Costa Rica: Gardens, Orchids and Adventure

Join Garden and Nature Tours with C. Colston Burrell, The Minnesota State
Horticultural Society and local guide Vernon Campos of Costa Rica
Gateway in San Jose, Costa Rica to explore a tropical paradise. Though
scarcely larger than West Virginia, this friendly country is a magnet for
gardeners, birders, natural history enthusiasts and adventurers. For its size,
Costa Rica has more preserved land than any other country in the world,
nearly 1/4 of its landmass.

Costa Ricans, like most gardeners, are drawn to a wealth of plants from
around the world. Gardens here are as variable as their owners but are
often set within a nurturing envelope of native trees. Colorful foliage is
favored as a foil for the deep green palms, philodendrons and elephant
ears that are commonly grown. Gingers, heliconias, birds of paradise,
gardenias and succulents provide long seasons of bloom, augmented by
orchids and tropical bulbs in season.

In these gardens, parks, and lodges, an unbelievable array of tropical
ornamentals and edibles awaits discovery. Costa Rica boasts over 9,000
species of flowering plants and 800 species of ferns. The 876 species or birds,
including flamboyant toucans and tanagers, are sure to seduce even the
casual birder. Parrots, hummingbirds, tanagers and honeycreepers flock to
the blazing orange coral trees that set the countryside awash with spring
color. This diversity of plants and animals is due to incredible variation in
topography, vegetation and rainfall patterns.

We plan to tour the private garden of Randall Obsney and enjoy lunch in
his garden. As a special treat, we visit the private garden and extensive
orchid collection of Ileana de Terán and enjoy dinner in her garden with
stunning views of the Central Valley. We visit Green Ark Foundation to learn
about sustainable agriculture and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch in their
restaurant. We have three days to explore nature reserves and gardens in
Monteverde, perhaps the best known destination in Costa Rica. Additional
stops include Rincon de la Vieja National Park - the Yellowstone of Costa
Rica, as well as Santa Rosa National Park, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Join us for this unforgettable journey to explore bucolic scenery, gardens
and wild landscapes of Costa Rica, with exciting opportunities for
exploration and relaxation.

Download the complete brochure: https://gardenandnaturetours.com/costarica/

TOUR DURATION 11 Nights / 12 Days

TOUR INCLUSIONS
† Airport transfers on arrival and departure single
transfer each way. Additional transfers
will be arranged for you at your own expense
† Eleven nights hotel/lodge accommodations
† All meals from dinner on February 10 to
breakfast on February 21
† Sightseeing and transportation by Toyota
Coaster as outlined in the program itinerary
† Local expert guide — Vernon Campos
† Escort throughout tour — C. Colston Burrell
† Visit two exceptional private gardens
† Tour public gardens and nature reserves
† Visit The Green Ark Foundation with lunch
† Guided natural history and birding
excursions in three National Parks
† Admissions to all gardens and reserves
† Water and snacks in the Coaster
† Hotel taxes and service charges
† Gratuities to your driver, guide and host

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
† Round-trip airfare from home cities
† Travel insurance
† Airport fees, taxes and baggage charges
† Optional sightseeing or recreational activities
† Gratuities to servers, luggage handlers or
housekeeping
† Alcoholic beverages during the trip
† Any other items not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary

AIR TRAVEL: Each tour has a minimum number of travelers that must be registered before the tour is a go. Once this number is reached, Friendship Tours will let you know so that you can book your airfare.

To Make a Reservation, https://www.friendshiptours.net/group-travel
Select "Group Sign In." Enter the TOUR CODE: 27FEB10COSTA in the box labeled "Make a New Reservation."

Or call Barb at Friendship Tours for more information - 860-243-1630