Whirlwind Tour - Europe 2008

Wednesday, May 14


26 Day Discover Europe


Check in time 6.00am for 6.30am departure. Departure point is the Globetrotter Inn, Ashlar Court,


Ravenscourt Gardens, Stamford Brook, London, W6 0TU


By Underground: Get the District Line to Stamford Brook underground station, go across the road in front of the station and turn left under the train line. Turn right at the first street (Ravenscourt Gardens), just after The Raven pub. The hostel is approximately 200 metres on the left.


LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE
An early morning departure from London to catch the ferry from Dover to Calais. You will have the opportunity on board the ferry to exchange some money into Euros, which is the main currency you will require for your trip. Once on board our coach, we make our way to Paris and our centrally located hotel accommodation.


For dinner tonight, why not sample some French cuisine! After dinner we head into "The City of Lights" for a spectacular night light tour. Paris is renowned for its beauty, which will be evident as you pass some of the many famous sights along the River Seine. The comprehensive city tour takes you past the Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and much more!


Thursday, May 15
PARIS
Today you have plenty of free time to explore the sights of Paris at your own pace. You could even take a morning bicycle tour around this spectacular city. Notre Dame Cathedral, the Georges Pompidou Centre, the Louvre or the impressive Musee D'Orsay. Wander through the shops on Rue de Rivoli or spend the afternoon in a sidewalk cafe. Tonight, after our famous picnic dinner under the shadows of the Eiffel Tower, you can take an optional Seine River cruise or see the oldest cabaret show in Paris at the famous 'Paradis Latin'. (B,D)


Friday, May 16
PARIS TO BORDEAUX VIA LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
This morning we head south through the Loire Valley, stopping to visit the magnificent 16th century Chambord Chateau. This afternoon we travel on to Bordeaux, capital of the world famous Bordeaux wine region. (B, D)


Saturday, May 17
BORDEAUX TO CARCASSONNE, FRANCE
Now we travel into the heart of the famous Bordeaux wine region, stopping at a local winery to find out why the wine from this region is so famous. This afternoon we move on to the dramatically situated town of Carcassonne, a fortress town set on the hilltops above the River Aude. We have plenty of time to explore the city centre and its narrow cobbled streets, or visit the inner fortress and city walls. (B,D)


Sunday, May 18
CARCASSONNE TO BARCELONA VIA ANDORRA, ANDORRA/SPAIN
This morning we travel up into the Pyrenees mountains to visit the tiny Principality of Andorra. You will have time for some duty free shopping in the capital, Andorra La Vella before heading into Spain and on to Barcelona. The highlights tour will show you the Columbus Monument, Sagrada Familia- Gaudi's spectacular cathedral, Montjuic (site of the 1992 Olympics) and more! (B,D)


Monday, May 19
BARCELONA
There's plenty of time today to wander around the lively Las Ramblas markets, visit Parc Guell, or the recently redeveloped seafront. Tonight you have an option to have a local Paella Dinner and see a local Flamenco Dancing show. (B)


Tuesday, May 20
BARCELONA TO NICE, FRANCE
This morning you will travel to the French Riviera, home of the rich and famous. We will take time to visit a local French Perfumery for a short guided tour. (B,D)


Wednesday, May 21
NICE
Today you have the whole day to spend in Nice. From our central city hotel, you can stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, go Roller Blading, or just lay by the Mediterranean. This evening, it's on to the Principality of Monaco to make your fortune at the Monte Carlo Casino. (B)


Thursday, May 22
NICE TO FLORENCE, ITALY
On to Pisa to visit the famous Leaning Tower, before continuing to Florence, the Tuscan capital, famous for its renaissance art and architecture. Tonight after dinner, why not visit the 'Red Garter', one of Florence's leading live music venues. (B)


Friday, May 23
FLORENCE TO ROME, ITALY
The morning is spent in Florence. During our walking tour with a local guide, you will see the Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce Church, the Duomo Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery. Visit a traditional Florentine gold and silver shop and see a leathercraft demonstration. Then it's on to Italy's capital - "The Eternal City of Rome" - home of the Vatican City, St Peter's Cathedral, and the Colosseum. The walking tour of Rome will enable you to see the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the ancient Roman Forum and the Colosseum. (B,D)


Saturday, May 24
ROME
This morning is your chance to visit the stunning Vatican Museum and St Peter's Cathedral. Use your free time to explore the Palantine hill area (the ancient commercial and political heart of Rome) or treat yourself in some of the trendy fashion boutiques. There are plenty of restaurants in the famous Trastevere neighbourhood to try for dinner tonight. From here it's only a short taxi ride back to our hotel. (B)


Sunday, May 25
ROME TO VENICE, ITALY
Today we head north through Tuscany and over the Apennine mountains to Venice, stopping on the way to visit ancient Verona, where Romeo and Juliet played out their tragic love affair. Our walking tour will take you to see Juliet's balcony, and the impressive Roman Forum. Then it's on to the magical city of Venice in the afternoon. (B,D)


Monday, May 26
VENICE
We start the day by travelling into the city. Later today you will have be able to travel by motorboat along the Grand Canal. You will discover a truly unique city. Built on an island, Venice's network of canals and narrow passageways means that a walking tour with our local Italian Guide is the only way to truly appreciate the splendours that only Venice can offer. Splendours such as the bustling St. Mark's Square and Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, Doges Palace, the Campanile and Rialto Bridge - followed by an amazing demonstration of traditional Venetian lace making. Of course, no trip to Venice would be complete without a ride through the canals in a gondola. (B)


Tuesday, May 27
VENICE TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA
This morning you travel into Slovenia to the Postojna Caves, one of the largest and most beautiful cave systems in Europe. There are 27 kilometres of intricate underground galleries and chambers through which you can travel by a small electric train. In the afternoon we continue on to Ljubljana, the historic capital of this ancient land. Stroll along the river, which runs through the centre of the city where the national gallery, the Square of the Three Bridges, the Baroque City Hall and the Roman Ruins are all conveniently located. Oh, and don't forget the 13th century castle! (B)


Wednesday, May 28
LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Heading east, today we travel to Budapest, one of Europe's most romantic cities. Situated on both sides of the river Danube, which divides beautiful old Buda with the bustling district of Pest. On our city tour this afternoon, you will see the Liberation Memorial, Roosevelt Square, Chain Bridge, St Mathias' Cathedral, and Fisherman's Bastion. (B,D)


Thursday, May 29
BUDAPEST
You have a full free day to explore the Castle District with its cobbled streets and network of
underground tunnels, visit one of the famous bathhouses for a massage and perhaps do some shopping in this wonderful city. (B)


Friday, May 30
BUDAPEST TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Today it's off to the capital of Austria, the beautiful city of Vienna. Sights here include the Schonbrunn and Hofburg Palaces; St Stephen's Cathedral, the Opera House and Spanish Riding School (if in town). Tonight, after dinner, you can visit a traditional Viennese Chamber Orchestra in one of Vienna's many Palaces. (B,D)


Saturday, May 31
VIENNA TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
We travel to the Czech Republic this morning, and the beautiful city of a thousand spires, Prague. Home to the memorable Charles Bridge, Hradcany Castle, the Old Jewish Quarter, Powder Tower, Tyne Church, and of course the wonderfully named Wenceslas Square where Czechoslovakia's Velvet Revolution took place. You will see all these historic places on our afternoon walking tour. (B,D)


Sunday, June 01
PRAGUE
This city will amaze and captivate you, from the trams rumbling along the streets and the artists around Charles Bridge, to the old traditional Inns and hand-made puppets. This city has it all! You have plenty of free time today to wander around the historic city centre, lunch in one of the local cafes, and enjoy the excellent (and cheap) local beer. (B)


Monday, June 02
PRAGUE TO MUNICH, GERMANY
This morning we head into Germany towards the capital of Bavaria, Munich. You will see the
Marienplatz, Church of our Lady, the Glockenspiel and old Town Hall during your walking tour of the town centre. You can't leave Bavaria without a night in the beerhalls sampling a German beer or two whilst being entertained by the traditional Oompah band. (B)


Tuesday, June 03
MUNICH TO WENGEN, SWITZERLAND
Today it's time to relax and enjoy the changing scenery en route to the pretty mountainside town of Wengen, nestled in the Swiss Alps at the base of the mighty Jungfrau mountain. To get to our mountain retreat, we board a cog-railway in Lauterbrunnen to ascend to the small village of Wengen. The views from our hotel of the surrounding mountains are spectacular. (B,D)


Wednesday, June 04
WENGEN
The options available here are all equally unforgettable. A real highlight of our visit here is an optional trip up the awesome, snow covered, 4000m high Jungfrau mountain by railway. Here, we can view the Ice Palace, go glacial skiing (weather permitting) or take a husky ride. Alternatively hire a mountain bike and cycle to the famous Trummelbach Falls or there are numerous mountain walks to savour the stunning countryside - all are exciting options to consider. (B,D)


Thursday, June 05
WENGEN TO RHINE VALLEY, GERMANY
Next we re-enter Germany and the famous Rhine Valley, arriving at the town of St Goar on the romantic Rhine River. Learn how beer steins are made and visit a cuckoo clock shop. Why not take a cruise along the spectacular Rhine River and see the many medieval castles and vineyards clinging to the hilltops. (B, D)


Friday, June 06
RHINE VALLEY TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Today we head to Amsterdam, the cultural capital of Holland. On our way into the city, you will have the opportunity to watch cheese and traditional clog making demonstrations. Tonight is spent in the famous Red Light District. (B)


Saturday, June 07
AMSTERDAM
A great way to see Amsterdam is on a bicycle tour, which is first up in the morning. There is plenty of time to see the sights of Dam Square, the Royal Palace, Anne Frank's House as well as the Rijks and Van Gogh Museums. Maybe see a different side of Amsterdam tonight by taking a trip through the canals on a canal cruise after our farewell dinner. The perfect way to finish any European holiday! (B,D)


Sunday, June 08
AMSTERDAM TO LONDON
We depart from Amsterdam and travel to historic Brugge in Belgium. After time to sample the local beer or chocolates, we head towards Calais where the cross-channel ferry takes us back to the White Cliffs of Dover. We arrive back in the city of London in the early evening. (B)




Pre-Departure meeting If your trip departs from London, there will be a get together with your Trip Leader the night before the trip departs. The meeting will be at 7.00pm at the Globetrotter Inn hostel where your trip departs from the next morning.



If you are staying at the Globetrotter the night before your trip, please check the Top Deck notice board in Reception for details. If you are coming to the hostel just for the meeting, please ask at the reception desk where the Top Deck meeting is being held. Please bring with you your passport and Travel Insurance policy. This get together is a great way to meet your fellow travellers.



After the meeting why not head to the Globetrotter bar and continue getting to know your fellow travellers. Just don't stay up too late and miss your early departure in the morning!


OPTIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS TRIP:
FRANCE:


Paris:
Paradis Latin Cabaret Show €54
Fat Tyre Bike Tour €20
Seine River Cruise €8
Bordeaux Winery €6


SPAIN:
Barcelona:
Flamenco show €30


ITALY:


Venice:
Gondola Ride around the Canals €18.50
Commemorative Trip T-shirt €17.50
Commemorative Girly T-shirt €19.50
Commemorative Polo shirt €22.50
Commemorative Beauty V Top €20.30
Commemorative Men's Singlet €17.50
Commemorative Unisex Hoodie €26.50


SWITZERLAND


Wengen:
Jungfrau Excursion Approx 130 Swiss Francs
Mountain Biking Approx 35 Swiss Francs


NETHERLANDS:


Amsterdam:
Evening Canal Cruise (Incl drinks) €27
Heineken Experience €10








Saturday, June 14
10 Day Greek Island Hopper


ATHENS
Welcome to Athens, one of the most breathtaking cities in the world, and host to the 2004 Olympic Games.


Check in to the :Hotel Achilleas, Lekka 21, Gr 105 54, Athens
Ph: +30 210 3233197
Fax: +302103228531
Web: http://www.achilleashotel.gr/.


The hotel is approximately 5 minutes walk from Syntagma Square metro station. (See map at the end of the pre departure information)



There is direct access by underground from the airport to the station. The Metro Line is number 3 and the costs are; €6 for one person, €10 (€5 each) for 2 people or €15(€5 each) for 3 people. The hotel is very easy to find from the station. Trains run approx every 30 minutes from 06.30am until 11.30pm. For more information, please go to ; www.ametro.gr. The airport bus runs through the night if you arrive when the metro has closed.


Check-in to the hotel at your leisure on day 1.


Tonight our Trip Leader will brief us about the next days of our journey and you will have time to get to know your fellow travellers.


Sunday, June 15
ATHENS
After breakfast, we start by exploring Athens with a walking tour. Our Tour Leader shows us around all the major sites in town, including the Plaka, the world famous Acropolis and Syntagma Square. In the evening we enjoy our welcome dinner with Greek music and folk dances. (B, D)


Monday, June 16
PAROS
Today we depart for the port of Piraeus to set off on our journey around the Aegean Sea. We set sail by ferry to Paros, the third largest of the Cycladic islands. Our tour leader takes us for a walk around the harbour and through the narrow streets of the island. The afternoon is free to explore the island on your own. Today you can also visit the capital and port of the island and the Venetian castle. (B)


Tuesday, June 17
PAROS
The second day in Paros , you can relax on the beach or visit the church of Ekatontapiliani, Naousa, Kolimbithres and the important sites on the island. (B)


Wednesday, June 18
MYKONOS
After breakfast we set sail by ferry to stunning Mykonos the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Cycladic Islands. The afternoon is free, to discover the island on your own. (B)


Thursday, June 19
MYKONOS
Free day on the island. Walk along the white-washed streets and white box-shaped houses, visit Kastro, the complex of churches, the archaeological museum, the Folklore museum and the Nautical museum or just kick back and relax on one of the many superb beaches of the island. (B)


Friday, June 20
SANTORINI
Today we depart Myconos for Santorini and its remarkable volcanic caldera. Upon arrival we take in a tour visiting some of the interesting and important sites of the island. An interesting awakening to the nature, culture and history of Santorini. (B)


Saturday, June 21
SANTORINI
Free day on the island. You can discover Thira - the capital, the museum, Kamenes, Ancient Thira, Akrotiri, Ia or take a boat trip to the volcanic crater. In the evening we get together as a group for a farewell party to share the experiences of our journey. (B)


Sunday, June 22
ATHENS
In the afternoon we will depart Santorini for Athens, where we will stay overnight. (B)


Monday, June 23
ATHENS
Our journey will end after breakfast in Athens. (B)


What's included
9 Breakfasts 2 dinners
9 Nights accommodation in twin or triple rooms in 3 star hotels.
Transfers to and from the ports and hotels.
Transportation by ferry between the islands.
Services of an experienced English speaking guide.
Excursions as per the itinerary (Entrance fees not included)
Sightseeing walking tours in Athens (including the Acropolis), Paros and Santorini.
Athens by night including dinner
Farewell party in Santorini including dinner.


What's not included
Personal travel insurance (compulsory)
Meals not stated in the itinerary
Visa costs
Personal spending money
Tipping
Entrance fees and optional excursions / activities
Flights to and from Greece


Main options available on this tour
Santorini: Tour of the island including visits to the famous winery, the museum of Thira and the ancient city of Akrotiri. Euro - €50


Santorini: Traditional Greek night at a taverna with Greek music and delicious Greek cuisine. Euro - €38


Paros: Tour of the island with swimming breaks. Euro - €36


Mykonos: Tour of Delos, the sacred island of the ancient Greeks with its unique archaeological
monuments. Euro - €37 (excl. entry fee)