EUROPE RIVER CRUISING

Transcription

1 In Conjunction With EUROPE RIVER CRUISING * Rhine River - Germany * Rhone River - France * Po River - Italy FEATURING: The Romantic Rhine & Rock of Lorelei, the French Battlefields, the Camargue & Ardeche Gorges, plus the Lagoon Islands of Venice 25 DAYS DEP: 24 JULY 2014

2 DAY 1: 24JUL MELBOURNE FLY TO FRANKFURT (Inflight meals) Meet your fellow passengers and tour escort at Tullamarine airport and check in for your Emirates flight to Frankfurt via Dubai. DAY 2: 25JUL ARRIVE FRANKFURT STRASBOURG (D) Arrive in Frankfurt early afternoon and after collecting your luggage and clearing customs formalities, you will be met and transferred to Strasbourg in France to board your first of three fabulous river cruises. Board from 6.00pm and settle into your cabin before enjoying a welcome cocktail and a presentation by the crew. Enjoy dinner on board then a tour by river boat through old Strasbourg by night. Overnight: MS Gerard Schmitter DAY 3: 26JUL RUDESHEIM (BLD) Sail to the charming village of Rüdesheim. Sail past numerous towns such as Speyer and its cathedral, the impressive port installations in Ludwigshafen and Mannheim, Worms (ancient bishopric), Mainz (capital of Rhineland-Palatinate). Arrival in Rüdesheim around 4.00pm and disembark for a shore excursion, departing on a local train stopping at a wine tasting cellar, followed by a visit to the museum of mechanical music. Dinner on board then a free evening in the famous Drosselgasse, the little street famous worldwide for joyful atmosphere and Rhineland bands. Overnight: As above DAY 4: 27JUL RUDESHEIM KOBLENZ (BLD) Breakfast on board then cruise to Koblenz on the most beautiful section of the romantic Rhine. During this cruise, sail past Bacharach (a very old wine-making village), Kaub, Oberwesel, the innumerable picturesque castles which line the Rhine, the rock of the Lorelei, as well as Boppard, a typical village with white houses and grey slate roofs. Enjoy lunch on board before arriving in Koblenz. Explore old Koblenz in the company of our hostess before dinner and a free evening in Koblenz. Overnight: As above DAY 5: 28JUL KOBLENZ RUDESHEIM (BLD) This morning cruise back up the most beautiful section of the Rhine to Rüdesheim, arriving late afternoon. Free time or optional excursion to the monastery of Eberbach (depending on availability, to book and pay on board only). Dinner on board then a free evening in the Drosselgasse and back on board whenever you wish. Overnight: As above DAY 6: 29JUL RUDESHEIM SPEYER MANNHEIM (BLD) Departure of the boat early in the morning to cruise up the Rhine to Speyer. We will pass the towns of Wiesbaden, Nierstein, Worms where we stop for a shore excursion to Heidelberg, and Mannheim. Enjoy a special Gala evening on board tonight as we cruise towards Strasbourg. Overnight: As above DAY 7: 30JUL STRASBOURG AMIENS (B) Breakfast on board then be met on arrival as we disembark in Strasbourg around 9.00am. Travel today to the Battlefields region in France, stopping to visit the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonnaux enroute to our overnight stop in Amiens. The memorial lists 10,773 names of soldiers who died in France during the First World War and have no known grave. The memorial was only completed in 1938, delayed by the Great Depression, with repairs made following damage made during the Second World War. Arrive in Amiens and enjoy free time. Overnight: Amiens DAY 8: 31JUL BATTLEFIELD SITES (B) Enjoy a full day touring the Battlefields with our specialist guide, starting with a visit to the Australian Corps Memorial Park in Le Hamel, then continue on Thiepval to visit the cemetery and Ulster Tower. Our next stop is at Mouquet Farm and the windmill site, before travelling to Bullecourt where the bronze statue of the Bullecourt Digger stands, gazing over the fields of Bullecourt where thousands of Australian soldiers were killed or wounded. We then travel to Fromelles to visit the VC Corner Australian Cemetery and Memorial, as well as the Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery. End the day in Ypres where we attend the moving Last Post ceremony under the Menin Gate. Overnight: Ypres

3 DAY 9: 01AUG BATTLEFIELD SITES (B) Our Battlefields touring continues this morning with a visit to Hooge Crater cemetery then on to Tyne Cot cemetery, the largest British war cemetery in the world. Afterwards, visit Buttes Cemetery, the Polygon Wood site, and the Battle Memorial of the 5 th Australian Division. Our final visit today is the Second Australian Division Memorial in Mont St Quentin, then travel to Paris for a two night stay, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Paris DAY 10: 02AUG PARIS (B) Depart this morning with a local guide for a sightseeing tour of Paris, the world capital of style, and admire its most famous landmarks, including the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, and The Louvre. This afternoon is at leisure to further explore Paris at your own pace; perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Eiffel Tower to climb or take the lift up part of the tower for breathtaking 360 views over Paris, return to The Louvre to view the extensive collection including the famous Mona Lisa, do some shopping, or simply relax at your hotel. Overnight: As above DAY 11: 03AUG CHALON-SUR-SAONE (BD) After breakfast this morning, we visit the beautiful palace of Versailles located on the outskirts of Paris. Enjoy an audioguide tour of the Palace, which was built by Louis XIV, then continue travelling through the French countryside to Chalon-Sur-Saone where we board our next river cruise. Settle into your cabin then meet the crew over a welcome cocktail. Dinner on board then set sail towards Mâcon. Overnight: MS Camargue DAY 12: 04AUG MACON LYON (BLD) After breakfast on board, you will have the chance to take a walk in the old town of Mâcon. At around 11.00am the boat will leave Mâcon and will stop after lunch in Montmerle for a coach tour of the Beaujolais vineyards, followed by a visit to the Hameau du Vin, a wine museum which is unique in Europe. Back to the boat for dinner then sail to Lyon. Cruise to discover Lyon by night, with the illuminations in the old quarters of Lyon, a unique spectacle. Overnight: As above DAY 13: 05AUG LYON TAIN L HERMITAGE (BLD) The morning will start with an excursion through Lyon. You will discover the second largest city in France admirably situated at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône. Lunch on board then depart for Tain l'hermitage where you will arrive in the evening. Overnight: As above DAY 14: 06AUG TAIN L HERMITAGE ARDECHE GORGES AVIGNON (BLD) Early morning departure passing close to Valence, Montélimar and Viviers. After lunch, enjoy an excursion to the picturesque Ardèche gorges. Here, the Ardèche has eroded the cliff-face to create a grandiose natural arch. The itinerary follows the famous route des gorges where you can explore the harmonious meanderings of the river. Return to the ship for dinner on board then head for Avignon. Overnight: As above DAY 15: 07AUG AVIGNON ARLES (BLD) After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the Palais des Papes, a veritable citadel perched on a rocky pinnacle, surrounded by imposing ramparts. Return to the boat for lunch and departure for Arles, arriving in the afternoon for some time at leisure in the old town of Arles. Overnight: As above DAY 16: 08AUG ARLES THE CAMARGUE MARTIGUES (BLD) Today, an excursion in the Camargue, an immense exceptional plain where sea, wetlands and pools are inhabited by an extraordinary variety of water fowl. Tour of the delightful village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, famous for its religious gypsy gatherings. Back aboard the boat for Port Saint-Louis for lunch then continue the cruise via the canal de Fos which runs alongside the Mediterranean towards Martigues. Dinner and gala evening on board tonight. Overnight: As above

4 DAY 17: 09AUG ARRIVE MARTIGUES GRASSE MONACO GENOVA (B) Disembarkation after breakfast in Martigues. We will be met on arrival by our coach and travel to Grasse for a guided tour of Parfumerie Fragonard, one of the best-known perfume factories named after the 18 th -century French painter, Jean-Honore Fragonard as a tribute to both the town of Grasse and to the refinement of 18 th - century arts. Travel on to Nice for some time at leisure then on to Monaco where we enjoy a sightseeing tour, including a photo stop at the Royal Palace. End the day in Genova for the remainder of the day and evening at leisure. Overnight: Genova DAY 18: 10AUG GENOVA REGGIO BOLOGNA VENICE (BD) Our first stop today is at Reggio Emilia where we visit a local producer of Parmigiano Reggiano - parmesan cheese with a tasting included. Continue to Maranello for a guided tour of the Ferrari gallery before travelling to Bologna for some free time to explore, then it s on to Venice, where we board the last of our river cruises. Time to settle comfortably in your cabin before being presented to the crew during a welcome cocktail reception served in the lounge. Dinner on board and a free evening in Venice, where we moor for the night. Overnight: MS Michelangelo DAY 19: 11AUG VENICE CHIOGGIA PADUA POLESELLA (BLD) Breakfast on board and a relaxing morning afloat as we cruise to Chioggia, where we arrive late morning. After lunch on board, set off on our guided tour of Padova, the town of St Antoine di Padova and also famous for art and pilgrimages. Following a visit to the Santo Basilica, dedicated to St. Antoine, take a stroll through the historic town centre and discover the Café Pedrocchi, dear to the inhabitants of Padua. Meanwhile, the ship cruises to Taglio di Po where you will join it around 7.00pm. Overnight: As above DAY 20: 12AUG POLESELLA FERRARA VERONA TAGLIO DI PO (BLD) After breakfast, set off by coach to visit Ferrara, awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO, this town was home to the Este Court. Return to the ship for lunch then set off by coach to visit Verona, a truly fine Italian city of Romeo and Juliet fame, with its Roman theatre. Return to the ship in Polesella before sailing on to Taglio di Po to arrive in the evening. Enjoy a Gala dinner on board. Overnight: As above DAY 21: 13AUG TAGLIO DI PO CHIOGGIA VENICE (BLD) Breakfast on board then depart by coach to Chioggia, stopping at Adria, which will allow you to discover this charming city that the Adriatic Sea is named after. Then we continue towards Chioggia, port city of Roman origin and the second largest city of the republic serene and contains works and testimonials from various periods and styles. Take some time to stroll around and discover the town for yourself. During this time the ship sails towards Chioggia, where we join it for lunch. Cruise back to Venice, arriving at around 2.30pm. Enjoy a guided tour of the Doge's Palace, a symbol of the glory and power of Venice, and the famous Piazza San Marco. Back on board in the evening for dinner then the remainder of the evening free. Overnight: As above DAY 22: 14AUG VENICE LAGOON ISLANDS VENICE (BLD) Breakfast on board before setting off on a trip to the lagoon islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is famous for its glass work as well as the fine churches of St. Maria and St. Donato, one of the oldest in the lagoon. Burano, a fishing island, is famous for its traditional lacework. Return on to the ship for lunch then a free afternoon, or have a ride in a gondola (optional, booking and settlement on board). Return on board in the evening for dinner and free time. Overnight: As above DAY 23: 15AUG VENICE FLY HOME (B) Our final buffet breakfast on board then disembark. You will be met and transferred to Venice Airport to connect with your flight home via Dubai. DAY 24: 16AUG IN FLIGHT Continue flying home today. Stopovers are available in Dubai; enquire at time of booking. DAY 25: 17AUG ARRIVE HOME Arrive back in Melbourne today.

5 TOUR COST: $11, per person twin share, main deck cabin $11, per person twin share, middle/upper deck cabin Single Supplement on application *Tour cost is subject to minimum numbers, air/tax increases plus currency fluctuations. Limited cabins available in each category. Non-refundable deposit required: $1, Per person Balance due: 18 April 2014 CANCELLATION: In the event of cancellation, levies will apply, please see booking conditions for details. Tour cost includes: Economy airfares and pre-payable taxes Australia to Paris and return from Venice 3 River Cruises as outlined in the itinerary in main or middle/upper deck cabins Air-conditioned vehicle throughout for all land-based touring Twin share 3-4 star accommodation throughout with en suite facilities Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) All entry fees as indicated in the itinerary Activities and sightseeing as per the itinerary Services of an experienced and knowledgeable English speaking tour guide plus a specialist Battlefields guide on days 8 & 9 Standard Travel Insurance for those aged up to and including 70 years (surcharge applicable for passengers with an existing health condition or aged 71 or over) Porterage (one bag per person) Tour cost does NOT include: Items of a personal nature ie laundry/phone etc and any optional extras listed in the itinerary Beverages & Meals not listed in the itinerary Cost of passport Cost of any medication required Gratuities IMPORTANT NOTES: The tour cost is subject to change due to currency fluctuations, airfare, fuel surcharges and / or tax increases. As this is a group package, all passengers must travel on the same outbound flight to Frankfurt. Post touring options are available and will incur an amendment fee of $100 per person (plus extra touring and insurance costs). PASSPORTS AND VISAS All travellers will require a full valid passport, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid visas for all countries visited on your holiday, and/or sufficient blank pages for any visas and for entry/departure stamps. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your holiday. If you have more than one passport, we recommend that you use one passport only for the entire journey. This will save problems and potential delays at border crossings. Requirements differ depending on your nationality - check with the appropriate embassies for details. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday and onward travel. Swagman Tours cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation. Please check the actual requirements with the necessary embassy. Please also do not assume that any inaccuracies within your documentation will be detected or can be rectified - you must ensure that your "paper-work" is in order. There will be times during the trip, when your passport will be collected e.g. by your tour leader, hotel reception staff, or police. HOLDERS OF FOREIGN PASSPORTS: Travellers holding non Australian passports must have the relevant re-entry permit to return to Australia and must check with their National Consulate of any visa requirements to your holiday destination country(s). NOTE: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate. FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT: Swagman Tours LTA Level 1, 182 Latrobe Terrace (PO Box 7473) GEELONG WEST VIC Phone: info@swagmantours.com.au

6 CRUISE INFORMATION All three of your river cruise ships are spacious and light and offer a welcoming and refined setting. Accommodation capacity varies from 100 to 180 passengers depending on the boat's design. At the cutting edge of technology, their facilities offer comfort and safety. Carefully maintained and partially renovated each year, the fleet is largely made up of recently built vessels, less than five years old, all with Veritas certification. The leading European river tour operator, our company owes its international reputation to its seriousness, its dynamism, its sense of innovation and its recognised value for money of long standing. Vessels are rated four-star and food is superb - as you'd expect on a French-owned cruise line, staffed by French chefs and with top French and German wines aboard. The cruise company is a family-owned and operated firm, with brothers and sisters running different aspects of the company and keeping a close eye on all operations to ensure excellence. River cruising offers much free fun. Wake in the morning and observe the passing riverside scenery through your cabin window - perhaps from your bed. Gaze upon village churches or a patchwork of fields sparkling in the morning sun. The only "floating" hotel structures of its type in France, your river cruise reigns supreme over the kitchens on its boats. In charge of the company's Chefs, Alain Bohn manages and designs his cuisine and specific menus in the pure tradition of French cooking with his passionate kitchen teams. Dining on board is always a pleasure. Food is taken seriously and it shows. You'll soon become firm friends with your waiter and you'll quickly come to admire the choices made by world-renowned sommelier, Serge Dubs. Dinner is served at a set time at a single sitting and breakfast is buffet style and is also served in the restaurant. Dress is smart casual, no formal nights are held on board. Drinks included with on board meals: mineral water, house wine, beer, fruit juice, tea and coffee. Tipping is not expected, however if you wish to show your gratitude for exceptional service, feel free to do so. Deck Plans MS Gerard Schmitter: Facilities: Lounge Bar Souvenir Shop Large Sun Deck with Deckchairs Lift TV & Video in Lounge Fully Air Conditioned Cabin Amenities: MS Camargue and MS Michelangelo: Ensuite bathroom (shower & WC) Satellite TV Hairdryer Safe Radio Central Heating 220v Electricity