baton rouge zoo | baton rouge, la - you are cordially … · 2016-01-20 · 58-25 queens blvd.,...

58-25 Queens Blvd., Woodside, NY 11377 T: (718) 280-5000; (800) 627-1244 F: (718) 204-4726 E:[email protected] W: www.classicescapes.com

Nature & Cultural Journeys for the Discerning Traveler

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO JOIN THE

FRIENDS OF THE BATON ROUGE ZOO

ON A CLASSIC JOURNEY TO

ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS ABOARD THE 90- PASSENGER VESSEL M/V SANTA CRUZ II

MAY 22 TO 31, 2016

Schedules, accommodations and prices are accurate at the time of writing. They are subject to change.

YOUR FRIENDS OF THE BATON ROUGE ZOO ESCORT ~ SAM WINSLOW Sam Winslow is the Assistant Director / General Curator at the Baton Rouge Zoo. He has worked in a number of zoos in the southeastern U.S. for more than 35 years, including Zoo Atlanta, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo and Audubon Zoo. An outdoors and wildlife enthusiast since youth, Sam has traveled throughout the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Canadian Arctic and East Africa. His interests in wildlife range over a variety of animals and include being an avid birder. The geology and isolation of the Galapagos Islands is of special interest to Sam and he looks forward to leading the Friends of the Baton Rouge Zoo’s Spring 2016 Conservation Adventure.


YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1~SUNDAY~MAY 22 BATON ROUGE/ QUITO Your journey begins as you board your Delta Air Lines flight. Upon arrival in the evening, you will be escorted to your elegant hotel which is located in the heart of historic “Quito Antigo” and surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments. An official National Treasure, Patio Andaluz holds centuries of history within its walls and is a marvelous building of Colonial origin, which offers every visitor an experience not unlike turning back in time. It was part of the original Solaris (original building sites) that constituted the City of San Francisco of Quito at the time it was founded. Enjoy the enchantment and comfort that this elegant boutique hotel offers, with large arches, balconies, and towering attics that gives the feeling of being in the republican era. The inviting guestrooms have hard wood floors, vaulted ceilings, original works of art and fresh picked flowers and feature colonial style headboards, armoires, Latin work desks with antique lamps, color televisions and large windows. Hotel amenities include a coffee shop, full gourmet restaurant, a Tapas wine bar, spa, gym and solarium. Overnight at the HOTEL PATIO ANDALUZ. www.hotelpatioandaluz.com DAY 2~MONDAY~MAY 23 QUITO~COLONIAL CITY Your morning is at leisure. This afternoon embark on a tour of Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America. With over 400 years of history and a strong Spanish heritage, you will see sublime colonial flavor in the architectural masterpieces such as private buildings and mansions, the cloisters and churches, museums and public buildings. The stroll starts at the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Archbishop’s Palace. Visit the temple of La Compaňia de Jesús and its awesome gilded interior. Continue on to the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the great religious buildings of the New World, with its impressive façade and atrium that lead to its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar. Visit Academia Latinoamericana before you return to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure to further explore the city and shop. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. Overnight at the HOTEL PATIO ANDALUZ. (B,D)


DAY 3~TUESDAY~MAY 24 QUITO/OTAVALO Early this morning you will depart for South America’s most famous Indian fair, the Otavalo Market, centered around 'Poncho Plaza'. The best day of the week to hit this famous and friendly corner of the Andes is Saturday – the biggest market day for visitors and locals alike, but a mini market is offered daily. As you stroll the streets you'll find everything from sweaters to wall hangings to ceramic fried eggs, fresh produce to intricate jewelry. After your visit to the Otavalo Market you will enjoy an authentic Andean lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a stopover in Cotacachi – the center of Ecuador’s leather industry and the best place to purchase inexpensive leather goods. You will return to Quito late in the afternoon, where the remainder of the evening is at your leisure. Overnight at the HOTEL PATIO ANDALUZ. (B,L) DAY 4~WEDNESDAY~MAY 25 QUITO / GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: BALTRA/ NORTH SEYMOUR In the morning you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, where you will board your cruise ship. On land and in the sea, the Galapagos Islands give the impression of a diabolic Garden of Eden. The islands' tumultuous volcanic history of scorched earth and fiery flows are evident the moment you arrive. Inhospitable, uninhabitable, tortured. These are the adjectives inspired by the lava-seascape. But look closer... this seemingly Spartan landscape is in fact teeming with life - the first of the Galapagos' many contradictions. Suddenly you realize that what you thought was a rock is in fact a sun-seeking iguana! And to add to your surprise, it doesn't seem the least bit perturbed by your intrusive gaze... another Galapagos contradiction. Due to their long history of isolation from humans, both land and sea animals remain virtually fearless and unaffected by visitors. This is the land that Charles Darwin visited as a naturalist on board the HMS Beagle, which was bound on a long scientific survey expedition to South America and the South Seas (1831-36). His zoological and geological discoveries on the voyage resulted in numerous important publications, and formed the basis of his theories on evolution. For the next six days, you will bear witness to our planet's most captivating wildlife, including their namesake, the 600-pound tortoises, which in the Spanish language, are called Galapagos. You'll be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring landscapes and misty volcanic peaks. The underwater world is equally enchanting. Upon arrival, your crew is waiting to escort you to your anchored home for the next five nights, the M/V Santa Cruz II. Each of the 50 cabins has private facilities and the entire ship is air-conditioned. The


friendly staff will be waiting to accommodate you in every way possible and the excellent naturalist-guides will keep you happily occupied. In addition, the food and well-stocked bars are exceptional. Small boats, known locally as "pangas", will ferry you to and from the shores. Both on board and on shore, uplifting escapades await. After the expert naturalists share their knowledge of the area, you will no longer be able to view your trip as a mere visit, but as a cherished experience. After welcome briefing, lunch and safety drill, set sail for the North Seymour Island, a small geological uplift. Once you disembark at the beach a dry landing, you will follow a trail that leads to sea lions, Swallow-tailed Gulls and Blue-footed Boobies. Visit the largest colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds found in Galapagos. As you stroll along the beach, watch for sea lions body surfing the northern swells. Return to the ship where you will have a briefing on the next day's activities followed by a welcome cocktail and dinner with the Captain. Overnight aboard the M/V SANTA CRUZ II. (B,L,D) www.metropolitan-touring.com DAY 5~THURSDAY~MAY 26 GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: PUNTA VICENTE ROCA, ISABELA ISLAND/PUNTA ESPINOZA, FERNANDINA ISLAND Since there is no landing site at this location, the coastal exploration is by panga, where your naturalist-guides will commit to explaining the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for Flightless Cormorants, the only existing birds in the world other than penguins that have changed their condition of flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here also includes sea lions, Galápagos fur seals, Galápagos Penguins, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies and Noddy Terns. This area has a very rich marine life, and is seasonally visited by green sea turtles. Depending on the conditions of the ocean, a snorkeling outing will take place along the cliffs of partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano, in the northern tip of Isabela Island (Punta Vicente Roca). In the afternoon, you disembark at Punta Espinoza, Fernandina. Located in the western part of the archipelago, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine Island found in the Galapagos. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory. Flightless Cormorants build their nest on the point and Galapagos Hawks fly overhead. Evidence of a recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. Overnight aboard the M/V SANTA CRUZ II. (B,L,D)


DAY 6~FRIDAY~MAY 27 GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: TAGUS COVE & URBINA BAY, ISABELA ISLAND This morning you have a dry landing at Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, where 19th and 20th century ships’ graffiti can be seen on the towering cliffs. After hiking beyond Darwin Lake, a saltwater lagoon above sea level, you will be rewarded with extraordinary views of Darwin and Wolf volcanoes. Six volcanoes merged together and formed Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos. Enjoy a panga ride through the mangrove area to see the rays, turtles, and sea lions with opportunities to swim, snorkel or ride on glass-bottom boat. There is no beach in the area, so activities are done from the pangas. Return to the ship for lunch. After lunch disembark at Urbina Bay (wet landing), located at the foot of volcanoes Alcedo and Darwin, western Isabela Island, the result of an uplifting of the ocean in 1954. Here you can find corals, shells and many other calcareous organisms exposed above water. This area is also home to large and very colorful Galápagos land iguanas, giant tortoises (occasionally); a good spot to observe Darwin’s Finches. Along the shoreline, after the hike you may encounter Flightless Cormorants and see Galapagos Penguins while snorkeling in this beautiful cove. Overnight aboard the M/V SANTA CRUZ II. (B,L,D) DAY 7~SATURDAY~MAY 28 GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, SANTA CRUZ Drop anchor at Puerto Ayora (dry landing) this morning and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology. Get your picture taken with the giant tortoises. Observe year-old tortoises and learn about the captive-breeding program. Enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem. There are several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your group escort:

Trek along trails amid miconia forest in the highlands, home to many elusive birds including the Dark-Rumped Petrel.

Mountain bike (mostly downhill) to Garrapatero Beach. Sea kayak and relax on a beautiful, sandy beach. Experience sustainable agriculture in an organic coffee plantation. Discover SCUBA diving in Puerto Ayora. This is a day designed for

people who wish to discover the marine wonders of the archipelago, but who are not ready to dive in the current-strong Galápagos open waters. A local diving outfitter is contacted on your behalf. This activity takes most of the day and has a cost. Please ask for more information.

At the end of the afternoon’s activities, you will return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the M/V Santa Cruz. Overnight aboard the M/V SANTA CRUZ. (B,L,D)


DAY 8~SUNDAY~MAY 29 GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: POST OFFICE BAY & BARONESS’S COVE/CHAMPION ISLET & CORMORANT POINT, FLOREANA ISLAND Morning visit to Post Office Bay, which historically is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed on the island in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by mariners and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand. Apart from being the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. Near Post Office Bay, you will explore the north shore of Floreana along narrow channels teeming with life. Rays, turtles and sea lions can be seen gently swimming next to your panga. After a wet landing and a short walk up to a volcanic cone, reach the Baroness’s Tower, from where the entire northern shore of the island can be seen. Learn more about the fascinating past of this island. Return to your ship for lunch. Following lunch and a siesta, there is a possibility to snorkel from the pangas around Champion Islet, located just offshore Floreana Island. Enjoy great dinghy rides or snorkeling along a nice wall filled with a variety of marine wildlife like the endemic black striped salema, the blue lobster, long nose and coral hawkfish, sea horses, sea lions, and the red-lipped batfish. From there disembark at Punta Cormorant at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species like Greater Flamingos, Pintail Ducks, Common Stilts, herons, sandpipers and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night for nesting (from December to May). You will have the opportunity for snorkeling or swimming before returning to your ship. Overnight aboard the M/V SANTA CRUZ II. (B,L,D) DAY 9~MONDAY~MAY 30 GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: BALTRA ISLAND/ QUITO/EN ROUTE Disembark your cruise ship on Baltra Island and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Quito, arriving in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a local restaurant for your farewell dinner. Later this evening you will be return to the airport for your return flights home. (B,D) DAY 10~TUESDAY ~ MAY 31 ATLANTA/BATON ROUGE This morning finds you in USA with incredible memories of the spectacular wildlife and incredible people. Whenever you look back on this experience just know that you’re in good company – the Galapagos Islands have touched the hearts and imaginations of Lord Byron, Charles Darwin and countless others like yourself.


YOUR GALAPAGOS VESSEL ~ M/V SANTA CRUZ II

Scheduled to take up the baton from its legendary predecessor, the MV Santa Cruz, on 5th October 2015, the 50-cabin Santa Cruz II will bring with it a chic new way to explore the wonders of the Galápagos Islands in style and comfort. Each cabin has private facilities and the entire vessel recently underwent renovation, being redesigned and refurbished inside and out. The 52 crew members and six naturalist guides offer an excellent ratio of staff to passengers. Accommodating up to 90 guests, the M/V Santa Cruz II has fifty comfortable cabins. The ship features three deluxe 325 square-foot ‘Darwin’ suites, two 127 square-foot ‘Voyager’ single cabins, forty-three 163 square-foot ‘Explorer’ double cabins and two 192 square-foot ‘Explorer’ triple cabins. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, iPod/MP3 docking stations, safe deposit boxes, and hairdryers.

Voltage on board is 110, the same as in the U.S. Although there are no phones in the cabins, the crew does have cellular phone connections for calls back to the mainland or internationally for emergencies. Construction: Bilbao, Spain, 1979 Reconstruction: Talcahuano, Chile, 1998 Last Dry Dock on: Ecuador, September 2011 Category: First Class Gross Tonnage: 1675 Capacity: 90 guests Length: 72.35 meters (237.3 feet) Beam: 11.85 meters (38.86 feet) Speed: 13 knots Electricity: 110 Volts in the cabins with 220 Volt sockets

available in Reception and Dining area. Engines: 2 Sulzer engines, 1620 BHP each Navigation: Gyrocompass, auto pilot, radar, echo-

sounders, Equipment: GPS and Radio Director Finder Life Jackets: In each cabin Lifeboats: two 66-men, two 25-men Life Rafts: two 16-men, two 10-men

Zodiacs: 5 for ship to shore transportation Boston Whaler: 1 with glass-bottom with for underwater

observation Decks: 4 (Sun deck, Boat deck, Upper deck, Main deck) Crew: 52 Naturalist: 6 multilingual (includes Chief Naturalist) Medical Officer: Permanently on board


INCLUSIONS

Superior and best available accommodations at hotels and cruise ships in Ecuador. American breakfast in Quito. Welcome dinner in Quito, lunch during tour to Otavalo and farewell dinner in Quito. 6-Days/5-Nights Cruise to the Galapagos Islands on the M/V SANTA CRUZ II with all meals included. Naturalist

guides provided aboard the ship. Accommodations are in double, air-conditioned cabins, with private facilities, based on Expedition Deck Explorer cabins. Single cabins on board SANTA CRUZ II are limited.

Sam Winslow will accompany the group with a minimum of 10 travelers. Gratuities for baggage handling, hotel tips and taxes. Complimentary baggage tags and passport wallet.

EXCLUSIONS

Roundtrip air transportation between Baton Rouge and Quito as well as Quito and Galapagos Islands, including fuel surcharges and airline taxes (quoted separately.)

Tips to Guides and Lecturers and other conveyance attendants. Cost of passport. Excess baggage charges levied by airlines. Meals other than specified and all beverages. Laundry and other items of a personal nature. Personal, trip cancellation, accident and baggage insurance. Any cost not specifically included in the listing above. $25 Airport Departure Tax from Ecuador. $100 Ecuadorian Park Tax in the Galapagos, to be collected prior to departure from the USA. $20 Galapagos Islands Entrance Card Fee, to be collected prior to departure from the USA.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ITINERARY SEQUENCE IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF WRITING,

BUT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THE ISLANDS VISITED ARE DETERMINED BY THE ECUADORIAN PARK SERVICES AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

CL A S S I C ES C A P E S CO N S E R V A T I O N FU N D In keeping with our mission to provide exciting, educational, and fun-filled experiences that nurture and directly support the diverse wildlife and cultures we visit around the world, Classic Escapes has established the Classic Escapes Conservation Fund to ensure that a percentage of all profits go to support conservation and wildlife researchers performing their critical work in the field. Project support has included wild dog, elephant, rhino and cheetah conservation in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia, penguins in Punta San Juan Peru, tiger preservation in India, and sponsoring school children in Kenya, among many other projects around the world. By traveling with Classic Escapes, you are supporting travel as a tool for building the mutual respect, awareness and understanding that are vital to preserving this planet for future generations.


THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ECUADOR Mainland Ecuador

Quito is located at an altitude of close to 9,000 feet and may present acclimatization problems for individuals. Many of the visits to volcanoes and the countryside are also at higher altitudes.

Guayaquil is at sea level but has a high degree of humidity. To enjoy this destination to its fullest, travelers must be in good physical condition and consult with a medical professional should there be any respiratory ailments.

Galapagos Participants must be able to climb in and out of vehicles and boats/pangas unassisted. Bear in mind that some

landings are wet, and others are dry, so you need to be able to get in and out of the boats easily enough and proper footwear is essential.

You should also be able to tolerate nature walks at an easy pace on uneven terrain, sometimes uphill, for three or four hours at a time in heat and humidity. The islands are volcanic and the ground in many cases is jagged and uneven. You should have good stability as falling can cause injury.

To enjoy this destination to its fullest, travelers must be in good physical health.

General True adventure in travel can sometimes be accompanied by unexpected changes in conditions, itineraries and

occasionally your accommodations. Participants should travel with a spirit of adventure and flexibility. Remember to pack your patience and sense of humor! Be willing to look past self-imposed ideals of Western amenities and do not compare these new experiences with your life back home.

Travel often includes visiting destinations with modest infrastructures and a bending definition of comfort. That being said, some locations are nestled in absolute luxury where pampering is the norm.

Participants should generally be in good health and prepared to travel in locations without medical facilities.

Air Schedules Choosing the best possible air arrangements for our travelers is always a challenge. We work with many airlines that offer the best level of service, routings and value for our programs. While there may indeed be more direct routings available with another airline, the cost of these flights may not be within the budget that allows us to give you the best value possible. If you prefer to purchase your own international air, please feel free to choose the “land only” rate for this program. The start and finish city for the main program is Quito. Upon registration, you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport. In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with reissuing the ticket. .


YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE INCLUDING: QUITO, OTAVALO & 5-NIGHT CRUISE TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS ABOARD THE M/V SANTA CRUZ II HOSTED BY: FRIENDS OF THE BATON ROUGE ZOO ESCORTED BY: SAM WINSLOW, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AND GENERAL CURATOR OF FRIENDS OF THE BATON ROUGE ZOO DATES: MAY 22 TO MAY 31, 2016

COSTS: PRICES ARE PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY MAIN PROGRAM – BASED ON 10 TRAVELERS LAND ONLY BASED ON EXPEDITION DECK EXPLORER TWIN/DOUBLE

(8 CABINS AVAILABLE) $6,395 PER PERSON

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT* $2,995 PER PERSON ADDITIONAL ROUNDTRIP AIR FARE FROM BATON ROUGE TO QUITO, ECONOMY , INCLUDING THE ROUNDTRIP FLIGHT BETWEEN QUITO & GALAPAGOS

ISLANDS, AS WELL AS AIRLINE TAXES & FUEL SURCHARGES**

$2,190 PER PERSON, ADDITIONAL

ROUNDTRIP FLIGHT BETWEEN QUITO & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS IF

INTERNATIONAL AIR IS NOT PURCHASED THROUGH CLASSIC ESCAPES $590 PER PERSON, ADDITIONAL

* SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ARE VALID FOR FIRST TWO SINGLE ROOMS BOOKED. IF MORE THAN TWO SINGLE ROOMS, ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENT MAY

APPLY. SINGLES ARE ASSIGNED ON A FIRST COME/FIRST SERVE BASIS. **ALL INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND BASED ON MINIMUM NUMBER OF TRAVELERS. TAXES AND FUEL SURCHARGES ARE

SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL TICKETED. DEPARTURE CITY: BATON ROUGE (OTHER DEPARTURE CITIES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AT ADDITIONAL COST)


CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL:

REGISTRATION HOW TO BOOK: Fill out and sign the enclosed reservation form and send it, along with the relevant deposit as shown below, to: CLASSIC ESCAPES, 58-25 Queens Blvd., Woodside, NY 11377. Upon receipt of your signed reservation form and deposit, we will, subject to availability, reserve your spot on the tour. You may consider your booking confirmed when you receive a confirmation notice and invoice from us.

PAYMENTS DEPOSIT: A deposit of $1,000 per person must be submitted at the time of booking. Deposits may be paid by check or charged to American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover. FINAL PAYMENT: Final payment is due 95 days before departure (February 17, 2016) – you will receive a final invoice. Final payment is payable by check or money order ONLY. RATES: Rates are based on the minimum number of guests outlined in this document, plus airfare costs, currency exchange rates and other factors and are subject to change. Though it is rare for Classic Escapes to make a price adjustment after promotion of an itinerary, we do reserve the right to assess a surcharge if the minimum is not met, or if increases are forced upon us by airlines or other partners or because of changes in currency exchange rates. NOT INCLUDED: Cost of passport and visa fees, and service charges for obtaining visa fees; excess baggage charges levied by airlines; laundry and other items of a personal nature; optional travel insurance policy; cost for anything not specifically included in listing above. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: The quoted rate is valid for the first two single rooms booked and on a first-come, first-served basis. If more than two single rooms are needed, an additional supplement will apply. Single accommodations are not guaranteed, but will be provided at additional cost if available (see reservation form for cost.) The single room supplement pays for privacy, not better accommodations. For passengers who are traveling alone and wish to share a room with another tour member, we will do our best to provide a roommate. However, if this is not possible, you will be required to pay the single room supplement prior to your departure from the USA. GRATUITIES AND TAXES: Gratuities for baggage handling, service charges and taxes imposed by hotels, and entrance fees to all points of interest as outlined in the itinerary are included. U.S. and foreign airport taxes are included in air costs. Tips to drivers and naturalist are NOT included.

CANCELLATIONS, DEVIATIONS & CHANGES TRAVEL INSURANCE: We recommend travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide financial reimbursement should the unexpected occur. CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations are only effective on receipt of written notification. Because this is a charter of the vessel, the following per person fees are applicable on this tour:

Up to February 17, 2016, less $300 handling fee plus $350 non-refundable deposit given to overseas suppliers. February 18 to March 8, 2016, less 75% of tour cost. After March 8, 2016, 100% penalty, unless any refund is recoverable from overseas suppliers.

These cancellation fees are also in addition to any imposed by airlines. CHANGE FEES: Once you reserve your tour, changes are possible at a fee of $150 per person subject to availability of air or land space at the time of request. Should there be any change fees imposed by airlines or ground operators, or additional costs incurred due to availability of any space, this cost will be invoiced to you. SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS: We would be happy to make additional travel plans for you, including specially arranged pre- or post-tour extensions different than those that may be offered in conjunction with this tour. A service charge of $150 per person (over and above the cost of the services required) will be assessed.


DOCUMENTS

PASSPORT & VISAS: The onus is upon the guest to ensure that passports and visas are valid for the countries visited and for the applicable time period, as outlined by the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) or by the passport holder’s country. Classic Escapes, their staff and their agents cannot be held liable for any visas, etc. not held by the guests, nor for the cost of obtaining visas. PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION: Upon receipt of your registration and deposit, we will send a pre-departure packet to you. This packet contains all the information you need to prepare for your tour, including the complete itinerary, packing checklist, required documents, etc. FINAL DOCUMENTS: Final documents and tickets will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to departure, provided all monies have been paid in full.

TRANSPORTATION AIR TRANSPORTATION: Roundtrip, economy-class flights via DELTA AIR LINES and/or other IATAN carriers are between BATON ROUGE and the destination city noted in the itinerary. Rates are based on special promotional fares; cancellation fees apply once tickets are issued. Departures from other cities in the USA are possible at additional cost; inquire at the time of reservation. Please note that these promotional fares are subject to 10 passengers traveling together on the same airline routing and itinerary. If this minimum is not met, the special group rates are not applicable and it might become necessary to issue instant purchase tickets earlier than when final payment is due in order to take advantage of airfares that are similar to the group rates. Should this occur, you will be contacted with the details. AIRLINE SEATING: For DELTA AIR LINES, we request seats together for the group. All planes are non-smoking. We can request a seating preference on your behalf, however requested seats cannot be guaranteed. Requests should be made in writing no later than 60 days prior to departure. Bulkhead and/or emergency row seats can only be requested at airport check-in on the day of departure. Boarding passes will only be issued at the airport on the day of departure. You may inquire about seat changes during check in, based on availability and is at the sole discretion of airport staff. FREQUENT FLYER MILEAGE: As mentioned, we work primarily with DELTA AIR LINES. For a list of the airline’s partners, visit http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles.html. You may obtain frequent flyer mileage on any of these carriers. Present your frequent flyer card for all flight check-ins and keep the boarding passes until you receive a statement with the mileage credit TRANSFERS: Roundtrip airport transfers are included in the tour for guests arriving on group flights.

TRIP DETAILS

ACCOMMODATIONS: You will marvel at the wonderful accommodations provided throughout your tour. All rooms have private bathroom facilities and air conditioning and/or fans. All rates are based on double occupancy. Most rooms are twin-bedded, but king-size beds are occasionally available and should be requested in advance. Accommodations listed in this itinerary are correct at time of writing, but on rare occasions may be substituted for a different property of comparable quality. MEALS: All meals as specified in the itinerary. Please notify us if you have special dietary needs or requests, and we will do our best to accommodate. INOCULATIONS: When it comes to vaccination and disease prevention, we suggest that travelers first review information provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/travel) and then review those details with their personal physicians. WATER: It is always advisable to drink bottled and/or filtered water when traveling overseas. Safe drinking water will be provided to travelers free of charge in the vehicles and during meals. BAGGAGE: On average, international flights from the USA allow one piece of checked luggage, each not exceeding 50 pounds; however we always recommend that you check your airline’s policy just before departure, as luggage limitations are always subject to change. Despite this weight allowance, we always suggest guests travel light. Also soft-sided duffel bags are ideal for this tour, as they stow best in vehicles, cabins and airplanes with limited space.


TERMS & CONDITIONS RESPONSIBIITIES: Neither Classic Escapes (the Company) nor any person or agent acting for, through or on behalf of the Company shall be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from any cause whatsoever and without restricting the generality of the aforegoing shall particularly not be responsible for loss or damage arising from any errors or omissions contained in its brochure or other literature, loss or damage caused by delays, sickness, theft, injury or death. In addition the Company shall have the right at any time at its discretion to cancel any trip or the remainder thereof or make any alteration in route, accommodation, price or other details and, in the event of any trip being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable by weather, strike, war, government or interference or any other cause whatsoever, the extra expenses incurred as a result thereof shall be the responsibility of the passenger. The Company may at its discretion and without liability or cost to itself at any time cancel or terminate the guest’s booking and in particular without limiting the generality of the aforegoing it shall be entitled to do so in the event of the illness or the illegal or incompatible behavior of the guest, who shall in such circumstances not be entitled to any refund. The person making any booking will, by the making of such booking, warrant that he or she has authority to enter into a contract on behalf of the other person included in such a booking and in the event of the failure of any or all of the other persons so included to make payment, the person making the booking shall by his/her signature thereof assume personal liability for the total price of all bookings made by him/her. PHOTOGRAPHY: The Company reserves the right without further notice to make use of any photograph or film taken on the tour by our photographers without payment or permission. We guarantee that no photographs of a compromising nature will be used. CHANGES TO SCHEDULES: Although every effort is made to adhere to schedules it should be borne in mind that the Company reserves the right and in fact is obliged to occasionally change routes and hotels as dictated by changing conditions. REFUNDS: While the Company uses its best endeavors to ensure that all anticipated accommodation is available as planned, there shall be no claim of any nature whatsoever against the Company for a refund either in the whole or part, if any accommodation or excursion is unavailable and a reasonable alternative is not found. If the guest is unable to use any service provided in the itinerary, then there are no refunds due. AIRLINE CLAUSE: The airlines concerned are not to be held liable for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board their planes or conveyance. The passengers’ tickets in use by the airline or by other carriers concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the purchaser of these tickets and/or passengers. DELAYS: We cannot be held liable for any delays or additional costs incurred as a result of airlines not running to schedule. If one of our guides is unable to take a trip due to illness, etc. we reserve the right to substitute with another guide. This agreement is made subject to and shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the country in which the trip takes place. Classic Escapes act merely as an agent for the operating companies. To the best of our knowledge the itinerary is correct at the time of printing. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or changes that may occur after printing. SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) US Citizens traveling abroad will be registered by Classic Escapes on the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Offered through the US State Department, STEP allows us to register your travel itinerary for the purpose of receiving emergency updates, whether due to natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency. For more information please visit https://step.state.gov/step/. If you do not wish to be enrolled in STEP, please be sure to notify Classic Escapes at least 10 days prior to departure. INSURANCE: It is a condition of booking that the sole responsibility lies with the guest to ensure that they carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover themselves, as well as any dependents /traveling companions for the duration of their trip. Classic Escapes, including their representatives, employees and agents will take no responsibility for any costs, losses incurred or suffered by the guest, or guest’s dependents or traveling companions. Please visit the website to obtain an enrollment form – http://www.travelguard.com/classicescapes/. For any questions you may have on insurance, contact Travel Guard at 1-866-385-4839. .

HELP US GO GREEN Dear Traveler, In an effort to help protect our planet, Classic Escapes has begun the transition of becoming paperless. We need your help getting there! Did you know?

Recycling one ton of paper saves 20 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, three cubic yards of landfill space, 60 pounds of air pollutants, and saves enough energy to power the average home for six months…

Please indicate in the chart below whether or not you prefer to receive paperless correspondence from us – all you need to do is put a check under the “green” symbol for yes or a check under the “NO” for no. Simply fax to 718-204-4726 or email your responses to [email protected]!

You Will Receive The Following Items For Your Program: NO Welcome Letter Preliminary Materials – prelude packet and invoice Reminder Invoice with balance due Paid-in-Full Invoice Final Documents – species list, journal and final booklet

Your Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Email Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________

Trip Tour Code – 16SAZ0522/BREC Together we can make the world a better place! Thank you for your support,

Reservation Form: FRIENDS OF BATON ROUGE ZOO ~Galapagos Islands 16SAZ0522/BREC Enclosed is my deposit for $ ______________ ($1,000 per person) to hold __________ place(s) on the Exclusive Adventure to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands with the Friends of Baton Rouge Zoo departing May 22, 2016. Cost is $6,395 per person, double occupancy; land only. Additional international air from Baton Rouge is $2,190, including airline taxes & fuel surcharges. (Currently - subject to change) Final payment due date is February 17, 2016. Please make check payable to CLASSIC ESCAPES and mail to 58-25 Queens Blvd., Woodside, NY 11377 OR Charge deposit to MasterCard Visa American Express Discover (Credit Card Authorization form needs to be completed and returned to Classic Escapes via mail or fax to 718-204-4726) Deposits can be made by credit card; however, all final payments are required to be made by check or money order only. Please note that a copy of your passport will be required to complete your reservation, showing the page with your photograph. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return of your trip. 1) NAME (As appears on passport): Mr. Mrs. Ms. Passport No. Green Card No. Expiration Date Nationality 2) NAME (As appears on passport): Mr. Mrs. Ms. Passport No. Green Card No. Expiration Date Nationality NAME FOR NAME BADGE IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE: 1) ______________________________________ 2) STREET ADDRESS: CITY: _____________________________________________________________________________ STATE: _________________ ZIP: PHONES: HOME: ( ) __________________________ OFFICE: ( ) ___________________________ MOBILE: ( ) E-MAIL ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________________FAX: ( ) .

A copy of your passport must accompany this form to confirm reservation. Upon receipt of your signed reservation form, passport copy and deposit we will, subject to availability, reserve your spot on the tour. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return of your trip and have two consecutive blank pages in the visa section.

I certify that I have not recently been treated for, nor am I aware of any physical or other condition or liability that would create a hazard to myself or the other members of this tour.

The two of us above are sharing a room and, where possible, we would like a room with: ONE TWO Beds (Make one selection only)

I am sharing with ___________________________________________________________________________________________ (form sent separately)

I need assistance in securing a roommate. I understand if the Zoo or the tour operator cannot locate one for me by final payment date, I agree to pay the additional single supplement amount. I prefer to share with: Smoker Non-smoker

I desire single accommodations, if available, and will pay the single supplement additional cost of:

$2,995 for the main trip

Please make my/our round trip air reservations on the group flights from Baton Rouge via DELTA AIR LINES. Please make domestic round-trip air reservations for me from my home city: ______________________________________ to connect with the

group flights and let me know the additional cost.

Please send me information on air upgrades for: Business/First Class (only one class – business/first – exists)

Airline Seating Preference Aisle Window Frequent Flier # ________________________________________________________________ **We can request a seating preference on your behalf; however, this is only a request and NOT guaranteed, as some seating assignments may be airport check-in only. Requests should be made in writing no later than 60 days prior to departure. Bulkhead and/or emergency row seats can only be requested at airport check-in on the day of departure. Also note that even if we do obtain your preferred seat, it is not guaranteed that the seat will be provided during check-in as there might be equipment changes that nullify our selection.

All rates quoted are based on tariffs and value of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar in effect as of August 4, 2015, and are subject to change. There’s no refund possible of the deposit. Cancellation charges are levied in accordance with the policy outlined in the accompanying Conditions of Travel. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU OBTAIN TRAVEL INSURANCE. RESERVATIONS ARE ACCEPTED SUBJECT TO TOUR CONDITIONS AND WILL BE CONFIRMED ONLY IF ACCOMPANIED BY COMPLETED FORM SIGNED BY THE TOUR PARTICIPANT(S). SIGNATURE: ____________________________________________________________________________________ DATE: ________________________________ SIGNATURE: ____________________________________________________________________________________ DATE: ________________________________

CLASSIC ESCAPES INC. 58-25 Queens Blvd.,

Woodside, NY 11377 (We recommend that you keep a copy of your selections as noted above for your future reference

58-25 Queens Blvd., Woodside, NY 11377 T: (718) 280-5000; (800) 627-1244

F: (718) 204-4726 E:[email protected]

FRIENDS OF THE BATON ROUGE ZOO ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS MAY 22 TO MAY 31, 2016 CREDIT CARD PAYMENT AUTHORIZATION Please Note: If you wish to charge your deposit to Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover, this authorization form MUST be completed and returned to us along with your reservation form before we can process your application. I authorize (Classic Escapes Inc.) to charge my VISA/MASTERCARD/DISCOVER/AMEX listed below: Name appearing on credit card Card number Expiration date Card Verification Number* Card Type Billing address of credit card Amount of transaction Services rendered/Items purchased Phone number Signature Date *How To Locate Your Card Verification Number: (Visa, MasterCard, Discover: Locate the credit card number on the back of the card above the signature box. Enter the 3 digit number that follows the credit card number. American Express: Enter the 4 digit number found directly above and to the right of the credit card number.) I understand that all rates quoted on this tour I’m making a payment on are based on tariffs and value of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar in effect as of August 4, 2015, and are subject to change Cancellations are only effective on receipt of written notification. The following per person fees are applicable on this tour:

Up to February 17, 2016, less $300 handling fee plus $350 non-refundable deposit given to overseas suppliers. February 18 to March 8, 2016, less 75% of tour cost. After March 8, 2016, 100% penalty, unless any refund is recoverable from overseas suppliers.

These cancellation fees are also in addition to any imposed by airlines.

PLEASE NOTE: At times, our bank requires a photocopy of credit card (both sides) and driver’s license or document showing signature of cardholder, in order to process the charge.

While it is not required at this time that you include these materials with your deposit, if our bank requests it, we will contact you for these copies.