 |
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| 13 Days • 21 Meals | ||||||||||||||||
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11 Breakfasts • 4 Lunches • 6 Dinners
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| Highlights: Johannesburg, Soweto, Panoramic Route, Kruger National Park, Safari Game Drive, Garden Route, Knysna, Featherbed Nature Reserve, Ostrich Farm Visit, Wine Pairing Dinner, Cape Town, Table Mountain | ||||||||||||||||
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| Itinerary at a Glance | ||||||||||||||||
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| Essential Experiences | ||||||||||||||||
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For more information call Linda Kurokawa MiraCosta Community Services (760) 795-6824 lkurokawa@miracosta.edu |
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| Included Meals Key | ||||||||||||||||
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner | ||||||||||||||||
| Extend your vacation with... |
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Rate: $1849 per person, double, land & air inclusive 5 Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunches, 1 Dinners Day 13: Cape Town - Johannesburg - Zimbabwe Fly this morning* to one of the world's natural wonders, Victoria Falls, and transfer to the Victoria Falls Hotel, known as the "grand old lady of the falls." Upon arrival you’ll enjoy a tour of this historic hotel. Tonight, enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Zambezi River, taking in the majestic African sunset. Day 14: Victoria Falls Early this morning you will enjoy an elephant back safari and a chance to meet African elephants up close. After breakfast, you have an opportunity to interact with the residents of a local village. Following lunch with a local family, take a walking tour of Victoria Falls, truly one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.” Shop at a local curio market before returning to your hotel. (B, L) Day 15: Victoria Falls Enjoy the day at leisure or choose an optional full day excursion** to Chobe National Park in Botswana, home to an abundance of wildlife and game. (B, D) Day 16: Victoria Falls - Johannesburg - Tour Ends Later this afternoon, board your international flight home. (B) |
AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
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CANCELLATION WAIVER:
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Worry-Free Cancellation Plus, you're covered on tour. Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $260 per person. Click here for complete details. |
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TRAVEL TIPS:
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| Spectacular South Africa |
| 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. |
| Clothing & Packing Tips |
| As you prepare to explore South Africa, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. Lightweight cottons are suggested for shorts, slacks, tee shirts, as well as hats. Also be sure to pack one warm jacket and/or sweatshirt. It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers which may be added or removed as the temperature changes. You may want to pack a hat and sunscreen as well. For those travelers partaking in the Victoria Falls extension, it is recommended to bring a light rain jacket, umbrella and good walking shoes that may get wet. During the walking tour of the falls, the mist of the falls can become quite heavy when walking through the rainforest. Jackets are required for gentlemen at dinner. No shorts, sneakers or tee shirts are allowed in the fine dining restaurant. |
| 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. |
| Collette Foundation |
| In South Africa, the Collette Foundation is supporting the Knysna Educational Trust, in Knysna. The mission of the Trust is to upgrade the overall standard of education for impoverished children focusing on pre-school level, which will enable the children to go to the next level of education. To accomplish this, even the most basic supplies are required. Many of our past travelers have inquired about in-kind donations. The Collette Foundation does not accept in-kind donations directly, however, if you would like to bring items the children (ages newborn to 6) are in need of, below is a list of suggestions: • Pre school developmental games (child age 3 to 6) • Blanket for pre school age child (age 3 to 6) • 4 to 100-piece wooden puzzles • Jumbo sized wax crayons • Children scissors - right and left handed • Cot mattress covers • Powder paints - basic colors • Bright classroom posters with colors, alphabet letters, shapes and themes For more information about the Collette Foundation please visit www.collettefoundation.org. |
| 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, and exchange bureaus. Most hotels in South Africa do not offer foreign exchange, and if they do it is for small sums of money. In most cases, a commission charge will be assessed to exchange your money. The city generally offers 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 local currency of South Africa is the South African Rand. Local currency will be needed for lunches, gratuities and small items such as postcards and postage and for shopping in the markets. 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 |
| Johannesburg has an elevation of 6,000 ft above sea level. |
| Helpful Hints |
| Bring a camera, memory cards, 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. 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. |
| 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 |
| For your inter-flights within Africa, there is a maximum of 20 kilos (approximately 44lbs) for your carry-on bag. Most airlines charge by weight over instead of a flat over weight fee for each leg of the journey. |
| Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) is allowed on tour. We also encourage just one carry-on bag per individual (for carrying items that might be needed during the day’s sightseeing excursions or camera/video equipment). Dimensions for carry-ons should not exceed 17" x 12" x 10", allowing it to fit under the seat or in the overhead rack of most motor coaches. 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 the 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 10 to 20 USD. |
| 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? We have 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.longitudebooks.com/find/d/77/r/CV/mcms.html |
| Shopping |
| One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been. In South Africa you’ll find a plethora of cultural products like carvings of animals made of soap stone, ebony, or other woods; wooden masks, bowls, jewelry and chess sets; jewelry made of precious stones like diamonds and semi precious stones such as malachite, lapis and topaz; native art paintings, murals and sculptures; safari clothing; and tie-dyed prints of animals. Please note that there are strict laws forbidding the purchase and sale of ivory and other items made from animals. Ostrich eggs presently are not allowed to come in to the U.S. Please refrain from any purchase (ostrich egg lamp covers, egg bowls etc.) as they will be taken away from you upon your arrival in the United States. Ostrich feathers and leather are fine to purchase. |
| If you purchase DVDs or other electronic equipment abroad, check that it is 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 |
| South Africa is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (6 hours during Daylight Saving 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 |
| 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. |
| 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. |