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Itinerary for South America with Carnivale - February 2009 |
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Included meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner |
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| 11.02.09 |
Australia - Santiago
Melbourne passengers depart Melbourne Airport at 7.00am on Flight QF 408, arriving Sydney at 8.20am
Brisbane passengers depart Brisbane Airport at 5.55am on Flight QF 505, arriving in Sydney at 8.25am
Melbourne and Brisbane passengers: make their way to the Sydney International Airport and connect to your next flight.
Sydney passengers depart
Sydney International Airport on Lan Chile Flight LA 800, departing at
10.45am and arriving in Santiago de Chile at 12.45pm.
Chile's capital, Santiago is located in the central valley,
approximately 1800 feet above sea level, framed by the majestic Andean
mountain range and only 120kms from the Pacific Ocean. First
settled in 1541 at the foot of the Santa Lucia hill, it is now the
fifth largest city in South America and it is set in one of the most
beautiful locations. Although essentially a modern capital, it
still has some beautiful historic colonial buildings dating from the
16th century. You should ask the hotel for a map of the city and
visit the colonial sector or maybe visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum,
a museum that has a representative exhibition of objects from the
Pre-Columbian cultures of Central America and the Andean region.
NB: Beginning
in the month of March 2006, the "reciprocity visa fee" for Australian
citizens has changed, and comes to US $56. This amount must be
paid at the International Airport IN CASH or CREDIT CARD (traveller's
cheques are not accepted). Upon arrival in Santiago de Chile, you will
be met and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Eurotel El Bosque. |
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12.02.09
(B) |
Santiago de Chile - Cuzco
This morning you will be transferred to the Santiago Airport.
Depart on Lan Chile Flight LA 634 at 8.25am, arriving Lima at 10.10am
Depart on Lan Peru Flight LP 037 at 11.50am, arriving in Cuzco at 1.05pm.
Cuzco or Qosqo, was the capital of the Inca empire - one of the
greatest planned societies the world has ever known from the 11th to
the early 16th century. Standing at 3310 metres above sea level,
Cuzco has around 280,000 inhabitants, mostly descendants of the Quechua
tribes. The city is remarkable for its many colonial churches,
monasteries, convents and for its extensive Inca ruins. The heavy
Incan influence can be seen on almost every street in the city centre
with many remains of Inca walls, arches and doorways.
The heart of the city is the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by colonial
arcades and four churches. The Cathedral from the early 17th
century was built on the site of the Palace of the Viracocha. The
cathedral is a fine example of colonial baroque art. Another
church, the La Compania de Jesus was built on the site of the Palace of
the Serpents (Amaru-cancha) and the interior is rich in murals,
paintings and carved altars.
The Inca area overlooking Cusco, called Sacsayhuaman, is awesome.
This is one of the outerlying ruins that you will visit. It
was a ceremonial centre and stands on a hill in the northern outskirts
of Cusco. There are rocks weighing up to 130 tons and they are
fitted together with absolute perfection: three walls run parallel for
over 360 metres! Cusco is at 3310mtrs and is at high altitude
causing breathing to be a problem. To combat the effect of the
altitude it is advised to drink plenty of liquids on your first couple
of days, coca tea is a wonder. Most people are fine, some
experience headaches, vomiting, dizziness.
On arrival to Cuzco city, you will be collected from the airport by our guide and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Ruinas Hotel. |
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13.02.09
(B L) |
Cuzco - Machu Picchu
An early morning transfer to Cuzco railway station where you will board
the train to the Aguas Calientes station and then a bus to Machu
Picchu, the fabled city of the Incas. The joy of visiting Machu
Picchu is not limited to the ruins themselves. After leaving
Ollantaytambo, the railway enters the beginnings of a gorge, which
grows narrower and deeper. The vegetation grows more prolific.
You are entering the "eyebrow of the jungle"! And finally
Aguas Calientes station, 1-1/2 kilometres below Machu Picchu.
When Hiram Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911, he mistakenly
thought he had found the location of Vilcabamba, the lost city of the
Incas. So, what was Machu Picchu? Many people say that it
was some secret refuge. The Incas actually had no written
language but they did have oral history recorders, however, the
existence of Machu Picchu and the region seems to be entirely erased
from official memory. Most visitors to Peru see Machu Picchu,
which is perched on a narrow saddle of rock high above a hairpin curve
of the Urubamba. The granite sugarloaf of Huayna Picchu towers
above the ruin, and shrouds of low clammy cloud often grip the
surrounding forested hillsides. Such scenery makes Machu Picchu
one of the world's most eerily beautiful ruins. Your local guide
will guide you through the ruins and then you are free to wander.
Accommodation: Hatuchay Towers Hotel. |
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14.02.09
(B)
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Machu Picchu - Sacred Valley
Day at leisure to explore the ruins or Aguas Calientes. Afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Posada del Inca Yucay 1. |
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15.02.09
(B L)
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Sacred Valley - Cuzco
Full day tour to Sacred Valley - Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo.
The area of the valley between Pisac and Ollantaytambo is known as the
Sacred Valley of the Incas, a long narrow valley which, in the southern
region goes back up to Urcos and towards the north, crossing
Ollantaytambo before it finally reaches the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Over the years, the power of the Incas became more and more
firmly implanted. The terraces are a testimony of the vast
production of food, and the Ollantaytambo ruins reflect the ambitious
plans of the leaders of Cuzco.
During this tour you will have the chance to visit ruins such as Pisac
and Ollantaytambo, along with a visit to the colourful Andean market of
Pisac, a chance to do some souvenir shopping! During the tour you
will have lunch at a restaurant in the Sacred Valley. Return back
to Cuzco late in the afternoon. Tour duration approx 8 hours.
Accommodation: Ruinas Hotel |
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16.02.09
(B)
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Cuzco
Half day city tour of Cuzco. Cuzco, one of the most famous cities
in South America and the oldest continuously inhabited metropolis in
this continent. The city itself was probably founded in 1000BC,
but in 1534 the Spanish Conquerors re-founded it according to the
European way. Wherever you stop in Cusco you will find remnants
of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited Peru. As this
was the Capital of the Incas, Cuzco is also the home of most of their
superb works. This city is considered as the Archaeological
Capital of South America and was declared by UNESCO as Cultural
Heritage of Mankind site.
The tour includes the Qoricancha (temple of the sun) and the Cathedral.
The tour drives along the Circunvalacion Road up to famous
fortress of Sacsahuaman, then to Q'engo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. Tour also includes the Cuzco tourist
ticket valid for entrance to the many museums and ruins. (Seat in coach
service)
Accommodation: Ruinas Hotel. |
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17.02.09
(B L)
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Cuzco - Puno
Early morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the bus station for the journey to Puno by bus.
Departure by bus from Cuzco to Puno (7 to 8 hours), visiting en route
the Church of Andahuaylillas, also called the "Sistine Chapel of
America", the Pikillacta ruins and of the temple of Raqchi. The
whole complex is surrounded by a large stone wall several miles long.
A stop is made at La Raya Pass, at 4,321 metres / 14,260 ft to
visit the steaming pools of hot water nearby. The trip continues
toward Puno with a stop at the Inca ruins of Pucara. Arrival in
Puno in the early afternoon. Buffet lunch at a local restaurant
in Sicuani.
Puno was the territory of the Tiahuanacos (800 A.D. - 1200 A.D.) who
were the highest cultural expression of the Aymara people that
established themselves in what is today Peru and Bolivia. Today,
the city of Puno (3,287 metres), which lies on the shores of Lake
Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is the folklore
capital of Peru and the site of the Feast of the Virgen de la
Candelaria. In the outskirts, you can visit the spectacular
Chullpas de Sillustani, a complex of impressive burial towers built by
the Kollas, Juli, famous for its beautiful Colonial churches.
The lake contains numerous islands whose inhabitants continue to live
as their ancestors have in custom and tradition. The Uros is an
example of this; this people group lives on "floating islands" that
they have artificially made entirely of totora reeds, and they navigate
in their traditional boats also made out of totora reeds.
Upon arrival at Puno bus station you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Casa Andina Tikarani. |
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18.02.09
(B)
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Puno
Half day tour to Uros Islands to experience the Andean culture.
The lives of the Uros Indians are dependent upon the tortora
reeds. You will note that their boats, their houses and their
islands are even made from these reeds.
Accommodation: Casa Andina Tikarani. |
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19.02.09
(B)
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Puno - Lima
Our guide will meet you at your hotel in Puno and you will be transferred to Juliaca airport.
Depart on Lan Peru flight LP 100 at 4.55pm, arriving in Lima at 6.30pm.
Depart on Taca Airline flight TA 142 at 9.35pm, arriving in Rio de Janeiro at 4.35am. |
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20.02.09
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Rio de Janeiro
In the early 16th century, the Portuguese first arrived at the site
where Rio de Janeiro now stands. What they found was a
still-watered bay surrounded by a plentiful and lovely landscape.
It was love at first sight. The Portuguese promptly built a
fortress at the entrance of the bay to ward off those attracted to
their tropical paradise. Its primary asset, Guanabara Bay was not
just a beautiful landmark, but also a natural port through which the
gold and diamonds, mined in the neighbouring Minas Gerais Mountains,
flowed. When King Joao VI of Portugal landed in Rio in 1808 along
with his court and entire entourage, he fell in love with what he saw
and experienced, and subsequently helped Rio to become one of the most
important political centres in Brazilian history.
On arrival at Rio de Janeiro, our guide willl meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Accommodation: Royal Rio Palace. |
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21.02.09
(B)
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Rio de Janeiro
Half day tour of Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.
From any place of the city, visitors can see the most beautiful
postcard of Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer statue on the
mountain of Corcovado, located 710 metres above the sea level and
inaugurated in 1931.
This tour begins in Cosme Velho's neighbourhood from where the cog
train starts a trip through the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest
in the world, up to the statue. Once there, a breathtaking
panoramic view of Rio will be seen. Sights include the Sugar
Loaf, Guanabara Bay, the beaches of Southern Zone and the Rodrigo de
Freitas Lagoon. After the visit of the Corcovado, the tour will
continue to Sao Conrado area with a brief stop at the Pepino beach from
where you can appreciate the flight of the hang gliding. Tour
duration: 6 hours
Accommodation: Royal Rio Palace |
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22.02.09
(B)
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Rio de Janeiro
At leisure to enjoy!
Remember, if you go to the beach; leave all your valuables in the hotel safe. Take only a towel, just like the locals!
Sambadrome Carnival Tickets (SECTOR 9)
Tonight you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Sambadromo.
You will then experience the once in a lifetime rush you can only get in Rio this time of year - the famous Samba Parade!
While viewing the different Samba Schools pass by, you will cheer and
dance the night away. At the end of the night, you will meet
your guide and be transferred back to your hotel.
Without a doubt, Carnival in Rio is the world's most famous party.
While the city dances to the beat for days before it begins,
official Carnival days are Saturday through to Tuesday. During
those days, little happens in Rio except Carnival revelry.
Parades are held at the Sambadromo, with seating, tables for four
and private boxes lining the parade route. From the moment the
first toe of the samba group steps over the line until the last heel
crosses the finish line, only 60 minutes can pass or the group is
penalized in judging. Each night averages 12 -16 groups.
Parades start around 7pm and often don't end until the following
morning. The best schools parade on Sunday and Monday evenings.
Carnival Package includes:
Return regular transfers service from hotel to Sambadromo
Grand Stand ticket for the Sambadromo parade - SECTOR 9
ABOUT YOU IN RIO DURING CARNIVAL:
Do as the locals do: have fun, take nothing of value with
you as you party, and be prepared for crowds. The ultimate
experience of Carnival depends on you!
SAFETY: The
Sambadromo is considered to be the safest place in South America during
Carnival time, due to the high concentration of international
celebrities, politicians and royalty among the crowd. Security
is extremely tight and as huge fences surround the Sambadromo, no one
can enter without using the gates and being checked for commercial,
safety and security reasons. All sectors are equally safe.
CAMERAS: You are
able to take digital cameras and video cameras to the Parade, however
please note that professional style cameras will not be allowed in!
Also, be warned - only take out your cameras after you have
already checked in and entered the Sambadromo, as you must be careful
with anything valuable outside the grounds
Accommodation: Royal Rio Palace. |
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23.02.09
(B)
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Rio de Janeiro
Half day Sugarloaf Mountain Tour. This tour begins through
downtown Rio, passing by the Sambodrome, the Metropolitan Cathedral, in
pyramid form, with internal diameter of 96 metres and height of 80
metres. Get to know the traditional Cinelandia Square with the
historical buildings, the Municipal Theatre, the National Library and
the national Museum of Fine Arts. By taking the Aterro do
Flamengo, you will be taken to the neighbourhoods of Urca where it is
located one of the largest symbols of the city: the Sugar Loaf.
This visit is made in two steps by cable car. The first
cable car takes passengers to Urca Hill, which is 215 metres high and
from where one can have a beautiful view to the Guanabara Bay and its
islands, the Rio-Niteroi Bridge and Corcovado hill. From this
stage, a second cable car will be taken up to the top with 395 metres
to find a splendid view from Copacabana beach, the Santa Cruz fortress
and some beaches of Niteroi. Tour duration approx 6 hours.
Accommodation: Royal Rio Palace. |
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24.02.09
(B D)
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Rio de Janeiro
At leisure to enjoy!
Remember, if you go to the beach: leave all your valuables in the hotel safe. Take only a towel, just like the locals:
Rio Samba Show - You will be picked up and transferred to the most
famous show of Rio. During this traditional show, you will get
acquainted with the seductive rhythm of the samba, which is the most
typical of Brazilian popular music and the signature music of the best
known Carnival in the world. Tour includes return seat in coach
transfers and entrance to show.
Accommodation: Royal Rio Palace. |
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25.02.09
(B)
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Rio de Janeiro - Iguazu Falls
Our driver will collect you from the hotel foyer and transfer you to the airport in Rio de Janeiro.
Depart on Tam Linhas Aereas Flight JJ 3187 at 5.05pm, arriving in Iguazu Falls at 7.10pm
The Iguazu Falls. This is the region of great rivers, humid
tropics, red earth and magnificent jungle. Just 18 kms from
Puerto Iguazu you enter the national Park of the same name where the
famous falls sit. The deep flowing waters of the river fall from
heights of 70 metres through 275 falls spread over 2.7kms. The
frontier with Brazil goes through the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's
Throat) where the falling water gives the illusion of magic rainbows.
The national park is full of exotic subtropical vegetation which
surrounds the falls and has 2000 plant species - gigantic trees, ferns,
lianas, orchids - 400 bird species - parrots, colibris, toucans -
jaguars and yacares (caimans). A visit to these falls is a truly
unforgettable experience.
On arrival at Foz do Iguassu Airport (Brazil), you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Das Cataratas. |
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26.02.09
(B)
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Iguazu Falls
Half day tour of Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. Today you will
have a private tour visiting the Brazilian side of the falls.
Visiting the falls from the Brazilian side, will give you a
completely different perspective of the side of this amazing falls, as
you will have the panoramic view of the entire falls.
Also from the Brazilian side of the falls you will be able to take an
*OPTIONAL* helicopter flight over the falls (approx. USD 60.00 per
person. Please note that this cannot be pre-booked). This
flight takes around 7 minutes but it's worth every cent you paid for.
*For the adventurous, you can take an optional trip on the Macuco
Safari boat, going upstream on the river, taking you extremely close to
the falls. However, in order to combine the two tours, you must
book a private tour to the Brazilian side of the Falls.
***PLEASE NOTE: Australian passport holders require an TOURIST
VISA in order to enter Brazil. This must be organised PRIOR to
departure.*** (Tour duration: 3 hours)
Accommodation: Das Cataratas. |
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27.02.09
(B)
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Iguazu Falls - Buenos Aires
Today you will embark on a full-day guided tour, walking along the many
tracks on this side of the river and observing the falls from platforms
that bring you extremely close to the water. The Iguasu River
flows east west for 808 miles and then drops suddenly and violently
into a 262-foot abyss at the falls. Set amidst jungle, a visit to
these falls will be an unforgettable experience. From your hotel
you will be transferred to the visitor's centre inside the Iguazu
National Park. You will board a small train to travel from the
visitor's centre to the beginning of the upper path, lower path and
Devil's Throat. Upper walk: a walk of 500 mtrs long lasting about
45 minutes seeing to two sisters, bosseti, adam and eve, bernabe
mendez, mbigua and san martin falls from the upper part. Lower
path: with a professional tourist guide you will walk 1.3kms of
footpaths lasting 1.30hrs. It's a different view from which you
will see the falls from the middle and be warned that you may get a
little wet!
Devil's Throat: before walking these two paths, you'll board the
little train. After driving 4 kms, you will reach Devils Throat
Station that surrounds the upper part of the Iguazu River, from here
you will walk along a bridge (walkway) that leads to the balcony of
Devil's Throat for the most spectacular view.
Tour includes return transfers, bilingual guide and National Park entrance fees. (Tour duration: 6 hours)
Our guide will meet you at the hotel foyer and transfer you to the Iguazu airport on the Argentinean side.
Depart on Lan Chile Flight LA 4033 at 6.35pm, arriving in Buenos Aires at 8.25pm.
Buenos Aires is the Argentine Republic's capital city. Located on
the southern bank of the River Plate, the population of greater Buenos
Aires is around 13 million people. Buenos Aires has been
virtually rebuilt since the beginning of this century and very few of
the old buildings remain. Buenos Aires is a city where the
traveller yields to the charm of the tango, the atmosphere of its
neighbourhoods and the activities of its business centre. And
just one hour from the city by bus is La Pampa with its beautiful
landscape, its gauchos and its comfortable ranches.
On arrival at Aeroparque airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: De las Americas Hotel. |
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28.02.08
(B L)
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Buenos Aires
Half day City Tour of Buenos Aires. Departing from the Hotel, we
drive down 9 de Julio Ave, the widest avenue in the world, past the
famous Colon Opera House, the Obelisk, commemorating the first founding
of the city in 1536 to get to Plaza de Mayo (May Square). You
will also see the surrounding buildings; Government House, the
Metropolitan Cathedral with the Mausoleum of General San Martin,
Argentina's greatest national hero and the Cabildo, the colonial town
hall built in 1751. Then you will head to La Boca, the typically
Italian district where the first Italian immigrants settled and
"Caminito" street. The tour continues to the Buenos Aires port
area, past San Martin Square towards the residential district of
Palermo Chico and Palermo Park with its jacaranda and palo borracho
trees which flower in the spring and late summer. The ride
continues to Recoleta elegant district to visit the Recoleta Cemetery
where the famous are laid to rest (including Eva Peron). You will
return to the hotel along the stylish Alvear Ave. Tour duration 4
hours. |
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01.03.09
(B L)
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Buenos Aires
Today's excursion will visit one of the Gaucho Farms (Argentine
cowboys). This full day tour will take you out of the city of
Buenos Aires and into the Pampas (countryside) to spend a day on a
Gaucho farm.
This lovely full day excursion is a unique opportunity to have close
contact with an Argentine Gaucho, their traditional music and dances,
and take part in a real gaucho festival. The party is held at a
beautiful country residence, on an old ranch and the day is filled with
hayrides, horseback riding and a typical "asado criollo" (barbecue)
with wine followed by a folklore show featuring the traditional music
and dances and a gaucho skills demonstration. (Seat in coach
service including lunch). Tour duration: 8 hours
Accommodation: De las Americas Hotel |
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02.03.09
(B)
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Buenos Aires - Sydney
You will be transferred from your hotel by our guide to Ezeiza International airport.
Depart Qantas Flight QF18 at 2.05pm, arriving in Sydney at 5.45pm. |
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03.03.09
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All passengers arrive in Sydney
Melbourne passengers depart Sydney on Qantas flight QF 489 at 8.30pm, arriving Melbourne 10.00pm
Brisbane passengers depart Sydney on Qantas flight QF 552 at 8.05pm, arriving in Brisbane at 8.35pm |
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Note:
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Airport
taxes and levies at present total an additional amount of approximately
$850. We have no control over this price and it is subject to change. |