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55 Rose Street Essendon Victoria 3040 AUSTRALIA Telephone +61 3 9337 3744 Freecall 1800 630 640 Facsimile +61 3 9331 1113 [email protected] ABN 17 007 150 441 www.wingsaway.com.au EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING 23 November - 10 December 2017 Spirit Christmas of Hungary - Austria - Germany Featuring 8 day Danube River Cruise

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Page 1: Spirit of Christmas - Wings Awaywingsaway.com.au/files/imce/Christmas brochure.pdfEnjoy a ferry ride on the glass-like lake or take a nature walk along the Echerntal trail. Visit a

55 Rose Street Essendon Victoria 3040 AUSTRALIA

Telephone +61 3 9337 3744 Freecall 1800 630 640 Facsimile +61 3 9331 1113

[email protected] ABN 17 007 150 441 www.wingsaway.com.au

EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING

23 November - 10 December 2017

SpiritChristmas

of

Hungary - Austria - GermanyFeaturing 8 day Danube River Cruise

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Spirit of Christmas

Anne RogersTour Manager

Iwarmly invite you to join me next November, to celebrate Wings Away’s 18 days of Christmas.

Our Spirit of Christmas tour is for lovers of Christmas and its traditions, and there is nowhere better to experience those than Central Europe in the weeks before the festive season. Every village, town and city enthusiastically embraces the wonder of Christmas, as tradition dictates. Each creates a wonderful ambience with a wonderful market, where the fun is as much about enjoying the seasonal food, wine and entertainment, as it is about purchasing small hand-crafted trinkets, lovingly made by local artisans. It’s a special time of warmth and wonder, and it is impossible not to be caught up in the magic of it all.

The centrepiece of our journey is a 7-night cruise on one of Europe’s finest and newest river ships; Viking River Cruises’ Egil, from Budapest to Nuremburg, during which we will visit some of the best Christmas markets, whilst exploring the marvellous riverside towns and cities on our itinerary including; Vienna, Passau, and Regensburg. Our tour also includes splendid hotel stays in Hallstatt (is this the prettiest place in the world??), a stopover at beautifully ancient Dinkelsbuhl, and a surprise farewell event, during an extended stay in Vienna to end our journey. As with all our tours, there are opportunities for us to modify the itinerary to accommodate your personal requirements. For example, you may wish to join me in Berlin for 4 days pre-tour staying at the marvelous Regent Hotel, and there are a number of post-tour opportunities to extend your stay and enjoy even more Christmas.

I have personally selected our hotels, each with its own special character and charm, and all of which will be beautifully decorated for Christmas. Together we will create some wonderful Christmas memories, and I do hope you will join me to experience our favourite season at its absolute best.

23 November - 10 December 2017

Thursday 23 November WELCOME TO BUDAPEST Welcome to Hungary and to Budapest one of Eastern Europe’s liveliest cities spanning the banks of the Danube. Our hotel is within easy reach of the city highlights. Check-in then step out and let the festivities begin at the Christmas Market in Vörösmarty Square!

Friday 24 November BUDAPESTBuildings of significance such as the Parliament, the Opera House and the Great Synagogue will be visited on our private tour. Then we will learn the secrets of traditional strudel making at a typical Hungarian lunch. Rug up and walk Andrassy Avenue to see the 19th & 20th century mansions.Enjoy the festive lights and decorations along the way.

Saturday 25 November GREAT MARKET HALL – EMBARKATION, VIKING EGILMake a morning visit to the marvellous Great Market Hall. Whilst transferring to our river ship we’ll make a stop at the Hospital in the Rock, a historic gem. The crew will extend a warm welcome as we board our river ship, Viking Egil. Unpack, explore the ship then relax and enjoy the views of the illuminated city landmarks as a traditional Hungarian dinner is served.

Sunday 26 November BUDAPEST/CRUISING THE DANUBEPrior to our rendezvous with Viking Egil in time for lunch, there is more of Budapest to explore. The Heroes’ Square on the Pest side and the Fishermen’s Bastions and Matthias Church, across the Danube in Buda’s Castle District will be highlights with great photo opportunities. During

a leisurely afternoon cruising along the Danube, learn how to make a true Viennese coffee, and perhaps Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and other Christmas treats.

Monday 27 November VIENNA, AUSTRIAVienna: the capital of Austria. Famous for its Imperial palaces and past residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. Whilst travelling the famous Ringstrasse, magnificent buildings, pretty squares transformed into magical Christmas markets and traditional Coffee Houses will delight. Embrace the spirit of Christmas as you explore the beautiful streets of Vienna festooned with decorations. Visit the Christmas Market in front of the city hall where an unforgettable setting will fill you with seasonal joy.

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Tuesday 28 November KREMS, AUSTRIAIn addition to exploring the time-honoured town of Krems, we will visit Gottweig Abbey. It remains a working Benedictine abbey today as it towers like a palace high above the hills of the Wachau World Heritage landscape. The historic buildings provide a stunning location for the Christmas market. Sip famous hot Glühwein served by the monks as you explore and discover regional crafts including woodcarvings.

Wednesday 29 November PASSAU, GERMANY After docking at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers we will join a morning walk along narrow streets, lined with traditional patrician houses, to the Old Town. Return at leisure this afternoon. Both traditional and contemporary cribs will point the way to the Christkindlmarkt set against the glorious backdrop of St. Stephens Cathedral where a special concert will have been a morning highlight.

Engage with the stall holders and explore a wealth of Christmas specialities.

Thursday 30 November REGENSBURG, GERMANY Overnight we will have reached Regensburg, considered one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. IF the large collection of 13th and 14th century church spires,

towers and houses and the 12th century Old Stone Bridge are

dusted with snow, we will be entering a traditional scene as displayed on Christmas Cards! Follow the aromas of hot punch,

grilled sausages and bakery items to the market square. St.

Nikolaus might even be there.

Friday 1 December NUREMBURG, GERMANYEarly this morning we sail through the locks that comprise the Main-Danube Canal. This engineering marvel completed in 1992 with 16 locks that raise the water level and allow us passage. As we cruise, look beyond the banks into homes and villages where today, Advent Calendars have started

the countdown to Christmas and trees covered in tinsel and lights will delight. On our afternoon tour of Nuremberg, our guide will point out places of significance during the Nazi Germany era and the famous Nuremberg trials before we reach the Altstadt (Old Town). Here, surrounded by medieval architecture we can mingle with the locals socialising with friends and enjoying the magic of one of Europe’s most famous Christmas Markets.

Saturday 2 December NUREMBURG/ROTHENBURG/ BADEN-WURTTEMBERG AREAAs our cruise concludes, our winter wonderland journey continues. We travel along the Romantic Road, highly ranked as Germany’s most popular holiday route. During a stop at the walled town of Rothenburg, transformed into a winter’s fairytale every Christmas, get lost in the merriment at Reiterlesmarkt, the Advent market. Its heritage dates back over 500 years. Consider a ride on the beautiful Carousel before we drive on to Neustadtlein where we will stay for two nights.

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Sunday 3 December DINKELSBUHL, GERMANY A special treat today as we visit Dinkelsbuhl , one of the best preserved medieval towns in Germany . Our guide will walk us through an almost unspoilt townscape dating back over 400 years where the city wall features 16 towers built as fortifications. All alleys, richly decorated for Christmas, lead to the market where amidst great fanfare; we will drink warmed wine and participate in the festive activities!

Monday 4 December SALZBURG/HALLSTATTEnjoy Eastern Alp views as we depart Germany and enter Austria. In Salzburg, the beautiful city where the medieval and baroque buildings of the pedestrian Altstadt (Old City) are not only charming but renowned for being the birthplace of famed composer Mozart. Journeying on, we will reach Hallstatt, one of the most picturesque lakeside villages in the world, where we will relax for three enchanting evenings.

Tuesday 5 DecemberHALLSTATT – KRAMPUS PARADE! A local guide will introduce us to this spectacular Alpine village on a morning walk. In addition to taking in the arresting scenery of this tiny village tucked between mountains and the lake, we will hear about its history and the part played by the salt trade. Great excitement as dark falls and we experience the parade of the wildly costumed Krampus! While the holiday season represents the most magical time

“I normally avoid shopping but I loved my Christmas markets river cruise experience!

The festive atmosphere is contagious and the cities and towns visited have so much to offer;

The grand buildings in Budapest, the war history in Nuremburg, the marvellous museums in Vienna -

All captivated me, as did the rivers we navigated.” G.G.

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of year, ancient European folklore warns of Krampus, a horned beast who punishes naughty children at Christmas time.

Wednesday 6 December HALLSTATTThe day is yours to spend as you please. Take snapshots from one of the most photographed points in the world. Capture scenes of the villages built in to the mountains. Enjoy a ferry ride on the glass-like lake or take a nature walk along the Echerntal trail. Visit a nearby village to explore the Christmas markets and traditional activities or to relax at a thermal bath and spa.

Thursday 7 December HALLSTATT/VIENNAToday we return to Vienna, where we have already had a taste of what the city has to offer. At this time of year eating special seasonal foods,

attending concerts and theatrical performances, ice skating and socialising are popular activities! Get amongst these and other cultural events, coffee houses and cosy wine taverns to embrace the Viennese charm, at its spectacular best at Christmas.

Friday 8 December MEMORIES TO BE MADE! Be prepared to be impressed today as Wings Away hosts a very special “Wings Away Tour Finale Event”! A sparkling wine welcome, amazing sights, historic sounds, stunning hospitality, tasty treats, entertainment and more will combine to make this a magical day with lasting memories.

Saturday 9 December VIENNA AT LEISURE Make the most of your last tour day. Final purchases can be made

or if you are looking for a change of direction, visit one of many museums - you are bound to find one of interest. Take time for a final slice of Sacher torte and drink a coffee or sparkling Sekt toast to new friends and the many marvellous tour moments shared as you have lived “winter magic”.

Sunday 10 December HOMEWARD BOUNDAside from the opportunity to join me pre-tour, in Berlin, there are a number of wonderful ways you could continue your journey afterwards.For example Helsinki in Finland is wonderful in winter, as is Lapland, St.Petersburg, and of course the mainstream European cities, with a special mention for Paris which is so pretty when dressed for Christmas. Depending upon your air routing, there will be the usual options for a stopover in Asia or the Middle East.

Luxury on the river;With floor-to-ceiling windows in most of the super comfortable staterooms, and the lounge bar and restaurant, you will soak up the river views, every wakening hour! On Viking Egil, unpack once, relax and enjoy supreme hospitality. All your needs will be catered for with fabulous inclusions such as excursions in each port of call, crew gratuities and an inclusive Silver Spirits drinks package. There is nothing you won’t enjoy whilst river cruising.

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INCLUSIONS• 18 days / 17 nights tour package• Hungary – Austria – Germany• Featuring 7 night Romantic Danube cruise with Viking Cruises• Complimentary upgrade to Silver Spirits Beverage package whilst cruising• Daily excursions and included gratuities whilst cruising• 2 nights Budapest at the Intercontinental Budapest• Wings Away Exclusive touring program in Budapest• Authentic Hungarian Lunch Experience• Wings Away Exclusive Festive Village Touring in Austria and Germany• 2 Nights Neustadtlein• 3 Nights Hallstatt• 3 Nights Vienna• Touring, entrance fees and guides as per daily itinerary• 35 meals including breakfast daily• Arrival and departure transfers in Europe• Hotel porterage• The services of Anne Rogers, tour manager• PLUS ADDITIONAL WINGS AWAY BONUS SURPRISES

Package details

Viking Longship Cruise Cabin Category Cost Per Person – TWIN SHARE*Stateroom category E $7,998

French Balcony category D $9,215

French Balcony category C $9,499

Package costs from*All staterooms on the VIKING EGIL have river views and private ensuite and can be configured to contain 1 double bed or 2 single beds. Category C staterooms feature a floor to ceiling French balcony window and are located on the Upper deck. Category D staterooms feature a floor to ceiling French balcony window and are located on the Middle deck. Category E staterooms feature a rectangular window and are located on the Main deck.

Situated on the River Spree, Berlin is an intriguing city with much for visitors to enjoy. It is home to some of the world’s pre-eminent galleries and museums, in addition to many reminders of more recent history which resonates with us all. There are some beautifully displayed sections of the Berlin Wall to view, as well as famous Checkpoint Charlie. There is the vast Tiergarten wilderness park which divides the city beyond the amazing Brandenburg Gate. Nearby is the famous Reichstag (Parliament Building), with its marvellous glass dome. Despite the city’s unification in 1989, there is still quite a distinction between East and West, and it is interesting as you move around to note which was which. Pre-Christmas Berlin is very festive and beautiful, and a short break here will be a perfect way to commence our journey together.

Anne Rogers

Begin in Berlin 3 night pre tour package from $1,255 per person

*Airfares not included. Cost per person based on twin share. Sole use packages on application. Fares are subject to availability and currency fluctuation. Past Viking passengers may be entitled to cruise credits upon presentation of Viking Explorer Society membership number at time of booking.

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Booking Form Spirit of ChristmasPERSONAL DETAILS FIRST PASSENGER SECOND PASSENGERTitle e.g. Mr, Mrs, Ms, Miss, Dr.

Given names (as shown on passport)

Surname (as shown on passport)

Preferred name (for guest list)

Date of birth

ADDRESSNumber & name of streetSuburbState & postcodeHome telephone contactBusiness telephone contactMobile contactEmail address

EMERGENCY CONTACTNameTelephone contact

PASSPORT DETAILS A COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THIS BOOKING FORM.

Passport numberCountry of issueExpiry date

OTHER INFORMATIONMedical requirementsDietary requirementsOther special requirementsViking Explorer Society Member?Please provide member numbers

Wings Away Travel will provide you with a travel insurance quote. Should you choose to organise your own travel insurance, please provide us with your policy number.

By signing this form I acknowledge that I have read, understood, initialled and returned the booking terms and conditions attached to this form.

Signed: ____________________________ (on behalf of persons listed) Date: _______________

ACCOMMODATION PREFERENCE:

BEGIN IN BERLIN?

French Balcony category C

French Balcony category D

Stateroom category E

Twin share

Sole use

Double bed

Twin bed

YES NO

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Terms & ConditionsDeposit/Payment A deposit of $1,800 per person is required at time of booking, with final payment due no later than 01 AUGUST 2017.Copies of passports and a completed booking form are required at time of booking.

Confirmation of your booking When we receive your booking form and deposit we will immediately dispatch confirmation of your place on the tour. From this time a firm contract exists between you and Wings Away Travel on the basis of our tour flyer and any amendments communicated to you. We reserve the right to refuse to accept a booking for any reason and we will provide you with the reason.In the instance of single travellers, we can endeavour to match you with another single traveller to form a twin share basis if you request us to do so (same sex only). We do not guaran-tee that this will be achieved and if it is not it will be necessary for you to pay the applicable single supplement surcharge.

What is included in the tour price?Your tour price includes all arrangements as outlined in the daily itinerary inclusive of accommodation, transportation, admission fees, hotel porterage of one suitcase per person and services of a Wings Away Tour Manager throughout. Meals are included according to the legend as shown beside each day’s activities; any additional meals are at your own expense and payable direct at that time.

What is not included in the tour price? Air fares (only if indicated) passport and visa fees, excess baggage, insurances of all kinds, laundry, phone calls, additional accommodation made necessary by flight schedules, additional meals and beverages not already stated as in-cluded, optional excursions and sightseeing not included in the itinerary, and items of a personal nature.

Travel Insurance is compulsory Wings Away Travel requires that all guests are fully insured. We recommend that you obtain travel insurance before paying your deposit or shortly after. We will happily advise you in this regard and provide you with competitive quota-tions. Failure to obtain travel insurance will not waive any cancellation fees or deposits already paid in the event you need to cancel your trip for any reason.

Passports, Visas and Health For all tours outside Australia, participants must hold a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months after the date of return. Those not holding Australian passports require an Australi-an Re-Entry Permit. Whilst we are delighted to offer passport advice, and whatever assistance

we can to ensure your documents are in order, the ultimate responsibility lies with you, and we cannot be held liable in the event you commence your journey with incorrect documentation. Wings Away Travel cannot advise you on health matters however we can direct you to an appro-priate source for such information.

Fitness Some tours may require a degree of fitness and stamina level. Wings Away reserves the right to request a certificate of fitness from a medical professional stating that you are able to partake in this tour. A form detailing fitness require-ments for this tour will be provided to you.

CommunicationIf you are the ‘main contact’ for your travelling party, it is your responsibility to ensure that all members of the party are aware of these terms and conditions. In arranging your booking you must notify Wings Away Travel & Cruiseland of any health or mobility issues that you or your travelling party may have and/or may adversely affect the operation of the tour. (Refer Fitness above)

If you cancel or alter your bookingOur tour operator will levy a charge if you cancel once the confirmation has been issued, to offset costs incurred in preparation of the tour. Charges vary according to the period of notice given – (fees are per person)Up to 140 days before departure – loss of 50% of depositBetween 140 and 60 days before departure – 50% of tour costLess than 60 days before departure – 100% of total tour costWe take the day of cancellation to be that on which we receive your written confirmation of cancellation. Insurance premiums are not refundable. Your insurance policy may cover you for at least some of your losses due to cancellation. Please refer to your insurance documents. If you are obliged to cancel you may, with reasonable notice, transfer your booking to a third party who satisfies all the conditions of a person taking that holiday, but you will be obliged to pay for any additional costs resulting from the transfer. It may not be possible to transfer airfares. If you wish to alter any of the reservations after we have issued confirmations, we will do all possible to assist with your re-quests but an administration fee may be applied in addition to any direct costs involved.

HostShould your Wings Away Tour Manager/Host, due to unforeseen circumstances or force majeure, be unable to attend on your tour, then they will be replaced with another tour manag-er/host as chosen by Wings Away Travel. The tour will proceed and full cancellation fees will

apply, as set above, if you decide to cancel your booking.

If WE cancel or alter your bookingWe do our utmost to provide arrangements as confirmed, but we reserve the right to modify or cancel any tour and any of its inclusions if unforeseen circumstances arise. We also reserve the right to cancel a tour on which there are insufficient bookings up to eight weeks before departure. If we cancel or significantly alter an important element of a tour, we will offer the choice of alternative tour arrangements. In cases of hostilities, political unrest or circumstanc-es amounting to force majeure, our decision whether to proceed or not will be in accordance with advice issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs. The flight times, airlines and types of air-craft are subject to change. We reserve the right to cancel the participation on a tour of any client whose behaviour is in the opinion of a represent-ative of the company causing excessive distress, damage or annoyance. Our assistance to that client will cease immediately and no compensa-tion will be paid for any loss.

Our liabilities to youWe accept responsibility for ensuring that all parts of the tour are supplied as described and that all services reach a reasonable standard. However, we shall not be liable for the failure or improper performance is attributed to the fault of the client, or the unforeseeable or unavoida-ble actions of an unconnected third party or to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances be-yond our control, including force majeure, and the consequence of which could not have been avoided however careful we or our suppliers might have been. Our obligations and responsi-bilities shall also be limited where international conventions in respect of air or sea carriers apply. We would, however, strive to give prompt assistance and to find appropriate solutions.

ComplaintsPlease try to deal with any problems which may occur, on the spot by immediately notifying our representative on the tour of any complaint. If the matter cannot be rectified at the time, please tell us about it as soon as possible after your re-turn. As your satisfaction is our primary aim, we welcome all comments and take all complaints seriously.

Unused ServicesNo reduction/refund will be made for any unused services, either for individual passengers or the group as a whole.

I hereby understand and abide by these Terms & Conditions and confirm that I have advised all travelling parties accordingly.

Please initial your acknowledgement: _____