Trail Blazer Tours India Pvt. Ltd World Trade Centre Complex, 902, Centre 1, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai—400005.

Tel: +91 22 61940940 Fax: +91 22 61940900

[email protected] www.trailblazertours.com

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INDEX Northern Europe

Western Europe

Southern Europe

Eastern Europe

United Kingdom Ireland Scandinavia Iceland

Austria Benelux France Germany Switzerland

Greece Italy Malta Spain & Portugal Slovenia & Croatia Turkey

Czech Republic, Hungary & Poland Russian Federation

97 103

TBi Branch Addresses

108

3 9 15 23

27 35 41 47 55

65 69 75 79 85 91

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about TBi Trail Blazer Tours India Pvt. Ltd. was established in 2007 by travel industry professionals and taken over in 2010 by the well known Katgara Group, pioneers in tourism, setting new standards of innovation and excellence. Our core services include inbound tourism, corporate travel, conferences, incentives, domestic and international holidays. With over 250 experienced professionals at offices in major cities, we offer quality services at the best possible price. TBi has won several prestigious awards including the National Tourism Award in recognition of its outstanding performance.

We Believe • That travel promotes peace and understanding. • That integrity, innovation and service excellence are crucial to success.

We Offer

TBi - Winners of The National Tourism Award

• • •

The best of personalized services, backed by years of knowledge and experience. Quality services and superior value. The highest professional and ethical standards.

TBi - your guide to Europe Welcome to TBi’s world of carefree, memorable holidays in Europe. Choose from popular destinations or discover lesser known ones, travel on your own or take an escorted tour; see as much or as little as you like. Take a luxury cruise or travel all over by rail. TBi gives you plenty to choose from. Let our experienced and knowledgeable holiday experts help you plan your vacation, always keeping in mind your requirements. All you need to do is decide and let TBi give you a truly memorable vacation!

Northern Europe

United Kingdom The four constituent countries that together form the sovereign state of the United Kingdom are England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It is as well-known for the Royal Family and Stonehenge as it is for fish and chips, warm beer and football. It hosts some of the world’s most famous symbols and institutions such as afternoon tea, Big Ben, London fashion, Lord’s Cricket Ground and some of the best clubbing this side of the universe. The diverse landscape rivals the variety of accents that range from cockney to the Edinburgh dialect.

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things to do and see

Inverness Edinburgh Glasgow Windermere Leeds Manchester

UK London

LONDON

EDINBURGH

Essential London Morning Tour

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Drive around Parliament Square to see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Head to St James’ Park and Buckingham Palace to see the colorful Changing of the Guard.

Home to the Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years, sailing over 1,000,000 miles around the world, discover Britannia’s fascinating past through exhibits. See the lavish State Apartments, crew areas and even the engine room.

The Tower of London & River Cruise See the City of London and enjoy a guided tour of St Paul’s Cathedral. Visit the Tower of London, home to the world famous Crown Jewels. Meet the magnificent Beefeaters, hear some spine chilling tales from the Tower’s 900 year history. Enjoy a River Cruise on the Thames.

destination information

Warner Bros Studio Tour “Making of Harry Potter”  

Capital: London. Official Language: English Government Constitutional: Monarchy Currency: Great Britain Pound (GBP) Time Difference:

good to know Best Time to Visit : April to September

Summer April – October 4 hours and 30 minutes behind India

Cuisine : Traditional British food is Sunday Roast, Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, Yorkshire Pudding. There are plenty of Indian and international cuisine options to choose from.

Winter November – March 5 hours and 30 minutes behind India

Shopping: London is THE place to shop. Designer labels, bargain shops, all kinds of specialist stores. Some of the well known places to shop at are Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Soho and Chinatown.

Electricity: Most power sockets are 3-pin flat square plugs

nightlife London by Night: Dance the night away at countless nightspots and discos, go pub hopping, enjoy fine dining. Or enjoy the latest musicals and plays, ballet performances and much more Edinburgh by Night: Take in the nightlife at the many bars, pubs, restaurants, jazz clubs and night clubs and restaurants. Visitors looking for an up market night out should explore the options on George Street.

A walking tour into the world of film-making. See authentic sets, costumes and props that showcase British artistry, technology and talent that goes into producing world famous and successful movies. The focus is on the Harry Potter film series.

Lord’s Cricket Ground Visit one of the most famous sporting venues in the world. The MCC Museum remains a world-class and world-famous attraction and contains a wide range of exhibits. It is the home of The Ashes. See the players’ Dressing Rooms, Grand Stand and the award-winning Mound Stand.

Madame Tussauds and Marvel Super Heroes 4D One of London’s most enduring attractions. See startlingly realistic world famous wax figures. Including Bollywood icons. Experience nightmarish ‘Scream,’ marvel at Super Heroes 4D , interactive themed areas and

Bath, Windsor & Stonehenge Visit Windsor, with its cobbled streets, antique stores and mighty medieval castle, the weekend home of the Queen. Drive through Runnymede where the Magna Carta was signed, to famous 5000 years old Stonehenge. Spend the afternoon in Bath, a beautiful Georgian city.

The Scotch Whisky Experience Scotch whisky dates back to the 15th century. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of whisky, and discover how it is made at a distillery Learn the origins of malt whisky distilling, taste a “wee dram” of Scotch.

Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands    Drive from Edinburgh to Kilmahog. Travel through Rob Roy country to Glencoe, site of the 1692 massacre of the Clan MacDonald. Lunch in the Fort William area and drive past Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. See spectacular views of Loch Ness, (try to spot Nessie!) to Urquhart Castle.

A Melrose and Alnwick Castle Visit Rosslyn Chapel made famous in Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code, Roslin Glen and the ruins of Rosslyn Castle. See the 700 year old Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in England, also featured in some of the Harry Potter films. Drive back via the stunning east coast.

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discover great britain by rail BritRail’s range of passes offers great value, convenience and flexibility for exploring fascinating destinations in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. With a BritRail Pass, you have the freedom to travel as often as you want, when you want, hopping on and off trains, hassle-free. Purchase BritRail passes from TBi before you leave home.

Hop across to Europe on Eurostar - The High Speed Channel Train Eurostar is the high-speed passenger train service between London and Paris, and London and Brussels. Travelling at up to 300km/h, it takes just 2. 15 hrs to Paris and 1.51 hrs to Brussels. With 30 or more services a day, it’s easy to take a day trip or cross over to Europe and continue your holiday. You can purchase your Eurostar tickets from TBi before you leave India.

where to stay Britain has everything from cottages and hotels to serviced apartments, spas and even castles. From budget to luxury, you’ll find the perfect place to stay.

Choose from various options like:

• Bed & Breakfast options • Hotels ranging from 3 star

escorted tours

suggested itineraries

COSMOS

London Essential - 4 days

Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Director.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

• • • •

Day 1 London: Hop on Hop off Tour Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Discover London with the Hop on Hop off Pass. You can board and get off at over 90 different stops on the routes. Overnight. Day 2 London: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath (optional). Breakfast. Take this full day optional tour which includes entrance fees to Windsor Castle and a tour of the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel; visit the ancient circle of Stonehenge. The tour duration is 11 hours. Overnight.

British Panorama - 6 Days A Taste Of Scotland – 5 Days England, Scotland & Wales – 10 Days The Best Of Britain & Ireland – 12 Days

to 5 star • Apartments

Stay at the Citadines Apartments:

cruises from the UK For sheer luxury and convenience, nothing can beat a cruise holiday. Many luxury cruise lines like Cunard, Celebrity, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises and Silver Sea start their journey to the Baltic, the Fjords, the Mediterranean and Transatlantic from the UK.

Citadines Apart’hotels offer cleverly configured spaces and a flexible services menu so you can customize your stay. All within the privacy of your own apartment while enjoying the convenience of a hotel. A perfect abode for extended stays – whether for a week or a year.

GLOBUS Every Journey Tells A Story Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

• • • •

London & Paris – 7 Days Britain Sampler – 9 Days Essential Britain – 12 Days Essential Britain & Ireland – 10 Days

Day 3 London: Warwick Castle, Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford Upon Avon (optional). Breakfast. Enjoy a full day tour through the enchanting Cotswolds, visiting medieval Warwick Castle; Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford upon Avon and Oxford. Overnight in London. Day 4 London: Breakfast. Check out of your hotel.

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Scottish Essentials - 4 days

Windermere - 3 days

Day 1 Edinburgh: Hop on Hop off Tour Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a Hop on Hop off Tour of Edinburgh, choosing from City Sightseeing Edinburgh, Edinburgh Tour, MacTour or Majestic Tour. Tour duration is an hour but the ticket is valid for 24 hours. Overnight in Edinburgh.

Day 1 Windermere: Beatrix Potter Tour

Day 2 Edinburgh: Highland Lochs, Glens and Whiskey Tour (optional) Breakfast. Take this optional journey through the Celtic Heartlands, see the waterfalls of Birnam Forest, Pitlochry, the Queen’s View and the splendour of Loch Tay, with its standing stones. This is a 10 hour tour. Overnight. Day 3 Edinburgh: Loch Lomond National Park, Stirling Castle Tour (optional) Breakfast. Take an optional tour of the Loch Lomond National Park and Stirling Castle. The tour duration is 8 hours. Overnight. Day 4 Edinburgh Breakfast. Check out of your hotel

Arrive Windermere and check in at your hotel. Proceed for the Beatrix Potter Favorite Countryside Tour, an ideal way to explore the favorite places of the famous author. Overnight. Day 2 Windermere Breakfast, the day is free to explore the beautiful Lake District. Take a boat ride or just stroll along the lake. Overnight. Day 3 Windermere Breakfast. Check out of your hotel.

York & Leeds - 4 days Day 1 York: City Tour Arrive York and check into your hotel. Enjoy a City Tour. York offers stunning architecture, fabulous events and festivals and an eclectic range of shops, stylish restaurants and bars. Overnight.

Northern Europe

Ireland

Day 2 York Breakfast. Explore the city on your own. Overnight. Day 3 York – Leeds: City Tour Breakfast. Take a train to Leeds. Transfer to your hotel on your own. Enjoy a City Tour, visiting bustling Kirkgate Market, beautiful 100 year old Victoria Quarter, home to Britain’s most famous brands. Seethe Royal Armories Museum, Henry Moore Institute and Leeds City Museum. Overnight. Day 4 Leeds Breakfast. Check out of your hotel.

The Emerald Isle is a nation of storytellers and legends of Celtic heroes are as ready on the tongue as the Irish are ready to burst into song. Whether you are in a pub stomping your feet to a jig, taking in the breathtaking view atop a limestone cliff, or paying your respects at an ancient burial chamber, look up at the sky and you are likely to spot a rainbow. Follow it and you may just get your hands on a pot of gold!

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things to do and see

Derry Larne Donegal

Belfast

Sligo Connemara

Dublin

Galway

destination information

IRELAND Cork

Capital: Dublin (Republic of Ireland). Belfast (Northern Ireland). Official Language: English, Irish Government Constitutional: Republic (Republic of Ireland). Constitutional Monarchy (Northern Ireland). Currency: Euro (Republic). Pound (Northern Ireland). Time Difference:

good to know Best Time to Visit : April to September

Summer April – October. 4 hours and 30 minutes behind India

Cuisine : Irish Stew, Boxty (potatoe pancakes) Champs with herbs , Irish Coffee, Dublin Lawyer (lobster cooked in whiskey and cream), Guinness and Mead (honey wine). Try the many Indian and international cuisine restaurants.

Winter November – March. 5 hours and 30 minutes behind India

Shopping: Dublin: Grafton Street and Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. Things to look our for are Waterford Crystal, Bushmills Whiskey, Irish Linen, pottery and Guinness.

Electricity: Most power sockets are 3-pin flat square plugs

Belfast: Whether it’s high street or budget shopping, designer or couture, the city offers a wealth of choice for every taste and pocket.

nightlife Dublin by Night: Irish nightlife is world famous and “The Pub” is still its heart and soul, especially in Dublin. The Temple Bar area has a huge concentration of both clubs and pre – club bars. Belfast by Night: Belfast is legendary for its excellent nightlife – this is one city that knows how to have a good time. Enjoy the many pubs, bars and nightclubs.

BELFAST

KILLARNEY

Giants Causeway Tour With its unique rock formations, this is Northern Ireland’s most famous landmark. Travel along the coastal route, with its breathtaking scenery. Discover the legend of Finn McCool. See the Visitors Centre, the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge and Dunluce Castle.

Killarney Local Tour Enjoy this afternoon tour to some of Killarney’s best known places: Muckross House, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, the Gap of Dunloe, Ruins of Aghadoe and the upper and middle lakes.

Open Top Tour of Belfast All Open Top tickets are valid for 24 hours and include full hop-on/ hop off facility. Tours depart regularly from Castle Place Belfast City Centre. Discover one of the most exciting cities in Europe.

Ring of Kerry Leave for Killorglin, famous for its ceremonious Puck Fair. On to Cahirciveen to see Valentia Island. Continue to Waterville and along the coast and Derrynane to Sneem. Drive up the mountain to Moll’s Gap, down to Ladies View and return via the Lakes of Killarney.

DUBLIN

CORK

Guinness Storehouse - Skip the Queue The No. 1 visitor attraction in Dublin. Take an incredible journey through the history and making of the world famous beer. Enjoy a complimentary glass of Guinness in the Gravity Bar.

Cork, Blarney Castle and the Queenstown Story Drive to Blarney Castle where you can kiss the famous stone and acquire the gift of eternal eloquence. Shop and lunch at Blarney Village. Enjoy a short city tour of Cork. Drive to Cobh to see the ‘Queenstown Story’ heritage centre in the restored Victorian railway station and transatlantic terminal, the embarkation point for generations of Irish emigrants to the new worlds. Return to Cork.

Wicklow Mountains, Valleys & Lakes Drive through the Wicklow Gap and the Blessington Lakes to the pretty village of Avoca to see the Avoca Handweavers, the oldest weaving mill in Ireland. Continue to magical Glendalough “Glen of the two Lakes” with an impressive 10th century round tower. Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, The Burren, Galway Depart on the 07.00 hours InterCity train from Heuston Station for Cork. Board your motor coach at Limerick for a short tour. See Bunratty Castle and Folk Village lunch at a Doolin Pub. See the majestic Cliffs of Moher and the unique lunar landscape of the Burrenand. Drive to Galway to board your Dublin bound train arriving in Heuston at 20.55 hours.

WATERFORD Waterford Crystal Factory - Factory Tour Experience See how traditional crystal is produced at this world famous factory. Learn about all the processes and skills that have made 200 years of perfection clearly visible in every beautiful piece.

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ireland by rail

escorted tours

suggested itineraries

Unlimited travel by rail all over Ireland. Convenient and flexible rail passes of different durations make your trip easy. Buy your rail pass from TBi before you leave home.

COSMOS

A Taste of Dublin – 4 days

Belfast – 4 days

Day 1 Dublin: Hop on Hop off Tour Arrive Dublin International airport and transfer to your hotel. Explore Dublin this afternoon with the Hop On Hop Off Tour, with more than 20 stops at Dublin’s top visitor attractions. Overnight.

Day 1 Belfast: Pub Tour Arrive Belfast airport and transfer to your hotel. In the late afternoon, meet a local guide to discover Belfast’s Historic Pubs, an integral part of Belfast’s social and cultural life. Your tour includes 5 pubs and a glass of Guinness or a shot of Baileys in one of them. Overnight.

Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality

Choose your Pass • • • • •

Republic of Ireland Pass / Northern Ireland BritRail Pass Plus Ireland. Eurail Regional Pass Eurail Select Pass Eurail Global Pass

ireland by Sea BritRail Pass Plus Ireland also covers Stena Line Ferry crossing between Britain and Ireland. Ocean Cruising Cruises that visit or depart from Ireland sail from April through September and most range from seven to 28 nights in length. Itineraries may include ports like Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Waterford. Some cruises sail entirely within the British Isles while others include port calls in France or the countries of Northern Europe. Many of the luxury cruise liners like the Cunard, Celebrity and Silver Sea start their journey covering Britain and Ireland extensively

where to stay

A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Director.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

Besides the regular 3 to 5 star hotels, self catering apartments and country cottages, you can live it up in style like gentry of old in ancient castles, but with state of the art mod-cons!

• • • •

Lavish country houses, villas, majestic manors, grand castles, modern boutique hotels and welcoming B&Bs – wherever you want to stay, Ireland has a spot to suit.

Every Journey Tells A Story

Some of the Castle stays we recommend:

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

• • • • •

Ballynahinch Castle Sheen Falls Lodge Adare Manor Waterford Castle Ashford Castle

A Taste Of Ireland – 6 Days Irish Explorer – 9 Days Wales & Ireland – 7 And 9 Days The Best Of Britain & Ireland – 12 Days

GLOBUS Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

• • • •

Introduction To Ireland – 7 Days Emerald Ireland – 10 Days Scenic Ireland – 13 Days Essential Britain & Ireland – 10 Days

Book your tour with TBi, the preferred agent in India.

Day 2 Dublin: Garden of Ireland Excursion Breakfast. Enjoy this excursion visiting Dublin Mountains, the picturesque Sally Gap, spectacular views of the Wicklow Mountains and a glacial valley. Return to Dublin. Overnight. Day 3 Dublin Breakfast. Day free for optional Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle and Galway tour. Or explore the Temple Bar area, the ‘trendy’ part of the city. Overnight. Day 4 Dublin Breakfast. Transfer to the airport by car.

Day 2 Belfast: Morning City Tour Breakfast. Start your tour at Donegall Square and then see the Titanic Quarter, Shankill and Falls, the districts of the troubles where you can still see some of the murals. Visit the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Overnight. Day 3 Belfast: The Titanic Experience Breakfast. This morning meet your guide Susie Miller, the great granddaughter of a crew member of the Titanic. Start from Belfast City Hall grounds featuring a memorial to those who perished. Susie will tell you how the Titanic was built, show you the Dock & Pump House and more. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight. Day 4 Belfast Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.

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Taste of Ireland – 8 days Day 1 Dublin Arrive at Dublin Airport. If time permits, enjoy a tour of the highlights of Dublin, visit Trinity College to view the beautifully illuminated Book of Kells and the National Museum of Ireland. Overnight.   Day 2 Dublin: City Tour - Galway Breakfast. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church, where Jonathan Swift, author of “Gulliver’s Travels“ was once the Dean. Stop at the Old Jameson Distillery (option), to see an audio-visual about the whisky making process and enjoy some whisky tasting in the “Ball o’ Malt Bar”. Early afternoon, depart for Galway. Overnight.   Day 3 Galway: Connemara Breakfast. Drive to Connemara, one of the most scenic regions in Ireland. It’s craggy mountain peaks, expansive sandy beaches and laced network of lakes exemplify the peaceful solitude and rugged beauty of The West of Ireland. Continue to Maam Cross, through Clifden town and return to Galway for overnight.   Day 4 Galway: Cliffs of Moher - Kerry Breakfast. Travel through the heart of County Clare - the Burren Region, a geological paradise boasting over 2,000 plants and many rare flowers. Continue along the coast to view the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Continue through the farmlands of Limerick to Kerry. Overnight. Day 5 Ring of Kerry - Killarney Breakfast. Gain an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago. Travel through Killorglin, to Glenbeigh and Cahirciveen, the birth place of National hero, Daniel O’Connell. Drive through the peat

bogs of Waterville to Sneem Village, with its brightly colored houses. See the famous Lakes of Killarney. Overnight.   Day 6 Killarney: Dingle Peninsula and Limerick Breakfast. Tour the dramatic Dingle Peninsula, where Ryan’s Daughter and Far and Away were filmed. The Peninsula has an extraordinary number of ring forts, high crosses and other ancient monuments and sites. View the Blasket Islands from Slea Head. Check into your hotel in Limerick. Overnight. Day 7 Limerick to Dublin Breakfast. Depart for Dublin, arrive and check into your hotel. Afternoon is free. Overnight. Day 8 Dublin Breakfast. Transfer to Dublin Airport. More touring options • Self Drive Tours • Honeymoon Tours • Golf Tours

Denmark: Denmark has some of the most unspoiled natural landscapes in Europe. Ancient castles and Viking forts dot the countryside, while vibrant cities dish out some of the most progressive policies and sleekest designs in the world. Norway: Norway has the world’s longest, most pristine coastline and more than 150,000 islands and majestic fjords and glaciers. This ruggedly beautiful country is home to Vikings, polar bears, stave churches and the heavenly aurora borealis. Norway offers unique experiences.

Northern Europe

Scandinavia Sweden: 100,000 lakes, forests that cover half the country, snow-capped mountains, wide, grassy plains, a 7000-kilometre long coastline, flat woodlands, countless islands and ultra-urban spaces are contrasts that make Sweden one of the loveliest countries in Europe. Finland: There’s something pure in the Finnish air and spirit that’s incredibly vital and exciting. Trendsetting Helsinki is a contrast to the vast forested wildernesses in the north and east. Winter, too, has a special charm here.

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things to do and see Sweden Norway

Finland Vaasa

Bergen

SCANDINAVIA Denmark Arhus

destination information Capital: Denmark – Copenhagen Finland – Helsinki Norway - Oslo Sweden – Stockholm Official Language: Denmark – Danish Finland – Finnish, Swedish Norway - Norwegian Sweden - Swedish Government Constitutional: Denmark & Sweden: Constitutional Monarchy Finland: Semi Presidential Republic Norway: Federal Government Currency: Denmark: Danish Krone Finland: Euro Norway: Norwegian Krone Sweden: Swedish Krona

Time Difference: Denmark, Norway and Sweden Summer: April – October 3 hours and 30 minutes behind India Winter: November – March 4 hours and 30 minutes behind India Finland Summer: April – October 2 hours and 30 minutes behind India Winter: November – March 3 hours and 30 minutes behind India Electricity: Most power sockets are 3-pin flat square plugs

good to know

DENMARK – COPENHAGEN Grand Tour of Copenhagen The Grand Tour of Copenhagen covers all the major sights of the capital driving past the Tivoli Gardens, the canal district, the National Museum, Christiansborg Palace; the Royal Theatre, harbor district of Nyhav,’ Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Royal Family. Visit the Gefion Fountain, the Little Mermaid and a magnificent church. Drive past Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels.

Best Time to Visit :

Best Time to Visit : Denmark: May – June Finland: July Norway: May to September Sweden : May to July Cuisine : Denmark: Open sandwiches – Smorrebrod, Danish pastries and the world famous beers Carlsberg and Tuborg.

nightlife

Finland: Seafood accompanied with dark rye bread, Reindeer and Elk meat, Pulla – a sweet cardamom flavored bun with traditional coffee, berry liqueurs and Finish Beer.

Copenhagen, Denmark: The nightlife is fantastic in and around Norrebro and Vesterbro and in the up coming Kodbyen district. Not to miss the Absolute Ice Bar a most popular attraction kept at -5 Degrees.

Norway: Smoked salmon or trout, Lumpe – a potato pancake, Aquavit – national drink made of potato and caraway and Pils Lager - Norwegian Beer. Sweden: “Smorgasbord” a buffet style meal with a variety of dishes. Smoked horsemeat innocently called hamburger or open sandwich, meatballs with lingonberry and Vodka shots. Shopping: Denmark: Danish cookies, Lego Bricks, Royal Copenhagen plates and Georg Jenson Jewellery. Finland: Puukko knives, hand woven Ryijy rugs, Lappish handicrafts, Marimekko clothing, souvenirs of Moomin characters. Norway: Viking memorabilia, winter wear, traditional handicrafts, glass and silver ware. Sweden: Vodka, Punschrulle pastry, tennis memorabilia and schnapps.

Helsinki, Finland: Visit the Botnia Club, the Fennia and Hesperia nightclub. Oslo, Norway: There are innumerable bars, cafes and nightclubs to choose from like Solli Pass, Youngstorget and Gronland. Stockholm, Sweden: Enjoy yourself at Kungstradgarden, Berzeli Park, Stureplan, Café Opera, Riche, Sture Compagniet

Tivoli Gardens One of Copenhagen’s most famous attractions and the world’s second oldest amusement park. There is something for all ages - wild rides, green oases, gourmet food, concerts, fairy lights, flowers and romance. When darkness falls, Tivoli is at its most romantic.

FINLAND - HELSINKI Helsinki City Tour See the historical centre, with the Uspenski Cathedral and Esplandi Linear Park, the diplomatic quarters, Senate Square, the Presidential Palace, City Hall, the Parliament building, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. Also make a stop at the Sibelius Monument and at famous Temppeliaukio Church. Moomin World This is on the south-west coast of Finland, about 16 km from Turku and 180 km from Helsinki. The best way to get there is by boat. It is based on the Moomin stories created by the Finnish-Swedish author and illustrator Tove Jansson. The theme park was founded to create experiences for children and their families. Santa Claus Safari - Rovaniemi Visit the Arctic Circle and meet Santa Claus , shop in the Santa Claus Village. Enjoy lunch prepared by an open fire; take a trip on a traditional riverboat along the Rivers Kemijoki and Ounasjoki. Visit a local reindeer farm and learn about rearing reindeer. Participate in the ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle. Return by boat .

Aurora Hunting by Panorama Bus Sky Panorama Bus is the only bus in Finland that is equipped with a panoramic skylight, ideal for observing the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) in winter and for admiring summertime for skyscapes under the midnight sun. Snow Castle of Kemi Located by the Gulf of Bothnia, is a true showcase of architectonic snow-work of local construction which starts in December and takes 5 weeks to build. Great light-effects add to the charm of snow and ice sculpting. It opens end January and closes early April every year. It is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm.

NORWAY - OSLO Oslo City Tour – Half Day Board a traditional sailing ship which cruises past the Opera House, the picturesque islands and the inner part of the Oslo Fjord. Drive by coach around the major sights of Oslo and visit the Sculpture Park, the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, the Vikingship, the Norwegian Folk Museum and the Kon-Tiki Raft. Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Ski Museum Visit the world’s oldest ski museum where 4000 years of skiing history are illustrated with rock carvings, skis from the time of the Vikings to modern racing and cross country skis of Norway. See the snowboard museum inside the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and enjoy a breathtaking view of Oslo and the Fjord from the tower.

NORWAY - BERGEN Bergen Fjord Cruise – Half Day Get a wonderful insight to the famous Norwegian fjords carved by huge glaciers. Cruise to the fjord area passing Askoy, Herdiatfjord, Sorfjord, Osterfjord, and Vikanes. See mighty mountains towering over the narrow waterways and scenery which will provide lasting memories.

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Atlantic Sea Park This is one of the largest aquariums in Northern Europe, built into the coastal landscape at Tueneset, 3 km west of Ålesund. See the landscaped aquariums teeming with ocean life of the Norwegian coast and the Atlantic Ocean and see what goes on in the depths of the Storfjord. See how they feed the fish. Visit the penguin park.

SWEDEN - STOCKHOLM Vasa Museum The Vasa is the only preserved 17th century ship in the world, and a unique art treasure. More than 95% of the ship is original, and it is decorated with hundreds of carved sculptures. The 69 meter-long warship Vasa sank on its maiden voyage in the middle of Stockholm in 1628, and was salvaged 333 years later in 1961. For nearly half a century the ship has been slowly and painstakingly restored. Discover nine different exhibitions about the history of the ship.

scandinavia by rail

where to stay

escorted tours

Choose your Pass

Besides the regular hotels, for a unique stay, we recommend:

COSMOS

• Single country passes for Denmark, Finland, Norway & Sweden • Scandinavia Pass • High Speed Train between Helsinki, Finland and St. Petersburg, Russia. • The Scenic Fjord Tours by Rail • Eurail Regional Pass • Eurail Select Pass • Eurail Global Pass

cruises from scandinavia

Stockholm Royal Sightseeing Tour Visit the beautiful park at Ulriksdals Palace on the banks of Lake Edsviken just outside Stockholm, Haga Park, Gustav III’s pavilion and a charming butterfly house. Continue to Lovos church (11th century), where five rune stones were found around 1050 AD. Finally, the Drottningholm Palace, home to the current Swedish royal family. It was built in renaissance style around the same time as Versailles and has beautiful geometric, baroque style gardens.

SWEDEN - MALMO The Oresund Bridge The 16.4 km long Øresund Bridge connects Amager and Oresund in Denmark with Skane, Sweden. This is the road connection between the metropolitan areas of Copenhagen and Malmo. It offers a 4-lane road and two train tracks.

Denmark: Denmark is the main hub followed by Sweden. Most cruises operate from April through September. Ports of call vary depending on the itinerary but can include stops in ports like Copenhagen, Helsinki, London, Oslo, Riga, Stockholm, St. Petersburg and Tallinn. Choose from innumerable cruises of Costa, Princess Cruise, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America and more. A Norwegian fjords and glaciers cruise is an absolute must. Finland: Tallinn Silja Line, a leading provider of high-quality mini-cruise and convenient passenger transport services in the Baltic Sea region, offers excellent connections between Finland and Estonia and Sweden . Norway: Hurtigruten ships are a part of Norwegian coastal life. The Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage along one the most beautiful coastlines in the world is truly memorable.

testimonial Thank you all for your very professional and timely guidance, which allowed for a thoroughly well-planned vacation for our family. 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise is an itinerary I would highly recommend - the scenery is amazing, the port-venues extremely scenic, and yet easily accessible. -- Kekoo Vacha, Pune

Finland: Santa Claus Village: Meet Santa Claus and cross the magical Arctic Circle every day at the Santa Claus Village in Lapland and enjoy unforgettable lifetime experiences. Kakslauttanen Hotel & Igloo Village: Located 250 kms from the Arctic Circle. Stay in log cabins, Queen Suites, honeymoon Turf Chamber, Glass Igloo and Snow Igloo. Experience the world’s biggest sauna and pan for gold in a crystal clear stream. The Midnight Sun here shines for two months and the nights are bright from May to the end of August. Norway: The Snow Hotel in Kirkenes, Norway Stay at the amazing Snow Hotel in the Arctic town of Kirkenes “at the top of the world” by the Barents sea, close to the Russian border. The Snow hotel is rebuilt each winter with ice and snow and opens approximately on December 20. Sleep in comfort on normal beds with mattresses. Next to the Snow hotel is a heated service building and an exotic, heated Lavvo restaurant. Sweden: Ice Hotel of Sweden: Built by a river in Jukkasjarvi village in Swedish Lapland, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. Creating the ice hotel each winter takes 10,000 tons of clear river ice, plus 30,000 tons of snow. It has an ice sauna, ice chapel, and an Absolut Ice bar. Sleep in special sleeping bags on beds made of snow and ice and covered with reindeer skins. Warm winter clothing is provided. Several cabins with bunk beds are available and “warm accommodation” is available, too. Tree Hotel of Harads: 40 km from Stockholm, Treehotel is in Harads village near the Lule river. Stay in a unique treerooms with contemporary design in the midst of unspoiled nature.

Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality. A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Director.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

• •

Focus On Scandinavia - 12 Days Northern Highlights & The Arctic Circle - 16 Days

GLOBUS Every Journey Tells A Story Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

• • •

Scenic Norway - 9 Days Arctic Circle - 8 Days The Scandinavian - 14 Days

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suggested itineraries Magical Swedish Lapland – 6 days This is a seasonal program and operates in winter and spring.

testimonial The highlight of the trip was the train journey Norway in a Nutshell -- fantastic scenery, very comfortable train ride, smooth connections and well worth the price. You have made very intelligent and exceptionally efficient arrangements for us, for which we must thank you. -- Shernaz & Behram Engineer, Mumbai

Day 1 Kiruna: Ice Hotel Arrive in Kiruna in the afternoon and transfer to the Ice Hotel. Take a guided tour and learn its history. The hotel is redesigned and rebuilt every year using just water. Your belongings are stored in the warm building in conjunction with Ice Hotel. Morning sauna, towels and breakfast buffet, winter overall, boots and mittens are included. Overnight in Ice Room, Snow Room or similar. Day 2 Kiruna: Optional Husky Sledge Ride/ Snowmobile Safari Breakfast. Enjoy a husky dog sledge ride, through the snowy landscape or take the optional Wilderness Tour by snowmobile to experience the forest, marsh, frozen lakes and see local wildlife. Overnight at Camp Ripan or similar. Day 3 Kiruna – Abisko Sky Station - Kiruna Breakfast. Morning free. In the late afternoon, enjoy a 6 hour guided coach tour to Abisko Sky Station in the Abisko National Park, 250 km north of the Arctic Circle. Enjoy dinner at *Abisko Sky Station. If you are lucky, see the Northern Lights. Return to Kiruna area for overnight. Day 4 Kiruna - Stockholm Breakfast. Take an optional Moose Safari by minibus along Kalix River, enjoy an outdoor lunch. Afternoon transfer to the airport to depart for Stockholm. Arrive and transfer your hotel. Overnight. Day 5 Stockholm: Morning City Tour Breakfast. Enjoy the guided city tour with panorama sightseeing, a scenic stop at Fjällgatan, walk through Old Town for a view of the Royal Palace and see City Hall, site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Visit the famous Vasa Museum. Overnight. Day 6 Stockholm Breakfast. Transfer to the airport

Helsinki with Rovaneimi (the Santa Claus Village) – 6 days

Scandinavia at its Best – 14 days

Day 1 Helsinki Arrive Helsinki-Vantaa Airport and transfer to your hotel. Buy the Helsinki Card, for free admission to major city attractions, museums and unlimited travel on public transportation. Overnight. Day 2 Helsinki: Rovaniemi Northern Lights by Snowmobile. Breakfast. Fly to Rovaniemi and transfer to your hotel. After dinner, go on an exciting guided snowmobile excursion to glimpse the phenomenal beauty of the *Northern Lights. Enjoy hot beverage and snack around a campfire and return to the hotel for overnight. * Note: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Excursion not operational on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Day 3 Rovaniemi: Reindeer Farm and Santa Claus Village by Snowmobile Breakfast. Enjoy a guided snowmobile trip* to a reindeer farm. Learn about the native Sami people. Enjoy a reindeer sled ride and a Lappish ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle. Lunch at a restaurant and continue to the Santa Claus Village. Overnight in Rovaniemi. * Note: During December, the reindeer farm visit is by car instead of snowmobile.

Day 4 Rovaniemi: Dog Sledding Breakfast. Transfer to the kennel for a thrilling husky sled ride through the winter wonderland. Learn some basics and drive your own team of sled dogs. Return to the hotel. Enjoy an optional Finnish sauna. Overnight. Day 5 Rovaniemi - Helsinki Breakfast. Return by air to Helsinki, and transfer to your hotel. Join an optional 2 hour morning sightseeing tour by bus that covers major attractions. Overnight. Day 6 Helsinki Breakfast. Transfer to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.

Day 1 Helsinki – Arrive. Day 2 Helsinki – City Tour - Overnight cruise to Stockholm. Day 3 Stockholm - City Tour. Day 4 Stockholm - Uppsala Tour - Fjäderholmarna Excursion. Day 5 Stockholm - Train to Copenhagen, Denmark. Day 6 Copenhagen – City Tour. Day 7 Copenhagen - Overnight cruise to Oslo, Norway. Day 8 Oslo – Day free for optional tours. Day 9 Oslo - City Tour. Day 10 Oslo - Train to Bergen including Flam Railway – Flam. Day 11 Flam Tour - Fjord Cruise through Aurlandsfjord and Sognefjord to Bergen. Day 12 Bergen – City Tour. Day 13 Bergen - Day free for optional tours. Day 14 Bergen – Depart.

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Northern Europe

Iceland

Iceland is a mountainous island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean, located between Europe and North America. Though it is not part of the continental mainland, the country is considered as European. Only 10% of Iceland, Land of the Midnight Sun, is covered by glaciers. This is a land of breathtaking landscapes, boiling mud pools, geysers, glaciers and waterfalls. Summers are warm, with days lengthening until midsummer. During winter, the colorful lights of the Aurora Borealis in the night sky are amazing (if you’re lucky!).

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Akureyri

ICELAND Reykjavik

good to know

things to do and see

Best Time to Visit : May to September

REYKJAVÍK

Cuisine: Skyr which is strained yoghurt, Hangikjot is Icelandic smoked lamb, with potatoes, green peas and béchamel sauce, fish; Snudur a type of cinnamon roll and Skuffukaka a single layered cake and Brennivin, a brand of schnapps, Iceland’s signature liquor.

Shopping:

destination information

Shop for the traditional Icelandic “lopapeysa”, a knitted wool sweater, scarves, gloves, hats and blankets. Buy jewellery in Celtic and Norse patterns and look for Icelandic designs in fashion. You can shop at 66 Degrees North for warm clothing, ASA Jewellery, Karum for designer shopping and Aurum for funky earrings made from plastic animals.

Official Language: Icelandic

Blue Lagoon This is a unique geothermal spa situated in the youngest lava field in west Iceland where you can enjoy an outdoor massage or one of the spa treatments available. Enjoy the spectacular surroundings, bathe in milky blue-green water, relax in a geothermal steam bath or de stress under a Blue Lagoon waterfall.

where to stay

Reykjavik Greater Area Sightseeing This includes all the important sights in Reykjavik and its surrounding towns. See the Presidential Residence at Bessastadir, the Restaurant Perlan and Hofoi House. Visit Hafnarfjordur town, home of elves and humans alike, a fishing harbor, towering Hallgrim’s church, the University district, and the old town centre.

Government Constitutional: Parliamentary Republic

OUTSKIRTS OF REYKJAVIK

Currency: Icelandic Krona

The Golden Circle Classic Visit Nesjavellir power plant, enter Þingvellir, where the Icelandic parliament Alþingi was founded in 930. See the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall, the geothermal area around Geysir and Strokkur. Visit Skálholt church, the ancient seat of the Icelandic bishops. Stop by the colorful volcanic crater Kerið for a photo.

Electricity: Most power sockets are 2 round pin.

Ocean Cruising Cruises that visit Iceland operate from April through September and most range from 9 to 17 nights. Itineraries may include ports like Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Isaf Jordur in Iceland. Many cruise liners like Regent Seven Seas, Princess Cruises, Cunard, P&O, Silver Sea Celebrity Cruises and more call at Iceland. Most of these cruises operate from England or Germany.

Stay at hotels, apartments, B&B guesthouses, hostels, cabins and camping sites all over Iceland. There are many Spa resorts in the geothermal areas of Iceland.

Flight Tour: Ice & Fire - Glaciers & Volcanoes This is a magnificent tour over the Tindfjallajökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers in South Iceland. Between the ice and snowfields, visit Hekla, the most famous of Iceland’s volcanoes. See Thingvellir, site of the world’s oldest parliament, the Gullfoss golden waterfall, Thórsmörk Nature Reserve, the peaks of Landmannalaugar and Geysir, one of the world’s outstanding geothermal areas.

Capital: Reykjavik

Time Difference: Summer: April – October. 5 hours and 30 minutes behind India. Daylight saving time is not observed in Iceland

iceland by Sea

nightlife Reykjavik is vibrant city. During weekends, clubs, bars and pubs are open until the early hours of the next morning and during the summer weeks when the sun is shining, all night long. During summer, there is live music almost every day in the town centre which boasts many bars, clubs, pubs and cafés.

Whale Watching Safari with hotel pick up/drop off Spot a variety of whales swimming close to the coast line like whitebeaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. Watch sea birds like gannets, puffins, guillemots, cormorants, gulls, kittiwakes etc. Go past islands inhabited by puffins. Between June and August go midnight whale watching.

escorted tours WINTER TOURS Northern Lights Mystery Hunt for the elusive Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis. From autumn until spring, during clear and cold dark nights, you may be lucky enough to see the incredible display of lights swirling and dancing across the sky changing endlessly in color, shape and size.

ICELAND Whether your interest is to cover the most popular attractions in Iceland or to explore the more remote regions of the interior highlands, take a look at our selection and see which guided tour suits your needs and taste. Most of the great value tours run from May to September and are offered at a reasonable price.

Choose from:

• Volcanoes & Glaciers – 5 Nights/6 Days • Arctic Gems – 9 Nights/10 Days • From Fire To Ice – Iceland & Greenland – 8 Nights/9 Days

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suggested itineraries Reykjavik – 4 days

Iceland Spa & Wellness – 4 days

Day 1 Reykjavik Arrive Keflavik International Airport and transfer check to your hotel in Reykjavik. Overnight.

Day 1 Reykjavik

Day 2 Reykjavik: Inside the Volcano Tour Breakfast. Drive for 30 minutes and take an easy 40 minute hike though the lava fields to reach the mouth of the crater. Descend to 400 ft (10 minutes) inside the chamber through an open elevator system and spend either 30 minutes or 1 hour inside the volcano. Overnight in Reykjavik. Day 3 Reykjavik: Day Free Breakfast. Spend the day at leisure or select an optional tour. Day 4 Reykjavik Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.

Check in at your hotel where you have complete access to the newly renovated Sóley Natura Spa. The spa offers some of Reykjavik’s most exclusive beauty and massage treatments (optional at extra cost). Enjoy the pool, sauna, hot tub, yoga and fitness center Overnight.

Day 2 Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Fontana Steam Baths Breakfast. Visit the majestic Gullfoss waterfall and the famous Geysir hot spring area. In Laugarvatn stop at a small country gallery for a taste of local Icelandic produce. Relax at Fontana Steam Bath which offers steam baths, geothermal pools and hot tubs. Continue to Thingvellir National Park, famous for its geological phenomena and rich history. Return to Reykjavik. Overnight.

Day 3 Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon Breakfast. The morning is free for shopping and sight-seeing. In the afternoon drive to the Blue Lagoon, a unique natural pool of mineral rich geothermal water in the middle of a lava field. It is known for its special properties and its beneficial effect on the skin. Return to Reykjavík. Overnight.

Day 4 Reykjavik Transfer to Keflavík International Airport. (Check in at least 3 hours prior to flight).

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Western Europe

Austria

In the very heart of Europe, Austria is the land of the Sound of Music, the birthplace of Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert, Brahms, Mahler and Strauss. This is where the Blue Danube flows, where the Austrian Alps rise majestically and tranquil lakes shimmer. Drive past undulating meadows and charming villages. Explore the Habsburg Palaces in Vienna and admire Salzburg’s baroque splendour.

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Linz

things to do and see

Vienna

Salzburg Innsbruck

destination information

Vienna

AUSTRIA

City Tour and Schonbrunn Palace Drive around the famous ‘Ringstrasse’ and see the most important sights, then along the Danube Canal past Hundertwasser’s ‘Kunsthaus’ and the Prater Park with its Giant Ferris Wheel. The Schonbrunn Palace is one of the most significant cultural monuments in Austria.

Capital: Vienna

good to know

Official Language: German

Best Time to Visit : End March to beginning of November

Government Constitutional: Federal Parliamentary Republic.

Cuisine : Austrian cuisine is influenced by Hungarian, Bohemian, Czech, Jewish, Italian, Balkan and French Cuisine. Some of the famous specialties are Wiener Schnitzel, Rindsuppe, Gulasch , Liptauer spicy cheese spread eaten on bread, Apfelstrudel, Sachertorte - the most famous chocolate cake in the world and last but not the least, Austrian beers and wines.

Currency: Euro Time Difference: Summer April – October. 3 hours 30 minutes behind India. Winter November – March. 4 hours 30 minutes behind India. Electricity: Most power sockets are designed for standard 2 round pin wall plugs.

Shopping: Excellent and high quality goods such as leather goods, lacework, Swarovski crystal, chocolates, porcelain and glass creations. Where To Shop: Vienna: The Mariahilfer Straße has great number of shops Innsbruck: The Maria Theresien- Straße is one of Europe’s most splendid shopping boulevards. Salzburg: The age old Linzergasse offers a great number of boutiques, shoe and music stores.

nightlife Vienna: There are many bars and dance clubs with live music throughout the evening. Hot spots include Aux Gazelles, Flanigari’s and Flex. You will also find operas, ballets, Mozart concerts. Fine dining restaurants are many. Salzburg: Discover a mix of dance clubs and beer halls. World famous theatre performances are highlights. Some of the famous pubs are Altstadt Keller, O’Malley’s Irish Pub, Chez Poland and Podium. Innsbruck: Lots of clubs and bars of different kinds are open all night on the nightlife mile called as “Bogenmeile” along the Ing – Etzel - Strasse.

Romantic Danube Valley – Full Day Excursion Visit the beautiful region of Wachau Valley. Drive to Melk and visit the magnificent Benedictine Abby, Stift Melk. Lunch at the Abby Restaurant Melk, before boarding a boat for a beautiful view of the old castle and tales of the past. Vienna Woods and Mayerling See the southern part of Vienna Woods. Stop at Hoeldrichsmuehle, where Schubert composed Der Lindenbaum. Then visit the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz and Mayerling, a hunting lodge where the Crown Prince Rudolph committed suicide with Baroness Vetsera. Drive through the beautiful Helenental valley, passing through the Roman city of Baden, known for its thermal springs. After a coffee break return to Vienna. The Vienna Mozart Orchestra Performances: 1 May - 30 October 2013 every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8:15 pm. If you love classical music, don’t miss a performance of the Vienna Mozart Orchestra with internationally renowned singers and soloists, all in magnificent historical costumes and wigs, in Vienna’s largest and most famous concert halls.

SALZBURG Ice Caves Tour Drive to Werfen, where the Hohenwerfen fortress has protected the pass since the 11th century. Continue on foot and via cable car to the

entrance of the caves for a walking tour through the wonderful world of unique ice formations. The average temperature in the summer is 0 degrees C. Salt Mines & Celtic Village Visit one of the oldest salt mines in the world on Durrnberg Mountain near Hallein. See the reconstructed Celtic village for an insight into Celtic life 2500 years ago. Through the ages, salt brought prosperity and was called “White Gold”. Miners accompany you through the tunnel on a mine cart. Interesting information about salt extraction can be viewed on a screen. Enjoy a short boat trip across an underground lake.

INNSBRUCK Swarovski Crystal World Drive by coach to the world famous Swarovski Crystal World, in Wattens. Inside the water spouting Giant (a huge face sculptured on top of a rock), a whole crystal world awaits you. See the Chambers of Wonders containing the Planet of Crystals, the Crystal Dome, the Crystal Theatre, the Ice Passage and the Floating Poem. Tyrolean Show with Dinner A typical Tyrolean evening with authentic folk music, dance and song. Enjoy a delicious 3 course menu during the show. Transfers to the show and back to Innsbruck hotel are included. Combiticket Alpenzoo (Cable Car + Entrance to Zoo) Take the convenient cable car from Innsbruck to the Alpenzoo, Europe’s highest zoo (750 m), home to more than 2000 animals of 150 species. Enjoy a fantastic view of the mountains and see the presentation of alpine life forms through the ages.

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austria by rail Unlimited travel by rail all over Austria. Convenient and flexible rail passes of different durations make your trip easy. Buy your rail pass from TBi before you leave home.

Choose your pass: • • • • •

Austria Pass Eurail Regional Pass Eurail Select Pass Eurail Global Pass Railjet - the new high speed train of the Austrian Federal Railways. Routes: Budapest – Vienna – Munich and Vienna – Salzburg – Bregenz / Zurich.

cruises from austria Experience the heart of Europe’s most enchanting destinations by taking a river cruise on the Danube. It is one of the most enjoyable and hassle-free ways to explore Europe’s castles, cathedrals and picturesque villages.

Choose from: Avalon Waterways • A Taste of the Danube - 4 days • Austrian Highlights & Bavaria - 6 days • Blue Danube to the Black Sea - 14 days Uniworld Boutique River Cruise • Danube Discovery & Prague - 10 days • Highlights of Eastern Europe - 8 days • European Serenade - 13 days

where to stay Besides the 3 to 5 star hotels, there are some unique and landmark accommodations in Austria which promise to give you a refreshing holiday experience.

We recommend: • Hotel Alstadt - Vienna • Hotel Imperial - Vienna • The Rogner Bad - Blumau • Hotel Vetlin – near Vienna. A wine and wellness hideaway. • Wein-Genuss Pössnitzberg - Leutschach. A small boutique and luxury spa hotel. • Hotel Goldener Hirsch - Salzburg • Schloss Fuschl Resort & Spa near Salzburg, along the shores of Lake Fuschl. • Burgenland Thermal Spas Eisenstadt • Romantic Hotel Schwarzer Adler - Innsbruck

escorted tours

suggested itineraries

COSMOS

Vienna - 4 days

Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travelers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of and expert Tour Director.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

• • •

Prague, Vienna & Budapest - 9 days Bohemian Rhapsody - 13 days Central Europe - 15 days

GLOBUS

Day 1 Arrive in Vienna. take a shuttle transfer from the airport to your hotel. And check - in. Use your Vienna Card, valid for 72 hours, to discover Vienna. The card includes free use of public transport and special discounts in museums, shops, restaurants and more. Enjoy a typical lunch or dinner in the popular Restaurant Führich. Overnight. Day 2 Breakfast. Take the 24-hour “Hop On Hop Off” sightseeing tour with 13 different stops. Use your Vienna card and spend as much time as you like at Vienna’s most attractive sights. Overnight. Day 3 Breakfast. Today, pick up some souvenirs, try the coffee and cake at the impressive Café Central in the heart of the city and explore the city at leisure. Overnight. Day 4 Breakfast. Check out.

Every Journey Tells A Story

Salzburg - 3 days

Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

Day 1 Arrive Salzburg and transfer to your hotel. Use your 48 hour “Salzburg Card” which includes free entrance to all the sights in Salzburg and free use of public transport. Try out the coffee and cake in the traditional Café Furst. Overnight.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

Day 2 Breakfast. Enjoy the Mozart City Tour (one and a half hours), with includes the return ticket for the Fortress lift to view the city. Enjoy a 3-course lunch or dinner at the traditional Restaurant K+K Am Waagplatz with one drink included. Overnight.

• • •

Munich, Salzburg & Vienna - 8 days The Best of Austria and Switzerland - 11 days Vienna to Istanbul - 15 days.

Day 3 Breakfast. Check out.

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Day 5 Zell Am See: Excursion to Schmittzenhohe Breakfast. Take a cable car to the mountain high above Zell Am See. It offers walking, hiking trails and paragliding. In winter it is a skier’s paradise. Overnight.

Innsbruck - 3 days Day 1 Arrive in Innsbruck and use your 48 hour all inclusive Innsbruck Card, to transfer to your hotel. Enjoy coffee and cake in the famous Café Sacher in the Hofburg. Overnight. Day 2 Breakfast. Explore Innsbruck using the card which includes free use of public transport, including “The Sightseer” bus with audio-guide and return shuttle to Swarovski Crystal World in Wattens, return ride on one of the mountain cable cars in Innsbruck and admission to most major sights in and around Innsbruck. In the evening enjoy a typical Tyrolean dinner in one of the city’s popular restaurants. Overnight. Day 3 Breakfast. Check out.

Magnificent Austria - 8 days Day 1 Vienna Arrive and check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the important sights of Vienna and the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Overnight. Day 2 Vienna – Salzburg Breakfast. Proceed by train to Salzburg. Arrive and check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Salzburg. This evening, enjoy a Mozart Concert. Overnight. Day 3 Salzburg: Mozart City Tour Breakfast. In the afternoon, enjoy a Mozart City Tour to see the highlights of Salzburg. Overnight in Salzburg. Day 4 Salzburg - Zell Am See Breakfast. Take a train to Zell Am See (1 hour 35 minutes), a most picturesque alpine town set by a crystal clear mountain lake, surrounded by mountains. You can visit the St. Hippolyt church and the museum at the Kastnerturm tower. Overnight.

testimonial We thank TBI for all the bookings and planning you did for us for our summer vacation. We were very impressed with the way the itinerary was planned. It was a fantastic idea to take overnight train journeys. -- Khurshid & Jehangir, Mumbai

Day 6 Zell Am See - St.Gilgen Breakfast. Take a train to St.Gilgen. Check in to your hotel. Explore this quaint little village with shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels around the lakeside. Overnight. Day 7 St. Gilgen - Salzburg Breakfast. Take a 15 minute cable gondola ride to Zwölferhorn Seilbahn a popular ski resort area. The valley station is just outside St. Gilgen. Overnight. Day 8 Salzburg After breakfast check out.

More Options: Linz - 3 days Austrian Honeymoon - 8 days

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The splendor of EUROPE at a splendidly low price.

Benelux comprises three neighboring countries in northwestern Europe and the name Benelux is derived by joining the first two or three letters of each country’s name – Belgium, Netherlands Luxembourg. Despite similarities in culture, language, and lifestyle across borders, each of these countries has a distinctive character and many compelling reasons to visit them.

Europe is a celebration of the finer things in life, yet Cosmos, the world leader in budget travel packages, allows you to explore the best of the continent at an unbeatable prices. Itineraries are designed to give you the freedom to explore on your own and optional excursions give you the opportunity to personalise your experience. Enjoy services of expert Tour Directors who belong to the region you are touring in, travel with international travel companions, and sample international cuisine with Cosmos. With year round departures, an incomparable choice of vacations and prices from just $75 a day - Cosmos helps you turn your travel dreams into reality..

Belgium: Think of Belgium and you think of Belgian chocolates, yummy Belgian waffles and Tin Tin cartoons. Did you know that Belgium is where the saxophone originated and that Spa originates from the original town of Spa? Visit lovely country towns and enjoy great shopping and gastronomic experiences. Southern Belgium has hundreds of interesting castles, medieval fortresses and châteaux.

2013 VACATIONS UNDER US$1,000* BRITISH PANORAMA

GRAND TOUR OF TURKEY

PRAGUE, VIENNA & BUDAPEST

6 days from US$729

13 days from US$969

9 days from US$969*

A TASTE OF SCOTLAND

IRISH EXPLORER

JEWELS OF SPAIN & PORTUGAL

5 days from US$719

9 days from US$969

9 days from US$969*

JEWELS OF MOROCCO

GREEK ODYSSEY

CAIRO, ALEXANDRIA & THE MEDITERRANEAN

10 days from US$939

8 days from US$969

8 days from US$969*

A TASTE OF IRELAND

JEWELS OF FRANCE

TUNISIAN ADVENTURE

6 days from US$949

8 days from US$969

8 days from US$949*t

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*Conditions apply. All prices are on land-only basis and vary as per departure dates.

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Western Europe

Benelux

Netherlands: Tulips, bicycles, clogs, clubs, pubs, windmills are things you cannot miss in the Netherlands. Dutch culture is based on the straightbacked principles of Calvinism. This nation of philosophers and artists, boho chic and stately grandeur is dotted with castle walls and canals, dykes and dunes, marshland and fields of tulips.

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things to do and see

Amsterdam

BELGIUM - BRUSSELS

Antwerp Brussels

Brussels City Tour Stroll in the old city centre with an experienced guide, see the Grand Place, city hall and splendid guild houses. Drive by coach past magnificent St. Michael’s Cathedral, the Congress Column, the Heizel district with the Atomium, the Chinese pavilion and the Japanese tower. Continue via the Palace of Laken and visit Zavel district with its many antique stores. Pass by the Court of Justice and elegant Louiza Square to Place Royale, the Royal Palace other government buildings.

BENELUX

destination information Capital: Belgium – Brussels Netherlands - Amsterdam Official Language: Belgium – 3 official language Dutch, French and German Netherlands - Dutch and Frisian Government Constitutional: Belgium – Federal Government Netherlands - Constitutional Monarchy Currency: Belgium & Netherlands: Euro Time Difference: Summer: April – October 3 hours and 30 minutes behind India Winter: November – March 4 hours and 30 minutes behind India Electricity: Most power sockets are 3-pin flat square plugs

good to know Best Time to Visit : Belgium & Netherlands April - October Cuisine : Belgium: World famous for its chocolate and incredible varieties of beer. Certain foods unique to Belgium are mussels cooked in wine, meatballs, beef stew, Belgian frites (French fries), waffles and a tasty cookie called “speculoos.” Netherlands: A traditional meal is potatoes with meat and boiled vegetables. Famous cheeses include Edam, Leyden and Gouda. Stamppot, which is mashed potatoes mixed with other mashed vegetables is worth trying. Try out Kopstoot or head butt which is the practice of drinking Jenever (Gin) and chasing it with beer. Shopping: Brussels: Art and antiques from Place du Grand Sablon; Exquisite handmade lace; Chocolate brands like Chocolatier Mary, Leonidas, Neuhas, Godiva and Dandoy. Shop at Rue Antoine Dansaert Straat for fashion and design, Avenue Louise for international fashion brands, Rue Neuve for bargains; Visit Gallerie St. Hubert arcade. Netherlands: Shop for tulip bulbs, cheese, chocolate, beer and cookies; Dutch wooden clogs or wooden shoes. The Nine Streets area offers all kinds of fashion. Two main shopping malls located near the Dam Square are “Bijenkorf” and “Magna Plaza”.

nightlife Brussels: Most of the bars, casinos and nightclubs host live entertainment nights and music concerts. For a stylish evening go to Sablon and to the upper part of the city for fine dining and lounge style settings. Amsterdam: Amsterdam is absolutely vibrant in spring and summer. Around Leidseplein there are many theatres, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, the casino, the Lido theatre with live entertainment and the famed cultural and music centers.

City Tour and Keukenhof Gardens Drive past the Royal Palace, other important sights and beautiful houses along the canal. Visit the diamond factory and Keukenhof Gardens to admire some of the most beautiful flowers in the world. This tour operates during April and May. Evening Canal Cruise Cruise through the illuminated canals past the Old Harbor, Maritime Museum, and through the old centre of the city. See historic residential buildings, Anne Frank’s House and the renowned boat houses. Pass beneath the ‘Skinny Bridge’.

Ghent and Bruges After an hour’s drive arrive in Ghent to visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home of the world famous ‘Mystic Lamb’ painting. See the Belfry, St Nicholas’ Church and the Earl’s Castle from the Middle Ages. In Bruges, visit the Lake of Love and the Beguinage. On your walking tour, discover the Church of Our Lady with the statue by Michaelangelo, the Market Square and the Holy Blood Chapel. Beer Tour Visit some typical drinking venues for traditional Brussels beers like Geuze and Kriek and Trappist beers (brewed by Trappist monks in monasteries or abbeys) that come with a creamy white head. Visit the Royal Puppet Theater Toone and take a walking tour past the Manneken Pis Statue, Ilot Sacre, the fish market and the island of Saint Gery, the oldest part of Brussels.

NETHERLANDS - AMSTERDAM Combined City Tour, Delft, The Hague & Madurodam Discover old and New Amsterdam. Drive past the high points of Amsterdam and discover its rich history and culture. Visit the diamond factory, the famous Delft Pottery and then head for The Hague, the famous Dutch government seat. Visit Madurodam to see Holland in miniature!

Volendam and Marken Visit Volendam, a fishing village on the shores of the former Zuiderzee. Continue by boat to Marken, once an island. Some people here still wear the colorful traditional 16th century costume. Visit a cheese farm. Drive back to Amsterdam through typical Dutch countryside via Monnickendam. Grand Holland Landmark Tour Visit the world’s largest flower auction in Aalsmeer. Continue to Rotterdam for a city tour by bus. Visit a Delft blue pottery factory with time off for lunch on your own. On the city tour of The Hague, drive past the House of Parliament and the Peace Palace. Visit Madurodam the miniature city.

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benelux by rail Enjoy unlimited travel by rail all over Benelux. Convenient and flexible rail passes of different durations make your trip easy. Buy your rail pass from TBi before you leave home.

Choose your pass: • • • • • • • •

Eurail Benelux Pass (covering Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxemburg) Eurostar (between Brussels and London) Thalys – High Speed Train TGV – Belgium – France High Speed Train FYRA – High Speed Train (Belgium – Netherlands) Eurail Regional Pass Eurail Select Pass Eurail Global Pass

cruises from benelux River Cruises Experience the heart of Europe’s most enchanting destinations by taking a river cruise. Sail on the Rhine and other rivers. River cruise companies like Avalon Waterways and Uniworld offer exciting itineraries. Avalon Waterways • Tulip Time Cruise - 8 days • Windmills, Vineyards & Paris – 8 days • Romantic Rhine – 8 days • European Splendor – 13 days Uniworld Boutique River Cruise • Springtime Tulips & the Rhine – 8 days • Tulips & Windmills – 10 days • Legendary Rhine & Moselle – 13 days

suggested itineraries

Ocean Cruises Several cruises depart from Amsterdam to the Baltic, Norwegian Fjords or the Mediterranean. Choose from cruise lines like the Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises and Holland America Line. There are select sailings on the Celebrity Cruise to the Arctic Circle, Norwegian Fjords, Scandinavia and Russia.

Brussels - 5 Days Day 1 Brussels Arrive Brussels with its small town charm, funky bars and restaurants. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Rest of the day is at leisure. Go to Sablon for a fine dining experience. Overnight. Day 2 Brussels: City Tour Breakfast. Enjoy city tour of Brussels visiting the St. Michael Cathedral, the Congress Column, the Atomium, Grand Place, Palace of Justice, the Royal Museum of Art and History and the Royal Palace. In the afternoon, take an optional tour of Mini Europe – the miniature version of Europe. Overnight.

where to stay Besides the 3 to 5 star hotels, there are some unique and landmark accommodations in Benelux which promise to give you a refreshing holiday experience:

We recommend: • The Martin’s Patershof - on the outskirts of Brussels • The Dominican Hotel – Brussels • Kempinski Hotel Dukes’ Palace – Bruges • The Marriott Ghent - Facing the River Lys, • Seven one Seven Amsterdam • The Dylan Amsterdam Hotel

escorted tours GLOBUS Every Journey Tells A Story Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

•

Holland, Luxemburg and Belgium – 9 days

Day 3 Brussels – Amsterdam: City Tour Breakfast. Proceed to Amsterdam, visiting the famous Kukenhof Gardens (seasonal) en route. In the afternoon enjoy a guided city tour of Amsterdam and a Canal Cruise. Pass through the harbor, the charming Jordaan quarters, The Anne Frank house, the Rijksmuseum, the Vondel Park, the “Skinney Bridge” and Rembrandt’s house. Rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight. Day 4 Amsterdam: Zaane Schaans Excursion Breakfast. Visit the windmill village de Zaane Schaans with its famous green wooden houses. Visit a windmill and a wooden shoe factory. Drive back to Amsterdam. Overnight. Day 5 Amsterdam Breakfast. Check out and transfer to Amsterdam airport.

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Western Europe

France

This is the fabled land of fashion, good food and wine, of royal chateaux, famous landmarks and hidden landscapes few really know. Savor art and romance in Paris, see the glorious past at Versailles. Travel south for Roman civilization and the sparkling blue Med; indulge your jet-set fantasies in balmy Nice and St-Tropez. There’s so much to see and do, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

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things to do and see

Paris Dijon Bordeux

PARIS

FRANCE Avignon

Nice Cannes

destination information Capital: Paris Official Language: French Government Constitutional: Unitary Semi-Presidential Republic Currency: Euro Time Difference: Summer April – October. 3 hours 30 minutes behind India. Winter November – March. 4 hours 30 minutes behind India. Electricity: Most power sockets are designed for 2 round pin plugs.

good to know Best Time to Visit : April to October Cuisine : Passion for good food is evident everywhere. Epicurean delights range from truffles and Coq au Vin to Foie Gras, crustaceans and Roquefort cheese. From fruit tarts and Clafoutis to a teetering Croquembouche, Mille Feuille and Tarte Tatin, French desserts have an elegance all their own. French wines are world famous. Shopping: Some of the best places for shopping are along the Avenue Montaigne, the Faubourg Saint-Honore, the Place de la Madeleine,the Boulevard Haussmannand the Saint-Sulpice quarter. Shop for high fashion, perfumes, cheese, porcelain, enamel and art. A Legendary Spot for Shopping in Paris: First inaugurated in 1893, the Galeries Lafayette department store is a Paris fashion institution. Located near the stately Opera Garnier, this is an essential stop for fashion enthusiasts: men and women’s designer collections are always kept at the cutting-edge, and the latest trends in jewelry and accessories, home furnishings, or cosmetics can all be perused under one roof. Galeries Lafayette also houses one of Paris’ gourmet food markets, Lafayette Gourmet, that will be sure to tempt foodies. Modeled after a mideasternbaazar,

the store flaunts elegant Belle Epoque architecture. Galeries Lafayette offers a 10% discount plus 12% Tourist Tax Refund. Please collect your discount coupon from us.

nightlife Paris has something for everyone, from traditional ballet in the Opera district to quaint literary bars like La Belle Hortense in the Marais and from the chilly Ice Kube Bar in La Chapelle to the glitzy Moulin Rouge Cabaret in Montmarte. The Champs Elysees abounds with sophisticated nightclubs like the VIP Room and L’Arc. Underground music is played out in Paris 10th, 1th and 20th arrondissements (districts). Most bars close at 2 am, clubs remain open until 5 am.

Historical Paris & Paris Seinorama Discover the Marais District and the Latin Quarter, take a mini-cruise on the River Seine to ‘Ile de la Cite,’ enjoy a guided tour of Notre Dame Cathedral. Enjoy the ‘Paris Seinorama’, with recorded commentary on earphones and see Place de la Concorde, Avenue des Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe and the Bois de Boulogne, before enjoying a one hour cruise on the River Seine. Visit the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower. Montmartre and the Grand Louvre The hill of Montmartre is the home of Parisian artists and many like Picasso, Renoir and Van Gogh settled here in the 19th century. Drive by coach to the hill, board the funicular to the top and enjoy a guided walking tour of Montmartre and Place du Tertre. Visit the Sacred Heart Basilica (unescorted). Enjoy a guided visit to the Louvre. Illuminations and Lido Show Drive past the floodlit famous monuments of Paris, delight at the illuminated landmarks and enjoy the exciting “Bonheur” show at the legendary Lido. Disneyland Paris – 1 Day 2 Parks This is a one day pass to Disneyland Resort Paris that offers a full day in the two parks. It includes return transfers by luxury motor coach from the centre of Paris to Disneyland Paris and admission ticket for Walt Disney Studios Park and the Disneyland Park. Discover the most magical place on earth. Guided Tour of Versailles The Chateau of Versailles was home to Louis 14th, the Sun King. Enjoy a one-hour guided tour of the Chateau, including the Grand Apartments (the Queen’s bedroom), the famous Galerie des Glaces (Mirror Gallery) and more. Discover the picturesque formal gardens. Paris Pass An extremely economical, convenient and useful pass to have, which will save you time and money. It is available in 2, 4 or 6 consecutive

days unlimited travel on the Paris metro, buses, RER, tramway, SNCF Transilien Suburban Trains, Montmartre funicular railway, Montmartrobus, Noctilien & Optile network buses. Free entry into over 60 museums and attractions, including free passage on Seine River Day Cruise with Bateaux Parisiens, Tour Maine-Montparnasse and much more. Purchase the Paris Pass from TBi before you leave.

AVIGNON, PROVENCE, FRANCE Provence Lavender and Villages Visit beautiful Roussillon famous for its red and yellow ochre cliffs and unusual natural landscape. Then stop by Gordes, the village perched on the edge of the plateau of Vaucluse in Luberon. Finally, visit the Lavender Museum. Great Wines and Sights - Rhone Valley Enjoy a scenic drive in the vineyards around Chateauneuf du Pape, learn about ‘terroir’, grape varieties, vinification and aging cellars, and wine tasting at two wineries. Continue to the Pont du Gard, the best preserved roman aquaduct, Les Baux de Provence, a picturesque village in the Alpilles Mountains and the famous village of Gordes.

BORDEAUX Secrets of Great Bordeaux Wines Enjoy a full day tour of the Chartrons district, the traditional centre of the Bordeaux wine trade. Enjoy a 3 course tasting-lunch. In the afternoon visit some prestigious vineyards where world famous wines like Medoc, Saint-Emilion, Entre Deux Mers and Sauternes are produced.

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NICE Nice Le Grand Tour 1 Day Pass Discover the charming city of Nice and enjoy its unique views from open top deck buses. Your pass is valid for 1 day and allows you to hop on and off as often as you please, at any of the 11 stops. Monaco & Monte Carlo by Night Drive to Monaco. See the Prince’s Palace, the world famous Casino, the ‘Hotel de Paris’ and the Hermitage, have a drink or dine in one of the famous restaurants and try your luck in the Casino. Savor the splendid atmosphere of Monaco’s night life. Return to Nice via the ‘Basse Corniche’ road.

france by rail

escorted tours

France Rail offers unlimited travel by rail all over France with convenient and flexible rail passes.

COSMOS

Choose your Pass:

Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality

• •

A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Director.

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• • • •

France Rail Pass and France Rail Pass Premium TGV - Train a Grande Vitesse or high speed train network covering France, and linking to Belgium and Switzerland. Thalys – high speed trains from Paris only to major northwest European cities of France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Eurostar Eurail Regional Pass Eurail Select Pass Eurail Global Pass

cruises from france River Cruises Take a river cruise in France or join a river cruise starting or ending in Paris. Sail on the Seine, the Saone and the Rhone. River cruise companies like Avalon Waterways and Uniworld offer exciting itineraries. Avalon Waterways • Paris to Normandy Landing Beaches – 8 days • Windmills, Vineyards & Paris – 10 days Uniworld Boutique River Cruise • Burgundy & Provence – 8 days • Grand France – 17 days Half Day Tour to Antibes, Cannes and Grasse Drive to Antibes a popular vacation spot and along the coastal road to Cannes. In Cannes see the famous Croisette fringed by sandy private beaches belonging to hotels and the Palace of Film where the International Film Festival is held. Visit a perfume factory in Grasse, home of perfume making.

Ocean Cruising Many luxury cruise liners like the Silver Sea, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises call at Cannes, Marseille and Nice. Silver Sea and Regent Seven Seas have sailings from Monte Carlo as their main port of departure sailing to the Mediterranean, North Europe and Russia.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

• •

where to stay France offers accommodation of every kind, from former castles, abbeys, manor houses and country houses which have been converted into comfortable hotels to villas, hotels, serviced apartments and spas. From budget to luxury, you’ll find the perfect place to stay. Choose from: • Bed & breakfast guesthouses • Hotels ranging from 3 star to 5 star • Service Apartments Stay at Citadines Apartments: Citadines Apart’hotels offer cleverly configured spaces and a flexible service menu so you can customize your stay. All within the privacy of your own apartment while enjoying the convenience of a hotel. A perfect option for extended stays, whether for a week or a year.

Jewels of France – 8 days Grand Tour of France – 14 days

GLOBUS Every Journey Tells A Story Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

• • • •

London & Paris A Tale of Two Cities - 7 days French Sampler – 8 days Normandy, Brittany and Chateaux Country – 8 days Lourdes & Shrines of France – 11 days

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Paris – 4 days Day 1 Paris Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Today, enjoy an Orientation City Tour of Paris. Or visit the Park Asterix for family fun. In the evening, opt for the Illuminations Tour with the Lido Show. Overnight. Day 2 Paris – Disneyland Park Breakfast. Arrive at your hotel in Disneyland. Use your 2 day pass to have the time of your life in Disneyland Resort Paris. This pass to entitles you to admission for a full day in each of the parks. Discover an enchanting kingdom filled with fun, fantasy and discovery, a world of make-believe characters, shows and attractions. Return back to Paris. Overnight. Day 3 Paris – Versailles Breakfast. Drive to Versailles in a private car or mini-van, with driver guide, to visit Versailles’ Palace. See the State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors on your own with audio guide. Also see the beautiful gardens. Return to your hotel. Overnight. Day 4 Paris Breakfast. Transfer back to the airport. Extend your stay if you like.

testimonial Just wanted to write a thank you note for all your help with regards to our France trip. The self drive through Loire too worked out really well. Varsha and I look forward to your assistance with regards to South Africa. -- Varsha and Ankur, Mumbai

Nice - 4 days Day 1 Nice Arrive at Nice airport and transfer to your hotel via the historical center of Nice and the famous Promenade des Anglais. Enjoy a delicious 3 course dinner at Le Koudou, a colonial style restaurant. Overnight. Day 2 Nice - St Paul De Vence - Eze - Monaco - Nice Breakfast. Visit Saint Paul de Vence a typical village in Southern France. Continue via Ezé, a medieval city overlooking the Cote d’Azur. Drive to Monaco and visit the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Botanical Garden and the Oceanographic Museum. Overnight. Day 3 Nice - Grasse – Mougins - Nice Breakfast. Visit a perfume factory in Grasse. Continue to picturesque Mougins where Pablo Picasso spent his last 15 years. Return to Nice. Visit the Casino Ruhl and try your luck!. Overnight. Day 4 Nice - Cannes - Nice Breakfast. Take a half day tour to Cannes, famous for its Film festival and the “Croisette”. Transfer to Nice airport.

More Options: Romantic Paris & Chantilly - 5 days Chamonix & Lyon - 5 days French Wine & Gastronomy Tour - 12 days

Western Europe

Germany

From the Alps in the South, the Bavarian plain, and the hills of central Germany to the northern coast and Baltic Sea, it all looks like a miniature train landscape packed with the old towns, medieval houses, gothic churches, majestic castles and small villages. Enjoy drives in the Black Forest, a luxury river cruise on the Rhine and more. Each German region has its own unique character.

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things to do and see

Hamburg Berlin

GERMANY Munich

destination information Capital: Berlin Official Language: German Government Constitutional: Federal Parliamentary Republic Currency: Euro Time Difference: Summer April – October. 3 hours 30 minutes behind India. Winter November – March. 4 hours 30 minutes behind India. Electricity: Most power sockets are designed for 2 round pin plugs.

good to know Best Time to Visit : All year long. Best time is April to September. Cuisine : German cuisine is varies from region to region but concentrates on meat dishes. Choose from 300 kinds of bread, specialty cheeses, Knodel – dumplings, roast pork from Bavaria and Sauerkraut. Popular German fast foods are Curry Wurst, Bratwurst (sausages), Kabobs Don’t miss the Schwarzwalder Kirshtorte – the original Black forest cake and of course, German beer! Shopping: Shop for wood carvings, KPM, Rosenthal and Messian porcelain, cuckoo clocks, therapeutic scandals and shoes made by Birkenstock. Major shopping areas are: Cologne: The Schildergasse Munich: Kaufinger and Sendlingerstrasse. Ingolstadt Village, just outside Munich, is great for designer labels at terrific prices. Frankfurt: Zeil in the city centre and the Wertheim Village, an exclusive shopping area just outside Frankfurt. Berlin: Kudamm and Kadewe, the biggest departmental store in continental Europe.

nightlife In all larger towns and main cities, there’s plenty to choose from - theatre, opera, bars with live music and nightclubs. Some of the major clubs and pubs are Backstage Dance club in Munich, Bereuther in Hamburg.

BERLIN

FRANKFURT

Walking Tour of Berlin See the Berlin Wall and the former Death Strip, the site of Hitler’s Bunker, Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag, Victory Column, Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz, the twin cathedrals on Gendarmenplatz, Museum Island, Palast der Republik, Berliner Dom, Unter den Linden, Jewish Synagogue and many more sights.

Frankfurt Hop on & Hop off See the main tourist highlights in one day. Simply hop on at one of the bus stops, visit the sights close by and then continue the tour on the next bus. See the historic heart with the ‘Roemer’, Frankfurt’s famous old city hall, St. Paul’s Church, ‘Old Sachsenhausen’, the Goethe House, the Old Opera, Frankfurt’s shopping center Zeil and more.

Potsdam Tour Take this comfortable coach tour through beautiful old and new Potsdam. See the Dutch Quarter, St. Nicolas’ Church, the Historic Town Hall, the old Royal Stables and Nauen Gate. Free time to visit Sanssouci Palace with its marvelous gardens or the New Palace. Baden Baden Visit this spa town built on thermal springs at the edge of the Black Forest in Baden Württemberg. The spa assembly rooms and famously elegant casino form the focal point both architecturally and socially. The old quarter only for pedestrians, is full of exclusive boutiques and cafés. Europa-Park in Rust Europa-Park, the largest one in Germany, is between Freiburg and Strasbourg, France. The park is home to ten roller coasters and boasts four hotels, a guest house, Tipi Village and campsite. See shows performed on a daily basis.

COLOGNE Panorama Cruise Admire the skyline of Cologne from the river Rhine and enjoy beautiful views of the city’s most important sights, accompanied by a taped commentary. See the famous Cathedral, Rodenkirchen fishing village and the fairground.

Day Cruise on the Rhine A full day trip by steamer to the Rhine Valley. See the little villages and vineyards, mighty medieval castles and the famous Lorelei Rock. Lunch in a beautiful restaurant by the river. Stop for wine tasting and shopping at Rudesheim/Drosselgasse

Garmisch Partenkirchen Zugspitze Set amidst breathtaking scenery at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze. Enjoy Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing or ice hockey in winter; canoeing, paragliding, mountain biking or hiking in summer. Discover typical Bavarian traditions The Neuschwanstein Castle Visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, near Fussen. It was built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The fairytale look of the Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney to create the Magic Kingdom.

MUNICH BMW Museum The BMW Museum offers a fascinating presentation of the company, brand and product history of BMW. About 125 of the brand’s most valuable and attractive automobiles, motorcycles and engines are displayed.

Dachau Memorial Site Drive through the village of Dachau to reach the former concentration camp. Visit the memorial site, the museum and see a documentary about the camp. Explanations about the memorial site are given on the bus but there is no guided tour on the site. Visitors are asked to respect the dignity of the site by wearing appropriate clothing.

STUTTGART Stuttgart Walking Tour Take a guided walking tour through the New Palace garden and the historical city centre - Schlossplatz square or marvel at the glass exterior of the Museum of Art. Learn about Stuttgart’s cultural and architectural history.

germany by rail Enjoy unlimited travel by rail all over Germany with convenient and flexible rail passes.

Choose your Pass: • • • • • • • • • •

German Rail Pass Germany – Paris – ICE Trains and ICE Sprinter Germany – Paris - TGV Germany – Paris City Night Line German Thalys Berlin – Warsaw Express Brenner Eurocity Eurail Regional Pass Eurail Select Pass Eurail Global Pass

cruises from germany River Cruises Experience some of world’s most enchanting destinations by taking a river cruise in Europe. Sail along the Rhine, Main and Danube. River cruise companies like Avalon Waterways and Uniworld offer exciting itineraries. Mercedes Benz Museum A “must see” for luxury car aficionados, this museum highlights the evolution of the renowned Mercedes-Benz. Collections feature cars, boats, and engines from the early days of development to the present-day sedan and popular Smart car. Porsche Museum The Porsche Manufacturing facility is in Stuttgart. This museum highlights the history and technological developments made by the racing and sports car maker. See early Porsches and modern racing cars.

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Avalon Waterways • The Legendary Danube – 8 days • Highlights of Germany – 10 days Uniworld Boutique River Cruise • Rhine Discovery – 8 days • Classic Christmas Markets – 8 days

Ocean Cruises Many cruise lines like Costa, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard depart for Northern Europe, the Baltic and Scandinavia from Hamburg.

where to stay Germany offers everything from hotels to serviced apartments, spas and even castles. From budget to luxury, you’ll find the perfect place to stay. Choose from: • Bed & Breakfast • Hotels ranging from 3 star to 5 star • Apartments

ZUGSPITZE ON TOP OF GERMANY!

At the summit of Zugspitze and an altitude of just under 3,000 meters, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. Experience the matchless 360° panorama with 400 peaks in four different countries. Feel the frosty contact with the eternal ice on a summertime toboggan run or glacial hike and treat yourself to the gastronomic delights of the glacier restaurants.

Stay at the Citadines Apartments: Citadines Apart’hotels offer cleverly configured spaces and a flexible services menu with the convenience of a hotel. A perfect place for extended stays, whether for a week or a year.

Booking | Tel ctc: 91-22-61940931-939 | Email: [email protected] | zugspitze.de

• Glacier with sledding • Via ferrata to the summit • Panoramic view of over 400 peaks in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy • Historical exhibition “Zugspitze” • Café Panorama-Lounge 2962 • Gipfelalm lodge (Germany’s highest restaurant and beer garden) • Glacier Adventure Trail

MOUNTAIN-MANAGEMENT.COM

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escorted tours

suggested itineraries

COSMOS

Frankfurt - 4 days

Berlin - 4 days

Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality

Day 1 Frankfurt - City Tour Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the City Tour, driving past the modern European Banking Center, Old City Hall, the Cathedral and St. Paul’s Church. Walk through Roemer Square. Proceed to Old Sachsenhausen and see the Goethe House, International Fair Grounds, Old Opera and the banking quarter. Overnight.

Day 1 Berlin: River Spree Cruise Arrive Berlin and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon cruise on the River Spree for a perfect introduction to Berlin’s famous sights. In evening enjoy the Hard Rock Café or the many dining and entertainment options in the exuberant Ku’damm. Overnight.

A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Director.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: • Highlights of Germany – 12 days • Central Europe – 15 days

Day 2 Frankfurt: Full day Baden Baden & Black Forest Breakfast. Drive to Baden-Baden, the famous spa resort town. See the parks, the famous Kurhouse and thermal bath houses. Continue through the Black Forest to legendary Lake Mummelsee. Visit the Cathedral in picturesque Strasbourg. Overnight.

Day 3 Berlin Breakfast. Take an optional tour of the Aqua Dome or Legoland or visit the Berlin Zoo. Overnight.

GLOBUS Every Journey Tells A Story

Day 4 Berlin Breakfast, check out.

Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

Germany in Nutshell - 8 days

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: • • • •

Munich, Salzburg and Vienna – 8 days German Highlights – 11 days Poland, East Germany & World War II – 12 days Alpine Countries – 15 days

Day 2 Berlin: Third Reich Tour Breakfast. This morning visit the heart of West Berlin. See the bombed out Memorial Church. Learn about the Allied bombing campaign and the defense of the Nazi Reich Capital, the Cross of Coventry and the Madonna of Stalingrad. Enjoy dinner at Charlottenburg Palace, with a self-guided palace tour and a Berlin Residence Orchestra concert or see the extravaganza Show ‘Yma.’ Overnight.

Day 3 Frankfurt: Full day Rhine River Cruise Breakfast. Enjoy a trip on a Rhine cruiser going past wonderful little villages and vineyards, medieval castles and the famous Lorelei Rock. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant Overnight. Day 4 Frankfurt After breakfast, check out.

Day 1 Frankfurt: City Tour Arrive Frankfurt, transfer and check in to your hotel. Enjoy a City Tour which includes the modern European Banking Center, the medieval Roemer, (City Hall) the Cathedral, St. Paul’s Church, Old Sachsenhausen and the Goethe House. View the International Fair Grounds, Old Opera, Hauptwache, Zeil shopping centre and more. Overnight. Day 2 Frankfurt: Optional Heidelberg Tour Breakfast. Take a half day optional morning tour to Heidelberg to see the majestic Heidelberg Castle, perched over the city. Enjoy panoramic views over Neckar Valley. Take a walk around the medieval Old Town to see the famous Old Bridge and the beautiful Church of the Holy Spirit, see Heidelberg University. Overnight in Frankfurt.

Day 3 Frankfurt: Optional Cologne & Limburg Excursion Breakfast. Take an optional full day excursion to Cologne. See the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings, a reliquary said to contain the bones of the Biblical Magi, also known as the Three Kings or the Three Wise Men. Visit picturesque Limburg with its narrow alleys and colorful Romanesque cathedral. Overnight in Frankfurt. Day 4 Frankfurt – Stuttgart: City Tour Breakfast. Board a train to Stuttgart, a 90 minute ride. Check in to your hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a City Tour, driving past the State Gallery, the Opera House and Parliament Building to Schlossplatz and Schillerplatz. Overnight. Day 5 Stuttgart Breakfast. Visit the Mercedes Benz Museum or the Porsche Museum on your own. Overnight. Day 6 Stuttgart – Munich: Bavarian Evening Tour Breakfast. Take a train to Munich, arrive and check in at your hotel. Take an evening private tour of the new Beer and Oktoberfest Museum and visit a traditional beer garden. Sample beers and savor traditional Bavarian cuisine at the world-famous Hofbräukeller. Overnight. Day 7 Munich: Hop on Hop off Tour Breakfast. Go on a Hop on Hop off Tour and see the Palace of Nymphenburg, visit the Olympic grounds, the BMW museum and the BMW Car World and the former artist quarter of Schwabing. Overnight. Day 8 Munich: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Tour Breakfast. Visit two dream castles built by Ludwig II: Neuschwanstein near Fussen and Linderhof in the Bavarian Alps. The fairytale look of Neuschwanstein castle inspired Walt Disney to create the Magic Kingdom. Linderhof Castle, was built in the 19th century as a hunting lodge. Overnight in Munich. Day 9 Depart Munich After breakfast, check out

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TITLISGLACIERMOUNTAIN Discover the highest glacier mountain in the heart of Switzerland.

TITLISROTAIR Ascend to a height of 10.000 feet in the world’s first revolving cable car.

ICEFLYERCHAIRLIFT Glide safely over stunning glacier crevasses.

TITLISGLACIERPARK Slide down the hill on a snow tube or a sledge.

TITLISCLIFFWALK Enjoy the breathtaking view across snowcovered mountains and green valleys on the highest suspension bridge in Europe.

TITLISSHOPPING Buy your gifts and souvenirs at the highest located shop in Lake Lucerne Region.

NEW TITLIS ROTAIR

Ice Flyer

Snow Tubing

TITLIS Cliff Walk

Lucerne

STRASBOURG AMSTERDAM HAMBURG BASLE

LONDON

BRUSSELS PARIS

STUTTGART MUNICH

ZURICH

BERNE

VIENNA

GENEVA MARSEILLES BARCELONA

Imagine a bright blue sky and the touch of sparkling fresh-fallen snow. Explore the world of eternal ice. Feel like an eagle and hover over stunning glacier crevasses. Enjoy snow tubing at the Glacier Park. Mount TITLIS is a spot not to miss! TITLISGLACIERMOUNTAINWELCOMETOTHEHEARTOFSWITZERLAND

Switzerland

LUCERNE

ENGELBERG

ONEMOUNTAIN–ALLSEASONS

Western Europe

LUGANO MILAN ROME

WWWTITLISCH TITLISCABLEWAYSHOTELS&RESTAURANTS

 ENGELBERG SWITZERLAND PHONE 
   TITLIS@TITLISCH

Sparkling lakes, snow-capped peaks, glistening waterfalls and beautiful vistas of never-ending, green Alpine meadows Switzerland is the stuff Bollywood’s picture-perfect dreams are made of. With some of the highest standards of living, the Swiss have not only perfected the art of chocolate, cheese and timekeeping, but their vibrant festivals, colourful themed parades, fine churches and cathedrals and some of the most spectacular landscapes, makes them wonderful hosts as well. To get under the Swiss skin, read Johanna Spyri’s ‘Heidi’, a classic childrens’ story, watch Krzysztof Kieslowski’s ‘Three Colours: Red’, and listen to the yodelling of Appenzeller Echo, a traditional Swiss group.

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things to do and see

Zurich Berne Geneva

Lucerne

SWITZERLAND Lugano

destination information

Government Constitutional: Federal Government Currency: Swiss Franc & Euro Time Difference: Summer April – October. 3 hours 30 minutes behind India. Winter November – March. 5 hours 30 minutes behind India. Electricity: Most power sectors are designed for three-pin round plugs

Life’! See the castle-like National Museum, the shopping and business centre of this medieval Old Town.

Lausanne – Montreux – Chillon Castle Lausanne, is a beautiful city built on hills. Short orientation tour, enjoy free time strolling around the lake shore area. Visit the Castle of Chillon, one of the most famous and most visited monuments of Switzerland. Board a traditional paddle boat ‘Belle Epoque’ style for a one-hour cruise to admire the Castle of Chillon and Vaudois bank.

Enjoy the great experience travelling uphill on the cog-wheel railway into the ‘Zurichberg’ district with its noble five-star Grand Hotel Dolder and many superb mansions of a glorious past. See the University and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zuerich). Its most famous student and professor was Albert Einstein.

Geneva City Tour and Boat Cruise This city tour includes International Organizations District, the Old Town, mini-train ride and a boat cruise on Lake of Geneva. See the Water Fountain (Jet d’eau) and the wonderful Flower Clock, followed by mini-train Tramway Tour.

Capital: Bern Official Language: German and French

GENEVA

good to know Best Time to Visit : All year long. Best time is April to September. Cuisine : Rosti (fried, shredded potatoes, Fondue (melted cheese eaten with pieces of bread or potatoes), Papet Vaudois, Carac (a pastry made of chocolate), Meringue, Rivella (a fizzy, lactose based drink). Shopping: Chocolates, watches, Swiss Cuckoo clocks, cheese and Swiss Army knives. Recommended Places to Shop are: Bahnhofstrasse, Rennweg in Zurich: Schwanenplatz in Lucerne: Hoheweg in Interlaken: Rues Basses, Rue du Marche in Geneva. For Value for Money: There are some inexpensive supermarkets like the Coop, Migros, Denner or Pick Pay for good quality chocolates and other items.

nightlife Zurich: Europe’s party metropolis and the liveliest nightlife around with highest density of clubs like the legendary Kaufleuten, or the oldest club in the city, the Mascotte – party begins at 11pm and going well into the small hours . There is no official closing time. In summer nightlife can be found not only in the clubs, but also outside in the open air.

Enjoy a one hour boat cruise on lake of Geneva, the stone of Niton, the Water Fountain, the Black Harbour, the Diodati House, the UN building, the castle of Bellerive, the Mermaid, and many more interesting sights.

LUGANO Swissminiatur Swissminiatur a model village with the most picturesque sites of Switzerland: towns, villages, monuments, transportation in miniature.

ZURICH Rhine Falls from Zurich. Do not miss Europe’s largest water fall (150 metres wide, 23 metres high) the fantastic spectacle of the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall. Admire the turreted castle called Schloss Laufen on a cliff directly above the falls. The Best of Zurich with cog-wheel to Zuerichberg Discover this unique city, winner of the award ‘City of Best Quality of

Mountain Peaks of Switzerland Lucerne Mount Titlis - Glacier Paradise from Lucerne This tour to the highest viewpoint in Central Switzerland includes a trip on the Rotair gondola. Board a deluxe motor coach to the mountain resort of Engelberg, where you will get onto the aerial cableway for a 45 minute journey from the green valley bottom to the high alpine glacier region at 3020 m/10000 ft. Enjoy a magnificent ride in the world’s first ever revolving ‘ROTAIR’ gondola, which offers a 360 panoramic view. Also visit the Ice Grotto and experience the new ‘Ice Flyer’, a chair lift ride over the glacier with fantastic views of crevasses and ice falls and enjoy a snow slide on the ‘Fun lift’ (included in the tour). The New Titlis Cliff Walk Get your thrills and walk along the cliff on Mount Titlis. The new glacier suspension bridge is the ultimate highlight of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy a unique experience at a height of 10,000 feet. Not to miss…… Mount Pilatus from Lucerne Enjoy a trip 7000 ft. above sea level to the top of Mount Pilatus, known as Dragon Mountain. Enjoy an unforgettable view of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Descend on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway (48% gradient) to Alpnachstad (between May and October only).

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Montreux Glacier 3000 – World’s Highest Alpine Coaster You can view all the alpine peaks like Mt. Jungfrau, Matterhorn & Mont Blanc from Glacier 3000. Take an adventure ride on the Alpine Coaster which is the world’s highest Bobsleigh Track. Glacier Palace Walk into the highest Glacier Palace in the world, through an ice tunnel 50 mts below the surface of the glacier.

Interlaken Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe from Interlaken. An unforgettable alpine tour to the majestic world of the Jungfraujoch - the Top of Europe at 3’454 m /11’333 ft. A coach takes you to Lauterbrunnen to board the reserved cogwheel mountain train trip, via Kleine Scheidegg, at the foot of the famous Eiger North Face to Jungfraujoch - Europe’s highest railway station. Visit the Ice Palace, experience the breathtaking panorama view from the Sphinx Observation Terrace overlooking the Aletsch Glacier (Europe’s longest glacier) and the snow-capped peaks of the neighboring countries. The down hill mountain trip takes you to Grindelwald where your coach awaits you. Jungfraujoch now offers combination of nature and adventure activities for groups and individuals like First Flyer, Scooter Bike, Sun Terrace for fabulous panoramic views, Alphine playground, Theme trails, modern 6-seater aerial gondolas and much more… Schilthorn As the longest aerial cableway in the Alps, the Schilthorn provides the most unimpeded panoramic views of the Alps. Over 200 mountain peaks in a spectacular landscape, the world’’s first revolving mountain top restaurant slowly turns and gives you a 360° alpine view. It is on Schilthorn that the James Bond 007 movie ‘’On Her Majesty’’s Secret Service’’ was filmed in late 1960’’s. From Interlaken take the train to Lauterbrunnen. The Swiss Railpass are valid for travel from/to Murren. From Mürren you take a cable car to the third section. Soon you reach the spectacular Birg top terminal. Walk straight ahead to the last section. From here it’s on to the cable of the gondola all the way to the top.

testimonial

The Swiss Travel System is the brand name for the entire range of Swiss public transport services available to foreign visitors. All trains, post buses and ships on lakes and rivers-and even the buses and trams in urban areas – are part of the Swiss Travel System.

One of these Swiss Passes can undoubtedly be yours! The trip in Switzerland went off very well and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Please accept our thanks once again for everything. It was another well executed job out of the TBi stable. Keep up the good work! -- Parinjay Gupta, Dubai

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Swiss Saver Pass Swiss Consecutive Pass Swiss Flexi Pass Swiss Pass Groups Eurail Regional Pass Eurail Select Pass Eurail Global Pass

Scenic Trains of Switzerland

Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Up to the highest-altitude railway station in Europe · 3454 m

Bernina Express: Route: Chur/Davos/St. Moritz - Bernina Pass Poschiavo - Tirano – Lugano Experience one of the most spectacular ways to cross the Alps: The Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway which connects northern and southern Europe without the use of any toothed-wheel mechanism. A particular high-point of the ride is the panoramic view from the Bernina Express, as it passes mighty glaciers on its descent to a land of swaying palms. Glacier Express Train: Route: Zermatt - Brig – Disentis – Chur – St. Mortiz or vice versa This is a panoramic trip from St. Moritz or Chur to Zermatt through the Alpine heartland of Switzerland, by famous train Glacier Express. The journey lasts 7:30 hours, passing through 91 tunnels and crossing 291 bridges and the 2033m high Oberalp. Golden Pass Line: Route: Geneva - Montreux - Zweisimmen Interlaken - Brünig Pass - Lucerne – Zurich GoldenPass Line is actually the world’s first panoramic train put into service between Montreux and Zweisimmen. It remains the only line

Sphinx hall / IMAX

On the journey, this engineering masterpiece of the century, which celebrates its 100th birthday in 2012, awards simply stunning views from the middle of the famous Eiger North Wall. A wonderworld of snow and ice.

Alpine Sensation

Seeing it once is better than speaking of it a thousand times. Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe: your swiss mountain experience

Ice Palace

Snow Fun

top offers & more infos at jungfrau.ch

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in Switzerland offering VIP seating at the front of the train giving a driver’s eye view. Leaving Montreux, the line rises above Lake Geneva. At Jaman, it plunges through a tunnel into the mountains, and heads for the world famous resorts of Châteaux d’Oex and Gstaad before reaching Zweisimmen. The trip continues towards Interlaken and Lucerne. Chocolate Train: Route: Montreux to Gruyeres and Cheese factory – Broc and Nestle Chocolate Factory. The Swiss Chocolate Train is a joint-venture of GoldenPass Services and Cailler-Nestlé. The Panoramic roundtrip from Montreux on the Swiss Riviera takes you to Gruyeres, home of the famous Gruyeres cheese and Nestle chocolate factory.

swiss rail packages Tops of Switzerland – 5 days Day 1 Interlaken Travel from any Swiss airport or border to Interlaken. Overnight. Day 2 Interlaken Excursion to Jungfraujoch “Top of Switzerland” by mountain railway. Overnight. Day 3 Interlaken - Luzern Travel from Interlaken to Luzern by Golden Pass Panoramic (boat ride included from Interlaken to Brienz. Overnight. Day 4 Luzern Excursion to Mount Pilatus. By train or boat to Alpnachstad and by the steepest cogwheel railway to the top (known as the Dragon Mountain). Cable car from Kriens is included. For the Mount Pilatus excursion, travelers will receive a “Pilatus Ticket” at the mountain railway stations in Alpnachstad or Kriens upon presentation of their Swiss Transfer Ticket. Overnight Day 5 Luzern Travel to any Swiss airport or Swiss border.

Top of Europe & Titlis – 5 days Day 1 Interlaken Transfer from any Swiss airport or border to Interlaken. Overnight. Day 2 Interlaken Excursion to Jungfraujoch included. Overnight. Day 3 Interlaken - Luzern Travel from Interlaken to Luzern – on GoldenPass line. Overnight. Day 4 Luzern Excursion to Engleberg and Mt Titlis included. Overnight. Day 5 Luzern Transfer from Luzern to Swiss airport or border or continue your stay in Switzerland at your own request.

Bernina Express – From glaciers to palms Bernina Express - the historic line . The most beautiful way of crossing the Alps: the Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway. The railway connects northern and southern Europe in a uniquely beautiful way. This amazing experience, which offers views of mighty gla-

ciers and a link between the towering beauty of the Alps and the joie de vivre of the Latin south, can be enjoyed on the Bernina Express. Since summer 2008, the section between Thusis and Tirano has been classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A trademark.

Information/Reservation/Sales: Rhaetian Railway, Railservice www.rhb.ch

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D IN I LADieNSchweiz in MiniaM NI tur R a La AT E iniatur Su Z iss e T in m •

River Cruises Experience the heart of the world’s most enchanting destinations by taking a river cruise in Europe. Let your mind wander and choose from the cruise of your dreams.

COSMOS

Avalon Waterways • Romantic Rhine - 7 nights/8 days Uniworld Boutique River Cruise • Rhine Discovery - 7 nights/8 days

A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Director.

Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: • • •

where to stay • • •

Besides the regular 3 to 5 star hotels. Apartments are most sought after and work very well for families. Holiday Villas Swiss Luxury Boutique Hotels like: • Badrutt’s Palace • Baur – au – Lac • Beau Rivage Palace • Gstaad Palace • Victoria Jungfraujoch Grand & Spa

Grand Tour of Switzerland – 8 days Grand Tour of Switzerland with Interlaken and Top of Europe Train – 15 days Scenic Switzerland by Train – 9 days

GLOBUS Every Journey Tells A Story Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: • The Best of Switzerland – 8 days • The Best of Austria and Switzerland – 11 days

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cruises from switzerland

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Zurich and Appenzell – 5 days Day 1 Zurich – Rhine Falls Schaffhausen Arrive in Zurich. Check in and take a train to Schaffhausen to see the dramatic Rhine Falls the largest waterfall in Europe. Overnight. Day 2 Zurich – Appenzell – Cave Chapel Breakfast. Take a train to Appenzell. After check in explore the little town of Appenzell on your own. The “Wildkirchli” cave chapel, which appears to claw dramatically to the rock, can be reached on foot in only 15 minutes by walking. Overnight.

Open daily from mid March to end October.

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food

www.swissminiatur.ch MELIDE - LUGANO - tel. +41 (0)91 640 10 60 - [email protected]

Day 3 Appenzell – Mount Santis Breakfast. See Mount Santis at 2502 meters above sea level, it is the highest mountain in the area, Enjoy a gorgeous view of the Swiss Alps all the way through to Austrian and German Alps. Overnight. Day 4 Appenzell: Zurich Alpamare Water Park Breakfast. Travel back to Zurich. Check in and proceed for your day at Alpamare Water Park. Overnight. Day 5 Zurich. Breakfast. Check out.

Honeymoon in Switzerland – 8 days Day 1 Zurich Arrive Zurich and check in at your hotel. Explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Zurich. Day 2 Zurich - Rhine Falls Schaffhausen – Golden Pass Line Interlaken Breakfast. Train to Schaffhausen to see the majestic Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe. In the afternoon, board the scenic Golden Pass Train and arrive Interlaken. Evening at leisure. Overnight. Day 3 Interlaken Breakfast at your hotel. Spend the day at leisure or take an excursion by mountain train to Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe. Overnight.

Day 4 Interlaken - Luzern Breakfast. Take a train to Lucerne and visit Chapel Bridge, Lion monument, Mount Titlis at 10,000 ft by mountain train. Overnight. Day 5 Interlaken Breakfast. Visit the Ballenberg Open Air Museum and see the traditional Swiss village. Overnight. Day 6 Interlaken to Zermatt – Gornergrat Breakfast. Take a train to the car - free resort town of Zermatt. An overnight stay here is truly an experience, with an exceptional view of 38 mountains over 4,000 meters high and of the sparkling Glaciers of Monte Rosa. Overnight. Day 7 Zermatt Breakfast. Day at leisure. Overnight. Day 8 Zermatt Breakfast at the hotel. Check out.

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Welcome to scintillating St. Moritz, embedded in the inspiring Engadin valley. St. Moritz is famous worldwide for its sublime location, its calendar of glamorous and thrilling events, its top class hotels and restaurants, its seductive shopping with world-famous labels and its legendary "champagne climate".

For more information please visit www.engadin.stmoritz.ch For bookings and reservations contact Trail Blazer Tours at 022 61940931 – 939 or [email protected]

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Southern Europe

Greece

Greece, surrounded by the Aegean and the Ionian Sea, is renowned for its beautiful rugged landscape, untouched gems, endless coastlines and cosmopolitan islands. Its archaeological and historical sites gloriously depict the country’s past. Go back in time as you discover Greek mythology, tales of heroism and the battles of the gods. Take a cruise in the Greek islands. Go island hopping to Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Crete, Ios, Corfu, Samos, Skiathos.

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Thessaloniki

Corfu

GREECE Athens

Crete

destination information Capital: Athens Official Language: Greek Government Constitutional: Parliamentary Republic Currency: Euro Time Difference: Summer April – October. 2 hours 30 minutes behind India. Winter November – March. 3 hours 30 minutes behind India. Electricity: Most power sockets are designed for 2 round pin plugs.

good to know Best Time to Visit : April to October Cuisine : Greek cuisine is a wonderful mix of dishes that appeal to all tastes. Greece is also known for its olives and olive oil. Some Greeks favorites are the Souvlaki - roast meat in pita bread, fish or shell fish, Moussaka, Dolmadakia, Tzatziki and the famous pastry Baklava. Cheeses are made in various regions and amongst the well known ones are Feta and Haloumi. Anise flavored Ouzo, Metaxa, a blend of brandy and Greek wines are local favorites. Shopping: Plaka and Kolonaki, are the best shopping areas in Athens. Santorini is famous for local wines and pottery, Mykonos is known for jewellery. Buy locally woven rugs, pottery, ceramics, antiques, lace, olive wood artifacts, garments and knitwear, local wines and spirits.

nightlife Greek nightlife lasts longer with cozy cafes around Athens’s centre and an the incredible amount of bars and clubs. In Athens, the main areas are Kolonaki, Exarchia, Glyfada, Kifissia, Thision and Psiri. Santorini, Patras and Mykonos are party islands in summertime.

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things to do and see

escorted tours

ATHENS

COSMOS

Half Day City Tour This tour includes the Stadium Panatenaico, site of the first Modern Olympic Games, the Zeus Temple, the Parliament with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Museum of Coins, the Catholic Cathedral, Schliemann’s House (he discovered Troy). Visit the famous Acropolis.

Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality

Delphi – Full Day Excursion Drive to Thebes, (connected with the tragedy of King Oedipus) and Arachova. Arrive at Delphi, the centre of the ancient world and see the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, visit the Treasury, the Temple of Apollo and the Museum containing ancient masterpieces like the sculpture of Bronze Charioteer and more. Return to Athens. Cape Sounion Drive along the coastal road to the southernmost point of Attica, Cape Sounion, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand. En route, enjoy a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf. Visit the Temple of Poseidon. Return to Athens. Saronic Full Day Cruise to Aegina, Poros & Hydra Cruise to the 3 islands in the Saronic Gulf. Aegina, the biggest one, inhabited since the second millennium BC with two major archeological sites, the Church of Saint Nektarios and the Temple of Aphaia. Continue to Poros, the smallest island, full of pine and lemon trees. Enjoy lunch on board. Hydra, with its unique architecture and small shops offering jewellery and folk art. Return to Athens.

cruises The Greek Isles are a wonderful cruise destination. The best time to cruise here is in late spring/early summer and autumn. Globus Cruise Tours offer a combination of land and cruise tours. Major cruise lines like Costa, Holland America, Princess Cruises sail from Athens and Rhodes to the Mediterranean, Baltic, Turkey and the Holy Land. Luxury cruise lines like the Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Cunard and Silver Sea offer the ultimate in cruising experience.

A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Director.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: • Greek Odyssey – 8 days • The Best of Greece – 10 days

GLOBUS Every Journey Tells A Story Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: • Classical Greece – 8 days • Greek Island Hopper - 10 days • Foot Steps of Apostle Paul – 10 days

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greece by rail Unlimited travel by rail all over Greece. Convenient and flexible rail passes of different durations make your trip easy. Buy your rail pass from TBi before you leave home.

Choose your Pass:

where to stay Besides the regular 3 to 5 star hotels and luxury beach resorts, enjoy a stay in a Greek villa. Each one is unique and extremely well maintained. Brilliant white houses of the Cyclades, neo-classical mansions of the Saronic Gulf, traditional mountain retreats, a converted windmill or an old stone home in a village. We recommend: • Cape Sounio Villa – Athens • Mykonos Blu – Mykonos • Corfu Imperial – Corfu • Olympia Riviera Resort – Peloponnese • Amirandes – Crete • Creta Palace – Crete

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Greece Rail Pass Balkan Flexipass Eurail Regional Pass Eurail Select Pass Eurail Global Pass

suggested itineraries Ultimate in Greece – 9 days Day 1 Athens Arrive and transfer to the hotel of your choice. Overnight. Day 2 Athens: Half Day City Tour Breakfast. Depart to see the major sites like the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Museum of Coins, the Cathedral, Schliemann’s House (he discovered Troy) and more. Overnight. Day 3 Athens – Mykonos Breakfast. Transfer to Mykonos by flight/ferry. Transfer to the hotel. Mykonos is the most sophisticated of the Greek Islands. Overnight. Day 4 Mykonos Breakfast. Meet Petros the Pelican, the official mascot of Mykonos, known for its windmills. Visit the Paraportian church, the central feature of the castle area, the oldest section of town. Overnight. Day 5 Mykonos – Delos Tour Breakfast. Take a short boat ride to Delos. Roam the ruins of a city that was inhabited 1000 years ago. Delos can only be visited until 3

pm. Return to Mykonos. Overnight. Day 6 Mykonos - Santorini Breakfast. Transfer to Mykonos port to embark the ferry or hydrofoil for Santorini. Arrive and transfer to the hotel of your choice. Dine at a cliff side restaurant and take in the view of the volcano. Overnight. Day 7 Santorini Breakfast. Explore the streets of Fira on your own or visit the famous black sand beaches. Watch a glorious sunset at Oia. Overnight. Day 8 Santorini Breakfast. Take an optional boat trip to Nea Kameni, the volcano in the centre of the caldera. Also visit the hot springs behind the volcano, and swim in the healing waters. Overnight. Day 9 Santorini – Athens After breakfast, transfer to the airport to depart for Athens.

Best of Olympia & Meteora – 5 days Day 1 Athens – Epidaurus - Mycenae - Olympia Travel to the Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel. Drive to Epidaurus, visit the archaeological site and the Theatre. Visit the archaeological site at Mycenae and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Overnight. Day 2 Olympia - Delphi Breakfast. Olympia - archaeological site of the ancient Olympic Games and the museum of Olympia. Drive to Rio, cross the channel to Antirio across the new suspension bridge, the longest in Europe. Overnight. Day 3 Delphi – Kalambaka Breakfast. Checkout. Visit the archaeological site of Delphi, centre of the ancient world, also the Treasury, the Temple of Apollo, and the Museum of ancient Greek sculpture: the Bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete, Aghiasand. Arrive in Kalambaka. Overnight. Day 4 Kalambaka – Meteora - Athens Breakfast. Depart for Meteora, one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece. Meteora means ‘suspended in air’. 9th century hermits first settled in the caves and fissures of the rocks. Overnight in Athens. Day 5 Athens Breakfast. Check out of your hotel.

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Southern Europe

Italy

This is the land of Fiats, Vespas, Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo, Gucci, Prada and pizzas. From fashion-conscious Milan to culture-rich Florence, from the fervor of Rome to the winding canals of Venice, Italy offers history and culture everywhere you go. Enjoy delicious cuisine and wines, beautiful countryside and exquisite art.

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Milan Florence

Venice

ITALY Rome Naples

Pompeii

Sicily

destination information Capital: Rome Official Language: Italian Government Constitutional: Republic Currency: Euro Time Difference: Summer April – October. 3 hours 30 minutes behind India.

good to know Best Time to Visit : April to October Cuisine : Italian cuisine means pizza, pasta, tomato sauce and herbs. Amongst the more than 400 types of cheese, the most well known are Parmesan, Mozzarella and Asiago. Try Risotto a rice dish, rich with herbs and creamy sauce, ossobuco - veal shanks, panetonne fruit bread. Renowned wines like the Chianti, Tuscany, Marsala and Grappa come from Italy, as does the Gelato ice cream.

Winter November – March. 4 hours 30 minutes behind India.

Shopping: The biggest names in Italian Fashion – Ferdi, Valentino, Bulgari hail from Rome. Some of the most well known brands like Prada, Armani, Versace, Ferragamo, Cavalli and Gucci originated in Italy. Shop at the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti, Via del Corso and Via Cola di Rienzo. Department stores like the La Rinascente, Coin, Upin and Standa are found in many Italian cities and towns.

Electricity: Most power sockets are designed for 2 round pin plugs.

Some of the must buys are clothes, lace work, leather goods, hand painted ceramics, gold and silver items, Murano glass, crystal ware, Venetian masks, Italian sauces, wines and cheeses.

nightlife In Rome, the area around Piazza Navona and Via della Pace has elegant cafes and wine bars. Campo De Fiori, Trastevere and San Lorenzo are places are popular with the local young crowd. Drink, eat and dance at places in the Testaccio/Ostiense area.

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things to do and see MILAN City Tour with Last Supper Visit the famous Scala museum and theatre. Stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele the world’s oldest arcade, to Piazza Fontana. Continue on foot to view the Palazzo Reale, visit the breathtaking Duomo and the courtyard of magnificent Sforzesco Castle. Drive by coach past many of Milan’s most important monuments brought to life by your guide. See Leonardo da Vinci’s great masterpiece - The Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie abbey. Lake Como and Bellagio Drive to the picturesque lakeside town of Como, famed for the production of silk. A walking tour of the city with a local guide includes a visit to the Cathedral. At noon, enjoy a boat cruise on the lake of Bellagio with optional lunch. Visit the village.

VENICE Gondola Serenade (evening tour) Join a flotilla of gondolas gathered around a barge containing musicians and singers and float along the fascinating Grand Canal, past the illuminated facades of the sumptuous ‘Palazzos’. Half Day to Murano, Burano & Torcello Sail past San Giorgio Maggiore island, the Public Gardens, Sant’Elena and the Lido beach resort to arrive in Murano, famous for its glass manufacturing industry. Visit one of the factories. Next, visit the picturesque island of Burano, famous not only for its lace but also for the fishermen’s houses painted in bright colors. Cruise to Torcello where only the Cathedral with its magnificent mosaics and Santa Fosca church remain today. Return to St.Mark’s Square.

FLORENCE Best of Florence Walking Tour From the Ponte Vecchio bridge learn the fascinating history of

Florence, visit Piazza della Repubblica. Enter the Duomo, the astounding Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Enjoy a delicious homemade Italian gelato. Visit the Accademia Gallery and marvel at Michelangelo’s statues of the Slaves and his magnificent 17 foot marble masterpiece, the David. The Best of Tuscany with Leaning Tower of Pisa From Florence visit Siena, San Gimignano, the Chianti countryside and Pisa all in one day by coach. Your guide will show you the most important places of the town - Santa Maria della Scala church (outside view), the Cathedral (inside visit) and Piazza del Campo. Drive to a wine estate in the Sienese hills, where a D.O.C.G Chianti wine is produced and enjoy a delicious Tuscan lunch. Drive to nearby San Gimignano and discover this jewel by yourself. Drive past enchanting countryside to Pisa. See the Field of Miracles where you will admire the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the world famous Leaning Tower. Return to Florence. Excursion to Pisa Leave Florence through the picturesque Tuscan countryside towards the university city of Pisa, famous for its architectural beauty. Enjoy a guided tour of Piazza dei Miracoli and the celebrated Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, the Baptistery and other important monuments. Walk to Piazza dei Cavalieri, where the famous Scuola Normale is located. Return to Florence.

ROME Tour of Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms Discover one of the world’s most extensive art collections with an expert local guide. See Michelangelo’s famous Creation of Adam at the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms. See Saint Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s masterpiece, ‘La Pieta’. Admire magnificent Saint Peter’s Square and Bernini’s ingenious use of optical illusion.

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Ancient Rome with Coliseum Crossing the Quirinal Square, arrive at Piazza Venezia with its Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. Walk up to Capitol Square, designed by Michelangelo for a magnificent view of the Roman Forum. Visit the Coliseum where 55,000 gladiators once fought in combat. Pass the Pyramid Cestia, visit St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. to see the tomb of the Apostle of the people.

Excursion to Agrigento & Piazza Armerina On this spectacular full day classical tour first visit Agrigento where the evocative temples of Juno, Concordia, Hercules, Zeus and others rise up majestically. In the afternoon continue to Piazza Armerina to visit the Roman “Villa del Casale.” Its mosaic floors are among the most impressive of Roman mosaics. Return to Taormina.

Naples – Capri - Anacapri Travel to Naples and board the jetfoil for the island of Capri. Visit the Blue Grotto, (weather permitting) where sunlight, passes through an underwater cavity and shines through the seawater, creating a blue reflection that illuminates the cavern. Return to Marina Grande and proceed by minibus to Anacapri for lunch and a bit of shopping. Return to Marina Grande to embark for Naples.

italy by rail

NAPLES Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Visit the Pompeii Excavations and admire the ancient Roman city preserved by the ashes of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius (79 A.D). Visit a cameo factory and after lunch proceed to the Amalfi coast for a panoramic tour (without guide). If time allows, briefly stop in Positano, Amalfi and Ravello to enjoy the beauty of this famous coastline before returning to Naples.

CINQUE TERRE (the Five Lands or the Five Villages) The Cinque Terre is made up of five small villages on the “Costa Ligure of Levante”. The villages from north to south are: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The five villages were only accessed by the outside world about 100 years ago, when the railway line was built.

SICILY Taormina Excursion to Mount Etna Travel from Taormina up the slopes of the active Mt. Etna to 1,900 meters to explore the Craters of Silvestri. After lunch, trek and take photos or ascend to the main crater by cable car and jeep.

Unlimited travel by rail all over Italy. Convenient and flexible rail passes of different durations make your trip easy. Buy your rail pass from TBi before you leave home.

Choose your Pass: • • • • • • •

Eurail Italy Pass Artesia – Day and Night Trains Italy – Feccia Rossa Brenner Eurocity – Germany and Italy Eurail Regional Pass Eurail Select Pass Eurail Global Pass

cruises from italy Pick any major cruise line and you’ll find cruises to Italy featured. Most of the cruises depart from 2 main ports which are Savonna in Milan and Cicitavecchia in Rome. Passengers can also embark on a cruise from Messina in Sicily, Bari, Genoa, Venice, Trieste – Ancona and Livorno in Florence. Cruise lines like Costa, Holland America, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises Royal Caribbean international sail from Italy to the Mediterranean, Baltic , Turkey and right up to the Holy Land. Luxury cruise lines like the Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Cunard, Celebrity Cruises and Silver Sea offer the ultimate in cruising experience.

where to stay Besides the regular 3 to 5 star hotels, villas stays in Tuscany are a unique experience. Use your villa as a base for sightseeing, and enjoy privacy and unique amenities. You can rent a whole villa for a reunion or just stay in a room at a villa. Choose from: • Chianti – Villa Umiliati • Impruneta – Villa Casale • Lamole – Villa Villino • Lucca – Villa Menocchi • Rignano/Florence – Villa Castello di Volognano

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escorted tours

suggested itineraries

COSMOS

Naples - 3 days

Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality

Day 1 Naples: City Tour Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a half day afternoon city tour of Naples. Walk through the city centre and admire Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace, the Maschio Angioino, Piazza del Gesu’, S. Chiara, Gesu’ Nuovo and Spaccanapoli. Then enjoy a panoramic coach tour passing through Posillipo, via Caracciolo and Castel dell’Ovo. Overnight.

A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Director.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: • The Splendors of Italy – 9 days • Italy’s Best – 13 days • Southern Italy & Sicily – 16 days

GLOBUS Every Journey Tells A Story Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: • • • •

Italy’s Great Cities - 8 days A Taste of Italy – 7 days Northern Italy’s Highlights & Cinque Terre – 10 days The Best of Italy & Sicily – 15 days

Day 2 Naples – Capri & Anacapri Breakfast. We shall proceed for the tour of Capri and Anacapri. Board the jet hydrofoil to visit the Island of Capri. Weather permitting we will visit the Blue Grotto a miracle of equilibrium between water, light and reflections of the wonderful sea floor. Arrive Capri and see the sights of this romantic island. Admire the Marina Grande, Anacapri, the Gardens of Augustus, Via Tragara and Via Camerelle. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Naples. Overnight. Day 3 Naples Breakfast. Transfer to the station or airport.

Milan - 3 days Day 1 Milan On arrival, private transfer by car to your hotel. Day free. Overnight. Day 2 Milan: City Tour including Last Supper painting Breakfast. Enjoy a guided afternoon city tour and visit the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie to see the famous Last Supper painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. Visit the Scala museum and theatre, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza Fontana. See the Palazzo Reale and visit the breathtaking Duomo and the courtyard of magnificent Sforzesco Castle. Drive by coach past many of Milan’s most important sights. Overnight. Day 3 Milan Breakfast. Private car transfer to the airport/station.

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Venice & Rome – 5 days

world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Visit the Basilica of St. Peter’s to admire the ‘Pieta’ by Michelangelo. Overnight.

Day 1 Venice Arrive Venezia, Queen of the Adriatic, city of canals and palaces. Transfer to hotel. In the evening Gondola ride along the canals past palaces and churches whilst the gondoliers serenade you. Overnight.

Day 4 Rome – Vatican Museum: Imperial Rome Tour Breakfast. Tour the Vatican City and the Vatican Museum. After lunch, tour Imperial Rome to see the Piazza Venezia, the Capitol Square, the Roman Forum and visit Palatine and the Roman Forum; see the Arch of Constantine and visit the Coliseum. Overnight.

Day 2 Venice: Island Tour Breakfast. Proceed to the island of Murano to see the antique art of glass blowing. Then visit the island of Burano, famous for its exquisite lace making. Stop at the island of Torcello with its old Cathedral. Return to St Mark’s Square. Overnight. Day 3 Venice – Rome: City Tour Breakfast. Depart for Rome. Arrive, check in at your hotel and leave for a city tour. See the magnificent St. Peter’s Square. and the Navona Square with Bernini’s famous Fountain of Four Rivers, Piazza della Rotonda with the mysterious Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and end at the Spanish Steps. Return to your hotel on your own. Overnight.

testimonial In all, our trip to Italy was excellent. My cousins from Canada also liked the arrangements and have asked me to compliment you all. Look forward to more trips arranged by you. -- Navaz Bharucha, Mumbai

Day 5 Rome – Pompeii – Sorrento Early breakfast. Depart for Pompeii, destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Visit the site of the excavations. Late in the afternoon, drive 2 hours to Sorrento. Check in at your hotel. Overnight. Day 6 Sorrento: Excursion to Capri Breakfast. Depart for a full day tour of Capri by boat. Weather and sea conditions permitting, visit the beautiful Blue Grotto. After lunch on your own, visit Augustus’ Gardens. Return to Sorrento. Overnight.

Day 4 Rome – Vatican Museum Breakfast. Visit the fabulous Vatican Museum. The tour begins at Piazza della Repubblica. En route, see the famous Villa Borghese Park, Piazza del Popolo and its Egyptian obelisk. Your guide will lead you into the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. Overnight.

Day 7 Sorrento – Assisi - Siena – Florence Early breakfast. Depart for Assisi, the mystic town of Saint Francis. Visit the Basilica of Saint Francis with its early Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. On to Siena, the beautiful medieval city renowned for the Palio. Overnight in Florence.

Day 5 Rome Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport/railway station.

Day 8 Florence: Panoramic Tour Breakfast. Tour the cradle of the Renaissance. Begin at the Piazza del Duomo and see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John, the Academy of Fine Arts Gallery housing the “David” by Michelangelo and Santa Croce. Overnight.

The Jewels of Italy – 11 days Day 1 Milan – Bologna – San Marino On arrival in Milan depart for San Marino via Bologna, one of Italy’s most important art cities. Enjoy a short stop at this fascinating medieval town. Drive to San Marino, the world’s smallest and oldest independent Republic, founded as a Christian sanctuary. Overnight. Day 2 San Marino – Perugia - Rome Breakfast. Drive to Perugia, a charming university town. Visit the impressive Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Priori. Overnight in Rome. Day 3 Rome: City Tour Breakfast. Enjoy a guided city tour. Pass through the Via Veneto, Trevi Fountain and continue to Piazza Navona. Also see the Pantheon, the

Day 9 Florence – Padua – Venice Breakfast. Depart for Padua to visit the famous Cathedral of St. Anthony, guarded by Donatello’s “Gattamelata”. Continue to Venice. Enjoy a walking tour and see the Square and Basilica of St. Mark with the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the prisons. In the evening take a romantic gondola ride. Overnight. Day 10 Venice – Murano, Burano, Torcello Breakfast. Visit the 3 main islands Murano famous for its glass making, Burano for its exquisite lace and Torcello for mosaics. Overnight. Day 11 Venice Breakfast. Transfer to the airport/station.

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Southern Europe

Malta The island of Malta is the largest of the 3 major islands of the Maltese archipelago. Malta is in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea directly south of Italy and north of Libya. Valletta, the capital, can also be reached by ferry from Italy. Delve into Malta’s mysterious prehistory, retrace the footsteps of St Paul or see where the Knights of St John defended Christendom. With 7,000 years of history, the sites to visit are endless - Megalithic temples, underground catacombs, churches and forts are not to be missed.

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Gozo

MALTA Valletta

destination information Capital: Valletta Official Language: Maltese & English Government Constitutional: Parliamentary Republic Currency: Euro Time Difference: Summer April – October. 4 hours 30 minutes behind India. Winter November – March. 3 hours 30 minutes behind India. Electricity: Most power sockets are designed for 2 round pin plugs.

good to know Best Time to Visit: April to October Cuisine: Maltese food is rustic in character, full of the flavor and color typical of the central Mediterranean and North African regions. Try Gbejniet, a goat cheese, Imqaret – date pastries, starters like Bigilla, a pate, pastizzi, pastry with ricotta; Look out for Lampuki (fish) Pie, Bragioli (beef olives), Kapunata, (ratatouille), Aljotta (fish soup), Ross il–form a baked rice dish, and Timpana - a rich pasta baked with meat. Grape varieties grown here include the indigenous varieties Gellewza (red) and Ghirgentina (white), and several international varieties. Marsovin’s Cassar de Malte is the traditional sparkling wine of Malta. Shopping: Pick up Malta weaves, pottery, hand crafted glass, ceramics, dolls, lace, copper and brass items. Malta is renowned for its gold and silver filigree work and handmade lace.

nightlife Most holiday resorts offer excellent nightclubs in Malta’s ‘party capital’, Paceville. Casinos can be found in Qawra and St Julians/Paceville offering live music and theme nights with buffet food. Smart dress code is usually required. ID/Passport will be required on your first visit.

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things to do and see

where to stay

MALTA

You will find a vast selection of hotels on the Maltese Islands, ranging from the larger internationally-branded resorts to the small family-run boutique hotels; from coastal establishments located within walking distance from the beach, to rustic residences situated more inland, to city hotels. Central Malta offers a variety of dining and entertainment. Most of the 5 star hotels are also located in St. Julians and Sliema.

Valletta Full Day Tour Depart pier and drive to Valletta Gate. Walk to and visit Upper Barrakka Gardens. Proceed to Republic Street and see the Ancient Theater Ruins. Visit to St John’s Co-Cathedral followed by Grand Masters Palace and Fine Arts Museum. At Fort St. Elmo see the excellent multimedia presentation called “The Malta Experience”. After the show continue your walk along the old city’s bastions before returning to the pier. Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk Market Visit the south of the island, the Blue Grotto and other grottoes. Visit a modernized quarry and the main fishing village of Marsaxlokk, site of the first Turkish landing. Browse around the local market stalls. Mdina Half Day Sightseeing Tour – Half Day Walk in the ‘silent city’ of the old capital of Mdina, visit the imposing bastions for a panoramic view. Proceed to Dingli Cliffs, before commencing to the Botanic Gardens of San Anton. Mediterraneo Marine Park Transfer by coach from your pick up point to the Mediterraneo Marine Park, a great place for adults and children. Enjoy a Dolphin show, see a funny educational show by sea lions and don’t miss out on the new attraction - the Parrot Show! Gozo Full Day Sightseeing Arrive in Gozo, a three hilled island, greener and more picturesque than Malta by ferry. Visit the Azur Window at Dwejra, the citadel in Victoria, the Temples of Ggantija and the Bay of Xlendi. Knights of Malta Dinner Show An action-packed spectacular musical dinner show, with 50 talented performers and 8 trained horses! Enjoy a 3 course dinner with free flowing wine, as the world famous Knights of St John, clad in shining armor, ride their proud steeds to battle the colorful warriors of Suleiman the Magnificent in the epic siege of 1565.

suggested itineraries Complete Malta – 6 days Day 1 Valletta Arrive at Malta. Check in at the hotel in the centrally located St. Julian’s region. Enjoy your evening at the Spanish Canas Y Tapas Restaurant, for dinner with a Malta extravaganza folklore show. Overnight. Day 2 Valletta: Full Day City Tour Breakfast. Enjoy a guided full day tour of the capital city, Valletta. Evening free to visit casinos, night-clubs on your own. Overnight Day 3 Valletta: Full Day Mdina, Rabat & Mosta Tour Breakfast. Visit Mdina, Rabat & Mosta. The tour includes Roman Catacombs, Roman Villa, Dingli Cliffs via Buskett Gardens, Crafts Village of Ta`Qali and Mosta Dome. Overnight. Day 4 Valletta: Full Day Tour of the 3 Cities Breakfast. Discover the Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. After lunch proceed to Blue Grotto. Overnight. Day 5 Malta Breakfast. Day is at leisure. Overnight. Day 6 Malta After breakfast, transfer to airport.

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Malta – 4 days

THE RITZCARLTON, PENHA LONGA

Day 1 Malta Arrive at Malta airport and transfer. Check in at your hotel in the popular centrally located St. Julian’s region. Overnight. Day 2 Harbor Cruise: Marsaxlokk - Tarxien Temples - Hagar Qim Breakfast. Depart for a morning cruise of Valletta harbor. Enjoy the afternoon tour to Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village with a lovely market and visit the prehistoric sites of Malta including Tarxien Temples and Hagar Qim. Overnight. Day 3 Valletta: Capital City Tour Breakfast. Enjoy a full day guided tour of the capital city. Visit the Upper Barracca Gardens, St. John’s Cathedral. Stop for a photo at Grand Masters Palace. End with a stop at the Malta Experience, a multi-vision show that depicts the Island`s history. Overnight. Day 4 Afternoon Departure Breakfast. Transfer to airport.

With 194 rooms including 17 suites and located within a 545-acre national Park on the southern Sintra Mountains, Penha Longa Resort is a breathtakingly beautiful location which encompasses a luxurious hotel, a nineteenth century palace originally founded as a monastery in the fourteenth century, two spectacular golf courses and a stunning Six Senses Spa. Once the retreat for the Royal Family of Portugal, Penha Longa lies just 16 miles (30 minutes drive) from downtown Lisbon, or a ten-minute drive from the beaches of Estoril and Cascais.

www.penhalonga.com

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Spain: Hot-blooded Spain has produced some of the world’s greatest painters, sculptors and architects. Explore the beaches, islands, coastal areas and mountain ranges and discover the essence of Spain - colourful festivals, buzzing tapas bars, wonderful museums, magnificent medieval castles and mouth-watering cuisine. See a fiery Flamenco, sip sangria by the beach, go bargain-hunting at a flea market or party the night away at a disco.

Southern Europe

Spain & Portugal Portugal: A land of explorers in the 16th century, Portugal is today a country of sleepy villages, historic cities, an impressive coastline and rolling hillsides covered with olive groves and vineyards. Savor simple, traditional food, listen to a soulful fado, sip a glass of port, walk down medieval alleyways. Historical Lisbon, Sintra with its palaces and castles and charming Porto are the top three places to visit. The world famous Shrine of Fatima, old monasteries like Alcobaça or luxurious palaces like Mafra or Queluz are not to be missed.

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Porto

SPAIN & PORTUGAL Madrid

Lisbon Seville

Barcelona Cordoba

good to know Best Time to Visit : Spain & Portugal – April to October

destination information Capital: Spain – Madrid Portugal – Lisbon Official Language: Spain – Spanish Portugal – Portuguese Government Constitutional: Spain – Constitutional Monarchy Portugal – Republic Currency: Spain & Portugal – Euro Time Difference: Summer: April – October 3 hours and 30 minutes behind India Winter: November – March 4 hours and 30 minutes behind India Electricity: Most power sockets require 2-pin round plugs.

Cuisine : Spain: Try the Tapas or appetizers with beer or wine, Gazpacho - a cold tomato soup, Paella – a saffron sea food/meat rice dish, Tortilla de Patata – a potato omelet, Jamon Serrano- cured ham, Chorizo – spiced sausage and the Turron – A nougat made of honey and toasted almonds. Spain is the third largest producer of wine in the world. Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines are the most popular. Portugal: The cuisine is richly flavored. Classic dishes are Sardinhas Assadas – charcal grilled sardines, Alcatra – roast beef marinated in red wine and garlic. Portugal produces an abundant variety of different wines. Port, Douro, Moscatel, Alentejo, Bairrada and Dao wines are the most famous. Shopping: Spain: Pick up a Picasso print, a sculpture or a relic, red wine, traditional shawls and mantillas and olive oil. In Barcelona, the Avenida Diagonal and Paseo de Gracia areas, the Gotico and El Born areas are famous for shopping. Madrid’s Salamanca area with Serrano and Ortega y Gasset streets is home to prestigious brands. Seville’s old town is full of traditional shops offering craft items, shawls and mantillas. Portugal: Must buys are Fado CDs, football memorabilia, vintage port, handcrafted ceramics, tiles and lace, cork products and shoes. Lisbon remains Western Europe’s least expensive capital. Wander around the traditional and specialist shops in Baixa. For high fashion brands, head to Avenida da Liberdade. In Porto, Zara, H&M, Mango are on Rua de Santa Catarina which also has a great shopping mall. Avenida da Boavista offers big labels.

nightlife Spain: Spain is synonymous with high spirits and a fantastic nightlife. In Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, Granada, Ibiza and the Costa del Sol there are host of restaurants, bars, concert venues, pubs and clubs open till dawn. Portugal: In Lisbon, the best DJs play at the Docas, by the banks of the River Tagus. In Porto, have fun in the Ribeira district overlooking the River Douro, or carry on to Matosinhos and Vila Nova de Gaia and dance till dawn. Have dinner to the sound of the Fado.

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things to do and see SPAIN - BARCELONA Barcelona City Tour & Sagrada Familia Follow the footsteps of Gaudi. Go through the Eixample district, admire the masterpieces of the architects of Modernisme, Catalonia’s home-grown art nouveau. The tour includes views from the coach of Casa Batllo, Casa Mila and ends at Parque Guell a garden complex. See Gaudi’s architectural creations and Museo Guell here. On the way back, see Gaudi’s famous unfinished masterpiece the Sagrada Familia church. Montserrat & Sitges Visit the 11th century Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat where the Virgin of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia, is worshiped at the shrine in the Royal Basilica. At Sitges relax on the beach, stroll along the promenade and go shopping. Port Aventura – The Theme Park Port Aventura theme park caters to all ages with five fascinating worlds in one package in Salou, one hour from Barcelona. Experience the wonderful cultures of China, Polynesia, Mexico, Far West and Mediterranean with fun rides and adventures.

SPAIN - MADRID Madrid City Tour View Plaza de Espana, Royal Palace, Plaza de Oriente, Plaza de la Cibeles, Puerta de Alcala and Gran Via from the coach. Visit the Prado Museum to see the masterpieces by El Greco, Velazquez and Goya as well as the gold century great artists including Ribera, Zurbaran and Murillo and the Italian painting by Tiziano. Avila-Segovia Avila, encircled by 11th century walls looks like a great castle. See Romanesque churches, Gothic palaces and a fortified Cathedral from the 12th century. Visit the Basilica San Vicente and St Teresa’s Convent. St Teresa de Jesus, the greatest mystic of the Catholic Church was born in Avila.

Segovia was an important military city of the Romans. It was the summer residence of some of Castilla’s kings and is preserved as a notable medieval center. Visit the Cathedral and the famous Alcazar, a spectacular castle. Best of Toledo Full Day Toledo, once the capital of Spain is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Christian, Jewish and Muslim cultures coexisted here. Visit the St Tome Church, Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue, San Juan de los Reyes Church, Museo Victorio Macho and the Cathedral on a walking tour.

SPAIN - SEVILLE Classic Seville Guided Tour Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain. See the Plaza de Espana, visit the Cathedral, La Giralda and the Orange tree courtyard, the Santa Cruz Quarter. Seville By Night with Flamenco Show Enjoy a breathtaking evening at El Patio Sevillano watching a fantastic Flamenso performance with different flamenco styles through song, guitar and dance. Feel the true passion of flamenco. Granada & Alhambra Palace Granada, has a marvelous multicultural legacy. Visit the Nazarian city, the Alhambra, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, where every inch squared is a work of art. See the magnificent palaces, grand halls, rooms and exquisite gardens. Walk through the impressive Generalife gardens with an official guide.

SPAIN - VALENCIA Valencia Walking Tour Visit the Cathedral; view the magnificent Gothic building of La Lonja (the silk exchange), the baroque Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken and the Central Market, one of the largest in Europe. See the Santa Catalina Tower and Round Square.

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PORTUGAL - LISBON Lisbon City Tour Drive across the 25th April Bridge to Belem, the historical section of Lisbon and see the Torre de Belem, a jewel of manueline art. See the modern Padrao dos Descobrimentos. Visit the church of Monasteiro dos Jeronimos and the Coach Museum. In the old Alfama district, walk down narrow streets, visit a handicraft shop and taste Porto wine. Continue to Praca do Comercio, the biggest square in Baixa-Rossio, Avenida da Liberdade and Marques de Pombal. Full Day Obidos, Alcobaca, Nazare, Batalha & Fatima Drive to the walled town of Obidos with its narrow streets and the Pousada do Castelo. Then visit the 12th century Church of the Monastery with the tombs of Pedro and Ines de Castro at Alcobaca. Have lunch on your own at Nazare, a fishing village and visit the Batalha Monastery. Drive to Fatima’s Sanctuary, a centre of Christian pilgrimage. Visit the Basilica where the tombstone of Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco are as well as the Chapel of Apparitions. Attend mass and return to Lisbon. Lisbon by Night with Fado Dinner Show Enjoy a panoramic drive of Lisbon by night. Enjoy a one course dinner and a soulful Fado show at a local restaurant.

spain & portugal by rail Enjoy unlimited travel by rail all over Spain and Portugal. Convenient and flexible rail passes of different durations make your trip easy. Buy your rail pass from TBi before you leave home.

Choose your Pass: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Eurail Spain Pass Eurail Portugal Pass TGV (Trans a Grand Vitesse) Talgo Day Train AVE – High Speed Trains of Spain Alvia – High Speed Trains of Spain Renfe – High Speed Medium Distance Trains of Spain Lusitania – Overnight Train between Madrid and Lisbon Spanish Night Trains Eurail Regional Pass Eurail Select Pass Eurail Global Pass

PORTUGAL - PORTO Porto City Tour Porto is one of the most ancient cities of Europe with plenty of historic and cultural memories. Tour through the Barrio da Se’, heart of ancient Porto and visit one of the famous Port wine cellars, in historical Vila Nova de Gaia. Full Day Douro Valley with Lunch Drive through a unique landscape where the famous Port Wine was born. Stop at Amarante to see the Monastery of Sao Goncalo and continue to Lamego’s shrine of Our Lady of Remedios. During lunch, enjoy magnificent views of the River Douro. Wine tasting is included at a vineyard. Stop at Pinhao with its famous railway station with typical hand-painted tiles.

cruises from spain & portugal Ocean Cruises Spain and Portugal are very popular destinations for cruises. Several cruises depart from Barcelona and some from Lisbon to the Baltic, Norwegian Fjords or the Mediterranean. Choose from cruise lines like the Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises and Holland America Line; or sail on luxury liners of Celebrity Cruise, Silver Sea, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas.

where to stay Besides the 3 to 5 star hotels, stay in a Parador in Spain and a Pousada in Portugal for a most memorable experience. Paradores of Spain and Pousadas of Portugal: Paradores and Puosadas are medieval castles, fortresses, convents, monasteries, old palaces and ancestral mansions which have been converted into modern 4 star hotels with a local flavor. They can be found all over Spain. Please ask us for details.

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escorted tours

suggested itineraries

COSMOS

Madrid - 4 days

Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality. A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Director.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

• • •

Spanish Fiesta – 9 days The Best of Spain & Portugal – 13 days Spain, Portugal and Morocco – 16 days

testimonial Thanx a lot for everything... we had a great trip throughout... all the hotels were good everything went really well & we had a great time... Thanx again. -- Hanoz, Mumbai

Day 1 Madrid Welcome to the Capital of Spain. On arrival transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight. Day 2 Madrid – Morning City Tour Breakfast. Enjoy tour of the capital city. See the old part of the city: the 18th century Neoclassical façade of the Royal Palace complex, the Sabatini Gardens and Campo del Moro, in the city centre. The church of San Francisco El Grande, the fountains of Paseo del Prado one of the main boulevards in Madrid, the Toledo Bridge, the Prado Museum one of the world’s greatest art galleries, and Puerta de Alcalá the city gate of Madrid. Overnight.

GLOBUS Every Journey Tells A Story Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: • • • •

Spectacular Spain – 9 days Best of Spain – 9 days Portugal in Depth – 11 days Iberian Vacations – 13 days

Day 3 Madrid – Toledo Breakfast. Today we shall proceed for tour of Toledo , the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. The tour highlights the magnificent Gothic Cathedral and the 13th century synagogue, a testament to Toledo’s Jewish heritage. Also stop at the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco’s masterpiece painting “The Burial of Count Orgaz”. Return to Madrid. Overnight. Day 4 Madrid Breakfast. Check out of your hotel and transfer to airport/ railway station.

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Barcelona, Catalonia – 4 days

Mallorca, Balearic Islands – 4 days

Day 1 Barcelona Welcome to Barcelona the Catalonian Capital! On arrival you will be met by an English speaking driver and transferred by luxury car, Mercedes or Audi to your hotel. Overnight.

Day 1 Mallorca Arrive and transfer by car to the luxury Port Adriano Marina Golf and Spa. Enjoy a welcome drink upon arrival. Overnight.

Day 2 Barcelona: Morning City Tour – Flamenco Show Breakfast. Go on a tour of Barcelona, a cosmopolitan Mediterranean city. See the most typical monuments of the city. Visit the façade of the Sagrada Familia church, Gaudi’s famous unfinished masterpiece. Continue to the Olympic Village, Columbus Monument and the Olympic Stadium. Afternoon free. This evening, enjoy a fabulous Flamenco show. Overnight. Day 3 Barcelona - Montserrat (optional) Breakfast. Day free to explore Barcelona on your own, do some shopping in the Ramblas area, relax on the beach or go on an optional tour to Montserrat. Montserrat is a mountain, a sanctuary and a monastery founded in the 11th century, located in a Natural Park 60 km on the west of Barcelona. Overnight. Day 4 Barcelona Breakfast. Check out and transfer to the airport/railway station.

Malaga, Costa del Sol – 3 days Day 1 Malaga: Panoramic Tour- Tapas dinner Arrive at Malaga airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a panoramic afternoon tour of Malaga, visit the Picasso Museum. This evening, visit 3 typical bars and enjoy delicious local tapas with Spanish wine. Overnight. Day 2 Malaga: Full day Ronda & Marbella Breakfast. Visit Ronda, the old town split in two by 300 feet deep cleft called El Tajo. Visit the Church of Santa Maria, the Old Town and the oldest stone bullring in Spain. Visit El Juncal farm its wine cellar and taste 5 red wines. After lunch on your own, visit Marbella’s Puerto Banus Marina and old town. Return to Malaga. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in a beautiful house. Overnight. Day 3 Malaga Breakfast. Transfer to Malaga airport / railway station.

testimonial On behalf of the Max Bupa team, wanted to thank you for a great job done on our Spain trip. Everything was well organized and well taken care of and the team has indeed enjoyed itself. -- Pooja Khera, New Delhi

Day 2 Mallorca: Full Day Cap de Formentor Breakfast. Drive to Cap de Formentor peninsula with stunning views, sandy beaches, tall cliffs and weird rock formations. Drive to Mirador des Colomer and its light house to see the whole of the peninsula. Stop for lunch at Formentor Beach and visit Hotel Formentor where the rich and famous stay. Enjoy dinner at the hotel’s Splendor Terrace Restaurant. Overnight. Day 3 Mallorca Breakfast. Tour the island on the Hop off Hop on open deck bus or just relax. Overnight. Day 4 Mallorca Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.

Spain & Portugal – 12 days Day 1 Madrid Day 2 Madrid: Half Day City Tour – Tapas Tour. Day 3 Madrid – Lisbon: Half Day Tour to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Estoril & Cascais. Day 4 Lisbon: Full Day City Tour- Optional Fado Show. Day 5 Lisbon – Seville. Day 6 Seville: Full Day City Tour. Day 7 Seville – Granada: Optional Flamenco Show. Day 8 Granada: Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens Tour. Day 9 Granada – Barcelona. Day 10 Barcelona: Half Day City Tour. Day 11 Barcelona: Optional Monserrat Tour. Day 12 Barcelona: Depart.

More Options: Spain in a Nutshell - 13 days

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Slovenia: Slovenia is ‘Europe in Miniature.’ From immense natural beauty to Gothic churches, baroque palaces, historic castles and art nouveau buildings, Slovenia offers travelers a new world to explore. Don’t miss seeing Ljubljana, the picturesque little capital, Lake Bled with its imposing castle and island, the gigantic Postonja Caves and the coastal and Karst regions.

Southern Europe

Slovenia & Croatia Croatia: Croatia is a cultural, historical and natural treat for travelers. The country that endured Roman, Venetian, Italian and AustroHungarian rule has a unique history. The vibrant capital Zagreb is home to the best museums, restaurants and shopping. Italy’s influence is ever present in the cuisine. See the archeological remains along the coast and inland areas and relax at the lovely beach resorts.

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Ljubljana Zagreb

SLOVENIA & CROATIA Split

destination information Capital: Slovenia – Ljubljana Croatia – Zagreb Official Language: Slovenia – Slovene Croatia – Croatia Government Constitutional: Slovenia & Croatia Parliamentary Republic Currency: Slovenia – Euro Croatia – Kuna Time Difference: Summer: April – October 3 hours and 30 minutes behind India Winter: November – March 4 hours and 30 minutes behind India Electricity: Most power sockets require 2-pin round plugs.

good to know Best Time to Visit : Slovenia & Croatia – April to October Cuisine : Slovenia: The best known Slovene foods are breads made for special occasions, Carniolan Sausage, Bled Cream Cake, seafood specialties in the Primorska Region, Goulash, chicken and beef stews, Potica – dessert filled with wide variety of fillings. Slovene white wines like Laski and Renski Rizling are excellent. Croatia: Cuisines vary in different regions and are influenced by their neighboring countries. Try the heavenly porcini mushroom soup, grilled freshwater fish, shellfish risotto, Ombolo - meat medallions, Zagrebacki Odrezak - pork or veal in breadcrumbs, the grilled Cevapcici - minced meatballs, Kulen - a spicy sausage and Cobanac - a paprika meat stew. Desserts include cream cakes, nut cakes, strudels and Dalmatian tarts. Brandies (Rakije) are the most famous Croatian spirits. Croatian red and white wines are really good. Shopping: Slovenia: Buy the famous Rogaska crystal, beautiful knitted items, embroidery and exquisite Idrijska Cipka laces, woodwork, pottery, high quality red and white wines. The most original liquor is “Pleterska Khruska”, made by Carthusian monks - when a pear is grown inside the bottle, then brandy is poured into it. Visit popular shopping centers like Nama and BTC City in Ljubljana. Croatia: Buy beautiful Pag Lace made only on Pag Island, Croatian embroidery, incredible handmade Samobor crystal, ties (karvat); pick up wines, homemade Croatian Rakija or grape brandy with herbs. Malls in Zagreb are in Vlaska Street, for clothes and shoes try the King Cross area.

nightlife Slovenia: Ljubljana has a vibrant dynamic nightlife that includes a variety of bars, pubs and clubs. There are grand opera performances, classical music recitals and more. Enjoy drinks at Café Macek a popular riverside café/bar, visit Bachus Center for nightlife. Croatia: Zagreb is jam-packed with discos, cafes, clubs, casinos and bars the city has plenty of options to enjoy. The Aquarius Club with top DJs, B.P. Club where the best jazz musicians play, the famous Hemingway Bar are some of the well known spots. Elsewhere, dine at cafes in the old city squares, pubs and traditional restaurants.

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things to do and see SLOVENIA - LJUBLJANA

CROATIA - SPLIT

Bled City Tour Bled, the ‘Pearl of the Alpine Region’ famous for its emerald-green lake, a church on the island in the middle of the lake and a medieval castle from the 11th century, perched on a cliff above the lake.

Split Vision Hop on Hop off City Tour The tour starts from the Riva in the heart of Split and includes nine stops. Complete with live guide commentary, an informative map and a well-designed route, you can hop on and hop off as often as you like with your ticket, which is valid for 24 hours.

Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle Tour Explore the 2 million years old Postonja Caves which have a 20 km network of passages, galleries and chambers. Take the train through the underground world of the largest cave in the Classic Karst to see magnificent caverns and glistening stalactite formations. Continue to the 700 year old Predjama Castle built by a robber baron knight into the cliff face. A highly recommended tour. Karst Region Tour Visit the Karst region in the south west, a land of rare beauty, secret underground waters and caves, special climate and scarce vegetation. Visit Štanjel village with its typical Karst architecture, followed by a tasting of dried ham ‘prsut’ and ‘Teran’ the famous red wine at a Karst farm. Continue to picturesque Lipica, where beautiful white horses called Lipizzaners have been bred for over 400 years. See the show-program of star Lipizzaner studs.

CROATIA - DUBROVNIK Best of Dubrovnik Walking Tour with Cable Car Dubrovnik, is a beautiful coastal settlement and is the crown jewel of Croatia. Walk around the historical parts of the city. Visit the Dominican Monastery and Museum in the heart of the Old Town. Enjoy spectacular cable car ride to Mountain Srd for stunning views. Tour to Montenegro Just an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik, this tiny Mediterranean country is a rare jewel and a secret kept by those who have visited. Immersed in tradition, history and culture, it has remained untouched for centuries. With 14th century medieval walled cities such as Kotor and Budva, to the new resorts, Montenegro has it all.

Krka National Park Waterfalls & Sibenik Tour After a pleasant drive along the coast, reach Sibenik the beautiful Dalmatian town to see the 15th century St James Cathedral. Continue to the Krka National Park, a spot of stunning natural beauty with picturesque waterfalls cascading over 17 natural barriers.

CROATIA - ZAGREB Best of Zagreb Tour See the fortified medieval Upper Town, St Mary’s church with its multi-colored tile roof, the baroque St. Catherine church, Cathedral of St Stephen, the Parliament and Government Palace. In the lower city, see National Theater, Museum of Arts and Crafts, the University and the beautiful Zrinjevac Park with elaborate Art Nouveau buildings. Plitvice Lakes National Park Tour The 16 natural Plitvice lakes that are in the mountainous region of Lika at different altitudes, separated by travertine barriers and linked by waterfalls and cascades are one of Europe’s most beautiful. Zagorje Castle Tour Zagorje, a famous castle and wine region. Reach Trakoscan a rather small observation fortress for monitoring the road from Ptuj to Bednja Valley and today it is a museum. After visit of Kumrovec, we will proceed to the beautiful GRESNA GORICA (Hill of Sin) - Taborgradska klet (the Taborgrad Wine cellar), which sits on a grand hill, for a sumptuous lunch. The scenery here is as romantic and dramatic as the past of Hrvatsko Zagorje. As you enjoy typical Zagorje cuisine, listen to the legend of the tragic and forbidden love between the nobleman Frederic Of Celje and the beautiful plebeian girl Veronika of Desinic.

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slovenia & croatia by rail

escorted tours

Enjoy unlimited travel by rail all over Slovenia and Croatia. Convenient and flexible rail passes of different durations make your trip easy. Buy your rail pass from TBi before you leave home.

COSMOS

Choose your pass: • • • • • •

Inter Rail Croatia Pass Eurail Slovenia Pass Lisinki - Zagreb to Munich Eurail Regional Pass Eurail Select Pass Eurail Global Pass

cruises from slovenia & croatia Island Hopping Cruise Enjoy Croatia’s coastline and islands by cruising on a vintage sailing ship, modern yacht or traditional gulet. Visit picturesque harbors, cruise past scenic villages and enjoy the dramatic scenery. Choose from any of the following island hopping routes on Katarina Line: • • •

Split- Makarsha-Miljet- Dubrovnik – Trstenik – Korcula – Hvar – Split – 8 days Opatija- Krk- Rab- Zadar – Molat – Losinj – Cres - Opatija Dubrovnik – Mljet – Korcula – Havar – Trstenik – Sipan – Dubrovnik

For more options please contact us.

Ocean Cruise Dubrovnik is a popular port of call for many cruise lines like Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Ocean Village and Regent Seven Seas.

Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality.

where to stay Besides the 3 to 5 star hotels and resorts, enjoy some unique accommodation options.

Slovenia • Apartments and Holiday Homes • Tourist Farms • Mountain Lodges and Cabins • Vineyard Cottages Croatia • Boutique Hotels • Apartments • Beachfront Accommodations • Villas • Stone Houses

A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Director.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

•

Jewels of Slovenia & Croatia – 8 days

GLOBUS Every Journey Tells A Story Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: • East meets West – 14 days

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suggested itineraries Picturesque Slovenia – 4 days Day 1 Ljubljana: City Tour & Funicular Ride Arrive Ljubljana Airport and transfer to your hotel. Take an evening tour which includes the old city centre its masterful creations of Baroque and Art Nouveau by the 20th century architect Joze Plecnik. See the major sights and finish with a funicular ride from Krekov trg Square to Ljubljana Castle. Overnight.

Day 3 Plitvice – Trogir - Split Breakfast. Depart for Trogir to visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. Continue to Split. Enjoy a city tour of Split, including the Diocletian’s Palace with the Peristyle, the Jupiter’s Temple and the Cathedral. Overnight. Day 4 Split – Dubrovnik Breakfast. Leave for Dubrovnik. Enjoy a city tour of Dubrovnik, visiting the Franciscan Monastery with Europe’s third oldest pharmacy, the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral. Overnight. Day 4 Dubrovnik Breakfast. Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport.

Day 2 Ljubljana – Lake Bled Breakfast. Check-out and transfer by car with English speaking driver to Lake Bled. Arrive and check-in. Rest of the day free. Overnight. Day 3 Lake Bled – Pletna Ride - Postojna Cave Breakfast. Take the “pletnas” traditional wooden boats and cross Lake Bled to the island in the centre to visit St. Mary Church. Visit Bled Castle, perched on the hill. Lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the Postojna Cave, to admire the many calcite formations, stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes, colors and ages. Return to Lake Bled for overnight stay. Day 4 Lake Bled – Ljubljana Breakfast. Check-out and transfer by car to Ljubljana train station or airport.

Croatian Highlights – 5 days

Croatian Highlights – 5 days

Day 1 Zagreb Arrive Zagreb Airport and transfer to your hotel. Meet the tour guide. Overnight.

Day 1 Ljubljana - Bled

Day 2 Zagreb: City Tour - Plitvice Breakfast. Enjoy a morning city tour including the fortified Upper Town, the city’s historical center, St. Mark’s Church, the Cathedral, the Croatian National Theatre and the University. Drive to the Plitvice Lakes National Park where 16 lakes, each at a different level, are joined in a series of cascading waterfalls. Surrounded by dense wood Plitvice Lakes are a natural phenomenon of rare beauty. Overnight.

Day 4 Split: City Tour – Sibenik - Split

Day 2 Bled: Postojna Cave - Opatija Day 3 Opatija: Plitvice Lakes National Park - Split Day 5 Split: Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina) - Dubrovnik Day 6 Dubrovnik: City Tour - Boka Kotorska Bay, Kotor, Budva (Montenegro) - Dubrovnik Day 7 Dubrovnik: Depart.

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www.voyagerballoons.com

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Southern Europe

Turkey A bridge between East and West, Turkey combines the best of both worlds. Historic monuments stand side-by-side with ancient cave structures and labyrinthine underground cities. A stunning coastline, delicious cuisine and welcoming hospitality make Turkey a most popular destination. Enjoy a Turkish bath, a hotair balloon ride over Cappadocia, bargain at the Grand Bazaar and sail to the Mediterranean in a traditional Turkish gullet or a luxury motor yacht. You’ll return to Turkey asking for more!

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Istanbul Ankara

TURKEY Izmir

destination information Capital: Ankara Official Language: Turkish Government Constitutional: Republic Currency: Turkish Lira Time Difference: Summer April – October. 3 hours 30 minutes behind India. Winter November – March. 4 hours 30 minutes behind India. Electricity: Most power sockets are designed for 2 round pin plugs.

good to know Best Time to Visit : April to October Cuisine : Turkish cuisine is a fusion and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Traditional foods, especially the mezze (appetizers), köfte and döner, (kebabs), börek (salty pastries) gözleme and pide (savory pastries and breads with fillings) are often served as fast food. Seafood mezzes include mussels and fried kalamar (squid). Enjoy delicious soups, stews, Adana Kebab, Domatesli Pilav and more. For dessert, have Baklava and Turkish Delight, Kadayıf and Künefe. Try “Raki” made of anise. Shopping: Istanbul: The 400 year old Grand Bazaar is the best place to browse for carpets, leather goods, fabulous handbags, smaller antiques and souvenirs. The Spice Bazaar has a huge range of Turkish Delight, sweets and spices. Some of the biggest shopping centers are Akmerkez, Istinye Park, Kanyon, City’s, Galleria, Forum, Istanbul offering top Turkish and international luxury brands. The pedestrian main street Istiklal Caddesi Beyoglu offers expensive luxury stores.

nightlife Istanbul: Spend the evening at Ortakoy at the Bosphorus, the Istiklal Street from Taksim to Tünel, enjoy Aksaray’s more Turkish style nightlife and Kadikoy with many bars and little restaurants. Some of the most popular nightclubs are Reina, Babylon Istanbul, Indigo and Crystal Nightclub.

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things to do and see ISTANBUL Full Day City Tour with Lunch Start at Hippodrome Square to see the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi and the Wilhelm II fountain. Visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets, magnificent Hagia Sophia, important for both Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. After lunch visit Topkapi Palace and the jewellery section and 16th century Rustem Pasa Mosque. The tour ends at the Grand Bazaar. Morning Tour Egyptian Bazaar & Bosphorus Cruise Cross the Golden Horn area and visit the colorful Egyptian Spice Market. Transfer to the pier and board your boat for the Bosphorus cruise. See the Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, European and Asian side, and the Bosphorus Bridge. Visit a leather and carpet factory. Turkish Baths Experience one of the best hammams in Istanbul. Turkish Baths or ‘hammams’ are for wellness and not just for external cleanliness. Whirling Dervish Show The branch of Sufic mysticism is rooted in a man called Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. The whirling dance or Sufi whirling associated with Dervishes is best known in the West by the practices (performances) of the Mevlevi order in Turkey, and is part of a formal ceremony known as the Sema which is only one of the many performed to try to reach religious ecstasy. This practice has become a tourist attraction in Turkey.

KUSADASI Full Day Tour to Ephesus Visit the shrine of Virgin Mary where she is said to have spent her later days. Ephesus was an ancient Greek city, and later a major Roman one. See the spectacular ruins, some only recently excavated. See the Odeon, the Bouleterion, the Fountains, the Temples, the Brothel, the Library, the Double Church and the Stadium. Illustrious figures such as

Brutus, Cassius, Anthony and Cicero visited here. After lunch, visit the Archaeological Museum and St. John’s Basilica. Full Day Tour to Pammukale Pamukkale is known as “Cotton Castle” because of its dazzling white, petrified lime castles and cascades. Home to Turkey’s famous thermal springs, it is the largest and finest example of elaborate calcium formation in the world. The thermal water, used by Romans for its therapeutic power and is still used today. Bring along your swim suit and bathe in the pools. Visit Hierapolis a spa city on top, built by the Romans around a sacred warm-water spring. Visit the Apollo Temple, monumental Nympheum (a 4th century Basilica), the Amphitheatre and the Necropolis.

CAPPADOCIA Full Day Cappadocia “Must see” Cappadocia is a region in Central Anatolia, in Nevsehir Province. See awesome natural wonders like the ‘fairy chimneys’ in Devrent Valley. They are tall, thin spires of rock formed by continual wind and rain erosion. They rise from the bottom of an arid drainage basin to form moonlike landscapes. Drive to Pasabagi (Monk’s Valley) to see the most interesting mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Drive to Avanos for lunch. Then visit the Open Air Museum at Goreme with its remains of 12th - 13th century rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes and see Christian settlements dating back hundreds of years. Visit the natural rock citadel of Uchisar, the tallest point in Cappadocia. Hot Air Balloon Trip This is a unique experience that is worth every penny. Wake up quite early to do this magical trip. See a sensational sunrise and breathtaking natural panoramic vistas from your hot air balloon.

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Derinkuyu Underground City Another “must see.” These troglodyte cave-cities were excavated as early as Hittite times, and expanded over the centuries. There are 36 underground cities in Cappadocia and the deepest one is Derinkuyu, 40 km from Goreme. There are 8 floors going down to 85 m. See extensive networks of passages, stepped pits and inclined corridors that link rooms and communal spaces where people would meet, eat, work and worship. The city could accommodate 20,000 - 50,000 people and was connected with other underground cities through miles of long tunnels. Truly unbelievable!

turkey by rail There is no Turkey Rail Pass. However if you are travelling to the Balkans, you could use the Balkan Flexipass which includes rail travel in Turkey.

Balkan Flexipass Unlimited travel on rail networks of Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, Romania and Turkey (European and Asian network).

cruises from turkey Turkey has many cruise options to offer. With the Black Sea in the North, the Aegean Sea in the West and the Mediterranean Sea in the South, it is a haven for cruising options as it strategically connects both the west and the east. Ferry Cruises The best way to travel between Turkey and Greek Islands: • Kusadasi in Turkey to Samos in Greece • Marmaris in Turkey to Rhodes in Greece • Bodrum in Turkey to Cos in Greece

Gulet and Motor Yacht Cruises: Imagine sailing in crystal blue waters, the sparkling sea before you and the wind in your hair. Peace and quiet all round whilst you go diving or just laze around sipping a chilled beer. Calling at small ports along the coast and going ashore for a bit of shopping or sightseeing. Enjoy delicious cuisine on board and savor true Turkish hospitality. Great for sea lovers, friends and families or for groups who wish to charter a luxury gulet or a luxury motor yacht for their exclusive use.

Choose from: • • • •

Gocek to Gocek – 4 days Gocek to Fethiye – 4 days The Lycian Coast from Marmaris to Marmaris – 7 days The Carian Coast from Bodrum to Bodrum – 8 days

Ocean Cruising Many Mediterranean cruises call at Kusadasi, Izmir and Istanbul. Some depart from Istanbul for the Greek Islands and others for the Black Sea and Europe. Cruise lines like MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, luxury cruises like the Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, Celebrity all include Turkey.

where to stay Besides the regular 3 to 5 star hotels, the Cave Hotels of Cappadocia are another “must do.” For an unforgettable experience, stay in a cave hotel which was a house or cave dwelling in the Hittite, Roman and Byzantine Periods. Imagine the centuries gone by as you enjoy modern comforts in ancient settings!

Choose from: • Aydinli Cave House Hotel • Argos Cave Hotel • Kelebek Cave Hotel • Gamirasu Cave Hotel • Yunak Evleri (The Oldest Cave Hotel) • Cappadocia Cave Resort and Spa • Museum Cave Hotel

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escorted tours

suggested itineraries

COSMOS

Magic of Istanbul - 4 days

Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality.

Day 1 Istanbul Arrive at Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy dinner and a spectacular Oriental Show by belly dancers and folk groups. Overnight.

A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Director.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

•

Grand Tour of Turkey – 13 days

GLOBUS Every Journey Tells A Story Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

testimonial I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU. Overall we had a most enjoyable and memorable holiday leaving us hungry for more! -- Anuradha Gokarn, Mumbai

Day 2 Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise Tour Breakfast. In the afternoon enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise, gliding through the waterway separating Europe and Asia, past marble palaces, ancient Ottoman wooden villas and modern residential apartments. Visit Ortakoy village for a photo stop and tea /coffee break. Overnight. Day 3 Istanbu: Full Day Classic Tour Breakfast. Visit the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, residence of the Ottoman Sultans and see its great collection of European antiquity. Lunch on your own. Visit the Grand Bazaar for shopping (closed Sunday). Return to the hotel. Try some delicious seafood tonight on the banks of the Bosphorus on your own. Overnight. Day 4 Istanbul Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.

Aegean & Ephesus - 5 days Day 1 Izmir: Afternoon City Tour Arrive Izmir and transfer to your hotel. Drive to the top of Mount Pagus for panoramic views from the walls of Kadifekale, an ancient fortress built by Alexander the Great. Tour the Archeology and Ethnography museums; visit the city’s symbol, the Ottoman Clock Tower and the elaborate bazaar. Overnight.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

Day 2 Izmir: Virgin Mary’s House & Ephesus Visit Virgin Mary’s stone cottage where, it is believed, she lived until her death. It has now been made into a shrine.

• Best of Turkey – 8 days • Turkish Delight – 14 days

See the enthralling ruins of Ephesus founded by Hellenic colonists in the 16th - 11th centuries B.C. It was an important commercial center

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and headquarters of the Roman Governor. It was visited by Brutus, Cassius, Anthony and Cicero. Explore 2,000 year-old marble streets, a theater, the Library of Celsius, a gymnasium and Hadrian’s Temple. Overnight. Day 3 Izmir - Pergamum & Asklepion Breakfast. See Pergamum’s ancient acropolis, home to the Altar of Zeus and the Roman medical center of Asklepion; see the ruins of the Temples of Trojan and Dionysos, the steepest theater of Anatolia, the Sanctuary of Demeter, the Gymnasium and the lower Agora. Overnight. Day 4 Izmir – Pamukkale & Hierapolis Breakfast. Visit Pamukkale known as “Cotton Castle” because of its dazzling white, petrified lime castles and cascades. Home to Turkey’s famous thermal springs, it is the largest and finest example of elaborate calcium formation in the world. The thermal water, used by Romans for its therapeutic power still exists today. Bring along your swim suit and bathe in the pools.

Day 3 Cappadocia – Hot Air Balloon Ride & Sightseeing Tour In the very early morning take a hot air balloon ride to see an awesome sunrise over surrealistic landscapes. Drift over fairy chimneys, rock formations of pigeon houses, orchards, vineyards and valleys. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Drive to Rose Valley, Monks Valley and Devrent Valley to see fairy-chimneys, pigeon houses, cave chapels and wonderful vistas. Stop in Urgup to see one of the best protected fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. Drive to Goreme for lunch. Tour the awesome Goreme Open Air Museum which contains the finest of the rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes whose colors still retain their original freshness. Overnight in Cappadocia. Day 4 Cappadocia - Istanbul Breakfast. Transfer to Nevsehir or Kayseri airport for your return flight to Istanbul.

Visit Hierapolis a Roman spa city on top, built around a sacred warmwater spring. Visit the Apollo Temple, monumental Nympheum (a 4th century Basilica), the Amphitheatre and the Necropolis. Overnight. Day 5 Izmir After breakfast, transfer to the airport.

Cappadocia Cave Resort – 4 days Day 1 Cappadocia Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Arrive and transfer to Cappadocia Cave Resort & Spa Hotel (CCR) in Cappadocia. Enjoy dinner with candle light and wine at the Padishah Terrace Restaurnt. Overnight. Day 2 Cappadocia: Sightseeing Tour Breakfast. This afternoon, discover Kaymakli Underground City, carved out by the Hittites about 3500 years ago. Kaymakli, with 7 levels sheltered early Christians from enemies during the 6th and 7th centuries. Stop at the vista point overlooking Pigeon Valley to see spectacular Rose and Red valleys, Uchisar Castle and even Mount Erciyes. Visit a winery in Uchisar and taste the local wine. This evening, enjoy an optional Whirling Dervish Show at Saruhan Caravanserai. Overnight.

Popular Turkey – 9 days Day 1 Istanbul – Izmir – Kusadasi Day 2 Kusadasi – Full Day Ephesus Day 3 Kusadasi – Full Day Pamukkale. Day 4 Izmir – Kayseri - Cappadocia Day 5 Cappadocia – Sightseeing Tour Day 6 Cappadocia - Afternoon Tour - Istanbul Day 7 Istanbul – Full Day Tour & Bosphorus Cruise Day 8 Istanbul – Full Day Tour Day 9 Istanbul - Depart

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Czech Republic: Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with over 200 castles and chateaux, wonderfully maintained gardens and mysterious medieval ruins. Discover ancient historical towns like Ceský Krumlov and Kutná Hora and relax at the world famous spa at Karlovy Vary. Hidden lakes and pristine forests make the Czech Republic a nature enthusiast’s Eden. Hungary: Hungary gave the world the Rubik’s Cube and magician Harry Houdini. Budapest is often called the “Pearl of the Danube.” A country where 2000 year old Roman ruins and 400 year old Turkish monuments can be found side by side. Discover beautiful Budapest, often called the “Pearl of the Danube.” See Central

Eastern Europe

Czech Republic, Hungary & Poland Europe’s largest fresh water lake – Balaton and enjoy spa towns in this land of hundreds of therapeutic mineral springs. Poland: Poland is the gateway between Eastern and Western Europe. Discover its massive cliffs and folklore, thousands of lakes hidden deep within ancient forests watched over by the towers of immense Teutonic fortresses; domes of eastern churches scattered around the countryside and mountainous regions. Poland is a fascinating jigsaw puzzle, composed of many colorful regional pieces.

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Warsaw Prague

Krakow

CZECH REPUBLIC, HUNGARY, POLAND Budapest

good to know

Hungary: Traditional dishes are based on meats, seasonal vegetables, fruits, fresh bread, cheeses and honey. Must try Goulash – a soup or a stew, Paprikascsirke – Paprika chicken with Nokedli (dumplings), Bejgli - cake roll eaten at Christmas and Easter. Palinka, a distilled fruit brandy is worth trying.

Capital: Czech – Prague Hungary – Budapest Poland – Warsaw

Poland: Poles love their pork and potatoes. Must try: Zurek, Pierogi – dumplings stuffed with cottage cheese and minced meat. The national dish is Bigos - Sauerkrat with mixed meat. Vodka is the national liquor.

Official Language: Czech – Czech Hungary – Hungarian Poland – Polish

Shopping: Czech Republic: Buy garnets, amber, Bohemian Crystal, hand-blown glassware and marionettes. Shopping malls in Prague are Kotva and Palladium at Republic Square. Markets are at Wencelas Square and around the Old Town Square.

Government Constitutional: Czech Republic, Hungary & Poland - Republic Currency: Czech – Koruna Hungary – Forint Poland – Zioty Winter: November – March 4 hours and 30 minutes behind India Electricity: Most power sockets require 2-pin round plugs.

CZECH REPUBLIC - PRAGUE

Best Time to Visit : April to October Cuisine : Czech Republic: Czech cuisine is heavy, filling and centered around meats and starches. Must try: Svickova, Smazak – cheese coated in bread crumbs and served with tartar sauce and potatoes, Slivovitz – plum brandy and Kofola – a fizzy Czech soft drink.

destination information

Time Difference: Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland Summer: April – October 3 hours and 30 minutes behind India

things to do and see

Hungary: Shop for paprika, plum jam, goose liver, salami, tokaj wines, Palinka (fruit brandy), Zwack Unicum a herbal liqueur and Herend Porcelain. Bargain buys are best at Nagy Vasarcsanok (the Central Market Hall). Poland: Amber, vodka, lace, Krupnik, a honey and spice liqueur, WWII memorabilia, silver jewellery, crystal, hand painted icons and poster art. Warszawa Wileñska and Blue City are close to tourist attractions.

nightlife Czech Republic: Prague nightlife is a mixture of generations and musical styles. Karlovy Lazne, Klub Lavka, Duplex Club and Café Bombay Bar and Music Club are recommended. Hungary: In Budapest, spend the evening at Liszt Ferenc Square, St. Stephen’s Square, and on Margaret Island. Visit stylish wine bars that are restaurants by day and lively pubs by night. Klub Vittula, the Buddha Beach and Mokka Club are popular nightclubs. Poland: Home to a good mix of pubs, bars and clubs, nightlife in Warsaw is buzzing and varied. The Old Town, Nowy Swiat and Krakowskie Przedmiescie are surrounded by cafés and bars. Foksal Street, Poznanska and Sienkeiwicza offer a good selection.

Grand City Tour, Prague Castle and Boat Cruise Discover the history of Prague and its neighborhoods (Old Town, New Town, Lesser Town). Continue to Prague Castle to visit the interior of St Vitus Cathedral. After an hour’s guided walking tour, enjoy a boat cruise on Vltava River. Walk through Jewish Town to the Old Town Square where the tour ends. Karlovy Vary, the Famous Spa Town Drive by minibus through picturesque West Bohemian countryside to Karlovy Vary. This word famous spa town has been known for centuries for its 12 medicinal mineral springs. The best known is the Vridlo (Geyser) which shoots to a height of 12 m! See historical and modern colonnades; admire the locally manufactured Moser glass and Thun porcelain. Taste delicious local wafers and traditional “Becherovka” liqueur made of herbs. Cesky Krumlov Tour Journey 170 km from Prague to visit the fairy-tale town of Cesky Krumlov in Southern Bohemia’s beautiful countryside by the River Vltava. Visit the second largest castle in the country set in magnificent Baroque gardens with a unique rotating auditorium! Wander down to the medieval city centre with lovely little shops selling handmade souvenirs and local food.

a visit to the Cathedral, continue to charming Szentendre. Enjoy a guided walk and visit the magnificent Caprice Hungarian Jewellery Museum. Herend and Lake Balaton Herend city is famous for its porcelain. Enjoy a guided tour through the world’s largest porcelain factory, have coffee at the Porcelanium and do some shopping. Drive to the Tihany Peninsula, the famous nature reserve and visit the Abbey. Enjoy lunch in the traditional Csarda and drive to the country’s oldest spa, Balatonfured.

POLAND - WARSAW Morning City Tour of Warsaw This tour includes all the ‘must see’ monuments and sights of Warsaw: Lazienki Park, Theatre Square with Grand Opera and former Town Hall, Belvedere Palace, the Ghetto Memorial. Drive through Nowy Swiat and Krakowskie Przedmiescie avenues and see the important monuments. In the Old Town, see St. John’s Cathedral’s gothic interiors, St. Ann’s Church, Castle Square, Market Square and the City Walls.

HUNGARY - BUDAPEST Budapest City Tour Drive past the Parliament building and cross the Danube on the Margaret Bridge to the Royal Castle on the Buda side. Enjoy free time to visit the Fishermen’s Bastion for stunning views. Continue to Gillert Hill before crossing the Elisabeth Bridge to the Heroes’ Square. Pass by the Opera and St Stephen’s Basilica to Hotel Intercontinental. Danube Bend Tour Take this excursion by boat and coach to Visegrad, the former Royal Residence and to Esztergom, centre of the Catholic Church. After

POLAND - KRAKOW Krakow City Tour Visit the Jewish District of Kazimierz, drive up Wawel Hill to the Royal Castle and a 14th century cathedral which hosted the Polish monarchy’s coronations and funerals. Stroll along Kanonicza and Grodzka streets to reach Collegium Maius (Great College). Continue to the Main Market Square and visit St Mary’s Church with the stunning medieval altar sculpted by Veit Stoss.

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Krakow City Tour Visit the Jewish District of Kazimierz, drive up Wawel Hill to the Royal Castle and a 14th century cathedral which hosted the Polish monarchy’s coronations and funerals. Stroll along Kanonicza and Grodzka streets to reach Collegium Maius (Great College). Continue to the Main Market Square and visit St Mary’s Church with the stunning medieval altar sculpted by Veit Stoss. Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour Walk down 360 steps into the salt mine and enter a vast underground city, complete with huge caverns, underground lakes and chapels carved out by miners long ago. Visit the largest chapel dedicated to St Kinga, the patron saint of salt miners, richly decorated with chandeliers, sculptures and religious figures carved out of salt. Visit the souvenir shop and snack bar and ascend in the lift back to surface.

eastern europe by rail

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COSMOS

Eastern & Central Europe Delights - 11 days

Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality.

Day 1 Budapest Check in at your hotel. Day at leisure. Overnight in Budapest.

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Eurail Czech Republic Pass Eurail Hungary Pass Eurail Poland Pass City Night Line Pass from Prague to Zurich & Amsterdam to Prague. European East Pass Night Train from and to Poland Berlin – Warsaw Express Eurail Regional Pass Eurail Select Pass Eurail Global Pass

cruises from czech republic, hungary & poland River Cruises Auschwitz-Birkenau tour From 1940-1945, the biggest Nazi concentration and death camp in occupied Europe was in KL Auschwitz, 70 km from Krakow in the town of Oswiecim. Visit both parts of the Museum founded in 1947, in Oswiecim (KL Auschwitz I) and Brzezinka (KL Auschwitz II Birkenau) and watch a documentary on the history of the KL Auschwitz concentration and death camp. Zakopane & Tatra Mountains Zakopane is the winter capital of Poland. Take the funicular railway to the top of Mt. Gubalowka to view the granite and limestone peaks of the Tatra Mountains. In oldest part of Zakopane, visit the charming wooden parish church and the most unique cemetery in Poland. See the enormous regional market and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Visit the Tatra Museum or Chocholow village with its 150-years old wooden log cabins.

Discover Eastern Europe’s most enchanting destinations on a river cruise on the Danube. It is one of the most enjoyable and hassle-free ways to explore historic castles, cathedrals and picturesque small towns. • • • • • • • •

Avalon Waterways A Taste of Danube – 4 days The Blue Danube Discovery – 8 days The Legendary Danube – 11 days Black Sea Discovery – 11 days Central European Experiences – 12 days Blue Danube to the Black Sea - 14 days Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Enchanting Danube - 8 days European Jewels – 15 days

unique stays Besides the regular hotels, stay at spa and health resorts especially in the Czech Republic and Hungary. Thanks to the high quality of the natural therapeutic springs.

A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Director.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

Prague: Spa & Health Resorts of Czech Republic Spa Hotel Bristol – Karlovy Vary: Located in the former “English Quarter” of the town, it is the most famous and largest spa.

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Marianske Lazne Spa Resort: 1 hour from Karlovy Vary is the second largest spa town with around 100 mineral springs.

GLOBUS

Budapest: Margaret Island This traffic free island is Budapest’s mid Danube treasure. 3 thermal springs feed the world famous spa. Two hotels on Margaret Island the Grand Hotel Margitsziget and Danubius Health Spa Resort Heviz, Thermal Spa Resort: The best known spa town of Western Hungary is only 6 km from Lake Balaton. Its large hot-water natural lake.

Prague, Vienna & Budapest – 8 days Bohemian Rhapsody – 13 days Central Europe – 15 days Treasures of Balkans & Transylvania – 13 days Jewels of Poland – 8 days

Every Journey Tells A Story Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

• • •

Imperial Splendors – 10 days Bohemian Dream – 9 days The Best of Eastern Europe – 14 days

Day 2 Budapest: City Tour Breakfast. Enjoy a morning guided city tour which includes Heroes’ Square, Millennium Monument, City Park, Széchenyi Spa, Vajdahunyad Castle, Andrássy Avenue, Stephen’s Cathedral, Parliament, Castle District of Buda. Overnight. Day 3 Budapest: Gödöllö Royal Tour Breakfast. Drive to Gödöllö, to the 18th century Grassalkovich Castle, the former summer residence of Queen Elizabeth (Sissi). It is the second largest baroque chateau in the world. Walk through the castle park to the royal stables and the Riding School and enjoy coffee & cake at the Palace Café. Overnight in Budapest. Day 4 Budapest - Krakow (Cracow) Breakfast. Fly to Krakow and transfer to your hotel on your own. Day at leisure. Overnight. Day 5 Krakow: City Tour Breakfast. Enjoy a guided city tour including the main sights. Walk via Royal Route to Old Market Square, Europe’s largest medieval square. See the Renaissance Cloth Hall “Sukiennice”, and St Mary’s Basilica. Overnight. Day 6 Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine Breakfast. Drive to the mines and walk down 360 steps to enter a vast underground city, complete with huge caverns, underground lakes and chapels carved out by miners long ago. Visit the largest chapel dedicated to St Kinga, with chandeliers, sculptures and religious figures carved out of salt. On the 2 ½ km. walk, pass 18th century statues depicting mythical, historical and religious figures. Take the lift back to the surface. Overnight in Krakow.

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Day 7 Krakow - Prague Breakfast. Fly to Krakow and transfer to your hotel on your own. Day at leisure. Overnight. Day 8 Prague: City Tour Breakfast. Enjoy a guided city tour including the main sights. Cross the river to Prague Castle, see St.Vitus Cathedral. In the Old Town see St. Nicholas Church, the Týn Church and the Old Town Hall. Overnight. Day 9 Prague: Full Day Cesky Krumlov Breakfast. Depart for Ceský Krumlov a unique town, comprising three hundred historical houses and the National Castle and Chateau. Overnight in Prague. Day 10 Prague Breakfast. Day free for optional excursions. Overnight.

Budapest and Lake Balaton - 7 days Day 1 Budapest: Night Tour Arrive Budapest and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant which includes an aperitif with a 3 course menu with wine, accompanied by a folkloric show. View the illuminated city from the Citadel. The tour ends at the Hotel Intercontinental or at the Casino. Overnight. Day 2 Budapest Breakfast. Spend the day on a Danube cruise. Overnight. Day 3 Budapest – Lake Balaton Breakfast. Transfer to the beautiful lake town of Balaton. Take walks along the lake, or a short cruise. Overnight.

Day 11 Prague Breakfast. Transfer to the airport or station.

Prague in a Nutshell - 5 days Day 1 Prague Arrive Prague and check in at your hotel. Overnight. Day 2 Prague - Kutna Hora Breakfast. In the afternoon, depart for Kutna Hora, an old mining town founded in the 13th century. Visit the Gothic St. Barbora’s Cathedral with its valuable murals and the former royal mint which once produced the so called Prague Groschen. Kutna Hora is a medieval city and one of the most important Unesco Heritage Sites. Overnight. Day 3 Prague: Full Day Cesky Krumlov Breakfast. Depart for Ceský Krumlov a unique town, comprising 300 historical houses and the National Castle and Chateau. Overnight. Day 4 Prague: River Vltava Cruise Breakfast. In the afternoon cruise on the River Vltava, with coffee and cake. Overnight. Day 5 Prague Breakfast. Transfer to the airport or station.

Day 4 Lake Balaton - Siófok Breakfast. Travel to Siófok the largest and most happening town on the southern side of Lake Balaton. Walk in its pleasant parks; see the Lutheran church and Museum of Minerals. Overnight. Day 5 Lake Balaton – Thermal Spa Resort Breakfast. Check out and drive 6 km to the Thermal Spa Resort. The resort town’s most famous attraction is the large hot-water natural lake whose mildly radioactive water contains sulfur, alkali, hydrogen carbonate and calcium salts. Enjoy the restaurants, cafes, casinos and entertainment options available. Overnight. Day 6 Thermal Spa Resort Breakfast. Try one of the many thermal spa treatments. Overnight. Day 7 Thermal Spa Resort - Budapest After breakfast, drive to Budapest.

Eastern Europe

Russia

Russia today is a nation of enormous diversity and tremendous vitality. The cultural traditions have re-awakened - ancient cathedrals are being rebuilt and restored, literature and the arts are thriving. Explore a vast array of exciting and ancient cultures, from the glittering imperial Russia of St. Petersburg to the timeless village life of Siberia and Irkutsk.

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things to do and see St. Petersburg Moscow

destination information Capital: Moscow Official Language: Russian Government Constitutional: Federal Semi Presidential Democratic Republic Currency: Rouble

MOSCOW

RUSSIA

good to know Best Time to Visit : April to October Cuisine : Many specialties actually originate from different Republics of the former Soviet Union. Try a Zakushi - starters with salads, meats or fish; Borsch - beetroot soup, Pelmeni – dough wraps with minced meat filling; Kotley - meatballs of pork, beef or chicken, Shashlyk - sheesh kebab. Desserts like Pirozhki – small buns with fillings, Blini - thin pancakes topped with butter, sour cream, fruit preserves or caviar. Enjoy Russian Vodka and Medovukha, a sweet spiced, low alcohol drink.

Time Difference: Summer April – October. 3 hours 30 minutes behind India. Winter November – March. 4 hours 30 minutes behind India. Electricity: Most power sockets are designed for 2 round pin plugs.

Shopping: Buy Matryoshka dolls (wooden dolls within dolls), Palekh – wooden boxes with painted scenes inside. Babuskha scarves, amber and other precious stone jewellery, paintings, fur hats, Vodka. In Moscow, the two major shopping centers are GUM and Okhotny Ryad, some of the world’s top fashion and jewelry designer boutiques are in Tretyakovsky Proyezd, souvenir shopping is good at Arbat Street. St. Petersburg’s premier shopping center is Gostiny Dvor on Nevsky Prospekt housing luxury boutiques, discount clothing stores and jewelry shops. Popular designer boutiques are at Passage, Italian and French couture boutiques are at Grand Palace.

nightlife Moscow’s nightlife can be found everywhere, from alternative venues in Kurskaya to cool clubs on Savvinskaya Naberezhnaya. Territoria, Propaganda, Karma Bar, authentic jazz dens like Forte and fun place B2 are some of the popular hangouts. St. Petersburg is great for live alternative and rock music concerts, as well as for jazz and arty clubs. Clubs like Fishfabrique, Moloko, Mama are quite popular. Attend a ballet performance of the Mariinsky Company, (formerly Kirov Ballet) and enjoy open air summer music performances from May to mid-July.

City Tour & Pushkin State Museum Accompanied by your guide, see the main avenues including Tverskaya Street, Sofiyskaya and Kremlin embankments and New Arbat Street and some famous attractions: Christ the Savior Cathedral, Novodevichy convent, Poklonnaya Hill, Moscow State University and Sparrows Hill. See St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin mausoleum from the Red Square. Visit Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts where the tour ends. The Kremlin Walking Tour Visit the territory of the Kremlin, see Ivan the Great Belltower, the Tsar Bell, the Great Kremlin Palace and more. Visit the small city in the centre of Moscow, which was once the residence of the Czars and Patriarchs containing Russia’s main cathedrals - the Assumption Cathedral, Annunciation Cathedral and Archangel’s Cathedral.

Square, the Marble Palace, Michael’s Castle, the Church of Our Savior (outside view only), and more. Enjoy a beautiful view of St. Peter & Paul Fortress, the Hermitage and the Admiralty and pass by Nevsky Prospect - the main boulevard of St. Petersburg. Catherine Palace & Pushkin Park Tsarskoye Selo (formerly, Pushkin) is an Imperial estate, 25 km away. It has a large landscaped park, centered by the magnificent blue, white and gold Catherine Palace that houses beautiful Baroque interiors. See the unique Amber Room, whose priceless amber panels were stolen by Nazi troops during WWII, but which are now being painstakingly recreated by Russian craftsmen.

Moscow Metro Tour Take a guided tour of the underground kingdom of the Moscow Metropolitan, admiring the mosaics and marble of this utopia underground. The extravagant decoration of its soviet-era stations, is a work of art in itself. This Metro is one of the marvels of inner city transport. Bolshoi Theatre /Performances (Bolshoi Ballet) The Bolshoi is still one of the greatest theatres in the world, with its own traditions. An evening at the Bolshoi is really a must. The building is an impressive example of Russian Classical architecture. The Bolshoi is the second biggest opera house in Europe (after La Scala).

ST. PETERSBURG City Orientation Tour See the major places of interest, architectural and historical sites and monuments like the Palace Square and the Winter Palace, a former residence of Russian Tsars, St. Isaac’s Square, Decembrists’

Performances at the Hermitage and Mariinssky Theaters Mariinssky Theatre: This historic majestic theatre of opera and ballet opened in 1860. Many of the stage masterpieces of Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, and Rimsky-Korsakov received their premieres here. The annual international “Stars of the White Nights Festival” in Saint Petersburg, has also put the Mariinsky on the world’s cultural map. Hermitage Theatre: The Hermitage Theatre, one of the oldest theatres in Russia, was built by order of Catherine the Great in 1782-1785 to a design by the architect Giacomo Quarenghi. Lovers of classical music can attend performances of the State Hermitage’s own orchestra, St Petersburg Camerata.

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russia by rail

escorted tours

suggested itineraries

Sapsan:High speed trains between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Allegro: High speed trains between Helsinki and St. Petersburg. Grand Trans Siberian Express: The journey of a lifetime. Experience the legendary Trans Siberian Railway and the Trans Mongolian Railway onboard a private charter train. The train offers a choice of First Class and Deluxe accommodation as well as restaurants, a bar, a service car with shower cabins and a conference car. Stops for land excursions at the most interesting places along the route are included every day.

COSMOS

Two Capitals of Russia: Moscow & St. Petersburg - 8 days

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Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

• • • • •

Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality. A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Director.

Original Trans Sib – 10 days Moscow to Vladivostok Trans Mongolian Classic – 9 days Moscow to Beijing Original Trans Sib – 13 days St. Petersburg to Vladivostok Big Trans Siberian – 16 days Moscow to Beijing Mammoth Trans Sib – 25 days St. Petersburg to Beijing

cruises from russia There’s nothing like a river cruise if you want a leisurely holiday. Travel down the rivers of Russia on the routes followed by the Russian Tsars, dock in ancient Russian cities that still conjure up Russia’s mysterious past. Visit unique historical and architectural sites, whilst cruising on the Neva River, Lake Ladoga, the Svir River, Lake Onega, the Baltic Canal, White Lake and the Volga River. Choose from any of the following Volga River Cruises: • Moscow to St. Petersburg – 8 days / 12 days • St. Petersburg to Moscow – 8 days / 11 days • Moscow to Astrakhan – 14 days Ocean Cruises St. Petersburg is a major port of call for cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Costa, MSC, Cunard, Celebrity Cruises and Silver Sea.

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Moscow and St. Petersburg – 8 days

Day 2 Moscow: City Tour & Moscow Metro Breakfast. Go on a guided city tour by coach with photo stops at the most famous sights: Poklonnaya Hill, New Maiden Convent, Vorobievy Hills. Drive by Tverskaya Street, Bolshoi Theatre, Lubyanka Square, Savior Cathedral, the Kremlin etc. Walk along old Arbat Street for shopping and lunch on your own. Enjoy an excursion of the famous Moscow Metro. Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight. Day 3 Moscow – Red Square & Kremlin Breakfast. On this guided tour by coach, walk on Red Square and view St.Basil’s Cathedral. Visit the Kremlin, the centre of political life. The tsars’ coronation ceremony took place in one of the cathedrals and all tsars before Peter the Great are buried there. Visit the Armory chamber (optional) and/or the Diamond Fund (optional) to see the fabulous collection of Russia’s state jewels on display. Lunch on your own. Return to your hotel around 3 pm. Overnight.

where to stay Hotels in Russia range from 5 star to budget. Many meet international standards, especially in big cities, whereas others are very basic.

Day 1 Moscow Arrive Moscow Airport where the guide will meet and transfer you by coach to your hotel. Overnight.

GLOBUS Every Journey Tells A Story Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours:

• •

St. Petersburg & Moscow – 7 days St. Petersburg & Moscow with Ukraine – 15 days

Day 4 Moscow: Sergiev Posad. Breakfast. In the afternoon, check out but leave your bags in the hotel. Proceed to Sergiev Posad famous for the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergii (the Russian Orthodox equivalent of the Vatican). Admire the medieval buildings rivaling those of the Kremlin. Spend some time shopping and return to the hotel. Dine at a local restaurant and transfer to Leningradsky railway station to board your night train to St. Peteresburg. Day 5 St. Petersburg: City Tour Arrive in St. Petersburg station early morning where your guide will transfer you to a local restaurant for breakfast. Enjoy a city tour covering the major architectural and historical sites and monuments like the Palace Square, the Winter Palace, St. Isaac’s Square, and

more. Enjoy a view of St. Peter & Paul Fortress, the Hermitage and the Admiralty. Transfer to your hotel. Check in. Overnight. Day 6 St. Petersburg – Hermitage & Peter and Paul Fortress Breakfast. Depart for a morning tour of the Hermitage and a post lunch on your own, a tour of Peter and Paul fortress. The Hermitage Museum, houses one of the most impressive art collections in the world. and three other majestic buildings along the Neva River embankment Small Hermitage, Old Hermitage and New Hermitage. Lunch on your own. Visit St. Peter & Paul Fortress, the first structure in St. Petersburg, built by Peter the Great to protect the city from Swedish attacks. It is now the emblem of the city and its Cathedral is the resting place of many of the Romanov dynasty. Overnight. Day 7 St. Petersburg - Tsarskoe Selo’s Catherine Palace Breakfast. Enjoy an excursion to Tsarskoe Selo, formerly known as Pushkin) is one of St. Petersburg’s numerous Imperial estates. Located just 25 kilometers south of St Petersburg, the estate boasts a large landscape park, dotted with architectural follies, and centered on the magnificent blue, white and gold Catherine Palace that houses some beautiful Baroque interiors, including the luxurious Grand Hall and a long, gold, mirrored ballroom. The Palace also boasts a unique Amber Room, whose priceless amber panels were stolen by Nazi troops during WWII, but which are now being painstakingly recreated by Russian craftsmen. Lunch on your own. Afternoon is at leisure. Spend your time at the promenade along Nevskij Prospekt, view of Cathedral of Our Savior on the Blood, shopping. In the evening return back to the hotel. Overnight. Day 8 St. Petersburg Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.

More Options: • Complete St. Petersburg in a Nutshell – 6 days • Complete Moscow in a Nutshell - 6 days • The Golden Ring of Russia - 9 days Route: Moscow - Vladimir - Suzdal - Kostroma - Yaroslavl - Sergiev Posad - Moscow • Baikal Region – 6 days

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