Worldwide Quest presents to University of Toronto Alumni and Friends MEKONG RIVER CRUISE

Transcription

1 Worldwide Quest presents to University of Toronto Alumni and Friends MEKONG RIVER CRUISE An exclusive charter for the Canadian University Alumni Community From Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City October 29 - November 10, 2015 WorldwideQuest.com/UniversityofToronto

2 Mekong Delta Dear Alumni and Friends, There is something quite wonderful about luxury expedition cruising. Not only is it the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a culturally rich and fascinating destination, you can do so with all the comforts of five star accommodation. Our Mekong River Cruise begins with a good look at the iconic ruins of Angkor Wat, one of the world s great must-sees. Beyond this architectural triumph, we ll discover the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, the subtle beauty of temple of Banteay Srei. We ll spend eight blissful days aboard our luxury river cruiser, exclusively chartered for our group of Canadian University Alumni. As we make our way down the colourful Mekong River, we ll discover floating markets and bustling temple complexes, engage with villagers, and participate in a private meditation ceremony with Buddhist monks. We ll marvel at Phnom Penh s elaborate pagodas and be amazed by the energy of Saigon. This very special tour features a series of presentations by our study leader. Among other topics, Paula Swart will discuss the Discovery, Meaning and Restoration of the Angkor site, Preserving Cultural Identity at the Phnom Penh National Museum, and Reviving Cambodian Cultural Identity. Paula will be joined by experts with presentations that will add to your understanding of the complexities of the politics and culture of Cambodia and Vietnam. Don t miss this luxury river cruise on the engrossing Mekong River. Daphne Tao Manager, Alumni Travel Program The University of Toronto respects your privacy, your personal information remains confidential and is never released to our travel partners. The promotional information in this mailing is provided by an official travel partner of the University of Toronto. Revenue generated through travel programs support student and alumni events and initiatives. If you prefer not to receive information regarding the university s travel programs, please contact address.update@utoronto.ca or write to: Alumni Records Attn.: no travel mailings, 21 King s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3J3.

3 Ta Phrom OUR ITINERARY Please contact Worldwide Quest for personalized flight arrangements and for pre- and post- cruise optional extensions. Thursday, October 29: Arrive Siem Reap You should plan to arrive in Siem Reap no later than October 29. Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative and transferred to our hotel. We ll hold our Introductory Briefing this evening. Overnight: Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa, Siem Reap Friday, October 30: Siem Reap Angkor Wat is considered one of humanity s greatest achievements and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. With our guide, we ll have an in-depth visit of the site. Our explorations continue to the ancient city of Angkor Thom and to Bayon Temple, a study in grandeur with its 54 towers sculpted with enigmatic faces. Overnight: Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa, Siem Reap Saturday, October 31: Siem Reap This morning we travel to the countryside to see the gem of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srei. The so-called Citadel of the Women is the best preserved temple in Cambodia displaying fine bas-reliefs. Afterwards, we discover the magic of Ta Prohm Temple left largely as it was found; overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This is one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. Overnight: Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa, Siem Reap Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Sunday, November 1: Embark the Mekong Navigator We transfer by comfortable coach (about 5 hours) from Siem Reap to Kampong Cham on the banks of the Mekong. Upon arrival, we embark the Mekong Navigator and enjoy a Welcome Reception on the Sun Deck as we begin our river journey. Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner Monday, November 2: Wat Hanchey, Kampong Cham This morning we disembark at a riverside village and take a gentle walk up the hill to Wat Hanchey, to receive a traditional Buddhist Water Blessing from the monastery s resident monks. After enjoying a walk around the monastery complex and the amazing views of the Mekong River valley, we return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon we explore the town of Kampong Cham, with its incredible Stupa and Buddha statues and the 12th century, Angkorianperiod complex of Wat Nokor Bachey. We return to the ship and begin sailing downstream.

4 Royal Palace, Phnom Penh Tuesday, November 3: Tonle Sap River Cruise, Kampong Chhnang Today we are sailing up the scenic Tonle Sap River. This very narrow winding river provides a rare up-close glimpse of rural river life in Cambodia. After lunch, we ll board smaller excursion boats for a panoramic cruise of the floating villages at Kampong Chhnang. We return to the ship and set sail for Phnom Penh. Wednesday, November 4: Phnom Penh Our river cruiser docks in the heart of Phnom Penh this morning to begin our exploration of the city. We ll be greeted by our cyclo drivers who whisk us along the riverfront to the Royal Palace complex. Here we ll have a guided walk through the grounds viewing the Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion before visiting the famous Silver Pagoda. Another short cyclo ride takes us to the National Museum for a comprehensive tour of the many artifacts excavated at the Angkor Temple. This afternoon choose from three excursions: an architectural walking tour, a Khmer cooking class or a visit to Free the Bears Cambodian Sanctuary. the former school that was converted to the main Khmer Rouge prison. This afternoon is at leisure in Phnom Penh; visit the Central Market, book a spa visit or simply stroll through the city enjoying the shops and restaurants. We set sail this afternoon for the Vietnam border. Friday, November 6: Border Crossing, Chau Doc Following clearing formalities and crossing the border into Vietnam, we ll start to see a change in the architecture along the riverfront. After lunch, we board sampans for a panoramic cruise of Chau Doc harbour with its traditional Vietnamese floating market. We ll visit the town of Chau Doc, the colourful Tay An Pagoda, and a local family s fish farm this afternoon. Thursday, November 5: Phnom Penh This morning we learn more about the darkest days of Cambodian history. We will tour the Choeung Ek killing field and visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa. Before returning to the ship, we will also tour Tuol Sleng, View all our tours at WorldwideQuest.com/ UniversityofToronto

5 Mekong River Saturday, November 7: Sa Dec, Cai Be After breakfast we board sampans again to navigate the narrow canals of the Mekong. We ll walk through the historic town of Sa Dec, visiting local cottage industries and the town s market. At Cai Be, we ll see the city s French gothic cathedral then tour historic An Kiet House with its beautiful surrounding gardens and visit a traditional rice factory. We set sail towards My Tho enjoying a Vietnamese themed dinner as we bid farewell to the magnificent Mekong. Sunday, November 8: Disembark and transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Following breakfast we disembark the vessel for the short drive (about one hour) to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, we ll discover the historic centre called Saigon including the Reunification Hall, the Old Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Ben Thanh Market - the central market for the city and one of its liveliest and most colourful areas. Overnight: Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Monday, November 9: Ho Chi Minh City We re up early this morning to visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. The tunnels were dug with simple tools and bare hands during the French occupation in the 1940 s, and further expanded during the Vietnam War in the 1960 s to provide refuge and a defensive advantage over the American soldiers. The afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration before our celebratory dinner this evening. Overnight: Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Tuesday, November 10: Depart Ho Chi Minh City Participants are transferred to the airport today for homeward bound flights. Meals: Breakfast Post Tour Option: Experience more of vibrant Vietnam with an eight-day program to the graceful old port town of Hoi An, the historical sites of Hue and onward to the beautiful French colonial quarters of Hanoi and the majestic scenery of Halong Bay. Please call Worldwide Quest for details on this extension or personalized post-cruise travels. Note: This itinerary and program details are subject to change without notice. Halong Bay

6 WHAT TO EXPECT Level of Activity: Moderate The Mekong River cruise is an active program. While there is plenty of time to relax, there is much to see and do. Many excursions require two to three hours of walking over uneven terrain and numerous steps. Accommodation We are staying in comfortable first class hotels in Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City. Both hotels are centrally located; rooms have air conditioning and private bath facilities. Transportation We will travel by private mini coach and local tuk-tuks in Siem Reap. During our cruise, we will be using smaller vessels as we explore tributaries of the Mekong and using tuk-tuks and cyclos for some of our village visits. In Ho Chi Minh City we will be travelling by private coach. TERMS & CONDITIONS Cancellation Policy All payments are non-refundable, however you may transfer your initial deposit to another trip 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are non-refundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing. Travel Insurance We urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip. Insurance coverage is offered through Manulife. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. Weather We expect sunny skies with daytime temperatures ranging from C and overnight lows of C. There is considerable humidity in the afternoons and we may experience brief showers. Travel Documents You will require a passport for this trip. Please ensure it is valid for at least 6 months beyond your scheduled return date. A paper visa is required for Vietnam; we will send you instructions for obtaining this visa prior to departure. A visa is required for Cambodia and can be obtained upon arrival in Siem Reap. Terms and Conditions For information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # ). Mekong River The University of Toronto, its officers and employees, do not assume any responsibility for the financing, arranging or conducting of the tour. They shall not be liable for any damages or financial loss to person or property of any description that might occur in connection with the tour, howsoever arising from the negligence, omission or otherwise of travel services arranged through Worldwide Quest International.

7 TOUR COST (PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) Superior Suite Vista Suite Signature Suite Prestige Suite Grande Suite Group Size: 64 participants US$4595 US$4995 US$5495 US$5795 US$6595 Tour Cost Includes: Individual arrival and departure transfers Accommodation for five nights in first class hotels Breakfast daily Two lunches and three dinners in Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily on board ship Complimentary coffee, tea, mineral water, soft drinks, local beer, local spirits and free-flow house wine on board ship (house wine with dinner only) Accommodation for seven nights based on double occupancy in selected suite on board the Mekong Navigator Shore excursion program including all admissions (22 guests per guide on all excursions) Vox listening devices throughout the program All on board activities including cultural performances Full program of presentations by our Resource Educator Tour Cost Does Not Include: Roundtrip airfare from your home to Siem Reap and from Ho Chi Minh City to your home Fuel surcharges Cancellation / Interruption and Medical Insurance Items of a personal nature Gratuities (Suggested US$10 - US$15 per person per day) Port Taxes: US$85 (subject to change) Visa (Vietnam: US$99*, Cambodia: US$20*, *subject to change) Additional arrangements required due to any emergency or other situation Payment Details A non-refundable deposit of US$500 per person is required to reserve a space on this tour. A second deposit of US$1000 per person is required April 29, Final payment is due July 29, We accept payments by VISA and MasterCard. Single Supplement If you wish to have guaranteed single accommodation, the single supplement for this trip is 1.5 times the per person cost of Superior, Vista and Signature Suites and 2 times the per person cost for Prestige and Grande Suites. If you are travelling alone and you are willing to share, Worldwide Quest will try to match you up with an appropriate roommate. If they can t, the single supplement will apply. View all our tours at WorldwideQuest.com/ UniversityofToronto

8 OUR DELUXE RIVER CRUISER Reminiscent in design of the French colonial-era manor homes that once lined the streets of old Saigon, the 34 suite Mekong Navigator lends a sophisticated, yet comfortable ambience while cruising the mighty Mekong River. The Sun Deck is a convivial place to join friends and compare notes and photos either in the air conditioned Lounge or the shaded outdoor seating area or to relax on a chaise lounge in the sun splashed open area. The Dining Room serves all guests in a single, open, dinner seating. Breakfasts and lunches offer sumptuous buffets with extensive choices of western dishes and the flavourful cuisines of Southeast Asia. Complimentary Wi-Fi service is available in public areas of the ship and guest computers are in the internet lounge. GRAND SIGNATURE PRESTIGE SUPERIOR VISTA

9 DECK PLAN Grande Suite Prestige Suite Signature Suite Vista Suite Superior Suite Jasmine Deck Lotus Deck Orchid Deck Sun Deck ABOUT YOUR SUITE ON BOARD 2 Grande Suites w/ Panoramic French Balcony, Wraparound Veranda w/ Butler Service (584 Square Feet/54m 2 ) 2 Prestige Suites w/ Private Balcony (387 sq. ft./36m 2 ) w/ Butler Service 16 Signature Suites w/ Private Balcony (291 sq. ft./27m 2 ) 10 Vista Suites w/ French Balcony (276 sq. ft./26m 2 ) 4 Superior Suites with Portholes (256 sq. ft./24m 2 ) Superior, Vista & Signature Suites can be converted from 2 twin-size to 1 queen bed OUR RESOURCE EDUCATOR Grande & Prestige Suites w/ Fixed King Beds Luxury Honeycomb Spa Robes with Slippers In-room Electronic Safe, Individual Climate Control 500-Thread Count Linens w/ Duvet, Premium Mattresses Bottled Water Replenished Daily Welcome Flower Arrangement & Fresh Fruit Upon Arrival WiFi in All Public Areas (Free of Charge) Make-up Mirror, Hair Dryer, Mini Bar Multi-Configuration Plugs Flat Screen LCD Television w/ Movie System Paula Swart has been a curator of Asian Studies at various Canadian museums for more than 20 years. Paula holds degrees in Sinology, Asian art history, Chinese history, and archaeology and has published several books and numerous articles on the art and architecture of Asian cultures. In 2012, she organized an exhibit at the University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology on Buddhist art called Visions of Enlightenment. She teaches courses on UNESCO World Heritage, specifically in Asia, at the UBC Summer Institute. Paula has travelled regularly to Vietnam and Cambodia since Our travellers consistently commend Paula for her great wealth of knowledge and as a gem of a travelling companion!

10 HOW TO BOOK Please contact Worldwide Quest for more information and to book this expedition. Worldwide Quest 491 King Street East Toronto, ON M5A 1L or This expedition is offered exclusively to alumni and friends of: University of Toronto, McGill University, McMaster University, Queen s University, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia. ( ( BOOK NOW & SAVE BIG Book your expedition by February 1, 2015: Get a US$400 per person flight credit University of Toronto Alumni Travel 21 King s College Circle Toronto, ON M5S 3J3 Canada