Athens & Ionian Sea Adventure Tour Itinerary
REF:
EUF15
VERSION:
5
| Duration: | 11 days - Athens to Athens |
| Countries Visited: | Greece |
| Age Guide: | Child 6-11 years
Adult 12-65 years |
| Max Group Size: | 16 |
| Transport: | Private Vehicle, Motorboat, Sea Kayak, Inflatable Motorboat, On Foot |
| Accommodation: | Hotels (3 Nights), Guesthouses (7 Nights) |
| What's Included: | 10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners - All Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary - Escorted Tour - English Speaking Local Guide - Arrival Transfer on Day 1 - Athens City Sightseeing Tour - Sea Kayaking & Snorkelling - Motorboat Trip to Kefalonia |
| Local Payment: | NO LOCAL PAYMENT |
| Highlights: | Greece - Athens Sightseeing - Corinth Canal - Lefkada Island - Vasiliki Bay - Sea Kayaking - Sivota Bay - Bat cave - Snorkelling - Kefaloni - Fiskardo Village - Fokia Bay - Fokia Mine - Navagio Bay - Ithaka Island - Island Hike - Cave of Nymphs |
| Optional Highlights: | Greece - Scuba Diving - Windsurfing - Water Sports |
| Introduction: | An active tour that mixes adventure with time for relaxation. We savour the best of Athens’ unique sights in an engaging way for both parents and children alike. The itinerary then turns up the fun factor with sea kayaking and snorkeling, and plenty of water-based activities on option in an area renowned for it’s coastal and aquatic beauty. There is time for beach relaxation as well. The final days of the trip provide a bit of Indiana Jones style adventure as we trek and find the sites associated with the mythological Odysseus. |
| Joining Hotel: | Oscar Hotel
25, Filadelfias & Samou Street
Athens
Greece
Tel: +30 210 88 34 215 |
| Day 1: | Athens. For those clients arriving into Athens on Day 1, you will be met and assisted on arrival at Eleftherios Venizelos airport in Athens, and then transferred to the hotel where we will be based for two nights. Please ensure that you have provided Kumuka with your flight arrival details.
The pre departure meeting will be held at 6pm in the hotel foyer. This will give you a chance to meet the Local Guide and also your fellow travellers.
If you arrive into Athens early, you may like to get acquainted with the area, and walk through the streets of Plaka. |
| Day 2 | Athens City Tour. In the morning we enjoy a half day city tour taking in the most important and spectacular classical sites of Athens. The tour gives adults and children alike an opportunity to experience Athens’ unique landscape and learn more of its incredible and turbulent history.
In the morning we visit all classical highlights of Athens, the Acropolis, Constitution Square, Panathinaikon Stadium where the first Olympic games of the modern era were held in 1896, the temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrians Arch.
Acropolis means Upper City, although it has not been a city where people live since the 6th century BC. The monuments are situated on a rock 60 metres high that dominates Athens city. Since the 5th century the Acropolis has had city walls, making it an imposing and strong fortification. On top of the rock, some of the best monuments of Classical Greece can be found including the famous Parthenon. The current remains date from the 5th century BC, although 2 earlier temples have been discovered on the site. The Parthenon was built to honour the goddess Athena Parthenos (or Pallas). It's a Doric temple, with 8 columns at the narrow sides and 17 columns along the length of each of the two long sides. Inside there was a statue of Athena, made of gold and ivory by the sculptor Pheidias. Unfortunately this has not survived the ages, however the Parthenon itself still remains in testament to the integrity of its advanced construction.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus or (Olympieion) began construction in 515 BC. This huge temple was dedicated to the worship of the preeminent Greek God Zeus. Its perimeter included 104 Corinthian columns, with additional columns inside the building that housed a huge gold and ivory statue of Zeus. After the temple's destruction by invaders in the 4th century AD, the marble from the ruins started to vanish as it was being used as building material for newer buildings in and around Athens. Today, only some of the temple's columns are intact and can be seen however their immense height is a testimony to the huge size of this sanctuary.
The Panathinaiko Stadium, also called Kallimarmaron, lies near the heart of the city, southeast of the Parliament Building and the National Garden. The stadium dates back to ancient times when it was a venue hosting athletic events for the Panathenaic Games. It was originally constructed primarily with wood, receiving an upgrade in 329 BC, when pentelic marble from the mountains north of Athens was used to renovate the stadium. The name Kallimarmaron actually means “beautifully marbled”. The Panathinaiko Stadium must have been awe inspiring to the ancients and it continues to impress visitors today with its scale and visual impact.
After the tour you will then have some free time to enjoy lunch and shopping in Athens’ old district of Plaka. (B) |
| Day 3: | Athens to Lefkada. Early in the morning after breakfast, we depart by private vehicle for the Island of Lefkada. We have chosen an interesting route with a stop to admire the Corinth Canal and cross over the Rio-Antirio bridge linking the mainland to the Peloponnese.
The island of Lefkada, also called Lefkas, is the fourth largest island of the Ionian Sea, after Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Corfu. It has a coastline of 117 kilometres and a population of about 22.000 inhabitants. This mountainous and fertile island is mainly covered with dense and verdant vegetation. The two highest peaks rise over 1000 metres. The popularity of Lefkada is mostly due to its amazing landscape and to its wonderful, paradise-like beaches with endless sand, impressive turquoise waters and majestic rocky cliffs. Among the small islets that surround Lefkada is Skorpios which is famous for being one of the very few private islands of Greece, once owned by the famous Greek ship-owner Aristotelis Onassis. Lefkada is also a famous destination for windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing lovers because its wonderful beaches and surrounding waters offer ideal conditions for these sports.Despite of being one of the most beautiful and popular islands of Greece, Lefkada remains quite undeveloped and authentic. (B,D) |
| Day 4: | Lefkada - Sea Kayaking Discovery & Snorkelling. The guide will give introductory guidance and help, so that everyone can get acquainted with the kayaks by participating in a short trip. You will be given your waterproof bags to pack your gear for the excursion. The guide will take you through the programme and give you helpful tips and insight. Any extra luggage you may have can be safely stored at our base.
We start kayaking and head east first to the sandy beaches of Southern Lefkas, then a short stop at Sivota Bay (a traditional fishing village) for a picnic. We then continue our adventure for 20 minutes until we reach the cave of the bats. We stop there for swimming and snorkelling, before retruning back to the hotel or guesthouse. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5: | Lefkada - Free Day Vasiliki. Today you have free time to enjoy the pristine waters, or take some of the options available such as introduction to scuba diving, windsurfing or water sports. (B,L,D)
Scuba Diving: Experience the excitement of scuba diving in the crystal waters of the Ionian. Beginners can experience the underwater world with one of the PADI instructors. No experience is necessary; and this will allow you to do your first dive in the sea. Certified divers can experience great wall dives, caves, reefs and lots of marine life like big groupers, lobsters, octopus and much more. The experienced staff will evaluate the abilities of every diver and will take you to the right dive site.
Windsurfing: Windsurfing can be a tremendously rewarding sport and accessible to both parents and children. The Ionian provides a safe environment in which to learn the sport and experience the thrill of mastering both wind and surf. |
| Day 6: | Motorboat Journey to Kefalonia. Kefalonia is the largest Island in the Ionian and is also known as "the island of the seafarers". The island is located between Lefkada, in the north, and Zakynthos, in the south and has a population of almost 45.000 inhabitants who are mostly gathered in the island’s capital and main port, Argostoli. It is also a very mountainous Island - the highest mountain, Mount Ainos, rises at an altitude of 1520 metres around which lies a National Park which is home to many rare species of flaura and fauna. Because of its huge natural wealth, Kefalonia was, like all the other Ionian Islands, dominated by various civilizations such as the Byzantine, the Frankish, the Ottoman, the Venetian, but also the Napoleonic and the British Empires. During World War II, Kefalonia was under Italian and German occupation and the capitulation of Italy led to the massacre of 5000 Italian soldiers. This event inspired the writer Louis de Bernieres famous book entitled “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” which became later a movie.
We leave Vasiliki Bay in the morning on a 6m rib (inflatable motorboat). The first destination is an interesting cave in the north side of Kefalonia. After a quick swim we arrive in the picturesque village of Fiskardo and spend an hour there to enjoy refreshments by the beautiful harbourside and time for some shopping.
The next stop is at the bay of Fokia. Here there is an old mine where we start exploring the tunnels with torches. Usually there are some bats there!
Our next stop is in the Navagio Bay just five minutes away. This is a nice quiet bay with a 15m wreck lying in 5 meters of water. We can snorkel here and you can walk to the deserted village and our guide will prepare some snacks and fruit.
From there we make our way back to Vassiliki Bay where we often see dolphins on the way. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7: | Lefkada - Free Day at Vasiliki. Another day to enjoy some quality beach time or take an option such as scuba diving, windsurfing or water sports. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8: | Ithaka and Adventure Trek to the Spring of Arethoussa. In the morning we take a ferry to Ithaka, and check into our guesthouse.
In the evening we depart on an interesting hiking route amongst the island’s olive trees. On Ithaka there are 3 important sights associated with the mythical Odysseus - the Arethousa Spring, the Cave of the Nymphs and the Ancient Alakomenae. We will take a boat to a lovely beach on the Island and then walk to the fountain of Arethusa enjoying the amazing views of the Island’s fjords. This trek takes approximately 4 hours with magnificent views of the sea on the way.
The route can be a bit slippery in parts and at times you will be walking on high paths. A hat and plenty of water is required. Upon approach to the spring the trek goes downhill and after navigating rock fields we find the spring and pool at the head of a small ravine. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9: | Ithaka - Cave of the Nymphs. Relax on the beach and in the evening enjoy another interesting walk to one of the famous locations of Odysseus - the “Cave of the Nymphs”. Parents can read up a little, if they like, on the mythical character’s adventures so as to recount the fabulous tales to their children as they explore the actual sites. The Cave of Nymphs is believed to be the place where Odysseus hid the gifts given to him by King Alcinous. (B,L,D) |
| Day 10: | Ithaka to Athens. Today we return to Athens. On arrival the remainder of the day is free at leisure. (B) |
| Day 11: | Athens. The tour ends today after breakfast. (B) |
| Finishing Point: | Oscar Hotel
25, Filadelfias & Samou Street
Athens
Greece
Tel: +30 210 88 34 215 |
| Please Note: |
Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals, public holidays and ferry boat schedule changes. However, we shall endeavor to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs smoothly. |
| What's not included: | All optional excursions, visas and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary. |
| | Pre Departure Information Follows |
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| Pre-Departure Meeting: | The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY of the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers.
In each departure city we have named a joining hotel from where the tour will leave. It is your responsibility to make your way to this hotel. PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING.
In addition the Local Guide will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting.
All passengers MUST bring:
1. Passport.
2. Vaccination Certificate.
3. Travel Voucher.
4. Travel Insurance Policy. |
| Insurance: | Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. It is also very important that your insurance policy is relevant to the Kumuka style of travel. Kumuka offers a specially negotiated insurance policy specifically tailored to adventure travel. As well as providing substantial cover for medical emergency, cancellation and curtailment, personal luggage, money and valuables and legal expenses, this insurance will also provide cover for the adventure activities you may choose to undertake whilst on tour. Please call us on the Kumuka free phone number 0800 068 8855 (UK only), or on 1300 667 277 in Australia, for further information.
No client will be allowed on tours without suitable insurance. If you have already arranged insurance elsewhere, please be aware that many of the optional activities such as bungy jumping or water rafting may not be covered on your policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance.
At the start of your tour you will be asked to present your original policy document and complete an insurance information form. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. Please note: you will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance and you will be asked to purchase a Kumuka policy if you do not have travel insurance. |
| Passports: | Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing or kept in a safety deposit box at your hotel. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour. |
| Visa requirements: | It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Europe trip.
Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides you with visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. During the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, so please allow extra time to do this.
EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.
Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith. |
| Medical Information: | Vaccinations:
No vaccinations are compulsory in Europe, however you may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information.
We also recommend:
A dental check-up prior to travelling.
That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader or representative and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.
You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details.
Medical Supplies:
We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit.
Below is a list of some recommended items:
Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.
A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops. |
| Climate: | For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com.
Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything! |
| Security: | Europe, like the rest of the world, is no stranger to theft. You must exercise extreme care with wallets, cameras and other valuables especially in towns or busy tourist areas. We advise that you make copies of your passport, credit cards, airline tickets and your insurance policy and that you keep a careful note of both used and unused traveller’s cheque numbers. At times when you are unable to store your valuables in safety deposit boxes in hotels we recommend that you carry some sort of money belt or hidden pouch for safekeeping of valuable items. |
| Books and Reading Material: | You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit. |
| Money: | We recommend an average of €40-50 per day. This of course depends on your own spending habits, the number of optional excursions you wish to take and the amount of additional snacks, souvenirs and drinks you wish to buy along the way.
We advise that you carry a mixture of cash, credit/debit cards and travellers cheques with you on your trip and that these are in Euros.
We suggest that you record your travellers cheque numbers and keep these records separate from your cheques.
American Express and Thomas Cook Travellers Cheques are welcome and can be cashed in at most banks and bureau de changes.
Credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere in Greece. They can also be used to obtain money from ATMs. You should make sure you know your PIN number.
ATM cards can be used widely in Greece. Again, you will need your PIN. Your bank will provide you with more details. |
| Local Customs: | Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs.
Greece’s population is 98% Orthodox Christian, please consider covering shoulders and knees when entering a church or monastery, and refrain from taking photos when there is a service taking places. |
| Luggage and Personal Equipment: | How much should I take?
Because of limited luggage space on transfer vehicles, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack the size should be no more than 75cm x 45cm x 25cm and one day bag.
Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s.
A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.
A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions.
We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards Travellers Cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.
TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases! |
| Personal Effects: | We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities.
Personal Effects:
Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music CDs/Ipod, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen. |
| Time: | For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com |
| Language: | English will be widely spoken in the major tourist attractions of the main cities. Take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable. |
| Photography: |
Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.
You will notice a high presence of military installations in Greece, since military service is compulsory in both countries. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders and of any of the military structures such as watchtowers, as they are all active military zones. |
| Food: | Greek food is considered amongst the Greeks as being the the secret to their longevity. Meals are created from virgin olive oil, fresh mediterranean vegetables and meats and using aromatic herbs and spices. It is the use of fresh primary ingredients that makes the cuisine so healthy. The main ingredients in Greek cuisine are lamb and pork, olives, cheese, eggplant, zucchini, and yoghurt. The desserts are dominated by nuts and honey.
The most characteristic and ancient element of Greek cuisine is olive oil, which is frequently used Greek dishes. It is produced from the olive trees prominent throughout the region, and adds to the distinctive taste of Greek food. Important vegetables include tomato, aubergine (eggplant), potato, green beans, okra, green peppers, and onions. Honey in Greece is mainly honey from the nectar of fruit trees and citrus trees: lemon, orange, bigarade (bitter orange) trees, thyme honey, and pine honey from conifer trees. Greek cuisine uses some flavourings more often than other Mediterranean cuisines do such as oregano, mint, garlic, onion, dill and bay laurel leaves. Other common herbs and spices include basil, thyme and fennel seed.
The terrain has tended to favour the breeding of goats and sheep over cattle, and so beef dishes are uncommon. Fish dishes are common in coastal regions and on the islands. A great variety of cheese types are used in Greek cuisine, including Feta, Kasseri, Kefalotyri, Graviera, Anthotyros, Manouri, Metsovone and Mizithra.
The busiest shop in any Greek village is the local bakery. Bread was once the staple food of Greece and is still eaten at every meal, with large hunks dipped in remaining sauce and olive oil, or coated with tsatziki (garlic-cucumber-yogurt dip), tarama salata (fish roe salad) or melitzana salata (eggplant salad). There is nothing better than going to a local bakery and buying a loaf of fresh village bread and eating it while it is still hot. Some village bakeries still use wood burning stoves.
Greek sweets is where the "longevity theory" falls apart. Whilst everyone else just bakes a cake, and that is the end of that, the Greeks will then pour aromatic syrup and soak it until every bit of the cake has absorbed the syrup. This dish is called Revani, a favorite for the kids too, because it is also served with ice cream. There are also the arabic inspired sweet bites like Baklava and Kataifi. |
| Accommodation: | We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. It will always be clean, comfortable and of a high standard. Accommodation is generally in tourist class hotels in Athens, and sometimes more simpler hotels or guesthouses on the islands. |
| Pre and Post Tour Accommodation: | If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. If you would like to stay additional nights after the end of the tour, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well.
All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).
Please be aware that accommodation availability can fill very quickly especially during high season and recommend that you book this as soon as possible. |
| Tipping: | In Greece, tipping is a way of life and very much expected. For many tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment.
It is customary to tip for services received, however, not compulsory. Tipping is done at your discretion. |
| Optionals: | Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Although Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by a third party.
Details and prices of optional activities will be advised by your tour leader.
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| Drug Policy: | Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. It is against the law in Greece to use or be in possession of illegal drugs and substances. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be subject to the local authorities. No refund whatsoever will be returned, should this situation occur.
If you are on prescription drugs, then it is advisable to have a note from your doctor confirming this. |
| Contact Details: | KUMUKA WORLDWIDE
UK OFFICE
Hillswood Business Park 3000
Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS
Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782
Email: sales@kumuka.com
www.kumuka.com
AUSTRALIAN OFFICE
Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492
Email: sales@kumuka.com.au
www.kumuka.com.au |
| Tour Feedback: | Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback
Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com |
| Staying in Touch: | Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:
Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.
Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.
Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka
Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts
Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does! |
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets
and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information
available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any
of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable
for compensation or refund. |
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