Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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3
contents
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4 Planning your trip
5 travel essentials
8 getting there
9 travel insurance
114 booking conditions
12 touring
36 winter touring
38 small group touring
42 getting around
52 great britain & ireland
54 england
56 scotland
60 ireland
63 western europe
64 france
68 netherlands
70 germany
73 southern europe
74 spain
78 italy
86 croatia
89 greece
93 turkey
99 eastern europe
100 czech republic
103 hungary
104 russia
110 festivals
4
planning
your trip
WHERE SHOULD I GO?
Think about the countries you’d like to visit and
you to consider where you’re going, how long
you’ll be away for and what you’ll be doing
how can i book?
pick up the phone or VISIT A BRANCH and
what you want to see and experience. There while there…starting with questions about how make a free appointment with one of
is so much going on in Europe that you could much shopping, drinking and eating you intend our advisers.
spend a lifetime exploring - everywhere is on doing helps to get realistic figures! Make
wonderfully diverse and perpetually fascinating. sure you book at least your first few nights Call: 134 STA
Every border crossing brings a gamut of new accommodation before you leave, you'll find Click: statravel.com.au
human encounters and a different, awe- that it's cheaper and more convenient that way Find your closest branch at:
inspiring panorama. Each city you visit is and you certainly don’t want to find yourself statravel.com.au/branches
drenched in gripping history. Your holiday wandering the streets after a long flight trying
can be anything you want it to be – amazing to find accommodation.
cultural experiences, sun drenched relaxation,
wild nights out, exhilarating adventure or day
after day of eating new and exciting food.
Whatever Europe is to you, we’ll be able to help
you experience it.
GETTING AROUND
Europe boasts long, scenic, well-maintained
roads, high-speed trains, beautiful sea passages
and loads of well-connected airports. STA
Travel take full advantage of all of this to make
sure you get around the continent as safely,
comfortably and efficiently as possible. Our
‘Getting Around’ section on page 42 showcases
loads of fantastic ways to zip around Europe.
MONEY
Apart from a few specific exceptions most
countries in Europe use the Euro which makes
life a lot easier for you! Although old, every
major town and city in Europe has ATMs too…
giving you quick and easy access to your funds
with your credit and debit cards rest assured.
Many of our adventure trips include nearly
everything you need to survive, so you’ll only
need a small amount of cash per day to get by.
We’ll help you work out how much by getting
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5
travel
XXXXXXX AFRICA
essentials
TRAVEL INSURANCE
You’ve spent months saving and planning for the
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR CASH
TRAVELEX CASH CARD
student (ISIC) AND YOUTH (IYTC) CARDS
If you want to get access to over 41,000
trip of a lifetime, and no doubt the last thing What the!?! We’re talking cash passports - discounts worldwide then you’ll want to pick
you want to think about is travel insurance. same size as a credit card but with no debt & up a student (ISIC) or youth (IYTC) card. These
But should something go wrong, without better services. You never know what’s in store puppies are available to you if you’re a full time
travel insurance you could end up racking up when you’re travelling overseas. So make sure student or lucky enough to still be under 26
a massive credit card bill – imagine having to you’re armed with a Cash Passport, the only years old. They’re only $25 each and you’ll save
live at home for years while you pay it off! For prepaid travel money card that prepares you more than that along the way so are well worth
as little as a postcard home a day STA can for the unexpected. With a free backup card, the spend! Not only that but they can also be
arrange a travel insurance policy that covers you Travelex’s own 24/7 Emergency Assistance used for discounts here in Australia:
for heaps of benefits, plus if things go wrong Services and access to VISA’s global network,
you’ll have access to the 24 hour emergency Cash Passports are the most convenient way to • Jeans West - 5% off
assistance team. Organise your travel insurance access funds abroad.
when you book your flights and spend time • Wagamama -10% off meal (up to $30)
planning the more important things, like finding There are two types of cards available:
accommodation for Oktoberfest! Don’t risk it, • Krispy Kreme - Free glazed doughnut with
ask your STA adviser for a quote. Cash Passport Card - Can be used at any VISA any drink purchase
Note: Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the PDS available
from STA Travel in considering this product.
ATM Worldwide and it can be reloaded whilst
overseas or better still, back at home by a family • Hoyts - Free combo upgrade & student rates
HEALTH member. It’s available in AUD, NZD, GBP, USD and
It’s your responsibility to obtain proper and EUR offering you the ability to lock in your value • Mountain Designs -10% off all full
detailed medical advice in good time before no matter what happens to the exchange rate. priced items
your departure. We suggest that you visit
the Department of Health website at www. Cash Passport Debit - The latest in cards, • Lonely Planet -15% off all online purchases
health.gov.au for up to date information. not only can you access your money at any
Your local Doctor can also give advice on which VISA ATM around the world. You can now make • Hard Rock Cafe - 20% off menu price
vaccinations you’ll need for particular countries. purchases at any merchant that accepts VISA
cards (Gucci, Prada anyone!). The VISA ATM card • STA Travel - Up to 40% off international trips
VISAS is now available in AUD, NZD, GBP, USD and EUR
Your trip of a lifetime will quickly grind to a BRITBOUND
screeching halt if you forget to sort out your Features common to both cards: Hit the ground running on your new life in
entrance visas. Please don’t forget to check with London and leave all that red tape to someone
one of our friendly advisers for visa requirements • Convenient – issued instantly, no need else! Get the low-down on the city’s social
for the countries that you are planning to visit. If to carry ID or wait until the bank is open scene, transport system, banking facilities,
you do require visas, we should be able to help you to get money out National Insurance number and advice on how
get one – so you can sit back and relax. to get work, then go out and party with your
• Prepaid – no unexpected credit card bill new found friends!
tefl upon your return
Make the best use of your time away, immerse Hit the ground running Fr $60
yourself in a new culture, add to your resume • Toll-free access to Travelex’s 24/7 Hit the ground running + sim card Fr $80
and gain a skill for life. Millions of people are Emergency Assistance Services Hit the ground running + mobile Fr $150
learning English worldwide in the most far flung
of places. Why don't you teach English abroad? • Second backup card (connected to the
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is same pool of funds) provided for FREE.
a recognised qualification. Anyone can do it and This means no inconvenience or delay if
there is no need for prior teaching experience your original card is stolen or misplaced
- just enthusiasm. Learn to teach English as a
foreign language either on-line or as part of a • Ability to reload via BPAY anywhere in
weekend course with our Premier TEFL course. the world
Once certified you can then take advantage of
one of the many paid teaching opportunities • View balances, change PIN and find VISA
available around the world. Fund your travels and ATMs online
never run out of cash. statravel.i-to-i.com/tefl
• Flat $3.75 ATM withdrawal fee applies
Online courses Fr $340
Weekend courses Fr $492
6
europe
Reykjavik iceland
finland
norway
Helsinki
Oslo St. Petersburg
sweden Stockholm
estonia
Moscow
latvia
ireland Copenhagen russia
lithuania
UK belarus
Amsterdam
London poland
netherlands Berlin Warsaw
turkey
greece
Athens
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7
XXXXXXX AFRICA
YOUR ITINERARY
FLIGHTS HOTELS & HOSTELS
INSURANCE
TOTAL
8
getting there
WHY FLY WITH STA TRAVEL? ROUND THE WORLD
Aside from our great prices, many of our airfares are unique & exclusive. This is something we specialise in. We practically invented the concept of
We offer a wide range of products negotiated just for you. We can book flying Around the World, so we’ve got a huge range of choices and plenty
just about anything you desire, from simple return tickets to tailor-made of suggestions.
complex round-the-world itineraries. Here are some of the things that
make us stand out from the crowd. There are loads of ways to include Europe in your round-the-world
itinerary. To kick start your imagination, we’ve picked out one of our
• Lowest fares with leading airlines when you book in advance favourite itineraries.
for students holding an ISIC card / youths under 26 (see page 5)
or teachers holding an ITIC card. Get prepared to zip-zap around town, hmm really the world! Start out with
a skip over to Nuw Zulland (love that Kiwi accent) grab some island culture,
• Flexibility to change your travel dates before and air so clean and skies so blue; lay back on the sandy shores of Samoa then
after departure. get glamour-puss L.A. style before landing in London. Pull back pints,
ride double-deckers and then make your own way to Dublin to look for
• Flexibility to change your route before and after departure. Leprechauns and wish for four leaved clovers. Catch your breath then pop
off to Abu Dhabi where you’ll witness shopping malls and markets bathed
• The option to build your own itinerary using our exclusive sector in gold! Bound over to Kuala Lumpur then make your own way down to
fares. Don’t compromise when creating your perfect trip. Singapore before boarding your flight back to the land of Oz. Phew!
• Fares available from all Australian departure airports. Australia – Auckland - Apia – Los Angeles – London - overland - Dublin –
Abu Dhabi – Kuala Lumpur- overland - Singapore - Australia
• Open Jaw tickets - fly into one airport and out of another.
• Try and be a little flexible with your dates and check out flying
on a weekday instead of the weekend.
• Think about flying outside of peak times e.g. if you are flying
to Europe the best deals are usually available for travel in Feb or Oct.
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9
travel insurance
XXXXXXX AFRICA
WITH YOU NO MATTER HOW WILD THE RIDE
We hope you have an awesome trip, but to put it bluntly, if something does THE COVER YOU CAN EXPECT
happen (and it happens all the time), you’ll want travel insurance, not a No complicated plans to choose from, just great cover you can rely on.
$50,000+ medical bill! Here’s some of the inclusions you can expect with your international policy:
• $Unlimited overseas medical and dental cover
We know how important it is for you to have an amazing journey and travel • $Unlimited additional expenses
insurance is probably the last thing on your mind. However, our experience • $Unlimited amendment or cancellation costs
tells us travelling without cover is simply not a risk worth taking.
Imagine getting sick in a foreign country and being refused treatment until Plus, cover for:
you can guarantee payment of medical bills. Even worse, imagine getting • Luggage and travel documents (including sporting equipment
the wrong treatment! while in use)
• Delayed luggage allowance
It’s a scary thought, but these kinds of things happen all too often, all over • Money
the world. Having an emergency assistance team of experienced doctors, • Rental car insurance excess
nurses and case managers on call to help you when you’re in trouble is why • Travel delay
having the right travel insurance is so important. • Resumption of journey
• Special events
STA Travel Insurance gives you much more than medical cover. It also covers • Hospital incidentals
emergency transport and accommodation costs, includes cover for cancellation • Hijacking
and for your belongings should they be lost, damaged, stolen or delayed. • Loss of income
• Disability
You wouldn’t go camping without a tent – you shouldn’t book your • Accidental death
holiday without travel insurance! • Personal liability
where
to stay?
Star ratings are often not the best way to categorise hotels. Depending on what country you’re
travelling through, perceptions of each standard can vary quite dramatically. To make things much
easier for you, we’re giving you our own educated opinion on each hotel and hostel that we feature.
We have three very straightforward accommodation categories: STAysimple, STAysmart and
STAystylish. Read below for a description of each.
The majority of our STAysimple properties These are modern, international standard These hotels are relatively small in size, which
have great locations – in the heart of all the hotels, so expect plenty of great facilities. All means close and personal attention. Incredible
action, and many of them boast popular bars rooms will have private bathrooms, air-con service and an unforgettable experience are
and vibrant social scenes. Facilities are generally and a host of modern amenities. You can also more or less guaranteed. After a fantastically
limited, but this is compensated for by the expect loads of great facilities – most will have hectic adventure trip or an early morning flight,
friendly and helpful staff. Many of these options a pool, gymnasium and a couple of restaurants. it definitely pays to splash a little cash and book
will have shared bathrooms. STAysmart hotels are ideal for city stopovers. yourself into one of these unique hotels.
Some of our favourite STAysimple properties Some of our favourite STAysmart properties Some of our favourite STAystylish properties
include Generator Hostel in Berlin, Clink in include Da Bruno in Venice, Nadia Hotel in include Colour Design Hotel in Paris, Hotel Da Vinci
London and Plus Prague in Prague. Amsterdam and Plaka Hotel in Athens. Old Town in Prague and Hudson Hotel in Edinburgh.
All accommodation prices - Dorm: per person per night. Single/Twin/Double: per room per night.
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11
your
XXXXXXX AFRICA
adventure
We partner with leading tour companies who
provide fantastic adventures across the
PASSIONATE STAFF
Topdeck staff are hugely passionate about travel
TRANSPORTATION - MIX IT UP
Prepare for a great cross-section of culture.
globe to give you a variety of styles of travel and and committed to ensuring that you have the One day you might find yourself kayaking across
experiences to choose from when planning your holiday of a lifetime. A rigorous six week, world crystal blue waters, the next you could be sitting
big trip. We consider them our ‘perfect partners’ renowned Europe training trip ensures that the in an air-conditioned private van driving along the
as they share the same passion for travel as we team are knowledgeable and professional – and coast. Whatever the method, you can be sure it
do and we guarantee you will get the cheapest friendliness is a given! will be more than just a way to get from A to B,
price on their trips through us. Check out our the journey’s just as important as the destination!
‘perfect partners’ for Europe. WAYS TO STAY
Topdeck feature three different trip styles: UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION
EXPLORE EUROPE Often you’ll spend the night in a hotel, other
nights in a mountain refuge, or on the water
TAKE IT EASY! aboard a yacht. Whatever and wherever it is,
One of the great things about Topdeck is that EUROCLUB TRIPS your accommodation will reflect the local flavour.
all of the travelling and accommodation is Hostels, bungalows, castles & yachts plus some Rooms are usually based on same-sex twin-share
taken care of. This means one thing – stress free hotel upgrades – these trips are perfect if and solo travellers don’t have to pay extra.
free travel. Lugging a heavy pack to the train you are working to a slightly tighter budget. Your
station, worrying about whether it is still in the accommodation on these trips will be as varied BUSABOUT HOP-ON HOP-OFF
luggage rack when you get to the other end as the places you visit. (multi-share) Busabout Explorer is all about flexible travel.
and then carrying it in 35 degree heat to your Designed exclusively for backpackers and
accommodation on the other side of town aren’t independent travellers it offers a Hop-on Hop-off
much fun. style travel network around Europe, covering 31
EUROHOTEL TRIPS destinations in 9 countries. Take your time, create
Sit back in an air-conditioned luxury coach, listen 2* and 3* centrally located hotels with bags of your own trip and savour each personal moment.
to some chilled out tunes on the stereo and local character. No bland multi-national chains -
dream about your next wonderful destination. guaranteed unique, charming places that capture Busabout adventures
the heart and soul of every country you travel Hopping around on a Hop-on, Hop-off tour
FREE TIME through. (twin or triple share) is fantastic but it is not all Busabout offers!
Free time and lots of it. Your knowledgeable Trip Busabout Adventures feature a collection of trips
Leader will tell you about the fascinating history to some fascinating destinations around Europe
of the places you visit and show you the main and North Africa – offering the likes of sailing
sights and attractions - but you’ll still have loads EUROCAMPING TRIPS adventures in Croatia to truck trips in Morocco!
of time to explore on your own. Europe’s best campsites (nightclubs and Hop to it!
swimming pools anyone?) with roomy dome tents
A WELL FED TRAVELLER = A HAPPY TRAVELLER and air mattresses. Get back to basics (comfy SHAMROCKER ADVENTURES
Eating well on Topdeck trips is a guarantee. ones) and see your budget go further on these Shamrocker Adventures trips are drenched in the
EuroClub and EuroCamping trips cover all your great value trips. (twin share) history and legends of the Emerald Isle. Experience
breakfasts, most lunches on travelling days and all the Irish Craic as you discover the South and
a large proportion of dinners. Whether it’s pasta journey over the border to the North with your
in Italy or schnitzel in Austria there’ll be salads, local Irish guide - Wild, Authentic & Irish.
meats, fresh veg & fruit galore!
SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES HAGGIS ADVENTURES
EuroHotel trips include breakfast (usually HAGGiS Adventures have been running incredible
continental) and many dinners, see itinerary. trips around Scotland, England & Wales for
over 15 years. Explore these sexy countries in a
FELLOW TRAVELLERS - IT’S BETTER TOGETHER SMALL GROUPS - EXTRA FLEXIBILITY wee yellow bus with your local guide, taking in
Sharing your travelling experience with like-minded GAP Adventures keep their group size to castles, lochs, valleys, coastlines and even a hairy
people will be one of the best parts of your journey. an average of 12 like-minded international Highland cow or two!
travellers. These group sizes have a low impact
With over 50% of passengers starting the trip on the areas they travel through, allowing you to EASTERN TREKKER
alone, Topdeck is great for single travellers so interact with local communities with ease. Most Eastern Trekker has pioneered travel in Eastern
you don’t need to worry about being without importantly, small groups allow the Tour Leader Europe for independent travellers. Prepare for
some good fun company – and better still, there to look after your needs with a personal touch. adventures with a cool charming mix of jumping
is no compulsory single supplement. vibrant cities and off the beaten track gems. From
the haunting beauty of Dracula’s Castle to the
serenity of the coast of Croatia.
12
european
wonder
14 DAYS, $2,020 fr
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13
TOURING
DAY 7: ROME DAY 13: AMSTERDAM
Start with a visit to the Vatican City. Visit the Get interlaced with quaint canals, lush parklands
Sistine Chapel and its beautiful treasures, then and magnificent architecture. Grab a bike and
head to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza introduce yourself to all the sights. Take a
Navona, Church of the Capuchin Monks and the walking tour and acquaint yourself with Dam
Colosseum on a walking tour. The rest of the day Square and the Royal Palace. Indulge at the
is yours to explore. (B, D) farewell dinner and follow up with a canal cruise
if you so choose. (B, D)
DAY 8: ROME TO VENICE
Travel to fair Verona, home of Romeo and DAY 14: AMSTERDAM TO LONDON
Juliet. See the ancient Roman Arena and Juliet’s Roll on to Belgium and the historic city of
Balcony. Then it’s on to enchanting Venice. Bruges. Sometimes referred to as “The Venice
(B, L, D) of the North”, this World Heritage listed city is
home to over 300 different beers and the finest
DAY 9: VENICE Belgian chocolates! It makes the perfect place
Experience a Vaporetto ride on the Grand to finish up your trip, before you head back
Canal followed by a walking tour. You’ll see St. to London potentially drunk and a few kilos
Mark’s Square, Bridge of Sighs, Doges Palace, heavier! (B)
the Campanile and the Rialto Bridge. You’ll also
enjoy a traditional lace making display and what’s
Venice without a gondola ride? (B, D)
Head into Germany. That night you’ll get to APR 8 APR 21 JUN 17 JUN 30 AUG 12 AUG 25 Amsterdam
London NETHERLANDS
APR 15 APR 28 JUN 24 JUL 7 AUG 26 SEP 8
stay in one of the many castles located on APR 22 MAY 5 JUL 1 JUL 14 SEP 9 SEP 22 Bruges
APR 29 MAY 12 JUL 3 JUL 16 SEP 23 OCT 6 BELGIUM Rhine Valley
the banks of the Rhine River. The one you’ll MAY 6 MAY 19 JUL 8 JUL 21 OCT 7 OCT 20 GERMANY
MAY 13 MAY 26 JUL 10 JUL 23 OCT 21 NOV 3 Paris
be sleeping in dates all the way back to the MAY 20 JUN 2 JUL 15 JUN 28
MAY 27 JUN 9 JUL 17 JUL 30 FRANCE
12th century! Gaze across beautiful Moselle JUN 3 JUN 16 JUL 29 AUG 11
AUSTRIA
SWITZ.
Lauterbrunnen Tyrol
vineyards. (B, L, D) Accommodation: 2 nts hotel upgrade, 6 nts bungalow accommodation at
European campsites, 3 nts hostel accommodation, 1 nt in an Austrian Gasthof, ITALY Venice
1 nt in a 12th century German castle Transport: Modern air-conditioned coach,
DAY 12: THE RHINE VALLEY TO AMSTERDAM Ferry Group Size: Avg 38 Meals: 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 11 dinners Pisa Verona
Tour Code: TD HTEW Florence
Travel across the border into the Netherlands
and on to Amsterdam, famous for its bikes, STAY LONGER IN london Rome
See pages 54-55 for details.
canals and a rather liberal lifestyle. Head out
that night and get liberated, sorry we mean
immerse yourself in its notorious nightlife. (B)
14
spirit of
europe
24 DAYS, $3,290 fr
Accommodation: 6 nts hotel upgrade, 10 nts in hostels, 7 nts in bungalows at ITALY Venice
DAY 6: FRENCH RIVIERA: European campsites Transport: Modern air-conditioned coach, Ferry Group Size:
Avg 38 Meals: 23 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 15 dinners Tour Code: TD HTCE French Riviera Pisa Verona
Spot the celebrities as you stroll the promenades. Florence
That night, head to the casinos of Monaco. (B) stay longer in london Rome
See pages 54-55 for details.
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15
european
TOURING
getaway
20 DAYS, $2,870 fr
summer fun
& sailing
26 DAYS, $3,955 fr
Take an optional adventure to the top of the Accommodation: 3 nts hotel upgrades in Paris and Tirana, 3 nts on our ITALY
croatia
exclusive yachts in Greece, 1 nt in a 12th century German castle, 1 nt in an Venice
Jungfrau, for some unbelievable views. (B, L, D) Austrian Gasthof, 1 nt in cabins on overnight ferry from Italy to Greece, 10 nts
Pisa
Zadar
in bungalows in European campsites, 6 nts hostel accommodation Transport:
Modern air-conditioned coach, Ferry Group Size: Avg 38 Meals: 25 breakfasts Florence Dubrovnik
(B), 11 lunches (L), 16 dinners (D) Tour Code: TD HTSS Orvieto
Day 5: Lauterbrunnen to Florence Rome
albania
stay longer in london Bari
See the Leaning Tower of Pisa and continue to Tirana
Florence. Tuck into lovely Tuscan cuisine. (B, L, D) See pages 54-55 for details. greece
Sailing
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17
TOURING
Grand
european
28 DAYS, $3,920 fr
EUROPEAN
PIONEER
36 DAYS, $5,325 fr
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19
TOURING
Day 25: DUBROVNIK TO SARAJEVO Days 34-35: BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM
Over to Sarajevo today, a fascinating city heroically To Amsterdam, famous for its canals and liberal
re-building itself from its recent tragic past. (B, D) lifestyle…amongst a whole lot of other things!
The bicycle tour is a great way to discover the city
Day 26: SARAJEVO TO BELGRADE followed by the walking tour. Tonight a farewell
Situated on the Danube River, Belgrade happens dinner and optional canal cruise call (2B, L, D)
to be one of Europe’s oldest cities and also the
capital of Serbia. An orientation tour will get Day 36: AMSTERDAM TO LONDON
you acquainted, at night the many cool bars Oh no, back to London…but don’t get too down,
and clubs are screaming out for your visit! (B) you’re going via the chocolate and beer shops of
Bruge, bound to make you pick-up for sure! (B)
Days 27-28: BELGRADE TO BUDAPEST
Are you hungry? Okay bad joke but Buda and
Pest will certainly impress! On either side of the
mighty Danube river you have ‘old Hungary’ and
‘new Hungary’ – Buda and Pest! You’ll spend two
delightful days here and we promise with goulash
like this you won’t go hungry in Hungary!. (B, D)
red star
special
37 DAYS, $5,740 fr
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21
TOURING
Days 21-22: Helsinki to Tallinn Day 36: Warsaw to Berlin
Catch a quick ferry across the Baltic Sea to Toast a great journey at your farewell dinner in
Tallinn. This lovely city features old city walls and Berlin. Head out into the buzzing nighlife for a
medieval buildings. After a walking tour there is final big night out. (B, L, D)
plenty of free time to explore. (B, D)
Day 37: Berlin
Days 23-25: tallinn to st. petersburg Your trip of a lifetime sadly comes to an end
Your first stop in Russia is beautiful St. Petersburg. after breakfast. Say your tearful goodbyes. (B)
A city tour with a local guide gives an in-depth
insight of this major cultural centre. (3B, 2L, 2D)
Cross the border into Latvia and travel to Riga, JUN 13 JUL 19 JUL 18 AUG 23
Tysfjord
a UNESCO World Heritage listed gem, pefectly Accommodation: 13 nts hotel upgrade, 4 nts in hostels, 19 nts in bungalows in Swartisen Glacier
campsites Transport: Modern air-conditioned coach, Ferry Group Size: Avg 38 Rovaniemi
located on the stunning Baltic coast. (2B, L, D) Meals: 36 breakfasts, 24 lunches, 25 dinners Tour Code: TD HTRS Korgen
RUssia
scandi
23 DAYS, $3,690 fr DAYs 1-2: BERLIN DAYs 13-15: NOVGOROD TO MOSCOW
Arrive at the hostel and hook up with your Trip Enjoy an interesting drive through the former
start & finish: berlin Leader and fellow travellers. Enjoy a city tour of communised farmlands to Moscow. Get
Berlin and then it’s time to do your own thing. acquainted with all the famous sights by way of
It wasn’t so long ago that many of the countries (D, B) a local Russian guide. (3B, L, 2D)
visited on this adventure would have been very
difficult to get into. In 1991 the Iron Curtain DAYs 3-4: BERLIN TO COPENHAGEN DAY 16: MOSCOW TO VELIKIYE LUKI
eventually fell and Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Move on to picturesque Copenhagen, home to From Moscow head to the town of Velikiye Luki,
Lithuania and Poland opened up their previously the Little Mermaid. (2B, L, D) where you’ll stay overnight. (B, L, D)
well-defended borders to the rest of the globe.
Lucky us! As a result, many areas within these DAYs 5-6: COPENHAGEN TO STOCKHOLM DAYs 17-18: VELIKIYE LUKI TO RIGA
fascinating countries appear to stand still in time, Pass Hamlet’s Castle and jump on to the ferry Cross the border into Latvia and travel to the
as the western world ‘progressed’ and ‘prospered’ heading for Stockholm. Design and culture make charming city of Riga, on the spectacular Baltic
at its own insatiable speed. This twenty-three this city a vibrant and interesting place. You’ll Sea coast. (2B, L, D)
day trip will give you an essence of the thoughts, have plenty of free time to explore. (2B, 2L, 2D)
feelings and future hopes of the people that DAY 19: RIGA TO VILNIUS
reside in these profound and philosophical lands. DAYs 7-8: STOCKHOLM TO TALLINN Today’s drive will take you to the multicultural
Let the medieval architecture of Tallinn tell a An overnight ferry across the Baltic disembarks city of Vilnius. A walk around the old town that
thousand different stories. Marvel at the priceless in Tallinn. The old city walls and medieval evening will whet your appetite. (B, L)
artifacts and immaculate artistry of the Hermitage buildings of this great city will enchant you.
in St. Petersburg. Traverse the sun-drenched (B, L, D) DAYs 20-21: VILNIUS TO WARSAW
farmlands that surround Russia’s grandiose Head south to Warsaw. Visit the Old Jewish
capital city, Moscow. Absorb the unspeakable DAYs 9-11: TALLINN TO ST. PETERSBURG Quarter and Pawiak Prison and explore on your
beauty of Estonia’s Baltic Sea coastline and let The first stop in Russia is magnificent St. own terms. (2B, L, D)
the old streets of Warsaw bewitch you with their Petersburg. A city tour with a local guide will
charm and character. Also taking centre stage on give a brilliant insight into this great city. (2B, DAY 22: WARSAW TO BERLIN
this remarkable adventure are the Scandinavian 2L, 2D) Complete the full circle and arrive back into
cities of Copenhagen and Stockholm. Both of Berlin. That night, toast the trip of a lifetime at
which brilliantly blend the old and the new; DAY 12: ST. PETERSBURG TO NOVGOROD your final dinner with your new friends. (B, L, D)
palaces, mermaids, tremendously trendy night- Travel south to Novgorod. See beautiful old
scenes and lots of people with blonde hair and churches or gulp down the traditional Russian DAY 23: BERLIN
blue eyes. All of which sets you up perfectly for drink “Medovukha”. (B, L, D) Your trip finishes just after breakfast. (B)
the aforementioned delights of Eastern Europe.
highlights
DEPARTURES
• Enjoy a big night out in buzzing Berlin START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 JUN 27 JUL 19 JUL 25 AUG 16
• Say hello to Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid MAY 30 JUN 21 JUL 4 JUL 26 AUG 8 AUG 30
• Check out Stockholm’s modern designs JUN 13 JUL 5
JUN 20 JUL 12
JUL 11
JUL 18
AUG 2
AUG 9
AUG 22 SEP 13
russia
• Explore the medieval city of Tallinn
Accommodation: 12 nts hotel upgrade, 3 nts in hostels, 6 nights in bungalows St Petersburg
• See the artistic treats of St. Petersburg in campsites, 1 nt on ferry in cabins Transport: Modern air-conditioned coach, sweden
Stockholm
Ferry Group Size: Avg 38 Meals: 21 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 13 dinners Tour Code: Tallinn
• Absorb real Russian culture in Novgorod TD HTFS
Novgorod
estonia
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23
TOURING
WESTERN SPIRIT eastern spirit
9 DAYS, $1,360 fr 16 DAYS, $2,150 fr
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH UK START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 JUN 22 JUN 30 AUG 17 AUG 25 2010 JUN 30 JUL 15 AUG 25 SEP 9 UK NETHERLANDS
NETHERLANDS
Amsterdam
APR 6 APR 14 JUN 29 JUL 7 AUG 24 SEP 1 London APR 14 APR 29 JUL 7 JUL 22 SEP 1 SEP 16 London
APR 20 APR 28 JUL 4 JUL 12 SEP 7 SEP 15 APR 28 MAY 13 JUL 12 JUL 27 SEP 15 SEP 30 Berlin poland
Bruges
APR 27 MAY 5 JUL 6 JUL 14 SEP 14 SEP 22 BELGIUM GERMANY MAY 5 MAY 20 JUL 14 JUL 29 SEP 22 OCT 7 BELGIUM GERMANY
MAY 4 MAY 12 JUL 11 JUL 19 SEP 21 SEP 29 MAY 12 MAY 27 JUL 19 AUG 3 SEP 29 OCT 14 Dresden
MAY11 MAY 19 JUL 13 JUL 21 SEP 28 OCT 6 Paris MAY 19 JUN 3 JUL 21 AUG 5 OCT 6 OCT 21 Auschwitz
MAY 18 MAY 26 JUL 18 JUL 26 OCT 5 OCT 13 MAY 26 JUN 10 JUL 26 AUG 10 OCT 13 OCT 28
Prague Krakow
FRANCE czech rep.
MAY 25 JUN 2 JUL 20 JUL 28 OCT 12 OCT 20 FRANCE JUN 2 JUN 17 JUL 28 AUG 12 OCT 20 NOV 4 slovakia
JUN 1 JUN 9 JUL 27 AUG 4 OCT 19 OCT 27 JUN 9 JUN 24 AUG 4 AUG 19 OCT 27 NOV 11 Vienna
JUN 8 JUN 16 AUG 8 AUG 11 Swiss Alps AUSTRIA JUN 16 JUL 1 AUG 11 AUG 26 Bratislava
SWITZ. SWITZ. AUSTRIA Budapest
JUN 15 JUN 23 AUG 10 AUG 18 JUN 23 JUL 8 AUG 18 SEP 2
hungary
ITALY ITALY
Accommodation: 4 nts hotel upgrade, 4 nts in bungalows Accommodation: 2 nts hotel upgrade, 10 nts in hostels, 3 nts Venice
Transport: Modern air-conditioned coach, Ferry Group Size: in bungalows at European campsites Transport: Modern
Verona
Monaco Pisa
Avg 38 Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners Tour Code: French Riviera air-conditioned coach, Ferry Group Size: Avg 38 Meals: 15
TD HTCER Florence breakfasts, 5 lunches, 9 dinners Tour Code: TD HTCRL
Rome Rome
24
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH UK
2010 JUL 4 JUL 12 SEP 5 SEP 13 2010 JUN 26 JUL 9 SEP 18 OCT 1 London
MAY 16 MAY 24 JUL 11 JUL 19 SEP 19 SEP 27 UK NETHERLANDS APR 17 APR 30 JUL 3 JUL 16 OCT 2 OCT 15
MAY 30 JUN 7 JUL 25 AUG 2 OCT 3 OCT 11 Amsterdam MAY 1 MAY 14 JUL 10 JUL 23 OCT 16 OCT 29 GERMANY
JUN 13 JUN 21 AUG 8 AUG 16
London MAY 15 MAY 28 JUL 17 JUL 30 OCT 30 NOV 12
BELGIUM
JUN 27 JUL 5 AUG 22 AUG 30 GERMANY MAY 29 JUN 11 JUL 31 AUG 13 Paris Prague
JUN 5 JUN 18 AUG 7 AUG 20 czech rep.
Accommodation: 8 nights hotel accommodation on a twin
Rhine Valley JUN 12 JUN 25 AUG 21 SEP 3 FRANCE
share basis Transport: Modern air-conditioned coach, Ferry Paris Prague JUN 19 JUL 2 SEP 4 SEP 17 Mauthausen
Group Size: Avg 38 Meals: 8 breakfasts, 4 dinners Tour Code: czech rep. Tyrol
SWITZ.
TD HTND FRANCE Munich Accommodation: 13 nts hotel accommodation on a twin share Swiss Alps AUSTRIA
SWITZ. basis Transport: Modern air-conditioned coach, Ferry Group ITALY
Lucerne Size: Avg 38 Meals: 13 breakfasts, 7 dinners Tour Code: Venice
TD HTEVP Verona
Pisa
Florence
Rome
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25
TOURING
essential
europe
12 DAYS, fr $2,250
start & finish: london
Day 3: Rhine Valley to Munich Day 9: Florence to Lucerne
Few things in life are essential – stealing money Head into Bavaria and onwards to Munich. The beautiful Alps are on view all the way to
from the bank when you play Monopoly, getting Uncover the beer halls and munch on roasted gorgeous Lucerne where you'll head off on a tour
KFC after an all nighter and of course taking pork knuckles and veal sausages. Enjoy a brilliant of this cosy lakeside city. (B, D)
a two week tour of Europe’s best sights – walking tour, the summer weather is perfect for
Amsterdam, Paris, Venice and Rome…and well…. wandering the cobbled streets. The nightlife here Days 10-11: Lucerne to Paris
it just so happens that this fabulous trip takes is unique and always enjoyable. (B) Chic shops, trendy cafés, stylish locals and the
in all those sensational destinations and a whole amazing sights of Paris are all on display on the
lot more! Stay in lovely, centrally located hotels, Day 4: Munich to Tyrol city lights tour. Enjoy a gourmet picnic beside
you’ll see the best of what Europe has to offer Breathtaking scenery and loads of options for the Eiffel Tower and there’s also an optional
in style. This is travel for those who want to adrenaline junkies in stunning Tyrol. (B, D) River Seine cruise or cabaret show. (2B, D)
maximise their time without compromising on
comfort and convenience. You’ll be grateful that Day 5: Tyrol to Venice Day 12: Paris to London
you made the wise decision to book yourself on More stunning alpine scenery to enjoy as we Your trip finishes this evening back in London.
this adventure. Make new friends, see things travel to the extraordinary city of Venice – a Say goodbye to your travelling companions. (B)
that’ll leave you amazed and learn more than maze of canals and incredible artworks. Our
you’ll ever have picked up in a history lesson. included vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal is the
This truly is the perfect way to see the best of perfect way to see the city. (B)
what Europe has to offer.
Days 6-7: Venice to Rome
highlights Onwards to Rome, the Eternal City. Your walking
• Get lost in Amsterdam's infamous streets tour will show you all the major sights and you'll
• See medieval castles in the Rhine Valley check out the Vatican City. There'll also be loads
• Drink steins in Munich of free time to explore at your own pace. (2B, D)
• Enjoy the traditional charms of Salzburg
• Jump on a vaporetto through Venice Day 8: Rome to Florence
• Explore Rome and the Vatican City Travel to Florence, the home of Renaissance
• Discover the culture of Florence art. Your walking tour will take you to the Uffizi
• Marvel at Lucerne's mountain views Gallery, Duomo Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio and
• Wonder at the romantic city of Paris Santa Croce Bascilica. Check out the gold and
silver markets, enjoy the great shopping and get
Day 1: London to Amsterdam stuck into the fantastic food. (B)
From London, travel across the channel to the
city of Amsterdam. Hop on a bike, buy some
clogs, check out the infamous red-light district
DEPARTURES
and do something you'll never be able to tell your START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
UK
2010 JUN 8 JUN 19 AUG 3 AUG 14 London Amsterdam
parents about. APR 13 APR 24 JUN 15 JUN 26 AUG 10 AUG 21 NETHERLANDS
APR 27 MAY 8 JUN 22 JUL 3 AUG 17 AUG 28 Rhine Valley
MAY 4 MAY 15 JUN 29 JUL 10 AUG 31 SEP 11 GERMANY
Day 2: Amsterdam to Rhine Valley MAY 11 MAY 22 JUL 6 JUL 17 SEP 14 SEP 25
MAY 18 MAY 29 JUL 13 JUL 24 SEP 28 OCT 9 Paris
The mighty Rhine River sears through the heart of MAY 25 JUN 5 JUL 20 JUL 31
JUN 1 JUN 12 JUL 27 AUG 7 FRANCE Munich AUSTRIA
Germany, leaving stunning landscapes in its wake. SWITZ. Tyrol
Accommodation: 11 nts hotel accommodation on a twin share basis Transport: Lucerne
Explore the stunning Rhine Valley and check out Modern air-conditioned coach, Ferry Group Size: Avg 38 Meals: 11 breakfasts, 5
dinners Tour Code: TD HTWE ITALY Venice
medieval castles and beautiful vineyards. (B, D)
stay longer in london Florence
See pages 54-55 for details. Rome
26
european
odyssey
18 DAYS, $3,490 fr
Day 2: Paris
DEPARTURES
Get out and about - a free day to explore the START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
UK
2010 JUN 19 JUL 6 AUG 21 SEP 7 Amsterdam Berlin
shops, cafés and museums. Don’t forget your APR 17 MAY 4 JUN 26 JUL 13 SEP 4 SEP 21
London
NETHERLANDS
Bruges
gourmet picnic beside the Eiffel Tower. (B, D) MAY 1
MAY 15
MAY 18
JUN 1
JUL 3
JUL 10
JUL 20
JUL 27
SEP 18
OCT 2
OCT 5
OCT 19 BELGIUM GERMANY
MAY 29 JUN 15 JUL 17 AUG 3 OCT 16 NOV 2
Prague
JUN 5 JUN 22 JUL 31 AUG 17 OCT 30 NOV 16 Paris czech Rep.
Days 3-4: Paris to swiss alps JUN 12 JUN 29 AUG 7 AUG 24
FRANCE AUSTRIA
Cross the border to the knockout scenery of Accommodation: 17 nts hotel accommodation on a twin share basis Transport: SWITZ. Tyrol
Modern air-conditioned coach, Ferry Group Size: Avg 38 Meals: 17 breakfasts, 9 Mt. Rigi
Switzerland. Travel to your spectacular mountain dinners Tour Code: TD HTEV
hideaway at Mt. Rigi. A cable car or train ride will ITALY Venice
take you to a traffic free village where the most stay longer in london Pisa
Florence
See pages 54-55 for details.
noise you'll hear is the jangling of cow bells! The Rome
setting of the alpine barbecue is unforgettable
and the walks are stunning. (2B, 2D)
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27
TOURING
europe
uncovered
22 DAYS, $4,295 fr
mountain hideaway. Enjoy a tasty BBQ. (2B, 2D) stay longer in london Venice Pagcroatia
Verona
See pages 54-55 for details. French Riviera Pisa
Florence
DAY 5: swiss alps TO THE FRENCH RIVIERA Rome
Arrive on the chic French Riviera. Experience a
tour of a local perfumery. (B, D)
28
discover
europe
26 DAYS, $5,195 fr
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29
TOURING
Day 15: Venice Day 25: Amsterdam
Our walking tour allows us to enjoy such sights A bicycle and walking tour, then the rest of the
as St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Our day to check out this vibrant city. (B, D)
included vaporetto ride is the perfect way to see
the city. (B) Day 26: Amsterdam to London
We return to London today via the medieval city
Day 16: Venice to Ljubljana of Bruges. (B)
After visiting one of the most stunning cave
systems in Europe at Postojna, we carry on to
Ljubljana where ancient sites and modern bars
create a lively atmosphere. (B)
London
to athens
23 DAYS, $3,100 fr
london - Athens
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31
Europe
TOURING
unplugged
22 DAYS, $2,500 fr
mega
european
49 DAYS, $5,695 fr
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33
TOURING
Day 30: Istanbul to Sofia Day 37: Plitvice Lakes to Budapest Day 44: Prague
Take a city tour with a local guide to see Sofia’s Buda and Pest are located on each side of the Explore Prague and in the evening try one of the
sights. (B, L) mighty Danube, your base for two nights. (B, L, D) many interesting restaurants. Prague also lays
claim to some of the world’s finest beers! (B)
Day 31: Sofia to Belgrade Day 38: Budapest
An orientation tour gets you acquainted with An orientation tour gives you a insight into the Day 45: Prague to Berlin
Belgrade - the old town should not be missed. (B, L) history and charm of Budapest. (B) Historic Dresden breaks our journey as we head
to Berlin, one of Europe’s most happening cities.
Day 32: Belgrade to Sarajevo Day 39: Budapest to Vienna via Bratislava (B, L, D)
To Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia & Onto charming Vienna, home to opera, apple
Herzegovina and a city that is now heroically strudel and Mozart. (B, L, D) Day 46: Berlin
rebuilding itself. (B, L, D) After orientating ourselves with Berlin including
Day 40: Vienna Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall and
Day 33: Sarajevo to Dubrovnik Time to explore Vienna. The impressive Hofburg Brandenburg Gate, the city is yours to explore. (B)
Today you head to Dubrovnik via the city of Palace, the Opera House and the Schonbrunn
Mostar. (B, L, D) Palace all await. Make sure you try the coffee! (B) Day 47: Berlin to Amsterdam
To Amsterdam famous for its canals and liberal
Day 34: Dubrovnik Day 41: Vienna to Krakow lifestyle. (B, L)
A free day to explore and enjoy beautiful North to Poland and its spiritual home, Krakow.
Dubrovnik. The old fortified city has remained Once the capital city, it has many stories to Day 48: Amsterdam
largely unchanged for centuries. (B) share with visitors. (B, L, D) Take a bicycle tour and discover Amsterdam.
That night enjoy a farewell dinner and optional
Day 35: Dubrovnik to Zadar Day 42: Krakow canal cruise. (B, D)
Heading north along the stunning Dalmatian Today choose from tours of the Jewish Quarter to
Coast, with its crystal clear blue waters, travel visiting salt mines used since the 13th century. (B, L) Day 49: Amsterdam to London
on to the old walled city of Zadar. (B, L) Back to London via Belgium. (B)
Day 43: Krakow to Prague
Day 36: Zadar to Plitvice Lakes First stop a sobering visit to the concentration
Next stop stunning Plitvice Lakes National camps of Birkenau and Auschwitz, then on to
Park, a World Heritage Site of woods, beautiful Prague. The walking tour is a great introduction
turquoise lakes and waterfalls. (B, L, D) to this city. (B, L, D)
DEPARTURES UK
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH Amsterdam
London Berlin
2010 JUN 13 JUL 31 AUG 1 SEP 18 NETHERLANDS poland
MAR 30 MAY 17 JUN 20 AUG 7 AUG 15 OCT 2
MAY 2 JUN 19 JUN 27 AUG 14 AUG 29 OCT 16 Dresden
Auschwitz
MAY 16 JUL 3 JUL 4 AUG 21 Kraków
MAY 30 JUL 17 JUL 11 AUG 28 Paris Prague
czech rpbk.
JUN 6 JUL 24 JUL 18 SEP 4 FRANCE GERMANY slovakia
Bratislava
SWITZ. Vienna Brasov
Accommodation: 36 nights camping in European campsites, 4 nights hungary Cluj Napoca
Lauterbrunnen AUSTRIA
free hotel up-grade, 3 nights on our exclusive yachts in Greece, 1 night Budapest
cabin accommodation on an overnight ferry to Greece, 4 nights hostel Avignon ITALY Sighisoara
accommodation Transport: English Channel ferry crossings, modern air- Pont du Gard romania Bucharest
conditioned coach Group Size: Avg 38 Meals: 48 breakfasts, 32 lunches, 29 Verona Venice
spain French Riviera Veliki Tarnovo
dinners Tour Code: TD HTCX Pisa
Florence
Barcelona Sofia
stay longer in london Rome
Sorrento Bari
bulgaria
Istanbul
See pages 54-55 for details. Capri Kavalla Gallipoli
greece
Sailing Meteora turkey
Corinth Canal Athens
34
• Picnic next to the Eiffel Tower • Explore Rome and the Vatican City
• Breathe the clean air of the Swiss Alps • Enjoy a vaporetto ride in Venice
• Explore the medieval city of Avignon • Explore the cultural sights of Vienna
• Soak up the sun on the French Riviera • Walk the cobbled streets of Prague
• Discover the culture of Florence • Party in Berlin
• Explore Rome and the Vatican City • Cycle through the streets of Amsterdam
DEPARTURES UK DEPARTURES UK
London Amsterdam
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH London Berlin
2010 JUN 24 JUL 3 AUG 12 AUG 21 2010 JUL 3 JUL 15 AUG 21 SEP 2 GERMANY
MAY 6 MAY 15 JUL 1 JUL 10 AUG 19 AUG 28 MAY 15 MAY 27 JUL 10 JUL 22 AUG 28 SEP 9 Dresden
MAY 20 MAY 29 JUL 8 JUL 17 AUG 26 SEP 4 MAY 29 JUN 10 JUL 17 JUL 29 SEP 4 SEP 16
Paris Prague
MAY 27 JUN 5 JUL 15 JUL 24 SEP 9 SEP 18 JUN 5 JUN 17 JUL 24 AUG 5 SEP 18 SEP 30
czech rpbk.
JUN 3 JUN 12 JUL 22 JUL 27 SEP 16 SEP 25 FRANCE JUN 12 JUN 24 JUL 27 AUG 8 SEP 25 OCT 7
JUN 10 JUN 19 JUL 29 AUG 7 SWITZ. JUN 19 JUL 1 AUG 7 AUG 19 Munich Vienna
JUN 17 JUN 26 AUG 5 AUG 14 Lauterbrunnen JUN 26 JUL 8 AUG 14 AUG 26 AUSTRIA
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35
TOURING
LONDON TO
ROME
15 DAYS, $1,750 fr
LONDON - ROME
Compare London to Rome, one is famous for DAYS 6-7: AVIGNON TO BARCELONA DAY 15: ROME
its cockney rhyming slang, jellied eels and a Onwards via Ponte Du Gard to fabulous Barcelona Head out in the morning for a walking tour
funny shaped building that looks like a gherkin. where fashion, art and culture make for a funky of Rome. You’ll check out loads of highlights
The other is renowned for its lustful language, city. Your city tour will take in all the big sights. Go including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and
irresistible pizzas and ancient sites, most of exploring from your central hostel. (2B, L, D) the Colosseum. Your adventure finishes that
which loosely resemble splendorous portals into afternoon - say your goodbyes. (B)
Heaven. Just how can things be so different DAYS 8-9: BARCELONA TO FRENCH RIVIERA
between the two, considering both occupy Next up is the French Riviera. Celebrity spot,
the same continent? Well, here’s your chance go swimming in the Med and at night visit the
to observe the cultural convulsions that take glamorous casinos of Monaco. (2B, L, D)
place over 1000 miles of stunning landscape
as you travel between these two great cities. DAYS 10-11: FRENCH RIVIERA TO VENICE
Over to Paris, down through Switzerland and Stop in the home of Romeo and Juliet, Verona -
Spain and into Italy, this great value adventure before arriving into Venice. A vaporetto ride on
is spread over 15 fantastic days. You’ll stay in the Grand Canal and a walking tour will showcase
some brilliant locations with a large group of this lovely city. Also try an optional gondola ride.
fun loving travellers and most of your meals are (2B, L, 2D)
included, bonus! This trip will work every one of
your senses into a serious frenzy. DAYS 12-13: VENICE TO FLORENCE
Enjoy a photo stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa,
highlights before travelling to the home of Renaissance art,
• Picnic next to the Eiffel Tower Florence. A local guide will show you the sights
• Breathe the clean air of the Swiss Alps - the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo Cathedral and Ponte
• Wander the medieval city of Avignon Vecchio. (2B, L, D)
• Explore Barcelona’s beautiful sights
• Soak up the sun on the French Riviera DAY 14: FLORENCE TO ROME
• Enjoy a vaporetto ride in Venice An early morning drive to the Eternal City leaves
• Discover the culture of Florence you plenty of time to visit the Vatican City.
• Check out Rome and the Vatican City Explore the wondrous streets at your own leisure
and definitely make time to see the Sistine
DAYS 1-2: LONDON TO PARIS Chapel. (B, L, D)
Cross the English Channel to Paris and enjoy a
brilliant city lights tour. On Day Two there’s free
time to explore Paris, then a fabulous gourmet
DEPARTURES
picnic beside the Eiffel Tower. (B, L, 2D) START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
UK
2010 JUN 13 JUN 27 AUG 1 AUG 15 London
MAR 30 APR 13 JUN 20 JUL 4 AUG 15 AUG 29
DAYS 3-4: PARIS TO swiss alps MAY 2
MAY 16
MAY 16
MAY 30
JUN 27
JUL 4
JUL 11
JUL 18
AUG 29 SEP 12
Head to the Swiss Alps and the scenic village MAY 30 JUN 13 JUL 11 JUL 25 Paris
JUN 6 JUN 20 JUL 18 AUG 1
of Lauterbrunnen. Inhale the fresh alpine air! FRANCE
Accommodation: 12 nts camping in European campsites, 2 nts hostel upgrade
On Day Four, why not go to the summit of the Transport: Modern air-conditioned coach, Ferry Group Size: Avg 38 Meals: 14 SWITZ.
breakfasts, 8 lunches, 10 dinners Tour Code: TD HTLR Swiss Alps
imposing Jungfrau Mountain? (2B, 2L, 2D) ITALY
Avignon
stay longer in rome Pont du gard MonacoVerona Venice
French Riviera Pisa Florence
DAY 5: swiss alps TO AVIGNON See pages 78-79 for details. spain
Barcelona
Travel to the medieval and walled city of Rome
Avignon. Your walking tour will take in the Palace
of the Popes and the Pont St. Benezet. (B, L)
36
WINTER
GETAWAY
18 DAYS, $2,640 fr
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37
winter
WINTER TOURING
spirit
24 DAYS, fr $3,220
START & FINISH: LONDON
• Take an orientation walk around Paris • Visit the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov
• Explore the delights of Amsterdam • Indulge in a Viennese coffee house
• Experience Berlin’s buzzing nightlife • Wander through the streets of Buda or Pest
• Marvel at Krakow’s royal castle • Explore the lakeside town of Bled
• Absorb the magic of Bohemian Prague • Get lost in the labyrinth of bridges in Venice
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH netherlands START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 JUL 5 JUL 16 SEP 27 OCT 8 Amsterdam 2010 JUL 16 JUL 25 OCT 8 OCT 17 germany
MAR 29 APR 9 AUG 2 AUG 13 OCT 18 OCT 29
Berlin APR 9 APR 18 AUG 13 AUG 22 OCT 29 NOV 7
poland Prague czech rep.
MAY 10 MAY 21 AUG 30 SEP 10 NOV 1 NOV 12 Bruges MAY 21 MAY 30 SEP 10 SEP 19 NOV 12 NOV 21
JUN 7 JUN 18 germany JUN 18 JUN 27
belgium Cesky Krumlov
Trip Style: Classic Accommodation: Simple hotels and Paris Prague Krakow Trip Style: Classic Accommodation: Simple hotels and
Vienna
czech rep. SWITZ. austria Budapest
hostels (10 nts) at times multi-share, Overnight train (airline hostels (9 nts), at times multi-share Transport: Public bus,
style seating) (1 nt) Transport: Public bus, Train, Metro Group FRANCE Train Group Size: Max 15, Avg 10 Group Leader: Tour Leader budapest
slovenia
Size: Max 15, Avg 10 Group Leader: Tour Leader throughout austria throughout Meals: No meals included Budget: Allow EUR350 Bled/Ljubljana
SWITZ. Venice
Meals: No meals included Budget: Allow EUR350 for meals for meals not included Tour Code: GA EYPV
not included Tour Code: GA EFPP ITALY
ITALY
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39
athens - istanbul
Trip Style: Classic Accommodation: Simple hotels and hostels (8 nts) at Istanbul
times multi-share, Overnight ferry (airline style seating) (1 nt) Transport: Bus,
Day 4: Athens Train, Ferry, Metro Group Size: Max 15, Avg 10 Group Leader: Tour Leader turkey
throughout Meals: No meals included Budget: Allow EUR300 for meals not greece
We head back across the Aegean for an included Tour Code: GA EGAI Lesbos Ayvalik
• Explore the stunning city of Vienna • Take a dip in the thermal springs of Vulcano Island
• Discover the fascinating history of Cesky Krumlov & Prague • Relax on the black beaches of Sicily’s islands
• Pay tribute to the lives tragically taken at Auschwitz • Hike to the summit of an active volcano
• Check out the beautiful turrets of Budapest Castle • Explore the lava tunnels and flows of mighty Mt. Etna
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
poland
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 JUL 18 AUG 1 SEP 12 SEP 26 2010 JUN 11 JUN 18 OCT 15 OCT 22
MAY16 MAY 30 JUL 25 AUG 8 SEP 26 OCT 10 Teplice nad Metují MAY 14 MAY 21 SEP 17 SEP 24
JUN 13 JUN 27 AUG 15 AUG 29 Prague Kraków
Stromboli
Ceský Krumlov Trip Style: Active Accommodation: Hotel (7 nts) Transport:
Lipari
Trip Style: Classic Accommodation: Hotels/pensions (14 Tatranská Lomnica Private and public bus , hydrofoils, boat, walking Group Size:
Vulcano
nts) Transport: Train, private bus, local bus Group Size: Max Max 15, Avg 10 Group Leader: Tour Leader throughout, local
15, Avg 10 Group Leader: Tour Leader throughout Meals: Vienna Bratislava guides, cerified volcano guide Meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, Milazzo
14 breakfasts Budget: Allow EUR350 for meals not included 3 dinner Budget: Allow EUR250 for meals not included Mt Etna
Tour Code: GA EABE AUSTRIA
Budapest Tour Code: GA EISV Catania
hungary
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41
GETTING AROUND
Eurail select pass
rail Similar to the Flexipass, the Select pass allows you to travel within a 2 month
period to 3, 4 or 5 countries nominated by you which are directly connected
This trusty ‘lil number will enable you to toot by the Eurail network. With the Select pass, you only choose the days of
all around the European continent. Choose the travel you really need: Tootin’-tastic!
countries you want to visit and the number of
days you want to travel for. You can ride as 3 countries
many trains as you like on any given day – with duration youth adult saver
the option of spending a day in each city or (2nd class) (1st class)
kicking back and staying on a little longer. 5 days FR$351 FR$539 FR$458
This “baby” is popular! The Flexipass is the most convenient way to see 10 days FR$529 FR$818 FR$691
5 countries
Eurail consecutive pass duration youth adult saver
The consecutive pass is just that. Travel one day after another. Ride when (2nd class) (1st class)
you want, how you want and for as long as you want throughout the 21 5 days FR$433 FR$665 FR$564
countries serviced by the Eurail network.
6 days FR$468 FR$721 FR$613
Countries included in rail passes: Austria (including Liechtenstein), Belgium, 8 days FR$539 FR$833 FR$706
Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France (including Monaco), Germany, 10 days FR$608 FR$940 FR$797
Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, 15 days FR$775 FR$1,192 FR$1,014
Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland
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43
GETTING AROUND
If you prefer to spend your travels in one particular country, or toot around
just a few, then a country pass is for you!
trip pass
FRANCE FR$330
ITALY FR$245
SPAIN FR$261
SCANDINAVIA FR$391
BENELUX FR$291
britrail - england
Folks, road trips are just so passé!
When you’re looking for an easy way to travel around the UK you can’t go
past a Britrail pass!
Your Britrail pass is exclusively for travel within England. Now you can ride
when you want, how you want and for as long as you want and besides, this
way no-one has to play ‘ole ‘sober-driver’ through the land of flat pints –
jolly good!
Britrail – Flexipass
The Flexipass is the most popular of the Britrail passes and for good reason!
With your Flexipass tucked into your pocket you’ll be able to travel througout
England on the days you decide – provided you complete your adventures
within a 2-month period…so go, get flexy and put a smile on Thomas’ dial!
eurostar
london to:
Paris return fr $99
brussels return fr $99
© Eurostar
Eurostar section of a journey is carbon-neutral.
With a fast check-in service and an excellent
punctuality record you’ll arrive relaxed and on
time. So if you’re travelling across Europe, it High Speed Journeys UK Stations
now makes perfect sense to take a train and Whichever departure point you choose to St Pancras International
enjoy the many benefits Eurostar has to offer. travel from, you will travel on the UK’s first and From its brand new home at St Pancras
All it takes is a simple changeover in Lille, Paris only High Speed Line, which means you will be International, Eurostar is the ultra-modern,
or Brussels. able to experience speeds of up to 300km/h! high-speed, passenger-only train that travels
Journey times have been reduced by up to 20 from London to Europe. The glorious Grade
Change in Lille minutes, so London to Paris now takes as little One listed building has been renovated and
A food lover’s paradise, Lille also offers as 2 hours 15 minutes and London to Brussels transformed into a state of the art Rail
high-speed connections to a wide variety of a mere 1 hour 51 minutes. interchange taking Eurostar and its travellers
other delectable destinations like Dijon and firmly into the future.
Lyon. Alternatively, if you’re more interested Carbon Neutral
in topping up your tan, rather than your Journeys Ashford International
tummy, soak up the sun in one of the many Being green is very important to Eurostar. Recent This trusty Kent station offers a convenient,
destinations further south, such as Avignon or findings have shown that passengers who fly time-saving alternative to travelling up to
Marseille. Simply hop off the Eurostar at Lille between London, Paris and Brussels generate London for many people departing from South
and change platform within the station to catch ten times more of the greenhouse gas, carbon or South-East England. It’s located next to
the ongoing service, without any long waits. dioxide than travellers who go by rail. All Eurostar Ashford domestic station and is linked to it by
journeys are completely carbon neutral – which a foot tunnel.
Change in Paris means that taking the train is now a truly
If you’re catching ongoing services from attractive, greener alternative to flying. Ebbsfleet International
France’s capital city, take advantage of As well as St Pancras and Ashford International,
Eurostar’s exclusive 24-hour stopover option, Classes of Service you now have the added flexibility of travelling
as well as frequent high-speed connections Standard from a new Kent station. Ebbsfleet International
to a large range of destinations, such as the Perfect for travellers who simply want a station is located just off the M25 at Junction
châteaux-laden town of Tours in the Loire seamless city-centre to city-centre journey 2 and just 5 minutes away from Bluewater
valley. Alternatively, why not head east and without any hassle. It offers an easy, Shopping Centre, Ebbsfleet International offers
enjoy a Champagne break in Reims or a lively comfortable journey with all the flexibility you even greater choice. With 2500 car parking
city break in Strasbourg. would expect from Eurostar. Passengers will spaces all within a 5 minute walk radius away
also benefit from 30 minute check-in and bar/ from the terminal building, this is the perfect
Change in Brussels buffet facilities onboard. station for a quick trip over to the continent.
All Eurostar travellers to Brussels are
entitled to free onward travel on local Leisure Select
services to any station in Belgium (within Leisure Select is for travellers wishing to indulge
24 hours of the scheduled arrival time of themselves. It includes dedicated carriages for
their Eurostar train), plus one free journey leisure travellers; 30 minute check-in; larger
back to Brussels-Midi/Zuid from any station reclining seats, magazines on board and at-seat
in Belgium. Looking further afield, Brussels power sockets. Last but not least, a full at-seat
also offers connections to Amsterdam and all wining and dining service is offered. This saves
other Dutch stations, as well as high-speed time and effort before and during your journey,
connections to German destinations such as leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed when
Cologne, Aachen and Frankfurt. you arrive at your destination.
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45
GETTING AROUND
Eurostar ™
Eurostar ™
seasonal routes
Continental high
speed trains
National high
speed rail
Channel tunnel
Eurostar ™
connections
Destinations
Brussels 1h 51
Paris 2h 15
Bruges 3h 25
Reims 3h 45
Cologne 4h 45
Tours 4h 50
Lyon 5h 00
Amsterdam 5h 05
Dijon 5h 05
Strasbourg 5h 15
Marseille 6h 20
Bordeaux 6h 25
Montpellier 6h 40
BUSABOUT
The wheels on the bus go experience with you. It’s not all historical sites and COMPLETE FLEXIBILITY
round and round, round and culture – your guides will give you their own top Buses run from May right through to October,
round…oh that old tune, yeah tips about where to party, the best little family-run with one passing through every second day. You
we couldn’t help but belt it restaurant in town and where to go for live music. can even change buses up to 24 hours in advance
out as a little intro and to at no extra cost. If you don’t cancel a sector or
remind you of just how fun bus TRAVEL IN STYLE don’t show up, you can still travel that sector, but
trippin can be! 1st class is standard. All the modern air- only on a standby basis. If you show up without
conditioned coaches feature reclining seats, booking your onward bus, if there’s space you’re
So what is Busabout all about? plenty of legroom and a secure lock-up for welcome onboard, but we can’t guarantee that it
It’s a service that allows you to get around Europe your bags. Each bus has its own entertainment won’t be full, we’re pretty popular!
independently, securely and at your own pace. system, offering on-board movies and
You get to be all pimped out aboard a comfy documentaries plus many music channels. Watch duration
coach, with an on-board guide (who are typically a film, chat to your new mates, listen to some Travel for as long as you like right until the end
hilarious and not bad looking!) but unlike boring tunes or watch the world go by through the huge of the season! For each of our Flexiroutes we
nana-tours you get to choose where you jump tinted panoramic windows. Power points are suggest two durations. ‘Pacing it’ is for those
on and off, how long you go for, what days you available for charging all your electronic gadgets. who have lots of time on their hands and want
cruise and can change your travel plans at a whim to do it all. ‘Racing it’ is for those who are short
in order to linger a little longer, so grab your HIDDEN GEMS of time and want to see the main sites. You
mates and get rollin through Europe! Busabout takes in all the major cities along the decide if you want to be a tortoise or a hare.
way, but we also include a few hidden gems
FLEXITRIP OR FLEXIROUTES? that you might not be familiar with. If you new FRIENDS
Busabout lets you choose from two kinds of trips; want something a bit different, then make sure Find travel buddies, bump into mates on the
you build plenty of time into your itinerary to road or change your plans to fit in with that hot
Flexitrips – These babies let you make your own explore these fantastic places. Your on-board guy or girl who you just met. It’s about who you
adventure! Check out the massive network across guide and fellow travellers will rave about them. make the journey with as much as where you go.
Europe and create your own itinerary, then buy Some of our favourites include Cesky Krumlov, Whether you start your trip on your own, as a
your Flexitrip pass plus any additional Flexistops Lauterbrunnen, Cinque Terre and Gruenau. You’ll couple or in a group, you’ll meet loads of great
to complete your journey. (see page 47) find unusual and authentic experiences tucked people along the way.
away in every one of them.
Flexiroutes – Alternatively, we’ve broken down
the network into easy-to-use routes. Some are
‘loops’ and some are ‘one-way’ trips. They’re a
great way to explore a particular region. (see
page 48)
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47
flexitrip
GETTING AROUND
6 stops fr $669
Compulsory overnight stop (students fr $649)
Valencia
WHERE TO SLEEP?
During the busy summer season it definitely makes sense to book your
bed before you leave – you don’t want to be rocking up into town without
a place to stay! STA Travel offers accommodation just about everywhere
along the way. In each city the bus picks up and drops off at a particular
accommodation. Ask one of our advisers for advice on the hostel or hotel
best suited to you.
Dresden
network down into three easy- Pacing it: 8 weeks + belgium
Germany Terezin
Photo stop
Milan Venice
La Spezia
Pisa Florence
Nice Ancona
Siena
Orvieto
austria
Salzburg Vienna
Gruenau
france Innsbruck france
Lauterbrunnen Bern Lauterbrunnen austria
switz. Lucerne switz.
Valencia
Valencia Valencia
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49
FLEXIROUTES
GETTING AROUND
One-ways: There are literally
thousands of different itinerary
options – but here’s six of the
best. The following trips cover
some truly stunning parts of
Europe. Hop-on and hop-off at
your own pace!
Valencia
6 Countries belgium
6 Countries belgium
Germany
Pacing it: 4 weeks + Pacing it: 5 weeks +
Germany
czech republic Lux. czech republic
Lux.
Paris Paris
Racing it: 18 days Stuttgart
Racing it: 24 days
fr $939 Neuschwanstein
Munich
fr $1,149 Neuschwanstein
Munich
Milan Venice
Avignon
La Spezia La Spezia
Pisa Florence Pisa Florence
Nice Nice Ancona
Siena Siena
Orvieto Orvieto
Madrid Barcelona
portugal Rome portugal Rome
spain Italy spain Italy
Valencia
7 Countries belgium
Dresden
6 Countries belgium
Germany Terezin
Pacing it: 4 weeks + Pacing it: 5 weeks +
Germany
Lux. czech republic czech republic
Lux.
Paris Prague Prague
Racing it: 21 days Ceský Krumlov Racing it: 26 days Ceský Krumlov
fr $939 Munich
fr $1,229 Munich
Salzburg Vienna Salzburg
STUDENTS fr $899 Gruenau STUDENTS fr $1,179 Gruenau
Vienna
france Innsbruck france Innsbruck
switz. austria switz. austria
Venice Venice
Avignon
La Spezia
Pisa Florence
Ancona Nice Ancona
Siena
Orvieto
Madrid Barcelona
portugal Rome portugal Rome
spain Italy spain Italy
Valencia
50
4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
31 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31
1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28
30 31
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51
GETTING AROUND
GREEK ISLAND HOPPING
4 ISLAND
FLEXI-HOPPER
min 9 DAYS, $459 fr
(students fr $439)
START & FINISH: ATHENS nightlife. Mykonos town with its famous Santorini
landmark windmills is strikingly beautiful, but Regarded as the most spectacular of all the Greek
highlights most visitors spend their days at Paradise or islands, its majestic cliffs rise vertically out of the
• Explore four fantastic islands Super Paradise Beach. After check-in you have sea. The precariously perched villages offer great
• Take your time - 9 days to 5 months the afternoon free to check out the town, hit views over the submerged volcanoes. Whitewashed
• Departures every second day, May – Sep the beach and relax. churches against a blue sea and sky, volcanic
• Guided orientations on each island black-sand beaches, ancient ruins, great wines and
Paros fantastic sunsets make a visit to Santorini simply
Whether you believe the Cyclades Islands were Paros is a quiet, laid-back island with many unforgettable. After checking in, you'll be taken on
formed by a massive volcanic explosion, a fine swimming beaches. The port town of an orientation walk of Fira town. Later on, take the
mythical Greek deity or a big dude with a beard Parikia is awash with travellers and it's well option of a sunset dinner on the Caldera.
who had only seven days to work with – there worth stepping back from the waterfront
is simply no doubting just how stupendously to visit the old town and its 13th-century Greek ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS
beautiful these little utopian plops of paradise Venetian kastro. On your first night in Paros • Meet Petros the Pelican on Mykonos
are. Stretch yourself out on your own little your guide will take you to a local restaurant, • Discover the ancient ruins of Delos
beach, soak in the tranquilising rays of then you'll continue the evening with drinks • Explore a volcano or two
sunshine, splash around in the warm abundant and dancing along the beautiful waterfront in • Relax on the black beaches of Santorini
waters or dance the night away as you down Parikia town. • Party until dawn on Ios
Ouzo after Ouzo. • Witness stunning sunsets
Ios • Enjoy plenty of feta, moussaka and ouzo
Setting off from Athens, this fantastic trip stops With hundreds of bars in a small three-block
at four islands, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini and Ios. radius and truckloads of beer imported daily, FIXED ITINERARY: A Busabout guide will escort
Take your time and do things at your own pace or Ios is party central. This predominantly each tour group, staying two nights on each
stick to a fixed itinerary of nine days – it’s entirely mountainous island also offers pristine beaches island. If you have not advised otherwise (at least
up to you! and the coastline is adorned with small, two weeks prior to departure) your ferry tickets
Please note: Accommodation is not included. attractive coves. Spending their days on the will be booked as a fixed 9 day itinerary.
beach and drinking all night, young travellers
Mykonos flock to Ios … and they sure know how to party. FLEXIBLE TOUR: Do things at your own pace.
A stunning island with fantastic landscapes After a short ferry trip from Santorini, settle Just make sure you confirm your travel dates up
and picturesque white-painted villages, narrow into your room and enjoy an afternoon by the to two weeks before your departure from Athens.
alleys and hundreds of little family churches pool. In the evening catch a local bus into Ios There are sailings every two days starting in May.
and chapels. A favourite amongst the jet- town for some bar hopping. Pre-select the dates you wish to travel and join
setters, it's the most cosmopolitan of the up with different groups along the way.
Greek Islands with a vibrant and sophisticated Finish dates below are based on 9 day Fixed Itinerary.
DEPARTURES
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 JUN 1 JUN 9 JUN 19 JUN 27 JUL 7 JUL 15 JUL 25 AUG 2 AUG 12 AUG 20 AUG 30 SEP 7 SEP 17 SEP 25
MAY 16 MAY 24 JUN 3 JUN 11 JUN 21 JUN 29 JUL 9 JUL 17 JUL 27 AUG 4 AUG 14 AUG 22 SEP 1 SEP 9 SEP 19 SEP 27
MAY 18 MAY 26 JUN 5 JUN 13 JUN 23 JUL 1 JUL 11 JUL 19 JUL 29 AUG 6 AUG 16 AUG 24 SEP 3 SEP 11 SEP 21 SEP 29
MAY 20 MAY 28 JUN 7 JUN 15 JUN 25 JUL 3 JUL 13 JUL 21 JUL 31 AUG 8 AUG 18 AUG 26 SEP 5 SEP 13 SEP 23 OCT 1
MAY 22 MAY 30 JUN 9 JUN 17 JUN 27 JUL 5 JUL 15 JUL 23 AUG 2 AUG 10 AUG 20 AUG 28 SEP 7 SEP 15 SEP 25 OCT 3
MAY 24 JUN 1 JUN 11 JUN 19 JUN 29 JUL 7 JUL 17 JUL 25 AUG 4 AUG 12 AUG 22 AUG 30 SEP 9 SEP 17
MAY 26 JUN 3 JUN 13 JUN 21 JUL 1 JUL 9 JUL 19 JUL 27 AUG 6 AUG 14 AUG 24 SEP 1 SEP 11 SEP 19 Athens
MAY 28 JUN 5 JUN 15 JUN 23 JUL 3 JUL 11 JUL 21 JUL 29 AUG 8 AUG 16 AUG 26 SEP 3 SEP 13 SEP 21
MAY 30 JUN 7 JUN 17 JUN 25 JUL 5 JUL 13 JUL 23 JUL 31 AUG 10 AUG 18 AUG 28 SEP 5 SEP 15 SEP 23
GREECE Mykonos
Inclusions: Guided orientations, nights out, transfers to and from specific accommodation, fantastic guide, all local taxes Accommodation: Not included, please enquire for
Paros
details Departure Point: Port of Piraeus, Athens, Gate E6, 6:30am Return Time: Variable. Book onward travel for after 12 noon the next day Ios
Santorini
accommodation options
Athens: See page 89
52
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53
• Free barbeque in a Welsh farmhouse • Marvel at the mysterious Stonehenge and Avebury stone circles
• Wander around the spectacular ruins of Tintern Abbey • Check out the dramatic Cheddar Gorge
• Go underground at The Big Pit and experience a real coalmine (Free) • Explore the wilderness of Dartmoor
• Enjoy a night to remember in the vibrant capital city of Cardiff • Absorb the magic and myth of Tintagel
• Explore one of the world’s most impressive castles in Conwy • Free surf lesson in Newquay
• Trek through the stunning Snowdonia National Park • Visit the ancient Roman Spa city of Bath
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
MAY - OCT: MON MAY - OCT: MON
Airport
Transfer
fr $41
LONDON - ENGLAND
fr $14 DORM, INC. BREAKFAST fr $30 DORM, INC. BREAKFAST fr $39 DORM, INC. BREAKFAST
fr $56 SINGLE, INC. BREAKFAST fr $102 SINGLE, INC. BREAKFAST fr $111 SINGLE, INC. BREAKFAST
fr $56 TWIN/DOUBLE, INC. BREAKFAST fr $102 TWIN, INC. BREAKFAST fr $111 TWIN, INC. BREAKFAST
fr $131 SINGLE, INC. BREAKFAST fr $260 SINGLE, INC. BREAKFAST fr $319 SINGLE, INC. BREAKFAST
fr $172 TWIN/DOUBLE, INC. BREAKFAST fr $271 DOUBLE, INC. BREAKFAST fr $328 TWIN/DOUBLE, INC. BREAKFAST
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55
CURRENCY: £ Pound
POPULATION: 7.5 Million
5 2.5km south
Local Eats: London is perfect for home-cooked
VICTORIA STATION
7 2.5km south comfort food. Many of the cosy pubs serve giant
8
fr $89 SINGLE, INC. BREAKFAST fr $104 TWIN, INC. BREAKFAST fr $104 SINGLE
fr $162 TWIN/DOUBLE, INC. BREAKFAST fr $126 TWIN/DOUBLE
EDINBURGH - SCOTLAND
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57
CURRENCY: £ Pound
POPULATION: 5 Million
ISLAND
EXPLORER
7 DAYS, $579 fr
(STUDENTS fr $539 )
DEPARTURES
MAY - OCT: SAT
Inclusions: All on tour transport, all ferry charges and local taxes, your fantastic Lewis
local guide, Highland clan show Accommodation: Not included, please enquire for
details Departure point: Edinburgh 8:30am Tip ends: Edinburgh 5pm Tour Code: RT Harris Stornoway
*Blackout dates may apply
Isle Carbisdale Castle
of Ullapool
accommodation options Skye Kyleakin
Stay longer in Edinburgh. See pages 56-57 Loch Ness
Fort Augustus
Glencoe
Edinburgh
UK
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59
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
JAN - MAR: MON & FRI APR - SEP: MON, WED, FRI & SAT JAN-MAY MON JUN-SEP: MON, WED & SAT
OCT - DEC: MON & FRI. OCT - DEC: MON
Inclusions: All on tour transport, all ferry charges and Inclusions: All on tour transport, all ferry charges and
local taxes, your fantastic local guide, Highland Clan Show
Accommodation: Not included, please enquire for details
Isle of local taxes, your fantastic local guide, Highland Clan Show Isle of Carbisdale Castle
Skye Accommodation: Not included, please enquire for details Skye
Departure point: Edinburgh 8:30am Tip ends: Edinburgh 5pm Inverness Departure point: Edinburgh 8:30am Tip ends: Edinburgh Inverness
Tour Code: RT
Fort Augustus
Loch Ness 5pm Tour Code: RT Fort Augustus Loch Ness
* Blackout dates may apply
accommodation options Glencoe
Edinburgh: See pages 56-57 Glencoe accommodation options Oban
Stirling Edinburgh: See pages 56-57
Edinburgh Edinburgh
UK UK
60
fr $26 DORM, INC. BREAKFAST fr $28 DORM, INC. BREAKFAST fr $36 DORM, INC. BREAKFAST
fr $120 DOUBLE, INC. BREAKFAST fr $136 single, INC. BREAKFAST
fr $115 twin/double, INC. BREAKFAST
all ireland rocker DAY 4: GALWAY & INIS MÓR (ARAN ISLANDS)
7 DAYS, fr $629 Spend a whole day on Inis Mór – the largest of
(STUDENTS fr $589) the Aran Islands, made famous by Father Ted!
Derry
START & FINISH: DUBLIN Explore with a hike, bike, or hell, go tandem! Donegal Giant’s Causeway
Westport Belfast
• Kiss the legendary Blarney Stone DAYS 5-6: galway TO BELFAST Connemara
• See the dramatic Cliffs of Moher Make your way through the wild, rugged and Inis Mór Galway
• Trek to the Giant’s Causeway rural Connemara then head to the medieval city Dingle Ennis Dublin
• Explore Father Ted’s island of Derry on Day Six. Here, wander through the Killarney
haunted battlements of Dunluce Castle then Blarney
DAYS 1-2: DUBLIN TO ENNIS follow in the footsteps of Giants. Come night it’s
UK
Pass the River Liffey en-route to Cashel. Explore party time in bustling Belfast!
the amazing Michelstown Caves, and head
through the Golden Vale to Blarney. Day Two DAY 7: BELFAST TO DUBLIN
explore the dramatic Dingle Peninsula then take Take a Black Cab tour of Belfast city (optional).
the ferry over the mighty Shannon to Co Clare. Visit the Loyalist and Republican heartlands. See
DEPARTURES
political murals and explore the underbelly. Head APR - OCT: MON MAY - SEP: MON & SAT
DAY 3: ENNIS TO GALWAY back to Dublin via a ruined monastery. Inclusions: All on tour transport, all ferry charges and local taxes, your fantastic
local guide, Michelstown Caves, Irish music session, Cliffs of Moher, Blarney
Visit the awesome Cliffs of Moher. Witness the Castle, Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle
Accommodation: Not included, please enquire for details Departure point: Dublin
magical world of the Burren, then stop in Galway 8:15am Tip ends: Dublin 5:30pm Tour Code: RT
- Ireland’s cultural capital and festival city.
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61
CURRENCY: € EURO
2
GUINNESS Useless Info: Reconsider kissing the Blarney
STOREHOUSE 3 5 4
TEMPLE Stone, the local kids use it as an ahem, relief area.
BAR
DUBLIN NATIONAL
CASTLE LIBRARY Local Eats: Potatoes, Potatoes, Potatoes.
Oh yeah Irish stew ain’t half bad, either…oh we
NATIONAL nearly forgot to mention the Guinness, get a
MUSEUM
Guinness in ya!
GOVERNMENT
BUILDING
fr $117 single fr $126 single, INC. BREAKFAST fr $147 single, INC. BREAKFAST
fr $156 twin/double fr $142 twin/double, INC. BREAKFAST fr $178 twin/double, INC. BREAKFAST
START & FINISH: DUBLIN START & FINISH: DUBLIN START & FINISH: DUBLIN
• Jam with the locals in Ennis • Explore the medieval walls of Derry • Kiss the Blarney Stone
• Experience the dramatic Cliffs of Moher • Check out the amazing Giant’s Causeway • Wander the wonderful Burren landscape
• Explore the stunning Dingle Peninsula • Take a Black cab tour of Belfast • Experience the dramatic Cliffs of Moher
• Get the ‘gift of the gab’ at Blarney Castle • Cross the perilous Carrick-a-Rede bridge • Explore the amazing Mitchelstown Caves
ireland
Belfast ireland
northern
ireland
Galway Galway
Inis Mór
Cliffs of Moher Cliffs of Moher
Ennis Dublin Dublin Ennis Dublin
ireland
Dingle Dingle
Killarney Blarney Castle Killarney Blarney Castle
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63
western europe
XXXXXXX
WESTERN EUROPE
AFRICA
top 3 Amazing Experiences
Airport
Transfer
fr $50
PARIS - FRANCE
fr $44 dorm, INC. BREAKFAST fr $54 dorm, inc. breakfast fr $101 single, inc. breakfast
fr $78 single, INC. BREAKFAST fr $129 single, inc. breakfast fr $116 twin/double, inc. breakfast
fr $121 DOUBLE, INC. BREAKFAST fr $151 twin/double, inc. breakfast
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65
currency: € euro
WESTERN EUROPE
CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT: 15km
POPULATION: 2.2 Million
SACRÉ COEUR 1
PRICE OF A BEER: $12.00
PRICE OF ESCARGOT (SNAILS): $26.00
fr $143 single, inc. breakfast fr $231 single, inc. breakfast fr $231 single, inc. breakfast
fr $147 double, inc. breakfast fr $245 twin/double, inc. breakfast fr $245 twin/double, inc. breakfast
Fat Tire Bike Tours paris Sightseeing bus The Da Vinci Code Walk
half DAY FR $50 full day FR $38 half DAY FR $36
An active and fun way to see Paris. You’ll get a See the best of Paris with this cool sightseeing You’ve read the book, seen the movie, now do
great orientation, as well as loads of insightful bus tour. The buses come and go and you can the tour! You’ll be expertly guided to all those
info, heaps of unique and fascinating stories, simply hop-off at any number of famous sites places Robert Langdon went as he frantically
fantastic photo opportunities and a comfortable for a closer inspection. Hop back on and strap on stalked the streets of Paris. So prepare to gain
bike to take you around just about every known your headphones to hear a guided commentary an even deeper insight into the mysteries of the
sight in the city. STA604 as you cruise through the city. STA605 Da Vinci Code. STA606
The Paris Pass Wine and Cheese Tasting Learn French in Paris
2 DAYS FR $149 half DAY FR $117 1 week FR $865
Get the run of the world’s sexiest city and see Indulge in two of France’s best produce in Learn French in this romantic city with a popular
Paris’s top 60 sights - all with the inimitable Paris the home of a French sommelier. You'll be course suitable for everyone from beginners to
Pass! Choose from 2, 4 or 6 days of sightseeing, welcomed by a “flute de Champagne”, before advanced learners. Immerse yourself in the local
then you’re free to follow your whim, travel the you're expertly guided through a wonderful culture and progress rapidly practising your new
subway and buses for free and take in the city’s tasting experience of five wines, paired with found skills in your free time. You may even find
most sensational sights. You'll also get deals five cheeses. Charcuterie and an assortment of love, with a host of social and cultural activities
galore at the city's hottest restaurants. STA664 French breads are also served. STA665 organised by the school. GL
66
trekking
mont blanc
10 DAYS, $1,399 fr
Get ready for an adventure! For those with a Day 4: Col de la Seigne, Val Veny, the same name. Here you’ll hop on a local bus
bit of ‘grit’ – and hey if you don’t have any, Courmayeur towards Champex, and onto Prazde Fort, where
you should get some, life’s way too short for Continuing your climb through open pastures, you can choose to hike the final segment of
bailing out! Besides if you choose to get on you’ll arrive at the Col de la Seigne and the the walk, or continue by bus all the way to the
this journey we’ll rough you up a bit, get you shared border with Italy. You’ll pass Col Checroui, village if your feet are weary! (B)
prepped for life and get you full-steaming before descending into the beautiful Val Veny.
ahead up hills and mountains, through valleys, Hike along picturesque glacial lakes en route Day 8: Trient
alongside picturesque scenery and in full and then enjoy a night in the Italian town of Your hike today starts at Champex d’en Bas.
fight-mode on return ready to kick life’s butt Courmayeur. A beer and a rest were never so You’ll take the spectacular Bovine Way, an
too! Your 10 day journey will see you trekking appreciated! (B) ancient trail used to access the flower-filled
the Alps from France to Italy and Switzerland. summer cow pastures high above the valley.
The Mont Blanc region boasts one of the Day 5: Courmayeur You’ll cross the Col de la Forclaz and continue on
world's premier hiking circuits and the highest Ahhh. An opportunity to relax again. Take it to the Swiss town of Trient. (B, D)
mountain in Western Europe. easy, laze about in bed, gorge on delicious
food or perhaps ride a cable car ride to Pointe Days 9-10: Chamonix Valley
highlights Helbronner on Mont Blanc or a transglacial Saying goodbye to Switzerland, you’ll return to
• Trek from France to Italy and Switzerland crossing from Italy into France. (B) France via the Chamonix Valley. You’ll hike over
• Cross glaciers and pine forests the Col de la Balme and the Col de Posettes,
• Visit remote villages and Day 6: Col de Grand Ferret to la fouly descending to Col des Montets in the Chamonix
mountain refuges Today you’ll hike from Courmayeur to Mont de la Valley, from here you’ll jump on a train or bus
• Hike Western Europe’s highest mountain Faxe. You’ll take the "balcony road", for fabulous back to Chamonix for our final night out on the
views of the Grandes Jorassses Ridge then spend town. (B)
Days 1-2: Arrive Chamonix to Les the night in the mountains at the rustic Bonatti
Contamines Refuge. (B, D) Day 10: Chamonix
Arrive in Chamonix at your leisure. Get to Today you’ll be taking your weary self back
know your travelling friends in the evening. Day 7: Champex home or onwards for another adventure
Head over to Les Houches day two and start Today you’ll hike through the Grand Col Ferret to you’ll bid adieu to your new found friends,
out with a cable car ride to the starting point the border with Switzerland, before descending snap away on your camera and then depart
of your trek in Bellevue. Hike amongst the to the Swiss side of Val Ferret to the village of Chamonix at leisure.
fresh forests and alpine meadows on past the
magnificent Bionnassay Glacier, and continue
along the old Roman road towards the Col Du
DEPARTURES
Bonhomme. Enjoy views of the Chamonix Valley START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 JUL 10 JUL 19 AUG 21 SEP 30
and Mont Blanc Range before descending to Les JUN 19 JUN 28 JUL 31 AUG 9 SEP 11 SEP 20
Contamines valley to the La Balme gite, near Col france
Accommodation: Hotels (2 nts), Hotels (may be multi-share) (2nts), Mountain refuges
du Bonhomme. (2D) (multi-share) (5 nts) Transport: Local bus, Walking, Cable car Group Size: Max 15,
Avg 10 Group Leader: Gap Adventures Tour Leader throughout Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 4
Dinners Budget: Allow EUR250 for meals not included Tour Code: GA EFMB switzerland
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67
WESTERN EUROPE
FRANCE
TO ITALY
ADVENTURE
13 DAYS, $3,249 fr
Days 4-5: Avignon
PARIS - ROME Head to the heart of Provence, and the
spectacular medieval walled town of Avignon.
Starting off in Paris and making your way to Taste the world class wines of Chateauneuf
Rome covering off several of Europe’s must- du Pape on a half-day excursion, and try the
sees this 13-day number will leave you drooling mouth-watering Provençal cuisine.
for more. You’ll start off in the city of love
and lights Paris, then make your way to the Days 6-7: Nice - Monaco
charming town of Beaune where we doubt you’ll Travel to the Mediterranean coast and the Cote
have any problems indulging in the fantastic d'Azure's cosmopolitan capital, Nice. Soak up
local wines. You’ll head over to Avignon from the sun on the promenade and flit the night
there and indulge yourself in the ‘medievalness’ away in some of France's best bars and trendy
of it all before feasting on culinary delights restaurants. Enjoy a day trip to tiny Monaco,
you won’t get at home. Then over to Nice to visiting the famous Monte Carlo casino en route.
get all sunned-up before being captivated by
its nightlife. Head on to Cinque Terre and be Days 8-9: Cinque Terre
delighted by the beauty of the little villages Spend two nights in stunning Cinque Terre,
positioned on the hills before skipping off to where five little villages are built into the rocks
Florence and the leaning Tower of Pisa. Final between the beach and the hills. Hike, swim,
stop is Rome where you’ll get all welled up at the drink wine, and watch amazing Mediterranean
thought of leaving behind this great adventure sunsets. Follow the ancient footpaths through
to head back to normality. You’ll also say some olive groves, vineyards, and orchards.
sad goodbyes to the fantastic friends you’ve met
along this journey. Au Revoir! Days 10-11: Florence
After a stop at Pisa, explore the Tuscan capital
highlights that inspired the fathers of Italian Art, birthplace
• Enjoy local wine in Pinot Noirs of the Italian language and the Italian Renaissance.
• Visit the charming town of Beaune
• Head to the heart of Provence Days 12-13: Rome
• Party in Nice Jump on a train south to the bustling Italian
• Marvel at Monaco capital, Rome. Rome exudes history; from its
• Wander through Cinque Terre mysterious Catacombs to the imposing Colosseum,
• Lean on Pisa and explore Florence Palatine Hill, Trevi Fountain and the Vatican.
• Explore the Bustling City of Rome
Days 2-3: Beaune Trip Style: Classic Accommodation: Hotels (12 nts) Transport: Local bus, Train, Private
van Group Size: Max 15, Avg 10 Group Leader: Tour Leader throughout Meals: No
Beaune
Day two, destination: Burgundy, and the meals included Budget: Allow EUR450 for meals not included Tour Code: GA EFIA
Airport
Tran sfer
fr $46
AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS
fr $43 dorm, inc. breakfast fr $49 dorm, inc. breakfast fr $55 dorm, inc. breakfast
fr $115 twin, inc. breakfast fr $112 SINGLE, inc. breakfast fr $118 SINGLE, inc. breakfast
fr $134 double, inc. breakfast fr $159 twin/double, inc. breakfast
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69
WESTERN EUROPE
SCHIPHOL AIRPORT: 10KM CURRENCY: € euro
POPULATION: 750,000
PRICE OF A BEER: $8.00
CENTRAL
STATION PRICE OF SPACE CAKE: $7.00
ANNE FRANK’S
HOUSE NIEUMARKT FAMOUS FOR: Clogs, canals, tulips, cheese, live
sex shows, elegant architecture, smoke filled
DAM SQUARE coffee shops, Vincent van Gogh and Anne Frank.
4
SEAFARING
MUSEUM USEFUL INFO: Checking out the Red Light
District is an absolute must, but be careful not
to take any pictures – it's strictly not allowed.
FLOWER REMBRANDTSPLEIN 2
MARKET USELESS INFO: The Dutch are statistically the
3 ARTIS tallest people in the world. So if you’re a little
SKINNY ZOO short of height and you don’t want to feel too
1 BRIDGE
6 intimidated, make sure you pack your heels.
5 TROPEN
MUSEUM
VAN GOGH LOCAL EATS: Gobble up a Pannekoeken, the
MUSEUM Dutch version of a pancake. It's served flat on a
VONDEL HEINEKEN large plate and sprinkled with sugar, jam, jelly,
RIJKSMUSEUM
PARK BREWERY syrups, fruits or maybe even hot ginger sauce.
CONCERTGEBOUW
Unimaginably delicious!
fr $122 SINGLE, inc. breakfast fr $140 SINGLE, inc. breakfast fr $193 single, inc. breakfast
fr $152 twin/double, inc. breakfast fr $176 twin/double, inc. breakfast fr $193 twin/double, inc. breakfast
berlin - germany
fr $29 dorm fr $31 dorm, inc. breakfast fr $37 dorm, inc. breakfast
fr $104 SINGLE fr $73 single, inc. breakfast fr $122 twin, inc. breakfast
fr $136 twin fr $97 twin, inc. breakfast
fr $38 dorm, inc. breakfast fr $97 single, inc. breakfast fr $117 single, inc. breakfast
fr $74 single, inc. breakfast fr $119 twin, inc. breakfast fr $161 twin/double, inc. breakfast
fr $100 twin, inc. breakfast
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71
CURRENCY: € euro
POPULATION: 3.4 Million
WESTERN EUROPE
SCHÖNEFELD AIRPORT 15km , TEGEL AIRPORT: 10km
PRICE OF A BEER: $4.50
3 2.5km east
PRICE OF A BRATWURT SAUSAGE: $9.00
6 2 7km east
Famous for: Trendy nightlife, huge sausages,
REICHSTAG liberal lifestyles, countless art galleries, diverse
architecture and a fascinating historical legacy.
CHARLOTTENBURG
MUSEUM
ISLAND Useful Info: Berlin is colourfully sprinkled with
loads of fantastic graffiti. It’s considered a real
BRANDENBURG
GATE MITTE art form over there – and even the residents of
certain buildings have painted their walls with
their own artistic outpourings.
eastern
escape
12 DAYS, $2,395 fr
berlin - munich
highlights
• See where the Berlin Wall once stood
• Visit Dresden’s old town
• Complete a walking tour around Prague
• Experience the beauty of Krakow
• Explore Budapest’s labyrinth of tunnels
DAYs 1-2: Berlin DAY 7: Krakow to Budapest via Slovakia Day 10: Budapest to Vienna
Arrive at anytime. Meet up with your trip Today you’ll travel via Slovakia to Hungary’s Today you’ll stop off in Bratislava before heading
leader for dinner then make tracks and revel Budapest. This is one of Europe's most romantic on to Vienna and throw those iPods out, this
in the nightlife! Next morning you’ll get a cities and is situated on both sides of the river place is a musical gold mine! (2B, D)
comprehensive city driving tour, see where the Danube; beautiful old Buda on one side with the
wall once stood and discover outstanding sights bustling district of Pest on the other. (B, D) Days 11-12: Vienna to Munich
and museums. (B, D) First stop, the stunning city of Salzburg - home
DAYs 8-9: BUDAPEST to Mozart and the Sound of Music. Then it’s
DAYs 3-4: Berlin to Prague Today is yours to explore at leisure. See the sights, on to Munich and a walking tour of the old
Today you’ll travel to 800 year old Dresden, cavort in the castle district with cobbled streets and city before your roasted pork knuckles farewell
then on to the beautiful city of Prague. Your labyrinth of underground tunnels, kick back with a dinner! Today you and your travel chums will
afternoon will be spent visiting all of Prague’s massage or do some shopping. Leave day nine. (B) depart ways. Say a sad goodbye! (2B, D)
history and culture.Your second day will give you
free reign of the city, enjoying all the captivating
city sights and a couple of delicious (and cheap) DEPARTURES
beers along the way! (2B, D) START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 JUL 18 JUL 29 SEP 19 SEP 30
MAY 16 MAY 27 JUL 25 AUG 5 OCT 3 OCT 14 Berlin
MAY 30 JUN 10 AUG 1 AUG 12 OCT 17 OCT 28
DAYs 5-6: Prague to Krakow JUN 13 JUN 24 AUG 8 AUG 19
germany poland
Dresden
Next stop is Krakow, the former capital of JUN 27
JUL 11
JUL 8
JUL 22
AUG 22
SEP 5
SEP 2
SEP 16 Auschwitz
Prague Krakow
Poland, a city that miraculously escaped the czech rep.
Accommodation: 11 nights hotel accommodation on a twin share basis Transport:
destruction of World War Two. In the morning Modern air-conditioned coach Group Size: Avg 16 Meals: 11 breakfasts, 6 dinners
Munich Vienna
Tour Code: TD HTBM Bratislava
you’ll go for a somber visit to the memorial Salzburg
Budapest
camps of Birkenau and Auschwitz then spend the stay longer in munich austria
hungary
munich - germany
fr $39 dorm, inc. breakfast fr $41 dorm, inc. breakfast fr $134 single, inc. breakfast
fr $147 twin, inc. breakfast fr $78 single, inc. breakfast fr $147 twin/double, inc. breakfast
fr $106 twin, inc. breakfast
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73
southern europe
SOUTHERN EUROPE
top 3 Amazing Experiences
BARCELONA - SPAIN
fr $35 dorm, inc. breakfast fr $36 dorm, inc. breakfast fr $115 single, inc. breakfast
fr $168 twin, inc. breakfast fr $147 twin, inc. breakfast
two days of history, nature, seafood and of course Trip Style: Classic Accommodation: Hotels (10 nts) Transport: Local bus, Train
Group Size: Max 15, Avg 10 Group Leader: Tour Leader throughout, Local guides
beautiful beaches...not to mention, people! Meals: No meals included Budget: Allow EUR330 for meals not included
Tour Code: GA ESPH
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75
CURRENCY: € euro
1 POPULATION: 1.6 Million
SOUTHERN EUROPE
UNIVERSITY SAGRADA PRICE OF A BEER: $4.50
FAMILIA
5 2.7km west PRICE OF TAPAS: $15.00
PLAÇA
D’ESPANYA
Famous for: Mediterranean chic, Sangria,
PLAÇA DE impassioned Catalans, Gaudi architecture and so
MUSEO D’ART CATALUNYA much delicious food.
DE CATALUNYA
Useful Info: Two places to hang out; Barrio
CATHEDRAL Gotico is full of creativity, funky bars and market
LAS RAMBLAS stalls. Raval is more earthy and multicultural, with
4 6 an amazing range of food and some great shops.
BARI GOTIC
Useless Info: Various clubs and bars in the
city offer to implant a microchip under your skin,
3 which can be filled with credit and scanned when
PARC DE LA
OLYMPIC STADIUM CIUTADELLA you want to pay for your drinks. We recommend
2 you stick to good old paper money.
PICASSO
MARITIME MUSEUM
COLUMBUS Local Eats: Being by the water means Barcelona
MUSEUM MONUMENT offers truly amazing seafood. Lobster, squid,
BARCELONA AIRPORT: 10KM sardines etc. - anything that lives in the sea is made
to taste beautiful in the Catalonian capital.
fr $154 single, inc. breakfast fr $193 single, inc. breakfast fr $236 single, inc. breakfast
fr $192 twin/double, inc. breakfast fr $212 twin/double, inc. breakfast fr $255 twin/double, inc. breakfast
madrid - spain
fr $35 DORM, inc. breakfast fr $39 DORM, inc. breakfast fr $39 DORM, inc. breakfast
fr $84 SINGLE, inc. breakfast fr $77 twin, inc. breakfast fr $77 twin, inc. breakfast
fr $95 twin, inc. breakfast
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77
currency: € euro
6 POPULATION: 3.2 Million
SOUTHERN EUROPE
BARAJAS AIRPORT: 12km
PRICE OF A BEER: $6.00
PRICE OF PAELLA: $20.00
PLAZA
DE ESPAÑA Famous for: Bull jousting matadors, magnificent
5 art museums, Galactico football team, chorizo,
Flamenco dancers and lots of beautiful people.
3
PLAZA
TEATRO Useful Info: Check out the Museo del Jamon.
DE CIBELES
ROYAL REAL It’s a lively bar, it’s a well-stocked deli, but most
4 PUETA
PALACE DEL SOL importantly it’s a museum dedicated to ham...
RETIRO
vegetarians should probably avoid.
PARK
PRADO Useless Info: Unlike most major cities, Madrid
1 MUSEUM
CATHEDRAL came about purely because of political reasons
2 BOTANICAL – consequently it’s the highest capital in Europe,
GARDENS and it's located in the exact centre of the country.
fr $104 SINGLE, inc. breakfast fr $161 SINGLE, inc. breakfast fr $172 SINGLE, inc. breakfast
fr $123 twin/DOUBLE, inc. breakfast fr $172 DOUBLE, inc. breakfast fr $182 DOUBLE, inc. breakfast
Day 3: Tarifa like the locals do… as you’ll need to get ready to
SPAIN & PORTUGAL It’s an early start down to the very party as it doesn’t even kick off till midnight.
7 DAYS fr $959 southernmost tip of Europe as you make your
(STUDENTS fr $919) way along the Costa del Sol to Tarifa, Spain. portugal
start & finish: madrid From here you can decide whether to go to
spain
Gibraltar, Morocco or stay put in Spain!
Madrid
• Experience a live Flamenco show Toledo
• Hit the Lagos party circuit with force Days 4-5: Tarifa – Lagos Lagos Consuegra
Seville
• Optional guided tour through Alhambra Come morning you're making your way to
Jerez Granada
• Visit Alcazar Palace Lagos. Lagos is the hub of nightlife and the Tarifa
beaches are totally rateable! Rise and shine, its
Daysv 1-2: Madrid – Granada hangover time! Recover and explore Lagos at
DEPARTURES
First stop, the Imperial City of Toledo. Take your own pace today on Day Five. START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 JUL 18 JUL 24 AUG29 SEP 4
two hours to lose yourself before heading off JUN 13 JUN 19 JUL 25 JUL 31 SEP 5 SEP 11
to Granada. On arrival you’ll get an orientation Days 6-7: Seville – Madrid JUN 20
JUN 27
JUN 26
JUL 3
AUG 1
AUG 8
AUG 7
AUG 14
SEP 12
SEP 19
SEP 18
SEP 25
walk through the city then head to the From here it’s onto Seville! Visit Alcazar Palace JUL 4 JUL 10 AUG 15 AUG 21
JUL 11 JUL 17 AUG 22 AUG 28
Sacromonte Caves for a live Flamenco show. then discover Seville on your own; make sure you Inclusions: 6 nts dorm share accommodation, orientation walks in each town,
Bodega sherry tasting in Jerez, modern coach with reclining seats, Busabout guide
Granada is yours to explore at leisure come check out the Cathedral where Columbus’ remains and driver, all local taxes Accommodation: Multi-share accommodation in Spanish
hostales (budget hotels), upgrades available Departure point: Mad Hostel, Madrid
Day Two. are allegedly held, then snuggle down for a siesta 7:45am Return time: Mad Hostel, Madrid 6pm Tour Code: RT
78
Airport
Transfer
fr $36
ROME - ITALY
fr $26 dorm fr $35 DORM, inc. breakfast fr $101 SINGLE, inc. breakfast
fr $34 one bed in a triple fr $134 twin/DOUBLE, inc. breakfast
fr $79 twin cabin
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79
CURRENCY: € euro
POPULATION: 2.7 Million
SOUTHERN EUROPE
FIUMICINO AIRPORT: 20KM CIAMPINO AIRPORT: 15KM
PRICE OF A BEER: $8.00
VILLA BORGHESE PRICE OF Pizza Napoletana: $12.00
PIAZZA DEL
POPOLO Famous For: Fearsome gladiators, the Pope,
SPANISH STEPS tasty gelato, a very famous money fountain,
ancient Roman ruins and loads of beautiful palaces.
PIAZZA
CAVOUR
Useful Info: Don't bother buying bottled water,
TIBER RIV
ER 2 2km east
which will cost you at least 1 euro a bottle. Just
THE VATICAN 4 carry an empty bottle around with you, and fill up
(ST. PETER’S SQUARE PIAZZA
& BASILICA) NAVONA 3 at the numerous drinking fountains around the city
TREVI
FOUNTAIN 6 - you'll never be very far from one.
PANTHEON TERMINI
STATION Useless Info: In ancient Rome, when a man
PIAZZA testified in court he would swear on his testicles.
VENEZIA 5 Lucky for you that nowadays Rome is only ancient
1 4km west in its architecture, not its court proceedings!
PIAZZA
S.M MAGGIORE
Local Eats: The pizza is like nothing you’ve
tasted before. Anything you find at home just won’t
IMPERIAL COLOSSEUM
FORUM compare. Explore the alleys and sidestreets for the
best Pizzerias – where the locals eat.
fr $126 SINGLE, inc. breakfast fr $106 SINGLE, inc. breakfast fr $145 SINGLE, inc. breakfast
fr $138 twin/DOUBLE, inc. breakfast fr $131 twin/DOUBLE, inc. breakfast fr $167 twin/DOUBLE, inc. breakfast
Ancient and Old Rome ITALIAN ADVENTURE DAY 3: AMALFI COAST TO ROME
half day FR $50 3 DAYS, fr $359 (STUDENTS fr $339) Drive the spectacular Amalfi coastline, past the
Don't know your Caesars from your Ciceros, your START & FINISH: ROME town of Positano, with relaxed stops in Amalfi
Romuluses from your Remuses? This three-hour and Ravello. Admire the homes of the rich and
wander should help - as it takes you through • Explore the eerie ruins of Pompeii famous. In the afternoon, head back to Rome.
the star attractions of the city that the Romans • Go star spotting in glamorous Capri
called home. The experienced guides will not • Wander the streets of Ravello and Amalfi Rome
only educate you in the history, politics and • Swim in the sun splashed Mediterranean
architecture, but also make the ancient times of
Rome come to life. STA815 DAY 1: ROME TO POMPEII & SORRENTO
Travel south from Rome past Naples and Mt Sorrento Pompeii
Capri Amalfi
Vatican Tour Vesuvius to Pompeii. Enjoy a two hour tour of
half day FR $55 this UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll then DEPARTURES
Visit the world’s smallest independent state. This head further down the coast to Sorrento. START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 JUN 28 JUN 30 AUG 2 AUG 4 SEP 6 SEP 8
amazing tour takes you to the home of the Pope, MAY 28 MAY 30 JUL 2 JUL 4 AUG 6 AUG 8 SEP 10 SEP 12
MAY 31 JUN 2 JUL 5 JUL 7 AUG 9 AUG 11 SEP 13 SEP 15
head of the Catholic Church. Enlighten your spirit DAY 2: ISLE OF CAPRI JUN 4 JUN 6 JUL 9 JUL 11 AUG 13 AUG 15 SEP 17 SEP 19
JUN 7 JUN 9 JUL 12 JUL 14 AUG 16 AUG 18 SEP 20 SEP 22
and mind as you view the splendours of the A whole day on Capri. Laze on the beach, take JUN 11 JUN 13 JUL 16 JUL 18 AUG 20 AUG 22 SEP 24 SEP 26
JUN 14 JUN 16 JUL 19 JUL 21 AUG 23 AUG 25 SEP 27 SEP 29
Vatican; from St Peter’s Square to Michelangelo’s the bus or cable car up to Anacapri, or jump JUN 18 JUN 20 JUL 23 JUL 25 AUG 27 AUG 29
Sistine Chapel. The concentration of artistic, on a local boat to experience the famous JUN 21
JUN 25
JUN 23
JUN 27
JUL 26
JUL 30
JUL 28
AUG 1
AUG 30
SEP 3
SEP 1
SEP 5
architectural and archaeological wonders will grottos. Look out for the paparazzi chasing Inclusions: 2 nights in tent cabins, guided tour of Pompeii & Sorrento, Busabout
guide, Limoncello and chocolate tasting, return ferry to Capri, all on-tour transport
leave you awestruck. STA816 visiting celebs. Accommodation: Santa Fortunata camping village Departure Point: Plus Roma,
7:45am Return Time: Plus Roma, 7:30pm. Tour Code: RT
80
• See the preserved medieval town of Siena • Scout-about Rome visiting all its wonders
• Soak up the culture in Florence • Visit Pompeii and Herculaneum
• Get acquainted with little Lucca • Check out the stunning Amalfi Coast
• Marvel at Mediterranean sunsets in Cinque Terre • Head to the picturesque Greek Island of Corfu
• Admire the splendour of Venice • Explore the Acropolis
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH italy
2010 JUL 10 JUL 22 SEP 11 SEP 23 Como 2010 JUL 4 JUL 12 SEP 26 OCT 4
MAY 1 MAY 13 JUL 17 JUL 29 SEP 18 SEP 30 APR 25 MAY 3 AUG 1 AUG 9 OCT 24 NOV 1 Rome
MAY 22 JUN 3 JUL 24 AUG 5 SEP 25 OCT 7 Asti italy Venice JUN 6 JUN 14 AUG 29 SEP 6
MAY 29 JUN 10 AUG 14 AUG 26 OCT 2 OCT 14
JUN 12 JUN 24 AUG 21 SEP 2 OCT 9 OCT 21
Cinque Terre Trip Style: Classic Accommodation: Simple hotels and Naples
JUN 26 JUL 8 SEP 4 SEP 16 Lucca Florence hostels (8 nts) at times multi-share, overnight ferry (airline Brindisi
Siena style seating) (1 nt) Transport: Bus, Train, Ferry Group Size:
Corfu
Trip Style: Classic Accommodation: Hotels (12 nts) Max 15, Avg 10 Group Leader: Tour Leader throughout
Transport: Local bus, Train, Boat Group Size: Max 15, Avg Meals: No meals included Budget: Allow EUR250 for meals greece
10 Group Leader: Tour Leader throughout, Local guides Rome not included Tour Code: GA EIRA
Meals: No meals included Budget: Allow EUR450 for meals
Athens
not included Tour Code: GA EIUL
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81
SOUTHERN EUROPE
bravo Italia ROME TO barcelona
13 DAYS, $2,825 fr 11 DAYS, $2,395 fr
• Check out Rome and the Vatican City • Explore the Vatican City
• Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa • Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Cinque Terre • Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Cinque Terre
• Experience a Vaporetto ride in Venice • Enjoy a Flamenco show in Barcelona
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH Lake Garda START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 JUN 27 JUL 9 AUG 15 AUG 27 Verona Venice 2010 JUN 20 JUN 30 AUG 15 AUG 25
italy
MAY 9 MAY 21 JUL 4 JUL 16 AUG 29 SEP 10 Cinque MAY 23 JUN 2 JUL 18 JUL 28 SEP 12 SEP 22 france
MAY 23 JUN 4 JUL 11 JUL 23 SEP 12 SEP 24 Terre Pisa Florence Cinque Terre
JUN 6 JUN 18 JUL 18 JUL 30 SEP 26 OCT 8
Siena
Accommodation: 10 nts hotel accommodation on a twin Lucca
JUN 13 JUN 25 JUL 25 AUG 6 OCT 10 OCT 22 Assisi share basis Transport: Modern air-conditioned coach, French Riviera
Pisa Florence
JUN 20 JUL 2 AUG 1 AUG 13 Orvieto Ferry Group Size: Avg 16 Meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 dinners
Rome Tour Code: TD HTRB
Barcelona Orvieto
Accommodation: 12 nts hotel accommodation on a twin
share basis Transport: Modern air-conditioned coach, Ferry
Rome
Pompeii
Group Size: Avg 16 Meals: 12 breakfasts, 7 dinners
Tour Code: TD HTBI
Capri Sorrento
italy
82
FLORENCE - ITALY
fr $35 DORM, inc. breakfast fr $46 dorm fr $93 SINGLE, inc. breakfast
fr $53 SINGLE, inc. breakfast fr $113 twin fr $133 twin/DOUBLE, inc. breakfast
fr $84 DOUBLE, inc. breakfast
NORTHERN ITALY the fresh air and soak up the wonderful vistas hillside hikes or just grab a book and hit the
ESCAPE as you pedal your way along the many paths and beach. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner
8 DAYS fr $1,239 trails. Aaaahhhhh getting back to nature! (B) with your group and sample some more of the
start & finish: riva del garda local cuisine! (2B,D)
Day 5: Lake Garda, Verona
• Hike at Monte Brione Today is yours to do as you will! Perhaps jump
• Explore Verona on a local bus and train to spend the day in
• Take a boat ride to Limone Verona. Don’t miss out on the chance to swoon
under Juliet's balcony in the city that inspired Laghel
Riva del Garda
Days 1-3: Riva del Garda Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. (B) Limone Lake Garda
Day One is yours, so arrive at will. Starting off
italy
day two you’ll take an escorted hike following Day 6: Limone
the “Path of Peace” at Monte Brione before You’ll set off from Riva and head to the town of
spending your afternoon relaxing by the water Limone, about an hour's boat ride away. Enjoy
or exploring the village. Day Three you’ll head to free time to explore this pretty town, originally DEPARTURES
the historic centre of Riva del Garda for a guided a fishing village accessible only by boat or from START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 JUL 25 AUG 1 SEP 19 SEP 26
tour of this luscious lakeside town. (2B) the mountains on foot. (B) MAY 16 MAY 23 AUG 8 AUG 15 OCT 3 OCT 10
JUN 20 JUN 27
Day 4: Laghel Bike Ride Days 7-8: Lake Garda Trip Style: Classic Accommodation: Rural farmhouse hotel (Agriturismo) (7 nts)
Transport: Public bus, Train, Bicycle, Walking, Boat Group Size: Max 15, Avg 10
Continue to explore this beautiful region with One last free day, so many things to choose Group Leader: Tour Leader throughout, Local guides Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
Budget: Allow EUR300 for meals not included Tour Code: GA EINE
a half-day bike ride around the lake. Breathe in from! Windsurfing lessons on the lake,
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83
2 CURRENCY: € euro
SOUTHERN EUROPE
PIAZZA SANTA 4 FLORENCE AIRPORT: 7km
MARIA NOVELLA POPULATION: 366,000
SANTA MARIA PRICE OF A BEER: $8.00
NOVELLA STAION SAN LORENZO PRICE OF GELATO: $6.00
1 1km east
5 GALLERIA DEL
3 ACADEMIA Famous for: Outstanding art and architecture,
SANTA MARIA Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, the world’s
NOVELLA most beautiful cathedral and leather.
SAN LORENZO
MARKET Useful Info: You’ll save a bit of money if you
PIAZZA don’t mind standing. Cafe's usually add on a big
OGNISSANTI cover charge to sit on one of their precious seats.
IL DUOMO
& BAPTISTRY So mingle with the locals and hang out at the bar.
6
PALAZZO Useless Info: The reason Mona Lisa has no
VECCHIO eyebrows is because it was the height of fashion
in Renaissance Florence to shave them off. It
BARGELLO
MUSEUM didn’t happen during a drunken hen night.
UFFIZI
PONTE GALLERY Local Eats: The people of Florence love spinach
VECCHIO and have loads of dishes based on Popeye’s
favourite food. If you aren’t so fond of it, don’t
SANTA CROCE
order any food that is prepared “a la fiorentina”.
fr $97 SINGLE, inc. breakfast fr $101 SINGLE, inc. breakfast fr $183 SINGLE, inc. breakfast
fr $147 twin/double, inc. breakfast fr $112 twin/DOUBLE, inc. breakfast fr $256 twin/DOUBLE, inc. breakfast
VENICE - ITALY
fr $26 dorm fr $46 dorm, INC. BREAKFAST fr $97 single, inc. breakfast
fr $28 one bed in a triple cabin fr $116 twin/double, inc. breakfast
fr $53 twin cabin
fr $126 twin, inc. breakfast fr $112 single, inc. breakfast fr $138 single, inc. breakfast
fr $156 twin/double, inc. breakfast fr $192 double, inc. breakfast
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85
CURRENCY: € euro
POPULATION: 270,000
SOUTHERN EUROPE
4 VENICE MARCO POLO AIRPORT: 6km
PRICE OF A BEER: $9.50
PRICE OF PASTA: $20.00
SANTA LUCIA
STAION
1 6km north
Famous for: Gondolas, marriage proposals,
illicit affairs, lots of little islands, bridges, lack of
RIALTO BRIDGE cars, funny looking masks and blinds.
3
Useful Info: Visiting outside of the humid
5
FRARI CHURCH 6 summer months means quieter streets and a
cooler climate. The misty winter weather quite
PALAZZI GRASSI
BRIDGE often adds to the romantic atmosphere.
OF SIGHS
ACCADEMIA ST MARK’S Useless Info: Due to it being absurdly close
BRIDGE LA FENICE SQUARE
THEATRE to sea level, Venice might well have disappeared
by 2100 - by which time we'll probably be selling
teleportation packages instead of flights.
GALLERIE SANTA MARIA
DELL’ACCADEMIA DELLA SALUTE
Local Eat: All that walking about and getting
lost can sap your energy. Luckily, there are
lovely little cafes around nearly every turn. Get
2
your sugar hit by munching on a tasty cake and
GUIDECCA ISLAND
gulping down a delicious espresso.
EASTERN
WANDERER
13 DAYS, $1,740 fr
venice - berlin
highlights
• A Vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal
• Experience Slovenia’s underground caves
• Relax back on the island of Pag
• Explore beautiful Prague
• See where the Berlin Wall once stood
DAY 8: TYROL DAYs 11-13: PRAGUE TO BERLIN
DAYs 1-2: VENICE Wake up in the Tyrol region, famous for winter Your first stop is to the 800 year old city of
Roll up at anytime, meet your trip leader and get and summer sports activities. Consider hiring a Dresden. Then on to Berlin, the vibrant capital of
acquainted with the other travellers. Day Two, start mountain bike to explore the area, or take a ski Germany. Today you’ll be taken through this city
out with a walking tour through Venice then later lift into the mountains and go walking. (B, L) and shown sights of historical significance like
travel by motorboat along the Grand Canal. (B, 2D) the Berlin Wall, museums and a world renowned
DAYs 9-10: TYROL TO PRAGUE zoo. After breakfast you’ll farewell your new
DAYs 3-5: VENICE TO PAG ISLAND Travel to the Czech Republic today stopping to friends. (3B, L, D)
Today travel into Slovenia to the Postojna Caves. reflect on the horrors of WWII during a visit to
In the afternoon you’ll take the ferry to Pag Mauthausen concentration camp before making
Island. Day Four, relax on the beach or opt for a your way to the beautiful city of Prague. Spend
boat trip to the spectacular island of Rab. On Day your afternoon on a guided walking tour. Wake
Five hire a car and visit some of the other great up and wander through Prague at your leisure,
beaches on the island…or just relax. (3B, L, 2D) the day is all yours! (2B, L, D)
CROATIA
fr $110 TWIN/DOUBLE, INC. BREAKFAST fr $82 TWIN/DOUBLE, INC. BREAKFAST fr $100 TWIN/DOUBLE, INC. BREAKFAST
Days 1-2: SPLIT TO MAKARSKA via OMIS Day 7-8 MLJET TO DUBROVNIK
Start off sailing to Omis, where you will hike Set sail early to allow the maximum time to DEPARTURES
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
to the pirate fortress and get ready for your explore the picturesque streets of Dubrovnik. Your 2009 JUN 26 JUL 3 AUG 7 AUG 14 SEP 18 SEP 25
MAY 15 MAY 22 JUL 3 JUL 10 AUG 14 AUG 21 SEP 25 OCT 2
own on-board pirate party. The next day visit last day, say goodbye to all your new shipmates. MAY 29 JUN 5 JUL 10 JUL 17 AUG 21 AUG 28
Makarska, one of Croatia’s most beautiful areas JUN 5 JUN 12 JUL 17 JUL 24 AUG 28 SEP 4
JUN 12 JUN 19 JUL 24 JUL 31 SEP 4 SEP 11
with cute seaside villages and pebble beaches. Please note: This trip also operates in reverse. JUN 19 JUN 26 JUL 31 AUG 7 SEP 11 SEP 18
Inclusions: Boat captain and crew, Island orientation walks, English speaking guide
Please enquire for details. Accommodation: 7 nts on boat Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunch, 2 dinners (on boat)
*Prices are per person - based on standard below deck twin share Departure point: Split 1pm (check in 11am) Trip ends: Dubrovnik 9am Tour Code: RT
accommodation. Prices vary depending on cabin class and departare date.
Taxes to be paid on day one.
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87
SOUTHERN EUROPE
croatia
sailing
8 DAYS, $799 fr
(Trip $694* + Fuel $70* + Taxes $35* approx.)
(STUDENTS fr $779)
(Trip $674* + Fuel $70* + Taxes $35* approx.) Day 2: HVAR TO MLJET Days 7-8: OMIS TO SPLIT
Explore the tranquil lakes and forests of the Begin your journey back to Split with a stop
START & FINISH: SPLIT National Park. for your last swim in the turquoise sea. In the
afternoon sail back into Split – home of the
Imagine, cruising through the magnificent Day 3: MILET TO DUBROVNIK World Heritage Diocletian’s Palace. Walk around
Dalmatian coast, dotted with 1,185 dazzling Continue on to the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, a taking in the sights and smells before you
islands. Anchoring up in your vintage ship stunning medieval city with its limestone and final night within the palace walls. Relive the
to jump into the turquoise Adriatic ocean marble streets and squares and the most memories over cocktails. Come morning, it will be
underneath the clear blue skies and a backdrop complete set of medieval fortified walls in the show over and goodbyes to new friends!
of luscious green hills. When you’re cruising world! You have the day to explore the town and
along, looking in awe at all the beauty you’ll its hidden gems. Please note: The captain reserves the right
probably have to pinch or slap yourself – always to change the route in case of bad weather
fun. You won’t believe your eyes, this trip will be Day 4: DUBROVNIK TO KORCULA conditions.
like heaven on Earth and you won’t ever want to Famed for its expert stone masonry, jewellery
disembark. You’ll only need a pair of shorts, a making, shipbuilding and its most famous ex-
couple of t-shirts, some Havianas and your swim resident, Venetian traveller Marco Polo.
suit to laze about the pearly Adriatic Sea in…
your best party outfit and some dancing shoes Day 5: KORCULA TO MAKARSKA
won’t go astray either! Your only decisions will One of Croatia’s most beautiful resorts dotted
revolve around whether you want to relax, swim, with cute seaside villages and pebble beaches it
sightsee or sunbathe. Starting and finishing in the place to sit back and relax before you party
the coastal town of Split the cruise will take you the night away in a cave.
along the southern Dalmation coast with stops
in Makarska, Dubrovnik, Sipan, Mljet, Korcula Day 6: MAKARSKA TO OMIS
and Hvar. Spend the morning in Makarska recovering, and
then it’s on to Omis. Hike to the pirate fortress
highlights and get ready for your very own on-board pirate
• Jump off the boat into the Adriatic party, note to self…. Pack an eye patch and
• Sip a drink at the top of a 14th century wooden leg!
tower in Korcula
• Try your hand at fishing
• Taste the fabulous local delights of Istria DEPARTURES
• Explore Dubrovnik's enchanting Old Town START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 JUN 19 JUN 26 JUL 31 AUG 7 SEP11 SEP 18
• Sit and watch the yachts come in at Hvar MAY 15 MAY 22 JUN 26 JUL 3 AUG 7 AUG 14 SEP 18 SEP 25
MAY 22 MAY 29 JUL 3 JUL 10 AUG 14 AUG 21 SEP 25 OCT 5
• Captain a Pirate Cruiser along the MAY 29 JUN 5 JUL 10 JUL 17 AUG 21 AUG 28
Dalmatian Coast JUN 5
JUN 12
JUN 12
JUN 19
JUL 17
JUL 24
JUL 24
JUL 31
AUG 28
SEP 4
SEP 4
SEP 11
• Party till dawn in a Croatian cave bar croatia
Inclusions: Boat captain and crew, English speaking Guide, Island orientation walks
Accommodation: 7 nts on boat Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunch, 2 dinners (on boat)
Departure point: Split 1pm (check in 11am) Tip ends: Split 9am Tour Code: RT Split
Day 1: SPLIT TO HVAR Omis
Hvar Makarska
Sail to Hvar. This beautiful town is a stay longer in split Korcula Dubrovnik
Mljet
favourite of the rich and famous and you’ll See page 86 for details.
see why! Climb up to the town’s fortress for *Prices are per person - based on standard below deck twin share
accommodation. Prices vary depending on cabin class and departare date.
breathtaking views of Hvar and the Pakleni Taxes to be paid on day one (based on exchange rate at time of print). Fuel-
route supplement to be paid at time of booking.
Islands dotting the sea below.
88
• Explore Dubrovnik's enchanting Old Town • Spot rare species in the Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Marvel at the amazing architecture of Trogir • Enjoy Zagreb, the bustling capital of Croatia
• Spot rare species in the Plitvice Lakes National Park • Soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Sarajevo
• Discover Rijeka's vibrant street life • Explore Dubrovnik's enchanting Old Town
• Taste the fabulous local delights of Istria • Visit one of Europe's newest countries, the Republic of Montenegro
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH croatia
2010 JUN 20 JUN 27 SEP 12 SEP 19 croatia 2010 JUL 18 JUL 29 SEP 26 OCT 7 Zagreb
MAY 9 MAY 16 JUL 18 JUL 25 SEP 26 OCT 3 Opatija MAY 23 JUN 3 AUG 15 AUG 26 OCT 10 OCT 21
MAY 23 MAY 30 AUG 15 AUG 22 OCT 10 OCT 17 JUN 20 JUL 1 SEP 12 SEP 23 Plitvice Lakes N.P.
Plitvice Lakes N.P.
Trip Style : Classic Accommodation: Hotels (7 nts) Transport: Trip Style: Classic Accommodation: Hotels (11 nts) Transport: bos. & herz.
Local Buses, private van, boat Group Size: Max 15, Avg 10 Šibenik Local Buses, private van, walking, boat Group Size: Max 15,
Trogir Šibenik Sarajevo
Group Leader: Tour Leader throughout Meals: 7 Breakfasts Avg 10 Group Leader: Tour Leader throughout, local guides
Budget: Allow EUR250 for meals not included Tour Code: Split Meals: 11 Breakfasts Budget: Allow EUR350 for meals not Split
GA ECCH included Tour Code: GA ECBD Montenegro
Dubrovnik Dubrovnik
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89
ATHENS - GREECE
fr $118 single, inc. breakfast fr $126 single, inc. breakfast fr $174 single, inc. breakfast
fr $124 twin/double, inc. breakfast fr $141 twin/double, inc. breakfast fr $214 twin/double, inc. breakfast
greek island sailing Days 3-4: Small Cyclades to Naxos Day 9: Sifnos to Folegandros
adventure You’ll enjoy life like a sailor as you make your way to On to Folegandros, an optional bus ride into the
10 DAYS fr $1,909 Naxos. Hang out on deck and watch for dolphins or town of Hora where you'll explore one of the most
START & FINISH: SANTORINi try your hand sailing. Day four is a full day to explore. beautiful areas in the Cyclades.
• 9 amazing nights aboard a yacht Day 5: Naxos to Mykonos Day 10: Folegandros to Santorini
• Swim and snorkel in beautiful seas Set sail for Mykonos! Take a trip to Delos or lounge Today ends your sailing adventure.
• Laze on some truly stunning beaches around the trendy bars or shop in the cute boutiques.
• Explore lovely islands and secluded bays Syros Mykonos
Day 6: Mykonos to Syros greece Paros Naxos
Sifnos
Day 1: Santorini to Ios Sail to Syros and stop at the uninhabited island of Ios
Land in Santorini and embark on your first day of Didimi for some snorkelling and swimming. Here you’ll Santorini
sailing, setting off in the afternoon for the island of moor and visit the old Cycladic city of Ermoupolis.
DEPARTURES
Ios. On arrival, explore the picturesque harbour town
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
at leisure or head out into the island’s famed nightlife! Day 7: Syros to Paros 2010 JUN 8 JUN 17 JUL 21 JUL 30 SEP 6 SEP 15
APR 29 MAY 8 JUN 11 JUN 20 JUL 28 AUG 6 SEP 9 SEP 18
To Paros! You’ll enjoy this charming little port town, or MAY 2 MAY 11 JUN 18 JUN 27 JUL 31 AUG 9 SEP 16 SEP 25
MAY 9 MAY 18 JUN 21 JUN 30 AUG 7 AUG 16 SEP 19 SEP 28
Day 2: Ios to Small Cyclades the world famous shallow beaches and caves. MAY 12 MAY 21 JUN 28 JUL 7 AUG 10 AUG 19 SEP 26 OCT 5
Spend your morning on the fantastic little island of MAY 19 MAY 28 JUL 1 JUL 10 AUG 17 AUG 26 SEP 29 OCT 8
MAY 22 MAY 31 JUL 8 JUL 17 AUG 20 AUG 29 OCT 6 OCT 15
Ios, famous for its sandy beaches and pretty chapels. Day 8: Paros to Sifnos MAY 29 JUN 7 JUL 11 JUL 20 AUG 27 SEP 5 OCT 9 OCT 18
JUN 1 JUN 10 JUL 18 JUL 27 AUG 30 SEP 8
Around noon, you’ll leave Ios and cruise to the unique Leaving Parikia, set sail for Sifnos, where you can soak Trip Style: Classic Accommodation: Boats have 5 twinshare cabins, 3 shared
bathrooms and 2 showers Transport: 50 ft sailing yacht Group Size: Max 8
chain of islands known as the "Small Cyclades". up the magnificent setting and relax. Group Leader: Skipper/Captain throughout Meals: No meals are included
Budget: Allow EUR300 for meals not included Tour Code: GA GVSSG
90
gREEK
ISLAND
HOPPER
10 DAYS, $1,760 fr
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91
sail and
SOUTHERN EUROPE
explore
Sail around the beautiful Greek Islands in small,
comfortable yachts. Immerse yourself in Greek
Island culture and history. Check out seldom
visited islands offering immaculate beaches
and the freshest seafood or stroll through the
colourful streets of some fascinating little towns.
one Segment
8 Days, FR $1,349
two Segments
15 Days, FR $2,579
three Segments
22 Days, FR $3,809
GREECE
Santorini Santorini
92
• Visit the Acropolis in bustling Athens • Swim in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea
• Explore Nafplio, the first capital of Greece • Lose yourself in ancient temple ruins at Lissos
• Discover the captivating history of Mystras • Climb the rugged Agia Irini gorge
• Admire the stunning views from Delphi • Hike through stunning forest in Samaria Gorge
• Check out ancient Olympic ruins • Admire the 10th century frescoes in Loutro
• Enjoy the beauty of the Peloponnese region • Paddle to the secluded Sweet Water Beach
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH greece START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 JUN 20 JUL 1 SEP 19 SEP 30 2010 JUN 13 JUN 20 AUG 15 AUG 22
Meteora Chania
MAY 2 MAY 13 JUL 18 JUL 29 OCT 17 OCT 28 MAY 23 MAY 30 JUL 11 JUL 18 SEP 5 SEP 12
MAY 30 JUN 10 AUG 22 SEP 2 Delphi Omalos
Trip Style: Active Accommodation: Hotels (7 nts) crete (greece)
Athens
/Ag so
Lo Rou
Sf tro eli
Trip Style: Classic Accommodation: Hotels (11 nts) Transport: Transport: Hike, Kayak, bus, minibus Group Size: Max
ak
rge Lis ra
ia s
u m
ia
Walking, local bus, private van, taxis Group Size: Max 15, 12, Avg 10 Group Leader: Local certified outdoor guide
Go a/ o
ria gi ch
Avg 10 Group Leader: Tour Leader throughout, local guides Olympia Nafplio throughout Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners Budget: Allow
ma u eo
Sa So Pal
Meals: No meals are included Budget: Allow EUR400 for EUR150 for meals not included Tour Code: GA EGCH
meals not included Tour Code: GA EGCG
Sparta
Route by kayak
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93
ISTANBUL - TURKEY
fr $17 dorm, inc. breakfast fr $108 single, inc. breakfast fr $138 single, inc. breakfast
fr $143 twin/double, inc. breakfast fr $155 twin/double, inc. breakfast
Suleymaniye Mosque to name a few! STA818 taken to your hotel. The day is yours to do – or not
– as you please! On Day Two you’ll visit the Blue
Mosque, the Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica
underground cistern and the Hippodrome. Also Accommodation: Three star Hotel (3 nts) four star Hotel (1 nt) Transport: Fully air
conditioned bus Group Leader: Tour Leader throughout Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 2
learn how carpets are made by hand. (1B,1L) Lunches, 1 Dinner Tour Code: STA FZ
94
fez bus
This is Turkey’s only hop-on hop-off bus
network. It’s perfect for those who demand
complete flexibility and want to check out this
beautiful country while on a tight budget. The
bus is usually full of fellow adventurers – so it’s
a great way to make new friends.
The Turkish Delight pass gives you the whole The Silk Trail pass was created to cater for The Turkey Express pass is great if you are short
Western Turkey experience and more! passengers coming from the Greek Islands. of time!
It includes the entire Fez Bus circuit from The pass commences from the coastal town It includes the Fez Bus circuit from Istanbul to
Istanbul to Istanbul, but you can start anywhere of Kusadasi, the most popular travellers' entry Kusadasi and then a public bus link across to
on the circuit, do the full loop and finish back point from Greece into Turkey, arriving by ferry Cappadocia where you rejoin the Fez Bus for the
where you started. from Samos. rest of the circuit back to Istanbul.
• The entire Fez Bus circuit from Istanbul • This pass is perfect for those coming • Istanbul to Kusadasi, public bus to
to Istanbul from the Greek Islands Cappadocia, finishes in Istanbul
• Guided tours of Troy & Pergamum • Starts in Kusadasi (the entry point from • Guided tours of Troy & Pergamum
(entrance fees not included) Greece into Turkey), finishes in Istanbul (entrance fees not included)
• Minimum completion time: 8 days • Minimum completion time: 6 days • Minimum completion time: 5 days
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95
SOUTHERN EUROPE
AEGEAN DELIGHT MAGIC CARPET
8 DAYS, $956 fr 10 DAYS, $1,197 fr
DAYS 1-2: ISTANBUL DAYS 1-2: ISTANBUL & ISTANBUL OLD CITY
Day One arrive any time and explore at will. On Day Two prepare for a Day One is yours to do your own thing - welcome to Istanbul! Day Two, rise,
fantastic city tour. Visit the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace, shine and tour this exotic city checking out cultural contradictions - visit the
the Basilica underground cistern and the Hippodrome. Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica underground cistern
and the Hippodrome. (B)
DAY 3: ISTANBUL TO GUZELYALI
See the Battlefields of Gallipoli. Visit Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, DAYS 3-4: ISTANBUL TO KUSADASI
ANZAC Cove, the Nek, Johnston's Jolly and the Gallipoli Museum. (B, D) Visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli, ANZAC Cove, the Nek, Johnston's
Jolly and the Gallipoli Museum before spending the night in Guzelyali. Head
DAY 4: GUZELYALI TO KUSADASI out in the morning to visit Troy, home to the famed Trojan Horse. Tour the
Visit Troy, home of the famed Trojan Horse. You'll then tour the magnificent magnificent acropolis of Pergamum then spend the night in Kusadasi. (2B, 2D)
acropolis of Pergamum. Check out its impressive temples and library, (B, D)
DAY 5: EPHESUS, KUSADASI
DAY 5: KUSADASI Take a guided tour of Ephesus and visit the Temple of Artemis. Feel the
Absorb yourself in history with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and stadium. Head to a carpet
Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and village and learn how the carpets are made by hand. Sleep overnight in
stadium. Onwards to a carpet village, where you'll learn how carpets are Kusadasi. (B, D)
made and what determines their value. (B, D)
DAYS 6-7: KUSADASI TO CAPPADOCIA
DAY 6: KUSADASI TO PAMUKKALE Tour the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale, followed by the
This morning you will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip in the hot springs then rest your head
goods before heading towards the magnificent white calcium terraces of in Pamukkale. Travel the ancient Silk Road passing several Caravanserais and
Pamukkale, followed by the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip in the visiting Sultanhani Caravansary. Spend the night in Cappadocia. (2B, D)
hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.
Afterwards, you'll board an overnight sleeper train for Istanbul. (B) DAYS 8-10: CAPPADOCIA TO ISTANBUL
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia. Check out the fairy chimneys
DAYS 7-8: ISTANBUL and an underground city then sleep tight in Cappadocia. Next morning
Transfer to your hotel on the morning of day seven which leaves the visit the nations capital, Ankara, before heading on back to Istanbul. After
remainder up to you. On Day Eight, tuck into a final breakfast with your breakfast, your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye & shed a tear.
travelling buddies and say your goodbyes. (2B) (3B, D)
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
JAN 9 - MAY 29 & NOV6 - DEC 25: SELECT SAT Istanbul JAN 9 - MAY 29 & NOV6 - DEC 25: SELECT SAT Istanbul
JUN5 - OCT23: SAT JUN5 - OCT23: SAT
Accommodation: Four star Hotel (6 nts) twin share Transport: Gallipoli Accommodation: Four star Hotel (9 nts) twin share Transport: Gallipoli Ankara
Fully air conditioned bus Group Leader: Tour Leader Çanakkale turkey Fully air conditioned bus Group Leader: Tour Leader Çanakkale turkey
throughout Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners Tour Code: STA FZ Troy throughout Meals: 9 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners Tour Code: STA FZ Troy
Cappadocia
Pergamum Pergamum
Konya
Ephesus Ephesus
Kusadasi Pamukkale Kusadasi Pamukkale
96
FLYING
CARPET
15 DAYS, $1,886 fr
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97
SOUTHERN EUROPE
ANZAC THE MAJOR CONSTANTINOPLE
11 DAYS, $1,200 fr TO HELLAS
ISTANBUL - gallipoli 12 DAYS, $2,155 fr
DayS 8-9: Troy and Gallipoli battlefields tour DAYS 7-10: MYKONOS, IOS & SANTORINI
Travel towards the World War I battlefields of Gallipoli, stopping for a tour Ferry around three stunning Greek Islands. All boasting irresistible beaches,
of the ancient Pergamum before spending the night in Ayvalik. Next day, warm seas and great nightlife. Wander the white-washed narrow alleyways
take a tour of Troy followed by a visit to the ANZAC Cove. (2B, 2D) of Mykonos Town, laze on the beaches of Ios, bathe in the volcanic waters
of Santorini. (4B)
DayS 10-11: ANZAC Day at Gallipoli
Wake before the sun does and experience an ANZAC Dawn Service. Drive back DAYS 11-12: SANTORINI TO ATHENS
to Istanbul with powerful memories of your recent experiences. Spend your last Lie back on the black sand beaches before boarding a ferry to Athens for
night in Istanbul before bidding adieu to your new friends come morning. (B, L) your final night. On Day 12 it's all over and time to say goodbye. (2B)
• Explore Fethiye Bay and Gocek Bay • Explore Cleopatra Beach and Kizil Liman
• Sail the Mediterranean - 7 nights on board a Gulet • Sail the Mediterranean - 7 nights on board a Gulet
Day 4: Kleopatra & hamam bayS TO gocek Day 4: Kufre TO Ingiliz Liman
Island hop from the lovely Gulf of Tersane to Yassica Island before your After a tasty breakfast you'll set off for Longoz. You stay the night in the
overnight stop in Gocek. (B, L, D) serene Ingiliz Liman (English Bay). (B, L, D)
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
10 APR - 25 OCT: MON, FRI & SAT 10 APR - 25 OCT : MON, FRI, SAT & SUN
Accommodation: Twin shared Cabin (7 nts) Transport: sailing Accommodation: Twin shared Cabin (7 nts) Transport: sailing
boat Group Leader: Captain and crew Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 6 boat Group Leader: Captain and crew Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 6
Lunches, 7 Dinners and some snacks Tour Code: STA FZ Lunches, 7 Dinners Tour Code: STA FZ
turkey turkey
Ekincik
Marmaris Fethiye Bodrum Gokova
12 Islands 7 Islands
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99
eastern europe
EASTERN EUROPE
top 3 Amazing Experiences
Prague -9 -6 0 10 19 21 23 22 16 9 2 -5
MOSCOW
1 39 38 36 37 53 58 88 71 58 45 47 54
-7 -5 0 8 15 20 21 20 15 9 2 -3
ST PETERSBURG
3 35 30 31 36 45 50 72 78 64 76 46 40
0 0 6 12 20 23 24 23 19 13 6 2
WARSAW
Bucharest 27 32 27 37 46 69 96 65 43 38 31 44
-4 -2 3 14 21 24 25 24 20 13 6 -1
KIEV
58 59 51 45 49 55 91 91 30 33 56 59
1 4 10 18 23 27 30 30 25 18 10 4
BUCHAREST
46 26 28 59 77 121 53 45 45 29 36 27
100
Airport
Transfer
fr $78
fr $19 dorm fr $22 dorm, INC. BREAKFAST fr $30 dorm, inc. breakfast
fr $82 twin, INC. BREAKFAST fr $51 single, inc. breakfast
fr $72 twin, inc. breakfast
fr $78 single, inc. breakfast fr $115 single, inc. breakfast fr $251 SINGLE, INC. BREAKFAST
fr $79 twin/double, inc. breakfast fr $126 twin/double, inc. breakfast fr $276 double, INC. BREAKFAST
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101
EASTERN EUROPE
ST. VITUS POPULATION: 1.2 Million
CATHEDRAL PRICE OF A BEER: $5.00
PRICE OF BRAMBORAKY (PANCAKE): $4.50
ROYAL SUMMER
PALACE
Famous for: Franz Kafka, Christmas markets,
PRAGUE 2
CASTLE elegant bridges, eclectic jazz, gothic architecture,
communist relics and an ancient hill-top castle.
highlights
• Dance away at Pag’s sunset beach parties
• Wander the historic streets of Ljubljana
• Explore the magnificent Slovenian Alps
• Check out the amazing architecture of
Cesky Krumlov
canyon and adventure you way through the Inclusions: All transport with Guide, wine and cheese tasting on Pag, orientation
walk in Ljubljana, Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov Accommodation: 1 nt hotel multi slovenia Bled
mountains. Day Four enjoy a late breakfast share, 3 nts hostel multi share, 2 nts apartment multi share Meals: 6 breakfasts
Departure point: Split 9am Tip ends: Prague after breakfast Tour Code: RT
before making tracks to city of Salzburg with a croatia
visit to the Monastery of Beer. (2B) accommodation options Pag
Prague: see page 100 Split
Split: see page 86
102
• Enjoy the Croatian coastline to Bosnia • Visit the Church of human bones
• Absorb the atmosphere in Mostar • Take a bike tour through Krakow
• Listen to the Mosques wailing at sunset • Experience Auschwitz concentration camp
• Party in Belgrade • Soak in a thermal bath under the stars
• Marvel at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul • Wander through Plitvice National Park
• Laze the day away in the Turkish baths • Enjoy a scenic drive to Split
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
poland
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
czech rep.
2010 JUN 26 JUL 1 AUG 7 AUG 12 2010 JUL 2 JUL 10 AUG 13 AUG 21 Krakow
MAY 29 JUN 3 JUL 10 JUL 15 AUG 21 AUG 26 MAY 7 MAY 15 JUL 9 JUL 17 AUG 20 AUG 28 Prague
JUN 12 JUN 17 JUL 24 JUL 29 SEP 4 SEP 9
serbia
MAY 21 MAY 29 JUL 16 JUL 24 AUG 27 SEP 4 Olomouc Zakopane
bosnia & Herz.
Sarajevo Belgade JUN 4 JUN 12 JUL 23 JUL 31 SEP 3 SEP 11
slovakia
Inclusions: All transport with Guide, all city orientation JUN 18 JUN 26 JUL 30 AUG 7 SEP 10 SEP 18
walks Accommodation: 5 nts multi share Meals: 5 Split Mostar Nis bulgaria JUL 25 JUL 3 AUG 6 AUG 14 SEP 24 OCT 2
breakfasts Departure point: Split 9am Tip ends: Istanbul
after breakfast Tour Code: RT
Sofia Plovdiv Inclusions: All transport with Guide, bike tour Krakow, Budapest
Istanbul walking tour Olomouc, guided tours in Auschwitz and hungary
Birkenau, entrance to Plitvice National Park, t-shirt
Accommodation: 2 nts hotel multi share, 4 nts hostel multi
turkey share, 1 nt apartment multi share, 1 nt bungalow twin-share Plitvice National Park
Meals: 8 breakfasts Departure point: Prague 7am Trip ends:
Split after breakfast Tour Code: RT croatia
Split
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103
XXXXXXX AFRICA
BUDAPEST - HUNGARY
Airport
Transfer
fr $78
RUSSIA
fr $192 Dorm, two nts fr $139 DOUBLE/twin inc. breakfast fr $330 DOUBLE/twin inc. breakfast
fr $681 DOUBLE, two nts
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105
EASTERN EUROPE
GOLDEN RING OF RUSSIA vodka and caviar
8 DAYS, $1,849 fr 8 DAYS, $2,010 fr
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 JUN 6 JUN 13 SEP 26 OCT 3 2010 JUL 12 JUL 19 AUG 16 AUG 23
FEB 28 MAR 7 JUN 20 JUN 27 OCT 10 OCT 17 JUN 7 JUN 14 JUL 19 JUL 26 AUG 30 SEP 6
MAR 14 MAR 21 JUL 4 JUL 11 OCT 24 OCT 31 St. Petersburg JUN 21 JUN 28 JUL 26 AUG 2 SEP 13 SEP 20 St. Petersburg
MAR 28 APR 2 JUL 18 JUL 25 NOV 7 NOV 14 JUN 28 JUL 5 AUG 2 AUG 9
APR 11 APR 18 AUG 1 AUG 8 NOV 21 NOV 28 russia JUL 5 JUL 12 AUG 9 AUG 16
APR 25 MAY 2 AUG 15 AUG 22 2011
MAY 9 MAY 16 AUG 29 SEP 5 APR 10 APR 17 Accommodation: 7 nts hotel upgrade Transport: Modern Novgorod
MAY 23 MAY 30 SEP 12 SPE 19 APR 24 MAY 1 Yaroslav air-conditioned coach Group Size: Avg 38 Meals: 7 breakfasts,
Suzdal 2 lunches, 5 dinners Tour Code: TD HTSM
Trip Style: Classic Accommodation: Hotels (6 nts), Sleeper
Moscow Moscow
train (1 nt) Transport: Private and public bus, Train, Metro Sergiev Posad Vladimir russia
Group Size: Max 15, Avg 10 Group Leader: Tour leader
throughout, Local guides Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
Budget: Allow USD150 for meals not included Tour Code:
GA ERGR
106
Vodkatrain RUSSIA
Experience Russia, Mongolia,
St. Petersburg
China, Kazakstan and Suzdal
Uzbekistan at ground level. Moscow Kazan
Lake Baikal
This very real and entirely Irkutsk Ulan Ude
KAZAKSTAN
unique experience perfectly Almaty MONGOLIA Ulaanbaatar
encapsulates the true spirit of UZBEKISTAN Bukhara
Urumqi
independent travel that you've Samarkand Tashkent
Beijing
been looking for.
Let's be honest, there are probably a load of places Trans Mongolian Railway
on these itineraries that you’ve never even heard Silk Road Railway
of. Fantastic! Instead of boring your friends with
the same old tales of beach huts, baboons and
BBQs, you’ll be able to tell them a few stories they
definitely won’t have heard before.
Every single element of these amazing journeys Honchos are available 9am to 9pm each day and
scream with adventure and excitement! Read up, some choose to stay out later for a drink. All
book up and get ready for the time of your life. their expenses are covered – meaning they’ll only
take you to the places they would want to go –
there’s no funny business.
Transport
The trains are a destination in themselves!
Along with ideas, philosophies and an
enormous variety of goods, these trains ferry
families, traders, students, soldiers, business
people, travellers, monks and acrobats. For
most overnight trains, you’ll have all the are centrally located (or really close to public
comforts of four-share sleeping compartments transport), clean and basic. If your adventure
– two upper and two lower bunks. includes Mongolia, then you’ll stay in a
Compartments have bedding, reading lights, traditional ger camp – this is a real highlight!
a big window, a small table and room for a
rucksack or two. On our budget journeys, you Group Size
save money by travelling some of the sectors No sixty seater buses and definitely no
in communal six-berth compartments. nametags. Your group is limited to 15 travellers
from around the world – big enough to form a
Upon arrival at the station, a local Honcho will posse, small enough to give you space. There are
meet you and take you to your accommodation. no single supplement costs. Solo travellers pay
When it's time to go, they'll arrange the transfer the same as couples, and share with other solo
back to the station, making sure you are safely travellers (same sex) or receive their own room
onboard the right train in the right direction. at no extra cost. Depending on group size, you
may be sharing with local travellers and members
Accommodation of the opposite sex on train sectors.
For the most part you’ll stay in a mixture of
hotels, hostels, local guesthouses and traditional young like minded people
gers. Some may be multi-share but most will be All Vodkatrain travellers are aged between 18-
twin share with private or shared facilities. All 35 - which means fun, like-minded companions.
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107
WESTERN EUROPE
The vodkatrain the Ruski Huski
21 DAYS, $3,448 fr 17 DAYS, $2,365 fr
st petersburg - beijing (russia, mongolia and china) beijing - moscow (in winter)
This incredible train journey takes you from the ‘Venice of the North’, St The winter months of December to March mean temperatures get well
Petersburg, to the pulsating capital city of China, Beijing – or vice versa. below freezing point. Brrrrrrrrr. Rather than staying locked up in your
In between you’ll visit unbelievable and unpronounceable places. Hang current abode, the opportunities outside your toasty Trans Siberian train
out with nomads in the wilds of Mongolia, explore devastatingly beautiful make for memories of a lifetime. This 17-day adventure will see you
wilderness in and around Lake Baikal, absorb centuries of intriguing history partaking in dog sledding, Mongolian ice games and a cooking class. You’ll
in Moscow and Beijing and discover Ulaanbaatar, the only capital in the also be able to organise local snow mobiling, skiing, snow boarding and
world where you’re more likely to get run over by a horse than a Honda. 'skijoring'. Snap on some skis, harness yourself to some super speedy dogs
and yell out “Davai!” (Russian for “go”). Hold on for your life and carve up
DAYS the Siberian snow. Beats a day at the office for sure!
1: Arrive St Petersburg
2-3: St Petersburg & overnight train to Moscow DAYS
4: Early morning arrival in Moscow 1-2:Arrive Beijing
5-6: Moscow & afternoon departure to Irkutsk 3: Morning departure to Ulaanbaatar
7-9: Train 4: Early afternoon arrival in Ulaanbaatar
10: Morning arrive in Irkutsk and to Lake Baikal 5: To countryside and Ger camp
11: Lake Baikal 6: Countryside and Ger camp
12: Return to Irkutsk & evening departure to Ulaanbaatar 7: Return to Ulaanbataar and evening departure to Irkutsk
13: Train 8: Train
14: Morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar 9: Morning arrival in Irkutsk and to Lake Baikal
15: To countryside & Ger camp 10-11: Lake Baikal
16-17: Ger camp & return to Ulaanbaatar 12: Return to Irkutsk and early evening departure to Moscow
18: Morning departure to Beijing 13-15:Train
19: Afternoon arrival in Beijing 16:Early morning arrival in Moscow
20-21: Beijing and end of itinerary 17:Moscow and end of itinerary
A 21 day reverse itinerary is also available. A 17 day reverse itinerary is also available.
Please note: Arrival and departure transfers can be added for an additional cost. Tour Code: VT 01 Please note: Arrival and departure transfers can be added for an additional cost. Rail extensions can also be purchased from
St. Petersburg to Moscow. Tour Code: VT 07
DEPARTURES
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH DEPARTURES
2010 MAY 10 MAY 30 AUG 2 AUG 22 NOV 8 NOV 28 MAR 21 APR 10 JUL 4 JUL 24 START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
JAN 4 JAN 24 MAY 17 JUN 6 AUG 9 AUG 29 NOV 22 DEC 12 APR 4 APR 24 JUL 11 JUL 31 2010 MAR 7 MAR 23 DEC 23 JAN 8 2011 MAR 3 MAR 19 DEC 18 JAN 2
JAN 11 JAN 31 MAY 24 JUN 13 AUG 23 SEP 12 DEC 13 JAN 2 APR 18 MAY 8 JUL 18 AUG 7 JAN 10 JAN 26 MAR 21 APR 6 JAN 6 JAN 22 MAR 17 APR 2
JAN 18 FEB 7 MAY 31 JUN 20 AUG 30 SEP 19 2011 MAY 9 MAY 29 AUG 1 AUG 21 FEB 7 FEB 23 DEC 2 DEC 18 FEB 3 FEB 19 DEC 4 DEC 20
FEB 1 FEB 21 JUN 7 JUN 27 SEP 6 SEP 26 JAN 3 JAN 23 MAY 16 JUN 5 AUG 8 AUG 28
FEB 22 MAR 14 JUN 14 JUL 4 SEP 13 OCT 3 JAN 10 JAN 30 MAY 23 JUN 12 AUG 22 SEP 11
MAR 8 MAR 28 JUN 21 JUL11 SEP 20 OCT 10 JAN 17 FEB 6 MAY 30 JUN 19 AUG 29 SEP 18
MAR 22 APR 11 JUL 5 JUL 25 SEP 27 OCT 17 JAN 31 FEB 20 JUN 6 JUN 26 SEP 5 SEP 25
APR 5 APR 25 JUL 12 AUG 1 OCT 4 OCT 24 FEB 21 MAR 13 JUN 13 JUL 3 SEP 12 OCT 2
APR 19 MAY 9 JUL 19 AUG 8 OCT 18 NOV 7 MAR 7 MAR 27 JUN 20 JUL 10 SEP 19 OCT 9
108
moscow - beijing (russia, mongolia and china) MOSCOW – beijing (russia, kazakstan and uzbekistan)
In these belt-tightening times you need to be a little thrifty – but you must Traverse old Turkestan and the stories spoken of the ancient Silk Road where
not miss out on the good times! Cast your eyes on this fantastic low cost goods such as tea, silk and spices were traded in the old caravanserais.
alternative. It's short and sweet and packs in all the highlights - visiting Back in the day they’d cross the desert, steppe and mountain by camel but
Moscow, Lake Baikal, Ulaanbaatar and a Ger encampment en-route to the today you’ll do so by choo-choo-train. This fascinating part of the world
Chinese Capital of Beijing. You can expect all the best bits of a Vodkatrain will draw you in and send you back in time. Starting in Russia and ending in
experience; the Honchos, small groups, young like-minded travellers, visa China, you'll visit some incredible cities. Bukhara a historic center of trade,
support and booking help from the knowledgeable and friendly staff. scholarship, culture and religion, Almaty a disctinctive and undiscovered
Things are less expensive because you’re travelling in a communal six berth gateway to central Asia.
carriage and your transfers are by public transport. So if you’re looking for
the amazing experience of a Trans Mongolian Railway journey but need to DAYS
watch the pennies - this is the way to go! 1: Arrive Moscow
2: Moscow and late evening departure to Tashkent
3-4: Train
DAYS 5: Evening arrival in Tashkent
1: Arrive Moscow 6-7: Tashkent and depart to Samarkand
2: Moscow and afternoon departure to Irkutsk 8: Depart to Bukhara
3-5: Train 9: Bukhara
6: Morning arrival in Irkutsk and to Lake Baikal 10: Bukhara and depart to Tashkent
7: Return to Irkutsk and evening train to Ulaanbataar 11: Arrive in Tashkent and depart to Almaty
8: Train 12-13: Almaty
9: Early morning arrival in Ulaanbataar and transfer to Ger camp 14: Almaty and evening departure to Urumqui
10: Ger camp and return to Ulaanbataar 15: Train
11: Morning departure to Beijing 16: Morning arrival Urumqi and depart to Beijing
12: Early afternoon arrival in Beijing 17: Train
18: Arrive Beijing
Please note: Arrival and departure transfers can be added for an additional cost. Rail extensions can also be purchased from Please note: Arrival and departure transfers can be added for an additional cost. Rail extensions can also be purchased from
St. Petersburg to Moscow. Tour Code: VT 02 St. Petersburg to Moscow. Tour Code: VT 09
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 MAR 29 APR 9 OCT 18 OCT 29 2011 MAR 28 APR 8 OCT 17 OCT 28 2010 JUN 13 JUN 30 SEP 12 SEP 29 2011 JUN 12 JUN 29 SEP 11 SEP 28
FEB 8 FEB 19 APR 12 APR 23 FEB 14 FEB 25 APR 11 APR 22 11 APR APR 28 JUL 11 JUL 28 APR 10 APR 27 JUL 10 JUL 27
FEB 22 MAR 5 APR 26 MAY 7 FEB 28 MAR 11 APR 25 MAY 6 MAY 16 JUN 2 AUG 15 SEP 1 MAY 15 JUN 1 AUG 14 AUG 31
MAR 15 MAR 26 OCT 4 OCT 15 MAR 14 MAR 25 OCT 3 OCT 14
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109
WESTERN EUROPE
The Genghis Khan The Cossack
14 DAYS, $2,094 fr 23 DAYS, $3,854 fr
MOSCOW - BEIJING (russia, mongolia and china) MOSCOW - BEIJING (russia, mongolia and china)
It’s a little shorter than the other experiences you can have on the Trans Explore remote, exceptionally beautiful and less visited destinations along
Siberian but we know that you’re not all school teachers with endless this route. The Cossack gives you all the main city stops that you simply can’t
holidays (get to Uni, get that teaching degree!) and nor are we all money- miss plus the chance to journey across the Mongolian steppe to the ancient
bags (damn it!) so sometimes we know that scaling back a little on time capital of Genghis Khan, see the fantastic cathedrals of Russia’s Golden Ring
and money is in order. We’d never make you compromise on the experience and investigate the world of the Old Believers. It’s the biggest and the best!
though! Instead we decided to create this 14 day adventure which sees
you chugging tracks to the best bits – Moscow to Beijing stopping in DAYS
Ulaanbaatar along the way to meet up with your Honcho – a young, fun, 1: Arrive Moscow
enthusiastic local – and to take a rest from all that jiggling! (Psst - bypass 2-3: Moscow and departure to Suzdal
the local moonshine...we hope you're not that desperate!) 4: Suzdal
5: Suzdal and late evening departure to Kazan
6: Morning arrival in Kazan
DAYS 7: Kazan and evening train to Irkutsk
1: Arrive Moscow 8-9: Train
2: Moscow 10-11: Evening arrive in Irkutsk and to Lake Baikal
3: Moscow and evening departure to Ulaanbaatar 12: Lake Baikal and return to Irkutsk. Evening train to Ulan-Ude
4-7: Train 13: Ulan-Ude
8: Morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar 14: Morning departure to Ulaanbaatar
9: To countryside and Ger camp 15: Morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar
10: Ger camp and return to Ulaanbaatar 16: To Bayangobi and Ger camp
11: Morning departure to Beijing 17-18: To Kharkhorin and Ger camp
12: Afternoon arrival in Beijing 19: Return to Ulaanbaatar
13: Beijing 20: Morning departure from Ulaanbaatar
14: Beijing and end of itinerary 21: Afternoon arrival Beijing
22-23: Beijing and end of itinerary
A 15 day reverse itinerary is also available. A 24 day reverse itinerary is also available.
Please note: Arrival and departure transfers can be added for an additional cost. Rail extensions can also be purchased from Please note: Arrival and departure transfers can be added for an additional cost. Rail extensions can also be purchased from
St. Petersburg to Moscow. Tour Code: VT 03 St. Petersburg to Moscow. Tour Code: VT 05
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH START FINISH
2010 MAY 17 MAY 30 AUG 9 AUG 22 DEC 13 DEC 26 MAY 16 MAY 29 AUG 22 SEP 4 2010 JUN 19 JUL 11 DEC 11 JAN 2 MAY 23 JUN 15 OCT 10 NOV 2
JAN 18 JAN 31 MAY 31 JUN 13 AUG 23 SEP 5 2011 JUN 6 JUN 19 AUG 29 SEP 11 FEB 20 MAR 14 JUL 17 AUG 8 2011 JUN 20 JUL 13 NOV 28 DEC 21
FEB 15 FEB 28 JUN 14 JUN 27 SEP 6 SEP 19 JAN 24 FEB 6 JUN 20 JUL 3 SEP 12 SEP 25 MAY 20 APR 11 AUG 14 SEP 5 FEB 14 MAR 09 JUL 25 AUG 17
MAR 15 MAR 28 JUN 28 JUL 11 SEP 13 SEP 26 FEB 21 MAR 6 JUL 4 JUL 17 SEP 26 OCT 9 APR 17 MAR 9 SEP 18 OCT 10 MAR 21 APR 13 AUG 15 SEP 7
APR 12 APR 25 JUL 12 JUL 25 SEP 27 OCT 10 MAR 21 APR 3 JUL 18 JUL 31 OCT 3 OCT 16 MAY 15 JUN 6 OCT 16 NOV 7 APR 18 MAY 11 SEP 12 OCT 5
APR 26 MAY 9 JUL 19 AUG 1 OCT 18 OCT 31 APR 18 MAY 1 AUG 1 AUG 14 OCT 31 NOV 13
MAY 3 MAY 16 AUG 2 AUG 15 NOV 1 NOV 14 MAY 2 MAY 15 AUG 8 AUG 21 DEC 12 DEC 25
110
FESTIVALS
OKTOBERFEST
munich -opening weekend
everybody is included in the experience by taking
you to the festival site on the first day. However, QUEENS DAY
you are free to wander as you wish in Munich. amsterdam
16 Sep 2010, 6 days, Fr $569 DAY 1: LONDON TO germany 28 APRil 2010, 4 DAYS, Fr $589
Ferry to France and overnight journey to Munich.
start & finish: london start & finish: london
DAY 2: munich
• Be part of the world’s biggest beer festival Check into the campsite then head into Munich • Party with folk from around the world
• Drink beer in glasses the size of your head for a beer hall party. Shuttle buses will be • Explore the amazing sights of Amsterdam
• Dance on tables running back to the campsite, so sit back, relax • 3 nights in a buzzing city centre hostel
• Sing along with the oompah band and enjoy a couple of steins.
• Hang out in massive beer tents Everyone knows the Dutch love to party but
DAY 3: beerfest!!! few know to what extent the city of Amsterdam
Munich’s Oktoberfest sits right at the top of Into Munich for the opening of the festival. comes alive every year with the celebration of
most peoples ‘do before you die list’. This is one Paarrtayyy!!! Your guide will make sure you're Queens Day! Approximately one million people
of the world’s biggest parties. Running from mid in the right place at the right time. Once again flock to party with the locals for what is fast
September through to early October, this festival there are shuttle buses to return you back to the becoming the world's largest street party!
attracts over six million people every year, all of campsite in the wee hours of the morning.
whom are there solely to drink lots and lots of DAY 1: LONDON TO AMSTERDAM
delicious German beer. DAY 4: munich It's an early start in London, kick back and
A day of rest and recovery from the gallons of relax as you head over the English Channel and
Our packages take care of everything. You travel beer you've already drunk. Today you'll visit the get to know your fellow revellers. You'll arrive
direct from London to Germany by ferry and beautiful Neuschwanstein castle. into Amsterdam in the early evening. Meet in
luxury coach, right into the heart of Munich. the hostel bar for a few sociable drinks before
You’ll travel with a big group of fellow revellers, DAY 5: munich to london heading out to soak up the 'Dam'.
and you’ll be looked after by a merry band of Hit the beer halls again or take on of the
very knowledgeable guides. You'll be staying in a optional excursions to Dachau or a bike tour DAY 2: AMSTERDAM
relaxed and friendly campsite. Don't worry about around Munich. Then it's London bound. Today is the warm-up for Queens Day. Festivities
pitching your own tent, it'll be ready for you when kick off at midnight and generally run all night
you arrive so you can get straight into the beer! DAY 6: arrive london before it officially starts at 6am on April 30th.
The coach arrives in London late afternoon. Time Rise in the afternoon for an orientation walk of
This is independent travel at its best. You won’t to recover! the city and check out the famous sights. Later
have your hand held and you won’t be told to in the afternoon take an optional city bike tour
Inclusions: Opening night beer hall party, excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle,
do this, or do that. Your guides will happily Busabout guide and luxury coach from London Accommodation: Overnight coach before you get the party started.
(2 nts), 3 nts twin share tent (Bring sleeping bag!) Departure point: London 6pm
organise orientation trips, and they’ll ensure that Return time: London 5pm Tour Code: RT
DAY 3: QUEENS DAY CELEBRATIONS
Drag yourself from your bed in order to make
sure you don't miss a second of this crazy
Dutch tradition. The city is flooded in a sea of
orange as the streets erupt in celebration of the
birthday of Queen Beatrix.
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111
FESTIVALS
pamplona
running of the bulls - 2010
LA TOMATINA
food fight festival - 2010
4 DAYS, $519 fr 3 DAYS, $419 fr
• Champagne, sangria and egg throwing • Expert guides ensure you are in the middle of the action
• Dress up in traditional red and white and run like a local • Take on the locals in the world’s craziest food fight
• Be part of a 400 year old tradition • Enjoy a fabulous post-Tomatina pub crawl
Lying within the rolling green hills of the Basque countryside in Northern Spain Imagine a small street, less than a quarter mile long in a tiny Spanish
is Pamplona. The sleepy capital of the Navarra region explodes from a modest town, packed with over 20,000 people slogging each other with
population of 180,000 to over 500,000 during Spain's most notorious Festival tomatoes… Spain has some truly crazy festivals, but La Tomatina wins
- San Fermin, more commonly known as 'the Running of the Bulls'. The festival the award hands-down for the craziest and the messiest. On the last
first gained notoriety in Ernest Hemingway's novel 'The Sun Also Rises'. Wednesday in August each year, the inconsequential town of Buñol holds
Bullfights and sangria aside, 'San Fermin' is a festival honouring Saint the world's largest organised tomato fight. Buñol is located in the region
Ferminus, one of the town's patron saints. Each year from July 6th - July known as the "Communidad de Valencia", 30 miles west of Spain's third
14th the town transforms into a playground for locals and foreigners alike, largest city Valencia.
where litres upon litres of sangria, Cava (Spanish Champagne), and cerveza
(beer) are consumed. Your fantastic three day itinerary will look something like this:
Choose from three awesome trips. All include accommodation and a guide: DAY 1: Valencia
Your festival guide will check you into your accommodation and arrange a
opening week, 5 jul - 9 jul welcome meeting, where you’ll meet your fellow passengers. Your guide will
5 DAYS FR $629 lead you on a city orientation walk of Valencia. In the afternoon there will
The five Day San Fermin package has it all. Fantastic dorm accommodation be the option to visit some of Valencia’s sights – take a bike tour, or visit
in San Sebastian and return transfers into Pamplona so you're there to the infamous Cathedral where the Holy Grail is allegedly held.
witness the Champagne opening of the fiesta and take part in the 'Encierros'
(bull runs). All you need to do is get kitted up in your Pamplona outfit. DAY 2: Bunol - La Tomatina
Accommodation: 4 nts hostel accommodation, dorm share, central location Meals: 4 continental breakfasts 8AM: Valencia – Buñol: An early start ensures you get to Buñol in good
time for the fiesta. Your guide will show you where the ‘guerilla roja’ (red
MID WEEKend, 9 jul - 12 jul war!) will be happening. The fiesta starts at 11.00am, then the Tomato
4 DAYS FR $519 fight ensues for over an hour! There will be an hour to get hosed down,
Arriving mid-festival has its bonuses, the biggest being you walk into a with access to your change of clothes (safely under the coach).
party that's in full swing. No waiting for this celebration to kick-off, you'll
be thrown straight into the midst of it. Add a bit of beach action at San 2PM: Buñol - Valencia: Board the coach back to your hotel in Valencia for
Sebastian to the mix and you've got yourself the best of both worlds. a well earned siesta, or choose to take an optional afternoon visit to the
Accommodation: 3 nts hostel accommodation, dorm share, central location Meals: 3 continental breakfasts new America’s Cup Port. That evening, your guide will take you to some of
the best night spots in town.
final week, 12 jul - 15 jul
4 DAYS FR $589 DAY 3: depart Valencia
The perfect balance of partying at the most notorious fiesta in Spain and Continue your travels or head to the airport and fly back home.
mingling with your new found friends on the relaxed beaches of the Basque
country! Ladies - if you want to let the men do their thing and you want to
hit the beach, then this package has you written all over it!
Accommodation: 3 nts hostel accommodation, dorm share, central location Meals: 3 continental breakfasts
Inclusions: Orientaion walk and introduction to Valencia, pub crawl, festival party night, coach transport to and from Buñol for
Inclusions for all the above: Shuttle service to and from Pamplona to catch all the bull runs, orientation walk in San Sebastian, Tomatina festival, visit the America's Cup port village, afternoon session at the beach, Busabout Tomatina t-shirt and swimming
professional guide, arrival night sangria and Pintxos party, day at the beach, souvenir t-shirt + your own 'panuelo' (neckerchief) cap, professional guide Accommodation: 2 nts hotel accommodation in centre of town, triple/quad share rooms Start point:
Start point: Check in San Sebastian 2pm Finish time: Check out San Sebastian 11am Tour Code: RT Check in Valencia 2pm Finish time: Check out Valencia 10am Tour Code: RT
112
st patrick's day
dublin 2010
haggis
edinburgh 2010
hogmanay
4 days Fr $449 30 dec, 4 days Fr $679
start & finish: dublin start & finish: london
When the deeply moralistic and teetotal St. Patrick landed on the Emerald When the clock strikes twelve on New Year's Eve you might well be used
Isle he would have been mortified to think that his legacy would lead to to a friendly handshake, the clinking of glasses and maybe even a firework
a hedonistic, drink fuelled mega party. But hey ho, you win some you lose or two - respectable and perfectly acceptable entertainment. Well prepare
some. St Patrick’s Day parades take place the world over, from Vladivostock for something a tad more exciting… In Scotland they do things just a
to the Virgin Isles, but surely the best place to celebrate everyones little differently, so much so that they even have a different name for the
favourite Saint is Dublin, in the country that taught the rest of the world last day of the year. ‘Hogmanay’ roughly translates into lots and lots of
how to party. singing, dancing, snogging, laughing, drinking and eating - and the streets
of Edinburgh are a veritable phantasmagoria of all that and more. You'll be
We feature two adventures, both ensure you're right in the centre of Dublin for put right in the epicentre of it all, on the capital’s famous Princes Street,
all the raucous revelery on the 17th March. They include the following: surrounded by thousands of fellow fun lovers all enjoying one of world’s
biggest parties.
• All on-tour hostel accommodation inc. breakfast
• All on-tour attractions Day 1: london to edinburgh
• Dublin accommodation for St. Patrick's Day inc. breakfast Jump on a coach and journey up north to Scotland with your stellar guide.
• St. Patrick's Festival Survival Pack - full of info, maps & tips In the evening you'll enjoy a traditional ceilidh - a Scottish dance - to kick
• Guinness Storehouse ticket things off properly.
Inclusions: 3 Day Northern Rocker (see page 62), 3 nights in Dublin for the St Patrick’s Day Parade, 3 Day Southern Rocker
(see page 62) Tour Code: RT Day 3: new year's day
Today's your chance to clear your head with the traditional 'Loony Dook'
MONKS & MOUNTAINS (swim in the sea) at historic Queensferry. After embracing the cold, warm
15 mar 2010, 4 DAYS, FR $449 up with a couple of beers at the farewell party.
START & FINISH: DUBLIN
Hit the highlights of the St. Patrick's day festival and discover the wild and Day 4: edinburgh to london
rugged Wicklow Mountains. Say farewell and head back south by coach but with many more friends
Inclusions: 3 nights accommodation in a Dublin city centre hostel, Day Tour of County Wicklow Tour Code: RT
than you had in 2010.
Inclusions: London to Edinburgh return coach, Princes Street Party ticket, welcome drinks, walking tour of Edinburgh,
a Ceilidh, a hog roast, day trip to Queensferry, experienced guide Accommodation: 3 nts hostel shared dorm Meals: all
breakfasts Departure point: London 7.15am Return time: London 6.30pm Tour Code: RT
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113
FESTIVALS
highland CHRISTMAS festive
christmas IN PARIS party trek
24 dec 2010, 5 days Fr $849 24 dec 2010, 4 days Fr $719 22 dec 2010, 11 days fr $1,289
start & finish: edinburgh start & finish: london krakow - prague
• Play in the snow among some stunning • Christmas Eve party & Christmas lunch • Check out Krakow's Xmas night markets
mountain scenery • Explore by bike, boat and big blue bus • Go skiing on Christmas Day
• Christmas Day in the Highland setting • Check out the Eiffel Tower & Sacre Coeur • Tuck into a traditional Christmas meal
• Loads of food, drink and live music • Soak in the thermal pools of Budapest
This fantastic package not only places you right
Imagine a Highland setting for Christmas, with in the heart of Paris over the Christmas season, Get together with new found friends over the
lochs, snow capped mountains and cosy pubs it also ensures you check out nearly every nook festive season and do something better than the
with real fires. Then add a proper slap up dinner and cranny of this truly beautiful city. Prepare usual Christmas fare. On this spectacular trip you'll
with all the trimmings and a party with festive to fall in love over and over again as you explore explore Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria and
travellers. A wee bit different to mince pies with the gorgeous streets, visit iconic sights and the Czech Republic. You’ll check out the beautiful
your granny. party every night with your fellow travellers. cities of Krakow, Budapest, Vienna and Prague,
and you’ll visit the humbling former concentration
A real Christmas cracker - the magnificent DAY 1: CHRISTMAS EVE, DEPART LONDON camp, Auschwitz and the medieval town of Cesky
Highlands covered in a blanket of snow, as well Jump on the luxury coach to Paris. Your guide Krumlov. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is spent
as having the time of your life with Christmas will give you the inside track and history of this in the Polish alpine town of Zakopane - Ski away!
Day spent on the shores of Loch Ness. cultural capital. After a quick trip across the Inclusions: guided tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau, walking tour Krakow, Christmas
Eve and Christmas dinner, bottle of Champagne each, Vienna Schnapps Museum,
channel you’ll arrive into Paris at about 5:30pm all transport with Guide Accommodation: 8 nts hostel multi share, 2 nts hotel Meals:
10 breakasts Departure point: Krakow 9am Return time: Prague after breakfast
DAY 1: christmas eve where you check into St Christopher’s. Once Tour Code: RT
North through forested Perthshire into the you’ve settled in, sit down for a generous two
Cairngorms. Culloden Battlefield then arrival at course dinner and then jump back on the coach
Loch Ness for a party.
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115
What thoughts conjure up when you hear the If you haven’t heard of Etihad Airways before,
words “Australia’s favourite airline”? We could what rock have you been hiding under? Well they
break out in song, but we won’t…much. We’re are a very young airline…six years old in fact!
talking about our good mates at Qantas of But they’ve spread their wings from Abu Dhabi
course, and they certainly know how to fly. to more than 55 destinations across the Middle
They’ve been doing it continuously for longer East, Australia, North America, Africa, Asia and
than any other airline in the world after all – (of course!) Europe.
over 88 years!
Etihad Airways is about bringing back the magic
Qantas is the world’s second oldest airline. of air travel. They’re young and exciting. Taking
It was founded in the Queensland outback in inspiration from their modern Arabian home,
1920 and is Australia’s largest domestic and they’ve created an intimate boutique flying
international airline. Put simply, Qantas can fly experience like no other.
you to Europe and back (that’s if you come back)
in style…from New York - to Rio - to Old London You’ll feel quite special as you’re spoiled
Town, in fact! silly with a traditional warmth, new levels of
intimacy and comfort, and a style of service that
They’re always travelling, they love being free anticipates your every need. With their unique
(come on, you’ve got to be singing by now!). British Airways is one of the world’s biggest style of service, you’ll feel completely at home no
Some might say their catchy little tune is one international airlines, with a worldwide network matter which class you fly.
of the reasons the Qantas name and brand are that covers more than 154 destinations in 75
among the most recognised in Australia – not countries – see, we’re talking really big! Over 36 Now – let’s talk food. Award-winning chefs,
to mention their reputation for excellence in million passengers choose to fly with them each anyone? Yep, Etihad Airways have created a
safety, operational reliability, engineering & year. It’s a fact; our mates at British Airways are culinary experience that redefines fine dining
maintenance and customer service. experts when it comes to flying you off into the in the skies. Put it to the test when you fly to
sunset on your European adventure. Europe – savour the cuisine, kick back and take
The Qantas network covers 151 destinations it all in. Mmm, how sweet it is.
in 38 countries, with a total fleet comprised While London may be their lovely-jubbly home,
of over 200 aircraft. They are also a founding don’t forget they’re but a stones throw away In all classes, you can choose from over 600
member of the Oneworld alliance group of from some of Europe’s top attractions. You can hours of entertainment on demand. Every seat is
airlines and work closely with British Airways easily add a snazzy Europe side-trip to most of equipped with power sockets to charge laptops
(which means exclusive deals for you!). British Airways’ airfares! and phones – you can even plug in USB’s and
audio jacks, allowing you to play with your own
Add to this their fabulous new A380 airbus with And talk about trendsetters – from the very start devices or music through your personal in-flight
new levels of comfort, innovation and style. It’s a they have been at the forefront of innovation entertainment system. With some of the biggest
lean mean green machine – quieter than today’s and progression, from the world’s first daily screens in the sky, every seat becomes a front row
largest jets and at the leading edge of fuel scheduled flights to the first fully flat bed. They onboard Etihad. As one of the youngest fleets in
efficiency per passenger. Cheers to that. were the first global airline to introduce four the world, you can trust that the newest aircraft
cabins on long-haul flights too. Yep, British and aircraft enhancements are top priority.
And really, what more can we say? Qantas are Airways know how to fly in style and like a best
one of the world’s leading long distance airlines. mate, they’re looking out for you all the way. So when you head to Europe, jump onboard an
So belt out a bit of “I still call Australia home” Etihad Airways flight. They’ll welcome you as a
and fly to Europe with Qantas. British Airways prides itself on giving you distinguished guest and make your flying experience
greater flexibility and choice, from the cabin you personalised, comfortable and totally lux.
fly in through to how you book your ticket and
check in. They make it easy (which we love) and
they’re up with all the latest technology too;
online and mobile check-in – yay. So you can
breeze through, kick back and stress less.