Bespoke India: The Soul of India March 23 – April 4, 2017
Bob Ramsay and Friends
Prepared May 12, 2016
The Soul of India
Itinerary in Brief… Thursday, March 23 Friday, March 24 Saturday, March 25 Sunday, March 26 Monday, March 27 Tuesday, March 28 Wednesday, March 29 Thursday, March 30 Friday, March 31 Saturday, April 1 Sunday, April 2 Monday, April 3 Tuesday, April 4
Arrive in Delhi, India Delhi Delhi Drive to Agra Agra Drive to Ranthambore Ranthambore Drive to Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Fly to Varanasi via Delhi Varanasi Fly to Delhi; Depart
The Soul of India
Thursday, March 23 Arrive Delhi Late evening arrival in Delhi Meet and greet and transfer to the hotel Overnight at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Taj Club Rooms Touch down India. It’s a different world—the smell of cardamom and curry, the sight of brilliant silk saris, the sound of Bollywood hit songs and people speaking in a lilting tongue… just like that, you’re swept away in Micato’s India. Micato staff members are on hand to seamlessly whisk you to your awaiting vehicle. As we drive through Delhi, we’ll marvel at this cultural and historical centre of India’s past and future. Built slowly over 450 years of empires—first the Hindu and Muslim dynasties, followed by the powerful Mughal dynasty who ruled until the British took over—the city is an intriguing mix of old and new, familiar and exotic… all of it fascinating! India’s capital is liberally sprinkled with one-of-a-kind gems: gorgeous ancient monuments, incredible performances, enthralling museums, and some of India’s best restaurants. An ancient and legendary city, Delhi was prized first by a series of empire-building rulers—the imposing Moghuls, with their fine Persian aesthetic, left the most striking visible legacy, while the British Raj left a cultural imprint of high tea, polo and cricket—then by the modern elite, who have added to this multi-layered city by creating bustling cafés, designer boutiques, and thrilling performance spaces. The Taj Mahal Hotel is located in the lush green setting of Lutyens’ Delhi. This elegant hotel is constructed in pink dholpur sandstone, standing out imposingly from its beautifully landscaped gardens.
The Soul of India
Friday, March 24 Delhi Breakfast at the hotel Morning at leisure Orientation and lunch with your Tour Director at the hotel Afternoon visit of Old Delhi with a visit to Jama Masjid A food walk through Chandni Chowk, accompanied by a food expert Dinner at the hotel Overnight at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Taj Club Rooms We enjoy a morning at leisure as we slowly adjust to the time change. Later, meet your Micato Tour Director for a briefing and lunch. Then embark on an exploration of Old Delhi, with its twisting maze of streets, Old Delhi is lined with buildings that span the ages. Brightly coloured cycle rickshaws are the best way to navigate the narrow, bustling alleyways. Each ‘gali’ or lane specializes in a different commodity ranging from brightly coloured bangles, shining silverware, brass artefacts, gold jewellery, fragrant flowers, brilliantly dyed fabrics, hardware and last but not least sumptuous food cooked to order on grills or bubbling away on portable stoves, filling the air with aromatic flavours. This is truly an unforgettable experience! Discover Delhi’s rich heritage as you walk through the teeming streets of the Old City. The lanes of Old Delhi are justly famous for the mind-boggling diversity of food on display. Savouries, snacks, biscuits, sweets, cottage cheese, spices, vegetables and fruits – everything is available in Old Delhi. Many vendors have been in the same business for multiple generations and have built reputations on the basis of specialty dishes. Take a special food walk with an expert who points out the delectable culinary delights that await you at every turn. We also visit India’s largest mosque Jama Masjid, originally known as ‘Masjid-I-Jahan-Numa’, meaning ‘the mosque with a commanding view of the world’. This grand old edifice was commissioned by none other than Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan and was completed in 1656.
The Soul of India
Saturday, March 25 Delhi Early morning yoga session with a yoga and wellness expert Breakfast at the hotel Morning tour of New Delhi including a visit to Humayun’s Tomb and to a Gurudwara Late lunch at a local restaurant Private cocktails and dinner at the hotel with local guests Overnight at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Taj Club Rooms This morning, relax the spirit while you revitalise your body with the ancient healing power of yoga. Your yoga specialist will take you on a journey of well-being with a session held in the tranquil environs of the lawns, or indoors, if you choose. After breakfast, continue your exploration of the city as you embark on a visit to New Delhi. With its orderly, spacious, tree-lined avenues, this part of the city exhibits a unique blend of monumental British and Indian styles. Built as an imperial capital by the British, all the main buildings, designed in the 1920’s by the British architects Lutyens and Baker, remain today. The division between new and old cities is by no means straightforward, and New Delhi contains its share of ancient monuments. Continue to Humayun's Tomb. Emperor Humayun, the father of Emperor Akbar, lies buried in this magnificent monument built in red sandstone. Haji Begum, Humayun's first wife and mother of Emperor Akbar designed and supervised the entire construction. Her design was way ahead of the times and is the basis for the design of the famous Taj Mahal, built almost a hundred years later!
The Soul of India
Next, visit a Gurudwara or Sikh Temple. There are three main functions which are carried out in all public Gurdwaras – Kirtan (the singing of hymns), Katha (the reading of the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib) and Langar (a free community kitchen for all visitors of all religions). Visit the community kitchen where you will see how food is cooked and served daily for a thousand visitors. Micato will arrange food supplies as a contribution for the day’s meal and you are welcome to lend a helping hand. This is an experience like no other. We will enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings. Later this evening, enjoy a private gathering with local guests from different walks of life.
Sunday, March 26 Delhi to Agra Breakfast at the hotel Morning drive to Agra (approximately 3 – 4 hour drive) Lunch at the hotel Sunset viewing from Mehtab Bagh Or private Santoor lesson Dinner at Peshawari Overnight at the Oberoi Amarvilas in Premier Balcony Rooms Agra is our destination today. Beloved Agra was the capital of the Mughals in the 16th and 17th centuries, and most of the Mughals’ most famous monuments are here: including the magical Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan's enduring monument to his love, a shining vision of pure white marble. The Taj is breathtakingly incredible, and it is not the only wonder of Agra—the legacy of the Mughal Empire has left a magnificent fort and a sprinkling of fascinating tombs and mausoleums, while the Yamuna River provides a suitably sacred backdrop.
The Soul of India
Terraced lawns…glittering fountains…intricately carved pavilions…rich interiors…gorgeous stonework…antique furniture—Oberoi Amarvilas takes you back to an era of Emperors and Princes. You’ll certainly feel like royalty in your gorgeous room, decorated in teak and sandstone, but it all pales in comparison to your view: the Oberoi is right across the way from the Taj Mahal, and your view of this glorious creation is unparalleled. It’s almost impossible to look away. Enjoy a private santoor lesson with a maestro. After all, no melody is more representative of Indian classical music than the soulful strains of the santoor. At sunset, proceed to Mehtab Bagh, a site across the river that affords a spectacular view of the Taj Mahal. In the serene gardens of the Mehtab Bagh, along the banks of the dusk-dappled Yamuna River, we begin to understand the spell this World Wonder casts over all who visit. Afterwards, we dine at Peshawri at ITC Mughal – an authentic Indian dining experience.
The Soul of India
Monday, March 27 Agra Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal Return to the hotel for breakfast Morning visit to the Agra Fort and to Kohinoor Jewellers for a private viewing of tapestries and meet with the owner Lunch at the hotel Early evening cooking demonstration with the chef of Mughal cuisine Dinner at the hotel Overnight at the Oberoi Amarvilas in Premier Balcony Rooms At sunrise, feast your eyes on the Taj Mahal. Unique in the world, the Taj Mahal is a glorious monument that wasn’t built to honour battle or conquest—it’s a monument to something simpler and more beautiful: love. Emperor Shah Jahan, fifth of the great Mughals, was devoted to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. She died at the age of 39, giving birth to her fourteenth child. The emperor resolved to build his wife a memorial surpassing anything the world had ever seen in beauty and, it must be admitted, wild extravagance. Twenty thousand labourers and skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy were put into action to construct this masterpiece. The Taj is not the only magnificent building here. Agra Fort, which lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, was built by Emperor Akbar as his citadel in the 16th century. This impressive fort, with its grand imposing gates, walls of red sandstone and moat, dominates the centre of the city.
The Soul of India
You will also visit the widely acclaimed ‘Kohinoor Jewellers’ for a viewing of their priceless collection of hand woven tapestries. Ghanshyam Mathur, the current owner, is a descendant of the original house of Kohinoor and is also a highly honoured artist. Among his accomplishments are the embroidered official seal of the US President Lyndon Johnson in 1966 and an embroidered portrait of the legendary Abraham Lincoln during the United States Bicentennial. This famed establishment also possesses some magnificent heirlooms, amongst which a shimmering emerald and a ruby necklace is probably the most famous. A special cooking demonstration this evening takes you back to the Mughal period. Mughlai cuisine is a style of cooking developed in the Indian subcontinent by the Imperial kitchens of the Mughal Empire. The cuisine is strongly influenced by the Persian cuisine of Iran, and has in turn strongly influenced the regional cuisines of Northern India. The taste of Mughlai cuisine varies from extremely mild to spicy, and is often associated with a distinctive aroma and the taste of ground and whole spices. Tuesday, March 28 Agra to Ranthambore Breakfast at the hotel Morning drive to Ranthambore (approximately 4 – 5 hour drive) Lunch at the hotel Afternoon game drive Dinner at the hotel Overnight at Oberoi Vanyavilas in Luxury Tents
The Soul of India
This morning, bid farewell to Agra as you drive to Sawai Madhopur – home to the Ranthambore National Park. Originally the hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Jaipur, it was declared a game sanctuary in 1955, it later came under the auspices of Project Tiger, and finally, in 1980, became a national park. The park itself covers an area of 410 square kilometres, its lakes and rivers hemmed in by steep mountain crags. Areas of open bush land alternate with dense forest, and scattered about are picturesque ruined pavilions, chhatris (domed kiosks), and “hides” used by the maharaja’s hunting parties. Upon arrival in Ranthambore, we proceed to our luxury resort bordering the park – The Oberoi Vanyavilas. Numerous animals are found in the park, and it is common to spot antelope, and various species of deer – nilgai, sambhar and chital. By the lake and at the water holes, other animals are sometimes sighted – sloth bear, wild boar, porcupine, jackal, leopard, jungle cat and crocodile. A large number of birds, including migratory, are also found within its borders, and over 300 different species have been identified. Embark on your first game drive through the park this afternoon.
The Soul of India
Wednesday, March 29 Ranthambore Early morning game drive Breakfast at the hotel Morning lecture by a wildlife photographer or a wildlife expert Or visit to Dastkar, a local crafts conservation program Lunch at the hotel Afternoon game drive Dinner at the hotel Overnight at Oberoi Vanyavilas in Luxury Tents Awake just before dawn to hot coffee or pot of tea, accompanied by a few pieces of shortbread to fortify you for the morning’s adventure—a sunrise game-drive. The rolling landscape is simply crawling with wildlife, and stunning photographs are ours for the taking. The wild peacocks with their compelling cries and iridescent plumage add a constant note of glamour and exoticism. But of course it is the tigers that everyone comes to see. And seeing these magnificent animals in the wild is a fantastic experience. Ranthambore is one of the best locations to get a close view. They are sighted almost daily somewhere in the park – especially early in the morning. The luckiest visitors may catch a glimpse of tigers hunting, and the females taking care of their cubs. Later, meet a wildlife photographer or wildlife expert and get a special insight into what makes Ranthambore a delight – both for wildlife photographers and enthusiasts alike. If you prefer, visit a craft conservation project aimed at sustaining local artisans and their trade. The chairperson will be delighted to show you around herself and share just some of the initiatives developed to provide employment to the local villagers.
The Soul of India
Thursday, March 30 Ranthambore to Jaipur Breakfast at the hotel Morning drive to Jaipur (approximately 3 – 4 hour drive) Lunch at the hotel Afternoon visit to the City Palace and Observatory followed by a walk through the local bazaar Henna session in the bazaar for the ladies Dinner at the hotel Overnight at the Rambagh Palace Hotel in Palace Rooms This morning we continue our journey and drive to Jaipur. India’s famous ‘Pink City’ is so called because its walls were painted pink to honour visiting guests Prince Albert and Queen Victoria in the 1800’s. It remains a majestic city, steeped in history and vibrant with life. Opulent buildings and colourful bazaars… Cavorting camels and painted elephants… Few cities offer so much variety, excitement, and cultural immersion—not to mention comfort. The former residence of the Maharajah of Jaipur, the breathtaking Rambagh Palace is as comfortable as it is exquisite. An ornate and architectural masterpiece, every piece of the property is a work of art: from the terraced lawns to the ornate pavilions. Your rooms are a cocoon of luxury, with four-poster beds, walk-in wardrobes, and ornate fabrics…this opulence, combined with the incredibly intuitive service of the staff, will make you wonder if perhaps you are royalty, after all. This afternoon, proceed to the City Palace complex which continues to evoke the splendour of a bygone era. In an unending series of delights, from its grand aged entrance to the play of ornamental fountains, the City Palace is a dazzling showplace of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Here you take the insider’s tour—your guide knows all the legends that make the Palace such a memorable place to visit—and discover hidden and dazzling treasures along the way.
The Soul of India
You also have the opportunity for a hands-on lesson in ancient Indian astrology. The Jantar Mantar, literally translated as ‘calculation instrument,’ is an extravagant observatory, built in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh, on a grand scale that was way before its time. Learn to use the observatory as it was meant to be used—to view and calculate the movements of the planets and stars. Walking the streets of the bazaar area is an unforgettable experience in itself. To counteract the drab hues of their desert surroundings, you will see that the inhabitants of Rajasthan have adopted a flamboyant style of dress – men in bright turbans and extravagant moustaches and women in saris of day-glow colours. The streets are bustling with pedestrians, cars, lorries, motorcycles, bullock and camel carts, meandering cows and yes – even the odd elephant or two! Take a stroll through this area and experience just what makes Jaipur buzz. There will also be an opportunity for the ladies to get their hands painted with beautiful henna designs.
Friday, March 31 Jaipur Breakfast at the hotel Morning jeep safari in Samode Lunch at Samode Palace Evening private astrology session Dinner at the hotel Overnight at the Rambagh Palace Hotel in Palace Rooms
The Soul of India
This morning, we venture out of the city—through the arid Rajasthani countryside, sprinkled with vivid colour—to the quaint nearby village of Samode. Once a rich town within the principality of Amber (for which the Fort is named), Samode’s Palace evokes these halcyon days of lavishness. The former fort and luxury manor is now a hotel, where we enjoy a multi-course luncheon. Yet it is the connection to the everyday Indian people that enchants us in Samode. We take time to meet with the villagers here, their warmth and humility buoying our spirits. We also visit the village school that Micato supports with the help of travellers. Seeing first-hand the difference we can make in the education of needy children is a unique and heart-warming experience. The ancient maharajas were known for their fierce belief in their court astrologers, and would rarely make a move without their guidance – a practice which remains popular amongst India’s elite even today. Tonight we invite you to experience the mystique of this age-old practice as our acclaimed astrologer unravels the mysteries of the stars with a personal reading.
The Soul of India
Saturday, April 1 Jaipur Early morning hot air balloon ride Return to the hotel for breakfast Morning at leisure or visit to specialist outlets in the bazaar – view antique textile collections, meet a jewellery designer, view block printing and carpet weaving Lunch at the hotel Afternoon visit to Amber Fort Evening elephant safari and dinner with private dances Turban tying for gentlemen Overnight at the Rambagh Palace Hotel in Palace Rooms Early this morning you have the opportunity to enjoy a novel experience – a balloon adventure over Jaipur! There’s no feeling quite like it, nothing on earth that can match the magic of floating on air, the sense of being at one with the sky and looking down at a world that is looking up at you! Before you know it, this exhilarating experience is over, as you return to the hotel for breakfast. This morning is at leisure. Or if you like experience the colourful mosaic of an Indian shopping spree. Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise, renowned for gems and jewellery, precious and semiprecious stones set in gold, ‘meenakari’ (enamel work) and antique and chunky silver jewellery. Other finds include antiques and artefacts, carpets, ‘Pechwai’ and miniature paintings on silk and paper, a unique type of blue pottery and even glass bangles! Fabric-wise, there are brocades, tieand-dye, block printed, and the famous ‘mirror work’ embroidery, also used in table linen, cushion covers and readymade garments. Enjoy a specialised version as you view and even perhaps try your hand at jewellery design, block printing and carpet weaving.
The Soul of India
This afternoon, visit the Amber Fort. On the crest of a rugged hilltop and overlooking Lake Moata, the fort lends a majestic strength that evokes thoughts of legends and fairy tales. Amber Fort has been constructed in white and red sandstone. The Fort is unique in that its outside, an imposing and rugged defensive structure, is markedly different from its inside, an ornate, lavish interior influenced by both Hindu and Muslim styles of ornamentation. The walls of the interior of the fort are covered with murals, frescoes, and paintings depicting various scenes from daily life. Other walls are covered with intricate carvings, mosaic, and minute mirror work. The favourite activity of the day will no doubt be making friends with an elephant! Get up close and personal with the Asian elephants by painting them with traditional Indian designs. The elephants love the attention, and luxuriate in being pampered! Once the elephant is painted, jump aboard. Your ride takes you through a private forest area, past a medieval fortress and culminates with a delectable dinner in an exclusive location, under the open sky.
Sunday, April 2 Jaipur to Varanasi via Delhi Breakfast at the hotel Transfer to the airport Fly Jaipur/ Delhi – Jet Airways 9W 2250 (0720/0825) Fly Delhi/ Varanasi – Jet Airways 9W 2423 (1050/1210) Arrive Varanasi and transfer to the hotel Lunch at the hotel Evening private aarti ceremony on the river Ganges with a talk by the priest followed by a vegetarian dinner at the ghats Overnight at the Gateway Ganges in Executive Rooms
The Soul of India
We wing our way to Varanasi via Delhi this morning. Colourful. Charismatic. Steeped in history and legend. Varanasi is India’s most sacred city. At 1,500 years old, it is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. As Mark Twain said, Varanasi ‘is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend.’ Varanasi is also the beating heart of the Hindu universe, a ‘thin place’ where the spiritual realm and physical realm meet. The magical city on the banks of the Ganges is where the most intimate rituals of life and death take place, and a rare place where an ancient yet still thriving religious tradition is so incredibly accessible. A haven of peace and tranquility amidst the bustling Temple City of Varanasi - the Gateway Ganges is set amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens. All rooms and suites are rich in color and textures decorated in luxurious Indian style. Comfort and elegance walk hand in hand here. This evening you will visit the river ghats at sunset, when the setting sun casts mystical shadows upon the darkening water, and the tiny sacred lamps that line the banks are ceremoniously lit. Here you will enjoy a singular experience: an aarti, or prayer ceremony. Seemingly both a fiery celebration and solemn entreaty, the aarti is said to have a connection to fire rituals referenced in the Vedas and is a striking sensory experience. The ceremony will be followed by a local vegetarian dinner by the ghats.
Monday, April 3 Varanasi Sunrise boat ride on the river Ganges Return to the hotel for breakfast Morning visits to a Hindu temple and a silk weaving unit Lunch at the hotel Afternoon visit to Sarnath Dinner at the hotel Overnight at the Gateway Ganges in Executive Rooms
The Soul of India
Thousands of pilgrims visit Varanasi daily to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges, which in the Hindu religion is believed to wash away sins. We observe the holy rites on a boat ride at dawn on the river, as devotees perform ritual sunrise baths and religious ceremonies in the pink and gold light—an ancient tradition that has remained throughout the centuries. The chanting of mantras, singing of hymns and the sweet fragrance of incense fill the morning air with mystery. This morning, we visit a famous Hindu temple. Later, we can even get an insider’s view on how world-renowned crafts are made with a visit to an artisanal silk weaving workshop. Silk weaving originated in Varanasi, and the fabrics made on these looms are still second-to-none. Continuing on our exploration, we visit Sarnath after lunch—the religious centre where Buddha delivered his first speech after gaining enlightenment—and the Dharmekh Stupa—where Buddha delivered his first sermon. We also stop by the museum, which has a small but renowned collection of Buddhist and Brahmanist antiquities.
The Soul of India
Tuesday, April 4 Varanasi to Delhi Breakfast at the hotel Morning transfer to the airport Fly Varanasi/ Delhi by Indigo 6E 175 (1045/1225) Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the hotel Lunch at the hotel Evening visit to Kingdom of Dreams for a Bollywood Show Dinner at the hotel Rooms available at The Oberoi Gurgaon until departure Late night or early morning transfer to the airport This afternoon, your journey through this fascinating land draws to a close as you fly to Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to a hotel where a room has been reserved for you until departure. This evening, you may like to visit the fabulous Kingdom of Dreams – envisioned as a magical venue to showcase the best of modern India. Indeed, it is India’s undisputed answer to Broadway. Immerse yourself in Bollywood and the colour, music, drama and energy that come with it as you watch one of their lauded Bollywood musicals. You leave the theatre officially under the spell of India. Later tonight, you return to the airport for your departure flight. As you leave, you’re already reminiscing about your journey through India, and your close encounters with entrancing palaces and fascinating cultures. The palaces, forts, villages and cities—you’ve seen it all, accompanied by a few guides who knew your preferences and desires by heart. It has been the journey of a lifetime… even before you land at your next destination, you’ll find yourself missing Micato’s India.
The Soul of India Your Bespoke India programme includes all of the following services and amenities:
Services of a Micato Tour Director to escort you throughout your journey. Private Micato Concierge Service available 24 hours a day. Accommodations in the finest hotels and lodges: Club Rooms at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi Premier Balcony Rooms at the Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra Luxury Tents at the Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore Palace Rooms at the Rambagh Palace, Jaipur Executive Rooms at the Gateway Ganges, Varanasi Deluxe Rooms at the Oberoi, Gurgaon
3 nights 2 nights 2 nights 3 nights 2 nights until departure
All meals beginning with breakfast on March 24 until dinner on April 4 including hotels and local city restaurants, with mineral water and soft drinks included. Transportation in a private vehicle, which is available at your convenience throughout the programme. Internal air by scheduled flights in economy: Jaipur to Delhi Delhi to Varanasi Varanasi to Delhi 12 lbs extra luggage allowance per person per sector Extensive sightseeing as described as well as special enhancements and educational experiences 3 game drives in Ranthambore National Park in private jeeps. Every gratuity included, including the trip-end gratuities to the accompanying Micato Tour Director, guides, drivers, as well as daily tips to waiters, porters, concierges at hotels, airports and meals. All permits, entrance fees to monuments, still camera fees when necessary, government taxes, VAT and service charges relating to accommodations and included meals. Complete porterage throughout the tour.
Terms and Conditions and Binding Arbitration
Terms and Conditions and Binding Arbitration Registration: A deposit of 30% is requested at the time of booking. The balance or final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Cancellations: Cancellations received more than 150 days prior to departure will be subject to a 20% cancellation penalty. Cancellations received 149-120 days prior to departure are subject to a penalty of 30% of the total retail tour rate; 119 – 90 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour rate. Cancellations 89 days or less are subject to forfeiture of the entire retail tour cost. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. Taxes: The tour programme includes hotel taxes as imposed by city and state governments as well as entrance fees to National Parks, Game Reserves, and historic sites. Not Included in the Tour Rate: Costs of obtaining passports; visas; excess baggage charges; items of a purely personal nature, such as drinks, laundry, communication (calls, faxes, emails, etc.); international airport departure tax (to be paid in U.S. dollars or acceptable foreign currencies); excursions or deviations from the programme. Unused Services: There are no refunds for unused portions of the programme. It is understood and agreed that refunds should not be made to passengers who do not complete the tour for any cause. Responsibility: Taicoa Corporation d/b/a Micato Safaris, its employees, shareholders, officers and directors (collectively “Micato”) does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, local ground or safari operators, including, without limitation, various entities which may utilize the Micato name, guides, entertainment, food or drink service providers, equipment suppliers, etc. As a result, Micato is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity. In addition, Micato is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any person or entity it does not own or control, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under its control. Without limitation Micato is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract or violation of local law or regulation of any third party such as an airline, train, hotel, bus, taxi, van or safari operator, local ground handler or guide, whether or not it uses the Micato name, financial default or insolvency of any supplier and /or restaurant which is to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip. Similarly, Micato is not responsible for any loss, injury, death or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodation, default of any third party, attacks or bites by animals, pests or insects, injury or death while on activities sponsored by lodging facilities or by other third parties, sickness, the lack of appropriate medical care, evacuation to same, If necessary, weather, strikes, acts of God or government, acts of terrorism, or the threat thereof, force majeure, war, quarantine, epidemics, or the threat thereof, criminal activity, or any other cause beyond its control.
Terms and Conditions and Binding Arbitration Photography: Micato may take photographs or film of its trips and trip participants, and participant grants Micato express permission to do so and for Micato to use such for promotional or commercial use. Miscellaneous: Baggage is at “owner’s risk” throughout the tour unless insured. The right is reserved to alter or cancel the itinerary, at Micato’s sole discretion, as it may deem necessary or advisable, Micato reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any passenger on any of its tours if, in its sole discretion, it deems accepting or retaining any such passenger as being detrimental to the tour. In the event any passenger is removed from a trip, Micato’s only obligation is to refund to that person that portion of the payment allocable to unused services. Air arrangements are based on December 15, 2015, airfares which are subject to change. Rates may vary accordingly. All airfares and conditions are subject to change. All scheduled airline flights are occasionally subject to overbooking, delay or cancellation. If this occurs, Micato will use its best efforts to assist clients in finding alternative arrangements. Micato, however, is not responsible for any such events and the costs associated therewith. Changes in the Responsibility clause can be made only in writing signed by an officer of Micato. Arbitration: Any and all disputes concerning this contract, the brochure or your trip shall be resolved solely and exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then current commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. Any such arbitration will take place in New York City, New York. In any such arbitration, the substantive (but not procedural) law of New York will apply. The arbitrator and not any federal, state or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. © Copyright Micato Safaris 2016.
