DISCOVER EUROPE

OPTION ONE - Featuring the OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY (Staged once every 10 years only) plus a fabulous 14 night cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam PLUS Paris and London.
depart Auckland 2nd August, 2010 - return 30 August, 2010.
Optional extensions on "Queen Mary 2" to New York or fly to Rome and join our HOLYLAND CRUISE to Turkey, Israel, Egypt, and Greece.

OPTION TWO -
Featuring a fabulous 21 night cruise from the Black Sea to the North Sea - Bucharest to Amsterdam
Continue by coach and train to Paris and London.
Optional Trans Atlantic extension on the Queen Mary 2" from Southampton to New York and train or coach across America.

OPTION ONE ITINERARY:

Day 1. Monday. August 2. AUCKLAND DEPART
Depart Auckland this afternoon with Singapore Airlines and connect to our flight to Frankfurt.

Day 2. Tuesday. August 3 FRANKFURT ARRIVE. (D)
Arrive Frankfurt this morning and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore Frankfurt at your leisure.

Day 3. Wednesday. August 4. FRANKFURT - OBERAMMERGAU. (BD)

We follow the romantic road to Rothenburg then on to the village of Oberammergau in Bavaria.

Day 4. Thursday. August 5. PASSION PLAY. (BLD)
The morning is free to enjoy the village. This afternoon we take our seats at the Passion Play only staged once every 10 years.

Day 5. Friday. August 6. OBERAMMERGAU - PRAGUE. (BLD)

We travel hy coach or train to Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Day 6. Saturday. August 7. PRAGUE. (BD)
Full day sightseeing.

Day 7. Sunday. August 8. PRAGUE - BUDAPEST. (BD)
We travel to Budapest and check in aboard our cruise ship "Viking Pride", home for the next 14 nights.

Day 8. Monday. August 9. BUDAPEST. (BLD)
We disembark after breakfast for our tour of "Buda" and "Pest" including the National Opera House and Heroes Square, Fishermens Bastion and Matthias Church. Lunch is served on board and the afternoon is free to explore at your leisure. Optional tours are available. Sail this evening and our dinner will feature the cuisine of Hungary.

Day 9. Tuesday. August 10.. BRATISLAVA (BLD)
Enjoy a walking tour of Bratislava, Slovakia's capital. See the medieval fortifications at Michael's Tower, the baroque trinity Church and Gothic St Martin's Cathedral, and neoclassical Archbishops Palace. You will also have some free time to wander as you wish before returning to the ship for dinner and continue your cruise.

Day 10. Wednesday. August 11. VIENNA (BLD)
After breakfast we set off to explore Austria's capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, lined with imposing Palaces and grand residences. Tour the baroque Belvedere Palace and see Vienna's world famous Opera House, Town Hall, St Stephans Cathedral, and Hofburg Palace. The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure or maybe take an optional tour of the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace. After dinner on board a special experience will be an evening concert of Mozart or Strauss music with tickets included.

Day 11. Thursday. August 12. MELK. (BLD)
During the morning we cruise through the Wachau Valley, heart of Austria's wine country. We berth in Melk after lunch and take a tour of the 900 year old Benedictine abbey which features Austria's finest Italian baroque architecture and offers spectacular views of the Danube. Enjoy the interior highlights including the imperial rooms and ceiling frescoes. Reboard the ship for dinner.

Day 12. Friday. August 13. PASSAU. (BLD)
Late morning we arrive in the beautiful city of Passau with its cobblestone streets and graceful arcades. Our walking tour this morning will take us through the old town's narrow alleyways and see the hilltop Oberhaus fortress towering from the hill above. At St Stephen's Cathedral, home of Europe's largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes we listen to a special organ concert before rejoining our ship.

Day 13. Saturday. August 14. REGENSBURG. (BLD)
Around breakfast time we arrive in Regensburg, a wonderfully preserved medieval city. Our walking tour will show us the 13th and 14th century churches and many beautiful patrician houses as well as the Old Town Hall and 12th century stone bridge, Europe's oldest bridge. We have free time to wander and enjoy and maybe visit the 12th century St Peter's cathedral or Alte Wurstkuche.

Day 14. Sunday. August 15. NUREMBURG. (BLD
Late morning we arrive in Nuremburg. This afternoon we take a tour of this medieval city surrounded by 13th century walls. Visit the ruins of the Nazi part's Zeppelin Field and see the Palace of Justice, site of the WW2 Nuremburg trials. Later we visit the imposing Imperial Castle and stroll through the Market Square. Time to shop and explore before dinner on board after which we will be entertained with Bavarian folk music and there will be time go ashore again to sample the night life if you wish before sailing.

Day 15. Monday. August 16. ROTHENBURG AND WURZBURG. (BLD)
Disembark after breakfast and drive along the "Romantic Way" to the Main River town of Wurzburg for a tour of the impressive Bishop's Residence and return to the ship in Wurzburg.

Day 16. Tuesday. August 17. WERTHEIM. (BLD)
The beautiful city of Wertheim is situated at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers. A highlight of our walking tour through the city will be a demonstration of the city's glassblowing tradition. Again there will be free time to wander as you will before returning to the ship and sailing.

Day 17. Wednesday August 18. MAINZ. (BLD)
Tour Mainz, a university town, and see the 11th century Romanesque Cathedral St Martin. Visit the Gutenburg Museum, which chronicles the history of printing and displays two Gutenburg Bibles.

Day 18. Thursday. August 19. RUDESHEIM AND KOBLENZ. (BLD)
Disembark at Rudesheim for a mini train ride into town to tour Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum, which houses rare examples of elaborate musical machines. You have free time to stroll the famed Drosselgasse, a pedestrian only street lined with restaurants, shops, and taverns. Continue to Koblenz and visit the Marksburg, a beautifully preserved Rhine Castle.

Day 19. Friday. August 20. COLOGNE. (BLD)
Cruise down one of the most scenic sections of the Rhine this morning with its many little towns, castles, and ruins along the riverbank. Pass the Lorelei, the legendary rock rising some 440 feet above the river. After lunch we disembark for a guided tour of Cologne's magnificent Gothic cathedral and the old city. After free time return to the ship for dinner and departure.

Day 20. Saturday. August 21. AMSTERDAM (BLD)
Enjoy your final leisurely cruise this morning travelling along the waterways of Holland. After an early lunch on board we take a cruise through the canals in a glass topped canal boat with breathtaking views of Amsterdam. The canal cruise ends with a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum to enjoy the famous paintings by Rembrandt and other Dutch Masters. Free time to explore before returning to the ship before the evening's farewell gala dinner on board.

Day 21. Sunday. August 22. AMSTERDAM - PARIS (BD)
Say farewell to our crew this morning as we disembark and travel by train to Paris. Transfer to our hotel on arrival.

Day 22. Monday. August 23. PARIS. (BD)
Our full day sightseeing includes the Champs Elysees, Arch de Triomphe, Notre Dam Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and a cruise on the Seine.

Day 23. Tuesday. August 24. PARIS. (B)
Today is free to explore at your leisure.

Day 24. Wednesday. August 25. PARIS - LONDON. (B)
Late morning transfer to the station to jon "Eurostar' for the fast ride under the channel arrivng London mid afternoon. Transfer to our hotel

Day 25. Thursday. August 26. LONDON (BD)
Our full day tour includes all the main sights of London. Westminster, St Pauls, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Docklands, a cruise on the Thames, etc.

Day 26. Friday. August 27. LONDON (BD)
Free day to explore at your leisure.

Day 27. Saturday August 28. LONDON DEPART
Transfer to the airport for departure with Singapore Airlines arriving Auckland Monday August 30 (Day 29). You are welcome to stayover and enjoy all the best that Britain and Europe offer.

Tour cost per person share twin room and cabin - $12,960


"QUEEN MARY 2"
Why not travel the Atlantic in style! Transfer to Southampton today, Saturday August 28, to join the 'QUEEN MARY 2" sailing at 6pm for New York arriving early on Friday September 3. You will be met on arrival for a full day sightseeing covering all the famous sights of New York, manhatten, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, etc. Accommodation for 3 nights at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in the heart of dowtown Manhatten.
Extra cost per person 2 per cabin and room
Inside Cabin:..........$3,200
Oceanview Cabin........$3,600
Balcony Cabin..........$3,800
Suite..................$6,980
Note; Cruise fares are correct as at 15 November, 2009 and are subject to change Day 34. Saturday. September 4. NEW YORK. (B)
Free day to explore at your leisure.

Day 35. Saturday. October 31. NEW YORK DEPART
Make your way to the airport for departure arriving Auckland Monday November 2.

Why not explore more of North America by train or coach.

OPTION TWO - INCLUDING A FABULOUS CRUISE FROM THE BLACK SEA TO THE AMSTERDAM PLUS PARIS AND LONDON.
Dates and costs for 2010 to be confirmed.

Day 1. Monday. September 21. AUCKLAND DEPART
Depart Auckland around midnight with Air New Zealand.

Day 2. Tuesday September 22. HONG KONG ARRIVE.(D)
Arrive Hong Kong early this morning. Transfer on arrival to the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel or similar. The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure. This evening we enjoy a dinner cruise on Hong Kong harbour. (Please note that we cannot guarantee room availability before 2pm - you are welcome to travel to Hong Kong earlier if you wish)

Day 3. Wednesday. September 23. HONG KONG - BUCHAREST
Transfer to the airport and fly to Bucharest via Frankfurt or Zurich.On arrival in Bucharest we will be transferred to the Athenee Hilton Hotel or similar.

Day 4. Thursday. September 24. BUCHAREST (BD).

Our morning tour includes the Palace of the Parliament, and Revolution Square. The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure.

Day 5. Friday. September 25. BUCHAREST - TRANSYLVANIA (BD).
drive through Romania's mysterious Transylvania. Tour Brasov and check in to the Aro Palace or similar hotel.

Day 6. Saturday. September 26. TRANSYLVANIA (BL)
Travel to Sighisoara, birthplace of Vlad Tepes, a Wallacian Prince better know as Dracula. Visit the renowned fortified church of Biertan. The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure.

Day 7. Sunday. September 27. JOIN CRUISE (B)
Tour Dracula's Castle, and Peles Castle, a romantic fortification in beautiful Sinaia. Afterwards travel to Oltenitsa and join your home for the next 21 nights - the Viking Pride, built in 2001.

Day 8. Monday. September 28. VARNA AND RUSSE. (BLD)
Explore Varna, a Black Sea resort with a cruise on the Black Sea included. Free time to explore the town or visit the Varna Museum before travelling through rural Bulgaria to Russe.

Day 9. Tuesday. September 29. ARBANASI AND VELIKO TARNOVO.(BLD)
Tour Arbanasi including a guided tour of the Nativity Church and lunch at a local restaurant then on to Veliko Tarnavo, Bulgaria's former capital. See Tsaravets Hill and the ruins of the Royal Castle before reboarding your cruise ship for dinner.

Day 10. Wednesday. September 30. BELOGRADCHIK AND VIDIN (BLD)
Drive to Belogradchik to tour the former Ottoman Castle. Stroll through the compound and explore its many terraced courtyards with breathtaking views. Rejoin the ship at Vidin.

Day 11. Thursday. October 1. IRON GATE. (BLD)
Relax on board and enjoy a full day cruising through the most scenic part of the Lower Danube, flanked by enormous white chalk cliffs, and amid spectacular scenery.

Day 12. Friday. October 2. BELGRADE. (BLD)
Wake up in Belgrade, capital of Serbia. Take a guided walk through the grounds of Kalemegdan Fortress, tour the Eastern Orthodox Cathedral and stop at the Square of the Republic. You have free time to explore at your leisure.

Day 13. Saturday. October 3. PECS. (BLD)
From Mohacs take a tour through the countryside to Pecs, an ancient university town. During your walking tour visit the impressive Romanesque Cathedral and the Gazi Qasim Pasha Djami Mosque - now a Catholic Cathedral. Time to explore as you wish or visit the 19th Century Synagogue.

Day 14. Sunday. October 4. BUDAPEST. (BLD)
We disembark after breakfast for our tour of "Buda" and "Pest" including the National Opera House and Heroes Square, Fishermens Bastion and Matthias Church. Lunch is served on board and the afternoon is free to explore at your leisure. Optional tours are available. Sail this evening and our dinner will feature the cuisine of Hungary.

Day 15. Monday October 5. BRATISLAVA (BLD)
Enjoy a walking tour of Bratislava, Slovakia's capital. See the medieval fortifications at Michael's Tower, the baroque trinity Church and Gothic St Martin's Cathedral, and neoclassical Archbishops Palace. You will also have some free time to wander as you wish before returning to the ship for dinner and continue your cruise.

Day 16. Tuesday October 6. VIENNA (BLD)
After breakfast we set off to explore Austria's capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, lined with imposing Palaces and grand residences. Tour the baroque Belvedere Palace and see Vienna's world famous Opera House, Town Hall, St Stephans Cathedral, and Hofburg Palace. The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure or maybe take an optional tour of the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace. After dinner on board a special experience will be an evening concert of Mozart or Strauss music with tickets included.

Day 17. Wednesday. October 7. MELK. (BLD)
During the morning we cruise through the Wachau Valley, heart of Austria's wine country. We berth in Melk after lunch and take a tour of the 900 year old Benedictine abbey which features Austria's finest Italian baroque architecture and offers spectacular views of the Danube. Enjoy the interior highlights including the imperial rooms and ceiling frescoes. Reboard the ship for dinner.

Day 18. Thursday. October 8. PASSAU. (BLD)
Late morning we arrive in the beautiful city of Passau with its cobblestone streets and graceful arcades. Our walking tour this morning will take us through the old town's narrow alleyways and see the hilltop Oberhaus fortress towering from the hill above. At St Stephen's Cathedral, home of Europe's largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes we listen to a special organ concert before rejoining our ship.

Day 19. Friday. October 9. REGENSBURG. (BLD)
Around breakfast time we arrive in Regensburg, a wonderfully preserved medieval city. Our walking tour will show us the 13th and 14th century churches and many beautiful patrician houses as well as the Old Town Hall and 12th century stone bridge, Europe's oldest bridge. We have free time to wander and enjoy and maybe visit the 12th century St Peter's cathedral or Alte Wurstkuche.

Day 20. Saturday. October 10. NUREMBURG. (BLD
Late morning we arrive in Nuremburg. This afternoon we take a tour of this medieval city surrounded by 13th century walls. Visit the ruins of the Nazi part's Zeppelin Field and see the Palace of Justice, site of the WW2 Nuremburg trials. Later we visit the imposing Imperial Castle and stroll through the Market Square. Time to shop and explore before dinner on board after which we will be entertained with Bavarian folk music and there will be time go ashore again to sample the night life if you wish before sailing.

Day 21. Sunday. October 11. ROTHENBURG AND WURZBURG. (BLD)
Disembark after breakfast and drive along the "Romantic Way" to the Main River town of Wurzburg for a tour of the impressive Bishop's Residence and return to the ship in Wurzburg.

Day 22. Monday October 12. WERTHEIM. (BLD)
The beautiful city of Wertheim is situated at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers. A highlight of our walking tour through the city will be a demonstration of the city's glassblowing tradition. Again there will be free time to wander as you will before returning to the ship and sailing.

Day 23. Tuesday October 13. MAINZ. (BLD)
Tour Mainz, a university town, and see the 11th century Romanesque Cathedral St Martin. Visit the Gutenburg Museum, which chronicles the history of printing and displays two Gutenburg Bibles.

Day 24. Wednesday October 14. RUDESHEIM AND KOBLENZ. (BLD)
Disembark at Rudesheim for a mini train ride into town to tour Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum, which houses rare examples of elaborate musical machines. You have free time to stroll the famed Drosselgasse, a pedestrian only street lined with restaurants, shops, and taverns. Continue to Koblenz and visit the Marksburg, a beautifully preserved Rhine Castle.

Day 25. Thursday October 15. COLOGNE. (BLD)
Cruise down one of the most scenic sections of the Rhine this morning with its many little towns, castles, and ruins along the riverbank. Pass the Lorelei, the legendary rock rising some 440 feet above the river. After lunch we disembark for a guided tour of Cologne's magnificent Gothic cathedral and the old city. After free time return to the ship for dinner and departure.

Day 26. Friday October 16. AMSTERDAM (BLD)
Enjoy your final leisurely cruise this morning travelling along the waterways of Holland. After an early lunch on board we take a cruise through the canals in a glass topped canal boat with breathtaking views of Amsterdam. The canal cruise ends with a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum to enjoy the famous paintings by Rembrandt and other Dutch Masters. Free time to explore before returning to the ship before the evening's farewell gala dinner on board.

Day 27. Saturday. October 17. AMSTERDAM - PARIS (BD)
Say farewell to our crew this morning as we disembark and travel by train to Paris. Transfer to our hotel on arrival.

Day 28. Sunday. October 18. PARIS. (BD)
Our full day sightseeing includes the Champs Elysees, Arch de Triomphe, Notre Dam Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and a cruise on the Seine.

Day 29. Monday. October 19. PARIS. (B)
Today is free to explore at your leisure.

Day 30. Tuesday. October 20. PARIS - LONDON. (B)
Late morning transfer to the station to jon "Eurostar' for the fast ride under the channel arrivng London mid afternoon. Transfer to our hotel

Day 31. Wednesday. October 21. LONDON (BD)
Our full day tour includes all the main sights of London. Westminster, St Pauls, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Docklands, a cruise on the Thames, etc.

Day 32. Thursday. October 22. LONDON (BD)
Free day to explore at your leisure.

Day 33. Friday October 23. LONDON DEPART
Transfer to the airport for departure with Air New Zealand arriving Auckland Sunday October 25 (Day 35). You are welcome to stayover and enjoy all the best that Britain and Europe offer.

Tour cost per person share twin room and cabin - $14,960

"QUEEN MARY 2"
Why not travel the Atlantic in style! Transfer to Southampton today, Friday October 23, to join the 'QUEEN MARY 2" sailing at 6pm for New York arriving early on Wednesday October 28. make your way to the Sheraton Towers in the heart of dowtown Manhatten.

Day 40. Thursday. October 29. NEW YORK. (B)
Full day sightseeing covers all of New Yorks highlights. Manhatten, Times Square, Central Park, Broadway, etc.

Day 41. Friday. October 30. NEW YORK. (B)
Free day to explore at your leisure.

Day 42. Saturday. October 31. NEW YORK DEPART
Make your way to the airport for departure arriving Auckland Monday November 2.

Why not explore more of North America by train or coach.
We recommend visiting Disneyworld and enjoying a 7 night "megaship' cruise in the Caribbean as follows:-

Day 42. Saturday. October 31. NEW YORK - WASHINGTON
Make your way to the train station and depart mid morning for New York. Transfer to your accommodation on arrival.

Day 43. Sunday. November 1. WASHINGTON. (B)
Full day sightseeing includes the exterior of the Pentagon, White House, Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, seaport town of old Alexandria, Embassy Row, Georgetown, and the US Navy Memorial. Visit George Washington's home at Mt Vernon, Lincoln memorial, and Arlington cemetary.

Day 44. Monday. November 2. WASHINGTON DEPART. (B)
The day is free to explore at your leisure. We recommend a visit to the Smithsonian Institute. Late afternoon depart Washington by train. Sleeper cabins provided.

Day 45. Tuesday. November 3. ORLANDO ARRIVE (B)
Arrive Orlando early afternoon and transfer to our hotel within Disneyworld. You can start using your 3 day Discovery Pass immediately.

Day 46. Wednesday. November 4. ORLANDO. (B)
Day 47. Thursday. November 5. ORLANDO. (B)
Two free days to enjoy all of Disneyworld or the many attractions in the area.

Day 47. Friday. November 6. CAPE KENNEDY. (B)
A full day tour to the Cape Kennedy Space Centre is included today.

Day 48. Saturday. November 7. ORLANDO - MIAMI. (B)
We take the train south to Miami and transfer to our hotel.

Day 49. Sunday. November 8. MIAMI DEPART. (BD)
This m,orning tour the Everglades by air boat before transferring to the pier early afternoon to join our 160,000 ton Megaship "Freedom of the Seas". Sail at 4.30pm.

Day 50. Monday. November 9. CRUISING. (BLD)
So much to do and so little time! For the active try the Flowrider surf park, Largest seagoing rock climbing wall, indoor ice skating rink, jogging track, full size volley ball and basketball courts etc. For more sedate activities try the adults only Solarium, miniature golf course, and of course a huge variety of dining options, And as the sun sets over the Caribbean the night lights up on board with a wide variety of shows, entertainment, and dancing options.

Day 51. Tuesday. November 10. CRUISING - LABADEE. (BLD)>
Arrive Labadee, Haiti at 8am - sail 4pm. Many optional excursions available.

Day 52. Wednesday. November 11. CRUISING - OCHO RIOS - JAMAICA. (BLD).
Arrive 9am - sail 5pm. Many optional shore excursions available.

Day 53. Thursday. November 12. CRUISING - GEORGETOWN, GRAND CAYMAN. (BLD).
Arrive 8am - sail 4pm.

Day 54. Friday. November 13. CRUISING - COZUMEL, MEXICO. (BLD)
Arrive 10am - sail 7pm. Optional excursion to Chichen Itza

Day 55. Saturday. November 14. CRUISING (BLD)
Another full day at sea to make as active or as relaxing as you wish.

Day 56. Sunday. November 15. MIAMI DEPART. (B)
Arrival at Miami is scheduled for 7am. We disembark and transfer to the airport for our flight to Los Angeles to join Air New Zealand for our onward flight to Auckland crossing the dateline en route.

Day 57. Tuesday. November 17. AUCKLAND ARRIVE
Arrive Auckland this morning.