Tour Information 20-Day Northern and Southern Europe Discovery Tour Visiting:Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal and more! Departs: 25 April 2012 and 9 May 2012 Price: From $6580 per/person (twin share)*
Early bird special: Book and pay deposit by 31st December 2011 and only pay $6280 per/person (twin share)!! Live Chat Status:
* Conditions: Package price includes international airfare from Melbourne, domestic flights (if applicable), most meals, accommodation and entries to locations on itinerary. If you are from another state, please let us know. Price does not include additional taxes, tippings, visas (if applicable). Please contact our Friendly staff for more information Prices and itinerary are subject to change without notice due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, airline scheduling changes, fuel surcharges, accomodation tariffs, taxes and airfare increases. Tour Highlights
Itinerary: B = breakfast provided , L = lunch provided , D = dinner provided DAY 1. MELBOURNE /SINGAPORE Assemble at Melbourne International Airport, where you Friendly Tour Escort is waiting to welcome you. Once all boarding procedures in order, we are off. Enjoy your meal, a film and a good snooze, we head for Singapore. (Meals on board)
DAY 2. SINGAPORE/ COPENHAGEN Arrival at Changi International for a short transit for some last minute shopping. A quiet touch-down at Kastrup airport where our local coach captain will soon carry you to the city. Our guided city tour leads us thorough the town its old world charm. Passing by CHRISTIANSBORG Palace, the Stock exchange with the unique inter-twined dragons' tail on the roof. The H.C. Andersen's Boulevard and the statue of the man himself, the Vester-brogade with the naughty quarter that "Liberated Copenhagen " is so well known for. Afterwards, the State Art Gallery and Nyborder designed by King Christian IV about 350 years ago and AMALIENBORG PALACE, now the winter residence of the Royal Family. It is indeed one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Finally, a must for every visitor, is to drive down the harbour park, all the way from Giffion fountain to the pretty Little Mermaid. In the afternoon, get into the tempo quick on Stroget, the main thoroughfare next to the city hall, it is a fascinating mile-long shopping street maintained for pedestrians only. At the end of it, is Kongens Nytorv, the King's Square, where the Royal Theatre stands. Nyhavn, the rowdy sailors' district, is just a short walk away. You will find an astonishing variety of sights and activities; the gaiety and charm of a continuing festival (during Summer months) in every area. (B.L.D)
DAY 3. TOUR OF MALMO - SWEDEN/HAMLET CASTLE - DENMARK Across the Oresund we go this morning. Almost 16 KM long, it is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. At the other end is the University Town of Malmo, also known as the "Capital" of the Swedish southern-most province Skåne. Visit St. Gertrud, a 16th century old preservation where the half timbered buildings are the attractions. There is also the Malmöhus Castle from the 15th century or the quite opposite when it comes to architecture; Turning Torso, a remarkable building that has got world attention for its uniqueness. We have some time here for you to wander around the lively shopping district before we make our way to the northern part of Denmark in the afternoon. Visits to Kronborg Castle at Elsingor, where it was immortalised by the English play–Shakespeare's Hamlet. Continue our tour ending at the centre of Copenhagen once again this late afternoon. For those who wish to stay behind after dinner, may we suggest you to join in the celebration at Tivoli Gardens. You are free at your own discretion. (B.D)
DAY 4. RODBY/PUTTGARDEN/HAMBURG (GERMANY) After a hearty breakfast, we set off to the port of Rodby where we take a short trip to Puttgarden port in Germany. Once we are on the European continent, our new coach awaits. A short trip takes us to the Hanseatic league township of Hamburg. She boasts 31 theatres, 6 music halls, 10 cabarets and 50 state and private museums. Of the 4,000 restaurants, 2,400 offer foreign cuisine. The banks of the Elbe and the Alster rivers are ideal for a stroll. The port sight-seeing trips are impressive and they offer a special perspective on the panorama of Hamburg later. Our coach makes an orientation drive along the heart of the city. In summer, sails are seen alongside larger ships at the inland harbour. This evening, why not take a peep at the red-light St. Pauli district of the famous Reeperbahn -It is a wild show out there.. (B.L.D)
DAY 5. HAMBURG/KASSEL/RHINELAND AREA We continue our journey on the trusty coach passing by the commercial and industrial towns and cities such as Hanover, Gottingen and Kassel to arrive in to the student prince city of Heidelberg. Before our dinner at the Asia restaurant by the Old Tower bridge, breathe in history as you stroll through the Altstadt where large number of campuses are located alongside its busy shopping and department stores. Look up at the trees lined hillside to discover the world famous 13th century Heidelberg Castle, the foundations of which go way back to mediaeval times. (B.L.D)
DAY 6. RHINELAND/BLACK FOREST/RHINE-FALLS/ZURICH (SWITZERLAND)
DAY 7. LUCERNE LAKE/ENGELBERG MOUNTAIN VALLEY TOUR You ascend to 3000 feet above sea level over the lake to come face to face with Engelberg village. Here is where you see quaint Swiss mountain village and the enormous monastery at the end of the village. You will have an opportunity to visit the famous Mount Titlis, first in the world to have revolving jumbo cable car, a ride to its summit at 10000 feet above sea level is exhilarating. Later, we return to Lucerne for short tour and free time. As we drive along the shores laced with weeping willows, graceful swans and mandarin ducks, it will surely capture your heart and to slow down your pace for a second look. Visit the Lion Monument commemorating the bravery of Swiss Guards; the Old wall with its 11 watch towers; the Kappell Bridge and the beauty of its Rococo Churches. There are numerous Swiss watches show halls; chocolate shops to spend a good few hours. Return in the evening for dinner in hotel.. (B. L. D)
DAY 8. ZURICH/BERNE/GENEVA Today we make our way to Berne. It is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site and walking with your tour manager from the rail station through arcades of shops and stores, we see a compact mediaeval cityscape to which the romantic Swiss capital owes its charm. Cross the River Aare, we come to the Bear pit, for the glimpse of those cute cuddly animals.Do not forget a memorial snap shot, as a proof that you were here! In the late afternoon, we come face to face with the symbol of the lake and the city, the jet d'eau near the English Garden. This is Geneva, the cosmopolitan ambiance is reflected in the area where U.N. congress and offices are located. We enjoy our orientation drive around town, see the Rose Garden, the water jet, the flower clock, and of course the International Red Cross and more. Dinner in Chinese restaurant before we check in to the hotel on the French side of the city. (B.D)
DAY 9. GENEVA/FRENCH ALPS region/TURIN/NICE (France) Heading south in the French county, we take the tunnel beneath the mighty Monte Blanc, one of the tallest alpine rocks straddling 3 European countries. At the other end of this 23km long tunnel, we come face to face with a unique village Aosta. We then pass by the Italian township of Turin for lunch and then head towards the Queens of the French Riviera– Nice. (B.L.D)
DAY 10. NICE/ MONTE CARLO/EZE PERFUME VILLAGE (MONACO) Wake up to perpetually blue skies and scintillating sunshine, this is what you would expect from the resort that has been favourite of the English since the Victorian era. Stroll along the promenade des Angalis (which is the Promenade of the English) to enjoy the blue sea, cool breeze and warmth of the Mediterranean sun by the beach. Later with our coach, we proceed 20KM away along the base hillside road, to visit the principality of Monaco. You discover its fabulous architecture, its impressive Casino and if you wish, enter to where people are playing or only watching the game. You can stroll along the hill walk to view the Royal Palace and the Maritime museum, or through the shops where most popular fashion brands and the most prestigious jewellers are gathered in the Golden Square. Afterwards, we visit the famous Fragonard perfume factory for special scents to bring back home with you at bargain prices. (B.L)
DAY 11. NICE/BARCELONA (SPAIN) We skim all the way along the Mediterranean Sea, one of the largest inland seas in the world. It is indeed the Blue Coast or Cote de Azur where the rich and famous will seek refuge and enjoy the high living here. Leaving Nice, we pass through the townships of Cannes. The Cannes film festival each August attracts superstars from Hollywood to Bollywood. We enjoy a brief stop at Marseilles after St. Tropez, the rich people's resort. Soon we come to Perpiganan and into Spain where we rest our feet at Arenys de Mars, in the vicinity of Barcelona. (B.D)
DAY 12. FULL DAY IN BARCELONA There is never a dull moment in the second largest city of Spain. The city tour takes us into the Old and New Quarters, dissected by the famous La Ramblas pedestrian mall - the focal point. Visit the Tetuan Square, Arch of Triumph, the Magificent Lau Seu Cathedral, and the Christopher Columbus monument by the seafront. Then we drive up to Montjuic, site of the 1992 Summer Olympics for a panoramic view of the city by the sea. Later spent some free time at the Plaza Catalonia, Barcelona's main shopping district and Cort des Inglais department store. This evening, we head back to our hotel on the seaside resort of Costa Brava, why not after dinner, stroll with friends to enjoy the balmy night by the beach or Flamingo dance anyone? (B.L.D)
DAY 13. BARCELONA/ZARAGOZA/ALCALA de HENEREZ We bid good bye to the Coast of the Brave, and head west. By lunch time we come to the city of Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon Region. It is the culminant point in the valley of Ebro, Spain's most water-bearing river, in an impressive landscape. We stop here for lunch and time to wander in the largest Cathedral Squares in the region and to admire the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the town hall and the shopping street. In the early evening, we journey through the mountainous region towards Madrid. Sit back, relax and take stock of a fascinating holiday of a lifetime towards Madrid. Overnight in Alcala de Henerez, home of the greatest Spanish play-write –Ceventes. (B.L.D)
DAY 14. FULL DAY MADRID AND TOLEDO Explore the interesting contrasts that Madrid offers to its visitors this morning, starting with the University City and the Casa del Campo park. See Barrio de la Moreiria, the elegant square of Puerta de Sol -Spain's favourite plaza, the landmark fountain of Neptune and Cibeles, the impressive Alcala Arch, the Bullring, the New Madrid and finally Plaza Mayor, the most important architectural and historical landmark in Madrid, built in the 17th century where one can find numerous shops, markets, lively theatres and restaurants, palaces and splendid bridges. In the afternoon, you have an opportunity to enjoy the detail tour of the Royal Palace with the Palace guide. Walk around the 2,000 room in this working palace on Plaza de Oriente, is indeed an eye opening affair. Afterwards, we make our way to the UNESCO city of Toledo. Sitting on a craggy rock, Toledo is almost completely encircled by the Tagus River. Here we visit the Alcazar (Closed on Mondays), a fortress once the imperial residence and later became a military museum which also houses one of the largest public libraries in Spain. (B.L.D)
DAY 15. MADRID/SALAMANCA We have a relaxing late morning departure, heading westward. By the time we come to Avila, it is almost lunch time. Avila is built on the flat summit of a rocky hill, which rises abruptly in the midst of a veritable wilderness. The city is notable for having a complete set of medieval city walls. It is also one of the cities with the highest number of churches. This evening, we arrive into the "OXFORD" of Spain, the most important University town -Salamanca. (B.D)
DAY 16. SALAMANCA/FATIMA/LISBON (PORTUGAL) Salamanca is a small and friendly Spanish university town. Many students from all over are seen, whether to study Spanish or learn another subject Salamanca is not only a learning center in the country, also a distinguished establishment for many centuries. A short stroll through the township, we see the two Cathedrals, the most beautiful squares of Spain that is the Plaza Mayor. We then continue our journey, feeling the Portuguese air titillating our senses in the afternoon. We then visit the pilgrimage village of Fatima and afterwards continue to Lisbon and then check into the hotel. (B.L.D).
DAY 17. LISBON/END OF THE WORLD SITE TOUR/SINTRA/ESTORIL It is said that if you come to Lisbon, it is mandatory to visit the northern Coast which is also nicknamed as "The end of the Earth" - indeed an exhilarating experience when you come right to edge of the European Continent. Why not have a certificate printed here, a great souvenir for all visitors. We continue our scenic drive along the shimmering sea along the Estoril Coast. We then visit the town of Sintra and its natural surroundings, confirmed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Spread across seven hills, Lisbon offers many delightful and distinctive regions to discover. To the west of the city is Belém, boasting two world heritage sites—the Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) and the Jeronimo Monastery. As we drive along the river Tagus, you will see a huge statue of Christ resembling the one found in Brazil's capital and the Golden suspension bridge we drive along, well it’s quite similar to a famous San Francisco one. The day tour ends after your meal back at the hotel. (B.L.D)
DAY 18 LISBON/HOME BOUND Depart for airport today after breakfast. Here is where your tour manager and driver bid you farewell and goodbye. You will connect your Singapore Airlines International flight via Frankfurt (B. meals on board flight)
DAY 19. HOME BOUND Arrival in to Singapore Changi airport once again. Last minute shopping anybody?? A short break before we continue to fly back to Australia. (Meals on board flight)
DAY 20. ARRIVE MELBOURNE Soon you touch down at Melbourne Tullamarine International airport. Here is where your Friendly Travel Tour escort bids you farewell. We hope you have carried fond memories of this epic journey and a rich collection of memories to be cherished in the years ahead. (Meals on board flight)
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