3165 $3830 - Merit Travel

Spain Longstay Vacation
COSTA DEL SOL HOSTED LONGSTAY CRUISE VACATION
11 days
26
nights
$3,165
$3,830
+tax $625
Departs Apr
Feb 5,
29,2012
2012
Explore the beauty and passion of Spain with this complete package
hosted by professional photographer Cindy Taylor.
Spend 15 nights in Costa del Sol along the beachfront promenade, enjoy
the resort activities, breakfast and dinner daily plus 4 cultural excursions to
Granada, Cordoba, Ronda and Alfarnatejo. Then embark on a 9 day cruise
sailing from Barcelona to the Canary Islands.
End your tour with 2 nights in Barcelona and discover the city’s unique
architecture and culture with an artistic tour to explore Gaudi’s work and a
visit to his unfinished masterpiece the Sagrada Familia as well as a tour to
Monteserrat. This complete hosted package provides all the ingredients for
a perfect vacation.
INCLUDES
• Return airfare on Air France
• 15 nights accommodation at Hotel Las Piramides, based on a seaview hotel
room with breakfast & dinner daily including hotel tax and service charge
• 4 full day excursions to Granada, Cordoba, Ronda and Alfarnatejo
• 2 nights accommodations in Barcelona at the Rafael Casanova Hotel
including hotel tax, service charge and breakfast
• Barcelona half artistic tour and tour to Montserrat.
• 9 day Norwegian Cruise Line Canary Islands cruise, inside stateroom
category IB or similar, all meals onboard, provided by Transat Holidays.
• Domestic airfare from Malaga - Barcelona
• Transfers throughout from airport to hotel, hotel to pier or vice versa
• Services of a local representative
• Gratuities in Costa Del Sol & Barcelona for drivers and guides for all
transfers and excursions and gratuities for restaurant staff in Costa del Sol
• Merit Tour Host with 2 photo workshops
CDN$ per person, double occupancy based on an interior stateroom Category IB or similar provided by Transat
Holidays. Single supplement is on a request basis and subject to availability at time of booking. Additional:
Taxes and port fees $625. Upgrade to outside stateroom category DD or similar add $140, upgrade to balcony
CDN$, per person, quad occupancy. *Based on 2.5 to 3 star hotels. Air is from Edmonton or Calgary. Please
stateroom category BB add $450. Hosted based on minimum 30 passengers travelling. Subject to availability.
enquire about airfares from other Canadian gateways. Trip based on min. 42 paying participants.
1.866.341.1777
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FULL ITINERARY
Feb 29, 2012 – Depart Toronto – Malaga, Spain (via Paris)
Board your overnight Air France flight to Malaga (via Paris). Air France
flight 351 departs Toronto at 18:50 p.m. arrives Paris, Charles de
Gaulle at 8:20 a.m. Connecting with Air France flight 2030 departs
Paris at 10:25 a.m. arrives Malaga at 1:00 p.m.
Mar 01, 2012 – Arrival in Malaga, Costa del Sol
Arrive in Malaga and transfer to your accommodations in Costa del
Sol. Accommodations: Hotel Las Piramides.
Address: Calle Miguel Marquez 43, 29640 Fuengirola, Spain. The
Hotel Las Piramides is located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, next
to the beach, close to various golf courses and only a short distance
from some of the most interesting cities of Andalucia. Right on the
Mediterranean seashore along the beachfront promenade and just
500 meters from the city centre.
The hotel features air conditioned sea view rooms with TV, bathroom
with hairdryer, and a balcony. Hotel amenities: sauna, fitness centre,
golf course (within 3 km), massage, table tennis, jacuzzi, indoor
swimming pool and an outdoor swimming pool. Breakfast and dinner
included daily.
Mar 01 - Mar 16, 2012 – Costa del Sol
Enjoy the amenities at your resort, take a stroll on the beach, go
shopping or just soak up the atmosphere. You will also have included
in your vacation 4 cultural tours to really understand the local culture.
Your tour host Cindy Taylor will help you capture the essence of Spain
with 2 photo workshops. Breakfast and dinner included daily.
Full Day Cordoba Tour: Visit Cordoba, home to one of the most
impressive mosques in Europe. This intriguing ancient city was the
capital of Moorish Spain for three centuries and is thought to have
been the largest city in Europe during the time of Islamic rule.
A tour of the impressive Arab Mosque will provide you with some
insight into Cordoba’s past. Followed by a visit of the ancient, narrow,
winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, the Synagogue and the Roman
bridge. Lunch included.
Full Day Ronda Tour: Explore the mountainous region of Ronda
on this day trip from Costa del Sol. You’ll see all the highlights of
the lovely town of Ronda, including the Plaza de Toros Maestranza,
the Church of the Holy Spirit, the town square and a bull-fighting
museum.
The picturesque town of Ronda spans the plunging river gorge
known as El Tajo, crossed by the impressive 18th-century Puente
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Nuevo bridge. You’ll visit the town square, the Church of the Holy
spirit, built in 1485, and the Cathedral Church of Our Lady of the
Incarnation, known today as the Church of Saint Mary the Elder. Plaza
de Toros, the oldest bull ring in Spain, has staged some of the most
important events in bullfighting history. The museum’s collection of
memorabilia includes photos of famous bullfighting fans, including
Ernest Hemingway and Orson Wells. Lunch included.
Full Day Granada Tour: Discover the UNESCO World Heritagelisted Alhambra on this fascinating tour. You’ll explore beyond the
beautiful Moorish architecture to learn the history of one of the most
visited attractions in the world. Your visit begins in the Alhambra,
whose construction began in the 11th century on the red hill known
as Assabika which overlooks Granada. The Alcazaba fortress was the
first structure to be built, followed by the royal palace and residence
of me mbers of the court. You will visit the most important halls and
courtyards of the Alhambra, including the Alcazaba fortress, the
Serrallo, the Patio of los Arrayanes (Myrtle Courtyard), the Hall of la
Barca, the Salon of the Embajadores (Ambassadors Hall), the Patio de
los Leones (Lions Courtyard), the Hall of the Abencerrajes, the Royal
Baths and the Palace of Charles V. Your tour then continues to the
Palace of Charles V and the Generalife Gardens. Found next to the
Alhambra, these gardens where place of leisure and recreation for
the Moorish kings of Granada and from here you can enjoy wonderful
views across the city. You’ll enjoy lunch and then have some free time
to explore Granada on your own before returning back to your hotel
in Costa del Sol. Lunch included.
Full Day Alfarnatejo Tour: This unique tour takes us to a day in
the life of a village and is home hosted. Drive through the Spanish
countryside to feel the spirit and tradition of the ancient peoples of
the Andalusian countryside and learn about their lifestyle, customs,
and heritage. Passing by centuries-old routes travelled by Spain’s
legendary kings, their entourage and villagers. We will experience
the changing terrain and breathtaking landscapes of “La Ruta del
Aceite y Los Tajos” (route of the olive oil and the gorges) through
the mountains of Malaga. We will visit the Sierra village of Alfarnate
(population 3.500) where we stop to visit an Olive Oil Mill, then go
on to visit the beautiful sixteenth-century Church of Saint Ann. After
Alfarnate, we proceed to our final destination, the tiny village of
Alfarnatejo (population 400). After a warm welcome by the villagers
our “host families” will invite us into their homes for a traditional
midday meal. This authentic Andalucian day in a rural mountainside
village is a life-enriching experience and one that you will probably
cherish and remember for years to come. Lunch included.
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Mar 16, 2012 Malaga- Barcelona
Arrive in Barcelona, collect your luggage and upon exiting customs
meet your local representative and transfer to the pier to board your
9 nights NCL Cruise. The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region is a
classy, exciting, vibrant city. Cruise departs at 7 p.m. Dinner included.
NCL Norwegian Jade: Why not write your own “Once upon a
time” as you explore some of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Norwegian Jade has 10 international restaurants, plus 10 bars and
lounges so you can dine and drink where, when and with whom you
choose. Add to that the most innovative accommodation on the
high seas, and you’ll see there’s no limit to the choices for fun and
relaxation aboard Norwegian Jade. Eat somewhere new every night.
Choose from 12 international restaurants. French Mediterranean,
Asian fusion, Japanese Teppanyaki, Sushi and Sashimi, and an allAmerican steakhouse await you. Ship amenities include a pool, 4 hot
tubs, fitness centre, health spa, jogging and walking track, basketball,
volleyball and tennis court, casino, and theatre.
Mar 17, 2012 At Sea
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Mar 18, 2012 At Sea
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Mar 19, 2012 Arreclife (Lanzarotte), Canary Islands
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Optional excursion: Built on a
quarry of volcanic ashes, the Cactus Gardens have on display 10,000
types of cactus; Explore the lunar landscapes of Timanfaya National
Park home to the Fire Mountains; Head north to Jameos del Agua to
visit the volcanic caves and see the rare Blind Albino Crabs.
Mar 20, 2012 Santa Cruz de Tenerife , Canary Islands
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Optional excursion: Santa
Cruz is a densely urban metropolis in the Canary Islands just off the
northwestern coast of Africa. The opera house Auditorio de Tenerife
is a spectacular work of architecture that resembles sails. Through
out the city, unique urban sculptures can be found. The most notable
collection is presented at Exhibition of Outdoor Sculpture in Santa
Cruz de Tenerife, located by the Ramblas and the Parque Garcia
Sanabria.
Mar 21, 2012 Funchal, Madeira Portugal
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Optional excursion: The
mountainous isle of Madeira has been a popular European
destination for years. The idyllic island is perfect for exploring with its
beautiful beaches, stunning lava formed landscapes and lush, green
forests. Sampling the famed Madeira wines is also an absolute must.
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Mar 22, 2012 At Sea
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Mar 23, 2012 Granada Malaga Spain
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Optional excursion: The
strategic position to the Mediterranean Sea has always made
Malaga an attractive zone for foreign invasions. From Malaga, a trip
to Granada showcases an intriguing blend of Arab and European
cultures. Be sure to visit The Alhambra, one of the finest examples of
Moorish art in Spain.
Mar 24, 2012 At Sea
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Mar 25, Arrive Barcelona – Montserrat tour
Disembark your cruise and enjoy a half day tour to Montserrat
including lunch. Visit the Benedictine Monastery and the Royal
Basilika one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain for
hundreds of years. Then transfer to the Rafael Casanova Hotel.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 559, 08011 Barcelona,
Spain.
This modern boutique hotel is situated 500 metres from Placa
Catalunya, one of Barcelona’s main squares, and 800 from the
bustling stalls and cafés of Las Ramblas. The hotel offers 124 airconditioned guestrooms located on eight floors, all of which have
modern decor and furnishings and include televisions, minibars,
high-speed internet ports and wireless internet (surcharge), safes and
direct-dial telephones.
Mar 26, 2012 Barcelona Artistic Tour
This morning enjoy a half day guided artistic tour of Barcelona
including entrance to the Sagrada Familia. Breakfast included.
Mar 27, 2012 Barcelona – Toronto (via Paris)
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight home. Air France
Flight 1149 departs Barcelona at 10:25 a.m. arrives Paris, Charles de
Gaulle at 12:20 p.m. Connecting with Air France Flight 356 departs
Paris at 13:55 p.m. arrives Toronto at 17:10 p.m. Breakfast included.
Tour cost does not include: Shore excursions, any personal items
such as insurance, telephone calls, passport fees, gratuities on the
cruise or any meals or items not mentioned.
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MERIT VACATIONS TERMS & CONDITIONS
RESPONSIBILITY
Merit Travel Group Inc doing business as Merit Vacations, acts solely as
agents for the Travel Service Suppliers such as hoteliers, airlines, ground
service operators, bus operators, etc. who are providing their facilities as
described in this brochure. We do our best to select such suppliers but
exercise no control over them and cannot be held responsible for the failure
of these suppliers to carry out any obligations. Any and all bookings made
with these suppliers by us, for you, are subject to the terms and conditions
of each and every such supplier. Supplier liability may also be limited by law,
tariffs, or conditions set forth in their documentation, tickets, etc. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, Merit and its directors, officers,
employees, affiliates, successors, assigns, agents and other representatives
are not responsible for any and all claims for losses, damages (whether direct,
indirect, special, punitive, or other consequential damages, lost profits or
opportunities) delays, illness, injuries, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment,
or anxiety (whether based in contract, tort, negligence, strict liability or
otherwise, and even if Merit and the Travel Service Suppliers have been
advised of the possibility of damages to such party or any other party) arising
from:
(a) Fault or negligence or omissions on the part of the said travel service suppliers;
(b) Illness, theft, strikes, mechanical problems, quarantine, governmental intervention, weather conditions, acts of hostility or violence, and any other grounds beyond our control;
(c) Your failure to obtain passport, visas, other travel documents or inoculations
(d) Your failure to advise us the name of the traveler exactly as it appears
on the passport;
(e) Your failure to report on time at an airport or ground transfer facility;
(f) Material damages, theft or other mysterious disappearances of your goods;
(g) Personal injuries or death;
(h) Force Majeure - an event(s) beyond our, or our supplier(s), reasonable control including, but not limited to, acts of God, strikes, lockout or other labour disputes or disruptions, wars, blockades, insurrections,
riots, earthquakes, weather conditions, floods or acts of restraints imposed by governmental authorities.
PRICING
All prices are per person in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. GST,
HST and provincial taxes are applicable on tours as noted.
INCREASE IN TOUR COSTS
Merit reserves the right to increase tour prices in the event of an increase in
government and airport authority imposed taxes and fees, fuel and currency
surcharges, supplier price increases, or any other cost increase. If the increase
is greater than 7% of the tour cost, the client may cancel the booking within 7
days of notification and obtain a full refund.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
A deposit of $750 per person is required at the time of booking. Full and final
payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Deposit requirements for some tours may vary. You will be advised of
such cases at time of booking.
LIABILITY
Merit cannot assume responsibility for any costs incurred for any travel
arrangements purchased separately from the Merit tour. Merit’s responsibility
shall extend only to the provisions of advice as to industry-standard or
supplier recommended connections and check-in times.
Provided Merit supplies such advice, they shall not be responsible for missed
connections or departures, regardless of the cause.
TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN (INSURANCE)
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance, medical and hospital insurance,
baggage insurance, and various additional insurances are available and
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. If you choose not to purchase insurance, you are
required to sign an Insurance Waiver Form. Note that if you choose not to
purchase insurance, you are fully liable for any and all penalties imposed
as stated under Cancellation Policy on this page. Please speak to your
representative at the time of making reservations about insurance.
REFUNDS
The nature of travel involves risks and unpredictable weather and thus Merit
cannot assure any departure or arrival times at any point of an itinerary. Your
right to receive a refund is limited.
There will be no discounts or monies refunded for any missed or unused
services.
Merit reserves the right to cancel the tour for any reason. Should this occur, a
full refund will be made to the traveller.
CANCELLATION POLICY
While Merit will do its utmost to minimize any penalties charged, there are
irrecoverable costs associated with your tour. The following penalties will be
considered the costs incurred with cancellation:
(A) 90 days or more prior to departure: Loss of total deposit.
(B) 89 – 60 days prior to departure: Loss of 50% of total tour cost.
(C) 59 days or less prior to departure: Loss of 100% of total tour cost.
Cancellation penalties for some tours will vary and there may be
additional penalties associated with the airfare. If so, these policies
will be noted separately at time of booking and will prevail.
TOUR CHANGES
We reserve the right to substitute itineraries, hotels, airlines or vessels due to
conditions beyond our control. In such cases we will do everything possible to
ensure the locations visited, the excursions taken and the hotels offered are
similar to the ones originally planned. Any change to itineraries will not result
in eligibility for a refund.
REVISION FEE
Changes to your tour reservation might not be possible. Should you request a
change and we are able to accommodate it, you will be subject to any charges
imposed by the airline or tour suppliers. In addition, we reserve the right to
charge a $50 revision fee for any change made after the deposit is paid. A
change in name or departure date may constitute a cancellation, and the
corresponding penalties may apply.
PERSONAL DOCUMENTATION
All passengers travelling internationally must travel with a passport. Many
countries require the passport to be valid for 6 months beyond the traveller’s
return date. Visas may be required for some destinations. It is the passenger’s
responsibility to obtain at the passenger’s expense, all documentation
required by all relevant authorities. In the event that the passenger does not
possess the correct documentation, the air carrier has the right to refuse
passage.
DESCRIPTION
Every effort has been made to describe and produce the travel services
and photographs as accurately as possible in the printed tour description.
However we reserve the right to correct errors and we will make all reasonable
efforts to inform you should any significant changes occur.
Please note that the living standards and local conditions during your tour
may be different from what you are accustomed to at home.
CONSENT
Your retention of tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall
constitute your consent to the above terms.
If you encounter any concerns during your tour, please inform your local
travel service provider. If the matter cannot be resolved, please inform Merit
Vacations in writing upon your return.
Merit Travel Group Inc Reg. No: ON- 4499372/4499356
BC-33127/34799/34798 QC-7002238
200-111 Peter Street, Toronto ON M5V 2H1
1.866.341.1777
ON–4499356/4499372 | BC–33127/34799/34798 | QC–7002238 200–111 Peter Street, Toronto, ON M5V 2H1200–111 Peter Street, Toronto, ON M5V 2H1