Please contact us if you want to get further info about our July 2016 trip!
This trip sold out. Please sign up for our newsletter to be informed of future trips!
Next Greener Travel Happy Hour event: December 15, Washington, DC
In the coming months we will be holding happy hour events across the country – please drop by - you are welcome have a drink, learn more about our trips and meet other cool travelers – as well as some of our trip alumni!
In the coming months we will be holding happy hour events across the country – please drop by - you are welcome have a drink, learn more about our trips and meet other cool travelers – as well as some of our trip alumni!
Imagine an unspoiled place with lush mountainous rainforests, beautiful waterfalls, rushing rivers, and a multitude of wildlife – with breathtaking tropical beaches, a unique indigenous culture and a special Caribbean vibe only a short distance away. Welcome to Costa Rica!
The March trip has sold out. We do have a limited amount of spots on a similar Jewish trip that will go from January 23-26, 2014. Please contact us for more info about joining in January, or to be added to the March waiting list.
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This morning, you will have an option to visit the magnificent Alaska SeaLife Center At about 11:30 we will board a sightseeing vessel to cruise through the wildlife‐rich and glacier‐filled waters of beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park. This six hour journey takes you to the face of a tidewater glacier where you might see large chunks of ancient ice ‘calving’ into the sea. Some of the wildlife that you are likely to encounterare Dall’s porpoises, orca whales, gray and humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, eagles, and a variety of marine birds. A deli‐style lunch will be served on board the vessel. After this extraordinary cruise you will have the remainder of he day free to explore Seward - with a possibility of doing the activities mentioned on Sunday. Overnight Seward: Breeze Inn, or similar Tuesday, August 20: Seward to Anchorage This morning after breakfast we will have an opportunity to meander around downtown Seward one more time prior to our departure north. We will travel along the Seward Highway up the Kenai Peninsula to the small mountainside community of Girdwood. Nestled among the breathtaking Turnagain Arm and spectacular Mt. Alyeska, Girdwood, originally named Glacier City, was founded as a gold mining camp at the turn of the century. The town was moved 2.5 miles (4 km) up the valley after the devastating Good Friday Earthquake of 1964, when the land under the original townsite subsided into Turnagain Arm, putting much of the town below high tide. This quaint town has evolved from a mining operation into Alaska's only year-round resort community. Upon arrival we will take a tram ride 2,300 feet up the side of Mt. Alyeska. From the top you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains., and lunch will be included at the Glacier Express Restaurant. This afternoon you may decide to explore some of the many hiking trails and quaint shops in the area or participate in optional excursions as described below. After a full day of exploring we will board the motorcoach and continue north to Anchorage for the night. Optional Girdwood activities Cycling: Girdwood harbors the worlds most northern rainforest, which makes for some amazing cycling on easy to follow trails. You can rent some bikes for the day (approx $20-30). Winner Creek Trail Guided Hike: Passing through North America's Northern most rainforest, The Winner Creek trail has gentle, graded, and maintained sections with boardwalks as well as plenty of rugged, rooty sections of trail. This 5 mile "out and back" hike takes about 2-3 hours and includes: rain gear (if necessary), a snack, natural interpretation, bear protection and a friendly guide. Trips start and finish from our Yurt at the Hotel Alyeska. Your naturalist guide will point out and discuss the flora and fauna of North America's northern-most temperate rainforest. You may even see a moose or a bear! During Blueberry season, the trail is blooming with scrumptious delights sure to please anyone. Please bring sturdy footwear, water, your camera and appropriate clothing. Cost: $66 pp. Gold Panning: Crow Creek provides access for people with all levels of gold finding experience. Many of its visitors are regulars to the creek with equipment that allows their day mining to be a bit more productive. It is very interesting to watch some of these miners process, the amount of work involved, and the gold take at the end of the day. If you are one of the less experienced miner you don’t have to feel left out: the crew on site will teach you how to pan, sluice, and provide you with all of the equipment so you can make the most out of your visit! Everyone is guaranteed a few pieces in their practice bag, and what you find at the creek is yours to keep! Make sure to bring sensible shoes, don’t forget the bug spray, and head to hills in search of gold! Cost: $23 Alyeska Glacier Alpine Hike: Just south of Anchorage, the Alyeska Glacier is nestled in a glacier bowl in the Chugach Mountains. Overlooking breathtaking views of the Turnagain Arm and towering alpine peaks, you will be amazed while peering into crevasses during this exciting hike. Ride the Alyeska Tram up the mountain and then hike for about 2 hours total (1 mile roundtrip with an 800 foot elevation gain). At the glacier's edge, you will gear up with climbing harnesses, ropes and/or crampons, and over-boots to travel out onto the glacier itself. Trip includes all equipment, experienced and certified mountain guides, tram ticket, interpretive glaciology discussions, a snack and water. NOTE: While this is a moderate to strenuous activity, no previous experience is needed. Cost: $135.00 Per Person Overnight Anchorage: Anchorage Ramada or similar Wednesday, August 21: Anchorage to Talkeetna Today you will depart Anchorage for your journey to charming little town of Talkeenta. You will travel north on the Seward Highway all the way to Anchorage. You will continue the journey to Talkeetna on the Parks Highway. You will drive through the expanisive mountain rimmed Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Along the way, stop in the town of Wasilla for an interesting stop at the Iditarod Museum that highlights the history of the Last Great Race. The town of Talkeetna is located approximately 115 road miles north of Anchorage, about 14 miles off the Parks Highway at the end of the Talkeetna Spur Road. Upon arrival in Talkeetna a 2.5-3 hour day hike has been planned. This afternoon you will hike the Talkeetna Lake Trail with a local guide. You will look for loons and kingfishers on the lakes, moose and bears in the woods, and Mt. McKinley on the horizon. This lush old-growth forest is alive with songbirds, wildflowers, berries, and mushrooms. Your local guide will tell you stories about wildlife encounters, life in Talkeetna, and how native people survived in this wild land. The remainder of the evening will be free to relax or explore downtown Talkeetna. Overnight Talkeetna: Swiss Alaska Inn, or similar Thursday, August 22: Talkeetna to Denali National Park Today will start with a relaxing morning in tranquil and scenic surroundings. You will have ample time to stroll the town or a hike through the woods prior to your departure on the Alaska Railroad. The route from Talkeetna to Denali is considered the most scenic of the entire Anchorage – Fairbanks journey. The motorcoach will transfer you to the train depot, then carry your luggage safely to Denali and will be waiting at the depot for your arrival. Today you will be riding the Alaska Railroad’s Adventure Class cars from Talkeetna to the entrance to Denali National Park. This is a spectacular train ride that passes through stunning wilderness scenery! Riding high above the terrain you will have panoramic views approaching Denali. Enjoy lunch in the train’s dining car as untouched wilderness landscapes rolls on by - the length of the ride is 4.5 hours - and we will be reaching Denali by about 4:00 pm, leaving enough daylight for some optional activities or just exploring. At over 6 million acres, Denali National Park is one of the world’s great wild animal preserves, where the animals are protected from hunting and roam freely in a region dominated by North America’s tallest mountain. Most visitor facilities are located near the park entrance. You will be staying in a rustic lodge that affords scenic views and quick access to the park. This afternoon you may relax or explore the property and areas near the park entrance at your leisure. Overnight Denali National Park: Grizzly Bear, or similar Optional - Morning Denali National Park Flightseeing Tour from Talkeetna This magnificent bush plane flight takes you within six miles of Mt. McKinley's 20,320' summit. As your flight departs Talkeetna, you begin to see how the last ice age has shaped the land. Moments later you enter a world of rugged high mountain peaks and wide glacier filled valleys. Listen as your pilot describes the natural wonders of Denali National Park. See the Sheldon Amphitheater, beautiful Ruth Glacier, and the Great Gorge (the world's deepest - almost 2 miles from top to bottom). Everyone has a window seat! Cost: $198 per person Friday, August 23: Denali National Park: Tundra Wilderness Tour Today you will enjoy a memorable seven to eight hour tour of Denali National Park. The day will start bright and early with a pick up right at your hotel ‐ you will be traveling deep into Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour! This tour offers a sub‐arctic experience like no other. Incredible scenery, a narrated history of Denali National Park, and some of the best opportunities to view and photograph wildlife such as Dall sheep, moose, caribou, arctic foxes, wolves, and grizzly bears. Weather permitting, when Mt. McKinley is visible it may be possible to travel to Stony Hill Overlook and view the entire mountain from base to summit. A boxed snack lunch and hot beverages are offered on the tour. Upon return to the park entrance, you will have the remainder of the day to rest or explore on your own. Overnight Denali National Park: Grizzly Bear, or similar Optional Denali activities - Thursday or Friday afternoon McKinley Run, Scenic Float Trip You may see moose, sheep, caribou and bear, as you raft downstream 11 miles. The guide will handle the oars so you can relax and enjoy the views. This scenic portion of the Nenana River provides a rafting trip that is mild yet at times thrilling. Rapids are class I and II, with one class III rapid. Cost: $85 per person Canyon Run, White Water Rafting Trip Hang on - it's whitewater ahead! Choose to paddle as a team or let the guide do the work on this exciting rafting trip. Enjoy every minute of your journey as you head for Healy, 11 miles down river. Get into real whitewater rafting as you hang on through thrilling rapids such as "Cable Car", "Coffee Grinder", and "Ice Worm"! Rapids are class III with one class IV. Cost: $85 per person Heli-Hiking Tour Take a thrilling ride on a helicopter into the backcountry of Alaska with a guided hike through Yanert Valley! A naturalist guide will lead you on a 3.5 hour soft-adventure hike, above the tree line, to track animals and learn the history of the area. Relax on a hillside overlooking the valley and take in the magnificent vistas while enjoying a small snack. Cost: $445 per person Jeff King’s Husky Homestead Sled Dog Tour Enjoy a warm welcome and experience the true Alaskan lifestyle with Iditarod Champion Jeff King, Alaskan Artist Donna Gates and their family on Goose Lake. This tour is widely heralded as an authentic look into rural lifestyles based on 35 years of Alaskan adventures. Be greeted by cuddly puppies and share an intimate view of the Alaskan Husky as they explode from the kennel on a training run. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating a championship team and carving a family life in Alaska's Interior. Hear compelling stories from the trail and see actual racing sleds, arctic survival gear and equipment used to traverse 1100 miles of Alaska's most rugged terrain. Cost: $57 per person Saturday, August 24: Denal Today you will travel south from Denali National Park to Anchorage on the Parks Highway. Along the way you will stop at Byers Lake for a two-mile nature walk in Denali State Park. Enjoy magnificent views of Byers Lake and surrounding mountains, perhaps even majestic Mt. McKinley. Learn about the area’s animal and plant life, and take home a healing salve made from native plants. Explore a log cabin that once belonged to a pioneering couple. Hear about how the adventuresome family survived the long winters in this beautiful setting. You may see nesting trumpeter swans, loons, eagles, or bears foraging for spawning salmon. The pace is comfortable with frequent stops and photo opportunities. After lunch, during your drive you will pass through the scenic, mountain rimmed Matanuska-Susitna Valley. This beautiful valley contains unusually high nutrient rich soil, and coupled with the long summer days is considered to be one of the most important agricultural areas in Alaska. During the drive you will be surrounded by mountains which include the Alaska Range, and the Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains. Approaching Anchorage you will pass by the bedroom community of Eagle River and the two military installations in Anchorage, Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Air Force Base. Depending on the day's activities, |
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Visit our sister website for non-Jewish group tours to Costa Rica!
Great! How do I sign up?
To reserve your spot on the trip, click on the link to the right to make your secure deposit of $200 via the Google Wallet system. After securing your spot, please fill out our tour registration form. Our trips have a maximum of 18 participants, and a minimum of 8. Once we reach the minimum needed and call the trip, the $200 deposit becomes non-refundable - we need to enforce this policy in order to cover loss from last-minute cancellations. If you cancel your attendance after January 9, 2013, we will reimburse you the sum you paid, with $200 kept as cancellation fee. For general questions about the trip, please write us at: info@costaribbean.com Please feel free to forward this info to any friends of yours that might be interested in joining us for this week - ask us about our special registration price for groups of two or more that register together! If you have a discount code, you will be asked to provide it before submitting a payment via Google Checkout. |
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Dates
The February Caribbean Experience trip will take place from Saturday, February 16 to Sunday, February 24, 2013 (8 nights in total). We will be meeting at and leaving the San Jose (the capital) international airport (SJO).
We ask that you plan to be on a flight that will land in San Jose by 6 pm on February 16. If you decide to arrive a day earlier, please arrive by 3 pm on Friday so you can prepare for Shabbat. Your flight home can be anytime on Sunday, January 27.
You have an option of arriving on Friday and spending the weekend in San Jose, attending services in the Jewish community - let us know if you are interested in this option!
If you want to arrive a day or two earlier, or choose to leave later, please let us know how we can help you experience more of this magnificent country. We can arrange for a pick-up or drop-off in another part of San Jose at the beginning or end of the trip. Day trips from San Jose include the nearby volcanoes of Poas and Irazu. If you are interested in this option, please let us know!
Accommodations
- In San Jose, you will stay in a comfortable hotel which is walking distance from the Synagogue and a short ride from downtown, such as the La Sabana.
- In Arenal, we will be staying Monte Real hotel, boasting magnificent views of the volcano and a tropical backyard with resident sloths.
- On the southern Caribbean coast you will be staying in a comfortable mid-level hotel, such as the elegant Namuwoki, or the Shawandha. We will be pairing up to share the rooms, though you might choose to be in a single room for an extra fee.
Guides
For your Caribbean Experience we will provide you with an experienced guide that will escort you for the length of your trip. In various activities, we use the best local specialty guides with years of expertise in introducing tourists to the natural beauty of Costa Rica. We work mostly with local guides as well as with tourism non-profit organizations such as ATEC, which make sure that the local indigenous communities benefit from tourism revenues while protecting the environment and the traditional way of life.
Transportation
We provide all transfers during the week using an air conditioned van or minibus, driven by a bilingual driver / guide.
Packing list
Before departing, you will receive a comprehensive list of suggested things to bring on the Caribbean Experience.
Cost of trip
The early bird cost per person is $1700 for those registering and making a deposit by December 10, 2012. To get this early bird discount, you must use the code MORPHO while registering or making your full payment.
After December 10 the price of the trip will be $1850.
Thursday, February 21 Morning: we will be participating in a service project with one of the indigenous communities living in the area: this could be helping to build a local school, working in a vegetable garden or tree nursery, or working with the folks from the Ara Project, the Great Green Macaw reintroduction team with the school kids. We are working with the Talamancan Association of Ecotourism and Conservation (ATEC) on the service project, and will have specifics as we get closer to the date of travel. During our time volunteering, we will learn about the Indigenous BriBri Tribal Area and the history of the native people of Costa Rica, the medicinal plants they use. We will end the day learning about the history and production of chocolate in the area– including tasting! Later, experience the peace and tranquility of the magical waterfall at Volio. Enjoy a refreshing swim, see tropical flora, fauna, and with a little luck see animals such as birds, monkeys, sloth, blue Morpho butterflies… Late afternoon: Time permitting, we will enjoy a sunset swim along the magnificent Punta Uva beach, thought by many as the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica! Festive Friday night Dinner at the Israeli owned Pita Bonita restaurant, serving some of the best Hummus in Central America! |
Great! How do I sign up?
To reserve your spot on the trip, click on the link to the right to make your secure deposit of $200 via the Google Wallet system. After securing your spot, please fill out our tour registration form. Our trips have a maximum of 18 participants, and a minimum of 8. Once we reach the minimum needed and call the trip, the $200 deposit becomes non-refundable - we need to enforce this policy in order to cover loss from last-minute cancellations. If you cancel your attendance after January 9, 2013, we will reimburse you the sum you paid, with $200 kept as cancellation fee. For general questions about the trip, please write us at: info@costaribbean.com Please feel free to forward this info to any friends of yours that might be interested in joining us for this week - ask us about our special registration price for groups of two or more that register together! If you have a discount code, you will be asked to provide it before submitting a payment via Google Checkout. |
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On our trips to Costa Rica, attendees often stay at Finca Rio Perla, a serene Jewish owned eco-farm near the slopes of the magnificent Mt. Turrialba that offers horseback riding, amazing jungle and waterfalls hikes and a glimpse at a real working Costa Rican farm, as well as easy access to some amazing whitewater rafting.
On the Costa Rica trips, our attendees also visit the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean coast where they can visit the Tortuguero and Cahuita National Parks as well as the biologically diverse Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, experience the native cultures of the Bribrí and Cabecar and go on a zipline adventure high in the jungle canopy - later chilling in the the colorful town of Puerto Viejo – one of the most happening places in Costa Rica – a place where surfers, backpackers and the counter-culture crowd blend with the local Latino, Afro-Caribbean and indigenous cultures. Our groups often spend the first Shabbat with the local Jewish Community in the Capital of San Jose, sampling a bit of the color this city has to offer. You might want to check out some of the reviews from the people that traveled with us. We are constantly updating our group tours, building on the feedback we have been receiving from our satisfied customers. Please check out the group trips we are currently offering - if you are interested in a group tour but cannot travel with us right now, contact us and let us know - and we will notify you when we announce new group tours. |
Caribbean Experience Jewish trip vid
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Friday, August 16
Optional early arrival in Anchorage; Kabalat Shabat with the local Jewish community. Saturday, August 17 Options for today include Shabbat services, an introduction to Jewish Alaska, a bike trip along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and a walking tour of downtown Anchorage. Attendees have the option of arriving today. Sunday, August 18 Anchorage-Denali National Park; depart AM towards Park; visit Iditarod Headquarters; lunch in Wasilla; optional flightseeing; dinner and overnight just outside of the Park entrance Monday, August 19 Denali-Paxson; morning natural history/wildlife tour into Denali National Park; afternoon drive across spectacular Denali Highway with numerous stops, optional hike; dinner and overnight accommodations at a unique lodge along the Denali Highway. Tuesday, August 20 Paxson-McCarthy; travel to Chitina; follow old railroad grade 60 miles into heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (our country's largest); cross Kennicott River on footbridge (the only surface means) to reach historic McCarthy; optional flightseeing; dinner at the old McCarthy Lodge and overnight in the historic Ma Johnson Hotel Wednesday, August 21 Kennicott-Valdez; travel four miles to abandoned town/mine of Kennicott; extensive exploration; hike to Root Glacier; lunch overlooking Kennicott Glacier; late afternoon departure for Valdez across Thompson Pass; dinner; overnight in a B&B |
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Thursday, August 22
Valdez-Hope; board ferry for spectacular trip across Prince William Sound to Whittier, passing Columbia Glacier; drive through mountain tunnels; road through Kenai Mtns. to end of the road frontier town of Hope; overnight Discovery Cabins along Bear Creek Friday, August 23 Seward-Hope; morning trip to Seward; board vessel for spectacular day tour of Kenai Fjords National Park to view marine life and glaciers; afternoon return through Moose Pass; overnight in creekside Discovery Cabins; Shabbat dinner at Hope. Saturday, August 24 Hope-Anchorage; morning exploration around Hope (older than Anchorage!); optional gold panning; historical museum; lunch at the world class ski resort, Alyeska, in Girdwood; optional hike; late afternoon return to Anchorage. You have an option of flying back home tonight. Sunday, August 25 Anchorage; if your flight back home is on Sunday, you will be able to stay the extra night in Anchorage, and leave today. |
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Enjoy an adventure with other young Jewish professionals - May 2013!
We also tailor trips to Mountain & Pacific Costa Rica, including Arenal, Monteverde,
Manuel Antonio & Corcovado! |
We're a new Live Green Spot! Live Green is a membership organization working to build a thriving green economy. They endorse businesses based on eco-friendly products & services, green operations, affordability, quality and social responsibility. You can become a Live Green member for only $18/year and receive discounts at over 70 DC area green businesses.
Live Green members get $150 off group tours to Costa Rica and 25% off trip planning frees for tailored tours.
Live Green members get $150 off group tours to Costa Rica and 25% off trip planning frees for tailored tours.
Registration Special: Reserve your spot by April 1, 2012, and take $150 off a full price tour. Use coupon code MayCosta12 when registering or making your online payment!
Subscribe to our mailing list and receive news and updates about future trips and discounts!
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Breakfast on Finca Rio Perla
Come celebrate Passover with us this year at Finca Rio Perla!
This place is truly “The Promised Land” – Jerusalem can wait for next year!
Dr. Paul Siegel, the founder and owner of Finca Rio Perla will be conducting a liberal Seder on the farm with friends and guests on Monday, April 18th.
Aside from learning how to make your own Matzo, you will be enjoying all that Finca Rio Perla, and the Caribbean has to offer during your stay.
If interested, please contact us - Like Moses would say....”Don’t wait for the last minute”!
This place is truly “The Promised Land” – Jerusalem can wait for next year!
Dr. Paul Siegel, the founder and owner of Finca Rio Perla will be conducting a liberal Seder on the farm with friends and guests on Monday, April 18th.
Aside from learning how to make your own Matzo, you will be enjoying all that Finca Rio Perla, and the Caribbean has to offer during your stay.
If interested, please contact us - Like Moses would say....”Don’t wait for the last minute”!
While visiting Finca Rio Perla for Passover, you will enjoy:
Amazing Waterfalls and Natural Pools Great Horseback Riding, Hiking, Swimming, Birding Tilapia Fishing, Dairy Cows, Sheep, Goats, Eggs Organic Vegetable Gardens, Macadamia Nut Plantation Comfortable Lodging (beds in houses, or tents on platforms) Vegetarian Food plus fish (farm fresh and delicious) Different Activity Packages and Lodging Options Volunteer Programs Available Authentic “Tico” Experience, Practice/Learn Spanish |
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