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Fred. Holidays 2020 Brochure - OUT NOW
Tailor-made European Holidays & City Breaks
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Photo by Ethan Hu on Unsplash
Summer means festival season and there are so many to choose from all over Europe. Taking lead from the iconic Oktoberfest in Munich, a detailed calendar of beer festivals will bring overfl owing steins and sprawling tents to city centres across the continent. From Pilsner in Pilsen to starkbier in Stuttgart and blonde ale in Bruges, this is your chance to try some of the local tipples and soak-up the revelry. Although the beer obviously takes centre stage, there is plenty more to keep you entertained at
these popular festivals. Local culinary delights are never too far away and it’s not unusual for entire urban parks to be taken over by fairground rides. From the moment the fi rst keg is tapped, live music, traditional costumes and collective singing bring everyone together and ensure the fun is just as free-fl owing as the beer.
Bruges Belgium
Bruges has all the aspects of a romantic, medieval city. Cobbled streets along which to stroll hand-in-hand? Check. Quaint market squares lined with picturesque buildings? Check. Peaceful canals that create a relaxed vibe? Double check. And that’s all before the magical lighting washes over the city after dark and takes things to another level.
Like other Belgian cities, you’ll find plenty of history and art to muse over here, along with an overflowing glass of local beer courtesy of a handful of fantastic breweries. Once seen as a sleepy gem that was yet to be discovered, tourists have woken up to the charm of Bruges in recent years. However, there are still plenty of tranquil corners to discover and enjoy.
Must see Gruuthusemuseum – Having recently re-opened after a five-year renovation, this museum will take you on a journey through three important periods in Bruges’ history.
Or alternatively Beer Pipeline – Outside De Halve Maan brewery, a manhole cover offers a glimpse of the pipeline they installed in 2016 to transfer beer from the city centre to the bottling plant.
Suggested break:
Daily departures and regional flight options available Three nights’ 4* accommodation with breakfast, & return rail travel from the UK From £319 pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London St. Pancras on 8th April 2020.
Something extra Combine your stay with a visit to the World War I battlefields of Flanders.
Although La Gomera may be one of the smaller Canary Islands, it’s jam packed with beautiful black sand beaches, lush green laurel rainforests and plenty of adrenalin-packed activities you’ll want to get involved in. Being a volcanic island means that it features plenty of mountainous landscapes and steep slopes that make for excellent hiking and cycling trails. Why not try your hand at the Gomeran whistling language that was once used to communicate over mountains and valleys?
The island’s capital, San Sebastián, is filled with history and culture, highlighted through its archaeological museum displaying artefacts from 2,500 years ago and its 15th-century Church of Assumption, where Christopher Columbus prayed before his famous adventure. Don’t just immerse yourself in the local culture, indulge in the local cuisine – you won’t be disappointed.
Must see Garajonay National Park – An enchanting jungle, situated in the heart of the island, featuring stunning springs, streams and species of vegetation.
Suggested break:
Daily departures and regional flight options available Five nights’ 4* accommodation at the Hotel Jardin Tecina on half board basis, private overseas transfers and ferry crossing & return flights from the UK From £649 pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 5th May 2020.
Or alternatively Torre Del Conde – This 15th-century stone tower was built to serve as a fort, refuge and warehouse and is surrounded by a charming botanical garden.
Something extra Start you holiday to La Gomera with a few nights in Tenerife for a multi-stop holiday experience.
Anyone who has been to Dubrovnik may fi nd it a surprise to learn that Pula is actually Croatia’s most history-laden city. The Romans left their mark all over and the ruins found throughout the streets bring the past to life in a very real way. If the ancient amphitheatre doesn’t make your eyes light up, perhaps your interest will be piqued by the intricate fl oor mosaic ‘The Punishment of Dirce’.
Pula is the capital of Istria, a region known for its delicious local food and glorious beaches. Whilst you may have to take a short bus ride to reach the golden sands, dishes featuring world-class olive oil and magnifi cent truffl es will be brought directly to your table.
Suggested break:
Daily departures and regional fl ight options available Three nights’ 4* accommodation with breakfast, private overseas transfers & return fl ights from the UK From £429 pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Southend on 7th May 2020
Must see Roman Amphitheatre – Fantastically preserved, the arena is still used to host several open-air events in the summer.
Or alternatively Pula Aquarium – Even the aquarium has a historical setting. Inside you’ll fi nd over 250 different marine species and a sea turtle rescue centre.
Something extra Enjoy a two-country holiday experience with a stay in Italy and Croatia.
You may know Berlin by its rich history, exciting nightlife and strong connection with the arts. On arrival, you won’t know what to do first; walk along the remains of the Berlin wall, experience the many basement clubs or see a spectacular opera at the theatre that’ll give you goose bumps. This unique city is also known for its wide selection of museums, so much so it has its own Museum Island that holds five different exhibitions - you’re spoilt for choice. When wandering the Gendarmenmarkt, a stunning public square, you’ll pass two charming
cathedrals, one French and one German, as well as the magnificent Concert Hall displaying beautiful architecture that’ll make you stop and stare. Kurfürstendamm, Berlin’s designer shopping street, is nearby if you’re in the mood to splash the cash. Also nearby is the Reichstag, where a glass dome that provides 360-degree views of the breathtaking city skyline sits atop the German government building.
Suggested holidays:
Daily departures and regional flight options available Itinerary: Depart UK – Berlin – Kraków – Auschwitz memorial tour - Kraków – Arrive UK What’s Included: • Five nights’ 4* accommodation with breakfast • Private overseas transfers (airport – hotel – airport) • Rail travel from Berlin to Kraków • Auschwitz - Birkenau Memorial Tour • Return flights from the UK
Bavaria’s capital, Munich, is best known for its numerous museums, historical buildings and, of course, its annual celebration, Oktoberfest. Beer has played a large part in Munich’s life over the past few centuries, so it would seem a waste to visit and not try their traditional brews in one of the lively beer halls. However, if beer isn’t the first thing on your to-do list, there’s plenty more to see and do, including the Kunstareal, a magnificent collection of museums and art galleries, displaying many beautiful artefacts and pieces of work - some dating back 5,000 years. If, after that, you find yourself wanting more, visit the Residenzmuseum and discover the previous Bavarian rulers and their palatial compound. Inside, you could spend hours looking at the different rooms, the Antiquarium being the one that’ll take your breath away, with its curved frescoed walls and ceiling.
Suggested break:
Daily departures and regional flight options available Four nights’ 4* accommodation, private overseas transfers & return flights from the UK From £399 pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 12th May 2020.
Must see English Garden – This lush, green lawn is up there with some of Europe’s largest city parks. Come here to bask in the sun and enjoy some people watching.
Or alternatively BMW Welt – If you’re a BMW fan or petrol head, you won’t want to miss this tornado of glass and steel spiralling out of the ground, filled with BMW’s latest models.
Something extra Make your holiday extra special with a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace.
Show anyone a picture of Santorini’s bluedomed buildings and the chances are they’ll be able to recognise this popular destination. A favourite with honeymooners, celebrities and the Instagram generation, the captivating panoramas are sought-after the world over. This is a place of relaxing beaches in the east; photogenic, whitewashed houses balanced on steep cliffs in the west; and luxury hotels all over. The main towns (Oia and Fira) boast cobbled shopping streets and traditional tavernas, and they serve as ideal bases for exploring the rest of the islands. Take a trip to Akrotiri in the south to learn how the volcano that literally shaped the island also destroyed an ancient Minoan city. Visit the volcano itself on a boat trip. Enjoy a bit of wine tasting atop the slopes of Athinios. But, whatever you do, be sure to make it back to Oia in time to admire one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see.
Suggested break:
Daily departures and regional flight options available Six nights’ 4* accommodation with breakfast, private overseas transfers & return flights from the UK From £599 pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Gatwick 29th March 2020.
Must see A Santorini Sunset – The castle ruins are a popular spot, but watching the sun go down over the caldera is magical from any vantage point.
Or alternatively Akrotiri Archaeological Site – The Pompeii of the Aegean reveals a well-preserved city that was buried beneath ash when the volcano erupted in the 17th century BC.
Something extra Enjoy the relaxing side of Santorini with a stay in Kamari.
Suggested holiday:
Rome & The Amalfi Coast Weekly departures available Itinerary: Rome – Montecassino – Amalfi Coast – Sorrento – Amalfi – Minori – Amalfi Coast – Paestum – Amalfi Coast – Pompeii – Winery – Amalfi Coast – Naples – Rome in partnership with
What’s Included: • Eight nights' accommodation • Tour guide throughout • Cultural Experiences • Culinary Inclusions
From £1,749 pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing 4th December 2020. Price featured is for the land tour only, flight inclusive prices are available on request.
Must see Positano – Arguably the most captivating town along the Amalfi Coast, Positano is the archetypal postcard picture of the region.
Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast Italy
The Amalfi Coast and its gateway city, Sorrento, is one of the most eye-popping travel destinations in Europe. You may have seen pictures of the pastel-hued houses tumbling down the cliffs of Positano and Praiano, but nothing compares to seeing these panoramas in the flesh. The list of photogenic towns and villages worth visiting is endless and each of them delights in its own way. However, whether you opt for family-friendly Maiori or historic Amalfi, they’re all joined metaphorically by a glamourous atmosphere and physically by the Path of the Gods hiking trail. If you’re staying in nearby Naples rather than on the coast itself, your last stop before swapping train tracks for bus seats will be Sorrento. As the largest city in this part of Italy, it’s the perfect introduction to the Amalfi Coast. There are plenty of tempting restaurants, a small yet pretty harbour and an alluring shopping street where the scents of lemon and lavender soap waft from the store fronts.
Or alternatively Valle delle Ferriere, Amalfi – Hike though this otherworldly valley takes you past ruined ironworks and cascading waterfalls. Far-removed from the bustling beaches.
Something extra Travel from Positano to Sorrento by sea and visit Capri for an overnight stay.
Being the stunning capital of Portugal means that Lisbon draws in plenty of tourists each year. Its bustling city centre, welcoming atmosphere and abundance of attractions are what make it a popular destination. Whether you’re planning a cultural trip, city break or beach holiday, Lisbon is the place for you. This city is spread out over seven different hills, so if you’re planning to visit all of the sights during your trip, make sure you’re prepared for
some steep, up-hill climbs. However, an easier way of getting around would be to use the trams, number 28 to be exact, as this tram will take you to all the city’s highlights for a very affordable price. The largest city in Portugal is full of narrow, cobbled streets you can get lost down whilst you discover family-run restaurants selling fresh seafood or cute little buildings with tiled facades.
Must see Castelo De São Jorge – This 11th-century monstrosity towers above Lisbon, providing picture-perfect panoramic views and an insight into the country’s rich history.
Or alternatively National Tile Museum – This museum’s large collection allows you to go on a journey through the history of tiles, starting from the 15th century to the present day.
Suggested break:
Daily departures and regional flight options available Three nights’ 4* accommodation with breakfast, private overseas transfers & return flights from the UK From £349 pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Luton on 13th May 2020.
Something extra Visit Sintra during your stay in Lisbon.
Photo by Jessie Brown on Unsplash
In this seaside city, you can climb up mountains, relax on the beach and visit many awe-inspiring buildings with beautifully unique architecture, such as the works of Antoni Gaudi. Park Guell showcases his best efforts with the multicoloured mosaic salamander welcoming you and Casa Batlló’s curved blue roof that resembles a dragon. When wandering down bustling Las Ramblas, you’ll discover plenty of Catalan restaurants that transform flavoursome ingredients, like cured
ham and seafood from La Boqueria Market, into remarkable delicacies. Grab an outside table to observe the nearby walkers, admire the stunning sunset and enjoy the live music. However, if you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you can go kayaking or paddle boarding in the Mediterranean Sea. Or, choose to catch the cable car to the top of Montjuïc and wander around its magnificent castle and the outstanding National Art Museum of Catalonia.
Must see La Sagrada Familia – This Roman Catholic Basilica showcases a unique blend of Art Nouveaux and Gothic architecture and is a must-see when visiting Barcelona.
Suggested break:
Daily departures and regional flight options available Four nights’ 3* accommodation with breakfast & return flights from the UK From £399 pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 12th May 2020.
Or alternatively Barri Gòtic – The charming Gothic Quarter is full of narrow, cobbled streets that’ll have you guessing what’s around the next corner.
Something extra Experience the F1 Grand Prix.
Photo by Brandon Gurney on Unsplash
Highlights Copenhagen • Swedish Country Farmstead • Manor House Stay • Stockholm • Oslo • Viking Ship Museum • Stave Church • Flåm Railway • Sognefjord • Briksdal Glacier • Geirangerfjord Cruise • Bergen
Spectacular Scandinavia Escorted Tour
in partnership with
Cultural Experiences • Visit a Swedish country farmstead for a traditional fika. • See the intricately-designed Borgund Stave Church, erected in 1180. • Overnight in a historic manor house in the Swedish countryside.
Double Solo
Starting at £3,389 Starting at £4,439
Land only, per person, double occupancy.
May – October 2020 8, 22, 29 May 12, 19, 26 June
10, 17, 24, 31 July 14, 21, 28 August 4, 18, September
Price is based departing 8th May 2020. Price featured is for the land tour only, flight inclusive prices are available on request.
25 September 2 October
Culinary Inclusions • 12 breakfasts, 8 dinners • Savour Swedish cuisine in Stockholm’s old town. • Experience the New Nordic Cuisine movement in Copenhagen.
Itinerary Days 1 - 2 - Copenhagen Day 3 - Swedish Countryside Days 4 - 5 - Stockholm Days 6 - 7 - Oslo Day 8 - Flam Days 9 - 10 - Loen/Geiranger Days 11 - 13 - Bergen
Anna Öhlund/imagebank.sweden.se
Magical Northern Lights Iceland - Escorted Tour
in partnership with
Highlights Reykjavík • Northern Lights Cruise • Search for the Northern Lights • Golden Circle • Thingvellir National Park • Geysir • Gullfoss Waterfall • Lava Exhibition Centre • Vík • Seljalandsfoss • Skógar Museum • Skógafoss • Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon • Skaftafell National Park • Vatnajökull Glacier • Blue Lagoon
Cultural Experiences • Explore Skógar Museum, covering all aspects of Icelandic life. • Experience the energy at the geothermal fields of Geysir and Strokkur. • Learn about the volcanic nature of Iceland during a visit to the Lava Exhibition Centre.
Double Solo
Starting at £2,059 Starting at £2,619
Land only, per person, double occupancy.
January – March 2020 (different itinerary – see note) 6, 10, 15, 31 January 3, 10, 24, 28 February 2, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16 March 23, 27 March Itinerary featured is for October 2020 – March 2021 tour departures. Departures prior to this date will vary. Please confirm at time of reservation. October 2020 - March 2021 (featured itinerary) 1, 6, 7, 12, 13, 15, 16, October 18, 19, 21, 27 October 28, 30, 31 October 2, 6, 11, 12, 14 November 15, 17, 18, 20 November 24, 27, 29, 30 November 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 December 12, 14 December 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13 January 17, 19, 23, 25, 28, 31 January 3, 4, 6, 7 February 9, 10, 15, 16, 19 February 21, 23, 28 February 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9 March 12, 13, 15, 16, 19 March 21, 22, 24 March Price is based departing 1st October 2020. Price featured is for the land tour only, flight inclusive prices are available on request.
Culinary Inclusions • 5 breakfasts, 5 dinners • Savour gourmet Icelandic cuisine at a popular local restaurant. • Challenge your taste buds with a sample of traditional hákarl (cured shark meat) and Brennivín (Icelandic schnapps).
Itinerary Day 1 - Reykjavík Days 2 - 4 - Vík Day 5 - 6 - Reykjavík On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Hiking in Switzerland Switzerland
Brimming with superb natural scenery, Switzerland is one of the world’s best destinations for exploring the great outdoors. There are so many different activities available, whether you arrive in summer or snow, but the best way to explore these breathtaking landscapes is on foot. Hiking trails stretch across the landscapes in every direction,
providing routes to challenge experienced hikers and delight casual walkers. Along the way, you’ll rub shoulders with towering peaks, glistening glaciers, emerald lakes and bottomless ravines. The well-kept paths are suitably signposted and inviting ‘huttes’ welcome you in to refuel with food or rest for the night.
Must see Eiger Trail, Grindelwald – This route is very popular with beginners with undemanding terrain. The walk is almost entirely downhill from the Kleine Scheidegg station.
Or alternatively The Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, Randa – Walk the trail that takes you over the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, just outside of Randa, near Zermatt.
Something extra Enjoy a gourmet Sky-dinner in a levitating cable-car. Beginning with a reception at the bottom, a hot-stone grill in the ascending cabin, followed by dessert on the way down.
© PHOTOVF.COM/ VALENTIN FLAURAUD
© pfingstegg.ch Leuftseilbahn Grindelwald
Bern & Lucerne Switzerland
Suggested holiday:
Daily departures and regional flight options available Itinerary: Depart UK – Zurich – Lucerne – Bern – Zurich – Arrive UK What’s Included: • Seven nights’ 4* accommodation • Eight day Swiss Travel Pass • Return flights from the UK
From £1,239 pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Luton on 4th May 2020.
Must see The Zytglogge – This medieval clock tower was originally used as a guard tower. You can now see the mechanics and get a magnificent view of the city from the top.
It’s the UNESCO-listed Old Town that brings in thousands of tourists each year to pictureperfect Bern. When strolling through the aesthetically-pleasing streets, you’ll be faced with six kilometres of arcades and 15th-century sandstone facades that make great photography spots. If you carry on walking to the nearby hills, you’ll stumble upon the multi-coloured Rose Garden and get an amazing view over the redroofed buildings of the Old Town. Located in central Switzerland is gorgeous Lucerne. This spectacular setting, on the shores of Lake Lucerne, is known for its pastel-coloured houses, waterfront walkways and making beautiful music – many music gigs keep the vibe upbeat. The ‘City of Lights’ draws people in through busy waterside alleys selling street food, historic bridges crossing over the river and charming plazas in its Old Town.
Or alternatively Kapellbrücke – This wooden footbridge was first erected in the 14th century over the River Reuss. It’s unique in its number of interior paintings that date back to the 17th century.
Something extra Explore Switzerland further during your stay with the inclusion of a Swiss Travel Pass.
Photo by Patrick Robert Doyle on Unsplash
Destination Page Akureyri 135 Altötting 59 Amalfi Coast 103 Amsterdam 107 Antwerp 27 Athens 87 Azores 117 Baden-Baden 60 Balearic Islands 121 Bamburg 61 Barcelona 122 Bari 93 Basel 153 Bergen 141 Berlin 62 Bern 154 Bilbao 123 Bodensee (Lake Constance) 65 Bordeaux 51 Bremen 66 Bremerhaven 68 Brno 45 Bruges 28 Brussels 29 Budapest 91 Český Krumlov 46 Cologne 69 Copenhagen 131 Corsica 52 Dortmund 70 Dresden 71 Dubrovnik 39 Dunkirk 53 Düsseldorf 72 Eindhoven 109 Erfurt 82 Florence 94 Frankfurt 73 Freiburg 64 Fuerteventura 33 Gdańsk 111 Gdynia 111
Destination Page Geneva 155 Ghent 30 Gibraltar 84 Gothenburg 147 Gran Canaria 33 Graz 21 Greek Islands 89 Hamburg 74 Heidelberg 73 Helsinki 133 Innsbruck 22 Interlaken 156 Italian Lakes 95 Kraków 112 La Gomera 34 La Palma 36 Lanzarote 36 Lausanne 155 Leipzig 75 Leuven 31 Lille 53 Linz 23 Lisbon 118 Lucerne 154 Lyon 54 Madeira 117 Madrid 124 Malaga 125 MalmÖ 148 Marseille 55 Mechelen 31 Milan 96 Munich 76 Naples 97 Nice 56 Nuremberg 77 Oberammergau 7 Oslo 142 Paris 57 Pisa 94 Porto 119 Poznan 113
Destination Page Prague 47 Pula 40 Regensburg 78 Reykjavik 137 Rome 100 Rothenburg ob der Tauber 80 Rotterdam 108 Salzburg 24 Santorini 88 Sardinia 101 Seville 126 Sicily 102 Sorrento 103 Spa 30 Split 41 Stavanger 143 Stockholm 149 Stuttgart 81 Tallinn 49 Tenerife 37 The Hague 108 The Islands of Naples Bay 98 The Jungfrau Region 156 Titisee-Neustadt 64 Toulouse 51 Triberg 64 Tromsø 144 Trondheim 145 Valencia 127 Venice 104 Verona 105 Vienna 25 Warsaw 114 Weimar 82 Wiesbaden 83 Wroclaw 115 Würzburg 61 Zadar 42 Zagreb 43 Zurich 157
