Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage for Couples - August 2023

HOTEL/ACCOMODATION:

Sheraton Maria Isabel

Av. Paseo de la Reforma 325, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

SCHEDULE

Day   1:  Thursday August 3rd 2023 - DEPART USA | ARRIVE IN MEXICO CITY

Arrive in Mexico City via independent flights. Upon arrival, transportation to the hotel will be provided (if arriving during the specified timeframe). Mass will be celebrated followed by a welcome dinner for the group. We will have a brief presentation and orientation during dinner.

• Dinner at Hotel

Day   2:  Friday August 4th 2023 - MIGUEL AGUSTIN PRO MUSEUM (CRISTERO)| PYRAMIDS OF TEOTIHUACAN |CATHEDRAL & ZOCALO 

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Miguel Pro Museum followed by mass. After mass we will travel to the “Pyramids of Teotihuacan” and experience a guided tour with lunch in the area. In the afternoon we will have a guided walking tour in downtown Mexico City that will include the Metropolitan Cathedral, Central Plaza (Zocalo), and will stay for dinner at Cafe Tacuba, one of the oldest restaurants in Mexico's capital and a shrine to the country's culinary traditions. 

• Breakfast at Hotel
• Lunch Casa Teocalli
• Dinner Downtown (Café Tacuba)

Day   3: Saturday August 5th 2023 - SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE | 1/2-DAY RETREAT

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the Basilica of our Lady of Guadalupe. Enjoy a guided tour of the Basilica with a half-day retreat including Mass at St. Joseph's chapel. After Lunch we will have free leisure time to pray, shop and explore the area. We will return to the hotel for dinner with the group 

• Breakfast at Hotel
• Lunch - Nopalito
• Dinner at Villa Maria.

Day   4: Sunday August 6th 2023 - CHURCH OF THE FIFTH APPARITION 

Visit to the Church of the Fifth Apparition / Santa Maria Tulpetlac, including Mass and Reflection. Afterwards, we will enjoy a special Goodbye Lunch, check out of the hotel and depart to the airport (transfer back to the airport provided).

• Breakfast at Hotel
• Lunch included

Details, Activities and sequence of activities are subject to change based on variables and decisions prior to travel. Itinerary provided below is representative and reflect availability of sites and contacts to-date, but the list is expected to be modified in coming weeks.

COST AND PAYMENT INFORMATION:

Cost of the pilgrimage is $1200 per person, double occupancy, with a single supplement of $200 for those wanting their own room. Paying with credit card involves a 3.5% extra fee. 

What does it includes:

• 3 nights accommodations at Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel, standard occupancy - double room. 
• Breakfast daily 3 lunches 3 dinners 2 glasses of beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages during dinners only.
• Luxury motor coach for airport transfers (2 timing options available on Sunday and Thursday).
• Tour director while in Mexico 
• Licensed, local guides for sightseeing at Downtown and Basilica 
• Mass arrangements daily (including Mass at the Basilica of Guadalupe and Cathedral).
• Hotel and city taxes 
• Gratuities payable to tour manager, guides and drivers

What does it NOT includes:

• No Airfare, this package is land-only
• Airport transfers for those that don't meet the arrival guidelines 
• Beverages of the 2 included with dinner only (lunch alcoholic beverages are at your expense) 
• Other personal expenses 
• Items not specifically mentioned above

Payment Methods:

• Credit Card through Paypal (includes a ~3.5% fee to the Check/Direct Deposit cost)     Total price $1,242 USD (Double Room) - additional cost for single room $208 USD (total $1,450 USD).       Make Payment through our PayPal & Credit Card/Debit Card donate link:     ​https://www.mariancenterofdallas.org/donate​
• Check/Direct Deposit (3 Options)     Total price $1,200 USD (Double Room) - additional cost for single room $200 USD (total $1,400 USD)     

1. Zelle     Using email: payments@mariancenterofdallas.org
2. Direct Deposit     Account Name: Marian Center of Dallas     Checking Account: 960705101     Routing Number: 111000614     Zip Code: 75014     Send deposit slip to: payments@mariancenterofdallas.org
3. Mail Check     Payable to Marian Center of Dallas     Send check to: PO BOX 142043, Irving, TX 75014

Frequently asked questions:

1. What are the payment and cancellation terms?

• Deposit of $200/person due at time of Registration. 
• 50% due by June 1st. 
• Final payment and total balance due by July 1st. 

All payments are non-refundable and subject to Marian Center of Dallas (MCD) Terms and Conditions, including the MCD Liability Release. All cancellations must be received in writing. Penalties will be determined according to postmark date, date of fax, or date of email sent by the canceling passenger.

2. Is there a COVID test required to go into Mexico? 

• A COVID test is not required to enter Mexico.

3. Is a COVID vaccination required to enter Mexico or to return to the USA? 

COVID Vaccination is not required to enter Mexico but for Non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: You must show proof of being fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine before you board your flight to the United States. Only limited exceptions apply.

4. Should we purchase travel protection? 

Cancel for Any Reason "CFAR" - Travel Protection is highly recommended. Here is one option: https://www.travelinsured.com/

5. Do I need a Passport to travel to Mexico? 

Yes, a valid passport is required to travel to Mexico for all passengers (including children of all ages), with an expiration date of more than six months out from departure date. Please check your passport to see if you need to update it prior to traveling.

6. How many transfer opportunities will be available to the airport?

We will offer two opportuntinies to use our included transporation from airport to hotel and from hotel to airport. 

• From airport to hotel: 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM 
• From hotel to airport:  8:00 AM and 2:00 PM 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Deposit and Registration

A non-refundable deposit defined by each pilgrimage is required at the time of booking with a completed registration form. By submitting the registration form you are accepting Marian Center of Dallas terms and conditions. Your reservation will be confirmed subject to availability at time of request. The deposit will be applied to the land tour portion only.

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Payment

Final payment is due 30 days prior to the departure date. If a booking is made within 30 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking (pending availability).

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Form of Payment

Payment preference is direct deposit, and/or check. We accept credit cards with a 3.5% extra fee. Returned checks will incur a USD $100 service fee.

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Price Guarantee

Rates are per person and are based on double or twin occupancy and are as per each program’s inclusions. All prices are shown in U.S. dollars. The advertised price is based on a minimum of 25 participants. Marian Center of Dallas reserves the right to alter prices at any time prior to departure and without prior notice if the minimum number of participants is not reached or if circumstances so warrant and/or cancel the trip.

Prices are based on rates (reflecting foreign exchange rates) known at time of publication and expected to be in effect at the time of departure. Changes that may affect the published price: Any devaluation or revaluation of currencies, changes on air taxes/fuel surcharge, and program changes due to factors beyond the control of the tour operator.

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Exclusions

Items of a personal nature, such as telephone calls, tips, mini bar, laundry, beverages, room service, souvenirs, and optional activities are not included. These extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel or restaurant. Insurance, portage at airports, excess baggage fees and passport or visa fees are excluded from the published price as well.

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Travel Insurance

Marian Center of Dallas strongly recommends each passenger to validate and acquire medical and travel insurance with coverage to the countries we will visit. Travel insurance is optional and is not included in the tour price. Most cancellation penalties may be avoided by obtaining the “Worldwide Trip Protector” in addition to the basic travel insurance coverage. Insurance premiums are non-refundable.

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Passports, Visas and Documents

A valid U.S. passport is required. Passports must be valid at least six months after return date. For all other nationalities please consult the country’s consulate. When and if a visa is required, it is the passenger’s responsibility to obtain one. Cancellations due to lack of appropriate documents will incur the usual penalties.

Cancellation

Once a deposit or full payment has been made, cancellations will only be accepted in writing (mail, fax or email). Cancellation terms will be applied based on the date that the written cancellation is received. In addition to the registration deposit, the following charges apply if a cancellation is made before departure (per person of total tour price):

Time Frame                                                         Refund Charges

• 60 - 46 days prior to departure                                 10%
• 45 - 30 days prior to departure                                 50%
• 30 days - day of departure / no show                No refund

Additionally, once airplane tickets are issued the ticket value is non-refundable. No changes of names or substitutions are permitted. No refund or cancellation fees will be waived due to death or illness. There are no refunds for unused land services such as transfers, sightseeing, meals, hotel accommodations, entrance fees, or any other unused services included in the itinerary.

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Hotel Accommodations

Hotel accommodations will be provided in accordance with the itinerary or similar. Marian Center of Dallas reserves the right to make substitutions with hotels of equal standard. There will be no refunds for any difference in the cost of those accommodations. All rooms are standard twin-bedded rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference, and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m. and check-out time is at 12:00 p.m.

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Roommate Assignments

Roommates will be assigned according to the information provided on the registration form. All roommate requirements must be mutual. Marian Center of Dallas cannot make roommate assignments for single travelers. Roommate arrangements must be made and agreed upon by the participants prior to registration.

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Meals

Meals offered are specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated.

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Tour Itinerary

Marian Center of Dallas and the suppliers contracted for services reserve the right to modify and/or change the sequence of the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances, safety, security, and comfort of the passenger.

Airfare (if applicable)

Most airline tickets are non- refundable and have penalties for changes once tickets have been issued. Airline tickets are issued with the schedule/itinerary valid at time of ticketing. It is recommended that passengers reconfirm their airline flights at least 72 hours prior to departure in the event of schedule changes. Marian Center of Dallas is not liable for missed flights due to schedule changes once airline tickets have been issued.

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Arrival / Departure Time

Two  transfers will be offered from/to the airport at the time of arrival and departure.  If the passenger is making his/her own flight plans and they deviate from the arrival and/or departure dates and times stated in the itinerary, he/she will not be able to receive the transfer service. The passenger may request a transfer service and the cost will be added to the invoice.

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Luggage and Personal Property

It is the passenger’s responsibility to check the specific airline policy of liability for loss, damage or delay of checked baggage as well as the maximum allowance of weight per bag and number of checked or carry-on bags permitted at no cost and additional charges imposed by the airlines for excess baggage. Luggage and personal property loss or damages must be reported to the airline or ground transportation company at the destination. Marian Center of Dallas does not accept liability for loss or damage of luggage or personal property.

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Health Requirements

Travelers must be medically and physically fit for this pilgrimage. This tour requires significant walking, as motor coaches are not permitted to pick up and drop off in front of major attractions. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. Any special medical conditions or equipment must be advised in writing, for evaluation of feasibility, at the time of making your reservation.

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Participation

Marian Center of Dallas and the suppliers contracted for services reserve the right to refuse to accept or retain any person whose behavior is deemed likely to affect the smooth operations of a tour, or adversely affect the enjoyment or safety of other passengers. Marian Center of Dallas, its agents, and suppliers shall be under no liability to any such person for refund, compensation, repatriation or any other matters arising.

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Young Travelers (if applicable)

Travelers who are under 21 years old on the departure date must be accompanied by an adult throughout the duration of the trip.

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Safety

Please be aware that during your participation in pilgrimages operated by Marian Center of Dallas and it’s service providers, certain risks and dangers may arise beyond our control, including but not limited to: the hazards of traveling in underdeveloped areas; travel by boat, train, automobile, motor coach, aircraft or other means of transportation; forces of nature; political unrest; act of lawlessness or terrorism; and accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities. Marian Center of Dallas will not have liability regarding provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered. While Marian Center of Dallas will try to ensure that adequate measures are taken, by agreeing to participate in a pilgrimage and/or optional excursions you agree that you will hold Marian Center of Dallas harmless regarding any provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care rendered. Marian Center of Dallas is not responsible for risks and dangers that may arise beyond its control. Payment of your deposit indicates you accept these risks and dangers and agree to hold Marian Center of Dallas harmless for such.

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Responsibility

Marian Center of Dallas 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, sightseeing establishments, food service providers, etc.  As a result, Marian Center of Dallas is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person, or of any third party not under its control.   Marian Center of Dallas shall not be responsible for any injuries, death, damage, delay or loss caused to participant as a result of social or labor unrest, mechanical or construction difficulties, hotel, airline, or other overbooking, health or disease problems, terrorist or criminal activity of any kind, acts of God, weather, local laws or regulations, or any other actions and/or omissions outside Marian Center of Dallas direct control.  Participants voluntarily assume all such risks.  Marian Center of Dallas acts as tour operator.  You acknowledge that you are aware that political instability or regional conflicts occur in some areas traveled.  Marian Center of Dallas cannot be held responsible for injuries or damages resulting from such instability or conflicts.  The suppliers providing transportation, sightseeing arrangements and hotel accommodations for the tour programs are independent contractors and are not agents or employees of Marian Center of Dallas.  By utilizing the service of the suppliers, you agree that Marian Center of Dallas will not be liable for any accident, loss,  injury, or damage to you or those traveling with you in connection with any accommodations, transportation or any other services resulting directly or indirectly from any occurrences or conditions beyond its control including: defects in vehicles,  breakdown in equipment, thefts, delay or cancellation of or changes in itinerary for any act, omission or event during the time you are on the vehicle or aircraft. Marian Center of Dallas is not responsible for the late arrival of passengers at airports or lodging due to inclement weather, nor are they to be held liable for payment or any refund for unused hotel accommodations or meals occasioned by such late arrivals at the hotels holding rooms as confirmed itineraries. Marian Center of Dallas reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary or cancel a pilgrimage at any time whenever the organization deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, and safety of the pilgrim participants.  If a cancelation or change occurs, the Marian Center of Dallas will do whatever is in their control to minimize any negative impact.