Christmas & New Year Tour

Transcription

1 Eva European Tours eva E U R O PEA N TO U RS The Magical European Christmas & New Year Tour WARSAW KRAKOW BUDAPEST BRATISLAVA CESKY KRUMLOV PRAGUE VIENNA(optional) 24 Dec or 17 Jan 2015 Luxury Escorted Personalised Tour Ph (02)

2 Chopin concert in krakow Opera in Prague & Bratislava black light theatre in Prague new year gala dinner with entertainment & new year s day concert in Budapest Warsaw s fascinating rebuilt old town - on the unesco world heritage list Cesky Krumlov central europe s most beautiful town Krakow treasure of gothic and renaissance architecture 2000 year old bratislava schonbrunn palace & mozart & strauss concert in vienna An extraordinary experience $9,995 pp twin share All Inclusive John and I would like to thank you so much for the wonderful experience of the tour. Your expertise and care for all of us was beyond exceptional. The hotels, tours, food, local knowledge, currency information and companionship was more than outstanding. Our fellow travellers were so friendly, amicable and caring. It was a very well planned tour relaxing although we were on the go. We appreciated we had time in each city, and not to be changing hotels every day. Eva you really went far and beyond. Your local knowledge also afforded us the very best of everything. Jeannie & Jan Peck, Gwandalan NSW 1

3 Welcome to Eva European Tours For 17 years we have been offering a unique European experience to our valued customers with our personalized, fully escorted tours. Born in Slovakia I am fluent in the languages of all the countries we visit and each one of our tours is designed to take out all the hassles of traveling leaving you to have fun, relax and experience Europe like never before. Europe in the winter time can be truly magical. It s an experience I m delighted to share through my local knowledge and the special relationships we have developed with these enchanting cities and their people over the years! It gives me enormous satisfaction to see so many of our customers returning year after year. I welcome you to join us. Eva Santo Eva European Tours Director & Tour Leader Ph eva@spatours.com.au Eva Santo St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Eva, you cover all the bases with grace, a jump ahead of us all, anticipating our needs and reading us as a group, like an open book. What a wonderful 3 weeks. Thank you for a superbly rich & varied set of experiences. Delle & Geoffrey Stivano, Eagle Heights, QLD 2

4 Itinerary We have enjoyed it all immensely good company and entertainment, excellent leadership John Slinn, Epping NSW Day 1 (Wed 24 Dec) Depart on evening flight from Australia via Dubai for Warsaw Old Town, Warsaw Day 2 (Thur 25 Dec) Warsaw, Poland 10:45am: Arrive in Warsaw and transfer to the 5 star Sheraton Hotel walking distance to the city s historic sites. Warsaw is an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage city. The Old Town which was destroyed during WWII has been resurrected to its former glory with cobblestone streets and alleyways, baroque palaces and Gothic houses to reflect the atmosphere of a bygone era. 5pm: Informal introductions and dinner at our hotel. Day 3 (Fri 26 Dec) Warsaw, Poland 10am: Meet our local guide for a half day city tour. See the Royal Castle, Lazienki Park, Theatre Square with the Grand Opera, Presidential Palace, Monument of Warsaw uprising, the Jewish Quarter and Old Town Centre established in XIII century. Dinner at the hotel. Xmas Markets, Warsaw 3

5 Day 4 (Sat 27 Dec) Warsaw - Auschwitz - Krakow, Poland 10am: Today we drive through farmland and forests to the medieval city of Krakow dating back to the 7th century. Along the way we stop in Auschwitz the site of the former concentration camp, where millions lost their lives in the crematoria during the Holocaust. In Krakow we check into our 5 star Radisson Hotel only a few minutes walk from the main market square. Dinner at the hotel Day 5 (Sun 28 Dec) Krakow, Poland 10am: Meet our local guide for a half day tour of Krakow. Undamaged by the Second World War, Krakow has been listed by UNESCO as one of the most significant historic sites in the world. Explore the ancient city, Royal castle, Wawel Hill, Cathedral, Renaissance Cloth Hall on the largest medieval square in Europe and the former Jewish district Kazimierz including the Schindler s factory. Free afternoon. 5pm: Dinner at the hotel before this evening s Chopin concert. 6:30pm: Short walk to the Bonerowski Palace to delight in the music of Poland s greatest composer, Fryderyk Chopin. Day 6 (Mon 29 Dec) Krakow, Poland Enjoy the day at leisure. Stroll through the historic Old Town. Visit the Cloth Hall with its wonderful amber collection, folk art and variety of goods on offer. 10am: Optional Tour to UNESCO listed Wieliczka Salt mine 135 meters underground. 7pm: Dinner at a local restaurant. Auschwitz, Poland Cloth Hall, Krakow 4

6 It was one of the best, if not the best holidays and certainly the best tour I have been on. It offered so much more than the basic guided tour. The added night time entertainments, so varied and worthwhile just topped it off. I certainly can see why you have so many return passengers. Colin Wallis, Narara, NSW Day 7 (Tue 30 Dec) Krakow - Budapest, Hungry 10am: Enjoy a scenic drive via the Tatra Mountains and the ancient mining town of Banska Bystrica in Slovakia s heartland before crossing into Hungary. We spend 4 nights at the luxury Spa hotel Thermal located in the heart of Budapest, on the picturesque and tranquil Margaret Island on the river Danube. Explore the 100 year old park on Margaret Island, the open air theatre and UNESCO listed water tower. After an orientation tour you can relax and unwind in one of the thermal pools in the comfort of our hotel. Every night in Budapest we dine at one of the island s two restaurants offering a superb local buffet dinner - one with gypsy band and the other featuring a piano player. Day 8 (Wed 31 Dec) Budapest, Hungary (New Year s Eve) 10am: Meet our local guide for a 5 hour Grand City Tour of Budapest. We visit the famous sights of the Capital, Heroes Square, the Castle District, the Matthias Church, Fishermen s Bastion, Royal Palace etc. We have free time at the neo Gothic Central Market Hall and marvel at the variety of fresh produce, flowers & souvenirs. Later in the afternoon take time out to relax and get ready for the evening s spectacular Gala dinner at our hotel. 7pm: Traditional Hungarian New Year s Eve Gala Dinner with entertainment. Budapest Chain Bridge 5

7 Day 9 (Thur 1 Jan) Budapest, Hungary (New Year s Day) Enjoy a late breakfast, leisurely day and included spa treatment. Take advantage of the hotel s exceptional spa facilities. Stroll around the islands centuries old trees, hidden statues and ruins. 12noon: New Year s Day concert at the hotel. Complimentary wine and drinks will be provided. 8pm: The day will finish with a 1 hour spectacular Danube cruise with a glass of champagne on the famous Danube River. Day 10 (Fri 2 Jan) Budapest, Hungary 10am: We start with a visit to the magnificent neo-gothic Parliament House, landmark of Budapest and home of the 1000 year old Holy Crown and coronation jewels. After the tour we drive 26 km north into Hungary s countryside to the Szentendre Village Baroque village of Szentendre famous for its colonies of artists, sculptors & painters. Wander around the crooked cobblestone streets, shops full of souvenirs, embroidered tablecloths, pottery, wines and paprika. Here you can taste real Hungarian goulash or the traditional fish soup Halaszle. 3pm: Back in Budapest enjoy free time in the pedestrian part of the city, the fashionable Vaci street, full of shops, boutiques and cafes. Visit the 150 year old Gerbaud Café which is the most traditional Café house in Europe. Day 11 (Sat 3 Jan) Budapest - Bratislava, Slovakia 10am: Depart for a 3 hour drive to Slovakia s capital, Bratislava, which was also capital of the Hungarian Empire for 200 years. We check into the 5 star Radisson Hotel in the heart of the old town that is filled with beautifully restored baroque city palaces. Free Budapest Parliament 6

8 afternoon. Dinner at the Radisson Hotel will be followed by an opera at the historical opera house next door to our hotel. Day 12 (Sun 4 Jan) Bratislava, Slovakia 10am: Meet our local guide for a 4 hour bus and walking tour. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the historical and modern city with its winding streets of the pedestrian Old Town, see the Medieval Michael s Gate and Tower, Bratislava Castle and some beautifully reconstructed palaces. We visit the Primate s Palace and its most famous chamber, the Hall of Mirrors that Michael s Gate, Bratislava has played host to many significant events. We ll drive 13 km west of the city to Devin Castle destroyed in 1809 by Napoleon s army, today it lies in ruins and is one of the most important monuments in Slovakia. Dinner at our hotel. Bratislava 7

9 Day 13 (Mon 5 Jan) Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic 10am: Depart on a scenic countryside drive and cross the border into Czech Republic s UNESCO heritage listed medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. This fairy tale village is one of the most perfectly restored in Central Europe. 6pm: Tonight s dinner is at the Gothic dungeon of the old town prison. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic Day 14 (Tue 6 Jan) Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic 10am: Guided tour of this very unique town. Marvel at the 82% of the town s building that are officially registered as cultural monuments. Wander through the cobblestone traffic free streets, past colourful houses that lead up to the State Castle and Chateau ranked among the most important European sights. Afternoon at leisure. 7pm: Dinner at the local restaurant. Day 15 (Wed 7 Jan) Cesky Krumlov - Prague, Czech Republic 10am: Depart for a 3 hour drive through the scenic Bohemian countryside for Prague - one of the most beautiful city s of Europe. We check into our four star centrally located, KK Fenix hotel just a few meters from Wenceslas Square, the city s main and most fashionable boulevard. Orientation tour. 6pm: Dinner at the local restaurant. Day 16 (Thur 8 Jan) Prague, Czech Republic 10am: Meet our local guide for the Grand bus/walking tour of Prague. Uncover the rich history of this beautiful city. See 1000 year old Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral and Astronomical clock once the envy of all Europe. 5:30pm: Meet in the hotel lobby for a short walk to the stylish Como restaurant.tonight we attend the Black Light Theatre enjoy poetry, humour and irony without using words. The show will capture your heart! Cesky Krumlov 8

10 Day 17 (Fri 9 Jan) Prague, Czech Republic 10am: Board the bus for a short ride to meet our boat for a 90 minute cruise on the Vltava River. Admire panoramic views and famous historical and cultural sites. After disembarking we walk to the Jewish Quarter, stroll through the 15th century cemetery, visit the Spanish Synagogue built in :30pm: Late lunch/early dinner at the Novomestky Pivovar - Prague s first microbrewery and a chance to sample the delights of its own brand light and dark wheat beer. 7pm: We attend the stunning Prague State Opera. Prague State Opera Day 18 (Sat 10 Jan) Prague Prague, Czech Republic A full day at leisure. Stroll the city, enjoy the architecture and take advantage of the excellent shopping. 7pm: Tonight s farewell dinner will be at the local restaurant popular with Prague locals! Day 19 (Sun 11 Jan) Prague - Dubai - Australia 11:30am: Our journey ends today as we transfer to Prague airport for your flight to Australia. Day 21 (Tue 13 Jan) Arrive Australia Optional 5 day extension to Vienna, Austria Day 19: (Sun 11 Jan to Thur, 15 Jan) Vienna, Austria Depart Prague for a 4 hour drive across the border to Vienna, Austria. Check in to hotel City Central ideally located in the heart of Vienna. Dinner at Crown Prince Rudolph restaurant next door to our hotel. 9 Day 20 (Mon 12 Jan) Vienna 10am Meet in the lobby for 5 hour Grand City Tour of Austria s magnificent capital that combines beauty and charm with culture, style and sophistication. Admire the splendid buildings of the Ringstrasse such as the Museum of Applied Art, the State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and Natural History. See the cultural district, the Museums Quarter, the Hofburg, the Parliament, the City Hall and the Burgtheater. We ll visit and see the interior of the fabulous Shonbrun Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburgs, considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe. 7pm short walk for dinner to Vienna s oldest restaurant the historical Griechenbeisl favoured by the

11 Germany Cesky Krumlov Prague Austria Czech Republic Vienna Poland Bratislava Budapest Warsaw Krakow Slovakia Hungary Ukraine famous personalities, whose framed autographed photos on the wall ensure their presence lives on. Day 21 (Tue 13 Jan) Vienna Vienna Woods Romania 10am meet in the lobby for a 6 hour tour of the most beautiful sights of the southern part of the Vienna Woods. Visit the medieval cloister of the Cistercian Abbey at Heiligenkreuz, Mayerling hunting lodge and finally enjoy free time in the spa town of Baden bei Wien, where Beethoven finished his greatest work, the Ninth Symphony, there is also a temple dedicated to Mozart in the town. 6pm board the bus for a short drive to the city park at the famous Kursalon for dinner at the stylish Johannn restaurant followed by the world class Mozart and Strauss concert. Day 22 (Wed 14 Jan) Vienna, Austria Full day at leisure. Visit the museum quarter, the Spanish Riding School, the Belvedere gallery or Albertina. Explore the shops or just relax over an authentic Vienna coffee. Dinner at the Kronprinz Rudolf restaurant next door to our hotel. Day 23 (Thur 15 Jan) Vienna Breakfast. Spend your last day soaking up the Viennese atmosphere, walk around the impressive Ringstrasse. Sigmund Freud was known to take a daily recreational walk around the Ring. Enjoy last minute shopping and seeing all those sights you missed the day prior. 6pm depart for Vienna airport. Day 25 (Sat 17 Jan) Australia Arrive in the morning. Included in the 21 day Christmas / New Year tour: Return Economy class air fare & taxes with Emirates; Sydney Warsaw and Prague /Vienna Sydney. 4 & 5 star centrally located hotels, European transfers on luxury coaches, porterage, tipping and tax. MEALS: Daily Full Buffet Breakfast & Daily 3 course or Buffet Dinner, 5 course New Year s Gala Dinner includes some drinks TOURS: All sightseeing tours in each city. Private Vltava cruise with mulled wine, Private Danube cruise with wine and champagne CULTURAL: Premium tickets to Chopin concert in Krakow, Prague State Opera, Bratislava Opera, Black Light Theatre in Prague New Year s Day Concert in Budapest, *Mozart/Strauss concert in Vienna for travellers continuing to Vienna. PRICE: $9,995 pp twin share Single Room Supplement: $1,600 *Additional Tour to Vienna: 4 Nights/5 Days, $2,000 pp twin share Single Room $300 Business class upgrade: Emirates $6,600, Other Business class options are available * Booking conditions: Cancellations made 7 weeks prior to departure forfeit of deposit. Cancellation made 6 weeks prior to departure 50% of total cost. Cancellation 4 weeks prior to departure 100% of total cost. 10

12 What previous travellers have said about this tour... After discussing our holiday with friends it was reinforced to us how seamless, trouble free and well organised the Xmas Tour was. Your years of experience, tireless tweaking and relationship building with your suppliers i.e. hotels, guides (all extremely good), restaurants, etc. was very evident throughout. We appreciated your efforts to introduce us to the various cultures of the countries visited, the opportunity to attend opera, concerts, the theatre, and to so much European history. Tom and Robyn Braun, Mt Waverley, VIC Barbara and I can t thank you enough for this wonderful tour. Such value for money, so friendly and warm (like being with family) but with all the pressure and worry removed. It was more than our expectations and personally you are marvelous and provide the very best you can. All this is enhanced by your personality and the way you join in like one of us. Patricia Hamilton-Brett, Malvern, VIC What a wonderful holiday! Thank you so much - I enjoyed it immensely, largely because of your expertise, attention to detail and professionalism, and in making sure everything ran smoothly and on time. My fellow travellers were a joy to be with. I also wanted to say how much I appreciated the birthday cake you organised for me at the restaurant in Prague. In fact birthdays and a wedding anniversary of other travellers were also celebrated in similar style accompanied by much hilarity. Mary Lewis OAM, Belmont, VIC Richard and I enjoyed the tour so much. It was lovely to be part of such a fun and happy group of people. I must thank you for the wonderful organization, great tour leaders, great seats at the Operas and Concert and overall consideration of our needs. We loved everywhere we went and when people say What was your favourite place... It is difficult to answer as it was all wonderful ( I must admit I did LOVE the spa!!! ) Jennie Cox, Bowral NSW Thank you for the special experiences cultural, historical, etc. Truly memorable which sets your Tour apart from the insipid and mundane! Wonderful, splendid and unforgettable. Alma and Howard, Bondi Beach, NSW Very good individual attention and attention to detail. Very good value. Very good guides and introduction to the countries and cities. Alan Robertson, Mosman, NSW For those who regard themselves as travellers rather than tourist, Eva s European Tours will prove a Godsend. Di Hall, Caloundra Eva your efforts have given us pleasure and much satisfaction! Moya Palmer, South Yarra, VIC Wonderful trip, well beyond our expectations. It was Comfort, Class and Care from you, and what great shows you organized! Anne & Hans Hoffman, Cronulla, NSW Eva European Tours Organising and Escorting Groups to Europe since 1996 Licence No. 2TA5824 IATA # Ph: (02) Mobile: eva@spatours.com.au eva E U R O PEA N TO U RS