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Kenya Agricultural Tour Nairobi - Aberdare National Park - Samburu National Reserve - The Rift Valley - Lake Naivasha - Masai Mara

14 Days / 13 Nights

10 July 2020 - 23 July 2020

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Accommodation

Key

B&B: Bed and Breakfast

FB+: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities Daily

Day 1: Overnight Travel (Fri, 10 July)

Day Itinerary

Check in for your flight to Nairobi via Perth and Johannesburg. Note you will clear customs in Perth.

Flight Information

Accommodation Destination Start End Basis Duration

Overnight Travel 10 Jul 11 Jul 1 Night

The Sarova Stanley Nairobi 11 Jul 13 Jul B&B 2 Nights

The Ark Lodge Aberdare National Park 13 Jul 14 Jul FB+ 1 Night

Elephant Bedroom Camp Samburu National

Reserve

14 Jul 16 Jul FB+ 2 Nights

Mbweha Camp The Rift Valley 16 Jul 18 Jul FB+ 2 Nights

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort Lake Naivasha 18 Jul 19 Jul FB+ 1 Night

Tipilikwani Mara Camp Masai Mara 19 Jul 22 Jul FB+ 3 Nights

Overnight Travel 22 Jul 23 Jul 1 Night

Date Flight Airline Departure Airport Time Arrival Airport Time

10

Jul

VA693

(Scheduled)

Virgin Melbourne

International Airport

[MEL]

18:15 Perth International

Airport [PER]

20:40

10

Jul

SA281

(Scheduled)

South

African

Airlines

Perth International

Airport [PER]

23:40 OR Tambo

International Airport

[JNB]

04:50

(11 Jul)

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Day 2: The Sarova Stanley, Nairobi (Sat, 11 July)

Day Itinerary

Connecting flight Johannesburg to Nairobi.

Flight Information

Upon arrival you will clear customs and immigration, note you need a visa USD50 pp (obtain before departure) you

will then be met with iced Kenyan Coffee and a safari hat. Transfer to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the

day will be at leisure.

Situated in along the Nairobi River in beautiful Kenya, the capital of Nairobi is East Africa's most cosmopolitan city. It

serves as an excellent starting point for African safari trips around Kenya. Nairobi is Africa’s 4th largest city and is a

vibrant and exciting place, and although it has developed a reputation which keeps tourist visits brief, there are

some fascinating attractions: its cafe culture, unbridled nightlife, the National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum

and most notably just 20 minutes from the city centre wild lions and buffalo roam in the world’s only urban game

reserve. Make sure you pay a visit to the elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Overnight: The Sarova Stanley

Centrally located in the Central Business District, Kenya’s first Luxury hotel -Sarova Stanley opened its doors in 1902.

The moment you pass through the century old revolving doors, you enter another world, the heat and bustle of

modern Nairobi left behind as you tune into the cool Victorian elegance. A spacious foyer, with its patterned marble

floors, chesterfields, old clocks and ancient photographs all come together to transport you to another era.

Sarova Stanley, which is one of the eight hotels owned by Sarova Group of hotels, Resort & Game Lodges, offers a

wide range of accommodation and services with all rooms elegantly furnished with an ambience that remains as

friendly and welcoming as it has always been since its humble beginnings in 1902.

Sarova Stanley's mini shopping arcade houses Gift Shops, Newspaper Stand, Bookshop, Boutique, Curio shop,

Chemist, Optician, Locksmith, Art Gallery and Car Rental outlets.

Date Flight Airline Departure Airport Time Arrival Airport Time

11 Jul SA184

(Scheduled)

South

African

Airlines

OR Tambo

International Airport

[JNB]

10:10 Jomo Kenyatta

International Airport

[NBO]

15:05

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Included

Meet and greet

Transfer

Day 3: The Sarova Stanley, Nairobi (Sun, 12 July)

Day Itinerary

Enjoy breakfast and depart for a day of Nairobi sightseeing.

Visit Daphne Sheldricks Animal Orphanage, Karen Blixen Museum and the Giraffe Centre.

The orphanage is opened only one hour a day from 1100Hrs to 1200Hrs, 8 Kilometres drive from the city centre and

it is set in the Nairobi National Park. The orphanage give you a rare opportunity to come close to baby elephant, the

age vary from a few months to 3 years, each orphaned elephant is assigned its own keeper, who acts as a

replacement mother and will stay with the elephant until it is re-introduced into the wild. The keeper as well gives a

talk about the elephants, where they came from, how they are getting on, and how some of the previous orphans

are progressing. We then proceed for a tour of the Karen Blixen Museum situated at the foot of the Ngong Hills. The

Museum was originally the home of Karen Blixen of the Out of Africa fame. This is combined with a visit to the

Giraffe Centre, an educational centre and part of African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. The centre has a small herd

of Rothschild's Giraffe which are endangered species and you will get a chance to feed them.

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

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Giraffe Centre

Included

Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4: The Ark Lodge, Aberdare National Park (Mon, 13 July)

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at the hotel then our guide driver will then help you load your luggage into the safari land cruiser and drive

to the Aberdares Country Club where we will have our lunch and also store any excess luggage we may have then

board a lodge vehicle to our tree lodge. The Ark enjoys a great, serene location – inside the thick rain forest of

Aberdares. We will spend this afternoon and the night game viewing from the lodge balconies. The flood lit water-

hole is a quite a magnet for a wide variety of wildlife species who come to drink, bath or salt lick. These include;

Cape buffalo, the Savannah Elephant, leopard and water bucks, giant forest hogs, lions among many others. The

Lodge is designed with 'decks' from which numerous balconies and lounges that provide superb vantage points for

game viewing. A lot of silence is required so that animals are not scared away so remember to speak in low tones. A

ground level bunker provides excellent photographic opportunities and takes you closer than you would believe

possible to the wildlife. Dinner and overnight at our tree lodge.

PLEASE NOTE: The nights get very cold so you need to have some warm clothes with you.

Located northeast of Nairobi, Kenya, the Aberdare National Park was created to protect the Aberdare Mountain

Range, the peaks of which soar to 3930 metres. The landscape is characterised by steep forested slopes, expansive

moors, and deep ravines scattered with cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear streams and rushing rivers. The park is

inhabited by a variety of African wildlife such as: elephant, lion, spotted hyena, rhino, black leopard and the very

elusive bongo antelope that lives in the high altitude bamboo forests. The park offers the perfect environment for

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picnics, camping in the moorlands, trout fishing in the rivers, and excellent bird watching with over 250 species of

birds including hawks, eagles, sunbirds and plovers.

Overnight: The Ark Lodge

The Ark has four viewing areas from which to observe the ever-present animal activity at the waterhole and saltlick.

There is also a ground level hide - the perfect spot for the discerning photographer. From this vantage point, photos

of animals can be taken at eye-level.

So as not to miss any animal sightings, the resident guide will buzz your room when special animals come to the

waterhole. Simply throw on your provided robe and slippers, grab your camera and view nightlife at the waterhole!

Included

All meals

Day 5: Elephant Bedroom Camp, Samburu National Reserve (Tue, 14 July)

Day Itinerary

Our guide driver will warmly meet you at the hotel after breakfast, help you load your luggage into the Safari land

cruiser then proceed to Samburu. We have a stop at the Kisima Farm where we will engage in an educative chat

with the managers and farm workers on the farm. Here wheat, bearley, potatoes, sunflowers are grown. They are

also engaged in flower farming. The farm also does dairy & beef farming. We may visit other farm of interest on our

way. We enjoy an afternoon game viewing drive enroute to the camp. The Samburu region is the best place to find

several endemic Northern species; including the Gerenuk (twiga gazelle) due to her long neck, the beisa Oryx, the

Reticulated Giraffe, the Somali ostrich and Grevy’s Zebra. Samburu is also an ornithological paradise, home to many

birds including local species such as the Palm Nut Vulture and the Vivacious Dove. Enjoy dinner and overnight at our

camp.

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Resting on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River and neighbouring the Buffalo Springs National Park, Samburu

National Reserve is remote, hot and arid. The reserve spans over 165 square kilometres of spectacularly scenic

landscape featuring rugged hills, undulating plains and riverine forests. The park is home to abundant wildlife

including a variety of rare species such as the reticulated giraffe, the long necked gerenuk, Somali ostrich, Grevy's

Zebra and Beisa Oryx. Samburu was one of the homes of 'Elsa the Lioness', star of the best selling book and award-

winning movie 'Born Free'. Visitors can enjoy viewing over 900 elephants, a variety of predators, and over 450 bird

species.

Overnight: Elephant Bedroom Camp

Set on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu National Reserve surrounded by doum palms and other

beautiful indigenous trees and shrubs sits this small and exclusive camp of 12 luxury tents - all furnished in rustic

African style while offering all the comforts expected of a luxury Camp (hot & cold running water, electricity and

herbal products).

Dining is a culinary experience with al-fresco breakfast, 3 course lunch and 4 course candle lit gourmet dinner set

either under the African sky or inside the well-appointed dining area.

Included

All meals

Day 6: Elephant Bedroom Camp, Samburu National Reserve

(Wed, 15 July)

Day Itinerary

Enjoy full day of game viewing in both Samburu and Buffalo Springs game reserves. Leopards are often seen at dusk.

The Samburu culture is a truly fascinating one, sharing a great deal of ancestral and linguistic ties to the Maasai who

are both pastoralists who herd their cattle over a wide area in search of green grazing pastures. You will meet with

the Samburu herdsmen to understand their method of tending to their cattle and how they process the milk for

consumption. The entire Samburu region is a place of breathtaking and magical beauty, a place where the vision of a

deep red sunset silhouetting the doum palms along the river as a leopard emerges to hunt brings the perfect end to

a day on safari...... Enjoy meals and overnight at our camp.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Visit to a Samburu Manyatta to see how the tribe lives in this harsh surrounding (additional

cost).

Included

All meals

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Day 7: Mbweha Camp, The Rift Valley (Thu, 16 July)

Day Itinerary

After breakfast we depart for Lake Nakuru National Park with a brief stop at the Thompson's Falls for a breath-taking

view of the great scenery. We arrive for lunch. This afternoon we enjoy a game viewing drive. The environment here

is welcoming, one of the best places to relax, to unwind, to enjoy nature’s beauty. The scenery is breath-taking; a

sight of the virgin forest is re-assuring. Some of the interesting places to visit include the baboon cliff, the lion hill

and the Mau escarpment. The park is one of the best game viewing parks with various animal species including

prides of lion, Cape buffalo, waterbucks, wart hogs, the endangered Rothschild giraffes, the black & white Rhino, the

Burchell’s zebra, impalas, and the elusive leopard among many others. Over 300 bird species have been recorded

here too. Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the best places to see the endangered black and white Rhino. Enjoy

dinner and overnight at our Lodge.

The Rift Valley is a colossal geological feature stretching for 6000 kilometres. It runs from the Middle East all the way

down Africa to northern Botswana into Kenya and can be visited just a short drive north of Nairobi. The ground

drops away and opens up to a massive valley which is home to lakes, soda lakes, savannah and impressive volcanic

formations. This spectacularly scenic landscape is scattered with abundant plains game, a string of reserves and

Maasai villages. Visitors can soak up these stunning panoramas against beautiful backdrops. Some highlights include:

the dramatic cliffs of Hell's Gate, Mount Longonot, Lake Elmenteita, and the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park.

Lake Nakuru

Overnight: Mbweha Camp

Nestled on the southern border of Lake Nakuru National Park, Mbweha Camp is 2.5 hours away from Nairobi and

overlooks the scenic Eburru and Mau ranges. The accommodation features a spacious lounge, a dining area and ten

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rustic cottages with thatched roofs. Guests can experience day and night game drives, bush walks, picnic lunches, a

visit to the prehistoric site of Kariandusi, and day trips into Nakuru National Park.

Included

All meals

Day 8: Mbweha Camp, The Rift Valley (Fri, 17 July)

Day Itinerary

Enjoy breakfast then depart for a visit to the commercial maize and wheat farms around Nakuru and Njoro area.

Maize is the staple food in Kenya. Large as well as small-scale farmers produce the crop and a large percentage of

the population depends on Maize farming as an income-generating crop.

Since maize is adaptable to a whole range of climate conditions, it is the single most extensively grown crop.

However, the chief growing areas are Trans Nzoia, Nakuru, Bungoma, and Uasin Gishu counties. Maize require warm

temperatures above 15°C. These are experienced in most parts of the country.

Time permitting you might visit the Grain Silos in Nakuru town, however this is subject to confirmation nearer to

time. Here you will be able to see where maize is stored after harvesting.

Included

All meals

Day 9: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, Lake Naivasha (Sat, 18 July)

Day Itinerary

Enjoy an early breakfast. Visit a one of the Horticultural Farms that are dotted around this magnificent lake. Return

to lodge for lunch then this afternoon head out on a short but exciting boat ride towards Crescent Island , a private

sanctuary, for a walk amongst Zebra, Wildebeests, Gazelle, Vervet Monkey, Genet and Giraffe. Return to the lodge

for dinner and overnight.

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Lake Naivasha is the highest of the Great Rift Valley Lakes and despite having no outlet, it is one of only two Rift

Valley freshwater lakes. This beautiful lake is fringed by papyrus and acacia trees, a unique geologic landscape and

supports a vast array of over 450 bird species. It serves as the main drinking hole for wildlife in the area such as

zebra, eland, hippo, waterbuck, buffalo and much more. Visitors can look forward to excellent game viewing,

intriguing night safaris, boating excursions around the lake as well as to Crescent Island for spectacular bird watching

opportunities. Other popular activities include: guided nature walks, horse riding, village visits and tours to

neighbouring national parks.

Overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

Naivasha is a Masai name given to the area, denoting the characteristics of the lake.

Rock gardens feature vibrantly coloured flowers, which give a beautiful contrast to the greenery of the well-

manicured lawns. Monkeys play on the lawns and different species of birds chip in the trees. Pathways wind

between the open lawns and frangipanis, with aloes and proteas growing in abundance. The acacia trees are

plentiful in this area and provide welcome shade. The stone exterior walls of the cottages are carried into the

rooms. Ground-floor rooms have two queen-size beds and a sunken living room at the front, which opens out on to

the beautifully manicured lawns.

Included

All meals

Day 10: Tipilikwani Mara Camp, Masai Mara (Sun, 19 July)

Day Itinerary

A hearty early morning breakfast then drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve. On the way you might also visit

the Grain Silos in Narok before proceeding to the Masai Mara.

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Rift valley is the bread basket of the country, most of the grains that is consumed in the country is grown here. The

visit to the Silos will be subject to confirmation nearer to time.

We arrive at the intimate 20-tent Tipilikwani Camp to a very warm welcome for lunch, and some leisure time. Our

guide driver will drop you at the camp then return to Nairobi. This afternoon is the moment we have been longing

for – we depart with the camp’s guide driver & vehicle an exciting game viewing drive. The Rolling plains and

grasslands, stretching far into the horizons as far as the eye can see is home to the black-manned lion, the savannah

elephant, the Cape buffalo, wildebeests,the elusive leopard,cheetah,the spotted & stripped hyena, the rhino,topi,

burchelle’s zebra, the Maasai giraffe among many others. The Mara game reserve is one that can never disappoint.

One is spoilt by the variety of bird and wildlife species in this game reserve….. For a long time, Mara Game Reserve

has stubbed her authority as the ‘granary’ of wildlife in Kenya. We return back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara

National Reserve. The image of acacia trees dotting endless grass plains epitomises Africa for many, then add a

Maasai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. The undeniable highlight of

the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the

Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with

more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles and eland can also

be spotted in the reserve. Aside from horse riding safaris and traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the

Mara plains has become almost essential.

Overnight: Tipilikwani Mara Camp

This uniquely situated luxury camp on the banks of the Talek River overlooks the mottled plains of the Maasai Mara,

where vast herds of wildlife co-exist with the colourful Maasai people between June and October the Maasai Mara

plays host to one of the most spectacular wildlife shows on earth the great annual migration of over a million

wildebeest and zebra as they enter the Mara ecosystem from Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania. Tipilikwani's tents

enjoy river frontage and are decorated with warm, rich Maasai colours.

Game drives offer the unforgettable opportunity to enjoy the diversity of animals and birds living permanently in the

Maasai Mara, as well as many migratory species. Guests can also learn more about the Maasai people, proud

pastoralists and warriors, many of whom still retain their traditional nomadic lifestyle.

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Included

All meals

Day 11: Tipilikwani Mara Camp, Masai Mara (Mon, 20 July)

Day Itinerary

Enjoy TWO Full days in Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game viewing drives in search of the 'big five'. Masai

Mara is the northern most extension of the Serengeti Plains and one of the richest wildlife Game Reserves. It is home

to the awesome black-manned lion, the elusive leopard, stately giraffes, and vast herds of elephants, rhino,

thundering herds of zebra, migrating wildebeest and numerous other plains game.

In one of the days, you will visit to a traditional. Maasai village (Manyatta) where we will spend memorable

moments with these wonderful people. We will be able learn and participate in the day to day activities they

engage in, listen to their stories, legends, songs and myths. These have faithfully been based through generations.

Despite influence from the modern culture, the Maasai have held to that which they have known and learned from

their fore-fathers.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Today’s adventure begins just before dawn. Flames from the hot air balloon burners light the

darkness as the crew inflates their craft. The first, pink tongues of sunlight flicker across the skies and the hot air

balloon fills then rises. Suspended in a basket beneath the rainbow-coloured canopy, you're off for a game-viewing

adventure with an entirely different perspective. Apart from the occasional hiss of the burners, a lion's roar,

elephants crashing through the bush, baboons perched in the tips of the trees startled and screeching to see

something above them, the flight above the Masai Mara plains is magically silent. At the end of the flight, the

passengers are treated to a champagne breakfast in the bush, complete with flowers. China and crystal are set out

on the table that is placed under a convenient acacia tree. The finishing touch to the flight is a game drive back to

the camp, and the possibility of seeing the same pride of lions, or herd of elephants that had been viewed while

ballooning. A flight certificate is issued on completion of the balloon safari. Back at Camp enjoy a sumptuous lunch

and a well-deserved rest.

Included

All meals

Day 12: Tipilikwani Mara Camp, Masai Mara (Tue, 21 July)

Day Itinerary

Enjoy another full day in the Masai Mara incl all game activities and meals.

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Masai Mara

Included

All meals

Day 13: Overnight Travel (Wed, 22 July)

Day Itinerary

Enjoy breakfast. All good experiences must come to an end and sadly you must say Kwaheri to your wonderful Camp

Manager and his team as you depart for Nairobi. On arrival, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International

airport to check in for your onward flight.

Flight Information

Included

Breakfast

Day 14: End of Itinerary (Thu, 23 July)

Day Itinerary

Arrive Perth and clear customs before connecting on to your flight.

Date Flight Airline Departure Airport Time Arrival Airport Time

22 Jul SA 185

(Scheduled)

South

African

Jomo Kenyatta

International Airport

[NBO]

15:55 OR Tambo

International Airport

[JNB]

19:00

22 Jul SA280

(Scheduled)

South

African

Airlines

OR Tambo

International Airport

[JNB]

21:15 Perth International

Airport [PER]

12:20

(23 Jul)

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Flight Information

COST : $10,165 per person twin share

Subject to a minimum of 12 passengers travelling

*Tour cost is subject to air/tax increases plus currency fluctuations

Non-refundable deposit required: $1,000 per person within 7 days of booking

Balance required no later than: 01 May 2020

Single Supplement: $1,490

Main Tour will include:

Economy International airfares and applicable tax ex MEL/SYD/BNE/ADL to Nairobi

Use of custom designed pop-up roof Safari Land Cruise while on Safari

Twin share accommodation throughout with en suite facilities

All meals as per itinerary

All entry/park fees as indicated in the itinerary

All farm visits and technical visits listed in the itinerary

An experienced and knowledgeable national tour guide, with local guides in each city

Unlimited bottled water in the safari vehicle

Unlimited game viewing drives

Complimentary Fly Doctors cover while on Safari

Date Flight Airline Departure Airport Time Arrival Airport Time

23 Jul VA694

(Scheduled)

Virgin Perth International

Airport [PER]

17:25 Melbourne

International Airport

[MEL]

23:00

Lvl 1, 13a Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218 (PO Box 7473)

1800 202 491 // 03 5222 2855 groups@swagmantours.com.au

www.swagmantours.com.au

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Main Tour will NOT include:

Travel Insurance – this is COMPULSORY to have in place prior to travel

Items of a personal nature (eg laundry/phone/souvenirs) and any optional extras listed in the itinerary

Beverages and any meals not listed in the itinerary

Cost of passport or any medication required

Visa for Kenya – obtained online prior to departure

IMPORTANT NOTES: The tour cost will be subject to change due to currency fluctuations, visa fee increases, airfare, fuel surcharges and / or tax increases. As this is a group package, all passengers must travel on the same outbound flight to Nairobi. Post touring options are available and will incur an amendment fee of $75.00 per person plus extra touring and insurance costs. PASSPORTS AND VISAS All travellers will require a full valid passport, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid visas for all countries visited on your holiday, and/or sufficient blank pages for any visas and for entry/departure stamps. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your holiday. If you have more than one passport, we recommend that you use one passport only for the entire journey. This will save problems and potential delays at border crossings. Requirements differ depending on your nationality - check with the appropriate embassies for details. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday and onward travel. Swagman Tours cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation. Please check the actual requirements with the necessary embassy or your Travel Agent. Please also do not assume that any inaccuracies within your documentation will be detected or can be rectified - you must ensure, that your "paper-work" is in order. There will be times during the trip, when your passport will be collected e.g. by your tour leader, hotel reception staff, or police. HOLDERS OF FOREIGN PASSPORTS: Travellers holding non Australian passports must have the relevant re-entry permit to return to Australia and must check with their National Consulate of any visa requirements to your holiday destination country(s). NOTE: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

FARM & TECHNICAL VISITS: A fully furnished list of confirmed visits both to farming properties and technical stops will be given with your ticket wallets approximately 2-3 weeks prior to your departure.

* Changes and alterations may take place from details listed in the itinerary *.