The Amazon

March 9-22, 2010

The Apartment Association will embark on the most exotic and breathtaking trip to date. It is a trip of incredible discovery, a trip that you will find yourself saying, “I can’t believe I am here.” We will venture to a place of legend, a place of myth and contradiction. You have probably heard about it your whole life, but never thought you would visit—the Amazon!

Our trip begins March 9, with the flight from Los Angeles to Manaus, Brazil, a pulsating capital in the heart of Amazonas. This bustling rubber boomtown, with more than two million people, is isolated from almost every other city in Brazil. A free port, it is the heart of trade on the world’s mightiest river. Riverboats bob in the harbor as men carry goods on their heads to the surrounding docks. The air is sticky and sweet with the sense of adventure to come.

We will spend one night relaxing at the Tropical Hotel in Manaus as we prepare for the next 10 days of wonder. Refreshed, we will set out by boat on a scenic journey from Manaus to our next stop, the spectacular and rustic Ariau Towers Hotel (Arr-ee-ow-oo). Hosting many world leaders, televisions shows, celebrities and the likes of Bill Gates, the Ariau is a wonder. Built 150 feet up in the trees, the hotel stretches from the waterside to deep into the jungle. Created at the suggestion of Jacque Cousteau, the Ariau has more than five miles of large stable walkways elevated in the treetops.

Your air-conditioned room will be in one of the many towers that rise above the jungle floor. All meals are included as well as all touring. We will be assigned our own Amazon guide. There will be gentle jungle walks, excursions in the hotel’s motorized canoes, fishing for Piranha and even an optional tour to swim with the famous pink dolphins! It will be four days packed with splendid sites and the warmth of the Ariau hospitality. Monkeys free-roam the entire hotel (except the rooms), so don’t be surprised to make some new friends!

After the Ariau, we travel back to Manaus to meet our wonderful ship, the Grand Amazon. This 150- passenger cruise ship is the only five-star ship based on the river. We will journey on both the Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes, two tributaries that come together near Manaus to form the mighty Amazon. There are amazing differences between the two rivers. The Rio Negro is a wilder section of the river, but also home to more indigenous communities. The Anavilhanas Archipelago is located here. This National Reserve contains hundreds of islands and inlets. On the Rio Solimões, we’ll see more animals and wildlife. The confluence of the darker Rio Negro and the lighter-colored Rio Solimões is known as the Meeting of the Waters. For six km, the waters run side by side without mixing.

During our time aboard the Grand Amazon ship, all of the land tours and boat excursions are included. The ship has its own water launches that seat four across and act as our taxi in the jungle. They will shuttle us around the river incomfort and style Your day can be packed with exploration or you might just pick and choose the excursions you want and enjoy the service and views from the ship. Every beautiful stateroom onboard has a lovely private balcony. All meals, tours, alcohol and beverages are included, which when combined with the inclusive nature of the Ariau, make it a trip of very little incidental expenses.

We will depart for home on March 21, with a quick overnight in Miami at the waterfront Hyatt Regency, giving you a chance to relax, reminisce with the group and arrive back to Los Angeles refreshed the next day. Dinner in the Manaus and breakfast in Miami are included. The flights to and from Manaus include one stop only and were chosen to make the travel as easy as possible.

We invite you to join the group and come along with fellow Apartment owners on the most exotic adventure yet. We will continue the tradition of two Apartment industry seminars aboard ship. Don’t forget to check with your tax professional regarding the benefits of the business seminar-atsea program. Pricing for this trip starts at $1,990 per person for the five-star cruise portion and $1,299 for the extensive five-night land program. Airfare is available right from Los Angeles to Manaus for $1,067.

Don’t miss visiting the AACSC travel website at www.AssociationAtSea.com for incredible pictures and trip overview. To book the March Amazon trip, please contact Mark Stewart, Group Coordinator at 866-944-3036 or via email cruise@AssociationAtSea.com. Both Mark and Vicki Stewart look forward to seeing you next March on the River!