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The Hotel
The hotel
has fifteen rooms and can accommodate up to 52 persons. It has two conference
rooms, a large dining room, beautiful landscaping and very nice social
areas. All the rooms have private bathrooms and hot water.
The Hotel
Casablanca is located in the beautiful and quiet town of San Marcos in
the department of Carazo about 25 miles south of the capital city Managua.
It is in the high planes of Carazo at about 1,800 feet of altitude. It
enjoys a lovely climate like eternal Spring with temperatures ranging
between 60 and 85 degrees F.
San Marcos
is a colonial town in a coffee growing area with very lush green surroundings.
Waking up with music of a variety of beautiful birds is an experience.
You will
be able to buy lovely handicrafts, hammocks, leather goods and souvenirs
in the surrounding towns about five miles from San Marcos.
Residence
Opportunities:
Nicaragua has very attractive laws offering
fiscal benefits to citizens of other nationalities who wish to reside
in the country like duty free for households belongings, automobile, and
tax benefits. We will be happy to help you find the alternative best suited
for your circumstances. You can first visit as a tourist and find out
the best life style for your future in the sun.
Geographical
Location
Nicaragua is the
largest country of Central America. It is bordered on the north by Honduras,
on the east by the Caribbean Sea, on the south by Costa Rica, and on the
west by the Pacific Ocean. Slightly larger than New York State, Nicaragua
has an area of 50,193 square miles (about 130,000 square kilometers).
Nicaragua has about 215 miles of coast line on the Pacific side and about
330 miles on the Atlantic side.
Like most Central
American countries, Nicaragua has coastal lowlands rising to interior
mountains and volcanoes that run roughly north to south through the country.
Some of Nicaragua's mountains approach elevations of 6,900 feet.
Nicaragua
is part of the chain of volcanoes along the west coast of the American
continent. There are 28 volcanoes in the Nicaragua territory including
two on the island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua. Six of the volcanoes are
active including the Hawaiian style open mouth Volcan Masaya with direct
access by car.
Nicaragua
has two very large lakes: Lake Managua, by the capital city of Managua,
and Lake Nicaragua which is the 12th largest lake in the world
(abt 8,300 square kilometers). It is the only lake in the world where
sharks and swordfish are found in fresh water.
Lake
Nicaragua has about 365 breath taking islands grouped in different archipelagos.
Lake Nicaragua is an important body of water where the famous Route through
Nicaragua was operated linking the east coast of the United States
with California during the Gold Rush. The Route was run up the San Juan
River from the Caribbean Coast across Lake Nicaragua and then by cart
the ten miles to get to the Pacific Ocean.
About
5,000,000 people live in Nicaragua. Of the population, about 70% are Mestizos,
15% are of European descent, 10% are black, and 5% are descended from
Indians. About 90% of Nicaraguans are Roman Catholics and 10% belong to
Protestant denominations. Spanish is the country's official language;
however, English and Indian languages are also spoken.
Despite
the poverty that is found throughout much of Nicaragua, the country does
offer a variety of activities for visitors. Sightseeing at archeological
sites, volcanoes, and museums, hiking, fishing, and surfing are all popular
attractions. Numerous restaurants offer good meals priced between U.S.$5
- $10
The
Tours
The tours are carefully
prepared to the most stunning attractions in the pacific side of the country.
All entry fees, tips and taxes are included in the package price in order
to offer a cash-less tour experience free of surprises. At the end of
the tour you may collect a tip for the personnel if you feel you were
served in a very special manner.
The services you will receive in a package tour will include:
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Daily tours to very beautiful and interesting sites
as described in our tour schedule. |
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Trips to mountains, volcanoes, lakes, lagoons, islands, museums,
churches, swimming in volcanic crater lakes and in the warm waters
of the Pacific Ocean, handicraft markets and other sites of interest. |
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All ground transportation as detailed in the schedule by air condition
buses. |
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All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and fruits during the
excursions. |
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Private boat rides as scheduled. |
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Rooms with private bathrooms and hot water in double or triple accommodations.
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All admission fees to parks and museums. |
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Bilingual expert tour guides. |
Medical
Services
If you wish to relocate
to sunny and beautiful Nicaragua you should have a thorough medical checkup
before your departure and bring with you all the documentation for reference
to the local doctors. Also bring copies of your prescriptions and bring
an adequate supply for your first couple of weeks. There are two hospitals
within eight minutes from San Marcos. One of them is brand new and has
modern equipment.
You should make sure that your health and accident insurance has international
coverage. The cost of health care in Nicaragua is inexpensive in comparison
to the US and Canada.
You do not need an International Certificate of Vaccination to enter Nicaragua
but it is advisable to protect yourself against possible disease. It is
recommended that you take vaccination against illnesses as hepatitis or
malaria.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition that may require special
care, make sure to obtain and wear a MedicAlert® bracelet.
The
Economy
During
the civil war of the 1980s, Nicaragua's economy was decimated, and has
only begun to rebound in the last few years. A major reason for current
economic growth was the government's initiation of a economic stabilization
program in the early 1990s. This led to an impressive reduction in inflation
and the obtaining of substantial aid from abroad. From 1991 to 1992, the
inflation rate fell from 750% to less than 5%. The present rate fluctuates
at an average of about 10%.
Several
key sectors comprise Nicaragua's economy. Some of its important industries
include: chemicals, textiles, oil refining, and food processing. Chief
crops include bananas, cotton, coffee, sugar, corn, cocoa, rice, and tobacco.
The country also has mineral deposits of gold, silver, copper, and tungsten.
In recent
years, the GDP growth rate has averaged about 4%, while the GDP per capita
is slightly under U.S.$1,800. The country's unemployment rate is high,
averaging about 20%, but this doesn't account for the substantial underemployment.
There
is a clear potential for continued economic growth in Nicaragua. The country's
infrastructure has been modernized and it continues to be improved. The
telephone system is being expanded and it now has a vast coverage in cellular
communications.
Free
zones in Nicaragua offer significant tax benefits. Companies operating
in free zones may be publicly or privately owned, and must focus their
business on the creation and exportation of products. Such companies are
exempt from all taxes, including municipal taxes. Income from outside
of the country is generally exempt, provided that the business or work
to earn it was not done in Nicaragua.
We are
able and willing to provide information about investments in Nicaragua.
Should you be interested in finding out more information about Nicaragua
you can contact us or:
The
Embassy of Nicaragua
1627
New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington,
DC 20009
Tel:
202-939-6570
The
U.S. Mission in Nicaragua
Kilometer4.5 Carretera Sur
Managua,
Nicaragua
Mailing
Address: APO AA 34021
Tel:
505-2-666010, 666013, 666015
Fax:
505-2-669074
Terms
and Conditions of the Tours
Prices advertised are for
the specific tours as scheduled. The prices are in US Dollars and include
only the services as advertised. Prices are understood to apply to adults
in double occupancy. Children twelve years old and younger have a twenty
five percent discount. Children under two participate for free.
The packages offered are for the length of time advertised and require
the minimum number of nights stay as advertised. Travel dates may be changed
upon confirmation by the Hotel. Prices are subject to change based on
travel dates and number of travelers.
The total charges of the contracted package due to us will be clearly
disclosed to you prior to the final purchase. All sales are non-refundable,
non-changeable and non-transferable including no shows or missed connections
except when the hotel is able to accommodate the new dates.
Documentation
To enter
the country of Nicaragua you need a passport valid for at least six months.
You do not need to obtain a visa prior to your departure. You will be
able to buy a tourist visa after your arrival at the airport for five
US Dollars valid for ninety days for American citizens and thirty days
for nationals of other countries. This visa is renewable twice in the
country. If you plan to stay in the country as a resident we will be happy
to inform you about other documents you will need.
Country
Facts
Nicaragua is one of the least commercialized tourist destinations. It
is one of the most exotics countries in Latin America with miles and miles
of beautiful beaches on the pacific and Atlantic oceans. Its mountains,
lakes and volcanoes surround you everywhere you go.
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Nicaragua's country telephone code is 505 |
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Nicaragua is an adventure which mixes scenery, history, culture,
excellent food and very warm and friendly people. |
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Nicaragua is very rich in its natural resources. Its many lakes,
volcanoes, tropical mountains, beautiful and sunny beaches and lovely
colonial towns like Granada and Leon make it a very attractive destination. |
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Most beaches, lakes and volcanoes are within forty five minutes
from Hotel Casablanca and are easily accessible by good roads. |
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The volcanoes are fascinating and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
Like the blue water lagoon of Apoyo seeing from the mirador of Catarina
and the volcanoes Maderas and Concepcion on the Ometepe Island in
Lake Nicaragua. |
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The folklore and the handicrafts found in the local markets are
impressive. |
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The capital of Nicaragua is the city of Managua located on the shores
of Lake Managua. The population is about one million. |
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The official currency is the Cordoba. The rate of exchange devaluates
progressively at the rate of about one percent every month. The rate
of exchange for the year 2004 will probably range between C$15.50
and C$16.50 for US$1.00 |
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The US Dollar is widely accepted throughout the country. Visa, Master
Card and American Express credit cards are accepted in most businesses
but not in the handicraft markets. ATM machines are available in Managua
and in the main cities of the Pacific area. |
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Sales tax is 15 percent. This tax is already included in all the
tours and services offered by Casablanca Tours. |
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The electrical current is 110 Volts 60 Hrz. All American artifacts
can be used. European plugs require adapters. |
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Drinking water is safe in most major cities but bottled purified
water is recommended. |
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People are very friendly and warm. Foreigners are very welcomed. |
Seven-Day
& Six-Night Tour
Casablanca
Tours offers you the opportunity to explore the beautiful and exciting
country of Nicaragua. You will enjoy visiting some the most attractive
colonial cities in Latin America, magnificent active volcanoes, paradisiacal
islands, historic and cultural sites and beaches under the following schedule:
Arrival
Day:
·
Arrival at the International Airport
in Managua
·
Transfer in air condition bus to Hotel
Casablanca
·
Welcome Reception at Hotel Casablanca
·
Briefing about the tour
Day
One:
A full
day tour of the colonial city of Granada including the pre-Columbian museum
of San Francisco and some of the most beautiful of the 365 islands of
volcanic origin in the largest lake of Central America. These islands
are very rich in flora and fauna.
Granada
is located about 28 miles from Managua and about 20 miles from Hotel Casablanca.
It is a gorgeous colonial city founded by the Spaniards in 1524. It is
the oldest city founded in America by the Spaniards. It is on the shores
of Lake Nicaragua with a beautiful archipelago of about 365 volcanic origin
islands. By the lake is the Mombacho volcano, 1400 meters above sea level,
with an impressive abundance of many different types of orchids.
The
churches, central park and colonial homes give Granada a unique atmosphere
of the colonial times. On this day You will enjoy:
·
Breakfast
·
Briefing the tour
·
Transfer in air condition bus to the
city of Granada
·
Complete tour of the city of Granada
·
Visit to the Museum of San Francisco
·
Private boat tour of gorgeous islands
in lake Nicaragua
·
Lunch in one of these islands
·
Transfer back to Hotel Casablanca
·
Dinner at Hotel Casablanca
Day
Two:
A full
day tour to the Masaya Volcano National Park and the edge of the Santiago
Volcano. You will see where the rivers of magna of the last eruptions
flowed down the skirt of the volcano while driving the roads and trails
around the craters of the volcanoes.
Masaya
is known as the City of the Flowers. It is about 12 miles from Hotel Casablanca.
Its population has a high percentage of natives from indigenous tribes
who have developed excellent skills in handcrafts specially in leather,
wood, ceramics, stone and cloth. The community of Monimbo is very well
known for work in wood, stone and cloth.
A
visit to the breath taking view of the crater lagoon of Apoyo from the
mirador of Catarina. This is a very beautiful and friendly town where
ornamental plants and handcrafts are made. The tour of this day will include:
·
Breakfast
·
Briefing of the tour
·
Transfer in air condition bus to the
Masaya Volcano National Park
·
Visit volcano Santiago all the way to
the edge of the volcano where you will see the burning lava in the
crater.
·
Visit the Masaya Artisans Market where
you will have the opportunity to buy souvenirs to take back home.
·
Visit the hammock artisan shops
·
Tour the city of Masaya
·
Visit the pre-Columbian museum of Nindiri
·
Tour the lagoon of Masaya
·
Lunch in Masaya
·
Visit the magnificent view of the deep
blue crater lake of Apoyo from the mirador of Catarina
·
Visit the ancient ceramic village of
San Juan de Oriente
·
Transfer back to Hotel Casablanca
·
Dinner at Hotel Casablanca
Day
Three:
A full
day tour of the island of Ometepe with its two magnificent volcanoes including
a tour of the colonial cities of Rivas and San Jorge.
The colonial
city of Rivas is about 50 miles from the Hotel Casablanca. It has beautiful
colonial houses, churches and a very nice museum. San Jorge is a port
on the shores of the Great Lake of Nicaragua where you board the boat
to take you to Ometepe Island.
Ometepe
Island has two huge volcanoes on it: the Concepcion (about 1600 meters
high) and the Maderas (almost 1400 meters high). Ometepe island is the
world largest island in a lake with about 270 square kilometers.
You will
visit several pre-Columbian archeological sites like indigenous cemeteries
and the Charco Verde Lagoon, Punta Jesus Maria, and the Santo Domingo
beach and the two most important villages: Moyogalpa and Altagracia. The
tour of this day will include:
·
Breakfast
·
Briefing the tour of the day
·
Transfer in air condition bus to the
cities of Rivas and San Jorge
·
Visit the museum of Rivas
·
Boat ride to the island of Ometepe
·
Tour of the archeological sites of the
island
·
Lunch on the island
·
Transfer back to Hotel Casablanca
·
Dinner at Hotel Casablanca
Day
Four:
A full
day tour of the colonial and historical city of Leon which was the capital
of Managua for about two hundred years. Leon was founded in 1524 by Hernandez
de Cordoba. It was the capital city of Nicaragua from the colonial times
until 1857 when the capital was moved to Managua.
Its cathedral
is the largest in Central America which took about 100 years to be built.
Political, religious and intellectual celebrities are buried in it including
world known poet Ruben Dario. The University of Leon is one of the oldest
universities en Latin America. The tour of this day will include:
·
Breakfast
·
Briefing the tour of the day
·
Transfer in air condition bus to the city of
Leon
·
Tour of the colonial city of Leon
·
Visit the Cathedral of Leon
·
Visit the Ruben Dario museum
·
Visit the indigenous community and museum of
Subtiava
·
Lunch in Leon
·
Visit the ruins
of old Leon abandoned after the eruption of Volcano Momotombo
·
Transfer back to Hotel Casablanca
·
Dinner at Hotel Casablanca
Day
Five:
An interesting
day tour of the capital city of Managua. Destroyed twice by earthquakes
it still has beautiful and interesting buildings including the Old Cathedral,
National Palace, the Presidential Palace and the famous Huellas de Acahualinca.
These are footprints dating from about 6,500 years ago and are oldest
proof of existence of human life in the continent. There are footprints
of adults, children and animals
·
Breakfast
·
Briefing the tour of the day
·
Transfer in air condition bus to the
city of Managua
·
Tour of the capital city of Managua
·
Visit the Old Cathedral
·
Visit the National Museum
·
Visit the National Palace
·
Lunch in Managua
·
Visit the Huellas de Acahualinca
·
Visit the Tiscapa National Park
·
Transfer back to Hotel Casablanca
·
Dinner at Hotel Casablanca
Day
Six:
Enjoy a
day at a sunny and beautiful beach on the Pacific Ocean. Depending on
the time of the year you will be driven to the semi-private beach of Huehuete
where we have our own facilities or you can enjoy the spacious beach of
Pochomil.
·
Breakfast
·
Briefing the tour of the day
·
Transfer in air condition bus to the
Pacific Ocean
·
Relax on the hammocks or just sun bathe
and enjoy the day with delicious tropical fresh fruit
·
Lunch at the beach
·
Transfer back to Hotel Casablanca
·
Dinner at Hotel Casablanca
Departure
Day:
Your
return flight to Miami normally departs at around noon and requires that
you are at the airport by ten o’clock in the morning. You will have time
to finish packing your bags and enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
You should depart by nine o’clock to be at the airport on time. Most arrangements
will handled by our personnel for your comfort.
·
Breakfast
·
Transfer in
air condition bus to the airport
Car
& Hotel Self-drive Plans:
We
also offer car & hotel self-drive plans for those who want to enjoy
seeing Nicaragua at their own pace. If you want to live the adventure
and do not know where to go and how much it will cost you but want to
do it on your own, this is the plan for you. We will host you at Hotel
Casablanca and make all your travel arrangements including your airline
ticket from Miami. We will meet you at the airport and bring you to the
hotel to review your travel plans in the country. Your car will be waiting
for you at the hotel. Contact us for details and cost.
Travel
Arrangements
The tour packages we offer can start
in Miami and can include a round trip ticket Miami – Managua – Miami.
You can also make your own arrangements and only take the tours within
Nicaragua. We will meet you at the airport and provide the transportation
to the hotel in San Marcos and all the day tours of the package.
We will assist you in any travel arrangements you may need. If you have
any special needs please let us know in advance.
The Climate
Nicaragua's climate
varies with elevation. Coastal regions are tropical, while the highlands
and mountains are cooler. In the lowlands, the mean average temperature
is about 78 degrees F (about 26 degrees C); in the higher elevations average
temperatures vary between 60 and 80 degrees F (about 15 and 27 degrees
C).
A rainy season extends
from May to November, with rainfall being heaviest along the Caribbean
coast which may receive 150 inches (380 centimeters) of rain per year.
In the Pacific Coast you can expect afternoon showers during the rainy
season. Most days are sunny in the Pacific side of the country.
The temperature
in San Marcos where Hotel Casablanca is located ranges between 60 and
85 degrees F.
Bed
and Breakfast
The Hotel Casablanca offers the
service of Bed and Breakfast at the above rates.
Permanent Retirement in Nicaragua
Retiring
permanently to Nicaragua is an option for citizens of different nationalities
who are seeking a lower tax jurisdiction in a country with low cost of
living like Nicaragua.
The
History
Prior
to the arrival of the Spanish in 1552, Nicaragua was inhabited by various
Indian tribes. From 1552 until 1821 when it achieved independence from
Spain, the land was a Spanish colony. For a short period thereafter, Nicaragua
was united with Mexico, then with the United Provinces of Central America,
becoming an independent republic in 1838.
The United
States developed an interest for Nicaragua because of its strategic location
and the possibility of the construction of an inter ocean canal linking
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The U.S. sent marines to Nicaragua to
quell disturbances during some of the most difficult periods, the last
time being 1926 to 1933.
In the
latter part of the 20th century, Nicaragua, for a time, regularly appeared
in U.S. news broadcasts that highlighted the overthrow of the Somoza regime
and the following conflict between the Sandinistas and the Contras. The
civil war, along with governmental mismanagement, devastated the country's
economy, which only in recent years has begun to recover.
Democratic
rule was never fully established in Nicaragua until 1990. The country
suffered internal strife well into the 20th century.
Medical
and Nurse Teams
We
welcome medical and Nurse teams. We can make arrangements with the hospitals
of the cities nearby. There are three hospitals within eight minutes from
the hotel who can use all the help they can get.
Seasonal Retirement in Nicaragua
If your
principal motivation for retiring abroad is climate Nicaragua is an excellent
alternative because of its endless summer specially in San Marcos. The
low cost of living of Nicaragua is also very attractive. Let us know about
your interest and we will help you fulfill your dream.
The
Government
Nicaragua
is a republic with its capital at Managua. The chief of state is the president,
who is elected for a five-year term by universal suffrage of citizens
16 years of age and older. The legislative branch of the government resides
in the National Assembly, and the country's judicial system has been developed
on a code of civil laws. The current government is based on a constitution
adopted in 1987.
Christian
Groups
Nicaragua
is a very special mission destination. There are many needs like repairing
churches and schools or building new churches and schools. Preach the
gospel and help your neighbor in a loving way that will be remembered
for many years to come.
We
work with churches of different denominations in preparing the projects,
costing and logistics for the different needs they have. Please let us
know your interest and we will be very happy to coordinate your desires
with the needs of the community. Contact us for specific projects, dates
and special rates.
Alternative
Lodging: Home Stays
Hotel Casablanca
also offers you the alternative of lodging with Nicaraguan families. These
families and their homes have been carefully selected to meet high standards.
We have trained these families in seminars and workshops during eight
years.
We screen the
homes carefully to ensure quality control. The families provide breakfast
only or three meals per day as you desire. The minimum stay for a home
stay is six weeks. Please contact us for rates and availability.
Home
stays are available for Snowbirds and for permanent or seasonal retirement
in Nicaragua only.
Safety
in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is the
safest country in Latin America. Travel is safe day and night in most
areas of the country. Caution is, of course, always very important as
it is in any country of the world. You should not expect any crime activity
other than minor incidents.
Residence
Havens
The Casablanca
hotel and Casablanca Tours invite you to explore the possibility to move
to Nicaragua as a permanent or semi permanent resident as investors or
for permanent or seasonal retirement in Nicaragua. We also have programs
for snowbirds under very attractive conditions.
If you wish to
consider moving to another part of the world looking for sun, beautiful
surroundings and low cost of living during your retirement we invite you
to come for a short visit to Nicaragua to explore this possibility.
The sophistication
of personal computers and internet data links will keep you in touch with
the world and informed about your investments.
We will
be very happy to advise you in any area regarding investments, real state,
cost of living and different living alternatives.
Cost
of Tour (all inclusive) US$ 448.00 - 7 days, 6 nights including tours,
meals, fees, as detailed above.*
|
2 people |
3 people |
4 or more |
|
US
538.00 |
US$
498.00 |
US$
448.00 |
* price for four persons or more
all inclusive
Cost
of Hotel Rooms
Hotel rooms are spacious and nicely decorated. Each
room has its own private bathroom and hot water. There are single and
double rooms as well as suites for three or four persons. A sales tax
of 15% applies. Corporate rates and price discounts are available for
groups upon previous arrangement. Children twelve years old and younger
have a twenty five percent discount. Children under two stay for free.The
tariff for 2004 are:
DESCRIPTION |
PRICE |
Single room |
US$ 35.00 |
Double room |
US$ 40.00 |
Suite for three |
US$ 55.00 |
Suite for four |
US$ 60.00 |
Hot
Deals
Visit
your family in Nicaragua Program
Or perhaps you just want to visit
your family and Nicaragua and not want to impose in their home. Just let
us be your host at the Hotel Casablanca and let us take care of the travel
arrangements for you at a very affordable cost.
This option includes: |
Per
Person |
Six nights at Hotel Casablanca* |
|
Transfer from/to airport |
|
Full Breakfast (6) |
|
Cost
of the Package: |
US$
169.00 |
* Double
occupancy
|
