2008/2009 Winter Wonderland Tour - A White Christmas/New Year?
Roaring log fires? Alpine Chalets? Romantic cities? Great Train Journeys?
Dreaming of a White Christmas?
Why not start your Winter Wonderland holiday with the White Christmas package 7 days in a family-run hotel in a beautiful Swiss Alpine village.
NOTE: The White Christmas package may be taken as a stand alone tour without the Winter Wonderland Tour.
Show Itinerary Calendar
Brochure & Booking Form
(1.5MB PDF)
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Tour dates highlighted - click on a date to view details.
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JETTING OFF
Sunday, Dec 28th:
Join your Singapore Airlines flight this afternoon, arriving in Singapore in the late evening. So that you are not sitting up all night on the flight to Europe, we break our journey in Singapore, sleeping in a hotel room at Singapore Airport.
Interlaken, SWISS ALPS & LAKES
Monday, Dec 29th:
Checking in for the onward flight around midday, we enjoy a daylight flight on to Europe. On arrival in Zurich Airport in the early evening, you are met by your Tour Leader and immediately begin your love affair with the Great Trains of Europe, joining a Swiss InterCity to Interlaken our home for four days. Interlaken lies, as its name suggests, between the lakes - Lake Thun and Lake Brienz - surrounded by the Bernese Oberland Alps. There are stunning views of the Eiger and the Jungfrau.
Interlaken, SWISS ALPS & LAKES
Tuesday, Dec 30th: ^ Top ^
A lazy morning to sleep in, to potter about Interlaken, or perhaps, to enjoy a massage and facial in the hotel Wellness Centre. The truly athletic will have hit the slopes already. After an early lunch we take what is truly one of the Great Rail Journeys of the World on the Jungfrau Railway. We climb and tunnel through the Eiger to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station - an unbelievable 11,333 feet above sea level. Superlatives fail when one tries to describe the view across the roof of the world. After coffee (try the hot chocolate!) we retrace our path back down to Interlaken, stopping off for a stroll through the beautiful Alpine village of Wengen.
Interlaken, SWISS ALPS & LAKES
Wednesday, Dec 31st:
Choose between a quiet day in the village or the spa, or on the slopes. There is an optional excursion offered today, on another of the world's great train journeys - the tiny red Glacier Express. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the panorama carriage, and enjoy lunch in the restaurant car. Have your cameras at the ready for stunning Alpine vistas. It is a long day with an early start, but well worth it. We are back in our Interlaken hotel in time for the New Year's Eve festivities to begin.
Interlaken, SWISS ALPS & LAKES
Thursday, January 1st:
A hang-over after New Year's revelry? Enjoy a late and leisurely brunch before deciding whether to do nothing today or to do very little.
PRAGUE
Friday, Jan 2nd:
Our luggage is taken on ahead as we join Germany's high speed luxury train, the ICE - InterCity Express. We cross Germany almost completely from South West to North East. At Dresden we change to a EuroCity and cross the Czech border, arriving in the early evening in the magical city of Prague.
PRAGUE
Saturday, Jan 3rd:
Today there is a visit to Prague Castle, perched high on the hill overlooking the city. Here is also the cathedral church of St Vitus, incorporating the chapel built on the spot where Good King Wenceslas was murdered a thousand years ago. Crossing back over the Charles Bridge, we visit the historic Jewish Quarter. A free afternoon for the shops or to enjoy the music. A romantic candlelit dinner cruise on the Vlatava tonight as the lights of Prague Castle twinkle in the waters? Or perhaps an opera or a concert?
PRAGUE or Day Trip to DRESDEN
Sunday, Jan 4th:
A free day to continue your exploration of this fabulous city. The Old Town Square, left intact through all the wars of the twentieth century, has at least one building from every century from the twelfth to the twentieth. Prague is rich in Mozart associations. Bohemian crystal is world-famous. Although it is Sunday, many shops will be open. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional excursion to Dresden, one of Europe's cultural wonders now emerging from the ashes of carpet bombing in World War II and 44 years of Communism.
PRAGUE
Monday, Jan 5th:
Enjoy a last free day in magical Prague. You understand why Mozart loved it so much.
To VENICE
Tuesday, Jan 6th: ^ Top ^
Farewelling Prague today, we travel on two EuroCity trains, changing in Vienna. In the evening we arrive in the world's most romantic city, Venice, the city of canals. One of the great moments in European travel is when you emerge from the Venice station, hear the chugging of the vaporettos, and catch your first glimpse of the lights on the Grand Canal. Our hotel is nearby, where our luggage awaits.
VENICE
Wednesday, Jan 7th:
This morning we begin to explore the art and history of Venice. Byzantine St Mark's is considered by many to be the most beautiful church in the world and the historic Doge's Palace and its Bridge of Sighs are “must sees.” Venice is best taken slowly, wandering along her canals and bridges.
VENICE
Thursday, Jan 8th:
There is time for a visit to an outer island - Burano for exquisite lace, Murano for world-famous Venetian glass. Art lovers will want to see the Tintoretto paintings in the Scuola di San Rocco, the Titian in the Friary Church, and the collection of Venetian Renaissance art in the Accademia Gallery. Your Tour Leader is on hand to guide. Save the gondola ride for late afternoon. The true romantics will take their gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs at sundown as the bells of the Campanile ring.
VENICE or a Day Trip to FLORENCE
Friday, Jan 9th:
Another relaxing day in the galleries and shops of Venice? Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional excursion with your Tour Leader to the cradle of civilization and birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence, riding Italy's fabulous Eurostar Italia train. Our sightseeing includes Michelangelo's statue of “David”, and the Baptistery with its bronze doors, before strolling towards the river and the twelfth century Ponte Vecchio bridge. If you loved the movies “Room with a View” and “Tea with Mussolini”, this is your town. Put all shopping for shoes and leather on hold until you've been to Florence. Home to Venice tonight.
To INNSBRUCK
Saturday, Jan 10th:
Enjoy a final morning in Venice as the church bells ring. Have you found time yet for a gondola ride or for a visit to an outer island? Shortly after midday we cross to the station to join our Eurocity train for Innsbruck, as our luggage is taken on ahead. Passing Romeo and Juliet's town of Verona, we soon begin climbing through the Dolomites towards the Alps, which we cross at the Brenner Pass, the Austrian-Italian frontier. We are not staying in downtown Innsbruck, but in the beautiful Alpine village of Igls, perched 15 minutes above. Thaw out with a glass of gluhwein in front of the roaring log fire as our luggage arrives. This is our home for 3 nights.
INNSBRUCK
Sunday, Jan 11th:
Choices today. Skiing? The ski hire shop is at the front door of the hotel, and the ski lifts are only metres away. Alternatively join your Tour Leader in an exploration of Innsbruck, the Imperial city of the Hapsburgs. We commence by riding a tramcar through snow decked forests down to Innsbruck below. There is an interesting mediaeval quarter to explore before taking a ride up the Hungerberg rack railway for a panorama of the Alps and Innsbruck. .
INNSBRUCK or a Day Trip to SALZBURG
Monday, Jan 12th: ^ Top ^
Today, you may choose to ski, to potter about the village, to sit in front of the log fire, or to take the tram back down into Innsbruck to the shops. There is an optional excursion by Austrian InterCity train to Mozart's birthplace, Salzburg. On arrival in Salzburg, firstly we enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the castle fortress at the top of the rack railway, and then visit the cathedral where the great man made his first acquaintance with music. There is plenty of time to wander the narrow cobble-stone streets or visit Mozart's house, now a museum.
INNSBRUCK
Tuesday, Jan 13th:
Two of the world's great trains today: Germany's ICE and the world's fastest, the French TGV. We depart Innsbruck this morning on the ICE and cross into Germany. At Stuttgart we join the French TGV. Skirting the Black Forest, we cross the Rhine into France and are soon in Paris, the City of Lights. Some say that Paris, not Venice, is the world's most romantic city. Our luggage awaits our arrival.
To PARIS
Wednesday, Jan 14th:
Our morning sightseeing includes the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees and Notre Dame Cathedral, ending up at the Louvre to say hello to Mona Lisa. An afternoon optional excursion is available to the Versailles Palace of King Louis XIV. Major decisions tonight: which of the thousands of excellent restaurants?
PARIS
Thursday, Jan 15th:
Museums? Department stores? Fashion boutiques? A very long lunch? Choices, choices. There is an optional excursion offered today to the Somme Battlefields of World War I. Here we visit sites sacred in Australia's national history. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Paris fashion stores, or some more museums.
PARIS
Friday, Jan 16th:
A final free day in every true romantic's favourite city. A farewell dinner in Paris tonight, overlooking the twinkling Eiffel Tower.
HOMEWARD BOUND
Saturday, Jan 17th:
The tour ends after breakfast this morning. We bid “au revoir”, and transfer to the airport for the homeward flight, or join the Optional London Add-On, detailed below. A stopover is possible in Singapore. Alternatively, you may extend your stay in Europe for up to six months, flying home from any city served by Singapore Airlines (this may increase the airfare).
ARRIVE HOME
Monday, Jan 19th:
Costs:
Option 1. $AUD 9,950 per person Twin Share. Land Content only (i.e. join the tour in Zurich and leave the tour in Paris or London)
Or:
Option 2. $AUD 11,950 per person Twin Share. Including return economy class airfares to Europe from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or Perth.
Single Room supplement $AUD 2000.
Enquire about Business or First Class airfare upgrades (Remember, if you don't fly First Class, your grandchildren will).
What's included?^ Top ^
- Return Australia / Europe economy class airfares - but NOT taxes - from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane as outlined in the itinerary. Departure from / return to other Australian airports will require payment of a supplement.
- Airport transfers if arriving and departing on group dates. Inquire about the cost of earlier departure or later return.
- Twin share accommodation with buffet breakfast in centrally located First Class hotels with private facilities and heating.
- Restaurant dinner (3 courses plus wine or beer) on one night in each new city in Europe. This is usually the first night. In Prague and Venice, this is on the second night (later train arrival, dine on the train); in Paris it is on the final night and takes the form of a farewell dinner. In Wengen, a five course dinner is served on each of the four nights.
- First Class rail travel in reserved seats on many of Europe's great trains - Glacier Express, Golden Pass Panoramic Brünig Express, Jungfrau Railway, Cisalpino, Eurocity, French TGV. (Second class seats only available on some sectors, e.g. Jungfraubahn).
- Entrances to the Academy (David) in Florence, and the Doge's Palace in Venice,
- Luggage handling between cities (except on Eurostar for London Add on).
The TOUR COST does NOT include:
- Hotel incidentals (eg. mini-bars, telephone calls, laundry),
- airport and departure taxes, local transport in any city,
- optional excursions listed or meals other than breakfast and the one restaurant dinner in each city - the first night in each new city, except Paris where it takes the form of a farewell dinner. On other nights, the Tour Leaders are available to accompany group members to local, authentic restaurants.
Dreaming of a White Christmas? ^ Top ^
The Great Trains of Europe Tours offer members of the Winter Wonderland Tour an option of arriving in Europe a week earlier to spend a fabulous White Christmas week in a cosy family run hotel in the beautiful village of Grindelwald, above Interlaken, and with stunning views of the East face of the Eiger - log fires, great food, spa, massage, or skiing.
Saturday, Dec 20th:
Depart Australia on Singapore Airlines and, on arrival in Zurich, transfer to the Alpine village of Grindelwald.
The package includes 7 nights accommodation, with a sumptuous buffet breakfast every morning and a 4 course dinner every evening. There is also a special Christmas Dinner and celebration.
There is no planned sightseeing, but the Tour Leader will be on site for emergencies. The days can be filled with snow sports, massage in the spa, reading in front of the log fire, or strolling in the village.
The sauna and steambath in the hotel are free of charge, as is entrance to the sports centre's swimming-pool and indoor ice rink. Free use of the local skibus is also included.
Interlaken and Luzern are a short train ride away for Christmas shopping. Bern is well known for its Christmas markets.
On Sunday, December 28th we move down the mountain to our Interlaken hotel to await the arrival of the remainder of the Winter Wonderland Tour group on Monday 29th. Dinner, bed and breakfast are included.
White Christmas Add-On Cost: $3250 per person twin share. Single supplement $650
Winter Wonderland Tour Optional Excursions: ^ Top ^
Glacier Express add $250
December 31st:
In even the shortest list of the world's great train journeys, the tiny red Glacier Express is featured. It is a long day, so to ensure that we are home in plenty of time for the New Year's Eve festivities to begin, we need an early start. Are you ready for this? 6.37am!!
Winding down to Interlaken on our mountain train to Interlaken, we change to an Intercity train via Berne and Zurich to Chur. Here we board the Glacier Express for a never to be forgotten journey through a Winter Wonderland across the roof of the world - the watershed between the Rhine and the Danube river systems. Lunch is available in the Restaurant Car if you can drag your self away from the panorama windows. In the afternoon we arrive in Brig and take a local train to Interlaken to join our local mountain train up “our” home village of Wengen, arriving at 6.30pm. We are soon in front of the fire with our New Year's Eve champagne glass raised.
Dresden add $150
January 4th:
Departing Prague after breakfast, our EuroCity train has us over the German border and to Dresden in a little over two hours. Dresden was said to be Germany's most beautiful city until carpet-bombed by the Allies in 1945. The baroque city is now re-emerging from the ashes. The restoration of the truly unique bell-shaped Frauenkirche cathedral has recently been completed. This is the home of Meissen porcelain, and Dresden boasts a Porcelain Museum as well as a magnificent collection of Old Masters in the Zwinger Gallery. Dresden is also home to the Semper Opera House. The city centre is quite compact and today's sightseeing is largely on foot.
Florence add $175
January 9th:
Departing our hotel at 8am, Italy's flagship Eurostar Italia train has us in Florence in 3 hours. We first pay the visit which alone is worth the whole airfare to Europe - Michelangelo's “David”. We then stroll past the magnificent Bronze doors of the Baptistery, and down the cobblestone streets where Cosimo di Medici and Leonardo da Vinci walked, to the Ponte Vecchio. History or shopping? The Central Markets are great for haggling but Florence has possibly the world's best leather and shoe shops. We are home in Venice tonight.
Salzburg add $275
January 12th:
This excursion includes the two hour rail journey from Innsbruck. On arrival in Salzburg we taxi into the old town and ride the rack railway to the top of the Hohensalzburg fortress for a panoramic view over the city. We explore the 12th century castle and upon our descent visit Salzburg cathedral where Mozart's father was organist and where the young genius first played. The Altstadt (old city) is very compact and an all-pedestrian zone. Mozart's birthplace is now a museum worth a visit.
Versailles add $60
January 14th:
This afternoon's excursion to King Louis XIV's Palace of Versailles offers something for the history buff and for the art lover. We have a tour through the apartments of the Palace. Here we also visit the Hall of Mirrors, the setting for the signing of the Treaty of Versailles which ended World War I.
Somme Battlefields Tour add $275
January 15th:
Departing our Paris hotel at 7.30am, we are in the province of Picardy, in North Eastern France for morning coffee before beginning our visits to the major battlefields and cemeteries associated with the horror of the first day of the Battle of the Somme. On that one day, July 1st 1916, 60,000 Allied soldiers fell. We visit the Newfoundland Memorial at Beaumont Hamel, the British Memorial at Thiepval and the Australian Memorials at Pozieres and Villiers-Brettoneux. Lunch in an atmospheric French country bistro is included.
London Optional Add-On $600 (sgl. suppl. add $100)
January 17th:
Many Australians have family or friends in Britain and prefer to wind up their European holidays there. For the benefit of these people we offer an escorted London Optional Add On as follows:
On Saturday, January 17th, after farewelling our fellow travellers who are departing Europe today, we transfer to Paris' Gare du Nord Railway Station to join the 300 kph Eurostar under the English Channel. Given the Customs restrictions we must travel with our luggage. You may leave the tour on arrival at London's St Pancras Station, or be accompanied to our hotel where, after check-in, there is an orientation tour of London's sights from a double-decker bus. Bed and breakfast are included tonight in our London hotel. The London Add-On ends after breakfast on Sunday January 18th. Group rates can be arranged at the same hotel for an extended stay. Singapore Airlines has several flights a day home from London.
Optional Excursions offered subject to a minimum of 12 persons.
Brochure & Booking Form (1.5MB PDF)
Note well: Booking Conditions « Tours index ^ Top ^