15-Day Swiss Alps, Venice & Greek Islands Cruise Tour Sept.23-Oct.7, 2018

Transcription

1 15-Day Swiss Alps, Venice & Greek Islands Cruise Tour Sept.23-Oct.7, 2018 Journey from the Swiss Alps to the Greek Islands with Collins Tours! Day 1 - Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018 Home Overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland All passengers will meet their Tour Manager and join fellow travelers at Toronto airport for their group flight to Zurich. All passengers are flying on Air Canada flights and traveling together from Toronto direct to Zurich, Switzerland. PLEASE NOTE: ALL PASSENGERS ARE REQUIRED to pay the airline any fees associated with checking a bag, as this is is not included in the tour price. Your luggage payment is paid directly to the airline. Fees will be charged on both the outbound and return flights. Be sure to have your *valid passport for Customs & Immigration which you will clear in your final destination, Zurich, and not in Toronto. For all flights, be aware of rules concerning traveling with any liquids or gels with most security. Do not pack prescription medication in your checked baggage. Day 2 - Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 Zurich, Switzerland Arrive in the Zurich airport 7:50 a.m. local time, the largest airport in Switzerland. After clearing customs, we proceed to the baggage carousel to collect our luggage and meet our coach for transfer to the Sheraton Zurich Hotel. Please collect your own luggage from the baggage carousel and once we meet our coach, your luggage (1 checked piece per person) is looked after from there and delivered to your hotel room, included in your price. We expect to arrive mid morning at the Sheraton Hotel Zurich. Note: Check in is not guaranteed until 3:00 p.m. Early check in has been requested. Join us for a welcome reception with wine and appetizers at your hotel at 5:30 p.m. for 1 hour for a brief orientation and to get to know fellow group travelers. Dinner this evening is on your own with plenty of options just steps away from our fabulous city centre hotel. Time to relax or explore this beautiful city nestled in the Alps. Founded by the Romans in the 1 st century, today it is widely considered the cultural capital of Switzerland. Day 3 - Tuesday, Sept. 25, Zurich, Switzerland (B, D) Wake up and enjoy a delicious Swiss breakfast buffett this morning (included). Everyone should be well rested and ready to meet your tour manager at 9:45 a.m. for a 3-hour

2 professionally guided sightseeing tour of Zurich (included). Visit the city s most popular landmarks, including the Old Town (Altsdadt), the many churches & Lindenhof Square. After the tour has ended you will be transferred back to the hotel. Perhaps you could enjoy lunch in one of the many cafés or restaurants on the waterfront (on own) or spend the afternoon shopping and sightseeing. At 5:30pm please meet your tour manager in the hotel and join your fellow Collins Tours group passengers for a Welcome Group Dinner Buffett located inside our hotel for convenience. Tonight you will sample some delectable local cuisine (included). Enjoy new company and a fine meal as we toast to the beginning of a fantastic voyage! The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy your way. Day 4 Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018 Zurich Stresa, Italy (B) Another delicious Swiss Buffet breakfast this morning, get ready for an exciting journey through the Swiss Alps and on to Locarno Switzerland. This morning please board the coach by 9:00 a.m. for our morning check-out. Travel by premium motor coach to Locarno which is a small picturesque town on the border of Switzerland and Italy. Locarno is an Italian speaking town in Switzerland and overlooks Lake Maggiore! Today we will enjoy lunch here (on own) and some time for shopping before leaving for our hotel. Our hotel Is located in Stresa Italy called the Regina Palace! A beautiful 4.5 star hotel across the mountainous border from Switzerland to the Lake Maggiore region of Italy. We expect to arrive at the Hotel Regina Palace at 3:15 p.m. located on the edge of the Lake Maggiore. Again, your Tour Manager will handle check-in for your group and have your luggage delivered to your room, all part of the Collins Tours experience! The rest of the afternoon and evening are open for you to explore this unique and picturesque area of Italy s Lake District. Day 5 - Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 Stresa, Italy (B, D) Wake up this morning and enjoy a delightful Italian buffet breakfast. Today s highlight is our cruise on Lake Maggiore with our local guide, which will visit several of the islands within the lake and offer fantastic vantage points of mountainous backdrops over quaint Italian lakeside villages. Enjoy the afternoon and lunch at your leisure this afternoon in these beautiful surroundings. Tonight we will meet in the hotel restaurant for a beautiful 4- course dinner with wine included and your fellow travellers and tour manager. After dinner, you will have plenty of time to relax or explore this beautiful lakeside town. Day 6 - Friday, Sept. 28, Stresa - Venice, Italy. Enjoy another delightful Italian buffet breakfast in this stunningly picturesque setting before we depart this amazing lakeside retreat and make our way to Venice. Pleae cover any incedentals or room charges before checking out of your room and board the coach for 8:30 am departure. 303 Westmorland Road, Saint John NB E2J 2G Page 2

3 Venice is the capital of northern Italy s Veneto region; it is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals including the Grand Canal thoroughfare lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark s Basilica, which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, and the Campanile bell tower offering views of the city s red roofs. Our drive this morning south will take us through many different Italian vineyards, relax while we stop for lunch and enjoy our surroundings. Optional lunch will be offered at additional expense. Tonight s hotel is on Venice s main island, Burano, reaching it means travelling aboard a step-on ferry. Your Tour Director will explain the process of travelling by ferry to you this morning. Enjoy the sea breeze, you are about to experience one of the world s most visited unique cities. We expect to check into the Splendid Venice Hotel at approximately 4:15 p.m. this afternoon allowing you plenty of time to explore this unique city at your leisure. Perhaps a romantic gondola ride is of interest to you? You may also want to try some of the numerous authentic Italian restaurants just steps away for your hotel. (On own) Dinner is on own this evening. Day 7 - Saturday, Sept. 29, Venice, Italy (B) Enjoy a delightful Venetian buffet breakfast before we depart at 8:45 a.m. on our 3.5 hour professionally guided sightseeing tour of Venice via water taxi where 117 islands are connected by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. Highlights include a glass blowing demonstration at the Murano Glass factory on Murano Island, as well as a visit to St. Mark s Square where our local expert takes you on a walking tour of the Basilica, Doge s Palace and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. Our tour manager departs and leaves us for lunch on own in any of the many restaurants around St. Mark s Square or adjacent streets. (please note: restaurants located within the square are more expensive than ones located a 5 or 10 min walk away from the square). You will then have time to enjoy on your own for some fine shopping, lunch, window and people watching this afternoon. You will then return to our fabulous hotel at your leisure as this is located walking distance away from St. Mark s Square! Tonight join us for another optional Collins Tours group dinner "Italian by Night". This is going to be an amazing Italian dining experience at Antico Pignolo Restaurant. The restaurant over looks the canals and will be a 4-course dinner with wine, taxes and gratuities included for an additional 45 EURO per peson. Please reserve your dinner by September 8 th with our office via or phone. Payment can be made directly or locally in Euros. Once dinner is finished you are free to return to your hotel located only a 5 min walk from our restaurant. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy. Day 8 - Sunday, Sept 30, Venice, Italy - Embark NCL Star for 7 night Greek Isles Cruise. Enjoy your final delightful Italian Venetian buffet breakfast before we check-out and enjoy our transfer to the cruise terminal to begin our embarkation process. Check out time from our hotel this morning will be 10:30 a.m. for the Port of Venice. All aboard the Norwegian Star for your 8 -day Greek Isles Cruise (Transfer and bag handling fees are included). 303 Westmorland Road, Saint John NB E2J 2G Page 3

4 Note: Your Collins Tours team has completed the check in process for you! All part of our signature group tour experience. Board at approximately noon and enjoy lunch on the ship (included, on own). Enjoy lunch on board the NCL Star today (included) after you have completed your embarkation. Please note cabins will not be ready until closer to 3:00 p.m. or slightly after. You luggage will meet you in your cabin. Once on board the ship you are free to enjoy complimentary alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages as part of your Ultimate Beverage Package. Cast off for Kotor, Montenegro at 5:00 p.m. Refer to ship s itinerary for exciting entertainment and dining options, during your first night aboard the NCL Star. The Norwegian Star offers plenty of delicious dining choices, with authentic cuisine from around the world, along with several distinctive bars and lounges for you to choose from. Day 9 - Monday, Oct. 1, Kotor, Montenegro (B, L, D) This morning enjoy breakfast in one of the many places on board the NCL Star. Please check your daily activity sheet distributed on board for the dinning options this morning. Tucked away between the mountains and the Bay of Kotor, one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea, is where you will find the picturesque town of Kotor. ***Optional Collins Tours Shore ExcursionPrice TBA Join Collins Tours for a 4.5 Hour tour of Budva & Sveti Stefan. Join our private air-conditioned coach to the fortified old town and Citadel. Our local city guide will explain the history of the many churches in the area as well as their well-preserved frescoes and icons. We will visit the Citadel, which includes the library that houses a copy of Peter Njego s The Mountain Wreath, the most revered piece of literature in Montenegro! We will then have 30 minutes to visit local boutiques or coffee in one of the three squares in old town. The tour then departs to one of the most famous views in Montenegro, Sveti Stefan. Sveti Stefan is a former fishing village perched on a steep rocky island attached to the shore by a narrow causeway. You may also choose to explore this secluded city on your own. You will notice the dramatic 65- foot high protective walls, which date back to the Venetian period during the 9th century. Stroll the labyrinth of cobbled streets with cozy cafes and craft shops as you marvel the graceful old buildings. Listed as a UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site, Kotor is also worldfamous as a premier yachting and sailing destination. Please be back on board as ship departs at 8:00 p.m. Day 10 - Tuesday, Oct. 2, Corfu, Greece (B, L, D) This Morning enjoy breakfast in one of the many places on board the NCL Star. Please check your daily activity sheet distributed on board for the dinning options this morning. ***Optional Shore Excursion our Ship is set to arrive in Corfu by 10 a.m. One of the lushest of the Greek Isles, Corfu is rimmed in dramatic blue waters and topped with tranquil hillside villages. A collection of quaint cafes in the town of Corfu feels very continental, but the island's secluded coves and sandy beaches can only be found in the Greek Isles. 303 Westmorland Road, Saint John NB E2J 2G Page 4

5 ***Optional Collins Tours Shore Excursion Price TBA Join Collins Tours again for a 4 hour private Corfu Flavours & Sights Tour. Corfu s capital has officially been declared Kastropolis (castle city). Two of these castles enclose the capital, the only city in Greece to be surrounded in such a way. Today we will visit many of the town and villages that offer spectacular views of the area s bays including a visit to Lakones, a charming village built on the slopes of a mountain. Bella Vista lies outside the village and offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Paleokastritsa. We will then return to Corfu Town and enjoy a walk through this picturesque place! Because of Corfu s unique history, the town looks different from most Greek towns. Being ruled by Venetian mobility from much of the town reflects this era with multi-storied buildings on narrow lanes. Following our walk around the town we will return to the pier. Be back onboard by 3 p.m.as ship departs at 4:00 p.m. Have you ever dreamed of cruising the Greek Islands? Well pinch yourself because you are. Join Greg and your fellow Collins Tours traveling companions from 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. in the Spinnaker Lounge for a cocktail party and canapés. Following this we will make our way to the Versailles Main Dining room for our group dinner at 6:30 p.m. Spend the rest of the evening your way as we make our way to Santorini. Please see your tour manager prior to seating in the dinning room. Day 11 - Wednesday, Oct. 3, Santorini, Greece (B, L, D) Welcome to Santorini where white washed villages clinging to the sides of sea cliffs have made this volcanic island one of the most widely photographed places in the world. The island's charm and subtle mystery have made it a target of speculation as the location of the lost city of Atlantis. Walk amongst the white-washed dwellings overlooking the Aegean Sea, do some bartering with the local vendors, dine at a fantastic restaurant featuring delicious Greek cuisine or just relax on the beach, it's up to you. The ship is docked from 2pm until 10pm. leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy this beautiful island, a definite highlight of your trip! Day 12 - Thursday, Oct. 4, Mykonos, Greece (B, L, D)After another NCL breakfast welcome to the Cyclades, a group of Greek islands, southeast of the mainland in the Aegean Sea. It centers on uninhabited Delos, considered the birthplace of Apollo, and home to some of Greece s most important archaeological ruins. Many of the islands are popular holiday destinations, known for their beaches, ancient sites, rugged landscapes and traditional blue-and-white stucco towns overlooking the sea. Mykonos is a classic Greek Island with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and windmills. Add a reputation for beautiful beaches and you will understand why Mykonos is the most popular island in the Cyclades. The ship is docked today from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Day 13 - Friday, Oct. 5, Leisure Day at Sea (B, L, D) Enjoy another day at sea, as we make our way to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Perhaps you would like to try 303 Westmorland Road, Saint John NB E2J 2G Page 5

6 one of the 10 Bars & Lounges (Ultimate Beverage Package is included!) sip on a margarita in the 5 O clock Somewhere Lounge or maybe a beer in the Bier Garten on the terrace? You can always try your luck at the Star Club Casino Bar or join the Norwegian Cast and show Orchestra in viewing Band on the Run! Refer to the ship s itinerary for exciting onboard activities. Day 14 -Saturday, Oct. 6, Dubrovnik, Croatia (B, L, D) Despite the magnificent 13th century walls that surround the city, Dubrovnik is one of the most welcoming cruise destinations in all of Europe. Dubbed the pearl of the Adriatic by the poet, Lord Byron, this Croatian city exudes romantic charm and beautiful scenery with its shimmering marble streets, centuries-old buildings capped by bright orange roofs, and lovely beaches ensconced between awesome rocky ledges. Explore more of Dubrovnik on a European cruise! Enjoy your day in Dubrovnik as the ship will be docked from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Join the group tonight in the Versailles Main Dining Room at 5:30 p.m. for our Farewell Dinner. Spend the last night about the Star as you please. Day 15 - Sunday, Oct. 7, Disembark Venice, Italy Return Flight Home (B) This morning please enjoy the ship's beautiful breakfast before we disembark and make our way to the airport for our return flight home. Pleae review the daily activity sheet for breakfast hours and open restaurants. (Transfers from the ship to the airport are included). Please meet your tour manager and disembark the ship. You will then proceed to the terminal at the pier and pick up your colour coded luggage, those who need assistance with porters will be assisted, then meet our transfer to the airport. Upon arrival at the airport please present your valid passport at Air Canada check in counter. Airline fees for checked bags are additional and are your expense please see flight letter for additional details on baggage fees. You will be served a full meal and a snack on our direct flight to Montreal, upon arrival all passengers will clear Canadian Customs & Immigration. Please note each person is allowed $800 duty free Canadian including alcohol and tobacco. Refer to your Canadian Customs forms handed out on board your flight to Canada for further details. Your tour manager will be with you to help upon re-entering Canada and can assist in locating your gates for your final flight to your home city. ** IMPORTANT INFORMATION Tour itineraries are ONLY a guideline and may need to be modified by your tour manager. Times on tour itineraries are only estimates as various unforeseen factors, such as weather, traffic, mechanical issues, emergencies, and other Acts of God, can influence tour timing. Collins Tours is not responsible or liable, in any way, for delays caused by unforeseen events. No refunds or reimbursements will be offered in the event of any such occurrences. Canadian citizens are required to have a valid passport that is good for at least THREE MONTHS AFTER your departure date. Citizens of other countries should call and verify there required documentation. Baggage allowance details: For all Air Canada flights to and from Europe: You are allowed one personal and one carry on item at no charge (max dimension 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm). You are also allowed one free checked bag (max weight 23 kg; $100 fee for overweight bag). Second checked bag is $100 CAD each way. Euro's can be used for any purchases made off the ship during this cruise tour. Duty Free Rules allow you to claim $800 per person when you have travelled outside Canada 303 Westmorland Road, Saint John NB E2J 2G Page 6

7 for at least 48 hours. Airline fees for any checked baggage (both outbound and inbound flights) are NOT included in your tour package and any additional costs are your responsibility. All liquids and gels that you are planning to bring on board an airplane must be 3oz or less and sealed in a Ziploc bag. Once at the security checkpoint, this bag must be removed from your carryon and placed in a bin for TSA screening. Prescription medication should be kept in its original container or the prescription should be carried with you during travel. Collins Tour is not responsible for lost or stolen baggage and/or personal items. REMEMBER, your tour manager handles: hotel check in/check out procedures, overall group management (e.g. timely transitions, itinerary planning), and group representation with airlines, hotels, group activities, Customs and Immigration, and overall operation of each tour. We work hard to ensure that everyone enjoys his/her experience to the fullest. Gratuities for your Tour Manager are not included in your tour price. Tipping is your way of saying Thank You, for a job well done. Here are our guidelines on Tipping Etiquette: Collins Tours guide - anywhere from $3.50-6:00 per person, per day Private city tour guides- $2 per person, per day Thank you for traveling with Collins Tours! We look forward to serving you with ALL your future travel plans Get Away Get Inspired! 303 Westmorland Road, Saint John NB E2J 2G Page 7