A Panorama of Eastern Europe

CRUISES 2016
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A Panorama of Eastern Europe
POLAND TO THE BLACK SEA with Christopher Lawrence and Kenneth Park | 06–22 October 2016 (17 days)
Renaissance Tours Pty Ltd. (Licence number 2TA4526) is the tour organiser. Neither News Limited, nor any of its subsidiaries nor any of their newspapers have any involvement in the tour, and have no liability of any kind to any person in relation to the tour.
Tour Leaders
Christopher Lawrence
Christopher Lawrence is best known as presenter of the weekday “Classic Drive” program on ABC Classic FM. As a recording producer,
he has been awarded an International Emmy for Performing Arts, three ARIA (Australian Record Industry Association) Awards,
and a Churchill Fellowship.
Christopher has published several books, worked as a commentator for Proms telecasts for the BBC, and contributed articles and
critiques to publications in Australia and the UK. In 1999 Christopher was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Communications by
the University of Central Queensland for his career in broadcasting.
Kenneth W Park
Kenneth W Park works as a fundraiser, lecturer, curator, tour leader and presenter. As Curator of Collections at Wesley College
Melbourne, Kenneth manages the school’s extensive art and archival collections.
An inveterate traveller making at least ten overseas trips a year, he lives by the motto – ‘Life is a grand tour so make the most of it’.
Kenneth’s tertiary studies include political science, administration, museum studies, industrial relations, fine arts, history and international
relations. Kenneth has a passion for travel, food, wine, arts, architecture, history and good conversation…essentially the good life.
To book, call 1300 727 095 (AU) or 0800 403 621 (NZ ),
visit renaissancetours.com.au or contact your travel agent.
Images on the cover: Amadeus Royal; Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra, Budapest © 2015; Warsaw, Poland and Teatr Wielki Warszawa By Marcin Białek/Wikimedia CC
A Panorama of Eastern Europe
POLAND TO THE BLACK SEA
WARSAW PERFORMANCES ANNOUNCED!
UPDATED JULY 2016
Land
By land and by river discover the music, art, history, cities and landscapes of Poland,
Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Hidden behind the iron Curtain for much of
the 20th century these countries are now proudly welcoming the cultural traveller.
Cruise
Flight
Post-tour Flight
Post-tour Land
Warsaw
Map is a guide only
Begin with a week in the Polish capitals of Warsaw and Krakow. Then, aboard the
MS Amadeus Royal, your journey continues along the Danube from Budapest to
the Black Sea. On the way, stop to explore the ‘art city’ of Pecs and the ancient
Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo, and witness the renaissance of cities such as
Belgrade and Bucharest.
Poland
Kraków
ukraine
SLOVAKIA
Enjoy performances by the leading orchestras and opera companies of the region,
learn about the complex histories and today’s politics, and be amazed at the wealth
of treasures in the national collections.
MOLDOVA
Budapest
Hungary
romania
At a glance…
Pecs
Sighisoara
Sibiu
•Discover the rich musical and cultural heritage of Poland
Ramncu Valcea
•Enjoy a leisurely 7-night Danube cruise on the recently refurbished MS Royal
•Attend 8 musical performances including ballet (Warsaw, Budapest) and concerts
by the Warsaw Philharmonic, Krakow Philharmonic, Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra
(Budapest), Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, the Belgrade Philharmonic String
Quartet and the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra (Bucharest)
•Marvel at the art collections and learn about the fascinating history of Eastern Europe
•Extend the experience with our optional ‘Treasures of Transylvania’ extension
Brasov
Bran
Belgrade
Sinaia
Iron Gates
Bucharest
SERBIA
Svistov
Ruse
Veliko Tarnovo
bulgaria
Fetesti
Saint
Gheorghe
Itinerary
Wed 5 October 2016 Depart Australia
Suggested departure from Australia on Qantas / Emirates
flights to Warsaw (via Dubai).
Thu 6 Oct Arrive Warsaw
Late morning arrival in Warsaw and transfer to your hotel.
This evening join your tour leaders and fellow travellers for a
welcome briefing and talk on the cultural history of Poland,
Chopin and tomorrow’s concert followed by a welcome
reception. R
Fri 7 Oct Warsaw
Begin your exploration of the Polish capital with a walk along
the historic Royal Route to the Old Town. Visit the superbly
rebuilt 17th century Baroque-style Royal Castle with its
splendid interiors. A highlight will be the Gallery of Paintings,
Sculpture and the Decorative Arts, donated by Countess
Karolina Lanckorońska in 1994 including two masterpieces
by Rembrandt.
After lunch at a local restaurant, this afternoon is at leisure
until this evening’s concert at the Warsaw Philharmonic Hall
by resident orchestra, the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra,
conducted by Michał Dworzyński. Pianist Yundi, most well
known for being the youngest pianist to win the International
Frédéric Chopin Piano Competition, will perform Beethoven’s
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major Op. 73 and Chopin’s
Piano Concerto in E minor Op. 11. B L
Sat 8 Oct
Warsaw
Following a talk on this evening’s performance pay a visit to
the monument to the heroes who died during the Ghetto
Uprising in 1943, followed by a visit to POLIN, the brandnew (2014) Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Housed
in a stunning copper and glass structure by Finnish architect
Rainer Mahlamäki POLIN located in what was once the
Jewish Ghetto during World War II.
This afternoon, visit the Chopin Museum which traces the
life of Chopin from birth until death, and houses the world’s
largest collection of Chopin memorabilia.
Tonight enjoy a performance at the Teatr Wielki (‘Grand
Theatre’) by the Polish National Ballet of Minkus’ ballet
La Bayadere, choreographed by the legendary ballet star
Natalia Makarova based on the original version by Petipa.
Sun 9 Oct
B
Warsaw
Journey out of the city to Wilanów Palace, an interesting
combination of a Polish noble’s mansion, an Italian garden
villa and a palace in the style of Louis XIV. Constructed
1677-1696 for King Jan III Sobieski Wilanów Palace is one of
the few historic buildings in Warsaw that was completely
untouched and undamaged during World War II, and stands
today as a wonderful example of completely original Baroque
architecture. Early afternoon return to your hotel.
After lunch at a local restaurant, explore Royal Łazienki Park,
palace and garden complex of nearly 80 hectares which dates
back to the 17th century. B L
Mon 10 Oct
Warsaw – Krakow
Depart Warsaw for a leisurely day’s drive to Krakow (300 km,
approx. 5 hr). B D
Tue 11 Oct
Krakow
Following a morning talk on the cultural history of Krakow
and tomorrow’s performance, spend the morning in Wawel
Royal Castle. Visit Wawel Cathedral where Polish kings and
queens were crowned and buried, for four centuries. Enjoy
the Castle’s extraordinary collection of tapestries and see
Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Lady with an Ermine’.
After lunch at a local restaurant, walk to the picturesque main
Market Square, originally laid out in the 13th century. Admire
the Gothic Town Hall Tower, visit the imposing Church of St
Mary and finish with a visit to the Gallery of 19th-Century
Polish Art, housed on the upper floor of the Renaissance style
Cloth Hall, the hub of Krakow trade for over 700 years. B L
Wed 12 Oct
Krakow
Today you have a choice of half-day tours out of Krakow
(included in tour price).
Choose from visits to the fascinating UNESCO-listed
Wielizska Salt Mine or the recently opened Schindler’s
Factory (now two museums, a historical museum of Krakow
during WWII and the Museum of Contemporary Art in
Krakow) or a visit to Auschwitz-Birchenau Memorial site.
This evening attend a concert by the Krakow Philharmonic
Orchestra.Programmes for the 2016 /17 season will be
announced in July 2016. B
Thu 13 Oct Embarkation
Krakow – Budapest
Enjoy a leisurely day’s driver from Krakow to Budapest, the
capital of Hungary.
Late afternoon embarkation on the Amadeus Royal, your
‘floating hotel’ for the next seven days. Following an
embarkation briefing, join Christopher for a talk on
tomorrow’s performances. B L D
Fri 14 Oct Budapest
Enjoy a morning tour of Buda Hill and its Castle district,
dominated by the 18th century neo-Baroque Royal Palace.
Visit the Gothic style St Matthias’ Church and enjoy
spectacular views of the Danube and the Pest side of the city
from Fisherman’s Bastion.
The morning will finish with a private concert performed by
the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra:
PROGRAMME:
Weiner – Divertimento
Bartók – Divertimento for String Orchestra
Liszt – Hungarian Rhapsodies
Brahms – Hungarian Dances
Wawel Castle, Krakow By FotoCavallo/Wikimedia CC
Danube near Iron Gates By Cornelius Bechtler/Wikimedia CC
Belgrade Philharmonic and conductor Muhai Tang © Marko Djokovic
Museum of the History of Polish Jews, Warsaw © Lukas Plewnia/Flickr
Karageorge Petrovitch Statue with St Sava Temple,
Belgrade © George M Groutas/Flickr
Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Lady with an Ermine’
[Public domain] via Wikimedia CC
Return to the ship for lunch and afternoon at leisure to further
explore Budapest on your own.
Late afternoon departure for a short drive through Pest,
the lively commercial, business and cultural district of
Budapest, on your way to the Opera House for an early
evening performance (6 PM) of Khachaturian’s dramatic ballet
Spartacus by the Hungarian National Ballet. Return to the ship
for dinner.
At midnight the Amadeus Royal departs Budapest for a
journey of over 1000 km along the lower Danube River
to the Black Sea delta of the river in Romania. B L D
Sat 15 Oct Pécs
08.00 am arrival at Mohacs. Disembark for a day trip to the
nearby city of Pécs, with a history of more than 2,000 years.
European City of Culture in 2010. This charming city of art
and culture is filled with museums and galleries, has the largest
Turkish ruins in Hungary and is a famous university town with
many students, giving the city a youthful feel. South of Pécs
lies the Villány region, Hungary’s most southerly wine region
and famous for its full-bodied and spicy reds.
L
Spend the morning learning about the 20th century history of
Yugoslavia. Following a visit to the Royal complex comprising
two modern palaces built by King Alexander I of Yugoslavia,
continue to the House of Flowers, the resting place of Marshall
Tito, and the Museum of Yugoslavia.
After lunch, take a walk in the Old City and visit Kalemegdan,
the medieval fortress. Finish with a visit to the residence of
Princess Ljubica built between 1829 and 1831 by Hadži-Nikola
Živković, a pioneer of contemporary Serbian architecture.
Following dinner, attend a private concert of an ensemble of
the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra.
D
Tue 18 Oct Bulgaria
7.30 am arrival at Svistov in Bulgaria. Join a morning tour to
Veliko Tarnovo, one of the oldest towns in the country. In
the 14th century, as the Byzantine Empire weakened, the
town was the Bulgarian capital and known as the third Rome.
Visit the medieval hill fortress Tsarevets, surrounded on
three sides by the river Yantra, and see another historical
hill, Trapezitsa. Besides its historical hills, Veliko Tarnovo is
also famous for its multiple Orthodox churches and wellpreserved old town with crafts workshops, souvenir shops
and galleries. 1.00 pm reboard the Amadeus Royal further
downstream at Ruse.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby Basarbovski Rock
Monastery, the only active rock monastery in Bulgaria, named
in honour of St.Dimitrius Basarbovski who was born in 1685
and spent his entire life in the holy monastery.
5.00 pm reboard the Amadeus Royal across the Danube at
Giugiu (Romania). B L D
PROGRAMME: To be announced.
Departure from Belgrade at 11.30 pm.
L
D
Mon 17 Oct Iron Gates
After lunch and a tasting of local wines, enjoy a walking tour
and free time in the historic city centre of Pecs. See the Gazi
Kasim Mosque, a reminder of the Turkish occupation, the
ruins of the medieval Barbican castle and the wall that once
encircled the old city and the Neo-Romanesque Cathedral
dating back to the 11th century. Time to stroll in Király Street,
the city’s charming pedestrian precinct lined with many
Baroque-style buildings.
B
Belgrade
08.30 arrival in Belgrade, strategically located at the
confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the
Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. Since the end of the
Balkans conflict Serbia is fast re-emerging as a mainstream
European country and Belgrade as a regional centre.
B
Spend the morning exploring the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter,
located in the site of the 19th century Zsolnay ceramics
factory. One of the largest cultural complexes in Central
and Eastern Europe, it now hosts theatres, art galleries, a
planetarium, exhibition halls, cafés, restaurants, playgrounds
and the Faculty of Music, Art and Design.
Return to Amadeus Royal and departure at 5.00 pm.
Sun 16 Oct Enjoy a scenic day of cruising as you pass through the ‘Iron
Gates’ which flank the Danube’s narrowest point, where the
river is forced into a narrow channel between the Carpathian
and Balkan mountains. Originally consisting of four narrow
gorges and three wide basins spread over several miles of
the river dividing Romania and Serbia, in the 1960s a huge
dam was built to control the speed of the river and make
navigating this section of the Danube River safer. Two locks,
spread more than 80 km apart, anchor each end of the Iron
Gates. This evening enjoy a chamber recital on board by the
Belgrade Philharmonic String Quartet.
PROGRAMME: To be announced.
B
L
D
Wed 19 Oct Danube Delta
1.00 pm arrival at Saint George, an old fishing village which
seems untouched by time, located just before ‘Kilometre 0’
where the mighty Danube River meets the Black Sea. Here
you are in the midst of the Danube Delta, the best preserved
of Europe’s deltas and home to over 300 species of birds
and spectacular flora and fauna. Join smaller boats for a trip
through at the heart of a unique ecosystem between river
and sea.
At 4.00 pm the Amadeus Royal departs Saint George
and begins its way back up the Danube. B L D
Thu 20 Oct Disembarkation – Bucharest
9.00 am arrival at Fetesti and disembarkation. Transfer
to Bucharest, the capital of Romania. After lunch at a
local restaurant, enjoy an afternoon tour of Bucharest by
coach. Once known as the ‘Paris of the East’, Bucharest
is characterized by wide boulevards and large squares.
Highlights include Palace Square, the Romanian Athenaeum,
Revolution Square, Elisabeth Boulevard, the City Hall,
Cismigiu Garden and the elegant Cotroceni district. See
Ceausescu’s House of the People, (currently housing the
Romanian Parliament) and visit Patriarchy Hill, a sacred site
with historical significance.
Late afternoon arrival and check-in at your hotel.
B
Fri 21 Oct Bucharest
L
Following a talk on today’s museums and music, depart for a
walking tour along Calea Victoriei (Victory Avenue), the city’s
most famous thoroughfare lined with fine houses, palaces,
churches, hotels, upmarket shops and museums. Finish with a
visit to the National Art Museum which was founded in 1948
to house the former Royal Collection, and includes Romanian
and European art from the 15th to the 20th century.
Romanian Athenaeum, Bucharest
Afternoon at leisure to further explore Bucharest on your
own. We suggest a walk through the Old Town, known for its
historic architecture, old churches and lively atmosphere.
This evening, attend a concert of the George Enescu
Philharmonic Orchestra at the nearby Romanian Athenaeum.
This legendary orchestra was originally founded as the
Romanian Philharmonic Society in 1868, has been based at
the Romanian Athenaeum since 1889 and was renamed the
George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra in 1955 following the
death of the country’s most famous composer.
PROGRAMMES for the 2016 / 17 season will be announced
in July 2016.
Following the concert, celebrate the conclusion of the tour
with a special farewell supper. B D
Sat 22 Oct Depart Bucharest
Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.
B
If returning to Australia today, transfer to Bucharest Airport
for an afternoon Fly Dubai flight to Dubai, connecting with
Emirates / Qantas flights to Australia. Evening arrival in
Australia on Sunday 23 October.
Yantra River Bulgaria © Dennis Jarvis/Flicker
Danube Delta By MarO2/Wikimedia CC
Amadeus Royal
Sun Deck
Launched in 2005 and completely renovated for 2015 the Amadeus Royal has a total of 68 cabins (15 sqm.) and 4 suites (22 sqm.). All cabins and suites have two lower beds which
can be linked together or set up separately on request. All cabins include television with
international channels, direct-dial telephone, safe, shower/WC, wardrobe, desk and chair.
Amadeus Suites also feature a larger bathroom with bath/shower and armchairs in the sitting
area. Mozart and Strauss deck cabins and Amadeus Suites feature an innovative ‘French
balcony’ panoramic window (except cabins 204, 206 – panorama windows). Located at the
water line, Haydn Deck cabins are identical to Mozart and Strauss Deck cabins but feature
a window only (cannot be opened).
Mozart Deck
Strauss Deck
The Amadeus Royal features a spacious reception, Panorama restaurant (single sitting), elegant
Panorama lounge with bar, Amadeus Club with Internet station (charges apply) and fulllength sun deck with deck-chairs, navigation bridge, Lido-Bar, golf putting green, chess board
and walking track. Other services include a fitness room, hairdresser, massage and gift shop.
Haydn Deck
DECK PLAN
1 Sun deck with deck chairs | 2 Fun-Pool | 3 Navigation Bridge | 4 Lido-Bar | 5 Chess board
6 Panorama-Café | 7 Panorama-Bar | 8 Amadeus-Club with Internet station | 9 Panorama-Restaurant
10 Reception | 11 Bord Shop | 12 Vital-Club | 13 Fitness Room | 14 Massage | 15 Lift
Choose your cabin
Deck
Mozart Suite
Strauss B1 Cabin
Category
Size
Window
Amadeus Suite (4)
22 m2
French balconies
Open
yes
Mozart
A–1 Cabin(17)
B–1 Cabin (24)
15 m2
15 m2
Panorama Bar
Sun Deck
French balconies
yes
yes
Built
Renovated
Length
B–4 Cabin(4)
15 m
Small French balconies
or Panorama windows
C–1 Cabin(25)
15 m2
Windows
2
yes
no
2005
2015
110 m
Breadth
11.40 m
Speed
25 km/h
Draught
Strauss
Haydn
French balconies
Technical data
Height above
water
1.3 m
6m
Crew members
ca. 40
Cabins/Suites
68/4
Tour prices
Tour details
Warsaw – Bucharest | 06–22 October 2016 (17 days)
Tour code
Category
Deposit per person
Per person, twin-share
Single/sole use*
Mozart Deck – Suite
AUD 12,450
Not available
Final payment due
Mozart Deck A-1
AUD 11,450
AUD 13,950
Fitness level
Strauss Deck B-1
AUD 10,450
AUD 12,450
Haydn Deck C-1
AUD 8,950
AUD 10,450
Please see booking conditions
for fitness level definitions.
All prices are per person. *Single travellers may request to share. Please advise at time of booking.
CR1602
AUD 750
06 August 2016
Moderate
Suggested Airlines
Qantas / Emirates
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your
travel agent for current fares and specials.
Your hotels
Krakow – Sheraton+
Bucharest – Athenee Palace Hilton
• 7 nights’ cruise on Amadeus Royal with
all meals
• Other meals as per itinerary ( L =Lunch,
D =Dinner, R =Reception) Regional wines
included with all meals
• Transfers in Warsaw and Bucharest
(if travelling on suggested Emirates/Qantas
flights on days of group arrival
or departure)
• Comprehensive sightseeing including
entrance fees as per itinerary
• Illustrated art and music lectures
• Gratuities throughout Hotel and
ship porterage
Cruise and tour prices
do not include
NB. Hotels of a similar standard
may be substituted
EXTRA NIGHTS Including Breakfast
• International flights
Warsaw – Sofitel Victoria
Double/twin room
Single room
• Transfers in Warsaw and Bucharest
(if not travelling on suggested Emirates/
Qantas flights on days of group arrival
or departure)
AUD 233
AUD 218
Bucharest – Athenee Palace Hilton
Double/twin room
AUD 190
Single room
AUD 180
To book, call 1300 727 095 (AU) or 0800 403 621 (NZ ),
visit renaissancetours.com.au or contact your travel agent.
• First-class accommodations in Warsaw,
Krakow and Bucharest with daily breakfast
(B)
• A-reserve tickets for 8 musical
performances
Warsaw – Sofitel Victoria+
Amadeus Royal
Cruise/Tour prices include
Visas
Australian and New Zealand passport
holders currently do not require visas
for Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria
and Romania
• Airport porterage
• Wi-fi and bar drinks on board
• Items of a personal nature (i.e. mini-bar,
telephone, laundry etc.)
• Travel insurance
Optional POST-tour
Treasures of Transylvania
22–27 October 2016 | Locally guided
Extend your stay and get to know Transylvania, the historical
heartland of Romania. Discover a region of spectacular
mountain scenery, well-preserved medieval towns and
fortified cities, a rural landscape and lifestyle untouched
for centuries and a wealth of historical sights.
Tue 25 Oct
Sat 22 Oct Founded by German craftsmen and merchants, Sighisoara is
a fine example of a small, fortified medieval town. Inside the
citadel, known as the upper town, visit the 14th century Clock
Tower hosting the history and pharmacy museums together
with the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler - Dracula, ruler of
Wallachia from 1456 to 1462. After lunch within the citadel
walls return to Brasov for dinner at a local restaurant. B L D
Bucharest – Sibiu
Morning departure from Bucharest for Sibiu. En route, stop
in Ramnicu Valcea for lunch at the ‘art museum hotel’ Grand
Sofianu. Drive along the Olt river valley and pay a short visit
to Cozia monastery built between 1386-1388 by Mircea the
Elder, the grandfather of Vlad the Impaler (known as Dracula).
Late afternoon arrival in Sibiu and dinner at your hotel. L D
Sun 23 OCT Sibiu
The day is dedicated to visiting Sibiu, a charming, well
preserved Transylvanian citadel and ‘European cultural capital’
in 2007. Begin with a walking tour of the mediaeval centre
featuring ‘The Large’ and ‘The Small’ public squares, Council
Tower and Liars Bridge. Visit the European and Romanian
art galleries of the national art museum housed in Brukenthal
Palace and the interesting Evangelic Cathedral.
After time for lunch on your own visit the Astra Museum
of Traditional Folk Civilisation. This open-air ethnographic
museum houses an array of traditional dwellings, mills and
churches brought from around the country. B D
Mon 24 Oct Sibiu – Brasov
Depart for Brasov, driving along the ridge of Fagaras
mountains. Stop in Fagaras for refreshment and a view of the
impressive 14th century citadel used by Romanian, Austrian
and Hungarian princes as a defense against the Ottomans.
Continue to Bran for lunch and visit the castle, better known
as Dracula’s castle for its gloomy appearance. Continue to
Brasov for a stay of three nights. Tonight, enjoy a private organ
concert inside the Black Church. B L D
Brasov – Sighisoara – Brasov
Depart Brasov for a full-day tour Sighisoara. On the way,
stop in the village of Viscri with its fortified church and have a
look at a beautifully restored original Saxon house - now the
property of HRH Prince Charles.
Wed 26 Oct Brasov and Sinaia
Enjoy a morning walking tour of Brasov including the
fortification walls and the Old Town Hall Square with its
colourful Baroque-style buildings. Visit the imposing Black
Church, Romania’s largest Gothic church, and see the first
Romanian school located on the grounds of the 14th century
church of St Nicholas.
Tour prices
AUD 1,850
Per person, twin-share
Single supplement*
AUD 285
Deposit per person
AUD 250
Final payment due
06 August 2016
*Single travellers may request to share. Please advise at time of booking.
Tour code
Fitness level
CR1602A
Moderate
Please see booking conditions for fitness level definitions.
Tour price includes
• Accommodation in centrally located four-star hotels
with daily breakfast ( B )
• Meals as per itinerary ( L =Lunch,
Wines with meals.
D
=Dinner).
• Transportation in comfortable coach with local Englishspeaking tour manager
• Comprehensive sightseeing including entrance fees as
per itinerary
• Transfer to Bucharest Airport on departure (arrival in
time for Fly Dubai at 2.30 pm or other later flights)
• Gratuities for local guides and drivers
Later, drive to Sinaia mountain resort, a popular destination
for hiking and winter sports, for lunch and a visit of the
imposing neo-Renaissance Peles Castle, built by King Carol I
of Romania (1839–1914), as the summer residence of the royal
family. Finish with a visit to The George Enescu Memorial
House, the former summer residence of the composer.
Return to Brasov for dinner and overnight. B L D
Tour price does not include
Thu 27 Oct • Airport porterage
Brasov – Bucharest Airport
After breakfast, check-out and transfer to Bucharest Airport,
in time for departure on Fly Dubai at 2.30 (or other later
flights). If returning to Australia today, suggested afternoon
flight to Dubai, connecting with Emirates / Qantas flights to
Australia. Evening arrival in Australia on Friday 28 October. B
• Hotel porterage
• International flights
• Items of a personal nature (i.e. mini-bar, telephone,
laundry etc.)
• Travel insurance
Your hotels
Sibiu – Ramada Hotel
Brasov – Aro Palace
The fortified medieval town of Sighisoara © Andrew Colin/Flickr
Tile detail,Sibiu Evangelic Church © Horia Varlan/Flickr
The Black Church, Brasov © Guillaume Baviere/Flickr
Throne room of Peles Castle © Dennis Jarvis/Flickr
Bran ‘Dracula’s’ Castle © Bran Castle
Terms & Conditions
How to Book
Complete, sign and return the Booking Form available
from Renaissance Tours with your deposit and page
one of your passport.
Deposit / Final Payments
Your deposit is due at the time of booking and is
used to pay hotel, airline, performance tickets and/
or other deposits. It is non-refundable in the event
of your cancellation.
Final payment is due 60 days before departure.
Failure to make the final payment by the due date
may result in cancellation of your booking and loss
of deposit.
Payment by cash, cheque, direct deposit, American
Express, MasterCard and Visa is accepted. 1.5%
service charge applies to payment made by
MasterCard and Visa. 3% service charge applies to
payment made by American Express.
Payments for some international airfares can be
made by credit card without a service fee. Please
check for details.
Cancellation & Refunds
a) Cancellation by You – Cancellation charges will
be applied as shown below, calculated from the
day written notification is received by Renaissance
Tours. In addition to cancellation fees for tours
operated by Renaissance Tours as shown below,
airlines, hotels and other third parties may impose
up to 100% cancellation charges.
60 days or more
Forfeit of deposit
59 – 45 days
25% of tour cost
44 – 31 days
50% of tour cost
30 – 15 days
75% of tour cost
Less than 15 days
100% of tour cost
The above cancellation charges include applicable GST.
In addition to the above, cancellation charges
may apply for additional arrangements booked
by Renaissance Tours, such as air tickets, hotels
and travel insurance premium. If the reason for
cancellation is covered by the insurance policy, you
may be able to reclaim these charges.
b) Cancellation by Us – We reserve the right to
cancel a tour for any reason (such as failure to reach
minimum tour participant numbers). Except for
force majeure, we will not cancel a tour less than 60
days before departure. No further compensation
will be paid in the event of cancellation by
Renaissance Tours. A full refund of monies paid for
tour costs will be the full extent of our liability.
Cancellation and/or amendment fees may apply
for additional travel arrangements booked by
Renaissance Tours.
Passports, Visas and Vaccinations
All travellers must be in a possession of a valid
passport – most countries require a 6-month
validity from your date of entry or exit. For some
countries (e.g. China, Vietnam, India, Russia), visas
are included in the tour cost and will be arranged
by Renaissance Tours prior to travel. For other
countries, it is your responsibility to ensure you have
the appropriate visa(s).
You are also responsible for obtaining all necessary
inoculations and preventative medicines as may be
required for the duration of the tour.
Tour Prices
Prices quoted in our tour information are based
on exchange rates, cost of services and applicable
taxes at the time of publication. Prices may be
subject to change in the event of significant currency
fluctuations or the introduction of new taxes, up
until final payment is received.
In the event of a price increase, whether because
of a currency fluctuation, increase in taxes or a
correction in advertised prices, we will advise
you and you have the option of accepting the
amended prices, inclusions and booking conditions
or withdrawing from the tour and receiving a full
refund of all monies paid.
Once final payment is received, all prices will be
guaranteed and no surcharges will apply.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of travel that you are covered by
comprehensive travel insurance for international
tours. Your travel insurance can be arranged by
Renaissance Tours.
Fitness and Participation
Most of our tours require a MODERATE level
of fitness.
However, in certain destinations (e.g. Silk Road,
Central Asia, Outback Australia, tropical
destinations) or in certain seasons (e.g. mid-winter,
mid-summer) or because of the nature of travel (e.g.
remote rail), certain tours will require an ABOVE
AVERAGE or CHALLENGING level of fitness.
If you (or we) have any doubts about your level
of fitness, you may be required to have a doctor’s
appraisal. This would require your doctor to read
the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the
fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written
confirmation of your ability to participate.
MODERATE
For the overall benefit of the group, all tour
members must possess a moderate level of mobility,
including the ability to:
• negotiate airports and railway stations without
wheelchair assistance
• use combined shower/bath facilities (it is
impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)
• undertake walking tour of 1–2 hours duration,
including using stairs, walking over cobblestones
and other uneven surfaces
• s tand for long periods in museums and
other sites
• embark / disembark coaches, trains and other
methods of transportation without assistance
• handle your own luggage
ABOVE AVERAGE
In addition to the above, tour members must also
be able to:
• undertake walking tours of 2–3 hours
• climb staircases of 100 or more steps
CHALLENGING
In addition to the above, tour members must also
be able to:
• handle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0 or above 35 degrees)
• handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 metres
and above).
You can find the full terms & conditions at
www.renaissancetours.com.au/booking-conditions
or we would be happy to post you a copy on request.
1300 727 095 (AU)
0800 403 621 (NZ)
t (02) 9299 5801
f (02) 9299 5805
e info@renaissancetours.com.au
w www.renaissancetours.com.au
Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000
GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001
ABN 14 069 591 448
Travel agent
Brochure effective 06 July 2016
A Panorama of Eastern Europe
Please return pages 1 and 2 to:
GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia or info@renaissancetours.com.au
1300 727 095 (AU) or 0800 403 621 (NZ) Tel: +61 2 9299 5801 Fax: +61 2 9299 5805
• Please complete, sign and return this Booking Form, along with a copy of page one of your passport and deposit.
NOTE: Flight bookings cannot proceed without passport copy. This is an airline security requirement.
• Complete credit card authority (if paying by credit card) OR forward a (deposit) cheque (made payable to Renaissance Tours).
• Upon receipt of your Booking Form and deposit, you will receive confirmation of your place on the tour(s).
CR1602-A Panorama of Eastern Europe (17 days)
I/WE WISH TO BOOK FOR (PLEASE TICK)
| Booking form Page 1 of 3
Post-tour Extension: Treasures of Transylvania
Booking conditions – Passenger 1
Personal details – Passenger 1
Title (Ms, Mrs, Mr, Dr or Other)
Address
Fitness to participate declaration (Please tick)
Hon
I have read (Page 3), understood and confirm that I meet the:
Family name (as in passport)
I have read, understood and accept the Booking Conditions
on page 3.
Preferred name
I have enclosed the deposit and understand that the balance of the
tour cost must be paid at least 60 days prior to departure or my
reservation may be cancelled.
DOB
Sign here
Email
Mobile
Postcode
Country
MODERATE Fitness level to participate on this tour.
Given names (as in passport)
State
Special dietary requirements / Allergies
Yes
No
Medical declaration
What medical conditions do you currently have and/or have you
received treatment for in the past three years? (e.g. stroke, heart,
respiratory and psychiatric conditions). Attach extra pages, if necessary.
The purpose of seeking this information is to assist Renaissance Tours in determining the
suitability of a tour participant for a particular tour. The information will be treated in the
strictest confidence.
Phone
Address
State
Title (Ms, Mrs, Mr, Dr or Other)
Country
Special dietary requirements / Allergies
Booking conditions – Passenger 2
Personal details – Passenger 2
Postcode
Hon
Family name (as in passport)
Yes
Fitness to participate declaration (Please tick)
I have read (Page 3), understood and confirm that I meet the:
No
MODERATE Fitness level to participate on this tour.
I have read, understood and accept the Booking Conditions
on page 3.
Given names (as in passport)
Medical declaration
What medical conditions do you currently have and/or have you
received treatment for in the past three years? (e.g. stroke, heart,
respiratory and psychiatric conditions). Attach extra pages, if necessary.
The purpose of seeking this information is to assist Renaissance Tours in determining the
suitability of a tour participant for a particular tour. The information will be treated in the
strictest confidence.
Preferred name
DOB
I have enclosed the deposit and understand that the balance of the
tour cost must be paid at least 60 days prior to departure or my
reservation may be cancelled.
Sign here
Email
Mobile
Phone
A Panorama of Eastern Europe
Travel details – Passenger 1
Mozart A1
Mozart Suite
Mozart A1
Strauss B1
Haydn C1
Strauss B1
Haydn C1
Accommodation
Accommodation
Single
I f single, would you like us
to arrange twin-share?
Twin/double
AIRFARE – Would you like to receive a quote from us?
Yes
Premium Economy
Business Class
First Class
City of departure
Sydney
Single
Amount
I f single, would you like us
to arrange twin-share?
CREDIT CARD
AIRFARE – Would you like to receive a quote from us?
No
Economy Payment by cash, cheque, direct deposit, American Express, MasterCard
and Visa is accepted. 1.5% service charge applies to payment made by
MasterCard and Visa. 3% service charge applies to payment made by
American Express. Payments for some international airfares can be made
by credit card without a service fee. Please check for details.
CHOOSE YOUR DECK / CABIN Mozart Suite
Yes
Payment
Travel details – Passenger 2 (only fill if different from Pax 1)
CHOOSE YOUR DECK / CABIN Twin/double
| Booking form Page 2 of 3
Premium Economy
Business Class
First Class
City of departure
Melbourne
Brisbane
Perth
Other
Sydney
Cash
EFT
EFT – Commonwealth Bank of Australia
No
Economy CHEQUE
Melbourne
Brisbane
Perth
Other
Account name: Renaissance Tours
BSB: 062-032 / Account: 2800 4163
Swift code: CTBAAU2S (use for transfers from overseas)
CREDIT CARD AUTHORITY
Frequent flyer number
Airline seat preference
Frequent flyer number
Cardholder’s name
Airline seat preference
travel insurance – Would you like to receive a brochure?
travel insurance – Would you like to receive a brochure?
Yes
No
Yes
American Express
MasterCard
Visa
Cardholder’s number
No
PRE/POST TOUR Arrangements
Please advise if you would like Renaissance Tours to organise any
pre/post tour arrangements (e.g. earlier departure, later return,
additional accommodation/flights, etc)
PRE/POST TOUR Arrangements
Please advise if you would like Renaissance Tours to organise any
pre/post tour arrangements (e.g. earlier departure, later return,
additional accommodation/flights, etc)
NEXT OF KIN (Emergency contact only)
NEXT OF KIN (Emergency contact only)
Expiry (month/year)
/
SIGNDATE
Name
Name
Relationship
Relationship
Daytime contact (
)
Daytime contact (
After hours contact
/
/
)
After hours contact
How did you hear about this tour?
Do you want to receive our e-newsletter?
How did you hear about this tour?
Yes
No
Do you want to receive our e-newsletter?
Yes
No
Travel agent
A Panorama of Eastern Europe
FITNESS TO PARTICIPATE
Most of our tours require a MODERATE level of fitness.
However, in certain destinations (e.g. Silk Road, Central
Asia, Outback Australia, tropical destinations) or in certain
seasons (e.g. mid-winter, mid-summer) or because of the
nature of travel (eg. remote rail), certain tours will require
an ABOVE AVERAGE or CHALLENGING level of fitness.
If you (or we) have any doubts about your level of fitness,
you may be required to have a doctor’s appraisal. This
would require your doctor to read the itinerary of your
chosen tour, including the fitness level, and provide you
(and us) with a written confirmation of your ability to
participate.
MODERATE
for the overall benefit of the group, all tour members
must possess a moderate level of mobility, including
the ability to:
•negotiate airports and railway stations without
wheelchair assistance
•use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible
to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)
•undertake walking tour of 1–2 hours duration,
including using stairs, walking over cobblestones
and other uneven surfaces
•stand for long periods in museums and other sites
•embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods
of transportation without assistance
•handle your own luggage
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of travel that you are covered by
comprehensive travel insurance for international tours.
You can make your own arrangements or your travel
insurance can be arranged by Renaissance Tours.
In either case all participants must provide the
following information no later than 60 days prior to
commencement of travel:
• a copy of your travel insurance policy (or details of
master policy)
• the emergency telephone number of your insurance
company
• next of kin emergency contact.
1. TOUR PRICES
Prices quoted in our tour information are based on exchange
rates, cost of services and applicable taxes at the time of
publication. Prices may be subject to change in the event of
significant currency fluctuations or the introduction of new
taxes, up until final payment is received. In the event of a price
increase, whether because of a currency fluctuation, increase
in taxes or a correction in advertised prices, we will advise you
and you have the option of accepting the amended prices,
inclusions and booking conditions or withdrawing from the
tour and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. Once final
payment is received, all prices (excluding air taxes) will be
guaranteed and no surcharges will apply.
2. PAYMENT
Your final payment is due 60 days before departure (45 days
prior for domestic tours). Failure to make your final payment
by the due date may result in cancellation of your booking and
loss of deposit. We reserve the right to charge a late payment
fee in the event of late booking and/or payment to cover
additional communication and other expenses.
3. FLIGHT BOOKINGS AND FARES
Renaissance Tours will use its best endeavours to ensure that
all flight prices are correct at the time that they are quoted.
However, once a deposit is paid on an air fare, it guarantees that
a booking is being held for you, it does not guarantee the fare
and applicable taxes.
The fare and taxes can only be guaranteed when the flight
booking has been paid in full and a ticket has been issued.
Flight bookings cannot be transferred.
4. CHANGES
a) Changes by You – Because of additional communication and
other expenses, we reserve the right to charge an appropriate
administration fee per amendment to your original booking.
While every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate
changes and additional requests their availability cannot be
guaranteed.
b) Changes by Us – While we will use our best endeavours to
operate all tours as advertised, by entering into this contract
the Client accepts that it may prove necessary or advisable
to vary or modify a tour or its contents due to prevailing
local conditions. We reserve the right at any time to cancel or
change any of the facilities, services or prices described in the
brochure (including flights, transport, accommodation or other
arrangements) and to substitute alternative arrangements of
comparable monetary value without compensation.
If a service or facility becomes unavailable due to circumstances
beyond our control (‘force majeure’) and no alternative
arrangement of comparable monetary value is available, we
will substitute the best alternative available and will refund
the Client for any cost saving or charge the Client for any
additional costs incurred. ‘Force majeure’ includes any event
which Renaissance Tours or its suppliers could not, even with
all due care, foresee or avoid (e.g. advice against travel from
the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT),
war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, epidemics,
health risks, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire
or adverse weather conditions, technical or maintenance
problems with transport, changes imposed by cancellation
or rescheduling of flights by an airline or main charterer, the
alteration of airline or aircraft type). Renaissance Tours is not
liable for any penalty charges associated with ‘supersaver’ type
| Booking form Page 3 of 3
connecting rail or air fares, in the event of a change to a holiday
departure time, date or airport.
5. SUBSTITUTION OF CLIENT
If any member of the party is prevented from travelling
because of the death, injury or serious illness of the passenger,
close relative or friend, redundancy or jury service, it may be
possible to transfer the booking to another suitable person
(acceptable to Renaissance Tours) provided that written notice
is given at least one calendar month prior to departure. An
administration fee of $100 + GST per person will be levied plus
any costs imposed by our suppliers. Airlines may impose up to
100% cancellation charges.
6. CANCELLATION
a) Cancellation by You – Cancellation charges will be applied
as shown below, calculated from the day written notification
is received by Renaissance Tours. In addition to the charges
shown below airlines may impose up to 100% cancellation
charges.
International Tours
60 days or more 59 – 45 days
44 – 31 days
30 – 15 days Less than 15 days Forfeit of deposit*
25% of tour cost
50% of tour cost
75% of tour cost
100% of tour cost
* Includes any flight deposit paid.
The above cancellation charges include applicable GST.
In addition to the above cancellation charges, the full insurance
premium together with any existing administration fees is
also payable in the event of a cancellation by the Client. If the
reason for cancellation is covered by the insurance policy, you
may be able to reclaim these charges.
b) Cancellation by Us – We reserve the right to cancel a tour for
any reason (such as failure to reach minimum tour participant
numbers). Except for force majeure (as outlined in clause 4b) or
the Client’s failure to pay the final balance, we will not cancel
a tour less than 60 days before departure for international
tours and 45 days before departure for domestic tours.
Unless the Client fails to pay the final balance, we will return
all monies paid, excluding payment for travel insurance and
administration fees. No compensation will be paid in the event
of cancellation by Renaissance Tours. A full refund of monies
paid for tour costs will be the full extent of our liability. Airlines
may impose up to 100% cancellation charges.
7. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND VACCINATIONS
It is your responsibility to be in possession of a passport valid
for 6 months after the date of your return to Australia. You are
also responsible for obtaining all necessary visas, innoculations
and preventative medicines as may be required for the duration
of the tour. Information about these matters or related items is
given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of
Renaissance Tours.
8. ILLNESS OR DISABILITY
Anyone suffering from illness or disability or undergoing
treatment for any physical or medical condition must declare
the true nature of such condition at the time of booking and
make arrangements for the provision of any medication or
other treatment which may be required during the tour. Failure
to make such disclosure will constitute a breach of these
booking conditions and result in such persons being excluded
from the tour in which case all monies paid will be forfeit.
9. LOCAL LAWS
All participants of the tours we operate are expected to obey
the laws and regulations of the countries visited and any failure
to do so will relieve Renaissance Tours of all obligations that
they may otherwise have under these booking conditions.
10. IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT
If you have a complaint about any of the tour arrangements,
you must bring it to the attention of the tour leader or other
representative of Renaissance Tours at the time so that they
may use their best endeavours to rectify the situation. It is
only if we are made aware of any problems that there will be
the opportunity to put things right. Any complaints must be
made in writing to Renaissance Tours within 28 days of the
completion of the tour.
11. OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
All bookings are accepted on the understanding that the Client
appreciates that travel does involve some risk and that they
undertake all tours of their own volition.
i) Renaissance Tours accepts liability should any part of the tour
arrangements booked with us not be supplied as described
in the brochure(s) and not be of reasonable standard. In such
a case, we will pay reasonable compensation if the Client’s
enjoyment of the tour has been adversely affected but will
pay no compensation if there has been no fault on the part
of Renaissance Tours or our suppliers and the reason for the
failure in the tour arrangements was the Client’s fault, the
actions of someone unconnected with the tour arrangements
or could not have been foreseen or avoided by Renaissance
Tours or its suppliers even if all due care had been exercised.
ii) Our acceptance of liability to pay compensation pursuant
to clause 11(i) is limited, in the case of air travel, rail travel, sea
travel or hotel accommodation, to the amount set out in the
provisions of, respectively, the Warsaw Convention as amended
by the Hague Protocol 1955, the 1961 Berne Convention, the
1974 Athens Convention and the 1962 Paris Convention.
iii) Our acceptance of liability in clauses 11(i) and 11(ii) above
is subject to assignment by the Client to Renaissance Tours of
the Client’s rights against any agent, supplier or sub-contractor
of Renaissance Tours which is in any way responsible for the
unsatisfactory tour arrangements.
1300 727 095 (AU)
0800 403 621 (NZ)
t (02) 9299 5801
f (02) 9299 5805
e info@renaissancetours.com.au
w www.renaissancetours.com.au
Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000
GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001
ABN 14 069 591 448