HOLIDAYS
Cruising Scandinavia and Russia 18
days
$6675 per person, twin share
m
leisurely pace
departing Thursday 18 August 2016
1300 1500 50
www.cotaholidays.com.au
Our special package includes return airfares from Australia, air taxes and all transfers.
Be part of our special 18-day holiday package which includes an amazing 14-night Cruise from Amsterdam on board the luxury Celebrity Silhouette. We visit Oslo, Norway; Aarhus, Denmark; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; Berlin, Germany; and Copenhagen, Denmark.
Itinerary day
1
DEPART AUSTRALIA
in-flight
Thurs 18 Aug Depart Australia from your nearest capital city for our flight to Amsterdam. Enjoy and relax inflight with meals and entertainment provided for your convenience.
day
2
ARRIVE AMSTERDAM
Fri 19 Aug Upon arrival into Amsterdam airport early afternoon we are transferred to our hotel for your overnight stay. Overnight: Amsterdam
day
3
AMSTERDAM, BOARD CELEBRITY CRUISE
Sat 20 Aug
This morning after breakfast there will be time for you to enjoy some city sights of Amsterdam. Originally, a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam today is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, as engineered dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee prevent this low-lying country from being reclaimed by the North Sea. Interestingly, the 17th century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of the city have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main tourist attractions are undoubtedly the famous Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. However, there is much more to be seen and appreciated. We transfer to the Celebrity Silhouette for boarding in time for its departure this evening at 5pm. Welcome aboard! Overnight: Celebrity Silhouette
in-flight
day
4
AT SEA
Sun 21 Aug Today we continue sailing the North Sea making our way to Oslo in Norway. On board you will enjoy culinary delights and all the facilities of this world-class ocean liner. Activities include bars and lounges, live production shows, spas and beauty treatments, casino and shopping arcade! Overnight: Celebrity Silhouette
day
5
OSLO, NORWAY
Mon 22 Aug
Arrive 7am – Depart 4pm
Oslo, the capital and most populous city in Norway, lies between the Oslo Fjord and the green hills of Oslomarka. The combination of city life and easy access to outdoor activities makes Oslo a unique destination. Oslo is built in a horseshoe shape on the shores of the Oslofjord and limited in most directions by hills and forests. Subsequently there are a number of delightful recreation areas, such as the Toyen area that includes the Botanical Gardens and a museum. Amazingly, the immigrant share of the population in the city proper now counts more than one quarter of the city’s total. Oslo offers many art galleries and some 50 museums, such as the Norwegian Folk Museum with 155 traditional houses from all parts of Norway, and a Stave Church from the year 1200. The National Museum preserves Norway’s most extensive collection of art. Others include: the Fram Museum, home to the ‘Fram’, the first ship specially built in Norway for polar research; the Viking Ship Museum; and the Natural History Museum. Of particular interest is the amazing Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower, a historic landmark where the museum is actually inside the ski jump and contains 400 years of skiing history. Other places of great interest are Akershus Fortress in the city centre, and the Tusen Fryd Amusement Park of a thousand opportunities. If possible see the Vigeland Sculpture Park with its amazing massive sculptures - more than 200 in bronze, granite and cast iron - which is a monumental artistic creation telling a human message. New attractions in Oslo include the Nobel Peace and the Holocaust Centres. If you are more adventurous, you might opt for a ride on a mountain bike, or go skiing or even swimming in magnificent indoor pools or at beaches accessible by ferries from the city centre. Overnight: Celebrity Silhouette
day
6
AARHUS, DENMARK
Tues 23 Aug Arrive 8.30am – Depart 5pm
Aarhus is the second largest city and principal port of Denmark, and is situated on the east side of the peninsula of Jutland in the geographical centre of Denmark. The cruise port is within walking distance of the city centre. One major tourist attraction in Aarhus is The Old Town, which is not actually an old part of the city itself, but a collection of historic Danish buildings gathered from all around the country. It is also an Open Air Museum, a living and breathing experience of what it was like to live and work in a Danish town, as it was in the old days. The city also hosts the Tivoli Friheden amusement park as well as the deer park situated in the large nearby public forest. Something that simply cannot be missed is the permanent work of art, a space without boundaries, in the form of a three metres wide circular walkway made in glass in all the colours of the spectrum. The spectacular work of art has a diameter of 52 metres and is mounted on slender columns 3.5 metres above the roof surface of the museum. Visitors to the museum have access to this great work of art via stairs and lifts. The panoramic views of the surrounding city and the bay should not be missed. Then there’s the Mosegard Manor in the woods that is the setting for the Mosegard Museum that exhibits a range of exceptional archaeological finds from Denmark’s prehistory. Visitors are within striking distance of so many good things, including the sea, the forest, and the beach. Then there’s the lively city centre, and a superb shopping environment. Also popular is a visit to the agricultural region renowned for its finest quality produce that results in fascinating restaurant menus. Not to be forgotten are the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum with constantly changing international exhibitions, and Tivile Friheden - an amusement park for children of all ages. Other interesting museums include: The Women’s Museum in Denmark, and The National Science and the Medicine Museum. Overnight: Celebrity Silhouette
day
7
AT SEA
Wed 24 Aug
Today at your leisure on board. Enjoy the many facilities on board the luxurious Celebrity Silhouette. Overnight: Celebrity Silhouette
day
8
TALLIN, ESTONIA
Thurs 25 Aug
Arrive 9.30am – Depart 6pm
Tallinn, capital of Estonia, is dominated by the amazing 13th century Toompea Castle towering over the rest of the city. Having always been the seat of power in Estonia, it is appropriately home to the country’s Parliament today. Tallinn was named the European Capital of Culture in 2011 and its Medieval city centre, the most amazing part of Tallinn, truly must be explored. Take any street and be astounded at the impressive guild houses, picturesque wells, boutiques, monasteries, churches and restaurants. For a break take a day trip to Lahemaa National Park, and see waterfalls, rapid streams, forests and lakes. To take in some truly fantastic sights, be sure to visit the view platforms on Toompea Hill, and while there visit the Dome Church with its interesting mix of architectural styles. Get a feel for the history of the city by travelling back in time at the Estonian Open Air Museum, where one can see people living life as it was in the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Shop for some locally made goods at one of the many markets, and get to appreciate the local customs. For some great fun, visit the Olde Hansa restaurant, which is complete with waitresses in medieval dress. Take one of the bike tours, or even ride the unique ‘conference bike’ that seven people can ride at once. Sights to see are numerous and include: Freedom Square, Kadriog Palace - home to a museum, Roterman Quarter - to see where Tallinn is heading in the future; and the gigantic spire of St. Olav’s Church - that was once the tallest building in the world. Last but definitely not least, visit the original city wall with its amazing fortifications that give the Old Town its fairytale fascination. Another option is to take a ferry bus that will get you to Helsinki and back. The trip takes 2 hours each way. Overnight: Celebrity Silhouette
day
9
ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA Fri 26 Aug
Arrive 7am
St Petersburg is a federal city located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea. In everyday speech the locals refer to it as simply Peter. It is the second largest city in Russia and is regarded as the most ‘Western’ city of Russia, as a large number of foreign consulates, international corporations, banks and other businesses are located here. They make a striking contrast with the historically older buildings, such as the Peter and Paul Fortress built in 1703. Attractions in St. Petersburg overwhelm even the most seasoned travellers. From the the Mariinsky Theatre to splendid suburban palaces and dozens of smaller museums, today’s St Petersburg is there to explore and enjoy. The Historic Centre of St Petersburg, with some 36 historical architectural complexes and around 4,000 outstanding individual Monuments, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight: Celebrity Silhouette
day
10
ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA
Sat 27 Aug 2016 The city is also home to the world-famous Hermitage Museum (the largest in the world) and the Russian State Museum with its rich collection of Russian art. The city’s famed palaces include Peterhof Palace built for Peter the Great, and the Yusopov Palace where the horrific murder of Rasputin took place. The Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood, a beautiful gold-draped onion-domed church that offers visitors a 300-step climb to a spectacular view of the city, and the exhibits at the dazzling blue and white Baroque-style Smolny Cathedral, are also very popular destinations. If looking for a delightful place to relax, then visit the Pavlovsk Palace and Park. Famous for its rich and diverse musical carnivals as well as their world renowned ballet companies, ‘Peter’ is definitely one of the world’s leading centres of culture. Among St Petersburg’s greatest visitor attractions are the incredible Imperial parks and palaces in the suburbs of the city. Depart this evening at 6pm. Overnight: Celebrity Silhouette
day
11
HELSINKI, FINLAND
Sun 28 Aug
Arrive 9am, depart 5pm
Helsinki is the capital of Finland as well as being the centre of Finnish commerce and culture. The skyline features a dramatic blend of classical architecture and clean modernism, with Russian and Swedish influences throughout. Much more than simply the nation where saunas originated, Finland - Helsinki in particular - delights visitors with a vital sense of heritage as well as enthusiasm. Many of Helsinki’s main attractions are also related to the sea, hence the growing popularity of boat tours, including the Suomenlinna naval fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Seurasaari Island with its parks and open-air museum. There is a huge range of different ways to sightsee in Helsinki and experience the city’s many tourist attractions first hand. Take a guided bus tour that includes sights such as: the Olympic Stadium that seats 40,000 spectators; the Linnanmaki Amusement Park with over 40 amazing ‘world-first’ rides such as the special wooden rollercoaster that is over 50-years-old, and remains the most popular ride; and Helsinki Zoo, founded in 1889, one of the oldest zoos in the world, and home to thousands of animals grouped geographically into themed areas, such as Africasia, Amazonia and Arctic. Also well worth visiting are the Ateneum Art Museum that houses the largest collections of art in Finland with more than 20,000 works of art from the 1750s to the 1950s, as well as the beautiful and historically significant Helsinki Cathedral that is an Evangelic Lutheran church, and for many is the symbol of Helsinki. During the summer months, Helsinki’s Island of Pihlajasaari is a true suntrap, while when the winter snow arrives the locals regularly flock to the hill of Paloheinan Maki, bringing their toboggans and skis with them. Overnight: Celebrity Silhouette
day
12
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Mon 29 Aug
Arrive 8am, Depart 4pm
The city of Stockholm in Sweden spreads across 14 islands as it faces proudly out to the Baltic Sea. Its history stretches over seven centuries, and it is Sweden’s centre of art and culture. It is also famous for being the home of the Nobel Prizes. You can get to just about all of Stockholm’s many wondrous sites on foot, or you can take a boat trip that will give you a different facet of Scandinavia’s largest and undoubtedly most beautiful city. Stockholm is one of the most crowded museum-cities in the world with around 100 museums. The city’s oldest section is Old Town, located on the original small islands of the city’s earliest settlements, and still featuring the medieval street layout with a large number of extraordinary shops, trendy cafes, and bars. Some notable buildings of the Old Town are the large German Church and several mansions and palaces, such as the House of Nobility. Take in a 360 degree panorama of Stockholm inner quarters from the City Hall tower. There are two UNESCO World Heritage sites in the area, the Royal Palace Drottningholm, and the Woodland Cemetery. Stockholm is the best city in terms of freedom from pollution. Surrounded by 219 nature reserves, it has around 1,000 green spaces. Grona Lund is an amusement park located on the island of Djurgarden. The Amusement Park has over 30 attractions and many restaurants. It is a popular tourist attraction and visited by thousands of people every day. However for those visitors who love hats it’s a must to visit Hattbaren, a small shop with a huge range of hats. However, above all, visitors never forget Stockholm’s sheer natural beauty. Overnight: Celebrity Silhouette
day
13
AT SEA
Tues 30 Aug Today at your leisure on board. Enjoy the many facilities on board the luxurious Celebrity Silhouette. Overnight: Celebrity Silhouette
day
14
BERLIN, GERMANY
Wed 31 Aug
Arrive 6am, Depart 8pm
Passengers on ships visiting Berlin typically dock at the north eastern port of Warnemunde and go directly to the capital of Germany that is just a three hour train ride away. Berlin, completely devastated in WW11, has amazingly seen the reconstruction of its sixteenth-century core that exists in the Nikolaiviertel, while nearby stand many rebuilt nineteenth-century buildings from the time of the Second Reich. Little from the Third Reich has been rebuilt, except for the 1936 Olympic Stadium. Today the city is a mix of beautiful historical buildings and some truly amazing modern architecture. One of the most popular attractions for Berlin tourism is the Berlin Wall, the most significant symbol of the end of the division of West and East Berlin. There are a wide range of museums, churches, buildings, concert halls and more to visit. The Brandenburg Gate one of the most internationally recognized landmarks in the world, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Jewish Museum that looks back over 2,000 years of Jewish history including the holocaust are among the most visited sights. Overnight: Celebrity Silhouette
day
15
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Thurs 1 Sept
Arrive 9.30am, Depart 6.30pm
Copenhagen, situated on two islands, is the capital and largest city in Denmark. It is perhaps best known for being the final resting place of the famous author Hans Christian Andersen, and also being one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities. It has a very high quality of life. With many colourful buildings dating back to the early 18th century, medieval cobbled streets and canals just a stone’s throw away from ultra-modern waterfront architecture, and a street plan that dates back to the Middle Ages, it simply captures the imagination of all visitors. History buffs can see where it all started, on the museum island of Slotsholmen, where Copenhagen was founded back in the 12th century. Fans of royalty can see the crown jewels in Rosenborg Slot, before catching the changing of the guard in the Rococo square at Amalienborg, the residence of the Danish Royal Family. Discover the ‘free state’ of Christiania, a marvellously ramshackle display of autonomy in action, while the renaissance Round Tower affords some of the best views of the city. The ‘must-see’, Little Mermaid of Hans Christian Andersen fame, is the city’s best-known landmark, and the walk up to the statue is extremely pleasant. What must be considered by tourists is obtaining a Copenhagen Card obtainable at the local tourist Information Centre. This allows free entry to 65 museums and attractions as well as free travel on buses, trains and Metro. There are also very relaxed and enjoyable canal tours that present attractive views of Castles, Palaces and Historic buildings. Above all be sure to visit the top-rated Tivoli Gardens, a magical amusement park in the heart of the city/ This lively Danish capital has it all, the cobblestone streets lined with bikes and warm people, village squares, people-watching at outdoor cafes, and even pantomimes. Overnight: Celebrity Silhouette
day
16
AT SEA
Fri 2nd Sept 2016 Today at your leisure on board. Enjoy the many facilities on board the luxurious Celebrity Silhouette. Overnight: Celebrity Silhouette
day
17
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Sat 3rd Sept 2016
Arrive 6am. Today after breakfast we disembark the ship and will be transferred to Amsterdam Airport for our return flight to Australia.
day
18
ARRIVE HOME IN AUSTRALIA
Sun 4th Sept 2016
Today our flight arrives back to our home port.
CELEBRITY CRUISE Price based on interior cabins category 12. INTERIOR CABIN:
Upgrades are available for an additional charge Verandah cabin category 2C - $990 per person
VERANDAH CABIN:
TERMS AND CONDITIONS PRICES Are correct at time of printing (30th November 2015) and are subject to availability, supplier and currency fluctuations at any time until full payment is made. Avalon River cruise fares are based on category E cabins which feature a small picture window. Upgrades to higher categories are available. Celebrity Ocean cruise fares are based on category 12, inside cabins. Upgrades to higher categories are available.
payment. For cancellations after 1st May 2016, 100% cancellation fee applies.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Single Supplements are available on request and are calculated based on the cabins selected onboard the cruises. Singles who wish to be matched up with another single traveller of the same gender may be accommodated, however, in the event that no single companion can be matched prior to your final payment, a forced single supplement will apply.
TRAVEL PROVIDERS Presently Holiday Wonders are using Avalon Waterways and Celebrity Cruises to provide travel services for this group. Should there be any significant changes implemented by any one of these suppliers Holiday Wonders reserves the right to make necessary changes in order to maintain the price/quality of the tour package. Should this occur, such changes will be advised to confirmed passengers.
AMENDMENTS Your package is fully changeable by you at any time until final payment at a fee of $220 per person per change, in addition to any airline and supplier charges.
PAYMENTS Accepted methods of payment are: direct transfer, cash, cheque, MasterCard, Visa, Amex and Diners. Please note that BOOKING & PAYMENTS payments made via Visa, MasterCard, An initial deposit of $300 per American Express, Amex and Diners person is due within 5 days will attract a 1.9% merchant fee. If you of reservation to confirm your chose to make your payment via cheque booking. A second tour deposit or direct transfer please allow at least 3 of $2500 per person is on working days for the payment to clear to confirmation. Final payment is due our account. If money is not received by no later than 1st May 2016. You will our office within the specified time frame be required to complete a booking your reservations may be cancelled. All form that will be provided by your cheques are to be made out to “Holiday consultant. Wonders of Australia”.
CANCELLATIONS Deposits and Airline tickets are non-refundable at all times after
ESCORT Tour escort will travel with the Group to/from Adelaide subject to the group meeting minimum numbers.
COTA Holidays partner with licensed travel operator
TTA150304
PASSPORTS AND VISAS It is a condition of booking that we have a passport copy on file which has at least 6 Months validity at your date of return to Australia. TRAVEL INSURANCE Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover you for medical, cancellation and luggage. It is highly advisable to take out insurance at time of deposit to cover your money for any unforeseen cancellations. It will also cover you for Medical, emergency evacuation, luggage and much more while you are overseas. Please ask your consultant for more information. Please also remember that Holiday Wonders Travel & Cruise Mitcham is an agent for our insurance companies and we are not authorized to make comments or recommendations on your insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate cover for any pre-existing ailments. INCLUSIONS Tipping is included for your cruise director throughout the Avalon River cruise. Tipping/gratuities are also included throughout your journey onboard the Celebrity Silhouette. INCLUDED MEALS Buffet breakfast Lunch Dinner
