Italian & Austrian Lakes By Train (Land Only)

DEPARTURES: Daily to AUGUST 31, 2009
DURATION: 9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS

• Lake Como • Mestre • Venice • Salzburg • Munich

Day 01, MILAN/LAKE COMO
Arrival in Milan Airport. You will be picked up and transferred from Milan Airport to Lake Como well known for its luxurious villas. Often referred to as the jewel in the crown of Italy’s famous lakes, Como is located 45 kms. north of Milan and is situated at the head of the lake. The 4 star HOTEL METROPOLE & SUISSE nestled in the heart of Como is located 400 metres from the railway station. Once you have checked in, there is lots to do and see. Steamers, boats and buses serve the lake with good connections to towns and villages all around the lake. The old town is protected by high walls, but is populated by interesting designer and local shops. Perhaps it’s a good time to enjoy a latte at one of the many cafes. Lunch and dinner is on your own. (B)

Day 02, LAKE COMO
After breakfast there are places to see and things to do on your free day. The city clusters largely around Piazza Cavour where most of the hotels can be found. For the more adventurous why not visit the Cathedral of Como which ranks third amongst Gothic structures in Italy. Within the Cathedral you will find noted paintings by Luini and Ferrari. In strange contrast to the cathedral is the Town Hall or Broletto built in stripes of black and white marble with a few patches of red. Finished in 1215, today the building is used as a record office. You can explore some of Como’s numerous churches such as the Basilica of San Fedele or the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio, a rare Romanesque masterpiece of the 11th century. Or perhaps you would like to consider traveling up the lake to see some of the lakeside towns such as Cernobbio, home to one of the world’s finest hotels – the Villa d’Este built in 1568 where celebrities can be found taking a quiet break. Traveling further north is Como’s only island, Isola Comacina. There are numerous lakeside villages and towns to explore, but Bellagio is truly stunning and is ranked as one of the most beautiful towns in Europe. Or perhaps you prefer to relax and walk along the palm-lined promenade, do some shopping for silk gifts for your friends back home, rent a pedal boat or just enjoy the hotels facilities. Lunch and dinner is on your own. This evening perhaps an optional nighttime boat trip. (Cost not included). (B)

Day 3, LAKE COMO/MESTRE
This morning after breakfast proceed to the San Giovanni Railway Station approximately 400 metres from the hotel (transfer is not included) for your 3 hour 30 minute train ride to Mestre, the mainland connected to Venice by rail and road bridges over the lagoon. On arrival in Mestre (transfer is not included) please proceed to the 4 star HOTEL BOLOGNA for your two night stay, the hotel is just opposite the train station. The balance of the day is free.

Mestre’s history goes back to the Middle Ages although it was always overshadowed by its powerful neighbor Venice. You may want to consider visiting the Piazza Ferretto, the town’s main square where you can while away the afternoon at a local café. The square itself is surrounded by interesting and historic buildings such as the 18th century Chiesa di San Lorenzo, the most important church in the town or the restored clock tower known as Torre Civica, originally part of the town’s mediaeval fortifications. Lunch and dinner is on your own. (Entrance fees not included).(B)

Day 4, MESTRE/VENICE/MESTRE
After an early breakfast make your way to Venice and the tourist information booth located in St. Mark’s Square next to the tower (transfer not included). It will take approximately 30 minutes from the hotel to the tourist information booth. (10 minutes by train from Mestre to Venice S. Lucia Station and 10-20 minutes by watertaxi from Venice S. Lucia to Venice St. Mark’s Square). The landing stage is located approximately 200 metres from the tourist information booth where you will meet your English speaking guide for your walking tour which begins at 0900 AM visiting the Golden Basilica of St. Mark, the Doge’s Palace decorated by 16th century artisans such as Titian and Tintoretto and the historical Bridge of Sighs. The guided walking tour does not include any interior museum visits nor entrance fees. The remainder of the day is free to do some further optional touring on your own. You can visit the 15th century Ca’ d’Oro, one of the most impressive of the hundreds of palazzi lining the Grand Canal or take a leisurely cruise along the Canalazzo from Piazza San Marco to the Ferrovia train station passing the opulence of the 200 odd palazzi, churches and other imposing buildings dating from the 14th to 18th centuries, visit the Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore sitting on the little island of San Giogio Maggiore and one of the masterpieces of the great Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio or the Galleria de’’Accademia (Academy Gallery) a treasure house of Venetian paintings and considered one of Europe’s great museums. Or perhaps visit the Rialto arch over the Grand Canal lined with exclusive designer shops or the Palazza Ducale, the pink and white marble residence of the doges who ruled Venice for more than 1,000 years or the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs) which connects the Ducale Palace to the grim Palazzo delle Prigioni (Prisons). Then of course, there are side trips from the Grand Canal near San Marco to Murano (renowned for its glass blowers), Burano (world famous as a center of lace making) and Torcello. Remember that it will take about 30 minutes to get back to your hotel from the landing stage near St. Mark’s Square. Lunch and dinner is on your own. (Transportation is not included). A 24 hour ticket valid on all public boat lines costs Euro 16,00 per person. (B)

Day 5, MESTRE/SALZBURG
Following breakfast please proceed to the train station (transfer is not included) for departure by train to Salzburg, Austria, the city of Mozart. On arrival at the Salzburg Hofbahnhof please proceed to the 4 star HOTEL EUROPA which is located 100 metres from the train station for your two night stay. The balance of the day is on your own. Lunch and dinner is not included. (B)

Day 6, SALZBURG
Breakfast then proceed to Mirabell Square approximately 300 metres from the hotel (transfer not included). The Sound of Music Tour leaves from Mirabell Square directly in front of St. Andra Church at 0930 AM and is 4 hours in duration. A coach ride offering breathtaking views of the landscape where the opening scenes of the Sound of Music movie were filmed based on the memoirs of Maria von Trapp. Relax and enjoy the original Sound of Music soundtrack. Your English speaking guide will point out the highlights of the film as well as the historical and architectural landmarks of the city. At 130 PM return to Mirabell Square. The balance of the day is free to explore on your own. Perhaps to visit some of the sights that Salzburg is known for such as Mirabell Palace, a Baroque masterpiece with its excessive amounts of marble, the New Residenz Palace located opposite to the Residenz Palace and the famous Glockenspiel with its 35 bells which play daily at 1100 AM and 600 PM, the Alter Markt or Old Market located between Getreidegasse and the Salzburger Dom uniting a number of attractions or Mozart’s birthplace located at Getreidegasse 9. Lunch and dinner is on your own. Don’t forget to try a Mozartkugel (Mozart ball) which was invented in 1890. This pistachio, marzipan and nougat core is coated in milk chocolate and is truly delicious! This evening please proceed to Mirabel Palace where you will enjoy a 90 minute concert in the Marble Hall. Return to your hotel for overnight. (Transfers and entrance fees not included). (B)

Day 7, SALZBURG/MUNICH
After breakfast proceed to the Salzburg Hofbahnhof Railway Station (transfer not included) for departure for your two hour train ride to Munich arriving at the Muenchen Hofbahnhof. (Transfer on arrival not included). Accommodation will be provided at the NH DEUTSCHER KAISER HOTEL which is located opposite the train station. Once you have checked in, the balance of the day is free. Perhaps to visit the Marienplatz, Munich’s central square since the foundation of the city. The dominant feature is the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) which occupies the entire north side. At the east end stands the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus).

There is also the Isartor, the only one of Munich’s town gates that has preserved its gate tower, the Deutsches Museum, the German Museum for Master Works of Science and Technology, the world’s largest museum of technology, St. Michael Church, the largest Renaissance Church north of the Alps or the BMW Museum where visitors enter the motoring world of yesterday. Lunch and entrance fees not included.

Tonight enjoy an authentic Bavarian evening including buffet dinner at the Hofbrauhaus. The walk from the hotel to the Hofbrauhaus would take approximately 15 minutes each way. Alternatively you could choose to take a taxi (cost not included). In the historic banquet hall of the most famous pub in the world you will join other participants for a Bavarian evening filled with entertainment and dancing. There will be a generous pub buffet featuring Bavarian specialties. Of course you can also purchase a delicious and thirst-quenching Hofbrau beer. Drinks are not included with dinner. At the end of the evening either walk back to the hotel or you can arrange a taxi (cost not included). (B)

Day 8, MUNICH
Breakfast at the hotel. The day is yours to discover the sights and sounds of Munich on your own. You may wish to take an optional full day 10.5 hour excursion to the Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof including a short stop in Oberammergau. Leaving Munich travel through the Bavarian landscape to Fussen where in the distance you will see Neuschwanstein Castle commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat. This is the most photographed building in Germany. In fact over 50 million people have visited Neuschwanstein Castle since its opening in 1886 with 1.3 million people visiting annually. Continue to Linderhof Palace located near Oberammergau in southwest Bavaria. It is the smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one of which he lived to see completed. Although smaller than Versailles, it is evident that it was inspired by Versailles. There will be a short stop in the enchanting woodcarver’s village of Oberammergau with its richly painted houses and world renowned for its famous Passion Play. Return to Munich at the end of the tour. Lunch and dinner are not included. (B)

Day 9 MUNICH
After breakfast transfer from the hotel to Munich Airport. Termination of services on arrival at the airport. (B)

TOUR OPTIONS: There is the possibility of additional nights in Lake Como at the beginning of the tour or in Munich at the end of the tour. Rates are available on request. There is also the possibility of adding three course dinners in Lake Como, Mestre or Salzburg.

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Italian & Austrian Lakes By Train (Land Only)
Tour can start on any day, call 1-800-387-1876 to make your reservation.
Departures	Price (CDN)*
July 20 – August 30, 2009	$2,682.00
August 31 – October 31, 2009	$2,597.00
Single Supplement	$729.00

* Price in Cdn per person double occupancy.

Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. would be happy to assist with securing airfares in conjunction with the above tour.

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Booking Information and Conditions

YOUR LAND TOUR INCLUDES:

• TRANSFER – Arrival transfer from Milan Airport to the hotel in Lake Como and departure transfer from the hotel in Munich to Munich airport.
• ACCOMMODATION – Based on double occupancy in 4 star hotels as indicated with private facilities.
• MEALS – Buffet breakfast daily.
• TRAIN – First class train for journeys outlined between Milan/Como; Como-Mestre/Venice; Mestre/Venice-Salzburg; Salzburg/Munich.
• SIGHTSEEING – Guided morning walking tour of Venice, half day Sound of Music excursion from Salzburg.
• SPECIAL FEATURES – Category 1 ticket for a Salzburg Palace Concert at Mirabell Palace in Salzburg and a Bavarian Evening including buffet dinner at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich.
• LOCAL TAXES AND STANDARD SERVICE CHARGES – On accommodation and meals included in your tour price.

YOUR LAND TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• AIRFARE – To Milan and back from Munich.
• DEPARTURE TAXES – Not included.
• TRANSFERS – Between airports, railway stations, hotels and meeting points for tours or special evening or concert performance by taxi or other conveyances not mentioned.
• WATER TAXI TRANSFERS – Between Mestre/Venice/Mestre not included. PORTERAGE – At the airports, railway stations and hotels not included. MEALS – Lunches and dinners not included.
• BEVERAGES – Not included.
• OPTIONAL TOURS – Those not mentioned.
• ENTRANCE FEES – Not included on sightseeing tours mentioned.
• GRATUITIES – For individual services, laundry and valet service and any other items of a purely personal nature.
• TIPPING – To local guides, drivers, hotel or restaurant staff not included.
  E. & O.E.

DEPOSIT & PAYMENT A deposit in the amount of $600.00 Cdn. per person together with the single supplement and the insurance premium (if needed) is required at the time of booking. Written confirmation will be issued only after the deposit has been received. Should this deposit not reach us within 10 days of the booking, we will assume that you no longer wish to travel and will cancel any arrangements being held. The balance of payment is due 9 weeks prior to departure. Reservations received within 9 weeks prior to departure must be accompanied by full payment. Failure to comply with these provisions could result in the cancellation of the reservation by Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. without prior notice.

CANCELLATION CONDITIONS
All cancellations, changes or refund requests must be received in writing at the offices of Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. and shall be considered in effect as of the date received. Cancellation charges are per person and are based upon the date of the cancellation. Cancellation or changes made up to 90 days prior to departure will be subject to a penalty of $150.00 Cdn. per person. Those made between 89 and 60 days prior to departure will be subject to a penalty of $300.00 Cdn. per person. Between 59 and 30 days prior to departure, a penalty of 50% per person. Between 29 days and departure day, no refunds will be granted thereafter. Should a participant be unable to join the tour on the day of departure or leave the tour prior to its completion, no refunds will be granted for unused services. For those participants making their own connecting flights to coincide with the program, we suggest that ample time be allowed between flights. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. does not accept any responsibility for additional charges or expenses that result from a change of flight times or misconnections and no refunds will be issued for services not provided. No claim or refund will be considered unless submitted in writing and received by CTA within 30 days of the termination of the tour. Any substitution of a passenger(s) will be considered a cancellation of the original reservation and the applicable cancellation charges will apply. If you cancel your trip after receiving your final documents, please note that the complete set of final documents must be returned to Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. before we can process your request.  

CANCELLATION BY CANADIAN TRAVEL ABROAD LTD.
We reserve the right to cancel a departure and offer an alternative departure should there be an insufficient number of participants to make the tour viable. Should the participant(s) elect not to travel on an alternative date, a full refund will be made. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. is not to be held responsible for any other individual  arrangements affected by our tour cancellation.

ACCOMMODATION
Rooms with private facilities in hotels as indicated in the itinerary are assigned by local agencies. Should it become necessary, accommodation in similar categories may be substituted.

CHANGES
Once a booking has been confirmed, should a participant wish to change to an alternative departure or make changes to the reservation, a handling fee of $125.00 Cdn. per person would apply. NOTE: Changes or adjustments to a reservation will not be accepted within 28 days prior to departure. Should cancellation by one or more passengers change the room requirements of the remaining participant, the passenger must pay the applicable rate for the new accommodation to be required.

INSURANCE
Comprehensive trip cancellation insurance (to protect against loss of monies incurred through cancellation due to illness, etc.) as well as personal travel insurance for baggage and accident coverage is available through Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. and must be taken out at the time of booking with the premium being remitted with the deposit. Once paid, the premium is non refundable. A signed waiver will be required if insurance is declined.

BAGGAGE INSURANCE
Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. cannot be held responsible for damage to your baggage. It is recommended that each participant purchase baggage insurance to protect their belongings.

INSURANCE WAIVER
Insurance affords protection against penalties caused by cancellation of your trip due to injury, illness or death of a tour participant or a member of a participant’s immediate family. This insurance is underwritten by RBC.

COSTS
All costs quoted herein in Canadian dollars are per person and are based on tariffs, exchange rates and airfares (where applicable) in effect as of October 01st, 2008 and are subject to change without prior notice. NOTE – There will be no refund provided for unused services.

INDIVIDUAL ARRANGEMENTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH A TOUR
For individual arrangements in conjunction with a tour, a non refundable booking fee of $50.00 Cdn. per person will apply.

GRATUITIES
While gratuities for services provided are customary including the end of tour gratuity for the tour escort and driver, the gratuities are not included in the cost of the tour and are based upon your satisfaction of the arrangements provided.

HOLIDAY CHANGES
During national or local holidays abroad, certain facilities such as museums and sightseeing tours may be limited. Where possible, slight itinerary adjustments may be made.

ITINERARY CHANGES
Your itinerary has been planned with the utmost care to ensure a pleasant trip. However, circumstances may arise whereby a slight change in the itinerary may be required due to business hours at a certain site. There will be no refund granted for any changes to the program.

MEALS
As specified in the itinerary. B = Breakfast, L= Lunch, D = Dinner.

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
Any physical disability requiring special attention or treatment must be reported when reservations are made. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd./and or their agents reserve the right to accept or retain any participant who may, in their sole judgment, require care and attention beyond that which can be provided. Please bring any health or mobility issues to our attention at the time of booking.

PORTERAGE
Each participant will be responsible for carrying their own luggage through customs.       Since porters and/or luggage carts are not always readily available, you should be comfortable carrying your own luggage.

PRE OR POST TOUR ARRANGEMENTS
Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. would be happy to assist you should you wish to add additional arrangements to your tour program.

REFUNDS
There will not be any refunds granted on any unused portion of the tour not taken.

SIGHTSEEING
As indicated, including entrance fees to places of interest as well as the services of fully qualified local English speaking guides. The sequence of tours and the cities visited is subject to change where necessary.

SINGLE ROOMS
A limited number of single rooms may be available for an additional charge. In Europe, single rooms are generally much smaller than a double room. Single rooms are never guaranteed and are subject to availability.

SPECIAL REQUESTS
Must be placed in sufficient time and although Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. will do their utmost to accommodate these special requests, we cannot be held responsible if such requests are not fulfilled.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION
As indicated.

TAXES
All local taxes and standard service charges on accommodation and meals included in your tour price.

TOUR DOCUMENT DELIVERY
Travel documents are usually issued 21 days prior to departure provided that full payment has been received. In the event that late payment results in the late delivery of documents, Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. will not accept any responsibility for the consequences thereof and reserves the right to charge for courier expenses. Documents will be sent first class mail, however, should you prefer to have your documents sent by overnight courier, you will be advised of the additional charges which must be included with your final payment.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION
All participants must be in possession of a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months after the duration of the tour and should have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigration stamps. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd.  cannot be held responsible should you be denied entry to any country due to non compliance of these arrangements. A copy of your valid passport is required to confirm any air reservations (if required). Due to increased security measures, passport information and emergency contact information is required for all passengers prior to the release of final documents.

TRAVELING ALONE, BUT WISHING TO SHARE
Tour participants traveling alone but wishing to share accommodation with a suitable roommate must pay the single supplement until such time as a roommate is found. The single supplement would then be refunded with the final documentation. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. cannot assume any responsibility should such an arrangement not be available or suitable.

SPECIAL NOTE – The right is reserved to change or cancel the pre-arranged itineraries including designated hotels if reasons beyond our control arise. Pursuant to the Travel Industry Act Regulations if price changes cause an increase of over 7% of the confirmed price (except for government taxes) or there is a change in the standard of accommodation or a delay of over 24 hours in transport arrangements of which we become aware prior to departure, you will be notified and given 48 hours to advise us of your desire to cancel the tour with a full refund. Otherwise, you will be considered to have accepted the change(s).

 

OPERATORS RESPONSIBILITY
All arrangements for land accommodation, transportation and sightseeing are made by Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. and/or their appointed representatives, who act only as agents in obtaining transportation, accommodation and other services for the tour members. They shall not be liable or held responsible directly or indirectly for any delay, injury (including death) loss of damage to any person, company or association providing accommodation, transportation or other services in connection with the tour. The right is reserved to withdraw all or part of the tour should conditions warrant and to make such alterations in the itinerary as may be found desirable for the convenience of the tour members and the proper execution of the tour. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person(s) as member(s) of the tour in which case equitable refund will be made at the discretion of the operators.

E. & O.E.

VALIDITY: May 01 – October 31, 2009.

In accordance with the Ontario Travel Act, CTA is registered
(1040985 & 1039982).

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