Baja Family Adventure: December 26, 2016-January 1, 2017

Dear Duke Alumni and Friends,

We are excited to announce a travel opportunity especially designed for fun-loving Duke families! Plan your family adventure in Baja, Mexico, on a tour filled with wildlife, ocean views, and quaint Mexican villages. Your journey begins in Todos Santos, home to friendly people whose warm hospitality, artistic endeavors, culinary innovations, and strong tradi-tions draw visitors from around the world and have earned the town the nickname Pueblo Magico.

Visit the Whale Shark Research Project with its founder Darren Whitehead who has been tracking these “fish” for years. Search for sea turtles, whale sharks, sea lions and exotic birds on expeditions by boat and kayak. Join a beachside community cookout where kids can enjoy a rewarding experience making new friends from a culture different from their own.

Celebrate New Year 2017 experiencing the beauty of Baja! Reserve your family’s spaces today by calling Duke Alumni Travels at (800) 367-3853, emailing travel@daa.duke.edu or faxing securely to (919) 660-0148. This is a small group experience, so space is limited to 20 people.

Forever Duke,

Sincerely,Beth Ray-Schroeder ’83Director, Duke Alumni Travels

P.S. Visit www.dukealumnitravels.com for details and updates on all of our programs.

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Coast for two marine turtle species, and Mexico is home to 5 of the world’s 7 turtle species. Later, hear how an indigenous culture that persisted for pos-sibly 1,000 years is now long gone, but evidence that the Guaycura tribes once lived and thrived here in Baja is all around us. A local anthropologist will share with us one of his favorite sites that are still not open to the general public. Overnight: Casa Bentley (B,L,D)

December 29: Todos Santos to La PazThis morning learn about the whale shark project with Darren Whitehead. Well, is it a whale or is it a shark? Hint: It is the world’s largest living fish species (whales are mammals, sharks are fish). In other words, it’s a whale of a fish! Darren Whitehead, founder of the Whale Shark Research Project, will start our day with a lecture on these incredible creatures that he has been tracking and researching for years.

This afternoon we’ll head to beautiful El Mogote to kayak through the crystal blue waters into the vibrant mangrove system that is rich in bird and fish life. Overnight: Seven Crown La Paz Centro Hotel (B,L,D)

December 30: La Paz to Todos SantosJacques Cousteau once called the Sea of Cortez— one of the planet’s most bio-diverse ecosystems— “the aquarium of the world” and “the Galápagos of North America.” Our adventure at Los Islotes today is a trip highlight—an unforgettable nose-to-nose encounter with the local sea lions that thrive in these nutrient-rich waters. Visiting the sea lions is a magical experience that your family will be talking about for a long time to come. And our guides-naturalists will provide information on the different sea lion family groups and all facets of their lives. It’s an incredible life experience! Overnight: Casa Bentley (B,L,D)

December 26: Arrive Todos SantosBienvenidos! Arrive in Todos Santos, where you are met by your guide and transfered to your hotel. Rest and relax after your long journey. This evening enjoy a gourmet taco sampling feast and meet your guide and fellow travelers. Overnight: Casa Bentley (D)

December 27: Todos SantosA spectacular crescent of sand, Los Cerritos is one of the best surf breaks in Baja. And with a smooth, sandy bottom and small waves breaking close to shore it is the perfect place to introduce beginners to the joy of surfing. (Already more advanced? Never fear! Part of the beauty of Los Cerritos is that the waves break in sections, so that more advanced surfers can move further out and ride larger waves - great for all comers!)

After surfing, drive to a nearby beach for a horseback ride along an endless stretch of sand. It doesn’t matter what your skill level is... our riding instructor will make sure you have a wonderful time. Also an avid birder and naturalist, she’ll lend insight into the Baja ranching culture, and point out some of the local highlights, including gray whales, humpback whales, sea turtles and over 138 different bird species!Overnight: Casa Bentley (B,L,D)

December 28: Todos SantosToday, wildlife Biologist Stephanie Rousso will provide an introduction to sea turtle activity in Baja California Sur and her own turtle conservation work. Todos Santos is the northern-most nesting ground on the Pacific

Itinerary

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December 31: Todos SantosWe’ll head for the cliffs for a walk high above the shoreline, from Punta Lobos to Playa Las Palmas. The views are spectacular—an odd-seeming juxtaposition of arid desert and deep blue sea. Watch for resident sea lions, birds, whales and the unusual cacti that rise from the sands. After, a picnic lunch is served on the beach.

This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Todos Santos, a town with a rich and varied history, from the early missionaries, through the booming sugar years, through its current incarnation as an artists’ colony, agricultural center and surfing hotspot.

We’ll end this trip with a bang! Local lawyer-turned-chef Iker Algorri will teach your family to make some of the favorite dishes they’ve had through-out the week so that you can continue the flavors of Mexico at home. And we’ll end the night in classic Mexican style – with mariachis - and you’ll be a part of the show! The guides will be teaching your kids a classic mariachi song throughout the week, and this will be their chance to perform with the professionals. And don’t forget, if you bring your horn or stringed instru-ment, the mariachis would love to have you join in the fun. This is a terrific end to a wonderful trip. Overnight: Casa Bentley (B,L,D)

January 1: Depart Todos SantosAfter a fond farewell and breakfast, say “hasta luego” to your guide and new friends! (B)

Itinerary is subject to change. (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

Includes

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• All entrance fees as listed in the itinerary

• Accommodations based on double and triple occupancy at comfortable and distinctive tourist level hotels

• Meals per the itinerary

• Snacks in the vehicles

• Beer, wine and soda at the welcome and farewell dinners

• Bottled water throughout the tour

• Services of a bilingual tour director who will accompany you throughout your trip

• Kids will have a memorable meeting with new local friends

• Gratuities for guide, drivers, porters and wait staff

• Land transportation

• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure days on scheduled dates

AccommodationsCasa BentleyThis boutique hotel is located in historicTodos Santos, a 15 minute walk to thebeaches and within easy walking distanceto the famous Hotel California, the elegantRestaurant Santa Fe, and only steps awayfrom great art galleries, charming patiorestaurants and stores filled with authenticMexican handicrafts. The colorful rusticPortuguese style hotel offers seven spaciousrooms with private baths. Ameni-tiesinclude ceiling fans, free Wi-Fi in publicareas, hairdryers, beach towels andumbrellas, laundry service, massageservices, and a pool.

Seven Crown La Paz Centro HotelThe Seven Crown La Paz Centro Hotel is located in downtown La Paz, Baja California Sur just 2 blocks from the Malecon. This hotel features 50 Guest Rooms and Suites, a swimming pool, wireless internet access, and exceptional service.

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Land Only Prices

Adult: $3,990 Teen (12-17): $3,890 Child (6 to 11): $3,690 Single Supplement: $1,000

Rates above are per person in double occupancy accommodations. Triple rate: children 6–11 years old, who are sharing a room with two adults, receive a discount of $200.

Booking Conditions

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HOW TO BOOK: To reserve your space, please contact Duke Alumni Travels. A deposit of $700 per person payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card, or check payable to Thomson Family Adventures, our operator for this program, secures your space. We cannot confirm reservations without a deposit.

INSURANCE:The purchase of travel insurance is highly recommended; information will be mailed to registrants by Duke Alumni Travels. Pre-existing conditions may be waived with the prompt purchase of travel insurance.

FINAL PAYMENT:Final payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure and is payable by check or wire transfer to Thomson Family Adventures. Final payment cannot be made by credit card.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS:Notifications of cancellation must be received in writing to Thomson Family Adventures. At the time they receive your cancellation, refunds will be made according to the following per person cancellation penalties:

121 days or more before departure Deposit

120 to 91 before departure 50% of the package price

90 to 61 days before departure 65% of the package price

60 days or less before departure 100% of the package price

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:A detailed liability statement concerning among other things, limitation of Wineland-Thomson Adventures, Incorporated’s liability for loss of property, injury, illness, or death will be provided to participants upon enroll-ment. Also, a Passenger Information Form and Trip Expectations Form will be sent to all participants to sign and return to Thomson Family Adventures shortly after enrolling on the trip. Each of these forms is available to prospective travelers upon request.

Please reserve _____ space(s).

#1 First and last name Affiliation Date of birth Rooming with(as it appears on passport)

#2 First and last name Affiliation Date of birth Rooming with(as it appears on passport)

#3 First and last name Affiliation Date of birth Rooming with (as it appears on passport)

#4 First and last name Affiliation Date of birth Rooming with(as it appears on passport)

Address

City State Zip

Phone (H) (C) E-mail

RESERVATION FORMFamily Adventure in BajaDecember 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017 Enclosed is my deposit of __________ ($700 per person).

⸋ Accept my check made payable to Thomson Family AdventuresCharge my: ⸋ Visa ⸋ MasterCard ⸋ American Express ⸋ Discover Card

⸋ Single room ($1,000 supplement)

Card #

3 digit security code / 7 digits for AMEX (4 front & 3 back) Exp. Date

Signature as it appears on card

Return to: Duke Alumni Travels Box 90572 Durham, NC 27708-0572

Phone: 800.367.3853Email: travel@daa.duke.eduSecure Fax: 919.660.0148

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