Prague, Dresden & Berlin including the small towns of Bohemia
28 AUG – 13 SEP 2015 Code: 21523
Tour Leaders Dr Iva Rosario, Tony Rosario
Physical Ratings
Journey from Prague to Dresden and Berlin to discover three of Europe's most fascinating cities and the lovely Bohemian countryside; visiting major art collections, museums, palaces and castles.
Overview Tour Highlights
Join Dr Iva Rosario on an unforgettable tour of lovely small towns in Bohemia combined with extended stays in three of Europe's most fascinating cities: Prague, Dresden and Berlin Visit the beautiful, untouched historic cities of Bohemia: Cesky Krumlov, Tabor & Kutna Hora In Prague enjoy a comprehensive program of visits to major art collections, museums, palaces and castles View one of the finest collections of paintings by Old Masters in Europe at the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden - including masterpieces by Giorgione, Raphael, Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, Vermeer, Van Dyck and Canaletto At Dresden's Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault) see the largest collection of treasures in Europe In Berlin visit the Deutscher Bundestag and walk inside its glass cupola for a spectacular view over the city Explore the Potsdamer Platz, Berlin’s spectacular ‘gallery’ of modern architecture and the Jewish Museum designed by Daniel Libeskind View the remarkable collections of art & antiquities gathered from both halves of Berlin at the Pergamon Museum, the Gemäldegalerie & the Alte Nationalgalerie Make an excursions to the beautiful summer palace of the Prussian monarchy at Sanssouci Attend two concerts - one in Prague & one in Berlin Enjoy 6 nights in both Prague and Berlin where we stay at the 4-star Hotel Adria on Wenceslas Square and the 5-star Swissôtel Berlin The tour features a number of meals at carefully selected restaurants - including Berlin's Alt Luxemburg
17 days in the Czech Republic & Germany
Overnight Prague (6 nights) • Cesky Krumlov (2 nights) • Dresden (2 nights) • Berlin (6 nights)
Overview
Journey from Prague to Dresden and Berlin to discover three of Europe’s most fascinating cities, as well as the lovely Bohemian countryside with visits to the beautiful, untouched historic towns of Cesky Krumlov, Tabor & Kutna Hora. Each city has its own distinctive plan and mix of architectural styles that have been determined by its history. The rhythms of Prague’s urban spaces and the mix of its architectural forms create a wonderfully intricate but cohesive structure. The four original towns which make up the now unified city boast masterpieces of the Romanesque, Bohemian Gothic, Renaissance and the Baroque, wedded in an inimitable architectural symphony. In Prague we enjoy a comprehensive program of visits to major art collections, museums, palaces and castles. Dresden’s pearls of European architecture, destroyed during WWII, have now been restored. Here we view one of Europe’s finest art collections at the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, including masterpieces by Giorgione, Raphael, Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, Vermeer, Van Dyck and Canaletto. Nearby, the Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault) contains arguably the largest royal treasury in Europe. The reunification of Berlin since 1989 has unleashed a vibrant wave of creative energy that is transforming its great monuments, extensive art collections, and the cultural and physical fabric of the old city. We visit the Deutscher Bundestag and walk inside Sir Norman Foster’s glass cupola for a spectacular view over the city. Led by a local architect we visit the Humboldt Box, a futuristic museum structure on the Schloßplatz and the Potsdamer Platz, Berlin’s spectacular ‘gallery’ of modern architecture. We also visit the Jewish Museum designed by Daniel Libeskind and view remarkable collections of art & antiquities at the Pergamon Museum, the Gemäldegalerie and the Alte Nationalgalerie. In Potsdam we tour the beautiful
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summer palace of the Prussian monarchy, Sanssouci. The program includes performances in Prague and Berlin, and a farewell meal at the gourmet restaurant Alt Luxemburg.
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Leaders Dr Iva Rosario
Czech born, Prague resident & world authority on Bohemian culture during the reign of Emperor Charles IV, Iva has lectured on ASA tours to the Czech Republic, Berlin, Austria & Poland since 1998.
Dr Iva Rosario is the daughter of Czech parents who endowed her with a love of the language, history and culture of their homeland. Her early education was completed in Western Australia, where she obtained a BA, B.Ed and B.Mus (hons) at the University of Western Australia. In 1992 she completed a B.Litt (Hons) at the University of Melbourne followed by a Ph.D in Fine Arts. Her doctoral dissertation examined the art and political propaganda in the fourteenth-century Czech court of Emperor Charles IV and its relation to the broader European context. This study has been published under the title: Art and Propaganda: Charles IV of Bohemia, 1346-1378, Boydell Press, 2000. She maintains her contact with The University of Melbourne as an honorary Senior Fellow. Iva joined ASA in 1997 and has since led several tours for ASA to Czech Republic, Berlin, Austria and Poland. Iva is currently resident in Prague.
Tony Rosario
Former banker with a special interest in WWII and in the society, politics & culture of post-communist Europe. Tony has led ASA tours to Spain, Poland and the UK since 2004.
Harold (Tony) Rosario has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia and a Master of Finance from RMIT. He is an ex-banker and spent many years working abroad in Hong Kong and Tokyo. He is currently resident in Prague with his wife Iva Rosario and takes a keen interest in the social, political and cultural developments in the post-communist countries in Europe. He is an avid (albeit high-handicap) golfer and lover of classical music. He is a keen amateur photographer and traveller, combining both these pleasures on frequent excursions around Central and Western Europe. Tony first joined ASA as tour manager in 2004.
Combine this tour with
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The Renaissance in Florence & Tuscany 15 SEP – 29 SEP 2015
Hidden Rome: Private Spaces of the Eternal City 14 SEP – 29 SEP 2015
Paris: Art, Architecture & Design 15 SEP – 23 SEP 2015
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Itinerary The following itinerary lists a range of museums, galleries, churches etc which we plan to visit. Many are accessible to the public, but some require special permission, which may only be confirmed closer to the tour's departure in 2015. The daily activities described in this itinerary may change or be rotated and/or modified in order to accommodate alterations in museum opening hours and the music/opera performance schedules. Participants will receive a final itinerary together with their tour documents prior to departure. The tour includes breakfast daily, lunches and evening meals as indicated in the itinerary where: B=breakfast, L=lunch, and D=evening meal.
Prague - 6 nights Day 1: Friday 28 August, Arrive Prague An Introduction to Prague Orientation Walk Welcome Evening Meal at the Triton Restaurant
Our tour commences in Prague. Upon arrival, participants taking ASA’s ‘designated’ flight will transfer by private coach to the hotel. Those taking alternative flights should meet the group at the Hotel Adria Please contact ASA if you wish to arrange a private transfer.
Our program will officially commence at 1700hrs with ‘An Introduction to Prague’ held in the hotel’s conference room. This will be followed by a one-hour orientation walking tour in the vicinity of the hotel, including Wenceslas Square. This evening we dine together at the Triton Restaurant (at the Hotel Adria) where a light two-course dinner will be served. (Overnight Prague) D
Day 2: Saturday 29 August, Prague Prague New Town: Wenceslas Square, Na Prikope
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Prague Old Town: Coronation Route, Old Town Square, Karlova St Clementinum, Charles Bridge, Havelske Square, Carolinum, Estates Theatre
Our tour of Prague begins with a walk up Wenceslas Square. This market place was the largest public space in the Prague New Town that was founded by Charles IV in 1348. Today, the square is lined with late 19th and 20th century buildings, and functions as the main shopping boulevard of Prague. The buildings make up a veritable compendium of modern architectural styles, including the historicist styles of the late 19th century, and some splendid examples of Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Social Realist architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored to their former glory. At the top of the square is the Neo-Renaissance National Museum and Myslbek’s Monument to St Wenceslas (1912). This is a site of great significance. It is here that the Czech attempt to institute a more liberal government was crushed by the Russian invasion in May 1968 (‘Prague Spring’). Jan Palach and his friends immolated themselves in protest, and there is still an unpretentious but moving shrine to their memory. It is in this same square that Czechs agitated en masse for a return to democracy during the ‘Velvet Revolution’ of 1989.
We shall take a coffee break in one of the newly restored early 20th century arcades (the Crown Palace or Koruna, 1918), and enjoy the Cubist decorations that have been preserved in the interior. Afterwards, we proceed along Na Prikope (on the ditch) which, as its name implies, was once the moat dividing the Old Town from New Town. Today this street is an important commercial avenue and contains excellent examples of architecture from every period. Our route ends at the Powder Tower (15th century) and the splendid Art Nouveau Municipal House.
The Powder Tower stands at the beginning of the medieval Coronation Route of Bohemian kings. We walk along Celetna Street, stopping to view the exterior of the first Cubist construction in Prague, ‘The House at the Black Madonna’, which was designed by J. Gocar in 1912. Celetna Street leads to the Old Town Square, which is one of the most beautiful public places in Europe. Here we shall examine the stylistically diverse façades of the houses, the Gothic church of Our Lady of Tyn (with its extraordinary spires and north tympanum), the Old Town Hall adorned by its medieval astrological clock, and the Baroque façade of the delightful church of St Nicholas by Dientzenhofer.
After lunch, our journey through Prague Old Town takes us past monumental palaces and churches, the old Jesuit seminary-university (Clementinum), through smaller squares, along Karlova Street and ends on the famous Charles Bridge which spans the Vltava River. This structure is regarded as the most beautiful medieval bridge in Europe. Founded by the greatest Bohemian ruler, Emperor Charles IV in 1357, it is famous for its Old Town Bridge Gate, whose east façade carries fine sculpture. The bridge itself is adorned with a host of statues, mostly from the Baroque period. The panoramic views of Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral from the bridge are unforgettable. Time and weather permitting, we shall enjoy afternoon tea on charming Kampa Island, located in the Vltava River and accessed from the Charles Bridge. The medieval houses and square of this tiny, urban space have been recently restored. We return to the Old Town following the Coronation Route. On the way we pass through Prague’s oldest market place (Havelske namesti), see the Carolinum (the first university north of the Alps, founded by Charles IV in 1348), the Neo- Classical Estates Theatre where Mozart’s Don Giovanni was premiered in 1778, and much more. (Overnight Prague) B
Day 3: Sunday 30 August, Prague Strahov Premonstratensian Cernin Palace (exterior) Loreto (exterior) Hradcany Square
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Prague Castle South Gardens Lesser Quarter Square St Nicholas Basilica Wallenstein Palace Garden Evening Concert (details to be confirmed)
The districts of Malá Strana (below Prague Castle) and nearby Hradcany, contain superb examples of Baroque architecture built after the Thirty Years’ War on the ashes of the medieval town. First, we shall visit the magnificent Strahov Premonstratensian Monastery library with its beautifuly frescoed reading hall. We then walk through the lovely town of Hradcany, with its many Baroque burgher houses and palaces. On our way to the Lesser Quarter, we shall look at two contrasting examples of Baroque architecture: the delightful Loreto Convent façade by Dientzenhofer and, opposite, the massive bulk of the Cernin Palace designed by Carrati. Our tour of Hradcany takes us through the town square, which boasts the outstanding Renaissance Schwarzenberg Palace with its intricately decorated sgraffito façade. We continue downhill through Hradcany Square and the Prague Castle South Gardens taking time to admire the unrivalled panorama of the Lesser Quarter. We then descend to the Lesser Quarter Square through the Ledeburg-Pálffy gardens which are a series of four Baroque terraced gardens ‘inserted’ by their aristocratic owners into the Castle Hill.
After lunch, we commence our tour of the quarter by visiting the Basilica of St Nicholas, designed by the Dientzenhofer family to fit in with the existing surroundings. This building is one of the finest late Baroque churches in Central Europe and is a must for any visitor to Prague. Following an investigation of the imposing exterior, we examine the interior with its marvellous undulating vault rising above a complicated centralised ground plan. Johann Kracker painted the frescoes of the nave – one of the most extensive cycles in Europe, while Karl Palko embellished the dome. We continue our tour of the delightful winding streets of the Lesser Quarter, many lined with beautiful colonnades and palaces. One of the finest of these grand residences is the Wallenstein Palace, which was among the earliest Baroque buildings to be constructed in Central Europe and had a great impact on Baroque design in the entire region. It was commissioned in 1621 by Duke Wallenstein from a group of Italian architects directed by Andrea Spezza. Although the palace is inaccessible, we may visit its magnificent formal garden with the exquisite sala terrena designed by Giovanni Pierroni. The garden also boasts a fine group of statues. These are copies of originals by de Vries, which were carried off to Sweden during the Swedish occupation of Prague in 1648. (Overnight Prague) B
Day 4: Monday 31 August, Prague The Castle District (Hradcany): The Royal Gardens, Belvedere, the Medieval Royal Palace, St Vitus Cathedral, St George’s Basilica, The Golden Lane
Today we shall visit the Castle District (Hradcany) with its historic cathedral-palace complex. Prague Castle’s site was first settled in the early Middle Ages, and subsequently developed through additions in the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Gothic styles.The morning will begin with a visit to the Royal Garden, Belvedere and Renaissance Ball Game Court. This complex affords beautiful views and includes a formal garden with a singing fountain. The Belvedere was the first truly Italian Renaissance building north of the Alps, built by Paolo della Stella between 1538 and 1564. Next, we visit the Old Royal Palace which is one of the largest medieval complexes of this type in Europe. Here we shall see the Vladislav Hall with its late Gothic vaulting, the Ludwig Wing, the Diet Hall and the old Bohemian state offices, before descending by the Riders’ Staircase to the Gothic and Romanesque sections of the palace.
The afternoon will begin with a visit to the political and spiritual heart of the Old Bohemian Kingdom, the
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Gothic St Vitus Cathedral, with its unique St Wenceslas Chapel. We shall admire the famous choir built by Peter Parler (including its innovative net vaulting), the important tombs of various rulers and saints, the extraordinary royal oratory by B. Ried, as well as modern stained glass windows by significant Czech artists like Alphonse Mucha. Next we shall view the exterior of the cathedral, concentrating on the remarkable South ‘Golden’ Portal and the Great Steeple.
We also visit the Romanesque Basilica of St George and walk along the Golden Lane with its quaint houses, in one of which Franz Kafka wrote The Castle. (Overnight Prague) B
Day 5: Tuesday 1 September, Prague – Kutna Hora – Prague Kutna Hora: walking tour including the Cathedral-Church of St Barbara, Hradek, Italian Court and Burgher houses
Today we drive out to the beautiful town Kutna Hora, whose name in Czech mean ‘a mined hill’. The name came about as a result of the intense mining for silver that took place at Kutna Hora from the 13th century. Although short-lived, the wealth derived from these mines was enormous, and funded many of the large- scale royal building programs in Prague and elsewhere. After the Czech capital, Kutna Hora remained the most important town in the realm for some 250 years. The historical core of the town, and the Cistercian abbey church at nearby Sedlec, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In the morning, we shall visit the Cathedral-Church of St Barbara which is perched high upon the hill and, from a distance, looks like a giant marquee. This effect is produced by the unusual roof line of the choir, which appears to be ‘swept up’ into three pointed spires and ‘pinned down’ by the flying buttresses. Begun in 1388 by the Parler workshop (St Vitus Cathedral), it was completed in the 16th century by the great Bohemian court architects Matthew Rejsek and Benedict Ried. As the church was funded by the miners, the interior is full of references to their guild. Thus in the Miner’s Chapel, there are interesting 15th century frescoes which depict miners at their labours. The church is also important for the late Gothic frescoes and altarpiece in the Smisek Chapel, and the net-vaulting in the choir.
Included in a walking tour of the town’s historic core is a visit to the medieval mining museum in the Hradek (a Gothic baronial court) and, if time permits, a chance to explore a mineshaft which is still in its medieval condition. This fascinating experience will enable us to see how the tiny miners (they had to be small in stature in order to fit through the narrow shafts) worked deep underground, seeking the precious metal that made their king one of the richest rulers in Europe. Our tour also includes the Vlassky Dvur (Italian Court) where Italian craftsmen once minted the silver coins (Prazske grose) which were prized throughout Europe in the 15th century. The Vlassky Dvur was also the occasional residence of the monarch and thus includes a palace, which features a Gothic assembly hall and a chapel with stellar vaulting. In the chapel are three important late 15th century altarpieces by Bohemian masters, and a statue of Christ the Redeemer by H. Elfeldar (16th century). (Overnight Prague) B
Day 6: Wednesday 2 September, Prague Municipal House interior tour Ungelt (Customs House) Gallery of Old Bohemian Art at the Agnes Convent Afternoon at leisure
This morning we shall take a guided tour (about 1 hour) of the Municipal House. This building was constructed as a showpiece of Czech architecture at the turn of the 20th century. The complex, which has
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just been restored, is regarded as one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Central Europe. The interior contains the Smetana Hall, numerous salons, elegant cafés, and other fine interiors.
After touring the Municipal House, we shall walk through the newly restored Customs House (Ungelt or Tyn in Czech). We then continue through the northern section of the Old Town to the Gothic Agnes Convent, now home to the collection of old Bohemian art (National Gallery). Among the most important pieces in the collection are the 14th century Votive Picture of Jan Ocko, Master Theodoric’s extraordinary panel paintings, and the exquisite Vysebrod and Trebon altarpieces. In these paintings, we see examples of a style which might truly be regarded as ‘Bohemian’, characterised by soft modelling and voluminous expression of the human form, as well as a stress on a naturalistic and individual depiction of the human figure and facial features.
The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening we shall have a group meal at a local Prague restaurant. (Overnight Prague) BD
Cesky Krumlov - 2 nights Day 7: Thursday 3 September, Prague – Tabor – Cesky Krumlov Tabor (Fortifications, Gothic Town Hall, Hussite Museum Burgher Houses, Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord) Cesky Krumlov – walking tour: Church of St Vitus, market place, medieval streets & house façades, exterior views of castle etc.
We drive out of Prague today to explore the historically and architecturally important town of Tabor. In Tabor, the Hussite Protestant revolutionaries established their fortress town or encampment. The Hussites named their town after the mountain in Palestine where the Gospels record the Transfiguration of Christ as having occurred. Time permitting we shall view the outstanding late Gothic Town Hall (which contains memorabilia of the Hussite movement), Burgher houses (with their Gothic and Renaissance façades), and the Deanery Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord on Mt Tabor.
After a light lunch of trout and raspberry crêpes (the mountain-streams in this area are full of trout), we continue our journey 90kms south to the town of Cesky Krumlov. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because it has remained virtually unaltered since the 17th century, the town is made up of two settlements, one below and around the castle, and the other between two bends of the Vltava River. This afternoon we shall commence our tour of Cesky Krumlov with a walk from the Budejovicka Gate, along the main street and across the river to the main square. This will give us an opportunity to see the many varied Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque house façades, most of which are justly considered to be architectural gems. We shall also visit the church of St Vitus, completed in 1439; one of the most important buildings in South Bohemia in the early 15th century. Here we shall see the influence of the Prague Parler workshop (St Vitus Cathedral) in the use of intricate vaulting and tracery as well as a new emphasis on verticality and light. (Overnight Cesky Krumlov) BL
Day 8: Friday 4 September, Cesky Krumlov Cesky Krumlov Castle, Theatre and Gardens Afternoon at leisure
This morning we shall visit the castle at Cesky Krumlov. Founded in 1250, it was the seat of the powerful South Bohemian magnates, the Rozmberks. Positioned on a spur overlooking the town of Cesky Krumlov,
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the Castle’s large, round Renaissance tower is visible from all parts of the settlement. The castle is one of the largest and most exciting fortified complexes in Central Europe and the Renaissance palace reflects the taste and wealth of some of the most influential baronial families in the Czech lands. The interior decorations and furnishings show the changing fashions in interior design during the Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo periods. Of particular interest is the Masquerade Hall with its amazing trompe-l’oeil paintings by J. Lederer (1748) and the elaborately carved, golden Eggenberg coach (1638). We shall also visit the castle theatre, with its unique Baroque stage sets, as well as the castle gardens and park.
The afternoon is at leisure. We shall meet again later in the evening to dine at one of Cesky’s local restaurants. (Overnight Cesky Krumlov) BD
Dresden - 2 nights Day 9: Saturday 5 September, Cesky Krumlov – Dresden Dresden: walking tour of the old town centre Evening meal at the Restaurant Altemeister, Zwinger
We depart early this morning, and travel by coach approximately 330kms north to Dresden, a city containing outstanding art collections and fine 18th- and 19th-century architecture. We are scheduled to arrive into Dresden in the mid-afternoon. After checking into our hotel, we shall commence our program with a walking tour of the old town. Dresden has a long and proud history as the capital of the Dukes and Kings of Saxony, and as an important artistic centre. However, it suffered badly in the Allied aerial bombing raids towards the end of World War Two, when blanket bombing on 13 February 1945 almost completely destroyed the city. Dresden formed part of East Germany during the post-war period and was an important industrial centre with a focus on research. Following the reunification of Germany Dresden has reclaimed its place as a cultural centre. Extensive restoration and reconstruction works allow a glimpse into the past beauty of the city. Our walk will take us past Dresden Castle, the Katholisches Hofkirche, the Semperoper and the Dresdener Frauenkirche on Neumarkt Square. This evening we will dine at the Restaurant Altemeister, located within the Zwinger. (Overnight Dresden) BD
Day 10: Sunday 6 September, Dresden Zwinger & Gemäldegalerie Altes Meister Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault)
Today we visit the Zwinger Palace, a German Baroque Palace that was almost completely destroyed in the 1945 bombing raids and rebuilt during the socialist era. Within the Neoclassical Semper Wing is the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister art gallery – fortunately the art works had been removed to safety at the start of the war. The gallery is small but it houses one of the finest collections of paintings by Old Masters in Europe gathered by the Electors and Kings of Saxon, including masterpieces by Giorgione, Raphael, Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, Vermeer, Van Dyck and Canaletto.
The Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault) located in the west wing of Dresden Castle is a unique museum that contains arguably the largest collection of precious objects such as dinner services, ornaments and jewellery, in Europe. Founded by Augustus the Strong in 1723, it was named after the malachite green painted column bases and capitals of the initial rooms. The collection features a rich variety of exhibits from the Baroque period to that of Neo-Classicism. The original rooms were destroyed in the bombing of Dresden during WWII. The Grünes Gewölbe has, however, been faithfully restored. Today, its treasures are shown on two floors: the Historic Green Vault (Historisches Grünes Gewölbe) is an accurate reconstruction
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of the historic treasure chamber as it existed in 1733, while the New Green Vault (Neues Grünes Gewölbe) on the 1st floor is composed of modern exhibition rooms that display precious objects in a neutral museum setting. You will marvel at the extraordinary riches that show the importance of conspicuous consumption to the maintenance of a courtly ambience and regal status in the 17th and 18th centuries. Some exhibits include the Cherry Stone with 185 Carved Faces made in 1589 using a magnifying glass. Another extraordinarily intricate work is the Royal Household at Delhi on the Occasion of the Birthday of the Grand Mugual Aureng Zeb. This is a huge gold model of the Indian court encrusted with 4,909 diamonds, 164 emeralds, 160 rubies, a sapphire, 16 pearls and two cameos. This orientalist fantasy expressed the Elector of Saxony’s aspirations to equal an easter court fabled for its fabulous wealth; it cost more than the construction of Moritzburg Castle! The collection’s most valuable exhibit is, however, the Green Diamond bought by August III of Poland from a merchant at the Leipzig fair in 1749. (Overnight Dresden) B
Berlin - 6 nights Day 11: Monday 7 September, Dresden – Berlin Brandenburg Gate Unter den Linden & Mitte District
Today we travel by coach from Dresden to Berlin and on arrival we will deposit our luggage at our hotel. This is located in the former West Berlin city centre, situated around Kurfürstendamm, the famous KaDaWe department store and the ruined remains of Kaiser Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirch.
After lunch we travel by public transport to the Unter den Linden, one of Berlin’s most famous boulevards, and make our way towards the Brandenburg Gate. We then commence a tour of Berlin’s Mitte (Central) district, a veritable microcosm of the city’s entire history. Nowhere else in Berlin do the buildings reflect so much of the city’s evolution. We visit the Russian Embassy, built in a typical Stalinist ‘wedding cake’ style (1950), the former palace of Prince Heinrich, now the Humboldt University (1753), Schinkel’s Classical New Guardhouse (Neue Wache, 1818), the beautiful Baroque Arsenal designed by Schlütter (Zeughaus, 1695-1706), the neo-Renaissance Berlin Cathedral (1905) and the Gothic Marienkirche (late 14th century).
A brief detour will allow us to view one of Berlin’s loveliest squares, the Gendarmenmarkt, with its two cathedrals and Konzerthaus designed by Schinkel in 1821. Nearby is what remains of Frederick the Great’s grandiose plans to build a cultural centre called the Forum Fredericianum, and the State Opera House (Deutsches Staatsoper), constructed by Knobelsdorff between 1740 and 1743. Behind the Opera House is the copper-domed St Hedwig’s Cathedral (1747-1773), modelled on the Roman Pantheon by the architects Lequay and Boumann. In the evening we dine together at the hotel’s restaurant. (Overnight Berlin) BD
Day 12: Tuesday 8 September, Berlin – Potsdam – Berlin Sanssouci Palace (inc. Gardens, Chinese Teahouse, the Picture Gallery & guided tour of the palace interior)
Today we travel out of the city to the historical city of Potsdam, just beyond the city’s southwest border. Potsdam is situated in and idyllic location in beautiful natural woodlands with many lakes and river tributaries. Its most impressive monuments were constructed during the reign of Frederick the Great (1740-1786), who commissioned a series of palaces set within landscaped parkland.The entire Sanssouci complex, with its many palaces and beautiful gardens, makes an excellent comparison to the Palace at Versailles. Although Potsdam was heavily bombed, Sanssouci escaped damage during the last world war and thus the palace is still preserved in its original condition. The artistic importance of Sanssouci has been
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recognized by UNESCO, which has included the entire complex in the list of world heritage monuments.
Our program commences with a tour of the palace gardens that are filled with temples, marble sculptures and fountains. Here we visit the Chinese Teahouse, a charming 18th century pavilion, decorated with gilded statues, which many consider to be the most beautiful building in the park. It was built as a statement of current taste, since Chinoiserie was very popular in 18th century Europe, and many palaces were adorned with Chinese porcelain and other forms of Oriental art. The interior walls of this trefoil plan building are covered in stucco marble, and a painted ceiling by Thomas Huber adds to its richness.
Next, we visit the Sanssouci Palace Picture Gallery which was built in 1755–1764 during the reign of Frederick II of Prussia, and is the oldest extant museum built for a ruler in Germany. The gallery hall is magnificently designed with richly gilded ornaments on the slightly curved ceiling. The floor is laid out in matching colors with a rhombic pattern of white and yellow Italian marble. On the green walls, the framed paintings are laid out densely above and alongside each other in a Baroque style. Some of the works exhibited are Caravaggio’s Incredulity of St Thomas, Anthony van Dycks Pentecost, and Four Evangelists and Saint Hieronymus from the workshop of Peter Paul Rubens. Adjacent to the long gallery hall is the similarly richly arranged cabinet, where the paintings of smaller format are exhibited.
After lunch, we join an official guided tour of the Sanssouci Palace, a magnificent mansion located at the top of a great staircase ascending through a series of terraces. The exterior is a tour de force of Rococo design. The interior boasts several fine rooms, among them the Ante-chamber, the Library in the form of a rotunda, the Bedchamber and Study of Friedrich the Great (including the armchair in which he died), the magnificent Concert Hall, the Reception Hall with paintings by Coypel and van Loo and the equally splendid Hall of Marble with its superb decoration of Carrara and Silesian marble. In the late afternoon we return to our hotel in Berlin. (Overnight Berlin) B
Day 13: Wednesday 9 September, Berlin Deutscher Bundestag Dome & Guided Tour Guided walking tour with local architect visiting area around the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Parizer Platz and Holocaust Memorial Gemäldegalerie in the Kulturforum, Tiergarten
Our first visit this morning is to the Deutscher Bundestag, the former burnt out Reichstag, with a dome that is one of the most interesting constructions in Europe. Sir Norman Foster designed this extraordinary glass dome from which visitors gain a wonderful panorama of the city.
We are then joined by a local architect and commence a walking tour of the area. Across the road at the Pariser Platz we visit Frank O. Gehry’s DG Bank, a spectacular modern building that contrasts dramatically with the stately architecture of the Brandenburg Gate, created by the architect of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
Here we see the vibrant strength of Berlin’s cultural and physical renewal, an explosion of imaginative architecture built on the foundations of the old imperial city. Our tour includes a visit to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also known as the Holocaust Memorial, designed by architect Peter Eisenman and the engineer company Buro Happold. It consists of a 19,000 square metres site covered with 2,711 concrete slabs or stelae, arranged in a grid pattern on a sloping field. According to Eisenman’s project text, the stelae are designed to produce an uneasy, confusing atmosphere, and the whole sculpture aims to represent a supposedly ordered system that has lost touch with human reason.
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This afternoon we shall visit the museum complex which houses the art collection of the former West Berlin, the Kulturforum. In this complex is found the new Gemäldegalerie. Among the 1,200 paintings housed in the Gemäldegalerie are masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rogier van der Weyden, Dürer, Holbein, Rubens, Rembrandt (one of the world’s largest collections), Vermeer, Watteau, Gainsborough, Reynolds, Velazquez, Goya and many more. In the afternoon there will be time to remain in this wonderful museum or to explore the other museums in the Kulturforum area. (Overnight Berlin) B
Day 14: Thursday 10 September, Berlin The Jewish Museum Topography of Terror Installation Checkpoint Charlie Quartiers on Friedrichstrasse Leisure Time Evening Concert (details to be confirmed)
We begin the day’s program with a visit to Berlin’s Jewish Museum, perhaps the most significant example of contemporary architecture in Berlin. Designed by Daniel Leibskind, it is important for its unique architecture and exhibition layout, which have led to a radical new understanding of museum design throughout the world.
We shall then follow the line of the Berlin Wall to Checkpoint Charlie. On the way we pass the new Topography of Terror installation. Situated around the recently excavated underground cells of the SS headquarters, this monument is in the process of being developed to tell the story of those who were taken prisoner by the SS during the Third Reich. This chilling reminder of the horrors of the lead up to WWII Germany is situated directly under one of the few remaining sections of the Berlin Wall, a symbol of post WWII Germany. A short walk brings us to Checkpoint Charlie, with perhaps one of the most evocative names of the cold-war city. Little remains of the bleak pressure point, but Checkpoint Charlie is particularly important in gauging the changes which have been wrought since the fall of the Berlin Wall.
We finish the day’s with a visit to the fashionable new Quartiers on Friedrichstrasse. Joined by underground passageways Quartiers 205, 206 and 207 are full of shops. In particular, Quartier 206 (created by New York based architect I.M. Pei) is home to a large department store which sells a wide selection of furniture, home accessories and big name designer clothes, such as Gucci, Cerruti, Donna Karan and Strenesse. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. (Overnight Berlin) B
Day 15: Friday 11 September, Berlin Pergamon Museum Ägyptisches Museum Alte Nationalgalerie
This morning we visit the two important museums on the Museuminsel (Museum Island), each housing remarkable collections of art. First we visit Berlin’s remarkable Pergamon Museum. This huge building houses an awe-inspiring collection of Greek, Babylonian, Roman, Islamic and Middle Eastern art. We shall view some of the most important exhibits including the celebrated Gate of Miletus (120 AD), the Babylonian Ishtar Gate (604-562 BC) and the wonderful Aleppo Room from Syria (1600 AD). Note: the hall containing the Pergamon Altar will close at the end of September 2014 and will remain closed to the public for five years, due for reopening in 2019.
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We then visit the nearby Egyptian Museum to see the celebrated bust of Queen Nefertiti, created about 3,300 years ago. The museum also contains the wonderful Kalabasha Gate, which was presented to Germany as a gift for the help given in saving the Temple of Kalabasha during the building of the Aswan Dam in Egypt (1960-70), and another great treasure, the so-called “Berlin Green”, which is a remarkably realistic portrait bust of a man carved out of green stone ca 500-400 BC.
In the afternoon we visit the Alte Nationalgalerie, which has been restored to its former glory and reopened in late 2001. Designed by August Stüler between 1866 & 1876, the Alte Nationalgalerie stands on a pedestal like a classical Greek Temple, with dramatic red sandstone stairways & pillars. It was planned as a cultural symbol of the German nation, a temple to education for the young, and houses a wonderful collection of 19th century art. Two newly refurbished rooms hold the gallery of romantic painting, with masterpieces by Caspar David Frederich and Karl Frederich Schinkel, previously housed in the Charlottenburg Palace. This is the most significant collection of Friedrich’s work in the world and boasts examples of his style from every period of the artist’s development. (Overnight Berlin) B
Day 16: Saturday 12 September, Berlin Guided tour of the Potsdamer Platz including Humbolt Box by a local architect Afternoon at leisure Evening Farewell Meal at Alt-Luxemburg Restaurant
This morning we will start our day with a visit to the Humboldt Box, a futuristic museum structure on the Schloßplatz in the centre of the city. It was built as a temporary exhibition space and viewing platform for the Berlin Palace – Humboldt Forum construction project and intended to inform the public about the future use of the site. Schloßplatz was originally the site of the 18th Century Berlin City Palace (Berliner Stadtschloß), which was extensively damaged during bombing raids in 1945 and demolished in 1950. Following the division of the city into east and west, the Socialist government decided to build the “Palace of the Republic” and construction began in 1973. In addition to serving as the seat of the GDR parliament, the greater portion of the building, however, consisted of various rooms and halls dedicated to cultural events. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the palace was closed and steps were undertaken to dispose of the asbestos in the main body of the building, which was finally razed in 2008. Our architect guide will today explain the controversial rebuilding projects, which combine the reconstruction of the baroque façade with a modern core housing an ethnological museum and other cultural spaces.
Our guided tour continues with a visit to Potsdamer Platz. It is perhaps here more than anywhere else in Berlin that the extraordinary re-invention of the city can best be experienced. Out of a previous wasteland, a whole new urban space has evolved. Nineteen new buildings including shops, apartments, hotels, theatres and offices are being crammed into a comparatively small area of some 60,000 square metres. The list of architects who are contributing to this project reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ in the field of contemporary construction design. The names include Lauber, Piano, Isozaki, Rogers, Moneo, Kohlbecker and the entire square may be regarded as a ‘gallery’ of contemporary architecture
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. We gather again in the evening to enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Berlin’s best restaurants, the Alt-Luxemburg, where Karl Wannemacher, considered one of the most outstanding chefs in eastern Germany, is known for his quailty market-fresh ingredients. (Overnight Berlin) BD
Day 17: Sunday 13 September, Depart Berlin Airport transfer for participants departing on the ASA ‘designated’ flight
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The tour concludes in Berlin. You may wish to extend your travels in Europe by combining this tour with the ASA tour Paris: Art, Architecture & Design. Those returning to Australia on ASA ‘designated’ flight will be transferred by private coach to Berlin Airport. Participants wishing to extend their stay at the Swissôtel Berlin are advised to contact ASA. B
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Accommodation 17 days in the Czech Republic & Germany
ASA has selected 4 and 5-star hotels that are themselves historical buildings and/or are located in historical centres. In Cesky Krumlov your hotel is a Renaissance building and former Jesuit college. All hotels provide rooms with private facilities. Single rooms may be requested – and are subject to availability and payment of the single supplement. Further information on hotels will be provided in the 'Tour Hotel List' given to tour members prior to their departure.
Prague (6 nights): 4-star Hotel Adria - located on Wenceslas Square, within walking distance of Charles Bridge & the National Theatre. www.hoteladria.cz Cesky Krumlov (2 nights): 4-star Hotel Old Inn - consisting of three historic houses that have been beautifully restored. Located on the town's main square. www.hoteloldinn.cz Dresden (2 nights): 4-star Hotel Elbflorenz - a modern hotel located in the World Trade Centre within easy walking distance of the city centre. www.hotel-elbflorenz.de Berlin (6 nights): 5-star Swissotel - an elegant and modern hotel located in the heart of West Berlin on the famous Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard, close to its landmarks, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and Europe's largest department store - Ka De We. www.swissotel.com
Note: Hotels are subject to change. In this instance a hotel of similar standard will be provided.
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Tour Map
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Tour Price & Inclusions AUD $6890.00 Land Content Only - Early-Bird Special: book before 31 March 2015
AUD $7090.00 Land Content Only
AUD $1490.00 Single Supplement
For competitive Economy, Business or First Class airfares and/or group airfares please contact ASA for further information.
Tour Price (Land Content Only) includes:
Accommodation in twin-share rooms with private facilities in 4-5 star hotels. Buffet breakfast daily, lunches & evening meals as indicated in the itineray where: B=breakfast, L=lunch & D=evening meal Drinks at welcome and farewell meals. Other meals may not have drinks included. Transportation by air-conditioned coach for excursion to Kutna Hora (day 5) and travel between Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Dresden and Berlin Airport-hotel transfers if travelling on ASA's 'designated' flights Porterage of one piece of luggage per person at hotels (not at airports) Lecture and site-visit program Entrance fees to museums and monuments Use of audio headsets during site visits Tour reference book Public transport in Prague and Berlin 2 musical performances (Prague and Berlin) Tips for the coach driver, local guides and restaurants for included meals.
Tour Price (Land Content Only) does not include:
International Airfare: Australia-Prague, Berlin-Australia Personal spending money Airport-hotel transfers if not travelling on the ASA 'designated' flights Luggage in excess of 20 kg (44 lbs) Travel Insurance.
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Physical Endurance & Practical Information Physical Ratings
The number of flags is a guide to the degree of difficulty of ASA tours relative to each other (not to those of other tour companies). It is neither absolute nor literal. One flag is given to the least taxing tours, six to the most. Flags are allocated, above all, according to the amount of walking and standing each tour involves. Nevertheless all ASA tours require that participants have a good degree of fitness enabling 2-3 hours walking or 1-1.5 hours standing still on any given site visit or excursion. Many sites are accessed by climbing slopes or steps and have uneven terrain.
This 17-day tour involves:
Extensive walking (usually 9.00am – 5.00pm), use of city public transport, and standing during museum and other site visits Walking on uneven terrain, cobbled streets, and up and down hills and/or flights of stairs in Prague and Bohemian towns The use of audio headsets which amplify the voice of your guide (despite noisy surroundings). This technology also allows you to move freely during site visits without missing any information 4 and 5-star hotels with three hotel changes You must be able to carry your own hand-luggage. Hotel porterage includes 1 piece of luggage per person
It is important to remember that ASA programs are group tours, and slow walkers affect everyone in the group. As the group must move at the speed of the slowest member, the amount of time spent at a site may be reduced if group members cannot maintain a moderate walking pace. ASA tours should not present any problem for active people who can manage day-to-day walking and stair-climbing. However, if you have any doubts about your ability to manage on a program, please ask your ASA travel consultant whether this is a suitable tour for you.
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Please note: it is a condition of travel that all participants agree to accept ASA's directions in relation to their suitability to participate in activities undertaken on the tour, and that ASA retains the sole discretion to direct a tour participant to refrain from a particular activity on part of the tour. For further information please refer to the ASA Reservation Application Form.
Practical Information
Prior to departure, tour members will receive practical notes which include information on visa requirements, health, photography, weather, clothing and what to pack, custom regulations, bank hours, currency regulations, electrical appliances and food. The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade website has advice for travellers see: www.smartraveller.gov.au
Booking Conditions Make a Reservation
ASA RESERVATION APPLICATION FORM
Please complete the ASA RESERVATION APPLICATION and send it to Australians Studying Abroad together with your non-refundable deposit of AUD $500.00 per person (payable to Australians Studying Abroad).
Passport Details
All participants must provide no later than 75 days prior to the commencement of the program a photocopy of the front page of their current passport.
Single Supplement
Payment of the single supplement will ensure accommodation in a single room throughout the tour. The number of single rooms is extremely limited. People wishing to take this supplement are therefore advised to book well in advance.
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Reservation Application
TOUR NAME TOUR DATES
Please complete one application, per person in block letters and sign. Parental signature is required for participants under 18 years of age. Please mail this form with the appropriate deposit to: P.O. Box 8285, ARMADALE, VICTORIA, 3143. On receipt of this Reservation Application and deposit, ASA will process your booking and if approved, send you a tour confirmation.
Applicant Details (as in passport) TITLE Mr Mrs Ms Miss Dr Other FIRST NAME Preferred FIRST NAME MIDDLE NAME SURNAME POSTAL ADDRESS CITY STATE COUNTRY POSTCODE
TEL. (AH) ( ) TEL. (BH) ( ) Mobile Tel: EMAIL address Date of birth / / GENDER Male Female
Passport Number Expiry date / / Nationality I have enclosed a colour copy of my current valid passport ASA has a colour copy of my current passport
Travel Plans I wish ASA to book my airfare, please contact me to discuss my options. Business Class Economy Class I plan to leave Australia before the tour commences. Planned departure date / / I will be arranging my airfare independently and taking the Land Content Only option.
Frequent Flyer Name of Airline Airline Seat preference Membership # (please note request only)
Tour Accommodation (rooming preferences) I/we would like: a twin-bedded room a double-bedded room a room for sole occupancy I am travelling: on my own with a friend/family member Travel Companion
Meals Please X the box if you CAN NOT eat any of the following: I do not have any specific dietary requests fish poultry red meat dairy products eggs pork nuts Allergies: Refer to the Medical Information Other
Correspondence Your preferred method of correspondence Postal Mail Email Address
Emergency Contact Details Note: this person MUST be available by telephone and be present in Australia for the duration of your tour with ASA Name Relationship to Traveller Address TEL. (AH) ( ) TEL. (BH) ( ) Mobile Tel: EMAIL address
Medical Information
The purpose of seeking this information is to assist ASA to determine, Mobility and Fitness where necessary, whether ASA is able to make reasonable adjustments As many of ASA’s international sites do not provide access to wheelchairs or similar to accommodate your specific needs and whether your health and safety mobility aids, we regret that ASA tours are not suitable for people who require the (or that of your fellow travellers) is likely to be compromised given your use of a walking frame, wheeled walker, wheelchair or motorised scooter. choice of tour. It will also assist you and ASA if you fall ill or have an accident whilst travelling. YES NO 1. Do you suffer from any medical conditions that may compromise • ASA reserves the right to decline your Reservation Application if this your mobility and/or fitness to participate on this program? Medical Information section is not completed properly and may reject If yes, please specify or cancel your reservation, or terminate your participation on any tour, if ASA subsequently learns that you have failed to make full and proper disclosure. If yes, how will you manage this on tour? • ASA is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal information. ASA’s privacy policy is available for viewing at www.asatours.com.au • If ASA has any concerns about the information you have provided, it will contact you to request clarification before considering your Application. Allergies and/or Food Intolerances ASA will make reasonable endeavours to organise meals to suit you, provided • ASA requires you to consider carefully your limitations in light of ASA’s that you give ASA adequate notice of your specific dietary requirements or Physical Endurance Star Rating System in ASA’s Brochure and allergies. You may be required to research dietary alternatives, as not all Itinerary when choosing your tour. destinations may be able to offer suitable food substitutes. • If you are not likely to satisfy ASA’s Participation Criteria (see below), YES NO ASA, in its sole discretion, may reject your Reservation Application. 1. Do you have any food allergies or intolerances? • It is a condition of your tour that you agree to accept the directions If yes, please specify of ASA’s Tour Leaders in relation to your suitability to participate in activities planned on tour. • ASA reserves the right to cancel your participation on a tour if your behaviour is in ASA’s opinion causing undue distress or damage to any person or their property. 2. Have you ever had an anaphylactic reaction to anything? If yes, please specify • If your participation is discontinued during a tour, ASA will assist by arranging your onward travel (if required) at your own cost, but you will not be refunded for forfeited parts of the tour. • ASA tour groups are not accompanied by a medical practitioner. ASA recommends that you see your doctor for advice about Do you carry an epipen? your specific needs while overseas. You may also wish to contact a travel and vaccination clinic for advice. www.traveldoctor.com.au 3. Do you have any other allergies or reactions to anything, tel:1300 658 444; www.travelvax.com.au tel: 1300 360 164. including medical drugs? If yes, please specify • Travel insurers require you to declare all existing medical conditions. • Please carry a complete list of medications with you during the ASA tour. Include generic names of each medication (consult your local pharmacy for information). Existing Medical Conditions You alone are responsible for managing any existing medical conditions, your Please mark X in the YES or NO box to every question below and medication and any medical equipment that you may need when on your tour. provide details where necessary: Please plan for contingencies and take extra medication, dietary supplements and/or fully charged batteries for medical equipment if your health and safety Participation Criteria depends on these. You should take into consideration that power sources at To participate in an ASA tour, you must be reasonably fit, in good some destinations may be unavailable, inadequate, inconvenient or unreliable. health and able to participate in all activities without assistance from YES NO 1. Have you any significant medical conditions that may Tour Leaders or other tour members. If you require assistance, a fit impact your capacity to complete this tour? and able travel companion must undertake to accompany and assist If yes, please specify you with all tasks for the duration of the whole tour. The responsibility of the Tour Leader is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to If yes, how will you manage this on tour? provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. YES NO 1. Can you walk and stand unassisted for at least 2-3 hours 2. Do you require some form of powered medical aid, a day in hot, humid conditions? such as a CPAP machine? 2. Can you walk unassisted on and over uneven surfaces? These machines may not be operable on certain international flights, modes of transport, in remote or other areas with inadequate or unreliable power 3. Can you climb at least 3 flights of stairs and/or walk up and sources without a fully charged independent long life battery or batteries. do wn steep slopes unassisted? 4. Can you walk at a steady pace and no less than 1km every Diabetics: You may be travelling and sightseeing for many hours at a time. 15 - 20 minutes unassisted? Insulin dependent diabetics must carry extra supplies of insulin (as this medication cannot be obtained in some destinations), regulators, 5. Can you organise, manage and carry your own luggage? applicators, storage and refrigeration equipment, as well as any necessary supplements. Accommodation may not provide refrigerators in rooms. 6. Can you follow and remember tour instructions and meet punctually at designated times and places? 3. Are you diabetic?
7. Can you administer your own medication? Are you insulin dependent?
8. Do you have impaired vision or hearing which may impact 4. Do you suffer from travel sickness? your capacity to participate on this tour? Remember to use an appropriate medication while on tour.
Declaration, Liability and Booking Conditions
Declaration I declare that: I have read and understood the ASA Tour Itinerary, Reservation Application and Booking Conditions. I am aware of ASA’s terms as relating to refunds, cancellations, responsibility and liability. I understand that ASA relies upon this declaration when considering this Application. I accept that there are inherent dangers and risks that may occur during any tour. I have made full and complete disclosure and have not knowingly withheld any medical information about myself from ASA. I have completed this Reservation Application honestly and accurately. I warrant that l am able to participate independently in all activities described by ASA in the itinerary without assistance from any person. I will advise ASA in writing if any aspect of my fitness and or health conditions change materially at any time before my departure date. I understand and accept that the itinerary, accommodation and lecturers scheduled for this tour may change. I agree and consent that ASA may give my personal information in this Reservation Application to tour service providers and relevant authorities as required by law, but for the purpose of making bookings with and engaging services provided for the tour. I understand that if l do not consent to the use of my personal information for this purpose, ASA will decline my Reservation Application. In consideration of ASA’s acceptance of my Reservation Application, I irrevocably release and indemnify ASA from all claims that I, or any other party, may have against ASA its employees, invitees, agents and contractors, however arising in respect of any loss, damage, injury, death or expense incurred in the course of travelling to, on and from any tour. I understand and acknowledge that this Release and Indemnity applies with respect to: 1. Every general risk to which I or my personal belongings may be exposed in the course of travelling to, on or from any ASA tour 2. Every special risk, in particular medical risks, to which I may be exposed in the course of travelling to, on or from any ASA tour arising from, including, but not limited to: a. intermittent power cycles and/or the temporary or permanent loss of power (beware CPAP or any other medical machine users); b. dietary, food or other allergies (ASA cannot guarantee that traces of items to which you are allergic are not present in food or drink you are served, medication you are administered or other substances with which you may come into contact); c. any event or situation that may compromise the administration of necessary medication or my health, safety and wellbeing generally. 3. All claims arising as a result of my or ASA’s cancellation or termination of my continued participation on a tour for whatever reason (refund conditions in ASA’s Booking Conditions excepted). Limitation of Liability ASA is not a carrier, event or tourist attraction host, accommodation or dining service provider. All bookings made and tickets or coupons issued by ASA for transport, event, accommodation, dining and the like are issued as an agent for various service providers and are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by each service provider. ASA is not responsible for their products or services. If a service provider does not deliver the product or service for which you have contracted, your remedy lies with the service provider, not ASA. ASA will not be liable for any claim (eg. sickness, injury, death, damage or loss) arising from any change, delay, detention, breakdown, cancellation, failure, accident, act, omission or negligence of any such service provider however caused (contingencies). You must take out adequate travel insurance against such contingencies. ASA’s liability in respect of any tour will be limited to the refund of amounts received from you less all non-refundable costs and charges and the costs of any substituted event or alternate services provided. The terms and conditions of the relevant service provider from time to time comprise the sole agreement between you and that service provider. ASA reserves the sole discretion to cancel any tour or to modify itineraries in any way it considers appropriate. Tour costs may be revised, subject to unexpected price increases or exchange rate fluctuations. Booking Conditions DEPOSITS UNUSED PORTIONS OF THE TOUR A deposit of $500.00 AUD per person is required to reserve a We regret that refunds will not be given for any unused portions of the tour, such as place on an ASA tour. meals, entry fees, accommodation, flights or transfers.
CANCELLATION FEES WILL THE TOUR PRICE OR ITINERARY CHANGE? If you decide to cancel your booking the following charges apply: If the number of participants on a tour is significantly less than budgeted, or if there is a significant change in exchange rates ASA reserves the right to amend the advertised price. More than 75 days before departure: $500* We shall, however, do all in our power to maintain the published price. If an ASA tour is 75-46 days prior 25% of total amount due forced to cancel you will get a full refund of all tour monies paid. Occasionally 45-31 days prior 50% of total amount due circumstances beyond the control of ASA make it necessary to change airline, hotel or to make amendments to daily itineraries. We will inform you of any changes in due course. 30-15 days prior 75% of total amount due 14-0 days prior 100% of total amount due TRAVEL INSURANCE *This amount may be credited to another ASA tour departing ASA requires all participants to obtain comprehensive travel insurance. A copy of your within 12 months of the original tour you booked. We regret, travel insurance certificate and the reverse charge emergency contact phone number in this case early-bird discounts will not apply. must be received by ASA no later than 75 days prior to the commencement of the tour. We take the day on which you cancel as being that on which FINAL PAYMENT we receive written confirmation of cancellation. The balance of the tour price will be due 75 days prior to the tour commencement date.
PLEASE READ THE ABOVE CAREFULLY, PRINT AND SIGN BELOW
I accept the conditions on this booking form I have read the information about the physical requirements of the tour in the detailed itinerary and confirm that I am able to meet these requirements
Applicant’s Signature
Print Full Name Dated
Deposit Payment
Tour / Course Name
I have enclosed a non refundable deposit of $ (including CC or bank fee if applicable) for this tour
By Cheque Credit Card Payment Please make cheques payable to Australians Studying Abroad Credit card fees apply: Mastercard, American Express & Visa 1.95% Please debit my: Mastercard American Express Visa Direct Deposit or Internet Banking You will need to: I authorise ASA to debit my credit card for the amount due plus 1. Provide your bank with ASA’s bank details (see below) and the applicable fee as above the amount you wish to transfer OR make a direct deposit Credit Card Number through any ANZ branch 2. Include any fees levied by the banks Expiry Date Security Code (CVC) 3. Provide a reference number (Mobile or last name recommended). Bank the Card is linked to (eg. NAB or ANZ) 4. Complete section below, including confirmation no. (given when transaction completed). Cardholders Name
Australians Studying Abroad bank details Cardholders Billing Address Bank ANZ Branch 420 St Kilda Road, Melbourne Vic Swift Code ANZBAU3M State Postcode BSB 013-423 Country Account No 3472-32759 Phone Bank confirmation No. Email Reference used: Mobile or last name recommended Cardholders Signature
Date Money Transferred
AUSTRALIANS STUDYING ABROAD Office 6, Level 1, 1087-1095 High St (PO Box 8285) Armadale VIC Australia 3143 www.asatours.com.au Phone +61 3 9822 6899 Freecall 1800 645 755 (outside metro Melbourne area only) Email [email protected] License No. 31248 ABN 27 006 589 242
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