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2003 CSAA Annual Meeting

Manele Bay Hotel, Lana'i 

October 17-22, 2003

Updated 07/28/03

International Study Mission
This trip is NOT included in the registration price

Australia featuring
Sydney * Ayres Rock  *  Gt. Barrier Reef

October 24 - November 3, 2003 

 plus extensions to
 
Papua New Guinea & New Zealand

  • New Zealand


Introduction

Dear CSAA Members:

After the meeting in Hawaii, the Post-Convention international tour will be to a country of breath-taking beauty and very friendly people, Australia, followed by optional extensions to Papua New Guinea and New Zealand

In addition to city tours and visiting famous sights, we have incorporated many special activities. Sydney is one of the world's great cities; the Opera House, Darling Harbor, enjoying the ambiance, and fresh sea food are on the agenda. At Ayres Rock we experience the outback from luxury accommodations at Longitude 131. From here we travel to Port Douglas to experience the Gt. Barrier Reef and Draintree Rainforest.

Papua New Guinea is a land of still-primitive peoples, rugged, scenic and dramatic terrain and will be an exciting travel experience. There are safety concerns for traveling in Papua New Guinea. Please read the State Department Consular Information sheet and primer on Personal Security. You can find them on - http://travel.state.gov

New Zealand is another country of spectacular scenery and friendly people. This extension to Christchurch, Queenstown and Auckland features luxury accommodations while visiting many of New Zealand's most famous sights.

October is a busy period down under, so please don't delay sending in your Reservation Form and making airline reservations.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey W. Robertson
American Travel Association
630 Hopewell Church Road
Pine Mountain, GA 31822-3556
ph: 706-663-2171
fx: 706-663-2445
travelata@aol.com


Itinerary

(B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner included in the tour costs)

23 Oct. Thurs. - 24 Oct. Fri. - Honolulu/Sydney

Each person is responsible for their air reservations. Please call your preferred carrier, travel agent or book on the internet.

American/Qantas and United/Air Canada fly Honolulu/Sydney on the 24th.

  • Qantas#4 (American #7358) 1:00am/7:00am (next day)

  • United#8489 (operated by Air Canada) 12:35am/7:10am (next day)

Please book your preferred carrier to Sydney. However, you should be booked on the flights within Australia (and to/from Cairns/Port Moresby) specified in the itinerary. The international carrier can book those flights in conjunction with your international flights. In some cases an OZ or Boomerang air pass will be more economical for the internal Australia flights (see schedule below); please consult your international carrier. Any flights within Papua New Guinea will be issued locally and given to you there.


25 Oct. Sat. - Sydney

Early morning arrivals. You will be met and transferred to the Park Hyatt Hotel.

Please note Australia is also known for a limited availability of porters; so you'll have to push your own luggage using a trolley found in the baggage claim area. Please check the Reservation Form if you want the room pre-reserved for the night before so you can check-in immediately on your early morning arrival at the Hyatt.

Australia's gateway, Sydney, is its oldest, largest and liveliest city. From the Park Hyatt, the harbor and downtown shopping areas are within easy walking distance; other entertainment and restaurant areas, such as Darling Harbor and King's Cross, are minutes away by taxi. 

Balance of the morning open unpack and relax. This afternoon our local guide comes to the Hyatt for a walking orientation of the historic Rocks precinct. The "Rocks" is a wonderful combination of shops, homes of the well-to-do, quaint convict-built cottages, pubs, restaurants and hotels. The evening is open to further explore the city.


26 Oct. Sun. - Sydney (B,L)

Our Sydney tour begins with walk around Circular Quay to the Opera House. From here we drive through the magnificent Botanical Gardens before continuing to Woolloomooloo and Kings Cross, as well as the ritzy Double Bay area. Along the foreshore of the Eastern suburbs, we pass up- market homes of the rich and famous. 

Arriving at Watson's Bay on South Head, we enjoy a meal of Doyle's famous fish & chips in the park with a bottle of chilled Australian wine & a cheese platter. Balance of the afternoon and evening are open.  


 27 Oct.  Mon. - Sydney (B)

This morning we begin at nearby Darling Harbor for a cruise around Sydney Harbour with coffee/tea. After 2 hours on the world's most beautiful harbour, we return to Darling Harbour where you may stay for lunch and shopping. 

The afternoon is free.  


28 Oct.  Tue. - Sydney/ Ayres Rock (B,D)

Depart the Hyatt for the airport.
* Qantas #728: 10:20am/12:10pm (please book this flight in conjunction with your international ticket)

On arrival transfer to Longitude 131 where for the next 2 nights we stay in elevated luxury tents set on an isolated sand dune close to the border of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Meals are served at Dune House, which also reflects the history and ambience of the area. At Longitude 131°, one can relax in comfort and style while enjoying sweeping views of Ayres Rock, magnificent sunrises, sunsets and unlimited starry skies.

Millions of years of erosion have shaped amazing landforms in Australia's Red Centre, and the daily tours focus on the ecological fabric of this environment, its people, culture and history. Among the inspiring sights are the domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and the physical immensity of Uluru (Ayers Rock). 

Today's guided walk around the Valley of the Winds will take us through the majestic domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), standing over 500 meters high. Then, 2 hours before sunset, we depart for a unique sunset experience at Uluru. After a short walk along the base of Uluru, we move to a quiet gorge for a dramatic view of sunset from "within" Uluru. During sunset, Uluru changes dramatically and the size and scale of the formation are best gauged from a close up perspective. After sunset we return to Longitude 131 for dinner.


29 Oct. Wed. - Ayres Rock (B,L,D)

This morning's eco-walk follows sand tracks and dirt roads to an area that provides spectacular views to Uluru. From here, you walk through a variety of desert landscapes, sand dunes, mulga woodlands and desert oak communities. The interpretive guide discusses habitat, flora and fauna, bush food and bush medicine while you smell, touch and taste their surroundings.  Morning tea is provided in the shade of a wiltja (traditional shade structure). 

Songs, Sunset & Startalk - Approx 3 hours before sunset, we depart with the Songlines guide. Deep at the heart of ancient cultures lie narratives (songlines) that instruct a way of life. They describe people's understanding of creation and serve as teachings on everything from morality to navigation and survival while fostering a sense of spirituality and kinship. The tour travels through the Uluru Kata-TjutaNational Park onto the Cultural Centre where aboriginal people express their law and traditions through story, art, craft, song and interpretive displays. En route back to Longitude 131, we pause atop a dune to experience sunset while enjoying drinks and canapés as the sky turns from brilliant blues, reds, and oranges and begins to reveal the spectacular night.

After sunset, we gather for an outdoor dining experience under the stars. 


30 Oct.  Thu. - Ayers Rock/Cairns/Pt. Douglas  (B,L)

Yulara Pulka Sunrise and Valley of the Winds - Depart in the predawn light to learn the importance of land, family and environment in the traditional nomadic life of aboriginal people. From the hill top we watch the morning sky transform to brilliant blues, reds, and oranges with superb views to Uluru and the spectacular sunrise view of Kata Tjuta.

Breakfast is provided before continuing to Kata Tjuta and the spectacular Valley of the Winds walk. The scenery on this walk provides a wealth of natural history through geological formations and ecology.

After lunch, airport transfer for the flight Ayres Rock/Cairns: 
Qantas#988: 2:20pm/5:20pm (please book this flight in conjunction with your international ticket)

Cairns is the capital of far north Queensland or "Deep North." Cairns began as a port handling tin and gold from inland mines. The climate is tropical; brightly colored birds, exotic palms, fig trees and brilliant displays of flowers are everywhere. On arrival we are met and transferred to Pt. Douglas along one of Australia's most scenic coastlines. Our hotel is he Sheraton Mirage, an idyllic resort fronting on Four Mile.

The afternoon is open to relax and enjoy the resort's facilities.


31 Oct. Fri. - Pt. Douglas  (B,L)

Today we explore Draintree Rainforest. Protected by its World Heritage status, Draintree is the oldest living rainforest on earth. Our transportation is by 4 wheel drive vehicles along with a cruise on the Draintree River.


01 Nov. Sat. Pt. Douglas (B,L)

Full day excursion aboard the M.V. Quicksilver to the outer Barrier Reef. The  M.V. Quicksilver is a high speed catamaran with a licensed bar, sun deck and freshwater shower. The vessel cruises to one of the most spectacular sections of the Great Barrier Reef passing  Schnapper Island, Undine Cay, and numerous reefs and moors en route. You can swim, snorkel or drift through the coral in the Subsee Explorer and watch the marine world from the only underwater observatory on the outer reef. If certified, you can scuba dive, or, if you want to try, you are given a briefing and instructions onboard. 


02 Nov. Sun. Cairns/Sydney (B)

*See below for Papua New Guinea extension - Those returning home will fly to Sydney.

*Qantas#925: Cairns/Sydney - 12:30am/3:20pm (please book this flight in conjunction with your international ticket)

On arrival in Sydney, you will return to the Park Hyatt for the night before flying home on  Sunday.


03 Nov. Mon. Sydney/Home (B)

Please transfer on your own to the airport for your flights.


Included Features                   

  • Deluxe hotel accommodations:

  • 4 nights Park Hyatt Hotel, Sydney

  • 2 night Longititude 131, Ayres Rock

  • 3 nights Sheraton Mirage, Pt. Douglas

  • Hotel taxes and porterage

  • Full buffet breakfast daily; Four lunches;  and Two dinners

  • Full day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef

  • Four-wheel tour of Draintree Rain Forest

  • Cruise of Sydney Harbor

  • Guided tours of Sydney by foot, coach and ship

  • Guides tours of Ayres Rock and the Olgas per itinerary

  • Tours and transfers by deluxe motorcoach with local drivers/guides

  • Fodor's Guide and pre-departure tour manual with details on weather, clothing, airports and more...

  • Luggage tags and name badge


Tour Cost: $ 4,495 per person double occupancy; $6,721 per person, single occupancy

Features Not Included in Either Tour: Air fare (except within Papua New Guinea), items of a personal nature such as phone calls, mini-bar charges, laundry; meals not specifically included; departure taxes from Australia and Papua New Guinea.


Tour Notes:

You can fly home from Cairns November 2nd connecting via Sydney. It's a long journey, but would save an additional night in Australia.

You could spend additional nights in Australia. Options would be Lizard Island, which is on the Gt. Barrier Reef. This delightful luxurious resort has  recently been completely rebuilt with  just 40 spacious suites (set along a perfectly white sand beach), all with views over  the tropical ocean. 

Silky Oaks, which is set in the rainforest, is another great option.

If you wish to upgrade to a junior suite at the Sydney Park Hyatt, the supplemental room cost is $600.

Please check the Reservation Form if you want the room pre-reserved for the night before, so you can check-in immediately on your early morning arrival at the Park Hyatt. 

Air Notes

Air fare is not included. Please call your preferred airline or travel agent, or American Express if you plan to use the Platinum Card 2 for 1 business class program.

These flights should be booked in conjunction with your international ticket:

  • 28 Oct. Tue.: Sydney/Ayres Rock Qantas #728, 10:20am/12:10pm

  • 30 Oct. Thu.: Ayers Rock/Cairns/Pt. Douglas  Qantas#9882:20pm/5:20pm

  • 02 Nov. Sun.: Cairns/Sydney, Qantas#925, 12:20pm/3:20pm


Optional Extension to Papua New Guinea

 02 Nov. Sun. - Cairns/Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (B)

Transfer to the airport for our flight to Port Moresby, capital of Papua New Guinea.

Qantas#381(operated by Air Niugini on a Forker Fllwshp jet): Cairns/Port Moresby, 12:00noon/1:25pm
(please book this flight in conjunction with your international ticket)

On arrival we visit the Parliament House and National Museum & Art Gallery.

Crowne Plaza Hotel.


03/04 Nov. Mon/Tue. - Tari, Southern Highlands (B)

Board a charter flight to Tari in the center of the remote Tari Basin.

Here the Huli clans continue their Stone Age way of life, isolated by spectacular rainforests, limestone mountain peaks and several mighty rivers. The largest ethnic group of the Southern Highlands, the Huli are known for the intricate, decorative wigs worn by the men. Experience a Huli sing-sing, where the "wigmen" adorn their headgear with bright flowers.

Our hotel is the Ambua Lodge.


05/06 Nov. Wed/Thu. - Tari/ Mt. Hagen & Western Highlands (B)

Board a charter flight to Mt. Hagen, where we spend the next two nights.

Mt. Hagen is the provincial and commercial capital of the Western Highlands. Drive to the village of Pogla and see the colorful "mudmen" warriors who transform themselves into ghostly apparitions clad in gray mud and huge masks.

Their unique dance tells the legend of their ancestors' clever victory, by fright, over an enemy tribe.

Our hotel is the Highlander Hotel.


07 Nov. Fri. - Mt. Hagan/Port Moresby/Cairns (B)

Airport transfer for the return flights. 
* Qantas#328(operated by Air Niugini on a Forker Fllwshp jet): Port Moresby/Cairns, 6:25pm/7:50pm
(please book this flight in conjunction with your international ticket)

Transfer to the International Hotel on arrival.


 08 Nov. Sat. Cairns/Sydney or Cairns/Home

* Note: You can fly home from Cairns Saturday; the planes connect via Sydney. It's a long journey, but it would save an additional night in Australia. Or, you could return to Sydney to overnight and return home the 9th.


Papua New Guinea: our Cost will be approximately $450 - $500 per day per person double occupancy. Additional costs will be the overnight in Cairns and whether you return home from Cairns or overnight in Sydney en route.


Air Notes (if your going to Papua New Guinea)

* The following flights Cairns/Port Moresby/Cairns are not included in the tour cost; please book them with your international carrier.

  • 02 Nov. Sun. -  Qantas#381: Cairns/Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 12:00noon/1:25pm

  • 07 Nov. - Qantas#382: Port Moresby/Cairns,  6:25pm/7:50pm

  • 08 Nov. - Qantas#925: Cairns/Sydney, 11:25am/3:25pm (only if you decide to overnight in Sydney)

* Please Note: The internal flights in Papua are included in the tour cost.
The flights are subject to availability and the times may change.

Optional Extension to New Zealand

(B=breakfast L= lunch D=dinner included in the tour)

New Zealand is another wonderful country which you should visit while in that area of the world. The following tour features luxury accommodations while visiting many of New Zealand's most famous sights. For those who want to visit Papua New Guinea, you could visit New Zealand afterwards.

02 Nov. Sun. - Cairns/Sydney/Christchurch, NZ (B)

Transfer to Cairns Airport for the following flights: Qantas #s927/65 1:30pm/11:40pm
(please book these flights in conjunction with your international ticket)

On arrival you are met and transferred to the George Hotel.


03 Nov. Mon. - Christchurch/Queenstown (B,D)

After some sleep and a leisurely breakfast, we see more of Christchurch including the Botanical Garden and Arctic Center before flying to Queenstown.

* Qantas#4583 (Origin Airways) Christchurch/Queenstown 3:50pm/4:50pm
(please book this flight in conjunction with your international ticket)

* Note: You will have to push your luggage on trolleys as there are no airport porters 

On arrival in Queenstown, we transfer to the Mount Vista Hotel. Dinner follows at Gantley's Restaurant, for 8 consecutive years a recipient of an excellence award from "Wine Spectators" magazine.


04 Nov. Tue. - Christchurch/Queenstown, NZ (B,L)

Queenstown is the adventure and outdoor sports capital of New Zealand and offers an atmosphere similar to Steam Boat Springs and other towns in our Rocky Mountains.

This morning we cruise by steamer to Walter Peak Sheep Station, a working sheep and cattle ranch, where lunch is served.

After lunch we are taken by four wheel drive vehicles on a "Lord of the Rings" tour to Skippers Canyon to visit the movie sites.


05 Nov. Wed. - Queenstown (B,L)

We depart by coach for Lake Te Anau, the largest of the South Island lakes and
gateway to majestic Fjordland National Park. Lunch is served overlooking the lake
and features local crayfish. Our drive to Milford Sound passes then passes Mirror
Lakes and the "disappearing mountain." The cruise of fjord-like Milford Sound is
spectacular. W return to Queenstown by helicopter (weather permitting).


06 Nov. Thu. - Queenstown
Morning open before our flight to Auckland: Air New Zealand # 642: Queenstown/Auckland, 11:00am/12:45pm
(please book this flight in conjunction with your international ticket)

En route to the Ascott Metropolis Hotel, we stop at Mt. Eden for an overview of Auckland. Built on seven inactive volcanoes, Auckland sits on a narrow isthmus separating the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. The atmosphere here is open and friendly, and activity centers around the harbor.


07 Nov. Fri. - Auckland/USA (B,L)
Our morning tour includes visits to the Wintergardens, Auckland Museum, where we enjoy a Maori concert, Westhaven Marina, and the Maritime Museum, which tells the story of the exploration of the Pacific. Lunch is then served onboard the Pride of Auckland as we enjoy sailing around Auckland's world famous harbor. Auckland, of course, is the host venue for the 2003 Americas Cup races.

The rooms will be kept until departure for our return flights tonight.


Approximate Extension Cost: $1,975 per person double occupancy

Included Features

  • Deluxe hotel accommodations:
  • One night George Hotel, Christchurch
  • 3 nights Mount Vista Hotel, Queenstown
  • 2 nights Ascott Metropolis Hotel, Auckland
  • Hotel taxes and porterage
  • Breakfast daily; Lunches and dinners per itinerary
  • Tour of the Arctic Center and Botanical Garden in Queenstown
  • Cruse to and tour of Walter Peak Sheep Station
  • Full day excursion to Milford Sound including helicopter return
  • Lord of the Rings tour in Queenstown
  • America's Cup sail on Auckland Harbor including lunch
  • Guided tour of Auckland including a Hangi concert at the Auckland Museum
  • Tours and transfers by mini-van or motorcoach with local drivers/guides

Features Not Included: Air fare, items of a personal nature such as phone calls, mini-bar charges, laundry; meals not specifically included; departure taxes from Australia and New Zealand.


 Conditions

Reservations and Payment:  Reservations are confirmed by American Travel Association, Inc. (ATA) upon receipt of the Reservation Form and deposit. Reservations require a US$400 per person deposit to accompany the Form. Final payment is due in the office of ATA no later than September 8, 2003. For reservations received after September 8, full payment is due with the Reservation Form.  

Cancellation: 

Land Package:  A $150 per person handling fee will be charged for cancellations received before August 25, 2003. A $400 per person cancellation fee will be charged on cancellations received between August 25th and September 8th. Penalty on cancellation received between September 8th and departure will be a maximum of 100% of the land cost per person, depending upon the amount recoverable from the suppliers to whom payment had been sent. There will be no refunds once the tour has begun.

Cancellations must be made in writing to ATA. To avoid discrepancies, ATA will not act on information given over the phone until written notice has been received.

Health: A letter of explanation of any physical or mental condition which may require medical attention or special equipment (wheelchair, for example) must be enclosed with the Reservation Form.

Insurance: Trip cancellation, baggage and medical insurance coverage are available for purchase through an Access America form sent to you by ATA or your local insurance representative. We encourage everyone to consider some form of insurance. Last minute emergencies and illnesses do occur, and the insurance helps offset non-refundable air, hotel, and transportation charges. You should also check with your local insurance agent to see what is covered under your homeowner's policy. 

Responsibility:  American Travel Association (ATA), the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) and/or their agents, act only on behalf of the owners and contractors providing means of transportation or other services to purchasers of this tour and their travel companions (Participants), subject to any and all items and conditions under which any transportation or any other services whatsoever are provided by such owners and contractors.

ATA and CSAA, their affiliates and their employees and agents (collectively, ATA and CSAA) shall not be liable or responsible to Participants for the acts or omissions of the aforesaid owners and contractors supplying transportation or other services hereunder, including but not limited to breach of contract, intentional or negligent delay or bodily or property loss, injury or damages. ATA and CSAA shall not be liable or responsible to Participants for any loss, injury, or death, or other damages caused by or resulting from acts of God, fire, breakdown of machinery or equipment, acts of governments and other authorities, wars, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics or quarantines, monetary crisis, diseases, terrorism or novel conditions. Participants shall have the responsibility to be aware of and determine the validity of any travel advisories, which may exist. Unless the term "guaranteed" is specifically stated in writing on any invoice or reservation itinerary, ATA and CSAA do not guarantee any of such suppliers' rates, bookings or reservations. The Participants' retention of air tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the above terms and conditions. In addition, Participants shall be responsible for conveying the terms and conditions hereunder to travel companions. If, due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, Participates are required to spend additional nights before or after the tour, you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers, meals and related costs.

Prices: The tour price is subject to change due to land cost increases and foreign exchange fluctuation. ATA reserves the right to change the price for such reasons or changes in the number of participants (15) upon which the tour cost is based. All prices are based on rates and tariffs in effect on June 17, 2003.

Proof of Citizenship and Visa Requirements: A valid passport is required for travel. Passports must be valid 6 months past your date of departure from Australia. You can now apply for a passport, renewal or insert at your local post office or the U.S. Passport Agency. Visas are necessary for American citizens traveling to Australia and Papua New Guinea.  American Travel will send visa application forms for Papua New Guinea. Australia is now done individually on the internet; ATA will let you know the procedure.

Weather:  Weather conditions are unpredictable but should be quite pleasant. Generally these countries have a more tropical climate. The average high temperature in Sydney in November is 75, the low 60 and 12 days of the month average some rain; Port Douglas 87, 68, and 13. Port Moresby 86, 75,3

Tax Deductibility: Current U.S. tax regulations allow deductibility for travel and subsistence expenses incurred in travel related to trade or business. It is the responsibility of the traveler to become familiar with and adhere to the specific reporting requirements imposed.


For Information Contact:

American Travel Association
630 Hopewell Church Road
Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Phone: 800-656-4206
            706-663-2171
Fax:     706-663-2445
E-mail: travelata@aol.com 


 

CSAA Australia '03 - Reservation Form

 

 Name as they Appear on your Passport(s) ________________________________________________

 

Company (If Applicable)  ______________________________________________________

 * Please correspond to the following __ office __ home address:

 Street ____________________________________________________Apt/Suite __________

 City _____________________________________State __________Postal Code _________

 Office Telephone _______________________ Fax _______________________

 Home Telephone ________________________ e-mail _____________________________

 First or preferred name/s for badge _________________________

 Hotel Rooms:

__ Double Occupancy            __ Single Occupancy                                                                             

__ I/We prefer 1 bed; if no kings available, queen is OK: __ no two beds           __ I/We prefer a two bedded
(preferences will be requested, but cannot be guaranteed )                        __ Non smoking __ Smoking

Sydney suite upgrade __Yes, I/we wish to upgrade

Early Arrival Sydney             __ Yes, we wish to pre-pay the night of October 24th; the room cost is $380.

Papua New Guinea                        __ Yes, I/we will participate

New Zealand Extension       __ Yes, we will participate __ As scheduled Nov. 2nd __ After Papua

         Deposit                     A deposit of $400 per person is required.                       

                               __ Enclosed is a check payable to American Travel Association. 

                               __ If you wish to use an AMERICAN EXPRESS credit card, please
                                  complete the following:

 Number  ____________________________________       Expiration date ____________      

Name on card ___________________________ Signature ______________________________

Billing address of cardholder ____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

I have read and understand the conditions set forth in this brochure. Reservations will not be accepted without signature here.  __________________________________________ .

Return form to: American Travel Association, 630 Hopewell Church Road, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
fax 706-663-2445

 
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