European Festival Optional Excursions
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Note:
All optional excursions listed are for
2004/2005 please use the information as a guide only.
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A1 - VIENNA. Imperial Highlights
We enjoy a guided visit to the Palace of Schönbrunn, with its
magnificently preserved state rooms and exquisite gardens. From the
summer residence of the Hapsburg monarchs, we continue to either the
Imperial Treasures, the Vienna Opera House or the Crypts and Vaults of
the Imperial family for a guided tour.
37.00 (€)
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A2 - VIENNA. Vienna Woods Excursion
with Dinner in Gumpoldskirchen
No visit to Vienna would be complete without an excursion into the
heart of the Vienna Woods! A scenic trip through lush, vine-clad
slopes takes us to Mayerling, scene of the tragic death of Crown
Prince Rudolph and his beloved young mistress. Then on to picturesque
Heiligenkreuz before enjoying the typical Austrian charm of a friendly
‘Heurige’ inn, with its ‘Schrammelmusik’. Here we will enjoy local
delicacies accompanied by refreshing ‘heurige’ wine
53.00 (€)
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A4b - VIENNA. Hungarian Gypsy Dinner
and Schnapps Museum or Prater Wheel
First we visit the cheerful Prater Park to take a gentle ride on the
historic Big Wheel and admire the picturesque skyline of Vienna.
Alternatively, we will visit the home of the Fischer family to see how
the local Schnapps is made and to taste some delicious samples! Then
continue to a Hungarian Gypsy Restaurant, where we enjoy echoes of a
bygone era and regional food specialities. (Drinks and Music
included).
58.00 (€)
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A8 - INNSBRUCK. Tyrolean Evening
Enjoy a lively evening of traditional entertainment. Singers, dancers,
and musicians dressed in national costume provide a colourful show of
folklore and fun. (includes two drinks)
37.00 (€)
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A24 - VIENNA. Wine Village Dinner and
Schnapps Museum or Prater Park with Big Wheel
This evening begins with a visit to the Fischer Family Distillery.
Before tasting a variety of their famous spirits and liqueurs, we will
be shown around the historic premises, often used as a location by
local film makers because of its authentic period equipment and old
world charm. A short drive then takes us to the edge of the Vienna
Woods for dinner in one of the traditional ‘Heurigen’ or wine taverns.
Here a meal of delicious Austrian specialities will be served to us
while local musicians entertain us with their ‘Schrammelmusik’. Wine
included. (On certain departures, a visit to the Prater Park featuring
a ride on the famous Big Wheel used in the film, 'The Third Man', will
replace the distillery visit.)
56.00 (€)
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A27 - INNSBRUCK. Horse & Carriage Ride
A spectacular drive leads us to a typical mountain village. Then we
enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through the magnificent alpine
scenery. We stop for a drink before our return to Innsbruck.
33.00 (€)
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A30 - INNSBRUCK
On certain departures, optionals A8 and A27 will be combined.
56.00 (€)
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F1 - FRENCH RIVIERA. Eze Village Lunch
or Dinner at ‘Le Cheval Blanc’
An early afternoon or evening excursion to one of the oldest fortified
villages on the Riviera, perched above the coastline like an eagle’s
nest. Take a slow walk up to the top to see a fantastic collection of
Mediterranean cacti and admire the view. Afterwards, enjoy lunch or
dinner in the local village restaurant “en famille” with the owners!
Drinks are included.
59.00 (€)
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F3 - FRENCH RIVIERA. St. Paul de Vence
& Perfumery Visit
We drive into the hills behind the fabulous Riviera coastline to the
ancient towns celebrated for perfume distillation. We visit one of the
perfumeries, where, besides seeing how perfume is made, we shall have
the opportunity to purchase at factory prices. From there we drive up
to the medieval hill town of St. Paul de Vence, a photographer’s
paradise, home of artists and the famous.
16.00 (€)
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F8 - PARIS. Illuminations and Dinner
After an unforgettable dinner in typical Parisian style, drinks
included, we take a drive through the city. By night, Paris is a city
transformed - no other city has such striking illuminations, such
glamour or romance. Amongst the splendours we see the Place de la
Concorde, Arc de Triomphe, Cathedral of Notre Dame, Champs Elysées and
the Eiffel Tower.
60.00 (€)
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F9 - PARIS. Dinner & Montmartre or
Seine Cruise or Eiffel Tower Visit. Bon appetit!
Enjoy dinner and drinks in a typical Parisian restaurant and toast our
new-found friends on tour. Then visit Montmartre, the old artists’
quarter made famous in the paintings of Toulouse-Lautrec and Utrillo.
Dominated by the brilliant white dome of Sacré Coeur Basilica, its
fascinating narrow streets and outdoor cafés give a real flavour of
Paris life. Alternatively, after dinner we will enjoy a floodlit Seine
Cruise or ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower.
60.00 (€)
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F10 - PARIS. Illuminations & the Eiffel
Tower or the Seine Cruise
No other city has such striking illuminations, best appreciated on our
guided sightseeing night drive. We take in the Place de la Concorde,
Champs Elysées, Arc de Triomphe and of course the famed Eiffel Tower
from the Trocadero. To complete this introduction, we will admire the
city from on high by ascending to the second stage on the Eiffel
Tower. Alternatively, embark on the ever popular river boats along the
Seine.
30.00 (€)
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F12 - PARIS. The Louvre & Seine Cruise
or Montmartre, or Eiffel Tower
We start witha conducted tour of one of the finest art galleries in
the world - the Louvre. A chance to admire theMona Lisa and the Venus
de Milo amongst the many thousands of exhibits in this former Royal
Palace.In addition, you may wish to admire the city from on high and
ascend to the second stage of the EiffelTower. Alternatives are a trip
on the ever-popular riverboats along the Seine, or a funicular ride up
toartistic Montmartre. (On occasions when the Louvre is closed, we
will visit the Sainte Chapelle). Our visit will be enhanced by the
effective use of our excellent audio system.
44.00 (€)
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F13 - PARIS. Versailles - The Palace
and Gardens
We leave the bustle of the city for thesplendour and magnificence of
Versailles. Created by the “Sun King” Louis XIV, the palace becamethe
envy of every other European ruler. Our guide takes us through the
State apartments, including the famous Hall of Mirrors. All of this
enhanced with the use of our excellent audio system. Afterwards, take
a stroll through the meticulous tree-lined gardens.
57.00 (€)
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F18 - PARIS. Excursion to Disneyland
Paris
Visit Europe’s latest major attraction, Disneyland in France, where
the young of all ages may explore their fantasies in a new setting.
Entrance fees included.
65.00 (€)
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F20 - FRENCH RIVIERA. The Three
Corniches, La Turbie & Lunch or Dinner
This afternoon we take a scenic excursion along the Riviera of the
Three Corniche Roads, enjoying spectacular views along perhaps the
most beautiful coast in Europe. When we finally reach the ‘Grand
Corniche’ - the highway which follows the ancient Aurelian Way - we
stop at the picturesque village of ‘La Turbie’. There the Emperor
Augustus erected a Roman ‘Trophy’ - a dazzling white sacrificial
temple to mark the border between Rome and Gaul (modern-day France),
and from this spot we admire a sweeping panorama over the
Mediterranean and the Principality of Monaco. We continue to our
restaurant where we will enjoy a typical meal of specialities from the
French Riviera. (Drinks included).
64.00 (€)
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F26 - FRENCH RIVIERA. St. Paul de Vence,
Eze Village, Perfumery and Lunch or Dinner
On certain departures, for operational reasons, F1 and F3 excursions
will be combinedomitting the Botanical Gardens. To be operated at
lunch or dinner
73.00 (€)
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F29 - GIVERNY. House and Gardens of
Claude Monet
Visit this charming French house with its spectacular gardens, the
former home of the greatest Impressionist painter, Claude Monet, and
inspiration for his magnificent ‘lily’ paintings. Our coach will drive
us to the town of Giverny where we will enjoy a tour of this
delightful house and garden with its internationally famous ‘Japanese’
bridge.
45.00 (€)
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F38 - PARIS. Dinner and Cabaret
Dinner with wines included at one of the most prestigious cabaret
shows in town! Enjoy an evening of exciting acts, stunning tableaux
and wonderful entertainment - including, of course, the world famous
Can-Can. A night in Paris that you will never forget!
110.00 (€)
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I1 - POMPEII
A guided tour of the excavations of Pompeii, the perfectly preserved
Roman town which was engulfed by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. A
unique opportunity to glimpse a moment of Roman everyday life, frozen
for over 2000 years.
27.00 (€)
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I5a - BAY OF NAPLES. Capri Excursion
with Lunch
Cruise the Tyrrenhian Sea to the legendary island of Capri. Here we
see the major highlights of this unforgettable place. The spectacular
drive up to Anacapri reveals vistas across the azure waters of the Bay
of Naples. Then we descend the short distance to Capri Town, where we
visit the luxuriant Caesar Augustus gardens for views of the
Faraglioni rocks, and have time to savour the cosmopolitan mood of the
Piazzetta before a funicular takes us down to the Marina. A light
lunch will be included during our visit.
63 (without lunch 53) (€)
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I7 - ROME. Evening Tour: Fountains and
Dinner
A lighthearted introduction to the “Eternal City”. Make sure of a safe
return to Rome as you toss coins in to the Trevi Fountain. Drive along
the glamorous Via Veneto - famed as the setting of “la dolce vita”,
and the splendour of the monuments in magnificent Piazza Venezia. Then
relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal with drinks included.
55.00 (€)
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I11 - ROME. Tivoli and Dinner
An excursion to the ancient Sabine town of Tivoli situated a few miles
outside Rome to enjoy the gardens and fountains of the Villa D’Este.
You will visit its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a Hundred
Fountains, and the Dragon Fountain of the Organ. We end the evening
with a typical Italian dinner, wine, soft drinks and music.
58 (without dinner 39) (€)
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I14 - ROME. Ancient and Christian Rome
Explore Rome’s past. Visit the Catacombs where the early Christians
assembled to escape persecution and which were used as underground
cemeteries. Then, on to the best preserved of the Roman Temples, the
Pantheon - today used as a Christian church! On some tours a visit to
the Chuch of St. Peter in Chains to see Michelangelo’s statue of
Moses, will be visited instead of the Pantheon. Our visit will be
enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system.
32.00 (€)
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I15 - ROME. Vatican Museums & the
Sistine Chapel
An extension to the included sightseeing tour which allows us to
admire the artistic masterpieces collected and commissioned by the
Popes. See the famous Tapestry Gallery and Gallery of Maps then
finally wonder at the masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Take your
time - Michelangelo spent 11 years in the preparation of the vault and
altar wall! Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our
excellent audio system.
36.00 (€)
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I16 - ROME. Roman Highlights
On certain departures, for operational reasons, tours I14 and I15 will
be combined excluding the Pantheon visit. Our visit will be enhanced
by the effective use of our excellent audio system.
61.00 (€)
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I18 - VENICE. Lagoon Cruise with Lunch
or Dinner
A half day off the beaten track! We are taken by private boat to the
nearby islands in the lagoon of Venice. See the island of Murano and
the Hermitage of San Francesco del Deserto. Lunch or dinner is taken
at the island of the ‘fisherman’ - Burano - a photographer’s paradise.
Drinks are also included.
62.00 (€)
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I19 - VENICE. Gondola Serenade
An ideal introduction to this unique and magical city. Enjoy a
romantic gondola journey along canals full of character and colour,
while musicians and singers entertain. See the Grand Canal with its
magnificent and elegant palaces, witnesses of the past splendours of
the ‘Serenissima’.
30.00 (€)
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I23 - FLORENCE. Dinner, Wine & Music in
the Chianti Hills
Our guided tour begins with the Academy of Fine Arts with its
Michelangelo collection including the world famous statue of David.
The statue established its creator as the leading sculptor of his day
and ensured continued patronage for him by the Medici rulers of the
city republic. We continue to the Duomo with its dome by Brunelleschi,
Bell Tower by Giotto and the Paradise Doors of the Baptistry by
Ghiberti. Finally we arrive in the political centre of Florence,
Signoria Square. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of
our excellent audio system.
33.00 (€)
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I25 - FLORENCE. Jewels of the
Renaissance
A guided tour of the Accademia allows us to appreciate the most
controversial sculpture in Italy, Michelangelo’s David. Then to the
fascinating ‘Cortile’ of the Medici Palace. Our visit will be enhanced
by the effective use of our excellent audio system.
32.00 (without the ‘Cortile’ 31.00) (€)
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I31 - ROME. Michelangelo’s Rome
A guided visit through the Vatican Museums culminates in the
splendours of the Sistine Chapel. Then across the Tiber to the ancient
church where St. Peter’s chains are displayed to view the
controversial and mighty sculpture of Moses. Finally, we see the
extraordinary Roman baths of Caracalla. Our visit will be enhanced by
the effective use of our excellent audio system.
39.00 (€)
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I35 - ROME. Visit to Piazza Navona
followed by Roman dinner and concert of live musical entertainment
We will first visit Piazza Navona (when available) with its beautiful
fountains and street artists before a short drive to one of Rome’s
finest restaurants. Here we will enjoy a delicious dinner, punctuated
by a concert of typical Italian songs and ‘bel canto’ for which this
country is justifiably famous! Sit back, relax and imbibe the special
Roman atmosphere – the wine or soft drinks are also included!
58.00 (without the visit to Piazza Navona or
another Roman site or monument the price is 55.00) (€)
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I40 - ROME. Introduction to Rome by
Night
Cameras at the ready for the many magnificent sights awaiting us as we
‘do as the Romans do’ and start the evening with a ‘passegiata’
(evening stroll) along the Via Condotti to the world-famous Spanish
Steps in Rome’s most fashionable shopping area. The ‘Campidoglio’,
Piazza Venezia and so much more are included on this evening visit
before we linger in Piazza Navona with its many pavement cafés and
trattorias to admire the seventeenth century fountains and
architecture. NB On certain departures, the Spanish Steps will be
substituted by the Piazza Rotonda, dominated by the mighty Pantheon.
30.00 (€)
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I49 - VENICE. Venice by night
A scintillating introduction to this magical city! First we cruise
along the Grand Canal by private water taxis admiring the elegant
Palazzos, illuminated by magnificent chandeliers. We see the Rialto
Bridge and then reach the ‘most beautiful outdoor drawing room in the
world’ - St. Mark’s Square. Here we will have time to wonder at the
impressive architecture before enjoying an included drink at one of
the chic ‘al fresco’ cafés whilst listening to the music of its own
orchestra! We return to our coach on the mainland by private motor
launch. (1 drink inc.)
40.00 (€)
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CH1 - LUCERNE. Lake Cruise
Widely considered to be the most lovely of the mountain lakes, much of
the shoreline of Lake Lucerne can only be fully appreciated from the
water. Admire the spectacular homes of the fortunate few, privileged
to live on its scenic shores, as we cruise gently by.
36.00 (sf)
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CH1a - Happy Hour Cruise
Like CH1 and includes 2 drinks
46.00 (sf)
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CH2 - LUCERNE. Swiss Experience
Enjoy an unforgettable trip along the lake to nearby mountain slopes,
and ascend by cog-wheel railway and cable car to spectacular alpine
views. The mountain air will whet your appetite for a delicious lunch
with drink included (one of the courses will be a cheese fondue), in
one of Switzerland’s most atmospheric restaurants. Yodelling and
alpine horns will contribute to your enjoyment of the accompanying
traditional folklore show. (On certain departures the ascent as well
as the descent of the mountain will be by cable car only).
146.00 (sf)
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CH7 - LUCERNE. Folklore Show with
Drinks
Join in the fun of a lively folklore show with typical Swiss
entertainment. Drinks are provided as we enjoy, amongst other things,
the yodelling, flagthrowing, Alpine horn blowing and fine musicianship
of the band.
61.00 (sf)
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CH7a - LUCERNE. Folklore Show with
Drinks
Folklore Show with Drinks and Cheese Fondue.
66.00 (sf)
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CH13 - LUCERNE. Mount Stanserhorn
Excursion
Drive along the Lake of Lucerne to come to the village of Stans,
terminal of one of Switzerland’s oldest mountain railways. We climb to
the top by funicular railway and modern cable car to reach 6,300 feet
- an excellent vantage from which to view the breathtaking scenery of
Alpine Switzerland. Free time to take in the air and perhaps some
refreshment before we descend and return to Lucerne.
66.00 (sf)
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CH15 - LUCERNE. Lake Cruise &
Stanserhorn
Admire the stunning lakeside landscapes as we cruise along the Lake of
Lucerne. Later arriving in the village of Stans, where we can climb to
the top by funicular railway and modern cable car to reach 6,300 feet
- an excellent vantage from which to view the breathtaking scenery of
Alpine Switzerland. Free time to take in the air and perhaps some
refreshment before we descend and return to Lucerne.
100.00 (sf)
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