Travel Club In conjunction with Swagman Tours

EUROPE FARM TOUR 27 DAYS Dep: 03 July 2015

DAY 1:

Fri 03 Jul

MELBOURNE – FLY TO PARIS

(Inflight meals)

Meet your fellow passengers and tour escort at Tullamarine airport and check in for your flight to Paris.

DAY 2:

Sat 04 Jul

ARRIVE PARIS

(D)

Upon arrival in Paris early this morning proceed through immigration and clear customs where you will be met by your tour manager and driver. A local guide will join us for a tour of the city to view the main sights. After lunch (own expense) transfer to your hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure to rest until our welcome dinner in the hotel this evening. Overnight: Paris

DAY 3:

Sun 05 Jul

SIGHTSEEING

(B)

Depart this morning for a sightseeing tour of Paris, the world capital of style, and admire its most famous landmarks, including the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, The Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and of course the Eiffel Tower. This afternoon visit the beautiful palace of Versailles, built by Louis XIV and situated on the outskirts of Paris. Enjoy a tour of the palace interior (audio phones) before returning to your hotel. Overnight: As above

DAY 4:

Mon 06 Jul

PARIS - CAEN

(BD)

An early departure this morning as we drive west into the region of Normandy. Here we are joined by a specialist guide for a half day tour of the Battlefields sites, including a visit to the Arromanches Cemetery, entry to the Arromanches D-Day Museum, and a visit to the cemeteries of Courselles sur Mer and Colleville sur Mer. Continue to Caen late this afternoon. Overnight: Caen

DAY 5:

Tue 07 Jul

CAEN – ST MALO

(B)

After breakfast, visit the Fromagerie Graindourge cheese factory at Livarot to see some cheese making on a guided tour. Afterwards continue to Camembert for a visit to the La Herroniere cheese factory for a guided tour of the last dairy farm in Camembert producing the true A.O.C. camembert from raw milk, hand moulded with a ladle in the traditional way (subject to confirmation – farm is being sold). This afternoon visit the famous Abbey of Mont St Michel, perched on a rocky inlet in the Gulf of St Malo and make a stop in Villedieu-les-Poeles, famous for its production of brass and copper ware. Continue to the pretty fishing port of St Malo where the evening is at leisure to dine in one of the excellent seafood restaurants for which St Malo is known for. Overnight: St Malo

DAY 6:

Wed 08 Jul

ST MALO – TOURS

(BL)

An early start this morning as we travel through the beautiful Loire Valley region, stopping at the Kuhn-Huard SA factory in Chateaubriant for a look through their operation producing ploughing equipment, no-till seed drills and non-drive tillage tools. After lunch visit the magnificent 500 year old Chateau of Chenonceau. The Chateau is an exceptional site not only because of its original design, the richness of its collections, its furniture and its decorations but also because of its destiny since it was loved, administrated and protected by women who were all extraordinary and who, for the most part, have marked history. Following our tour with audio guide, continue to Tours for our overnight stay. Overnight: Tours

DAY 7:

Thu 09 Jul

TOURS – BEAUNE

(B)

This morning travel through the picturesque French countryside to the famous Burgundy wine producing area and to its capital, Beaune, for an inspection tour of a vineyard complete with tasting. This delightful town has a certain aura about it – in addition to its famed wines it is also renowned for jams, pastries, chocolate and cheese. The unique tiled roof of the central hotel is quite a spectacular sight. Overnight: Beaune

DAY 8:

Fri 10 Jul

BEAUNE – LUCERNE

(BD)

Today’s travels take us over the border into scenic Switzerland, the first stop being Basel to enjoy a city sightseeing tour including Tinguely fountain, the cathedral and Munsterplatz plus the town hall; all the while travelling through the enchanting streets and alleyways of this well preserved medieval town. Afterwards continue to our two night stay in Lucerne. Overnight: Lucerne

DAY 9:

Sat 11 Jul

LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING & FARM VISIT

(B)

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Lucerne viewing the main sights including the Chapel Bridge with its octagonal water tower, the Jesuit Church and the Culture & Convention Centre. On tour you will learn the history of Lucerne and discover hidden alleys and town squares and catch a glimpse of the city’s “crown” – the Musegg Wall. Also visit the renowned sculpture known as the dying Lion of Lucerne, carved out of natural rock in memory of the heroic Swiss guards where were massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 and was described by Mark Twain as the saddest and most moving pieces of rock in the world. Afterwards travel the short distance to Lake Lucerne to see the magnificent views. This afternoon travel to a local Brown Swiss cattle farm for a tour and opportunity to speak to the owner before returning to the hotel late afternoon. Overnight: As Above

DAY 10:

Sun 12 Jul

LUCERNE – PARMA

(BD)

After breakfast depart Lucerne and cross the Italian border, travelling through the scenic Italian Lakes District - a haven for tourists drawn by the spectacular mountain ranges which feature as a backdrop to some of the most beautiful lakes with small, colourful towns dotting the area. Arrive at Parma this afternoon, located in the EmiliaRomagna region of Italy and famous for prosciutto, cheese and architecture. Overnight: Parma

DAY 11:

Mon 13 Jul

PARMA VISITS – FLORENCE

(BD)

This morning visit a Parmiggiano Reggiano factory to see the cheese masters at work followed by a visit to a local Black Pig farm producing parma ham. Afterwards continue to our two night stay in historical Florence, capital of the legendary Tuscany region in Italy. Overnight: Florence

DAY 12:

Tue 14 Jul

FLORENCE

(B)

This morning explore Florence on foot with a guided walking tour to view the main sights of the city, including the Pitti Palace, Baptistry, Cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Ponte Vecchio. This afternoon visit Barbialla Nuova farm, an estate of over 500 hectares, half of which is occupied by cultivated and grazing fields and the other half by an age-old wood rooted in volcanic rock. The farm’s policy has always been based on respect for the earth and high-quality production and it received its organic farming certification in 1992. The main farming activities include meat, olive oil, white truffles and honey – all produced at a superb standard. Overnight: As Above

DAY 13:

Wed 15 Jul

FLORENCE – VENICE ISLAND

(BD)

This morning travel to Forli and visit the Rinieri Agricultural Machinery Factory for a guided tour. Rinieri have been in operation for more than 60 years producing offset cultivators, mulchers, flay mouvers, busch cutters, plus trimming summer and winter machines for vineyards. Continue on to Venice Mestre then transfer to Venice Island where you will be issued with a Vaporetto Pass, which gives you unlimited use of Venice Island’s public waterbus transport, before checking in to our hotel. Overnight: Venice

DAY 14:

Thu 16 Jul

VENICE ISLAND

(B)

This morning is free to wander Venice at your own pace using your Vaporetto Pass then after lunch meet back at the hotel to join your walking tour and see the main sights of the island including a visit to St Marks Basilica. Overnight: As Above

DAY 15:

Fri 17 Jul

VENICE ISLAND – INNSBRUCK

(BD)

After breakfast transfer to Tronchetto and travel to Campodarsego to visit the Maschio Factory, an international Group specialising in the production of agricultural machinery for tillage, seeding, haying, landscaping and crop care. Enter Austria on our scenic alpine drive via the Brenner Pass and travel across the spectacular Europa Bridge to Innsbruck. Overnight: Innsbruck

DAY 16:

Sat 18 Jul

INNSBRUCK – SALZBURG

(BD)

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol, situated in the heart of the Alpine region. The tour will include the Golden Roof, Imperial Palace, Hofgarten, and the University. Afterwards continue via the Inn River Valley to our overnight stop in Salzburg. Overnight: Salzburg

DAY 17:

Sun 19 Jul

SALZBURG

(BD)

This morning visit Hofladen Joglbauer for a guided tour. The property has been in the same family since 1776 and is located on a plateau above the Trumer Lakes. Since 1979, 40 hectares of land has been under the guidelines of bio-organic farming is the Bio Austria association. The farm keeps around 40 cows in an outdoor air stall, fed on grass hay and forage with grain as compensation. Their fields cultivate various vegetables and they have an orchard with apple, pear and plum trees plus other berries, all of which are used in their onsite farm shop and bakery to make items such as juices, vinegars, breads, pastries and cakes. Afterwards enjoy a ‘Sound of Music’ tour to see the main sights of the city including entrance to the Mirabell Gardens and to view the Hellbrun Castle. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight: As above

DAY 18:

Mon 20 Jul

SALZBURG – VIENNA

(B)

Today travel east toward Vienna, visiting the Case Tractor Factory at St Valentin enroute. The factory produces around 12,000 Case and Steyr tractors per year and we have the chance to see them being made on our guided tour before arriving at Vienna late afternoon. Dine out this evening (own expense). Overnight: Vienna

DAY 19:

Tue 21 Jul

VIENNA

(BD)

This morning embark on a sightseeing tour of Vienna, the Austrian capital, to see the main sights including the Imperial Hofburg, State Opera House and Schonbrunn Palace. Later on enjoy a guided tour with wine tasting at Krems Winery and end the day with dinner at renowned Mayer am Pfarrplatz Heuringe, a charming local Viennese restaurant. Overnight: As above

DAY 20:

Wed 22 Jul

VIENNA – SINSHEIM

(BD)

A pure travel day today as we head west and cross the border into Germany, sit back and enjoy the views as we travel toward our overnight stop in Sinsheim. Overnight: Sinsheim

DAY 21:

Thu 23 Jul

SINSHEIM – SPEYER – MANNHEIM

(BD)

After breakfast time to visit the Auto & Technik Museum to see their impressive collection of over 3,000 exhibits from all areas of technical history on more than 30,000 square metres of indoor space and open air ground including a genuine Concorde from Air France, classic and racing cars, motorcycles, airplanes and locomotives to name a few. Continue to Speyer, located alongside the Rhine River, to view the main sights of the city and visit the UNESCO listed cathedral before arriving into Mannheim mid-afternoon where the remainder of the day is at leisure until meeting back at the hotel in time for dinner. Overnight: Mannheim

DAY 22:

Fri 24 Jul

MANNHEIM – HEIDELBERG – MANNHEIM

(BL)

This morning arrive at the John Deere factory in Mannheim for an inspection tour of the plant that produces over 40,000 tractors per annum and is Germany’s largest manufacturer and exporter. Enjoy lunch on site then travel the short distance to picturesque Heidelberg with time to explore this pretty town at leisure before heading back to Mannheim for dinner (own expense). Overnight: As Above

DAY 23:

Sat 25 Jul

MANNHEIM – COLOGNE

(BLD)

Today travel to Wachtersbach Neudorf and visit a mixed farming operation including maize, cereals, dairy and livestock plus arable farming and a biogas plant. After the tour enjoy a traditional German lunch on the farm then travel to Cologne on the romantic Rhine. Overnight: Cologne

DAY 24:

Sun 26 Jul

COLOGNE – AMSTERDAM

(BL)

This morning time for a guided Cologne city tour before our travels take us across the border into the picturesque Netherlands, arriving at Amsterdam in time for lunch at a local restaurant. The remainder of the day is free to explore this captivating city at your leisure - perhaps a visit to Anne Frank’s house to see the cramped conditions which were endured during WWII, the Van Gough Museum or to the Heineken factory to sample some of this world famous brew. Dine out this evening (own expense). Overnight: Amsterdam

DAY 25:

Mon 27 Jul

AMSTERDAM

(BD)

After breakfast will be a sightseeing tour of Amsterdam including a unique view of this beautiful city on board a canal cruise, giving great insight in the history of the city and its development. Afterwards, visit a Clog Factory and see how these traditional Dutch wooden shoes are made. The remainder of the day is at leisure for further exploration of this picturesque city until meeting back at the hotel in time for dinner. Overnight: As above

DAY 26:

Tue 28 Jul

AMSTERDAM – FLY HOME

(B)

Transfer to the airport after breakfast to check-in for your flight home. Overnight: In-flight

DAY 27:

Wed 29 Jul

ARRIVE MELBOURNE

Arrive back into Melbourne this afternoon, so ending a truly memorable trip to Europe.

COST: $11,850.00 per person twin share* *Tour cost is subject to air/tax increases plus currency fluctuations Based on a minimum of 20 passengers travelling

(-)

Non-refundable deposit required:

$1,000.00 per person

Balance required no later than:

22 May 2015

.

Single Supplement: MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS: Paris * 2 Nights Venice * 2 Nights Mannheim * 2 Nights

$1840.00 per person Lucerne Salzburg Amsterdam

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: * Paris sightseeing incl Palace of Versailles * Battlefield sites at Normandy * Abby of Mont St Michel * Chateau of Chenonceau * Wine tasting in Burgundy, France * Lucerne sightseeing including the Lion FARM & TECHNICAL VISITS:  Cheese factory, Livarot  Kuhn-Huard SA factory, Chateaubriant, France  Brown Swiss cattle farm, Switzerland  Parmiggiano Reggiano factory, Parma region  Black Pig producer, Parma region

* 2 Nights * 2 Nights * 2 Nights

Florence Vienna

* 2 Nights * 2 Nights

* Italian Lakes District * Guided walking tour of Florence * Venice Island sights including St Marks Basilica * Sound of Music tour in Salzburg * Vienna sights incl Imperial Hofburg * Amsterdam sights including a canal cruise

    

Rinieri Agricultural Factory, Forli Case Tractor Factory, St Valentin Auto & Technik Museum - Sinsheim John Deere Factory, Mannheim German mixed farming operation

Tour cost includes:  Economy airfares and pre-payable taxes Australia to Paris and return from Amsterdam  Air-conditioned vehicle throughout with experienced driver/guide  Twin share 3-4 star accommodation throughout with en suite facilities  Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)  All entries and sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary  All farm visits and technical visits listed in the itinerary  Services of an experienced tour manager plus local guides for city tours.  Standard Travel Insurance for those aged up to and including 70 years (surcharge applicable for passengers with a pre-existing health condition or aged 71 or over)  Hotel porterage (one bag per person)  Gratuities for the coach driver & tour manager Tour cost does NOT include:  Items of a personal nature ie laundry/phone etc and any optional extras listed in the itinerary  Beverages & meals not listed in the itinerary  Cost of passport  Cost of any medication required FARM & TECHNICAL VISITS: A fully furnished list of confirmed visits both to farming properties and technical stops will be given with your ticket wallets approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure. Factory visits listed in the itinerary are subject to them being operational. We will know more when factory holiday schedules are released late 2014

* Changes and alterations may take place from details listed in the itinerary * IMPORTANT NOTES: The tour cost is subject to change due to currency fluctuations, airfare, fuel surcharges and / or tax increases. As this is a group package, all passengers must travel on the same outbound flight to Paris. Post touring options are available and will incur an amendment fee of $100 per person (plus extra touring and insurance costs).

PASSPORTS AND VISAS All travellers will require a full valid passport, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid visas for all countries visited on your holiday, and/or sufficient blank pages for any visas and for entry/departure stamps. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your holiday. If you have more than one passport, we recommend that you use one passport only for the entire journey. This will save problems and potential delays at border crossings. Requirements differ depending on your nationality - check with the appropriate embassies for details. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday and onward travel. Swagman Tours cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation. Please check the actual requirements with the necessary embassy. Please also do not assume that any inaccuracies within your documentation will be detected or can be rectified - you must ensure that your "paper-work" is in order. There will be times during the trip, when your passport will be collected e.g. by your tour leader, hotel reception staff, or police. HOLDERS OF FOREIGN PASSPORTS: Travellers holding non Australian passports must have the relevant re-entry permit to return to Australia and must check with their National Consulate of any visa requirements to your holiday destination country(s). NOTE: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

TOUR ESCORT: James Wagstaff Focus Editor, The Weekly Times James Wagstaff is one of Australia’s most respected and experienced rural journalists. As the Weekly Times Focus Editor, he is at the forefront of farming ideas and stories with on-farm stories his specialty. Born and raised on a Riverina grazing property at Hay, he is passionate about agriculture.

FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT:

SWAGMAN TOURS Level 1, 182 Latrobe Terrace (PO Box 7473) GEELONG WEST VIC 3218 P: 1800 808 491

E: [email protected]

W: www.swagmantours.com.au