Trail Blazer Tours India Pvt. Ltd Tel: +91 22 61940940 [email protected] World Trade Centre Complex, Fax: +91 22 61940900 www.trailblazertours.com 902, Centre 1, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai—400005.

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INDEX

Northern Europe Western Europe Southern Europe Eastern Europe

United Kingdom 3 Austria 27 Greece 65 Czech Republic, Ireland 9 Benelux 35 Italy 69 Hungary & Poland 97 Scandinavia 15 France 41 Malta 75 Russian Federation 103 Iceland 23 Germany 47 Spain & Portugal 79 Switzerland 55 Slovenia & Croatia 85 TBi Branch Addresses 108 Turkey 91 2 3

about TBi TBi - your

Trail Blazer Tours India Pvt. Ltd. was established in 2007 by travel guide industry professionals and taken over in 2010 by the well known Katgara Group, pioneers in tourism, setting new standards of to Europe innovation and excellence. Our core services include inbound tourism, corporate travel, conferences, incentives, domestic and Welcome to TBi’s world United international holidays. With over 250 experienced professionals of carefree, memorable at offices in major cities, we offer quality services at the best holidays in Europe. Choose Northern Europe Kingdom possible price. TBi has won several prestigious awards including from popular destinations the National Tourism Award in recognition of its outstanding or discover lesser known performance. ones, travel on your own or take an escorted tour; see We Believe as much or as little as you The four constituent countries that together form the sovereign • That travel promotes peace and understanding. like. Take a luxury cruise or state of the United Kingdom are England, Northern Ireland, travel all over by rail. TBi • That integrity, innovation and service excellence are crucial Scotland and Wales. It is as well-known for the Royal Family and gives you plenty to choose to success. Stonehenge as it is for fish and chips, warm beer and football. It from. Let our experienced hosts some of the world’s most famous symbols and institutions and knowledgeable holiday such as afternoon tea, Big Ben, London fashion, Lord’s Cricket experts help you plan your We Offer Ground and some of the best clubbing this side of the universe. vacation, always keeping • The best of personalized services, backed by years of knowledge in mind your requirements. The diverse landscape rivals the variety of accents that range from and experience. All you need to do is decide cockney to the Edinburgh dialect. • Quality services and superior value. and let TBi give you a truly TBi - Winners of The National Tourism Award • The highest professional and ethical standards. memorable vacation! 4 5

Inverness things to do and see Glasgow Edinburgh Windermere Leeds LONDON EDINBURGH Manchester Essential London Morning Tour The Royal Yacht Britannia UK Drive around Parliament Square to see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben Home to the Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years, sailing over and the Houses of Parliament. Head to St James’ Park and Buckingham 1,000,000 miles around the world, discover Britannia’s fascinating London Palace to see the colorful Changing of the Guard. past through exhibits. See the lavish State Apartments, crew areas and even the engine room. The Tower of London & River Cruise See the City of London and enjoy a guided tour of St Paul’s Cathedral. The Scotch Whisky Experience destination Visit the Tower of London, home to the world famous Crown Jewels. Scotch whisky dates back to the 15th century. Experience the sights, Meet the magnificent Beefeaters, hear some spine chilling tales from sounds and smells of whisky, and discover how it is made at a information the Tower’s 900 year history. Enjoy a River Cruise on the Thames. distillery Learn the origins of malt whisky distilling, taste a “wee dram” of Scotch. Warner Bros Studio Tour “Making of Harry Potter” Capital: A walking tour into the world of film-making. See authentic sets, London. costumes and props that showcase British artistry, technology and Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands Drive from Edinburgh to Kilmahog. Travel through Rob Roy country Official Language: talent that goes into producing world famous and successful movies. The focus is on the Harry Potter film series. to Glencoe, site of the 1692 massacre of the Clan MacDonald. Lunch English in the Fort William area and drive past Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. See spectacular views of Loch Ness, (try to spot Nessie!) Government Constitutional: good nightlife Lord’s Cricket Ground to Urquhart Castle. Monarchy Visit one of the most famous sporting venues in the world. The MCC to know London by Night: Museum remains a world-class and world-famous attraction and Currency: Dance the night away at contains a wide range of exhibits. It is the home of The Ashes. See A Melrose and Alnwick Castle Great Britain Pound (GBP) Best Time to Visit : countless nightspots and the players’ Dressing Rooms, Grand Stand and the award-winning Visit Rosslyn Chapel made famous in Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci April to September Code, Roslin Glen and the ruins of Rosslyn Castle. See the 700 year Time Difference: discos, go pub hopping, enjoy Mound Stand. fine dining. Or enjoy the old Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in England, Summer Cuisine : latest musicals and plays, Madame Tussauds and Marvel Super Heroes 4D also featured in some of the Harry Potter films. Drive back via the April – October Traditional British food is Sunday Roast, Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s ballet performances and much One of London’s most enduring attractions. See startlingly realistic stunning east coast. 4 hours and 30 minutes behind Pie, Yorkshire Pudding. There are plenty of Indian and international more world famous wax figures. Including Bollywood icons. Experience India cuisine options to choose from. nightmarish ‘Scream,’ marvel at Super Heroes 4D , interactive Edinburgh by Night: themed areas and Winter Shopping: Take in the nightlife at the November – March London is THE place to shop. Designer labels, bargain shops, all kinds many bars, pubs, restaurants, 5 hours and 30 minutes behind Bath, Windsor & Stonehenge of specialist stores. Some of the well known places to shop at are jazz clubs and night clubs and India Visit Windsor, with its cobbled streets, antique stores and mighty Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Soho and Chinatown. restaurants. Visitors looking medieval castle, the weekend home of the Queen. Drive through Electricity: for an up market night out Runnymede where the Magna Carta was signed, to famous 5000 Most power sockets are 3-pin should explore the options on years old Stonehenge. Spend the afternoon in Bath, a beautiful flat square plugs George Street. Georgian city. 6 7 discover escorted suggested great britain tours itineraries by rail where to COSMOS London Essential - 4 days BritRail’s range of passes offers great value, convenience and flexibility for exploring fascinating destinations in England, Scotland, Wales and stay Day 1 London: Hop on Hop off Tour Ireland. With a BritRail Pass, you have the freedom to travel as often Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Discover London with the Hop on as you want, when you want, hopping on and off trains, hassle-free. Hop off Pass. You can board and get off at over 90 different stops on A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of Purchase BritRail passes from TBi before you leave home. Britain has everything from the routes. Overnight. cottages and hotels to escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded serviced apartments, spas and travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some Hop across to Europe on Eurostar - The High Speed Day 2 London: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath (optional). even castles. From budget to meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Channel Train luxury, you’ll find the perfect Director. Breakfast. Take this full day optional tour which includes entrance fees place to stay. to Windsor Castle and a tour of the State Apartments and St George’s Eurostar is the high-speed passenger train service between London Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: Chapel; visit the ancient circle of Stonehenge. The tour duration is 11 and Paris, and London and Brussels. Travelling at up to 300km/h, it hours. Overnight. takes just 2. 15 hrs to Paris and 1.51 hrs to Brussels. With 30 or more Choose from various services a day, it’s easy to take a day trip or cross over to Europe and options like: • British Panorama - 6 Days continue your holiday. You can purchase your Eurostar tickets from • A Taste Of Scotland – 5 Days TBi before you leave India. • Bed & Breakfast options • England, Scotland & Wales – 10 Days • Hotels ranging from 3 star • The Best Of Britain & Ireland – 12 Days to 5 star • Apartments

Stay at the Citadines GLOBUS Apartments: Citadines Apart’hotels offer Every Journey Tells A Story cleverly configured spaces and a flexible services menu so Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and you can customize your stay. vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who All within the privacy of your want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus own apartment while enjoying delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides. the convenience of a hotel. A Day 3 London: Warwick Castle, Oxford, the Cotswolds and perfect abode for extended cruises from Stratford Upon Avon (optional). stays – whether for a week or Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: the UK a year. Breakfast. Enjoy a full day tour through the enchanting Cotswolds, visiting medieval Warwick Castle; Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford London & Paris – 7 Days • upon Avon and Oxford. Overnight in London. For sheer luxury and convenience, nothing can beat a cruise holiday. • Britain Sampler – 9 Days Essential Britain – 12 Days Many luxury cruise lines like Cunard, Celebrity, Princess Cruises, MSC • Day 4 London: Cruises and Silver Sea start their journey to the Baltic, the Fjords, the • Essential Britain & Ireland – 10 Days Mediterranean and Transatlantic from the UK. Breakfast. Check out of your hotel. 8 9

Scottish Essentials - 4 days Windermere - 3 days

Day 1 Edinburgh: Hop on Hop off Tour Day 1 Windermere: Beatrix Potter Tour Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a Hop on Hop off Tour of Arrive Windermere and check in at your hotel. Proceed for the Beatrix Edinburgh, choosing from City Sightseeing Edinburgh, Edinburgh Tour, Potter Favorite Countryside Tour, an ideal way to explore the favorite MacTour or Majestic Tour. Tour duration is an hour but the ticket is places of the famous author. Overnight. valid for 24 hours. Overnight in Edinburgh. Day 2 Windermere Day 2 Edinburgh: Highland Lochs, Glens and Whiskey Tour Breakfast, the day is free to explore the beautiful Lake District. Take a (optional) boat ride or just stroll along the lake. Overnight. Breakfast. Take this optional journey through the Celtic Heartlands, see the waterfalls of Birnam Forest, Pitlochry, the Queen’s View and the splendour of Loch Tay, with its standing stones. This is a 10 hour Day 3 Windermere tour. Overnight. Breakfast. Check out of your hotel.

Day 3 Edinburgh: Loch Lomond National Park, Stirling Castle Tour (optional) York & Leeds - 4 days Breakfast. Take an optional tour of the Loch Lomond National Park and Stirling Castle. The tour duration is 8 hours. Overnight. Day 1 York: City Tour Arrive York and check into your hotel. Enjoy a City Tour. York offers Ireland Day 4 Edinburgh Northern Europe stunning architecture, fabulous events and festivals and an eclectic Breakfast. Check out of your hotel range of shops, stylish restaurants and bars. Overnight.

Day 2 York Breakfast. Explore the city on your own. Overnight. The Emerald Isle is a nation of storytellers and legends of Celtic heroes are as ready on the tongue as the Irish are ready to burst Day 3 York – Leeds: City Tour into song. Whether you are in a pub stomping your feet to a jig, Breakfast. Take a train to Leeds. Transfer to your hotel on your own. taking in the breathtaking view atop a limestone cliff, or paying Enjoy a City Tour, visiting bustling Kirkgate Market, beautiful 100 your respects at an ancient burial chamber, look up at the sky year old Victoria Quarter, home to Britain’s most famous brands. and you are likely to spot a rainbow. Follow it and you may just Seethe Royal Armories Museum, Henry Moore Institute and Leeds City get your hands on a pot of gold! Museum. Overnight.

Day 4 Leeds Breakfast. Check out of your hotel. 10 11 Derry things to do Larne Donegal and see Belfast Sligo Connemara BELFAST KILLARNEY Dublin Giants Causeway Tour Killarney Local Tour Galway With its unique rock formations, this is Northern Ireland’s most Enjoy this afternoon tour to some of Killarney’s best known places: famous landmark. Travel along the coastal route, with its breathtaking Muckross House, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, the Gap of Dunloe, Ruins IRELAND scenery. Discover the legend of Finn McCool. See the Visitors Centre, of Aghadoe and the upper and middle lakes. destination the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge and Dunluce Castle. information Cork Ring of Kerry Open Top Tour of Belfast Leave for Killorglin, famous for its ceremonious Puck Fair. On to All Open Top tickets are valid for 24 hours and include full hop-on/ Cahirciveen to see Valentia Island. Continue to Waterville and along Capital: hop off facility. Tours depart regularly from Castle Place Belfast City the coast and Derrynane to Sneem. Drive up the mountain to Moll’s Dublin (Republic of Ireland). Centre. Discover one of the most exciting cities in Europe. Belfast (Northern Ireland). Gap, down to Ladies View and return via the Lakes of Killarney.

Official Language: English, Irish DUBLIN CORK Government Constitutional: Republic (Republic of Ireland). Guinness Storehouse - Skip the Queue Cork, Blarney Castle and the Queenstown Story Constitutional Monarchy good nightlife The No. 1 visitor attraction in Dublin. Take an incredible journey Drive to Blarney Castle where you can kiss the famous stone and (Northern Ireland). through the history and making of the world famous beer. Enjoy a acquire the gift of eternal eloquence. Shop and lunch at Blarney Village. to know Dublin by Night: complimentary glass of Guinness in the Gravity Bar. Enjoy a short city tour of Cork. Drive to Cobh to see the ‘Queenstown Currency: Irish nightlife is world famous Story’ heritage centre in the restored Victorian railway station and Euro (Republic). Best Time to Visit : and “The Pub” is still its heart Wicklow Mountains, Valleys & Lakes transatlantic terminal, the embarkation point for generations of Irish Pound (Northern Ireland). April to September Drive through the Wicklow Gap and the Blessington Lakes to the and soul, especially in Dublin. emigrants to the new worlds. Return to Cork. The Temple Bar area has a pretty village of Avoca to see the Avoca Handweavers, the oldest Time Difference: Cuisine : huge concentration of both weaving mill in Ireland. Continue to magical Glendalough “Glen of Irish Stew, Boxty (potatoe pancakes) Champs with herbs , Irish the two Lakes” with an impressive 10th century round tower. Summer clubs and pre – club bars. Coffee, Dublin Lawyer (lobster cooked in whiskey and cream), April – October. Guinness and Mead (honey wine). Try the many Indian and Belfast by Night: Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, The Burren, Galway WATERFORD 4 hours and 30 minutes behind India international cuisine restaurants. Belfast is legendary for its Depart on the 07.00 hours InterCity train from Heuston Station for excellent nightlife – this is one Cork. Board your motor coach at Limerick for a short tour. See Bunratty Waterford Crystal Factory - Factory Tour Experience Winter Shopping: city that knows how to have Castle and Folk Village lunch at a Doolin Pub. See the majestic Cliffs See how traditional crystal is produced at this world famous factory. November – March. Dublin: Grafton Street and Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. Things a good time. Enjoy the many of Moher and the unique lunar landscape of the Burrenand. Drive to Learn about all the processes and skills that have made 200 years of 5 hours and 30 minutes behind to look our for are Waterford Crystal, Bushmills Whiskey, Irish Linen, pubs, bars and nightclubs. Galway to board your Dublin bound train arriving in Heuston at 20.55 perfection clearly visible in every beautiful piece. India pottery and Guinness. hours.

Electricity: Belfast: Whether it’s high street or budget shopping, designer Most power sockets are 3-pin or couture, the city offers a wealth of choice for every taste and flat square plugs pocket. 12 13 ireland escorted suggested by rail tours itineraries

Unlimited travel by rail all over Ireland. Convenient and flexible rail passes of different durations make your trip easy. Buy your rail pass COSMOS A Taste of Dublin – 4 days Belfast – 4 days from TBi before you leave home. Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality Choose your Pass Day 1 Dublin: Hop on Hop off Tour Day 1 Belfast: Pub Tour Arrive Dublin International airport and transfer to your hotel. Explore • Republic of Ireland Pass / Northern Ireland A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of Arrive Belfast airport and transfer to your hotel. In the late afternoon, Dublin this afternoon with the Hop On Hop Off Tour, with more than • BritRail Pass Plus Ireland. escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded meet a local guide to discover Belfast’s Historic Pubs, an integral part 20 stops at Dublin’s top visitor attractions. Overnight. • Eurail Regional Pass travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some of Belfast’s social and cultural life. Your tour includes 5 pubs and a glass of Guinness or a shot of Baileys in one of them. Overnight. • Eurail Select Pass meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Director. Day 2 Dublin: Garden of Ireland Excursion • Eurail Global Pass where to Breakfast. Enjoy this excursion visiting Dublin Mountains, the Day 2 Belfast: Morning City Tour stay Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: picturesque Sally Gap, spectacular views of the Wicklow Mountains Breakfast. Start your tour at Donegall Square and then see the Titanic and a glacial valley. Return to Dublin. Overnight. Quarter, Shankill and Falls, the districts of the troubles where you can still see some of the murals. Visit the Ulster Folk and Transport Besides the regular 3 • A Taste Of Ireland – 6 Days Day 3 Dublin Museum. Overnight. to 5 star hotels, self • Irish Explorer – 9 Days catering apartments Breakfast. Day free for optional Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle and • Wales & Ireland – 7 And 9 Days and country cottages, Galway tour. Or explore the Temple Bar area, the ‘trendy’ part of the Day 3 Belfast: The Titanic Experience The Best Of Britain & Ireland – 12 Days you can live it up in • city. Overnight. Breakfast. This morning meet your guide Susie Miller, the great style like gentry of old granddaughter of a crew member of the Titanic. Start from Belfast in ancient castles, but Day 4 Dublin City Hall grounds featuring a memorial to those who perished. Susie with state of the art Breakfast. Transfer to the airport by car. ireland mod-cons! GLOBUS will tell you how the Titanic was built, show you the Dock & Pump by Sea House and more. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight. Lavish country houses, Every Journey Tells A Story villas, majestic Day 4 Belfast manors, grand castles, BritRail Pass Plus modern boutique Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Ireland also covers Stena Line Ferry crossing between Britain and hotels and welcoming vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who Ireland. B&Bs – wherever you want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus want to stay, Ireland delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Ocean Cruising has a spot to suit. Directors and local guides. Cruises that visit or depart from Ireland sail from April through September and most range from seven to 28 nights in length. Some of the Castle Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: Itineraries may include ports like Dublin, Belfast, Cork and stays we recommend: Waterford. Some cruises sail entirely within the British Isles • Introduction To Ireland – 7 Days while others include port calls in France or the countries of • Ballynahinch Castle • Emerald Ireland – 10 Days Northern Europe. • Sheen Falls Lodge Scenic Ireland – 13 Days • • Adare Manor Many of the luxury cruise liners like the Cunard, Celebrity • Essential Britain & Ireland – 10 Days and Silver Sea start their journey covering Britain and Ireland • Waterford Castle Book your tour with TBi, the preferred agent in India. extensively • Ashford Castle 14 15 Taste of Ireland – 8 days

Day 1 Dublin bogs of Waterville to Sneem Arrive at Dublin Airport. If time permits, enjoy a tour of the highlights Village, with its brightly colored of Dublin, visit Trinity College to view the beautifully illuminated Book houses. See the famous Lakes Denmark: of Kells and the National Museum of Ireland. Overnight. of Killarney. Overnight. Denmark has some of the most unspoiled natural landscapes in Europe. Ancient castles and Viking forts dot the countryside, Day 2 Dublin: City Tour - Galway Day 6 Killarney: Dingle while vibrant cities dish out some of the most progressive Breakfast. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church, where Peninsula and Limerick policies and sleekest designs in the world. Jonathan Swift, author of “Gulliver’s Travels“ was once the Dean. Stop Breakfast. Tour the dramatic at the Old Jameson Distillery (option), to see an audio-visual about Dingle Peninsula, where Ryan’s Norway: the whisky making process and enjoy some whisky tasting in the Daughter and Far and Away Norway has the world’s longest, most pristine coastline and “Ball o’ Malt Bar”. Early afternoon, depart for Galway. Overnight. were filmed. The Peninsula more than 150,000 islands and majestic fjords and glaciers. has an extraordinary number This ruggedly beautiful country is home to Vikings, polar bears, Day 3 Galway: Connemara of ring forts, high crosses and stave churches and the heavenly aurora borealis. Norway offers Breakfast. Drive to Connemara, one of the most scenic regions in other ancient monuments and unique experiences. Ireland. It’s craggy mountain peaks, expansive sandy beaches and sites. View the Blasket Islands laced network of lakes exemplify the peaceful solitude and rugged from Slea Head. Check into your beauty of The West of Ireland. Continue to Maam Cross, through hotel in Limerick. Overnight. Clifden town and return to Galway for overnight. Day 7 Limerick to Dublin Day 4 Galway: Cliffs of Moher - Kerry Breakfast. Depart for Dublin, Breakfast. Travel through the heart of County Clare - the Burren arrive and check into your hotel. Region, a geological paradise boasting over 2,000 plants and many Afternoon is free. Overnight. rare flowers. Continue along the coast to view the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Continue through the farmlands of Limerick to Kerry. Day 8 Dublin Scandinavia Overnight. Breakfast. Transfer to Dublin Northern Europe Airport. Day 5 Ring of Kerry - Killarney Breakfast. Gain an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of More touring options Ireland and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 • Self Drive Tours Sweden: years ago. Travel through Killorglin, to Glenbeigh and Cahirciveen, the • Honeymoon Tours 100,000 lakes, forests that cover half the country, snow-capped birth place of National hero, Daniel O’Connell. Drive through the peat mountains, wide, grassy plains, a 7000-kilometre long coastline, • Golf Tours flat woodlands, countless islands and ultra-urban spaces are contrasts that make Sweden one of the loveliest countries in Europe. Finland: There’s something pure in the Finnish air and spirit that’s incredibly vital and exciting. Trendsetting Helsinki is a contrast to the vast forested wildernesses in the north and east. Winter, too, has a special charm here. 16 17 things to do and see Sweden Finland good DENMARK – COPENHAGEN Aurora Hunting by Panorama Bus to know Sky Panorama Bus is the only bus in Finland that is equipped with a Norway Vaasa Grand Tour of Copenhagen panoramic skylight, ideal for observing the northern lights (Aurora The Grand Tour of Copenhagen covers all the major sights of the Borealis) in winter and for admiring summertime for skyscapes under Bergen Best Time to Visit : capital driving past the Tivoli Gardens, the canal district, the National the midnight sun. Best Time to Visit : Museum, Christiansborg Palace; the Royal Theatre, harbor district of Snow Castle of Kemi SCANDINAVIA Denmark: May – June Nyhav,’ Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Royal Family. Located by the Gulf of Bothnia, is a true showcase of architectonic Finland: July Visit the Gefion Fountain, the Little Mermaid and a magnificent church. snow-work of local construction which starts in December and takes Denmark Norway: May to September Drive past Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels. 5 weeks to build. Great light-effects add to the charm of snow and ice Arhus Sweden : May to July Tivoli Gardens sculpting. It opens end January and closes early April every year. It is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. destination Cuisine : One of Copenhagen’s most famous attractions and the world’s Denmark: Open sandwiches – Smorrebrod, Danish pastries and the nightlife second oldest amusement park. There is something for all ages - wild world famous beers Carlsberg and Tuborg. rides, green oases, gourmet food, concerts, fairy lights, flowers and NORWAY - OSLO information romance. When darkness falls, Tivoli is at its most romantic. Finland: Seafood accompanied with dark rye bread, Reindeer and Copenhagen, Denmark: The Oslo City Tour – Half Day Elk meat, Pulla – a sweet cardamom flavored bun with traditional nightlife is fantastic in and Board a traditional sailing ship which cruises past the Opera House, Time Difference: FINLAND - HELSINKI Capital: coffee, berry liqueurs and Finish Beer. around Norrebro and Vesterbro the picturesque islands and the inner part of the Oslo Fjord. Drive by Denmark – Copenhagen Denmark, Norway and and in the up coming Helsinki City Tour coach around the major sights of Oslo and visit the Sculpture Park, the Finland – Helsinki Sweden Norway: Smoked salmon or trout, Lumpe – a potato pancake, Kodbyen district. Not to miss See the historical centre, with the Uspenski Cathedral and Esplandi Holmenkollen Ski Jump, the Vikingship, the Norwegian Folk Museum Norway - Oslo Aquavit – national drink made of potato and caraway and Pils the Absolute Ice Bar a most Linear Park, the diplomatic quarters, Senate Square, the Presidential and the Kon-Tiki Raft. Sweden – Stockholm Summer: Lager - Norwegian Beer. popular attraction kept at -5 April – October 3 hours and 30 Palace, City Hall, the Parliament building, Finlandia Hall and the Opera Degrees. Official Language: minutes behind India House. Also make a stop at the Sibelius Monument and at famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Ski Museum Sweden: “Smorgasbord” a buffet style meal with a variety of Denmark – Danish Temppeliaukio Church. Visit the world’s oldest ski museum where 4000 years of skiing history dishes. Smoked horsemeat innocently called hamburger or open Helsinki, Finland: Visit the Finland – Finnish, Swedish Winter: are illustrated with rock carvings, skis from the time of the Vikings to sandwich, meatballs with lingonberry and Vodka shots. Botnia Club, the Fennia and Norway - Norwegian November – March 4 hours and Moomin World modern racing and cross country skis of Norway. See the snowboard Hesperia nightclub. Sweden - Swedish 30 minutes behind India This is on the south-west coast of Finland, about 16 km from Turku museum inside the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and enjoy a breathtaking Shopping: and 180 km from Helsinki. The best way to get there is by boat. It is view of Oslo and the Fjord from the tower. Government Constitutional: Denmark: Danish cookies, Lego Bricks, Royal Copenhagen plates Oslo, Norway: There are based on the Moomin stories created by the Finnish-Swedish author Denmark & Sweden: Finland and Georg Jenson Jewellery. innumerable bars, cafes and and illustrator Tove Jansson. The theme park was founded to create Constitutional Monarchy Summer: nightclubs to choose from like NORWAY - BERGEN experiences for children and their families. Finland: Semi Presidential April – October 2 hours and 30 Finland: Puukko knives, hand woven Ryijy rugs, Lappish Solli Pass, Youngstorget and Republic minutes behind India handicrafts, Marimekko clothing, souvenirs of Moomin characters. Gronland. Bergen Fjord Cruise – Half Day Norway: Federal Government Winter: Santa Claus Safari - Rovaniemi Get a wonderful insight to the famous Norwegian fjords carved by November – March 3 hours and Norway: Viking memorabilia, winter wear, traditional handicrafts, Stockholm, Sweden: Enjoy Visit the Arctic Circle and meet Santa Claus , shop in the Santa Claus huge glaciers. Cruise to the fjord area passing Askoy, Herdiatfjord, Currency: 30 minutes behind India glass and silver ware. yourself at Kungstradgarden, Village. Enjoy lunch prepared by an open fire; take a trip on a Sorfjord, Osterfjord, and Vikanes. See mighty mountains towering Denmark: Danish Krone traditional riverboat along the Rivers Kemijoki and Ounasjoki. Visit over the narrow waterways and scenery which will provide lasting Finland: Euro Electricity: Berzeli Park, Stureplan, Sweden: Vodka, Punschrulle pastry, tennis memorabilia and Café Opera, Riche, Sture a local reindeer farm and learn about rearing reindeer. Participate in memories. Norway: Norwegian Krone Most power sockets are 3-pin the ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle. Return by boat . Sweden: Swedish Krona flat square plugs schnapps. Compagniet 18 19 Atlantic Sea Park This is one of the largest aquariums in Northern Europe, built into scandinavia where to escorted the coastal landscape at Tueneset, 3 km west of Ålesund. See the landscaped aquariums teeming with ocean life of the Norwegian by rail stay tours coast and the Atlantic Ocean and see what goes on in the depths of the Storfjord. See how they feed the fish. Visit the penguin park. Choose your Pass Besides the regular hotels, for a unique stay, we recommend: COSMOS • Single country passes for Denmark, Finland, Norway & Sweden SWEDEN - STOCKHOLM • Scandinavia Pass Finland: • High Speed Train between Helsinki, Finland and St. Petersburg, testimonial Santa Claus Village: Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality. Vasa Museum Russia. Meet Santa Claus and cross the magical Arctic Circle every day at The Vasa is the only preserved 17th century ship in the world, and • The Scenic Fjord Tours by Rail the Santa Claus Village in Lapland and enjoy unforgettable lifetime A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of Thank you all for your very a unique art treasure. More than 95% of the ship is original, and it experiences. escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded • Eurail Regional Pass professional and timely is decorated with hundreds of carved sculptures. The 69 meter-long travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some • Eurail Select Pass guidance, which allowed for warship Vasa sank on its maiden voyage in the middle of Stockholm Kakslauttanen Hotel & Igloo Village: meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour • Eurail Global Pass a thoroughly well-planned in 1628, and was salvaged 333 years later in 1961. For nearly half a Located 250 kms from the Arctic Circle. Stay in log cabins, Queen Director. vacation for our family. 7-night century the ship has been slowly and painstakingly restored. Discover Suites, honeymoon Turf Chamber, Glass Igloo and Snow Igloo. Norwegian Fjords cruise is nine different exhibitions about the history of the ship. Experience the world’s biggest sauna and pan for gold in a crystal Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: an itinerary I would highly clear stream. The Midnight Sun here shines for two months and the recommend - the scenery is nights are bright from May to the end of August. • Focus On Scandinavia - 12 Days amazing, the port-venues cruises from • Northern Highlights & The Arctic Circle - 16 Days extremely scenic, and yet Norway: scandinavia easily accessible. The Snow Hotel in Kirkenes, Norway -- Kekoo Vacha, Pune Stay at the amazing Snow Hotel in the Arctic town of Kirkenes Denmark: “at the top of the world” by the Barents sea, close to the Russian GLOBUS Denmark is the main hub followed by Sweden. Most cruises operate border. The Snow hotel is rebuilt each winter with ice and snow and opens from April through September. Ports of call vary depending on the Every Journey Tells A Story itinerary but can include stops in ports like Copenhagen, Helsinki, approximately on December 20. Sleep in comfort on normal beds London, Oslo, Riga, Stockholm, St. Petersburg and Tallinn. Choose with mattresses. Next to the Snow hotel is a heated service building Stockholm Royal Sightseeing Tour Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and from innumerable cruises of Costa, Princess Cruise, MSC Cruises, and an exotic, heated Lavvo restaurant. Visit the beautiful park at Ulriksdals Palace on the banks of Lake vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America and more. A Norwegian Edsviken just outside Stockholm, Haga Park, Gustav III’s pavilion and want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus fjords and glaciers cruise is an absolute must. Sweden: a charming butterfly house. Continue to Lovos church (11th century), Ice Hotel of Sweden: delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour where five rune stones were found around 1050 AD. Finally, the Directors and local guides. Finland: Built by a river in Jukkasjarvi village in Swedish Lapland, 200 km Drottningholm Palace, home to the current Swedish royal family. It north of the Arctic Circle. Creating the ice hotel each winter takes was built in renaissance style around the same time as Versailles and Tallinn Silja Line, a leading provider of high-quality mini-cruise and convenient passenger transport services in the Baltic Sea region, offers 10,000 tons of clear river ice, plus 30,000 tons of snow. It has an ice Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: has beautiful geometric, baroque style gardens. excellent connections between Finland and Estonia and Sweden . sauna, ice chapel, and an Absolut Ice bar. Sleep in special sleeping bags on beds made of snow and ice and covered with reindeer • Scenic Norway - 9 Days SWEDEN - MALMO Norway: skins. Warm winter clothing is provided. Several cabins with bunk • Arctic Circle - 8 Days Hurtigruten ships are a part of Norwegian coastal life. The Hurtigruten beds are available and “warm accommodation” is available, too. • The Scandinavian - 14 Days The Oresund Bridge Coastal Voyage along one the most beautiful coastlines in the world The 16.4 km long Øresund Bridge connects Amager and Oresund in is truly memorable. Tree Hotel of Harads: Denmark with Skane, Sweden. This is the road connection between 40 km from Stockholm, Treehotel is in Harads village near the Lule the metropolitan areas of Copenhagen and Malmo. It offers a 4-lane river. Stay in a unique treerooms with contemporary design in the road and two train tracks. midst of unspoiled nature. 20 21 suggested itineraries

Magical Swedish Lapland – 6 days Helsinki with Rovaneimi (the Santa Claus Village) Scandinavia at its Best – 14 days This is a seasonal program and operates in winter and spring. – 6 days Day 1 Helsinki – Arrive. Day 2 Helsinki – City Tour - Overnight cruise to Stockholm. Day 1 Kiruna: Ice Hotel Day 1 Helsinki Day 3 Stockholm - City Tour. Arrive in Kiruna in the afternoon and transfer to the Ice Hotel. Take Arrive Helsinki-Vantaa Airport and transfer to your hotel. Buy the Helsinki a guided tour and learn its history. The hotel is redesigned and Card, for free admission to major city attractions, museums and unlimited Day 4 Stockholm - Uppsala Tour - Fjäderholmarna Excursion. rebuilt every year using just water. Your belongings are stored in travel on public transportation. Overnight. Day 5 Stockholm - Train to Copenhagen, Denmark. the warm building in conjunction with Ice Hotel. Morning sauna, Day 6 Copenhagen – City Tour. towels and breakfast buffet, winter overall, boots and mittens are Day 2 Helsinki: Rovaniemi Northern Lights by Snowmobile. included. Overnight in Ice Room, Snow Room or similar. Day 7 Copenhagen - Overnight cruise to Oslo, Norway. Breakfast. Fly to Rovaniemi and transfer to your hotel. After dinner, go Day 8 Oslo – Day free for optional tours. on an exciting guided snowmobile excursion to glimpse the phenomenal testimonial Day 2 Kiruna: Optional Husky Sledge Ride/ Snowmobile Day 9 Oslo - City Tour. beauty of the *Northern Lights. Enjoy hot beverage and snack around a Safari campfire and return to the hotel for overnight. Day 10 Oslo - Train to Bergen including Flam Railway – Flam. Breakfast. Enjoy a husky dog sledge ride, through the snowy The highlight of the trip was * Note: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be Day 3 Rovaniemi: Reindeer Farm and Santa Claus Village by Day 11 Flam Tour - Fjord Cruise through Aurlandsfjord and landscape or take the optional Wilderness Tour by snowmobile to the train journey Norway in a guaranteed. Excursion not operational on Tuesdays and Fridays. Snowmobile Sognefjord to Bergen. experience the forest, marsh, frozen lakes and see local wildlife. Nutshell -- fantastic scenery, Breakfast. Enjoy a guided snowmobile trip* to a reindeer farm. Overnight at Camp Ripan or similar. Day 12 Bergen – City Tour. very comfortable train ride, Learn about the native Sami people. Enjoy a reindeer sled ride and a Day 13 Bergen - Day free for optional tours. smooth connections and Lappish ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle. Lunch at a restaurant Day 3 Kiruna – Abisko Sky Station - Kiruna well worth the price. You and continue to the Santa Claus Village. Overnight in Rovaniemi. Day 14 Bergen – Depart. Breakfast. Morning free. In the late afternoon, enjoy a 6 hour have made very intelligent * Note: During December, the reindeer farm visit is by car instead of guided coach tour to Abisko Sky Station in the Abisko National and exceptionally efficient snowmobile. arrangements for us, for which Park, 250 km north of the Arctic Circle. Enjoy dinner at *Abisko Sky Station. If you are lucky, see the Northern Lights. Return to we must thank you. Day 4 Rovaniemi: Dog Sledding -- Shernaz & Behram Engineer, Kiruna area for overnight. Breakfast. Transfer to the kennel for a thrilling husky sled ride through Mumbai Day 4 Kiruna - Stockholm the winter wonderland. Learn some basics and drive your own team Breakfast. Take an optional Moose Safari by minibus along Kalix of sled dogs. Return to the hotel. Enjoy an optional Finnish sauna. River, enjoy an outdoor lunch. Afternoon transfer to the airport to Overnight. depart for Stockholm. Arrive and transfer your hotel. Overnight. Day 5 Rovaniemi - Helsinki Day 5 Stockholm: Morning City Tour Breakfast. Return by air to Helsinki, and transfer to your hotel. Join Breakfast. Enjoy the guided city tour with panorama sightseeing, an optional 2 hour morning sightseeing tour by bus that covers major a scenic stop at Fjällgatan, walk through Old Town for a view of attractions. Overnight. the Royal Palace and see City Hall, site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Visit the famous Vasa Museum. Overnight. Day 6 Helsinki Breakfast. Transfer to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Day 6 Stockholm Breakfast. Transfer to the airport 22 23

Northern Europe Iceland

Iceland is a mountainous island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean, located between Europe and North America. Though it is not part of the continental mainland, the country is considered as European. Only 10% of Iceland, Land of the Midnight Sun, is covered by glaciers. This is a land of breathtaking landscapes, boiling mud pools, geysers, glaciers and waterfalls. Summers are warm, with days lengthening until midsummer. During winter, the colorful lights of the Aurora Borealis in the night sky are amazing (if you’re lucky!). 24 25 good things to do iceland to know and see by Sea

Best Time to Visit : REYKJAVÍK Ocean Cruising Akureyri May to September Cruises that visit Iceland operate from April through September and Blue Lagoon most range from 9 to 17 nights. Itineraries may include ports like ICELAND Cuisine: This is a unique geothermal spa situated in the youngest lava field in Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Isaf Jordur in Iceland. Many cruise liners like Regent Seven Seas, Princess Cruises, Cunard, P&O, Silver Sea Celebrity Reykjavik Skyr which is strained yoghurt, Hangikjot is Icelandic smoked lamb, west Iceland where you can enjoy an outdoor massage or one of the with potatoes, green peas and béchamel sauce, fish; Snudur a spa treatments available. Enjoy the spectacular surroundings, bathe Cruises and more call at Iceland. Most of these cruises operate from type of cinnamon roll and Skuffukaka a single layered cake and in milky blue-green water, relax in a geothermal steam bath or de - England or Germany. Brennivin, a brand of schnapps, Iceland’s signature liquor. stress under a Blue Lagoon waterfall.

Shopping: Reykjavik Greater Area Sightseeing Shop for the traditional Icelandic “lopapeysa”, a knitted wool This includes all the important sights in Reykjavik and its surrounding where to sweater, scarves, gloves, hats and blankets. Buy jewellery in Celtic towns. See the Presidential Residence at Bessastadir, the Restaurant stay and Norse patterns and look for Icelandic designs in fashion. You Perlan and Hofoi House. Visit Hafnarfjordur town, home of elves can shop at 66 Degrees North for warm clothing, ASA Jewellery, and humans alike, a fishing harbor, towering Hallgrim’s church, the Karum for designer shopping and Aurum for funky earrings made University district, and the old town centre. Stay at hotels, apartments, B&B guesthouses, hostels, cabins and destination from plastic animals. camping sites all over Iceland. There are many Spa resorts in the information Flight Tour: Ice & Fire - Glaciers & Volcanoes geothermal areas of Iceland. This is a magnificent tour over the Tindfjallajökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers in South Iceland. Between the ice and snowfields, visit Hekla, Capital: the most famous of Iceland’s volcanoes. See Thingvellir, site of the escorted Reykjavik world’s oldest parliament, the Gullfoss golden waterfall, Thórsmörk Nature Reserve, the peaks of Landmannalaugar and Geysir, one of the tours Official Language: world’s outstanding geothermal areas. Icelandic Government Constitutional: OUTSKIRTS OF REYKJAVIK ICELAND Parliamentary Republic WINTER TOURS Whether your interest is to cover the most popular attractions in Iceland Currency: The Golden Circle Classic Icelandic Krona Visit Nesjavellir power plant, enter Þingvellir, where the Icelandic Northern Lights Mystery or to explore the more remote regions of the interior highlands, take parliament Alþingi was founded in 930. See the beautiful Gullfoss Hunt for the elusive Northern a look at our selection and see which guided tour suits your needs Time Difference: waterfall, the geothermal area around Geysir and Strokkur. Visit Lights or the Aurora Borealis. and taste. Most of the great value tours run from May to September Summer: Skálholt church, the ancient seat of the Icelandic bishops. Stop by the From autumn until spring, and are offered at a reasonable price. April – October. nightlife colorful volcanic crater Kerið for a photo. during clear and cold dark 5 hours and 30 minutes behind nights, you may be lucky India. Daylight saving time is Whale Watching Safari with hotel pick up/drop off Choose from: Reykjavik is vibrant city. During weekends, clubs, bars and pubs enough to see the incredible not observed in Iceland Spot a variety of whales swimming close to the coast line like white- • Volcanoes & Glaciers – 5 Nights/6 Days are open until the early hours of the next morning and during the display of lights swirling beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. Watch sea birds like gannets, Electricity: summer weeks when the sun is shining, all night long. During and dancing across the sky • Arctic Gems – 9 Nights/10 Days puffins, guillemots, cormorants, gulls, kittiwakes etc. Go past islands Most power sockets are 2 round summer, there is live music almost every day in the town centre changing endlessly in color, • From Fire To Ice – Iceland & Greenland – 8 Nights/9 Days inhabited by puffins. Between June and August go midnight whale pin. which boasts many bars, clubs, pubs and cafés. shape and size. watching. 26 suggested itineraries

Reykjavik – 4 days Iceland Spa & Wellness – 4 days

Day 1 Reykjavik Day 1 Reykjavik Arrive Keflavik International Airport and transfer check to your hotel Check in at your hotel where you have complete access to the newly in Reykjavik. Overnight. renovated Sóley Natura Spa. The spa offers some of Reykjavik’s most exclusive beauty and massage treatments (optional at extra cost). Day 2 Reykjavik: Inside the Volcano Tour Enjoy the pool, sauna, hot tub, yoga and fitness center Overnight. Breakfast. Drive for 30 minutes and take an easy 40 minute hike though the lava fields to reach the mouth of the crater. Descend to 400 ft (10 minutes) inside the chamber through an open elevator Day 2 Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Fontana Steam Baths system and spend either 30 minutes or 1 hour inside the volcano. Breakfast. Visit the majestic Gullfoss waterfall and the famous Geysir Overnight in Reykjavik. hot spring area. In Laugarvatn stop at a small country gallery for a taste of local Icelandic produce. Relax at Fontana Steam Bath which Day 3 Reykjavik: Day Free offers steam baths, geothermal pools and hot tubs. Continue to Thingvellir National Park, famous for its geological phenomena and Breakfast. Spend the day at leisure or select an optional tour. rich history. Return to Reykjavik. Overnight. Day 4 Reykjavik Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Day 3 Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon Breakfast. The morning is free for shopping and sight-seeing. In the afternoon drive to the Blue Lagoon, a unique natural pool of mineral rich geothermal water in the middle of a lava field. It is known for its special properties and its beneficial effect on the skin. Return to Reykjavík. Overnight.

Day 4 Reykjavik Transfer to Keflavík International Airport. (Check in at least 3 hours prior to flight). 27

Western Europe Austria

In the very heart of Europe, Austria is the land of the Sound of Music, the birthplace of Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert, Brahms, Mahler and Strauss. This is where the Blue Danube flows, where the Austrian Alps rise majestically and tranquil lakes shimmer. Drive past undulating meadows and charming villages. Explore the Habsburg Palaces in Vienna and admire Salzburg’s baroque splendour. 28 29 things to do

Linz and see Vienna Salzburg Vienna

Innsbruck AUSTRIA City Tour and Schonbrunn Palace entrance of the caves for a walking tour through the wonderful world Drive around the famous ‘Ringstrasse’ and see the most important of unique ice formations. The average temperature in the summer is sights, then along the Danube Canal past Hundertwasser’s ‘Kunsthaus’ 0 degrees C. and the Prater Park with its Giant Ferris Wheel. The Schonbrunn Palace is one of the most significant cultural monuments in Austria. Salt Mines & Celtic Village Visit one of the oldest salt mines in the world on Durrnberg Mountain destination Romantic Danube Valley – Full Day Excursion near Hallein. See the reconstructed Celtic village for an insight into Visit the beautiful region of Wachau Valley. Drive to Melk and visit Celtic life 2500 years ago. Through the ages, salt brought prosperity information the magnificent Benedictine Abby, Stift Melk. Lunch at the Abby and was called “White Gold”. Restaurant Melk, before boarding a boat for a beautiful view of the good nightlife old castle and tales of the past. Miners accompany you through the tunnel on a mine cart. Interesting Capital: information about salt extraction can be viewed on a screen. Enjoy a Vienna to know Vienna: Vienna Woods and Mayerling short boat trip across an underground lake. There are many bars and See the southern part of Vienna Woods. Stop at Hoeldrichsmuehle, Official Language: Best Time to Visit : dance clubs with live music where Schubert composed Der Lindenbaum. Then visit the Cistercian German End March to beginning of November INNSBRUCK throughout the evening. Hot Abbey of Heiligenkreuz and Mayerling, a hunting lodge where the

spots include Aux Gazelles, Crown Prince Rudolph committed suicide with Baroness Vetsera. Government Constitutional: Cuisine : Swarovski Crystal World Flanigari’s and Flex. You will Drive through the beautiful Helenental valley, passing through the Federal Parliamentary Republic. Austrian cuisine is influenced by Hungarian, Bohemian, Czech, Drive by coach to the world famous Swarovski Crystal World, in also find operas, ballets, Roman city of Baden, known for its thermal springs. After a coffee Jewish, Italian, Balkan and French Cuisine. Some of the famous Mozart concerts. Fine dining Wattens. Inside the water spouting Giant (a huge face sculptured on Currency: break return to Vienna. specialties are Wiener Schnitzel, Rindsuppe, Gulasch , Liptauer - top of a rock), a whole crystal world awaits you. See the Chambers Euro restaurants are many. spicy cheese spread eaten on bread, Apfelstrudel, Sachertorte - the of Wonders containing the Planet of Crystals, the Crystal Dome, the The Vienna Mozart Orchestra most famous chocolate cake in the world and last but not the least, Salzburg: Crystal Theatre, the Ice Passage and the Floating Poem. Time Difference: Performances: 1 May - 30 October 2013 every Monday, Wednesday, Austrian beers and wines. Discover a mix of dance Friday and Saturday at 8:15 pm. Summer clubs and beer halls. World Tyrolean Show with Dinner April – October. Shopping: famous theatre performances A typical Tyrolean evening with authentic folk music, dance and song. 3 hours 30 minutes behind Excellent and high quality goods such as leather goods, lacework, are highlights. Some of the If you love classical music, don’t miss a performance of the Vienna Enjoy a delicious 3 course menu during the show. Transfers to the India. Swarovski crystal, chocolates, porcelain and glass creations. famous pubs are Altstadt Mozart Orchestra with internationally renowned singers and soloists, show and back to Innsbruck hotel are included. Keller, O’Malley’s Irish Pub, all in magnificent historical costumes and wigs, in Vienna’s largest Winter Where To Shop: Chez Poland and Podium. and most famous concert halls. Combiticket Alpenzoo (Cable Car + Entrance to Zoo) November – March. Take the convenient cable car from Innsbruck to the Alpenzoo, 4 hours 30 minutes behind Vienna: The Mariahilfer Straße has great number of shops Innsbruck: Europe’s highest zoo (750 m), home to more than 2000 animals of India. Innsbruck: The Maria Theresien- Straße is one of Europe’s most Lots of clubs and bars of SALZBURG 150 species. Enjoy a fantastic view of the mountains and see the splendid shopping boulevards. different kinds are open all presentation of alpine life forms through the ages. Electricity: Salzburg: The age old Linzergasse offers a great number of night on the nightlife mile Ice Caves Tour Most power sockets are called as “Bogenmeile” along designed for standard 2 round boutiques, shoe and music stores. Drive to Werfen, where the Hohenwerfen fortress has protected the the Ing – Etzel - Strasse. pin wall plugs. pass since the 11th century. Continue on foot and via cable car to the 30 31 austria escorted suggested by rail where to tours itineraries

Unlimited travel by rail all over Austria. Convenient and flexible rail stay Vienna - 4 days passes of different durations make your trip easy. Buy your rail pass COSMOS from TBi before you leave home. Besides the 3 to 5 star hotels, Day 1 there are some unique and Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality Arrive in Vienna. take a shuttle transfer from the airport to your hotel. Choose your pass: landmark accommodations And check - in. Use your Vienna Card, valid for 72 hours, to discover in Austria which promise to A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of Vienna. The card includes free use of public transport and special • Austria Pass give you a refreshing holiday escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded discounts in museums, shops, restaurants and more. Enjoy a typical • Eurail Regional Pass experience. travelers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some lunch or dinner in the popular Restaurant Führich. Overnight. • Eurail Select Pass meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of and expert Tour • Eurail Global Pass Director. Day 2 We recommend: • Railjet - the new high speed train of the Austrian Federal Railways. Breakfast. Take the 24-hour “Hop On Hop Off” sightseeing tour with Routes: Budapest – Vienna – Munich and Vienna – Salzburg – Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: 13 different stops. Use your Vienna card and spend as much time as Bregenz / Zurich. • Hotel Alstadt - Vienna you like at Vienna’s most attractive sights. Overnight. • Hotel Imperial - Vienna • Prague, Vienna & Budapest - 9 days • The Rogner Bad - • Bohemian Rhapsody - 13 days Day 3 Breakfast. Today, pick up some souvenirs, try the coffee and cake at Blumau • Central Europe - 15 days the impressive Café Central in the heart of the city and explore the • Hotel Vetlin – near city at leisure. Overnight. Vienna. A wine and wellness hideaway. cruises from Day 4 • Wein-Genuss Breakfast. Check out. austria Pössnitzberg - GLOBUS Leutschach. A small Experience the heart of Europe’s most enchanting destinations by boutique and luxury spa Every Journey Tells A Story Salzburg - 3 days taking a river cruise on the Danube. hotel. It is one of the most enjoyable and hassle-free ways to explore • Hotel Goldener Hirsch - Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and Day 1 Europe’s castles, cathedrals and picturesque villages. Salzburg vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who Arrive Salzburg and transfer to your hotel. Use your 48 hour “Salzburg • Schloss Fuschl Resort & want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus Card” which includes free entrance to all the sights in Salzburg Choose from: Spa near Salzburg, along delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour and free use of public transport. Try out the coffee and cake in the the shores of Lake Fuschl. Directors and local guides. traditional Café Furst. Overnight. avalon Waterways • Burgenland Thermal Day 2 • A Taste of the Danube - 4 days Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: Spas Eisenstadt Breakfast. Enjoy the Mozart City Tour (one and a half hours), with • Austrian Highlights & Bavaria - 6 days • Romantic Hotel • Blue Danube to the Black Sea - 14 days • Munich, Salzburg & Vienna - 8 days includes the return ticket for the Fortress lift to view the city. Enjoy Schwarzer Adler - a 3-course lunch or dinner at the traditional Restaurant K+K Am • The Best of Austria and Switzerland - 11 days Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Innsbruck Waagplatz with one drink included. Overnight. • Danube Discovery & Prague - 10 days • Vienna to Istanbul - 15 days. • Highlights of Eastern Europe - 8 days Day 3 • European Serenade - 13 days Breakfast. Check out. 32 33

Innsbruck - 3 days Day 5 Zell Am See: Excursion to Schmittzenhohe Breakfast. Take a cable car to the mountain high above Zell Am See. It offers walking, hiking trails and paragliding. In winter it is a skier’s Day 1 paradise. Overnight. Arrive in Innsbruck and use your 48 hour all inclusive Innsbruck Card, to transfer to your hotel. Enjoy coffee and cake in the famous Café Day 6 Zell Am See - St.Gilgen Sacher in the Hofburg. Overnight. testimonial Breakfast. Take a train to St.Gilgen. Check in to your hotel. Explore this quaint little village with shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels around Day 2 the lakeside. Overnight. Breakfast. Explore Innsbruck using the card which includes free use of We thank TBI for all the public transport, including “The Sightseer” bus with audio-guide and bookings and planning you Day 7 St. Gilgen - Salzburg return shuttle to Swarovski Crystal World in Wattens, return ride on did for us for our summer Breakfast. Take a 15 minute cable gondola ride to Zwölferhorn one of the mountain cable cars in Innsbruck and admission to most vacation. We were very Seilbahn a popular ski resort area. The valley station is just outside major sights in and around Innsbruck. In the evening enjoy a typical impressed with the way the St. Gilgen. Overnight. Tyrolean dinner in one of the city’s popular restaurants. Overnight. itinerary was planned. It was a fantastic idea to take Day 8 Salzburg Day 3 overnight train journeys. After breakfast check out. Breakfast. Check out. -- Khurshid & Jehangir, Mumbai Magnificent Austria - 8 days More Options: Linz - 3 days Day 1 Vienna Austrian Honeymoon - 8 days Arrive and check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the important sights of Vienna and the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Overnight.

Day 2 Vienna – Salzburg Breakfast. Proceed by train to Salzburg. Arrive and check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Salzburg. This evening, enjoy a Mozart Concert. Overnight.

Day 3 Salzburg: Mozart City Tour Breakfast. In the afternoon, enjoy a Mozart City Tour to see the highlights of Salzburg. Overnight in Salzburg.

Day 4 Salzburg - Zell Am See Breakfast. Take a train to Zell Am See (1 hour 35 minutes), a most picturesque alpine town set by a crystal clear mountain lake, surrounded by mountains. You can visit the St. Hippolyt church and the museum at the Kastnerturm tower. Overnight. 34 35

The splendor of EUROPE Benelux comprises three neighboring countries in northwestern Europe and the name Benelux is derived by joining the first two or three letters of each country’s name – Belgium, Netherlands at a splendidly low price. Luxembourg. Despite similarities in culture, language, and lifestyle across borders, each of these countries has a distinctive Europe is a celebration of the ner things in life, yet Cosmos, the world leader in budget travel packages, allows you to character and many compelling reasons to visit them. explore the best of the continent at an unbeatable prices. Itineraries are designed to give you the freedom to explore on your Belgium: own and optional excursions give you the opportunity to personalise your experience. Enjoy services of expert Tour Directors Think of Belgium and you think of Belgian chocolates, yummy who belong to the region you are touring in, travel with international travel companions, and sample international cuisine Belgian waffles and Tin Tin cartoons. Did you know that Belgium is where the saxophone originated and that Spa originates from with Cosmos. With year round departures, an incomparable choice of vacations and prices from just $75 a day - Cosmos helps the original town of Spa? Visit lovely country towns and enjoy you turn your travel dreams into reality.. great shopping and gastronomic experiences. Southern Belgium has hundreds of interesting castles, medieval fortresses and châteaux. 2013 VACATIONS UNDER US$1,000*

BRITISH PANORAMA GRAND TOUR OF TURKEY PRAGUE, VIENNA & BUDAPEST 6 days from US$729* 13 days from US$969* 9 days from US$969*

A TASTE OF SCOTLAND IRISH EXPLORER JEWELS OF SPAIN & PORTUGAL * * * 5 days from US$719 9 days from US$969 9 days from US$969 Western Europe Benelux JEWELS OF MOROCCO GREEK ODYSSEY CAIRO, ALEXANDRIA & THE MEDITERRANEAN 10 days from US$939* 8 days from US$969* 8 days from US$969*

A TASTE OF IRELAND JEWELS OF FRANCE TUNISIAN ADVENTURE Netherlands: 6 days from US$949* 8 days from US$969* 8 days from US$949*t Tulips, bicycles, clogs, clubs, pubs, windmills are things you cannot miss in the Netherlands. Dutch culture is based on the straight- backed principles of Calvinism. This nation of philosophers and artists, boho chic and stately grandeur is dotted with castle walls and canals, dykes and dunes, marshland and fields of tulips.

*Conditions apply. All prices are on land-only basis and vary as per departure dates. 36 37 things to do Amsterdam and see

Antwerp BELGIUM - BRUSSELS City Tour and Keukenhof Gardens Drive past the Royal Palace, other important sights and beautiful Brussels Brussels City Tour houses along the canal. Visit the diamond factory and Keukenhof Stroll in the old city centre with an experienced guide, see the Gardens to admire some of the most beautiful flowers in the world. BENELUX Grand Place, city hall and splendid guild houses. Drive by coach past This tour operates during April and May. magnificent St. Michael’s Cathedral, the Congress Column, the Heizel district with the Atomium, the Chinese pavilion and the Japanese Evening Canal Cruise good tower. Continue via the Palace of Laken and visit Zavel district with Cruise through the illuminated canals past the Old Harbor, Maritime destination its many antique stores. Pass by the Court of Justice and elegant Museum, and through the old centre of the city. See historic residential to know Louiza Square to Place Royale, the Royal Palace other government buildings, Anne Frank’s House and the renowned boat houses. Pass information buildings. beneath the ‘Skinny Bridge’. Best Time to Visit : Belgium & Netherlands Ghent and Bruges Capital: April - October After an hour’s drive arrive in Ghent to visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Belgium – Brussels home of the world famous ‘Mystic Lamb’ painting. See the Belfry, Netherlands - Amsterdam Cuisine : St Nicholas’ Church and the Earl’s Castle from the Middle Ages. In Belgium: World famous for its chocolate and incredible varieties of Bruges, visit the Lake of Love and the Beguinage. On your walking Official Language: beer. Certain foods unique to Belgium are mussels cooked in wine, tour, discover the Church of Our Lady with the statue by Michaelangelo, Belgium – 3 official language meatballs, beef stew, Belgian frites (French fries), waffles and a the Market Square and the Holy Blood Chapel. Dutch, French and German tasty cookie called “speculoos.” nightlife Netherlands - Dutch and Frisian Beer Tour Government Constitutional: Netherlands: A traditional meal is potatoes with meat and boiled Brussels: Most of the bars, Visit some typical drinking venues for traditional Brussels beers like Belgium – Federal Government vegetables. Famous cheeses include Edam, Leyden and Gouda. casinos and nightclubs host Geuze and Kriek and Trappist beers (brewed by Trappist monks in Netherlands - Constitutional Stamppot, which is mashed potatoes mixed with other mashed live entertainment nights and monasteries or abbeys) that come with a creamy white head. Visit Monarchy vegetables is worth trying. Try out Kopstoot or head butt which is music concerts. For a stylish the Royal Puppet Theater Toone and take a walking tour past the the practice of drinking Jenever (Gin) and chasing it with beer. Manneken Pis Statue, Ilot Sacre, the fish market and the island of evening go to Sablon and to Volendam and Marken Currency: the upper part of the city for Saint Gery, the oldest part of Brussels. Visit Volendam, a fishing village on the shores of the former Zuiderzee. Belgium & Netherlands: Euro fine dining and lounge style Continue by boat to Marken, once an island. Some people here still Shopping: settings. wear the colorful traditional 16th century costume. Visit a cheese Time Difference: Brussels: Art and antiques from Place du Grand Sablon; Exquisite NETHERLANDS - AMSTERDAM farm. Drive back to Amsterdam through typical Dutch countryside via Summer: handmade lace; Chocolate brands like Chocolatier Mary, Leonidas, Amsterdam: Amsterdam April – October 3 hours and 30 Combined City Tour, Delft, The Hague & Madurodam Monnickendam. Neuhas, Godiva and Dandoy. Shop at Rue Antoine Dansaert Straat is absolutely vibrant in minutes behind India Discover old and New Amsterdam. Drive past the high points of for fashion and design, Avenue Louise for international fashion spring and summer. Around Winter: Amsterdam and discover its rich history and culture. Visit the diamond brands, Rue Neuve for bargains; Visit Gallerie St. Hubert arcade. Leidseplein there are many Grand Holland Landmark Tour November – March 4 hours and factory, the famous Delft Pottery and then head for The Hague, the theatres, cafes, restaurants, Visit the world’s largest flower auction in Aalsmeer. Continue to 30 minutes behind India famous Dutch government seat. Visit Madurodam to see Holland in Netherlands: Shop for tulip bulbs, cheese, chocolate, beer and cinemas, the casino, the Rotterdam for a city tour by bus. Visit a Delft blue pottery factory with miniature! time off for lunch on your own. On the city tour of The Hague, drive Electricity: cookies; Dutch wooden clogs or wooden shoes. The Nine Streets Lido theatre with live Most power sockets are 3-pin area offers all kinds of fashion. Two main shopping malls located entertainment and the famed past the House of Parliament and the Peace Palace. Visit Madurodam flat square plugs near the Dam Square are “Bijenkorf” and “Magna Plaza”. cultural and music centers. the miniature city. 38 39 benelux suggested Ocean Cruises by rail Several cruises depart from itineraries Amsterdam to the Baltic, Norwegian Fjords or the Enjoy unlimited travel by rail all over Benelux. Convenient and flexible Mediterranean. Choose from Brussels - 5 Days rail passes of different durations make your trip easy. Buy your rail cruise lines like the Royal pass from TBi before you leave home. Caribbean, Costa Cruises and Day 1 Brussels Holland America Line. There are Arrive Brussels with its small town charm, funky bars and restaurants. Choose your pass: select sailings on the Celebrity Transfer to your hotel and check in. Rest of the day is at leisure. Go to Cruise to the Arctic Circle, Sablon for a fine dining experience. Overnight. • Eurail Benelux Pass (covering Belgium, The Netherlands and Norwegian Fjords, Scandinavia Luxemburg) and Russia. Day 2 Brussels: City Tour • Eurostar (between Brussels and London) Breakfast. Enjoy city tour of Brussels visiting the St. Michael Cathedral, • Thalys – High Speed Train the Congress Column, the Atomium, Grand Place, Palace of Justice, the Royal Museum of Art and History and the Royal Palace. In the • TGV – Belgium – France High Speed Train where to afternoon, take an optional tour of Mini Europe – the miniature • FYRA – High Speed Train (Belgium – Netherlands) version of Europe. Overnight. • Eurail Regional Pass stay • Eurail Select Pass • Eurail Global Pass Besides the 3 to 5 star hotels, there are some unique and landmark accommodations in Benelux which promise to cruises from give you a refreshing holiday benelux experience: escorted River Cruises We recommend: tours Experience the heart of Europe’s most enchanting destinations by Day 3 Brussels – Amsterdam: City Tour taking a river cruise. Sail on the Rhine and other rivers. River cruise • The Martin’s Patershof - on Breakfast. Proceed to Amsterdam, visiting the famous Kukenhof companies like Avalon Waterways and Uniworld offer exciting the outskirts of Brussels GLOBUS Gardens (seasonal) en route. In the afternoon enjoy a guided city itineraries. • The Dominican Hotel – tour of Amsterdam and a Canal Cruise. Pass through the harbor, the

Brussels Every Journey Tells A Story charming Jordaan quarters, The Anne Frank house, the Rijksmuseum, avalon Waterways • Kempinski Hotel Dukes’ the Vondel Park, the “Skinney Bridge” and Rembrandt’s house. Rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight. • Tulip Time Cruise - 8 days Palace – Bruges Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and • Windmills, Vineyards & Paris – 8 days • The Marriott Ghent - Facing vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who Day 4 Amsterdam: Zaane Schaans Excursion • Romantic Rhine – 8 days the River Lys, want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus Breakfast. Visit the windmill village de Zaane Schaans with its famous • European Splendor – 13 days delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour • Seven one Seven - green wooden houses. Visit a windmill and a wooden shoe factory. Directors and local guides. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Amsterdam Drive back to Amsterdam. Overnight. • Springtime Tulips & the Rhine – 8 days • The Dylan Amsterdam Hotel • Tulips & Windmills – 10 days • Holland, Luxemburg and Belgium – 9 days Day 5 Amsterdam • Legendary Rhine & Moselle – 13 days Breakfast. Check out and transfer to Amsterdam airport. 02_4639 _Mise en page 1 01/02/13 19:08 Page1

40 41

Western Europe France

This is the fabled land of fashion, good food and wine, of royal chateaux, famous landmarks and hidden landscapes few really know. Savor art and romance in Paris, see the glorious past at Versailles. Travel south for Roman civilization and the sparkling blue Med; indulge your jet-set fantasies in balmy Nice and St-Tropez. There’s so much to see and do, you’ll be spoilt for choice! 42 43 things to do

Paris and see

Dijon PARIS

Bordeux FRANCE Historical Paris & Paris Seinorama days unlimited travel on the Paris metro, buses, RER, tramway, Discover the Marais District and the Latin Quarter, take a mini-cruise SNCF Transilien Suburban Trains, Montmartre funicular railway, Avignon Nice on the River Seine to ‘Ile de la Cite,’ enjoy a guided tour of Notre Dame Montmartrobus, Noctilien & Optile network buses. Free entry into Cathedral. Enjoy the ‘Paris Seinorama’, with recorded commentary on over 60 museums and attractions, including free passage on Seine Cannes earphones and see Place de la Concorde, Avenue des Champs Elysees, River Day Cruise with Bateaux Parisiens, Tour Maine-Montparnasse the Arc de Triomphe and the Bois de Boulogne, before enjoying a one and much more. hour cruise on the River Seine. Visit the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower. Purchase the Paris Pass from TBi before you leave. destination the store flaunts elegant Belle information good Epoque architecture. Montmartre and the Grand Louvre to know The hill of Montmartre is the home of Parisian artists and many like AVIGNON, PROVENCE, FRANCE Galeries Lafayette offers Picasso, Renoir and Van Gogh settled here in the 19th century. Drive Capital: a 10% discount plus 12% by coach to the hill, board the funicular to the top and enjoy a guided Provence Lavender and Villages Paris Best Time to Visit : Tourist Tax Refund. Please walking tour of Montmartre and Place du Tertre. Visit the Sacred Heart April to October Visit beautiful Roussillon famous for its red and yellow ochre cliffs and collect your discount coupon Basilica (unescorted). Enjoy a guided visit to the Louvre. Official Language: unusual natural landscape. Then stop by Gordes, the village perched from us. French Cuisine : on the edge of the plateau of Vaucluse in Luberon. Finally, visit the Illuminations and Lido Show Lavender Museum. Passion for good food is evident everywhere. Epicurean delights Drive past the floodlit famous monuments of Paris, delight at the Government Constitutional: range from truffles and Coq au Vin to Foie Gras, crustaceans and illuminated landmarks and enjoy the exciting “Bonheur” show at the Unitary Semi-Presidential Roquefort cheese. From fruit tarts and Clafoutis to a teetering nightlife Great Wines and Sights - Rhone Valley Republic Croquembouche, Mille Feuille and Tarte Tatin, French desserts have legendary Lido. Enjoy a scenic drive in the vineyards around Chateauneuf du Pape, an elegance all their own. French wines are world famous. Paris has something for learn about ‘terroir’, grape varieties, vinification and aging cellars, Currency: Disneyland Paris – 1 Day 2 Parks and wine tasting at two wineries. Euro everyone, from traditional Shopping: ballet in the Opera district This is a one day pass to Disneyland Resort Paris that offers a full day in the two parks. It includes return transfers by luxury motor coach Continue to the Pont du Gard, the best preserved roman aquaduct, Time Difference: Some of the best places for shopping are along the Avenue to quaint literary bars like Montaigne, the Faubourg Saint-Honore, the Place de la La Belle Hortense in the from the centre of Paris to Disneyland Paris and admission ticket for Les Baux de Provence, a picturesque village in the Alpilles Mountains Walt Disney Studios Park and the Disneyland Park. Discover the most and the famous village of Gordes. Summer Madeleine,the Boulevard Haussmannand the Saint-Sulpice quarter. Marais and from the chilly magical place on earth. April – October. Shop for high fashion, perfumes, cheese, porcelain, enamel and art. Ice Kube Bar in La Chapelle 3 hours 30 minutes behind to the glitzy Moulin Rouge Guided Tour of Versailles India. A Legendary Spot for Shopping in Paris: Cabaret in Montmarte. The The Chateau of Versailles was home to Louis 14th, the Sun King. BORDEAUX First inaugurated in 1893, the Galeries Lafayette department store Champs Elysees abounds Winter Enjoy a one-hour guided tour of the Chateau, including the Grand is a Paris fashion institution. Located near the stately Opera Garnier, with sophisticated nightclubs Secrets of Great Bordeaux Wines November – March. like the VIP Room and L’Arc. Apartments (the Queen’s bedroom), the famous Galerie des Glaces this is an essential stop for fashion enthusiasts: men and women’s Enjoy a full day tour of the Chartrons district, the traditional centre 4 hours 30 minutes behind Underground music is played (Mirror Gallery) and more. Discover the picturesque formal gardens. designer collections are always kept at the cutting-edge, and of the Bordeaux wine trade. Enjoy a 3 course tasting-lunch. In the India. out in Paris 10th, 1th and 20th the latest trends in jewelry and accessories, home furnishings, or afternoon visit some prestigious vineyards where world famous arrondissements (districts). Paris Pass Electricity: cosmetics can all be perused under one roof. Galeries Lafayette also wines like Medoc, Saint-Emilion, Entre Deux Mers and Sauternes are Most bars close at 2 am, clubs An extremely economical, convenient and useful pass to have, which Most power sockets are houses one of Paris’ gourmet food markets, Lafayette Gourmet, that produced. remain open until 5 am. will save you time and money. It is available in 2, 4 or 6 consecutive designed for 2 round pin plugs. will be sure to tempt foodies. Modeled after a mideasternbaazar, 44 45 france escorted NICE by rail tours Nice Le Grand Tour 1 Day Pass Discover the charming city of Nice and enjoy its unique views from France Rail offers unlimited travel by rail all over France with open top deck buses. Your pass is valid for 1 day and allows you to convenient and flexible rail passes. COSMOS hop on and off as often as you please, at any of the 11 stops. Choose your Pass: Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality Monaco & Monte Carlo by Night Drive to Monaco. See the Prince’s Palace, the world famous Casino, • France Rail Pass and France Rail Pass Premium A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of the ‘Hotel de Paris’ and the Hermitage, have a drink or dine in one • TGV - Train a Grande Vitesse or high speed train network covering escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded of the famous restaurants and try your luck in the Casino. Savor the France, and linking to Belgium and Switzerland. travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some splendid atmosphere of Monaco’s night life. Return to Nice via the • Thalys – high speed trains from Paris only to major northwest meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour ‘Basse Corniche’ road. European cities of France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Director. Germany. • Eurostar Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: • Eurail Regional Pass • Eurail Select Pass • Jewels of France – 8 days • Eurail Global Pass • Grand Tour of France – 14 days cruises from france where to stay GLOBUS River Cruises Take a river cruise in France or join a river cruise starting or ending Every Journey Tells A Story in Paris. Sail on the Seine, the Saone and the Rhone. River cruise France offers accommodation of every kind, from former castles, companies like Avalon Waterways and Uniworld offer exciting abbeys, manor houses and country houses which have been converted Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and itineraries. into comfortable hotels to villas, hotels, serviced apartments and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus spas. From budget to luxury, you’ll find the perfect place to stay. delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour avalon Waterways Choose from: Directors and local guides. • Paris to Normandy Landing Beaches – 8 days • Windmills, Vineyards & Paris – 10 days • Bed & breakfast guesthouses Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise • Hotels ranging from 3 star to 5 star • Burgundy & Provence – 8 days • Service Apartments • London & Paris A Tale of Two Cities - 7 days • Grand France – 17 days • French Sampler – 8 days Half Day Tour to Antibes, Cannes and Grasse Stay at Citadines Apartments: Drive to Antibes a popular vacation spot and along the coastal road Ocean Cruising Citadines Apart’hotels offer cleverly configured spaces and a flexible • Normandy, Brittany and Chateaux Country – 8 days to Cannes. In Cannes see the famous Croisette fringed by sandy Many luxury cruise liners like the Silver Sea, Regent Seven Seas and service menu so you can customize your stay. All within the privacy • Lourdes & Shrines of France – 11 days private beaches belonging to hotels and the Palace of Film where the Oceania Cruises call at Cannes, Marseille and Nice. Silver Sea and of your own apartment while enjoying the convenience of a hotel. A International Film Festival is held. Visit a perfume factory in Grasse, Regent Seven Seas have sailings from Monte Carlo as their main port perfect option for extended stays, whether for a week or a year. home of perfume making. of departure sailing to the Mediterranean, North Europe and Russia. 46 47

Paris – 4 days testimonial Day 1 Paris Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Today, enjoy an Orientation City Tour of Paris. Or visit the Park Asterix for family fun. In the evening, opt for the Illuminations Tour with the Lido Show. Overnight. Just wanted to write a thank you note for all your help Day 2 Paris – Disneyland Park with regards to our France Breakfast. Arrive at your hotel in Disneyland. Use your 2 day pass trip. The self drive through to have the time of your life in Disneyland Resort Paris. This pass to Loire too worked out really entitles you to admission for a full day in each of the parks. Discover well. Varsha and I look an enchanting kingdom filled with fun, fantasy and discovery, a world forward to your assistance Nice - 4 days of make-believe characters, shows and attractions. Return back to with regards to South Africa. Paris. Overnight. -- Varsha and Ankur, Day 1 Nice Mumbai Arrive at Nice airport and transfer to your hotel via the historical center Day 3 Paris – Versailles of Nice and the famous Promenade des Anglais. Enjoy a delicious 3 Breakfast. Drive to Versailles in a private car or mini-van, with driver course dinner at Le Koudou, a colonial style restaurant. Overnight. guide, to visit Versailles’ Palace. See the State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors on your own with audio guide. Also see the beautiful gardens. Day 2 Nice - St Paul De Vence - Eze - Monaco - Nice Return to your hotel. Overnight. Breakfast. Visit Saint Paul de Vence a typical village in Southern France. Continue via Ezé, a medieval city overlooking the Cote d’Azur. Germany Day 4 Paris Drive to Monaco and visit the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Botanical Western Europe Breakfast. Transfer back to the airport. Extend your stay if you like. Garden and the Oceanographic Museum. Overnight.

Day 3 Nice - Grasse – Mougins - Nice Breakfast. Visit a perfume factory in Grasse. Continue to picturesque Mougins where Pablo Picasso spent his last 15 years. Return to Nice. From the Alps in the South, the Bavarian plain, and the hills of Visit the Casino Ruhl and try your luck!. Overnight. central Germany to the northern coast and Baltic Sea, it all looks like a miniature train landscape packed with the old towns, Day 4 Nice - Cannes - Nice medieval houses, gothic churches, majestic castles and small Breakfast. Take a half day tour to Cannes, famous for its Film festival villages. Enjoy drives in the Black Forest, a luxury river cruise and the “Croisette”. Transfer to Nice airport. on the Rhine and more. Each German region has its own unique character.

More Options: Romantic Paris & Chantilly - 5 days Chamonix & Lyon - 5 days French Wine & Gastronomy Tour - 12 days 48 49 things to do and see Hamburg Berlin BERLIN FRANKFURT

Walking Tour of Berlin Frankfurt Hop on & Hop off GERMANY See the Berlin Wall and the former Death Strip, the site of Hitler’s Bunker, See the main tourist highlights in one day. Simply hop on at one of Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag, Victory Column, Brandenburg Gate, the bus stops, visit the sights close by and then continue the tour on Potsdamer Platz, the twin cathedrals on Gendarmenplatz, Museum the next bus. See the historic heart with the ‘Roemer’, Frankfurt’s Munich Island, Palast der Republik, Berliner Dom, Unter den Linden, Jewish famous old city hall, St. Paul’s Church, ‘Old Sachsenhausen’, the Synagogue and many more sights. Goethe House, the Old Opera, Frankfurt’s shopping center Zeil and more. destination Potsdam Tour good nightlife Take this comfortable coach tour through beautiful old and new Day Cruise on the Rhine information Potsdam. See the Dutch Quarter, St. Nicolas’ Church, the Historic A full day trip by steamer to the Rhine Valley. See the little villages to know In all larger towns and main Town Hall, the old Royal Stables and Nauen Gate. Free time to visit and vineyards, mighty medieval castles and the famous Lorelei Rock. Sanssouci Palace with its marvelous gardens or the New Palace. Lunch in a beautiful restaurant by the river. Stop for wine tasting and Capital: cities, there’s plenty to choose Berlin Best Time to Visit : from - theatre, opera, bars shopping at Rudesheim/Drosselgasse All year long. Best time is April to September. with live music and nightclubs. Baden Baden Official Language: Some of the major clubs and Visit this spa town built on thermal springs at the edge of the Black Garmisch Partenkirchen German Cuisine : pubs are Backstage Dance Forest in Baden Württemberg. The spa assembly rooms and famously German cuisine is varies from region to region but concentrates on club in Munich, Bereuther in elegant casino form the focal point both architecturally and socially. Zugspitze Government Constitutional: meat dishes. Choose from 300 kinds of bread, specialty cheeses, Hamburg. The old quarter only for pedestrians, is full of exclusive boutiques and Federal Parliamentary Republic Knodel – dumplings, roast pork from Bavaria and Sauerkraut. cafés. Set amidst breathtaking scenery at the foot of Germany’s highest Popular German fast foods are Curry Wurst, Bratwurst (sausages), mountain, the Zugspitze. Enjoy Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing or ice Currency: Kabobs Don’t miss the Schwarzwalder Kirshtorte – the original Black Europa-Park in Rust hockey in winter; canoeing, paragliding, mountain biking or hiking in summer. Discover typical Bavarian traditions Euro forest cake and of course, German beer! Europa-Park, the largest one in Germany, is between Freiburg and Strasbourg, France. The park is home to ten roller coasters and boasts Time Difference: Shopping: four hotels, a guest house, Tipi Village and campsite. See shows The Neuschwanstein Castle Shop for wood carvings, KPM, Rosenthal and Messian porcelain, performed on a daily basis. Visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, near Fussen. Summer cuckoo clocks, therapeutic scandals and shoes made by Birkenstock. It was built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The April – October. fairytale look of the Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney to 3 hours 30 minutes behind COLOGNE create the Magic Kingdom. India. Major shopping areas are:

Panorama Cruise Winter Cologne: The Schildergasse MUNICH November – March. Munich: Kaufinger and Sendlingerstrasse. Ingolstadt Village, just Admire the skyline of Cologne from the river Rhine and enjoy beautiful 4 hours 30 minutes behind outside Munich, is great for designer labels at terrific prices. views of the city’s most important sights, accompanied by a taped commentary. See the famous Cathedral, Rodenkirchen fishing village BMW Museum India. Zeil in the city centre and the Wertheim Village, an Frankfurt: and the fairground. The BMW Museum offers a fascinating presentation of the company, exclusive shopping area just outside Frankfurt. brand and product history of BMW. About 125 of the brand’s most Electricity: valuable and attractive automobiles, motorcycles and engines are Most power sockets are Berlin: Kudamm and Kadewe, the biggest departmental store in designed for 2 round pin plugs. continental Europe. displayed. 50 51 Dachau Memorial Site Drive through the village of Dachau to reach the former concentration germany camp. Visit the memorial site, the museum and see a documentary by rail about the camp. Explanations about the memorial site are given on the bus but there is no guided tour on the site. Visitors are asked to respect the dignity of the site by wearing appropriate clothing. Enjoy unlimited travel by rail all over Germany with convenient and flexible rail passes. STUTTGART Choose your Pass: Stuttgart Walking Tour Take a guided walking tour through the New Palace garden and the • German Rail Pass historical city centre - Schlossplatz square or marvel at the glass • Germany – Paris – ICE Trains and ICE Sprinter exterior of the Museum of Art. Learn about Stuttgart’s cultural and • Germany – Paris - TGV architectural history. • Germany – Paris City Night Line • German Thalys • Berlin – Warsaw Express • Brenner Eurocity where to • Eurail Regional Pass • Eurail Select Pass stay • Eurail Global Pass ZUGSPITZE Germany offers everything ON TOP OF GERMANY! from hotels to serviced cruises from apartments, spas and even castles. From budget to luxury, germany you’ll find the perfect place to At the summit of Zugspitze and an altitude of just under 3,000 meters, there’s some- • Glacier with sledding stay. thing to suit everyone’s taste. Experience the matchless 360° panorama with 400 • Via ferrata to the summit River Cruises peaks in four different countries. Feel the frosty contact with the eternal ice on a • Panoramic view of over 400 peaks in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy Experience some of world’s most enchanting destinations by Choose from: taking a river cruise in Europe. Sail along the Rhine, Main and summertime toboggan run or glacial hike and treat yourself to the gastronomic • Historical exhibition “Zugspitze” • Bed & Breakfast Danube. River cruise companies like Avalon Waterways and delights of the glacier restaurants. • Café Panorama-Lounge 2962 Uniworld offer exciting itineraries. • Hotels ranging from 3 • Gipfelalm lodge (Germany’s highest restaurant and beer garden) MOUNTAIN-MANAGEMENT.COM star to 5 star • Glacier Adventure Trail • Apartments Mercedes Benz Museum avalon Waterways A “must see” for luxury car aficionados, this museum highlights • The Legendary Danube – 8 days Stay at the Citadines the evolution of the renowned Mercedes-Benz. Collections feature • Highlights of Germany – 10 days Apartments: cars, boats, and engines from the early days of development to the Uniworld Boutique River Cruise present-day sedan and popular Smart car. Citadines Apart’hotels offer • Rhine Discovery – 8 days cleverly configured spaces and • Classic Christmas Markets – 8 days Porsche Museum a flexible services menu with the convenience of a hotel. The Porsche Manufacturing facility is in Stuttgart. This museum Ocean Cruises A perfect place for extended highlights the history and technological developments made by the Many cruise lines like Costa, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, stays, whether for a week or racing and sports car maker. See early Porsches and modern racing Cunard depart for Northern Europe, the Baltic and Scandinavia cars. a year. from Hamburg.

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

Inserat_Zugspitze_297x210mm_Wi_1213_RZ.indd 1 19.12.12 11:47 52 53 escorted suggested tours itineraries

Berlin - 4 days Day 3 Frankfurt: Optional Cologne & Limburg Excursion COSMOS Frankfurt - 4 days Breakfast. Take an optional full day excursion to Cologne. See the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings, a Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality Day 1 Frankfurt - City Tour Day 1 Berlin: River Spree Cruise reliquary said to contain the bones of the Biblical Magi, also known Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the City Tour, driving past Arrive Berlin and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon cruise as the Three Kings or the Three Wise Men. Visit picturesque Limburg the modern European Banking Center, Old City Hall, the Cathedral on the River Spree for a perfect introduction to Berlin’s famous A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of with its narrow alleys and colorful Romanesque cathedral. Overnight and St. Paul’s Church. Walk through Roemer Square. Proceed to Old sights. In evening enjoy the Hard Rock Café or the many dining and escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded in Frankfurt. Sachsenhausen and see the Goethe House, International Fair Grounds, entertainment options in the exuberant Ku’damm. Overnight. travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some Old Opera and the banking quarter. Overnight. meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Day 4 Frankfurt – Stuttgart: City Tour Day 2 Berlin: Third Reich Tour Director. Breakfast. Board a train to Stuttgart, a 90 minute ride. Check in to Day 2 Frankfurt: Full day Baden Baden & Black Forest Breakfast. This morning visit the heart of West Berlin. See the bombed your hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a City Tour, driving past the State Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: Breakfast. Drive to Baden-Baden, the famous spa resort town. See out Memorial Church. Learn about the Allied bombing campaign and Gallery, the Opera House and Parliament Building to Schlossplatz and the parks, the famous Kurhouse and thermal bath houses. Continue the defense of the Nazi Reich Capital, the Cross of Coventry and the Schillerplatz. Overnight. through the Black Forest to legendary Lake Mummelsee. Visit the Madonna of Stalingrad. Enjoy dinner at Charlottenburg Palace, with • Highlights of Germany – 12 days Cathedral in picturesque Strasbourg. Overnight. a self-guided palace tour and a Berlin Residence Orchestra concert or Day 5 Stuttgart • Central Europe – 15 days see the extravaganza Show ‘Yma.’ Overnight. Breakfast. Visit the Mercedes Benz Museum or the Porsche Museum on your own. Overnight. Day 3 Berlin GLOBUS Breakfast. Take an optional tour of the Aqua Dome or Legoland or Day 6 Stuttgart – Munich: Bavarian Evening Tour visit the Berlin Zoo. Overnight. Breakfast. Take a train to Munich, arrive and check in at your hotel. Take an evening private tour of the new Beer and Oktoberfest Museum Every Journey Tells A Story Day 4 Berlin and visit a traditional beer garden. Sample beers and savor traditional Breakfast, check out. Bavarian cuisine at the world-famous Hofbräukeller. Overnight. Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who Germany in Nutshell - 8 days Day 7 Munich: Hop on Hop off Tour want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus Breakfast. Go on a Hop on Hop off Tour and see the Palace of delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Day 1 Frankfurt: City Tour Nymphenburg, visit the Olympic grounds, the BMW museum and Directors and local guides. Arrive Frankfurt, transfer and check in to your hotel. Enjoy a City Tour the BMW Car World and the former artist quarter of Schwabing. which includes the modern European Banking Center, the medieval Overnight. Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: Roemer, (City Hall) the Cathedral, St. Paul’s Church, Old Sachsenhausen and the Goethe House. View the International Fair Grounds, Old Opera, Day 8 Munich: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Tour • Munich, Salzburg and Vienna – 8 days Hauptwache, Zeil shopping centre and more. Overnight. Breakfast. Visit two dream castles built by Ludwig II: Neuschwanstein Day 3 Frankfurt: Full day Rhine River Cruise • German Highlights – 11 days near Fussen and Linderhof in the Bavarian Alps. The fairytale look Breakfast. Enjoy a trip on a Rhine cruiser going past wonderful little Day 2 Frankfurt: Optional Heidelberg Tour of Neuschwanstein castle inspired Walt Disney to create the Magic • Poland, East Germany & World War II – 12 days villages and vineyards, medieval castles and the famous Lorelei Rock. Breakfast. Take a half day optional morning tour to Heidelberg to see Kingdom. Linderhof Castle, was built in the 19th century as a hunting • Alpine Countries – 15 days Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant Overnight. the majestic Heidelberg Castle, perched over the city. Enjoy panoramic lodge. Overnight in Munich. views over Neckar Valley. Take a walk around the medieval Old Town Day 4 Frankfurt to see the famous Old Bridge and the beautiful Church of the Holy Day 9 Depart Munich After breakfast, check out. Spirit, see Heidelberg University. Overnight in Frankfurt. After breakfast, check out 54 55 TITLISGLACIERMOUNTAIN Discover the highest glacier mountain in the heart of Switzerland. TITLISROTAIR Ascend to a height of 10.000 feet in the world’s first revolving cable car. ICEFLYERCHAIRLIFT Glide safely over stunning glacier crevasses. TITLISGLACIERPARK Slide down the hill on a snow tube or a sledge. TITLISCLIFFWALK Enjoy the breathtaking view across snow- covered mountains and green valleys on the highest suspension bridge in Europe. TITLISSHOPPING Buy your gifts and souvenirs at the highest located shop in Lake Lucerne Region. NEW TITLIS ROTAIR Ice Flyer Snow Tubing TITLIS Cliff Walk Lucerne STRASBOURG STUTTGART AMSTERDAM MUNICH HAMBURG BASLE Switzerland LONDON Western Europe VIENNA ZURICH BERNE BRUSSELS PARIS LUCERNE ENGELBERG Sparkling lakes, snow-capped peaks, glistening waterfalls and beautiful vistas of never-ending, green Alpine meadows - GENEVA MARSEILLES LUGANO Switzerland is the stuff Bollywood’s picture-perfect dreams are BARCELONA MILAN ROME made of. With some of the highest standards of living, the Swiss have not only perfected the art of chocolate, cheese and time- keeping, but their vibrant festivals, colourful themed parades, WWW TITLIS CH fine churches and cathedrals and some of the most spectacular ALLSEASONS landscapes, makes them wonderful hosts as well. ONEMOUNTAIN TITLISCABLEWAYSHOTELS&RESTAURANTS Imagine a bright blue sky and the touch of sparkling fresh-fallen snow. Explore ENGELBERG SWITZERLAND To get under the Swiss skin, read Johanna Spyri’s ‘Heidi’, a the world of eternal ice. Feel like an eagle and hover over stunning glacier crevasses. classic childrens’ story, watch Krzysztof Kieslowski’s ‘Three PHONE 
   Enjoy snow tubing at the Glacier Park. Mount TITLIS is a spot not to miss! Colours: Red’, and listen to the yodelling of Appenzeller Echo, a TITLISTITLISCH traditional Swiss group.

TITLISGLACIERMOUNTAINWELCOMETOTHEHEARTOFSWITZERLAND 56 57 things to do and see Zurich Berne GENEVA Life’! See the castle-like National Museum, the shopping and business Lucerne centre of this medieval Old Town. Geneva Lausanne – Montreux – Chillon Castle SWITZERLAND Lausanne, is a beautiful city built on hills. Short orientation tour, Enjoy the great experience travelling uphill on the cog-wheel railway into the ‘Zurichberg’ district with its noble five-star Grand Hotel Dolder enjoy free time strolling around the lake shore area. Visit the Castle Lugano and many superb mansions of a glorious past. See the University of Chillon, one of the most famous and most visited monuments of and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zuerich). Its most Switzerland. Board a traditional paddle boat ‘Belle Epoque’ style for a famous student and professor was Albert Einstein. destination one-hour cruise to admire the Castle of Chillon and Vaudois bank. Geneva City Tour and Boat Cruise Mountain Peaks of Switzerland information This city tour includes International Organizations District, the Old Town, mini-train ride and a boat cruise on Lake of Geneva. See the Lucerne Water Fountain (Jet d’eau) and the wonderful Flower Clock, followed Capital: Mount Titlis - Glacier Paradise from Lucerne by mini-train Tramway Tour. Bern This tour to the highest viewpoint in Central Switzerland includes a trip on the Rotair gondola. Board a deluxe motor coach to the mountain Official Language: Enjoy a one hour boat cruise on lake of Geneva, the stone of Niton, resort of Engelberg, where you will get onto the aerial cableway German and French good nightlife the Water Fountain, the Black Harbour, the Diodati House, the UN for a 45 minute journey from the green valley bottom to the high building, the castle of Bellerive, the Mermaid, and many more alpine glacier region at 3020 m/10000 ft. Enjoy a magnificent ride in to know interesting sights. Government Constitutional: Zurich: the world’s first ever revolving ‘ROTAIR’ gondola, which offers a 360 Federal Government Europe’s party metropolis and panoramic view. Best Time to Visit : the liveliest nightlife around Currency: All year long. Best time is April to September. LUGANO with highest density of clubs Also visit the Ice Grotto and experience the new ‘Ice Flyer’, a chair Swiss Franc & Euro like the legendary Kaufleuten, Swissminiatur lift ride over the glacier with fantastic views of crevasses and ice falls Cuisine : or the oldest club in the city, Swissminiatur a model village with the most picturesque sites and enjoy a snow slide on the ‘Fun lift’ (included in the tour). Time Difference: Rosti (fried, shredded potatoes, Fondue (melted cheese eaten with the Mascotte – party begins of Switzerland: towns, villages, monuments, transportation in pieces of bread or potatoes), Papet Vaudois, Carac (a pastry made of at 11pm and going well into Summer miniature. The New Titlis Cliff Walk chocolate), Meringue, Rivella (a fizzy, lactose based drink). the small hours . There is April – October. Get your thrills and walk along the cliff on Mount Titlis. The new glacier no official closing time. In 3 hours 30 minutes behind Shopping: suspension bridge is the ultimate highlight of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy a India. summer nightlife can be found ZURICH Chocolates, watches, Swiss Cuckoo clocks, cheese and Swiss Army not only in the clubs, but also unique experience at a height of 10,000 feet. Not to miss…… knives. outside in the open air. Rhine Falls from Zurich. Winter Mount Pilatus from Lucerne November – March. Do not miss Europe’s largest water fall (150 metres wide, 23 metres Recommended Places to Shop are: Bahnhofstrasse, Rennweg in Enjoy a trip 7000 ft. above sea level to the top of Mount Pilatus, 5 hours 30 minutes behind high) the fantastic spectacle of the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest Zurich: Schwanenplatz in Lucerne: Hoheweg in Interlaken: Rues known as Dragon Mountain. Enjoy an unforgettable view of the India. waterfall. Admire the turreted castle called Schloss Laufen on a cliff Basses, Rue du Marche in Geneva. surrounding mountains and lakes. Descend on the world’s steepest directly above the falls. Electricity: cogwheel railway (48% gradient) to Alpnachstad (between May and For Value for Money: There are some inexpensive supermarkets like October only). Most power sectors are The Best of Zurich with cog-wheel to Zuerichberg designed for three-pin round the Coop, Migros, Denner or Pick Pay for good quality chocolates and Discover this unique city, winner of the award ‘City of Best Quality of plugs other items. 58 59 Montreux Glacier 3000 – World’s Highest Alpine Coaster swiss You can view all the alpine peaks like Mt. Jungfrau, Matterhorn & Mont Blanc from Glacier 3000. Take an adventure ride on the Alpine rail Coaster which is the world’s highest Bobsleigh Track. The Swiss Travel System is the brand name for the entire range of Glacier Palace Swiss public transport services available to foreign visitors. All trains, Walk into the highest Glacier Palace in the world, through an ice post buses and ships on lakes and rivers-and even the buses and tunnel 50 mts below the surface of the glacier. testimonial trams in urban areas – are part of the Swiss Travel System.

Interlaken One of these Swiss Passes can undoubtedly be yours! The trip in Switzerland • Swiss Saver Pass Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe from Interlaken. went off very well and we • Swiss Consecutive Pass An unforgettable alpine tour to the majestic world of the Jungfraujoch thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. - the Top of Europe at 3’454 m /11’333 ft. A coach takes you to Please accept our thanks once • Swiss Flexi Pass Lauterbrunnen to board the reserved cogwheel mountain train trip, again for everything. It was • Swiss Pass Groups via Kleine Scheidegg, at the foot of the famous Eiger North Face to another well executed job out • Eurail Regional Pass Jungfraujoch - Europe’s highest railway station. of the TBi stable. Keep up the • Eurail Select Pass good work! • Eurail Global Pass Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Visit the Ice Palace, experience the breathtaking panorama view -- Parinjay Gupta, Dubai from the Sphinx Observation Terrace overlooking the Aletsch Scenic Trains of Switzerland Glacier (Europe’s longest glacier) and the snow-capped peaks of Up to the highest-altitude railway station in Europe · 3454 m the neighboring countries. The down hill mountain trip takes you to Grindelwald where your coach awaits you. Bernina Express: Route: Chur/Davos/St. Moritz - Bernina Pass - Poschiavo - Tirano – Lugano Jungfraujoch now offers combination of nature and adventure Experience one of the most spectacular ways to cross the Alps: The Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway which connects activities for groups and individuals like First Flyer, Scooter Bike, Sun northern and southern Europe without the use of any toothed-wheel Terrace for fabulous panoramic views, Alphine playground, Theme mechanism. A particular high-point of the ride is the panoramic view trails, modern 6-seater aerial gondolas and much more… from the Bernina Express, as it passes mighty glaciers on its descent to a land of swaying palms. Schilthorn As the longest aerial cableway in the Alps, the Schilthorn provides the Glacier Express Train: Route: Zermatt - Brig – Disentis – Chur – St. most unimpeded panoramic views of the Alps. Over 200 mountain Mortiz or vice versa peaks in a spectacular landscape, the world’’s first revolving mountain This is a panoramic trip from St. Moritz or Chur to Zermatt through top restaurant slowly turns and gives you a 360° alpine view. It is on the Alpine heartland of Switzerland, by famous train Glacier Express. Sphinx hall / IMAX Alpine Sensation Ice Palace Snow Fun Schilthorn that the James Bond 007 movie ‘’On Her Majesty’’s Secret The journey lasts 7:30 hours, passing through 91 tunnels and crossing Service’’ was filmed in late 1960’’s. 291 bridges and the 2033m high Oberalp. From Interlaken take the train to Lauterbrunnen. The Swiss Railpass are valid for travel from/to Murren. From Mürren you take a cable car Golden Pass Line: Route: Geneva - Montreux - Zweisimmen - On the journey, this engineering masterpiece of the century, to the third section. Soon you reach the spectacular Birg top terminal. Interlaken - Brünig Pass - Lucerne – Zurich which celebrates its 100th birthday in 2012, awards simply Walk straight ahead to the last section. From here it’s on to the cable GoldenPass Line is actually the world’s first panoramic train put into stunning views from the middle of the famous Eiger North Wall. Seeing it once is better than speaking of it a thousand times. of the gondola all the way to the top. service between Montreux and Zweisimmen. It remains the only line A wonderworld of snow and ice. Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe: your swiss mountain experience top o ers & more infos at jungfrau.ch

Ins_Jungfraujoch_Sony_2012_297x210.indd 1 10.12.12 09:02 60 61 in Switzerland offering VIP seating at the front of the train giving a driver’s eye view. Leaving Montreux, the line rises above Lake Geneva. At Jaman, it plunges through a tunnel into the mountains, and heads for the world famous resorts of Châteaux d’Oex and Gstaad before reaching Zweisimmen. The trip continues towards Interlaken and Lucerne.

Chocolate Train: Route: Montreux to Gruyeres and Cheese factory – Broc and Nestle Chocolate Factory. The Swiss Chocolate Train is a joint-venture of GoldenPass Services and Cailler-Nestlé. The Panoramic roundtrip from Montreux on the Swiss Riviera takes you to Gruyeres, home of the famous Gruyeres cheese and Nestle chocolate factory. swiss rail packages

Tops of Switzerland – 5 days

Day 1 Interlaken Travel from any Swiss airport or border to Interlaken. Overnight. Top of Europe & Titlis – 5 days

Day 2 Interlaken Day 1 Interlaken Excursion to Jungfraujoch “Top of Switzerland” by mountain railway. Transfer from any Swiss airport or border to Interlaken. Overnight. Overnight.

Day 2 Interlaken Day 3 Interlaken - Luzern Excursion to Jungfraujoch included. Overnight. Travel from Interlaken to Luzern by Golden Pass Panoramic (boat ride included from Interlaken to Brienz. Overnight. Day 3 Interlaken - Luzern Travel from Interlaken to Luzern – on GoldenPass line. Overnight. Day 4 Luzern Bernina Express – From glaciers to palms Excursion to Mount Pilatus. By train or boat to Alpnachstad and by Day 4 Luzern the steepest cogwheel railway to the top (known as the Dragon Bernina Express - the historic line . The most ciers and a link between the towering beauty Information/Reservation/Sales: Rhaetian Excursion to Engleberg and Mt Titlis included. Overnight. Mountain). Cable car from Kriens is included. For the Mount Pilatus beautiful way of crossing the Alps: the Albula of the Alps and the joie de vivre of the Latin Railway, Railservice www.rhb.ch excursion, travelers will receive a “Pilatus Ticket” at the mountain and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway. The south, can be enjoyed on the Bernina Express. Day 5 Luzern railway stations in Alpnachstad or Kriens upon presentation of their railway connects northern and southern Euro- Since summer 2008, the section between Thusis Swiss Transfer Ticket. Overnight Transfer from Luzern to Swiss airport or border or continue your stay in Switzerland at your own request. pe in a uniquely beautiful way. This amazing and Tirano has been classed as a UNESCO World Day 5 Luzern experience, which offers views of mighty gla- Heritage site. A trademark. Travel to any Swiss airport or Swiss border.

RhB_BEX_216x145-5mm_4c.indd 1 07.09.11 11:45 ND IN M A weiz in I L ie Sch Miniat N R • D ur • 62 ura La I 63 E iat S A Z in uis T m se in e U T a n I r m ze R iz in v ia suggested W S t E cruises from escorted u a r S L e switzerland tours itineraries

River Cruises Zurich and Appenzell – 5 days Experience the heart of the world’s most enchanting destinations by COSMOS taking a river cruise in Europe. Let your mind wander and choose from Day 1 Zurich – Rhine Falls Schaffhausen the cruise of your dreams. Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality Arrive in Zurich. Check in and take a train to Schaffhausen to see the dramatic Rhine Falls the largest waterfall in Europe. Overnight. avalon Waterways A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of Open daily from mid March to end October. Day 2 Zurich – Appenzell – Cave Chapel • Romantic Rhine - 7 nights/8 days escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded Breakfast. Take a train to Appenzell. After check in explore the little www.swissminiatur.ch Uniworld Boutique River Cruise travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some town of Appenzell on your own. The “Wildkirchli” cave chapel, which MELIDE - LUGANO - tel. +41 (0)91 640 10 60 - [email protected] • Rhine Discovery - 7 nights/8 days meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Director. appears to claw dramatically to the rock, can be reached on foot in only 15 minutes by walking. Overnight. Indian food! Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: Day 3 Appenzell – Mount Santis • Grand Tour of Switzerland – 8 days Breakfast. See Mount Santis at 2502 meters above sea level, it is the highest mountain in the area, Enjoy a gorgeous view of the Swiss • Grand Tour of Switzerland with Interlaken and Top of Europe Train Alps all the way through to Austrian and German Alps. Overnight. – 15 days • Scenic Switzerland by Train – 9 days Day 4 Appenzell: Zurich Alpamare Water Park Breakfast. Travel back to Zurich. Check in and proceed for your day at Alpamare Water Park. Overnight. Day 4 Interlaken - Luzern GLOBUS Day 5 Zurich. Breakfast. Take a train to Lucerne and visit Chapel Bridge, Lion Breakfast. Check out. monument, Mount Titlis at 10,000 ft by mountain train. Overnight. where Every Journey Tells A Story Honeymoon in Switzerland – 8 days Day 5 Interlaken Breakfast. Visit the Ballenberg Open Air Museum and see the to stay Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and traditional Swiss village. Overnight. vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who Day 1 Zurich want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus Arrive Zurich and check in at your hotel. Explore the city at your own Day 6 Interlaken to Zermatt – Gornergrat • Besides the regular 3 to 5 star hotels. Apartments are most delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour pace. Overnight in Zurich. sought after and work very well for families. Directors and local guides. Breakfast. Take a train to the car - free resort town of Zermatt. An overnight stay here is truly an experience, with an exceptional view • Holiday Villas Day 2 Zurich - Rhine Falls Schaffhausen – Golden Pass Line - Interlaken of 38 mountains over 4,000 meters high and of the sparkling Glaciers • Swiss Luxury Boutique Hotels like: Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: Breakfast. Train to Schaffhausen to see the majestic Rhine Falls, the of Monte Rosa. Overnight. • Badrutt’s Palace largest waterfall in Europe. In the afternoon, board the scenic Golden • Baur – au – Lac • The Best of Switzerland – 8 days Pass Train and arrive Interlaken. Evening at leisure. Overnight. Day 7 Zermatt • Beau Rivage Palace • The Best of Austria and Switzerland – 11 days Breakfast. Day at leisure. Overnight. • Gstaad Palace Day 3 Interlaken • Victoria Jungfraujoch Grand & Spa Breakfast at your hotel. Spend the day at leisure or take an excursion Day 8 Zermatt by mountain train to Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe. Overnight. Breakfast at the hotel. Check out. 64

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

For more information please visit www.engadin.stmoritz.ch

For bookings and reservations contact Trail Blazer Tours at 022 61940931 – 939 or [email protected]

65

Southern Europe Greece

Greece, surrounded by the Aegean and the Ionian Sea, is renowned for its beautiful rugged landscape, untouched gems, endless coastlines and cosmopolitan islands. Its archaeological and historical sites gloriously depict the country’s past. Go back in time as you discover Greek mythology, tales of heroism and the battles of the gods. Take a cruise in the Greek islands. Go island hopping to Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Crete, Ios, Corfu, Samos, Skiathos. 66

Thessaloniki

Corfu GREECE

Athens

Crete destination information

Capital: Athens

Official Language: good nightlife Greek to know Greek nightlife lasts longer Government Constitutional: with cozy cafes around Best Time to Visit : Parliamentary Republic Athens’s centre and an the April to October incredible amount of bars and Currency: clubs. Euro Cuisine : Greek cuisine is a wonderful mix of dishes that appeal to all tastes. Time Difference: Greece is also known for its olives and olive oil. Some Greeks In Athens, the main areas favorites are the Souvlaki - roast meat in pita bread, fish or shell are Kolonaki, Exarchia, Summer fish, Moussaka, Dolmadakia, Tzatziki and the famous pastry Baklava. Glyfada, Kifissia, Thision and April – October. Cheeses are made in various regions and amongst the well known Psiri. Santorini, Patras and 2 hours 30 minutes behind ones are Feta and Haloumi. Anise flavored Ouzo, Metaxa, a blend of Mykonos are party islands in India. brandy and Greek wines are local favorites. summertime.

Winter Shopping: November – March. Plaka and Kolonaki, are the best shopping areas in Athens. Santorini 3 hours 30 minutes behind is famous for local wines and pottery, Mykonos is known for India. jewellery. Buy locally woven rugs, pottery, ceramics, antiques, lace, olive wood artifacts, garments and knitwear, local wines and spirits. Electricity: Most power sockets are designed for 2 round pin plugs. 67 things to do escorted and see tours

ATHENS COSMOS

Half Day City Tour This tour includes the Stadium Panatenaico, site of the first Modern Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality Olympic Games, the Zeus Temple, the Parliament with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Museum of Coins, the Catholic Cathedral, A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of Schliemann’s House (he discovered Troy). Visit the famous Acropolis. escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Delphi – Full Day Excursion Director. Drive to Thebes, (connected with the tragedy of King Oedipus) and Arachova. Arrive at Delphi, the centre of the ancient world and see Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, visit the Treasury, the Temple of Apollo and the Museum containing ancient masterpieces like the sculpture of Bronze Charioteer and more. Return to Athens. • Greek Odyssey – 8 days • The Best of Greece – 10 days Cape Sounion Drive along the coastal road to the southernmost point of Attica, Cape Sounion, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand. En route, enjoy a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf. Visit the GLOBUS Temple of Poseidon. Return to Athens. Every Journey Tells A Story Saronic Full Day Cruise to Aegina, Poros & Hydra Cruise to the 3 islands in the Saronic Gulf. Aegina, the biggest Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and one, inhabited since the second millennium BC with two major vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who archeological sites, the Church of Saint Nektarios and the Temple of want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus Aphaia. Continue to Poros, the smallest island, full of pine and lemon delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour trees. Enjoy lunch on board. Hydra, with its unique architecture and Directors and local guides. small shops offering jewellery and folk art. Return to Athens. Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: cruises • Classical Greece – 8 days • Greek Island Hopper - 10 days The Greek Isles are a wonderful cruise destination. The best time • Foot Steps of Apostle Paul – 10 days to cruise here is in late spring/early summer and autumn. Globus Cruise Tours offer a combination of land and cruise tours. Major cruise lines like Costa, Holland America, Princess Cruises sail from Athens and Rhodes to the Mediterranean, Baltic, Turkey and the Holy Land. Luxury cruise lines like the Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Cunard and Silver Sea offer the ultimate in cruising experience. 68 greece pm. Return to Mykonos. Overnight. by rail Day 6 Mykonos - Santorini Breakfast. Transfer to Mykonos port to embark the ferry or hydrofoil for Santorini. Arrive and transfer to the hotel of your choice. Dine at a Unlimited travel by rail all over Greece. Convenient and flexible rail cliff side restaurant and take in the view of the volcano. Overnight. passes of different durations make your trip easy. Buy your rail pass from TBi before you leave home. Day 7 Santorini Breakfast. Explore the streets of Fira on your own or visit the famous Choose your Pass: black sand beaches. Watch a glorious sunset at Oia. Overnight. Day 8 Santorini • Greece Rail Pass Breakfast. Take an optional boat trip to Nea Kameni, the volcano • Balkan Flexipass in the centre of the caldera. Also visit the hot springs behind the • Eurail Regional Pass volcano, and swim in the healing waters. Overnight. • Eurail Select Pass • Eurail Global Pass Day 9 Santorini – Athens After breakfast, transfer to the airport to depart for Athens. where to stay suggested Best of Olympia & Meteora – 5 days itineraries Day 1 Athens – Epidaurus - Mycenae - Olympia Besides the regular 3 to 5 Travel to the Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel. Drive to Epidaurus, star hotels and luxury beach Ultimate in Greece – 9 days visit the archaeological site and the Theatre. Visit the archaeological resorts, enjoy a stay in a Greek site at Mycenae and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Overnight. villa. Each one is unique and Day 1 Athens extremely well maintained. Arrive and transfer to the hotel of your choice. Overnight. Day 2 Olympia - Delphi Brilliant white houses of Breakfast. Olympia - archaeological site of the ancient Olympic Games the Cyclades, neo-classical Day 2 Athens: Half Day City Tour and the museum of Olympia. Drive to Rio, cross the channel to Antirio mansions of the Saronic Gulf, Breakfast. Depart to see the major sites like the Acropolis, Syntagma across the new suspension bridge, the longest in Europe. Overnight. traditional mountain retreats, Square, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Museum of Coins, the Cathedral, Day 3 Delphi – Kalambaka a converted windmill or an old Schliemann’s House (he discovered Troy) and more. Overnight. stone home in a village. Breakfast. Checkout. Visit the archaeological site of Delphi, centre of Day 3 Athens – Mykonos the ancient world, also the Treasury, the Temple of Apollo, and the Breakfast. Transfer to Mykonos by flight/ferry. Transfer to the hotel. Museum of ancient Greek sculpture: the Bronze Charioteer and the We recommend: Mykonos is the most sophisticated of the Greek Islands. Overnight. famous athlete, Aghiasand. Arrive in Kalambaka. Overnight. • Cape Sounio Villa – Athens Day 4 Mykonos Day 4 Kalambaka – Meteora - Athens • Mykonos Blu – Mykonos Breakfast. Meet Petros the Pelican, the official mascot of Mykonos, Breakfast. Depart for Meteora, one of the largest and most important • Corfu Imperial – Corfu known for its windmills. Visit the Paraportian church, the central complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece. Meteora feature of the castle area, the oldest section of town. Overnight. means ‘suspended in air’. 9th century hermits first settled in the caves • Olympia Riviera Resort – and fissures of the rocks. Overnight in Athens. Peloponnese Day 5 Mykonos – Delos Tour • Amirandes – Crete Breakfast. Take a short boat ride to Delos. Roam the ruins of a city Day 5 Athens • Creta Palace – Crete that was inhabited 1000 years ago. Delos can only be visited until 3 Breakfast. Check out of your hotel. 69

Southern Europe Italy

This is the land of Fiats, Vespas, Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo, Gucci, Prada and pizzas. From fashion-conscious Milan to culture-rich Florence, from the fervor of Rome to the winding canals of Venice, Italy offers history and culture everywhere you go. Enjoy delicious cuisine and wines, beautiful countryside and exquisite art. 70

Venice Milan Florence ITALY

Rome

Pompeii Naples

Sicily destination information

Capital: good nightlife Rome to know In Rome, the area around Official Language: Piazza Navona and Via della Best Time to Visit : Italian Pace has elegant cafes and April to October wine bars. Campo De Fiori, Government Constitutional: Trastevere and San Lorenzo Republic Cuisine : are places are popular with Italian cuisine means pizza, pasta, tomato sauce and herbs. Currency: Amongst the more than 400 types of cheese, the most well known the local young crowd. Drink, Euro are Parmesan, Mozzarella and Asiago. Try Risotto a rice dish, rich eat and dance at places in the with herbs and creamy sauce, ossobuco - veal shanks, panetonne - Testaccio/Ostiense area. Time Difference: fruit bread. Renowned wines like the Chianti, Tuscany, Marsala and Grappa come from Italy, as does the Gelato ice cream. Summer April – October. Shopping: 3 hours 30 minutes behind The biggest names in Italian Fashion – Ferdi, Valentino, Bulgari India. hail from Rome. Some of the most well known brands like Prada, Armani, Versace, Ferragamo, Cavalli and Gucci originated in Italy. Winter November – March. Shop at the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti, Via del Corso and Via Cola 4 hours 30 minutes behind di Rienzo. Department stores like the La Rinascente, Coin, Upin and India. Standa are found in many Italian cities and towns.

Electricity: Some of the must buys are clothes, lace work, leather goods, hand Most power sockets are painted ceramics, gold and silver items, Murano glass, crystal ware, designed for 2 round pin plugs. Venetian masks, Italian sauces, wines and cheeses. 71 things to do and see

MILAN

City Tour with Last Supper Visit the famous Scala museum and theatre. Stroll through the Galleria Florence, visit Piazza della Repubblica. Enter the Duomo, the Vittorio Emanuele the world’s oldest arcade, to Piazza Fontana. astounding Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Enjoy a delicious Continue on foot to view the Palazzo Reale, visit the breathtaking homemade Italian gelato. Visit the Accademia Gallery and marvel Duomo and the courtyard of magnificent Sforzesco Castle. Drive by at Michelangelo’s statues of the Slaves and his magnificent 17 foot coach past many of Milan’s most important monuments brought to marble masterpiece, the David. life by your guide. See Leonardo da Vinci’s great masterpiece - The Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie abbey. The Best of Tuscany with Leaning Tower of Pisa From Florence visit Siena, San Gimignano, the Chianti countryside and Lake Como and Bellagio Pisa all in one day by coach. Your guide will show you the most Drive to the picturesque lakeside town of Como, famed for the important places of the town - Santa Maria della Scala church (outside production of silk. A walking tour of the city with a local guide view), the Cathedral (inside visit) and Piazza del Campo. includes a visit to the Cathedral. At noon, enjoy a boat cruise on the lake of Bellagio with optional lunch. Visit the village. Drive to a wine estate in the Sienese hills, where a D.O.C.G Chianti wine is produced and enjoy a delicious Tuscan lunch. Drive to nearby San Gimignano and discover this jewel by yourself. Drive past enchanting VENICE countryside to Pisa. See the Field of Miracles where you will admire the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the world famous Leaning Tower. Gondola Serenade (evening tour) Return to Florence. Join a flotilla of gondolas gathered around a barge containing musicians and singers and float along the fascinating Grand Canal, Excursion to Pisa past the illuminated facades of the sumptuous ‘Palazzos’. Leave Florence through the picturesque Tuscan countryside towards the university city of Pisa, famous for its architectural beauty. Enjoy a Half Day to Murano, Burano & Torcello guided tour of Piazza dei Miracoli and the celebrated Leaning Tower, Sail past San Giorgio Maggiore island, the Public Gardens, Sant’Elena the Cathedral, the Baptistery and other important monuments. Walk and the Lido beach resort to arrive in Murano, famous for its glass to Piazza dei Cavalieri, where the famous Scuola Normale is located. manufacturing industry. Visit one of the factories. Next, visit the Return to Florence. picturesque island of Burano, famous not only for its lace but also for the fishermen’s houses painted in bright colors. Cruise to Torcello where only the Cathedral with its magnificent mosaics and Santa ROME Fosca church remain today. Return to St.Mark’s Square. Tour of Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms Discover one of the world’s most extensive art collections with an FLORENCE expert local guide. See Michelangelo’s famous Creation of Adam at the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms. See Saint Peter’s Basilica Best of Florence Walking Tour and Michelangelo’s masterpiece, ‘La Pieta’. Admire magnificent Saint From the Ponte Vecchio bridge learn the fascinating history of Peter’s Square and Bernini’s ingenious use of optical illusion. 72

Ancient Rome with Coliseum Excursion to Agrigento & Piazza Armerina Crossing the Quirinal Square, arrive at Piazza Venezia with its On this spectacular full day classical tour first visit Agrigento Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. Walk up to Capitol Square, designed where the evocative temples of Juno, Concordia, Hercules, by Michelangelo for a magnificent view of the Roman Forum. Visit the Zeus and others rise up majestically. In the afternoon Coliseum where 55,000 gladiators once fought in combat. Pass the continue to Piazza Armerina to visit the Roman “Villa del Pyramid Cestia, visit St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. to see the tomb of Casale.” Its mosaic floors are among the most impressive of the Apostle of the people. Roman mosaics. Return to Taormina.

Naples – Capri - Anacapri Travel to Naples and board the jetfoil for the island of Capri. Visit italy the Blue Grotto, (weather permitting) where sunlight, passes through an underwater cavity and shines through the seawater, creating a by rail blue reflection that illuminates the cavern. Return to Marina Grande and proceed by minibus to Anacapri for lunch and a bit of shopping. Unlimited travel by rail all over Italy. Convenient and flexible Return to Marina Grande to embark for Naples. rail passes of different durations make your trip easy. Buy your rail pass from TBi before you leave home. NAPLES Choose your Pass: Pompeii and Amalfi Coast • Eurail Italy Pass Visit the Pompeii Excavations and admire the ancient Roman city preserved by the ashes of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius (79 A.D). • Artesia – Day and Night Trains where to Visit a cameo factory and after lunch proceed to the Amalfi coast • Italy – Feccia Rossa for a panoramic tour (without guide). If time allows, briefly stop • Brenner Eurocity – Germany and Italy stay in Positano, Amalfi and Ravello to enjoy the beauty of this famous • Eurail Regional Pass coastline before returning to Naples. • Eurail Select Pass • Eurail Global Pass Besides the regular 3 to 5 star hotels, villas stays in Tuscany CINQUE TERRE (the Five Lands or the Five are a unique experience. cruises from Use your villa as a base for Villages) sightseeing, and enjoy privacy

italy and unique amenities. You can The Cinque Terre is made up of five small villages on the “Costa Ligure rent a whole villa for a reunion of Levante”. The villages from north to south are: Monterosso al Mare, or just stay in a room at a villa. Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The five villages Pick any major cruise line and you’ll find cruises to Italy featured. Most of the cruises depart from 2 main ports which were only accessed by the outside world about 100 years ago, when Choose from: the railway line was built. are Savonna in Milan and Cicitavecchia in Rome. Passengers can also embark on a cruise from Messina in Sicily, Bari, • Chianti – Villa Umiliati Genoa, Venice, Trieste – Ancona and Livorno in Florence. • Impruneta – Villa Casale SICILY • Lamole – Villa Villino Cruise lines like Costa, Holland America, Princess Cruises, • Lucca – Villa Menocchi Taormina MSC Cruises Royal Caribbean international sail from Italy to • Rignano/Florence – Villa Excursion to Mount Etna the Mediterranean, Baltic , Turkey and right up to the Holy Travel from Taormina up the slopes of the active Mt. Etna to 1,900 Land. Luxury cruise lines like the Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Castello di Volognano meters to explore the Craters of Silvestri. After lunch, trek and take Cunard, Celebrity Cruises and Silver Sea offer the ultimate in photos or ascend to the main crater by cable car and jeep. cruising experience. 73 escorted suggested tours itineraries

COSMOS Naples - 3 days

Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality Day 1 Naples: City Tour Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a half day afternoon city tour of Naples. Walk through the city centre and admire Piazza del A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of Plebiscito, the Royal Palace, the Maschio Angioino, Piazza del Gesu’, S. escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded Chiara, Gesu’ Nuovo and Spaccanapoli. Then enjoy a panoramic coach travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some tour passing through Posillipo, via Caracciolo and Castel dell’Ovo. meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Overnight. Director.

Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: Day 2 Naples – Capri & Anacapri Breakfast. We shall proceed for the tour of Capri and Anacapri. Board the jet hydrofoil to visit the Island of Capri. Weather permitting we • The Splendors of Italy – 9 days will visit the Blue Grotto a miracle of equilibrium between water, light • Italy’s Best – 13 days and reflections of the wonderful sea floor. Arrive Capri and see the • Southern Italy & Sicily – 16 days sights of this romantic island. Admire the Marina Grande, Anacapri, the Gardens of Augustus, Via Tragara and Via Camerelle. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Naples. Overnight. GLOBUS Day 3 Naples Every Journey Tells A Story Breakfast. Transfer to the station or airport.

Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and Milan - 3 days vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus Day 1 Milan delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour On arrival, private transfer by car to your hotel. Day free. Overnight. Directors and local guides. Day 2 Milan: City Tour including Last Supper painting Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: Breakfast. Enjoy a guided afternoon city tour and visit the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie to see the famous Last Supper painting by • Italy’s Great Cities - 8 days Leonardo Da Vinci. Visit the Scala museum and theatre, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza Fontana. See the Palazzo Reale and visit • A Taste of Italy – 7 days the breathtaking Duomo and the courtyard of magnificent Sforzesco • Northern Italy’s Highlights & Cinque Terre – 10 days Castle. Drive by coach past many of Milan’s most important sights. • The Best of Italy & Sicily – 15 days Overnight.

Day 3 Milan Breakfast. Private car transfer to the airport/station. 74

world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Visit the Basilica of St. Venice & Rome – 5 days Peter’s to admire the ‘Pieta’ by Michelangelo. Overnight.

Day 1 Venice Day 4 Rome – Vatican Museum: Imperial Rome Tour Arrive Venezia, Queen of the Adriatic, city of canals and palaces. Breakfast. Tour the Vatican City and the Vatican Museum. After lunch, Transfer to hotel. In the evening Gondola ride along the canals past tour Imperial Rome to see the Piazza Venezia, the Capitol Square, the palaces and churches whilst the gondoliers serenade you. Overnight. Roman Forum and visit Palatine and the Roman Forum; see the Arch testimonial of Constantine and visit the Coliseum. Overnight. Day 2 Venice: Island Tour Breakfast. Proceed to the island of Murano to see the antique art of Day 5 Rome – Pompeii – Sorrento glass blowing. Then visit the island of Burano, famous for its exquisite Early breakfast. Depart for Pompeii, destroyed by the volcanic lace making. Stop at the island of Torcello with its old Cathedral. In all, our trip to Italy was eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Visit the site of the excavations. Return to St Mark’s Square. Overnight. excellent. My cousins from Canada also liked the Late in the afternoon, drive 2 hours to Sorrento. Check in at your hotel. Overnight. Day 3 Venice – Rome: City Tour arrangements and have Breakfast. Depart for Rome. Arrive, check in at your hotel and leave asked me to compliment you Day 6 Sorrento: Excursion to Capri for a city tour. See the magnificent St. Peter’s Square. and the Navona all. Look forward to more Breakfast. Depart for a full day tour of Capri by boat. Weather and sea Square with Bernini’s famous Fountain of Four Rivers, Piazza della trips arranged by you. conditions permitting, visit the beautiful Blue Grotto. After lunch on Rotonda with the mysterious Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and end at -- Navaz Bharucha, Mumbai your own, visit Augustus’ Gardens. Return to Sorrento. Overnight. the Spanish Steps. Return to your hotel on your own. Overnight.

Day 4 Rome – Vatican Museum Day 7 Sorrento – Assisi - Siena – Florence Breakfast. Visit the fabulous Vatican Museum. The tour begins at Early breakfast. Depart for Assisi, the mystic town of Saint Francis. Piazza della Repubblica. En route, see the famous Villa Borghese Visit the Basilica of Saint Francis with its early Renaissance Park, Piazza del Popolo and its Egyptian obelisk. Your guide will lead masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. On to Siena, the beautiful you into the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. Overnight. medieval city renowned for the Palio. Overnight in Florence.

Day 5 Rome Day 8 Florence: Panoramic Tour Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport/railway station. Breakfast. Tour the cradle of the Renaissance. Begin at the Piazza del Duomo and see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell The Jewels of Italy – 11 days Tower, the Baptistery of St. John, the Academy of Fine Arts Gallery housing the “David” by Michelangelo and Santa Croce. Overnight.

Day 1 Milan – Bologna – San Marino Day 9 Florence – Padua – Venice On arrival in Milan depart for San Marino via Bologna, one of Italy’s Breakfast. Depart for Padua to visit the famous Cathedral of St. most important art cities. Enjoy a short stop at this fascinating Anthony, guarded by Donatello’s “Gattamelata”. Continue to Venice. medieval town. Drive to San Marino, the world’s smallest and oldest Enjoy a walking tour and see the Square and Basilica of St. Mark with independent Republic, founded as a Christian sanctuary. Overnight. the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the prisons. In the evening take a romantic gondola ride. Overnight. Day 2 San Marino – Perugia - Rome Breakfast. Drive to Perugia, a charming university town. Visit the Day 10 Venice – Murano, Burano, Torcello impressive Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Priori. Overnight in Rome. Breakfast. Visit the 3 main islands Murano famous for its glass making, Burano for its exquisite lace and Torcello for mosaics. Overnight. Day 3 Rome: City Tour Breakfast. Enjoy a guided city tour. Pass through the Via Veneto, Trevi Day 11 Venice Fountain and continue to Piazza Navona. Also see the Pantheon, the Breakfast. Transfer to the airport/station. 75

Southern Europe Malta

The island of Malta is the largest of the 3 major islands of the Maltese archipelago. Malta is in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea directly south of Italy and north of Libya. Valletta, the capital, can also be reached by ferry from Italy.

Delve into Malta’s mysterious prehistory, retrace the footsteps of St Paul or see where the Knights of St John defended Christendom. With 7,000 years of history, the sites to visit are endless - Megalithic temples, underground catacombs, churches and forts are not to be missed. 76

Gozo

MALTA Valletta

destination information

Capital: Valletta good nightlife

Official Language: to know Most holiday resorts offer Maltese & English excellent nightclubs in Malta’s Best Time to Visit: ‘party capital’, Paceville. Government Constitutional: April to October Casinos can be found in Parliamentary Republic Qawra and St Julians/Paceville Cuisine: offering live music and theme Currency: Maltese food is rustic in character, full of the flavor and color typical nights with buffet food. Smart Euro of the central Mediterranean and North African regions. Try Gbejniet, dress code is usually required. a goat cheese, Imqaret – date pastries, starters like Bigilla, a pate, ID/Passport will be required Time Difference: pastizzi, pastry with ricotta; Look out for Lampuki (fish) Pie, Bragioli on your first visit. (beef olives), Kapunata, (ratatouille), Aljotta (fish soup), Ross Summer il–form a baked rice dish, and Timpana - a rich pasta baked with April – October. meat. 4 hours 30 minutes behind India. Grape varieties grown here include the indigenous varieties - Winter Gellewza (red) and Ghirgentina (white), and several international November – March. varieties. Marsovin’s Cassar de Malte is the traditional sparkling 3 hours 30 minutes behind wine of Malta. India. Shopping: Electricity: Pick up Malta weaves, pottery, hand crafted glass, ceramics, dolls, Most power sockets are lace, copper and brass items. Malta is renowned for its gold and designed for 2 round pin plugs. silver filigree work and handmade lace. 77 things to do where and see to stay

MALTA You will find a vast selection of hotels on the Maltese Islands, ranging from the larger internationally-branded resorts to the small family-run Valletta Full Day Tour boutique hotels; from coastal establishments located within walking Depart pier and drive to Valletta Gate. Walk to and visit Upper Barrakka distance from the beach, to rustic residences situated more inland, to Gardens. Proceed to Republic Street and see the Ancient Theater city hotels. Central Malta offers a variety of dining and entertainment. Ruins. Visit to St John’s Co-Cathedral followed by Grand Masters Palace Most of the 5 star hotels are also located in St. Julians and Sliema. and Fine Arts Museum. At Fort St. Elmo see the excellent multimedia presentation called “The Malta Experience”. After the show continue your walk along the old city’s bastions before returning to the pier. suggested itineraries Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk Market Visit the south of the island, the Blue Grotto and other grottoes. Visit a modernized quarry and the main fishing village of Marsaxlokk, site Complete Malta – 6 days of the first Turkish landing. Browse around the local market stalls. Day 1 Valletta Mdina Half Day Sightseeing Tour – Half Day Arrive at Malta. Check in at the hotel in the centrally located St. Julian’s Walk in the ‘silent city’ of the old capital of Mdina, visit the imposing region. Enjoy your evening at the Spanish Canas Y Tapas Restaurant, bastions for a panoramic view. Proceed to Dingli Cliffs, before commencing to the Botanic Gardens of San Anton. for dinner with a Malta extravaganza folklore show. Overnight.

Mediterraneo Marine Park Day 2 Valletta: Full Day City Tour Transfer by coach from your pick up point to the Mediterraneo Marine Breakfast. Enjoy a guided full day tour of the capital city, Valletta. Park, a great place for adults and children. Enjoy a Dolphin show, see Evening free to visit casinos, night-clubs on your own. Overnight a funny educational show by sea lions and don’t miss out on the new attraction - the Parrot Show! Day 3 Valletta: Full Day Mdina, Rabat & Mosta Tour Breakfast. Visit Mdina, Rabat & Mosta. The tour includes Roman Gozo Full Day Sightseeing Catacombs, Roman Villa, Dingli Cliffs via Buskett Gardens, Crafts Arrive in Gozo, a three hilled island, greener and more picturesque Village of Ta`Qali and Mosta Dome. Overnight. than Malta by ferry. Visit the Azur Window at Dwejra, the citadel in Victoria, the Temples of Ggantija and the Bay of Xlendi. Day 4 Valletta: Full Day Tour of the 3 Cities Breakfast. Discover the Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. Knights of Malta Dinner Show After lunch proceed to Blue Grotto. Overnight. An action-packed spectacular musical dinner show, with 50 talented performers and 8 trained horses! Enjoy a 3 course dinner with free Day 5 Malta flowing wine, as the world famous Knights of St John, clad in shining Breakfast. Day is at leisure. Overnight. armor, ride their proud steeds to battle the colorful warriors of Suleiman the Magnificent in the epic siege of 1565. Day 6 Malta After breakfast, transfer to airport. 78 THE RITZ- CARLTON, PENHA LONGA Malta – 4 days

Day 1 Malta Arrive at Malta airport and transfer. Check in at your hotel in the popular centrally located St. Julian’s region. Overnight.

Day 2 Harbor Cruise: Marsaxlokk - Tarxien Temples - Hagar Qim Breakfast. Depart for a morning cruise of Valletta harbor. Enjoy the afternoon tour to Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village with a lovely market and visit the prehistoric sites of Malta including Tarxien Temples and Hagar Qim. Overnight.

Day 3 Valletta: Capital City Tour Breakfast. Enjoy a full day guided tour of the capital city. Visit the Upper Barracca Gardens, St. John’s Cathedral. Stop for a photo at Grand Masters Palace. End with a stop at the Malta Experience, a multi-vision show that depicts the Island`s history. Overnight.

Day 4 Afternoon Departure Breakfast. Transfer to airport.

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

www.penhalonga.com 79

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

Southern Europe Spain & Portugal

Portugal: A land of explorers in the 16th century, Portugal is today a country of sleepy villages, historic cities, an impressive coastline and rolling hillsides covered with olive groves and vineyards. Savor simple, traditional food, listen to a soulful fado, sip a glass of port, walk down medieval alleyways. Historical Lisbon, Sintra with its palaces and castles and charming Porto are the top three places to visit. The world famous Shrine of Fatima, old monasteries like Alcobaça or luxurious palaces like Mafra or Queluz are not to be missed. 80

Porto SPAIN & PORTUGAL Madrid good Lisbon Barcelona to know Seville Cordoba

Best Time to Visit : Spain & Portugal – April to October destination Cuisine : Spain: Try the Tapas or appetizers with beer or wine, Gazpacho - a information cold tomato soup, Paella – a saffron sea food/meat rice dish, Tortilla nightlife de Patata – a potato omelet, Jamon Serrano- cured ham, Chorizo – spiced sausage and the Turron – A nougat made of honey and Capital: Spain: Spain is synonymous toasted almonds. Spain is the third largest producer of wine in the with high spirits and a Spain – Madrid world. Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines are the most popular. Portugal – Lisbon fantastic nightlife. In Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, The cuisine is richly flavored. Classic dishes are Sardinhas Official Language: Portugal: Granada, Ibiza and the Costa Spain – Spanish Assadas – charcal grilled sardines, Alcatra – roast beef marinated del Sol there are host of Portugal – Portuguese in red wine and garlic. Portugal produces an abundant variety of restaurants, bars, concert different wines. Port, Douro, Moscatel, Alentejo, Bairrada and Dao venues, pubs and clubs open Government Constitutional: wines are the most famous. till dawn. Spain – Constitutional Monarchy Portugal – Republic Shopping: Portugal: In Lisbon, the best Spain: Pick up a Picasso print, a sculpture or a relic, red wine, DJs play at the Docas, by the Currency: traditional shawls and mantillas and olive oil. In Barcelona, the Spain & Portugal – Euro banks of the River Tagus. Avenida Diagonal and Paseo de Gracia areas, the Gotico and El In Porto, have fun in the Born areas are famous for shopping. Madrid’s Salamanca area with Time Difference: Ribeira district overlooking Serrano and Ortega y Gasset streets is home to prestigious brands. the River Douro, or carry on Summer: Seville’s old town is full of traditional shops offering craft items, April – October 3 hours and 30 to Matosinhos and Vila Nova shawls and mantillas. minutes behind India de Gaia and dance till dawn. Have dinner to the sound of Portugal: Must buys are Fado CDs, football memorabilia, vintage Winter: the Fado. port, handcrafted ceramics, tiles and lace, cork products and shoes. November – March 4 hours and 30 minutes behind India Lisbon remains Western Europe’s least expensive capital. Wander around the traditional and specialist shops in Baixa. For high fashion Electricity: brands, head to Avenida da Liberdade. In Porto, Zara, H&M, Mango Most power sockets require are on Rua de Santa Catarina which also has a great shopping mall. 2-pin round plugs. Avenida da Boavista offers big labels. 81 things to do and see

SPAIN - BARCELONA Segovia was an important military city of the Romans. It was the Barcelona City Tour & Sagrada Familia summer residence of some of Castilla’s kings and is preserved as a Follow the footsteps of Gaudi. Go through the Eixample district, notable medieval center. Visit the Cathedral and the famous Alcazar, admire the masterpieces of the architects of Modernisme, Catalonia’s a spectacular castle. home-grown art nouveau. The tour includes views from the coach of Casa Batllo, Casa Mila and ends at Parque Guell a garden complex. Best of Toledo Full Day See Gaudi’s architectural creations and Museo Guell here. On the way Toledo, once the capital of Spain is one of the oldest cities in Europe. back, see Gaudi’s famous unfinished masterpiece the Sagrada Familia Christian, Jewish and Muslim cultures coexisted here. Visit the St church. Tome Church, Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue, San Juan de los Reyes Church, Museo Victorio Macho and the Cathedral on a walking tour. Montserrat & Sitges Visit the 11th century Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat where SPAIN - SEVILLE the Virgin of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia, is worshiped at the shrine in the Royal Basilica. At Sitges relax on the beach, stroll Classic Seville Guided Tour along the promenade and go shopping. Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain. See the Plaza de Espana, visit the Cathedral, La Giralda and the Orange tree courtyard, the Port Aventura – The Theme Park Santa Cruz Quarter. Port Aventura theme park caters to all ages with five fascinating worlds in one package in Salou, one hour from Barcelona. Experience Seville By Night with Flamenco Show the wonderful cultures of China, Polynesia, Mexico, Far West and Enjoy a breathtaking evening at El Patio Sevillano watching a fantastic Mediterranean with fun rides and adventures. Flamenso performance with different flamenco styles through song, guitar and dance. Feel the true passion of flamenco. SPAIN - MADRID Granada & Alhambra Palace Madrid City Tour Granada, has a marvelous multicultural legacy. Visit the Nazarian View Plaza de Espana, Royal Palace, Plaza de Oriente, Plaza de la city, the Alhambra, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Cibeles, Puerta de Alcala and Gran Via from the coach. Visit the Prado where every inch squared is a work of art. See the magnificent Museum to see the masterpieces by El Greco, Velazquez and Goya as palaces, grand halls, rooms and exquisite gardens. Walk through the well as the gold century great artists including Ribera, Zurbaran and impressive Generalife gardens with an official guide. Murillo and the Italian painting by Tiziano. SPAIN - VALENCIA Avila-Segovia Avila, encircled by 11th century walls looks like a great castle. See Valencia Walking Tour Romanesque churches, Gothic palaces and a fortified Cathedral Visit the Cathedral; view the magnificent Gothic building of La Lonja from the 12th century. Visit the Basilica San Vicente and St Teresa’s (the silk exchange), the baroque Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken Convent. St Teresa de Jesus, the greatest mystic of the Catholic Church and the Central Market, one of the largest in Europe. See the Santa was born in Avila. Catalina Tower and Round Square. 82 PORTUGAL - LISBON spain & portugal Lisbon City Tour by rail Drive across the 25th April Bridge to Belem, the historical section of Lisbon and see the Torre de Belem, a jewel of manueline art. See the modern Padrao dos Descobrimentos. Visit the church of Monasteiro Enjoy unlimited travel by rail all over Spain and Portugal. Convenient dos Jeronimos and the Coach Museum. In the old Alfama district, walk and flexible rail passes of different durations make your trip easy. down narrow streets, visit a handicraft shop and taste Porto wine. Buy your rail pass from TBi before you leave home. Continue to Praca do Comercio, the biggest square in Baixa-Rossio, Avenida da Liberdade and Marques de Pombal. Choose your Pass:

Full Day Obidos, Alcobaca, Nazare, Batalha & Fatima • Eurail Spain Pass Drive to the walled town of Obidos with its narrow streets and • Eurail Portugal Pass where to the Pousada do Castelo. Then visit the 12th century Church of the • TGV (Trans a Grand Vitesse) Monastery with the tombs of Pedro and Ines de Castro at Alcobaca. • Talgo Day Train Have lunch on your own at Nazare, a fishing village and visit the stay • AVE – High Speed Trains of Spain Batalha Monastery. • Alvia – High Speed Trains of Spain • Renfe – High Speed Medium Distance Trains of Spain Besides the 3 to 5 star hotels, Drive to Fatima’s Sanctuary, a centre of Christian pilgrimage. Visit the • Lusitania – Overnight Train between Madrid and Lisbon stay in a Parador in Spain and Basilica where the tombstone of Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco are as a Pousada in Portugal for a well as the Chapel of Apparitions. Attend mass and return to Lisbon. • Spanish Night Trains • Eurail Regional Pass most memorable experience. Lisbon by Night with Fado Dinner Show • Eurail Select Pass Paradores of Spain and Enjoy a panoramic drive of Lisbon by night. Enjoy a one course dinner • Eurail Global Pass Pousadas of Portugal: and a soulful Fado show at a local restaurant. Paradores and Puosadas are PORTUGAL - PORTO medieval castles, fortresses, convents, monasteries, Porto City Tour old palaces and ancestral Porto is one of the most ancient cities of Europe with plenty of mansions which have been historic and cultural memories. Tour through the Barrio da Se’, heart converted into modern 4 star of ancient Porto and visit one of the famous Port wine cellars, in hotels with a local flavor. They historical Vila Nova de Gaia. cruises from can be found all over Spain. Please ask us for details. Full Day Douro Valley with Lunch spain & portugal Drive through a unique landscape where the famous Port Wine was born. Stop at Amarante to see the Monastery of Sao Goncalo and continue to Lamego’s shrine of Our Lady of Remedios. During lunch, Ocean Cruises enjoy magnificent views of the River Douro. Wine tasting is included Spain and Portugal are very popular destinations for cruises. at a vineyard. Stop at Pinhao with its famous railway station with Several cruises depart from Barcelona and some from Lisbon to typical hand-painted tiles. the Baltic, Norwegian Fjords or the Mediterranean. Choose from cruise lines like the Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises and Holland America Line; or sail on luxury liners of Celebrity Cruise, Silver Sea, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas. 83 escorted suggested tours itineraries

COSMOS Madrid - 4 days

Day 1 Madrid Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality. testimonial Welcome to the Capital of Spain. On arrival transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight. A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded Thanx a lot for travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some Day 2 Madrid – Morning City Tour everything... we had a Breakfast. Enjoy tour of the capital city. See the old part of the city: meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour great trip throughout... Director. the 18th century Neoclassical façade of the Royal Palace complex, the all the hotels were good Sabatini Gardens and Campo del Moro, in the city centre. The church everything went really Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: of San Francisco El Grande, the fountains of Paseo del Prado one of well & we had a great the main boulevards in Madrid, the Toledo Bridge, the Prado Museum time... Thanx again. one of the world’s greatest art galleries, and Puerta de Alcalá the city • Spanish Fiesta – 9 days -- Hanoz, Mumbai gate of Madrid. Overnight. • The Best of Spain & Portugal – 13 days • Spain, Portugal and Morocco – 16 days

GLOBUS Every Journey Tells A Story

Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus Day 3 Madrid – Toledo delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Breakfast. Today we shall proceed for tour of Toledo , the capital of Directors and local guides. medieval Spain until 1560. The tour highlights the magnificent Gothic Cathedral and the 13th century synagogue, a testament to Toledo’s Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: Jewish heritage. Also stop at the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco’s masterpiece painting “The Burial of Count Orgaz”. Return to Madrid. Overnight. • Spectacular Spain – 9 days • Best of Spain – 9 days Day 4 Madrid • Portugal in Depth – 11 days Breakfast. Check out of your hotel and transfer to airport/ railway • Iberian Vacations – 13 days station. 84

Barcelona, Catalonia – 4 days Mallorca, Balearic Islands – 4 days

Day 1 Barcelona Day 1 Mallorca Welcome to Barcelona the Catalonian Capital! On arrival you will Arrive and transfer by car to the luxury Port Adriano Marina Golf and be met by an English speaking driver and transferred by luxury car, Spa. Enjoy a welcome drink upon arrival. Overnight. Mercedes or Audi to your hotel. Overnight. testimonial Day 2 Mallorca: Full Day Cap de Formentor Day 2 Barcelona: Morning City Tour – Flamenco Show Breakfast. Drive to Cap de Formentor peninsula with stunning views, Breakfast. Go on a tour of Barcelona, a cosmopolitan Mediterranean sandy beaches, tall cliffs and weird rock formations. Drive to Mirador city. See the most typical monuments of the city. Visit the façade of des Colomer and its light house to see the whole of the peninsula. Stop for lunch at Formentor Beach and visit Hotel Formentor where the Sagrada Familia church, Gaudi’s famous unfinished masterpiece. On behalf of the Max Bupa the rich and famous stay. Enjoy dinner at the hotel’s Splendor Terrace Continue to the Olympic Village, Columbus Monument and the Olympic team, wanted to thank you Restaurant. Overnight. Stadium. Afternoon free. This evening, enjoy a fabulous Flamenco for a great job done on our show. Overnight. Spain trip. Everything was Day 3 Mallorca well organized and well Day 3 Barcelona - Montserrat (optional) Breakfast. Tour the island on the Hop off Hop on open deck bus or just taken care of and the team Breakfast. Day free to explore Barcelona on your own, do some relax. Overnight. has indeed enjoyed itself. shopping in the Ramblas area, relax on the beach or go on an Day 4 Mallorca optional tour to Montserrat. Montserrat is a mountain, a sanctuary -- Pooja Khera, New Delhi Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. and a monastery founded in the 11th century, located in a Natural Park 60 km on the west of Barcelona. Overnight. Spain & Portugal – 12 days Day 4 Barcelona Breakfast. Check out and transfer to the airport/railway station. Day 1 Madrid Day 2 Madrid: Half Day City Tour – Tapas Tour. Day 3 Madrid – Lisbon: Half Day Tour to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Estoril Malaga, Costa del Sol – 3 days & Cascais. Day 4 Lisbon: Full Day City Tour- Optional Fado Show. Day 1 Malaga: Panoramic Tour- Tapas dinner Day 5 Lisbon – Seville. Arrive at Malaga airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a panoramic afternoon tour of Malaga, visit the Picasso Museum. This evening, Day 6 Seville: Full Day City Tour. visit 3 typical bars and enjoy delicious local tapas with Spanish wine. Day 7 Seville – Granada: Optional Flamenco Show. Overnight. Day 8 Granada: Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens Tour. Day 9 Granada – Barcelona. Day 2 Malaga: Full day Ronda & Marbella Breakfast. Visit Ronda, the old town split in two by 300 feet deep cleft Day 10 Barcelona: Half Day City Tour. called El Tajo. Visit the Church of Santa Maria, the Old Town and the Day 11 Barcelona: Optional Monserrat Tour. oldest stone bullring in Spain. Visit El Juncal farm its wine cellar and Day 12 Barcelona: Depart. taste 5 red wines. After lunch on your own, visit Marbella’s Puerto Banus Marina and old town. Return to Malaga. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in a beautiful house. Overnight. More Options: Day 3 Malaga Spain in a Nutshell - 13 days Breakfast. Transfer to Malaga airport / railway station. 85

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

Southern Europe Slovenia & Croatia

Croatia: Croatia is a cultural, historical and natural treat for travelers. The country that endured Roman, Venetian, Italian and Austro- Hungarian rule has a unique history.

The vibrant capital Zagreb is home to the best museums, restaurants and shopping. Italy’s influence is ever present in the cuisine. See the archeological remains along the coast and inland areas and relax at the lovely beach resorts. 86

Ljubljana Zagreb good SLOVENIA & CROATIA to know

Split Best Time to Visit : Slovenia & Croatia – April to October

destination Cuisine : information Slovenia: The best known Slovene foods are breads made for special occasions, Carniolan Sausage, Bled Cream Cake, seafood nightlife specialties in the Primorska Region, Goulash, chicken and beef Capital: stews, Potica – dessert filled with wide variety of fillings. Slovene Slovenia – Ljubljana white wines like Laski and Renski Rizling are excellent. Slovenia: Ljubljana has a Croatia – Zagreb vibrant dynamic nightlife that Croatia: Cuisines vary in different regions and are influenced by includes a variety of bars, Official Language: their neighboring countries. Try the heavenly porcini mushroom pubs and clubs. There are Slovenia – Slovene soup, grilled freshwater fish, shellfish risotto, Ombolo - meat grand opera performances, Croatia – Croatia medallions, Zagrebacki Odrezak - pork or veal in breadcrumbs, the classical music recitals and grilled Cevapcici - minced meatballs, Kulen - a spicy sausage and more. Enjoy drinks at Café Government Constitutional: Macek a popular riverside Slovenia & Croatia - Cobanac - a paprika meat stew. Desserts include cream cakes, nut café/bar, visit Bachus Center Parliamentary Republic cakes, strudels and Dalmatian tarts. Brandies (Rakije) are the most famous Croatian spirits. Croatian red and white wines are really for nightlife. Currency: good. Slovenia – Euro Croatia: Zagreb is jam-packed Croatia – Kuna Shopping: with discos, cafes, clubs, Slovenia: Buy the famous Rogaska crystal, beautiful knitted items, casinos and bars the city has Time Difference: embroidery and exquisite Idrijska Cipka laces, woodwork, pottery, plenty of options to enjoy. The Summer: high quality red and white wines. The most original liquor is Aquarius Club with top DJs, April – October 3 hours and 30 “Pleterska Khruska”, made by Carthusian monks - when a pear is B.P. Club where the best jazz minutes behind India grown inside the bottle, then brandy is poured into it. Visit popular musicians play, the famous shopping centers like Nama and BTC City in Ljubljana. Hemingway Bar are some Winter: of the well known spots. November – March 4 hours and Croatia: Buy beautiful Pag Lace made only on Pag Island, Croatian Elsewhere, dine at cafes in 30 minutes behind India embroidery, incredible handmade Samobor crystal, ties (karvat); the old city squares, pubs and traditional restaurants. Electricity: pick up wines, homemade Croatian Rakija or grape brandy with Most power sockets require herbs. Malls in Zagreb are in Vlaska Street, for clothes and shoes try 2-pin round plugs. the King Cross area. 87 things to do and see

SLOVENIA - LJUBLJANA CROATIA - SPLIT

Bled City Tour Split Vision Hop on Hop off City Tour Bled, the ‘Pearl of the Alpine Region’ famous for its emerald-green The tour starts from the Riva in the heart of Split and includes nine lake, a church on the island in the middle of the lake and a medieval stops. Complete with live guide commentary, an informative map and castle from the 11th century, perched on a cliff above the lake. a well-designed route, you can hop on and hop off as often as you like with your ticket, which is valid for 24 hours. Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle Tour Explore the 2 million years old Postonja Caves which have a 20 km Krka National Park Waterfalls & Sibenik Tour network of passages, galleries and chambers. Take the train through After a pleasant drive along the coast, reach Sibenik the beautiful the underground world of the largest cave in the Classic Karst to see Dalmatian town to see the 15th century St James Cathedral. Continue magnificent caverns and glistening stalactite formations. Continue to to the Krka National Park, a spot of stunning natural beauty with the 700 year old Predjama Castle built by a robber baron knight into picturesque waterfalls cascading over 17 natural barriers. the cliff face. A highly recommended tour.

Karst Region Tour CROATIA - ZAGREB Visit the Karst region in the south west, a land of rare beauty, secret underground waters and caves, special climate and scarce vegetation. Best of Zagreb Tour Visit Štanjel village with its typical Karst architecture, followed by See the fortified medieval Upper Town, St Mary’s church with its a tasting of dried ham ‘prsut’ and ‘Teran’ the famous red wine at multi-colored tile roof, the baroque St. Catherine church, Cathedral of a Karst farm. Continue to picturesque Lipica, where beautiful white St Stephen, the Parliament and Government Palace. In the lower city, horses called Lipizzaners have been bred for over 400 years. See the see National Theater, Museum of Arts and Crafts, the University and show-program of star Lipizzaner studs. the beautiful Zrinjevac Park with elaborate Art Nouveau buildings.

Plitvice Lakes National Park Tour CROATIA - DUBROVNIK The 16 natural Plitvice lakes that are in the mountainous region of Lika at different altitudes, separated by travertine barriers and linked Best of Dubrovnik Walking Tour with Cable Car by waterfalls and cascades are one of Europe’s most beautiful. Dubrovnik, is a beautiful coastal settlement and is the crown jewel of Croatia. Walk around the historical parts of the city. Visit the Zagorje Castle Tour Dominican Monastery and Museum in the heart of the Old Town. Zagorje, a famous castle and wine region. Reach Trakoscan a rather Enjoy spectacular cable car ride to Mountain Srd for stunning views. small observation fortress for monitoring the road from Ptuj to Bednja Valley and today it is a museum. After visit of Kumrovec, we will Tour to Montenegro proceed to the beautiful GRESNA GORICA (Hill of Sin) - Taborgradska Just an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik, this tiny Mediterranean country klet (the Taborgrad Wine cellar), which sits on a grand hill, for a is a rare jewel and a secret kept by those who have visited. Immersed sumptuous lunch. The scenery here is as romantic and dramatic as the in tradition, history and culture, it has remained untouched for past of Hrvatsko Zagorje. As you enjoy typical Zagorje cuisine, listen centuries. With 14th century medieval walled cities such as Kotor and to the legend of the tragic and forbidden love between the nobleman Budva, to the new resorts, Montenegro has it all. Frederic Of Celje and the beautiful plebeian girl Veronika of Desinic. 88 slovenia & croatia escorted by rail tours

Enjoy unlimited travel by rail all over Slovenia and Croatia. Convenient and flexible rail passes of different durations make your trip easy. Buy COSMOS your rail pass from TBi before you leave home. Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality. Choose your pass: where to A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of • Inter Rail Croatia Pass escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some • Eurail Slovenia Pass stay meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour • Lisinki - Zagreb to Munich Director. • Eurail Regional Pass Besides the 3 to 5 star hotels • Eurail Select Pass and resorts, enjoy some unique Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: • Eurail Global Pass accommodation options. • Jewels of Slovenia & Croatia – 8 days Slovenia cruises from • Apartments and Holiday slovenia & croatia Homes • Tourist Farms Island Hopping Cruise • Mountain Lodges and Cabins Enjoy Croatia’s coastline and islands by cruising on a vintage sailing • Vineyard Cottages ship, modern yacht or traditional gulet. Visit picturesque harbors, cruise past scenic villages and enjoy the dramatic scenery. Croatia • Boutique Hotels Choose from any of the following island hopping routes on Katarina Line: • Apartments GLOBUS • Split- Makarsha-Miljet- Dubrovnik – Trstenik – Korcula – Hvar – • Beachfront Accommodations Split – 8 days • Villas Every Journey Tells A Story • Opatija- Krk- Rab- Zadar – Molat – Losinj – Cres - Opatija • Stone Houses • Dubrovnik – Mljet – Korcula – Havar – Trstenik – Sipan – Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and Dubrovnik vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus For more options please contact us. delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides. Ocean Cruise Dubrovnik is a popular port of call for many cruise lines like Crystal Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Ocean Village and Regent Seven Seas. • East meets West – 14 days 89

Day 3 Plitvice – Trogir - Split suggested Breakfast. Depart for Trogir to visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. Continue to Split. Enjoy a city tour of Split, including the Diocletian’s itineraries Palace with the Peristyle, the Jupiter’s Temple and the Cathedral. Overnight. Picturesque Slovenia – 4 days Day 4 Split – Dubrovnik Breakfast. Leave for Dubrovnik. Enjoy a city tour of Dubrovnik, visiting Day 1 Ljubljana: City Tour & Funicular Ride the Franciscan Monastery with Europe’s third oldest pharmacy, the Arrive Ljubljana Airport and transfer to your hotel. Take an evening Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral. Overnight. tour which includes the old city centre its masterful creations of Baroque and Art Nouveau by the 20th century architect Joze Plecnik. See the major sights and finish with a funicular ride from Krekov trg Day 4 Dubrovnik Square to Ljubljana Castle. Overnight. Breakfast. Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport.

Day 2 Ljubljana – Lake Bled Breakfast. Check-out and transfer by car with English speaking driver to Lake Bled. Arrive and check-in. Rest of the day free. Overnight.

Day 3 Lake Bled – Pletna Ride - Postojna Cave Breakfast. Take the “pletnas” traditional wooden boats and cross Lake Bled to the island in the centre to visit St. Mary Church. Visit Bled Castle, perched on the hill. Lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the Postojna Cave, to admire the many calcite formations, stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes, colors and ages. Return to Lake Bled for overnight stay.

Day 4 Lake Bled – Ljubljana Breakfast. Check-out and transfer by car to Ljubljana train station or airport.

Croatian Highlights – 5 days Croatian Highlights – 5 days

Day 1 Zagreb Day 1 Ljubljana - Bled Arrive Zagreb Airport and transfer to your hotel. Meet the tour guide. Day 2 Bled: Postojna Cave - Opatija Overnight. Day 3 Opatija: Plitvice Lakes National Park - Split Day 2 Zagreb: City Tour - Plitvice Day 4 Split: City Tour – Sibenik - Split Breakfast. Enjoy a morning city tour including the fortified Upper Day 5 Split: Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina) - Dubrovnik Town, the city’s historical center, St. Mark’s Church, the Cathedral, Day 6 Dubrovnik: City Tour - Boka Kotorska Bay, Kotor, Budva the Croatian National Theatre and the University. Drive to the Plitvice (Montenegro) - Dubrovnik Lakes National Park where 16 lakes, each at a different level, are joined in a series of cascading waterfalls. Surrounded by dense wood Day 7 Dubrovnik: Depart. Plitvice Lakes are a natural phenomenon of rare beauty. Overnight. 90

www.voyagerballoons.com 91

Southern Europe Turkey

A bridge between East and West, Turkey combines the best of both worlds. Historic monuments stand side-by-side with ancient cave structures and labyrinthine underground cities. A stunning coastline, delicious cuisine and welcoming hospitality make Turkey a most popular destination. Enjoy a Turkish bath, a hot- air balloon ride over Cappadocia, bargain at the Grand Bazaar and sail to the Mediterranean in a traditional Turkish gullet or a luxury motor yacht. You’ll return to Turkey asking for more! 92

Istanbul

Ankara TURKEY Izmir

destination information

Capital: good nightlife Ankara to know Official Language: Istanbul: Spend the evening Turkish at Ortakoy at the Bosphorus, Best Time to Visit : the Istiklal Street from Taksim April to October Government Constitutional: to Tünel, enjoy Aksaray’s Republic more Turkish style nightlife Cuisine : and Kadikoy with many bars Turkish cuisine is a fusion and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Currency: and little restaurants. Some of Turkish Lira Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Traditional foods, especially the mezze the most popular nightclubs (appetizers), köfte and döner, (kebabs), börek (salty pastries) are Reina, Babylon Istanbul, Time Difference: gözleme and pide (savory pastries and breads with fillings) are Indigo and Crystal Nightclub. often served as fast food. Seafood mezzes include mussels and Summer fried kalamar (squid). Enjoy delicious soups, stews, Adana Kebab, April – October. Domatesli Pilav and more. For dessert, have Baklava and Turkish 3 hours 30 minutes behind India. Delight, Kadayıf and Künefe. Try “Raki” made of anise.

Winter Shopping: November – March. Istanbul: The 400 year old Grand Bazaar is the best place to browse 4 hours 30 minutes behind for carpets, leather goods, fabulous handbags, smaller antiques and India. souvenirs. The Spice Bazaar has a huge range of Turkish Delight, sweets and spices. Some of the biggest shopping centers are Electricity: Akmerkez, Istinye Park, Kanyon, City’s, Galleria, Forum, Istanbul Most power sockets are offering top Turkish and international luxury brands. The pedestrian designed for 2 round pin plugs. main street Istiklal Caddesi Beyoglu offers expensive luxury stores. 93 things to do and see

ISTANBUL Brutus, Cassius, Anthony and Cicero visited here. After lunch, visit the Archaeological Museum and St. John’s Basilica. Full Day City Tour with Lunch Start at Hippodrome Square to see the Obelisk from Egypt, the Full Day Tour to Pammukale Serpentine Column from Delphi and the Wilhelm II fountain. Visit the Pamukkale is known as “Cotton Castle” because of its dazzling white, Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets, magnificent petrified lime castles and cascades. Home to Turkey’s famous thermal Hagia Sophia, important for both Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. springs, it is the largest and finest example of elaborate calcium After lunch visit Topkapi Palace and the jewellery section and 16th formation in the world. The thermal water, used by Romans for its century Rustem Pasa Mosque. The tour ends at the Grand Bazaar. therapeutic power and is still used today. Bring along your swim suit and bathe in the pools. Morning Tour Egyptian Bazaar & Bosphorus Cruise Cross the Golden Horn area and visit the colorful Egyptian Spice Visit Hierapolis a spa city on top, built by the Romans around a sacred Market. Transfer to the pier and board your boat for the Bosphorus warm-water spring. Visit the Apollo Temple, monumental Nympheum cruise. See the Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ortakoy (a 4th century Basilica), the Amphitheatre and the Necropolis. Mosque, European and Asian side, and the Bosphorus Bridge. Visit a leather and carpet factory.

Turkish Baths CAPPADOCIA Experience one of the best hammams in Istanbul. Turkish Baths or ‘hammams’ are for wellness and not just for external cleanliness. Full Day Cappadocia “Must see” Cappadocia is a region in Central Anatolia, in Nevsehir Whirling Dervish Show Province. See awesome natural wonders like the ‘fairy chimneys’ in The branch of Sufic mysticism is rooted in a man called Mevlana Devrent Valley. They are tall, thin spires of rock formed by continual Jalaluddin Rumi. The whirling dance or Sufi whirling associated with wind and rain erosion. They rise from the bottom of an arid drainage Dervishes is best known in the West by the practices (performances) basin to form moonlike landscapes. Drive to Pasabagi (Monk’s Valley) of the Mevlevi order in Turkey, and is part of a formal ceremony to see the most interesting mushroom-shaped pinnacles. known as the Sema which is only one of the many performed to try to reach religious ecstasy. This practice has become a tourist attraction Drive to Avanos for lunch. Then visit the Open Air Museum at in Turkey. Goreme with its remains of 12th - 13th century rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes and see Christian settlements dating back hundreds of years. Visit the natural rock citadel of Uchisar, the tallest KUSADASI point in Cappadocia.

Full Day Tour to Ephesus Hot Air Balloon Trip Visit the shrine of Virgin Mary where she is said to have spent her later This is a unique experience that is worth every penny. Wake up quite days. Ephesus was an ancient Greek city, and later a major Roman early to do this magical trip. See a sensational sunrise and breathtaking one. See the spectacular ruins, some only recently excavated. See the natural panoramic vistas from your hot air balloon. Odeon, the Bouleterion, the Fountains, the Temples, the Brothel, the Library, the Double Church and the Stadium. Illustrious figures such as 94

Derinkuyu Underground City Another “must see.” These troglodyte cave-cities were excavated as early as Hittite times, and expanded over the centuries. There are 36 underground cities in Cappadocia and the deepest one is Derinkuyu, where to 40 km from Goreme. There are 8 floors going down to 85 m. See stay extensive networks of passages, stepped pits and inclined corridors that link rooms and communal spaces where people would meet, cruises from eat, work and worship. The city could accommodate 20,000 - 50,000 Besides the regular 3 to 5 people and was connected with other underground cities through turkey star hotels, the Cave Hotels of miles of long tunnels. Truly unbelievable! Cappadocia are another “must Turkey has many cruise options to offer. With the Black Sea in the do.” For an unforgettable North, the Aegean Sea in the West and the Mediterranean Sea experience, stay in a cave hotel in the South, it is a haven for cruising options as it strategically which was a house or cave turkey connects both the west and the east. dwelling in the Hittite, Roman by rail and Byzantine Periods. Imagine Ferry Cruises the centuries gone by as you enjoy modern comforts in The best way to travel between Turkey and Greek Islands: There is no Turkey Rail Pass. However if you are travelling to the ancient settings! Balkans, you could use the Balkan Flexipass which includes rail travel • Kusadasi in Turkey to Samos in Greece • Marmaris in Turkey to Rhodes in Greece in Turkey. Choose from: • Bodrum in Turkey to Cos in Greece

Balkan Flexipass • Aydinli Cave House Hotel Unlimited travel on rail networks of Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Gulet and Motor Yacht Cruises: Serbia and Montenegro, Romania and Turkey (European and Asian Imagine sailing in crystal blue waters, the sparkling sea before you • Argos Cave Hotel network). and the wind in your hair. Peace and quiet all round whilst you go • Kelebek Cave Hotel diving or just laze around sipping a chilled beer. Calling at small ports • Gamirasu Cave Hotel along the coast and going ashore for a bit of shopping or sightseeing. • Yunak Evleri (The Oldest Enjoy delicious cuisine on board and savor true Turkish hospitality. Great for sea lovers, friends and families or for groups who wish to Cave Hotel) charter a luxury gulet or a luxury motor yacht for their exclusive use. • Cappadocia Cave Resort and Spa Choose from: • Museum Cave Hotel

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

Ocean Cruising Many Mediterranean cruises call at Kusadasi, Izmir and Istanbul. Some depart from Istanbul for the Greek Islands and others for the Black Sea and Europe. Cruise lines like MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, luxury cruises like the Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, Celebrity all include Turkey. 95 escorted suggested tours itineraries

COSMOS Magic of Istanbul - 4 days

Day 1 Istanbul Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality. Arrive at Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy dinner and a spectacular Oriental Show by belly dancers and folk groups. A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of Overnight. escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Day 2 Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise Tour Director. Breakfast. In the afternoon enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise, gliding through the waterway separating Europe and Asia, past marble palaces, ancient Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: Ottoman wooden villas and modern residential apartments. Visit Ortakoy village for a photo stop and tea /coffee break. Overnight.

• Grand Tour of Turkey – 13 days testimonial Day 3 Istanbu: Full Day Classic Tour Breakfast. Visit the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, residence of the Ottoman Sultans and see its great collection of European antiquity. I just want to say a BIG Lunch on your own. Visit the Grand Bazaar for shopping (closed THANK YOU. Overall we Sunday). Return to the hotel. Try some delicious seafood tonight on had a most enjoyable the banks of the Bosphorus on your own. Overnight. and memorable holiday leaving us hungry for Day 4 Istanbul more! Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. -- Anuradha Gokarn, Mumbai GLOBUS Aegean & Ephesus - 5 days Day 1 Izmir: Afternoon City Tour Every Journey Tells A Story Arrive Izmir and transfer to your hotel. Drive to the top of Mount Pagus for panoramic views from the walls of Kadifekale, an ancient fortress Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and built by Alexander the Great. Tour the Archeology and Ethnography vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who museums; visit the city’s symbol, the Ottoman Clock Tower and the want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus elaborate bazaar. Overnight. delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides. Day 2 Izmir: Virgin Mary’s House & Ephesus Visit Virgin Mary’s stone cottage where, it is believed, she lived until Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: her death. It has now been made into a shrine.

• Best of Turkey – 8 days See the enthralling ruins of Ephesus founded by Hellenic colonists in • Turkish Delight – 14 days the 16th - 11th centuries B.C. It was an important commercial center 96

and headquarters of the Roman Governor. It was visited by Brutus, Day 3 Cappadocia – Hot Air Balloon Ride & Sightseeing Tour Cassius, Anthony and Cicero. Explore 2,000 year-old marble streets, In the very early morning take a hot air balloon ride to see an awesome a theater, the Library of Celsius, a gymnasium and Hadrian’s Temple. sunrise over surrealistic landscapes. Drift over fairy chimneys, rock Overnight. formations of pigeon houses, orchards, vineyards and valleys. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Drive to Rose Valley, Monks Valley and Day 3 Izmir - Pergamum & Asklepion Devrent Valley to see fairy-chimneys, pigeon houses, cave chapels Breakfast. See Pergamum’s ancient acropolis, home to the Altar of and wonderful vistas. Stop in Urgup to see one of the best protected Zeus and the Roman medical center of Asklepion; see the ruins of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. Drive to Goreme for lunch. the Temples of Trojan and Dionysos, the steepest theater of Anatolia, the Sanctuary of Demeter, the Gymnasium and the lower Agora. Tour the awesome Goreme Open Air Museum which contains the Overnight. finest of the rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes whose colors still retain their original freshness. Overnight in Cappadocia. Day 4 Izmir – Pamukkale & Hierapolis Breakfast. Visit Pamukkale known as “Cotton Castle” because of its Day 4 Cappadocia - Istanbul dazzling white, petrified lime castles and cascades. Home to Turkey’s famous thermal springs, it is the largest and finest example of Breakfast. Transfer to Nevsehir or Kayseri airport for your return flight elaborate calcium formation in the world. The thermal water, used by to Istanbul. Romans for its therapeutic power still exists today. Bring along your swim suit and bathe in the pools.

Visit Hierapolis a Roman spa city on top, built around a sacred warm- water spring. Visit the Apollo Temple, monumental Nympheum (a 4th century Basilica), the Amphitheatre and the Necropolis. Overnight.

Day 5 Izmir After breakfast, transfer to the airport.

Cappadocia Cave Resort – 4 days

Day 1 Cappadocia Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Arrive and transfer to Cappadocia Cave Resort & Spa Hotel (CCR) in Cappadocia. Enjoy dinner with candle light and wine at the Padishah Terrace Restaurnt. Overnight. Popular Turkey – 9 days Day 2 Cappadocia: Sightseeing Tour Breakfast. This afternoon, discover Kaymakli Underground City, Day 1 Istanbul – Izmir – Kusadasi carved out by the Hittites about 3500 years ago. Kaymakli, with 7 Day 2 Kusadasi – Full Day Ephesus levels sheltered early Christians from enemies during the 6th and Day 3 Kusadasi – Full Day Pamukkale. 7th centuries. Stop at the vista point overlooking Pigeon Valley Day 4 Izmir – Kayseri - Cappadocia to see spectacular Rose and Red valleys, Uchisar Castle and even Day 5 Cappadocia – Sightseeing Tour Mount Erciyes. Visit a winery in Uchisar and taste the local wine. This evening, enjoy an optional Whirling Dervish Show at Saruhan Day 6 Cappadocia - Afternoon Tour - Istanbul Caravanserai. Overnight. Day 7 Istanbul – Full Day Tour & Bosphorus Cruise Day 8 Istanbul – Full Day Tour Day 9 Istanbul - Depart 97 Czech Republic: Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with over 200 castles and chateaux, wonderfully maintained gardens and mysterious medieval ruins. Discover ancient historical towns like Ceský Krumlov and Kutná Hora and relax at the world famous spa at Karlovy Vary. Hidden lakes and pristine forests make the Czech Republic a nature enthusiast’s Eden.

Hungary: Hungary gave the world the Rubik’s Cube and magician Harry Houdini. Budapest is often called the “Pearl of the Danube.” A country where 2000 year old Roman ruins and 400 year old Turkish monuments can be found side by side. Discover beautiful Budapest, often called the “Pearl of the Danube.” See Central

Czech Republic, Eastern Europe Hungary & Poland

Europe’s largest fresh water lake – Balaton and enjoy spa towns in this land of hundreds of therapeutic mineral springs.

Poland: Poland is the gateway between Eastern and Western Europe. Discover its massive cliffs and folklore, thousands of lakes hidden deep within ancient forests watched over by the towers of immense Teutonic fortresses; domes of eastern churches scattered around the countryside and mountainous regions. Poland is a fascinating jigsaw puzzle, composed of many colorful regional pieces. 99 things to do and see Warsaw good CZECH REPUBLIC - PRAGUE a visit to the Cathedral, continue to charming Szentendre. Enjoy a Prague Krakow guided walk and visit the magnificent Caprice Hungarian Jewellery to know Grand City Tour, Prague Castle and Boat Cruise Museum. Discover the history of Prague and its neighborhoods (Old Town, New Herend and Lake Balaton CZECH REPUBLIC, HUNGARY, POLAND Best Time to Visit : Town, Lesser Town). Continue to Prague Castle to visit the interior of St Vitus Cathedral. After an hour’s guided walking tour, enjoy a boat Herend city is famous for its porcelain. Enjoy a guided tour through the April to October world’s largest porcelain factory, have coffee at the Porcelanium and Budapest cruise on Vltava River. Walk through Jewish Town to the Old Town Square where the tour ends. do some shopping. Drive to the Tihany Peninsula, the famous nature Cuisine : reserve and visit the Abbey. Enjoy lunch in the traditional Csarda and Czech Republic: Czech cuisine is heavy, filling and centered around nightlife drive to the country’s oldest spa, Balatonfured. meats and starches. Must try: Svickova, Smazak – cheese coated in Karlovy Vary, the Famous Spa Town bread crumbs and served with tartar sauce and potatoes, Slivovitz – Drive by minibus through picturesque West Bohemian countryside to Czech Republic: Prague plum brandy and Kofola – a fizzy Czech soft drink. Karlovy Vary. This word famous spa town has been known for centuries POLAND - WARSAW destination nightlife is a mixture of for its 12 medicinal mineral springs. The best known is the Vridlo generations and musical Hungary: Traditional dishes are based on meats, seasonal (Geyser) which shoots to a height of 12 m! See historical and modern Morning City Tour of Warsaw information styles. Karlovy Lazne, Klub vegetables, fruits, fresh bread, cheeses and honey. Must try Goulash colonnades; admire the locally manufactured Moser glass and Thun This tour includes all the ‘must see’ monuments and sights of Warsaw: Lavka, Duplex Club and Café – a soup or a stew, Paprikascsirke – Paprika chicken with Nokedli porcelain. Taste delicious local wafers and traditional “Becherovka” Lazienki Park, Theatre Square with Grand Opera and former Town Bombay Bar and Music Club Capital: (dumplings), Bejgli - cake roll eaten at Christmas and Easter. liqueur made of herbs. Hall, Belvedere Palace, the Ghetto Memorial. Drive through Nowy Czech – Prague are recommended. Palinka, a distilled fruit brandy is worth trying. Swiat and Krakowskie Przedmiescie avenues and see the important Hungary – Budapest Cesky Krumlov Tour monuments. In the Old Town, see St. John’s Cathedral’s gothic Poland – Warsaw Hungary: In Budapest, spend Poland: Poles love their pork and potatoes. Must try: Zurek, Pierogi Journey 170 km from Prague to visit the fairy-tale town of Cesky interiors, St. Ann’s Church, Castle Square, Market Square and the City the evening at Liszt Ferenc – dumplings stuffed with cottage cheese and minced meat. The Krumlov in Southern Bohemia’s beautiful countryside by the River Walls. Official Language: Square, St. Stephen’s Square, national dish is Bigos - Sauerkrat with mixed meat. Vodka is the Vltava. Visit the second largest castle in the country set in magnificent Czech – Czech and on Margaret Island. Visit national liquor. Baroque gardens with a unique rotating auditorium! Wander down to Hungary – Hungarian stylish wine bars that are Poland – Polish the medieval city centre with lovely little shops selling handmade restaurants by day and lively Shopping: souvenirs and local food. pubs by night. Klub Vittula, the Government Constitutional: Czech Republic: Buy garnets, amber, Bohemian Crystal, hand-blown Buddha Beach and Mokka Club Czech Republic, Hungary & glassware and marionettes. Shopping malls in Prague are Kotva and are popular nightclubs. HUNGARY - BUDAPEST Poland - Republic Palladium at Republic Square. Markets are at Wencelas Square and around the Old Town Square. Currency: Poland: Home to a good Budapest City Tour Czech – Koruna mix of pubs, bars and clubs, Drive past the Parliament building and cross the Danube on the Hungary: Shop for paprika, plum jam, goose liver, salami, tokaj POLAND - KRAKOW Hungary – Forint nightlife in Warsaw is buzzing Margaret Bridge to the Royal Castle on the Buda side. Enjoy free time wines, Palinka (fruit brandy), Zwack Unicum a herbal liqueur and Poland – Zioty and varied. The Old Town, to visit the Fishermen’s Bastion for stunning views. Continue to Gillert Herend Porcelain. Bargain buys are best at Nagy Vasarcsanok (the Krakow City Tour Winter: Nowy Swiat and Krakowskie Hill before crossing the Elisabeth Bridge to the Heroes’ Square. Pass Visit the Jewish District of Kazimierz, drive up Wawel Hill to the Time Difference: Central Market Hall). November – March 4 hours and Przedmiescie are surrounded by the Opera and St Stephen’s Basilica to Hotel Intercontinental. Royal Castle and a 14th century cathedral which hosted the Polish Czech Republic, Hungary and 30 minutes behind India by cafés and bars. Foksal Poland Poland: Amber, vodka, lace, Krupnik, a honey and spice liqueur, monarchy’s coronations and funerals. Stroll along Kanonicza and Street, Poznanska and Danube Bend Tour Summer: WWII memorabilia, silver jewellery, crystal, hand painted icons and Grodzka streets to reach Collegium Maius (Great College). Continue to Electricity: Sienkeiwicza offer a good Take this excursion by boat and coach to Visegrad, the former Royal April – October 3 hours and 30 Most power sockets require poster art. Warszawa Wileñska and Blue City are close to tourist the Main Market Square and visit St Mary’s Church with the stunning selection. Residence and to Esztergom, centre of the Catholic Church. After minutes behind India 2-pin round plugs. attractions. medieval altar sculpted by Veit Stoss. 101 Krakow City Tour Visit the Jewish District of Kazimierz, drive up Wawel Hill to the eastern europe escorted suggested Royal Castle and a 14th century cathedral which hosted the Polish monarchy’s coronations and funerals. Stroll along Kanonicza and by rail tours itineraries Grodzka streets to reach Collegium Maius (Great College). Continue to the Main Market Square and visit St Mary’s Church with the stunning Choose your Pass: Eastern & Central Europe Delights - 11 days medieval altar sculpted by Veit Stoss. • Eurail Czech Republic Pass COSMOS • Eurail Hungary Pass Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour Day 1 Budapest • Eurail Poland Pass unique Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality. Walk down 360 steps into the salt mine and enter a vast underground Check in at your hotel. Day at leisure. Overnight in Budapest. • City Night Line Pass from Prague to Zurich & Amsterdam to city, complete with huge caverns, underground lakes and chapels stays A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of Prague. carved out by miners long ago. Visit the largest chapel dedicated escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded Day 2 Budapest: City Tour to St Kinga, the patron saint of salt miners, richly decorated with • European East Pass travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some Breakfast. Enjoy a morning guided city tour which includes Heroes’ Besides the regular hotels, stay at chandeliers, sculptures and religious figures carved out of salt. Visit the • Night Train from and to Poland meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Square, Millennium Monument, City Park, Széchenyi Spa, Vajdahunyad spa and health resorts especially souvenir shop and snack bar and ascend in the lift back to surface. • Berlin – Warsaw Express Director. Castle, Andrássy Avenue, Stephen’s Cathedral, Parliament, Castle in the Czech Republic and Hungary. District of Buda. Overnight. • Eurail Regional Pass Thanks to the high quality of the Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: • Eurail Select Pass natural therapeutic springs. Day 3 Budapest: Gödöllö Royal Tour • Eurail Global Pass Breakfast. Drive to Gödöllö, to the 18th century Grassalkovich Castle, Prague: Spa & Health Resorts of • Prague, Vienna & Budapest – 8 days the former summer residence of Queen Elizabeth (Sissi). It is the Czech Republic • Bohemian Rhapsody – 13 days second largest baroque chateau in the world. Walk through the castle Spa Hotel Bristol – Karlovy Vary: • Central Europe – 15 days park to the royal stables and the Riding School and enjoy coffee & cruises from Located in the former “English cake at the Palace Café. Overnight in Budapest. • Treasures of Balkans & Transylvania – 13 days Quarter” of the town, it is the most czech republic, hungary Jewels of Poland – 8 days famous and largest spa. • Day 4 Budapest - Krakow (Cracow) & poland Breakfast. Fly to Krakow and transfer to your hotel on your own. Day Marianske Lazne Spa Resort: at leisure. Overnight.

River Cruises 1 hour from Karlovy Vary is the Discover Eastern Europe’s most enchanting destinations on a second largest spa town with Day 5 Krakow: City Tour Auschwitz-Birkenau tour around 100 mineral springs. GLOBUS river cruise on the Danube. It is one of the most enjoyable Breakfast. Enjoy a guided city tour including the main sights. Walk via From 1940-1945, the biggest Nazi concentration and death camp in and hassle-free ways to explore historic castles, cathedrals and Royal Route to Old Market Square, Europe’s largest medieval square. occupied Europe was in KL Auschwitz, 70 km from Krakow in the Budapest: picturesque small towns. Every Journey Tells A Story See the Renaissance Cloth Hall “Sukiennice”, and St Mary’s Basilica. town of Oswiecim. Visit both parts of the Museum founded in 1947, Margaret Island Overnight. in Oswiecim (KL Auschwitz I) and Brzezinka (KL Auschwitz II Birkenau) Avalon Waterways This traffic free island is Budapest’s Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and and watch a documentary on the history of the KL Auschwitz mid Danube treasure. 3 thermal vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who • A Taste of Danube – 4 days Day 6 Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine concentration and death camp. springs feed the world famous want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus • The Blue Danube Discovery – 8 days Breakfast. Drive to the mines and walk down 360 steps to enter spa. Two hotels on Margaret Island delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour a vast underground city, complete with huge caverns, underground Zakopane & Tatra Mountains • The Legendary Danube – 11 days the Grand Hotel Margitsziget and Directors and local guides. lakes and chapels carved out by miners long ago. Visit the largest • Black Sea Discovery – 11 days Zakopane is the winter capital of Poland. Take the funicular railway Danubius Health Spa Resort chapel dedicated to St Kinga, with chandeliers, sculptures and to the top of Mt. Gubalowka to view the granite and limestone peaks • Central European Experiences – 12 days Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: religious figures carved out of salt. On the 2 ½ km. walk, pass 18th of the Tatra Mountains. In oldest part of Zakopane, visit the charming • Blue Danube to the Black Sea - 14 days Heviz, Thermal Spa Resort: century statues depicting mythical, historical and religious figures. wooden parish church and the most unique cemetery in Poland. See The best known spa town of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise • Imperial Splendors – 10 days Take the lift back to the surface. Overnight in Krakow. the enormous regional market and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Western Hungary is only 6 km from • Enchanting Danube - 8 days Visit the Tatra Museum or Chocholow village with its 150-years old Lake Balaton. Its large hot-water • Bohemian Dream – 9 days wooden log cabins. • European Jewels – 15 days natural lake. • The Best of Eastern Europe – 14 days 103 Day 7 Krakow - Prague Budapest and Lake Balaton - 7 days Breakfast. Fly to Krakow and transfer to your hotel on your own. Day at leisure. Overnight. Day 1 Budapest: Night Tour Arrive Budapest and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Day 8 Prague: City Tour restaurant which includes an aperitif with a 3 course menu with wine, Breakfast. Enjoy a guided city tour including the main sights. Cross the accompanied by a folkloric show. View the illuminated city from the river to Prague Castle, see St.Vitus Cathedral. In the Old Town see St. Citadel. The tour ends at the Hotel Intercontinental or at the Casino. Nicholas Church, the Týn Church and the Old Town Hall. Overnight. Overnight. Day 9 Prague: Full Day Cesky Krumlov Day 2 Budapest Breakfast. Depart for Ceský Krumlov a unique town, comprising three Breakfast. Spend the day on a Danube cruise. Overnight. hundred historical houses and the National Castle and Chateau. Overnight in Prague. Day 3 Budapest – Lake Balaton Breakfast. Transfer to the beautiful lake town of Balaton. Take walks Day 10 Prague along the lake, or a short cruise. Overnight. Breakfast. Day free for optional excursions. Overnight.

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

Prague in a Nutshell - 5 days

Day 1 Prague Arrive Prague and check in at your hotel. Overnight. Russia Day 2 Prague - Kutna Hora Day 4 Lake Balaton - Siófok Eastern Europe Breakfast. In the afternoon, depart for Kutna Hora, an old mining town Breakfast. Travel to Siófok the largest and most happening town on founded in the 13th century. Visit the Gothic St. Barbora’s Cathedral with the southern side of Lake Balaton. Walk in its pleasant parks; see the its valuable murals and the former royal mint which once produced Lutheran church and Museum of Minerals. Overnight. the so called Prague Groschen. Kutna Hora is a medieval city and one of the most important Unesco Heritage Sites. Overnight. Day 5 Lake Balaton – Thermal Spa Resort Russia today is a nation of enormous diversity and tremendous Breakfast. Check out and drive 6 km to the Thermal Spa Resort. The vitality. The cultural traditions have re-awakened - ancient Day 3 Prague: Full Day Cesky Krumlov resort town’s most famous attraction is the large hot-water natural cathedrals are being rebuilt and restored, literature and the Breakfast. Depart for Ceský Krumlov a unique town, comprising 300 lake whose mildly radioactive water contains sulfur, alkali, hydrogen arts are thriving. Explore a vast array of exciting and ancient historical houses and the National Castle and Chateau. Overnight. carbonate and calcium salts. Enjoy the restaurants, cafes, casinos and entertainment options available. Overnight. cultures, from the glittering imperial Russia of St. Petersburg to Day 4 Prague: River Vltava Cruise the timeless village life of Siberia and Irkutsk. Breakfast. In the afternoon cruise on the River Vltava, with coffee and Day 6 Thermal Spa Resort cake. Overnight. Breakfast. Try one of the many thermal spa treatments. Overnight.

Day 5 Prague Day 7 Thermal Spa Resort - Budapest Breakfast. Transfer to the airport or station. After breakfast, drive to Budapest. 105 things to do and see St. Petersburg MOSCOW Square, the Marble Palace, Michael’s Castle, the Church of Our Savior Moscow (outside view only), and more. Enjoy a beautiful view of St. Peter & RUSSIA City Tour & Pushkin State Museum Paul Fortress, the Hermitage and the Admiralty and pass by Nevsky Accompanied by your guide, see the main avenues including Tverskaya Prospect - the main boulevard of St. Petersburg. Street, Sofiyskaya and Kremlin embankments and New Arbat Street and some famous attractions: Christ the Savior Cathedral, Novodevichy Catherine Palace & Pushkin Park convent, Poklonnaya Hill, Moscow State University and Sparrows Hill. Tsarskoye Selo (formerly, Pushkin) is an Imperial estate, 25 km See St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin mausoleum from the Red Square. away. It has a large landscaped park, centered by the magnificent good nightlife Visit Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts where the tour ends. blue, white and gold Catherine Palace that houses beautiful Baroque destination interiors. See the unique Amber Room, whose priceless amber panels to know The Kremlin Walking Tour were stolen by Nazi troops during WWII, but which are now being information Moscow’s nightlife can be painstakingly recreated by Russian craftsmen. found everywhere, from Visit the territory of the Kremlin, see Ivan the Great Belltower, the Best Time to Visit : Tsar Bell, the Great Kremlin Palace and more. Visit the small city in alternative venues in Kurskaya Capital: April to October the centre of Moscow, which was once the residence of the Czars to cool clubs on Savvinskaya Moscow and Patriarchs containing Russia’s main cathedrals - the Assumption Naberezhnaya. Territoria, Cuisine : Cathedral, Annunciation Cathedral and Archangel’s Cathedral. Official Language: Many specialties actually originate from different Republics of the Propaganda, Karma Bar, Russian former Soviet Union. Try a Zakushi - starters with salads, meats or authentic jazz dens like Forte Moscow Metro Tour fish; Borsch - beetroot soup, Pelmeni – dough wraps with minced and fun place B2 are some of Take a guided tour of the underground kingdom of the Moscow Government Constitutional: the popular hangouts. Federal Semi Presidential meat filling; Kotley - meatballs of pork, beef or chicken, Shashlyk Metropolitan, admiring the mosaics and marble of this utopia Democratic Republic - sheesh kebab. Desserts like Pirozhki – small buns with fillings, underground. The extravagant decoration of its soviet-era stations, is Blini - thin pancakes topped with butter, sour cream, fruit preserves St. Petersburg is great for a work of art in itself. This Metro is one of the marvels of inner city Currency: or caviar. Enjoy Russian Vodka and Medovukha, a sweet spiced, low live alternative and rock transport. Rouble alcohol drink. music concerts, as well as for jazz and arty clubs. Clubs Bolshoi Theatre /Performances (Bolshoi Ballet) Time Difference: like Fishfabrique, Moloko, The Bolshoi is still one of the greatest theatres in the world, with Shopping: Mama are quite popular. its own traditions. An evening at the Bolshoi is really a must. The Summer Buy Matryoshka dolls (wooden dolls within dolls), Palekh – wooden Attend a ballet performance building is an impressive example of Russian Classical architecture. Performances at the Hermitage and Mariinssky Theaters April – October. boxes with painted scenes inside. Babuskha scarves, amber and of the Mariinsky Company, The Bolshoi is the second biggest opera house in Europe (after La Mariinssky Theatre: This historic majestic theatre of opera and ballet 3 hours 30 minutes behind other precious stone jewellery, paintings, fur hats, Vodka. (formerly Kirov Ballet) and Scala). opened in 1860. Many of the stage masterpieces of Tchaikovsky, India. In Moscow, the two major shopping centers are GUM and Okhotny enjoy open air summer music Mussorgsky, and Rimsky-Korsakov received their premieres here. Ryad, some of the world’s top fashion and jewelry designer The annual international “Stars of the White Nights Festival” in Saint Winter performances from May to Petersburg, has also put the Mariinsky on the world’s cultural map. November – March. boutiques are in Tretyakovsky Proyezd, souvenir shopping is good at mid-July. ST. PETERSBURG 4 hours 30 minutes behind Arbat Street. India. Hermitage Theatre: The Hermitage Theatre, one of the oldest theatres St. Petersburg’s premier shopping center is Gostiny Dvor on Nevsky City Orientation Tour in Russia, was built by order of Catherine the Great in 1782-1785 to a Electricity: Prospekt housing luxury boutiques, discount clothing stores and See the major places of interest, architectural and historical sites design by the architect Giacomo Quarenghi. Lovers of classical music Most power sockets are jewelry shops. Popular designer boutiques are at Passage, Italian and monuments like the Palace Square and the Winter Palace, a can attend performances of the State Hermitage’s own orchestra, St designed for 2 round pin plugs. and French couture boutiques are at Grand Palace. former residence of Russian Tsars, St. Isaac’s Square, Decembrists’ Petersburg Camerata. 107 more. Enjoy a view of St. Peter & Paul Fortress, the Hermitage and russia escorted suggested the Admiralty. Transfer to your hotel. Check in. Overnight. by rail tours itineraries Day 6 St. Petersburg – Hermitage & Peter and Paul Fortress Breakfast. Depart for a morning tour of the Hermitage and a post lunch Sapsan:High speed trains between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Two Capitals of Russia: on your own, a tour of Peter and Paul fortress. The Hermitage Museum, COSMOS houses one of the most impressive art collections in the world. and Allegro: High speed trains between Helsinki and St. Petersburg. Moscow & St. Petersburg - 8 days three other majestic buildings along the Neva River embankment - Grand Trans Siberian Express: The journey of a lifetime. Turning Travel Dreams Into Reality. Small Hermitage, Old Hermitage and New Hermitage. Experience the legendary Trans Siberian Railway and the Trans Day 1 Moscow Mongolian Railway onboard a private charter train. The train offers a A world leader in budget travel, Cosmos combines the benefit of Arrive Moscow Airport where the guide will meet and transfer you by Lunch on your own. Visit St. Peter & Paul Fortress, the first structure choice of First Class and Deluxe accommodation as well as restaurants, escorted travel with a great price. Ideal for practical, value minded coach to your hotel. Overnight. in St. Petersburg, built by Peter the Great to protect the city from a bar, a service car with shower cabins and a conference car. Stops travellers. Vacations include comfortable hotels, breakfast and some Swedish attacks. It is now the emblem of the city and its Cathedral is for land excursions at the most interesting places along the route are meals, sightseeing with local guides and services of an expert Tour Day 2 Moscow: City Tour & Moscow Metro the resting place of many of the Romanov dynasty. Overnight. included every day. Director. Breakfast. Go on a guided city tour by coach with photo stops at the most famous sights: Poklonnaya Hill, New Maiden Convent, Vorobievy Day 7 St. Petersburg - Tsarskoe Selo’s Catherine Palace Choose your journey: Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: Hills. Drive by Tverskaya Street, Bolshoi Theatre, Lubyanka Square, Breakfast. Enjoy an excursion to Tsarskoe Selo, formerly known as • Original Trans Sib – 10 days Moscow to Vladivostok Savior Cathedral, the Kremlin etc. Walk along old Arbat Street for Pushkin) is one of St. Petersburg’s numerous Imperial estates. Located • Trans Mongolian Classic – 9 days Moscow to Beijing • Moscow and St. Petersburg – 8 days shopping and lunch on your own. Enjoy an excursion of the famous just 25 kilometers south of St Petersburg, the estate boasts a large • Original Trans Sib – 13 days St. Petersburg to Vladivostok Moscow Metro. Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight. landscape park, dotted with architectural follies, and centered on the • Big Trans Siberian – 16 days Moscow to Beijing magnificent blue, white and gold Catherine Palace that houses some • Mammoth Trans Sib – 25 days St. Petersburg to Beijing Day 3 Moscow – Red Square & Kremlin beautiful Baroque interiors, including the luxurious Grand Hall and a Breakfast. On this guided tour by coach, walk on Red Square and view long, gold, mirrored ballroom. The Palace also boasts a unique Amber St.Basil’s Cathedral. Visit the Kremlin, the centre of political life. The Room, whose priceless amber panels were stolen by Nazi troops cruises from where to tsars’ coronation ceremony took place in one of the cathedrals and during WWII, but which are now being painstakingly recreated by all tsars before Peter the Great are buried there. Visit the Armory Russian craftsmen. russia stay chamber (optional) and/or the Diamond Fund (optional) to see the fabulous collection of Russia’s state jewels on display. Lunch on your Lunch on your own. Afternoon is at leisure. Spend your time at the There’s nothing like a river cruise if you want a leisurely holiday. Travel own. Return to your hotel around 3 pm. Overnight. promenade along Nevskij Prospekt, view of Cathedral of Our Savior down the rivers of Russia on the routes followed by the Russian Tsars, Hotels in Russia range from on the Blood, shopping. In the evening return back to the hotel. 5 star to budget. Many GLOBUS dock in ancient Russian cities that still conjure up Russia’s mysterious Day 4 Moscow: Sergiev Posad. Overnight. past. Visit unique historical and architectural sites, whilst cruising on meet international standards, Breakfast. In the afternoon, check out but leave your bags in the the Neva River, Lake Ladoga, the Svir River, Lake Onega, the Baltic especially in big cities, Every Journey Tells A Story hotel. Proceed to Sergiev Posad famous for the Trinity Lavra of St. Day 8 St. Petersburg Canal, White Lake and the Volga River. whereas others are very Sergii (the Russian Orthodox equivalent of the Vatican). Admire the Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Unmatched selection, more included features, first class hotels and basic. medieval buildings rivaling those of the Kremlin. Spend some time Choose from any of the following Volga River Cruises: vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travellers who shopping and return to the hotel. Dine at a local restaurant and want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus • Moscow to St. Petersburg – 8 days / 12 days transfer to Leningradsky railway station to board your night train to More Options: • St. Petersburg to Moscow – 8 days / 11 days delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour St. Peteresburg. Directors and local guides. • Complete St. Petersburg in a Nutshell – 6 days • Moscow to Astrakhan – 14 days • Complete Moscow in a Nutshell - 6 days Day 5 St. Petersburg: City Tour Choose from some of the most popular Cosmos Tours: • The Golden Ring of Russia - 9 days Ocean Cruises Arrive in St. Petersburg station early morning where your guide Route: Moscow - Vladimir - Suzdal - Kostroma - Yaroslavl - Sergiev St. Petersburg is a major port of call for cruise lines like Princess will transfer you to a local restaurant for breakfast. Enjoy a city tour Posad - Moscow St. Petersburg & Moscow – 7 days Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Costa, MSC, Cunard, Celebrity Cruises and • covering the major architectural and historical sites and monuments • Baikal Region – 6 days Silver Sea. • St. Petersburg & Moscow with Ukraine – 15 days like the Palace Square, the Winter Palace, St. Isaac’s Square, and all india TBi Offices

Mumbai Aurangabad Jaipur Trail Blazer Tours India Pvt. Ltd. Shop No1, Raj Hotel Building, 75, Lane No 3, Gopla Bari, 902, 9th Floor, Centre 1 Building, Near Patidar Bhawan, Jaipur – 302 001. Rajasthan World Trade Centre Complex, Jalna Road, Tel: 0091 141 403972/73 Cuffe Parade, Mumbai – 400005. Aurangabad – 431 001. Tel: 0091 22 022-61940940 Tel: 0240- 6651006 Goa 201-204, Gera’s Imperium II, Mumbai Cochin Patto Plaza, Panjim, 170, Jeena House B Wing, 1st floor, Mattammal Building, Goa – 400 301. OM Nagar Sahar Andheri (E), M.G. Road, Ravipuram, Tel: +91 0832 6456485 Mumbai 400 099. Cochin – 682 015. Tel: +91 22-61370338 Tel: 0091 484 4029910 Pune 170, Dhole Patil Road, Agra Chennai Pune – 411 001. 4, Crown Plaza, G - 21, Wellingdon Estate, Tel: 020 67286000 Opp. Hotel ITC Mughal, Commander in Chief Road, Fatehabad Road, Agra – 282 001. Egmore, Varanasi Tel: 0091 562 2234237 / Chennai – 600 105. Excel Tower, 4042173 Tel: 044 - 42638071/72/73/74 SM Plot No. 41, (PWD Road), Varuna Bridge, Ahmedabad Gurgaon Nadesar, Varanasi – 221 002. SF-17 Kalapurnam, 5th Floor, Seva Corporate Park, Tel: 0091 542 2508820 Above Citibank, Near IFFCO Chowk, MG Road, Nr. Navrangpura Municipal Behind HP Petrol Pump, Visit us at Market, Gurgaon (Haryana), www.trailblazertours.com C. G. Road, NCR Delhi – 122 001. Ahmedabad – 380 009. Tel: 0091 124 4872700 Extn 709 Contact us at Tel: 079 66610730-31 [email protected] Trail Blazer Tours India Pvt. Ltd Tel: +91 22 61940940 [email protected] World Trade Centre Complex, Fax: +91 22 61940900 www.trailblazertours.com 902, Centre 1, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai—400005.