guatemala - The University of Iowa Alumni Association

GUATEMALA:
LAND OF ETERNAL SPRING
11 days from $2,495 — air & land inclusive
This tour is provided by
Odysseys Unlimited, one
of Travel & Leisure’s 2008
World’s Best Tour Operators.
January 4 - 14, 2011
A Small Group Tour
for Alumni and Friends of the
University of Iowa
Tour membership limited to 24 alumni and friends
GUATEMALA:
LAND OF ETERNAL SPRING
11 days from $2,495 — air & land inclusive
nce a center of Maya civilization, Guatemala today is like a living
museum bridging past and present; indigenous cultures and colonial
tradition. On our comprehensive yet unhurried small group tour we
visit the amazing ruins at Tikal, small towns where Indian culture thrives,
beautiful Lake Atitlan, and magnificent colonial Antigua – revealing many
treasures of this proud nation.
O
Destination
Air
Motorcoach
Extension (van/car)
Entry/Departure
Tikal
Caribbean
Sea
GUATEMALA
Chichicastenango
Copan
Panajachel/
Lake Atitlan
HONDURAS
Antigua
Guatemala City
Pacific
Ocean
Avg. High (°F)
Guatemala City
Jan
73
Feb
77
Your Small Group Tour Highlights
Maya archaeological sites of Tikal, Yaxha, and Topoxté
… Artesania market in Chichicastenango … Two days
at Lake Atitlan … Indian town of Santiago Atitlan …
Opportunities to interact with local people … Pleasing
mix of guided touring and free time … Lecture/discussions
with local experts … Colonial city of Antigua, UNESCO
World Heritage Site … Visits with local artisans …
Excellent accommodations, including restored 17thcentury monastery in Antigua
Day Itinerary
Hotel
Rating
1
Depart U.S. for
Guatemala City
Westin Camino
Real
Deluxe
2
Guatemala City
3-4
Tikal
Westin Camino
Real
Camino
Real Tikal
First Class
5
Guatemala City
Westin Camino
Real
Deluxe
6-7
Lake Atitlan
Atitlan Hotel
First Class
Casa Santo
Domingo
Deluxe
8-10 Antigua
11
Deluxe
Depart Antigua for U.S.
Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel
industry standard reference.
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Guatemala City,
Guatemala After arriving in Guatemala and
transferring to the hotel, the balance of the day
is free to rest and relax.
Day 2: Guatemala City This morning we
meet our tour director for a briefing before
a tour of Guatemala's capital including the
grandiose Palacio National, once home to presidential offices and now an art museum; and the
Spanish colonial Catedral Metropolitano. This
afternoon is free to explore on our own; early
evening we gather for a lecture and discussion
on Mayan history and culture with a local
expert. Tonight’s welcome dinner is at a hilltop
restaurant overlooking the city and offering
magnificent views of the entire valley. B,D
Day 3: Guatemala City/Yaxha/Topoxté
Early this morning we fly north to Flores, capital of the Petén region, and transfer by coach
deep into Guatemala’s northern rainforest.
Here we call on two important but less visited
Maya sites: Yaxha, a ceremonial site with 500
buildings; and Topoxté, an island in the Yaxha
Lagoon whose restoration reflects how the
Maya lived and defended themselves. Midafternoon we reach our resort hotel on the
shores of Lake Petén Itza, about a half hour
from the ruins at Tikal and where we dine
tonight. B,L,D
Day 4: Tikal Part of the vast Maya civilization
that dominated the region a millennium ago,
the celebrated archaeological site of Tikal
(c. 200 BC) once was the most important city in
the Maya universe. Upon arrival this morning
we explore a portion of the jungle-clad ruins of
palaces, temples, ball courts, and ceremonial
platforms: the “Q” Complex, the Great Plaza
Cover photo: On Day 4 we visit the celebrated archaeological complex of Tikal.
Mayan culture thrives around beautiful Lake Atitlan, which we visit on Days 6 and 7.
with the Pyramid of the Grand Jaguar and
Pyramid of the Masks, the Palace of the Nobles,
and Pyramid IV. We also visit the nearby museum housing priceless pre-Columbian artifacts
excavated from Tikal. We return to our hotel
late afternoon and dine there tonight. B,L,D
Day 5: Tikal/Guatemala City This morning
is free for individual pursuits at our lakeside
hotel which offers kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing along with an outdoor pool. Early this
afternoon we transfer to the airport for the
return flight to Guatemala City. Dinner tonight
is at a local restaurant. B,D
Day 7: Panajachel/Santiago We cross the
lake by motor launch this morning to the picturesque Indian town of Santiago Atitlan, capital
of the native Tzutuhil people known particularly
for their colorful textile design, traditional
clothing, and fierce independence. After time
to explore here, we return to our hotel and an
afternoon at leisure. This evening we gather
for dinner at a local restaurant. B,D
Post-Tour Extension: Jan. 14 - 17, 2011
COPAN, HONDURAS
4 days/3 nights for $695
Single Supplement: $195
Day 6: Chichicastenango/Panajachel
Departing by coach early today, we reach the
white-washed highland town of Chichicastenango
mid-morning. It’s market day, so our first stop
is at the colorful open-air artesania market,
Guatemala’s largest. Here locals sell such
wares as woven baskets, woolen blankets and
other textiles, carved wooden masks, and
numerous traditional crafts in a whirl of commerce and socializing. Next we visit the
Catholic church of Santo Tomás (c. 1540) to
witness some of the ancient Maya ceremonies.
This afternoon we continue on to the village
of Panajachel, with its dramatic setting on the
shores of Lake Atitlan and surrounded by
three volcanoes and numerous indigenous villages.
Our lakeside hotel, a Spanish-style inn, boasts
beautiful grounds and lovely sunset views. B,D
Experience a unique private excursion into
Honduras and see the magnificence of Copan,
which many consider to be the most artistic and
well-preserved city in the Mayan world.
Your Tour Price Includes
• Private car/van transportation Antigua/Copan
(Honduras), returning to Guatemala City
• 3 nights’ accommodations: 2 nights in Copan at
Hotel Marina Copan (Moderate First Class);
1 night in Guatemala City at Westin Camino Real
(Deluxe)
• 6 meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners
• Included sightseeing: comprehensive tour of the
Copan ruins (main site plus El Bosque and Las
Sepulturas); tour of Quirigua (Guatemala) Mayan
site en route back to Guatemala City; all entrance
fees to included sites
• Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
and local Honduran guide
• Gratuities for dining room servers, and airport
and hotel porters
Day 8: Panajachel/Antigua En route to
Antigua, Guatemala’s most important colonial
city, we stop at the Maya archaeological site of
Iximche, capital of the Cakchiquel Indians who
were known for their skill at building fortified
cities. This afternoon we reach Antigua and
our hotel, a restored 17th-century monastery.
Antigua is one of The Americas’ oldest and
most beautiful cities, with pastel-colored buildings and wide cobblestone streets. This evening
we gather for a brief presentation by an expert in
the field of Spanish Colonial architecture. B,D
Day 9: Antigua Our morning tour of this
magnificent highlands city ringed by three
volcanoes and known for its 16th-century
Spanish colonial
architecture
includes lively
Plaza Mayor
flanked by the
impressive
Catedral de San
José and Palace of
the Capitanes
Generales. We
also see the ruins
of churches and
monasteries, some
with hidden
underground passages, destroyed
Traditional textiles of Central
by the earthquake
America
of 1776; tour a jade
factory; and visit artisans weaving textiles on
primitive foot looms. This afternoon is free to
explore the town, a UNESCO World Heritage
site, on our own. B
Day 10: Antigua We spend the morning discovering more of this lovely city, once home to
some 30 monastic orders, and also visit several
surrounding villages. Then we enjoy another
afternoon at leisure. Tonight we gather at a
local restaurant for a farewell dinner. B,D
Your Tour Price Includes
• Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; all
flights within itinerary
• 10 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe and First
Class hotels
• 20 meals: 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 8 dinners
• Extensive sightseeing as described, including all
entrance fees
• Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
• Private motorcoach transportation throughout
your trip
• Luggage handling for one bag per person
• Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers,
airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
Day 11: Depart for U.S. After breakfast we
transfer to the Guatemala City airport for our
return flights to the U.S. B
Natural beauty and historic monuments mark colonial
Antigua.
Tour Departs: January 4, 2011
Miami
$2,495
Orlando, Tampa
$2,595
Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago,
New York, Washington DC
$2,695
Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit,
Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia
$2,895
Cleveland, Denver, Phoenix,
Portland (OR), San Francisco, Seattle
$2,995
Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Moline
$3,095
Land Only
$2,295
If you are traveling from the Midwest, we encourage you to fly from the Quad City International
Airport, Moline, IL. Visit their website at
www.qcairport.com.
Please call if your city is not listed. Land Only cost
does not include airport arrival or departure transfers.
Prices are per person based on double occupancy.
Single travelers please add $695. All tour prices
above are guaranteed.
Airline taxes and departure fees of $192 per person will be listed separately on your invoice, and
are subject to change.
Please note: This tour involves considerable walking on uneven terrain, cobblestone streets, and at
sites of ancient ruins. You should be in good physical
condition to enjoy the tour to the fullest.
For reservations and information, please
call the Iowa Voyagers toll-free at
800-469-2586 or 319-335-3294
or visit www.iowalum.com/voyagers
Or call Odysseys Unlimited toll-free at
888-370-6765
Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-7:00PM, Eastern Time
Dear Iowa Voyagers,
There’s no better way to start a new year than to journey across boundaries to warm and exotic lands. I invite
you this January to discover the stunning natural beauty and history of Guatemala. The highlights include
Tikal, once the most important city in Maya civilization, and other Maya archaeological sites; beautiful Lake
Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages; and magnificent colonial Antigua.
Our journey begins in Guatemala City, where we’ll meet a local expert who will discuss the ancient Maya peoples who dominated the region a millennium ago. Then travel to northern Guatemala and the celebrated
archaeological site of Tikal. There is ample time to explore the jungle-shrouded ruins – a UNESCO World
Heritage site - while based at a picturesque rainforest resort hotel on the shores of Lake Petén Itza. Next, visit
the highland town of Chichicastenango with its famous open-air artesania market, showcase for local textiles
and other traditional crafts. Continue to the volcano-ringed shore of lovely Lake Atitlan, where we board a
motor launch to lovely Santiago Atitlan, home to one of Guatemala’s fascinating indigenous peoples. Conclude
in Antigua, a beautiful city known for its Spanish colonial architecture. We’ll stay in a restored 17th-century
monastery and enjoy free time to visit museums and artisans’ shops. A 4-day/3-night optional tour to Copan,
Honduras is also available for those wishing to visit additional Mayan archaeological sites.
Joining us on this tour will be alumni from Purdue University. With space limited to a total of 24 guests from both
schools, we expect this tour to fill quickly. Your early reservations are encouraged.
Sincerely,
Diane Baker
Director, Iowa Voyagers
University of Iowa Alumni Association
THE IOWA VOYAGERS RESERVATION FORM: GUATEMALA: LAND OF ETERNAL SPRING
Enclosed is my/our deposit for $______($500 per person) for ____ person(s) on Guatemala: Land of Eternal Spring
departing January 4, 2011. I/we understand the final payment is due by October 1, 2010 (95 days prior to departure). Payment may be made by American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA or by personal check. Please
make check payable to Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and send to: The Iowa Voyagers, University of Iowa Alumni
Association, One West Park Road, 100 Levitt Center, Iowa City, IA 52242-1797. Or contact the Iowa Voyagers tollfree at 800-469-2586 or at 319-335-3294. You may also send a FAX: 319-335-1079.
Full Passport Name _____________________________________________ Date of Birth_________ Gender ________
Full Passport Name _____________________________________________ Date of Birth_________ Gender ________
Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________
City____________________________________________________________ State________ ZIP__________________
Home Ph. ( ______ )________________________________ Cell Ph. ( ______ ) _______________________________
E-mail __________________________________________ Name(s) for Badges_______________________________
❑ I will share a room with ______________________________________ ❑ I desire a single room (limited availability)
Please book my air from _________________________ ❑ Post-Tour Extension to Honduras: Please sign me/us up.
Please Note: The undersigned has read the schedule of activities for Guatemala: Land of Eternal Spring,
January 4-14, 2011, and agrees that their signature below represents their acceptance of the General Terms
and Conditions.
Signature(s) ___________________________________________________________________ Date________________
Method of Payment
❑ Check
❑ American Express
❑ Discover
❑ MasterCard
❑ VISA
Account #_____________________________________________ Security Code______________Exp. Date__________
Name of Cardholder _________________________________________________________________________________
Signature ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Final invoicing will be sent by our tour operator, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. The balance of the program price must be paid
to Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. Final payment is due by October 1, 2010 (95 days prior to departure), and is payable by
check or credit card.
Traveling with the Iowa Voyagers is a UI Alumni Association (UIAA) member privilege for alumni, their friends, families and colleagues. We
welcome all travelers, but require that all University of Iowa alumni become UIAA members in order to participate in the trips. If you are
not a UI graduate, we require that one person in your traveling party become a UIAA member. For information about joining the UIAA or
to check your membership status, please call 800/469-2586 or visit www.iowalum.com. If you join or renew, be sure to indicate you are
traveling with the Iowa Voyagers. A small percentage of the trip cost goes to the UIAA which in turn assists the greater mission of the
University of Iowa. A minimum number of participants (usually 15, 20 or 30) is required to secure the services of a UI host/escort on any
given trip. Thank you and we appreciate your support!
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Presorted
Standard
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Odysseys
Unlimited, Inc.
Please read this information carefully, as payment of a $500 deposit per person represents your acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions.
Not included in tour price
Airfare from your hometown to your gateway city and return; costs of passports and visas; airport, port, and departure
taxes, which will be listed as separate items on your invoice and are subject to change; personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals not specified; airline baggage fees; airport transfers when purchasing a landonly package; communication charges; gratuities to your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director, which are at your
discretion (suggested gratuities $10-$15 per traveler, per day); optional sightseeing; travel protection insurance.
Cancellations, refunds and changes
If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your written notification.
Refunds for cancellations are subject to the following per person charges: Cancel 95 days or more before departure:
$200 charge; Cancel 94-65 days before departure: 25% of tour price; Cancel 64-45 days before departure: 50% of tour
price; Cancel 44-30 days before departure: 75% of tour price; Cancel 29-0 days before departure: No refund. If a guest
makes any changes to their reservation from 94 to 30 days prior to departure, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. will apply a $100
per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties. Changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If your reservation changes from double occupancy to single occupancy for any
reason, you will be charged the single supplement. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure.
University of Iowa Alumni Association
One West Park Road
100 Levitt Center
Iowa City, IA 52242-1797
Upon reservation you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport, date of birth and gender. In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible
for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.
Responsibility
The liability of the University of Iowa Alumni Association, as sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as tour operator, is
strictly limited. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under our control. We serve only as agents for these suppliers in securing tour
arrangements, and therefore will not accept responsibility for wrongful, negligent, or arbitrary acts or omissions of
these independent contractors, their employees, agents, servants or representatives. The University of Iowa Alumni
Association and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. are not liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by
events not within our control, including without limitation, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, the defect of any vehicle, or the
negligence or default of any third party. All coupons, receipts, and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions
specified by the air carriers, and other independent suppliers.
We will make every effort to operate our tours as planned, but we reserve the right to make itinerary changes as necessary. If unforeseen circumstances require us to change a hotel, we will select alternative accommodations of the same
or better quality. If you choose to make your own air arrangements, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from cancellation of this tour or changes in this tour.
Health and Medical Issues
We request that you be in good health to participate in this Odysseys Unlimited tour. There is a considerable amount of
walking, and you must be able to get on and off motorcoaches on your own. If you require the use of a wheelchair
or have other personal needs, you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you. We reserve the right to
remove anyone whose physical or mental condition, in our opinion, compromises the operation of the tour or detracts
from the enjoyment or safety of the other passengers. In that event, Odysseys Unlimited and the University of Iowa
Alumni Association assume no financial responsibility for any unused portion of the tour.
JOIN THE IOWA VOYAGERS FOR A
SMALL GROUP TOUR TO GUATEMALA!
Guaranteed Small Group: Limited to 24 Guests