2013/2014
COSTA RICA
A TRULY UNIQUE, ESCORTED VACATION TO THE PARADISE OF THE AMERICAS.
WELCOME TO
2
COSTA RICA
Why Costa Rica? There are only a few places on earth, where in just one week, you can experience the variety of landscapes, natural habitats and wildlife as you can in Costa Rica. Best of all, it’s just a few hours away from most U.S. cities. Costa Rica is known worldwide for its stable, peaceful democracy, genuine hospitality and pioneering conservation efforts, which have enticed millions of travelers to explore the country’s parks and reserves. Costa Rica is also home to an impressive variety of habitats - cloud forests, dry forests, volcanoes, lowland rain forests, tropical mangrove swamps and thriving exotic plantations of coffee, mango, pineapples, bananas, among a dozen others. If you are looking for some sunshine, human warmth, clean air and a much-needed detox, join Perillo Tours in Costa Rica and discover why Ticos (native Costa Ricans) are always smiling and chanting - “PURA VIDA!”
Why Costa Rica with PerilloTours? Steve Perillo and Carol Dimopoulos spent 2 years searching for the ideal winter (and summer) get-away for Americans. Looking for more than just a beach chair/ cocktail vacation, they hit-upon Costa Rica – a truly unique experience for the body, mind and soul. They found Fabio Salas, a jovial native Costa Rican with an exuberance for his land and culture. Fabio and the Perillo team are proud to introduce a new and authentic way to discover Costa Rica. It’s the very definition of experiential travel! Explore the classic highlights that have made Costa Rica so famous, while staying at iconic, off-the-beaten-path resort hotels, personally inspected by Steve and Carol. Perillo Tours’ group series to Costa Rica provides an inspiring and energizing vacation that will give you renewed respect for the awesomeness of nature, and man’s important place in it. Most of all . . . be immersed in the life philosophy that has earned Costa Rica the recognition, two years consecutively - as the #1 happiest nation on earth according to the Happy Planet Index’s survey. (HappyPlanetIndex.org)
For more information call us toll free 1-800-431-1515 or visit us online at www.PerilloTours.com.
Steve & Carol hard at work in Costa Rica. 3
9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS IN
COSTA RICA
DAY 1 - Sunday Fly from USA to San Jose, Costa Rica · Orientation · Dinner
This morning you’re off to your tropical paradise! For your reference, the flight is about 5 hours from New York. Upon arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), you will be met by a Perillo Tours’ representative and transferred to your hotel near San Jose City. You will be warmly greeted by a Perillo Representative and be transferred to your hotel where you will stay on the first and last nights of your tour. This cuts down on waiting time at the airport so you can ‘begin the fun’ soon after arriving! In most cases, you will stay at the Doubletree Cariari Hotel by Hilton. This evening there will be an orientation briefing by your tour manager. Be sure to ask for the definition of PURA VIDA! Welcome dinner and overnight in San Jose. D
DAY 2 - Monday Spanish Class · Scenic Drive to Sarapiqui · Relaxation and Dinner
This morning you’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a lesson on useful Spanish expressions. (But luckily, most local residents are far better at English than we are with Spanish!) Next, you’ll visit the city of San Jose – the capital of Costa Rica. Enjoy a drive through the beautiful Sabana Park, passing by the upscale Rohrmoser residential area and Paseo Colón.
WHAT ’S INCLUDED: • Great Hotels. All First Class, unique resort hotels. 2 nights at First Class Doubletree Cariari Hilton, San Jose. 2 nights at First Class Sueno Azul Hotel, Sarapiqui Rain Forest. 2 nights at First Class Villa Blanca Hotel, San Ramon. 2 nights at First Class Tango Mar Resort, Nicoya Peninsula. • Transfers by deluxe motorcoach or van and boat. • Tour Manager. Included throughout, from day 1 to day 9. • Great Local Dining. 8 Breakfasts. 5 Lunches. 8 Dinners. • Sightseeing & activities including all entrance fees. Great for all ages! - Language Lesson - Banana Plantation Tour - Boat Tour of Tortuguero Jungle Canals - Skywalk the Arenal Rainforest - Relax in Thermal Baths - Lecture on the Exotic Life Forms of Costa Rica - Cloud Forest Nature Walk - Sail across the Gulf of Nicoya - Traditional Tamale Cooking Class - Farewell Dinner and Local Dancing Show • $29 Departure Tax Included. No hassles when departing Costa Rica! 43
You will visit the heart of the city to admire the National Theatre, designed as the opera house in 1897. Afterwards, you’ll visit the National Museum, a faithful witness to Costa Rican history, passing by the Supreme Court of Justice, Central Park, the Cathedral and the Congress Building. Departing San Jose, you’re off to Sarapiqui in the northern slopes, driving through Braulio Carrillo National Park which encompasses the largest Rainforest in Costa Rica, covering an area of 120,000 acres. This afternoon, check into Hotel Hacienda Sueño Azul (Blue Dream), a peaceful mountain resort with waterfalls, horses and endless jungle trails. Relax or take an afternoon guided nature walk through the hotel’s private Rainforest. Dinner and overnight. B, L, D
DAY 3 - Tuesday Banana Plantation Tour · Boat Tour of Tortuguero Jungle Canals · Return to Sarapiqui After a hearty breakfast, you will head north towards the Caribbean coastal lowlands. En route, you’ll be fascinated by our tour of a working banana plantation. Next, board a private boat and tour the jungle canals of Tortuguero National Park which protects 46,000 acres of natural wildlife wetlands including over 20 miles of coastline in
which giant sea turtles lay their eggs (Mar-Sep). With your expert guide’s help, you’ll spot some of the local wildlife including crocodiles, frogs, monkeys, sloths, over 300 species of birds and the ‘Jesus Lizard’ (it walks on water).
including eight cross-sectional cables that together have a total length of 1.7 miles with distances from 100 to 2,460 feet, and with a maximum height of 660 feet, which exceed the treetops, providing a panoramic eagle-eye view. This needs to be requested in advance at the time of booking.
Are you feeling any younger today? The National Institute for Aging has designated the Nicoya Peninsula as a ‘Blue Zone’- that is, one of the areas with the world’s longest life expectancy.
Tortuguero receives up to 200 inches of rainfall annually, one of the wettest regions in the country.
DAY 5 - Thursday Lecture on the Exotic Life Forms of Costa Rica · Cloud Forest Nature Walk · Leisure Afternoon
The researchers credit the Nicoyan lifestyle of daily physical activity, high calcium water, year-long fruit consumption and close family relationships. Sounds like a recipe for happiness and long-life everywhere! Dinner and overnight at Tango Mar. B, D
Note: The rainfall is mostly distributed between November and January, and then between April and August. Our boat excursion is scheduled around midday when rain is less likely (ponchos are provided).
After lunch, you’ll have time to explore the quaint Caribbean Village of Tortuguero before your boat journey back to the dock. Back to Sueño Azul, your mountain retreat. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. B, L, D
DAY 4 - Wednesday Scenic drive to the Arenal Volcano · Skywalk the Arenal Rainforest · Relax in Thermal Baths · Overnight in San Ramon
This morning you’ll enjoy a lecture by the resident ecosystem biologist followed by a guided nature walk of the Los Angeles Private Cloud Forest at 3,000 feet above sea level. You’ll witness insects that perfectly resemble twigs and leaves, along with other fascinating specimens. This afternoon, you’ll learn how Costa Rica leads the world in ‘sustainable tourism’ preserving God’s amazing bounty of exotic life forms. In a word, it’s PARADISE! Dinner and overnight at Villa Blanca. B, D
DAY 8 - Sunday Sail Across the Gulf of Nicoya · Traditional Tamale Cooking Class · Farewell Dinner and Local Dancing Show After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll cross the Gulf of Nicoya to Puntarenas, via ferry. Driving south along the Pacific coast, you’ll stop at a private ranch to learn how to make the authentic Latin American treat - the Tamale.
After breakfast, a scenic drive west through beautiful rolling farmlands. You’re bound for La Fortuna, home of the iconic Arenal Volcano, rising one mile above sea level overlooking Lake Arenal. You’ll ascend to the top of the Arenal Rainforest Reserve by cable car. Take in the beautiful vistas of the forest, lake and volcano. Then do the ‘Sky Walk,’ featuring a two mile trail system through primary rainforest, including five suspension bridges, two observation points and two waterfalls. Note: The tour is for all ages and the trail is in fine condition. But it’s a ‘hiking tour’ and visitors need to be capable of walking for about three hours and through slight elevation changes.
Hope your swimsuit is handy! This afternoon, slip into the Eco-Termales hot-water thermal pools with temperatures ranging between 98º 107º degrees. Nature’s own hot-tub!
DAY 6 - Friday Tango Mar Beachfront Resort · Afternoon of Leisure · Seaside Dinner Tonight
Traditionally, making tamales is an all-day affair. That’s why Costa Rican families reserve them for special occasions such as Christmas.
Later this afternoon, continue on to Los Angeles Cloud Forest in the mountain community of San Ramon, known as the “City of the Poets.” When we say ‘cloud mountain’ or ‘cloud forest’ - the clouds literally meet the mountain as they breeze through the terrain, offering a visually dramatic experience.
Bidding farewell to our home in the mountains, we descend toward the warm, dry air of the Pacific coastline and head west toward the Nicoya Peninsula.
After your hard work, enjoy a tamale feast before heading back to San Jose for the final night of fun in Costa Rica.
Your hotel, Villa Blanca, nestles atop such a mountain. With the feeling of an Adirondack lodge, the property used to be owned by the President of Costa Rica until Jim Damalas from San Francisco took it over. Try to meet Jim. He’s a character! Who else in Costa Rica would install a professional movie theater with daily showings of classics and recent hits. He also has a beautiful wedding chapel, a jungle laboratory, green houses to grow your dinner produce, and plenty of mountain trails to explore. Dinner and overnight at Villa Blanca. B, L, D Note: Are you adventurous? Instead of doing the Skywalk, try Sky Trek - a secure system of Zip Lines,
Our resort owner Hilde, is from Belgium. She fell so much in love with the Tango Mar Resort & Spa that she bought the place! Chances are you’ll see Hilde greeting guests as they arrive, and at dinner. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy the swimming pool or beach. Dinner and overnight on the terrace with your new friends, swaying palm trees and the hypnotic surf. B, L, D
DAY 7 - Saturday Day at Leisure or Optional Activities
Today is all yours! Enjoy the private beach at Tango Mar or book an optional activity (at extra cost) such as a yoga class, golf, zip line, horseback riding or hike through the wild jungles of Curu Wildlife Reserve or Cabo Blanco National Park.
This evening, dine in a rustic casona (country house), offering a panoramic view of the Central Valley. Tonight’s menu includes meat specialties, along with traditional Costa Rican dishes of enyucados, picadillos, refried beans and tortillas. Now here’s a chance to show off your dancing skills and enjoy a typical dancing show! Costa Rica is a peaceful nation, living in harmony with lavish natural beauty. And now you should know why the national slogan is – PURA VIDA! Overnight in San Jose. B, L, D
DAY 9 - Monday Morning at Leisure · Flight Back to U.S. Morning at leisure. Take a private transfer back to Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) to catch your flight home or continue on to our optional extension to Panama. B 5
RATES AND DEPARTURE DATES
Nicaragua
9 Days / 8 Nights. Sunday Departures - Monday Returns.
2013 San Ramon
Oct 13, 27 Nov 10,24 Dec 8
Sarapiqui San Jose
Nicoya Peninsula
2014
Tortuguero
Arenal
COSTA RICA
DAY TRIP/ VISIT OVERNIGHT STAY
Doubletree Cariari Hotel by Hilton, San Jose City
A modern full-service hotel, conveniently located only five minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and ten minutes from downtown San José. Spacious air-conditioned guestrooms, luxurious Sweet Dreams Beds, cable TV with Spanish and English networks, and internet access. An ideal location to explore the nearby attractions or just soak up the sun by the free-form pool with rustic cabanas.
Villa Blanca Hotel, San Ramon
Villa Blanca Hotel is surrounded by the 2,000 acre Los Angeles Cloud Forest Private Biological Reserve. The resort is a replica of a traditional small village, typical of Costa Rica in the early 1900s. Are you hearing bells? The property features a charming wedding chapel! 34 cottages or “casitas” feature charming amenities including fireplaces, private porches and whirlpool tubs in many of the rooms. Villa Blanca Hotel also features a private movie theater with daily showings, spa, restaurant, laboratory and hiking trails into the mystic Cloud Forest.
Jan 12, 19, 26 Feb 2, 16, 23 Mar 2, 16, 30 Apr 20, 27
Black Dates
Red Dates
Double Room
$1890
$1990
Triple Room
$1790
$1890
Single Room
$2490
$2590
May 11, 25 Jun 8 Jul 27 * Aug 17 * Land only rates are per person and include roundtrip airport transfers for ALL guests. Ask about low airfares from your hometown. *July and August are special “family tours.” Of course, kids are welcome on ALL dates!
Sueño Azul Hotel, Sarapiqui Rain Forest
Located in the northern region of Costa Rica, the resort sits on 2,500 acres of private tropical forest. The scenic rivers that surround the property make it a true sanctuary for nature lovers and peace seekers. Sueño Azul has 65 rooms beautifully decorated in an elegant rustic style, each with a panoramic view that you can enjoy from your private terrace. The hotel facilities include the Restaurante “El CORRAL,” a spa and a yoga and meditation room.
Tango Mar Resort, Nicoya Peninsula
Tango Mar resort lives up to most people’s idea of a secluded tropical paradise. She sits on a 150- acre private beach- front reserve along the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coastline. Guestrooms are furnished with fine carved-wood king-size beds, sitting areas, air conditioning, ceiling fans, mini-bar, coffee maker, safe deposit boxes, satellite TV, private Jacuzzi, and hair dryer. Tango Mar Resort features lushly landscaped tropical grounds, three swimming pools, two bars, two tennis courts, and a nine-hole golf course.
Note: While we strongly anticipate using each hotel mentioned in this itinerary, similarly rated alternative hotels may be used in rare situations. Be assured, they will be the same, or better than the fine hotels described here. 6
INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS. TERMS AND CONDITIONS. RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT. Receipt of a deposit of $350 per person, and signed contract is required to hold your reservation. The balance is due 60 days before departure. Certified bank checks or credit cards are required for reservations and final payments made within 30 days of departure. For reservations and payments received within 21 days of departure, you will be charged the cost of sending documents by express mail, now in the range of $10 to $25. PRICES. All prices are subject to increase due to any increase in our costs, such as, but not limited to: increases in air, land or sea fares, fuel cost, and currency fluctuations. All taxes, fuel surcharges, security charges and any other taxes or charges imposed by airlines, airports, cruise lines, governments, etc. are not included in price. Gratuities not specifically mentioned are excluded. AIR DEVIATING TOUR MEMBERS must arrange their own transportation from airport to hotel and hotel to airport. UNUSED TOUR ELEMENTS. No refund will be given for any unused tour features, by reason of customer’s choice, for operational reasons, or because of bad weather. ERRORS. In case of printing, typographical error, computer error, verbal or human billing error, we reserve the right to invoice or re-invoice participants with corrected billing. TICKET REVISION/CANCELLATION FEE. Once tickets are issued, a $250 per ticket revision/cancellation fee will apply to each ticket plus the cost of express mail charges. This charge is not covered by the Perillo Protection Plan and subject to change.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. United States citizens require a valid passport only, when traveling to Costa Rica. Non-citizens have other requirements which should be checked immediately. BAGGAGE. Each tour member is limited to one large suitcase and one small carryon due to limited baggage area on buses. Some airlines are now charging for all checked luggage as well as overweight suitcases. Please check your airline’s website for current information. As Perillo Tours cannot take responsibility for lost or damaged luggage, the Perillo Protection Plan outlined below is highly recommended. TRIPLE ROOMS. Are available on some tours. They usually consist of a twin bedded room with an additional folding bed or cot for the third person. This may not be comfortable for three adults. CANCELLATION AND INSURANCE. Because of the extraordinary savings being offered, if you cancel your reservations, the penalties shown below will apply depending on the length of time remaining before departure. Your right to receive a refund is limited. All cancellations and refund requests must be sent to us in writing and are subject to the following cancellation charges which are based on the price of the tour and the number of weeks prior to departure we receive your notice. MOST CHARGES MAY BE AVOIDED BY YOUR ACCEPTING THE PERILLO PROTECTION PLAN EXPLAINED BELOW. CANCELLATION CHARGES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE CANCELLATION CHARGES 61 OR MORE DAYS
$50
60–31 DAYS
30% OF TOUR COST
30–2 DAYS
60% OF TOUR COST
1 DAY BEFORE DEPART AND NO SHOWS
100% OF TOUR COST
HOLIDAYS AND CHANGES. During local or national holidays abroad, certain facilities All charges indicated above are per person. such as museums, sightseeing tours and REFUND. All refunds are conditioned upon shopping may be limited. In such instances, and whenever possible, slight itinerary your understanding that your acceptance adjustments are made by Perillo Tours to of a refund is on the express condition minimize inconvenience to tour members. that you release us from all further liability If, however, your enjoyment might be and you thereby waive all additional rights diminished by such minor limitations, and remedies under this contract or any please check with the appropriate tourist applicable state, federal or foreign law. office before selecting a departure. Holidays, TOUR MEMBERS NEEDING SPECIAL closing days and other circumstances ASSISTANCE. We regret that we cannot may change the day of the week for provide individual assistance to a tour scheduled “dining out”, sightseeing and member for walking, dining, getting on and other activities. motorcoaches and other transportation 1639 Perillo ad_Layout 1 4/23/13 10:54 AMoffPage 1 vehicles, or other personal needs. Travelers
who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. OPTIONAL TOURS. Traditionally, tour directors make available for purchase a series of optional excursions and other activities to fill in free days and evenings. You are under no obligation to take any, they are strictly optional. Depending on the tour, if you avail yourself of all optionals, the total will be approximately $200 to $600 per person. RESPONSIBILITY. Perillo Tours, Inc., and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns (collectively “Perillo Tours”), does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities, airline, vessel, motorcoach, or other transportation companies, guides or guide services, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Perillo Tours is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any third party. Tour members are also subject to the terms and conditions set forth on their airline, rail or cruise line ticket. These conditions are available upon request. You may see the name PERILLO TOURS affixed to motor vehicles, on signs around the hotel or elsewhere. This use of our name is purely for reasons of identification and does not denote ownership, supervision, or control by Perillo Tours in any way. In addition and without limitation, Perillo Tours is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, illness, disease, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time. Also be advised that foreign air-conditioning systems in public places, hotels and motorcoaches are not up to U.S. standards. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be
responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at owner’s risk. The right is reserved to decline, to accept or retain any person as a member of these trips at any time. In any such event, Perillo Tour’s sole obligation is to refund for any unused accommodations or other trip features. Passenger certifies not to have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers. Perillo Tours reserves the right to change the itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice and/ or to substitute airlines or hotels of a similar category for those listed in this brochure, and Perillo Tours shall not be liable for any such changes. By your knowing the above, you can purchase the Perillo Protection Plan and there will be no misunderstanding before, during or after your vacation. From time-to-time a tour departure may be cancelled for lack of participation or other operational reasons. In such a case, Perillo Tours’ sole responsibility is to provide a complete refund of monies received without any other liability whatsoever including any additional costs or fees related to cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations not made by Perillo Tours. ARBITRATION AGREEMENT. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating in any way to these Terms and Conditions, to the Responsibility Clause, to the brochure, or any other information relating in any way to the trip, or to the trip itself, shall be settled solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in New Jersey, in accordance with the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association then existent. Upon payment of a deposit, tour participant indicates acceptance of the above Terms and Conditions and of the Arbitration Agreement. OPERATOR/TOUR MEMBER AGREEMENT. Fu r t h e r i n f ormation concerning t h e conditions of this tour is contained in an agreement that will be signed between the tour member and tour operator at the time of tour deposit. Perillo Tours, Perillo Plaza, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677. Phone: 1-800-431-1515 www.PerilloTours.com
Interested in travel insurance? For more information, call Perillo Tours at 1.800.431.1515 This plan provides insurance coverage that only applies during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home, and automobile insurance policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer or insurance agent or broker. Coverage is offered by Travel Guard Group, Inc (Travel Guard). California lic. no.0B93606, 3300 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482, www.travelguard.com. CA DOI toll free number: 213-897-8921. This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania insurance company, with its principal place of business at 175 Water Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10038. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445. Coverage may not be available in all states. Your travel retailer may not be licensed to sell insurance, and cannot answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of this insurance and cannot evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance. 1639 04/23/13 7
PERILLO’S JOURNEYS CONTINUE HAWAII Live like a millionaire and save hundreds of dollars! Perillo’s Hawaii is the finest Hawaiian holiday or honeymoon ever offered. Deluxe, escorted adventures that are elegant, carefree, all-inclusive and affordable. Select from two millionaire vacations. Our 7-Day 2-Islander to Oahu and Maui and our 10-Day 3-Islander to Oahu, Maui and Kauai! And, don’t forget Perillo’s included dining with wine!
LEARNING JOURNEYS Learning Journeys® moves beyond the realm of the traditional travel experience. It is a unique collection of educational travel experiences designed to combine cultural immersions with hands-on education to ignite learners’ passions in a certain area of discipline or interest. The experience provides a platform for people to learn something new, which lasts far beyond the physical experience of the journey. Our Learning Journeys® brochure offers sample customized itineraries for individual and group travelers.
ITALY TOURS & INDEPENDENT The 3 generation Perillo family is lengendary nationwide, for their Italy travel services. Escorted tours at PerilloTours.com, the independent ItalyVacations.com and the custom Italy groups at PerilloTours.com/Groups. From the Alps to Sicily, the Perillo experience is unmatchable because of their generations of contacts and networks within Italy. The Italian people grew up with the Perillo coaches crisscrossing their country. So when you arrive under the Perillo ‘umbrella’, you’re greeted as an old friend.
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