Take a Trip With Dick Wolfsie — & Escape Winter

The weather may be warm and pleasant now, but we all know what Indiana can be like in February. 

That’s why Sagamore News Media, parent company of the Noblesville Times and Paper of Montgomery County – in partnership with global leader Collette Travel – proudly presents a trip to tropical Costa Rica.

Travelers on the excursion, which takes place for nine wonderful days from Feb. 6-14, will also get to spend time with the one and only Dick Wolfsie. Readers will certainly recognize Dick from his hilarious weekly columns published here. But also, television fans remember Dick and his beloved Barney from the many years they were regular features on Channel 8 in Indianapolis.

“Our first trip with Collette was Iceland,” Wolfsie said, speaking of the trip with the Noblesville Times that took place earlier this year. “Now it’s off to Costa Rica. We are going from a cool place to a hot spot. “

And Dick agreed that the timing of the trip is perfect.

“Indiana in winter can be a bit yucky,” he said. “So why not get lucky? Join us in Costa Rica in February.”

The trip begins on Friday Feb. 6 in the colorful capital city of San Jose, the perfect place to relax and soak up the sights as your adventure begins.

Saturday, will find the group on a tour of a local coffee plantation highlighting the history and cultivation of this driver of the Costa Rican economy. That afternoon, check in for a leisurely 3-night stay at a lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano.

On Sunday, the tour embarks on a Cano Negro guided riverboat trip in a covered canoe known as a panga. These 20,000 acres are home to the largest viewable collection of indigenous wildlife in all of Costa Rica. Go in search of caimans, river otters, sloths, monkeys, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies.

Begin the following week exploring a family owned farm, getting a peek into the daily lives of the locals. During a tour of the gardens, learn how the plants are organically grown through the concept of sustainability. The farm considers itself a “classroom without borders.” Taste the exotic fruit harvest and experience the traditional way to process sugar cane. Enjoy a sip of cane liquor before engaging in a culinary demonstration and a farm-to-table lunch.

Tuesday includes a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest and most important lake. Then, it’s off to the secluded Monteverde Cloud Forest, a place you have to see to believe, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! Set off on a nature walk through this spectacular ecosystem, where you’re sure to encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna.

Wednesday offers choices. You can join an expert for a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” walking tour to gain a different perspective of the cloud forest’s lush ecosystem . . . OR, you can take an exhilarating ride on one of the longest canopy zip line tours in Costa Rica.

The following day you make your way to breathtaking Guanacaste, known for its fine sandy beaches. Settle in for a relaxing two-night stay at your resort and take in the mesmerizing ocean views.

The tour begins winding down Friday with some fun in the sun on the beach, or at the pool. Guests will be able to visit the delightful beach town of Samara for some local culture. Return to your hotel in time to catch a Costa Rican sunset and soak in the spectacular colors as the sun illuminates the natural landscape before your final dinner and departure the next day to return back to what’s likely to be a chilly Indiana.

The cost of the trip is only $3,899 ($4,399 for singles only) for doubles and $3,869 for triples.

Ready to sign up now? You can simply go to https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1344002 and find complete details, as well as a link to reserve your spot. There are a limited number so signing up sooner rather than later is recommended.