BEST OF THE BALKANS $ 5399 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE THAT S % 40 OFF TYPICALLY $8999 BULGARIA SERBIA HUNGARY SLOVAKIA AUSTRIA BUCHAREST THE OFFER It s time to discover 7 amazingly unique countries on the ultimate European luxury river cruise. Spend 19 remarkable nights under a European sky, as you journey through the best of Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic. Spend seven nights in hotel accommodation as you travel through cities and villages from Bucharest to Vienna along the legendary Danube River. Explore Romania s capital Bucharest, with its impressive Palace of Parliament, Triumph Arch Arcul de Triumf and various architectural styles from neo-classical to modern design. See the Danube Delta s UNESCO listed Black Sea Canal nature reserves. Marvel at the breathtaking passage through the Iron Gates, a narrow gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains and natural border between Serbia and Romania. See all the incredible highlights of the region including Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle in the Carpathian Mountains; Bran Castle near Brasov; Belgrade The White City in Serbia; Bratislava Castle; Prague s Hradčany and more. With return international flights, 36 meals including Captain s Gala Dinner, English-speaking tour leader and more, the only thing left to do is lose yourself in the magic of European river cruising. HAYDN DECK: WINDOW CABIN $5399 STRAUSS DECK: FRENCH BALCONY $6199 *Please note: all information provided in this brochure is subject to both change and availability. Prior to purchase please check the current live deal at www.tripadeal.com.au or contact our customer service team on 1300 00 TRIP (8747) for the most up-to-date information. If you have already purchased this deal, the terms and conditions on your Travel Voucher apply and take precedence over the information in this brochure.
THE ITINERARY Day 1 Australia - Bucharest, Romania Today depart from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth for Bucharest! Fly with award-winning airlines such as Etihad Airways, Emirates, British Airways or Thai Airways to name a few (subject to availability). Meals included: In-Flight Day 2 Welcome to Bucharest Upon arrival be met by a representative and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day will be at leisure. Europa Royale Hotel, Bucharest Meals included: None Day 3 Bucharest - Sinai - Bran - Brasov (approx. 200km day) Today we transfer to Sinai by bus. Sinai is situated in the historical region of Muntenia. The town was named after Sinaia Monastery, around which it was built; the monastery in turn is named after the Biblical Mount Sinai. The town itself is a melange of crayoncoloured wooden houses contrasted with the wedding-cake style of its grander 19th-century buildings. Once home to Romania s first king, Carol I, who created a summer retreat here, Peleş Castle is a dream of hidden passages, fairy-tale turrets, vertiginous galleries and classical statues; it s so beguilingly imaginative, it could raise a swoon from the most hardened cynic. Here you will see the Peles and Pelisor Castles and see the Sinaia Monastery (entrance tickets not included). Time at disposal for lunch (at own expense) and transfer to Bran s a village in the southern Transylvania, in the department of Brasov. It is famous for the Bran Castle and an important agrotouristic place of Romania. Here you will visit the famous Bran Castle also known as Dracula s Castle (entrance tickets not included). The castle inspired by Bram Stoker, much as souvenir-sellers attempt to link Bran to the iconic Gothic novel Dracula. These seem minor quibbles when you gaze up at the turreted fortress, guarded from the east by the Bucegi Mountains and from the west by Piatra Craiului massif. Meanwhile, the castle s museum pays greater homage to Romanian royals than immortal counts. Ignoring this, a gauntlet of souvenir sellers hawk fang-adorned mugs and Vlad-the-Impaler compact mirrors If time allows it, you can also visit the Village Museum. Continue onwards to Brasov and check in at hotel. Kronwell Hotel, Brasov Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Brasov Free Day Enjoy Brașov today, a city in the Transylvania region of Romania, ringed by the Carpathian Mountains. It s known for its medieval Saxon walls and bastions, the towering Gothic-style Black Church and lively cafes. Piaţa Sfatului (Council Square) in the cobbled old town is surrounded by colourful baroque buildings and is home to the Casa Sfatului, a former town hall turned local history museum. Today you will have the day at leisure to discover the most important attractions of the city: The Rope Street, The Black Church, The First Romanian School, the old town with the old walls and towers. Don t miss the opportunity to listen to a private organ concert inside The Black Church. In the evening transfer to Poiana Brasov where you will have dinner in a local restaurant, Coliba Haiducilor). A must on any trip to Poiana, Coliba - opened in 1967 - serves traditional Romanian food in a gorgeous building close to the ski slopes. Sit at one of the long wooden tables. The food is fantastic - from the ciorbas and soups to the huge portions of meat, all of which come served on wooden boards. Kronwell Hotel, Brasov Meals included: Breakfast;Dinner Day 5 Brasov - Bucharest (approx. 170km day) Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and afterwards journey onwards to Bucharest where you will have time at leisure in the afternoon - Romania s capital city! In the evening meet with other members joining you onboard your Amadeus at the hotel for a Welcome Dinner. JW Marriott Grand Hotel, Bucharest Meals included: Breakfast;Dinner
THE ITINERARY Day 6 Bucharest - Begin 9 night Delta Danube River Cruise After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin a full day exploration of the capital city of Romania, which is also known as the Paris of the East Start with a photo stop at the impressive Romanian Palace of the Parliament. The palace, previously also known as the People s House, is one of the largest buildings in Europe and was constructed between 1983 and 1989. It is the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon in the United States. Continue along the city s broad boulevards, past the Opera house, and the Triumph Arch. After lunch in a local restaurant, the tour continues on foot through the historic centre of Bucharest. Visit Stavropoleos Church (dating back to 1724) which is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in the city and we will visit a Romanian Orthodox Church as well. Transfer in the afternoon to the Danube port of Fetesti, for embarkation at 4:00pm. The friendly crew will be awaiting your arrival. Enjoy time to appreciate the features of your cabin, each of which features panoramic windows and French balconies. Soon after, the Cruise Director will invite you for a welcome cocktail followed by a specially-prepared Welcome Dinner. Day 7 Danube Delta - St. George, Romania 9:00am to 3:00pm The natural beauty of the Danube Delta is on full display today. Spend the morning cruising Sfantu Gheorghe (Saint George), one of the 3 main channels that make up the Danube Delta. At the meeting of the Black Sea and the Danube, this UNESCO site hosts 7 different ecosystems and is home to many unique species of birds, fish and other creatures. From the fisherman s village of Saint George, observe daily life for the people who inhabit this fertile delta. Today take the opportunity to join the optional shore excursion - the Delta Safari (not included). Explore the famous ancient Roan Ruins of Carsium, and the Lipovan Church, a unique structure which stands high above the city. In the distance you can see the cliffs of Danube, the Black Sea coast, and on a clear day, even Costanta, the oldest inhabited city of Romania. Today take the opportunity to join the optional shore excursion Constanta and Black Sea Coast (not included). This evening enjoy dinner as the vessel continues to Bulgaria. Day 9 Giurgiu, Romania Rousse, Bulgaria Svistov 7:00am to 4:00pm Spend the day cruising the Danube River through the Bulgarian country side, dotted with delightful homes and villages from Giurgiu to Rousse and on to Svistov. For those wanting to explore a little farther inland, an optional excursion - Veliko Tarnovo with Arbanassi including lunch. Veliko being the oldest town in Bulgaria (not included). In the afternoon arrive in Svistov. Day 10 Iron Gates, Serbia The natural beauty of the mighty Danube River is on full display as your vessel makes its way around bends and through the picturesque iron gates. This beautiful passage is named Iron Gates for the two hydroelectric dams that control the water flow. Watch from the deck as the vessel passes through the narrow gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains which forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Keep an eye out for the many caves and the rock sculptures hiding among the steep hills overlooking the Danube. Recount the spectacular day with your fellow travellers over dinner. Day 8 Hirsova, Romania 7:00am to 12:00pm During breakfast arrive in the small Romanian metropolis, Hirsova. Day 11 Belgrade, Serbia 9:30am to 4:30pm After breakfast, arrive in Belgrade, one of the oldest European
THE ITINERARY cities and the capital of Serbia. Today take the opportunity to join the optional shore excursion Morning city tour of Belgrade (not included). The city lies at the juncture of the Danube and the Sava Rivers. The White City is one of the most historically rich an important place in all of Serbia. From the Kalemegdan-Belgrade fortress, you ll have an impressive panoramic view over the Danube and the Sava Rivers. Enjoy Belgrade, see the Parliament, the Terazije square and the palace of Princess Ljubica. Another highlight is the St. Sava Temple, the largest Orthodox Church in Serbia. The city has bustling pedestrian area with plenty of shops and markets for exploration. To taste the local cuisine, the Skadarlija (Skadarska Street) is a pedestrian street filled with restaurants and cafes emanating the spirit of Old Belgrade. In the late afternoon continue cruising along the Danube. Day 12 Mohacs, Hungary Kalocsa 11:30am to 8:00pm This morning visit the tiny harbour town of Mohacs, a melting pot of nations. Two important battles took place in the fields around this town, the battle in 1526 was the beginning of the Ottoman Empire over the country for the next century and a half and in 1687 the Austrian troops and Habsburg allies overturned the empire. Today take the opportunity to join the optional shore excursion Excursion to Puszta (not included). This afternoon relax on board. Day 13 Budapest, Hungary 8:00am to 9:00pm Early this morning we dock in Budapest, the capital and largest city of Hungary. Today take the opportunity to join the optional shore excursion Morning city tour of Budapest and/or Excursion to Godollo Castle (not included). A large portion of this city is a World Heritage Site, including the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle quarter, Heroes Square, and the Millennium Underground Railway. With 80 geothermal hot springs, the third largest Parliament building in the world. A visit to the covered market is a favourite with the locals for fresh produce, seafood and spices, including famous Hungarian paprika. After the day s explorations, a special Hungarian evening is planned with the traditional music of the country topped with an evening cruise down the Danube to see this beautiful city by night. Day 14 Bratislava, Slovakia 3:30pm to 7:00pm Discover the Slovak capital of Bratislava this afternoon. Time at leisure in the city, see the Bratislava Castle, high above the city. Today take the opportunity to join the optional shore excursion City tour of Bratislava (not included). Take a stroll to the historic city centre, where you can admire sights such as the Primatial Palace and St. Martin s Cathedral. In the evening the Captain will invite you to an exclusive gala dinner as the ship sails on to Vienna. Day 15 Vienna, Austria - Walking Tour This morning, enjoy your last breakfast onboard, before disembarking the ship around 9:00am and transferring to your Hotel in Vienna for the remainder of the morning at leisure. In the afternoon enjoy a walking city tour with your tour leader in the Imperial City to see the magnificent Baroque palaces and courtyards, see Mozart s birthplace in the delightful Getreidegasse. Plus visit the beautiful Mirabell Gardens and enjoy spectacular view of the fortress, which dominates the city. Trend Hotel Ananas, Vienna Meals included: Breakfast Day 16 Vienna - Brno - Prague, Czech Republic (approx. 340km day) After breakfast, the journey continues to Prague. On the way, make a stop at Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, known for its modernist buildings. In the late afternoon arrive at the hotel in beautiful Prague. Hotel Sonata, Prague Meals included: Breakfast
THE ITINERARY Day 17 Prague, Czech Republic - Walking Tour After breakfast walk through Prague, the City of the Hundred Spires. It is known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colourful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated hourly show. Completed in 1402, pedestrian Charles Bridge is lined with statues of Catholic saints.see the most important places and sights, including Wenceslas Square, the National Theatre, the Lesser Town and Hradčany with Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, the former Jewish district and the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square. The afternoon is free at leisure. Hotel Sonata, Prague Meals included: Breakfast Day 18 Prague, Czech Republic - Australia After breakfast transfer to Prague Airport for the return flight home to Australia. This is one Eastern European and River Cruise experience you won t soon forget! Please note: if your flight departs early, breakfast will be arranged for pick up from the hotel reception the night before. Meals included: Breakfast;In-Flight Day 19 Arrive in Australia *Please note some flights may arrive +1 day later due to flight scheduling (Day 20)
TOUR INCLUSIONS HIGHLIGHTS Discover Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and The Czech Republic Visit Bucharest, Budapest, Brasov, Belgrade, Bratislava, Vienna, Prague and more Travel the Transylvania region of Romania, ringed by the Carpathian Mountains Explore Bucharest free at leisure; Romania s capital city See Sinai Monastery and Peles Castle in the Carpathian Mountains Wander around lively village of Brasov Enjoy a typical dinner in a local Romanian restaurant in Brasov Discover the famous Bran Castle (Dracula s Castle) Cruise through the natural beauty of the Danube Delta Witness the wildlife of the UNESCO listed Danube-Black Sea Canal Explore the Romanian metropolis of Hirsova Marvel at the beauty of the Bulgarian countryside Pass through the Iron Gates gorge between Serbia and Romania Discover Belgrade The White City in Serbia Explore Budapest and enjoy a night cruise along the Danube Witness the panoramic Bratislava Castle Enjoy a walking tour of the imperial city of Vienna Experience the beautiful Mirabell Gardens and its wondrous views Tour Prague the City of a Hundred Spires Visit Hradčany with Prague Castle, Wenceslas Square and more FLIGHTS Return international flights (economy class) departing SYD/ MEL/BNE/ADL/PER ACCOMMODATION 7 nights hotel accommodation on tour CRUISE 9 night Bucharest to Vienna Danube River Cruise Sail aboard the stunning Amadeus Silver III ship Stay in an elegant outside river-view stateroom Experience an onboard Cocktail Reception Enjoy Free-flowing quality red & white wines from Europe s famous wine regions with every dinner onboard Special onboard entertainment including cooking demonstrations, music performances and nightly music 24-hour complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water onboard cruise Complimentary use of onboard bicycles Services of an experienced English-speaking onboard Cruise Director DINING Enjoy 36 meals including a Captains Gala Dinner TOUR ESSENTIALS English-speaking tour leader for whole tour Airport, cruise taxes and surcharges Parking, check points and city taxes TRANSPORT Transportation by private vehicles TRANSFERS Return airport and ship transfers
IMPORTANT INFORMATION *Please note: all information provided in this brochure is subject to both change and availability. Prior to purchase please check the current live deal at www.tripadeal.com. au or contact our customer service team on 1300 00 TRIP (8747) for the most up-to-date information. If you have already purchased this deal, the terms and conditions on your Travel Voucher apply and take precedence over the information in this brochure BOOKING INFORMATION After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation email. You will also be directed to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete your Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase. Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below. On purchasing this Travel Offer you are bound by TripADeal s standard Terms and Conditions in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information Please Note: all additional charges are payable direct to TripADeal (unless otherwise stated). OFFER ESSENTIALS Travel offer is valid for travel on the 18th October 2018 Travel offer is valid for one person based on twin share Single Traveller Supplement For solo travellers a mandatory single supplement of applies - Haydn Deck: Window Cabin: $800 - Strauss Deck: French Balcony Cabin: $1999 Departure Dates 18th October 2018 Departure Cities Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth FLIGHTS Full Service Airline(s) Used Etihad Airways, Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss Airways, Austrian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air France, KLM, Alitalia, Czech Airlines, Romanian Air Transport, China Southern Airlines, Virgin Australia, Air Serbia, Thai Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Turkish Airlines plus any codeshare partners (subject to availability) Arrive early in Bucharest, Romania $200 per person, subject to availability Please note: - This fee does not include extra nights accommodation, meals or airport transfers - No flight booking changes or cancellations permitted after air tickets have been issued - Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking Stay behind in Prague, Czech Republic $200 per person, subject to availability Please note: - This fee does not include extra nights accommodation, meals or airport transfers - No flight booking changes or cancellations permitted after air tickets have been issued - Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking Stopover Packages Twin share: $450 per person/each way Solo Traveller: $700 each way Locations: * Singapore * Abu Dhabi (Flights ex ADL not permitted) Includes: - 2 Nights in 4 star accommodation - Daily breakfast - Return airport transfers Please note: - An outbound and inbound stopover may be chosen; however the stopover location must be the same each way, due to the airline used - Stopover packages are subject to availability - Please note: due to flight scheduling and availability, flights ex ADL are not able to choose a stopover option in Abu Dhabi Flight Class Upgrades - Premium Economy: starting from $2899* per person - Business Class: buy now $6499 per person Please note: - *Starting from quotes will be processed and returned for your consideration - All Premium Economy and Business Class upgrades are subject to availability (if we are not able to fulfill your business class request the upgrade cost will be refunded) - On any upgrade purchase, short haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed in a Premium or Business cabin; subject to aircraft configuration CRUISES Cabins All cabins are subject to availability. Strauss Deck Cabins are french balcony and Haydn Deck cabins are with windows ACCOMMODATION Accommodation Used 4 Star (self-rated) - Bucharest (Romania): Europa Royale Hotel - Brasov (Romania): Kronwell Hotel - Bucharest (Romania): JW Marriott Grand Hotel - Vienna (Austria) Trend Hotel Ananas - Prague (Czech Republic) EA Hotel Sonata - Cruise: Amadeus River Cruises - Amadeus Silver III ship *Please note: rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type, and are subject to availability based on seasonality. Properties will be confirmed, no later than two weeks prior to travel. Extra Nights - Bucharest, Romania (Pre Tour): $190 per room including breakfast - Prague, Czech Republic (Post Tour): $230 per room including breakfast Please note: extra nights are subject to availability until the time of booking.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Airport transfers are not included if you wish to arrive early or stay behind Maximum Room Capacity 2 people Child Policy - No child discounts. Full price applies for all children travelling with their parents - Strictly valid for Children 12 years old and over Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors allowed Triple Share Not available Bedding Configuration Double or Twin Bedding (subject to availability) Adjoining Rooms (Interconnecting Rooms) Subject to availability and at the hotels discretion. Please enquire on booking if you require this option GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 50 per vehicle Entrance Fees and Shore Excursions - Shore excursions can be booked/ reserved directly with Amadeus Cruises prior to travel (subject to availability) - Shore excursions can also be booked whilst onboard (subject to availability) Please note: Entrance fees are only available payable on the spot such as the Sinai Monastery approx. 10 per person for the 2 castles and Dracula s Castle approx. 9 per person. EXCLUSIONS - Visa fees and requirements (not required for Europe for stays up to 90 days if travelling on an Australian Passport) - Meals/beverages not stated in the itinerary - Gratuities/tipping *land: Recommended at approx. 5 per person/day payable on tour (subject to change) *Cruise: Recommended at approx. 7 per person/day payable onboard (subject to change) Please note: cruise gratuities may also be prepaid online with Amadeus at approx. $10 AUD per person/day once your booking has been confirmed. - Optional activities/tours (including any onshore excursions as part of cruise) - Personal expenses - Travel insurance (Mandatory) *** Please Note: A comprehensive travel Insurance policy must be organised BEFORE all details can be finalised with TripADeal OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION TOUR GUIDE vs TOUR LEADER Tour Guide: Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction in which he or she is guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves the group at the end of the tour, they do not travel with the group. Tour Leader: An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides in each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village, and offer information on the place visited on the bus, however they are not required to have specific knowledge on art, architecture, or history. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and if caught doing so, can be fined. Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all TripADeal travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when particularly required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. CRUISE: Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking. Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing. Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice. Check your specific sailing for exact departure and arrival times. All times are local to the port. COACH TOUR: Meals: Daily breakfast and all onboard meals are included on the tour, for all other meals; lunches and dinners the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. You can also enquire about any allergies and food and if necessary advise meals to be to be prepared with any medication you require. Luggage: You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on the tour. With regards to luggage, you must carry your own luggage from the coach to the hotel room and back to the coach. The driver will assist with the uploading and offloading of their luggage from the coach. Gratuities: Gratuities (tips) are not included in the tour price for services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip for the tour leader and driver is 5 per person per day, which will be collected whilst on tour. Onboard gratuities are recommended at approx. 7 per person/day payable onboard Please note: cruise gratuities may also be prepaid online with Amadeus at approx. $10 AUD per person/day once your booking has been confirmed. Fitness Level Required / Mobility: Our vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair access, so unfortunately our tours are currently not suitable for wheelchair users and those less mobile. Please note; a standard level of fitness will be required. If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel. VISAS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION A Tourist visa for Europe is not required for an accumulative total stay of 90 days per 180 calendar days if travelling on an Australian Passport Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required INSURANCE TripADeal is proud to offer a range of travel insurance products in partnership with My Travel Insurance. SCHEDULE OF FEES Voluntary Changes This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue. 1st Change - $100.00 per person + any additional charges applied by the airline/ cruise company/ other travel provider. 2nd Change - $150.00 per person + any additional charges applied by the airline/ cruise company/ other travel provider. Subsequent changes - $250.00 per person + any additional charges applied by the airline/ cruise company/ other travel provider. Changes within 30 days of departure $350.00 person + any additional charges applied by the airline/ cruise company/ other travel provider. Changes within 14 days of departure $500.00 per person + any additional charges applied by the airline/ cruise company/ other travel provider. Name Changes Due To Passenger Error If the incorrect name has been advised to TripADeal, charges of $150.00 per person + any additional charges applied by the airline/ cruise company/ other travel provider will apply.