Lush forests  and stunning waterfalls, active volcanoes, misty cloud forests, inland rivers, tropical gardens, hummingbirds, and the mysterious jungle all are a part of this marvelous vacation in tropical Costa Rica (rich coast in Spanish).  There's lots to see and do plus time to relax by a pool or beach and enjoy the warm climate.  Join us for this tropical adventure.

 Itinerary

Day 1 - EAST COAST GARDEN CENTER/NEWARK/WILMINGTON/PHILADELPHIA AIRPORT
Following departures, tour will drive to Philadelphia Airport to board your flights to the colorful capitol city of San Jose, Costa Rica.  On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel.
HOTEL DOUBLETREE CARIARI

Day 2 - SAN JOSE/DOKA ESTATE/TAMARINDO
Travel through the verdant countryside of the Central Valley to the fertile region world-renowned for coffee.  A tour of the Doka Coffee Estate highlights the history and cultivation of coffee and its importance to the Costa Rica economy.  This afternoon arrive in the Guanacaste region, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches.  Here, rest and relaxation go hand-in-hand with mesmerizing ocean views and lush tropical greenery.  Settle in for a relaxing two nights stay.  Meals BD
TAMARINDO DIRIA BEACH RESORT

Day 3 - TAMARINDO BEACH
Fun in the sun is in store for you as you enjoy this tropical Pacific Ocean paradise.  Explore the nearby town and beaches, take an optional cruise or simply relax by the pool or beach.  Meals B
TAMARINDO DIRIA BEACH RESORT

Day 4 - TAMARINDO BEACH/MONTEVERDE
Travel into the magnificent Monteverde Cloud Forest, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet!  In this spectacular ecosystem, you will encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna.  A nature walk allows you to discover the natural beauty of the cloud forest first hand.  This forest is home of the world's largest population of the endangered quetzal, a bird that wears a gorgeous jeweled-toned plumage.  Meals BD
EL ESTABLO HOTEL

Day 5 - MONTEVERDE
Begin your day at Selvatura Park, a cloud forest reserve in the heart of Monteverde.  Venture into a different world, exploring one of the world's largest butterfly gardens with more than 30 species of tropical butterflies.  In a nearby gallery you'll be dazzled by the 14 different species.  Enjoy a guided, leisurely paced "Hanging Bridges" tour and learn about the cloud forest's unique ecosystem, its mammals, birds, plants and flora.  This evening an informative lecture on the migratory birds that flock to Costa Rica every year.  Meals BD
EL ESTABLO HOTEL

Day 6 - MONTEVERDE/LAKE ARENAL CRUISE/ARENAL
Begin your day with a visit to a tree nursery to learn about Monteverde's reforestation efforts of indigenous trees.  Travel on through beautiful mountainous landscapes to Arenal where breathtaking views await you as you cruise on Lake Arenal, the largest lake in the country.  Later check into your hotel for a two night stay at a typical lodge overlooking the Arenal Volcano.  Before dinner a cooking demonstration to learn how native, exotic vegetables and plants contribute to the unique flavors of the local cuisine.  Meals BD
ARENAL SPRNGS RESORT

Day 7 - ARENAL/CANO NEGRO/ARENAL
The remote 20,000 acres of Cano Negro are home to the largest viewable indigenous wildlife.  Embark on a Cano Negro guided river boat trip in a panga (covered canoe), making frequent stops to watch and photograph the wildlife around you which may include crocodiles, river otters, sloths, river turtles, and exotic birds.  Return to Arenal.  Meals BD
ARENAL SPRINGS RESORT

Day 8 - ARENAL/ZARCERO/SAN JOSE
We travel to the charming town of Zarcero to visit its whimsical topiary garden.  Sixteen green arches stand before the San Rafael Church, a beautiful cottage styled church. The evergreen paradise around it offers a series of vibrant shrubbery, sculptured and clipped into whimsical shapes.  Continue to the picturesque town of Grecia, that has a fantastic climate and a beautiful cathedral made of metal imported from Belgium in the 1890's.  Inside it is as impressive as outside.  Later visit San Jose's colorful Plaza de Cultura and the National Theatre, a magnificent building of post-Baroque splendor.  Meals BD
HOTEL DOUBLETREE CARIARI, SAN JOSE

Day 9 - SAN JOSE/HOME
Departure today for Philadelphia where transportation will be waiting to return you to Wilmington, Newark and the East Coast Garden Center.  Meals B

Tour inclusions:
Roundtrip transportation from East Coast Garden Center, Newark and Wilmington to Philadelphia Airport  *  Roundtrip air Philadelphia/San Jose - San Jose/Philadelphia  *  Accommodations for 8 nights based on double occupancy  *  Admissions to all sightseeing as per itinerary  *  Meals include 8 breakfasts and 6 dinners  *  Airport to hotel transfers  *  Airline taxes, subject to change until ticketed  *  Taxes and gratuities for hotels, included meals, local guides  *  Services of a Tour Director from 4 Seasons Tours  *  Services of a Collette Vacation Tour Manager throughout the tour. 

Not Included:
Passport fee, taxes/fees in US dollars for exiting the country at approximately $32 per person, gratuity to the Collette Vacation Tour Manager.

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Hotels/Great Locations

Night 1
Hotel Doubletree Caiari
San Jose, Costa Rica

Nights 2 and 3
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

Nights 4 and 5
El Establo Hotel
Monteverde

Nights 6 and 7
Arenal Springs Resort
Arenal

Night 8
Hotel Doubletree Cariari
Cariari, San Jose