Travel Club In conjunction with Swagman Tours GRAND EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISING * Rhine River, Germany * Rhone River, France * Po River, Italy * Including the WWI Battlefields, Paris and Venice 24 DAYS Dep: 14 August 2015
DAY 1: Fri 14 Aug MELBOURNE FLY TO FRANKFURT (Inflight meals) Meet your fellow passengers and tour escort at Melbourne Tullamarine airport and check in for your flight to Frankfurt via Singapore. DAY 2: Sat 15 Aug ARRIVE FRANKFURT & OVERNIGHT (D) Arrive into Frankfurt early this morning and after clearing customs and immigration be met and transferred to the hotel to store your luggage. The remainder of the morning is at leisure until hotel check in where you have time to rest before meeting for dinner in the hotel restaurant. Overnight: Frankfurt DAY 3: Sun 16 Aug FRANKFURT STRASBOURG (BD) After breakfast drive to Strasbourg and enjoy a guided afternoon walking tour of the historic city centre before transferring to Strasbourg port in France to board your first of three fabulous river cruises. Boarding is from 6.00pm to settle into your cabin before enjoying a welcome cocktail and a presentation by the crew. Dinner on board then a tour by river boat through old Strasbourg at night. Overnight: MS Symphonie DAY 4: Mon 17 Aug STRASBOURG KOBLENZ (BLD) Breakfast on board this morning as we continue sailing to the towns of Lauterbourg, Spire and Mainz. The cruise will continue towards Koblenz, up the most beautiful section of the romantic Rhine and sail past towns including Kaub, Oberwesel and Saint-Goar and before reaching our mooring in Koblenz, you will see UNESCO listed Stolzenfels castle originally built in the 13 th century. Arrive into Koblenz at approximately 6.00pm and have the opportunity to explore the old city in the company of the boat s hostess. The remainder of the evening is free at your leisure. Overnight: As above DAY 5: Tue 18 Aug KOBLENZ RUDESHEIM (BLD) After breakfast sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery as you cruise the Rhine between Koblenz and Rudesheim, passing numerous picturesque castles dotting the river in addition to the famed vineyards and the renowned Rock of Lorelei which soars 120 metres above the water. Arrive in Rudesheim around 4.00pm to 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 the boat then a free evening to explore the well-known Drosselgasse, the little street famous worldwide for its joyful atmosphere and Rhineland bands. Overnight: As above DAY 6: Wed 19 Aug RUDESHEIM SPEYER OR MANNHEIM (BLD) An early departure this morning to cruise up the Rhine to Speyer passing the towns of Wiesbaden, Nierstein and Worms before arriving at Heidelberg for an excursion in the company of a local guide. Afterwards enjoy a stop at Speyer or Mannheim before reboarding at around 6.00pm to enjoy a special gala dinner followed by an evening of dancing and then a late departure bound for Strasbourg. Overnight: As above DAY 7: Thu 20 Aug 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 with dinner this evening at own expense. Overnight: Amiens DAY 8: Fri 21 Aug AMIENS BATTLEFIELDS SITES LILLE (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 onto 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. Afterwards travel to Fromelles to visit the VC Corner Australian Cemetery and Memorial, as well as the Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery and attend the moving Last Post ceremony under the Menin Gate in Ypres before travelling to our overnight stop in Lille. Overnight: Lille
DAY 9: Sat 22 Aug LILLE BATTLEFIELD SITES PARIS (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 our overnight stay where the remainder of the day and dinner are at your leisure. Overnight: Paris DAY 10: Sun 23 Aug PARIS LYON BOARD CRUISE (BD) Depart early 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, The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. After lunch (own expense) travel to Lyon to board your second cruise at approximately 6:00pm to settle into your cabin, meet the crew over a welcome cocktail in the lounge then enjoy dinner on board with entertainment provided in the lounge bar. Overnight: MS Van Gogh DAY 11: Mon 24 Aug LYON MACON (BLD) After breakfast travel by coach for a guided tour of Lyon to learn about France s second city, an architectural masterpiece and the birthplace of cinema, wonderfully situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Return on board for lunch as the boat cruises towards Mâcon. This afternoon relax and admire the scenery as we cruise through the beautiful Burgundy countryside, renowned for its high quality wine production. Enjoy dinner as we cruise, followed by an evening of dancing and entertainment as we travel toward Mâcon to moor for the night. Overnight: As Above DAY 12: Tue 25 Aug MACON - VIENNE (BLD) Depart by coach on our shore excursion to visit the abbey at Cluny. Constructed in 910 this Benedictine monastery helped stabilise European society and the church here was the largest in all of western Christendom. Return on board in time for lunch and sail southbound toward Vienne, arriving after dinner and an evening of entertainment on board and moor for the night. Overnight: As Above DAY 13: Wed 26 Aug VIENNE ARLES (BLD) This morning visit Vienne - its history dates back some 2000 years and you will see numerous relics left by the Romans as well as the impressive cathedral of St Maurice. After lunch cruise toward Avignon and this afternoon is at leisure to relax on board and admire the Rhône scenery or take part in the fun and games provided on board by the entertainment crew. Dinner followed by an evening of further entertainment as we continue our journey throughout the night. Overnight: As Above DAY 14: Thu 27 Aug ARLES THE CAMARGUE (BLD) Arrive early morning and after breakfast visit Arles, rich with Roman treasures and artistic legacy it has a truly glorious heritage. Travel into the country, or arrière pays, to learn about how provencal olive oil is made then this afternoon time to visit the Camargue, a huge nature reserve where the sea and marshland are inhabited by an amazing array of water fowl and birds. Have free time in the delightful town of Saintes-Maries-de-la- Mer, a remarkable twice-yearly pilgrimage centre for gypsies from all over Europe and housing an interesting fortified church. This evening be treated to a provencal folk evening on board. Overnight: As Above
DAY 15: Fri 28 Aug ARLES AVIGNON VIVIERS (BLD) Travel toward historic Avignon this morning and on arrival enjoy a guided tour of the Palais des Papes, a true fortress perched on a rocky pinnacle and surrounded by city walls and a major feat of Gothic architecture dating back to the 14 th century. After dinner arrive at Viviers and partake in an excursion to discover this open-air museum, a medieval city home to the smallest cathedral in France. Overnight: As above DAY 16: Sat 29 Aug VIVIERS TOURNON LYON (BLD) Breakfast and lunch on board today and cruise toward Tournon, arriving early afternoon. An optional excursion to the city is available (book and pay on board only approximately EUR 30 per person) which includes an audio-tour by tourist train passing the main attractions of the town and stopping at the Castle Museum to view the permanent collection tracing the history of the navigation of the Rhone. Conclude the excursion with a tasting of regional products and wines then return on foot at a leisurely pace to the boat. A gala dinner this evening followed by dancing and entertainment as the cruise continues towards Lyon. Overnight: As Above DAY 17: Sun 30 Aug LYON ANNECY BAVENO (B) Disembark at approximately 9:00am and be met by your driver and travel to enchanting Annecy, also known as Alpine Venicia, for a guided tour of the city to see the main sights and the canals crossing this pretty town. Continue east, crossing the border into northern Italy and to our overnight stop in Baveno which is located in the beautiful Italian Lakes District. Overnight: Baveno DAY 18: Mon 31 Aug BAVENO LAKE MAGGIORE VENICE (BD) After breakfast travel the short distance to Lake Maggiore, meet your local guide and board a private boat to the small island of Isola Bella ( Beautiful Island ) to visit 16 th century Borromeo Palace with its elegant rooms filled with paintings and ornate furniture. Afterwards travel to Desenzano, stopping to view breathtaking Lake Garda the largest of the freshwater Italian Lakes, surrounded by rugged mountains and popular amongst holiday makers. Continue to Venice port, arriving by 6:00pm to board the final of our river cruises. Settle into your cabin then meet the crew for a welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner and the remainder of the evening is free at leisure in Venice. Overnight: MS Michelangelo DAY 19: Tue 01 Sep VENICE ISLANDS OF MURANO & BURANO (BLD) Enjoy a leisurely morning cruise on the lagoon before returning to Venice for lunch then join your private boat for an excursion to the islands of Burano; a fishing island famous for its traditional lacework and Murano; known worldwide for its ancestral glass blowing techniques and fine churches. Return to the boat late afternoon for dinner and dancing in the lounge. Overnight: As Above DAY 20: Wed 02 Sep VENICE SIGHTSEEING (BLD) After breakfast depart on a guided tour of Doge's Palace, a symbol of the glory and power of Venice, and the famous Piazza San Marco (St Mark s Square) the principal public square of Venice. After lunch the remainder of the day is free at your leisure, perhaps to experience a genuine gondola ride (own expense). Overnight: As Above DAY 21: Thu 03 Sep VENICE CHIOGGIA VENICE (BLD) Breakfast on board and a relaxing morning afloat as we cruise to Chioggia, a port city of Roman origin and the second largest city of the republic serene that contains works and testimonials from various periods and styles, due to arrive late morning. Take some time to stroll around and discover the town on your own then in the afternoon you may have the possibility of visiting Padua, the pilgrimage town of St. Anthony of Padua also renowned for its exquisite art. Following would be a visit to the Santo Basilica which is dedicated to St. Anthony, then take a stroll through the historic town centre and discover the Café Pedrocchi, dear to the inhabitants of Padua. Meanwhile the ship cruises to Venice where you will join it this evening for a final gala dinner. Overnight: As Above
DAY 22: Fri 04 Sep VENICE SIGHTSEEING ROME (B) Our last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at approximately 9:00am where you will be met and transferred by private boat to St Mark s Square to meet your guide for a walking tour including a glass blowing demonstration. Afterwards transfer by train to Rome and the airport motel. Overnight: Rome Airport DAY 23: Sat 05 Sep ROME FLY HOME (B) After a leisurely breakfast transfer to Rome airport to commence your journey home via Singapore. DAY 24: Sun 06 Sep ARRIVE HOME (-) Arrive back in Melbourne today, so ending a truly memorable European River Cruising and Battlefields tour. TOUR COST: $11,990.00 per person twin share, main deck cabin Upgrade to an upper deck cabin for $595.00 per person subject to availability upon request Based on a minimum of 20 passengers travelling *Tour cost is subject to air/tax increases plus currency fluctuations. Limited cabins available in each category. * Fly free conditions apply initial deposit must be paid with booking to secure the fly free deal * Fly free airfares are subject to class availability at time of your booking Initial non-refundable deposit required upon booking: $1,000.00 per person Second deposit required by 30 December 2014: $2,000.00 per person Balance due: 08 May 2015 Single Supplement: $1590.00 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 Frankfurt and return from Rome 3 River Cruises as outlined in the itinerary in either main or 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 experienced and knowledgeable English speaking local tour guides 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 a pre-existing health condition or aged 71 or over) Porterage (one bag per person) Gratuities for land arrangements (long distance & local coach drivers, local guides & assistants) Beverages on board the cruises included with meals are; mineral water, house wine, beer, fruit juice, tea & coffee 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 on board the three river cruises EUR 10 per person, per cruise is appreciated 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. TOUR ESCORT: Genevieve Barlow Miranda Columnist, The Weekly Times Genevieve Barlow writes The Weekly Times Miranda column. A journalist for more than 30 years, she s been freelancing for 10 years and contributes to newspapers, magazines and online outlets. As part of a well-established Rushworth farming family, Genevieve now lives in central Victoria. She loves walking, is mad about gardening, her community and her rather large family. FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT: SWAGMAN TOURS Level 1, 182 Latrobe Terrace (PO Box 7473) GEELONG WEST VIC 3218 P: 1800 808 491 E: karen@swagmantours.com.au W: www.swagmantours.com.au 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 Symphonie: Facilities: Lounge & Bar Dining Room Souvenir Shop Wi-fi on board Large Sun Deck with Deckchairs TV & Video in Lounge Fully Air Conditioned Cabin Amenities: Ensuite bathroom Satellite TV Hairdryer Safe Radio Central Heating 220v Electricity MS Van Gogh MS Michelangelo