RMC Travel's Costa Rica with Shirley Joyner, September 2010

Costa Rica offers you one of the world’s greatest collections of rain forests, wild rivers, unspoiled beaches, wildlife, mountains and volcanoes. With its unique combination of beauty and spirituality, it’s the ultimate refreshment for your body, mind and soul.

On this wonderful journey you will experience wildlife through inland water-ways, stay at a jungle lodge, have a relaxing massage in a Spa next to a Volcano (inactive); Have a chance to see and taste the world-famous Monteverde coffee at a Costa Rican plantation; Enjoy lunch and sip wine as you cruise on a deluxe Catamaran.

As temporal inhabitants of this planet, RMC Travel is donating $25 in your name for this organization. In exchange you will not only receive the satisfaction of collaborating to preserve the richness of the tropics, but will also receive a certificate from the Fundación Neotrópica, a special membership card valid for 3 months and the latest Newsletter as you help Save the Planet. The Fundación Neotrópica, is a private, non-profit organization that aims to transform existing natural resource management practices in the neotropics into sustainable practices that protect our natural heritage and improve the quality of life for present and future communities. The Fundación Neotrópica promotes all activities that aim to conserve Costa Rica’s natural riches.

Depart for San Jose, Costa Rica. Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Juan Santamara International Airport. Transfer to our 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. Welcome dinner.

After breakfast the journey continues to the Arenal Volcano area as we travel through the Costa Rican countryside. The Arenal Volcano is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world; it has been active since 1968 when it suddenly exploded. Nowadays, trees and vegetation are starting to regenerate in some areas of the volcanoes base. Soon you will see the Volcano hot spring, which are the result of rainwater heated in the Earth’s interior. Once heated, the waters rise to surface, taking with them minerals found in the earth’s rocky crust; this way, waters become very benefic to our bodies because of its temperature that helps to relax muscles, clean pores and rejuvenate the skin. We will make a stop for lunch along the way before arrival at Arenal. In the afternoon enjoy a relaxing massage. Overnight and dinner in Arenal.

Today, it’s a full-day tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the Rio Frío, both areas considered to be one of the richest in biological diversity in Costa Rica. Our first stop is Los Chiles; a culturally mixed village located only 2 miles from the Nicaraguan border. There a boat awaits us for a river adventure. We will cruise for about 2 ½ hours on a floating Safari of the Tropical Rain Forest, pastures and marshes. The trip includes a typical Costa Rican lunch, with regional fruits, natural juices and coffee, all served for the visitors’ comfort at the new Restaurant Río Frío; canned drinks, natural juices, and more during the boat tour. Dinner on your own, Overnight in Arenal.

After breakfast you will continue to Monteverde Area. In the mid 60’s, a Quaker community moved to the Monteverde area where they found a cloud forest paradise and decided to protect it. The area was covered with tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses as well as numerous crystal clear streams and waterfalls. Afternoon arrival where, after settling into your room, you will have time to relax on your own at the SPA as you revitalize your senses surrounded by nature. Leave your daily stress behind and treat yourself with different types of treatments to pamper yourself from head to toe. Dinner and overnight in Monterverde.

Our morning tour is to El Trapiche and a guided tour of a Costa Rica plantation. During the walk around the land, our guide explains the process involved in growing sugar cane with an opportunity to taste the sugar cane and its various derivatives. Continue with a history about coffee and see how the delicious Monteverde coffee is made. Also on the farm there are oxen with a traditional cart waiting to transport you (optional and you can choose to walk) to the sugarcane mill where the process of making brown sugar and all the other types of products made from sugarcane will be shown. Enjoy an extraction of guaro, a Costa Rican alcohol made from sugarcane. To end this eventful tour we will enjoy “picadillo de arracache”, a traditional local mixture, accompanied by a cup of coffee or lemonade. The afternoon is free to relax. Dinner on your own.

We depart for Manuel Antonio, one of the most beautiful spots in Costa Rica. Along the way, we will have a special day of cruising onboard the Calypso's super catamaran Manta Raya. With its expansive deck area that includes 2 deck pools, we will enjoy a level of cruising luxury and comfort in 100% Calypso style. Sip cold wine in the shade of white umbrellas at tables covered with white linen and be served the midday feast. A sumptuous delight featured in Gourmet Magazine, starts with a ceviche appetizer and followed by a medley of salads. The main dish is a delightful bar-b-qued breast of chicken covered in a mouthwatering tropical sauce accompanied with julienne vegetables all cooked fresh on the grill by Calypso's expert crew. Upon our return to the dock, we continue to our hotel after a day of sunbathing, swimming, eating drinking, optional tours and relaxing. Dinner and overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Today it’s a full day of relaxing, taking in the Spa or lounging by the pool. With the relaxing views of the tropical forest and the sense of the calm breeze rising up from the Ocean, the newly opened "Pacifica Spa" provides an atmosphere that insures total inner peace and relaxation. The elegant boutique Spa has been designed with tranquility in mind. You can swim in the pool or enjoy the fitness center. Enjoy an optional manicure & pedicure, steam room, Swiss shower, whirl pool, plunge pool, lockers, bathrobes and a relaxation and yoga area. Surrounding the spa, you can enjoy a relaxing walk on the trails that lead through the forest and along the cliff with spectacular views to the Manuel Antonio National park and beaches. Overnight in Manuel Antonio. Dinner on your own.

Depart Manuel Antonio for San Jose where we have a sightseeing tour of the fascinating city that will take us on a journey through the Costa Rican culture and history. San Jose City became capital of the newly independent country in 1824 after the president decided to move the capital from the old Spanish colonial city of Cartago with the idea of making a fresh start with a new city. The new capital grew rapidly, extending into the Central Valley and in 1884, became the first city in Latin America to be illuminated by electric energy. The tour begins with an orientation drive through residential areas and the Sabana Metropolitan Park, known as the lung of the city for being the closest green area to the city. Continue to the historic National Museum, the former Bellavista Headquarters, base of Costa Rica’s now-abolished army. It was one of the most important buildings in San Jose, a weapon warehouse used to instruct recruits in militia, tactics, weapon handling and discipline. After lunch on our own, we have time to do some “R & R” (Relaxing and Retail Shopping). Evening farewell dinner at our hotel. Maybe try our luck at the Casino located in the hotel.

Transfer to the Juan Santamara International Airport and our flight back home. Same day arrival.

The Hotel Crowne Plaza Corobici is the ideal place to enjoy your visit to San Jose. The hotel has comfortable guestrooms, two dining venues, including a Japanese restaurant and various services to make your stay in the city memorable. Special extras include work station desks, furniture, new high quality pillows and beds and many other extra comforts that you expect at a Crowne Plaza hotel. Guestrooms are equipped withA/C, cable TV, wireless internet connection, mini bar, safety deposit box, iron with ironing board, hair dryer, coffee maker and 24-hour room service. AND a CASINO.

The Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa is an attractive answer to the necessity of offering the visitor a modern, comfortable and luxurious destination, in one of the most beautiful areas in our country with the best quality of service. For the comfort there are 54 rooms with modern finishes, in an elegant, calm atmosphere and in harmony with the natural wealth of the area, where it highlights the surprising and majestic Arenal volcano. All the rooms have a fantastic view to the volcano thanks to the excellent architectural design of the hotel that has five floors. The visitor will be able to experience incredible moments and unexpected sensations to the heat of an interesting conversation in our Lava Bar. Guests will also be able to delight and to improve their health in the thermal waters or to surrender to the rest while receives a relaxing professional massage in the Loto Spa, as a part of a great series of high quality services that the Hotel offers to all our clients.

With the Cloud Forest as the background, and as an eco-friendly accommodation, Hotel El Establo, wants to create unforgettable experiences for our guests, by providing first-class attention, amenities, services and hospitality to constantly exceed the expectations of our visitors. The hotel features restaurants like the “Las Riendas” Restaurant, “Laggus Fine Cuisine” and the “Encuentros” Coffee-Bar. It’s the only hotel in the area with two temperate water swimming pools and a Spa.

The Parador Resort & Spa, is located on Punta Quepos in the most pristine and tranquil area of Manuel Antonio, yet within minutes from the World Famous Manuel Antonio National Park, the small sport fishing town of Quepos. Its elegant Mediterranean – style architecture, modeled after the Traditional Spanish Paradores and quaint European "boutique hotels", has made the resort one of a kind. With 129 rooms and suites, we offer all the expected amenities of a Deluxe Resort, with European refinement and a warm tropical touch! The entire Parador experience is limitless…. wildlife, tropical gardens, four infinity pools, one pool and a Jacuzzi at the Spa, expansive views, excellent service, delicious meals, relaxing massages, romantic settings, exciting tours, and much more!

5-9 travelers	10-15 travelers
$3,199	$2,599

5-9 travelers

10-15 travelers

Airline Taxes &

Fuel Surcharge

$99

Prepaid Gratuities**

$90

Note: Gratuities to porters and baggage handlers at hotels and airports are NOT INCLUDED and should be paid directly.

Single Supplement: $449 (for those wishing to secure a private room throughout the tour)

Reservations & Payments: A completed application must be submitted with your reservation including a deposit of $300 per person to RMC no later than February 1st to ensure your place on this great tour. Final payment due on or before June 8, 2010.

Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellation fees are as follows — $100 nonrefundable airfare fee. Additional 25% if cancellation is between 70 and 60 days; From 59 to 45 days, there is a 50% charge. Under 45 days, the charge is 100% of the tour price.

Revisions/Changes: There will be no charge for an initial revision. There will be a charge of $20 for each additional revision. This charge is over and above any charges imposed by airlines, hotels and/or ground operators unused transfers, meals and sightseeing tours cannot be refunded. Unused hotels nights are refunded only if they cover a minimum of three nights and only to the extent the operator receives refund from the hotels, after deducting cancellation charges levied by the hotel, if any. Requests for refund must be submitted in writing along with written proof from the hotel, to RMC within 30 days after return from trip.

Accommodations: The tour operator reserves the right to substitute hotels of similar category.

Air: All airline tickets are subject to each carrier's Terms & Conditions as to passage and cancellation fees. Tours are sold in conjunction with these approved carriers.

NOTE: Tour based on a minimum participation. See pricing box for details. Tours will be invoiced at the 10-15 travelers rate. If the tour falls below the 10-15 rate, a supplemental invoice will be issued.

Consumer Disclosure Notice: RMC and/ or their agents act only in capacity as agents for the passenger in all matters connected with hotel accommodations, sightseeing tours and transportation, whether by air, rail, bus, motorcar, boat or any other means and as agent holds itself free of responsibility for any damage occasioned from any cause. RMC and/or its agents will not be responsible for any damages or expenses or inconveniences caused by late departures or change of schedule of or strikes or to their conditions, nor will we be responsible for loss or damage to baggage or any of the passenger’ belongings. All prices quoted are correct at time of brochure printing. Rates are subject to currency and airfare changes. Any disputes arising out of these tours will be settled via arbitration through the American Arbitration Association. Valid February 1 - November 1, 2010 and subject to change without notice.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Trip Cancellation /Interruption /Medical insurance is NOT included in the package. A link to our approved insurance carrier can be found on our website.