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Dear Doctor,
The 2nd World Congress of Thoracic Imaging and Diagnosis In Chest Disease is being held in Valencia, Spain May 30-June 2, 2009. For information on the Congress, please contact the Secretariat at http://www.geyseco.es/thoracicimaging/www/principal.php?seccion=tours.
The Congress presents a wonderful opportunity to see more of Spain. The following tours have been organized by American Travel Association just for STR members, family, and friends. The Pre-Tour begins in Madrid, where we tour the Prado Museum and Royal Palace. In Toledo we'll see El Greco's fabulous "Burial of Count Orgaz." From Madrid we travel to Cordoba aboard the high-speed AVE Train. Our tour of Cordoba includes La Mezquita, the 3rd largest mosque in the world, and we conclude in Spain's jewel, Seville. Here we'll see the final resting place of Christopher Columbus and explore it's breathtaking Cathedral. Seville is known for flamenco, which we'll also enjoy. For those continuing to Barcelona following Valencia, you'll see Gaudi's famous unfinished cathedral and The Monastery of Montserrat, home of the celebrated statue of the Virgin Mary reputed to have been created by the Apostle Luke and brought here by the Apostle Peter.
Planning these tours at affordable prices has been a challenge. We feel the following program accomplishes the mission while still offering a deluxe travel experience. The program is compact but filled with touring and activities. The hotels are deluxe and amongst the very best in each city. We know you'll enjoy them.
This is an informative and exciting travel opportunity; please join us!
Sincerely,
Geoffrey W. Robertson, CTC
President, American Travel Association
STR SPAIN
Pre-Valencia Tour
May 24 - 30, 2009
Madrid * Toledo * Cordoba * Seville
ITINERARY
| 24 May Sun. - Individual Departures |
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Please make your air reservations into Madrid (MAD).
Note: A few rooms have been reserved for those preferring to arrive earlier (see Reservation Form). | |
| 25 May Mon. - Arrival in Madrid |
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After clearing customs, look for the driver as you emerge into the arrivals hall. He will be holding a sign with your name and take you to your transportation. Your destination is the Palace Hotel, Madrid's venerable belle-époque landmark.
www.westin.com/palacemadrid
The afternoon is open to relax and recover.
Tonight we'll experience tapas in the area of the Plaza Mayor. Local guides will be along to help with restaurant selections and ordering. Madrid's famous Plaza Mayor, has been the scene of fiestas, official welcomes, bullfights and executions since the Seventeenth Century. |
| 26 May Tue. - Madrid (B) |
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Our morning begins at the famed Museo del Prado, which houses one of the world's richest art collections including masterpieces by Rubens, Raphael, El Greco and Goya. Our tour then visits the Royal Palace. While driving the guide will show us Madrid including many of it's wonderful areas such as the Palacido de Oriente and the Neptune Fountain.
The afternoon is free. Madrid has many fashionable shops and is known for leather goods. Good buys can be found in antique shops and flea markets. Two of the best shopping streets are Calle de Preciados and Calle del Carmen.
The evening is open. | |
| 27 May Wed. - Madrid/Toledo/Madrid (B) |
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This morning we drive south to Toledo, the ancient capital of Spain, which is widely regarded as a national museum of Spanish, Christian and Moorish Islamic art. Inhabited successively by the Romans, Visigoths and Arabs, Toledo was conquered by the Kings of Castile in 1085. Thereafter, Moors, Jews and Christians lived in harmony. We'll tour the 13th century Cathedral Primada, which is adorned with intricate ceilings and art work by Cimabue, El Greco and Tome'. Our next visit is the Chapel of Santo Tome to see El Greco's fabulous painting, the "Burial of Count Orgaz." After time to shop and explore, we return to Madrid where the evening is open. | |
| 28 May Thu. - Madrid/Cordoba/Seville (B) |
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This morning we board the high-speed AVE Train and travel in style to Cordoba. On arrival we are met by a local guide whereupon we embark on a walking tour of this charming and historic city. We'll visit the Jewish Quarter and La Mezquita, the 3rd largest mosque in the world dating from the 8th century.
Late afternoon arrival in Seville. Our hotel for the next two nights is the Gran Melia Colon, recently re-opened after renovations.
The evening is open. The restaurants and stores are within easy walking distance.
www.solmelia.com (go to Seville). | |
| 29 May Fri. - Seville (B,D) |
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This morning's tour visits the 15th-century Seville Cathedral, the 3rd largest Roman Catholic Cathedral in the world and final resting place of Christopher Columbus. We'll tour Parque de Maria, Murillo Gardens and see the former Royal Tobacco Factory where the fictional Carmen labored.
The afternoon is open to further enjoy and explore. Seville is a wonderful city; you will enjoy your time here.
Tonight it's dinner and an authentic flamenco performance. | |
| 30 May Sat. - Seville/Valencia (B) |
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Morning airport transfer for the flight to Valencia. Please book the flight yourselves or ATA can ask their local agent to issue; see Tour Notes below.
(B=breakfast, L=lunch, R= reception, D=dinner - meals included in the tour) | | |
Tour Package Inclusions:
* Deluxe hotel accommodations
- 3 nights Westin Palace, Madrid
- 2 nights Melia Colon, Seville
* Hotel taxes and porterage
* Full breakfast daily
* AVE train transportation Madrid/Cordoba economy class
* Dinner and Flamenco show in Seville
* Tours of Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba and Seville per itinerary with local English speaking guides
* Guided tours of the Prado Museum and Royal Palace in Madrid
* Fodor's Travel Guide (or similar)
* Tour Manual with detailed travel information on weather, clothing, currency, airport procedures and much more
* Experienced Spanish tour escort
Tour Package Cost:
$2,298 per person double occupancy
$3,115 single occupancy
Barcelona Post-Tour
| 03 June Wed. - Valencia/Barcelona (B) |
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This morning our adventure begins with a train ride to Barcelona. On arrival we are met by a local guide and coach and transferred to the Le Meridien Hotel. The Meridien enjoys a prime location between the Gothic Quarters and the lively Ramblas, the famous pedestrian walking/shopping area.
www.lemeridien.com/barcelona |
| 04 June Thu. - Barcelona (B,D) |
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Today we travel to the rugged highlands north of the city to the sacred mountain, Montserrat. Here is the Monastery of Montserrat, home of the celebrated statue of the Virgin Mary reputed to have been created by the Apostle Luke and brought here by the Apostle Peter.
Late afternoon return to Barcelona.
Tonight well enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. |
| 05 June Fri. - Barcelona/Home (B) |
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TAs flights vary, everyone is on their own to get to the airport. Barcelona is an international airport in its own right; or you will connect home via Madrid. Or, stay and enjoy exploring Barcelona. This city is worth another day (see Reservation Form).
Tour Package Inclusions:
* Deluxe hotel accommodations
- 2 nights Le Meridien Hotel
* Hotel taxes and porterage
* train transportation Valencia/Barcelona economy class
* Full breakfast daily
* Dinner at a local dinner June 4th
* Guided tour of Barcelona and Montserrat per itinerary with local English speaking guide
* Fodor's Travel Guide (or similar)
* Tour Manual with detailed travel information on weather, clothing, currency, airport procedures and much more
Package Cost
$995 per person double occupancy
$1,325 single occupancy |
Features Not Included in Either Tour: International airfare; items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks at meals, telephone and mini-bar charges; meals not specifically included.
Tour Notes
- Whereas the schedule and prices change because it's early, there's a flight from Seville to Valencia departing at 8:40am, arriving 9:40am. The cost on the Travelocity web site is $279; the cost from a Spanish agency is $355 (both fares are approximate). The next flight isn't until 6:30pm. The train schedule just doesn't work.
- The cost for an additional night at the Palace Hotel in Madrid is $439. If extending in Barcelona, the Meridien is $379.
- While travel to the Spain is very popular with Americans, for your own peace of mind please consult the State Department Consular Information Sheet at www.travelstate.gov .
- While none are required, please visit the CDC web site http://www.cdc.gov/travel for information on vaccines and shots. Your Tetanus should be current and Hepatitis A is strongly recommended.
- Most major U.S. air carriers service Madrid and/or Barcelona directly or through their alliance networks.
- Early planning facilitates using frequent flyer awards and taking advantage of lower promotional airfares.
Train/Luggage Note: Packing judiciously is needed, as your suitcases must be stored in the overhead rack above your seat on the train. You will have to transport your suitcases to the train car and lift them up into the car and into the overhead rack. You can ship unneeded clothes home by UPS or Fed. Ex.
TOUR CONDITIONS
Reservations and Payment: Reservations are confirmed by American Travel Association (ATA), upon receipt of the Reservation Form and deposit. Reservations require a $350 per person deposit ($150 for Barcelona post-tour) to accompany the Coupon. Receipt of final payment is due in the office of ATA no later than March 26th, 2009. For reservations received after March 26th, full payment is due with the Reservation Form. All payments must be made by check payable to American Travel Association or by American Express, Visa or MasterCard.
Cancellation:
Land Package: A $150 per person fee will be charged for cancellations regardless of the reason. A $350 per person cancellation fee will be charged on cancellations received between March 26 and April 9th ($75 and $150 for Barcelona). Penalty on cancellation received between April 9th 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: The Participants represents that neither he nor she nor anyone traveling with him or her has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or herself or other members of the tour. This program involves walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs at locations that are not handicap accessible. 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 a 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 Society of Thoracic Radiology (STR) 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 STR, their affiliates and their employees and agents (collectively ATA and STR) 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 STR 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 STR 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, you are required to spend additional nights before or after the tour, Participants will be responsible for their own hotel, transfers, meals and related costs.
Prices: The tour price is subject to change due to supplier cost increases and foreign exchange fluctuation. ATA reserves the right to change the price for such reasons or changes in the number of participants (26) upon which the tour cost is based. All prices are based on rates and tariffs in effect on July 23, 2008.
Proof of Citizenship and Visa Requirements: A valid passport is required for travel and should be valid six months beyond your travel dates. You can now apply for a passport at your local post office or the U.S. Passport Agency nearest you. Visas are not necessary for American citizens traveling to Spain.
Weather: Madrid is on the same latitude as New York City, and maybe late ought to bring comfortable temperatures. The average high temperature in Madrid is 73, the low 58, and the average number of days with rainfall is 7.
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
2126 Piedmont Lake Road
Pine Mountain, GA 31822-3556
Phone: 800-656-4206, 706-663-2171
Fax: 706-663-2445
e-mail: travelata@aol.com
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STR Spain '09 - Tour Reservation Form
Name(s) as they appear on your passports
Him: Name _____________________________________________________
Passport No. _____________________________________________________
Date & Place of Issue _____________________________________Exp. _____
Nationality ________________________________
Date and Place of Birth ______________________________________________
Her: Name _______________________________________________________
Passport No. ______________________________________________________
Date & Place of Issue ______________________________________ Exp. _____
Nationality ______________________________
Date and Place of Birth ______________________________________________
* If we have passport information form last year and still current, no need to repeat.
* Please correspond to the following __ office __ home address:
Company (If Applicable) ____________________________________________
Street _________________________________________ Apt/Suite__________
City __________________________ State __________ Postal Code_________
Office Telephone _______________________ Fax _______________________
Home Telephone_____________________________________
e-mail __________________________________________________________
First or preferred name/s for badge ___________________________________
Hotel Rooms
__ I/we prefer 1 bed; __ if no kings available, queen is OK __ no, two beds if no king
__ I/we prefer a two-bedded room
Please Register Me/Us For The Following
___ Pre-Tour to Madrid, Cordoba and Seville
___ Post-Tour to Barcelona
Early Arrival I/we plan to arrive in Madrid on May _____________________
Barcelona Extension I/we will depart June _________________________________
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, 2126 Piedmont Lake Road, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, fax 706-663-2445
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STR Spain Pre-Valencia Tour May 24 - 30, 2009
