2017 Holiday Inspiration Brochure | Fred.\ Holidays

Germany

Special Interest Holidays Group Travel & Escorted Touring

7

Christmas Markets

8

Beer Festivals

9

Steam Engines & UNESCO Sites

10

Italy

Introduction to Germany

32

All about Italy

66

Berlin

34

Italian Lakes

66

Hamburg

36

Rome

68

Bremen

38

Venice

69

Germany - Bavaria

Netherlands

11

All about Bavaria

40

Theme Parks

12

Bamberg, Würzburg

42

Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Edam

Battlefield Tours

14

43

Norway

Active Holidays

15

Franconia - 'Home of the beer' Regensburg, Fussen

44

Poland

Rothenburg

45

Krakow & Warsaw

Munich

46

Slovenia

Nuremberg

47

Ljublijana

Romantic Road (Self Drive)

48

Spain & Portugal

Inzell

49

Cologne

50

Barcelona, Madrid, Seville & Lisbon

Frankfurt

51

Sweden

Düsseldorf

52

Stockholm & Gothenburg

Dresden (Saxony)

53

Switzerland

Leipzig (Saxony)

54

Geneva, Bern & Basel

76

Stuttgart

55

Lakes & Mountains

77

Black Forest

56

Swiss Rail holidays

78

Baden-Baden

57

Thuringa - Efurt, Weimar

58

Bodensee

59

Estonia

Oberammergau

60

Tallinn

Historical Highlights

61

F1 Grand Prix Trips

Austria Lakes & Mountains

16

Vienna & Salzburg

17

Belgium Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Mechelen, Leuven

18

Canary Islands Tenerife & La Gomera

20

Croatia Dubrovnik, Pula, Zadar, Split, Hvar & Zagreb

22

Plitvice Lakes National Park

24

Czech Republic Prague

25

Denmark Copenhagen

26

27

Helsinki

Olso & Bergen

Gibraltar

Finland 28

62

Gibraltar Hungary

France Paris, Rouen, Lille, La Rochelle, Bordeaux & Corsica

30

Paris

31

Budapest & Lake Baleton

Fred.\ Holidays 2017 Holiday Inspiration

Inside this brochure...

64

Iceland

2017 Holiday Inspiration

70

Germany | Switzerland | Italy | Austria | Spain | Portugal | Scandinavia & more

71

72

73

74

75

Authentic Worldwide Adventures

80

Places We Go

82

India Land Tours

83

Discover Australia & New Zealand Getaway

8485

Luxury Africa Safari

86

Mauritius In The Lap of Luxury

87

65

Reykjavik

0800 988 3369

www.fredholidays.co.uk sales@fredholidays.co.uk

09 44

Fred.\ Holidays is a trading name of Fred. Olsen Travel Limited, Olympus House, 2 Olympus Close, Ipswich, IP1 5LN

www.fredholidays.co.uk

for your peace of mind

Featuring

Worldwide Adventures

Featured in this brochure

Iceland

Finland

Norway

Period before departure in which we notify you

Amount you will receive from us

43 – 70 days (90 days if a cruise holiday)

(d) an event which either ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers and subcontractors could not, even with all due care, have foreseen or forestalled.

£ 20 per person

27 – 42 days

£ 30 per person

15 – 26 days

£ 40 per person

00 – 14 days

£ 50 per person

The services and facilities included in your holiday will be deemed to be provided with reasonable skill and care if they comply with any local regulations which apply, or, if there are no applicable local regulations, if they are reasonable when compared to the local standards in practice.

We reserve the right in our absolute discretion to terminate without notice the holiday arrangements of any customer whose behaviour is such that it is in our opinion likely to cause distress, damage, danger, or annoyance to our customers, our/supplier employees, or to any third party, or to property. If you are prevented from travelling because, in our or our suppliers’ opinion, you appear to be unfit to travel or likely to cause discomfort or disturbance to others, our responsibility for your holiday ceases and we shall be under no obligation to pay any refund, compensation or costs to you. Please note that we have no control over the behaviour of other persons staying at or visiting your holiday accommodation and we are not responsible for any withdrawal or impairment of facilities or other loss or damage caused by them. Under no circumstances are you entitled to share or sub-let your accommodation with anyone other than those individuals shown on your booking.

Force Majeure

Estonia

Sweden

We will not pay you compensation if we have to cancel or change your travel arrangements in any way because of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control. These can include but are not limited to war, riot, industrial dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, epidemics and pandemics, unavoidable technical problems with transport, and any other circumstances of any nature whatsoever.

Our Responsibilities

Poland

Netherlands Belgium

Germany Czech Rep Slovakia Austria

France

Hungary

Switzerland Slovenia

We are a Member of ABTA, membership number Y0128.

We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of this contract. The scheme is arranged by ABTA and administered independently. It is a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on you for costs. The upper limit on claims is £5,000 per person and £25,000 per booking form. The scheme doesn’t apply to claims which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. It can however deal with claims which include an element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of £1,500 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element.

Your request for arbitration must be received by ABTA within eighteen months of the date of return from holiday. For injury and illness claims, you can request the ABTA Mediation Procedure and we have the option to agree to mediation.

Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com.

1) Single Components

Croatia Italy

If you have purchased a ‘single component’ i.e. accommodation or transportation only, we will accept responsibility only for our own negligence e.g. If we have negligently misdescribed the accommodation etc., or if we have been negligent in our choice of supplier. We will not be responsible for the negligence of our suppliers, their employees, servants or agents.

2) Package Holidays

Portugal

Spain

Gibraltar Canary Islands

Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

(a) Loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions and money, the maximum amount we will have to pay you is £25 per person in total because you are assumed to have adequate insurance in place to cover any losses of this kind. (b) Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of two times the cost of your travel arrangements. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you or your party has not received any benefit at all from your booking. (c) Claims in respect of international travel by air, sea and rail, or any stay in a hotel: i. The extent of our liability will in all cases be limited as if we were carriers under the appropriate Conventions, which include The Warsaw/Montreal Convention (international travel by air); The Athens Convention (with respect to sea travel); The Berne/ Cotif Convention (with respect to rail travel); The Paris Convention (with respect to hotel arrangements); and The Strasbourg Convention (CNLI) (with respect to travel on inland waterways). You can ask for copies of these Conventions from our offices. In addition, you agree that the operating carrier or transport company’s own ‘Conditions of Carriage’ will apply to you on that journey. When arranging transportation for you, we rely on the terms and conditions contained within these international conventions and those ‘Conditions of Carriage’. You acknowledge that all of the terms and conditions contained in those ‘Conditions of Carriage’ form part of your contract with us, as well as with the transport company and that those ‘Conditions of Carriage’ shall be deemed to be included by reference into this contract. ii. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question.

Complaints If a problem occurs whilst you are on holiday, you must inform the relevant supplier immediately so that the matter can be put right. If the supplier cannot resolve the problem to your satisfaction at the time, you must also contact us immediately by telephoning our offices so that we are given the opportunity to help. In the event that a complaint cannot be resolved at the time, you must write to us within 28 days of return to the UK quoting the original booking reference and giving all relevant information. PLEASE NOTE: Failure to take these steps will hinder our ability to resolve the problem and/or investigate it fully and in consequence, your rights under the contract may be affected. We regret we cannot accept liability for any claims which are not notified to ourselves and/or our suppliers strictly in accordance with this clause.

Special Requests

Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us. For any excursion or other tour that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator.

Passport, Visa and Immigration Requirements and Health Formalities It is your responsibility to check and fulfil the passport, visa, health and immigration requirements applicable to your itinerary. You must check requirements for your own specific circumstances with the relevant Embassies and/ or Consulates and your own doctor as applicable. Most countries now require passports to be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. If your passport is in its final year, you should check with the Embassy of the country you are visiting. For further information please contact the Passport Office on 0870 5210410 or visit www. passport.gov.uk. Special conditions apply for travel to the USA and all passengers must have individual machine readable passports. Please check www.usembassy.org. uk. For European holidays you should obtain a completed and issued form EHIC prior to departure. Up to date travel advice can be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, visit www.fco.gov.uk. We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport, visa or immigration requirements.

Delays and other Travel Information In some destinations a compulsory city tax may be applicable and will be charge to the you locally.

We regret we are unable to offer you any assistance should a delay disrupt your itinerary. Any airline or other transport provider concerned may however provide refreshments and/or appropriate accommodation. We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to re-scheduling times by the airline or airline authorities, or any of the reasons set out in Force Majeure of these booking conditions. The latest flight timings will be shown on your tickets which will be dispatched to you approximately two weeks before departure. You should check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct flight times. If flight times change after tickets have been dispatched we will contact you as soon as we can to let you know.

Under EU Law, you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from the airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. Reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday price from us.

Guest Behaviour We reserve the right to terminate your booking arrangements with us immediately, should you or your party fail to conduct yourselves in an orderly manner. In the event of such termination our liability to you and/or your party will cease and you and/or your party will be required to leave your accommodation or other service immediately. We will have no further obligations to you and/or your party.

Jurisdiction

Any special requests must be advised to us at the time of booking. You should then confirm your requests in writing.

Whilst every effort will be made by us to try and arrange your reasonable special requests, we cannot guarantee that they will be fulfilled. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part unless the request has been specifically confirmed.

When you make a booking you guarantee that you have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party the terms of these booking conditions. A contract will exist as soon as we issue our confirmation invoice. This contract is made on the terms of these booking conditions, which are governed by English Law, and the jurisdiction of the English Courts. You may however, choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you wish to do so.

Refunds

Data Protection

Any amounts due to you will be paid upon request within 28 days.

Full details of our data protection policy are available upon request.

(a) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected;

Disabilities and Medical Problems

(updated November 2015)

(b) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of the services contracted for and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable;

We are not a specialist disabled holiday company, but we will do our utmost to cater for any special requirements you may have. If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your stay, please provide us with full details by writing or emailing us, before we confirm your booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of your chosen arrangements if possible.

Subject to these booking conditions, your holiday arrangements will be made or performed using reasonable skill and care. We will be responsible if our employees, servants or agents fail to make or perform your holiday arrangements using reasonable skill and care as long as they were acting within the course of their employment or carrying out work which we had asked them to do.

We will not be responsible or pay compensation for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost or other claim of any description which results from:

(c) unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or

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We limit the amount of compensation we may have to pay you if we are found liable under this clause:

Excursions

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

91

Contents

Germany (continued)

Special Interest Holidays

Frankfurt

51

DĂźsseldorf

52

Group Travel & Escorted Touring

7

Dresden (Saxony)

53

Christmas Markets

8

Leipzig (Saxony)

54

Beer Festivals

9

Stuttgart

55

Steam Engines & UNESCO Sites

10

Black Forest

56

F1 Grand Prix Trips

11

Baden-Baden

57

Theme Parks

12

Thuringa - Efurt, Weimar

58

Battlefield Tours

14

Bodensee (Lake Constance)

59

Active Holidays

15

Oberammergau

60

Historical Highlights

61

Austria Lakes & Mountains

16

Gibraltar

Vienna & Salzburg

17

Gibraltar

Belgium Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Mechelen, Leuven

Hungary 18

Canary Islands Tenerife & La Gomera

20

22

Plitvice Lakes National Park

24

Czech Republic 25

Denmark 26

65

All about Italy

66

Italian Lakes

66

Rome

68

Venice

69

Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Edam

70

Norway 27

Finland Helsinki

Reykjavik

Netherlands

Estonia Tallinn

64

Italy

Dubrovnik, Pula, Zadar, Split, Hvar & Zagreb

Copenhagen

Budapest & Lake Balaton Iceland

Croatia

Prague

62

Olso & Bergen

71

Poland 28

France

Krakow & Warsaw

72

Slovenia

Paris, Rouen, Lille, La Rochelle, Bordeaux & Corsica

30

Ljublijana

Paris

31

Spain & Portugal

Germany

Barcelona, Madrid, Seville & Lisbon

Introduction to Germany

32

Berlin

34

Hamburg

36

Bremen

38

Germany - Bavaria

73

74

Sweden Stockholm & Gothenburg

75

Switzerland Geneva, Bern & Basel

76

Lakes & Mountains

77

Swiss Rail holidays

78

All about Bavaria

40

Bamberg, WĂźrzburg

42

Franconia - 'Home of the beer'

43

Regensburg, Fussen

44

Rothenburg

45

Fred.\ Discover

Munich

46

Authentic Worldwide Adventures

80

Nuremberg

47

Places We Go

82

Romantic Road (Self Drive)

48

India Land Tours

83

Inzell

49

Discover Australia & New Zealand Getaway

84-85

Cologne

50

Luxury Africa Safari

86

Mauritius In The Lap of Luxury

87

Your tailor-made holiday specialists Fred.\ Holidays was born out of a desire to provide people with the holiday experiences that they really want, with tailor-made holidays and short breaks designed to customers’ own individual requirements.

As part of one of the UK’s most established travel companies Fred. Olsen Travel, which has been operating for nearly 30 years, Fred.\ Holidays has built upon their reputation for providing outstanding customer service, choice and value for money.

Now, Fred.\ Holidays boasts an experienced, friendly and welltravelled team, each with their own fields of expertise, which has enabled us to develop six distinct specialisms:

Fred.\ Holidays Bespoke European holidays individually designed to your own personal requirements

Fred.\ Cruises Worldwide ocean cruising including all mainstream and niche cruise companies

Fred.\ River Cruises Worldwide river cruising with the opportunity to tailor departures to include land stays

Fred.\ Expeditions Taking you further into the heart of a destination, including the Arctic and Antarctica

Fred.\ Hotel Jardín Tecina The Fred. owned hotel on La Gomera, the best kept secret in the Canaries

Fred.\ Discover Worldwide ‘bucket list’ holidays with opportunities for unique immersive experiences

Did you know?

The origin of the Fred. Olsen business dates all the day back to 1848 when a young shipmaster called Fredrik Christian Olsen, followed by brothers Petter and Andreas, entered the shipping industry. Today, the Fred. Olsen Group of Companies cover interests as wide ranging as shipping, off-shore drilling, renewable energy and off-shore wind farms, as well as cruise, travel, media and real estate!

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Let us help create your perfect holiday We have brought together a selection of our favourite European destinations within this brochure to help inspire you for your next holiday – from medieval towns to buzzing capital cities in Germany, Austria, Italy and beyond; to stunning lakes and mountains, active holiday destinations and fascinating historical sites – we can offer it all!

For each destination we have featured, we have picked out the ‘must see’ highlights, as well as put together a selection of ‘suggested breaks’ to help you make the most of your chosen destination.

At Fred.\ Holidays, we understand that every one of you is unique, that’s why we won’t force you to take your well-earned holiday at a time that suits us, instead, we hand the power over to you. Use this brochure for holiday ideas and inspiration, then contact us to help you create your perfect, personalised holiday.

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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The Fred.\ Holidays Difference Our knowledgeable team of travel specialists will only offer unbiased and objective advice to help you choose your next holiday. We are not tied to any hotel group, operator or tourist board, meaning we are free to book whichever options are best for you.

In addition to being part of one of the UK’s most established travel companies, Fred.\ Holidays is ABTA and ATOL bonded ensuring that you are financially protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

With us, there are no hidden charges once the booking is made.

Any supplements or additional costs will be advised at the time of booking. Some cities may charge a local city tax or Kurtax which are payable locally, however you will be advised of this at time of booking.

We will always source the best quality, value for money holidays and city breaks for you, taking into consideration your desired holiday style and budget.

All of our holidays are tailor-made to your own bespoke requirements, with arrangements to suit you and the rest of your party.

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Group travel & Escorted touring Travel is something that is great when shared with a group of friends or family. Enjoying these experiences with people close to our hearts can enhance each and every aspect of a trip and leave us with memories that we can reminisce about for years.

You may be part of a society or group that all practice the same hobby, you may have a large group of friends that you have travelled with since you were younger or you may be getting the family together for a reunion that will be talked about well into the future. Regardless of how your group came together, Fred.\ Holidays can plan your trip and help you gain some great benefits in the process.

• Travelling together will help you save on the cost of your holiday as we offer discounts to groups of around ten or more.

• Group travel will allow you to broaden your horizons in each destination, as you see and do things you may not have done on your own.

• You will get to know the people you are travelling with even more - perfect for fledgling societies or friends and family that haven’t seen each other for a while.

• Your holiday will live on forever, as you all recount stories every time you get together in the future.

The options for group travel are endless when booking with us.

We can help to tailor-make a city break itinerary in places such as Berlin and Madrid, taking you to the attractions you want to see. We can string together a multi-centre tour that visits the destinations on everybody’s to-do list, along Germany’s Romantic Road, for example. Or, we can help to arrange a trip to a specific event that your group cannot wait to see, such as the Dresden Steam Engine Festival.

Escorted Tours If you would rather travel as a couple or on your own, but you still want to share your experiences with other people, an escorted tour is the perfect choice. Our small group tours limit the number of people so that you can enjoy some authentic experiences while still getting to know fellow travellers with the same passions and interests as you. These trips will be guided by expert tour leaders who know the best places to go, the best things to see and attractions that you may have missed had you been travelling on your own.

Not only do you get to make new friends, enjoy comfortable transfers between destinations and receive important insight that only a knowledgeable guide can offer, you also benefit from hand-crafted tours that have been created with small groups in mind. Some examples of our trips include cycling in the dolomites, discovering the highlights of central Europe and letting your taste buds guide you around the island of Sicily.

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Special interest holidays

Christmas Markets

The magic of Christmas is something that never leaves us, no matter how removed we feel from that little child inside us who scrunched their eyes closed on Christmas Eve in wild anticipation of what the following day would bring. This wonderful time of year is celebrated all over Europe in the form of charming Christmas markets selling artisan products, filling the air with delicious aromas and generally making us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

On the lead up to Christmas, public squares in cities all over the continent start to sprout giant trees adorned with lights and decorations. Wooden huts are built from scratch as local craftsmen begin to put their wares on display. Grey pavements are replaced with elaborate ice rinks that will soon become home to laughter and joy. Brass bands and carollers dust off the sheet music for Silent Night and begin rehearsing their atmospheric melodies, whilst oversized advent calendars are wheeled into position.

Germany is the most popular country for people wanting to visit these Christmas markets, but there are excellent examples is places such as Prague, Vienna and Brussels too. Pretty much every town and city in Europe will have its own version, offering you the chance to purchase some unique Christmas presents, try some delicious local delicacies and stock up on festive cheer in time for the big day.

Some of our most popular Christmas markets include:

Frankfurt One of the oldest markets in all of Germany. Located at the Römerberg (Frankfurt’s historical centre), St Paul’s Square and Main Quay, the market is officially opened with a concert. Visitors are treated to a wide fringe programme consisting of concerts, tower horns trumpeting from the balcony of St Nicolas Church, an art exhibition of local artists at the Römerhallen and St Paul’s Church, and the “Winter lights” event at the botanical gardens Palmengarten.

Cologne The main Christmas market takes place against the backdrop of the Gothic Cathedral and you will find a fascinating array of high-quality arts and crafts, as well as more than one hundred stage events under the resplendent starlight tent. This particular market attracts millions of visitors each year and features over 150 stalls.

Salzburg An ideal setting to begin the Christmas season in style, Salzburg market is full of locals selling an array of the finest festive cuisine and traditional handicrafts that make the perfect gift for a loved one. Countless festively decorated stalls line the heart of the historic centre and the irresistible aromas of toasted almonds and baked apples fill the air.

Special interest holidays

Beer Festivals

The sound of glasses clinking and Oompah bands playing in the background, the sight of numerous tents lining the streets and the smell of pretzels and bratwurst in the air – it wouldn’t be a beer festival without any of these aspects.

Sample some of the best flavours that Europe has to offer at a European beer festival. Beer enthusiasts, groups of friends, couples and even individuals flock to cities across Europe, most specifically Germany, to indulge in the amber nectar and soak up a little culture at the same time. On April 23, 1516, a new law for the Duchy of Bavaria was issued in Ingolstadt and stated that brewers were only allowed to use malt, hops and water to produce their beer – forming the basis of the “German Beer Purity Law”. This is undoubtedly just one of the reasons why Bavarian beer is so popular.

And with such few ingredients available, you may be forgiven for thinking there can’t be that much diversity of flavour, but that’s where you’d be wrong. Part of the appeal these events have is that you can wander from tent to tent, sampling the various tipples and deciding whether you prefer top or bottom fermented, light or dark and strong or… slightly less strong.

Here are just a few of the more popular beer festivals taking place in Europe throughout 2017 as well as some lesser-known destinations that you may like to consider, particularly if the larger festivals are sold out…

Bruges Bierfestival, Bruges 4th February - 5th February 2017 Cologne Carnival 23rd February – 1st March 2017 Regensburg Maidult 12th May – 28th May 2017 Starkbierzeit – Strong Beer Festival, Munich March 2017 Czech Beer Festival, Prague 12th May - 28th May 2017 Hamburg DOM Spring - 24th March – 23rd April 2017 Summer - 28th July – 27th August 2017 Winter - 3rd November – 3rd December 2017 Schützenfest Beer Festival, Hanover 30th June – 9th July 2017 Berlin Beer Festival 4th August – 6th August 2017 Belgian Beer Weekend, Brussels Usually first weekend in September Munich Oktoberfest 16th September – 3rd October 2017 Stuttgart Beer Festival 22nd September – 8th October 2017 Modeste Bierfestival, Antwerp Early October 2017 Freimarkt – Bremen Festival 13th October – 29th October 2017 Dates correct at time of print

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Special interest holidays

Steam engines & UNESCO sites Although train travel has become one of the fastest and most relaxing forms of getting around, many of us still yearn for those nostalgic days of the past. We may have ICE trains that can travel through Europe at speeds of up to 210mph and rail links that mean you can go from London, through France and Belgium and into Germany in just a few hours, however it was steam-powered engines that paved the way for the modern trains we love.

Our holidays include the chance to experience steam travel on a range of different routes, delve into its past and attend events celebrating this romantic way of getting from A to B. A great example is the annual Dresden Steam Engine Festival, taking place from April 7th to April 9th in 2017. You’ll get the chance to take half and full-day excursions aboard engines, explore the traditional roundhouse depot and visit the Dresden Transport Museum.

UNESCO Sites Since the 1960s, UNESCO has been protecting sites of historical and cultural importance so that they can be enjoyed by future generations. These World Heritage Sites are always unique and often provide a window into the past, making them very popular with tourists keen to see the best attractions and learn as much as they can about the country they are visiting. There are UNESCO Sites all over Europe, helping us to understand how past civilisations such as the Romans, Greeks and Ottomans would have lived their lives and allowing us to continue to appreciate the architecture of their times.

Fred.\ Holidays can help you plan a trip to a wide range of Heritage Sites, from the Hanseatic City of LĂźbeck and Cologne Cathedral to the Historic City Centre of Salzburg and the Buda Castle Quarter.

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Special interest holidays

Formula 1

If you love the roar of an engine, the smell of petrol in the air and the taste of rogue drops of Champagne raining down from a shaken bottle, our Formula One breaks are just what you are looking for.

Watching a race on the television can never compare to looking on from behind the railings at the track itself. We can take you to the best race venues in Europe, and further afield too, as you indulge your passion for speed and watch your favourite drivers attempt to take the chequered flag. By getting close to the action, you can see things you wouldn’t normally notice, feel the goosebumps rising on your arms and experience every part of the electric atmosphere.

Our Formula 1 holidays are not just limited to Europe. If you would like to travel to Australia, the USA, Mexico or any of the other great destinations on the 2017 calendar, contact us today.

2017 Race Calendar 14 May – Spain (Barcelona) 28 May – Monaco (Monte Carlo) 2 July – Austria (Spielberg) 23 July – Hungary (Budapest) 30 July – Germany (Hockenheim) – subject to confirmation 27 August – Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps) 3 September – Italy (Monza) Call for full information and race list.

Dates correct at time of print

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Special interest holidays

Theme parks

Europa Park

Europa Park

When you think of theme parks in Europe, Disneyland Paris usually springs to mind. However, there are other attractions that are just as good, if not better, especially if you are looking for something different or you are on a tighter budget.

Europa-Park is situated in the German town of Rust and is easily reached via airports in Basel, Strasbourg and Karlsruhe/BadenBaden. The park offers a similar experience to that of Disneyland, with plenty for young and older thrill seekers to enjoy and so much more to do away from the rides.

Split into 14 different areas, each of which is themed on a different European country, the park spreads joy and gets the pulse racing. At the highest end of the thrill-o-meter there are rides such as Blue Fire and Silver Star, which shoot you to incredible heights and send you screaming around terrifying loops. There are even rollercoasters that make use of the latest VR technology to give you a ride you won’t forget. At the other end of the scale, the whole family can enjoy attractions such as Arthur, Pegasus and Atlantica SuperSplash, the latter being the perfect way to cool off in this sunny part of Germany.

If you want to take things at a slower pace, there is a great range of shows all around the park. You can laugh, sing and clap along with performances aimed at all ages and children will love meeting 'Euromaus' and his friends. When the time comes to fill the growing gap in your stomach, you can either head to one of the themed restaurants or visit the FoodLoop restaurant. This last option involves ordering from a computer screen at your table and then watching in awe as your meal makes its way to you via the twists, turns and loops of a rollercoaster track above your head.

If you’re planning to stay at Europa-Park for a couple of days, the five themed hotels next door to the rides provide a convenient and magical option. From fairytale castles to Spanish villas, each accommodation has its own unique atmosphere and the rooms are perfectly decorated to match the feel of the hotel.

If you want to extend your holiday away from the theme park, Europa-Park’s location close to the borders with France and Switzerland provides plenty of options. You could choose to relax in the spa town of Baden-Baden, go on an active adventure in the Jungfrau region or discover the delights of Alsace.

Europa Park

“One of the best things about Europa-Park is that you could spend your entire time there without going on one ride if you so wished. If you aren't really one for fast-paced roller coasters or you would prefer to sit back and watch the kids enjoy themselves, there is still plenty to keep you amused. Six live shows and eleven additional performances take place throughout the day and, after seeing a few of them for ourselves, we can say that the language barrier doesn't dilute your enjoyment of them at all. I would really recommend staying at the resort when visiting Europa-Park.

Not only do you get your own private entrance; you can also get early access to ride the rides before anyone else.

Free parking is available on site and guests are welcome to use any of the facilities at any of the different hotels.”

Chris Mayhew, Fred.\ Holidays

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Therme Erding

PortAventura

Special interest holidays

Theme parks

Therme Erding, Phantasia Land & Efteling Along with Europa-Park, there are many other great theme parks in Europe where your whole family can enjoy a fantastic holiday.

Phantasialand Germany’s alternative big rollercoaster-filled attraction is Phantasialand, situated close to the town of Bonn in North-Rhine Westphalia. It is easily reached from Cologne as the city’s metro system also offers links to Bonn and its suburbs. Highlights at the park include a log flume that takes you backwards, an impressive 3D adventure that involves attempting to shoot a mouse with a piping bag as it plays havoc in a kitchen, and the thrilling Black Mamba. It’s easy to enjoy the whole park in a day and would be a great addition to your itinerary during a city break in Cologne.

Therme Erding Staying in Germany, you could choose to take it easy for a few days with a visit to Therme Erding. This giant spa and wellness complex has hotels and restaurants on site and offers many different ways to relax. Throughout the different areas, there are wave pools, saunas, man-made beaches, therapy rooms offering a range of spa treatments, and rooms which use light to help change your mood. However, if you wish to punctuate your relaxation with moments of pulse-racing action, there is also a water park filled with slides aimed at all ages.

Eftling, Tivoli Gardens & PortAventura Elsewhere in Europe, there are other great theme parks such as Eftling in the Netherlands, Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen and Spain’s PortAventura. These are all great places where you can keep everyone entertained for the whole day. And if you choose to combine your thrill-seeking with a relaxing city break, you can return home feeling rejuvenated and exhilarated when you finish your holiday.

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Special interest holidays

Battlefield tours As we continue to mark the centenary of World War I, battlefield tours are growing in popularity throughout Europe. Whilst 2016 marked 100 years since the Battle of the Somme, 2017 will signal the anniversary of battles in places such as Vimy Ridge, Bullecourt and Messines.

Tours take place on the Normandy beaches, the battlefields of Belgium and many other poignant places in Europe where brave men and women fought in both world wars. It is important that new generations learn the stories of their past and educational trips such as these are a great way to treat the events with the respect and reverence they deserve.

A visit to the various memorials can also be a rite of passage for some people, as they retrace the footsteps of their loved ones, whichever side they were on.

It’s not only modern conflicts that have shaken this continent however, and so we can take you to the key sites of historic battles too. 2015 marked 200 years since the Battle of Waterloo, sparking talk of this infamous conflict and a desire to visit the battlefield in Belgium.

It is clear that we can learn so much from events such as these; not only do the tours teach you the facts, but you will also discover strategies used at the time and be told of secrets that are only now becoming common knowledge.

Whether your journey back in time is motivated by a desire to indulge your passion for history or there are more emotional reasons for your trip, our battlefield tours are both enlightening and emotive in equal measure.

Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Special interest holidays

Active holidays Walking and cycling

Europe is home to some fantastic walking and cycling opportunities that can take you great distances and to great heights. With mountain ranges such as the Dolomites, Alps and the Pyrenees all just a few hours away by plane, adventure is always just around the corner.

Whether you like to travel on two legs or two wheels, we have some excellent active trips that will get pulses racing and allow you to learn more about your destination by discovering its rural side. You can always take things at your own pace, with the option to either join an escorted group or head out with a map and forge your own route.

Our walking holidays can take you to beautiful natural areas such as Bergisches Land, the Black Forest and the Basque Country.

There are national parks all over Europe that are just waiting to be explored, many of which feature clearly marked hiking trails for all abilities. You could choose to base yourself in a town or city and just spend one of your days exploring the natural areas around you, or opt to hike the entire length of the Rennsteig Trail,

discovering the towns and villages along the way and staying in different accommodation options. Either way, you’ll love your time in the great outdoors.

Our cycling tours, on the other hand, usually take you along one of Europe’s famous rivers or through a well-known mountainous region. You’ll often be travelling with like-minded people who have a passion for two-wheeled travel and we can offer trips of varying lengths and levels of exertion. Cycling facilities are a lot more accommodating on the continent, so expect to find dedicated cycle paths, understanding motorists and plenty of fellow cyclists taking advantage of these beautiful routes.

Suggested Cycle Tour Cycling The Danube Trace the path of the river from Vienna to Budapest on an 8-day trip through three different countries. This self-guided ride allows you to travel at your own pace, enjoying the various towns and cities you pass through and stopping to refuel yourself with some local cuisine. The route is mainly flat with just a few gentle hills, whilst 4-star accommodation, luggage transfers and breakfast every day are included in the cost. Highlights include cycling past the beautiful Danube Bend, seeing the Roman ruins at PetronellCarnuntum and staying in the quaint Hungarian city of Gyor.

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Austria

Lakes and mountains

Teeming with natural beauty, Austria is perhaps most famous for its lakes and mountains. From Tyrol to Salzburger Land, it is paradise for those seeking a peaceful break amidst crystal-clear lakes and ice-capped peaks. Alternatively, adventure-seekers will love the plentiful opportunities for hiking, swimming or water sports in popular spots such as Zell am See.

Bregenz

Zell am See

Whether visiting in Autumn or Winter, you will be welcomed with a simply enchanting mountain landscape in Tyrol. A picture-perfect area of outstanding beauty, where jagged snow-covered peaks tower above fast-flowing rivers and green meadows, you can indulge in almost endless outdoor activities throughout this stunning region.

One of the most scenic and popular resorts in Austria, Zell am See is beautifully located on the shores of Lake Zell. This historic traffic-free village is close to the Grossglocker mountain range and boasts a host of leisure and sporting activities including cycling, mountain-biking, water sports and golf, as well as spa and wellness centres.

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With Lake Constance on one side and mountains on the other, the small town of Bregenz offers the best of both worlds. Here, locals and visitors alike can enjoy cycling, hiking, bathing, boat trips or take time out to visit a museum, gallery or concert.

Tyrol

Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Austria

Vienna & Salzburg Vienna Monumental palaces, gilded opera houses and stately boulevards characterise the historical city of Vienna. Reminiscent of an imperial capital lost in history, Vienna is home to the waltz, the famous Vienna Boys Choir, Spanish Riding School and Straus.

Highlights • Part of UNESCO’s cultural heritage due to its historic importance. Schonbrunn Palace is one of Europe’s most impressive Baroque palace complexes. Once former summer residence of the imperial family, you can view its unique grounds and splendid furnishing on a public tour.

• See the many famous buildings that represent Vienna, on a trip around the Ringstrasse including the State Opera House, Parliament City Hall and the Burgtheater.

• Get up close to Gustav Klmit’s famous painting ‘The Kiss’ at the Gallery Belvedere Vienna.

• Taste an authentic Apple Strudel, rumoured to be the favourite dessert of Empress Sisi and Crown Prince Rudolf.

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5* hotels and extra nights also available

Salzburg Known as the city of music, Salzburg is surrounded by a breathtaking alpine skyline and dominated by towering steeples, domes and magnificent architecture. Reminiscent of a baroque Italy that has been miraculously transported north of the Alps, the city is loved by ‘Sound of Music’ devotees and classical fans alike, as it is also the birthplace of legendary composer Mozart.

Highlights • Take a horse-drawn carriage through the cobbled UNESCO city centre.

• Visit Mozart’s birthplace at No. 9 Getreidegasse – the Mozart family lived on the third floor of ‘Hagenauer House’ for 26 years from 1747 to 1773.

• Enjoy a ‘Sound of Music’ tour to visit sites from the famous movie.

• Dine at the oldest restaurants in Europe, Stiftkeller St Peter, while listening to the sound of Mozart.

• Enjoy one of the many coffee specialties and a slice of Mozart Cake in a traditional coffee house.

Nights

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2

From £239pp

From £289pp

3

From £289pp

From £359pp

4+

From £339pp

From £449pp

5* hotels and extra nights also available

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Belgium

Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Mechelen, Leuven

Bruges

Antwerp Mechelen

Ghent Leuven Brussels

Sandwiched between the Netherlands and France, Belgium is in many ways a combination of the two, with a twist of Germany thrown in for good measure. This intriguing mix has created an amazingly diverse people and a varied culture that is surprisingly refreshing for visitors.

As the world’s diamond capital, Antwerp can offer you a fascinating insight into the world of these precious jewels. A perfectly-proportioned city, it can be easily explored by foot, or via horse-drawn carriage on a sightseeing tour!

Another hugely underrated city is Mechelen in the Flanders region of Belgium, which provides another cost-effective alternative to busy summer weekends in some of the more established Belgian cities.

A city of fine food, café culture and art nouveau, Brussels is fantastic for a short break – easily accessible from the UK by air, road or rail, with a direct Eurostar service from London. The shopping here is great, the chocolate shops are sublime, and the restaurants fabulous.

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The ancient capital of Leuven is not only Flander’s oldest university town but is also an important brewing town, full of characterful pubs and restaurants that are perfect for beer lovers.

For an ‘alternative Bruges’, consider a trip to Ghent in the North-West of the country. Perhaps Belgium’s best kept secret, this medieval gem boasts more listed buildings than any other Belgian city. Watching the world go by from a canal-side cafe in this elegant city is a great pleasure indeed.

Love Belgium? Love Beer The Bruges Beer Festival takes place on the 4th and 5th of February 2017 in the historic city halls of the Belfry as well as in a tent on the Market itself.

This is the 10th anniversary of this popular festival so book early if you do not want to miss out!

Did you know?

Belgium is home to more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world!

Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Bruges Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’ Bruges is one of the world’s most popular medieval cities. In fact, the entire city has been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List thanks to its whitewashed almshouses, picturesque market squares and dreamy canals.

Highlights • The wonderfully Gothic Basilica of the Holy Blood church hosts a very important relic - a vial of blood said to be that of Jesus Christ.

• The famous Vismarkt is a great place to spend a morning - dating back to 1821, the bustling fish market sells fresh fish every Tuesday to Saturday.

• No less than 55 chocolate shops can be found in Bruges. The city also boasts a chocolate museum and an annual chocolate festival, Choco-Late!

• A visit to the city's last working brewery is sure to please beer fans. The house brew of Brewery De Halve Maan is Bruges Zot, a spirited topfermented beer made from malt, hops and special yeast.

• You can also explore Flanders’ World War I battlefields on a full-day tour from Bruges, with an expert guide at your side.

Suggested break:

Bruges Beer Festival departing 3rd February 2017

What's Included • Return Rail from London St. Pancras • Three nights 4* accommodation including breakfast

From £349pp

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Canary Islands Tenerife & La Gomera

La Gomera

Tenerife

Discover beaches, castles, museums, natural parks and more when you visit the Canary Islands.

With seven islands to choose from you will either be spoilt for choice or choose to make the most of your stay with an island-hopping or twin-centre break.

Lunar landscapes, dramatic volcanoes, lush forests and beaches, are just some of the varied environments you can enjoy in the Canaries, with each island in the archipelago offering something unique to visitors.

From Tenerife’s lava fields to Gran Canaria’s rugged mountains; La Palma’s star-filled skies and La Gomera’s peaceful National Park, or Fuerteventura’s beaches, it’s no wonder that the Canary Islands are still one the most popular destinations for UK Holidaymakers.

Did you know?

The name 'Islas Canarias' means “Island of the Dogs”. It is thought that these ‘dogs’ were actually a species of Monk Seals, which in Latin translate as ‘sea dogs’.

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Suggested break: Tenerife & La Gomera Twin Centre These neighbouring islands provide the perfect tonic to the increasingly busy lives that many of us live.

A favourite destination for many years, Tenerife is a fantastic choice for those wishing to combine active outdoor activities, with culture and fun. La Gomera meanwhile is perhaps the Canary Island’s best kept secrets - just a 40 minute ferry transfer from Tenerife you will find a stunning island of fascinating flora and a UNESCO listed Garajonay National Park that is perfect for nature-lovers.

What's Included • Return flights from London, Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Glasgow • 3 nights at the Hotel Jardin Tropical including breakfast • 6 nights at the Hotel Jardin Tecina - Half Board • Private overseas transfers & return ferry crossing

From £949pp *Price is based on flights from London Gatwick departing 4th May 2017

Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Hotel JardĂ­n Tecina & Tecina Golf

the Canary Islands’ best kept secret www.fredhoteljardintecina.co.uk

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Croatia

Dubrovnik, Lokrum, Pula, Zadar, Split, Hvar, Brač, Zagreb

Zagreb

Pula

Zadar Split Hvar

Brač Dubrovnik Lokrum

Revered by many as the new ‘French Riviera’, Croatia’s stunning Dalmation Coast is a sight to behold, whether experiencing it by land or by sea. It’s almost impossible to visit just one of the fantastic Croatian destinations featured within this brochure in isolation (although of course you can!), when there is another gem to be found a short drive or boat trip away.

Dubrovnik A stunning city with an impressively preserved Old Town and pretty harbour, Dubrovnik’s current popularity seemingly has no end. There is plenty to do both inside and outside the city walls, from kayaking the clear blue seas, taking the cable car to Mount Srd or venturing slightly further afield for a vineyard tour. Once you arrive in this medieval city, you will see why it was chosen as centre-stage for King’s Landing in cult TV show ‘Game of Thrones’.

Lokrum Situated just off the coast of Dubrovnik is the ‘island of Kings’, Lokrum, a popular destination for those who like to combine culture with relaxation. Legend says that Richard the Lionheart shipwrecked here in 1192 after returning from the crusades. Its star attraction is Mrtvo More (Dead Sea) - a unique lake that is linked to the sea - it’s crystal clear, calm waters make it popular with bathers.

Pula This is a fascinating Istrian city with a 3000 year old history, notable for its exceptional cultural attractions including Pula Arena, Temple of Augustus and the Gate of Hercules. The Pula Amphitheatre dates back to the first century AD and whilst it was originally designed for gladiatorial combat it is now used for concerts and festivals.

Pula’s beaches are perfect for water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and snorkelling; and you can also enjoy a boat trip over to Brijuni National Par once the home of General Tito and now home to a safari park and zoo!

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Split, Brac & Hvar To make the most of your visit, why not combine the city of Split with the beautiful islands of Hvar and Brac on a coastal cruise? The perfect blend of old and new, Split is famous for its stunning beaches, UNESCO Diocletian’s Palace and as gateway to the Dalmatian Coast. Nearby Brac boasts some lovely coves and bays and gives visitors an interesting glimpse into authentic island life, whilst Hvar has been a popular destination for sailors for over 2000 years. With a sunny climate, natural beauty, excellent food, wine and sports offerings, a visit to Hvar is one to remember.

Zadar With over 3000 years of history, Zadar is one of Croatia’s most interesting towns. Beaches, bars and restaurants sit side by side with museums and churches, including St. Donatus, the ‘symbol of Zadar’. It is also the perfect city to combine with a varied twin centre holiday featuring Plitvice Lakes and Krka Waterfalls thanks to its close proximity to four national parks.

Zagreb Sure to delight you with its green parks, fantastic cuisine and picturesque open-air markets, Croatia’s capital Zagreb is a genuine and welcoming city.

Despite its rapid development, Zagreb has retained a relaxed and charming atmostphere.

All of the above cities and location can be visited independently on a Croatian selfdrive holiday (ask us to book your hotel accommodation and car hire), a coastal cruise or an organised land tour. Escorted tours will often include transportation, and expert local guide and entrance to attractions such as National Parks, cathedrals and monuments.

Alternative destinations, regional flights and options available www.fredholidays.co.uk Alternative destinations, regional flights and railrail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Suggested break:

Croatian Coastal Experience Explore the Croatian coast independently on a self-drive holiday.

What's Included • Return flights from London • One night 4* accommodation in Dubrovnik • Two nights 4* accommodation in Split • One night 4* accommodation in Zadar • Two nights 4* accommodation in Pula • Two nights 4* accommodation in Zagreb • One night 4* accommodation in Omis • One night 4* accommodation in Dubrovnik • Hire Car for the duration of your holiday

From £1,199pp "*Price is based on flights from London Gatwick departing 3rd May 2017

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Croatia's National Parks

As well as being a country full to the brim of fascinating history and culture, Croatia is also home to some of the most stunningly diverse landscapes in Europe - much of which rests within one of its many stunning national parks.

Plitvice Lakes A natural phenomenon of a rare and unique beauty, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s best known national park. Listed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites, its main attraction is its sixteen lakes joined together by a series of cascading waterfalls. Absolutely stunning at any time of the year, the Park is surrounded by dense forests and meadows and is easy to get around thanks to its panoramic electric trains and boats.

Lonjsko polje East of Zagreb lies the largest nature park in central Croatia, in the heart of the river Sava valley. A peaceful and tranquil wetland area, Lonjsko polje is home to 250 bird species including storks and is surrounded by beautiful oak forests.

Risnjak Mountain-lovers will rejoice at the sight of the rugged Risnjak National Park thanks to the beauty of its forests, karst rocks and mountains. Named after its most frequent inhabitant, the Lynx, the Park is also home to numerous animal species including brown bears martens and dormice. From Risnjak you will also be treated to spectacular views of the Kvarner Bay islands as well as mountains as far off as the Alps and neighbouring Slovenia.

Papuk If you are looking for endless forests of beech, oak, fir and more, as well as flowering meadows and beautiful waterfalls, then spending time in Papuk National Park is an absolute must.

Unique in Croatia thanks to its unique geography, the Park is the first in the country to be included on the list of world geological parks. Here you will come across rocks from across the ages from Palaeozoic to Quaternary times, including volcanic rocks.

Suggested break:

Plitvice Lakes National Park What's Included • Return flights from London • Five nights 4* accommodation in Rakovica including breakfast • Hire Car for the duration of your holiday

From £579pp *Price is based on flights from London Heathrow departing 4th April 2017

Czech Republic Prague

History and beauty combine in this ‘city of a hundred spires’.

Prague’s stunning architecture, cobbled lanes and fairytale fortress, along with its reasonably priced bars and cafes offering great value, have been attracting visitors for many years. Its castle is listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest coherent castle complex in the world, while the Astronomical Clock in the old town dates back to the 14th Century.

Suggested break: Prague, Dresden & Berlin

Combine these three great cities on a multi-centre rail holiday and soak up the best of Germany and the Czech Republic’s history and culture.

What's Included • Two nights 4* accommodation in Prague including breakfast • Flexible rail from Prague to Dresden • One night 4* accommodation in Dresden including breakfast

Highlights

• Flexible rail from Dresden to Berlin

• Climb to the top of Petrin Hill and enjoy magnificent views of the city and river from the Petrin Observation Tower.

• Two nights 4* accommodation in Berlin including breakfast

• Try one of 30 Czech-produced beers at the Prague Beer Museum, popular with locals and tourists alike.

• Consider taking a day trip from Prague to UNESCO listed Cesky Krumlov. This fairytale town is one of the most important historic sites in Central Europe.

• Stroll across Charles Bridge early in the morning for an undisturbed look at the baroque statues lining its parapets, before the crowds arrive.

From £619pp *Price is based on flights from London Heathrow departing 7th February 2017

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From £149

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From £179pp

From £219pp

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From £199pp

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5* hotels and extra nights also available

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Denmark Copenhagen

Charming Copenhagen is brimming with cafes, shops and picturesque canals. Its winding streets and royal palaces add to its appeal, as does the 17th century Nyhavn district and its colourful townhouses – the perfect photo spot for visitors. Be sure to follow in the footsteps of Hans Christian Andersen, Walt Disney and others, and visit the famous Tivoli Gardens – an amusement park with attractions to satisfy every age group.

Highlights • Visit ‘Freetown Christiania’, a car-free neighbourhood first established by hippies in 1971 and see its mixture of homemade houses, workshops, art galleries, organic eateries and museums.

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Nights

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From £239

From £249pp

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From £299pp

From £319pp

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From £399pp

5* hotels and extra nights also available

Suggested break:

Copenhagen & Tivoli Gardens What's Included • Return flights from London • Three nights 4* accommodation • Day ticket to Tivoli Gardens

• Marvel at Amalienborg Palace, considered to be one of the greatest works of Danish Rococco architecture you will find.

From £459pp

• Take a day to stroll around the city to visit some of its most famous sights including the Little Mermaid statue, Torvehallerne market, Nyhavn and the star shaped fortress Kastellet.

*Price is based on flights from London Luton departing 6th June 2017

Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Estonia Tallinn

As one of the most international cities in Europe, Tallinn is the perfect holiday destination for those looking for a combination of medieval nostalgia and modern culture. Unlike any other capital city in Europe, Tallinn has managed to wholly preserve its structure of medieval and Hanseatic origin. In winter especially, the city’s iconic medieval walls provide the perfect backdrop to its fairytale atmosphere.

Highlights • Visit the Town Hall, the only fully intact Gothic town hall in Northern Europe, which now operates as a museum and concert hall.

• Explore the city on a ‘Welcome to Tallinn’ bicycle tour. Suitable for all ages, the tour will take in sights including the Kadriorg Park and Palace, Art Museum of Estonia, and the Presidential Palace.

• Stroll along cobblestone streets and houses dating as far back as the 11th century; visit a few of the local galleries and restaurants; or sit and watch the world go by from one of the cosy cafes.

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From £229pp

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From £269pp

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From £249pp

From £309pp

5* hotels and extra nights also available

Suggested break: Winter Spa Retreat

Invigorate your mind, body and soul with 3 nights at a top spa hotel in the centre of Tallinn.

What's Included • Return flights from London • Three nights 4* accommodation

From £299pp *Price is based on flights from London Stansted departing 15th January 2017

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Finland Helsinki

Helsinki always has something going on with endless possibilities for both outdoor and relaxation activities, bars, vintage shops, boutiques and galleries to keep you occupied for days. Easy to explore by foot, this vibrant seaside city is distinguished by its green parks and collection of beautiful islands that make up the Helsinki archipelago.

Highlights

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2

From £269pp

From £299pp

3

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From £369pp

4+

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From £439pp

5* hotels and extra nights also available

Suggested break:

Helsinki Stay & Sightseeing Tour

• Discover the full beauty of Helsinki on guided tour – a fantastic option for first time visitors or anyone who is pressed for time.

Learn about landmarks such as Helsinki Cathedral, Sibelius Monument, the iconic Temppeliaukio Church and more from the comfort of your air-conditioned coach.

What’s Included

• For something a little more active, why not hike the 7km Korpinkierros trail in Nuuksio National Park? Just 30 minutes outside of Helsinki, the park is a beautifully untouched piece of nature with the trail itself holding a ‘medium’ difficulty.

From £489pp

• Return flights from London, Manchester or Edinburgh • Three nights 4* accommodation including breakfast • Sightseeing Tour

*Price is based on flights from London Gatwick departing 21st June 2017

• Take a walk over to the Finnish National Museum, famous for its Kalevala frescoes and bears carved from stone.

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Explore the world’s most famous and iconic rivers www.fredrivercruises.co.uk

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

29

France

Paris, Rouen, Le Havre, Lille, Dunkirk, Lyon, Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Marseille, Cannes, Corsica

Le Havre

Dunkirk Lille Rouen Paris

La Rochelle

Lyon

Bordeaux Marseille

Cannes Corsica

Easy to get to from the UK, France and her diverse regions have something for everyone whether you are interested in nature, history, wine or culture…

Paris The home of café culture, fashionistas and art, Paris is stylish to its very core. Just a short train or plane journey from the UK it is easy to visit at any time of the year. There is plenty to see and do from climbing the 250 steps up to the Notre Dame bell tower, to strolling through Montemartre or simply whiling away the hours watching the street performers hone their trade. Paris is also a fantastic starting point for a river cruise along the Seine to explore further into the heart of the country.

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From £269pp

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From £269pp

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From £319pp

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5* hotels and extra nights also available

Rouen Capital of the Normandy region, Rouen sits on the shores of the river Seine and is famous for its beautifully restored medieval quarter, majestic Gothic cathedral and its somewhat turbulent history. Be sure to visit the Historial Jeanne d’Arc museum where you can learn all about Joan of Arc’s heroic vision, trial and subsequent condemnation.

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Lille This hugely underrated and easily accessible city in Flemish France is a fantastic destination for a weekend break. Its friendly locals are proud of their attractive old town, renowned art museums and lively nightlife, along with their strong Flemish roots.

La Rochelle Home to a historic sea port on the Bay of Biscay, La Rochelle’s highlights are its picturesque Old Harbour boasting many fantastic seafood restaurants, and its beautifully maintained architecture. As the location of international TV show ‘Fort Boyard’, you can also take a boat from the harbour to the Fort itself – built in the 1800s under Napoleon rule.

Bordeaux France is synonymous with wine and boasts no less than 12 unique wine regions including Bordeaux and Provence. Bordeaux’s UNESCOlisted historical centre showcases the rich history of the region and you can spend many hours here tasting some of its famous tipple at one of the many cafes dotted around.

Corsica For a ‘French’ experience with a twist, head to Corsica off the south east coast of the country. This Mediterranean gem has a distinctly different feel to its motherland and enjoys a long, rich history of which its local are very proud of. If you love the outdoors and breath-taking valleys, along with lush forests and beautiful beaches, Corsica could be the perfect destination for you.

Alternative destinations, regional flights and options available www.fredholidays.co.uk Alternative destinations, regional flights and railrail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Suggested break: Paris by Rail

On this short break via rail, discover the magic of Paris at night with a leisurely evening walking tour.

Stroll along the romantic riverbanks of the Seine, admire the glowing glass pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre and experience the vibrant nocturnal energy of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

What’s Included • Return rail from London St. Pancras • Two nights 4* accommodation including breakfast • Why not include a Paris by night walking tour for only £30pp

From £399pp *Price is based on rail from London St. Pancras departing 10th March 2017

Book Book with with your your local local travel travel agent agent or or call call our our travel travel specialists specialists on on 0808 0808 988 988 3369 3369

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Germany

Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, Leipzig, Dresden, Cologne, Nuremberg, Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Dortmund

Hamburg Bremen Berlin Dortmund

Leipzig

Cologne Dresden Frankfurt Nuremberg Stuttgart Munich

Easy to get to by road, rail or sky, Germany is one of the most popular European destinations for UK holidaymakers to visit.

Revered not only for its history, fairy-tale castles and quirky customs; Germany is full of surprises both inside and outside city limits with lush farmlands, picturesque lakes and mountains.

A country of over 80 million people, this diverse country is split into various regions, each unique its own right; with local customs and traditions from years gone by, lovingly nurtured by a proud population.

Enjoy sandy beaches in the north, fresh mountain air in the Bavarian Alps, fantastic walking in the Black Forest, or tantalising wines in the Rhine and Moselle regions. Germany’s cities meanwhile are steeped in history and tradition and offer a warm welcome, good food and great shopping.

Its capital Berlin may well be its most famous city, but its other cities have so much to offer their visitors. From the Saxon cities of Leipzig and Dresden, to the ‘home of the automobile’ Stuttgart, or Munich with its provincial charm and modern way of life; any trip to Germany will not fail to impress.

Festivals and Christmas Markets

Self-Drive Holidays and Escorted Tours Whether you wish to experience Germany independently or with a group of like-minded people, there will be a holiday-type to suit you. Well known routes such as the Romantic Road and the Castle Route are perfect for getting off the beaten track and exploring in your own time. An escorted tour meanwhile, will provide you with insight and knowledge from a local guide, who can take you to places you may have never heard of before.

Multi-centre trips The fantastic road and rail networks throughout Germany make it easy for you to take in more than one city or town during your trip. Enjoy the best of both worlds with a city break combined with a relaxing retreat to a spa town such as Baden-Baden, or get off the beaten track on a mountainous hike, before sitting back, relaxing and taking in the countryside on a rail holiday.

The choice of where to go is always yours; however we are happy to make recommendations along the way, therefore many of the destinations within this brochure contain Suggested Breaks that you can use to help formulate an idea of how to make the most of your visit to Germany!

Germany is famed for its festivals – both beer festivals (see page 9 for more details) and street parties such Cologne Carnival. When it comes to Christmas Markets too, it is hard to beat the festive atmosphere found in the numerous markets taking place in cities and towns across the country. Find out more about Germany’s Christmas Markets on page 8.

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and options available www.fredholidays.co.uk Alternative destinations, regional flights and railrail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Lakes and Mountains Whilst countries such as Italy and Switzerland may be famous for their lakes and mountains; Germany is not to be underestimated! The country rises majestically through regions of vast forests, peaceful lakes and onto the towering peaks of the Alps. Breath-taking alpine scenery forms the backdrop for fairytale castles and beautiful churches, whilst woodlands and plains fill your lungs with fresh, crisp air.

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Germany Berlin

A show-stopping combination of history and modern culture, Berlin’s chequered past is just one of reasons that visitors flock to visit year after year. Effortlessly combining the past, present and the future, Berlin’s historical buildings sit comfortably with top museums and galleries, an oasis of gardens and lakes, as well as funky bars and gourmet restaurants.

Whilst many people will associate Berlin with its famous landmarks including Brandenburg Gate, TV Tower (the tallest building in Germany), and the Wall, there are many sides to this city that many may not have seen before. Its 12 diverse districts are each unique in their own right and there is plenty to see and do outside the city limits too.

Highlights • Take a trip to nearby Potsdam for a selection of beautiful walks amongst palaces and parks.

• Visit the Bohemian district of Neukölln. Once home to Bohemian refugees who settled here around Richardplatz, the creative scene here is thriving with a combination of galleries, designer labels and theatres.

• Walk across the Glienicke Bridge, also known as the ‘Bridge of Spies’ in Steglitz-Zehlendorf. It was across this bridge that captured spies were once exchanged during the cold war. If you stand on the bridge looking towards Potsdam, you can visualise the Berlin Wall and the once divided city.

• At 368 metres tall, the Berlin TV Tower is the highest publicly accessible building in Europe. Venture up 200 metres to the observational level and take in a breath-taking view of the bustling and constantly changing city.

• Brandenburg Gate is the only remaining city gate of Berlin and used to represent the separation of the city between East and West Berlin. Since the Berlin Wall came down in 1989 however it has now come to symbolise German unity.

See it all with the Berlin WelcomeCard Visiting the many districts of Berlin couldn’t be easier thanks to the WelcomeCard. The card gives visitors to Berlin free travel on the city’s buses and trains and also comes with a practical guide to the city, a map, and the city’s rail network.

Much more than this however, the WelcomeCard gives you exclusive discounts of up to 50% on around 200 sights and attractions in Berlin and Potsdam! This includes bus tours, walking tours, bike tours, boat tours, attractions, museums, theatres and shows, palaces, shopping, restaurants and hotel restaurants, and day spas.

What sights could you see thanks to the card?

“Berlin wears its historic hallmarks on it sleeve. As you will imagine, there are countless reminders of Germany’s past spread throughout the city. These coexist with the progressiveness of Berlin culture. A testament to this is the East Side Gallery, a remaining section of the Berlin Wall which once segregated the city; now a constantly developing platform for contemporary street artists to display their work.

You can still find a fascinating influence of a once divided city through both architecture and atmosphere - the once Soviet occupied East, redeveloped into a trendy, vibrant region – whilst the West feels more built-up and lavish.”

Thomas Coleman, Fred.\ Holidays

• Berlin Television Tower • DDR Museum • Zoological Garden • AquaDom & SEA LIFE Berlin • Madame Tussauds Berlin • Legoland Discovery Centre Berlin • Tierpark Berlin • Anne Frank Zentrum • Berlin Dungeon and much more!

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Suggested break: Berlin Experience What’s Included • Return flights from London, Birmingham, Manchester or Glasgow • Four nights 4* accommodation • Free Berlin WelcomeCard

Your choice of the following tours • Cold War Walking Tour of Berlin • Berlin Off-the-Beaten-Path Walking Tour • Berlin City Highlights Cruise on the River Spree

From £399pp *Price is based on flights from London Stansted departing 22nd March 2017

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Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Germany Hamburg

Grand merchants’ houses, elegant promenades, a bustling harbour and a host of cultural sights make Hamburg a delightful city to visit.

This Hanseatic city offers arts and culture at its finest, with successful musicals, a thriving theatre scene, excellent restaurants, a pulsating nightlife and historical landmarks in abundance.

Hamburg’s famous Reeperbahn, also known as the city’s ‘sinful mile’, is home to the majority of its vibrant nightlife and it is here that The Beatles honed their craft during the 60s and 70s. The Port area is home to many of the city’s key attractions including the 19th century warehouse district and the Köhlbrandbrücke areas surrounding the city are especially delightful. The fruitgrowing area of the “Altes Land” with its old farmhouses is especially suited for excursions by bus or bicycle, while the historic old towns of Stade and Lüneburg can be reached in half an hour.

Highlights • Visit the Ohlsdorf Cemetery, the world’s largest cemetery, which boasts no less than 12 chapels. Within the cemetery is the Hamburg Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery where more than 400 allied prisoners of war are buried.

• Enjoy a boat or canoe ride on the Alster Lakes, two lakes connected to the Alster and Elbe rivers. Found right in the heart of the city, the lakes are lined with picturesque city squares and historic avenues.

• Every Sunday since 1703, pretty much everything that is not bolted down has been traded at the Fish Market - Hamburg’s 36

most traditional market. From dusty porcelain jugs to a chirpy family of ducks, you can find just about anything in the shadow of the 100 year old fish auction hall.

• Take a day trip to Lübeck, just a 50 minute train ride away. Here you can wander the tiny cobbled streets, have a peek at the puppet museum or enjoy a trip on a traditional sailing ship from the Old Town harbour.

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Suggested break: Miniatur Wunderland

Visit Miniatur Wunderland, the largest model railway in the world and one of the most successful permanent exhibitions in Northern Germany. Rich in detail it highlights many regions and modes of transport and is not just for rail buffs but the whole family! In order to avoid long waiting times, we recommend booking tickets in advance, or visiting on a quiet day.

What’s Included • Return flights from London, Birmingham, Manchester or Edinburgh • Three nights 4* accommodation

From £399pp *Price is based on flights from London Stansted departing 8th March 2017

Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Hotels throughout Germany

...and the world Maritim Hotels offer a range of venues across the globe with a distinct elegance and class. After a comfortable sleep, you will wake up to Maritim's signature breakfast buffet, which enables you to start every day with a balanced breakfast of classic and regional dishes. Ideally located in key positions in a number of towns and cities, Maritim Hotels are easy to find and offer a warm and friendly welcome. Each hotel provides an ideal starting point from which to explore your chosen destination…

34 hotels through Germany in cities including: Berlin – Bonn – Bremen – Darmstadt – Dresden – Düsseldorf – Cologne – Kiel – Hannover – Magdeburg – Nuremberg – Stuttgart – Titisee – Wurzburg and more…

15 more hotels & resorts around the world including: Mauritius, China, Spain, Turkey and the Netherlands For more information on Maritim Hotels, visit www.fredholidays.co.uk/maritim-hotels Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Germany Bremen

The cosmopolitan city on the Weser river, looks back on 1,200 years of history. Although the grand old buildings around the market square betray its roots as an ancient trading centre, Bremen has the feel of a thriving city on the up. The city of Bremen, home to the world famous Town Musicians, resounds with history, science and high-tech innovation and besides its cosmopolitan appeal, Bremen offers a journey back through the centuries, full of monuments to a distinguished history and bristling with enthralling stories.

There’s always something to do in Bremen where arts are all around, particularly along the ‘cultural mile’ in the heart of the city. From musicals to comedies, concerts to art exhibitions, there is always a huge range of entertainment on offer in the city’s many theatres, concert hall and museums.

Highlights

• A guided tour of the Mercedes-Benz plant reveals how these prestigious vehicles are made and what makes the brand so special. It provides an opportunity to look behind the scenes at one of the most modern automotive factories in the world at The Rock, Mercedes-Benz’s all-action off-road training track.

• Bremen`s Ratskeller, the cellar of the Town Hall, is the world’s largest repository of quality German wines, holding around 1.200 different varieties. Among them is the oldest German cask wine from 1653!

Not to be missed No other German fair has more rides than the Bremen Freimarkt, from 13 to 29 October 2017 more than 320 fairground attractions will be set up at the Bürgerweide grounds. This Bremen tradition is not to be missed – just ask one of the four million or so people who visit in an average year.

Copyright: Ingrid Krause / BTZ Bremer Touristik-Zentrale

• The Bremen Town Musicians. These four fairytale (written by the brothers Grimm) animals are as much a part of Bremen as the river Weser, and you come across them wherever you wander in the old quarter. You can see the famous sculpture outside the town hall, hear the animals’ voices coming out of the ground in front of the State Parliament building and visit the donkey’s grave on Böttcherstrasse. Touch the donkey’s feet and a wish will be granted.

Beer has been brewed in Bremen since the 11th century. The quality of the traditional Bremen beers, such as rotbier, porter and ale, is not only appreciated in the local region however.

Bremen's beers have been exported on a large scale to the Netherlands, the UK and Scandinavia. Today, Beck's is one of the top three brands worldwide for Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest brewing company. Some 3,000 bottles of Beck's beer are opened every minute!

Copyright: Dietmar Banck / BTZ Bremer Touristik-Zentrale

At the moment, craft beers are the thing on everyone's lips. In the historical Union Brewery for example visitors can take part in tours, beer seminars and beer-brewing days at the brewery to find out where and how BREMER craft beers are made and bottled.

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"There is plenty to see all year round however in the winter months the atmosphere is fantastic with a range of Christmas markets spread out over the city. The centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with medieval buildings including the Rathaus, and I would highly recommend a meal in the original wine cellar ‘Ratskeller’ located underground dating back to 1405.

Insider tip: During Christmas markets season don’t miss the maritime market located along the quayside with traditional goods for sale, craft demonstrations and sellers wearing traditional clothing."

Lucy Newman, Fred.\ Holidays

Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

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Suggested break:

Bremen & Hamburg Two Centre

What’s Included • Return flights from London • Three nights 4* accommodation in Bremen including breakfast • Day Return flexibile rail ticket to Hamburg

From £299pp *Price is based on flights from London Stansted departing 17th February 2017

Copyright: Jonas Ginter / BTZ Bremer Touristik-Zentrale

Hamburg lies just over an hour away to the north east of Bremen and is easily reached by train. Why not head to this fabulous Hanseatic city for the day and take in its famous sites. See page 36 for more on Hamburg itself.

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Germany Bavaria

Würzburg

Bamberg Nuremberg Regensburg

Altoetting Munich Rupolding Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Picture-perfect countryside with unspoilt natural surroundings, clean air, a wealth of culture and a laid-back attitude; this is Bavaria - the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday.

A vast region, Bavaria contains countless highlights and endless beauty with amazing architectural monuments and picturesque villages, all complemented by stunning natural scenery. Each town has a historical centre and has retained its individual charm down the ages whilst offering spacious pedestrian zones, shopping streets and a vibrant cultural and social life.

Ruhpolding Nestled in the Bavarian Alps between Salzburg and Munich, Ruhpolding provides a wide variety of holiday activities all year long amidst beautiful scenery. Sheltered from harsh winds, the Ruhpolding valley is famous for its mild and sunny climate – perfect for exploring its exciting peaks and troughs by foot or by bicycle. The three-lakes area referred to as “little Canada” is an inviting place to cool-off with a refreshing swim, while a variety of wellness hotels in the area invite you to enjoy a relaxing spa break.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen Located at the foothills of Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, Garmisch-Partenkirchen will move you with its unspoilt nature, vibrancy and Bavarian traditions. The area is famous for its breath-taking scenery, snow-covered mountains and crisp mountain air. Walk along the streets, stroll down the alleyways and watch the world go by in one of the many cafes; with every moment you’ll discover a little more of the variety that GarmischPartenkirchen has to offer. Historical sights, beautiful walks, art and culture and an ideal spot to visit local towns such as Oberammergau.

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Inzell Berchtesgaden

If you are into history and hiking, why not follow the 4km trail alongside the ruins of Castle Werdenfels – an abandoned castle where accused witched were held, tried and executed at the turn of the 16th Century.

Berchtesgaden The beautiful town of Berchtesgaden, with its houses decorated by murals, is dominated by the majestic Watzmann Mountain, making it a popular spot for hikers and mountaineers. The fairytale goes that the evil King Watzmann and his family were stoned to death by local farmers and as the stones covering their bodies accumulated, the mountain grew and grew until it was the highest peak in sight! Another notable peak is the Kehlstein mountain with its Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), offering spectacular views of the area. Hiking, golf, tennis, summer sledding, ice-skating, crosscountry and downhill skiing are all available in Berchtesgaden while one of the most picturesque lakes in the region can be found at Schönau am Königsee.

Altoetting This picturesque town in the south-east of Bavaria has been the spiritual centre of Bavaria for over 1250 years. Home to the best known shrine in veneration of the virgin Mary in Germany, the town is a popular pilgrimage destination, while the region surrounding Altoetting can be explored by foot or bicycle on one of the numerous pilgrimage routes such at St. James way or the Benedict trail, connecting the places where Pope Benedict XVI spent his youth.

The town also host a beautiful and traditional Christmas market and is ideally located for visits to nearby Oberammergau, famous for its Passion Play productions and traditional woodcarving.

Alternatedestinations, destinations,regional regionalflights flightsand andrail railoptions optionsavailable availablewww.fredholidays.co.uk www.fredholidays.co.uk Alternative

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Germany Northern Bavaria (Franconia) Bamberg, Würzburg

Bamburg This delightful UNESCO World Heritage city boasts over 2400 listed buildings full of medieval charm, mixed in with trendy cafes, small boutiques and beautiful stores.

There is so much to discover in and around Bamberg County, offering a chance to follow up all that culture with active holidays and great places to visit. Famous for its beer, Bamberg is also home to nine breweries within the town boundaries and even more in the surrounding area.

Why not book onto a beer-tasting tour to sample this and many other local brews, or take a trip to the Franconian Brewery Museum.

Highlights • The Rose Garden - the perfect place to capture the beauty and romance of this city offering breath-taking views.

• Once serving as the bishop’s residence, the Old Court is one of the most impressive buildings in the city and now accommodates the Museum of History.

• The Old Town Hall is symbolic of Bamberg and the frescoes adorning its facades never cease to impress. It is also home to the Ludwig Collection, comprising thousands of works of art.

• The historic smoked beer brewery Schlenkerla, brews the famous ‘Rauchbier’ - tapped directly from a wooden barrel in line with old traditions - you can find it directly beneath the cathedral in Bamberg’s Old Town.

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Würzburg Situated around an hour’s drive west of Bamberg, Würzburg is known as the ‘Gateway to the Romantic Road’. Found in the heart of the Franconian Wine Country, a region whose vineyards are famous throughout the world, the city boasts world-class wine, world heritage and well-being.

Three of Germany’s largest and most renowned wineries are located in this region and it is Franconian wine, combined with Würzburg’s Baroque splendour that always makes a trip to this part of the world a memorable experience.

Highlights • The Residence Palace (the ‘Castle above all Castles’) is one of Europe’s most renowned baroque castles, and is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

• Marienberg Fortress is perhaps Würzburg’s most dominating feature - seen from everywhere in the city.

• Take a tour through the castle keep, the Scherenbergtor, the Marienkirche (one of the oldest round churches in Germany), and the Fürstengarten with magnificent views of the city.

• Enjoy lunch or dinner in a traditional wine tavern or at a “Bäck” (a combination of bakery and wine tavern) and sample traditional Franconian delicacies including wine soup, “Sauerbrate” nor “Blaue Zipfel.”

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Franconia – Home of the beer Home to more breweries per square kilometre than any other region in Europe, it is no surprise that beer is an integral part of the Franconian culture.

The Franconian landscape bears witness to the beer brewing tradition: Superb aromatic hops are grown in Spalt, pure spring water comes from the Rhone River, and Franconian barley is the ingredient for malt of the highest quality. So, superior quality beer is guaranteed!

Beer Lovers’ Road Trip Beer brewing traditions in Franconia are deeply rooted in a large variety of breweries, ranging from small, privately owned places to community breweries and brewpubs.

Every brew has its own unique flavour, and a great way to sample as many as you can, is by taking a hike or a bike trip with beer as your theme! You can hike through Franconian hop

fields, hike from brewery to brewery or ride your bike on a beer path. Either way you will enjoy nature and culture. There are many great places to stop and enjoy the Franconian hospitality – choose from sipping your brew quietly by yourself in one of the many beer taverns or enjoy the lively atmosphere of a local beer festival, or you may prefer a beer sample at one of the museums.

Franconian Beers • The Dark Beauty – The Bamberg Smoked Beer – is one of those beers you will either love or hate. Brewed exclusively in Bamberg this brew is tart and spicy, dark brown to black in colour.

• Enjoy a fresh, Franconian ‘Seidla Bier’, a beer of deep, gold colour. IT makes beer aficionados rejoice!

• The Non-Bung Beer ferments for the same amount of time as normal beer but contains less carbonation which creates a unique flavour. Non-bung beers are generally cloudy, light to amber in colour and offers a more intense malt and bitter flavour.

• Zwickl Beer, sometimes also referred to as cellar beer or just Zwickl, is the quintessential Franconian Beer. It is very easy on the stomach and extremely palatable.

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Germany - Bavaria Regensburg, Füssen

Regensburg More than 2000 years of history are reflected in the squares and historic buildings of Regensburg. Its Stone Bridge dates all the way back to the 12th Century and the impressive arched gateway Porta Praetoria, just north of the greatest gothic cathedral in Bavaria, St Peter’s Cathedral, highlights just how advanced Roman architecture was. It was built in AD 179 by Emperor Marcus Aurelius and you can see more remains of the Roman wall alongside Unter den Schwibbögen.

Highlights • Visit the Kepler Museum, named after the famous astrologer Johannes Kepler - one of the founders of modern astrology along with Galileo.

• Regensburg’s City Park is the oldest and largest park in the city.

Known as “Unter den Linden” it is lined by many lime trees, planted after the park was transformed Nights

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Füssen The 700-year old town of Füssen is located at the southern end of the ‘Romantic Road’ in the region of Allgäu and boasts a special intimate charm. Its quaint cobbled streets and medieval centre are framed by the majestic peaks of the Alps while the nearby fairytale castles of Hohenschwangau & Neuschwanstein take visitors back to the time of King Ludwig II.

Highlights • Visit Hohes Schloss (High Castle), one of Bavaria’s largest and best-preserved Gothic castle complexes.

• Marvel at valuable works of art and archaeological finds from the St. Mang Abbey’s 1000+ year history, which are housed in the former cells of Benedictine monks.

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Suggested break: Bavarian Highlights What’s Included • Return flights from London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh or Southampton • Return flexible rail ticket from Munich to Fussen • Five nights 4* accommodation in Fussen • Neuschwanstein Castle Tour

From £649pp *Price is based on flights from London Stansted departing 5th February 2017

Germany - Bavaria Rothenburg

One of Europe’s most beautiful medieval towns, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is sure to cast a spell over all who visit to admire its half-timbered houses with red-topped roofs and flowerlined window boxes. Both the ‘Romantic Road’ and ‘the Castle Road’ cross at Rothenburg and the city offers over 1000 years of history just waiting to be discovered. The town is surrounded by intact fortifications and is peppered with photogenic, narrow cobblestone streets. Also known for its wine and wellness culture, the city is sure to delight, whether you are searching for history, culture or a relaxing break.

Highlights • Rothenburg’s historic town walls are perfectly intact and are embellished with 42 gate houses and towers including Gallows Gate (Galgentor), Klingen Gate (Klingentor) which served as the city’s water tower, and Marcus Tower (Markusturm) with Röder Arch - one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.

• The Castle Gardens and Convent Gardens provide a leafy oasis of calm; or for something a little more exotic, take a wander through the Lotus Garden and Asian-inspired water garden on the outskirts of the city.

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Suggested break:

The Festive Reiterlesmarkt of Rothenburg ob der Tauber Rothenburg is a delight at any time of year, but in winter, the snow turns spires and rooftops into a living Christmas card.

Once a year, the medieval town of Rothenburg transforms itself into a winter wonderland and you can indulge in the festive cheer with a visit to the magical Reiterlesmarkt.

What’s Included • Return flights from London or Manchester • Return flexible rail ticket from Nuremberg to Rothenburg • Three nights 4* accommodation in Rothenburg

From £439pp *Price is based on flights from London Stansted departing 12th December 2017

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Germany - Bavaria Munich

This popular Bavarian city is attracting more visitors than ever before. Here, age-old traditions and provincial town charm sits side by side with modernist architecture, art galleries and more.

There is plenty to satisfy culture-vultures and shoppers alike, while lovers of architecture will relish the chance to see the Residenz, Asamkirche and the Schloss Nymphenburg, all paying tribute to the ‘Old Munich’.

In Summer, people flock to enjoy Munich’s famous Oktoberfest yet there is so much more to enjoy in this great city, both inside the city limits and throughout the beautiful Bavarian countryside.

Highlights • One of Munich’s oldest breweries, the Hofbräuhaus boasts traditional music and tasty Bavarian specialities, making it a popular hangout for both visitors and locals.

• The Frauenkirche, ‘Cathedral of our Blessed Lady’, with its twin towers, is Munich’s most famous landmark.

• The peaceful Englischer Garten is larger than New York’s Central Park - you could spend many an hour here sipping tea, visiting the beer garden or watching surfers line up to surf the artificial stream flowing through the garden.

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4 Nights in Munich with Dachau Tour Explore Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site on this 5-hour tour from Munich. During your guided tour, you’ll gain insight into the brutality of the Nazi regime and learn of the 42,000 innocent prisoners who lost their lives there. Explore the history of the Third Reich in the visitors’ centre, and read of the camp’s historical context from the prisoners’ perspective.

What’s Included • Return flights from London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh or Southampton • Four nights 4* accommodation in Munich including breakfast • Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour

From £449pp *Price is based on flights from London Stansted departing 8th March 2017

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Germany - Bavaria Nuremberg

The city’s medieval old town is enclosed by an ancient city wall and overlooked by the towering Kaiserburg Castle. One of the most fortified imperial palaces of the Holy Roman Empire, a large part of its thousand year history can be seen and experienced.

Gothic churches, splendid patrician’s houses, historic sites and some of Germany’s most important museums are situated throughout the town.

Nuremberg boasts a unique atmosphere created by a blend of medieval and modern elements with the Documentation Centre (Dokuzentrum), the Court Rooms and the rally grounds providing a reminder of a darker age. Don’t forget to try the local gingerbread and the traditional sausages.

Highlights • Enjoy delicious traditional dishes such as Nuremberg’s famous local sausage or O’batzda at specialist restaurant Bratwurst-Glöcklein.

• See the Angelic Salutation at St Lorenz Church - a medieval church badly damaged during the war and later restored to its former glory.

• Visit Albrecht Durer House, a massive half-timbered house built in 1420 and the living and working quarters of the famous painter.

At Christmas Time, festive magic spreads throughout Nuremberg and, on the Friday before the first Advent Sunday, a sparkling Christmas Angel comes to officially open the city's Christmas Markets. The city boasts numerous markets including one at the Main Market Square (Hauptmarkt) in front of the Church of our Lady; the Markt der Partnerstädte (market of Sister Cities) which takes place at the Rathausplatz, and the beautiful Children’s Christmas Market on the Hans-Sachs-Platz.

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5* hotels and extra nights also available “Learn about the history of beer production in Nuremberg by taking a stroll deep underneath the city. A huge network of rock-cut cellars were built during the 14th century as a sustainable way to store beer and ensure it was kept cool.

In more recent years, brewers have turned to mechanical refrigeration to store beer, but the cellars remain highly significant to this day.!

Daniel Mayes, Fred.\ Holidays

Suggested break:

Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg Soak up the festive cheer on this three night short break to Nuremberg in 2017.

What’s Included • Return flights from London or Manchester • Three nights 4* Accommodation in Nuremberg including Breakfast

From £349pp *Price is based on flights from London Stansted departing 29th November 2017

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Germany - Bavaria Romantic Road

Romantic Road Self-Drive Route One of Germany’s most well-known routes, the Romantic Road between Würzburg and Fussen, takes in picturesque medieval towns and historic Bavarian cities including Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Augsburg and Oberammergau. Exploring this region on a self-drive holiday is a fantastic way to spend your time, or if you prefer, you can take in the route via coach or rail – it’s up to you.

Highlights • In Würzburg, located on the river Main, you have the imposing Residence Palace, beautifully restored after it was damaged during WWII. • Rothenburg ob der Tauber, with over 800 years of history, boasts cobblestone streets, impressive parapets and proud towers.

• Dinkelsbühl offers perfectly preserved town walls and a number of immaculate patrician houses.

• Augsburg, founded by Roman Emperor Augustus more than 2000 years ago is Germany’s oldest city and offers great historic buildings like the cathedral, ancient monastries and royal palaces.

• Oberammergau, en route to Füssen, is a traditional alpine village situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, meadows and forests where you can stop and admire the typical painted houses of this region.

• Arriving in Füssen, Bavaria’s highest town, you will find yourself at the foot of the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, built as a personal refuge for the reclusive Bavarian king, Ludwig II.

Suggested break: Romantic Road by Car What’s Included • Return flights from London, Manchester or Birmingham • One night 4* accommodation in Frankfurt • Two nights 4* accommodation in Würzburg • Two nights 4* accommodation in Rothenburg • Two nights 4* accommodation in Augsburg • Two nights 4* accommodation in Füssen • One night 4* accommodation in Munich • Hire Car for the duration of your holiday

From £1,199pp *Price is based on flights from London Heathrow departing 6th April 2017

Escorted Small Group Tours of the Romantic Road also available - Please call for details

Germany - Bavaria Inzell

A popular Upper Bavarian destination located close to Munich, Salzburg and Berchtesgaden. Inzell lies in a broad sunny valley, surrounded by an impressive range of mountains consisting of picturesque mountain pastures, peaceful, dreamy mountain lakes and peaks which rise up to the height of 1700m.

Inzell and its vicinity are a superb setting for your activities.

Stroll along purling mountain streams or crest mountaintops and marvel at the panoramic view of the Alps as far as the Großglockner.

Alpine nature can be discovered and enjoyed at the Bergwald- & Moor Erlebnis Pfad“ (mountain forest & moorland adventure trail).

For Winter Sports enthusiasts you can enjoy approximately 35km of cross-country skiing, both classic and skating, through the nature reserve in Inzell, sledging on natural track, ice skating at the Max Aicher Arena, or snow tubing and downhill skiing at the “Kessel Alm”.

Highlights • See the Catholic parish church of St. Michael – A Bavarian rococo gem dating from the 12th century, rebuilt from 17251727 • Splash about at the Water Park Inzell – great watery fun with a indoor pool, water slide, newly refurbished sauna world and a generously dimensioned natural swimming lake.

• Play Football Golf in the Soccer Park of Inzell. Germany´s biggest football golf facility in Inzell offers fantastic recreational fun for everyone.

Suggested break:

Inzell Lake & Mountain Stay What’s Included • Return flights from London • Seven nights 4* Accommodation in Inzell including Breakfast • Hire Car for the duration of your holiday

From £849pp *Price is based on flights from London Stansted departing 10th June 2017

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Germany Cologne

Dominated by its magnificent gothic cathedral, Cologne is a vibrant city famous for its carnival and many historical gems such as the Roman artefacts found in the Romisch Germanisches museum. It may also surprise you to know that Cologne boasts the highest density of pubs and taverns per capita - over 3000 bars, cafes and restaurants beckon visitors to enjoy a cold glass of local brew, Kölsch.

The city’s cathedral is consistently voted Germany’s most popular tourist attraction and it’s easy to see why; the top of the cathedral offers spectacular views over the Rhine river - another popular attraction thanks to the many sight-seeing day cruises on offer.

Highlights • If the weather is kind, try the cologne cable car which runs from Cologne Zoo, across the river Rhine, to the Rheinpark. During the ride, you have a beautiful view over the river towards the Cathedral.

• The newly designed “Rheinauhafen” is not only for lovers of architecture but also a great excursion destination. The three 60m high crane-houses form the impressive heart of this district. The Rheinauhafen also features a mix of modern residential and office buildings interspersed with many cafés, restaurants, and galleries.

• Feeling brave? Climb the 533 steps up to the top of the Cologne Cathedral, taking in the sweeping and panoramas views across the city, which really are worth working up a sweat for. On the way up you will be stopping off at the bell tower, the biggest free-running bell in the world, the Dicker Pitter.

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"I can highly recommend staying at the Maritim Cologne Hotel if you are planning on visiting Cologne’s seven Christmas Markets. It is just a 10 minute walk from the Station with the Neumarkt Christmas Market just a stone’s throw away."

Michelle Cullum, Fred.\ Holidays

Suggested break: Cologne & Bonn

Stay two nights in Cologne, followed by two nights in Bonn and enjoy the perfect short break. Be sure to visit the pretty town of Koningswinter and The Drachenfels, also known as ‘Dragon’s Rock’, in the North Rhine-Westphalia area - a famous hill formed by rising magma that could not break through to the surface, and then cooled and became solid underneath.

What’s Included • Return flights from London, Edinburgh or rail from London St. Pancras • Return flexible rail ticket from Cologne to Bonn • Two nights 4* accommodation in Cologne including Breakfast • Two nights 4* accommodation in Bonn including Breakfast

From £449pp *Price is based on flights from London Stansted departing 1st May 2017

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Germany Frankfurt

A city of juxtaposition: harmoniously combining activity and tranquillity, tradition and modernity, commerce and culture. Often referred to as ‘Mainhattan’ the Frankfurt skyline is unmatched in all of Europe and its modern architecture is just as impressive.

Yet, just a stone’s throw away you will find sightseeing attractions underlining Frankfurt’s 1,200 years of history and its political significance for Germany.

Home of apple wine, Frankfurter sausages and a shopping paradise, Frankfurt boasts sightseeing attractions at every turn.

On the south side of the Main, visitors will find the ‘Museum Mile’ where they can enjoy the German Film Museum, the Städel Art Institute and the Architecture Museum. Whether shopaholic, gourmet or art enthusiast, Frankfurt has something for everybody!

Highlights • Visit the rooftop observation platform of the Main Tower to get a spectacular panoramic view of Frankfurt.

• Get a taste of real apple wine and local culinary delights in one of the many taverns and bars of ‘Old Sachsenhausen’.

• Take a tour with the Ebbelwei Express, a historical streetcar which takes its passengers on an hours tour of the city.

• Visit the home of Goethe and the Goethe Museum. The house was faithfully restored after it was destroyed in WW2.

• Römer – Frankfurt’s Town Hall is one of the city’s most important historical buildings.

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Suggested break:

4 night Frankfurt & Würzburg stay Enjoy the best of both worlds with a two night stay in Frankfurt and a two night stay in Würzburg in the heart of Germany’s wine region and home to the famous Residenz and Festung Marienberg.

What’s Included • Return flights from London, Birmingham, Manchester or Edinburgh • Two nights 4* accommodation in Frankfurt • Two nights 4* accommodation in Würzburg • Return flexible rail ticket from Frankfurt to Würzburg

From £549pp *Price is based on flights from London Heathrow departing 23rd March 2017

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Germany Düsseldorf

Cosmopolitan Düsseldorf is the perfect city break with its wealth of cultural offerings, culinary delights and vibrant nightlife. It is one of Germany’s premier shopping cities offering everything from designer boutiques on the Königsallee, chic malls to bustling department stores and avant-garde fashion houses.

The heart and soul of the city is the Alstadt (Old Town) where the beautiful townhouses and alleyways mingle with an eclectic collection of attractions: everything from museums to ancient churches and elegant shopping arcades. It is also home to the 'longest bar in the world'.

MediaHarbour is the converted industrial harbour that offers a unique variety of post-modern architecture such as Frank Gehry’s ‘Neuer Zollhof’. It also offers an array of trendy restaurants and bars ensuring a fun and lively atmosphere.

Highlights • Visit the park of Hofgarten created in an English style at the beginning of the 19th Century.

• Take a stroll through the pretty Kaiserswerth, one of the oldest parts of the Düsseldorf, typified by its charming baroque houses from the 17th and 18th centuries.

• From Carnival to the Fun Fair (July), the Christmas markets (NovDec) and Open Source contemporary music festival (July) there is no shortage of festivals to enjoy on a visit to Dusseldorf.

"Cycling is definitely the best way to see the city. Not only is there a dedicated path along the Rhine which stretches all the way to the outer suburbs, there are also cycle lanes within the city centre that help you get around easily. Düsseldorf will also welcome the Tour de France ‘Grand Depart’ in 2017 so cycling is about to get even bigger!"

Chris Mayhew, Fred.\ Holidays Nights

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Suggested break:

Düsseldorf Weekend Break What’s Included • Return flights from London or Birmingham • Three nights 4* accommodation in Dusseldorf including Breakfast • FREE DüsseldorfCard giving you unlimited use of trams, buses within Zone A, as well as free or reduced-price entry to attractions.

From £369pp *Price is based on flights from London Heathrow departing 7th April 2017

Germany Dresden

Having endured heavy bombing during the later stage of World War II, Dresden is a historic city that has risen from the ashes.

Known for its skyline of beautiful and interesting buildings, most of which were built throughout the 18th century, Dresden underwent much rebuilding in the years following the war. The reunification sparked yet more redevelopment and today the city is rich in history and stunning architecture once again.

Highlights • Frauenkirche (Church Of Our Lady): This beautiful church was initially left in ruin to serve as a war memorial but, thanks in part to funding from American and British donators, it was rebuilt and opened again in 2005.

• Pillnitz Castle: A restored baroque palace which features bucolic gardens on the bank of the River Elbe.

• Dresden Castle: Another restored building and home to electors and kings for more than 400 years, the castle now holds the largest collection of treasures in Europe.

• Elbe Cycle Route: The Elbe Cycle Route travels right through the city, providing a picturesque trail along the river. Dresden itself is also a great place to explore on two wheels.

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Suggested break: Berlin, Dresden & Leipzig What’s Included • Return flights from London or Manchester • Flexible rail ticket from Berlin to Leipzig • Two nights 4* accommodation in Leipzig • Flexible rail ticket from Leipzig to Dresden • Two nights 4* accommodation in Dresden • Flexible rail ticket from Dresden to Berlin • One night 4* accommodation in Berlin

From £599pp *Price is based on flights from London Stansted departing 4th April 2017

• Dresden Steam Engine Festival: This annual event attracts everyone with a passion for nostalgic train travel. There are authentic engines to ride, exhibits to see and fellow enthusiasts to trade stories with.

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Germany Leipzig

One of Germany’s fastest growing and coolest cities, Leipzig attracts a hip, young crowd and those who are looking to delve deep into the local culture. Labelled as the ‘New Berlin’, it is the largest city in the state of Saxony and continues to be a key destination for trade fares and other events related to economics. Like nearby Dresden, Leipzig suffered heavy bombing at the end of World War II and therefore many buildings have been restored.

The skyline features a mix of baroque and renaissance edifices that sit amongst more modern structures such as those along the beautiful Brühl’s Terrace. As you walk through the historic streets, there are signs of Leipzig’s rich musical heritage. Such greats as Bach, Wagner and Mendelssohn lived and worked here, leaving their mark both physically and through the choirs that still echo through the city today.

Highlights • The St Thomas Boys’ Choir: This 800-year institution can boast Bach as a former singer and Mendelssohn as a previous tutor. Catch a performance every Friday evening and Saturday afternoon or stop by the church see where Bach is buried.

• Museum of Fine Arts: See for yourself why culture is overflowing from this Saxon city. The museum houses thousands of paintings from the European masters, as well as a vast library that represents Leipzig’s historic literature links.

• New Town Hall: The tallest town hall in Germany, it incorporates parts of an old castle that once stood in its place. Ironically, it is located in the Old Town.

• Leipzig Zoo: Heralded as one of Germany’s best zoos and one of Europe’s most forward-thinking, it has been praised for the spacious enclosures afforded to the animals. The main attraction is a giant jungle complex, featuring a canopy walk and a boat ride through the animals’ habitat.

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Germany Stuttgart

Stuttgart plays an important role within many aspects of German life, having political, economic and religious influence within the state of Baden-Wurttemberg and across the country as a whole.

Not only is it the state capital, Stuttgart is also the fourth-largest metropolitan area in Germany and home to the headquarters of automotive giants Porsche and Mercedes Benz. It has earned a reputation for being a place for city slickers and petrol heads, but there is another side to Stuttgart.

Its passion for wine is showcased by the vineyards within the urban area – the only city in Germany where this is done. The rise in popularity of its various universities has brought in a younger crowd, prompting a cooler vibe to wash across the streets.

And buildings such as the Königsbau, the Old Castle and the Museum of Art show that Stuttgart can do history and culture as well as anywhere else.

shopping street, one of the longest in Germany. Swarovski, Boss and Timberland are just a few of the labels you will find amongst restaurants and cafes to relax in.

• Old Castle: This historic building has ties back to the year 950.

As well as all the history behind its walls, it is now home to the Wuerttemberg State Museum.

• Rosensteinpark: Situated in the north of the city, the Rosensteinpark is the largest English garden in this part of Germany. A great place to take a romantic wander, it features meadows, fountains, a theatre, the Natural History Museum and is right next door to the zoo and botanical gardens.

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Highlights • Porsche and Mercedes-Benz Museums: These two futuristic buildings are on opposite sides of the city and offer something very exciting for fans of speed. Look back through the history of these iconic car manufacturers, learning how they are made and seeing limited edition models right before your eyes.

There’s even the chance to get behind the wheel if you wish.

• Königstrasse: High-end brands and highstreet names litter this

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Germany Black Forest Freiburg, Triberg, Titisee-Neustadt

This picturesque corner of Germany near the Swiss border is one of Europe’s most famous regions.

Conjuring up images of walking, cake and cuckoo clocks, the Black Forest is also famous for its legends and traditions.

Designated as a nature park, the largest in Europe, the Black Forest offers ideal conditions for cyclists and walkers who are treated to over 23,000 kilometres of walking trails in this region.

Its Black Forest gateaux – famous the world over, unsurprisingly tastes best when enjoyed at the source. The Black Forest region is a joy to explore independently by car – we have put together the perfect itinerary for you to make the most of your stay here; taking in the delightful towns of Frieburg, Triberg and TitiseeNeustadt.

Freiburg can be found at the Southern end of the Black Forest. This lively city is dominated by the magnificent Münster Cathedral on the bustling market square. As you stroll through the town, be sure to look down at the pavement for the colourful mosaics usually found in front of the shops. Be careful not to step into the little rivers (Bächle) running parallel to many footpaths.

Traditional Triberg is renowned for its exceptional cuckoo clocks and is home to the original Black Forest Gateau. You will also find Germany’s highest waterfalls nearby, with seven watery cascades following the course of nature in a magnificent spectacle.

Titisee and the crystal–clear water of its lake, attract visitors from far and wide. Swim or pedalo to your heart’s content, or explore the numerous walking paths leading from the lake into the charming surrounding countryside.

Suggested break:

Freiburg, Triberg & Titisee-Neustadt This five night, three-centre, Black Forest break is perfect for those wishing to experience the best of Germany's great outdoors...

What’s Included • Return flights from London, Birmingham or Manchester • Hire Car for the duration of your holiday • two nights 4* accommodation in Freiburg • one nights 4* accommodation in Titisee • two nights 3* accommodation in Triberg

From £789pp *Price is based on flights from London Heathrow departing 7th March 2017

Germany Baden-Baden

The Black Forest’s world famous spa resort is over 2,000 years old and is synonymous with health, beauty, wellbeing and relaxation. The special atmosphere and elegant lifestyle of this elegant thermal spa resort explains why it was for many years the favourite resort of Europe’s royal families. Situated at the foothills of the beautiful Black Forest and offering a townscape of palatial villas, tree lined gardens and beautiful gardens.

The Romans discovered the healing powers of Baden-Baden’s 12 springs over 2,000 years ago and built the first thermal baths here. Today, the modern Caracalla Spa and the historic Friedrichsbad are perfect for relaxing wellness breaks. Perfectly suited to visits from lovers of the arts and history, Baden-Baden is home to Europe’s second largest opera and concert hall as well as the Frieder Burda museum.

Highlights • Take a ride on Europe’s oldest and steepest funicular railway to the peak of Mount Merkur, named after the Roman God of Trade, Mercury.

• On the west bank of the river Oos you will find the splendid park of Lichtentaler Allee which is over 355 years old.

• The thermal waters, whirlpools, baths and saunas of the modern Caracalla Spa and the traditional Roman bathing temple of the Friedrichsbad provide endless soothing opportunities to regenerate your body & soul.

• Don’t miss out on the various festivals happening throughout the year in Baden-Baden. These include the 40th International Vintage Car-Meeting, the “Spring Meeting” international horse race, the “Great Festival Week” and the “Sales & Racing Festival” • The Rebland region (Baden-Baden Vineyards) can be found just six kilometres outside the city centre and is a great ‘insider’s tip’ for connoisseurs of good wines and culinary delights.

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Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Germany - Thuringa Erfurt, Weimar

The towns and cities of the Thuringian region are a true delight; with well-preserved centres, architectural jewels, exciting events and UNESCO World Heritage Sites galore. The region itself offers amazing landscapes and an abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, skiing, canoeing and much more.

Erfurt One of the best preserved medieval city centres in Germany, Erfurt is typified by its attractive patrician town houses and lovingly reconstructed half-timbered buildings. The city has played host to many important figures including Luther, Napoleon, Goethe and the Bach family. Its two churches; the Mariendom and St. Severus, stand side by side as emblems of the city and the famous Kramerbrucke bridge never fails to fascinate.

Highlights • Erfurt's most famous landmark is the ensemble formed by St Mary's Cathedral and the Church of St Severus; standing side by side as emblems of the city.

• Above Cathedral Square on Petersberg Hill towers the only extensively preserved Baroque city fortress in the whole of Central Europe, which can be visited on a guided tour.

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Weimar From art and architecture to palaces, parks and gardens; Weimar has so much to offer. The many beautiful locations in and around the city have always been devoted to relaxation and pleasure – why not relax in one of the many coffee houses or take a walk through the beautiful Park an der Ilm? Home of the famous Bauhaus University, the city was instrumental in the development of the important art movement of the last century, and is known for its writers and the Anna Amalia library, one of the most important in the world.

Highlights • Visit the Bauhaus Museum where more than 300 exhibits are dedicated to Bauhaus history and its artists, whose ideas are today seen as the most effective and successful export of German culture in the 20th century.

• Explore Park Cave in the Park an der Ilm - a 12-metre deep tunnel system originally made for storage of beer. During the Second World War, it was extended and served as an air raid shelter.

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Germany

Bodensee (Lake Constance) Bodensee is the name by which Lake Constance is known in Germany. It’s a beautiful area in which you can get closer to nature, take part in water sports and other energetic activities, and discover the many quaint lakeside towns and cities.

Examples of these include Lindau, Bregenz and Konstanz itself.

The lake forms a natural border between Germany, Switzerland and Austria, each of which influences the surrounding area in a different way. From skiing in the mountains to walking through the breathtaking Lake Constance Gardens, there is so much for people of all ages and with a variety of different interests to do here.

Highlights • Bodensee: One of the main highlights here is the lake itself. In the summer, you can cool off in its clear waters or lie on the beach but, in winter, you may want to stick to the many boats that float majestically on its surface.

• Wine Tasting: Lake Constance is a flourishing wine region with different grape varieties grown according to which country you are in. Visit one of the many winemakers and complement each sip with a bite of Dünnele – a flan that can be sweet and topped with apples or savoury and topped with bacon and onions.

• Mainau Island: Reached from the south-west of Germany, near Konstanz, this island is a heaven for nature lovers. It is predominantly made up of a beautiful arboretum, featuring giant sequoias, palm trees, roses and many other species of flora.

• Zeppelin Museum, Friedrichshafen: In the German town of Friedrichshafen is a museum dedicated to air ship transport. Among the many interesting exhibits there is a replica of the Hindenburg, which you can walk inside to inspect the spacious cabins.

• The Lake Constance Trail: If you want to see as much of Bodensee as possible, why not choose to walk or cycle along the Lake Constance Trail. The path encircles the entire lake, taking you to many of the major highlights along the way. You will travel through the picture-perfect town of Lindau, explore the Wollmatinger Ried nature reserve and visit the largest island in the lake, Reichenau.

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Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Germany Oberammergau

A tranquil mountain village, nestled in the foothills of the Alps, Oberammergau is criss-crossed by an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails, making it a great place for exploring the spectacular scenery of mountains, meadows and forests.

Highlights • Oberammergau is still home to over 100 traditional craftsmen, who can be seen at work in ‘Pilatus Haus’ where traditional handicrafts can be purchased from the shop.

• In and around this alpine village you will find some of Bavaria’s finest monasteries and churches. Beautiful frescos can be found in the Parish Church and the Ettal Basilica is not to be missed.

• A stroll around the village allows you to marvel at the pretty painted facades, or ‘Lüftlmalerei’ that add to Oberammergau’s idyllic charm.

A Place of Passion Oberammergau is world-famous for the Passion Play, the history of which goes back to 1633. During the Thirty Years’ War, after much suffering and many deaths caused by the plague, the surviving population vowed that they would perform the ‘play of the suffering, death and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ’ every ten years if they were spared from extinction. At Whitsun in 1634 they performed the play for the first time.

In 2020 the village will perform the play for the 42nd time, maintaining the continuity of this unique world famous event, featuring over 2000 performers, musicians and designers – all residents of the village of Oberammergau itself.

Fred.\ Holidays can offer packages to the 42nd Passion Play.

Please register your interest with us so that you will get the first choice of tickets and tours!

Germany

Historical Highlights Fourteen German cities have each played a major role in changing the course of German, European and even world history. These alternative, and often lesser-known, destinations are ideal for short breaks and enable you to get off the beaten track and under the skin of this fascinating country. We take a look at just a handful of these cities, which include Augsburg, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Mainz, Münster, Osnabrück, Potsdam, Regensburg, Rostock, Trier and Wiesbaden, below.

You can read more about the remaining historical cities throughout this brochure including Erfurt (pg 58), Freiburg (pg56), and Regensburg (pg44).

Augsburg This Bavarian city is famous for its architecture, with the Augsburg Rathaus (City Hall) described as ‘the most significant Renaissance secular building north of the Alps’. Almost completely destroyed during WWII, Augsburg has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. Anyone with an appreciation for classical music will love Augsburg, as it was here that the Mozart legacy was founded. Augsberg also has a longstanding beer tradition – so be sure to visit to Riegele brewery, one of the world’s oldest breweries.

Heidelberg The beautiful town of Heidelberg boasts an idyllic setting alongside the river Necker and is famous for its romantic castle overlooking the Old Town. Steeped in tradition and home to Germany’s oldest university, Heidelberg is a veritable treasure trove of history and culture. Visitors can stroll along the ‘Philosophers Path’ for fantastic views over the city, or visit one of its traditional restaurants, student pubs, cozy cafes and trendy bars to watch the world go by.

Osnabrück Osnabrück is the only German city lying in the midst of a national park, with the UNESCO-Geo Park TERRA.vita stretching right into its centre. The peacefulness of nature is reflected in the city’s character – it was here, as well as in nearby Munster, that peace treaties marking the end of Thirty Year’s War in 1648 were signed.

Würzburg Its location close to road and train networks, as well as its proximity to Frankfurt airport, makes Würzburg an easy place to reach. Founded 1000 years ago by the Celts, it is bursting with history and tradition with a big-city buzz mixed with countryside charm and culture. Situated in the heart of Franconian Wine Country, Würzburg is also known as the Gateway to the Romantic Road – a popular ‘medieval’ scenic route dating back to the Middle Ages. See page 48 for more on the Romantic Road.

Potsdam Close to Berlin, the beautiful city of Potsdam is one of Germany’s most famous former imperial cities and is easily accessible by public transport, making it a perfect day trip destination. The city has so much to offer; from magnificent castles, palaces and parks including Schloss Sanssouci, Schloss Cecilienhof and Neuer Garten; to the historic Old Town with its baroque buildings, courts and impressive churches.

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Gibraltar

Despite covering an area of just 2.6 sq miles, this British Overseas Territory has so much to offer.

With a temperate climate throughout most of the year, its six beaches are the perfect place to soak up the sun, while its many famous natural landmarks are a draw for holiday-makers. Gibraltar was referred to in Greek mythology as one of the Pillars of Hercules, marking the edge of the Mediterranean and the known world.

Highlights • Visit the Apes’ Den, home to some of Gibraltar’s famous Barbary macaques, the only Free-toroam monkeys in Europe. According to legend, if the macaques leave Gibraltar it will cease to be British.

• Visit St Michael’s Cave - once believed to be bottomless, the famous barbary macaques are said to have come to Gibraltar through a legendary undersea passage linking The Rock to Africa. The cave is now open to visitors and is used as the setting for concerts and other events.

• Explore Gibraltar’s spectacular underwater world - with more than 30 wrecks, reefs and pinnacles to choose from, there are excellent diving opportunities for beginners, experienced open water and wreck divers.

• Walk through the impressive Great Siege Tunnels that were excavated by the forerunners of the Royal Engineers in the late 18th century or marvel at the graffiti from this time at the City Under Siege Exhibition.

Did you know?

The road into Gibraltar gets closed down every time a plane lands at the territory’s airport. Why? Well because the road into town is also the runway! The runway runs the whole width of Gibraltar alongside the border with Spain and you can walk right across it when there are no planes coming or going.

• For fantastic panoramic views over the Strait of Gibraltar, head to Europa Point. Why not take a tour to visit the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, Upper Rock?

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and options available www.fredholidays.co.uk Alternative destinations, regional flights and railrail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Suggested break: Gibraltar Stay

Stay four nights in Gibraltar on a self drive holiday and explore all of its sights and sounds independently and at your own pace.

What’s Included • Return flights from London • Car hire for the duration of your holiday • Seven nights 4* accommodation

From £729pp *Price is based on flights from London Heathrow departing 18th March 2017

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5* hotels and extra nights also available

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Hungary Budapest & Lake Balaton

Budapest

Lake Balaton

Situated in the very heart of Europe, Hungary boasts an extraordinary wealth of thermal spas, and a beautiful capital, Budapest. Explore this remarkable city and visit the scintillating scenery and architecture on offer. Famous for its spas, countless historical monuments and excellent Hungarian cuisine, Budapest is truly unique.

Meet some of the locals in one of the typical coffee houses and enjoy the town's charming atmosphere, or visit the UNESCO listed Castle District which offers great historical attractions, museums, charming crooked streets as well as cosy cafes and restaurants.

Outside of Budapest itself, gorgeous Baroque towns stand alongside ancient castles and fortresses. Explore the Transdanubia region and visit Lake Balaton, one of central Europe's largest lakes (known as 'the Hungarian Sea').

Highlights: • St. Stephen's Basilica is named in honour of Stephen, the first King of Hungary, whose mummified fist is housed in the reliquary.

• Situated in the middle of the River Danube, the Margaret island is the perfect location for picnics and sunbathing.

• Visit Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many interesting attractions, museums, restaurants and shops.

• Experience the delights of Budapest on this guided hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Take in some of the city's main sites like the Parliament, Heroes' Square, Museum of Fine Arts, Vajadahunyad Castle, Szechenyi Thermal Baths, Royal Castle, Fishermen's Bastion, and the Citadel.

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Highlights • First settled in the Iron Age, the Balaton region has been a recreational spot since at least Roman times. Today, swimmers, windsurfers, sailors, kayakers, and cruisers enjoy the warm, smooth waters of the lake throughout Summer.

• The entire circumference of Lake Balaton is filled with bars, cafés and places to taste the delicious wines and life-enhancing mineral waters from the region.

• To escape the crowds, walk inland to the Belsõtó (Inner Lake), a volcanic crater filled with calm fresh water and surrounded by grasslands, vineyards, orchards and fragrant lavender fields.

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and options available www.fredholidays.co.uk Alternative destinations, regional flights and railrail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Iceland Reykjavik

Despite being a relatively small island, there is so much to see and do in Iceland! The wild North is typified by volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs and rugged coastal landscapes.

The areas around Reykjavik meanwhile are popular with travellers who want to mix metropolitan sights with natural wonders.

Reykjavík Shaped by the energy of the earth and surrounded by the pure unpolluted energy of nature, Reykjavík is a cosmopolitan city of striking contrasts. Small corrugated iron houses nestle next to futuristic glass buildings; state-of-the-art facilities lie minutes away from rugged volcanic terrain; and international influences mingle with Iceland's national traditions to create a unique culture where old embraces new.

Reykjavik is also renowned as one of Europe's hottest nightspots, where the action on the friendly pub and nightlife scene lasts right through the night. A visit here is a great opportunity to eat some of the world's freshest seafood, as well as indulge in some retail shopping in some of the city's unique boutiques and shops. Whatever your interests, Reykjavík promises a memorable visit.

Highlights • Staying in Reykjavik puts you within touching distance of the country’s most famous thermal spa, the Blue Lagoon.

• Take a tour of the 'Golden Circle'. This popular route takes adventurers through the stunning Thingvellir National Park, to the edge of the mighty Gullfoss waterfall and to the geyser after which all other geysers are named.

• Visit Höfði House, built in 1909, considered to be one of the most beautiful and historically significant buildings in the Reykjavík area. It’s best known as the location for the 1986 summit meeting of presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbatsjov, a historical event that effectively marked the end of the Cold War. • Walk along the city's coastal paths for stunning views across the Atlantic ocean. Popular with joggers and cyclists, there are many places to stop and watch the world go by. One of the most photographed spots is also the home of the striking Sun Voyager sculpture - a steel sculpture by Jon Gunnar.

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Italy

Milan, Venice, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Naples, Sicily, Sardinia & Bari Milan

Venice

Florence/Pisa Rome Naples

Bari

Sardinia

Sicilly

A country famed for its diverse art and culture, fashionable cities, world-renowned gastronomy & wines, ancient archaeological sites, lakes, mountains, sports and much more.

From Milan and Venice in the North, to the beautiful bay of Naples; the lakes and towns of Tuscany, and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia in the South; there are endless holiday opportunities whether you are looking for a relaxing break by the sea, a cultural city break or an active adventure.

Venice is one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the world. Built on a lagoon with 150 canals flowing throughout the centre, its romantic charm has attracted millions of tourists each year for 600 years. Discover the wonderful Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architecture and take in the impressive mixture of cultures and traditions. Although Venice is full of popular attractions, the main attraction is the city itself.

Rome

Milan

The ancient capital of Italy is believed to have been founded in 753 BC and is an epic metropolis, featuring both modern and historic landmarks. It’s the famed city of the Roman Empire, the Seven Hills and La Dolce Vita (sweet life). Rome is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, so be prepared to enter an open-air museum with numerous romantic sights and historical monuments such as the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain and the iconic Colosseum.

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Venice

Famous for its fashion and design credentials Milan is also home to six regional natural parks (Parco Adda Nord, Parco Agricolo Sud Milano, Parco delle Groane, Parco Nord Milano, Parco della Valle del Lambro and the Parco Lombardo della Valle del Ticino), making it a popular destination for lovers of the great outdoors too. After visiting the museums and antique markets in the city, why not head out into nature by bicycle or horseback, or take time out with a round of golf?

Alternative destinations, regional flights and options available www.fredholidays.co.uk Alternative destinations, regional flights and railrail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Italy’s Great Lakes A trip to one of Italy’s lakes provide couples, families and independent travellers with the choice of a relaxing or adventure-filled break. Thanks to the location of the lakes between Milan and Venice, you can also include a visit here as part of a twocentre city, lakes and mountains break.

Lake Garda The largest in Italy, Garda is surrounded by morainic hills and mountains, and enjoys a very mild Mediterranean climate. The shores of Lake Garda offer plenty of room for water sports, sailing, boating and scuba diving with over 40 towns and villages to chose as a base for your holiday.

Why not go horse riding around the lake to discover the most isolated corners of Garda, or try underwater diving. Alternatively, relax at the Sirmione Spas, flowing naturally from the depths of the lake.

Lake Como The magnificent scenery of Lake Como has enchanted artists and travellers for centuries. Just 31 miles from Milan it is perfect for a twin-centre break; alternatively you may chose to spend all of your time on its shores and enjoy its many cultural & historical highlights! Enjoy active adventures in the open air including wind-surfing, canoeing, sailing, horseriding or golf. You can also take a trip aboard a sailboat or motorboat and seek out the Lake’s inlets and coves.

Lake Maggiore One of the most beautiful Italian lakes, Maggiore is also believed to be the largest of the pre-Alpine lakes.

Its 11 islands are among the many beauties of this lake, as are its beautiful villas and imposing fortresses and castles. Nature lovers will find Lake Maggiore the ideal place to spend their holidays thanks to its many botanical gardens. For sports lovers, Lake Maggiore is a natural paradise; go hiking, biking, or horseback riding, play golf, try canoeing,water skiing or scuba diving - it’s up to you.

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Italy Rome

The famed city of the Roman Empire, the Seven Hills and La Dolce Vita, Rome is sure to seduce you. A veritable 'open-air museum' full of romantic sights and historical monuments such as the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain and the iconic Colosseum, its historic centre was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its splendid palaces and ancient basilicas.

It doesn't matter whether you are visiting Rome for a day, three days or three weeks, you will always find something new and exciting to see or do in the former Caput Mundi ('Capital of the World')

Highlights • Enjoy a breath-taking view of the city from the top of the striking St Peter's Basilica.

• Throw a coin into Rome's most spectacular fountain, the Trevi Fountain, and see whether your wish will come true.

• The magnificent and immense Vatican Museums are among the greatest and most important in the world. The museums encompass a number of different museums including the Gregorian Etruscan Museum, the Gregorian Egyptian Museum, the Gregorian Profane Museum, the Collection of Modern Religious Art, the Vatican Library Museum, and of course the exquisite and unique Sistine Chapel.

• Take a break from the chaos of the city and immerse yourself in the greenery of historic villas, parks and gardens including the parco torre del fiscale, named after its well-preserved medieval tower.

• Rome is known as a city full of luxury, so strolling around the Piazza di Spagna with plenty of exclusive shops and boutiques will be a delight for anyone looking to snap up a few holiday purchases.

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Suggested break: Rome Short Break What's Included • Return flights from London, Manchester or Edinburgh • Private overseas transfers airport - hotel - airport • Four nights 4* accommodation in Rome

From £409pp *Price is based on flights from London Stansted departing 14th March 2017

landmarks including St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace and Torre dell'Orologio clock tower.

Italy

• For tasty gelato, visit Boutique de Gelato, a tiny outlet on the busy salizzada San Lio - a place that most Venetian's will agree offers some of the city's best ice cream.

Venice

Venice is a great place in which to enjoy a long weekend or extended city break. As one of the most iconic cities in the world and one that many people have on their list of must-see destinations, there is so much to see and do that it's difficult to know where to start. Celebrated throughout the world for its singular beauty, Venice and its lagoon were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1987. Its splendid piazzas, bridges, and palaces which preserve the timeless artworks of Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and many others, are a constant draw for visitors all over the world.

Venice is also full of wonderful and exciting places to eat out, with a wide choice of every kind of food imaginable. The many stylish locations and enormous variety of excellent, mouthwatering menus provide nothing short of culinary perfection, often with an emphasis on fish.

Highlights • Cross the Rialto Bridge, perhaps the most famous bridge of the three that cross the Grand Canal. It was constructed in 1592 and is still the city's most impressive landmark.

• A trip to Venice isn't complete without a gondala ride along the Grand Canal. Take a ride just before sunset to admire the irreplaceable architecture, seaside sunlight, and an impressive parade of Venetian watercraft.

• Visit St Mark's Square and take a moment to absorb the ambience of this bustling meeting place; home to more famous

Suggested break:

Venice, Verona & Milan Three Centre Break Combine beauty, fashion and history on this six night holiday to three of Italy's northern charms...

What's Included • Return flights from London • Two nights 4* accommodation in Venice including breakfast • Felxible rail from Venice to Verona • Two nights 4* accommodation in Verona • Felxible rail from Verona to Milan • Two nights 4* accommodation in Milan including breakfast

From £799pp *Price is based on flights from London Heathrow departing 22nd April 2017

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Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Netherlands

Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Edam Amsterdam Amsterdam has grown into a buzzing city with many street artists, cafes and a vibrant nightlife. Its gabled houses, canals and museums celebrating the city’s illustrious history are now synonymous with Amsterdam. A city of art, Van Gogh plays an important role in its development as an art lovers’ paradise and the museum bearing his name holds some of his most important works.

Highlights • As a small city, Amsterdam is perhaps best discovered by canal boat, walking or cycling - why not indulge in an evening canal boat dinner cruise to soak in the city's atmostphere.

• Visit Anne Frank’s House and learn about the tragic story of diarist and writer, Anne Frank.

• The Resistance Museum highlights the efforts made by the Resistance in saving Jewish lives as well as conveying what it was like to live under occupation.

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and 1930s – it was here that the Netherlands Architecture Institute was founded; such was its fantastic reputation.

Edam A town with a rich history, Edam is easily reached from Amsterdam and nearby Volendam. Here, you can take a stroll through canals and ancient streets as well as see how the eponymous world-famous cheese is made! Be sure to visit the quirky Cheese Market, complete with cheese bearers wearing traditional costumes, music and games.

"When visiting Amsterdam I would highly recommend visiting the beautiful Begijnhof. The Begijnhof is an enclosed courtyard dating back to the 14th century and was built as a sanctuary for the Begijntjes, a group of unmarried religious women who lived like nuns. The peaceful houses within the courtyard including Amsterdam's oldest surviving house, Het Houten Huis, overlook a well-kept garden which is a cut off from the traffic noise and liveliness of Amsterdam city centre."

Evie Smith, Fred.\ Holidays Nights

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Trendy Rotterdam is a city of many sides. Fantastic for visitors looking for sophisticated shopping opportunities, art and museums, great nightlife and excellent food. The city has been renowned as a centre of modern architecture since the 1920s

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Norway

Oslo & Bergen

Norway is one of the world's richest countries. It has a rugged but captivating landscape, and a coastline that runs for more the twelve thousand miles. It is also home to spectacular glaciers, mountains and fjords, which are its most famous natural wonders. During the winter the country is dark, cold and covered in snow. In total contrast, the summer months are bathed in crisp, fresh air, glorious sunshine and days literally do not end.

Cities such as Oslo will enchant you with its many churches, cathedrals, art galleries and museums that bring Norwegian culture and history to life. The port city of Bergen is not only a popular port of call for cruisers, but is also a fantastic city to visit in its own right.

Oslo Surrounded by green hills and mountains, Norway’s capital is situated in the south of the country and is a hub for much of Europe’s maritime trade. As the cultural, scientific and economic centre of Norway, Oslo boasts a rich and varied cultural life as well as grand monumental buildings, great artists such as Edward Munch and Gustav Vigeland, and wonderful music and literature.

• Explore the history, age and ships of the Vikings at the Viking Museum.

• Swim or sunbathe on Sognsvann lake, a popular recreational area that also features a walk and running path around its circumference.

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Bergen The ‘Gateway to the Norwegian Fjords’, one of the world’s most spectacular tourist attractions, Bergen is situated between Sognefjord and the beautiful Hardangerfjord, making it ideally placed to explore the rest of the fjords on a sightseeing tour.

Packed with tradition and history, Bergen is a fair-sized city with small-town charm and atmosphere. Its old Hanseatic wharf is perhaps one of Norway’s most familiar images while its colourful harbour is one of the city’s most popular spots for photographs.

• Bergen's seven surrounding mountains and forests offer fantastic walking and hiking opportunities, including Fløyfjellet (399 m) and Sandviksfjellet (418 m), Ulriken (643 m), Løvstakken (474 m), Gullfjellet and the Fana Mountain.

• Take a Hop On and Hop Off bus tour and see all the best attractions that Bergen has to offer.

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Poland

Krakow & Warsaw In recent years, Poland has become an increasingly popular tourist destination with more and more visitors discovering the gems that have hidden behind the iron curtain of its communist past.

Visitors are often surprised to learn that Poland is a country full of striking natural scenery. The country possesses the last remaining primeval forest in Europe, Bialowieza, a beautiful area of wooded countryside home to the rare European bison. More stunning to many are the enormous sand dunes of Slowinski National Park on the Baltic Coast, some of them reaching over 45m in height. And in the South, the Tatra Mountains provide numerous opportunities for skiing and hiking.

Krakow As the royal capital of Poland for more than 500 years, Krakow has absorbed much history and culture over the centuries, creating a veritable treasure trove of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Krakow has been likened to Prague as a beautiful medieval city, which emerged from WWII unscathed, enchanting visitors with magnificent architecture and charming old streets lined with pretty houses and churches.

Highlights • Visit the city's UNESCO old town with spectacular Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny), Royal Castle and magnificent churches.

• St Mary’s Church (Kosciol Mariacki) is one of the largest and most important Polish churches. Its tower is home to the largest and oldest collection of medieval bells in the country.

• Explore the dark face of Krakow at Lost Souls Alley, Poland’s first interactive museum devoted to the basic instinct of fear and inspired by horror and thriller movies.

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Warsaw Poland’s proud capital was, like many nearby cities, reduced to rubble during WWII; yet it has been brought back to life and continues to flourish today. Its yearly calendar is filled with theatre productions, operas and art-house film premieres, while its bars, clubs and music scene is unmatched in the country. For an understanding of how the city has had to rebuild and reinvent itself, a visit to the Warsaw Rising Museum is a must.

Highlights • Founded in the 13th Century as the Prince’s castle, the historic Old Town is surrounded by walls and is a living, breathing ‘cultural salon’.

• Visit the birthplace of famous scientist Maria SklodowskaCurie, who has twice received the Nobel Prize.

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Slovenia Ljublijana

Situated in central Europe, Slovenia is fast becoming a favourite with holidaymakers seeking pristine landscapes, alpine peaks, rustic charm and medieval history. Its lakes and rivers provide the perfect back-drop for a tranquil break, while its towns and cities provide plenty to keep culture-vultures and history buffs enthralled throughout their stay. Slovenian cuisine too, holds much appeal - borrowing from each of its neighbours including Italy, Austria, Hungary & the Balkins and re-imagining dishes as traditional Slovenian fare.

Highlights • Slovenia holds a long affinity with skiing and boasts a large number of winter sports venues and ski resorts. Krvavec is easily reached from Ljubljana and has 26km of ski runs for a wide range of skill levels, while the Velika Planina ski resort and its nearby Terme Snovik thermal spa offer the perfect combination of winter sports and wellness.

• Ljubljana is perfectly situated for exploring the rest of the Central Slovenian region where its diversity allows visitors choose between a relaxing holiday, active adventure or both.

• Visit Ljubljana Castle – a mighty medieval fortress perched overlooking the city. You can reach it via the Funicular in just 60 seconds!

• Take a trip to the Skocjan Caves, 50 minutes south of the city.

The caves were carved from limestone by the underground river Reka over thousands of years and are a spectacular site to behold.

• Visit Lake Bled, famous for its island in the middle and a castle by its side. One of the most popular Slovenian resort towns it is easily reached on a day trip from Ljubljana.

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Spain & Portugal Barcelona, Madrid, Seville & Lisbon

Barcelona Madrid

Lisbon

Seville

Spain

Seville

Constantly delivering when it comes to sunshine, great beaches and cities; Spain appeals to citybreakers, sun-bathers and adventure-seekers alike.

From major cities such as Barcelona, Madrid or Seville, to little-known traditional towns and villages in northern Spain and throughout, there is a holiday style to suit everyone.

There is so much to do in this sunny destination that you may need a constant supply of Seville oranges just to keep you going. Exploring the many theatres, museums, art centres and clubs is sure to take up most of your time, but if you feel like you still have the energy, there is also the Isla Magica theme park and the brand new Agua Magica water park to tire you out.

Barcelona Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region with its own language, character and history, and is situated between the sea and the mountains. With the reputation of being the most cosmopolitan, modern and avant-garde city in Spain, Barcelona is also home to gorgeous beaches, serene parks and gardens, alongside fine museums and elegant restaurants. Be sure to take your camera and explore the Barri Gotic area, containing a concentration of medieval Gothic buildings, or enjoy a spot of late night tapas in one of the city’s many bars, bodegas and cafes.

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Portugal With its mild climate, 3000 hours of sunshine per year and 850kms of splendid beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is the perfect holiday destination all year round.

Popular regions include Porto and the ‘green coast’; the Algave and the Azores islands, as well as the city of Lisbon.

Madrid

Lisbon

Immerse yourself in the culture of the Spanish capital as you walk amongst its great monuments, popular theatres and vast array of museums. Over the years, Madrid has become a melting pot of people, cultures and gastronomies and boasts the richest variety of cuisine in Spain. When you're not dancing the night away in one of the city’s many night clubs, or enjoying a romantic meal in one of the trendy restaurants, the numerous parks offer the perfect place to relax.

Portugal’s capital has been influenced by many far-off cultures over the course of its history, yet its historic neighbourhoods still exert a traditional village feel. The monumental area of Belém with its World Heritage monuments, medieval quarters and contemporary leisure spaces, such as the Parque das Nações, is a beautiful part of the city. Its coastal roads too combine marinas, terraces and golf courses with world-renowned surfing beaches and palaces.

Alternative destinations, regional flights and options available www.fredholidays.co.uk Alternative destinations, regional flights and railrail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Sweden

Stockholm & Gothenburg Some of our favourite household names hail from this great country, including Abba, Volvo and IKEA. Yet this Scandinavia nation, boasting thousands of coastal islands, has so much more to shout about. With rolling plains, snow-capped peaks, pure green forests and plenty to do come rain or shine, Sweden is perfect for a visit any time of the year.

Stockholm This 700 year old city is defined by its unique location spread across 14 islands. The waters surrounding Stockholm are so pure that you can swim or catch salmon in the middle of the city. The city attracts tourists from all over the world with its distinctive mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage and modern international urban culture.

Highlights: • The Royal Palace, the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden, is one of the largest palaces in Europe with over 600 rooms. The Palace is open to the public and offers no less than five museums.

• Watch the daily changing of the guard - this free 40-minute event accompanied by Military Band takes place around midday and is a great photo opportunity.

• Royal Djurgården park and gardens in the heart of the city is a mix of parkland and forest with both canal and harbour sides. A fantastic place to relax, go for a run or visit one of the several museums on site.

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Gothenburg Exciting museums, shopping, lots of events and beautiful nature await in Gothenburg. The archipelago stretches along the coast like a string of pearls and you don’t have to travel far from the city to find charming villages, stunning nature and beaches. The city itself is bursting with gardens, historic sites and buildings, beautiful churches and magnificent museums where you can see works by world famous artists, yet nature is always around the corner.

Highlights: • Rent a bicycle and head out to one of Gothenburg’s many scenic country roads alongside beautiful beaches and fields, woodlands and lakes.

• Visit Sweden’s biggest fish auction located in Gothenburg’s harbour. Whilst visitors cannot purchase fish here, it’s a fantastic experience to watch local restaurants bid on Pollock, shrimps, catfish, haddock, squid and more!

• Visit the theatres of Stadsteatern, Folkteatern and Lorensbergsteatern, considered three classic Swedish scenes, as well as the innovatory and young Backateatern and smaller independent artist scenes.

• Seal safaris, sea-fishing and boat excursions are just some of the activities available throughout the Gothenburg archipelago.

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Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Switzerland

Bern, Basel, Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich

Basel Zurich

Bern

Lucerne

Luasanne Geneva

With stunning alpine scenery, crystal clear lakes, ancient cities and picturesque meadows, Switzerland is undeniably beautiful. Famous not only for its iconic Alps, the country also boasts fine towns and cities for a holiday destination to suit everyone.

bookshops, jewellery stores and farmers markets galore.

From its capital Bern to the delightful Lucerne, it’s true that Switzerland has a destination for everyone, whether you are searching for culture, or would like to get active on a walking or skiing holiday.

Geneva

Bern Switzerland’s capital is full of history – its quiet cobbled lanes lined with sandstone buildings have changed little over the years and it’s no wonder that simply walking through the medieval UNESCO listed Old Town is one of the highlights of a visit here. As the ideal base from which to discover the whole of Switzerland, Bern is seemingly untouched from modern living, leaving this charming medieval city as if it had been pulled out of a fairy tale book.

Be sure to pay a visit to the medieval Clock Tower and Gothic Cathedral in between enjoying lively cafes, great shopping and modern art.

Basel A centre for art, music and architecture, Basel is Switzerland’s oldest city. Historic landmarks include the Romanesque Cathedral, and the large market square with its richly decorated red sandstone Town Hall. You can enjoy some great shopping within the old town which boasts specialist shops featuring Swiss arts and crafts; visit the ‘Fondation Beyeler’, a private collection of modern paintings; or take in the views of the river Rhine from the Pfalz viewing terrace.

Zurich Nestled amidst hills and lakes and with more than 50 museums to experience, Zurich is a stylish city with a beautifully preserved old town, a world famous opera and elegant shops and restaurants.

A shopper’s paradise, the city offers something for everyone with international fashion labels,

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Outside of the cities and towns, its lakes and mountains regions offer breath-taking scenery, idyllic lakeside resorts and countless excursion opportunities.

This beautiful, cosmopolitan city in the Frenchspeaking part of Switzerland, is framed by the Alps and situated at Europe’s largest lake, Lake Geneva. Unsurprisingly, the city has a somewhat more French feel. Super sleek and cosmopolitan, it is not only the world capital of watch-making but is also home to world-class cultural events, wonderful lakeside resorts and gastronomical delights.

Lucerne Breathtaking scenery, idyllic lakeside resorts and countless excursion possibilities make the Lake Lucerne region one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Switzerland. This beautiful region is located in the geographic and historical centre of the country and is excellently connected to the public transport system, making excursions in the surrounding area very easy. Discover the crystal-clear lakes and waterfalls, flowering alpine meadows and the many historic sites within. Long walks and mountain hikes, cycle trails and all kinds of water sports as well as culture and tradition are just some of the highlights that await you in this part of Switzerland.

Lakes and Mountains Fred.\ Holidays can offer lakes and mountains holidays throughout Switzerland to destinations such as Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn Mountains; St Moritz, one of the most famous resorts in the world; Montreux – perfect for a combined trip to Lake Geneva; and Interlaken, overlooked by the three mighty mountains of Eiger, Monch and Junfrau.

Alternative destinations, regional flights and options available www.fredholidays.co.uk Alternative destinations, regional flights and railrail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Suggested break: Switzerland Explorer

Embrace five unique destinations in one trip with an 8 day Swiss Rail Pass, giving you unlimited travel by rail, road and waterway!

What's Included • Return flights from London • 8 Day Swiss Rail Pass - Unlimited travel by rail, road and waterway • One night 4* accommodation in Basel • Two nights 4* accommodation in Interlaken • Two nights 4* accommodation in Lucerne • One night 4* accommodation in Zurich • One night 4* accommodation in Basel

From £1,149pp *Price is based on flights from London Heathrow departing 6th April 2017

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Swiss Rail Holidays

Switzerland’s beautiful mountain backdrops, scenic routes, sweeping landscapes and chocolate-box villages make it the perfect destination for a rail trip.

Whether you decide to explore this stunning country on a multiday rail journey or simply wish to take a day out to take in its towering peaks, there is a rail journey to suit you.

We feature just a couple of these for you within this brochure, however this is simply a taster!

Golden Pass Line From Zurich to Geneva, across the Alps…

This attractive 5 day rail tour offers breath-taking panoramic views from Central Switzerland to Lake Geneva. Your journey starts in the historic Lucerne region on to the beautiful Alpine Scenery of the Bernese Oberland. Past green meadows, crystal clear lakes and typical chalet style mountain villages you will reach the famous holiday resort of Gstaad. From here, you travel over the ’Golden Pass’ before the journey takes you down to the idyllic shores of Lake Geneva with its beautiful terraced vineyards.

Stopping at: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zweisemmen & Montreux, Geneva,

Highlights • Visit the beautiful city of Lucerne, offering a stunning lakeside location, mountain scenery and a medieval Old Town.

• Climb the high pastures of the Brünig Pass.

• Spend the day in the ‘gateway to the Bernese Oberland’, Interlaken, amidst the backdroup of the mighty Jungfrau Mountain.

The Glacier Express The perfect, picturesque day trip…

The most famous railway in the world, the Glacier Express travels from Zermatt to Davos or St. Moritz in around seven hours. It is a day trip through untouched mountain landscapes, glamorous health resorts, deep gorges, delightful valleys, 91 tunnels and across 291 impressive bridges.

With the Glacier Express, the journey itself is the destination, and you will also enjoy audio commentary providing a wealth of interesting route information along the way.

Prices for Swiss Rail Holidays on Request

Worldwide Adventures Australia | New Zealand | Mauritius | South Africa | India and more

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Authentic Adventures for the Discerning Traveller Experience once-in-a-lifetime adventures that others may only ever dream of and immerse yourself into a destination like never before.

Get up close and personal with the ‘Big Five’ on a safari game drive; feel humbled at the sight of Australia’s mighty Uluru; gasp at the beauty of the Indian Ocean’s islands, or marvel at the world’s most stunning natural and manmade wonders… these are just some of the holidays on offer from Fred.\ Discover.

Page 82 Places We Go Page 83 Experience the Living Culture of India Page 84 Discover Australia Page 85 New Zealand Getaway Page 86 South African Safari & Luxury Rail Page 87 The lap of luxury at Maritim Mauritius Offering adventure tours all over the world, Fred.\ can take you to some of the most awe-inspiring destinations imaginable.

From Australia to South Africa, the USA & Canada, Central & South East Asia and beyond, you could find yourself touring historic cities, admiring breath-taking landscapes and experiencing unique cultural events to enrich each and every day.

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Where will you go next?

Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.freddiscover.co.uk

Discover Australia Tour “Marvel at the sunrise over Uluru and take a guided tour around the base of this famous monolith, viewing ancient caves and fascinating Indigenous rock art sites. Afterwards, enjoy a dramatic change of scenery as you fly to the sparkling blue waters and lush green rainforests of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland.

You can also enjoy a four-night escape at the Pullman Cairns International with beautiful mountain views”

New Zealand Getaway “Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Maori culture and rich heritage. Positioned on the Pacific Rim of Fire, it is therefore one of the world’s most active geothermal areas. Leaving Rotoroa, enjoy the scenery as you travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Lake Taupo - the largest freshwater lake in Australasia - and thundering Huka Falls.”

Luxury African Safari “A place where guests can exist in harmony with nature, however fleeting the moment, where wildlife freely roam the landscape under the relentless African sun. Shamwari Luxury Game Reserve incorporates five lodges, one villa and one explorer camp; each one unique with its own essence. Lodges are designed in harmony with their surroundings where guests can experience nature in sublime comfort.”

Far Horizons of India Tours “India provides a heady mix of colour, culture, cuisine and communities that welcome you with open arms, ensuring that your trip is one that you will never forget.

Thriving cultures lying safely in the folds of time....come, be not just a spectator but a participant in these 'Living Cultures of India' and you will never be the same again.

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Places we go...

All of our 'Discover' holidays have been designed to help you experience the very best of every destination and are bursting at the seams with authentic experiences. Here are just a few of the places we go...

Hong Kong Varying dynasties, powerful emperors and 21st-century communism have collectively made China the prosperous nation that it is today. As the fourth largest country in the world, China has so much to offer that it would be impossible to see it all in one journey. Luckily, there are plenty of options available across this vast nation which can provide an unforgettable experience, including the city of Hong Kong. Here, you can browse the stalls at Stanley Market, see traditional fishing junks at the Aberdeen Fishing Village and take in the magnificent Hong Kong skyline from the Avenue of Stars.

Sydney Often mistaken as the capital of Australia, Sydney attracts travellers from all over the world who come to see its iconic skyline and stunning natural surroundings for themselves.

Explore the city either on foot or from the water of its worldrenowned harbour. You can stroll amongst the diverse neighbourhoods of this lively destination, before venturing outside of the city centre to experience the pristine sands of Bondi Beach.

Bangkok Over the last ten years, Thailand has emerged as one of the world’s most renowned tourist destinations - and it is easy to see why. Mesmerising temples, a tropical climate, delicious food, golden beaches, fascinating wildlife and an intriguing culture are just some of the reasons to take a trip to this wonderful Far East Asian nation. Its capital Bangkok is an experience in itself, with fine examples of the Buddhist culture that dominates this vibrant nation including Wat Phra Kaew, considered to be the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.

Cape Town Cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg are at the heart of our South African adventures, along with opportunities to walk on the ‘wild side’ of this fantastic country. Cape Town is home to stunning natural scenery in the form of the beautiful Western Cape, the unmissable Table Mountain and the scenic Garden Route. You can also visit SA’s National Parks, including Kruger, to witness some of Africa’s Big Five and learn valuable information about how you can help protect these beautiful animals.

San Francisco The west coast of America is mixture of wild national parks, beautiful beaches and laid back cities like San Francisco. As one of the most instantly recognisable structures in the world, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is one picture opportunity you won’t want to miss. Whether you drive over it or simply admire it from afar, you will get a feeling for why there is such an aura of excitement surrounding this beautiful piece of engineering.

New for 2017

Experience the Living Cultures of India India is a wonderfully diverse and vibrant nation filled with colour, wildlife, fragrant spices, and an intriguing culture that will leave you wanting to return time and time again. There are many regions to experience and many ways in which to explore them.

Wherever you want to travel within India, from Delhi, Mumbai or Himachal Pradesh; to West Bengal and Rajasthan, Fred.\ Discover can tailor-make the perfect India experience for you…

The Golden Triangle & Wildlife Tour Explore the Golden Triangle’s rich and cultured history with a tour of its most iconic landmarks including the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort. Then, encounter India’s majestic wildlife on a tour of its most abundant national parks including Ranthambore National Park and Bandhavgarh, home to the World’s highest density of Bengal Tiger.

Mountains and Monasteries of Ladakh This magical Buddhist kingdom epitomises the term ‘aweinspiring’; with dramatic mountains, colourful prayer flags, Tibetan monasteries and white-washed stupas providing a photo opportunity at every turn. Visit Ley, the capital of Ladakh, a historical transit point for caravans of the bygone Silk Route, and drive across the Khardungla Pass. As the World's highest motorable road at 18832ft above sea level, the snow-capped peaks and mountain views from the Pass are amazing.

South India with Backwaters Explore the exotic yet traditional South of India from Chennai on a guided tour. You will take in Kanchipuram, also known as the ‘city of a thousand temples’, along with the pagoda-filled town of Mahabalipuram and India’s French-colony, Pondicherry. Then, embark a traditional houseboat in Thekkady’s backwaters and cruise the canals of the Arabian Sea, exploring villages, farmlands, old temples and churches along the way.

Why not combine your visit to India with a river cruise along the mighty Brahmaputra river?

Sailing on board the beautiful MV Mahabaahu, you will visit remote communities, dine on traditional cuisine in the home of a local family, and go in search of some of the fascinating wildlife the Assam region of India has to offer.

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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New for 2017

Discover Australia 19 night tour

Departing: 26th September, 24th October & 14th November 2017

From £5,195pp Tour the wonders of Australia! Vast desert landscapes, ancient rainforests, cosmopolitan cities, distinctive wildlife and an ancient indigenous culture await intrepid explorers. Great for travellers who want to see the best of this vast country, this 19 night tour will take you from Perth to Sydney, with many highlights along on the way including Uluru (Ayers Rock), the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Harbour, and a chance to visit Phillip Island to watch the Penguin Parade!

Itinerary Day 1. Depart London.

Day 2 – 3. Arrive Perth, Fremantle. Perth Day 4. Fremantle.

Day 5. Fremantle, Perth, Alice Springs.

Day 6. Alice Springs.

Day 7. Alice Springs, Kata Tjuta, Uluru.

Day 8. Uluru, Cairns.

Day 9. Cairns, Great Barrier Reef.

Day 10. Cairns, Port Douglas.

Day 11. Port Douglas.

Day 12. Port Douglas, Cairns, Melbourne.

Day 13-14. Melbourne.

Day 15. Melbourne, Sydney.

Days 16-18. Sydney.

Day 19. Depart Sydney.

Highlights • Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Perth and discover highlights including the untouched bushland, Botanic Gardens and the beautiful Kings Park, then take a leisurely cruise along the picturesque Swan River • Travel through the Australian Outback to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit the rock domes and peaks of Kata Tjuta, then enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sun set over Uluru • Fly to the sparkling blue waters and lush green rainforests of Cairns then cruise by fast catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef where you can snorkel, walk through an underwater observatory, join a guided tour or simply relax.

• Explore the vibrant city of Melbourne during a 3 nights stay, including a trip to the Yarra Valley wine region.

• Discover a selection of Sydney’s most incredible sights on a guided tour including a relaxing cruise on the picturesque Sydney Harbour and a tour of the Sydney Opera House.

What’s Included • Return flights • Overseas Transfers • Accommodation throughout including meals as specified in full itinerary • Guided touring as detailed in the itinerary 2018 departure dates available on request *Pricing based on flights from London Heathrow departing 24th Oct 2017

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.freddiscover.co.uk

Highlights • Enjoy a full day at The Bay of Islands - home to 144 islands providing a stunning aquatic playground • Travel to Waitomo, home to the famous glow worm caves • Visit the geothermal capital of New Zealand, Rotorua, situated on the Pacific Rim of Fire, and witness the phenomenal natural spectacle of erupting geysers and bubbling mud pools in Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley • Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic voyages through the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds; keep watch for the icy crests of Fox and Franz Josef glaciers in Westland Tai Poutini National Park; and journey through spectacular Haast Pass enroute to the alpine resort of Queenstown.

• Cruise the full length of Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park • Journey into Mt Cook National Park to view Australasia’s highest mountain, Aoraki (Mt Cook). Tonight, enjoy a memorable Farewell Dinner.

What’s Included • Return flights • Overseas Transfers • Accommodation throughout including meals as indicated in full itinerary • Guided touring as detailed in the itinerary *Pricing based on flights from Heathrow departing 3rd Nov 2017

New for 2017

New Zealand Getaway 17 night tour

Departing: 27th Sept, 13th Oct, 25th Oct, 3rd Nov, 17th Nov , 24th Nov 15th Dec 2017

From £4,145pp Itinerary Days 1-2. Depart UK. Day 3. Arrive Auckland.

Day 4. Auckland, Bay of Islands.

Day 5. Bay of Islands.

Day 6. Bay of Islands, Auckland.

Day 7. Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua.

Day 8. Rotorua.

Day 9. Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington.

Day 10. Wellington, Cook Strait, Christchurch.

Day 11. Christchurch, Fox Glacier.

Day 12. Fox Glacier, Queenstown.

Day 13. Queenstown.

Day 14. Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau.

Day 15. Te Anau, Dunedin.

Day 16. Dunedin, Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo.

Day 17. Lake Tekapo, Christchurch.

Day 18. Arrive London

Land elements of these tours are provided by

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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New for 2017

South African Safari & Luxury Rail For a Safari experience like no other, look no further than the world renowned Shamwari Group - a private collection of award winning, privately-owned, five star game reserves and eco lodges in Southern Africa. Each one is distinct and offers a unique experience to all who visit:

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Western Cape Seated at the foot of the Warmwaterberg Mountain Range in the heart of South Africa’s Little Karoo, Sanbona is one of South Africa’s largest privately owned wildlife reserves, and was the first authentic free roaming ‘Big 5’ wildlife reserve in the Western Cape.

• Home to the critically endangered and highly elusive Riverine Rabbit and free roaming self-sustaining White Lions • Enjoy interactive game drives, lasting up to 3 hours, in an open game viewing vehicle • Its close proximity to Cape Town (3.5hr drive), makes Sanbona perfect for a twin-centre holiday or as a starting point for a self-drive trip along the stunning Garden Route

Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape The pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5, Shamwari, meaning ‘my friend’ in Shona, stretches 25,000 hectares over a malaria free landscape.

It offers an award-winning nature experience and is one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa, incorporating five lodges, one villa and one ‘explorer camp’.

• Enjoy interactive game drives, lasting up to 3 hours, in an open game viewing vehicle • Home to a dedicated Wildlife Department boasting a breeding centre, Dr Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre, a rehabilitation centre, an animal hospital, an education centre and an anti-poaching unit.

• Shamwari’s ‘Kids on Safari’ programme makes it perfect for families, and children can join game drives from the age of four

Jock Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park Situated on the confluence of two rivers (Biyamiti & Mitomeni River) in the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park, Jock enjoys 6000 hectares of exclusive traversing rights, enabling you to go off the beaten track in search of the Big Five.

• Game drives lasting up to 3 hours, walking safaris, relaxation retreats and access to the Leopard Creek Golf Club are all on offer at Jock.

• May/June is a great time to visit (Dry Season) when the bush thins out and wildlife can be found congregating around rivers and waterholes • The lodge was named after ‘Jock of the Bushveld’ a true story about the dog owned by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, a South African author, politician and fruit industry pioneer.

Nights

Jock

Sanbona

Shamwari

2

From £759

From £615

From £615pp

3

From £1029pp

From £829pp

From £829pp

4+

From £1369pp

From £1105pp

From £1105pp

pp

pp

A variety of accommodation types are available please call for more details

Rovos Rail

Offering seven routes across South Africa, the family-owned and operated Rovos Rail is the perfect choice for those wishing to enjoy luxurious ‘slow travel’ and experience the history, culture and landscapes of South Africa, Namibia, and Tanzania up close.

Whether you wish to embark on a two week adventure with a difference or combine your African Safari with a 3 day train journey to/from Cape Town, Rovos Rail’s unique itineraries and renowned Victorian service will leave you with treasured memories that last forever.

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.freddiscover.co.uk

New for 2017

Luxury Mauritius

Suggested break:

Renowned around the world for providing luxurious venues that enable you to relax and unwind in elegant surroundings, the Maritim offers two hotel resorts on the island paradise of Mauritius.

What's Included

Both of these resorts are ideally positioned on the island’s stunning coastline facing the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean: The five-star Maritim Resort & Spa is beautifully situated overlooking Turtle Bay - one of the most sought after areas in Mauritius. Set on 62 acres of tropical land and surrounded by a further 25 hectares of lush green gardens, this wonderfully luxurious hotel is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

Idyllically situated in Belle Mare, on the east coast of Mauritius, the 4-star Maritim Crystal Beach Hotel is set next to one of the finest beaches in the world. This 1km-long Belle Mare beach is ideal for families looking to enjoy a relaxing and tranquil holiday, while the hotel provides an ideal starting point from which to explore this beautiful island.

Mauritius Highlights • Explore ‘natural Mauritius’ on a guided hike • Take a boat trip along the western coast of the island for a spot of dolphin-watching • Treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime Helicopter Flight, to experience Mauritius from a different perspective • For the more adventurous why not have a go at sea-kayaking, quad biking or walk with lions at the Casela Nature Park?

5* Maritim Resort & Spa • Return flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Glasgow • Private Overseas Transfers • Nine nights All Inclusive stay at the 5* Maritim Resort & Spa

From £1,999pp *Price is based on flights from London Heathrow departing 23rd April 2017

Suggested break: All Inclusive Maritim Crystal Beach Hotel What's Included • Return flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Glasgow • Private Overseas Transfers • Nine nights All Inclusive stay at the Maritim Crystal Beach Hotel • Full Day Tours visiting - La Vallee des Couleurs Nature Park (23 coloured earth); Bel Ombre; Baie du Cap; Le Morne , Maconde; the West Coast

From £1,899pp *Price is based on flights from London Heathrow departing 23rd April 2017

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Worldwide cruise holidays to suit you www.fredcruises.co.uk

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Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

F.A.Qs Can you book rail from the UK and abroad?

Yes, we can tailor-make any holiday with rail requirements whether you wish to travel to your destination by rail or include rail within your itinerary once abroad.

Can you book multiple hotels for one holiday?

Yes. This is something we do quite often for those who wish to combine two or more destinations in one trip.

What is a tailor-made holiday?

Tailor-made means that your holiday is ‘made to order’. It is bespoke to you and arranged according to your own personal requirements. With no set departure dates or packages, you are free to decide when and where you want to travel, for how long and also the method by which you travel, whether by car, plane, rail or ferry. You can also add on extras such as car hire or day tours, and decide whether you want us to include or remove extras such as overseas airport transfers.

Can I book day trips or tours with Fred.\ Holidays Yes, whether you want us to include a city tour, day trip or multiple-day tours as part of your holiday, simply let us know.

We work with a number of trusted overseas suppliers and can arrange trips and tours for both individuals and groups.

Is my holiday covered?

Yes. Fred.\ Holidays is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 0944. Fred.\ Holidays is also a member of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) which provides assurance, choice, value, and high levels of service.

Can I fly from my local airport?

Yes, as tailor-made specialists, when you book with Fred.\ Holidays you can chose to fly from which ever airport is most convenient to you. Many of our suggested breaks are based on London departures however this is simply to provide a guide price. Let us know at the time of enquiry which airport(s) you would prefer to fly from and we will provide you with a price.

A place I want to visit is not in the brochure, can I still book this?

Of course. There are endless possibilities for your European holiday or short break and our brochure could not possibly list them all. The brochure is designed to give you a flavour of what we can offer, along with some suggested breaks to inspire you; yet we can arrange holidays to any other European or long-haul destination that you desire.

Can you book escorted tours or just individual travel?

Yes we can book group tours escorted by a local guide, including multi-centre tours, city tours and rail tours. We can also book group travel without a guide or holidays designed for independent exploration.

Do you offer other destinations other than those in the brochure?

Yes. Because all of the holidays we offer are bespoke to you, we can offer any destination that you desire, including multiple destinations in one trip. If the destination you desire is not mention within this brochure, simply give us a call or send us an email and we can tailor-make your perfect trip.

When will I get my tickets/documents?

Tickets will be sent approximately 10 to 14 days prior to departure either by email or by post. If you have not received tickets by this time, please contact our administration department on 01473 242 617.

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

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Terms & Conditions All prices featured within this brochure are guide prices only and are based on low season departure dates at selected 2* to 5* hotels. Prices include flights and/or rail unless otherwise indicated, are per person based on two people sharing a room unless otherwise indicated and are subject to availability and change.

These Booking Conditions, together with any other written information we bring to your attention before confirming your booking, form the basis of your contract with Fred.\ Holidays a trading name of Fred. Olsen Travel Ltd whose address is Olympus House, 2 Olympus Close, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 5LN. Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations.

These Booking Conditions apply generally whether you have booked one of our Packages (Inclusive Price Combinations) or our single component items, e.g. accommodation or transport only. Please note however that where you have purchased a single component, there is a different condition as to liability.

Please see ‘Our Responsibilities’ clause below.

By making a booking, the lead named person on the booking agrees on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking that: a) He/she has read these terms and conditions and has the authority to and agrees to be bound by them; b) He/she consents to our use of information in accordance with our Privacy Policy; c) He/she is over 18 years of age and resident in the United Kingdom Booking and Paying For Your Arrangements A booking is made with Fred.\ Holidays when a) you tell us that you would like to accept our written or verbal quotation and b) you pay us a deposit of £150 per person unless advised differently at the time of booking. For cruise holidays including expeditions and airline bookings you will be advised of the deposit amount at the time of booking. When we issue you with a confirmation invoice, a binding contract will come into existence. Upon receipt, if you believe that any details on the confirmation or any other documents are wrong you must advise us immediately as changes may not be possible later. The balance of the cost of your arrangements (including any applicable surcharge) is due 10 weeks prior to scheduled departure but on some products we require payment 90 days prior. If we do not receive this balance in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in which case the cancellation charges set out below will become payable. A handling fee may apply to payments by credit card.

Your Financial Protection We provide full financial protection for our package holidays.

If you buy a single travel service then this might not apply.

For flight-based holidays this is through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number (0944). When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.

We will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where we aren’t able to do so for the unlikely reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder.

However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable).

If we are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for the unlikely reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.

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When you buy a package holiday that doesn’t include a flight, protection is provided by way of a bond held by ABTA The Travel Association. For further information please see www.abta.com.

Pricing We reserve the right to amend the price of unsold holidays at any time and correct errors in the prices of confirmed holidays within 7 days of the booking.

The price of your holiday is subject at all times to changes in transport costs such as fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline cost changes which are part of our contracts with airlines (and their agents), cruise ship operators and any other transport provider; to cost changes arising from government action such as changes in VAT or any other government imposed changes; and to changes in currency exchange rates and to dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports any or all of which may result in a variation of your holiday price.

For changes to pricing after booking, we will absorb and you will not be charged for any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges and/ or additional services or travel arrangements. You will be charged for the amount over and above that, plus an administration charge of £1.00 per person together with an amount to cover agents’ commission. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your travel arrangements (excluding any amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements), you will have the option of accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (if this is of equivalent or higher quality you will not have to pay more but if it is of lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid to us, any amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on your final invoice. There will be no change made to the price of your holiday within 30 days of your departure.

Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place.

When you buy a flight-based holiday, all monies you pay to the travel agent are held by him on behalf and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times. This is subject to the agent’s obligation to pay it to us for so long as we do not fail. If we fail, any money held at that time by the agent, or subsequently accepted from you by him, is and continues to be held on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that money to us. When you buy a holiday not including a flight, all monies you pay to the travel agent are held by him on our behalf at all times.

Travel Insurance We reserve the right to refuse or cancel a booking if you do not have personal travel insurance. We will treat any cancellation for this reason as a cancellation by you and the cancellation charges will be payable as set out below. Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on holiday.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance you purchase is adequate and appropriate for your particular needs, and covers all travel, cancellation, medical and repatriation liabilities for the holiday. We reserve the right to request full details of your insurance policy however please note that we do not check insurance policies for suitability.

You are responsible for indemnifying us in full in the event that we incur any losses or expenses arising out of your failure to take out adequate insurance cover.

all non-refundable items plus a percentage of the remaining total cost payable by the person(s) cancelling: 90 days or more 89 - 57 days 56 - 43 days 42 - 15 days 14 - 00 days

loss of deposit and non-refundable items 60% 75% 85% 100%

If the deposit amount is more than the cancellation amount we will retain the full deposit as the cancellation charge.

We therefore strongly recommend you take out suitable insurance to cover you for possible eventualities that would require you to cancel your holiday.

Changes by You If you wish to change any part of your booking you must inform us in writing. Whilst we will do our best to assist, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet your requested change. All changes will be subject to any applicable rate changes or extra costs incurred as well as any costs incurred by us and any costs or charges incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Where we are unable to assist you and you do not wish to proceed with the original booking we will treat this as a cancellation by you. A cancellation fee may be payable. Please note that is important at the time of booking to advise the names of travellers that match the name given on their passport. Failure to do so will usually result in a name change charge by the airline.

Accuracy We endeavour to ensure that all the information and prices both on our website and in our brochures are accurate; however occasionally changes and errors occur and we reserve the right to correct prices and other details in such circumstances. You must check the current price and all other details relating to the arrangements that you wish to book before your booking is confirmed.

Changes or cancellation by us As we plan your holiday arrangements many months in advance we may occasionally have to make changes or cancel your booking and we reserve the right to do so at any time. If we make a major change to your holiday, we will inform you or your travel agent as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before your departure. You will have the choice of either accepting the change of arrangements, accepting an offer of alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from us if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or cancelling your holiday and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. In some cases we will also pay compensation (see below). These options don’t apply for minor changes.

Examples of minor changes include alteration of your outward/return transport by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft type, change of accommodation to another of the same or higher standard, and changes of carriers. Please note that carriers such as airlines used in the brochure may be subject to change.

We will not cancel your travel arrangements less than 10 weeks before your departure date (90 days for a cruise holiday), except for reasons of force majeure or failure by you to pay the final balance. We may cancel your holiday before this date if, for example, the minimum number of clients required for a particular travel arrangement is not reached.

If your holiday is cancelled you can either have a refund of all monies paid or accept an offer of alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from us, if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). In some cases we will pay compensation (see below).

If we cancel or make a major change we will pay compensation as detailed below except where the major change or cancellation arises due to reasons of force majeure. The compensation that we offer does not exclude you from claiming more if you are entitled to do so.

Cancellation by You If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by us at our offices at Fred.\ Holidays. Please note proof of postage (whether Royal Mail or e-mail) is not proof of receipt. You will be responsible for applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below, unless otherwise advised. The cancellation charge detailed is calculated as

Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

Featured in this brochure

Iceland

Finland

Norway

Period before departure in which we notify you

Amount you will receive from us

43 – 70 days (90 days if a cruise holiday)

(d) an event which either ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers and subcontractors could not, even with all due care, have foreseen or forestalled.

£ 20 per person

27 – 42 days

£ 30 per person

15 – 26 days

£ 40 per person

00 – 14 days

£ 50 per person

The services and facilities included in your holiday will be deemed to be provided with reasonable skill and care if they comply with any local regulations which apply, or, if there are no applicable local regulations, if they are reasonable when compared to the local standards in practice.

We reserve the right in our absolute discretion to terminate without notice the holiday arrangements of any customer whose behaviour is such that it is in our opinion likely to cause distress, damage, danger, or annoyance to our customers, our/supplier employees, or to any third party, or to property. If you are prevented from travelling because, in our or our suppliers’ opinion, you appear to be unfit to travel or likely to cause discomfort or disturbance to others, our responsibility for your holiday ceases and we shall be under no obligation to pay any refund, compensation or costs to you. Please note that we have no control over the behaviour of other persons staying at or visiting your holiday accommodation and we are not responsible for any withdrawal or impairment of facilities or other loss or damage caused by them. Under no circumstances are you entitled to share or sub-let your accommodation with anyone other than those individuals shown on your booking.

Force Majeure

Estonia

Sweden

We will not pay you compensation if we have to cancel or change your travel arrangements in any way because of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control. These can include but are not limited to war, riot, industrial dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, epidemics and pandemics, unavoidable technical problems with transport, and any other circumstances of any nature whatsoever.

Our Responsibilities

Poland

Netherlands Belgium

Germany Czech Rep Slovakia Austria

France

Hungary

Switzerland Slovenia

We are a Member of ABTA, membership number Y0128.

We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of this contract. The scheme is arranged by ABTA and administered independently. It is a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on you for costs. The upper limit on claims is £5,000 per person and £25,000 per booking form. The scheme doesn’t apply to claims which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. It can however deal with claims which include an element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of £1,500 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element.

Your request for arbitration must be received by ABTA within eighteen months of the date of return from holiday. For injury and illness claims, you can request the ABTA Mediation Procedure and we have the option to agree to mediation.

Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com.

1) Single Components

Croatia Italy

If you have purchased a ‘single component’ i.e. accommodation or transportation only, we will accept responsibility only for our own negligence e.g. If we have negligently misdescribed the accommodation etc., or if we have been negligent in our choice of supplier. We will not be responsible for the negligence of our suppliers, their employees, servants or agents.

2) Package Holidays

Portugal

Spain

Gibraltar Canary Islands

Alternative destinations, regional flights and rail options available www.fredholidays.co.uk

(a) Loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions and money, the maximum amount we will have to pay you is £25 per person in total because you are assumed to have adequate insurance in place to cover any losses of this kind. (b) Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of two times the cost of your travel arrangements. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you or your party has not received any benefit at all from your booking. (c) Claims in respect of international travel by air, sea and rail, or any stay in a hotel: i. The extent of our liability will in all cases be limited as if we were carriers under the appropriate Conventions, which include The Warsaw/Montreal Convention (international travel by air); The Athens Convention (with respect to sea travel); The Berne/ Cotif Convention (with respect to rail travel); The Paris Convention (with respect to hotel arrangements); and The Strasbourg Convention (CNLI) (with respect to travel on inland waterways). You can ask for copies of these Conventions from our offices. In addition, you agree that the operating carrier or transport company’s own ‘Conditions of Carriage’ will apply to you on that journey. When arranging transportation for you, we rely on the terms and conditions contained within these international conventions and those ‘Conditions of Carriage’. You acknowledge that all of the terms and conditions contained in those ‘Conditions of Carriage’ form part of your contract with us, as well as with the transport company and that those ‘Conditions of Carriage’ shall be deemed to be included by reference into this contract. ii. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question.

Complaints If a problem occurs whilst you are on holiday, you must inform the relevant supplier immediately so that the matter can be put right. If the supplier cannot resolve the problem to your satisfaction at the time, you must also contact us immediately by telephoning our offices so that we are given the opportunity to help. In the event that a complaint cannot be resolved at the time, you must write to us within 28 days of return to the UK quoting the original booking reference and giving all relevant information. PLEASE NOTE: Failure to take these steps will hinder our ability to resolve the problem and/or investigate it fully and in consequence, your rights under the contract may be affected. We regret we cannot accept liability for any claims which are not notified to ourselves and/or our suppliers strictly in accordance with this clause.

Special Requests

Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us. For any excursion or other tour that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator.

Passport, Visa and Immigration Requirements and Health Formalities It is your responsibility to check and fulfil the passport, visa, health and immigration requirements applicable to your itinerary. You must check requirements for your own specific circumstances with the relevant Embassies and/ or Consulates and your own doctor as applicable. Most countries now require passports to be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. If your passport is in its final year, you should check with the Embassy of the country you are visiting. For further information please contact the Passport Office on 0870 5210410 or visit www. passport.gov.uk. Special conditions apply for travel to the USA and all passengers must have individual machine readable passports. Please check www.usembassy.org. uk. For European holidays you should obtain a completed and issued form EHIC prior to departure. Up to date travel advice can be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, visit www.fco.gov.uk. We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport, visa or immigration requirements.

Delays and other Travel Information In some destinations a compulsory city tax may be applicable and will be charge to the you locally.

We regret we are unable to offer you any assistance should a delay disrupt your itinerary. Any airline or other transport provider concerned may however provide refreshments and/or appropriate accommodation. We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to re-scheduling times by the airline or airline authorities, or any of the reasons set out in Force Majeure of these booking conditions. The latest flight timings will be shown on your tickets which will be dispatched to you approximately two weeks before departure. You should check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct flight times. If flight times change after tickets have been dispatched we will contact you as soon as we can to let you know.

Under EU Law, you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from the airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. Reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday price from us.

Guest Behaviour We reserve the right to terminate your booking arrangements with us immediately, should you or your party fail to conduct yourselves in an orderly manner. In the event of such termination our liability to you and/or your party will cease and you and/or your party will be required to leave your accommodation or other service immediately. We will have no further obligations to you and/or your party.

Jurisdiction

Any special requests must be advised to us at the time of booking. You should then confirm your requests in writing.

Whilst every effort will be made by us to try and arrange your reasonable special requests, we cannot guarantee that they will be fulfilled. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part unless the request has been specifically confirmed.

When you make a booking you guarantee that you have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party the terms of these booking conditions. A contract will exist as soon as we issue our confirmation invoice. This contract is made on the terms of these booking conditions, which are governed by English Law, and the jurisdiction of the English Courts. You may however, choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you wish to do so.

Refunds

Data Protection

Any amounts due to you will be paid upon request within 28 days.

Full details of our data protection policy are available upon request.

(a) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected;

Disabilities and Medical Problems

(updated November 2015)

(b) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of the services contracted for and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable;

We are not a specialist disabled holiday company, but we will do our utmost to cater for any special requirements you may have. If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your stay, please provide us with full details by writing or emailing us, before we confirm your booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of your chosen arrangements if possible.

Subject to these booking conditions, your holiday arrangements will be made or performed using reasonable skill and care. We will be responsible if our employees, servants or agents fail to make or perform your holiday arrangements using reasonable skill and care as long as they were acting within the course of their employment or carrying out work which we had asked them to do.

We will not be responsible or pay compensation for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost or other claim of any description which results from:

(c) unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or

4

We limit the amount of compensation we may have to pay you if we are found liable under this clause:

Excursions

Book with your local travel agent or call our travel specialists on 0808 988 3369

91

Germany

Special Interest Holidays Group Travel & Escorted Touring

7

Christmas Markets

8

Beer Festivals

9

Steam Engines & UNESCO Sites

10

Italy

Introduction to Germany

32

All about Italy

66

Berlin

34

Italian Lakes

66

Hamburg

36

Rome

68

Bremen

38

Venice

69

Germany - Bavaria

Netherlands

11

All about Bavaria

40

Theme Parks

12

Bamberg, Würzburg

42

Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Edam

Battlefield Tours

14

43

Norway

Active Holidays

15

Franconia - 'Home of the beer' Regensburg, Fussen

44

Poland

Rothenburg

45

Krakow & Warsaw

Munich

46

Slovenia

Nuremberg

47

Ljublijana

Romantic Road (Self Drive)

48

Spain & Portugal

Inzell

49

Cologne

50

Barcelona, Madrid, Seville & Lisbon

Frankfurt

51

Sweden

Düsseldorf

52

Stockholm & Gothenburg

Dresden (Saxony)

53

Switzerland

Leipzig (Saxony)

54

Geneva, Bern & Basel

76

Stuttgart

55

Lakes & Mountains

77

Black Forest

56

Swiss Rail holidays

78

Baden-Baden

57

Thuringa - Efurt, Weimar

58

Bodensee

59

Estonia

Oberammergau

60

Tallinn

Historical Highlights

61

F1 Grand Prix Trips

Austria Lakes & Mountains

16

Vienna & Salzburg

17

Belgium Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Mechelen, Leuven

18

Canary Islands Tenerife & La Gomera

20

Croatia Dubrovnik, Pula, Zadar, Split, Hvar & Zagreb

22

Plitvice Lakes National Park

24

Czech Republic Prague

25

Denmark Copenhagen

26

27

Helsinki

Olso & Bergen

Gibraltar

Finland 28

62

Gibraltar Hungary

France Paris, Rouen, Lille, La Rochelle, Bordeaux & Corsica

30

Paris

31

Budapest & Lake Baleton

Fred.\ Holidays 2017 Holiday Inspiration

Inside this brochure...

64

Iceland

2017 Holiday Inspiration

70

Germany | Switzerland | Italy | Austria | Spain | Portugal | Scandinavia & more

71

72

73

74

75

Authentic Worldwide Adventures

80

Places We Go

82

India Land Tours

83

Discover Australia & New Zealand Getaway

8485

Luxury Africa Safari

86

Mauritius In The Lap of Luxury

87

65

Reykjavik

0800 988 3369

www.fredholidays.co.uk sales@fredholidays.co.uk

09 44

Fred.\ Holidays is a trading name of Fred. Olsen Travel Limited, Olympus House, 2 Olympus Close, Ipswich, IP1 5LN

www.fredholidays.co.uk

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Featuring

Worldwide Adventures