chri stma s - escorted tours in europe | albatross tours · 6 7 choice1-...

ChristmasChristmas+ New Year Europe 2011

European White Christmas and New Year Tours

chris

tmasThank you for selecting our EuropeanWhite Christmasand NewYear Tours brochure.

In1995wecreatedour first festive tour capturing thevery

essence and joy of a traditional European White

Christmas.Now, nearly 20 years later,we proudly offer a

wonderful range of 17 different Christmas andNewYear

tours. Eachone still holding true toour simplepolicy that

we offer Christmas ‘as it should be’. We always take

particular care to include special events and activities in

each itinerary that will bring alive the nostalgia, joy and

romance of the Festive Season.

To me there’s no greater pleasure than waking up on

ChristmasDay in an800yearoldCoaching Inndeep in theheart of the snowcoveredmountainsofAustria,ormaybe

in apictureperfect hotel in theBavarianAlps,under the shadowof the romantic FairytaleCastle of‘madKingLudwig’.

Events like a snow-bound sleigh ride,maybe a steam train ride through forested valleys to a chic ski resort, special

Christmasdinners andmulledwinewithgingerbiscuitsmakeChristmas special.That’swhywealways include them

along with excursions to picturesque towns and villages, Christmas markets, monasteries and castles. These are

always at no extra cost and certainly not as ‘later charged extras or options’so common elsewhere.

Our tours have a very different style with that Albatross ‘touch’. When you travel on an Albatross Travel Group tour,

you are looking at value for money, genuine inclusions, better itinerary designs,memorable highlights and nearly

20 years of Christmas touring experience. Whywould you choose to travel with anyone else!!

Warmest wishes,

Euan Landsborough,ManagingDirector

32

Welcome,

Join us on our Christmas andNewYear tours and

experience the Albatross Difference…

ChristmasToursPAGE 6 Swiss Christmas Break – 8 Days

PAGE 8 Austrian Christmas Break – 8 Days

PAGE 10 German Christmas Break – 8 Days

PAGE 12 Christmas in the Slovenian Alps – 11 Days

PAGE 15 Christmas in the Austrian Tyrol – 10 Days

PAGE 18 Christmas in a Swiss Spa Resort – 11 Days

PAGE 22 AMedieval Bohemian Christmas – 12 Days

PAGE 26 German Fairytale Christmas – 10 Days

PAGE 29 AustrianWhite Christmas – 10 Days

PAGE 32 Christmas in an Italian Castle – 11 Days

NewYearToursPAGE 37 Swiss NewYear Break – 8 Days

PAGE 38 NewYear in an Italian Castle – 7 Days

PAGE 40 NewYear in Bavaria – 7 Days

PAGE 42 NewYear in Paris – 7 Days

PAGE 44 NewYear in London – 7 Days

Euan

$1,200Albatross Travel Group tours offer

exceptional VALUE FORMONEY!

Every AlbatrossTravel tour already includes up to$1,200worth of excursions, special visits, sightseeing tours and feature dinners.

There are NOadditional options chargedwhile you are on your tour,nor

are there costly excursions lists or hidden extras.We even include‘end of

tour’ tips and gratuities to your tourmanager and driver!

You will love our tours because…You can book any Albatross tour with confidence as all of our tours are guaranteed to depart

with as few as only 7 passengers. (Your travel agent can explain the importance of guaranteed

group departures).

Our tours are designed to specifically suit the travel needs of Australian and New Zealanders.

You can relax and enjoyed amore SENSIBLE touring pace staying 3,4,5 or even 7 nights in one

location over Christmas.That’s important... you are not constantly packing and unpacking your bags.

These are festive Christmas tours – not summer tours“run over winter”. We always take particular

care to include special events and activities in each itinerary that will bring alive the nostalgia and

joy of the Festive Season.

Take pleasure with our Christmas hotels as they have been selected for their style and

ambience to complement the festive occasion – from a 500 year old Alpine Gasthof, a Romantic

Italian Castle or maybe an 800 year old Coaching Inn. Their locations are superb – perhaps 50

metres from old Rothenburgmarket square or the charming village below Neuschwanstein

Fairytale Castle.

You will enjoy hassle free touring with NO nasty surprises! There are NO hidden later

charged extras.We clearly show on every tour what our price includes. It is our policy to always

include special sightseeing excursions,entrance fees and virtually all your dinners up front.

Imagine the hidden savings!

Even those end of tour tips for the tour manager,driver and local guides are included in your tour

price – so there are no awkwardmoments at the end of the tour.

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Visit our website www.albatrosstravel.com.aufor the latest updates,background informationandpast passenger

tour reviews

Bookwith Confidence

If you book and deposit on any of our tours, as

long as there are seven or more people

travelling on your designated group departure,

we guarantee it will travel. This is the

Albatross commitment to you. How valuable is

this commitment to you? Please do ask your

travel agent – they will be able to explain the

importance of guaranteed group departures.

(See booking conditions page 51)

LessTravellingTime –

More Sightseeing and Relaxing

Lookout for this icon.This iswherewe showyou

the average number of kilometreswe travel per

day on each tour. Albatross Travel make sure

you spend dramatically less time sitting on

coaches on long intercity drives and noticeably

more time relaxing and enjoying the magical

sights you have travelled so far to see. We

strongly urge you to compare our averagedaily

driving distanceswith those of any other similar

tours on the market! You will be amazed at the

significant difference, and that difference

equates to your valuable timenotbeingwasted!

AlbatrossTravel Group tours offerexceptionalVALUE FORMONEY!

EveryAlbatrossTravel tour is genuinely inclusive

and already includes up tooneor two thousand

dollars worth of excursions, special visits,

sightseeing tours and feature dinners.

You will NOT find any ‘options lists’ or later

charged excursions and extras so common

elsewhere.We believe these expensive, hidden

tour extras (usually costing well over $100 per

personper day) are entirely predictable costs,so

wehavealready includedtheminourupfront

tour price.We even include ‘end of tour’ tips to

your Tour Manager and driver. There is

complete clarity in all of our itineraries.We urge

you to compareour tour prices ona cost per day

basis and take into consideration that Albatross

Tours have no hidden, later charged extras.

Our tours are designedwith amore

leisurely pace to suit the travel needs

of Australians andNewZealanders

We include two, three, four, five and even seven

night stays in each captivating city and region.

One night stops are avoided where possible,

and somedays are left completely free – for the

simple pleasure of it!

Early morning starts are rare (usual start times

are between8 and9am). If an‘earlier thanusual’

start is required then it is to ensure that you get

the most out of your scheduled visits on that

day. Yes, our programmes are always packed

withnumerous included sightseeing excursions

and extras, but we still ensure you have quality

leisure time to relax and savour your

surroundings.

Past Passenger Rewards

We now have a considerable number of past

passengers joining us again on some of our

exciting new tours.Maybe you travelledwith us

in previous years on one of our Christmas,

ANZACorEuropeanSummer tours?Naturallywe

wish to thank you for your support and so we

have introduced an Albatross Travel Group

loyalty rewards programme. Therefore, if you

joined us in a previous year we would like to

offer you $100 per person past passenger

discount off the land only price of any tour you

book in this brochure.

54

christmasIn simple terms, they embellish a

tradition,dating back several centuries,

of towns and villages expressing joy in

the heart of the Festive Season.

ChristmasMarkets, they should be‘enjoyed’ the Albatrossway!

Albatross Travel -

Expertise you can trust!

Come share our love

of Europe.

Originating in Germany,Christmas markets are now popular

throughmuchof Europe and take on all shapes and sizes.The

skill is to definewhich are themost important to visit.Wehave

done so!

Each of our Albatross itineraries has been carefully designed

to provide ample time in at least one of the great markets

such as Nurnberg, Vienna, Montreux and Salzburg.We also

visit additionalmarkets such asWurzburg,Munich,andBerne

and the smaller,‘just perfect’markets such as in Rothenburg

and Innsbruck (both about 100metres fromour hotels).Their

location and the twinkling lights at dusk make them so

memorable.

Usually held in the old cobbled stone town centres and

surroundedbyhistoric houses and churches, local craftsmen,

restauranteurs and ordinary townsfolk set up shop in rows of

wooden stalls.They sell everything frommulled wine served

fromgiant, steaming cauldrons to handcraftedwooden toys,

pottery,gifts and colourful decorations.

Pink cheeked childrenwrapped inwoollen hats andbright red

mittens enjoy merry-go-rounds, while parents consider the

freshly cut Christmas trees, looking for that one perfect tree to

take home. Brass bands and carol singers gather on ancient

stone steps and competewith the sizzle of bratwurst sausages

andthe raisedvoicesof locals intenton laughterandhappiness.

ChristmasMarkets,what are they?

Discover the Albatross Difference…

Their style and location is essential as they will be your home

for 4,5 or 7 nights over Christmas!

All rooms have private facilities. Most of the hotels on our

escorted Christmas and New Year tours are First Class.

(Occasionally - on rare 1 night stops - they are superior 3 Star).

Thehotels havebeen individually describedoneach itinerary.

They will add significant 'flavour' to your trip and become

highlights in themselves!

The style of hotels are an essential component on our tours.

Hotels for the Christmas andNewYear escorted tours are specially selected andgenerally first class.

L-R: HotelAlpenblick,Wilderswil - SwissChristmasandNewYearBreaks;CastelBrando,Italy -Christmas in theSlovenianAlps, Christmas inan ItalianCastle andNewYear inan ItalianCastle;SunnyHotel Sonne - Austrian Christmas Break; Hotel Oberland – Swiss Christmas andNewYear Breaks;HotelMuller - German Fairytale Christmas.

Ourhotelshavebeenselectedfor theirambiencetocompliment

the objective of these unique tours. Imagine how much your

enjoymentwill be enhanced if you stay in an 800 year old hotel

as opposed to amodernglass and concrete 'block'.

Their location is always superb - perhaps in a charming

Tyrolean village in Austria, on the central market square in

Rothenburg or maybe in the village below Neuschwanstein

Fairytale Castle.

Photo courtesy – PaulMaughan

76

Choice 1 - The Hotel Alpenblick in WilderswilThe small community of Wilderswil is typical of a Swiss rural village.

Located 600metres fromWilderswil railway station and only 3 kilometres

from Interlaken,you have quick and easy access for all your included train

excursions.With a history dating back 300 years, the Alpenblick has been

in the Stöckli family for two generations and is now looked after by

Richard Stöckli and his wife Yvonne. Richard himself oversees the hotel

kitchen and has gained many awards from culinary institutions, and the

Gourmet Restaurant was awarded 17 points by Gault Millau; while the

hotel recently received an award as one of the 25 best three-star holiday

hotels in Switzerland. All rooms include private facilities, TV, radio and

minibar.The hotel has 3 dining areas, a reading room/lounge and a cosy

bar.Please note the Alpenblick is a 3 storey hotel and has no lift.

Choice 2 - The Hotel Oberland in LauterbrunnenThe delightful village of Lauterbrunnen is located 15 minutes down the

train line from Wilderswil. The setting is stunning with 1,000 foot sheer

cliffs rising either side of this narrow‘valley of thewaterfalls’ (these are the

cliffs that James Bond keeps leaping off when chased by the baddies).

The three star Oberland Hotel dates back well over 100 years and is

located in the heart of the village,200metres from the railway station.You

will be the guests of Ursula andMark Nolan-von Allmen.Mark’s passion for

Swiss hill walking led him fromAustralia to Lauterbrunnenwhere hemet

and married Ursula. The dining is excellent, there is a relaxing bar/café,

lounge and all rooms include private facilities,TV and radio. Pleasenote the

Oberland is a 4 storey hotel and has no lift.

DAY 1 - 21 DECEMBER

TOYOUR SWISS CHRISTMAS HOTEL

On arrival into Switzerland we have included rail transfers from Zurich,or

any point in the country, to your Christmas hotel where you will stay the

next seven nights. Buffet breakfasts and four course evening dinners are

included each day. (D)

Both hotels are located in the heart of the BerneseOberland - home to the

mighty peaks of the Jungfrau,Mönch,Eiger (of ‘The Eiger Sanction’ fame),

the Breithorn and the Schilthorn, as well as internationally known winter

resorts like Interlaken,Wengen,Grindelwald and Mürren.

DAY2 -7 – 22 -27DECEMBER

ATYOUR SWISS CHRISTMASHOTEL

The alpine peaks of Switzerland are world famous and youwill be staying

in the heart of this incredibly dramatic scenery.There are numerousworld

class ski fields nearby and the area is littered with excellent walking

and cross country skiing trails. During your stay we have included three

exhilarating alpine excursions by train – to Luzern (on the Brünig

Panoramic Express),medieval Bern andMontreux on Lake Geneva (on the

Salon Bleu/Crystal Panoramic Express).

Nearby places of interest include Interlaken, Iseltwald, Brienz (noted for

its wood-carvings),Thun, Spiez and Meiringen (of Sherlock Holmes fame

andwhere the famous desert ‘meringues’originated).Your train pass also

offers fare discounts on additional train trips to these places plus various

special scenic train rides such as the cog-railway trip up to the

Jungrfraujoch – the highest rail station in Europe.At 11,000 feet high the

views are magnificent. (B,D daily)

DAY 8 - 28 DECEMBER TOUR ENDS

Sadly your Christmas Break is complete. Your train ticket allows you to

transfer to any departure point in Switzerland. Maybe you will travel to

Luzern to join one of our wonderful NewYear tours? (B)

The concept of this tourUnlike all the other programmes in this brochure this is not an escorted

tour. It doesn’t need tobe.It has been specifically designedwith individual

flexibility in mind and includes travel on the incredibly reliable and

comprehensive Swiss Rail system.

Choose from 2 HotelsWe offer you the choice of staying in either of two superb hotels - the

Hotel Alpenblick in the village ofWilderswil or the Hotel Oberland in the

village of Lauterbrunnen. Both are good 3 star hotels. See opposite for

hotel details.

Hotel Alpenblick

Hotel Oberland

…come share our love of Europe

• Round trip train transfers between any point in Switzerland

andWilderswil or Lauterbrunnen stations

• No optional excursions lists or hidden, later charged extras

• 7 nights accommodation with private facilities in your choice

of hotel

• Buffet breakfast daily including hot and cold selections

• 4-course evening dinners

• Christmas Eve dinner,Christmas Day Lunch (Alpenblick),

Christmas Day Dinner (Oberland)

• Train excursions to Luzern,medieval Bern and to Lake

Geneva/Montreux Region on the Salon Bleu/Crystal Panoramic

Express train

• Discount pass for further train travel andmountain excursions

8 days only$1,599 pp twin share

Single supplement $150 (land only prices in Australian Dollars)

Child discounts apply to 15 years and under

Inclusions

Tour Price

Albatross gives youmore…

TopoftheJungfrau

Zurich

Eiger / JungfrauLAUTERBRUNNEN

Bern

InterlakenThun

Meiringen

WILDERSWIL

Luzern

77

Montreux

SWITZERLAND

FRANCE

SWISS CHRISTMAS BREAK8WONDERFUL DAYS – ZURICHTO ZURICH – NON-ESCORTED GROUP STAY

IMAGINE...staying in a delightful old wooden chalet style hotel in the beautiful Bernese Oberland. Experience special train rides through the

magnificent mountains and lakes to Montreux, Luzern andmedieval Bern. All around you jagged mountains soar to impossible heights whilst

you relax and enjoy real Swiss hospitality, bubbling cheese fondues, snow covered peaks andmuch,muchmore!

98

drinking and some fun in the snow!Your day is at leisure to relax and savour

thedelights of Kirchberg.AChristmas turkey lunchhasbeen included today,

and this evening,enjoy livemusic in your hotel. (B, L,D)

DAY6 - 26DECEMBER KIRCHBERG

Boxing Day - an exciting day! At nearby Jenbach we catch the historical

Zillertalbahn steam locomotive to the chic Ski resort of Mayrhofen. Relax in

the old wooden carriages as the train puffs its way up through the conifers

and snowcoveredmeadowsalong the full lengthof theZillerValley.Arriving

at midday you can relax, shop and take lunch amongst the numerous

mountainviewrestaurantsorperhapscatch the stunningcable car rideup to

the lofty heights (cable car ride not included).The views are excellent. (B,D)


Driving over the mountains of Southern Bavaria we pass Mittenwald

and visit Linderhof Palace to take a guided tour through King Ludwig’s

grand summer residence. Our next stop is the Passion Play village of

Oberammergau,with its ornately painted buildingswherewehave time for

lunch.In the afternoonwe stop at Kloster EttalMonasterywith its incredible

paintedceilings.Datingbackover 700years this is oneof the finest examples

of Rococo architecture in existence. (B,D)

DAY8 - 28DECEMBER KIRCHBERGTOMUNICH

Sadly your Christmas tour is now complete,and its time to bid farewell as

wemake themorning transfer toMunich to arrive aroundmidday.Maybe

youwill be joining one of our exciting NewYear programmes which start

in Luzern, Switzerland. (B)

DAY1 - 21DECEMBER MUNICHTOKIRCHBERG

Your tour commences this morning at 10am from the Maritim Hotel in

Munich.Aftermeeting yourTourManager,whowill bewith you for the next

eightdays,wedrive south into the snowcladTyrol regionandAustria'smost

popular winter resort of Kitzbuhel. Still retaining the atmosphere of a

Tyrolean village in its historic centre,old-style houseswithprojectinggables

andpaintedexteriors compete for attentionwith shops sellingEurope'smost

exclusive brand names. For lunch maybe take the cable car up the

KitzbuhelerHornandvisit oneof the23mountain restaurants.Midafternoon

we continue to Kirchberg which will be your home over the next seven

nights.Located 10 kms fromKitzbuhel,Kirchberg is an excellent ski resort in

its own right.This evening,enjoy awelcomedrink and take the opportunity

toget tomeet your fellowChristmas travellers.Hot andcoldbuffetbreakfasts

and 4 course dinners with salad buffet and choice ofmenu are served daily.

Highlightwill beaCandlelit dinner,ChristmasEveGala celebrationdinner,live

music on Christmas Day and Turkey lunch.During your stay your hosts will

also take you on a guided torchlight villagewalk. (D)

Your Tyrolean Hotel – The Sunny Hotel Sonne. An excellent, chalet style 4 star

hotel locatedashortwalkaboveKirchbergvillage.Theatmosphere is charming

with that traditional Austrian wooden décor, the views from the bar across to

themountainsareamazing,roomsare spaciousand thedining is excellent!We

have also included free access to their excellent indoor pool, steam room and

sauna.Located in a dramatic setting of snow covered Alps - where else would

youwant to stay for Christmas? Formore information see http://www.sunny-

hotel-sonne.at/en


We have included a full day excursion today. En route to Salzburg our first

stop is at the nearby village of Oberndorf where we visit the famous‘Silent

Night Chapel’on the site the Christmas carol was first performed.We then

continue on to Salzburg – the Baroque city of Mozart sitting beneath its

enormous Festung (Fortess). Awalking city tourwith an expert local guide

will introduce you to this enchanting city, including several locations used

in the film 'Sound of Music'. As a finale you will assemble amongst the fir

trees in the small stone courtyard of the St Peter's Keller,dating back to the

1500's andSalzburg's oldest restaurant,for somehot chocolate andbiscuits.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city. The huge castle makes a

fascinating visit and don't forget to soak up the atmosphere of the famous

Salzburg ChristmasMarkets. (B,D)


Following the spectacular Inn Valley to Wattens we visit the Swarovski

‘Kristallwelten’(‘CrystalWorlds’- entrance included).Built into a small hill the

entrance is through the mouth of a Goblin with huge crystal eyes. A weird

andwonderful crystal experience lieswithin.Laterwecontinue to thenearby

winter resort city of Innsbruckwherewe spend the rest of theday exploring

theOldTownwith its famous ’GoldenRoof’above themedieval townsquare

and delightful Christmas Markets. Time to do that last minute shopping,

indulge in the mulled wine and ginger biscuits and take in the music,

fabulously decorated trees and folklore displays. Spoil yourself with a

traditional tall aromatic coffee and a calorie-busting apfel strudel! (B,D)


Christmas Eve – There is nothing quite like a day in the mountains! The

highlight of todaywill be your ride in ahorse-drawn sleigh through the local

countryside, suitably warmed with some mulled wine while enjoying the

dramatic, snow laden mountains and breathtaking scenery surrounding

you.Afterwardsmaybe take a‘winterwalk’,hire skis or a toboggan andplay

in the snow. Tonight, enjoy a Christmas Eve Gala Dinner. (B,D)


Christmas Day as it should be….in a wonderful location – relaxing, eating,

Dom

platz-Salzburg

• Christmas in the enchanting Austrian Alps

• Salzburg ChristmasMarkets

• Famous ‘Silent Night Chapel’

• Linderhof Palace

• Swarovski CrystalWorld

• Passion Play village of Oberammergau

• Kloster Ettal Monastery

• Steam train ride to the ski resort of Mayrhofen

• Hot Chocolate and Ginger biscuits in Salzburg

• Medieval Innsbruck

• Christmas Eve Gala dinner

• Horse-drawn sleigh ride in the Austrian countryside


• All sightseeing, scenic drives and excursions described in the

itinerary

• Fully escorted by our experiencedTour Manager

• First class touring coach for excursions and touring

• End of tour tips to Tour Manager,drivers and guides

• 7 nights in the delightful Sunny Hotel Sonne

• Hotel porterage (1 bag per person)

• Buffet breakfasts daily

• 4 course dinners each evening with salad buffet

• Special Christmas Eve Gala dinner plus Candlelit dinner

• Turkey lunch and Carol Singers on Christmas Day

• Welcome drink, sleigh ride and hot chocolate with ginger biscuits

in Salzburg

• Local guides in Salzburg,Linderhof Palace and guided village walk

• Entrance to Swarovski CrystalWorld

• Ziller steam train ride toMayrhofen



Less time on

coaches,average

139 kms travelled

each day

Over $1,000

value of extras

already included

no hidden costs

Guaranteed to

depart with

7 ormore

passengers

Compare the Albatross Difference

Highlights

Inclusions

Tour Price


Whynot join us for NewYear in Switzerland,Italy,Bavaria,Paris or London?

Our 5 exciting NewYear tours have been specially designed to

start as this Christmas tour ends. See pages 37,38, 40, 42 or 44.

Your Christmas Hotel, Sunny Hotel Sonne

AUSTRIAN CHRISTMAS BREAK8MAGICAL DAYS –MUNICHTOMUNICH – ESCORTED GROUPTOUR

IMAGINE...A festive Christmas staying eight days in a charming chalet style hotel in the enchanting Austrian Alps. Including the Salzburg Christmas

Markets,SilentNightChapel,LinderhofPalace,Oberammergau inBavaria,anostalgic,snowboundsteamtrain ride to thechic ski resortofMayrhofen,

medieval Innsbruck,a sleigh ride,traditional Christmasmeals,music,andmuch,muchmore!

Munich

Oberammergau

Kloster EttalLinderhofPalace

Mayrhofen

Innsbruck

Salzburg

KitzbuhelJenbach

GERMANY

AUSTRIA

KIRCHBERG 7Lake Aachensee

Bavaria

The Tyrol

HohenzollernCastle

• Experience Christmas in the heart of the Black Forest

• Take in themedieval towns of Heidelberg and Freiburg

• Visit the SchwarzwaldMuseum inTriberg – capital of the

Black Forest

• Shop in the enormous Stuttgart ChristmasMarkets

• Follow the AlsaceWine road

• Stroll on the cobbled stone streets of Colmar

• Cruise on the canals of Strasbourg

• Vist glorious Hohenzollern Castle and see beautiful Lake Titisee

• Relax on a horse drawn Sleigh ride

• Witness the Hornberger shooting – historical re-enactment

• Take part in a Medieval Banquet



itinerary




• 7 nights accommodation



• Christmas Turkey lunch

• Dinners each evening including a Farewell Medieval Banquet

• Tea, coffee andwater with all dinners

• Welcome drink in Frankfurt andTriberg, torchlight walk withmulled

wine,afternoon tea and cakes

• Local guides in Triberg,Freiburg,Strasbourg and Hohenzollern

Castle

• Entrances to Hohenzollern Castle and the Schwarzald Museum

• Horse drawn Sleigh ride,Canal cruise in Strasbourg

• Historical re-enactment of the Hornberger shooting with hot punch



Less time on

coaches,average

145 kms travelled

each day

Over $1,000

value of extras

already included

no hidden costs

Guaranteed to

depart with

7 ormore

passengers


Highlights

Inclusions

Tour Price

…come share our love of Europe1110

DAY 1 - 21DECEMBER FRANKFURT

Your tour commences this afternoon from the Holiday Inn North Frankfurt

Airport Hotel. Experience tells us it is best to keep active through this

afternoon and as such we have included a short afternoon visit to the city

centre to take in your first ChristmasMarkets.Dinner tonight is included in

your hotel but first enjoy a welcome drink in the hotel bar.This is an ideal

chance to get tomeet your fellow travellers. (D)

YourFrankfurtHotel–Holiday InnNorthFrankfurtAirport.Located inGermany’s

largest stretch of urban woodland and a short drive to the old city centre, all

roomshave private facilities, telephone,satelliteTV,mini-bar,hair dryer etc.

DAY2 - 22DECEMBER HORNBERG

The ancient university town of Heidelberg is only an hour’s drive away.Set

in the wooded Neckar Valley, with its twin-towered bridge and red

sandstone castle, we spend the morning here.Moving on to Stuttgart we

enjoy abrief city orientation tour before having free time in oneof themost

beautiful and largest Christmas Markets in Europe.With 200 delightfully

decorated stands the "fairytale land" on Schlossplatz form a fabulous

Christmas setting. In front of the ‘New Palace” there is also an open air

skating rink.Late afternoonwedrivedeep into theBlack Forest to the village

of Hornberg where we stay for the next six nights over Christmas. During

your stay all breakfasts and dinners are included and there is also Turkey

lunch on Christmas Day. (B,D)

Your Black Forest Hotel –Hotel Schloss Hornberg.Enjoy the 900 years of history

surrounding your little ‘schloss’ (stately home) which boasts Black Forest

traditions and culinary delights (technically ‘schloss’ canmean palace or castle

however theHornberg isbetterdescribedasastatelyhomeormansion).Situated

inabeautiful parkabove the valley in theheart of theBlack Forest,this location

makes an excellent base for all of our included excursions to the surrounding

areas.This traditional hotel has a 3 star classification and all guestrooms are

fittedwith bath/showers, radio, telephones and satellite television. Please note

theHornbergHotelhasno lifthoweverour roomswill be locatedon floors1and

2.The hotel web site is written in German but you still maywish to have a look.

Go towww.schloss-hornberg.de


Crossing the Rhine in France, we spend the morning in picture-perfect

Colmar. Brightly painted, half-timbered houses on narrow, twisting lanes

make a good backdrop for street markets. The River Lauch winds its way

through the centre,knownas the LittleVenice district.Beautifully decorated

throughout the Advent period there is even a gigantic letter box on Place

des Six Montagnes Noires where children can post their letters to Father

Christmas. Later we will follow the Rhine along the Route Alsace du Vin

(Alsace wine route) to arrive into Strasbourg, the seat of the European

Parliament around lunchtime.This afternoonwehave included the services

of a local guide andwe also enjoy a delightful canal boat cruise. Retaining

its old world charm there are 3 bridges spanning the River Ill, massive

fortified towers and the pedestrian streets.The Christmas Markets around

the Place de la Cathédrale and Place Broglie are beautifully decorated and

adelight.This traditional ChristmasMarket,whichdates back to 1570,is one

of the oldest and finest, and boasts one of the highest Christmas trees in

Europe.Time to do that last minute shopping, indulge in the mulled wine,

ginger biscuits and ‘Bredele’ (small Alsatian biscuits), take in the music,

fabulously decorated trees and folklore displays. (B,D)


Christmas Eve – An exciting day as we drive through the conifers and snow

covered meadows to reach beautiful Lake Titisee for a morning break. Later

we will continue to the Black Forest’s highest ski resort at Feldberg, for

lunchtime.Time to maybe enjoy a chair lift ride up to a mountain restaurant

and take in the views or just have some fun in the snow.This afternoon,back

atyourhotel,wehave includedafternoonteawithChristmasbiscuitsand later

this evening relaxandenjoyour traditional festiveChristmasEvedinner. (B,D)

Stuttgart ChristmasMarkets

Why not join us for NewYear in Switzerland,Italy,Bavaria,Paris or London?



FRANKFURT

Heidelberg

StuttgartStrasbourg

Luzern

The

Bla

ckFo

rest

Colmar

GERMANY

FRANCE

FreiburgTriberg

Hohenzollern Castle

HORNBERG

1

6

GERMAN CHRISTMAS BREAK8DELIGHTFUL DAYS – FRANKFURTTO LUZERN – ESCORTEDGROUPTOUR

IMAGINE...A festive Christmas staying deep in the heart of the Black Forest near the lovely town of Triberg.Add to this visits to the gloriousmedieval

townsofHeidelberg ,FreiburgandStuttgart -withEurope’s largestChristmasMarkets.Completingthisexceptional tourwetake indelightful LakeTitisee,

spend a day on the Alsace wine road in the cobbled stone streets of Strasbourg and charming Colmar,Hohenzollern Castle. Enjoy your traditional

Christmasmeals,music,medieval banquet,canal cruise,winter sleigh ride andmuch,muchmore!


Christmas Day as it should be…in a wonderful location - relaxing, eating,

drinking and definitely no Indiana Jones repeats or visits from long, lost

relatives! This is a day to relax and savour the delights of the valley you are

staying in.Nearbyyouwill findnumeroushikingpathsandwalkways toenjoy.

Remember to gather together for Christmas Day Turkey Lunch and the

Hornberger shooting.This historical re-enactment provides insight into the

local event which took place in 1576, hold onto your hot punch when the

cannon goes off! (B,L,D)


Boxing Day –We have included a glorious visit to Hohenzollern Castle with

its many towers and turrets which are surrounded by ramps and

fortifications. The castle rises majestically from atop an 855 metre high

mountain overlooking the Swabian Alb (Highlands). We will use a local

shuttle bus to travel up thewooded road from the coach park to the castle.

This afternoonwecontinue toTribergarea tovisit theSchwarzwaldmuseum

(Black Forest Museum) with its 18 rooms displaying the unique lifestyles,

furniture and traditions of the Black Forest. Early evening we have also

included a torchlight walk with cookies and glühwein (mulledwine). (B,D)


Thismorningweare joinedbyour local guidewhenwevisit the capital of the

Black Forest – the Gothic city of Freiburg.Sensitively restored,Freiburg is one

of themostcharmingGermancities locatedwhere theBlackForestmeets the

Rhine plain.Arcaded shopping streets and little streams lead through the old

town to its great Gothic Münster with a splendid tower and richly decorated

interior.At duskweenjoyour horse drawn sleigh ride near our hotel and later

we indulge inour farewellMedievalBanquet in thecellarsof theSchloss.(B,D)


Sadly your Christmas tour is now complete, and its time to bid farewell as we

make themorning transfer via Zurich Airport to arrive late morning and then

ontoLuzern.MaybeyouwillbejoiningoneofourexcitingNewYearprogrammes

which start in Luzern today. (B)

12

DAY 1 - 18DECEMBER MUNICH

Your tour commences this evening in wonderful Munich. Shopping is

always excellent in Munich - particularly around the town hall and the

decoratedwoodenChristmasMarket stalls.Before your Bavarian style buffet

dinner enjoy a welcome drink in the hotel. (D)

YourMunichHotel -Maritim.This FirstClass eleganthotel is ina superb location

in the city centre just a fewminutes from the Deutches Theatre and the main

pedestrian shopping mall.The hotel boasts excellent facilities from the Piano

Bar and restaurant to the sauna, solarium,massage, fitness centre and indoor

swimming pool.

DAY2 - 19DECEMBER INNSBRUCK

Joining our touring coach we drive into the Bavarian Alps. First stop will be

at the richly decorated Weiskirche (Church in the Meadows) with its

incredible painted ceilings. Next stop will be in the tiny village of

Hohenschwangau where we enjoy a light lunch at the Muller hotel before

our visit to the famous fairytaleNeuschwansteinCastle of 'Mad' KingLudwig.

We’ve included a horse and carriage ride to take you up the wooded road

toenjoya tour through theWagner inspired state rooms.Later this afternoon

we drive over the scenic Fern Pass and down into the Inn Valley and the

Winter Olympic city of Innsbruck where we will stay the next two nights.

Dinner is included tonight and the ChristmasMarkets await. (B,L,D)

Your Innsbruck Hotel - Grauer Baer. Superb location just 200 metres from the

historic city centre. A hotel with style and tradition, a restaurant, bar, sauna,

steam-bath, solarium and a gym. 91 rooms, with private facilities,

TV, radio,hairdryer.


Following the spectacular Inn Valley to Wattens we visit the Swarovski

‘Kristallwelten’ (‘Crystal Worlds’ - entrance included). Built into a small hill

the entrance is through the mouth of a Goblin with huge crystal eyes. A

weird andwonderful crystal experience layswithin.Back to Innsbruck your13

where we join our expert local guide for a walking tour.The rest of the day

is free to shop and explore the myriad of narrow, water lined streets and

canals spannedbyhumpedbackbridges.Dinner this evening is back in‘our’

castle. (B,D)

DAY6 - 23DECEMBER GLORIOUS LAKE BLED

Before crossing the Slovenian border we duck into Austria and visit the old

town of Villach with its main square (Hauptplatz) surrounded by fine 16th-

century houses. Entering the Julian Alps we reach the natural wonder of

Lake Bled where the tranquil waters are surrounded by impressive snow

covered peaks and overlooked by the imposing castle.A dramatic place to

spendChristmas!Your afternoon is at leisure to take awalk around the lake

or visit the castle. Over the next four nights all dinners are included.

Christmas Eve is a buffet dinner with music and a traditional Christmas

Turkey lunch is also included. (B,D)

Your SlovenianChristmas hotel -TheGolf Hotel. This 4 star hotel is in the heart

of Bled,with a surrounding of majestic ancient trees and full views across the

lake,the island,the castle and the towering peaks of the Julian andKaravanke

Alps.This hotel has been completely renovatedwith the addition of amodern

wellness centre.We have upgraded all our rooms to have lake views.


This morning we join our local guide and visit Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana,

which means ‘beloved’ in Slovene. Retaining the charm and warmth of a

small town, it is literally filled to capacity with Baroque churches, palaces,

museums and quaint bridges traversing the canals and rivers. Pedestrian

areas in the historic Old Town overflow with cafe tables and street

entertainers. This evening enjoy a special dinner with Zither Music. Those

wishing tomake their ownway to attendmidnightmasswill enjoy pastries

and a hot drink on their return. (B,D)


Spend Christmas relaxing on the shores of Lake Bled and enjoying the

magnificentsceneryandexcellenthotel facilities.A traditionalChristmasTurkey

Enjoy your Christmas by Lake Bled

afternoon is free to explore theOldTownand see the famous‘GoldenRoof’

above themedieval town squarewith its delightful ChristmasMarkets.Time

to do that last minute shopping, indulge in the mulled wine and ginger

biscuits and take in the music, fabulously decorated trees and folklore

displays.You simplymust spoil yourselfwith a traditional tall aromatic coffee

and a calories-busting apfel strudel! Maybe a rich chocolate torten cake?

Mmmm! (B)

DAY4 - 21DECEMBER CASTELBRANDO

Crossing over the Brenner Passwe stopmidmorning in the charming town

of Bolzano. You’ll have time to enjoy the delightful Town Hall square and

shop along the covered arcades and arches of Via dei Portici.We’ve also

included a visit to the Museum of Archaeology where you can see the

mummified remains ofÖtzi – the famous IceMan - alongwith a fascinating

exhibition documenting the Ancient History of Italy’s South Tyrol. This

afternoonwe follow the SuganoValley fromTrento through the ItalianAlps

to the superb CastelBrando in the foothills of the Dolomites.On arrival we

have included a guided tour of the castle – there is a lot to see - and this

will be your home for the next two evocative nights. Located above the

medieval village of Cison di Valmarino this 2,000 year old Roman fortress

was turned into a sumptuous noble’s palace in the 13th Century. (B,D)

Your Castle Hotel – CastelBrando. Skillful restoration and sensitive

modernization have brought the original magnificence back to life. Guelph

style decorative battlements, stone cellars, tapestries, swords and suits of

armour set the scene for the elegant halls, dining rooms,manicured gardens

and terraces overlooking the valley. Amongst the leisure facilities there is an

indoor pool, health spa and Turkish baths. For more information look at

http://www.castelbrando.it/


Today we visit nearby Venice – arguably one of themost romantic cities in

the world. At Tronchetto we board a boat to take us to St Marc’s Square

lunchwillbeenjoyedbyall.In theeveningwegatheronthe lakesidetowitness

the local ceremony of the‘Sinking of the Bells ofWishes’. Tonight enjoy a live

bandplaying in your hotel. What away to spendChristmas! (B,L,D)


There is nothing quite like a day playing in the mountains! Joined by our

local guidewedrive through the BohinjValleywhich stretches through the

Triglav National Park to visit the beautiful Lake Bohinj.We then continue

our drive north to the breathtaking Zgornjesavska Valley and reach the

resort townof KranjskaGora,famed for it's SkiWorld Cup competitions and

Ski 'flights' on the giant ski-jump in Planica. Maybe take a chair lift to the

topof themountains for views that goon forever.Alternatively explore this

vibrant ski resort packed with shops and restaurants. This evening we’ve

included tickets to Bled’s annual Boxing Day Brass Band concert. (B,D)

DAY10 - 27DECEMBER MUNICH

Driving north we cross back into Austria and reach Salzburg - the Baroque

city of Mozart sitting beneath its enormous Festung (Fortress) where we

enjoy a leisurely lunch time in the old town centre. Mozart’s Birthplace

makes a fascinating visit.Mid afternoonwedepart Salzburg and arrive into

Munich for our last evening together.Your farewell dinner tonight will be

enjoyed in a local German restaurant. (B,D)

YourMunichHotel -Maritim.


Sadly your Christmas tour is now complete, and its time to bid farewell.

Maybe youwill be joining one of our exciting NewYear programmes. (B)




MUNICH

Salzburg

Ljubljana

Neuschwanstein

LAKE BLED

CASTELBRANDO

INNSBRUCK

Bolzano

Trento

Dolomites

ITALY

AUSTRIA

SLOVENIA

Kranjska Gora

2

4

2

2

CHRISTMAS IN THE SLOVENIAN ALPS11GLORIOUSDAYS –MUNICHTOMUNICH – ESCORTEDGROUPTOUR

IMAGINE...A festive Christmas with four days on the shores of magnificent Lake Bled deep in the Slovenian Alps, plus medieval Innsbruck, the

Fairytale Castle of Neuschwanstein,Bolzano, the jagged Italian Dolomites and the snow fields of Kranjska Gora in the Julian Alps.Add to this the

canals of Venice, the old city of Ljubljana,dramatic Lake Bohinj,ChristmasMarkets,Brass Band, the ‘Sinking of the Bells ofWishes’and, to cap it all,

staying twomore nights in a dreamy Italian Castle.What a combination!

Innsbruck ChristmasMarkets

Photocourtesy–PaulMaughan

14

• Christmas on the shores of magnificent Lake Bled

• Fairytale Castle of Neuschwanstein

• Innsbruck ChristmasMarkets

• Stay in a glorious Italian Castle

• St Marc’s Square & canals in Venice


• Boxing Day Brass Band Concert

• Snow fields of Kranjska Gora in the Julian Alps

• Old city of Ljubljana and Lake Bohinij

• Special Farewell Dinner

Salzburg

15



itinerary


• First class touring coach


• 10 nights First Class accommodation

• Upgrades to LakeView rooms at Lake Bled


• Buffet breakfasts daily, and a light lunch

• 9 dinners including Christmas Eve dinner with Zither Music and

Special Farewell dinner

• Christmas Day Turkey lunch

• Tea and coffee with all dinners

• Welcome drink in Munich and Lake Bled

• Local guides - Neuschwanstein Castle,Venice, Ljubljana and

Kranjska Gora

• Entrance and horse and buggy ride to Neuschwanstein Castle

• Return waterbus in Venice

• Tickets to the Boxing Day Brass Band Concert



Less time on

coaches,average

147 kms travelled

each day

Over $1,200

value of extras

already included

no hidden costs

Guaranteed to

depart with

7 ormore

passengers


Highlights

Inclusions

Tour Price


itswindingcobbled stone streets,churches,Christmasdecorationsandshops

– all a short walk away.Take time to visit the huge castle for a fascinating

view and don't forget to soak up the atmosphere of the famous Salzburg

ChristmasMarkets. (B)

DAY4 - 22DECEMBER NEUSTIFT IMSTUBAITAL

A leisurely departure as we drive deep into the Bavarian mountains. After

exploring the famous,historical townof Berchtesgadenweenjoy a fun filled

ride deep into the old Salt Mines.This very different experience starts with

you dressing up in traditional salt miner’s uniform, riding a small train deep

underground, taking wooden slides (or steps) and then floating on a barge

across a crystal clear underground lake beautifully illuminated by a light

show. Later we follow the spectacular Inn Valley through the Tyrol to

Innsbruck where we cross the Europabrucke (Europe’s second highest

bridge) and enter the glorious Stubai Valley. The Stubai Valley is a winter

playgroundwithanumberof villages lining thevalley floorwhilstmountains

soar up to3,000metres either side.Ourhome for thenext fivenights is in the

Tyrolean village of Neustift. (B,D)

Your Neustif accommodation – The Sportspension Elizabeth. Located in the

very heart of the picturesque town, the Sportpension Elizabeth is in an ideal

location to explore the wonderful Stubai Valley.This Pension has a delightful

ambience with wooden floors, beams and décor with that warm, traditional

Tyrolean feel. In house, they also boast a sauna, steam room, leisure area and

ski/boot drying room.You will stay here five nights. During your stay buffet

breakfasts are includeddaily.Enjoy cereal,homemade jams,cakes,freshbread,

andcheeseandmeatproducts fromtheneighbouring farms.Pleasenote room

porterage is not available.

DAY5 - 23DECEMBER NEUSTIFT IMSTUBAITAL

Meeting our local coach we drive down the valley to the town of Wattens

where we visit (entrance included) the Swarovski 'Kristallwelten' (Crystal

World).The colourful displaysoffer aweird andwonderful crystal experience

and the shop is enormous. Laterwego toBergisel and thedramatic ski jump.

After a short funicular ridewe takeanelevatorup to the café at the topof the

50 metre jumping tower. The views down over the city of Innsbruck and

MUNICH

MondseeBerchtesgaden

SALZBURG

HOHENSCHWANGAU

AUSTRIA

GERMANY

Innsbruck

Mutterberg

NEUSTIFT

Bergisl5

1

21

The Tyrol

Bavaria

CHRISTMAS IN THE AUSTRIAN TYROL10WONDERFUL DAYS –MUNICHTOMUNICH – FULLY ESCORTEDGROUPTOUR

IMAGINE….Staying five nights over Christmas in the heart of a Tyrolean village in the snow covered Stubai Valley,Austria.Add two nights in the

heart of the baroque Salzburg and another amongst the fairytale castles of Bavaria. Highlights include the wonderful Christmas markets of

Salzburg and Innsbruck,goingdeepunder ground in the Berchtesgaden SaltMines,standingat the very topof theOlympic Ski jumpandenjoying

the crystal displays in Swarovski CrystalWorld.

This tour isperfect foranyonewantinga less regulated tour.Aftera fewdays

of more conventional, inclusive style touring fromMunich to Salzburg we

spend five nights in the glorious Stubai Valley over Christmas.Most of this

stay has been deliberately left open for more independent activities and

enjoyment.The Stubai Valley is a winter wonderland with so much to do

includingwinterwalking,cross country skiing,skating,dayandevennight-

time tobogganing. For accommodation we have chosen to stay in a

delightfulPension (typeofguesthouse).Comfort isassured in this family run

accommodation house. All rooms have private facilities and are of a very

high standardwith thatwarm,traditionalTyrolean feel.


Your tour commences this evening at your hotel. Shopping is always

excellent in Munich - particularly around the town hall and the decorated,

wooden, Christmas market stalls. Before your Bavarian style buffet dinner

enjoy awelcome drink in the hotel. (D)

YourMunichHotel -Maritim.This FirstClasseleganthotel is inasuperb location


pedestrian shoppingmall.

DAY2 - 20DECEMBER SALZBURG

This morning we cross into Austria to take a morning break in the pretty

town of Mondsee, by Lake Mondsee.Make sure you visit the church made

famous in the wedding scene of the film the 'Sound of Music'. We then


enormous Festung (Fortress).We have arranged an afternoon walking city

tour with an expert local guide who will introduce you to this enchanting

city,including several locationsused in the film 'SoundofMusic’.This evening

wehave includeddinner at the Sternbraeu restaurant - a traditional brewery

restaurant in the heart of the old town. (B,D)

YourSalzburgHotel -TheSchwarzlerNeutor.This four starhotelhasbeenchosen

for its brilliant location.A 200metre pedestrian tunnel leads you directly to the

old city andallmajor sights arewithin easywalking distance.

DAY3 - 21DECEMBER SALZBURG

We have left this day entirely free for you to enjoy this marvellous city with

16

along thebroad InnValley aremagnificent,and standingat the jumper’s start

point looking down the steep ramp is spine–tingling.Later,we continue the

short distance to the winter resort of Innsbruck where we spend the

afternoon exploring the OldTown.Make sure you enjoy the picture perfect

ChristmasMarkets in the oldmedieval square beneath the famous 'Golden

Roof’. Fifty metres away from this historic landmark is the Goldener Adler

hotel and restaurantwherewewill also enjoy an early evening dinner. (B,D)

DAY6 -DAY8 24 - 26DECEMBER NEUSTIFT IMSTUBAITAL

What amagnificent location to relax over Christmas!

Apart fromwhenwegather forourChristmasEveDinner in a local restaurant,

your time over the next three days is entirely free. There are numerous

activities you can enjoy locally and your Tour Manager will of course be at

hand toassist.Christmas EveDinnerhasbeen included.Christmas Eve,rather

thanChristmasDay, is themain celebratorymeal in Continental Europe.The

time friends, groups and families all gather.On the other three evenings of

your stay we have purposefully left them free for you to experience dining

locally.The SportpensionElizabeth is in theheart of the village and there are

dozensof restaurantswithin easywalkingdistance - fromPizzerias toBistros

and Gasthofs offering Tyrolean cuisine. Dining out in Austria is certainly of

better value than in most European countries with meals being both

inexpensive and generally of a very high quality.

What to do with your free time over these three days?Whether you are a

‘super active snow sports’person or a ‘take it easy and relax’person there

is somuch to enjoy. The village of Neustift is located about half way up the

Stubai Valley.All along the length of the valley there are numerous‘winter

walks’ which often double as Nordic or Cross Country ski paths. You

should try your hand at this invigorating sport – it’s surprisingly straight

forward and not too difficult. For the experienced, there are several high-

altitude tracks. In theNeustift village there is a small ice skating rink, indoor

swimming complex and a ten pin bowling alley. Neustift also has the

longest natural tobogganing track in the Tyrol. Three evenings a week

there is also night-time tobogganing lit with lanterns! Paragliding is also

available for the adventurous.

There are 3 main ski areas around Neustift. The Stubaier Glacier above

Mutterberg, the Schlick 2000 above Fulmes and the Elfer slopes actually

above Neustift.Non skiers can access all themain peaks by gondola cable

car. At all ‘drop off’ points there are large restaurants, cafés and rest

facilities – usually with panoramic views. The Mutterberg gondola stops

at an altitude of 3,333metres where there is a restaurant and an

observation platform called the‘Top of theTyrol’.The views are enormous

spanning across the jagged Alps, one way to Italy and the other into

Germany.The skiing is of course, fabulous. (B x 3,D x 1)

DAY9 - 27DECEMBER HOHENSCHWANGAU INBAVARIA

Driving up over the beautiful Fern Pass we enter Southern Bavaria and visit

the tiny village of Hohenschwangau.Wewill be staying tonight in the heart

of thispicturesquevillage.This afternoonwewill takeahorseandbuggy ride

up the wooded hill to visit Neuschwanstein Castle and enjoy a fascinating

guided tour inside‘Mad’KingLudwig’s apartments.The staterooms,halls and

throne room are all reminiscent of a Wagner operatic saga.The rest of the

day is at leisure tomaybewalk around the lakeor through thewoodsor relax

in your excellent hotel.Dinner is included in your hotel. (B,D)

Your Bavarian Hotel - The Hotel Müller. Your First Class hotel is in the most

enchanting of settings. Old-style wood panelling, octagonal restaurant and

Wintergardenbothwith castle views,verandawith open fireplace and views of

Castle Hohenschwangau,Coachman’s Room,cocktail lounge - the list goes on.

Have a look at the hotel onhttp://www.hotelmueller.de/indexen.htm

DAY10 - 28DECEMBER TOMUNICH

Sadly your Christmas tour comes to a close and it’s time to bid farewell.We

have included a transfer toMunich city centre and then onto the airport. (B)

Neustift – Your Christmas Village


Highlights

17

StubaiGlacier

• All excursions, scenic drives and sightseeing as described in the

itinerary.


• Local guides Salzburg,Neuschwanstein Castle


• Hotel porterageMunich,Salzburg and Hohenschwangau (1 bag

per person) (Please note porterage not available at the Neustift pension)

• End of tour tips to Tour Manager,drivers and local guides

• 9 nights selected accommodation as described

• Full Buffet breakfasts daily

• 6 dinners including a welcome dinner, Sternbraeu restaurant

Salzburg, Innsbruck dinner at the Goldener Adler,Christmas Eve

dinner and farewell dinner

• Welcome drink in Munich

• Entrance to Berchtesgaten Salt Mines,Swarovski Crystal,

Innsbruck Ski jump,Neuschwanstein Castle and horse and buggy

ride up to Neuschwanstein



Inclusions

Tour Price

Less time on

coaches,average

67 kms travelled

each day

Over $1,000

value of extras

already included

no hidden costs

Guaranteed to

depart with

7 ormore

passengers



• See the Sound of MusicWedding church in Mondsee

• Dine in a Salzburg brewery restaurant

• Experience a Christmas Eve dinner in a Tyrolean restaurant

• Explore the Salt Mines at Berchtesgaden

• Enjoy 5 days over Christmas in the Stubai Valley - a winter wonderland

• Wake up on Christmas day surrounded bymassive snow covered

peaks

• Be delighted by the wonderful Christmasmarkets of Salzburg and

Innsbruck

• Take in the Swarovski crystal experience

• Stand in awe at the top of Innsbruck’s Olympic Ski Jump

• Drive over the beautiful, snow clad Fern Pass into Bavaria

• Ride on a horse and buggy to visit ‘Mad’King Ludwig’s Fairytale Castle




1918

DAY 1 - 18DECEMBER MUNICH



decoratedwoodenChristmasMarket stalls.Before your Bavarian style buffet

dinner enjoy a welcome drink in the hotel. (D)

YourMunichHotel -Maritim.This FirstClass eleganthotel is ina superb location


pedestrian shopping mall.The hotel boasts excellent facilities from the Piano

Bar and restaurant to the sauna, solarium,massage, fitness centre and indoor

swimming pool.

DAY2 - 19DECEMBER THE SALZKAMMERGUT

A leisurely start aswe cross into Austria to spend lunchtime in LakeMondsee

andvisit thechurchmade famous in theweddingsceneof the filmthe 'Sound

ofMusic'.Later we drive deep into the Lakes District and visit Hallstatt.Set on

a rocky terrace jutting into the quiet dark water of the lake surrounded by

towering peaks, this is considered the oldest inhabited village in Europe and

perhaps themostbeautiful inAustria.Afterwards,passingWolfgangsee (lake),

wesoonreachFuschl - the tinycountryvillageonLakeFuschl.Only30minutes

from Salzburg this is our home for the next two nights.This evening join in a

torchlit villagewalk followedby a hot drink. (B,D)

YourSalzkammergutHotel –TheSeeroseHotel.Locateddirectlyon the shoreof

picturesque Lake Fuschl, this charming hotel offers four-star service. All rooms

have balconies, offering enchanting views across the lake or the magnificent

localmountain landscape.Leisure facilities include sauna,spa andpanorama

indoor pool.To really appreciate this hotel go to -www.hotel-seerose.at/en/

DAY3 - 20DECEMBER THE SALZKAMMERGUT


stop is at the nearby village of Oberndorf where we visit the famous ‘Silent

Night Chapel’ on the site the Christmas carol was first performed.We then

continue onto Salzburg – the Baroque city of Mozart sitting beneath its

enormous Festung (Fortess). A walking tour with an expert local guide will

introduce you to this enchanting city,including several locationsused in the

film 'SoundofMusic'.As a finale youwill assemble amongst the fir trees in the

small stone courtyard of the St Peter's Keller, dating back to the 1500's and

Salzburg's oldest restaurant, for somehot chocolate andbiscuits.The rest of

theday is free toenjoy the city.Maybe take time tovisit thehugecastlewhich

is fascinating, and don't forget to soak up the atmosphere of the famous


MUNICH

LUZERN

APPENZELL

FUSCHL

Salzburg

Innsbruck

Hallstatt

Chur

Lindau

Zermatt

SWITZERLAND

ITALY

GERMANY

AUSTRIA

LakeGeneva Glacier Express

Montreux Brig

LEUKERBAD

1

2

1

4

2

Vaduz

CHRISTMAS IN A SWISS SPA RESORT11AMAZINGDAYS –MUNICHTO LUZERN – ESCORTEDGROUPTOUR

IMAGINE…ThreecountriesoverChristmas -Staying fournightsoverChristmas ina first classSpaHotel inahiddenvillagepercheddramatically in the

snow-cladSwiss Alps.Ahhh…Christmasbeingperfumedandpamperedor playing in the snowhighabove the townwithdramatic viewsacross the

mighty, jagged peaks.Add to this the Austrian Lakes District, the ChristmasMarkets of baroque Salzburg andmedieval Innsbruck,Zermatt and the

mightyMatterhorn,Luzern and your 1st Class panoramic carriage on the famousGlacier Express! Style,elegance andan incredible adventure!

DAY4 - 21DECEMBER APPENZELL

Aleisurelydayaswefollowthespectacular InnValleyacross theTyrolwereach

theWinter Olympic resort of Innsbruckmidmorning.You will have plenty of

time to explore the old town with its famous Golden Roof and Christmas

Markets.After lunchtimewecontinuepast StAntonand throughTheArlberg

Tunnel into the Appenzell Region of Switzerland.Surrounded by undulating

fields,hills andmountains,Appenzell isold fashionedevenbySwiss standards

beingfullofwell-preserved16th-centurybuildings,includingsomedelightfully

paintedwoodenhouses. We stay here twonights. (B,D)

Your Appenzell Hotel - the 4 star Romantik Hotel Santis. Its colourful façade

standsdirectly on thehistoric Landsgemeinde square,withawonderful viewof

the surrounding hills and mountains.Traditional, charming, elegant, excellent

foodand family run.Hospitality is alive andwell at RomantikHotel Santis.

DAY5 - 22DECEMBER APPENZELL

This morning we make our way to the German border and to the banks of

LakeBodensee (Constance).Herewe stopat thebeautifully preserved island

town of Lindau, Germany’s southern most city, complete with medieval

lighthouses and cobbled stone streets.This afternoon we will go to Neu St

Johann to enjoy a delightful horse drawn sleigh ride followed by dinner in

your hotel. (B,D)

DAY6 - 23DECEMBER LEUKERBAD

At Chur we board the famous Glacier Express train which takes us along

the‘Valais’ through Switzerland’s finest mountain scenery to Brig.Ranked

as one of theworld’s top train trips youwill cross some of the 291 bridges,

the 2,033metre Oberalp Pass and go through some of the 91 tunnels.We

have reserved Premium Seats in the panoramic carriages. Boarding our

coach we drive up the winding Alpine road as it climbs through ravines

and frozen waterfalls to reach our Christmas destination – The Spa Town

of Leukerbad. Set in a hidden valley at an altitude of 4,600 feet your

Christmas Village is surrounded by towering, jagged peaks. Hot,

therapeutic,natural thermal water springs out from thesemountains - an

astonishing 3.9 million litres per day. Two of the next three days over

Christmas are completely at leisure.This evening is free. (B)

Your Christmas Hotel – The Lindner Hotel and Alpentherme. A very different

experience! Located on the main town square your hotel spans 3 buildings

connected by private,undergroundwalkways.There are restaurants, lounges

Leukerbad – Lindner Hotel Alpentherme

Panoramic Carriage on the Glacier Express Photo courtesy MarissaMaslen

Leukerbad –Your Christmas village

20

Hallstatt

21

• Christmas in the snow-clad Swiss Alps

• Austrian Lakes District

• ChristmasMarkets of baroque Salzburg

• Medieval Innsbruck

• TheMighty Matterhorn

• Hot chocolate and ginger biscuits in Salzburg

• Horse drawn sleigh ride

• Christmas Eve Gala dinner

• 1st Class Glacier Express Train journey through the Swiss Alps

• Cog railway journey to the alpine resort of Zermatt

• Lovely lakeside town of Luzern



itinerary




• 10 nights selected accommodation


• Free use of pools,gym and twice daily aqua aerobics sessions in

the Lindner Hotel, Leukerbad

• Full buffet breakfasts daily

• 8 dinners includingWelcome dinner, special Christmas Eve gala

dinner,Christmas Day dinner and Farewell dinner withmusic and

drinks at the Stadtkeller


• Welcome drink in Munich,mulled wine in Fuschl, special hot

chocolate and biscuits in Salzburg

• 1st Class Glacier Express train – Premium Carriage

• Cog railway train to Zermatt

• Horse drawn sleigh ride



Highlights

Inclusions

Tour Price

Less time on

coaches,average

132 kms travelled

each day

Over $1,200

value of extras

already included

no hidden costs

Guaranteed to

depart with

7 ormore

passengers



and a Piano Bar, plus Thermal baths (indoor and hot outdoor pools), sauna

and steam room.Youhave free access to all these facilities.Robes are provided

in each room for your use. Directly connected to the hotel is the Lindner

AlpenthermeWellness Centre- the largest selection of Alpine baths in Europe!

(Entrance to these separate pools/baths is at a small additional cost) To fully

appreciate this hotel look up www.lindner.de/en/MB

* Upgrades to suites are available at this hotel – details on request.

DAY7AND8 - 24AND25DECEMBER LEUKERBAD

Christmas as it should be - simply relax, take in the hotel spa and pampering

treatments or ski on the slopes high above town.Take each day as you wish.

Breakfasts and dinners are included both days. On Christmas Eve we have

included a Gala Dinner in your hotel and on Christmas Day you also enjoy a

specialChristmasdinner.Timetoenjoy the twicedaily includedaquaaerobics

sessions in the hotels facilities.For those that wish to spend a few days being

perfumed and pampered there are numerous specialist beauty services at

your fingertips fromThalasso treatments to Fango Mud packs. See the hotel

web site for the vast array of treatments onwww.lindner.de/en/MB). (B,D)

DAY9 - 26DECEMBER LEUKERBAD

A special day today! We return to the Valais (the broad “Valley” that cuts

through the high Alps) and drive up to Tasch, where we catch a cog

railway train up to the world-famous alpine resort of Zermatt. Set at an

altitude of 5,315 ft, the village is surrounded by a dozen huge peaks and

dominating all is the mighty Matterhorn. Petrol-driven vehicles are

banned from the village and as such the peace and quiet enhances the

wooden chalets and small winding village streets. Stunning! Relax

in the crisp clean air or perhaps take the Gornergrat funicular train to the




highest open air railway station in Europe. At 10,170 feet the view from

the top across the Alps is beyond belief. Returning to Leukerbad your

evening is free. (B)

DAY10 - 27DECEMBER LUZERN

Driving to Montreux on Lake Geneva, we have included entrance and a

guided tour through the beautifully preserved Chateau Chillon. Later we

journey on to the lovely lake-side town of Luzern with its covered wooden

bridges. Your farewell dinner tonight promises to be an unforgettable

experience aswedine in a local Swiss Restaurant andenjoy traditional Swiss

fare and a Folklore show. (B,D)

Your LuzernHotel - Hotel Schweizerhof. This 5 star hotel located on the banks

of the Lake, in the heart of Luzern's old town, is one of Switzerland's finest

hotels. The stunning interior reflects the brilliance of the grand era of the 19th

Century. You will be charmed by the rooms which are discreetly elegant

whilst being equipped with all the modern facilities required to ensure your

comfort.


Sadly your Christmas tour comes to a close and it is time to say farewell.

Maybe youwill be joining one of our exciting NewYear Tours? (B)

Themighty Matterhorn Photo courtesy MarissaMaslen

2322

DAY 1 - 17 DECEMBER FRANKFURT

Your tour commences this afternoon from theHoliday InnHotel Frankfurt.

If you have arrived on your international flight today experience tells us it

is best to keep active through this afternoon and as suchwehave included

a visit to the city centre with so much to see and do. Dinner tonight is

included in your hotel but first enjoy awelcome drink in the hotel bar.This

is an ideal chance to get to meet your fellow travellers. (D)

Your Frankfurt Hotel - The Holiday Inn North. Located in Germany’s largest

stretch of urban woodland and a short drive to the old city centre, all rooms

have private facilities, telephone, satellite TV,mini-bar,hair dryer etc.

central ‘old town’ is full of romantic, colourful shop fronts built into the

historical buildings.Your first class hotel for thenext twonights is excellently

located on themain Prague boulevardWenceslas Square. (B,D)

Your Prague Hotel – The Adria Hotel is a traditionally classic hotel which

combines the nostalgic charmofOld city Praguewith all themodern features

of a four star hotel in the heart of Prague.TheAdria is perfectly located on the

mainPragueboulevardWenceslas Squarewith each room featuringuniquely

different style. For more information see: http://www.adria.cz/

DAY 5 - 21 DECEMBER PRAGUE

This morning we have included a local guide for a tour through this

fascinating city from the Hradcany – Prague Castle to St Vitus

Cathedral. Entrances are included. Prague Castle covers over 7 hectares

and is the largest ancient castle in the world.We also visit Zlatá Ulièka

(the Golden Lane) with its tiny colourful houses built right into the

arches of the Castle walls and named after the goldsmiths who lived here

in the 17th century. The whole afternoon and evening is free to explore

the laneways, churches and bridges of this beautiful city. Prague is the

city of ‘good KingWenceslas’ so naturally the best Christmas markets are

in Wenceslas Square and the Old Town. Time to sip medovina – a

warm honey liquor. (B)

DAY 6 - 22 DECEMBER VIENNA

Driving southwe reach the imperial city of Vienna around lunchtime.This

afternoon we enjoy a panoramic drive along the Ringstrasse lined with

the grandmonuments and buildings of the once great Hapsburg Empire.

We also take a guided tour through the State Apartments of the

magnificent Royal summer residence – the Schönbrunn Palace. As a

special treat, at dusk we also enjoy visiting the picturesque Christmas

markets located in the Palace forecourt. (B,D)

Your ViennaHotel - Hotel Stefanie.Originally dating back over 450 years, the

current building is a charming,traditional First ClassViennese-style hotel.The

Stefanie is perfectly located in the heart of Vienna near the Danube Canal

andwithin easy reachof theOpera,St Stephen’s Cathedral and thepedestrian

mall.Your hotel offers 130 roomswith very tasteful décor,private facilities,TV,

radio and hairdryer with an excellent restaurant and bar.

DAY 7 - 23 DECEMBER VIENNA

A completely free day to relax and enjoy this enchanting city of museums

and style which boasts so many grand sights from the State Opera House

and Hofburg Palace to the spire of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Christmas

shopping?Try the excellent ChristmasMarket outside theTownHallwith its

fabulously decorated trees and folklore displays.Dinner tonight is a special

treat as we have reserved tables at the nearby Griechenbeisl Inn. A 'mere’

500years old this beautifully preserved Innhasbeena social gatheringpoint

of so many famous historical figures from Beethoven and Schubert to

Wagner andMarkTwain (who have autographed thewalls!). (B,D)

DAY 8 - 24 DECEMBER CESKY KRUMLOV

Joining the Danube at Melk,we take a privately guided tour through the

astonishing monastery – an enormous baroque creation with an old

library of antique books and a beautifully painted cathedral ceiling.Your

lunchtime will be free in the charming village of Melk. Near Linz we turn

north over the Danube and soon enter the Czech Republic to reach the

perfectly preserved 13th century town of Cesky Krumlov.Originally built

as a hamlet around the impressive castle, the wealth from the silver and

DAY 2 - 18 DECEMBER ROTHENBURG O.D.T

Wearrive into the Baroque city ofWurzburg,starting point of the Romantic

Road, mid morning.You will have plenty of free time in the Altstadt (old

town) amongst the Christmas Market stalls before we continue to nearby

Rothenburg…oneof the finestmedieval cities in all Europe.The rest of the

afternoon is free to enjoy thedelightful cobbled stone streets,ramparts and

turrets of this picture perfect town.Make a point of walking through the

famous 'Christmas Shop' known for its stunning displays. The Christmas

Markets set in narrow alleys 50 yards from your hotel, are perhaps the

quaintest youwill ever see.This evening after dinner in your hotel,we have

includeda special treat - a torchlight tourwith theNightWatchman through

the beautifully preserved ramparts and winding streets. (B,D)

Your Rothenburg Hotel - Tilman Riemenschneider. This splendid old half

timbered hotel is superbly located inside the old medieval walls barely 50

paces from the central market square. The hotel offers restaurants

traditionally decorated with original paintings and wooden carvings and

rooms with individually painted alpine-inspired furniture, private facilities,

cable TV and hair dryers. On the Web? Have a look at the hotel on

http://www.tilman-riemenschneider.de

DAY 3 - 19 DECEMBER ROTHENBURG O.D.T

Todaywe visitmedieval Nurnbergwith itsmassive stone towers and gates.

Once the setting for enormous Nazi rallies and the War Crimes trials, we

visit the massive rallygrounds and Nazi Documentation Centre before

seeing the old city.Nurnberg now boasts extensive pedestrian walkways

and themost splendid ChristmasMarkets in Europe. Local choirs sing and

the smell of mulled wine and roasting sausages, chestnuts and sweets fill

the air. Fantastic! We return to Rothenburg mid afternoon and the rest of

your day is free. (B)

DAY 4 - 20 DECEMBER PRAGUE

Crossing into theCzechRepublicwe arrive into Prague early afternoon.The

Cesky Krumlov by night

Vienna

FRANKFURT

ROTHENBURG

MUNICH

PRAGUE

Brno

NurnbergPlzen

Melk

Cesky Budejovice

VIENNA

CESKY KRUMLOV

AUSTRIA

CZECHREPUBLIC

GERMANY

2

2

3

1

2

1

A MEDIEVAL BOHEMIAN CHRISTMAS12 INSPIRINGDAYS – FRANKFURTTOMUNICH – FULLY ESCORTEDGROUPTOUR

IMAGINE…A festive Christmas staying three days in a beautifully restored romantic hotel dating back 500 years, located in the absolute heart

of wonderful,medieval Cesky Krumlov.Now add visits to the ancient cities and ChristmasMarkets of Rothenburg,Nurnberg,Prague andVienna

plus Melk Monastery, the Schönbrunn Palace,dining in the Catacombs deep under a cobbled stone town square andmuch,muchmore!

PhotocourtesyPaulMaughan

24

gold mining, plus a population of Catholic aristocrats seeking refuge

during the Reformation,made Cesky Krumlov the most important city in

southern Bohemia. This city is an extraordinary time capsule and a

fantastic place to spend your Christmas.World Heritage listed,wewill stay

the next three nights in the very heart of the delightful old town.On arrival

we have included the services of a local guide to bring to life the history

and background of this extraordinary town and castle.

Traditions are important in the Czech Republic and Christmas Eve is the

most important time of Christmas.Tonight enjoy a welcome drink before

a 5 course typical Czech Christmas Dinner. Those interested can attend

midnight mass in the massive cathedral right next to the hotel. (B,D)

Your Christmas Hotel in Cesky Krumlov – The first class Hotel Ruze. In 1584

Vilhelm of RoÏmberk,master of the house of RoÏmberks, knight of the Order of

theGoldenFleece -highestorderof Prague,invited theOrderof Jesuits toCesky

Krumlov. He built a university monastery for them. This has recently been

extensively reconstructed preserving the beautiful Renaissance architecture

and creating your 70 room hotel – The Ruze.The furniture, rooms and public

areas are adelight.Set in the absolute centre of town,the terrace has beautiful

views of theVltava River.Your stay herewill be an unforgettable experience.

Have a look for yourself – Go to http://www.hotelruze.cz/en

DAY9 - 25DECEMBER CESKYKRUMLOV

Your day is free amongst the narrow cobbled stone alleys,winding streets,

wooden bridges and quaint lanes.We have included a Turkey buffet lunch

and your afternoon is free to relax in the spectacular setting of your hotel,

before dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY10 - 26DECEMBER CESKYKRUMLOV

Boxing Day. We spend the morning with a local guide in nearby Cesky

Budejovice (often known as Budweis and famous for Budweiser beer) with

its large, ornate town square and old town hall with murals and bronze

gargoyles. Your afternoon is at leisure back in Cesky Krumlov.

Dinner tonight will be in probably the most unusual restaurant you have

ever dined in – the Catacombs under the central town square.Accessed by

a small spiral staircase we walk deep underground through nooks and

crannies with low, vaulted ceilings and rough hewn stone walls to enjoy a

typical Czechmeats and fish grill. (B,D)


We arrive into Munich mid afternoon to take in the gothic town hall, the

wonderful Frauenkirche and stroll along the pedestrian mall. This evening

we have included a farewell Bavarian dinner with wine and beer in a local

restaurant. (B,D)

YourMunich hotel –MaritimHotel is a centrally located, first class hotel.


Sadly your Christmas tour is now complete,and it’s time to bid farewell. (B)

25

Schonbrunn Palace,Vienna

Praguebynight

• Christmas in the heart of medieval Cesky Krumlov

• Christmasmarkets of Rothenburg and Nurnberg,Prague

andVienna

• Melk Monastery

• Schönbrunn Palace

• Traditional Czech Christmas Dinner

• Prague Castle

• Nightwatchman tour in Rothenburg

• Dining experience in the Catacombs under the central

town square



itinerary







• Christmas Turkey buffet lunch

• 9 evening dinners including a traditional Christmas Eve dinner,

welcome and farewell dinners,Griechenbeisl InnVienna and

Catacombs dinner in Cesky Krumlow

• Welcome drink in Frankfurt and Cesky Krumlov


• Local guides in Prague,Vienna,Cesky Krumlov and Cesky

Budejovice

• Entrances to Prague Castle, Schönbrunn Palace,Melk Abbey and

the Nazi Documentation Centre




Highlights

Inclusions

Tour Price

Less time on

coaches,average

149 kms travelled

each day

Over $1,200

value of extras

already included

no hidden costs

Guaranteed to

depart with

7 ormore

passengers






2726

viewsofCastleHohenschwangau,Coachman’s Room,cocktail lounge - the list

goes on.Rooms have private facilities, telephone,TV.On theWeb? Have a look

at the hotel on http://www.hotelmueller.de/indexen.htm

DAY5 - 23DECEMBER BAVARIANALPS

Whatbetterway to start theday thanahorse andbuggy rideup through the

wooded road to visit Neuschwanstein Castle. On arrival you will enjoy a

guided tour inside theKing’s apartments,staterooms,halls and throne room

all reminiscent of a Wagner operatic saga. Later we drive up into the

mountains tohave lunch in the formerRoyalHunting Lodgeat Bleckenau.In

theafternoonwewill also visit theneo-GothicHohenschwangauCastle.Rich

in history,youwill find the interior typical of theCastles of the Knights of the

Middle Ages,with its 'Hall of Heroes',paintings and suits of armour. (B,L,D)


Wespend themorning at thebeginningof the Romantic Road - in the town

of Füssen.Take time towalk through the very picturesque and historic part

of the town with its Christmas decorations and shops. (Shops open until

lunchtime).Nearby Hopfen,where we take lunch, is actually part of Füssen

and on the Lake Hopfensee. Perhaps take a walk along the lakeside, the

viewsof themountains are excellent.We return to your hotelmid afternoon

and give you ample time to be ready for a special evening.The warm glow

will continue - Bavarian Style - as you enjoy a glass of champagnewith your

hosts and a traditional festive Christmas Eve dinner withmusic. (B, L,D)


Christmas as it should be - relaxing, eating, drinking and definitely no

Indiana Jones repeats, washing up and unwelcome long-lost relatives!

Perhaps go for a walk around the lake? Highlight of the morning will be a

visit to nearby Schwangau and your ride in a horse-drawn sleigh through

the local countryside.Christmas lunchwill be taken in the hotel and later in

the afternoon we will take a cable car ride up to Tegelberg to take in the

excellent views down onto the Fairytale Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle

and your hotel far below.Time to take those ‘perfect’photo shots. (B, L,D)


A day in the mountains with Rococo! Our first stop this morning is at the

DAY1 - 19DECEMBER FRANKFURT

Your tour commences this afternoon from the Holiday Inn Hotel Frankfurt.

If youhave arrived on your international flight today experience tells us it is

best to keep active through this afternoonandas suchwehave included an

afternoonvisit to the city centrewith somuch to see anddo.Dinner tonight

is included in your hotel,but first,enjoy awelcomedrink in thehotel bar.This

is an ideal chance to get tomeet your fellow travellers. (D)

Your Frankfurt Hotel - The Holiday Inn North. Located in Germany’s largest

stretch of urban woodland and a short drive to the old city centre. All rooms

have private facilities, telephone,satellite TV,mini-bar,hair dryer etc.

DAY2 - 20DECEMBER ROTHENBURG O.D.T.

Wearrive into the Baroque city ofWurzburg,starting point of the Romantic

Road, mid morning.You will have plenty of free time in the Altstadt (old

town). Make a point of strolling over the old bridge lined with Christmas

market stalls.We arrive mid afternoon in nearby Rothenburg…the finest

medieval city in all Europe. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the

delightful cobbled stone streets, ramparts and turrets of picture perfect

Rothenburg.Make apoint ofwalking through the famous 'Christmas Shop'

known for its stunning displays. The Christmas Markets, set in the narrow

alleys,50 yards fromyour hotel,are perhaps the quaintest youwill ever see.

This evening,after dinner in your hotel,we have included a special treat - a

torchlight tourwith theNightWatchman through thebeautifully preserved

ramparts and winding streets. (B,D)

Your Rothenburg Hotel - Tilman Riemenschneider. This splendid old half

timberedhotel is superbly located inside theoldmedievalwalls barely50paces

from the central market square. The hotel offers restaurants traditionally

decorated with original paintings and wooden carvings and rooms with

individually painted alpine-inspired furniture, private facilities, cable TV and

hair dryers. On the Web? Have a look at the hotel on http://www.tilman-

riemenschneider.de

DAY3 - 21DECEMBER ROTHENBURG O.D.T.

Wehave includeda full day excursion.First stop is thenearbyWorldHeritage

city of Bambergwhichboasts hundreds of buildings,mansions andpalaces

displaying the various stages of architecture dating back 1,000 years.

Famous for its unique‘smoked’beer and antique shops - Bamberg is one of

Germany’s best kept secrets. In the afternoon we continue to the massive

stone towers and gates of medieval Nurnberg. Once the setting for

enormous Nazi rallies and the War Crimes trials, Nurnberg now boasts

extensive pedestrianwalkways and themost splendidChristmasMarkets in

Europe.This huge market has a unique law that only traditional Christmas

artefacts are allowed for sale. As dusk approaches the music and singing,

Christmas lights and smell ofmulledwine and roasting sausages,chestnuts

and sweets fill the air.Fantastic!We return to Rothenburg early evening. (B)


Travelling south we reach Munich, capital of Bavaria, late morning. Rebuilt

since the war, the central walking precinct is a mass of people and activity.

The shopping is excellent.Perhaps take lunch in one of the numerous cafes

or a giant Beer Hall? A perfect place for some final Christmas shopping (and

yes there are ChristmasMarkets all around the oldTownHall).Mid afternoon

wedriveon to themountainsandourChristmashotelwherewestay thenext

five nights. What a setting for your Christmas stay in the tiny village of

Hohenschwangau. On one hill overlooking the village you have the neo-

Gothic Castle ofHohenschwangauandon theother side above the village is

awoodedmountain spur andNeuschwanstein - the Fairytale Castle of‘mad’

King Ludwig.To complete thepicture there’s a beautiful lake not far from the

hoteldoorstep.All dinners,including traditionalChristmasEvedinner,farewell

dinner,and three lunches are included over the next five nights. (B,D)

Your BavarianChristmasHotel -TheHotelMüller.Your First Class hotel is in the

most enchanting of settings.Old-style wood panelling, octagonal restaurant

andWintergarden both with castle views, verandah with open fireplace and

Your Christmas Hotel – TheMuller

Neuschwanstein Castle sitting above your Christmas village

Why not join us for NewYear in Switzerland,Italy,Bavaria,Paris or London?



Bamberg

Nurnberg

Munich

Wurzburg

ROTHENBURG

VaduzLUZERN

SWITZERLAND

Zurich

FRANKFURT

GERMANY

AUSTRIAHOHENSCHWANGAU Linderhof

1

2

1

5

GERMAN FAIRYTALE CHRISTMAS10 ROMANTIC DAYS – FRANKFURTTO LUZERN – ESCORTEDGROUPTOUR

IMAGINE…A festive Christmas over five days near Ludwig's 'Fairytale Castle' in the Bavarian Alps, the ancient cities of Rothenburg

andBamberg,ChristmasMarkets in cobbled stone squares,Nurnberg,Munich,The Romantic Road,snow-cappedmountains,sleigh rides,hunting

lodges andmuch,muchmore!

richly decorated Wieskirche (Church in the Meadows) with its incredible

painted ceilings. Later we drive through the Passion Play village of

Oberammergau and stop at Kloster Ettal.Thismonastery in a lovely shaded

valley dates back over 700 years and is oneof the finest examples of Rococo

architecture in existence. In the afternoon we return via nearby Linderhof,

an extravagant French Rococo Palace - yet another of King Ludwig's

amazing creations (entrances all included). And tonight, back at our hotel,

we enjoy our "Farewell to Bavaria" dinner. (B,D)


Driving across themountains and valleys ofWesternAustriawe soon reach

the city of Vaduz, capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein, a tiny country

on the border of Switzerland. Soon afterwards we head into Switzerland

and spend the afternoon in the lovely lakeside town of Luzern with its

covered wooden bridges.Your farewell dinner tonight promises to be an

unforgettable experience as we dine in a local Swiss Restaurant. Relax and

soak up the unique atmosphere as you enjoy traditional Swiss fare and a

Folklore show. (B,D)

Your Luzern Hotel - Hotel Schweizerhof. This 5 star hotel located on the

banks of the Lake, in the heart of Luzern's old town, is one of Switzerland's

finest hotels. The stunning interior reflects the brilliance of the grand era

of the 19th Century. You will be charmed by the rooms which are discreetly

elegantwhilst being equippedwithall themodern facilities required to ensure

your comfort.


Sadly your Christmas tour is now complete, and it’s time to bid farewell.


28

DAY 1 - 19DECEMBER VIENNA

Your tour commences this evening in the Imperial city ofVienna.If youhave

arrived today on your international flight, experience tells us it is best to

keep active through this afternoon and Vienna is such a wonderful city at

this time of year with so much to see and do.Dinner tonight is included in

your hotel.But first enjoy ourwelcomedrink in the hotel bar.This is an ideal

chance to get tomeet and know your fellow Christmas travellers. (D)

Your Vienna Hotel - Hotel Stefanie. Originally dating back over 450 years, the

current building is a charming, traditional First Class Viennese-style hotel.The

Stefanie is perfectly located in the heart ofViennanear theDanubeCanal and

withineasy reachof theOpera,St Stephen’sCathedral and thepedestrianmall.

Your hotel offers 130 roomswith very tasteful décor,private facilities,TV, radio

and hairdryerwith an excellent restaurant and bar.

DAY2 - 20DECEMBER VIENNA

Ourpanoramic city tour thismorningwill bring to life all the sights,gardens

andmonuments of this Imperial City, from the State Opera House and the

Hofburg Palace to the spire of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Later we take a

delightful drive winding up through the Vienna Woods to the ‘Hellental’

where we take a privately-guided tour through the Heiligenkreuz

Monastery.We also visit thememorial Chapel inMayerling before heading

back to theold city for lunchtime.This afternoonwehave includedentrance

and a guided tour through the State Apartments of the magnificent Royal

summer residence – the SchönbrunnPalace.Wehave timed this day so that

it is dusk when you complete the Palace tour – perfect for the Christmas

Markets in themain courtyard.This evening is at leisure. (B)

DAY3 - 21DECEMBER VIENNA

Yourday is completely free.Relax andenjoy this enchanting cityofmuseums

and style.Christmas shopping?Try the excellent ChristmasMarkets outside

the Town Hall where you will find mulled wine, ginger biscuits, music,

fabulously decorated trees and folklore displays.You simplymust indulge in

the world of the traditional Viennese coffee houses. How about a tall

aromatic coffee and a calorie-busting apfel strudel?Maybe a rich chocolate

torten cake?Mmmm!Dinner tonight (included) is a specialwelcome treat as29

NurnbergMarkets

• Christmas in the Bavarian Alps near Ludwig’s ‘Fairytale Castle’

• Medieval cities of Rothenburg and Bamberg

• ChristmasMarkets of Nurnberg

• Horse and buggy ride to Neuschwanstein Castle

• Picturesque Füssen

• Christmas Day horse drawn sleigh ride


• Extravagant Linderhof Palace

• Lakeside town of Luzern

• Tegelberg Cable Car



itinerary







• 3 lunches including Christmas Turkey lunch

• 8 evening dinners including a traditional Christmas Eve Dinner

with glass of champagne andmusic plus a Farewell Dinner with

music and drinks at the Stadtkeller


• Local guides – Nightwatchman in Rothenburg,Neuschwanstein

Castle

• Entrances to Neuschwanstein,Hohenschwangau and Linderhof

Castles

• Welcome drink in Frankfurt and Christmas hotels

• Sleigh ride,Tegelberg cable car,horse and buggy ride up to

Neushwanstein Castle



Less time on

coaches,average

127 kms travelled

each day

Over $1,200

value of extras

already included

no hidden costs

Guaranteed to

depart with

7 ormore

passengers


Highlights

Inclusions

Tour Price

we have reserved tables at the nearby Griechenbeisl Inn.A 'mere’500 years

old this beautifully preserved Inn has been a social gathering point of so

many famoushistorical figures fromBeethovenandSchubert toWagner and

MarkTwain (who have autographed thewalls!) (B,D)

DAY4 - 22DECEMBER LEOGANG IN SALZBURGERLAND

Joining the Danube at Melk we have included entrance and a privately

guided tour through the enormous Melk Monastery – an astonishing

Baroque creation.Laterwe continue to the Salzkammergut – a landof clear

alpine air and blue mountain lakes which formed the stunning back drop

to the famous film the 'Sound of Music'. We stop here in the village of

Mondsee,on Lake Mondsee, for a relaxing lunchtime and to visit the film's

'wedding church'. In the afternoon we drive deep into the Salzburgerland

Mountains to Leogang– apicturesque little villagenear to Zell-am-See – for

a truly festive Christmas. After a welcome drink on arrival youwill stay four

nights here. All dinners,traditional Christmas Evedinner plus ChristmasDay

turkey lunch are included. (B,D)

Your Leogang Hotel - the Landhotel Kirchenwirt. Traditions are important in

this beautiful family ownedhotel! They should be - as it dates back to the 13th

century! The old walls of the Samerstall stable and vaulted ceiling have even

sheltered Emperors and Kings in days gone by. This cosy hotel offers quality,

personal service and excellent cuisine. Your hosts - the Unterrainer family -

ensure the perfect ambience for your festive stay.



stop is at the nearby village of Oberndorf where we visit the famous‘Silent



enormous Festung (Fortess). Awalking city tourwith an expert local guide

will introduce you to this enchanting city, including several locations used

in the film 'Sound of Music'. As a finale you will assemble amongst the fir

trees in the small stone courtyard of the St Peter's Keller,dating back to the

1500's andSalzburg's oldest restaurant,for somehot chocolate andbiscuits.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city. The huge castle makes a…come share our love of Europe

AUSTRIA

GERMANY

ITALYSWITZERLAND

Zurich

LUZERN

Zell-am-See

Melk

LEOGANGKitzbuhel

Salzburg

INNSBRUCK

Rattenberg

Vaduz

3

4

1

1

VIENNA

AUSTRIAN WHITE CHRISTMAS10 STUNNINGDAYS –VIENNATO LUZERN – ESCORTEDGROUPTOUR

IMAGINE...A festiveChristmasover fourdays in the enchantingAustrianAlps,ViennaandSalzburgChristmasMarkets,SilentNightChapel,Kitzbuhel

old town,medieval Rattenberg, the Danube andMelkMonastery, Innsbruck, sleigh ride, traditional Christmasmeals andmuch,muchmore!

3130

fascinating visit and don't forget to soak up the atmosphere of the famous



There is nothing quite like a day in the mountains! First stop this morning

is the fashionable ski resort of Kitzbuhel.Datingback hundreds of years the

main streets still maintain all their old charm with beautifully painted

houses, overhanging roofs and ornate gables. Perfect for that last minute

Christmas shopping.Lunchtimewe continueon through the steephills and

mountains to the year round lake side resort of Zell-am-See.Here youmay

wish to enjoy a stunning cable car ride (not included) up to the lofty heights

of the Smittenhöhe which towers 6,450 feet over the township. The view

from the top is considered one of the finest in the Alps. Later, back in the

comfort of your hotel, the warm glow will continue through this evening

as we enjoy a festive Christmas Eve dinner - Austrian-style. Later there will

be local story telling. (B,D)


Christmasas it shouldbe…inawonderful location - relaxing,eating,drinking

and definitely no Indiana Jones repeats, washing up and unwelcome long

lost relatives! A Christmas turkey lunch is included today. Highlight of the

day will be your ride in a horse-drawn sleigh through the local countryside.

In the evening youwill enjoy traditional music with dinner. (B,L,D)


Wedepart our Christmas hotel and follow the spectacular InnValley.Wewill

soon stop for a break in the village of Rattenberg - a medieval gem and a

perfect place to take morning tea amongst the old cobbled streets. Next

will be a visit (entrance included) to the Swarovski 'Kristallwelten' (Crystal

Worlds)... a weird and wonderful crystal experience. Just before lunchtime

we continue the short distance to the winter resort of Innsbruck. After

checking into our centrally located hotel you will have plenty of time to

explore the Old Town and see the famous ‘Golden Roof’. (B,D)


historic centre of the city.This is a hotel with style and tradition,a restaurant,a

bar,sauna,steam-bath,solariumandagym.91 rooms,withprivate facilities,TV,

radio,hairdryer.


Driving across the mountains and valleys of Austria we reach the city of

Vaduz, capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein a tiny country on the

border of Switzerland.Soon afterwardswehead into Switzerland and arrive

mid-afternoon in the lovely lake side town of Luzern with its' covered

wooden bridges. Your farewell dinner tonight promises to be an

unforgettable experience as we dine in a local Swiss Restaurant. Relax and

soak up the unique atmosphere as you enjoy traditional Swiss fare and a

Folklore show. (B,D)

Your Luzern Hotel - Hotel Schweizerhof. This 5 star hotel located on the

banksof theLake,in theheartof Luzern's old town,is oneof Switzerland's finest

hotels. The stunning interior reflects the brilliance of the grand era

of the 19th Century. You will be charmed by the rooms which are discreetly

elegant whilst being equipped with all the modern facilities required to

ensure your comfort.


Sadly your Christmas tour is now complete, and its time to bid farewell.


Leogang –Your Christmas Village

SilentNightChapel

• Christmas in the enchanting Austrian Alps

• Magnificent Schönbrunn Palace

• ChristmasMarkets in Vienna

• Heiligenkreuz Monstery

• Famous ‘Silent Night Chapel’


• Melk Monastery

• Baroque city of Salzburg

• Horse drawn sleigh ride on Christmas Day

• Winter resort of Innsbruck



itinerary







• Turkey lunch on Christmas Day

• 8 evening dinners including the special meal at the old

Griechenbeisl Inn,Vienna,Christmas Eve Dinner and Farewell

Dinner withmusic and drinks at the Stadtkeller


• Traditional music on evenings over Christmas and story telling

• Welcome drink in Vienna and Christmas Hotels, sleigh ride in

Leogang,hot chocolate and biscuits in Salzburg

• Local guides – Vienna,Heiligenkreuz Monastery,Melk and

Salzburg

• Entrances to Schonbrunn,Heiligenkreuz,Mayerling,Melk and

Swarovski CrystalWorld



Highlights

Inclusions

Tour Price

Less time on

coaches,average

112 kms travelled

each day

Over $1,200

value of extras

already included

no hidden costs

Guaranteed to

depart with

7 ormore

passengers






3332

DAY 2 - 19 DECEMBER THE SALZKAMMERGUT

A leisurely start as we cross into Austria to spend lunchtime in Lake

Mondsee and visit the church made famous in the wedding scene of the

film the 'Sound of Music'. Later we drive deep into the Lakes District and

visit Hallstatt.Set on a rocky terrace jutting into the quiet darkwater of the

lake surrounded by towering peaks, this is considered the oldest inhabited

village in Europe and perhaps the most beautiful in Austria. Afterwards,

passingWolfgangsee (lake),we soon reach Fuschl - the tiny country village

on Lake Fuschl. Only 30 minutes from Salzburg this is our home for the

next two nights.This evening join in a torchlight village walk followed by

a hot drink. (B,D)

Your SalzkammergutHotel -TheMohrenwirt. Set in the old village centre this

former Rustic Inn has been serving guests for over 150 years. You will be

guests of the Schmidlechner family who have developed this hotel into one

of the best country hotels in the region. Furnished with wood panelling your

hotel boasts a charming lounge bar and lovely restaurant. Leisure facilities

included sauna, solarium andwellness centre.

DAY 3 - 20 DECEMBER THE SALZKAMMERGUT

Wehave included a full day excursion today.En route to Salzburg our first

stop is at the nearby village of Oberndorf wherewe visit the famous‘Silent



enormous Festung (Fortress). A walking city tour with an expert local

guide will introduce you to this enchanting city, including several

locations used in the film 'Sound of Music'. As a finale you will assemble

amongst the fir trees in the small stone courtyard of the St Peter's Keller,

Venice Photo courtesy - Paul Maughan

dating back to the 1500's and Salzburg's oldest restaurant, for some hot

chocolate and biscuits. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city, take

time to visit the huge castle for a fascinating view and don't forget to soak

up the atmosphere of the famous Salzburg Christmas Markets. (B,D)

DAY 4 - 21 DECEMBER INNSBRUCK

A leisurely day as we follow the spectacular Inn Valley through the Tyrol

and make a visit (entrance included) to the Swarovski 'Kristallwelten'

(Crystal Worlds)... a weird and wonderful crystal experience. Just before

lunchtime we continue the short distance to the winter resort of

Innsbruck. After checking into our centrally located hotel you will have

plenty of time to explore the Old Town on your doorstep.Make sure you

enjoy the picture perfect Christmas Markets in the old medieval square

beneath the famous 'Golden Roof’. (B,D)

Your Innsbruck Hotel - Grauer Baer.Superb location just 200metres from the

historic city centre.This is a hotel with style and tradition,a restaurant,a bar,

sauna, steam-bath, solarium and a gym. 91 rooms, with private facilities,

TV, radio,hairdryer.

DAY 5 - 22 DECEMBER INNSBRUCK

Driving up over the beautiful Fern Pass we enter Southern Bavaria and

visit the tiny village of Hohenschwangau.We start the day with a horse

and buggy ride up the wooded hill to visit Neuschwanstein Castle and

enjoy a fascinating guided tour inside ‘Mad’ King Ludwig’s apartments.

The staterooms, halls and throne room are all reminiscent of a Wagner

operatic saga. In the afternoon we also visit the Passion Play village of

Oberammergau, with its ornately painted buildings and stop at Kloster

Ettal Monastery with its incredible painted ceilings.Dating back over 700

years this is one of the finest examples of Rococo architecture in existence.

Your evening is at leisure. (B)

DAY 6 - 23 DECEMBER CASTELBRANDO

Today we cross into Italy via the Brenner Pass and take a morning stop in

Bolzano, capital of Alto Adige region. Intricately carved gables, painted

timber façades and an elegant arcadedmain street illustrate the influence

of both Tyrolean and Italian cultures. At Trento we cut across the scenic

Val Sugana and mid afternoon reach the foothills of the Dolomites and

our superb CastelBrando.Located above the village of Cison di Valmarino

this 2,000 year old Roman fortress was turned into a sumptuous noble’s

palace in the 13th Century. On arrival we have included a guided tour of

the castle – there is a lot to see - and this will be your home for the next

four evocative nights. (B,D)

Your Castle Hotel – CastelBrando. Skilful restoration and sensitive

modernization have brought the original magnificence back to life. Guelph

style decorative battlements, stone cellars, tapestries, swords and suits of

armour set the scene for the elegant halls,dining rooms,manicured gardens

and terraces overlooking the valley.There is an extensive beauty andwellness

centre connected to the hotel (entrance charge applicable) with an indoor

Hallstatt

MUNICH

FUSCHL

MILAN

Salzburg

Cortina

Luzern

Bolzano

Neuschwanstein Castle

CASTELBRANDO

ITALY

AUSTRIA

GERMANY

SWITZERLAND

Venice

INNSBRUCK

1

2

4

2

1

CHRISTMAS IN AN ITALIAN CASTLE11 UNIQUE DAYS – MUNICH TO LUZERN – ESCORTED GROUP TOUR

IMAGINE….Staying four nights over Christmas in a glorious Italian Castle set in the charming foothills of the Italian Dolomites. Now add the

picturesqueAustrian LakesDistrict, the ChristmasMarkets of baroque Salzburg andmedieval Innsbruck,the chic ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo,

the canals and hump backed bridges of Venice plus elegant, stylishMilan.An awesome experience!

Your Christmas Hotel, CastelBrando

DAY 1 - 18 DECEMBER MUNICH



decorated, wooden, Christmas market stalls. Before your Bavarian style

buffet dinner enjoy a welcome drink in the hotel. (D)

Your Munich Hotel - Maritim. This First Class elegant hotel is in a superb

location in the city centre just a fewminutes from the Deutches Theatre and

themain pedestrian shoppingmall.

3534

KlosterEttal

Photocourtesy–PaulMaughan

Less time on

coaches,average

169 kms travelled

each day

Over $1,200

value of extras

already included

no hidden costs

Guaranteed to

depart with

7 ormore

passengers



• Christmas in a stunning Italian Castle

• Picturesque Austrian Lakes District

• Baroque city of Salzburg

• Innsbruck ChristmasMarkets


• Horse and buggy ride to Neuschwanstein Castle


• Torch light walk withmulled wine in Fuschl

• Canals and hump backed bridges of Venice

• Chic ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo

• Special hot chocolate and biscuits in Salzburg

• The stylish city of Milan



itinerary




• 10 nights in selected accommodation



• Special Christmas Day lunch with drinks

• 9 dinners includingWelcome dinner and Farewell dinner


• Welcome drink in Munich,CastelBrando, torch light walk with

mulled wine in Fuschl, special hot chocolate and biscuits in

Salzburg

• Entrance to Swarovski Crystal,horse and buggy ride and entrance

to Neuschwanstein Castle



Highlights

Inclusions

Tour Price

pool, thermal health spa, massage services and Turkish baths. For more

information look at http://www.castelbrando.it


Christmas Eve – Today we visit nearby Venice – arguably one of the most

romantic cities in the world. At Tronchetto we board a boat to take us to

St Marc’s Square where we join our expert local guide for a walking tour.

The rest of the day is free to shop and explore themyriad of narrow,water

lined streets and canals spanned by humped back bridges. Tonight we

enjoy Christmas Eve with dinner back in ‘our’ castle. (B,D)


Christmas Day as it should be…in a wonderful location - relaxing, eating

and drinking. A day to savour the delights of your castle.Maybe take the

hotel cable car to the village below,have a ‘winter walk’or warm yourself

on one of the castle’s sun terraces. Highlight of your day will be the

exceptional 5 course Christmas lunch accompanied by awelcome cocktail

and a range of four local wines.A Christmas to remember. (B, L,D)


Boxing Day – Time to have some fun in the snow as we drive north

into the spectacular Dolomites to visit the chic Italian ski resort of Cortina

d’Ampezzo.The rest of the day is free to shop and enjoy the breathtaking

scenery of the dramatic, snow laden peaks surrounding you. For

lunch maybe take the cable car to one of the numerous mountain

restaurants. (B,D)

DAY 10 - 27 DECEMBER MILAN

Leaving our castle we head for the shores of Lake Garda where we take a

morning break in the incredibly picturesque town of Desenzano with its

tiny harbour surrounded by cobbled stone walkways and cafes. Later we

continue to the stylish city of Milan for time at leisure before enjoying a

farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Your Milan Hotel – The 4 star Michaelangelo.This first class,modern hotel is

in a brilliant location being right opposite the central railway station,

transport links and only two subway stops to Cathedral Square and the

central shopping district.

DAY 11 - 28 DECEMBER MILAN

Sadly your Christmas tour comes to a close and it’s time to bid farewell.For

those of you joining one of our wonderful New Year Tours, we have

arranged a transfer to Luzern arriving early afternoon. (B)




• Round trip train transfers between any point in Switzerland

andWilderswil or Lauterbrunnen stations

• No optional excursions lists or hidden, later charged extras

• 7 nights accommodation with private facilities in your choice

of hotel

• Buffet breakfast daily including hot and cold selections

• 4-course evening dinners including a special NewYear’s Eve

Gala Dinner

• Train excursions to Luzern,medieval Bern and to Lake

Geneva/Montreux Region on the Salon Bleu/Crystal Panoramic

Express train

• Discount pass for further train travel andmountain excursions




Child discounts apply to 15 years and under

Inclusions

Tour Price


Please note, this is not an escorted tour. It doesn’t need to be. It has been

specifically designedwith individual flexibility inmind and includes travel

on the incredibly reliable and comprehensive Swiss Rail system. We offer

you the choice of staying in either of two superb hotels - the Hotel

Alpenblick in the village ofWilderswil or the Hotel Oberland in the village

of Lauterbrunnen. Both are good quality 3 star hotels. See page 7 for

detailed hotel descriptions and tourmap.

DAY1 - 28DECEMBER TOYOUR SWISSNEWYEARHOTEL

We have included rail transfers from Zurich, or Luzern, or any point in the

country,to yourAlpinehotelwhere youwill stay thenext sevennights.Buffet

breakfasts and four course evening dinners are included each day. (D)

DAY2 -7 – 29DECEMBER - 3 JANUARY

ATYOUR SWISSNEWYEARHOTEL

The alpine peaks of Switzerland are world famous and you will be staying

in the heart of this incredibly dramatic scenery.There are numerous world

class ski fields nearby and the area is littered with excellent walking tracks.

During your stay we have included three exhilarating alpine excursions by

train – to medieval Bern, Montreux on Lake Geneva (on the Salon

Bleu/Crystal Panoramic Express) and Luzern (on the Brünig Panoramic

Express). Since you may possibly be joining this programme at Luzern

immediately after completing a Christmas tour, you can substitute the

suggested Luzern excursion with a trip to another part of Switzerland.

Perhaps the lakeside towns of Thun, Brienz and Interlaken or maybe

Meiringen where delicious Meringues were first created! Your choice! Your

train pass also offers discounts on additional train rides such as the cog-

railway trip up to the Jungrfraujoch – the highest rail station in Europe.At

11,000 feet high the views aremagnificent. (B,D daily)

DAY8 – 4 JANUARY TOUR ENDS

Sadly your New Year Break is complete. Your train ticket allows you to

transfer to any departure point in Switzerland. (B)

SWISS NEW YEAR BREAK8WONDERFUL DAYS – ZURICHOR LUZERNTO ZURICH – NON ESCORTEDGROUP STAY

IMAGINE...staying in a delightful old wooden chalet style hotel in the beautiful Bernese Oberland. Experience special train rides through the

magnificentmountains and lakes toMontreux,Luzernandmedieval Bern.All aroundyou jaggedmountains soar to impossible heightswhilst you

relax and enjoy real Swiss hospitality,bubbling cheese fondues, snow covered peaks andmuch,muchmore!

new yearAll our New Year tours can be taken by

themselves or easily be ‘bolted on’ to any

of our Christmas tours. All commence in

Luzern on the 28th December - the day

your Christmas tour ends.

Join us onone of ourwonderful NewYear tours

Weoffer 5 very different NewYear tours

SWISSNEWYEARBREAK – 8Days – Zurich or Luzern to Zurich (see p37)

Unlike all the other NewYear programmes in this brochure this is not an escorted tour. It

doesn’t need to be. It has been specifically designed with individual flexibility in mind

and includes travel on the incredibly reliable and comprehensive Swiss Rail system. You’ll

stay seven nights in your choice of two delightful old wooden chalet style hotels in the

beautiful Bernese Oberland and experience special train rides through themagnificent

mountains and lakes to cities such as Montreux and medieval Bern.You will also have

plenty of freetime to relax and play amongst this snow covered winter wonderland.

NEWYEAR INAN ITALIANCASTLE – 7Days – Luzern toMilan (see p38)

When somebody asks youwhat you are doing for NewYear you could say“I’m spending

it in a glorious Italian Castle set in the charming foothills of the Italian Dolomites”.

Highlights of this unique tour include a sumptuousNewYear’s EveGala dinner,medieval

Innsbruck,the chic ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo,the canals andhumpbackedbridges

of Venice plus elegant, stylish Milan. It will be an awesome experience!

NEWYEAR IN BAVARIA – 7Days – Luzern to Frankfurt (see p40)

Travelling via Lindau on Lake Constance,NewYear’s Eve is enjoyed in the mountains of

Bavaria amongst Ludwig's Fairytale castles. Following the Romantic Road to magical,

medieval Rothenburg and Frankfurt, highlights include visits to, enchanting Fussen,

Oberammergau,Wesikirche (the church in themeadows) lakeside villages andNurnberg.

NEWYEAR IN PARIS – 7Days – Luzern to London (see p42)

Designed to be in Paris over the NewYear, this unusual tour crossesmedieval Burgundy,

the Somme& Flanders regions to take in the ANZAC Shrines andMemorials and ends in

the heart of London. Highlights include visits to the Chateau of Fontainebleau, the

‘Soundingof the Last Post’at theMeninGate and joining theboisterousNewYear crowds

on the Champs Elysees in Paris.

(note:There are usually no fireworks displays over NewYear’s Eve in Paris)

NEWYEAR IN LONDON– 7Days – Luzern to London (see p44)

If youwant to see fireworks then this is the tour for you!This special programme takes in

all that’s best in the amazing cities of LondonandParis. It is packedwith special inclusions

such as a Seine river cruise,visits toWestminster Abbey, the London Eye,a Thames River

Cruise and seats at a topWest EndShow.Highlights include enjoying aMedieval Banquet

andof course the enormous spectacle of London’s famousNewYear's Eve fireworks over

the River Thames.What amemory!

• Spend NewYear in a stunning Italian Castle

• Enjoy the Swarovski CrystalWorld

• Stay in Medieval Innsbruck

• Cross the Brenner Pass, and follow the dramatic Val

Sugana through themajestic, snow covered Dolomites

• Explore the canals and hump backed bridges of Venice

• Experience a NewYear’s Eve Castle Gala dinner

• Relax in the chic ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo

• Visit Lake Garda and picturesque Desenzano

• Shop in stylish Milan



itinerary




• 6 nights in selected accommodation



• Special NewYear’s Eve dinner with drinks

• 6 dinners includingWelcome dinner and special NewYear’s Eve

Gala dinner


• Local guideVenice

• Welcome drink in Luzern and CastelBrando,

• Entrance to Swarovski CrystalWorld



Less time on

coaches,average

183 kms travelled

each day

Over $900

value of extras

already included

no hidden costs

Guaranteed to

depart with

7 ormore

passengers


Highlights

Inclusions

Tour Price


New Year’s Eve. Today we visit nearby Venice – arguably one of the most

romantic cities in the world. At Tronchetto we board a boat to take us to St

Marc’s Square where we join our expert local guide for a walking tour.The

rest of the day is free to shop and explore the myriad of narrow,water lined

streets andcanals spannedbyhumpedbackbridges.TonightweenjoyaGala

New Year’s Eve Dinner in ‘our’ castle. Sit back and enjoy fine Italian dining,

numerous courseswithVenetian fish specialties,selected regionalwines and

livemusical entertainment.This will be a night to remember! (B,D)

DAY5 - 1 JANUARY CASTELBRANDO

Time to have some fun in the snow as we drive north into the spectacular

Dolomites to visit the chic Italian ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.The rest

of the day is free to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the dramatic, snow

laden peaks surrounding you.For lunchmaybe take the cable car to one of

the numerousmountain restaurants. (B,D)

DAY6 - 2 JANUARY MILAN

Leaving our castle we head for the shores of Lake Garda where we take a

morning break in the incredibly picturesque town of Desenzano with its

tiny harbour surrounded by cobbled stone walkways and cafes. Later we

continue to the stylish city of Milan for time at leisure before enjoying a

farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)

YourMilanHotel –The 4 starMichaelangelo.This first class,modern hotel is in a

brilliant locationbeing right opposite the central railway station,transport links

andonly twosubwaystopstoCathedralSquareandthecentral shoppingdistrict.

DAY7 - 3 JANUARY MILAN

Italy is at your feet. Sadly your special New Year tour is complete after

breakfast.Wish to stay longer in Milan? No problem!We can arrange extra

nights. (B)


This ‘NewYear in an Italian Castle’ tour has been specially designed to start

in Luzern as your ChristmasTour ends.Theday is free in this delightful town

with lakesidepromenades,coveredbridges and cobbled stone streets.Early

evening we have provided a welcome drink for you in the hotel bar.Why

not take this chance tomeet yourTourManager and the rest of your fellow

travellers.Dine in style this evening at the hotel. (D)

Your Luzern Hotel – Wilden Mann Romantik Hotel. Your charming hotel

is a member of the ‘Romantik’ hotel chain and is centrally located only 200

metres walk from the historic Chapel Bridge. Dating back 500 years and

expanded through the 19th century, the Wilden Mann (‘Wild Man’) has a

delightful, traditional décor and ambience. For more information see

http://www.wilden-mann.ch


A leisurely day aswe follow the spectacular InnValley through theTyrol and

make a visit (entrance included) to the Swarovski 'Kristallwelten' (Crystal

Worlds)...aweird andwonderful crystal experience.Later this afternoonwe

continue the short distance to thewinter resort of Innsbruck.After checking

into our centrally located hotel you will have plenty of time to explore the

OldTownonyour doorstep.Make sure you see thepicture perfectmedieval

square beneath the famous 'Golden Roof’. (B,D)


historic city centre.This is a hotel with style and tradition, a restaurant, a bar,

sauna, steam-bath, solarium and a gym. 91 rooms,with private facilities, TV,

radio,hairdryer.


Today we cross into Italy via the Brenner Pass and take a morning stop in

Bolzano,capital ofAltoAdige region. Intricately carvedgables,painted timber

façades and an elegant arcaded main street illustrate the influence of both

Tyrolean and Italian cultures. At Trento we cut across the scenic Val Sugana

and mid afternoon reach the foothills of the Dolomites and our superb

CastelBrando.Located above the villageof CisondiValmarino this 2,000 year

old Roman fortress was turned into a sumptuous noble’s palace in the 13th

century.Onarrivalwehave includedaguided tourof thecastle – there is a lot

to see - and this will be your home for the next three evocative nights. (B,D)

YourCastleHotel–CastelBrando.Skilful restorationandsensitivemodernization

have brought the original magnificence back to life. Guelph style decorative

battlements, stone cellars, tapestries, swords and suits of armour set the scene

for the elegant halls, dining rooms, manicured gardens and terraces

overlooking the valley. There is an extensive beauty and wellness centre

connected to the hotel (entrance charge applicable) with an indoor pool,

thermalhealth spa,massage services andTurkishbaths.Formore information

look at http://www.castelbrando.it


3938

MILAN

LUZERN

Trento

Tyrol

Bolzano

CASTELBRANDO

ITALY

AUSTRIA

GERMANY

SWITZERLAND

Venice

INNSBRUCK

1

1Desenzano

1

3

Brenner Pass

Val Sugana

DolomitesCortina

NEW YEAR IN AN ITALIAN CASTLE7EXHILARATINGDAYS – LUZERNTOMILAN – ESCORTEDGROUPTOUR

IMAGINE.…Staying in a glorious Italian Castle set in the charming foothills of the Italian Dolomites and enjoying a sumptuous NewYear’s Eve

Gala dinner.Now addmedieval Innsbruck, the chic ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the canals and hump backed bridges of Venice plus elegant,

stylishMilan.An awesome experience!

Venice

Photocourtesy-PaulMaughan

Your NewYear Hotel, CastelBrando

• Medieval Lindau on Lake Constance

• Enjoy a horse and carriage ride to Neuschwanstein Castle

• Take guided tours through Ludwig’s Fairytale Castle Neuschwanstein

and neo-gothic Hohenschwangau Castle

• NewYear in the Bavarian Alps

• Stay two nights in the cobble stoned streets of Rothenburg

• Stay three nights in picturesque Fussen

• See Ulm Cathedral – tallest steeple in the world

• Richly decoratedWieskirche – Church in theMeadows

• NewYear’s Eve dinner

• Visit the Old city of Nurnberg

• Kloster Ettal Monastery

• The Passion Play town of Oberammergau

• Enjoy a Nightwatchman tour in Rothenburg



itinerary







• 6 dinners including aWelcome Dinner and Gala Dinner on New

Year’s Eve


• Welcome drink in Luzern and Fussen

• Nightwatchman tour in Rothenburg and horse and carriage ride

to the Fairytale Castle

• Entrance and guided tours through Neuschwanstein and

Hohenschwangau Castles and the Passion Play theatre



Less time on

coaches,average

163 kms travelled

each day

Over $900

value of extras

already included

no hidden costs

Guaranteed to

depart with

7 ormore

passengers


Highlights

Inclusions

Tour Price

timbered hotel is superbly located inside the medieval walls barely 50 paces

from the central market square. The hotel offers restaurants traditionally

decorated with original paintings and wooden carvings and rooms with

individually painted alpine-inspired furniture, private facilities, cable TV and

hair dryers. On the Web? Have a look at the hotel on http://www.tilman-

riemenschneider.de

DAY6 - 2 JANUARY ROTHENBURGO.D.T

We have included a morning excursion to medieval Nurnberg with its

massive stone towers and gates.Once the setting for enormousNazi rallies

and theWar Crimes trials,we visit the massive rally grounds before taking

a walk through the old city with its extensive pedestrian walkways.

Returning to Rothenburgmid-afternoon youwill have ample time to relax

and go shopping. Make a point of walking through the world famous

'Christmas Shop' nearby which is known for its stunning displays. Huge

ChristmasTrees,detailed festive scenes and even aChristmas Pyramid - the

height of a two storey house. A walk around the intact city walls and

ramparts is a must. Later, enjoy your Farewell dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

DAY7 - 3 JANUARY TO FRANKFURT

This morning we depart Rothenburg and arrive into Frankfurt around

midday.Wewill bemaking stops at the airport,central railway station and if

possible other points. Regarding onward travel, note we will not arrive into

Frankfurt until approximatelymidday.Please ensure that any onward travel

arrangements youmakearenot confirmed for travel prior to3pm.Sadly,after

dropping everyone off,your very special NewYear tourwill be complete. (B)

NEW YEAR IN BAVARIA7NOSTALGIC DAYS – LUZERNTO FRANKFURT – ESCORTEDGROUPTOUR


This 'NewYear in Bavaria' tour has been specially designed to start in Luzern

as your ChristmasTour ends.The day is free in this delightful lakeside town

with its coveredwoodenbridges andexcellent shoppingpromenades.Dine

in style this evening. YourWelcome Dinner will be fine dining at the Hotel

Schweizerhof but first enjoy aWelcome Drink in the hotel bar. (D)

Your Luzern Hotel - Hotel Schweizerhof.The Schweizerhof is distinguished by

five generations of family tradition, a historical building with historical decor.

This 5 star hotel located on the banks of the Lake, in the heart of Luzern's old

town, is one of Switzerland's finest hotels featuring grand ballrooms,columns

andcolonnadesandornate ceilings.The stunning interior reflects thebrilliance

of the grand era of the 19th Century. Hotel Schweizerhof has played host to

Emperors and Kings alike andwas themeeting place of the famous composer

Wagner&KingLudwig II. Youwill becharmedby the roomswhicharediscreetly

elegantwhilst being equippedwith all themodern facilities required to ensure

your comfort and enjoyment by day and night.

DAY2 - 29DECEMBER FUSSEN,BAVARIANALPS

Crossing SwitzerlandweenterGermany andmake a stop in Lindauon Lake

Bodensee (Constance).This beautifully preserved island town is complete

with medieval lighthouses and cobble stoned streets. Later this afternoon

we continue to the picturesque town of Fussenwhere we stay for the next

three nights.Fussen is delightful! Stretches of the original Romandefensive

walls are still in place,and the town's historic character is particularly evident

along the cobbled Reichenstrasse. High above,the old castle of the Prince-

Bishops of Augsburg dominates the town. On arrival we have arranged a

BavarianWelcome Drink before dinner in your hotel. (B,D)

Your Bavarian Hotel – The Hirsch Hotel. Located in themiddle of the town this

hotel has been owned by the same family for four generations and is

complemented by dark wood furnishings and Bavarian antiques. All rooms

have private facilities,TV,Telephone and freeWi-Fi hotspots.


This morning we take you to the nearby village of Hohenschwangauwhere

weclimbaboardahorseandcarriage for a rideup through thewooded road

to visit Neuschwanstein Castle.On arrival youwill enjoy a guided tour inside

the King's apartments, staterooms,halls and throne room,all reminiscent of

aWagner operatic saga. Lunchtime will be spent in the little village and this

afternoon we will also visit the neo-Gothic Hohenschwangau Castle.Rich in

history, you will find the interior typical of the Castles of the Knights of the

Middle Ages,with its 'Hall of Heroes',paintings and suits of armour. (B,D)


Awonderful day in themountains!Our first stop thismorning is at the richly

decoratedWieskirche (Church in theMeadows) with its incredible painted

ceilings.Laterwe stop at the Passion Play village ofOberammergauwith its

ornately painted houses. Once every ten years this village stages a world

famous Passion Play and we have included a guided tour through the

Passion Play Theatre.Next stop is at Kloster Ettal.This monastery in a lovely

shaded valley dates back over 700 years and is one of the finest examples

of Rococo architecture in existence. Returning to our hotel mid afternoon

there is time for some late shopping in theold townbeforeweget ready for

our special NewYear’s Eve dinner. (B,D)

DAY5 - 1 JANUARY ROTHENBURGO.D.T.

Happy NewYear! Sleep in and relax.Breakfast is at leisure.MidMorningwe

depart for Rothenburg via Ulm where you will have time for lunch and to

visit the cathedral with the tallest steeple in the world.We then continue

up part of the Romantische Strasse (Romantic Road) to picture perfect

Rothenburg -the finest medieval city in all Europe - with its delightful

cobbled stone streets, ramparts and turrets. Later, before dinner, we have

includeda special treat - a torchlight tourwith theNightWatchman through

the beautifully preserved ramparts and winding streets. (B,D)

Your Rothenburg Hotel - Tilman Riemenschneider. This splendid old, half

IMAGINE… New Year’s Eve in the mountains of Bavaria. Commencing in Luzern, some of the highlights include Lindau on Lake Constance,

enchanting Fussen,Oberammergau,andmagical,medieval Rothenburg.Nowadd Ludwig's Fairytale castles and Bavarian lakeside villages, the

Romantic Road,Nurnberg andmuch,muchmore.What a way to spend NewYear!

Photo courtesy – PaulMaughan

Neuschwanstein above your NewYearVillage

Rothenburg


Nurnberg

HOHENSCHWANGAU

ROTHENBURG

LUZERN

SWITZERLAND

Zurich

Lindau

Fussen

Frankfurt

GERMANY

AUSTRIA

2

3

1

LinderhofOberammergau

WeissBavaria

• Lakeside Luzern

• Medieval Burgundy

• Chateau of Fontainebleau

• Lights and sights of Paris

• Hospices de Beaune

• NewYear celebrations in Paris

• Gothic town of Ypres

• Somme battlefields

• Sounding of the ‘Last Post’at Menin Gate Memorial

• Paris Illuminations tour

• Cruise on the River Seine

• London for the giant shopping sales



itinerary






• Full buffet breakfasts daily with English breakfast in London

• 6 dinners including a NewYear’s Eve dinner


• Welcome drink in Luzern

• Entrance to Chateau Fontainebleau,Hospices de Beaune

and La Coupole

• Cruise on the River Seine



Less time on

coaches,average

174 kms travelled

each day

Over $900

value of extras

already included

no hidden costs

Guaranteed to

depart with

7 ormore

passengers


Highlights

Inclusions

Tour Price

4342

DAY 1 - 28DECEMBER LUZERN

This‘NewYear in Paris’tour has been specially designed to start in Luzern as

yourChristmasTour ends.Theday is free in this delightful townwith lakeside

promenades,covered bridges and cobbled stone streets.Early eveningwe

have provided a welcome drink for you in the hotel bar.Why not take this

chance tomeet yourTourDirector and the rest of your fellow travellers.Dine

in style this evening at the Hotel Schweizerhof. (D)

Your Luzern Hotel - Hotel Schweizerhof.The Schweizerhof is distinguished by

five generations of family tradition, a historical building with historical decor.

This 5 star hotel located on the banks of the Lake, in the heart of Luzern's old

town, is one of Switzerland's finest hotels featuring grand ballrooms,columns

andcolonnadesandornate ceilings. The stunning interior reflects thebrilliance

of the grand era of the 19th Century. Hotel Schweizerhof has played host to

Emperors and Kings alike andwas themeeting place of the famous composer

Wagner&KingLudwig II. Youwill becharmedby the roomswhicharediscreetly

elegantwhilst being equippedwith all themodern facilities required to ensure

your comfort and enjoyment.

DAY2 - 29DECEMBER BEAUNE IN BURGUNDY

Travelling north past Basle we enter France to reach Burgundy and the old

townof Beaune - capital of theBurgundianWine Industry.This afternoonwe

visit the fascinatingHospices de Beaune (entrance included).Coveredwith

multicolouredglazed roof tiles the 'Hotel Dieu'was built over 550 years ago

to help the town's folk in a time of poverty and famine. (B,D)

Your BeauneHotel –TheHostellerie le Cedre.This charming hotel is located by

the city walls in a parkwithinwalking distance to the old centre andHospices

de Beaune. This 19th century wine grower’s house has old vaulted cellars, a

delightful restaurant and only 40 spacious and tastefully decorated rooms.To

really appreciate this hotel go towww.lecedre-beaune.com

As a special note...AlbatrosshavehandledSpecialNewYear festiveprogrammes toParis

over the last 17years.Wehaveexperiencewith the spontaneityof this

remarkable cityandhavebuilt in flexibility toachieve thebest the city

will offer and take in the vibrant exuberance that is…’Paris alive'.

DAY3 - 30DECEMBER PARIS

This morning we travel towards Paris via the Forest and Chateau of

Fontainebleau. Dating back 800 years this wonderful Chateau has been

remodelled by various French Kings throughout the centuries in both

Roman and Florentine styles.The grand apartments of this royal residence

(entrance included) are truly splendid. This afternoon we arrive in Paris

where we stay for the next two exciting nights.Dinner tonight is included

at your hotel. Later,we have included a‘Paris byNight’illuminations tour. In

addition to all the Christmas street decorations, you will be enchanted by

the grand monuments and boulevards, from the Notre Dame to the Eiffel

Tower,bathed inglorious light. As a finalewehave includeda relaxing cruise

on the River Seine. C'est Magnifique! (B,D)

Your Paris Hotel - The Marriott Rive Gauche. Located on the Left Bank of the

Seine River near the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Pres, the Marriott

RiveGaucheoffersall the facilitiesandstyle youexpect fromamodern,superior

first class hotel.Go to https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/parst

DAY4 - 31DECEMBER PARIS

This morning we will take a panoramic tour of the city covering all the

sensational sights from the Arc de Triomphe and Opera, to the Place

de la Concorde and more. The afternoon is free amongst the broad

boulevards and the myriad of shops and museums. Perhaps take time to

recharge your batteries for thewonderful evening ahead. Dinner tonight is

included in a local restaurant.Late evening youwill have the opportunity (if

you choose) to join the ‘street party’along the Champs Elysees and Arc de

Triomphe. Access back to the hotel is so quick and easy by Metro. For the

NewYear celebrations itwill bewonderful,organised Parisian chaos! (Note:

normally there are no fireworks displays in Paris on NewYear’s Eve) (B,D)

DAY5 - 1 JANUARY YPRES

A leisurely start aswedepart latemorning to reach the SommeBattlefields

Eiffel Tower Photo courtesy – Julie Reece


Villers-Bretonneux

EnglishChannel

Fontainebleau

Basle

LUZERN

BEAUNE

PARIS

LONDON

YPRES

FRANCE

GERMANY

BELGIUM

1

1

2

11

NEW YEAR IN PARIS7MEMORABLE DAYS – LUZERNTO LONDON – ESCORTEDGROUPTOUR

IMAGINE.…Joining theNewYear celebrations in Paris.The Eiffel Tower andArc deTriomphe,the lights andatmosphere of theNewYear festivities,

lakeside Luzern,medieval Burgundy, the Chateau of Fontainebleau,ANZACMemorials in the Somme & Flanders, the ‘Sounding of the Last Post’

at theMenin Gate, London for the giant shopping sales andmuch,muchmore!

and pay our respects at the Australian National Memorial on the outskirts

of the village of Villers Bretonneux.Devoted to thousands of ANZACs who

lost their lives inWW1,the lines of white stoned graves sadly lay testament

to this generation lost. Continuing across Flanders we enter Belgium and

the gothic town of Ypres. After dinner in your hotel we will join the

gathering at the Menin Gate Memorial for the sounding of the Last Post.

Constructed as a tribute to the 53,000 British Empire Forces missing from

thebattles aroundYpres,this nightly commemoration is verymoving. (B,D)

Your Ypres Hotel - the Novotel Ieper Centrum. Located by the main square in

the heart of the old town and only 200 metres from the Menin Gate. The

fabulous location of this hotel has always been a great hit with our clients.

DAY6 - 2 JANUARY LONDON

This morning we visit La Coupole, - a gigantic underground bunker

designed by the Nazis, in 1943-1944, to store, prepare and launch the V2

rockets, (the secret weapon that Hitler was counting on to destroy London

and reverse the course of the war). Continuing on we also visit Tyne Cot

Cemetery,where somany Australian and New Zealand soldiers are buried.

We then take the Ferry fromCalais to thewhite cliffs of Dover and drive on

to London. Tonight we have included a Farewell Meal in your hotel. (B,D)

Your LondonHotel - theHilton LondonPaddington.“London's Best Connected

Hotel”. Restored, reopened, resplendent. One of Victorian London's grandest

hotels, the Great Western Royal hotel, originally built in 1854, has received a

$150 million 21st century makeover and been reborn as the Hilton London

Paddington.This 4 star deluxeproperty is connectedbyanescalator directly to

Paddington Station, the Heathrow Express rail services and has easy access to

London's extensive underground system.


Europe is at your feet. Sadly your special NewYear Tour is complete after a

sumptuous breakfast.Wish to stay longer in London? No problem! We can

arrange extra nights at the Hilton at excellent rates. (B)

• Take in the London NewYear celebrations and giant fireworks

display

• Enjoy the lights and sights of Paris on an Illuminations tour

• Cruise on the River Seine and dine in a local restaurant

• Experience guided tour of Paris and London

• Travel by express trains across France and take the Eurostar to

London

• Experience dinner and a topWest End Show

• Cruise down the River Thames to Greenwich

• Watch London’s NewYear’s Day Parade

• Join aMedieval Banquet in the vaulted cellars of Ivory House

• Soar high on the London Eye and visit fascinatingWestminster

Abbey


• All the sightseeing, scenic drives and excursions as described


• First class coach for all sightseeing

• 2nd class train Luzern to Paris

• Eurostar 2nd Class Paris to London

• End of Tour tips to Tour Manager,drivers and guides


• Hotel Porterage (1 bag per person)

• Full buffet breakfasts daily with English breakfast in London

• 5 dinners including NewYear’s Eve dinner and farewell Medieval

Banquet

• Welcome drink on first night

• Cruise on the River Seine,Thames cruise to Greenwich,London

Eye ride,Theatre tickets to topWest End Show

• Entrances to National MaritimeMuseum and Royal Observatory



Less time

on coaches,

more time

sightseeing

Over $900

value of extras

already included

no hidden costs

Guaranteed to

depart with

7 ormore

passengers


Highlights

Inclusions

Tour Price

NEW YEAR IN LONDON7SPECTACULARDAYS – LUZERNTO LONDON – ESCORTEDGROUPTOUR

DAY 1 - 28 DECEMBER PARIS

Midmorningwe transfer to Luzern railway station where we catch a train

to Paris. Reaching Basle,we break the journey around mid day for about

an hour or so to have lunch. In the afternoonwe continue to Paris arriving

early evening. After transferring to your hotel we have arranged a

welcome drink and dinner. (D)

Your Paris Hotel - The Marriott Rive Gauche. Located on the Left Bank of the

Seine River near the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Pres, theMarriott

Rive Gauche offers all the facilities and style you expect from a modern,

superior first class hotel.Go to https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/parst

DAY 2 - 29 DECEMBER PARIS

TThis morning we will take a panoramic tour of the city covering all the

sensational sights from the Arc deTriomphe andOpera, to the Place de la

Concorde andmore.The afternoon is free amongst the broad boulevards

and themyriad of shops andmuseums.Following dinner tonight in a local

Parisienne restaurant, we have included a ‘Paris by Night’ illuminations

tour. In addition to all the Christmas street decorations, you will be

enchanted by the grand monuments and boulevards, from the Notre

Dame to the Eiffel Tower, bathed in glorious light. As a finale we have

included a relaxing cruise on the River Seine. C'est Magnifique! (B,D)

DAY 3 - 30 DECEMBER LONDON

This morning we board the Eurostar train to London. This remarkable

express train swiftly transfers us to the centre of London by midday. On

arrival, we are joined by a local guide for a panoramic city tour to see all

IMAGINE…. Joining a very special seven day escorted New Year tour that combines the wonderful sights of two of Europe’s greatest cities –

London and Paris.Travelling by express train and the Eurostar you enjoy the lights and sights of Paris, a relaxing cruise on the River Seine and a

dinner in a local restaurant before reaching London for a four night stay. Packed with quality inclusions you will ride high on the ‘London Eye’,

cruise down the river Thames, take in a topWest End Show and enjoy a Medieval Banquet. Now add the enormous spectacle of NewYear's Eve

fireworks and the famous NewYear's Day Parade - what a way to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next! This ‘NewYear in

London’ tour has been specially designed to start from Luzern as your Christmas Tour ends.

the sights of this amazing city.Tonight we have planned a special evening

out. After enjoying dinner in a local restaurant we take our seats at a top

West End show. (B,D)

Your London Hotel – The Guoman Tower. This high quality four star hotel

is in an excellent location in the heart of London.The hotel is situated on the

north bank of the River Thames within walking distance to the Tower of

London and the Tower Bridge. All rooms have contemporary furnishings and

stunning views, with landmark sights all around. Check it out on the web

http://www.guoman.com/the-tower/

DAY4 - 31DECEMBER LONDON

NewYear's Eve! Thismorning soar high over the city skyline on the London

Eye,the huge Ferris wheel located just a fewminutes' walk fromyour hotel.

This 30 minute ride in large, fully enclosed viewing capsules offers

wonderful panoramic views over London and some of its most famous

landmarks such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham

Palace,Nelson's Columnand St.Paul's Cathedral.The rest of your day is free.

Why not soak up the atmosphere of the world famous shopping store

Harrods, visit Madame TussaudsWax Museum and have your photo taken

with your favourite star, or shop 'till you drop' in the sales of Oxford and

Regent Streets.Dinner tonight is included in theold Prospect ofWhitby Pub.

Mid evening we will be dropped off as close as possible to one of the

numerous viewing points along the Thames Embankment or on

Westminster Bridge and join the enormous crowds waiting in anticipation

for the fireworks extravaganza. What a backdrop, with the Houses of

Parliament on one side and the London Eye on the other whilst the sky

London Eye fireworks

4544


EnglishChannel

Basle

Luzern

PARIS

LONDON

FRANCE

GERMANY

BELGIUM

2

4

above the River is exploding with a spectacular fireworks display. A truly

memorable NewYear's Eve experience! (B,D)


Your day is entirely free. Make sure you enjoy the annual New Year's Day

Parade which starts at Big Ben around midday. This grand parade full of

colourful entertainers, marching bands and street entertainers winds its

way through the streets and ends in Berkeley Street, close to the Ritz Hotel

and Fortnum&Masons.A perfect place for you to take afternoon tea. (B)


A leisurely start asweboard aboat and travel down river toGreenwich – the

homeof time and the centre of space,wherewe visit theNationalMaritime

Museum and Royal Observatory.You can visit the Cutty Sark Visitor Centre

andQueensHouse or youmight like to enjoy lunch at oneof the local cafes

or restaurants. This evening we have arranged a special farewell meal –

enjoy aMedieval Banquetwith entertainment by flickering torchlight in the

vaulted cellars of Ivory House.An evening to remember. (B,D)


Europe is at your feet. Sadly your special NewYear Tour is complete after a

sumptuous English breakfast. (B)

4746

For a start we offer smaller,more personal trips with amaximum

group size of only 30 passengers. This means extra spare seats,

moremanageable group sizes,a higher level of personal service

and we are able to access a range of delightful feature hotels

larger groups cannot use.

One night stops are avoided and we have ensured driving

distances are significantly reduced.Youwill virtually always spend

lunch time in scenic towns or villages. Early morning starts are

extremely rare.

As usual we include all those extras, special excursions, most

eveningmeals andeven‘endof tour tips’.All groupdepartures are

guaranteed and there are NO later charged‘hidden’options lists.

Why our Summer tours

are so different…

For a copy of our 40 page Summer

brochure call us on 1300 135 015

(Australia) or 0800 446 232

(New Zealand) or email

[email protected] or

visit www.albatrosstravel.com.au

Leisurely tours for the

European Summer

Introducing our

unique programme of

innovative andmore

leisurely paced

escorted tours

We offer dedicated tours of Italy and

France as well as multi country or

regional tours such as our delightful

‘Provence, Tuscany and Umbria’ tour,

a ‘Chateaux, Boulevards and Battle-

fields’ tour through France and

Belgium,andour superb‘Black Forest,

Bavaria and the Tyrol’ tour.

Wenot only take in themajor cities but also focus on those charming,

less ‘touristy’ towns and sights. One day you may stand high on

Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest andon another,youwill be strolling through the

fabulous fresh food andwinemarkets in the Dordogne.

With 2,3,4 and even 5night stops everywhere,dramatically reduced

daily driving distances and that ‘Albatross uniqueness’, we ensure a

more fulfilling and rewarding touring experience.

Reading about Gallipoli or

theWestern Front is one

thing but being there is to be

a part of something special.

ANZAC Commemorative

Tours

Did you know the Albatross

Travel Group are the

market leaders in handling

ANZAC Commemorative

tours to Gallipoli and the

Western Front?

Recognising the sightseeing needs of modern day Australians and

NewZealanders visitingGallipoli orVillers Bretonneux,in the Somme,

the Albatross Travel Group offer a comprehensive range of ANZAC

Day Commemorative Tours.

We do not offer hasty,‘snap shot’tours.We usually spend four nights

in the Gallipoli region to provide extra, more fulfilling sightseeing

time ahead of the rush of people that later descend onto the

peninsula. Our ‘Gallipoli hotels’ are superbly located in and around

Canakkale town - close to the action.

Our extensive experiencehandling indepth commemorative tours to

the Western Front certainly pays off! Our specialist Battlefield Tour

Managers and comprehensive itineraries are fully tried, tested and

vetted and our hotels in the Somme and Flanders are always

superbly located.

Plus, as a special feature, we also bring along a team of qualified

AustralianWarHistorians toprovide intimatebackgroundknowledge,

separate fact from fable and provide captivating insights into the

lifestyle and living conditions of the infamous ANZAC soldiers!

4948

For Gallipoli we offer two different ANZAC Day programmes. A

shorter, simpler five day ‘Essential ANZAC’ tour, and a

comprehensive 8 day ‘ANZAC Special’ tour complete with the

services of ourWar Historians.

We also offer three specialWestern Front tours. Our 5day‘ANZAC

Day on the Somme’and our 10 day ‘ANZAC Day on theWestern

Front’tours are both timed tobe atVillers-Bretonneuxon25April

for themoving Dawn Service.

Our ‘All Quiet on theWestern Front’ tour,perfectly ‘bolts on’after

our Gallipoli ANZAC Day tours. This way you can easily combine

tours and take in Gallipoli, the Somme and Flanders in one go!

All AlbatrossTravel’s scheduled tours are very different in design;

they are genuinely inclusive and have guaranteed group

departures.That’s the Albatross Difference!

For a copy of our 24 page ANZAC

commemorative tours brochure call

us on 1300 135 015 (Australia) or

0800 446 232 (New Zealand) or email

[email protected] or visit

www.albatrosstravel.com.au

PAYMENTCONDITIONS• All rates are in $AUD and are cash/cheque rates.Credit card paymentsattract a merchant fee.

• A non refundable deposit of $500 AUD per person,per tour, is required tosecure your place on each tour within 10 days of booking.

• Deposits are non transferable.• A non-refundable deposit of $100 per person is required to book any flights.• Final balance is due on all tours by 1 October 2011.• Special Condition - Swiss Christmas and NewYear Breaks. Wemust receivefull payment and correct passport details by 1 October or an additionalcharge of $200 AUD per booking will be applied to cover extra internationalcourier fees for Rail passes.

CANCELLATIONPOLICYAll cancellationsmust be received in writing.• If cancelled outside of 60 days prior to travel a cancellation fee of thedeposit applies.

• If cancelled after final payment but prior to 45 days before travel acancellation fee of 50% applies.

• If cancelled later than45days prior to travel a cancellation fee of 100%applies.

FORCEMAJEUREIf the tour or cruise cannot proceed due to flood,earthquake,war or civil strife,acts of terrorism,hurricane, cyclone, industrial disturbance, strike, fire, lock out,epidemic,failure or delays of scheduled transportation facilities,or other Acts ofGod,or any law,order,decree,rule or regulationof anygovernment authority,orfor any reason whether of a similar or dissimilar nature beyond the control ofAlbatross Travel Group, this agreement shall terminate and there shall be noclaim for damages by either party against the other.

INSURANCEIt is a condition of travel that eachpassenger is adequately coveredby aproperinsurance cover. Please also check the contingencies of your prospectiveinsurance cover and ensure you are aware of its conditions and omissions.Westrongly advise travel insurance from time of booking to provide full cover.

GUARANTEEDGROUPDEPARTURESAll Albatross Travel Group programmes offered in this brochure are grouptouring programmes.The term‘group tour’ is defined as having aminimum of7 and amaximumof 42passengers travelling. Once theAlbatrossTravel Groupconfirms 7 deposited passengers travelling, it guarantees that the group tourwill depart. In the event of only 6 passengers or less booking and travelling onthat specific departurewe are unable to operate that departure as a group tourand that departurewill bewithdrawn.In rare instances suchas this theAlbatrossTravel Groupguarantee to advise all parties concernedof thewithdrawal of thetour at least 90 days prior to its scheduled departure date.

PRICESOnce you have deposited, tour prices are guaranteed against currencysurcharges.All tours havebeen costedon thebasis of aminimumnumber of 15passengers travelling. In the event of a reduction in the numbers of passengerstravelling on any specific group tour departure below 15 passengers or in theunlikely instance of price increases from suppliers, or tax increases, AlbatrossTravel Group reserves the right to pass on these increases to our passengerswithout notice. Wherever possible, price increases will be absorbed by theAlbatrossTravel Group. When group sizes are considered too small to use a fullsized coachwe reserve the right to use a smaller coach,inwhich case theremaynot be a toilet on board.

TWIN SHARE ROOMSPlease note:Throughout much of central Europe traditional hotels sometimesoffer‘FrenchTwins’which are 2 separate beds andmattresses attached togetherand sharing a single headboard.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENTSIndividual passengers can request us to match them up in a twin share roomwith another individual of the same sex. Should we not be able to match youin a twin share room by the final tour balance payment date the single roomsupplement rate will apply.Please Note: should you be‘matched’with anotherperson we cannot be held responsible if the choice is not to your satisfaction.Youmust consider therewill alwaysbe a certain risk of incompatibility.Smoking:any twin match must understand that the room must be treated as a nonsmoking room unless both parties agree otherwise. Also: Single rooms inEuropean Hotels are sometimes smaller than twin rooms. The SingleSupplements represent a fee passed on to us by the Hotels.

PASSPORTSANDVISASIt is the responsibility of the passenger to have a valid passport and all visas,permits and certificates required for the selected tour.Your specialTravel Agentwill advise you.

UNSUITABILITYIf the operators consider any passenger as an unsuitable person for any tour itmay in its absolute discretion cancel that passenger’s booking or decline tocarry that passenger further, if at all.

UNUSED SERVICESNo refund is given where pre-booked accommodation is partially or whollyunused. No overseas supplier or associate is authorised to promise refund onbehalf of Albatross Travel Group.

ITINERARYVARIATIONSAll possible effort will be made to adhere to the published touring itinerary.Occasionally circumstancesbeyondour controlwill force changes,amendmentsor modifications to the itinerary and its inclusions. The Albatross Travel Groupcannot be held responsible for any omissions or modifications to the itineraryor the inclusionsmade as a consequence to these changes.

HOTELACCOMMODATIONIn the unlikely instance of a hotel change becoming necessary the alternativepropertywill beof a comparableorhigher standardand there shall beno refundin this connection.Non smoking rooms are requested however, they cannot beguaranteed as not all European hotels offer dedicated non-smoking rooms.

PORTERAGEHotel porterage for one suitcase per person is included at each stay during yourgroup touring programme.It is not includedon the first or last days of your tourwhen arriving or departing your hotel independently.

WHITE CHRISTMASTOURS - SNOWA large part of Central Europe is normally coveredby a velvety blanket ofwhitesnow over Christmas time.Please note that weather conditions vary from yearto year and snowfalls cannot be guaranteed.

NOT INCLUDED INTHETOURPRICEUnless otherwise indicated we have not included Flights, Visas, airport taxes,port taxes security charges, items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks andconsumables.

CONSUMERPROTECTIONThe Albatross Travel Group is a licensed Travel Agent (TAG 1374) and a fullyfundedmember of the Travel Compensation Fund.Complaints procedurea) In the unlikely event of a complaint, the client is obliged tomake theAlbatross Travel Group and the local supplier aware of such problemsimmediately.Albatross offers a 24 hour emergency paging system for thispurpose.

b) Albatross Travel Groupwill only consider claimsmade against it in thosecircumstances where a complaint has beenmade pursuant to subparagraph (a) above andwhere the claim has been received by it within 30days from the end of the services provided by it,otherwise, the client willhave no right tomake any claim against it.

RESPONSIBILITIESAlbatrossTravelGroupact only as abooking agentmaking reservationswith thecompanies or associates offering the services contained in this brochure. Whilstacting in good faith, Albatross do not accept any responsibility for defaultcausing loss or injury topersonor propertywhether bynegligenceor otherwiseon the part of the operator or accommodation managers / owners or theiremployees. AlbatrossTravel Grouphavemadeevery effort to ensure thequalityof accommodation and the accuracy of the brochure,but shall not be liable forany dissatisfaction the passenger may have with the accommodation andtouring or any injury, damage or loss caused by the change or withdrawal ofany price,detail or other item or service. In addition the Albatross Travel Groupshall not beheld responsible for any loss of quality of goodsor services suppliedor any changes in an itinerary beyond our control made by third parties. Thisagreement shall be governed and controlled in accordance with the laws ofQueensland,Australia.

The Albatross Travel Group, LIC:TAG 1374, ABN 45 010 565 143Level 3,303 Adelaide Street,Brisbane,Queensland 4000,Australia.Telephone (61) 7 3221 5353 Fax (61) 7 3221 5486Email [email protected]

christmasT O U R B O O K I N G C O N D I T I O N S

Christmas and NewYear tours - please read all conditions carefully

5150

Discover the difference - The Albatross Travel Difference!

Call us on 1300 135 015 (Australia) or 0800 446 232 (New Zealand) or email us on [email protected]

or visit us at www.albatrosstravel.com.au

We often get asked about what else we do

with that special Albatross Travel touch!

We are ‘Private Group’

Specialists

The backbone of our business is the design, creation and

operation of specialty ‘custom made’ groups to our core

destinations of UK, Europe and Turkey. Over time we have

developed massive expertise and experience. We handle

everything from detailed commemorative school touring

programmes to tailor made, first class sightseeing tours and

specialist itineraries followingaparticular themeor special focus.

We handle these ‘one off’ tours on behalf of special interest

groups, clubs, company incentives, schools, sporting groups,

wine clubs and historical associations…the list goes on.We

have even handled‘Murder’tours and‘Ghost Hunter’groups!

Do you know of a group of like minded people wishing to

travel to Europe? Are you amember of an educational group,

private association,Probus club or sports team thatmay soon

be visiting the UK, Europe or Turkey for a special event?

Perhaps you only want some simple European group touring

arrangements made, or maybe you need specialist help with

handling a detailed, complicated travel itinerary.

Then you should

contact us at the

AlbatrossTravel Group.

It’s whatwe do!

MackayNorth SHS Remembrance CommemorativeTour

T H E A L B A T R O S S D I F F E R E N C E

Wehaveour ownoffices inAustralia and theUK. Weare a fully licensedTourOperator and

we are alsomembers of the Australian Travel Compensation Fund.

As a Global Companywe handle in excess of 4,000 groups every year.Our core business

is thedesign,creation,planning andoperationof special interest groups to theUK,Europe

and Turkey. Our dedicated and enthusiastic team have enormous practical experience

handling European Groups. Our office staff have personally escorted numerous group

tours giving them that essential ‘front line’experience.

Albatross Australia was established in 1995 as the Australasian

Division of the worldwide network of the Albatross Travel Group.

Your local appointed travel agent is

Come share our love of Europe

The Albatross Travel Group (Licence NoTAG 1374.ABN 45 010 565 143)

Level 3,303 Adelaide Street,Brisbane,Qld 4000. Telephone 07 3221 5353

Fax 07 3221 5486 • Email: [email protected] • Web:www.albatrosstravel.com.au

Trade enquiries and reservations

AUSTRALIA 1300 135 015 • NEW ZEALAND 0800 446 232

Brochure stocks throughTIFS in Australia

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