a mystical journey to thailand - broad escapes: …...a mystical journey to thailand november 3-15,...

4
A Mystical Journey to Thailand November 3-15, 2018 If there is a country you don’t need a reason to visit... it is without a doubt Thailand. With its majestic temples sprinkled across the mountainous hills, kind locals, inviting culture, world renowned cuisine, energetic night markets, and invigorating massages, the ‘land of smiles’ is a place that will not disappoint. Explore the trendiest part of Chiang Mai while wandering through Nimman Street. Spend time at a sanctuary for rescued elephants where you can contribute to the healing of these gentle giants, all the while learning about their past and present. BEinspired and let our expert guides take you on this culturally stimulating and vibrant small group adventure of Thailand. Included • Private group arrival/departure transfers (based on group air arrival/departure times) • Private transportation on air-conditioned bus and vans as per the itinerary • 12 nights superior accommodation (2 nts Bangkok, 2 nts Koh Kred, 2 nts Kanchanaburi, 3 nts Chiang Rai, 3 nts Chiang Mai) • Breakfast daily, 10 lunches & 10 dinners • Domestic air Bangkok – Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai - Bangkok • Sightseeing & entrance fees as per itinerary • Meditation and cultural program at Baan Dvara Prateep • Hilltribe village experiences as per itinerary • Authentic Thai cooking class • Ethical Elephant Camp experience • Services of an English speaking guide throughout • Service of a Broad Escapes Tour Manager throughout • Applicable taxes and services charges as per booking date N Included • International airfare - inquire with us about group space • Passport photos, government processing fees • Vaccinations • Luggage handling • Beverages & meals not mentioned • Incidentals • Local guide and driver gratuities • Additional taxes, fuel surcharges or service charges levied by the governments or our suppliers Optional • Group air from Toronto. We would be pleased to book your flights to meet this tour from Toronto or any other gateway • Manulife All Inclusive Package Insurance coverage for Cancellation and Inter- ruption Insurance and Comprehensive Assistance, Health Coverage, Individual Accident Coverage. Ask our agents details • Arrival & departure transfers - for those not arriving & departing on group flights. Payments • Deposit $700.00CAD plus insurance due at time of booking • Balance August 1, 2018 Cost: $4900.00CAD - twin occupancy Minimum of 10, maximum of 16 passengers Single supplement: $1500.00CAD

Upload: others

Post on 19-May-2020

1 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: A Mystical Journey to Thailand - Broad Escapes: …...A Mystical Journey to Thailand November 3-15, 2018 If there is a country you don’t need a reason to visit... it is without a

A Mystical Journey to ThailandNovember 3-15, 2018

If there is a country you don’t need a reason to visit... it is without a doubt Thailand. With its majestic temples sprinkled across the mountainous hills, kind locals, inviting culture, world renowned cuisine, energetic night markets, and invigorating massages, the ‘land of smiles’ is a place that will not disappoint.

Explore the trendiest part of Chiang Mai while wandering through Nimman Street. Spend time at a sanctuary for rescued elephants where you can contribute to the healing of these gentle giants, all the while learning about their past and present. BEinspired and let our expert guides take you on this culturally stimulating and vibrant small group adventure of Thailand.

Included• Private group arrival/departure transfers (based on group air arrival/departure times)

• Private transportation on air-conditioned bus and vans as per the itinerary• 12 nights superior accommodation

(2 nts Bangkok, 2 nts Koh Kred, 2 nts Kanchanaburi, 3 nts Chiang Rai, 3 nts Chiang Mai)• Breakfast daily, 10 lunches & 10 dinners• Domestic air Bangkok – Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai - Bangkok• Sightseeing & entrance fees as per itinerary• Meditation and cultural program at Baan Dvara Prateep• Hilltribe village experiences as per itinerary• Authentic Thai cooking class• Ethical Elephant Camp experience• Services of an English speaking guide throughout• Service of a Broad Escapes Tour Manager throughout• Applicable taxes and services charges as per booking date

Not Included• International airfare - inquire with us about group space • Passport photos, government processing fees• Vaccinations• Luggage handling • Beverages & meals not mentioned• Incidentals• Local guide and driver gratuities• Additional taxes, fuel surcharges or service charges levied by the

governments or our suppliers

Optional• Group air from Toronto. We would be pleased to book your flights to

meet this tour from Toronto or any other gateway• Manulife All Inclusive Package Insurance coverage for Cancellation and Inter-

ruption Insurance and Comprehensive Assistance, Health Coverage, Individual Accident Coverage. Ask our agents details

• Arrival & departure transfers - for those not arriving & departing on group flights.

Payments• Deposit $700.00CAD plus insurance due at time of booking• Balance August 1, 2018

Cost: $4900.00CAD - twin occupancyMinimum of 10, maximum of 16 passengersSingle supplement: $1500.00CAD

Page 2: A Mystical Journey to Thailand - Broad Escapes: …...A Mystical Journey to Thailand November 3-15, 2018 If there is a country you don’t need a reason to visit... it is without a

Day 1 – Saturday November 3Arrival in Bangkok Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand! Upon group arrival we will meet our English speaking local guide and driver for a private group transfer to our hotel.

As most flights will arrive late in the day and evening you’ll be free to relax and unwind at the hotel after check-in.*Broad Escapes will have a designated group flight from Toronto. The group transfer will be based on the designated flight arrival time. Private transfers (at an additional cost) can be arranged for those arriving at a different date/time. Flights from all gateways can be arranged through Broad Escapes.Overnight in Bangkok – 1night Day 2 – Sunday November 4 Bangkok – Koh Kred B/L/DStart today with a tour to Wat Pho, arguably Bangkok’s most enchanting temple. Arrive as the morning monks begin their morning chants and witness this deeply spiritual ritual.

View the vast collection of religious treasure displays and admire the famous reclining Buddha. We will continue to the nearby Grand Palace, which has served as the seat of Thailand’s revered Royal Family for more than two centuries. Take a walk around the grounds, explore the temples and museum. Visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and hear about its mysterious origin. After lunch we will board our private River Express and cruise up the river to Koh Kred. Sit back and enjoy the views the river on route to Baan Dvara Prateep. Upon arrival we’ll have a briefing of the program and an introduction to Buddhism, meditation and the cultural experiences during our 2 night stay. Overnight in Koh Kred – Baan Dvara Prateep – 2 nights Day 3 –Monday November 5 Koh Kred B/L/DGather at the pier this morning to partake in one of the oldest and most common Buddhist rituals, offering alms and food to the monks arriving by boat. After breakfast learn the art of Kasemsook Movements and basic meditation. Later participate in a workshop to learn how to make flower garlands as well as our very own Krathong. This evening we will be guided in a short meditation to prepare our minds to float the Krathong down the river. Day 4 –Tuesday November 6 Koh Kred - Kanchanaburi B/L/DBefore departing this morning we enjoy one last stretching session to help re-energize us for the remainder of our Thailand journey. After breakfast bid farewell to this beautiful retreat on a private boat transfer back to Bangkok. Continue to Kanchanaburi to explore the sites, including a stop at the Brydge over the River Kwai, before checking in to our hotel. Overnight in Kanchanaburi – 2 nights

Day 5 – Wednesday November 7Kanchanaburi B/L/DStep back in time to WWII with a visit to Hellfire Pass, a riveting museum and memorial trail that spotlights World War II history where the prisoners of war built the Burma Railway, which became known as the “death railway”. Walk along the Memorial Walking Trail which overlooks the mountains of Myanmar and take a short train ride along the infamous railway through Kwai Noi gorge. Day 6 –Thursday November 8Kanchanaburi – Bangkok - Chiang Rai B/L/DThis morning we will visit Samut Songkhram Maeklong Railway Market. Here we will visit a unique country market along the railway tracks. Continue to the famous touristic Damneon Saduak Floating Market and take a fascinating paddleboat journey through the waterways. After lunch proceed to the airport for our flight to Chiang Rai, our home for the next three nights. Overnight in Chiang Rai – 3 nights Day 7 –Friday November 9 Chiang Rai B/L/DExplore the hill tribe villages around Chiang Rai with a unique visit to the region of Mae Salong . Producing some of Thailand’s highest quality teas, the Chui Fong Tea Plantation will allow us to see fist hand how the tasty tea is produced all while enjoying the incredible views. Continue to the village of Hloyo for an Akha Hilltribe Experience. Engage in their beliefs, religions, traditions and ways of life with an informative talk from a local tribesman. Afterwards visit a museum housed in a mud hut filled with insightful displays and the history of the Akha people. Walk through the village, meet with local artisans and participate in a cooking class that features traditional Akha dishes. Following lunch take a short, but beautiful trek into the forest and visit the farmers in the area. Day 8 –Saturday November 10 Chiang Rai B/L/DSee the more authentic side of Thailand today. Travel from Chiang Rai to Doi Tung, a region set high into the mountains, continuing with a visit to Mae Fah Luang Gardens, built by the princess mother who wished to create a European-style flower garden. Witness local worshipers as they come to the serene Doi Tung Temple. Heading north we will visit the towns of Ciangsaen and Mae Sai and the popular Myanmar Market. Day 9 –Sunday November 11 Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai B/L/DAfter breakfast we travel to Chiang Mai on route visiting a small village to meet with local artisans and explore the community. Overnight in Chiang Mai– 3 nights

BEMesmerizedA Mystical Journey to Thailand

November 3 - 15, 2018

Page 3: A Mystical Journey to Thailand - Broad Escapes: …...A Mystical Journey to Thailand November 3-15, 2018 If there is a country you don’t need a reason to visit... it is without a

Day 10 –Monday November 12 Chiang Mai B/LThis morning we will head to the market before making our way to a Thai Farm Cooking School. Here we will learn all about vegetables and how to cook them. After lunch we continue back to Chiang Mai to explore the famous Nimman Street, the heart of the trendiest part of Chiang Mai. Occasionally known by its full name of Nimmanhaemin Road, the place is alive with fashionable restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and boutique hotels. Enjoy dinner an evening at leisure in this trendy area. Day 11 –Tuesday November 13 Chiang Mai B/L/DToday we will take a tour to Chiang Mai’s varied temples. Those interested in Buddhism will find that Chiang Mai is a fantastic place to learn about its teaching and rituals, not least of all through its temples. Later today we will have a remarkable experience at an ethical and sustainable elephant camp. Upon arrival we will meet with one of the volunteers and learn about their work. Afterwards we will wander through the park to meet the elephants. Join the Volunteers – both residents and foreigners – to feed and bathe the majestic animals. Returning with fond memories to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon. Day 12 –Wednesday November 14 Chiang Mai - Bangkok B/DTransfer to Chiang Mai Airport today for our return flight to Bangkok. Enjoy free time in the afternoon and regroup in the evening for a memorable farewell dinner as we reminisce with fellow travellers about the memories and experiences we have shared along the way. Overnight in Bangkok – 1night Day 13 – Thursday November 15 Departure BSay good-bye to Thailand with a private group transfer to the Bangkok airport.

B - Breakfast / L- Lunch / D - Dinner denote meals included in tour cost

Please note that an average/moderate level of fitness is required to enjoy the various activities of this tour. Trip activities include walking, sometimes on uneven ground, climbing stairs and getting on and off buses, boats etc. As a courtesy to fellow travellers all Broad Escape tours are considered non-smoking in that smoking will not be permitted during group activities or on board the bus.

**While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the tour. Due to traffic or other circum-stances beyond our control, it may be necessary or desirable to make alter-ations. Broad Escapes reserves the right to change the itinerary when deemed necessary.**

Page 4: A Mystical Journey to Thailand - Broad Escapes: …...A Mystical Journey to Thailand November 3-15, 2018 If there is a country you don’t need a reason to visit... it is without a

TERMS & CONDITIONSReservations: To reserve space on this tour, contact your Ellison Travel & Tours Travel Consultant

Deposits & Payments: A deposit is due at the time of booking. The amount of the deposit varies according to the tour booked. Final payment depending on the tour is due 60 to 120 days prior to departure. Both deposits and final payments are non-refundable at time of payment unless covered by insurance.

Forms of Payment: Ellison Travel & Tours will accept payment in the form of cheque, Visa or Mastercard. Cheques must be made payable to Ellison Travel & Tours. If the credit card sale is declined, the customer will be informed immediately, and payment will be considered not received. Verbal authorization of the use of your credit card commits you to your reservation whether or not you have signed a credit card draft. Refunds will be processed in the form they were received.

Goods & Services Tax: The Canadian Government's G.S.T. and/or H.S.T. may apply to the cost of your tour. Your vacation consultant will advise of the additional G.S.T./H.S.T. charges, if any, that apply to the cost of your tour. Ellison Travel & Tours reserves the right to pass any Government changes to the tax structure on to the consumer.

Price Guarantee: Once the deposit is paid, the tour cost is guaranteed. Prices are however subject to change to cover any unexpected costs over which Ellison Travel & Tours has no control, such as fuel surcharges, government taxes and country visas. In the event of a surcharge tour members and/or vacation consultants will be advised of any surcharge on their tour. If a rate increase of more than 7% is necessary, clients may cancel with no penalties. No surcharges will be added within 30 days prior to departure.

Insurance: Ellison Travel & Tours strongly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Comprehensive Assistance, Health Coverage, Individual Accident Coverage, and Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance. Details are available from your travel agent.

Proof of Citizenship: Canadian Citizens are asked to carry a passport for tours to the United States. For international travel a valid passport is required. Citizens of other countries or landed immigrants should check with their travel agent for requirements for travel outside Canada. Passengers must have valid passports for travel abroad and visas for some countries. Ellison Travel & Tours does not accept responsibility for passengers who do not meet correct visa and passport requirements.

Currency: All prices are shown in Canadian Dollars.

Baggage: Maximum baggage allowance on motoroach tours is one large suitcase per person. All hand luggage must be carried personally aboard the motorcoach or aircraft. Although the Tour Manager and Coach Driver supervise the transfer of luggage to and from the motorcoach and every effort is made to handle luggage as carefully as possible, Ellison Travel & Tours cannot assume liability for loss, theft or damage due to breakage, fire, water, etc.

Accommodation: All hotels listed in itineraries have been confirmed at the time of printing, but are subject to change. On most tours, TWIN refers to two persons sharing one room with two beds; however, in some areas, only one double bed may be available, so please specify at time of booking if you wish two separate beds. TRIPLE or QUAD usually refers to three or four persons sharing one room with two double beds, all with private bath. Please keep in mind that in some areas local customs may mean that there is a change in the type of accommodation provided.

Items not included: Items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges and drinks with meals other than noted in the tour Inclusions.

Responsibility: Ellison Travel & Tours acts solely as organizer of the tours outlined in this brochure and is responsible for making all reservations and charting the routes as outlined but it is expressly understood and agreed between the tour organizer and the passengers that Ellison Travel & Tours or its agents shall not be held responsible for:a) non-performance on the part of any hotel or other accommodation for any act or omission that cannot be directly attributed to the neglect of the tour organizer;b) any delays, misconnections, loss, damage or injury to persons or property or for mechanical defects or failure, however caused or for any substitution of hotels or carrier equipment beyond the control of the tour operator, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby;c) any inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration whether physical or mental however caused, except where caused directly by the tour operator;d) any additional costs incurred or any ancillary loss sustained as a result of cancellations or delays of tours caused by inclement weather conditions, acts of God, or any other event, which result in one or more persons being unable to continue or complete the tour through no direct fault of the tour organizer. The tour organizer reserves the right to make any changes before or during the tour for the comfort and enjoyment of the passengers and it is agreed and understood that any increase in costs occasioned by such change shall be paid by the passengers or any decrease in costs occasioned by the change shall be refunded to the passenger.

Force Majeure: Except where otherwise expressly stated in these conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any injury, damage, loss or expense of any nature as a result of “force Majeure”. In these conditions, “force Majeure” means any event which Ellison Travel & Tours or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include actual or threatened war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, disease, fire and all similar events outside our control.

All tour itineraries are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. Tour managers are subject to substitution where deemed necessary.

Ellison Travel & Tours shall have no responsibilities beyond their refund of all monies paid by the passenger which is deemed to constitute full settlement. The tour organizer reserves the right to decline any person as a member of the tour at any time before or during the tour should such person's presence be considered detrimental to the interest, comfort and enjoyment of the other tour members. Persons leaving the tour during operation will not receive a refund of unused services.

Ellison Travel & Tours, its agents and all passengers agree that conditions set out herein are part of the terms between the passenger and the tour organizer. Acceptance of the ticket for the tour or any deposit given to the tour organizer represents acceptance by the passenger of all the aforementioned conditions.