Escorted Small Group Tours by Rail - Great Trains of ...
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2019 – 2020
EUROPE
Escorted Small Group Tours by Rail
All stops 3 or 4 nights • 4 and 5 star hotels • First Class rail travel
• Full luggage handling • Australian Tour Director
NY TOUR
MA NOW WITH S
NO SOLO
TRAVELLER BOOK EARLY
SUPPLEMENT OBERAMMERGAU
FOR
EARLYBIRDS PASSION PLAY
2020
WELCOME
We are a boutique Australian-based tour company specialising in historical and cultural tours of Europe, travelling on Europe’s great
trains. We offer only a limited number of tours each year, all personally led by the Company Principal, Mr Stan Klan, a published
historian and former history teacher, who has been introducing people to his beloved Europe since 1977.
TRAVEL ON EUROPE’S GREAT TRAINS MEALS
Europe’s trains are the finest in the world – from the high-speed French Nothing on a group tour causes more angst than the question of meals:
TGV streaking across the continent at 320kph to quaint Swiss mountain pit-stops for re-fuelling before dashing out to a concert or to do some more
trains. A rail journey permits you to meet the locals, to stroll down to the exploring? Or a gourmet experience every night? Should expensive wines
restaurant car and bar, or simply to take in the ever changing scenery - be costed in, the non-drinkers subsiding the drinkers?
vineyards, alps and lakes. All rail travel is in First Class reserved seats, On the Great Trains of Europe Tours we include in the tour cost the first
except on some local trains where seats are not reservable or where only evening meal in each new city or village, at a local trattoria or bistro.
standard class is offered. Drinks are at your own expense. On the other nights your Tour Director
either recommends restaurants at different price levels or accompanies
3 NIGHTS MINIMUM STOPS
you to dinner.
Travellers quickly tire of whistlestop coach tours which move on to a new
hotel every night. On the Great Trains of Europe Tours, every stop is at QUALITY ASSURANCE – A PERSONAL TOUCH
least 3 nights, giving you time to unpack and start feeling like a local. All tours are personally escorted by an Australian historian who has more
than 35 years experience in introducing people to Europe: he is not only
QUALITY CENTRAL HOTELS the Tour Director; he is also the Company owner, guaranteeing a level of
Were you ever on a tour where your hotel was a motorway chain motel quality control few companies can match.
an hour outside Venice or Paris? On the Great Trains of Europe Tours we
use centrally located hotels – on the Grand Canal in Venice, in the heart WHO TRAVELS ON THE GREAT TRAINS OF EUROPE TOURS?
of Paris’ Montparnasse on the Left Bank, next to the KuDamm in Berlin. While all are welcome, the tour member profile is usually in the 40+ age
In cities we use 4 star boutique or 5 star hotels and the highest category bracket, but families are most welcome on all tours. Selected tours are
historic village inns available in the countryside. identified as Family-Friendly: the programme and pace are especially
suitable for families with children, and children under 12 sharing a room
LUGGAGE TRANSPORTED ON AHEAD with adults stay free. In this brochure the Winter Wonderland Tour with
Have you tried a rail journey but found loading your luggage a pain? No White Christmas is especially designated as family friendly.
problems on the Great Trains of Europe Tours: your luggage is collected Advice of any mobility or dietary issues will be appreciated at the time
from your hotel on departure morning and is transferred on ahead to await of booking. If you cannot walk 500 metres and climb 25 stairs without
your arrival in your new city. assistance, your booking will be accepted only along with a booking from
LIMITED GROUP SIZE a designated carer.
The maximum number of participants on each tour is limited to 25 paying Our tour members (some up to their 8th tour with us) have an interest in
guests. This makes the groups small enough to avoid the “herd mentality” history and art but don’t want in-depth lectures from professors; they love
yet big enough to offer a variety of new friends. food and wine but don’t take too kindly to “pompous git” experts; they
enjoy new experiences and have a sense of humour.
FULL SIGHTSEEING PROGRAMME While the majority of our tour members are Australians and New
How much to include? How to provide for first timers who want to see Zealanders, we have also welcomed (and become friends with) Americans,
everything and also for those experienced travellers who want to have a Canadians, South Africans, Malaysians and Brits. All are welcome.
more leisurely time? The eternally popular “must see” sights are included All tours are conducted in English.
in an orientation sightseeing tour on arrival in each new city.
On some tours, clearly explained and optional excursions are offered. We’ll
need to know your choices before departure. Freedom to do your own
thing, or a full sightseeing and activity programme. On the Great Trains of
Europe Tours, the choice is yours.
2 BLOSSOMS & BULBS EASTERN EUROPEAN CAPITALS LEGENDARY SILK ROAD
WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT GREAT TRAINS OF EUROPE TOURS?
• Leisurely pace – all stops 3 or 4 nights
• Quality, centrally located 4 & 5 star hotels and historic village inns
• First Class rail travel in reserved seats
• Full luggage handling between stops
• All tours personally escorted by an Australian historian, who is the company
owner (35 yrs experience as a tour director)
• 98% departure record
• Small groups
• Many repeat customers (up to 8th tour) happy to give personal
recommendations
• Consider the environment – diesel bus or electric train?
Testimonials....................................................................................................................
“The tour was a great success: a big ‘thank you’ for being such a good and enthusiastic Tour Leader, going to the limit and beyond the call of duty. Dealing
with the luggage was a masterstroke… the memories of the tour will be replayed in our minds many times.” Brian and Brenda Bowers, SA.
“Excellent hotels in the middle of it all, good value for money, sympathetic and knowledgable Tour Leader. Stan, your 5 minute thumbnail sketch of Jewish
history at the Ghetto in Venice was a tour de force.” Anne and Michael Ford, Minlaton, SA.
“I have taken 5 Great Trains of Europe tours in the past 3 years. Stan’s tours are the group tours for those who don’t like group tours – well organised but not
regimented, flexible with plenty of free time; no rush, no bustle.” Jackie Wood, Melbourne, VIC.
“Thanks a lot Stan, your humour and personality truly made it a great holiday. No fuss, and we didn’t have to worry about a thing.”
Wendy Ryan, Oakey, Qld.
“Thanks, Stan, for a most enjoyable tour. You have tempted me to return to study some more history (after 50 years).”
Scott Walker, Brisbane, QLD.
How did the Great Trains of Europe Tours begin?
In 1977 I was a beginning teacher of History at a grammar school on the Gold Coast. One day half the class were missing: they were on a
Geography excursion. “Why can’t we have a History excursion, sir?” one student asked. “OK,” I replied, “let’s go to Europe”.
We were studying the Causes of the First World War at the time. At the end of the lesson, two boys asked, “Did you mean that, Sir,
about an excursion to Europe?” I had travelled Europe as a student and undertaken some post graduate study there, so why not?
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For the next thirty years in five schools as History teacher and School Principal, the European (magical) History Tour was a feature
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of our lives. I retired early and licensed my own travel agency and tour operator business “Great Trains of Europe Tours” and so
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continue my lifelong passion for Europe, her history and culture, and her great trains.
IN
CK
Great Trains of Europe Tours (ABN 75 325 010 987) is an accredited travel agent (ATAS #12982). We are members
7
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of IATA (Licence #96836610) and the Concorde Independent Agents’ Network.
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FOOTSTEPS OF THE KNIGHTS OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND 3
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Offered only as an unescorted, self-guided tour.
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Day 1: To SWITZERLAND You may join the tour either in SAVE ING
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London, at Zurich Airport or in Switzerland’s oldest town, Chur.
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Day 2: CHUR Every day on the Great Trains of Europe Tours
begins with a full buffet breakfast. Commence your love
affair with the great trains of Europe today on a rail journey
to Switzerland’s highest town Davos, famous from the
ANY DAY OPTION
nineteenth century as a “Wellness” centre, and now a very
trendy ski resort in Winter. [B]
Day 3: CHUR – Bernina Express One of the world’s great
rail journeys today on the Bernina Express across the Alps to
Tirano in Italy. So stunning is the scenery that one section of
the route has been classed a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Retrace your steps home to Chur. [B]
DATES DON’T SUIT? LIKE A SHORTER TOUR?
Day 4: Glacier Express to INTERLAKEN Join the world’s
SOMETHING MISSING?
favourite little red Swiss mountain train, the Glacier Express. INDEPENDENT TOURING – DEPART ANY DAY
Enjoy breathtaking views from your panorama car as
you cross the Alps to your lakefront hotel in the village of Some tours offered by Great Trains However, the Independent Touring
Interlaken, your home for 3 nights. [B] of Europe Tours are also available as advantages are:
independent (unescorted) tours.
Day 5: INTERLAKEN – Golden Pass Panorama Today the • You save 25% on the advertised escorted
GoldenPass Panorama train takes you from the Bernese There are a few differences between an
escorted tour and an independent, “Depart tour cost;
Oberland to Lake Geneva. You have time in Montreux for
lunch on the lakefront esplanade or on a steamer on the lake. Any Day” tour: • You can start your tour any day of the
Home to Interlaken. [B] year; and…
• You don’t have a Tour Director, rather you
Day 6: INTERLAKEN A quiet day to take a steamer across use local tour guides or the detailed self- • You may cut and paste. For example you
the lake and into Thun, or a train into Zurich, Switzerland’s guided touring notes provided; may choose the last 6 days of the Swiss
largest city and financial capital, nestled on Lake Zurich. [B]
• You do not have your luggage transported Mountain Rails Tour followed by the first 4
Day 7: To LUCERNE Skirt the lake to Brienz where you ascend days of the Winter Wonderland Tour. Ask for
the Brienzer Rothorn (steam train on summer departures) for on ahead from hotel to hotel, rather you take
care of it yourself; and… a costing.
magnificent views to the Eiger. Arrive in lakeside Lucerne for
some shopping time before dinner. [B]
• You do not have any evening meals
Day 8: LUCERNE – Pilatus Trains boats and cable car – to included.
the top of Pilatus for unsurpassed views to Lake Lucerne
below. [B] A Tailored Itinerary – just for you?
Day 9: LUCERNE – Rigi Kulm Your final day and one of
With more than 35 years experience in introducing people to Europe, we are uniquely placed
the best saved till last. Using Europe’s first ever cog-wheel to help you arrange an individual itinerary, providing rail travel and accommodations.
railway, climb to the top of the “Queen of the Mountains” for
Your request might be as simple as “the first 12 days of the Off the Beaten Track Tour, but in
360 degree Alpine views. [B]
April rather than in September” or as complex as “three weeks in February through the great
Day 10: Auf Wiedersehen The tour ends after breakfast. opera houses of Europe with opera bookings in each city”.
Transfer to the airport or take the TGV and Eurostar back to
London. A Paris stopover can be arranged. [B] Recent examples of individual itinerary requests include:
A family of three from London to Paris on Eurostar, 3 nights in a 4 star boutique Left
INCLUDED FEATURES:
• Travel on: Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Bank hotel in Paris, the high-speed TGV to Grindelwald in Switzerland for a 4 day White
GoldenPass Panorama, Brienzer Rothorn Christmas, a Glacier Express day, Cisalpino train on to Venice for New Year in a Grand
(steam in summer) Canal-front hotel, then on to Rome.
• First Class rail seats
A 3 week family visit to Italy and Switzerland by train, staying in small villages, but also
• Quality hotels
BOX: must visit Pompeii, Florence and the Bordeaux vineyards.
• 9 buffet breakfasts FACT N: 10 DAYS
IO
DURAT E:
RTUR d) All these customers are now friends and have requested assistance in planning their next
DEPA Y (non escorte
ANY DA .
European holidays.
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COST Join in Chur, le Zurich Airport.
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$AU 5,0 50 Join and leave London.
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$AU 5,2 Join and leave
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$AU 6,5 plement $80
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4 BLOSSOMS & BULBS EASTERN EUROPEAN CAPITALS LEGENDARY SILK ROAD
DAYS COST TWIN
ESCORTED TOURS INDEX – 3 Week Tours DEPARTS inc flights SHARE from
PAGE
BLOSSOMS & BULBS: Springtime Gardens – Dutch Bulbfields, Chateaux Gardens of Amsterdam
May 5th 2019
20 Days $AU 12,950 6,7
France, English Villages and Gardens, and the Chelsea Flower Show.
EASTERN EUROPEAN CAPITALS Visit 7 of the Eastern Europe’s historic capitals, Bucharest
August 21st 2019
22 Days $AU 15,950 8,9
Bucharest, Sofia, Belgrade, Budapest, Krakow, Prague and Berlin.
St Petersburg
RUSSIA'S CAPITALS PRE-TOUR: See the sights in St Petersburg and Moscow August 14th 2019
8 Days $AU 5,950 9
THE LEGENDARY SILK ROAD: From the Great Wall of China to the Walls of Beijing
20 Days FROM 10-12
Constantinople with 7 nights aboard the Orient Silk Road Express. September 27th 2019 $AU 16,950
Istanbul
TURKEY POST-TOUR: Visit Turkey, Istanbul, Troy and Gallipoli October 16th 2019
8 Days $AU 4,900 9
FOOTSTEPS OF THE KNIGHTS: A pilgrimage in the footsteps of the Knights Tel Aviv
Hospitaller to mark the 50th anniversary of the Australian foundation of the Order of May 25th 2019
22 Days $AU 14,950 13
St John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller.
THE OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY: Amsterdam
May 5th 2020
21 Days $AU $13,950 14,15
with Dutch & English Gardens and the Chelsea Flower Show
THE OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY: Zurich
June 11th 2020
14 Days $AU $9,900 16,17
with Swiss Mountain Rails
THE OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY: with Off the Beaten Track — the Hill Paris
September 3rd 2020
21 Days $AU $13,950 16,17
Villages and Market Towns of the South of France, the Swiss & Austrian Alps
THE OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY: Zurich
September 26th 2020
21 Days $AU $13,950 16,17
Italy’s Cultural Capitals, Swiss Mountain Trains
Paris
WINTER WONDERLAND TOUR: Swiss & Austrian Alps, and the Romantic Cities of December 28th 2019 20 Days $AU 10,950 18,19
Paris, Venice and Prague. December 28th 2020
Grindelwald
WHITE CHRISTMAS PRE-TOUR: In a Swiss Alpine Village for Christmas December 21st 2019 8 Days $AU 2,500 19
December 21st 2020
SHORTER
DAYS COST TWIN
SHORTER TOURS TOUR
OPTION
DEPARTS inc flights SHARE from
PAGE
Is 3 weeks
too long? Amsterdam
BLOSSOMS & BULBS: Blossoms & Bulbs of Holland and France May 5th 2019
7 Days $AU 4,500 6,7
London
BLOSSOMS & BULBS: England’s Gardens and Chelsea Flower Show May 12th 2019
12 Days $AU 9,000 6,7
Rhodes
FOOTSTEPS OF THE KNIGHTS: Excluding Israel. Join in Rhodes June 1st 2019
15 Days $AU 10,950 13
Zurich
THE OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY: Swiss Mountain Rails June 11th 2020
14 Days $AU 9,990 16,17
FOOTSTEPS OF THE KNIGHTS OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND 5
...on the right track in Europe since 1977 NO SOLO TRAVELLER
SUPPLEMENT
FOR EARLYBIRD
BOOKINGS
...with
The
Chelsea
Flower
Show
BLOSSOMS & BULBS
Dutch Bulbfields, Chateaux Gardens of France, English Villages & Gardens
May 5th 2019: AMSTERDAM The tour commences at check-in to our mediaeval city of York. We see the Minster and visit the Shambles, then
city-centre hotel, our home for four nights. We rest from the flight, or take transfer to our inn in the North York Moors village of Pickering. A pub
an afternoon canal cruise to get our bearings, before meeting our fellow dinner tonight. [B,D]
travellers for a Welcome Drink and Dinner. [D]
May 14th: NORTH YORK MOORS This morning we visit the gardens of
May 6th: AMSTERDAM Every day on the Great Trains of Europe Tours Castle Howard, laid out by Sir John Vanburgh in the early 18th century.
begins with a full buffet breakfast. We spend a full day in one of the Castle Howard is the palace of the Flyte family in Brideshead Revisited.
world’s finest bulbfields, the Keukenhof Garden, with 80 acres of tulips, We lunch (with Claude Jeremiah Greengrass?) in the village of Goathland,
daffodils, hyacinths and other flowering bulbs, shrubs, ancient trees, “Aidensfield” in the TV series Heartbeat. Here we join the historic North York
exhibitions, gurgling streams, flower parades, and seven themed gardens. Steam Railway home to Pickering. [B]
Little wonder we need all day to visit the Keukenhof! There are restaurants
and tea shops. [B] May 15th: NORTH YORK MOORS This morning we visit historic Harewood
House. Its garden is classic Capability Brown – forming an idyllic rural
May 7th: AMSTERDAM We head into the countryside today (who will be setting. We move on to the spa and garden town of Harrogate for a cream
first to see a windmill?) to the Gardens of the Dutch Baroque Palace Het Loo, tea or a stroll around its famous gardens. Can you spot Agatha Christie? She
the Royal Palace from the 1680s until 1982. Established by LeNôtre, the “disappeared” here in 1926. [B]
gardens feature perfect symmetry, axial layout with radiating gravel walks,
parterres, fountains, basins and statues. [B] May 16th: LAKE DISTRICT We journey this morning through the Yorkshire
Dales, immortalised in James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small novels
May 8th: AMSTERDAM For early risers an optional excursion this morning and television series. A village pub lunch stop, then on to the Lake District
to the world’s largest flower markets at Aarlsmeer, where more than 19 where we settle into our Lakeside hotel. [B,D]
million blooms are sold every day. In the afternoon we visit the historic and
beautiful Dutch city of Delft, home of Vermeer, and imagine what Amsterdam May 17th: LAKE DISTRICT This morning we visit a very special
might have looked like centuries ago. [B] Lakeland garden, Holehird, which specialises in Lakeland flora and
offers sweeping views of Lake Windermere. A bit of whimsy on the way
May 9th: PARIS A great rail journey today. Our luggage is taken on ahead as home: we drop in on Beatrix Potter’s garden, Hill Top – watch out for the
we take our reserved First Class seats in the sleek Thalys train, for Paris at fierce bad rabbit. [B]
300kph. On arrival we settle in to our 4 star hotel on the Left Bank. On our city
sightseeing tour we begin our acquaintance with the City of Lights. [B,D] May 18th: LAKE DISTRICT We take a magical rail journey today through
some of the Dales’ and England’s finest scenery on the historic Settle to
May 10th: PARIS A quiet morning to stroll in the nearby Luxembourg Gardens Carlisle Railway. A pub lunch, an afternoon cream tea and visits to some
or to visit a museum. Monet’s water lilies are on view in their original context more of the Yorkshire Dales’ picturesque villages. [B]
at l’Orangerie. See them in real life this afternoon on our visit to Giverney
and Monet’s Garden. We enjoy the flower garden called Clos Normand and May 19th: COTSWOLDS Our British Rail journey south today brings us to
the water garden with its famous Japanese Bridge covered with wisteria, the the Peak District of Derbyshire, to visit the gardens of historic Chatsworth
weeping willows and the famous nympheas (water lilies). [B] House, dating from 1687. Another Capability Brown garden, Chatsworth has
been famous for its beauty since Jane Austen’s day. We move on in the
May 11th: PARIS A high-speed French TGV train today into the Loire Valley late afternoon to the Cotswolds where we stay in a village inn in the pretty
and the Garden of Villandry, created by Dr Joachim Carvallo, from 1906, riverside village of Bourton-on-the Water. [B,D]
in complete harmony with the Renaissance architecture of the chateau.
Great horticultural skill was deployed, especially in the use of vegetables. May 20th: COTSWOLDS This morning’s sightseeing takes us to
An arbour of grape vines leads to a great parterre, conceived as a Garden of picturesque Cotswold villages of honey-golden stone: Lower Slaughter,
Music. On the other side of the canal is a Garden of Love. [B] Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden. After a village pub lunch we
visit one of England’s favourite gardens – Hidcote Manor, designed
May 12th: NORTH YORK MOORS Another of the great rail journeys of and developed by Major Lawrence Johnston, who scoured the world to
the world as we farewell Paris and join the 300kph Eurostar through the secure rare and exotic species for this extremely pretty garden, a series
Channel Tunnel. Customs requires that we travel with our luggage today. of “outdoor rooms”. [B]
In London we join British Rail in the tracks of the Flying Scotsman to the
6 BLOSSOMS & BULBS EASTERN EUROPEAN CAPITALS LEGENDARY SILK ROAD
SHORTER
TOUR OPTION
Is 3 weeks too long?
This tour can be taken
as a shorter option!
Please refer to Tour Index
for more information
May 21st: COTSWOLDS Today we visit Stowe Landscape Gardens, covering 750 acres and
including 40 listed historic monuments and temples. It is considered one of England’s most BOX:
important landscape gardens and the greatest names in English garden design were involved FACTTION: 20 DAYS
in its creation from Bridgeman in the 1710s to Vanbrugh, Kent, Gibbs and “Capability” Brown. DURA ES:
Afternoon tea in the Cotswold village of Burford, serious about antiques. [B] E P A RTUR
D
h 2019
MAY 5t ntent
May 22nd: LONDON Back on British Rail today we journey through more of the Cotswolds’ La nd Only inCLoondon)
COS T: rdam, leave
Amste
rolling hills, as our luggage is taken on ahead to await our arrival in our London hotel. We (Join in erson fares
enjoy London’s sights this afternoon. The Oxford Street shops are only a bus ride away from 12 ,9 50 per p ompetitive air
$AU ur c MENT FOR
the hotel. A West End Show tonight? [B] about o LE
Enquire E ROOM SUPP EFORE
GL B
NO SIN D BOOKINGS
May 23rd: LONDON The Oxford Street shops or Harrods this morning before an afternoon A RLYBIR 018
E T2
ER 31S
excursion to the Royal Horticultural Society’s Wisley Garden, where keen English gardeners OCTOB
have gone to be inspired for over 100 years. Spread out over 240 acres, Wisley is a lovely,
peaceful place for a stroll as well as a demonstration garden full of practical garden design
ideas and cultivation techniques. [B]
May 24th: LONDON A full day today at the Chelsea Flower Show, arguably the world’s HIGHLIGHTS A full day at
greatest and best known. Our Farewell Dinner tonight. [B,D] CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW
RAIL JOURNEYS
Day 20: HEADING HOME Our tour ends this morning after breakfast. [B] • High-Speed Thalys
• English Channel Eurostar
• Tracks of the Flying Scotsman
SCOTLAND • North York Moors Steam Railway
• Settle to Carlisle Historic Rail
3 Lake District
GARDENS
• Keukenhof Gardens • Hidcote
3 North York Moors
• Het Loo • Wisley
• Monet’s Garden
4
AMSTERDAM • Villandry
ENGLAND • Castle Howard SIGHTS
NETHERLANDS • Harewood
WALES 3 • “Heartbeat Country”
• Holehird • Herriot’s Yorkshire Dales
3 LONDON
Cotswolds
Chelsea • Chatsworth • Lake District
Flower Show • Stowe • Cotswold Villages
GERMANY
blossoms & bulbs
BELGIUM
INCLUDED FEATURES:
CZECH REPUBLIC
• First Class rail travel in reserved seats
• 4 star city-centre hotels
3 PARIS • 3 or 4 star historic village inns
• 6 dinners
FRANCE • Full luggage handling [not on Eurostar]
• Local expert garden guides [where permitted]
AUSTRIA
• Full-time Australian Historian Tour Director
SWITZERLAND who is the Company Principal
ITALY SLOVENIA
FOOTSTEPS OF THE KNIGHTS OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND 7
NO SOLO TRAVELLER
SUPPLEMENT
FOR EARLYBIRD
BOOKINGS
EASTERN EUROPEAN CA
2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the tearing down of the Iron Curtain.
Our tour – 5 star hotels and First Class rail – visits 7 of the Eastern Europe’s historic capitals, with the option of a pre-tour to Russia’s two
capitals, St Petersburg and Moscow.
August 21st 2019: BUCHAREST Our tour commences with check-in at our 5 star Buda side, to the Fisherman’s Bastion and St Matthias Church, then back to Heroes’
hotel in the Romanian capital. Those joining the tour from the “Russia’s Capitals” Square and St Stephen’s. [B]
pre-tour arrive in the afternoon. Our Welcome Dinner, tonight. [D] September 1st: BUDAPEST St Sebastian’s and the Gothic Parliament Building (the
August 22nd: BUCHAREST Our Bucharest city sightseeing commences at the largest in Europe) are both close by our hotel. The Budapest Opera House is, in
magnificent Palace of the Parliament is renowned for being the largest administrative my humble opinion, one of the grandest in the world. Then the day is yours for
building in the world by weight and size, coming in ahead of the United States a leisurely lunch and the galleries or the shops. Budapest has many fine coffee
Pentagon. The Romanian communist dictator, Nicolae Ceaușescu, in an act of houses, testament to more than a century of Turkish occupation. Another quirky
supreme irony called it “The People’s Palace”. [B] Turkish touch continues – the thermal spa baths! [B]
August 23rd: BUCHAREST A visit out of Bucharest today, to Bran Castle, one time September 2nd: KRAKOW Our Eurocity train today passes through Slovakia and
home of Vlad the Impaler, universally recognised (perhaps erroneously) as Dracula. into Poland to our base for the next 3 days, the old city of Krakow. Okay, Krakow
Back to Bucharest this evening. Garlic for dinner? [B] wasn’t the capital of Communist Poland, but it is Poland’s cultural cradle and was
its historical capital from 1038 until 1791. It still stands substantially intact from the
August 24th: SOFIA We cannot travel by train from Bucharest to our next capital, 13th century, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. [B,D]
Sofia, so today we transfer to the airport for the one hour flight, arriving early
afternoon. On arrival we check in at our 5 star hotel in the Bulgarian capital, which September 3rd: KRAKOW Our city sightseeing tour includes the historic Market
Bill Bryson called “the most European of all cities”. [B,D] Square and Wawel Hill with its palace and tiny cathedral, and the graves of Polish
kings. This is where Pope John Paul II served as archbishop. Lunch in one of the
August 25th: SOFIA Our sightseeing this morning is on foot, as the old city heart many restaurants on Market Square? It is possible to visit nearby Auschwitz – not
is very compact. Highlights will include the National Archaeological Museum, the fun, but possibly we owe it to humanity to visit. [B]
National Theatre, the Russian Church of St. Nikola, the Parliament Square, and
Alexander Nevski Memorial Cathedral with the most valuable collection of Bulgarian September 4th: KRAKOW There is an excursion today to Warsaw. Our sightseeing
icons. Bulgars have Slavic origins, they use the Cyrillic script, and Eastern Orthodox includes the reconstructed ancient centre, the Market Square, the monument to the
Christianity is strong here. [B] Warsaw Uprising and the remains of the Warsaw Ghetto. Home to Krakow tonight. [B]
August 26th: SOFIA A visit today to a UNESCO listed cultural treasure — the Rila September 5th: PRAGUE After a short EuroCity rail journey today we arrive in the early
Monastery — the most famous and fascinating monastery in Bulgaria, given its afternoon in magical Prague. Our luggage awaits our arrival in our luxury hotel, located
architecture, wall paintings and ancient history, and its location at 1,147 meters in the historic heart, which is "pedestrians only" and traffic-free. An afternoon stroll
above sea level. The monastery offers great views. Back to Sofia this evening. [B] includes the nearby Old Town Square which has a building from each century from
the 14th to the 20th. Enjoy the view over afternoon coffee in an outdoor café. [B,D]
August 27th: BELGRADE We commence our love affair with the great trains of
Europe today. A EuroCity train has us across the Bulgarian – Serbian frontier and into September 6th: PRAGUE This morning we begin to discover this magnificent city:
the Serbian (and former Yugoslavian) capital of Belgrade by early evening. Today’s the Castle, the Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square and the Jewish Quarter feature in
rail journey (and the next one in 3 days) follows the route of the historic Orient our sightseeing. [B]
Express. Move over Agatha. [B,D] September 7th: PRAGUE There is no planned sightseeing today, but your Tour
August 28th: BELGRADE Belgrade was a target of conquerors for centuries. It was Leader is on hand to advise. Enjoy your free day in this beautiful city, shopping or
ruined and rebuilt almost 40 times. Today we have a unique opportunity to compare enjoying the music. Prague is rich in Mozart associations and is the centre for world
variations in culture and architecture in different parts of Belgrade under Austro- famous Bohemian crystal. There may be an opera performance. [B]
Hungarian Empire, with those under the rule of Turkish Ottoman Empire. [B] September 8th: BERLIN En route to Berlin today we break our journey in the historic
August 29th: BELGRADE Belgrade is one of four European capitals on the Danube Saxon capital of Dresden, to explore this stately city which is still being rebuilt from
River, and today we take a river cruise to the municipality of Zemun, situated along its near-total destruction one night in February 1945. We arrive in Berlin in the late
the right bank of the Danube. It has Hapsburg architecture and a feel identifiably afternoon and cross to our 5 star hotel on the Ku’Damm the main shopping street of
different from Belgrade’s. [B] old West Berlin. [B]
August 30th: BUDAPEST As our luggage is taken on ahead, we join our Our September 9th: BERLIN Today’s sightseeing introduces us to the city which divided
EuroCity train to Budapest, the second Hapsburg capital for much of the 19th and Europe for 45 years — the Brandenberg Gate, the Reichstag, Unter den Linden. Will
the early 20th centuries. Like Prague in 1968, Budapest rose in revolution against the Berlin Philharmonic be in town? [B]
the Communists in 1956, but were crushed mercilessly. [B,D] September 10th: BERLIN A free day for more sightseeing today in the city with a
August 31st: BUDAPEST Budapest is made up of two cities: hilly Buda with its greater concentration of museums than London, and one of the world’s great zoos.
castle on the Western Bank of the Danube, overlooking the stately buildings and Visit the greatest department store in the world (in your Tour Director’s humble
broad boulevards of Pest on the Eastern Bank. Our 5 star hotel is situated on the opinion), KaDeWe, a short walk from our hotel. Our farewell dinner tonight. [B,D]
Pest side in a pedestrian shopping area. This morning’s sightseeing takes us to the September 11th: FAREWELL Our tour ends after breakfast this morning. [B]
8 BLOSSOMS & BULBS EASTERN EUROPEAN CAPITALS LEGENDARY SILK ROAD
RUSSIA'S
CAPITALS
PRE-TOUR ADD-ON TO
THE EASTERN EUROPEAN
APITALS
CAPITALS TOUR:
AUG 14th ST PETERSBURG Our tour commences on arrival
in St Petersburg, the Imperial capital of the Czars. You are
transferred to our luxury 5 star hotel. Meet your fellow
explorers over welcome drinks and dinner. [D]
AUG 15th ST PETERSBURG This morning’s city sightseeing
includes the Winter Palace, St Isaac’s, the Admiralty and
HIGHLIGHTS: the Peter and Paul Fortress. In the afternoon we visit the
Explore Eastern Europe’s Capitals fabled Amber Room in the Catherine Palace just outside St
BOX:
Petersburg. [B]
with 3 nights in:
FAC T S
• Bucharest 22 DAY AUG 16th ST PETERSBURG Today we visit one of the world’s
• Sofia ATION:
DUR ES: greatest art galleries, the Hermitage. Its collection, from
• Belgrade E P A RTUR 9 Old Masters to the Impressionists and Moderns, is widely
D 1
21st 20 ntent considered to be among the world’s best. [B]
• Budapest August and Only CBeorlin).
• Krakow L
T: rest, leave in AUG 17th ST PETERSBURG The Hofburg Palace and its
COS Bucha twin shsa
re
fabulous gardens are half an hour by hydrofoil down the Gulf
• Prague (Join in rs o n
r pe ive airfare
,950 pe of Finland. We visit it today. [B]
$AU 15 about compe ent $2,000.
• Berlin tit
Day Visits to: Enquireroom suST lem
ppPETERSBURG AUG 18th MOSCOW Today we take one of Europe’s great rail
Single
re
gs befo journeys on the new 200kph Sapsan train (lunch on board) to
CIA :
L 3
PE r bookin
• Warsaw BIRD S
t fo
plemen Moscow, the Russian capital, until the time of Peter the Great
EARLY om without sup
• Dresden Single
ro
018
and again since 1918. We move to our 5 star hotel near the
r 31st 2 Kremlin. [B,D]
• Dracula’s Castle Octobe
INCLUDED FEATURES: AUG 19th MOSCOW Our city sightseeing tour this morning
focuses on Red Square, once the site of executions and Soviet
• First Class rail travel in reserved seats military parades, but still the focal point of Moscow life. We
• Economy Class flight Bucharest to Sofia visit both Lenin’s tomb and St Basil’s cathedral. The afternoon
• 21 nights in 5 star luxury city-centre hotels with buffet breakfasts is free to explore, to shop, or to ride the world famous Moscow
Metro. [B]
• 7 dinners
• Full luggage handling AUG 20th MOSCOW Today’s sightseeing is dedicated entirely
MOSCOW
• Full time Australian Tour Director who is the tour Company Principal to the Kremlin, Moscow’s fortress dating from the fifteenth
3
century and containing cathedrals, palaces, museums
FLY ON TO
EASTERN EUROPEAN
CAPTITALS TOUR
(Faberge eggs) and the 200 ton Tsar bell. [B]
ST PETERSBURG
AUG 21st To BUCHAREST We join our flight today to Bucharest
3
PRE-TOUR ADD-ON
RUSSIA'S CAPITALS
to commence the Eastern European Capitals Tour. [B]
ESTONIA
3
BERLIN INCLUDED FEATURES:
POLAND LATVIA RUSSIA •
•
First class rail travel in reserved seats
7 nights in 5 star luxury city centre hotels with buffet breakfasts
• 2 dinners
3 3 KRAKOW • Full luggage handling
PRAGUE MOSCOW
GERMANY 3 • Full time Australian Tour Director who is the tour Company Principal
CZECH REPUBLIC
FLY ON TO
UKRAINE
EASTERN EUROPEAN
SLOVAKIA
CAPTITALS TOUR
3
BERLIN
BOX:
AUSTRIA 3 HUNGRY
BUDAPEST
FACTION: 8 DAYS
DURAT
ERLAND PRE-TOUR
RUSSIA’S CAPITALS
E:
RTUR
ITALY SLOVENIA 3 3 ROMANIA
KRAKOW
DEPA 14th 2019
PRAGUE
T
AUGUS
CROATIA
: share.
CO ST on twin Petersburg.)
3 per pers
50
$AU 5,9 tent only. (Join $700.
St in
BUCHAREST 3 tour
BELGRADE
on nt
BOSNIABUDAPEST 3 Land c m suppleme
Single
roo
P ECIA L:
BIRD S out supplemen 2018
PRE-TOUR
t for
LY
RUSSIA’S CAPITALS
SERBIA EA R with 1st
roo m m ber
3 SOFIA Single before Septe
s
3
BULGARIA booking
Eastern European Capitals
BUCHAREST 3
BELGRADE
MACEDONIA
3 SOFIA
FOOTSTEPS OF THE KNIGHTS OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND 9
LEGENDARY SILK ROAD
September 27th 2019: To BEIJING Join your flight today to China’s capital, Beijing.
On arrival you are transferred to your centrally located 5 star hotel. Overnight: First
into the region’s unique folklore, before continuing to the green city of Shakhrisabz,
Tamerlane’s birthplace, where we visit the brutal Mongol leader’s great palace. Back
Class hotel [D] on board, we head for the magical city of Samarkand. Overnight on board the Orient
Silk Road Express [B,L,D]
September 28th: BEIJING Today we are introduced to the ancient (and modern)
city of Beijing – highlights include the Temple of Heaven as well as the famous October 8th: SAMARKAND On arrival in Samarkand we settle into our First Class
Tiananmen Square. For centuries the doors to the former Emperor's Palaces have hotel for a 2 night stay. During the rule of Tamerlane, Samarkand was considered
been closed to the public. Today the glorious halls and mysterious temples of the the world’s most beautiful city, and it still speaks of all the magic of 1,001 Nights.
Forbidden City are open for us. A traditional Chinese dinner of Peking Duck tonight. Today we learn why. It is also historically important, as the site where many Uzbek
Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D] women burned their veils (burkhas) in 1917, with the arrival of the Soviet system.
Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D]
September 29th: BEIJING — Great Wall of China The Great Wall of China is the 8th
Wonder of the World; today you can experience it up close, both on foot and from a October 9th SAMARKAND Our day’s sightseeing in this fascinating city includes a
cable car. Construction began in the 7th century BC with sections of the 1,500 mile long tour of a silk carpet manufactory, a visit to an Uzbek craftsman’s family to see paper
wall dating from the 3rd century BC, and most from the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644). being made from mulberry bark, stops at the Ulug Beg Observatory and the ruins
On the way back to our Beijing hotel, we visit the famous Ming Tombs (a UNESCO of the Bibi Khanum Mosque, and viewing the interior of the palace-like Gur Emir
World Heritage Site) and the Sacred Way. Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D] Mausoleum. Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D]
September 30th: To XIAN On the tracks today. We join China’s high-speed bullet October 10th: SAMARKAND The morning is yours to explore Samarkand or spend
train, taking our reserved First Class seats for our journey at 300kph from China’s as you please. We re-board the Silk Road Orient Express at noon and depart for
modern capital, to her historic capital, the walled city of Xian. On arrival we are Khiva. Overnight on board the Orient Silk Road Express [B,L,D]
transferred to our 5 star city-centre hotel. Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D]
October 11th: KHIVA Today we visit the oasis of Khiva, an exotic fairy tale from
October 1st: XIAN – Entombed Warriors This morning there is a city sightseeing tour 1001 Nights – in stone. Its palaces, mosques, minarets, mausoleums and madrassas
of Xian, including the 7th Century Wild Goose Buddhist Pagoda and the 14th Century (Muslim religious schools) represent one of the best preserved ensembles of
Great Mosque. The afternoon is free for the markets or, for the more athletic, a bicycle medieval oriental urban architecture in the world. Overnight on board the Orient Silk
ride around the city walls – 14 kilometres. Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D] Road Express [B,L,D]
October 2nd: XIAN Yet another wonder of the world today – the Entombed Warriors October 12th: BUKHARA On arrival in Bukhara (also called Sherif — the noble one)
of Xian. 8,000 life-size soldiers, and 130 chariots with 520 horses, stand guard we transfer to our First Class hotel and then commence our city sightseeing of just
over the grave of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, since 210–209 BC. a few of its thousand architectural monuments recalling the golden age of the Great
Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D] Silk Route, including the almost fifty-metre tall Kalyan Minaret. Exotic spices, furs and
especially silk were stored and traded then in the city’s caravanserais. The Old Town is
October 3rd: To ALMATY We skip the next bit of the Silk Road today, as there is no a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D]
train. Instead, we join our international flight to Almaty in Kazakhstan where, on arrival,
we are transferred to our centrally located hotel. Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D] October 13th: BUKHARA This morning we continue to explore Bukhara’s ancient
oriental architecture — the splendid Mir-e-Arab Madrassa, the Samanid Mausoleum,
October 4th: ALMATY This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this green and the massive Ark Citadel. Our private train continues its journey in the evening.
metropolitan city at the foot of the mighty Ile Alatau Mountains. Highlights include Overnight on board the Orient Silk Road Express [B,L,D]
the Zenkov Russian Orthodox Cathedral, built entirely of wood, the Wedding Palace,
the Almaty Circus and the Central Mosque. After a Kazakh welcome lunch, we board October 14th: MERV We farewell the Silk Road Orient Express this morning on
our private train, the Orient Silk Road Express. Overnight on board the Orient Silk arrival at the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site of Merv. Here are the remnants
Road Express [B,L,D] of what was once one of the world’s largest and most magnificent cities: gigantic
walls and ramparts simply standing in the middle of the desert next to the imposing
October 5th: TURKESTAN We arrive after breakfast in the city of Turkestan and visit ruins of ancient buildings such as the Tomb of the Sultan Sanjar and the Maidens’
the 1394 Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, one of the most significant examples Castle. We have lunch with a local family in their home’s picturesque courtyard.
of Timurid architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards our private Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D]
train continues its journey, crossing the Kazakhstan — Uzbekistan border towards
Tashkent. Border formalities are completed in the comfort of our compartment. October 15th: NISA & ASHGABAT This morning we are driven to the ancient
Overnight on board the Orient Silk Road Express [B,L,D] Parthian city of Nisa, then after lunch we take a guided tour of the modern-day
Turkmenistan capital of Ashgabat and the National Museum in Ashgabat, where you
October 6th: TASHKENT Our private train, the Orient Silk Road Express, arrives in view artefacts excavated from the ruins at Nisa and gain insight into the development
the early morning at Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent. During our city sightseeing of of a culture shaped by various peoples, ethnicities and religions. Overnight: First
this green oasis in the steppe, we see the Madrassa Kukeldash, the Kavoj and Amir Class hotel [B,L,D]
Timur monuments. This evening we attend a concert in a music hall, and then re-
board our private train. Overnight on board the Orient Silk Road Express [B,L,D] October 16th: To ISTANBUL (Constantinople) The traditional Silk Route further
West requires passage through Iran, Iraq and Syria, so we bail out and take a flight to
October 7th: SHAKHRISABZ Through mountainous territory, we follow the route its historic terminus, Constantinople (Istanbul) where, on arrival, you transfer to your
of the trade caravans, also the route and the armies of Alexander the Great, homeward flight or, if you choose to join your Tour Director on an 8 day Add-on tour
Genghis Khan and Tamerlane. A traditional ceremony offers us first-hand insight of Istanbul, Troy and Gallipoli, we transfer to our First Class hotel. [B]
10 BLOSSOMS & BULBS EASTERN EUROPEAN CAPITALS LEGENDARY SILK ROADTURKEY
ISTANBUL, TROY & GALLIPOLI
POST TOUR:
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
OCT 16th ISTANBUL On arrival in Istanbul Airport from our
Silk Road journey, we are transferred to our First Class city-
centre hotel. [D]
D
OCT 17th ISTANBUL Istanbul has a long and eventful history,
reflected in its 3 names – Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul.
Today we see modern Istanbul, the city spread across the two
continents of Europe and Asia. [B,D]
OCT 18th ISTANBUL We begin our exploration of the Byzantine
and Ottoman city at the Hippodrome and nearby twin shrines
Although the term Silk Road (or Silk Route) was coined only in the 1870s by the German cartographer of Hagia Sophia, the greatest church in Christendom for a
Ferdinand von Richthofen, there has been a trading route between China and Europe since the third millennium, and the Blue Mosque. We then visit the historic
century BC, with silk from the East being but one of the commodities traded. 1,500 years later Marco underground cisterns constructed under Emperor Justinian
Polo may or may not have followed the route. We don’t have 20 years to spare to make the journey, in the sixth century. Free time in the afternoon for the Spice
so we commence with the high-speed train from Beijing to Xian, then fly on to Almaty in Kazakhstan Market, which has been selling spices from the East since
to join our private train, the Orient Silk Road Express, for a 13 day journey (6 nights spent on board) mediaeval times. [B]
along the historic route through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. We skip the next section
of the Silk Road — through Iran, Iraq and Syria — and fly on to finish our journey in Istanbul, ancient OCT 19th ISTANBUL This morning we visit the Topkapi
Palace, the royal palace of the Ottomans, founded in 1459,
Constantinople, the terminus of the historic Silk Road.
just 6 years after the invasion of Christian Constantinople by
CHINA INCLUDED FEATURES: the Turks. Since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire at the end
• 6 nights bed and buffet breakfast in international of World War 1 it has served as a most important museum with
5 star hotels fine art and ornamentation from the Ottoman era. The harem
• All meals according to programme
C T BOX: room is of more than appropriate interest to most tourists.
• Guided sightseeing and entrances FA S
20 DAY
ATION:
as per itinerary We spend the afternoon in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, one of
• First Class seats on the high-speed DUR ES:
Beijing to Xian train E PARTUR 2019 the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61
h
ber 27t
• Xian to Almaty Economy Class flight
D in sh
are covered streets and over 4,000 shops. [B]
Septem ,95 0 pp tw
on pa ge 12
U 16d Costs detailsleave in
• Airport arrival and departure transfers. OCT 20th To GALLIPOLI By coach today we skirt the Sea
$A
ORIENT SILK ROAD EXPRESS: From abins ansee C
Beijing
, of Marmara south-west into European Turkey towards the
(Join in
• 7 overnights on the private train according Please ly Content Dardenelles. Here is the town of Gelibolu situated on the
On
to the booked cabin category Land tinople). : , and peninsula of the same name. We all know it as Gallipoli. [B,D]
Consta
n FARES Beijing
• 5 overnights in First Class hotels
ATION AL AIR apital city to stralian city.
• All meals according to programme INTERNny Australian the same A
c u OCT 21st GALLIPOLI The “holy of holies” for Australians and
• Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees From a tanbul back to$2,200 Kiwis today. Our sightseeing today is a roll call of those places
according to programme from Is MY CLASS: $5,200 seared into our national psyche – Anzac Cove, Chunuk Bair,
• Guided transfers to and from all airports and train ECONOESS CLASS: Lone Pine. Back to our Gallipol hotel tonight.[B,D]
stations according to programme BUSIN
• Multi-lingual Tour Director OCT 22nd TROY — ISTANBUL An Ancient history excursion
• Experienced local guides today to Classical Troy, long believed to be a Greek myth until
• Doctor on board unearthed in the 1860s by the German archaeologist Dr Heinrich
• Ashgabat to Istanbul Economy Class flight.
Schliemann. In the afternoon we make our way back to our
ALMATY
TURKESTAN 1
2 Istanbul hotel.[B,D]
FLIGHT
SMARAKAND
OCT 23rd FAREWELL Our Turkish holiday ends this morning
1 FROM XIAN
1
TASHKENT
HARA 2 3
1 BEIJING 3 NORTH
after breakfast. [B]
SHAKHRISABZ FLIGHT KOREA
TO ALMATY
MERV
1
SOUTH
KOREA
INCLUDES 7 nights in First Class hotels (best available
3
in Gallipoli) with breakfasts, 5 dinners, all entrances and
RUSSIA XIAN
sightseeing per itinerary.
CHINA
UKRAINE
KAZAKHSTAN
BOX: NIGHTS
FACTION: 8 DAYS / 7
DURAT
ALMATY E:
RTUR
TURKESTAN 1
DEPA 16th 2019
2
UZBEKISTAN
FLIGHT
r
Octobe
SMARAKAND
4,900
KHIVA 1 KYRGYZSTAN FROM XIAN
1 1
ISTANBUL BUKHARA 2 3
TASHKENT
S T: $AU re.
CO twin sh
a ul.)
TURKEY TURKMENISTAN 1 TAJIKISTAN CHINA per pers
on tour in
IstanbBEIJING 3
SHAKHRISABZ
ly. (Join
1 FLIGHT
0 0.
The Legendary Silk Road
nt on $9
ASHGABAT 1 TO ALMATY
onte ent
MERV Land c
room supplem
SYRIA Single 3
IRAQ
IRAN AFGHANISTAN
XIAN
FOOTSTEPS OF THE KNIGHTS OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND 11LEGENDARY SILK ROAD
CABINS & COSTS September 27th 2019
to October 16th 2019
ALADDIN CATEGORY CABIN:
This category features two lower beds (67cm x 184 cm), a small table and storage space. Each car has eight compartments
and one shower facility. Combined toilet and washing facilities are located at both ends of each car.
SULTAN CATEGORY CABIN:
This category features two beds, with an upper berth measuring 80cm x 174cm and the lower one a more generous 110cm
x 184cm. The compartment also offers comfortable seating, a larger table and a small closet. Each compartment has its own
lavatory equipped with toilet, washing basin and integrated shower with shower curtain. Every car of this category contains
only six compartments.
KALIF CATEGORY CABIN:
This category is the highest available on the Orient Silk Road Express, and has the same cabin layout as the Sultan category,
except that each cabin has its own en suite bathroom. Each compartment features closet, safe and en-suite bath with separate
shower cabin. Every car of this category, offering the highest level of comfort available on the Silk Road, contains only four
compartments and offers space for a maximum of just 8 guests.
ROME
5
SINGLE IN HOTELS
CABIN CLASS TWIN SHARE SINGLE THROUGHOUT
TWIN ON TRAIN
Aladdin $16,950 $18,750 $20,950
Sultan $20,950 $22,750 $24,950
5 MALTA
Kalif $22,950 $24,750 $28,950
Based on $US exchange rates at 10th March 2018, $1 AUS = $0.78 USD. Tour Costs in Australian dollars.
ORIENT SILK ROAD EXPRESS: INCLUSIONS & COSTS: PAYMENT DETAILS:
• 7 overnights on the private train We have a strictly limited allocation of A deposit of $5,000 per person guarantees
according to the booked cabin category cabins in the top 3 classes Aladdin, Sultan your seat (unless your preferred class
• 5 overnights in First Class hotels and Kalif on the Orient Silk Road Express. of cabin is sold out prior), with the final
• All meals according to programme payment due 6 months in advance.
(B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner) Tour costs do not include costs associated
• Sightseeing programmeme including all with arranging visas for the 5 countries Travel insurance is mandatory and Great
entrance fees according to programmeme visited, but Great Trains of Europe Tours is Trains of Europe Tours will be delighted to
• Guided transfers to and from all delighted to assist you with obtaining the quote for your travel insurance.
airports and train stations according to necessary visas.
Direct deposit details for payments:
programme INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES: Bank: Heritage Bank, 400 Ruthven St,
• Multi-lingual Tour Director (Based on airfares quoted at 10th March Toowoomba, Queensland 4350 AUSTRALIA
• Experienced local guides 2018). From any Australian capital city to BSB: 638 060
• Doctor on board Beijing, and from Istanbul back to the same Account No: 11109734
• Ashgabat to Istanbul Economy Class Australian city. Account Name: Great Trains of Europe
flight. Economy Class: $2,200 Tours
Business Class: $5,200
12 BLOSSOMS & BULBS
PRE-CHRISTMAS MAGIC TOUR EASTERN
WINTEREUROPEAN CAPITALS
WONDERLAND TOUR LEGENDARY
MOROCCO SILK ROAD
AND THE SOUTH OF SPAIN...on the right track in Europe since 1977
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE KNIGHTS
ITINERARY their own independent state. They fortified the island and beach-front drive in the south of the island. [B]
withstood attacks by the Sultan of Egypt in 1444 and by June 10th: To ROME We join our flight this morning to
May 25th 2019: TEL AVIV You are welcomed on arrival the Ottoman Turks in 1480. We begin our sightseeing Rome, the Eternal City, and this afternoon we begin an
in Tel Aviv Airport and transferred to a beachside hotel in today, the walls and the gates. [B] exploration of the classical sights – the Colosseum, the
Tel Aviv. Meet your fellow pilgrims over dinner tonight. [D]
June 3rd: RHODES Sightseeing today includes the Forum, the Pantheon. [B]
May 26th: GALILEE We drive north today to the Galilee Grand Master’s Palace, the Armouries and St Catherine’s June 11th: ROME Catholic Rome today. We cross to
region where Jesus spent most of his life, visiting Nazareth Hospice. [B] Vatican City and visit St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican
& Cana on the way to our hotel on Lake Galilee. [B,D]
June 4th: RHODES A scenic drive today down the West Museums and the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s
May 27th: GALILEE Today we cross Lake Galilee on a Coast of the island of Rhodes. [B] masterpiece. [B]
fishing boat to the Mount of the Beatitudes, then visit the
June 5th: To MALTA Our flight today from Rhodes to June 12th: ROME An excursion today on Italy’s flagship
Mount of Transfiguration and
ST PETERSBURG Caesarea Philippi. Back to
3
Malta requires two connections, in Athens, then Rome. train, the high-speed Frecciargento, to Amalfi, the very
our hotel on Lake Galilee. [B,D]
We arrive tonight in Malta’s capital, Valetta. [B] birthplace of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. It was
May 28th: JERUSALEM Heading south today, we visit a group of pious merchants from Amalfi who set up
June 6th: MALTA Until 1530 Malta was an extension
the site where Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, a hospital in Jerusalem sometime between 1060 and
of Sicily. It was the Spanish Emperor Charles V who
and on to Jerusalem. We pause for a spectacular view of 1070 AD to care for Christian pilgrims. On a pilgrimage
bequeathed Malta to the Sovereign Military Hospitaller
Jerusalem from Mount Scopus, and a visit to the Garden of visit to Jerusalem, Gerard Thom of Amalfi stayed at the
Order of St. John of Jerusalem, who ruled over Malta from
Gethsemane, before arriving in our Jerusalem hotel. [B,D] hospital, and became leader of the community, a religious
1530 to 1798 for the annual rent of one Maltese Falcon.
May 29th: JERUSALEM Today we visit the Temple Malta’s capital, Valetta, was purpose built as the capital community based on the Benedictine rule. And so the OSJ
Mount and the Western Wall. We explore the colourful by the Knights Hospitaller, so every part of the city has was born. [B]
MOSCOW
bazaars, and walk the Via Dolorosa (Stations of3 the Cross) significant OSJ associations. We commence our discovery June 13th: ROME The last day of our tour. A free day
to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, said to be built on FLY ON TO of the city on today’s walking tour. [B,D] for the shops of Rome. It will be possible to make an
the spot of Jesus’ Tomb. In the afternoon we visit Jesus’
EASTERN EUROPEAN
June 7th: MALTA Surrounding the Grand Harbour in excursion today to the beautiful hill village of Assisi, home
CAPTITALS TOUR
birthplace, in the nearby village of Bethlehem and visit the of everybody’s favourite saint, Francis. Our Farewell
the South of Malta, the three walled towns known as the
Shepherds’ Fields, the Manger Square and the Church of dinner tonight. [B,D]
Three Cities — Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea — offer
the Nativity. [B,D]
a fascinating glimpse into Malta’s maritime history. Home June 14th: FAREWELL Our tour ends after breakfast.
May 30th: JERUSALEM It is fairly certain that the first to the Knights of St John, there are churches, grandiose There is a shuttle to the airport for your homeward (or
OSJ hospice was opened in Jerusalem in 1048 next to the palaces and imposing bastions. There were knights on onward) flight. [B]
Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We visit the OSJ’s historic Malta from 8 different European national or language
ST PETERSBURG
sites in Jerusalem today. [B,D] groups, called langues, and each built their own auberge
3
May 31st: TEL AVIV The Knights Hospitaller were (hostel) at nearby Birgu. Three still stand, and we see
removed from Jerusalem when it fell again into Muslim them today. [B]
hands. They relocated to Acre, and we visit Acre today, June 8th: MALTA On today’s sightseeing we wander
then to our beachside hotel in Tel Aviv. [B,D] through St. John's Co-Cathedral, built to serve as the
June 1st: To RHODES Acre fell in 1291 and Christians were heart of the Order, with eight chapels, one for each langue
and view the stunning Baroque architecture and Italian
Faithful to the historic mission of the Order of St
expelled from the Holy Land, effectively marking the end
artwork. There are two paintings by the Italian master John of Jerusalem – Knights Hospitaller “to care
of the Crusades. The knights moved briefly to Cyprus then,
in 1309, to the island of Rhodes. We follow their footsteps Carravaggio. St John’s Co-Cathedral is one of the world’s for the poor and the sick in the name of Christ”, we
will donate $200 from every booking for this tour to
MOSCOW
today on our flight to Rhodes. [B,D] truly stunning cathedrals.
3
[B]
June 9th: MALTA After worship at the cathedral this the Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia.
June 2nd: RHODES The knights remained in Rhodes for FLY ON TO
EASTERN EUROPEAN
CAPTITALS TOUR
213 years. Here they established a community, practically morning, we enjoy a leisurely Sunday afternoon, taking a
COST: OPTION B: 15 days excluding Israel,
ps of the Knights TURKEY OPTION A: 22 days including Israel.
$14,950 per person twin share. Single supplement
commencing Rhodes on June 1st.
$10,950 per person twin share. Single supplement
$1,500 includes: $1,200 includes:
4 • 21 nights 4 star hotel accommodation, • 14 nights 4 star hotel accommodation,
RHODES SYRIA with full buffet breakfasts with full buffet breakfasts
• 10 dinners • 3 dinners
• Economy Class airfare from your Australian capital city
NON
• Economy Class airfare from your Australian capital city
LEBA
2 GALILEE • Economy Class airfares Tel Aviv – Rhodes – Malta – Rome • Economy Class airfares Rhodes – Malta – Rome
TEL AVIV 2 • All sightseeing and entrances per itinerary • All sightseeing and entrances per itinerary
3 JERUSALEM • All tipping and porterage • All tipping and porterage
LIBYA
• Transport in air-conditioned coaches or First Class rail • Transport in air-conditioned coaches or First Class rail
BULGARIA
EGYPT
JORDAN
• Local expert guides • Local expert guides
BOSNIA • The services throughout of an Australian Christian • The services throughout of an Australian Christian
historian Tour Director, who is also the Tour Company historian Tour Director, who is also the Tour Company
SERBIA
Principal and a member of OSJ. Principal and a member of OSJ.
ROME
BULGARIA
5
MACEDONIA
Meals: Throughout Israel, and on the first night in each other stop, from the tour cost and arrange your own airfares. Costs are based on
ITALY dinner is included in the tour cost. In Rome the included dinner is on
ALBANIA exchange rates and airfares valid at January 31st 2018.
the last night, a Farewell Dinner. On other nights, the Tour Leader will
GREECE suggest or accompany tour members to local authentic restaurants. PAYMENT DETAILS: A deposit of $2,500 per person guarantees
n the Footsteps of the Knights
your seat, with the balance due 3 months before departure. The tour
Airfare upgrades: Australia – Tel Aviv and Rome – Australia only size is strictly limited to 20 persons, so early booking is essential.
[not available within Europe] Travel insurance is mandatory. Please ask for a quote.
Premium economy — $2,500. Business — $ 6,000
Should you wish to purchase the tour as land content only, commencing TOUR LEADER: The Tour Director is Stan Klan, of Toowoomba, a
4 in Tel Aviv on May 25th and ending in Rome on June 15th (or commencing Church Historian, a former School principal, and the owner/operator of
5 MALTA
RHODES
Rhodes on June 1st and ending in Rome on June 15th), deduct $1,500 Great Trains of Europe Tours.
FOOTSTEPS OF THE KNIGHTS
BLOSSOMS & BULBS OFF THE BEATEN TRACK 2 OBERAMMERGAU
GALILEE PASSION PLAY
LITERARY BRITAIN CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
OBERAMMERGAU PASSION 13
TEL AVIV 2You can also read
