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A “Tool Box” Tour: Personal Growth in Paradise
A Unique Journey of Ecological Diversity, Magical Beauty and Self-Discovery!
October 22-31, 2005
Past Tour
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Tour Leader: Judith K. Nelson, MA. A Seminar Leader and Artist
Extraordinaire, Judy has studied a variety of philosophies and religious
traditions along with her schooling in psychology to reach the conclusion that
what works for her own life journey is a ‘practical spirituality’. Learn more
about Judy on our About Your Tour Leader page.
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Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1: To San Jose (D) |
Depart your home city
to San Jose, Costa Rica. Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Juan Santamara
International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in San Jose. Costa Rica, with its
resplendent rainforests, active volcanoes, and gorgeous beaches provides the
perfect setting for an adventure in Central America. Rest before your "Welcome
to Costa Rica" dinner and time to "Get Acquainted" - An exercise led by Judy
Nelson, MA.
Overnight: San Jose (2 nights) |
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Day 2: San Jose - Full day Calypso “Welcome to Costa Rica Party! (B/L) |
Early morning
transfer by bus to the Pacific port of Puntarenas. This is an excellent
opportunity to view the coffee, sugar plantations, volcanic mountains and the
unique Brahman cattle that form an ever-changing panorama. You board the Calypso
Manta Ray for your journey by boat to nearby Tortugua Island for your “Welcome
to Costa Rica” Celebration. The world famous “Calypso Catamaran Cruise” to
Tortugua Island is one of Costa Rica's great experiences, combining blue water,
white sand, green mountains, superb cuisine and personal service. It features an
underwater viewing window. An air-conditioned main salon combines with an
expansive deck area that includes two Jacuzzi pools. You cruise past the lush
mangroves, canneries and stilthouses of Puntarenas on your way to the Gulf of
Nicoya. Arrive Tortugua Island, known for its immaculate white sand beach and
turquoise waters, a perfect stop for swimming, snorkeling and Calypso's Famous
Lunch. Today the Island is a reflection of the more than twenty years of hard
work by a Costa Rican family in the field of conservation and sustainable
development. Over the last two years the island has seen changes that allow
visitors to enjoy its natural beauty to the fullest. Optional "Tool Box"
Personal Sharing Experience led by Judy Nelson, MA during the cruise. Afternoon
return to San Jose. Free time and dinner on your own. Overnight San Jose.
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Day 3: To Tortuguero
National Park (B,L,D) |
| Morning departure for your journey to Tortuguero National
Park, taking the old road towards the Caribbean. The road snakes into the
mountains, allowing you to enjoy great views of typical little towns and
landscapes of the north section of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, with waterways
surrounded by virgin rainforest, the most complex habitat in the country. The
beach at Tortuguero is favored by the hawksbill, Pacific green and the
leatherback, the world’s largest sea turtle. Here the jungle touches your
senses, as the experience of being in such close proximity to this natural
habitat really enhances the visit. A two and half hour boat ride takes you
through the canals. From your boat you will be able to admire the unique flora
and fauna of this area. Check in. Experience nature from within: "Tool Box"
Bonding with Nature Exercise led by Judy Nelson, MA. Lunch/dinner at the park
lodge. Optional afternoon/or lunch experience to more deeply Explore the
Connection between Nature, Ourselves and Others led by Judy.
Overnight:Tortuguero National Park (2 nights) |
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Day 4: Tortuguero National Park
(B) |
| This morning you will explore more of the smaller canals of
Tortuguero and get closer to nature as you cross a system of natural & man-made
canals and navigable lagoons of great scenic beauty that transect the park.
Tortuguero National Park is a perfect example of a tropical rain forest and it
protects a wealth of exotic wildlife. It also offers 309 species of birds. Later
return to the lodge. "Tool Box" Trusting Nature and Each Other Exercise led by
Judy Nelson, MA. Dinner on your own. Overnight Tortuguero. |
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Day 5: To Arenal
& Tabacon Hot Springs Spa (B, D) |
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the Arenal
area to visit the Arenal Volcano and the Tabacon Hot Springs. This area well
deserves a visit, not only for the volcano's constant activity, but also for its
perfect cone and the exuberant vegetation in the surrounding areas, adorned by
the majestic engineering masterpiece of the Arenal Lake. Enjoy the relaxing
scenery and the refreshingly cool alpine region. While there, you may even
witness an explosion of smoke and lava from the mighty Arenal. Continue to the
Tabacon Spa for the next two nights. Outdoor "Tool Box" Power of Dreaming
Exercise led by Judy Nelson, MA. Dinner at your Lodge.
Overnight: Tabacon Hot Springs (2 nights) |
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Day 6: In Arenal:
La Fortuna Waterfalls & Spa (B) |
Enjoy a morning visit to the La Fortuna Waterfalls, one of the
most exciting ways to experience the nature of one of the most complex
ecosystems on earth. You will continue on a walk through the dense rain forest
and arrive at a crystal blue pool into which the waterfall descends. Bring your
swim suit !
Return to the Spa in the afternoon for your included Spa treatment. Located on
the outskirts of the Tabacon River, the Iskandria Spa is a unique site of beauty
and opulence. This is a place that allows your body to feel an intangible
atmosphere of aromas and flowers as you enjoy a relaxing massage or aromatherapy
session. Time to reflect alone or as a group, Judy available. Dinner on your
own. Overnight Tabacon Hot Spring. |
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Day 7: To Monteverde:
Rain Forest Sky Walk (B, D) |
After an early breakfast, you depart for Monteverde in the
heart of Costa Rica’s Rain Forest. At 650 feet above sea level, this world
famous Cloud Forest will be your backdrop for observing one of the most diverse
bird populations in Costa Rica. In the afternoon, you will experience the Sky
Walk. This tour will provide you with an insight into the rainforest not seen
from the ground. Through a series of canopies and walkways, you will experience
flora and fauna, which only exist at this level, and gain a new appreciation for
the importance of conserving these natural areas. Return to the lodge for
dinner. "Tool Box" Seeing with a Different Perspective Exercise led by Judy
Nelson, MA.
Overnight: Monteverde (1 night) |
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8: To San Jose (B) |
Morning departure for San Jose. After checking into your hotel
and some time to relax, in the late afternoon, you will have an Orientation to
go over the next day’s program “A Bed for Every Child” program with SOFTLY
International. Dinner on your own.
Overnight: San Jose (2 nights)
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Day 9: In
San Jose - Softly International Project (B/L/D) |
| Today is devoted to the Softly International service program.
Depart by bus to Rincon Grande Elementary School to participate in SOFTLY’s “A
Bed for Every Child” service program. Under the guidance of the local SOFTLY
representative, and along with the children who will receive the beds and their
families, you will have the fun of assembling the sturdy bunk beds, Lego-style.
Experience the joy that touches the hearts of all involved. Lunch will be
provided to the group. Later afternoon return to the hotel to rest before your
Farewell Dinner. “Giving” Exercise led by Judy Nelson, MA. |
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Day 10: Depart San Jose (B) |
| Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the
International Airport for your return flight home. |
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(B =
Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
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Tour Inclusions
& Price |
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Tour Includes: |
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All tour transportation in Costa Rica |
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Round-trip transfers between airport and hotels |
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Accommodations in First Class hotels and Lodges as indicated |
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Airline & hotel taxes |
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Service charges at the hotel |
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Portage at airports and hotels |
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Daily breakfast; additional Meals as indicated |
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Sightseeing tours as per itinerary, including entrance fees |
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Optional Sightseeing tours |
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Features: |
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Participation in the special SOFTLY INTERNATIONAL service
program |
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Visit to Arenal Volcano |
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Visit Tabacon Hot Springs and Spa |
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Classic massage or aromatherapy session during Spa visit |
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SkyWalk ride over the Monteverde rain forest |
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Special visit to the La Fortuna Waterfalls |
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Optional White Water rafting trip |
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Special Welcome and Farewell Dinner |
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| Tour
does not include: |
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International airfare/departure taxes (call us for quote from
your home city) |
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Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a quote) |
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Visa fees (if applicable) |
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Meals/drinks not specified in the itinerary |
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Gratuities to drivers/guides ($80 prepaid) |
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Items of a personal nature or any items not specified as being
included |
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Tour Price |
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| Tour Price Per Person (Land Only) |
Single Supplement |
Prepaid Gratuities |
| USD $2145.00 |
USD $595.00 |
USD $80.00 |
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| Please call us for a quote on airfare from
your home city |
NOTE: To avoid surcharges due to the volatility of the Canadian
dollar, all tour prices listed are in US dollars. Payments may be made in either
US dollars or the equivalent in CDN dollars. |
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Tour Description