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Lions Clubs International Convention

The 93rd Annual Lions International Convention 
will be held in Sydney, Australia 
Monday, June 28 - Friday, July 2, 2010

The Chairperson of the Connecticut delegation is 
Rose Marie Spatafore, PDG - email: rosemarie@e-ztravel.org
Phone: 203-446-9150

 

I am happy to announce that we are well on our way to having a great time in Sydney, Australia. Everyone is getting excited as the time is getting closer and we are all making our Convention Sydney 2010 arrangements to either go on Pre or Post Tours while others will be visiting family.
There are two great packages that have been put together for your pleasure from our State. These can be found on our Multiple District Web page and will be posted in the Three District News Letters & Publications.

The Teen Dance will also be held one Block away from the Convention Center on Tuesday Night, June 29th. From 7 pm to 11 pm at the Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour. The Chairmen for this event are the 3 Current District Governors. I know that they will have a great program lined up for the Teens.

The Official Delegate Hotel for Connecticut has been changed to the Grand Mercure Darling Harbor. The Hospitality Room will be held at this Hotel. This hotel is ½ (one half) a block from the Convention Center. This hotel is set up as apartments. There are 2 (TWO) bedroom suites available to our Delegation. By sharing, we can save our Lions on Cost. The rate per bedroom (sharing a suite) is $161.50 (AUD) per night, city view. Harbour View is $209.00 (AUD) per night. Suites are fully equipped with Kitchens, Washer, Dryers and Living Rooms. Each bedroom has its own Bathroom. 

We will assist all Lions in finding suite mates. You can view the hotel at the http://www.grandmercuredarlingharbour.com.au/

Anyone wishing to stay at the Amora Jamison (original hotel) is welcome to do so. The rate per night is $278 (AUD) per night. Just note so on your registration. 

Look for our Table at the Mid Winter Conference to be held at the Southbury Crown Plaza on Feb. 6. 2010.

Please feel free to contact me with Please feel free to contact me with any questions at 203-446-9150 or rosemarie@e-ztravel.org.

Yours in Lionism,
Lion Rose Marie 

COLLETTE VACATIONS

A FEW LITTLE CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE DUE TO AIRLINE SCHEDULES.

WE WILL NOW BE DEPARTING ON SATURDAY AM JULY 3RD, FOR OUR POST TOUR INSTEAD OF FRIDAY AFTERNOON JULY 2ND.
THIS WILL GIVE EVERYONE TIME TO ATTEND THE CLOSING CEREMONIES AND ALL THE CELEBRATION PARTIES THAT EVENING.

IN ORDER TO GET NON STOP FLIGHTS FROM CALIFORNIA TO SYDNEY, OUR GATEWAY HAS BEEN CHANGED TO SAN FRANCISCO FOR THE DEPARTING FLIGHT ON JUNE 26, 2010
RETURN FLIGHT FROM NEW ZEALAND WILL ARRIVE IN LOS ANGELES 

PLEASE REVIEW THE LOWER RATES BELOW.

July 03 - July 12, 2010 

Highlights... 

• Cairns • Great Barrier Reef • Melbourne • Phillip Island • Christchurch • 
• Mount Cook National Park • Queenstown • Milford Sound • 

10 Days • 16 Meals: 
9 Breakfasts • 2 Lunches • 5 Dinners 
Per Person Rates*: 
Double $2499 RATE CHANGED TO $2399 
Single $3099 $2999 
Triple $2399 $2299

* Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $225 per person,, Hotel Transfers, ,Round Trip Air Fare, 

Air: DEPARTURE from SAN FRANCISCO Including ALL INTER COUNTRY
AIR-TRANSFERS post tour $1680 plus $510 taxes and fees.
RETURN TO LOS ANGELES

Add on rate from the following Gateways: $450 per person: 
BOS ,PVD, BDL, NYC, RDU (Raleigh-Durham, NC), IAD, MIA , ORD

The following gateways would include and add-on rate of $425 per person: 
ORD, MKE (Milwaukee, WI), OMA (Omaha, NE)

From Charlottesville, VA. $525. Per person

PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS
203-446-9150 rosemarie@e-ztravel.org


Shirley Annunziata at World Travel Concepts
LIONS Post Convention Leisure Touring in 

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND 

Fly from Sydney to:
CAIRNS 3 nights - AYERS ROCK 2 nights - MELBOURNE 2 nights
CHIRISTCHURCH 2 nights - QUEENSTOWN 3 nights
fly back HOME via Auckland

Includes:
meet and greet by our local guide and private group transfer by bus
from Sydney Airport to hotel on arrival for Convention on June 28

Itinerary and services

Pre CONVENTION:

Day 00 Monday, 28 June 2010 SYDNEY

Meet & Greet by local English Speaking Guide and then private transfer to hotel for check in.
No service is required during the Convention stays.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – Own arrangements

Accommodation: Own arrangement 

NO OTHER SERVICES FROM 29 JUNE Through 02 JULY 2010

Post CONVENTION:

B = Breakfast L = LUNCH D = DINNER


Day 1 Saturday, 03 July 2010 SYDNEY/CAIRNS (D)
  Private transfer with local ESG (English Speaking Guide) from convention hotel to Sydney’s Domestic Airport. 
Fly Qantas to Cairns. 
On arrival in Cairns, Meet & Greet by local ESG and transfer from Airport to Cairns Hotel. Brief orientation tour en route to hotel. (Max 4 hours)

Cairns is the Capital city of Tropical Australia & the major departure point for the Great Barrier Reef, the Rainforest and other beautiful natural spots. Cairns is also a colourful and vibrant city with a life of it’s own. 
1930 hrs Dinner at hotel

*****Standard Hotel Check-in is after 1500hrs *****

Accommodation: The Sebel Cairns (5 star) x 3 Nights Standard room
Day 2 Sunday, 04 July CAIRNS (B / L/ D)
  Full Breakfast at hotel. 
Today get to know one the greatest wonders of the world on a Full day Cruise (non-private) to Australia’s very own natural jewel the Great Barrier Reef, day activities include glass bottom boat ride or semi submarine with panoramic glass windows to admire the corals and the sea creatures (a marine biologist will explain the particularities of the barrier). 
Snorkel equipment available on board for complimentary use.
Scuba diving facilities at passenger’s own expense. Optional fully equipped immersions guided by instructors are available at your own cost. Buffet lunch on board. Afternoon tea & biscuits/cake during return navigation to Cairns wharf. Arrival due at approx. 5 PM 
Hotel / Wharf/hotel seat in coach transfers with ESG. 
Note: Onboard commentary in English. 
1930 hrs Dinner at hotel

Accommodation: The Sebel Cairns 5***** Standard rooms
DAY 03 Monday 05 July CAIRNS (B/ L/ D)
  Full breakfast at hotel. 
Full Day with ESG private Mamu Rainforest & Wooroonooran Safari in Wooroonooran National Park. Today’s activities include a spectacular Rainforest Canopy walk, Josephine Falls, Crocodile farm, hand feed Kangaroos & Emus. The variety of this ancient Rainforest will doubtless stay in the traveller’s memory for ever. Lunch & entry fees included. Return to Cairns at approx. 6 PM. 
1930 hrs Dinner at hotel

Accommodation: The Sebel Cairns 5***** Standard rooms
DAY 04 Tuesday, 06 July 2010 CAIRNS/ AYERS ROCK (B/ D)
  Full breakfast at hotel. 
Full Day with ESG private Mamu Rainforest & Wooroonooran Safari in Wooroonooran National Park. Today’s activities include a spectacular Rainforest Canopy walk, Josephine Falls, Crocodile farm, hand feed Kangaroos & Emus. The variety of this ancient Rainforest will doubtless stay in the traveller’s memory for ever. Lunch & entry fees included. Return to Cairns at approx. 6 PM. 
1930 hrs Dinner at hotel
Lunch – Own arrangements

Accommodation: Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel 4**** x 2 Nights Standard rooms
DAY 5 Wednesday, 07 July AYERS ROCK (B / D)
  Full breakfast at hotel. 

Early this morning there is the opportunity to watch the Sunrise at Ayers Rock, then continue for your tour and walk through the Olgas a very unusual formation of sedimentary rocks also Sacred to the natives. Visit to the Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Afternoon free at leisure and relax at the resort. 

In the early evening, you will enjoy ‘Sounds of Silence’ Dinner (non-private) which includes: 3 course buffet dinner, selected beverages, return transfers.

Lunch – Own arrangements

Accommodation: Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel 4 star**** Standard rooms
DAY 06 Thursday, 08 July AYERS ROCK / MELBOURNE (B / D)
  Full breakfast at hotel.
***** Standard Hotel Check-out is between 1000hrs / 1100hrs *****
Mid morning private transfer from Hotel to Ayers Rock Airport with local ESG. Qantas flight to Melbourne via Alice Springs. 
Arrive in Melbourne in the mid afternoon. 
Meet and Greet by local ESG, private transfer for half day Melbourne city tour to see the most important highlights of Australia’s most European city, entry to Eureka observations tower is included. (Max 4 hours)
Rest of the day at leisure. 
1930 hrs Dinner at hotel

***** Standard Hotel Check-in is after 1500hrs ***** 

Accommodation: Novotel on Collins 4**** x 2 Nights Standard rooms
DAY 07 Friday, 09 July MELBOURNE (B / D)
  Full breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure.
1300 hrs  Afternoon Private transfer with local ESG for full day Phillip Island & Penguin Parade touring, a phenomenon not to be missed where fairy penguins, koalas & seals make their habitat. Travel to St Kilda and along exclusive bayside suburbs. Enjoy a spectacular view of Port Phillip Bay before heading across the Mornington Peninsula to Phillip Island
including dinner. At Taylor’s Restaurant
(Coach charter: 12 hours maximum. Guide assistance: 12 hours maximum)
2330 hrs Terminate at hotel.
Lunch own arrangements

Accommodation: Novotel on Collins 4**** Standard rooms 
DAY 08 Saturday, 10 July MELBOURNE/CHRISTCHURCH (B) 
 

Full breakfast at hotel.
***** Standard Hotel Check-out is between 1000hrs / 1100hrs *****
Private transfer from Hotel to Melbourne International Airport with local ESG.
QANTAS flight to Christchurch.
Depart Melbourne for Christchurch on QF QANTAS

END OF AUSTRALIAN SERVICES

DAY 08 Saturday, 10 July CHRISTCHURCH (D)

Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand!!!

CHIRSTCHURCH- The Garden City lies on the level plains that initially attracted the closely knit Church of England settlers that settled the area. The largest of the South Island cities, Christchurch retains something of the English nature of it’s origins – the willow and oak lined river Avon, a neo-gothic Cathedral and clustered medieval stone buildings.

On arrival meet with your South Island driver/guide and make your way to your private touring coach. Transfer to your accommodation with a city orientation tour en route to the hotel. Highlights will include the central district, Avon River, Museum and Art Gallery, University and Port Hills and Christchurch Antarctic Centre and Penguin Encounter.

Afternoon tea is included at Historic Mona Vale Homestead surrounded by 5.5 hectares of elegant gardens, landscaped along the banks of the tranquil Avon River.

Home Hosted Dinner: A highlight to start your New Zealand tour will be this evening’s dinner with a local Christchurch family at their private home. Divided in groups of approximately four to experience an evening of complete hospitality in a Kiwi home, enjoy a delicious 3 course meal and pre dinner snacks including complimentary wine. Transfer from/to hotel are included.

Accommodation: Heritage Hotel 4**** Superior in DeLuxe Rooms

DAY 9 Sunday 11 July CHRISTCHURCH (B/L/D)
Full Breakfast at hotel. Full day scenic tours into the breathtaking Southern Alps of New Zealand.
Your day begins with a scenic tour over the Canterbury Plains to Waimak Gorge where you will board the famous Hamilton jet boat for an exciting 45 minutes ride on one of New Zealand’s most spectacular rivers.

On return from the jet boat we board a special off-road vehicle for a scenic 4-wheel drive adventure across Mt Torlesse Station. This station is a 10.000 acres working sheep and cattle farm situated in the spectacular foot hills of the Southern Alps. You will get to experience the thrill and excitement of off road driving while taking in the beautiful alpine scenery and learning about the farm. After an exciting morning we will stop at a quaint country cafe’ for a delicious lunch. After lunch we continue our journey trough the Canterbury high country to Arthur’s Pass stopping along the way at Lake Pearson and passing one of the filming location from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

At Arthur’s Pass we will board the world famous Trans Alpine train and enjoy the spectacular scenery on the journey back to Christchurch. Private bus transfer from Christchurch railway station to our hotel.

After a fun and busy day we will enjoy a three course dinner at our hotel.

Accommodation: Heritage Hotel 4**** Superior in DeLuxe Rooms
DAY 10 Monday July 12 CHRISTCHURCH/QUEENSTOWN (B / D)
Full breakfast at hotel. This morning en route to the airport visit International Antarctic Centre and Penguin Encounter. Located across Christchurch International Airport the attraction offers a fun, exciting and interactive experience of the Great White South. Have fun in real snow and ice chilled to -5 degrees Celsius, this safe all weather environment is interesting for all ages. Get “exhilarated” by the Antarctic storm that blows every 30 minutes. See live Little Blue penguins in the New Zealand Penguin Encounter, this “state of the art” encounter is the nation’s only combined indoor/outdoor penguin viewing area. Take a ride on a genuine Antarctic vehicle – the Hagglund! This outdoor adventure ride is the only one of it’s type in the world and showcases the demanding capabilities of this Antarctic workhorse.

Fly from Christchurch to Queenstown.

On arrival meet & greet by our driver/guide and private transfer to our centrally located accommodation.
En route to the hotel: brief city orientation tour.

QUEENSTOWN is the South Island’s most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkable Ranges. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy jumping, skiing and awe inspiring scenery. Local story has it that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as “fit for any Queen”, and so she was called Queenstown.

In the evening on Skyline Sky rides take a gondola up Bob’s Peak and enjoy a buffet dinner whilst admiring the views of Queenstown. Return to hotel

Accommodation: Novotel Lakeside Queenstown 4****
DAY 11 Tuesday July 13 QUEENSTOWN/MILFORD Sound/QUEENSTOWN (B/L/D)
Full breakfast at hotel.Depart hotel by private coach with driver/guide for a full day tour to Milford Sound. The Road to Milford Sound through Fiordland National Park is worth savouring and offers exceptional viewing opportunities with broad grassy flats, dense rainforest, towering mountains, glacial lakes and (near Homer tunnel) avalanche debris and alpine herb fields. No other road in Fiordland offers such a glimpse of the alpine zone. There is plenty of time for short nature walks and photo opportunities.

Explore Milford Sound onboard the Real Journeys Nature Cruise view the dramatic, moody Milford Sound in a leisure way with their nature guides. The Vessels: the Milford Mariners are designed along the lines of traditional trading scows. They have been purposely built to operate in the fiords and offer a laid back extended cruise option. Through the cruise the nature guide provides an engaging commentary about the magnificent scenery and wildlife. Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and penguins. The cruise last approximately 2 hours. Tasty picnic lunch is included onboard. Return to Queenstown by private coach.

Three course dinner at hotel.
Accommodation: Novotel Lakeside Queenstown 4****
DAY 12 Wednesday July 14 QUEENSTOWN (B/D)
Full breakfast at hotel. Entire day at leisure for a deserved rest before the long journey back home.
Optional activities are available including: scenic flights, wine tours, visit to Lord of the Rings locations, rafting, skiing, etc. your Tour Director will be on hand for any information and/or assistance you might require.

Farewell dinner at a Restaurant…… location to be announced…..

Accommodation: Novotel Lakeside Queenstown 4****
DAY 13 Thursday July 15 QUEENSTOWN/AUCKLAND/USA (B)
Full breakfast at hotel. Private coach transfer to Queenstown’s Domestic Airport to check in for our flight to Auckland Domestic Airport. Upon arrival at Auckland Domestic Airport we will be met and privately transferred to Auckland’s International Airport. Departure assistance is included.

Please kindly note:

Due to security reasons there are NO group check-in available for flights directed to the USA therefore individual check in only.
Arrival into New Yorks JFK is scheduled at approximately 5:00 PM on the same day Thursday July 15

Welcome back home!!!
End of our services for this tours

Hotels in AUSTRALIA:

CAIRNS:
AYERS ROCK:
MELBOURNE:
THE SEBEL CAIRNS 5***** X 3 NIGHTS – Standard Rooms
DESERT GARDENS HOTEL 4**** X 2 NIGHTS – Standard Rooms
NOVOTEL ON COLLINS MELBOURNE 4**** X 2 NIGHTS – Standard Rooms

COST INCLUDES (in AUSTRALIA):

7 nights Accommodation at the above-mentioned Hotels, based on Run Of House (ROH) Rooms 
Meals:
7 full breakfasts at hotels as per itinerary
6 dinners at hotels as per itinerary
1 dinner at a special restaurant as per itinerary
2 lunch during sightseeing as per itinerary 
LOCAL ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE AS FOLLOWS:
SYDNEY: Meet & Greet on 28 June Day 00)
SYDNEY: Departure Assistance (Day 01)
CAIRNS : Meet & Greet & brief city tour (Day 01), Full Day Reef Tour (Day 02); Full Day Rainforest Tour (Day 03), Departure Assistance (Day 04)
AYERS ROCK (AYQ): Meet & Greet + Base & Sunset Tour (Day 04), Sunrise + Olgas Tour & Cultural centre (Day 05), Departure Assistance (Day 06)
MELBOURNE: Meet & Greet, half day city tour (Day 06), Full day Phillip Island (Day 07)Departure assistance (day 08)
All private transfers Airport/Hotel/Airport as per itinerary
All sightseeing and touring by private air-conditioned coach as per itinerary. (EXCEPT:Seat-In-Coach transfer for Sounds of Silence Dinner and Seat-In-Coach transfer for Outer Barrier Reef Cruise).
Seat in boat cruises as follows: CAIRNS – Reef Cruise.
Hotel porterage
Entry fees where applicable as per itinerary
Uluru National Park (AYERS ROCK) entry and EMC Reef tax 
TIPS for all services included in the itinerary
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
World Travel Concepts Tour Director escorting and assisting the group all the way from/to the USA

COST EXCLUDES (in AUSTRALIA):

Any airfares, either domestic or international
Meals/beverages other than those mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses such as dry cleaning, telephone calls, optional tours. 
Airport porterage 
Pre-registration 
Late check-out
ANYTHING NOT SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED UNDER “COST INCLUDES”

Hotels in NEW ZEALAND

CHRISTCHURCH: HERITAGE Hotel 4****superior in De Luxe Rooms
QUEENSTOWN: NOVOTEL LAKESIDE QUEENSTOWN 4**** –Guest Rooms

Cost INCLUDES (in NEW ZEALAND):

5 nights accommodation at the above hotels
5 full breakfasts at hotels
5 dinners as follows:
1 at private homes
2 at hotel
2 at restaurants
2 lunches during sightseeing as per itinerary
All transfers Airport/hotel/Airport & Domestic to International airport by private coach as per itinerary
All sightseeing by private coach as per itinerary
Transalpine train tickets as per itinerary
Speed boats rides as per itinerary
2 full day guided tours as per itinerary
2 orientation tours as per itinerary
Milford Sound cruise as per itinerary
Private Driver/Guide in all transfers and sightseeing tours as per itinerary
Sightseeing fees as per itinerary 
New Zealand’s Goods & Services Tax (currently 12.5%)
TIPS for all services included in the itinerary
World Travel Concepts Tour Director escorting and assisting the group (the same that will escort the group from/to USA

Cost EXCLUDES (in NEW ZEALAND):

Any airfares, either domestic or international
Meals/beverages other than those mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses such as dry cleaning, telephone calls, optional tours. 
Airport porterage 
Pre-registration 
Late check-out
ANYTHING NOT SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED UNDER “COST INCLUDES”

Per PERSON cost in double/twin occupancy

Group of:

30 – 34 paying passengers = $USD 3,880°° Per Person
Price reduction with 35 and 40 paying passengers

Round trip air from New York $2650.00


Single occupancy Supplement $USD 1,100,°° Per Person

Should there be a fluctuation on the exchange rate of more than 2% then the price will be
 revised either way. $1.00 USD = 1.18 Australian Dollars (AUD)


Please kindly note:

Should you wish to participate or for any further information 

Please contact:
Shirley Annunziata at World Travel Concepts

by phone:
860 434-2871, 877 434-2871 
or
by e-mail:

samawtc@sbcglobal.net


Internet Cafe - Staying for the week?  Check your e-mail for free.  Don't forget to get your boarding pass from Sydney before going home.  Get it FREE at the Internet Cafe, one the convention floor.