Viva Mexico: Historic, Social, Folkloric

SPECIAL TRAVEL
INTERNATIONAL
SPECIAL TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL
photo: Thelmadatter
photo: AnaliSanchez73
4603 Main Street
Va n c o u ve r, B C
V5V 3R6 Canada
tel no.:1 (604) 291-1332
toll-free:1 (800) 665-0998
fax no.:1 (604) 291-1378
s t i @ s t i c a n a d a .com
w w w. s t i c a n a d a . c o m
Viva Mexico
Historic, Social, Folkloric, Traditional
Feb 8 – 17, 2014 (10 days)
Mexico City – teotihuacan – guadalupe – puebla
oaxaca – teotitlan del valle – querÉtaro
san miguel de allende – guadalajara
tlaquepaque – puerto vallarta – tequila
photo: Francisco Diez
Viva Mexico
Historic, Social, Folkloric, Traditional
Mexico City – teotihuacan – guadalupe – puebla – oaxaca – Monte
Alban – Mitla – teotitlan del valle – querÉtaro – san miguel de
allende – guadalajara – tlaquepaque – puerto vallarta – tequila
Feb 8 – 17, 2014 (10 days)
1
Sat, Feb 8
Day 4
Tue, Feb 11
canada – Mexico city
Mexico City – puebla – Oaxaca
An evening arrival in Mexico City, transfer to
hotel and then time at leisure.
Today we leave Mexico City for Oaxaca, stopping
to visit Puebla en route. The Spaniards settled
this town, founding the Talavera tile industry for
which it is still celebrated, and the extensive use
of this intricate tilework throughout the town’s
buildings is a sight to behold. After check in we’ll
have dinner. (B,D)
Sun, Feb 9
Mexico City
We get to know this former Aztec capital, the
oldest capital in the American continent, with
a city tour encompassing all the main sites.
This colourful cultural hub reveals its history
through its buildings, from ancient Aztec ruins
through colonial and Art Nouveau, to religious
architecture and the seat of government, such
that its historic core is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. We will see the main Constitution
square known as Zocalo, The National Palace
decorated with murals by Diego Rivera, The
Aztec temple and Metropolitan Cathedral, the
chic Zona Rosa. We’ll also have a chance to
visit the Archeological Museum and head south
to the lakeside Gardens of Xochimilco where
we’ll enjoy a boat trip. We’ll visit Casa Azul
and the Frida Kahlo Museum to learn about this
iconic surrealist artist and her husband Diego
Rivera, and their exceptional and eclectic group
of friends, including George Gershiwn, Nelson
Rockefeller and Leon Trotsky.We’ll enjoy a little
leisure time before dinner. (B,D)
Day 3
Mon, Feb 10
We’ll venture a little outside the city to see the
well-preserved archeological site at Teotihuacan.
Built around 100 AD, the Pyramid of the Sun
here offers a comprehensive view of the other
pyramids and palaces in the city for those willing
to make the steep climb up 242 steps.
We’ll then continue on to see the town of
Guadalupe before returning to Mexico City for
dinner followed by the pageantry of the Mexican
Folklore Ballet. (B,D)
photo: Jeanne Harvey
photo: Tony Grist
photo: Thelmadatter
Mexico City
Day 5
Wed, Feb 12
Oaxaca
We’ll have a city tour of beautiful Oaxaca in the
morning. Cortes was made Marqués of Oaxaca as
his reward for conquering the Americas for Spain,
and Spanish influence here is notable. Aside from
numerous significant buildings are important
museums of art and pre-Colombian archeology
and a pilgrimage site sacred to the Virgin Mary.
In the afternoon we’ll visit the pre-Colombian
Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban; temples, ball
courts, tombs and the essential central plaza.
We’ll also stop at one of the local markets to see
the work of local artisans and potters. The nearby
town of San Bartolo Coyotepec is the centre
for production of the beautiful black pottery for
which this region is celebrated. This evening we’ll
enjoy a Folklore Dinner Show. (B,D)
Day 6
Thu, Feb 13
Oaxaca
We’ll start this extraordinary day with visits to
Mitla, a site famed for its tesserae mosaic temple,
and Tule, known for a 140 ft tall cypress tree that
has witnessed 2 millennia. Then this afternoon
we are privileged to visit the local Zapotec
community in Teotitlan del Valle privately, to
meet some wonderful people, learn about their
way of life first-hand, and see the true face of
Mexico, hidden from the average tourist. The
village survives on traditional skills, using only
natural colours and materials with time-honoured
methods and tool in the weaving of their wonderful
carpets. They maintain their own language and
traditions stemming from their pre-Colombian
photo: Tony Grist
Day 2
photo: Jpse de Jesus Hernandez
photo: Bernard Silberstein
photo: Ramon Leon Rosas
photo: SElefant
Day 1
photo: Carlos Meade
Transfer to airport for flight home. (B)
or
Puerto Vallarta
En route to the lovely promenades of Puerto
Vallarta, the desert hills around the town of
Tequila give way to plantations of blue agave.
Tequila has been produced here for centuries
and you can witness the process and learn
about the distinctions of one of Mexico’s bestknown products at one of the famous distilleries
in this region.
cost
in Canadian funds
per person, based on double occupancy
from Vancouver/Toronto
$2790
san miguel de allende –
guadalajara
Land-Only Rate*
$1990
Today we’ll explore this historic gem whose
picturesque streets have drawn numerous
intellectuals and artists to be inspired and reside
on this plateau ringed by scenic mountains.
Galleries, shops and restaurants populate the
winding streets of this town which has been
protected as national monument since 1926.
After time for lunch and exploration on your own
we’ll drive to Guadalajara. (B,D)
Single Supplement
+$490
Day 8
*if you want to make your own flight arrangements
Sun, Feb 16
guadalajara
photo: Tony Grist
photo: Tony Grist
The “Pearl of the West”, Guadalajara is the
provincial capital and 2nd largest city in Mexico.
Home to some of the country’s best-known
cultural tropes (mariachi, tequila, the hat dance
and Mexican rodeos), the city’s magnificent art
and architecture have made it a UNESCO World
Heritage site. The Cathedral lies at the city’s
historic centre, surrounded by four plazas and
buildings which suggest its colonial past. We’ll
explore the town before continuing to the chic
suburb of Tlaquepaque, which has a colonial
heart and character of its own. A pedestrian
shopping zone of pretty colonial streets is lined
with restaurants and boutiques offering up-market
for rates from other cities, please call our office
included
■■ Air fare Canada – Mexico City; Guadalajara –
Canada; Oaxaca – Mexico City.
■■ Departure Taxes (based on rates as of March
2013; they will be adjusted prior to final
payment date approx. six weeks prior to trip
departure.)
■■ Private bus and English-speaking guide.
■■ Accommodation in superior tourist-class hotels.
■■ Breakfast (B) and Dinner (D) every day.
■■ Lunches (L) per itinerary.
■■ Entrance fees, special events, folklore shows,
■■ Local taxes and service charges.
■■ Gratuities for driver and guide.
not included
■■
■■
■■
■■
Travel Insurance.
Porterage.
Drinks and items of personal nature.
Extension to Puerto Vallarta.
photo: Tony Grist
Day 9
Sat, Feb 15
photo: Raymond Ostertag
Continue by bus to Puerto Vallarta, stop in
Tequila and extend your stay in sunny Mexico!
photo: Lisette
This morning we transfer to airport for a morning
flight to Mexico City, then continue by bus to
Querétaro, where Mexican independence was
conceived in 1810 and later born as the Mexican
constitution was signed here in 1917. It is another
UNESCO World Heritage city. We’ll have a
chance to explore this beautiful and historic
colonial town and see some of its architectural
treasures, such as the Church of San Francisco
on the central plaza, the Casa de Ecala, House
of La Corregidora, the Convent of the Crosses,
the Palace of Marquise de la Villa del Villas del
Aguila and the House of Count Sierra Gorda. Its
dramatic 74-arch aqueduct dates from the 18th
century and is a symbol of the city.
We’ll wrap up the day in San Miguel de Allende,
where we’ll check in and enjoy dinner. (B,D)
Mon, Feb 17
guadalajara – vancouver
photo: Wolfgang Staudt
Fri, Feb 14
Oaxaca – Mexico city – querÉtaro
san miguel de allende
Day 10
photo: Jugiii
Day 7
items from artisans throughout Mexico.
We’ll return to enjoy a farewell Folklore Dinner
with songs and Mariachi. (B,D)
photo: Tony Grist
roots but tempered with modern knowledge and
practices. This is a rare opportunity to learn from
a people who inherited an ancient culture and
strive to adapt it to survival in the 21st century.
We’ll return to Oaxaca in time for dinner. (B,D)
2
RESERVATION FORM
please indicate x your tour selections below
Viva MExico
Feb 8 - 17, 2014 (10 days)
Please fill out this form in full and mail it with your deposit of $600. and insurance payment for each passenger.
Insurance is optional but strongly recommended. Please write name exactly as listed in passport (e.g.: William, not “Bill”)
00
Passenger No. 1: Name
Mr/Mrs/Ms
Passenger No. 2: Name
First Name Mr/Mrs/Ms
First Name
Middle Name
Middle Name
Last Name
Last Name
Passport #:
Passport #:
Passport Issuing Country:
Passport Issuing Country:
dd/mm/yy Date of Birth:
Date of Birth:
dd/mm/yy
ADDRESS:
Street:
City:
Province/State:
Postal Code:
Country:
Phone: home
work
email:
Next of Kin (to be contacted in case of emergency):
Accomodation:
o Single
o Double
Seating Preference on Aircraft:
o Window
o Aisle
ph:
Sharing with:
Special Dietary Meal Request:
(where available for flights/cruises)
First Name (as you would like it to appear on your name tag):
Please see insurance page then indicate your choice below
INSURANCE:
All-Inclusive or Trip Cancellation insurance should be purchased at time of deposit o Accepted o Declined
specify All Inclusive or Trip Cancellation ___________________________________________________
specify amount of premium (see next page) $__________________________
Please make cheques payable to:
( BC Reg # 23625 )
VISA/MASTERCARD PAYMENTS:
SPECIAL TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL
4603 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R6 Canada
phone: (604) 291-1332
or
1 (800) 665-0998
*A 2% service fee applies to payments made by credit card
Card Number ___________________________________________________________ Expiry date ________
Name on card __________________________________________________________________________
Amount to be charged ___________________________
I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the brochure.
SIGNATURE:
FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT:
A deposit of $600 per person is required at the time of
reservation on this Special Travel International (hereafter called
STI) tour. The final payment is due by December 27, 2013.
Travel documents will be sent to you approximately 14 days
prior to your trip departure, provided full payment has been
received.
TOUR PRICES:
All tour prices for land arrangements are based on rates effective
at the time of printing and are expected to be in effect at the time
of departure. Should these rates change, it may be necessary
to surcharge the price of your vacation. Should the tour price
increase by more than 10%, the passenger shall have the right
to cancel within seven days of notification without penalty.
CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS:
Notice of cancellation must be made in writing. The effective
cancellation date is the date when written notification is
received by STI. The deposit of $600 is non-refundable. The
following scale of charges will apply when cancellation is
received prior to departure:
Prior to Dec. 27, 2013
$600 deposit
Dec. 28, 2013 – Jan. 15, 2014
$75%
After Jan. 15, 2014
100%
RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY:
photo: Thelmadatter
STI acts only as an agent in securing all services related to
the tours described in this brochure, including transportation,
sightseeing and accommodation. STI shall not be responsible or
liable for any loss, cost, damage, injury, delay or expense arising
from the use of any conveyance, accommodation or service
or from acts of God, strikes, weather, quarantine, accidents,
sickness, government regulations, insufficient documents
and any loss/expense resulting from the above contingencies
shall be borne by the tour member. In the event it becomes
necessary or advisable for the comfort of the passenger, or for
any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary or arrangements,
such alterations may be made without penalty to the operators.
Additional expense, if any, shall be borne by the passenger. The
right is reserved to withdraw any or all tours should conditions
warrant, and also to decline to accept or retain any passenger
as a member of the tour. In such instances, full or equitable
amounts will be refunded.
INSURANCE:
STI recommends that each tour participant has health,
cancellation, interruption, accident and baggage insurance for
the duration of his/her travel (in situations where insurance is
not included in the tour price.)
InSURANCE Premiums
Following are the main areas of coverage and the two
packages we offer for this particular trip. Please carefully read
the brochure you will receive after booking for full details.
For insurance purposes the key point is that you are in
GOOD health.
Please note that PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS are not covered.
Please contact us if you have any questions or would like
further information.
THE ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE consists of:
• Cancellation & Interruption
• Emergency Medical ($5 Million limit)
• Flight Accident
• Travel Accident
• Baggage & Personal Effects
THE ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE
AGES:
0-60
$170
61-65
$212
66-70
$260
71-76
$308
77 +
$621
If you wish you may choose the Cancellation & Interruption
insurance alone; this plan is suitable if you have sufficient
medical coverage already. These rates apply to any trip length.
CANCELLATION & INTERRUPTION INSURANCE
AGES:
$160
60-64
$177
65-69
$191
70-74
$215
75-79
$315
80+
$390
Note: Insurance rates are valid at time of printing and
are subject to change. Insurance premiums are subject to
Provincial Sales Tax:
8% Ontario
9% Quebec
7% Manitoba
It is entirely the passenger’s responsibility to possess whatever
documents and visas required by the law of the countries
visited on the tour.
BC Reg # 23625
4603 Main Street
Vancouver, BC V5V 3R6 Canada
tel: (604) 291-1332 or 1 (800) 665-0998
Fax: (604) 291-1378
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.sticanada.com
photo: Pumario2008
AIRLINE RESPONSIBILITY:
SPECIAL TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL
10 days
0-59
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
Any airliner carrier providing transportation in connection with
these tours is not to be held responsible for any act, omission or
event during the time the passenger is not on board its planes
or conveyances. The passenger contract in use by the airlines
concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract
between the airline and the purchase of these tours and/or
passenger. Similar responsibility as noted applies to all types of
carriers, including car rental companies.
(rate per person)
10 days