94 As we went on a boat cruise through Norway s Fjords, we felt like we were discovering new lands like explorers from days gone by.
Best of East Europe with Scandinavia & Russia HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR A complete value for money tour with maximum quality sightseeing Stay in convenient & comfortable hotels throughout your holiday Daily Indian Jain / Vegetarian / Non Vegetarian / Local Lunches included Daily Indian Jain / Vegetarian / Non- Vegetarian Dinners included Visit 09 Countries in 21 days Guided City Tour of Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Prague, Copenhagen, Bergen, Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg and Moscow Visit the Schonnbrunn Palace in Vienna Visit Vienna Woods and the beautiful Seegrotte Enjoy beautiful Evening Boat Cruise on River Danube Visit the Buda Castle, Heroes Square and the Chain Bridge Enjoy Cruise on the Vltava River Visit the Prague Castle Visit the famous Tivoli Gardens Enjoy a Canal Cruise in Copenhagen Visit the Christiansborg Palace Visit the Carlsberg Brewery Ride the Funicular to Mt. Floyen in Bergen The famous Norway In A Nutshell Tour - included Visit the Viking Museum and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo Visit the Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo Free Time at the Famous Karl Johan Street in Oslo Orientation Tour of Karlstad Visit the famous Vasa Museum in Stockholm Visit the City Hall famous for hosting the Nobel Prize Banquet Fame in Stockholm Visit the Drottningholm Palace a UNESCO World Heritage Site Photo Stop at Fjällgatan Viewpoint in Stockholm Ride The Sky View on Top of The Ericsson Globe Tallink Silja Line Overnight Cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki Visit the Tempelliauki Church in Helsinki Visit the Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki Visit the Marvelous Sibelius Park in Helsinki Experience the High-Speed Train ALLEGRO from Helsinki to St Petersburg Enjoy a cruise on the Neva River in St. Petersburg Visit the Hermitage Museum, a museum of art and culture in St. Petersburg Enjoy the spectacular world famous Russian Ballet Show Visit Peterhof Palace & Gardens Experience the High Speed Train SAPSAN from St. Petersburg to Moscow The world famous Russian Circus - included Visit the Patriarch s Palace Experience the Metro, a mass rapid transport system in Moscow Visit 09 Countries in 21 Days in a Relaxed and at a leisurely pace covering Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia Services of a Professional and experienced Tour Manager travelling with you throughout your holiday 95
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Best of East Europe with Scandinavia & Russia 20 Nights/ 21 Days Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia Bergen Oslo Karlstad Stockholm Helsinki St. Petersburg Copenhagen Moscow Prague Vienna Bratislava Budapest 01 Welcome to Vienna!!! Today, enter the world of Vacations Exotica as you begin your beautiful journey of Europe. On arrival at the airport meet your professional and experienced Tour Manager/ Local Representative in the arrival area situated outside the customs hall. Drive directly to your hotel and check in. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Vienna South / Austria Trend or similar, in Vienna. (D) 02 Vienna Guided City Tour. Schonnbrunn Palace. Visit Seegrotte and Vienna Woods. After an American buffet breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Vienna with an experienced English speaking local guide. Start your tour with a visit to the Schonnbrunn Palace one of the most visited places in Vienna. See the various chambers of the palace and the beautiful gardens. Also, see the Opera House, St. Stephens Cathedral, Hofburg Palace and many more sights. After lunch, visit the Seegrotte in the Vienna Woods to enjoy great views of this beautiful city and the Donau Canal. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Vienna South / Austria Trend or similar, in Vienna. (B, L, D) 03 Onto Budapest. Enjoy Cruise on River Danube After an American buffet breakfast, check out and drive to the Hungarian Capital Budapest. On arrival, proceed on an Orientation Tour of this city. Later experience the beautiful sights of Budapest on a cruise along the Danube River. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Mercure / Novotel or similar, in Budapest. (B, L, D) 04 Budapest Guided City Tour. Onto Bratislava. After an American buffet breakfast, join an experienced English speaking local guide to see the sights of Budapest. See the Heroes Square, Parliament Building, Széchenyi Chain Bridge and other sights and also visit the Buda Castle a medieval castle and now an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy lunch and drive to Slovakian capital city of Bratislava. On arrival, check into your hotel. Free time in the Old Town in the evening. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Austria Trend / Mercure or similar, in Bratislava. (B, L, D) 97
05 Bratislava Guided City Tour. Onto Prague. After an American buffet breakfast, check out and join an experienced English speaking local guide for a guided city tour. See the Bratislava Castle, the Primates Palace and Slavín for great views of the city. Walk through the pedestrianized Old Town and see St. Michael s Gate, the first University Istropolitana, St. Martin s Cathedral (where coronations were performed), the Old Town Hall and the Opera House. Enjoy lunch and then later drive to Prague. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Iris / Occidental Praha or similar, in Prague. (B, L, D) 06 Prague Guided City Tour. Cruise on Vltava River. After an American buffet breakfast, proceed on a guided city tour of Prague with an experienced English speaking local guide. Start off with a visit to the Prague Castle. Walk through the many courtyards, visit the St. Vitus Cathedral the main church of the castle and the Golden Lane to see the brightly coloured houses lined along the castle wall. Visit the Old Town Square for a feel of this famous city. See the astronomical clock on the town hall and the famous Charles Bridge. Later, drive around the medieval part of the city. Enjoy lunch and then afternoon is free for you to relax in your hotel or explore the city or for shopping opportunities that this city offers. Later, enjoy a cruise on the Vltava River. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Iris / Occidental Praha or similar, in Prague. (B, L, D) 07 Onto Copenhagen the Danish Capital!!! Visit the Tivoli Gardens. After an American buffet breakfast, check out and proceed to the airport for your flight to Copenhagen. On arrival, enjoy lunch and drive directly to your hotel and check in. Later, visit the famous Tivoli Gardens a world class amusement park in the centre of Copenhagen. The Tivoli Gardens is a must see in Copenhagen which has fun for all ages with great rides, activities, shops, etc. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Scandic Sydhaven / Park Inn or similar, in Copenhagen. (B, L, D) 08 Guided city tour of Copenhagen. Visit the Christiansborg Palace. Visit the Carlsberg Brewery. Experience a Canal Cruise. proceed on a guided city tour with a local English speaking guide. Visit the Christiansborg Palace - the most important building in Denmark. The Christiansborg Palace is the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Danish Prime Minister s Office and the Danish Supreme Court. Also, see the City Hall, the Amalienborg Palace - the winter home of the Danish royal family, the Stock Exchange, Ströget Shopping Street and many more sights. After lunch, visit the Gefion Fountain - the largest monument in Copenhagen which is also used as a wishing well and the Little Mermaid - an icon and major tourist attraction of Copenhagen. After lunch, visit the Carlsberg brewery. The tour of the brewery reveals age-old traditions of beer making. Next, enjoy a canal cruise and see the interesting sights and attractions in the city - a great way to experience the city. The canal tour sails through the harbour and idyllic canals and passes by Copenhagen s beautiful churches, castles, old listed houses, new buildings and all other sights of interest. Tonight, enjoy an Indian Dinner. Overnight at Hotel Scandic Sydhaven / Park Inn or similar, in Copenhagen. (B, L, D) 09 Onto Bergen Gateway to the Fjords. Bergen Guided city tour - Funicular to Mt. Floyen check out and proceed to the airport for your flight to Bergen. On arrival, after lunch, proceed on a guided city tour with a local English speaking guide. Bergen is an international city with small-town charm and atmosphere, surrounded by seven rounded, lush mountains. The Hanseatic wharf Bryggen with its pastel-colour wooden houses, winding cobblestone streets and Old Bergen are just a few of the many attractions that make Bergen a real place of enchantment. Ride the Funicular to Mt. Floyen for great views of the city. Evening is at leisure to explore the city on your own or visit the flea markets for some bargain shopping. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Grand Terminus / Zander K or similar, in Bergen. (B, L, D) 98
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10 Norway in a nutshell - The ultimate Scandinavian Excursion. Onto Oslo. check out and embark on Norway s most popular trip Norway in a nutshell. A combination of impressive trips by bus, boat and spectacular train rides. Proceed to Gudvangen and on arrival, embark on an enchanting boat ride into the Naeroyfjord a UNESCO s World Heritage area, one of the narrowest fjords in Europe and surrounded by towering mountains. The trip takes you through some of Norway s most beautiful fjord scenery and arrives into the picturesque village of Flam, situated innermost in the Aurlandsfjord. After local lunch, board your train on the Flam railway line, a masterpiece of engineering set amidst wild and wonderful scenery. Enjoy the views of huge mountains and thundering waterfalls as the train passes through the Flam valley and arrives at Myrdal. Later, board your coach and drive to Oslo the capital of Norway. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Quality Expo / Scandic or similar, in Oslo. (B, LL, D) 11 Oslo - Guided city tour. Visit the Viking Ship Museum & Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Visit the Vigeland Sculpture Park. proceed on a guided city tour with a local English speaking guide. Visit the Viking Ship Museum which presents ships from the Viking periods such as the Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune. The exhibits also include the world s two best-preserved wooden Viking ships built in the 9th century, as well as small boats, sledges, a cart with exceptional ornamentation, implements, tools, harness, textiles and household utensils, etc. On your city tour, also drive past the City Hall, the House of Parliament, the Royal Palace and the majestic Akershus fortress. After lunch, visit the magnificent and unique Vigeland Sculpture Park and Karl Johan Street. Norway is often called the Cradle of Skiing. Encounter this when you visit the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and admire the dizzying panorama. Enjoy these sights and many more on your guided tour. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Quality Expo / Scandic or similar, in Oslo. (B, L, D) 12 Onto Karlstad. Onto Stockholm Jewel of the Swedish Archipelago. check out and drive to Karlstad. On arrival, enjoy lunch. Karlstad is situated on the river delta where Sweden s longest river, Klarälven, runs into Sweden s largest lake, Vänern. It is reputed to be one of the sunniest towns in Sweden and hence the symbol for Karlstad is a Happy Sun. Later, drive to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, often called the Venice of the North due to its numerous canals and waterways. The city offers many interesting cafes and restaurants and has become an El Dorado for shoppers. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Quality / Scandic or similar, in Stockholm. (B, L, D) 13 Stockholm - Guided city tour. Visit the City Hall, the famous Vasa Museum. Visit the Fjällgatan viewpoint. proceed on a full day guided city tour with a local English speaking guide. Visit the impressive City Hall, where every year the Nobel Prize banquet takes place. Next, see the Royal Palace, the Cathedral, the Old Town, Kings Garden and many more interesting sights. After lunch, make a stop at the Fjällgatan viewpoint from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the city and the inner harbour. Later, visit the famous Vasa Museum, housing the majestic 17th century royal warship Vasa. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Quality / Scandic or similar, in Stockholm. (B, L, D) 14 Visit the Drottningholm Palace. Ride the Sky View. Onto Tallink Silja Cruise line across the Baltic. check out and visit the Drottningholm Palace - a former Royal summer residence and today home to the Swedish Royal Family. The palace contains magnificent rooms dating back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, beautiful Baroque Park, Palace Theater, Chinese Pavilion, etc. Later, Ride the Sky View a new worldclass attraction that takes you on a breath-taking journey, along the outside, to the top of the world s largest spherical building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark. From the top at 130 meters above sea level, you get a splendid view of Stockholm. Enjoy lunch. Later, board 101
your luxury cruise across the Baltic, on board the Tallink Silja Line. Cruise across the Baltic Sea and through the Swedish archipelago to Helsinki. Tonight, enjoy a Scandinavian buffet dinner on board the cruise. Later, you can dance the night away in the nightclub, linger in the various shops as you enjoy the night on this luxury cruise. Overnight on board the Tallink Silja Line (Exterior cabins) Cruise Liner. (B, L, SD) 15 Onto Helsinki the Finnish Capital. Guided city tour of Helsinki. After Scandinavian buffet breakfast on board, disembark in Helsinki and proceed on a guided city tour with a local English speaking guide. Enjoy the sights of this beautiful city. Visit the Tempelliauki Church the Church in the Rock, the Uspenski Cathedral and the marvelous Sibelius Park. Enjoy lunch later, see the Senate square, the Presidential Palace, Finlandia Hall, Opera House and many more interesting sights. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Clarion / Radisson Blu / Scandic or similar, in Helsinki. (B, L, D) 16 St. Petersburg One of the world s most beautiful cities. check out and proceed to the train station to board the high-speed train Allegro to St. Petersburg. This train, gets you to St. Petersburg in less than 4 hours. Packed lunch will be provided. Arrive into St. Petersburg the cultural capital of Russia and check into the hotel. Later, get set to enjoy the spectacular world famous Russian Ballet Show. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Courtyard Marriott or similar, in St. Petersburg. (B, PL, D) 17 City tour of St. Petersburg. Visit Peterhof Palace & Gardens. After American buffet breakfast, proceed on a guided city tour with a local English speaking guide. See the St. Isaacs Cathedral, Nevsky Prospekt, the Rastrelliesque Stroganov Palace, the neoclassical Kazan Cathedral, the Russian National Library, the Statue of Peter the Great, the Peter & Paul Fortress, Summer Garden, Smolny Cathedral and many more sights. After lunch, proceed to Peterhof, famous for its series of palaces and gardens known as the Peterhof Palace, laid out on the orders of the Russian Tsar, Peter the Great and sometimes called the Russian Versailles. The park holds numerous fountains and monumental cascades which are one of Russia s most famous tourist attractions. Later, visit the Grand Palace entering through the ornate Ceremonial Staircase and see the Ballroom, Throne Room, the Western Chinese Study, the Drawing Room, the Imperial Suite, the Oak Study Room and the Crown Room. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Courtyard Marriott or similar, in St. Petersburg. (B, L, D) 18 Visit the Hermitage Museum. Cruise on River Neva. After American buffet breakfast, visit the Hermitage Museum, a museum of art and culture in St. Petersburg. It is the largest and oldest museums in the world with collections comprising of nearly three million items including the largest collection of paintings in the world. After lunch, the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the city on your own or at the Nevsky Prospect for some shopping. Later in the evening, enjoy a cruise on the Neva River. One of the best ways to view the majesty of the St. Petersburg s 18th century architecture and craftsmanship. The cruise will expose you to the magnificent panorama and stunning sights of this great city, passing under the main bridges of St. Petersburg which will unfold the city s history and its legends connected with the waterways. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Courtyard Marriott or similar, in St. Petersburg. (B, L, D) 19 Moscow - the Capital city. Enjoy the world famous Russian Circus. After American buffet breakfast, check out and proceed to the train station to board the high speed train Sapsan. Arrive into Moscow the financial and political centre of Russia and the former Soviet Union. It also boasts the largest community of billionaires in the world. After lunch, drive to your hotel and check in. Later in the evening, see the world famous Russian Circus. For over two centuries circus has been an important part of Russia s rich cultural heritage. It is a truly universal form of entertainment enjoyed by all, regardless of race, religion, language, social class, education or age. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Holiday Inn or similar, in Moscow. (B, L, D) 102
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20 Guided city tour. See the magnificent Kremlin and the Red Square. Tour of the Metro After American buffet breakfast, proceed on a guided city tour with a local English speaking guide. Explore the Kremlin Grounds, Cathedrals and see the Patriarch s Palace in Moscow. The small city in the center of Moscow, once the residence of the Czars and Patriarchs, contains Russia s main Cathedrals, Assumption Cathedral, Archangel s Cathedral and the Deposition of the Robe Cathedral. Also, visit the Patriarch s Palace - a museum of seventeenthcentury life and applied art, displaying ecclesiastical regalia, furniture, gold and silver ware from Russia and Western Europe. The palace dates back to 1640 and incorporates the Church of the Twelve Apostles, the private place of worship for the Patriarchs. Next, experience the Metro, the most reliable and rapid transport system, connecting the central part of the city with industrial, residential areas and neighbouring towns. Moscow metro is the world s leader in the volume of traffic and reliable transportation. You have some time at leisure to explore Moscow on your own. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner. Overnight at Holiday Inn or similar, in Moscow. (B, L, D) 21 Farewell!!! This morning, after American buffet / boxed breakfast, check out and proceed to the airport for your flight back home. Return home with great experiences and wonderful memories of your holiday with Vacations Exotica. (B) AUSTRIA Vienna HUNGARY Budapest : Guided Tour of the city : Visit Schonnbrunn Palace and Gardens : Visit Seegrotte and Vienna Woods : Guided Tour of the city : Visit the Buda Castle : Cruise on Danube River SLOVAKIA Bratislava : Guided Tour of the city CZECH REPUBLIC Prague : Guided Tour of the city : Visit to the Prague Castle : Cruise on Vltava River DENMARK Copenhagen NORWAY Bergen Oslo WHAT YOUR TOUR PRICE INCLUDES : Visit the Gefion Fountain - the largest monument : See the Little Mermaid - an icon : Visit the Christiansborg Palace : Visit the Carlsberg Brewery : Visit Tivoli Gardens Scandinavia s best Amusement Park : Enjoy a Canal Cruise : Funicular ride to Mt. Floyen : Norway in a Nutshell : Cruise on the Aurlands Fjords and Naeroy Fjords : Ride the Flam Railway : Visit Myrdal : Visit the Viking Ship Museum : Visit the Holmenkollen Ski Jump : Visit the magnificent and unique Vigeland Sculpture Park : Spend time at Karl Johan Street SWEDEN Karlstad Stockholm FINLAND Helsinki WHAT YOUR TOUR PRICE INCLUDES : Orientation tour of the city : Visit the impressive City Hall, famous for Nobel Prize banquet : Visit the Vasa Museum : Visit the Drottningholm Palace : View from Fjällgatan View Point : Ride the Sky View On top of the Ericsson Globe : Visit the Tempelliauki Church : Visit the Uspenski Cathedral : Visit the marvelous Sibelius Park RUSSIA St. Petersburg : Cruise on the Neva River : Visit the Hermitage Museum : Spectacular Russian Ballet Show : Visit Peterhof Palace & Gardens Moscow : See the stunning Russian Circus : Visit the Kremlin and the Red Square : Visit the Patriarch s Palace : Experience the Metro - a mass rapid transport system HOTELS 02 nights accommodation at Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Vienna South / Austria Trend or similar, in Vienna 01 night accommodation at Hotel Mercure / Novotel or similar, in Budapest 01 night accommodation at Hotel Austria Trend / Lindner Gallery Central or similar, in Bratislava 02 nights accommodation at Hotel Iris / Occidental Praha or similar, in Prague 104
WHAT YOUR TOUR PRICE INCLUDES 02 nights at Hotel Scandic Sydhaven / Park Inn or similar, in Copenhagen 01 night at Hotel Grand Terminus / Zander K or similar, in Bergen 02 nights at Hotel Quality Expo / Scandic or similar, in Oslo 02 nights at Hotel Quality / Scandic or similar, in Stockholm 01 night board Tallink Silja Line Cruise (Ocean view cabins) 01 night at Hotel Clarion / Radisson Blu / Scandic or similar, in Helsinki 03 nights at Hotel Courtyard Marriott or similar, in St Petersburg 02 nights at Hotel Holiday Inn or similar, in Moscow MEALS Daily Scandinavia buffet breakfast in Scandinavian & American buffet breakfast in Europe & Russia Indian Jain / Vegetarian / Non Vegetarian / Local lunches as specified in the itinerary Indian Jain / Vegetarian / Non-Vegetarian dinners A Scandinavian buffet dinner on board the Tallink Silja Line cruise TRANSFERS All transfers and extensive excursions with entrance fees (as specified in the itinerary) by deluxe air conditioned coach The Tallink Silja Line cruise across the Baltic Sea from Stockholm to Helsinki The high-speed train Allegro from Helsinki to St Petersburg The high speed train Sapsan from St. Petersburg to Moscow AIRFARE & VISAS Return economy class group airfare as per the itinerary Cost of ticket taxes Cost of Multiple Entry Schengen visa & Single Entry Russian Visa All local taxes as of 01st October 2017 TOUR MANAGER Services of a professional and experienced Tour Manager or a local representative throughout your tour in Europe WHAT YOUR TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Cost of deviation - In case you wish to deviate from the group departure dates mentioned in the brochure i.e. either travel before the departure date of your tour or would like to come back on a later date after the tour ends, there will be an additional charge that will be applicable which will be advised to you by our sales team / partner agent. The same subject to availability of seats for the given dates & ticket validity. Kindly also note, the deviation request is to be made at the time of booking or at least 45 days prior to departure date. Tour cost is subject to GOI/RBI regulations under Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) No Porterage included Tips to drivers, guides, etc of EUR 03 per person/child per day for the duration of the tour. Any increase in the rate of exchange leading to an increase in surface transportation and land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure. (The foreign currency component will be calculated as on date of payment). The tour price is subject to increase without notice if this rate changes substantially prior to the departure of your tour Any expenses of personal nature such as laundry, wines, mineral water, food and drink not in the regular menu provided by us, pay TV, mini-bar, telephone calls, etc. Meals other than what is mentioned in your Itinerary Cost of excursions, city sightseeing, entrance fees and local guides other than that mentioned in What Your Tour Price Includes In case of any increase in the visa cost the same will be borne by the client. The cost would vary in case of any change in European Community visa policies Taxes as Applicable. VISAS REQUIRED TO TRAVEL ON YOUR TOUR Multiple Entry Schengen Visa Single Entry Russian Visa Cost of above mentioned visas is included in your tour price. The Schengen visa is valid for travel into Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Norway, Sweden & Finland. (The visa cost has been calculated as of 01st October 2017. In case of any increase in the visa cost the same will be borne by the client) (The cost would vary in case of any change in European Community visa policies) Important: The dates and granting of Visas is at the sole discretion of the concerned consulate. Vacations Exotica is not responsible for granting of visas and is only a facilitator in the visa application process. PRE/POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION Cost of Pre/Post Tour accommodation at Vienna / Moscow, will be available on request DEPARTURE DATES Enquire for additional July : 13 August : 10 Departure DATES Note: On certain dates, passengers travelling ex-kolkata will depart 01 night prior and there will be a long transit. Passengers have the option of taking STPC at an extra cost On certain departure dates the itinerary may be operated in reverse order. However, all services and inclusions will remain the same. IMPORTANT All tours will be operated subject to a minimum of 25 full paying passengers traveling together. In case there are less than 25 full paying passengers the clients will be given an option of travelling on any another departure date. OVERSEAS TRAVEL INSURANCE It is extremely important to possess an overseas medical insurance policy before you travel on your tour. We have included the cost of overseas medical insurance for the duration of the tour. For any passengers above 60 years of age and those who wish to extend their holiday, additional charges would apply. 105