LA Social and Professional Networking Group

It's a Meetup . . . in the Galápagos!!

This Meetup Event is for the nature lovers, for the curious explorers and the adventurers who want to experience nature in all its splendor & diversity.

The Galápagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, considered one of the world's foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing. It's a place where lizards swim, birds walk, and humans — for once — don't take center stage. In 1835 a 26-year-old Charles Darwin introduced the Galápagos Islands to the world with his theory of evolution.

As amazing as you think the Galápagos Islands would be, they exceed all expectations of our group in 2023! That sea lion above in our group photo is not a prop! It was very real, ready to play and pose for a picture. You can see sea lions, giant lizards and many other exotic and friendly creatures, waddling on the streets, playing in the sand or just chilling (sun bathing) on a bench!

We will explore and experience:

• The famous Galapagos penguin and blue footed boobies. Swim with sea turtles and sea lions.
• Tortuga Bay Beach for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or surfing with unique marine life.
• Get close and personal with the giant tortoises roaming in their natural habitat
• Explore the Tintoreras islet, home of the white tip sharks and its shark tunnel.
• Visit the Charles Darwin Station, to observe giant tortoises and their babies and learn about this majestic animal.
• Snorkeling around the shore of the Tijeretas Bay
• Boat ride to Kicker Rock with snorkeling
• Sailing to Santa Cruz Island.
• Sail to Isabela Island, the largest of the archipelago.
• Boat tour to Tuneles De Cabo Rosa, a formation of series of above ocean arches, creating an unique snorkeling experience.
• Explore cavernous underground Lava Tunnels.
• Tour the Galapagos rainforest habitat
• San Cristobal Island with visit to the Interpretation Center
• Visit to Los Gemelos, a haven for bird watchers!
• Visit Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano. A 10-mile challenging hike (for those who are interested)
• El Trapiche to see the old methods of extracting cane juice, roasting coffee beans and techniques of distillery.
• Quito with a full day tour and visit to the Equator line
• Visit to the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Land Tour cost $4565 per person, double occupancy
(we match roommates for those wishing to share)
Solo occupancy additional $990
***Airfare not included***

The only way to guarantee your spot for this meetup is a $350 deposit.
CLICK HERE for secure deposit link
Upon submitting the deposit please fill out this form

Group Airfare from Los Angeles $1425 including tax and 1 checked bag.
Click here for a NONREFUNDABLE deposit of $200 to book the airfare
For airfare from another city, click here to message Anna

WHAT IS INCLUDED:
· 10 Nights Accommodations – Quito & Galapagos
· 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 Dinners
· Naturalist Guide (during activities)
· All activities listed
· Galapagos National Park entrance fee
· Isabela island entrance fee
· All transportation during the tour
· 24/7 assistance in the islands
· Airport Transfers to hotel. (in – out)
· Transit control card

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare to Galapagos (unless booking the group fare from LA)
• Meals not described in the tour (approx. $15 per person, per day)
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities
• Wet suits

RSVP with your email to receive additional info.
RSVP DOES NOT RESERVE YOUR SPOT.

Deposit is the only way to hold your spot. Your deposit is fully refundable up to 90 days before the departure.

Click Here to fill out our google info request form to receive detailed itinerary
Click Here for the main location of this event

Still have questions? We do a monthly Q&A Travel Zoom on all our events
https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/
Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees.

Click here for General Policies and useful info about our international trips.

We believe in good decent social. This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.

Click Here to see all our other fun events

SOT 2000318-10

The Orient Express...you have heard it many times. The romance, the mystery, the adventure! Of course with the opulence too!

The original Orient Express is but a memory and our journey will mirror elements of the original route, crossing Europe from Paris to Istanbul.

This trip brings back the romance and adventure of train travel, along with the mystery of new cities and countries in a special way - adding value and removing inflated expense of excessive opulence by replacing it with service and contemporary refinement.

We retrace the route of the original Orient Express, using modern Night Trains, High Speed Day Trains, as well as some short hop flights.

Our route takes us to:
Paris - - - Venice - - - Vienna - - - Prague - - - Budapest - - - Istanbul

Included:

• Train transportation between 4 cities.
• 2 nights on an actual night train with sleeping compartment
• Air transportation Paris / Venice and Budapest / Istanbul
• 11 nights in First Class hotels with best central locations
• Breakfast every day
• Some lunches/dinners
• All transfers to/from hotels, train stations or airports
• Guided tours in each city
• Entrances to many museums.
• even a wine tasting along the way.
• and more...

We travel as a group, and also have the flexibility of hop-on, hop-off tours and museum passes with "skip the line" so you enjoy a complete independence. It is all included in the price!
You are free to do your own thing, cater to your special interests, visit other sights and locations in the cities, while still being guided and helped with all the arrangements. A balance of independence when you want it and being included in all group activities when you prefer it.

The idea is: come alone, meet new like-minded people and make lifelong memories . . . without being stuck with the "one size fits all" tour formula.

Here is a basic thumbnail:

PARIS - 3 nights
· Evening fight to Venice
VENICE - 1 night
· Night Train to Vienna
VIENNA - 1 night
· Evening train to Prague
PRAGUE - 2 nights
· Night Train to Budapest
BUDAPEST - 1 night
· Late evening flight to Istanbul
ISTANBUL - 3 nights.
· Sleeper Cabins on the trains and First Class hotels in each city w/ very central locations.

What was The Orient Express?
It was long-distance passenger train service that began in 1883 with the original endpoints being Paris to Istanbul. The original name became synonymous with intrigue and was a showcase of luxury with comfort at a time when traveling was still rough and dangerous.

In Istanbul the Pera Palace Hotel, built in 1892, was the accommodations at the terminus. And we are staying in it!

The original Orient Express ceased operation in 1977 and we are not using the original old train. It no longer exists.

EVERY aspect of this trip is epic.

• Visit picturesque and storied cities.
• Enjoy trains and experience the enchantment of the rails.
• In the end you will have visited 6 countries: France, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Turkey!

The tour starts in Paris on May 29 and ends in Istanbul on June 11.
$5490 total cost per person, double occupancy.
$7090 total cost for solo occupancy.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE. This allows for flexible departures for you. We can get you a quote.
To attend: $500 deposit. CLICK HERE for a Secure Deposit Link
Your Deposit is Fully refundable to 90 days before the event (less any PayPal fees)
Final payment due 60 days before the event.

CLICK HERE To receive detailed itinerary and inclusions.
CLICK HERE for the main link for this event
RSVP there to get notice on any conversations or discussions.
AND/OR if you have questions?
CLICK HERE to Direct Message to Anna
CLICK HERE to Direct Message to Marc (screen name Oddie)
AND/OR
We do a Zoom Q & A ( CLICK HERE to RSVP on the Q& A zoom).
Come to the zoom, ask any questions and meet other attendees.
Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff.

We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister groups we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
CLICK HERE to see all our other fun and social meetup events.

SOT 200318-10

Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!

Dine at the oldest restaurant in the world, visit iconic museums such as Prado and Guggenheim, be amazed at Gaudi's architecture, taste pinxtos, sip good Spanish wine and view the Running of the Bulls from your own private balcony! To top this off...visit Portugal with its rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking views!

This is just a little taste of what awaits us on this awesome culinary and cultural adventure!

Spain is truly a magical and fascinating country - full of history, culture and oh...so much good food and fun time!!! Portugal's history is intertwined with Spain's, so it makes perfect sense to combine these two destinations and be amazed at the similarities and the differences.
We get to travel as locals, mostly by trains between the cities AND at the best time of year to be able to experience in person The Running Of The Bulls in Pamplona.

CLICK HERE to see the photos from our 2022/2023 amazing adventures!

We visit:

• Lisbon (with Sintra an Unesco World Heritage)
• Porto
• Madrid
• Bilbao
• Pamplona RUNNING OF THE BULLS
• Barcelona

Guided tours in each city, breakfast daily and several dinners, museum entrances, tasting menus, Running of the Bulls w/balcony view, transportation throughout the trip and much more!

We travel as a group, and also have the flexibility of hop-on, hop-off tours and museum passes with "skip the line" so you enjoy a complete independence. You can take our organized tours or do your own thing, cater to your special interests, visit other sites and locations in the cities, while still being guided and aided with arrangements. You can do it independently, or you can join new friends traveling with you, and do it together. The idea is come alone, meet new like-minded people and make lifelong memories, without the "one size fits all" tour formula.

Price per person, double occupancy: $4850
(we match roommates for those wishing to share)
Price for single room: $6450

Included:

• 13 nights in first class hotels with central locations
• Breakfast daily
• Dinner at Casa Botín in Madrid, founded in 1725, is the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records https://botin.es/
• Authentic Basque Foodie Tour in Bilbao
• Transportation between the 6 cities
• Arrival and departure transfers from airport to hotels and train stations
• City Sightseeing tours in Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona
• Entrance tickets and guided tours at Sintra, Prado and Guggenheim museums, La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and more
• Front Row Private Balcony to view (safely from above) the Running Of The Bulls in Pamplona

In addition to the services listed above, what's included mostly comes down to creating an awesome trip at a great value and balanced logistics, making new friends and lifelong memories.

Not Included:
x Transatlantic Airfare (we can help you arrange that)
x Meals not listed above
x Tips and any personal and accidental expenses

The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit
Click Here for Secure Deposit Link
Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).
Click Here and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit
Click Here to fill out our google info request form and receive detailed itinerary and inclusions.
Limited capacity of 24 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly.

We have designed this to include all the "must see" locations.
Click Here to Message Direct to Anna with any questions.
She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions.
Click Here to see all our other fun events

SOT 2000318-10

This is our Annual Ensenada Thanksgiving Cruise.

The 4-day Thanksgiving weekend can be sometimes too long and too boring if you are stuck at home. So why not get out of town and have a blast?!

This will be DIFFERENT from previous years. We will be on a 4-day cruise & INCLUDE A DAY IN CATALINA AND A DAY IN ENSENADA!!!!

AND WE ARE LEAVING ON THANKSGIVING!!

Best Thanksgiving EVER . . .No dishes!!

Perfect for folks with no family in town.

AND

Perfect to take the whole family out of town!!

We've all got Thurs to Sun totally off . . . So let's make the most of it.

Thanksgiving can seem a long way off . . . We have been doing this cruise for 5 years now. And each year it fills up months in advance!

Check the photo gallery with past pix from previous trips https://photos.app.goo.gl/b7ebjhUuL7bajLhb7

As a group, we have negotiated a special price.

The cost is $599 Per Person TOTAL FOR 4 NIGHTS (all in) including taxes and port charges. (many places give you a false price not including taxes, and port fees). Rate is guaranteed only if you make a deposit.

The deposit is only $190 and it is refundable (less PayPal fees) until Sep 01, 2025
CLICK HERE to make a Deposit:

The $599 per person (total all in) gets you an interior cabin, double occupancy (share).
Get a friend and come along. OR come Solo. We do the roommate matching so you can get the share price and save!

There are upgrades to balcony cabins or single occupancy. CLICK HERE TO SEE OPTIONS

Space is limited and only an RSVP ACCOMPANIED WITH A DEPOSIT will guarantee your spot.

The deposit is only $190 and it is refundable (less PayPal fees) until Sep 01, 2025
CLICK HERE to make a Deposit

After Paying the deposit be sure to CLICK HERE and fill out our ATTENDEES INFO FORM to let us know what cabin accommodation you want.

There are PLENTY of cruises on Meetup. Ours is decidedly different and not like the others.

The boat (ship) has all the things that make a cruise ship fun

• 9-hole mini golf course
• WaterWorks (waterslide park)
• Tropical resort-style pool
• Serenity Retreat area.
• Casino
• Comedy shows
• Stage shows
• Bars
• Nightclubs
• Dancing
• Live music
• Spa type services
• . . . and more.

BUT...as a Meetup we get special treatment. We will get reserved seating together for the formal dining room.
ALSO
We will be doing our own activities on the boat, such as a scavenger hunt and an Open Bar Cocktail Hour. That's right . . . open bar . . . on a cruise ship!!
AND
Best of all a great group of like-minded people from our Meetup, ready for play and have fun!

Schedule:
Thu: Long Beach (Los Angeles) 04:00 PM
Fri: Catalina Island 08:00 AM 05:00 PM
Sat: Ensenada 08:00 AM 05:00 PM
Sun: Fun Day At Sea
Mon: Long Beach (Los Angeles) 08:00 AM

On the 2nd night we get a Cocktail Mixer with an OPEN BAR (unlimited drinks). We will also have a formal dinner and dress in our fineries.

The BEST part are OUR shore excursions in Ensenada. And this is what will make our Meetup and this cruise different from others.

Totally optional if you want to join us! We will have our own coach and driver for our shore excursion and we will do:

• Zip Line Canopy Tour
• ATV
• Horseback Riding

We have enough time there for you to do any two.

The best way to see what it's like is to check the gallery with past pix from previous trips https://photos.app.goo.gl/b7ebjhUuL7bajLhb7

But wait!!! How about some wine? We will visit Santo Tomas historic Winery for a tour and tasting! An olive oil tasting too! We will also have time to visit to Anthony Bourdain's Favorite Street Food Cart for some ceviche!

Since we are organizing our own excursions we will be able to save from the ones offered by the cruise line.

This is an all-around great way to spend the Thanksgiving weekend.
And...this is NOT like the other meetup cruises you see.

Come join us for the fun and adventure!

Question: Is this for Singles? Or Couples? Or Families?

Answer: This is for everybody. Kids are welcome. It's about people, not your relationship status, sexual preference or age. All are welcome! We will be a good size bunch so you will find folks you would hang with.

CLICK HERE for Main link for this event. RSVP there to get any conversations and discussions.

Have questions? Click here to Message Anna direct

We do a monthly Q & A Zoom for all our international trips, including this one.
Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom
Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered.

We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister group we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.

Click Here to see or join our other events

SOT 200318-10

Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!