Aug 2 - 10, 2008

August 2:

Arrive at San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport where you will be met by our Memorable Costa Rica reps and transferred to Hotel Corobici Crown Plaza. Following check-in, take the rest of the afternoon to explore the city or just relax at the hotel. At sundown, we will have a typical Costa Rican dinner at the hotel followed by group activities. Free time to try your hand at the hotel casino or turn in early to rest up for the exciting day to come.

August 3:

Following breakfast, visit to Sharai Zion, one of the most beautiful synagogues in Latin America. We will then head for the beach and embark on a scenic four- hour drive up to the Guanacaste or "gold coast" region in the Pacific northwest of the country. The trip will take you down the western Central Valley Mountains and through the flatlands of this Pacific province.

The scenery will change from rainforest to savannah to dry tropical forest. You will arrive at the all-inclusive Hilton Papagayo Resort where you will spend the next four days relaxing on the beach, swimming in the magnificent blue waters of the Pacific, engaging in a variety of land and water activities, or just paddling up to the pool bar for an exotic cocktail. At this all-inclusive resort (unlimited food and drink), you will be able to choose from a myriad of coordinated activities including beach soccer, water volleyball, salsa dancing lessons and ocean kayaking. At sundown, the dance floor will beckon with rhythmic Latin sounds as well as good old American Rock and Roll.

August 4:

Choose from two tours. Take a horseback-riding excursion deep into the jungle and trek across Costa Rica's rich topography. Keep an eye out for monkeys, parrots, toucans, sloths, and other Costa Rican wildlife. For those who are not equestrians, the alternative excursion is a Canopy Tour – one of Costa Rica’s trademark adventures. To start the multiple platform canopy experience, climb up and then glide from tree to tree and get a bird's eye view from the forest canopy.

Upon completion of your outing, return to the Hilton Papagayo Resort and spend the rest of the day as you choose.

August 5:

Following breakfast, we will take an optional day trip to the Pacific Ocean resort town of Tamarindo. We will travel past cattle ranches and small towns until we reach our world famous surfing destination. Spend time at the beach and visit the numerous shops and stands of this bustling coastal town. Lunch is on your own at one of the many wonderful local restaurants. In the late afternoon, we return to Hilton Papagayo. Those not joining the day trip will have a free day to spend enjoying the amenities of the resort.

August 6:

Choose from two tours. Board a boat and take an enjoyable ride to a special "snorkeling" location in Papagayo Bay. Your guide will lead you to the best spots for sighting all types of colorful marine life; if you are lucky, Blue Pacific dolphins may stop by for a visit. Those not wanting to snorkel will have the option of going on the Canopy tour (see day 3). Upon completion of your excursion, return to the Hilton Papagayo and spend the rest of the day as you choose.

August 7:

Spend your final morning enjoying the resort. Following lunch, take a charming four-hour ride through the lowlands of the Pacific, up through rich farmland and cattle country, and through quaint traditional towns. The scenic drive will then take you to the shores of Lake Arenal, the country's largest lake, and finally to the world-renowned hot springs of Tabacon Grand Spa Resort.

Tabacon Grand Spa Resort sits at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere. After checking into your hotel room, enter the resort and explore the lush tropical gardens, soak in the thermal waters of the Tabacon River and thoroughly relax every bone in your body. You may choose from a wide array of services at the resort’s five-star spa (additional charge). Following dinner, we have a special surprise in store for you.

August 8:

Choose from three tours. Awake, eat a hearty breakfast (you’ll need it) and be transported to the Sarapiqui River where your full day whitewater rafting adventure begins. Hike through virgin rain forest to the river’s edge. A thorough rafting orientation will be given and then you are ready to plunge into the swift, spectacularly beautiful Sarapiqui. Wind through lush tropical wilderness for the next few hours—your guides will find a tranquil spot on the river and pull off for a swim and lunch. Upon completion of the trip, return to Tabacon and enjoy the resort.

The second tour option is a hike in the rainforest led by a professional guide on the magnificent "hanging bridges" tour. Hike on rainforest trails over numerous hanging bridges. You will have unrivaled views of the forest, streams, and waterfall below. Access extraordinary panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and if you are lucky, observe monkeys, sloths, coatimundis, parrots, toucans and other exotic birds. Upon completion of the tour, return to Tabacon and enjoy the resort.

The third tour option is Canyoning. Be transported to a remote waterfall canyon. Rappel down five different routes into the water below. Rappels range from 20-50 meters-this activity is sure to get your blood flowing. Upon completion of the tour, return to Tabacon and enjoy the resort. At sundown, we will have a Shabbat dinner -Jewish traditions and Costa Rican grill cooking will blend to make this a unique experience.

August 9:

Everyone will have breakfast together and then head back to San Jose. On the ride back, we will stop for lunch at a scenic restaurant. Upon arrival in San Jose, you will check back into Hotel Corobici Crown Plaza; enjoy the amenities of the resort or rest up for the evening's activities. Dinner will be at a delightful restaurant where memories and stories of the past week will be shared.

August 10:

You will be transferred to the airport for your return trip home.