EUROPEAN DELIGHTS
Switzerland & Rhine River Cruise

 Tour Departs: 24 June 2012    •    Tour Length: 26 Days

Overview:
Another exciting new tour for 2012. Commence our European journey in Paris before we travel by high-speed train to Geneva for the start of our comprehensive tour of Switzerland. Join the world famous “Glacier Express” train from Andermatt to St Moritz. Sit back and relax and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery – soaring mountain peaks, alpine lakes, lush green meadows. This is the scenery which Switzerland is famous for. And across the border into Italy are the wonderful Lakes Como and Maggiore.

After our coach tour, it is time to board our floating hotel for the 7 night Rhine River Cruise celebrating the fairytale and romantic spirit that inspires those who visit.  Sail down the Rhine in ultimate comfort from Basel to Amsterdam, visiting the towns and villages along the way with a chance to sample the local food and wine and take in the great scenery with castles galore.

Highlights: 
Paris – Geneva – Interlaken – The Jungfrau – St. Moritz – Lugano – Zermatt – The Matterhorn – Lake Lucerne – 8 Day Rhine River Cruise from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam

“A new tour - we know you will enjoy!  Touring at a leisurely pace with some wonderful rail journeys and topped off with the magical 7 night cruise down the Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam.”

Tour Costs:
Share Twin Room                                NZD$18,495           AUD$15,450
Supplement for Single Room                 NZD$  4,450           AUD$  3,615

Costs Include:
 • Economy Class airfares ex Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch, Melbourne/Sydney/Brisbane. Cost to upgrade to Business Class available on request
 • Prepaid government and airport taxes, security and fuel surcharges as at 01.09.11
 • First Class/Superior grade accommodation throughout
 • Deluxe Staterooms on Sapphire deck on Rhine River Cruise 
 • First Class air-conditioned coach transportation
 • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner)
 • Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
 • Services of European Tour Director and local guides for touring and sightseeing
 • Baggage handling of 1 suitcase per person
 • All tips and gratuities to coach drivers, guides and cruise staff
 • Fully escorted by a Mahers’ tour escort

Costs Exclude:
 • Any meals and sightseeing not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
 • Travel insurance – advice and assistance offered 
 • Items of a personal nature such as drinks, room service, laundry, telephone calls etc

Important – Cancellation Conditions: Due to the cruise content of this tour, we must vary our standard payment and cancellation conditions. These will be detailed in our written confirmation of your booking. Travel insurance will also be offered at this time. 

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

Sunday 24 June:
Home – Singapore
After connecting flights from other points, join the early afternoon flight to Singapore.  Arrival into Singapore is early evening where we are met and transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Monday 25 June:
Singapore – Paris (B)
This morning our sightseeing tour takes us on an historical journey through the heartland of Singapore.  We drive eastward to visit the bustling enclaves of Katong and Joo Chiat.  We then visit Changi Prison Museum, where we view a replica of the chapel that was used by the prisoners of war during World War II. This evening, transfer back to Singapore Airport for our overnight flight to Paris.

Tuesday 26 June:
Paris (D)
Welcome to Paris.  Our flight arrives into Paris early this morning.  We are met and transferred to our hotel for a 3 night stay.  The remainder of the day is free to soak up the atmosphere of this very special city.  This evening let’s enjoy dinner together.

Wednesday 27 June:
Paris (B)
The famous sights of Paris are a living history.   Our full day city sightseeing tour shows us magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Opera Madelaine, Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. We follow this up with a cruise on the River Seine where you can appreciate the beauty of Paris from the water. Later in the day, we visit the Montmartre area and the wonderful Sacré Coeur Basilica which also offers panoramic views over Paris

Thursday 28 June:
Paris (B,D)
A full day free to explore the things in Paris that interest you. Maybe spend time at the Louvre in the company of the Mona Lisa or one of the many other museums and galleries, stroll the banks of the River Seine or enjoy the shops of Gallerie Lafayette. This evening. We enjoy dinner at a Parisienne café.

Friday 29 June:
Paris – Geneva (B,D)
Today we transfer to the Paris railway station and join the world famous TGV ‘fast’ train to Geneva. Journey time is just over 3 hours. Sit back in First Class comfort as we speed across France through fertile vineyards and agricultural lands before arrival into Geneva. We have time this afternoon to enjoy the sights of Geneva before arriving at our hotel for an overnight stay.

Saturday 30 June:
Geneva - Interlaken (B,D)
Leaving Geneva, we travel around the lake to our first stop past the commercial city of Lausanne before we reach beautiful Montreux, nestled in a lovely bay on the lake against a breathtaking backdrop of snow-covered peaks. The town is famous for its jazz and music festival. From Montreux, we travel up to Bern, the Swiss capital and once voted Europe’s most floral city. The final leg of a wonderful day’s journey is to the “between lakes” resort of Interlaken for a 2 night stay. 

Sunday 1 July:
Interlaken – Valley of Waterfalls – Jungfrau (B)
On today’s excursion, we travel along the “Grindelwald” Valley, follow the sparkling Lutschine River to Lauterbrunnen at the head of the valley of waterfalls and see the Staubbach Falls plunge 300 metres. And we take the cog wheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau, the “Top of Europe” at 11,333 feet, for magnificent views of this world of eternal snow and ice. An absolutely spectacular day.

Monday 2 July:
Interlaken – Glacier Express - St. Moritz (B.D)
All aboard the ‘Glacier Express’, one of the world’s great railway journeys.  We drive through the dramatic Schollenen Gorge past the Devil’s Bridge to Andermatt to join the Glacier Express.  We head down through the Ober Alp, descend through the spiral tunnels of the Albula Pass, cross the Landwasser Viaduct to St. Moritz, considered by many as one of the most beautiful mountain areas in the world with deep blue lakes and high mountain peaks. We enjoy a 2 night stay in St Moritz.

Tuesday 3 July:
St. Moritz (B)
Your time is your own today to do as you please. Maybe join the “beautiful people” in the elegant boutiques, maybe take an exciting train journey over the Bernina Pass or just “chill out” in this spectacular setting.

Wednesday 4 July:
St. Moritz – Lugano (B,D)
A gradual change of scenery as we descend towards the enchanting shores of Lake Como and continue onto the southern tip of Switzerland.  The area south of the Alps is Mediterranean -  orchards, vineyards, olive and fig trees.  Afternoon arrival in the subtropical lakeside resort town of Lugano for an overnight stay.

Thursday 5 July:
Lugano – Stresa – Zermatt (B,D)
From Lake Lugano we travel to the Italian shore of Lake Maggiore to elegant Stresa and it’s on over the lofty Simplon Pass into the Swiss Valais, an area renowned for its great mountain resorts, to reach the most famous of them, Zermatt.  Leave the coach behind in Tasch and board an electric minibus for the short ride to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt where we stay for 2 nights.  

Friday 6 July:
Zermatt – Matterhorn Excursion (B)
Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn and is surrounded by majestic peaks. It is “essential Switzerland”. In the morning, we board the cable car up the Matterhorn. From the summit enjoy the incredible views of the ice bound Swiss Alps and the magnificent panorama of the highest peaks of Switzerland/Italy/France. On your return, there is time to enjoy the traffic-free village shops. This evening, maybe dine at one of the many Swiss restaurants around the town.

Saturday 7 July:
Zermatt – Lake Lucerne (B,D)
It is only a 3 hour drive to Lake Lucerne. Enroute, experience Swiss rural life much of which has remained unchanged throughout the ages, over the Brunig Pass to picture book Lucerne for an overnight stay.  In the afternoon, we enjoy a tour of Lucerne. Highlights include the half-timbered buildings of the Old Town, the covered Chapel Bridge and the daunting Lion Monument. Tonight, let’s enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate the last night of the Swiss section of our tour.

Sunday 8 July:
Join 8 Day Rhine River Cruise (B,D)
A late start this morning as we leave Lucerne and travel the short distance to Basel situated on the Rhine River where France Germany and Switzerland meet. This afternoon, we join our floating hotel and home for the next 7 nights, the river ship “Felicity”. All accommodation in   “outside” staterooms with French Balconys and large floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. This evening, meet the captain and crew at a welcome reception before sitting down to dinner.

Monday 9 July:
Strasbourg (B,L,D)
Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. A local guide shows us the noteworthy sights: the Gothic Cathedral, the lovely La Petite France district, Place Kléber and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. Strasbourg is also home to the Kronenbourg Brewery.

Tuesday 10 July:
Heidelberg (B,L,D)
Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town of “Student Prince” fame, a world-famous love musical. From the river, see the ruins of the imposing Heidelberg Castle, built of red sandstone and towering above the city, and enjoy free time to explore.

Wednesday 11 July:
Mainz–Rüdesheim (B,L,D)
Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River, Mainz is Germany’s largest and most important wine market. The OldTown has many interesting shops, tea rooms and restaurants, and a fountain on the Schillerplatz is decorated with scenes of the famous carnival held here every year. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and you’ll visit the Gutenberg Museum. The pretty little town of Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum is a real surprise! Enjoy a special treat, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs.

Thursday 12 July:
Rhine Gorge–Koblenz (B,L,D)
Downstream from Rüdesheim is the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of river and dotted every mile with castles. Pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business centre of the Middle Rhine region.

Friday 13 July:
Cologne (B,L,D)
Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany’s largest cities. The soaring twin steeples of Cologne’s magnificent gothic cathedral - which took more than 600 years to build - dominate the river skyline. The Germano-Roman Museum next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with taverns, cafés, and shops. The favourite local beer here is Kölsch.

Saturday 14 July:
Amsterdam (B,L,D)
Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by canal boat, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

Sunday 15 July:
Amsterdam – Grand Holland Tour (B)
After breakfast, its time to say farewell to our ship. Our coach is there to meet us and we are whisked away for a full day tour. We start our tour at Delft for a visit to one of the Delft Blue Potteries.  We continue to Rotterdam the dynamic and unique city which surrounds one of the busiest ports in the world.  We visit The Hague, where we see the Houses of Parliament, then onto Madurodam, Holland’s famous miniature town.  Our last stop for the day is Scheveningen, the resort on the North Sea. We return to Amsterdam and check-in to our hotel for a 2 night stay.

Monday 16 July:
Amsterdam (B,D)
A free day today. Time to explore the wonderful museums or stroll the canals or some last minute shopping. This evening, we enjoy a final tour dinner together on the eve of our departure for home.

Tuesday 17 July:
Amsterdam – Singapore (B)
This morning we are transferred to the airport to join our overnight flight to Singapore.

Wednesday 18 July:
Singapore – Home
We arrive into Singapore early this morning and we have the day free before continuing the journey this evening.  Hotel rooms at the airport are provided for the day to allow time for rest and relaxation.  This evening we join our aircraft for the final leg of our homeward journey.

Thursday 19 July:
Welcome Home
The tour ends with our mid-morning arrival home.