GERMANY AND A RHINE RIVER CRUISE

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1 JOURNEYS GERMANY AND A RHINE RIVER CRUISE Wednesday 15 August 4 September nights TOUR OVERVIEW This tour offers a well-balanced and rich experience of vibrant cities and picturesque small towns; different modes of transport and some of the most outstanding places of historical interest in Germany, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands. Although you will cover a lot of ground, you will do it in comfort and style and feel satisfied with the experiences you have had. One of the advantages of the cruise we have chosen is that it offers a choice of excursions that will cater to different interests. Unlike many river cruises, all excursions are included in the price. Your first three nights are in Berlin, considered one of Europe s most modern and exciting cities. You will, however, encounter richly textured history at every turn, much of which took place in the 20th century. It s not too hard see why the Romantic Road is so popular. Despite the modern roots of the idea, the tour combines the historic city of Wurzburg with medieval walled towns, and the highlight of Neuschwanstein Castle. The Rhine River is one of Europe s grand waterways, and its romantic small towns and winegrowing villages on its banks are best discovered by boat. The river has served as a link between southern and northern Europe since prehistoric times, enabling trade and cultural exchange that in turn led to the establishment of settlements. Condensed into a very small area, these subsequently joined up to form chains of villages and small towns. For over 1,000 years the steep valley sides have been terraced for vineyards. The landscape is punctuated by hilltop castles and fortresses erected over a long period. Abandoned or destroyed during wars in the 17th century, most are now picturesque ruins. The 18th century saw the growth of sensibility towards the beauty of nature, and the often dramatic physical scenery of the Middle Rhine Valley, coupled with the many ruined castles on prominent hilltops, made it appeal strongly to the Romantic Movement. The Rhine River flows into the North Sea in the Netherlands, and you will end your European excursion by exploring the rich culture and history of Amsterdam. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Visit cities rich with history, art and music Admire Sansoucci Palace and contrast it with Neuschwanstein Castle Travel along Germany s Romantic Road Cruise through the historic castle & winelands of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Climb Mt Pilatus on the world s steepest cog wheel train, or go wine tasting in the Alsatian hills Visit a woodcarver s workshop or an open-air museum in the Black Forest In Strasbourg, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral See the Great Vat in Heidelberg and the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz Visit Siegfried s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rudesheim, cruise through the Rhine Gorge and take a guided walk in Koblenz In Cologne take a guided city walk or a Jewish Heritage walk Canal cruise in Amsterdam IS THIS TOUR FOR ME? This tour will suit anyone with an interest in Western European history, art and culture. It will cater well for people with varied interests, fitness and activity levels. On several days there will be free time for people to follow their own interests.

2 TOUR MANAGER Peter Oettli was born and grew up in Switzerland, and emigrated to New Zealand with his parents and family when he was 16 years old. When he was 14, his dream job was being skipper of a Rhine barge between Basle and Rotterdam. After completing degrees at the University of Auckland, he spent a year in Germany on a scholarship together with his wife Pat, and later returned to Europe on almost all of his sabbaticals while working at the University of Waikato. Peter knows German-speaking Europe well, and looks forward to sharing his knowledge with you. He is fluent in Swiss German and Standard High German, and speaks passable French. He has taken several successful Calder & Lawson tours to Western Europe as tour manager. On this tour he will show you his hometown of St Gallen. TOUR PRICE Ex Auckland, twin share per person Category P, Royal Deck Cabins NZD $16,998 Single supplement NZD $ 1,415 Single cabins are limited, so please contact us if you are interested. GROUP SIZE Minimum 12, maximum 16 VARIATIONS IN TRAVEL We can make arrangements for any travel you would like to do before or after this tour, or book business class seats for the flights. Please contact us. TOUR INCLUSIONS The services of a Calder & Lawson tour manager Economy class airfares 2 nights accommodation in Dubai 8 nights accommodation on land Meals on land as detailed in the itinerary A 7 night Rhine River cruise visiting Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands On the river ship everything is included: all shore excursions, complimentary beverages, all transfers, 20 meals, service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharges Admissions as detailed in the itinerary All tips and gratuities Pre-tour material TOUR EXCLUSIONS Airline taxes Travel insurance Personal expenses Meals not specified in the itinerary Hotel porterage YOUR RIVER SHIP Avalon Felicity Enjoy cruising along Europe's celebrated rivers aboard this magnificent ship. Accommodating only 138 passengers, the Avalon Felicity offers the intimate feeling of a small ship while providing the spaciousness passengers have come to expect from the Avalon fleet. The roomy and well-appointed staterooms feature a minimum of 172 square feet of space and are the largest of the European rivers today. All staterooms and suites include a well-stocked minibar, spacious closet, flatscreen satellite TV and radio, Comfort Collection Beds, and a large private bathroom complete with a full shower, hairdryer, and premium bath amenities. For the more active guests, desirable onboard amenities include a fitness centre and Sky Deck complete with whirlpool.

3 DAILY ITINERARY Wednesday 15 August. Auckland Dubai. An evening departure for your overnight Emirates flight to Dubai, arriving early in the morning on Thursday 16 August. Explore Dubai with a tour in the afternoon. (Meals in flight) Friday 17. Dubai Hamburg Berlin. An early flight to Hamburg, then transfer through the north of the country to the impressive and historic capital city of Berlin. Check into your city centre hotel for three nights. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening. (Meals in flight/ D) Saturday 18. Berlin. A local guide will provide an informative half-day tour of central Berlin. Sites seen will include the Reichstag (parliament), the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the sobering Holocaust Memorial as well as infamous landmarks from the Cold War era such as Check Point Charlie and sections of the original Berlin Wall. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore this vibrant city at your own pace and sample dinner in a local restaurant of your choosing. Overnight in central Berlin. (B) Sunday 19. Berlin. Tour the surrounds of Berlin. At Potsdam see the world-renowned Sansoucci palace and gardens, the former summer palace of Frederik The Great, King of Prussia. There will be time here to fully enjoy this impressive building and landscaped gardens before returning to central Berlin via the Glienicke Bridge, former exchange point for secret agents during the Cold War, as featured in film The Bridge of Spies. Once back in Berlin, the remainder of the day is yours to explore as you wish. Overnight in central Berlin. (B) Monday 20. Berlin - Dresden. Travel south to the lovely city of Dresden. Though much of the city was destroyed during WW2, there has been a sympathetic rebuild of the old town which reflects its former grandeur. A local guide will take you on a walking tour of the city centre, including a visit inside the stunning Fraunenkirche. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sites including the many palaces, galleries, architectural delights, or perhaps to discover the sites along the River Elba on a relaxing scenic cruise. Overnight in central Dresden. (B) Tuesday 21. Dresden. Travel to the pretty town of Meissen for a tour of the famous porcelain factory. Originally opened over 300 years ago, its distinctive designs soon became a favourite of European royalty. Continue on to the musical city of Leipzig, famed for being the home of Bach, Wagner and Mendelssohn among others. A local guide will take you on a tour of this impressive city, after which you have free time to discover sites at your leisure and perhaps attend a concert. Return to Dresden this evening, with dinner in the hotel. Overnight in central Dresden. (B/D) Wednesday 22. Dresden Wurzburg. Transfer to Dresden station for a change of pace, taking the train to central Wurzburg at the northern end of the Romantic Road. The trip of about 4.5 hours passes through the stunning Saxony countryside and on to Bavaria. In Wurzburg you will meet a local guide who will highlight the main sites such as the Residenz Palace, St Kilian s Cathedral, the Marienberg fortress and the ornate Hofkirche. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in central Wurzburg. (B) Thursday 23. Romantic Road. Today you follow the Romantic Road southwards, stopping at the most scenic villages including Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen. Continue to the Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, set in the foothills of Germany s highest mountain, Zugspitz. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening. Overnight in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen area. (B/D) Friday 24. Garmisch-Partenkirchen and surrounding area. Today explore southern Bavaria, starting with a morning visit to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. Perched high on a rocky outcrop, this impressive feat of engineering was built by King Ludwig II in the mid-1800s and was one of the inspirations for the Walt Disney castle. Enjoy some free time in the pretty alpine town of Fussen, located at the southern end of the Romantic Road. After lunch continue to the stunning Pilgrimage Church in Wies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ornate interior is considered one of the best examples of Bavarian Rococo in the region. Travel back to your hotel, with the reminder of the day at leisure to enjoy the town and local restaurants. Overnight in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. (B) Saturday 25. Garmisch-Partenkirchen Lucerne. Say goodbye to Germany and travel on to Switzerland. Your route takes you around Lake Constance, with a stop in the Swiss town of St Gallen, allowing time for you to meander through the old town and enjoy lunch at leisure. Be sure to look up and admire the decorated bay windows this town is renowned for. You then continue across the country to Lucerne, where you will stay for the night. (B)

4 Sunday 26. Lucerne and Mt Pilatus - Basel. Welcome to Switzerland! Mountain scenery, shimmering Lake Lucerne, and forests and meadows straight out of a picture book are in store for you today. From town, you ll head out for the heights of Mt Pilatus aboard the world s steepest cogwheel train, climbing from Alpnachstad at the edge of Lake Lucerne to the very top (Oberhaupt) over 2,000 m high. Getting to the top is definitely part of the fun, as you travel upward at a 48 angle while soaking up views of alpine meadows, mountain streams, goats and flowers. In the afternoon, transfer to Basel where your river ship is docked. This evening you will board your Avalon river ship and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception. (B/D) Monday 27. Breisach and the Black Forest Germany. Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany's Black Forest region, an area of unrivalled natural beauty. The area got its name because the pine forests are so dense, local residents described them as black. The most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham, Black Forest cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks! You may opt to visit the workshop of a local woodcarver who produces clocks and other carvings, or to the open-air Vogtsbauernhof Museum to see how life was lived in this area centuries ago. (B/L/D) Tuesday 28. Strasbourg, France Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. On your walking tour, you will discover Europe at its most quintessential. Visit the monumental red-sandstone Gothis Cathedral with its ancient murals, stained-glass windows, and fascinating astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France district, home to half timbered houses, quaint shops, inviting bistros, and a waterfront promenade. Explore Place Kleber, a large historic square in the heart of the city, and Place Gutenberg in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, which features a statue of the inventor of the printing press. In the afternoon, an excursion into the Alsace wine country is included. (B/L/D) Wednesday 29. Heidelberg - Mainz. An excursion takes you to Heidelberg, home to Germany's oldest university, which was founded in Visit the ruins of Heilelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city and among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. You'll also see the famed Great Vat, the "World's Largest Wine Barrel." At nearly 7 metres high and 8.5 metres wide, it holds over 260,000 litres of wine and has a dance floor on top of it! In the afternoon, arrive in Mainz, which today is Germany's largest and most important wine market. The Altstadt (Old Town) has many intriguing shops and the whimsical Fastnachtsbrunnen (Carnival Fountain) on the Schillerplatz is a tribute to the jesters at the city's annual Carnival celebration. Gutenberg, father of modern printing, was born here. During a guided walk, you'll visit the captivating Gutenberg Museum. (B/L/D) Thursday 30. Rudesheim - Rhine Gorge - Koblenz. This morning, dock in pretty Rudesheim, a typical Rhine Valley wine town. Visit SIiegfried s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum to see and hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Downstream from Rudesheim is the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of river. Ancient castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs rising 120 metres above the water. Cruise past the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where echoes of enchanted siren song lured sailors to their doom. Then, arrive at the place where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet-the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) with its impressive statue of German Emperor William I. Join your local guide for a walking tour of 2,000-year-old Koblenz, which reveals an eventful past through its castles, fortress walls, towers, squares, and monuments. (B/L/D) Friday 31. Cologne. One of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine, and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between an included guided city walk or Jewish Heritage walk. The Old Town abounds with cafes, shops, and taverns. Be sure to try a Kolsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred years! (B/L/D) Saturday 1 September. Amsterdam, Holland. Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland's sophisticated, modern capital has a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafes, and restaurants has a distinct ambiance. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by canal boat, cruising through the elegant canals lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam's "Golden Age." There's free time this afternoon to enjoy the city or perhaps join an optional excursion. We will let you know the choices and include the exclusion of your choice. (B/L/D) Sunday 2. Amsterdam Dubai. Disembark your river ship this morning and transfer to Amsterdam s Schipol Airport for an afternoon flight to Dubai. Overnight in Dubai. Monday 3. Dubai Auckland. Leave Dubai on an early morning flight to Auckland, where you will arrive on Tuesday 4 September.

5 Avalon cruise map: Basel - Amsterdam HOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE ON THIS TOUR A deposit of $1,000 is required to secure your place on the tour. When minimum numbers are reached, the tour will become a confirmed departure. At that point we will advise when the full tour payment will be due. Click here to complete the online registration form, pay the $1,000 deposit and your spot in this tour is secured. Or you can complete a paper registration form. You can down load one from the website or give us a call and we will or post one to you. TERMS & CONDITIONS Can be found on the website on the back of the paper registration form or on the summary page when you complete an online registration. VARIATIONS This itinerary is Version 3 dated 26/02/2018 and is subject to change. Exchange rate fluctuations may result in a change to the tour price.