specialists in wholesale travel
Group Travel 2015/16
About us
The Group Company is a leading wholesale tour operator providing hotel accommodation and ground handling services for groups throughout Europe. We work directly with all our suppliers, only work with groups, and only sell to tour operators, guaranteeing the best possible price and service for our clients. We operate thousands of groups per year on behalf of a large portfolio of international tour operators, giving us purchasing power and group availability, throughout the main European tourist destinations. Our dedicated and experienced account handlers provide seamless and personal service, including 24hr support, and provide you with a sole point of contact from initial enquiry through to the completion of your tour.
Our business philosophy is to say YES! Book your next group through The Group Company and save yourself time, money and stress.
Bridge House, 1A Low Ousegate, York YO1 9QU +44 (0) 845 308 1500 groups@thegroupcompany.com www.thegroupcompany.com
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Welcome to the Group Company’s 2015/16 European programme. I am delighted you have taken the time to look at the superb hotels and unbeatable offers we have for the coming season. I could use this opportunity to tell you about the huge range of hotels that we have throughout the main destinations of Europe, but I think that this is only to be expected from Europe’s fastest growing group wholesaler. Instead, I am going to use this space to talk to you about our team. Those of you currently working with us already know about our dedicated, capable and talented people. I am so proud of each and every one of them. It is this dynamic, focused, and enthusiastic team that have enabled The Group Company’s rapid expansion and success. Not only do they work incredibly hard sourcing amazing deals with our hotels, they consistently go above and beyond expectations to ensure we offer the very best possible service to our customers, each and every time. Here are just a few recent comments about our people that I would like to share with you: Michaela @ Caledonian – Mar 14 “Thanks for the update I am sure Claire has dealt with several of my enquiries while you were off and everything was fine. It has been a pleasure for me also, it’s been so easy to work with you as the response time to anything I’ve had has been so speedy.”
When they are not hard at work at The Group Company, they are utilising their talents and energies to raise funds for the building of a school dormitory in the Seree Wittaya school in North East Thailand. This dormitory will enable 65 children, from one of the poorest communities in Asia, to attend school and complete their education. From 144km runs, through to mountain climbs and sky dives, our staff have shown their absolute determination and commitment to share some of their good fortune with others less fortunate than themselves. At the Group Company, we live and breathe by the 5 ‘F’s: FOCUSED, FLEXIBLE, FAST, FAIR, FUN To our existing clients: thank you so much for your support, we are so happy to have you on board. For any new clients, I hope you enjoy this brochure. Please contact us with your next enquiry, and give us a chance to show you how we do things differently at The Group Company.
Yolanta @ Sights & Souls – Jun 13 “…I need to tell you that I so appreciate working with you. It makes my job so much easier knowing that there is someone there that “gets what I need”. Thank you for all your help, and I want you to know that it means a lot to me to know that you’re on my side. You are a real treasure.”
Join us:
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Helen
@thegroupcompany
Meet the Team
Catherine Claire
Katie
Tim
Jenny Maria Leanne Teresa
Alana Ellie Lynn
Jayne
Freyja
Annabel Amy
Rob Craig Emily Naomi
Melissa
Oleta
Liz
Toni
Stephen Jennifer Magda
groups@thegroupcompany.com
+44 (0) 845 308 1500
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Contents
About Us
2
Meet the Team
3
Map of Destinations
6
Austria 8 Belgium 9 Croatia 10 Cyprus 12 Czech Republic
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Eastern Europe Tour
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Denmark 15 England - London
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England - North East & Yorkshire
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England - North West
19
England - Middle England
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England - South Coast
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England Tour
22
Estonia - Latvia
23
France - Paris
24
France 26 France Tour
27
Germany 28 Holland - Germany - Austria - Switzerland Tour
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Greece 30 Holland 31 Hungary 33 Iceland - Finland
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thegroupcompany
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Ireland 35
Rates Guide
Ireland Tour - Wild Atlantic Way
SUPER SAVER £ / €
36
Italy Tour
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Budget hotel products away from the town/city suitable for educational and sports groups.
Italy - Rome Tour
40
BUDGET ££ / €€
Macedonia - Montenegro
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Northern Ireland
42
Northern Ireland Tour: Belfast - Giants Causeway
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Italy 37
Norway 43 Poland 44 Portugal 45 Portugal: Pilgrims Tour
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Budget hotel products close to the town/city centre suitable for educational/sports and coaching groups. STANDARD £££ / €€€ Hotel products located within the town/city with amenities close by. These products would be suitable for all groups categories.
LUXURY ££££ / €€€€
Scotland: Edinburgh City Tour
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Centrally located superior standard products suitable for leisure tours or any groups looking for that something special.
Slovakia - Slovenia
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All prices include breakfast.
Scotland 48
Spain 51 Barcelona Tour
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Northern Spain Tour
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Southern Spain Tour
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Sweden 56 Swedish Fjords Tour
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Switzerland 59 Wales 60 Our Charity
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Your Group & Additional Services
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Terms & Conditions
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groups@thegroupcompany.com
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Map of Destinations
Bergen: p43
Edinburgh: p48
Reykjavik: p34 Belfast: p42
York: p18 Galway: p35
Dublin: p35 Amsterdam: p31
Cork: p35
London: p16
Cardiff: p60
Brussels: p9
Paris: p24 Brittany: p26 Loire Valley: p26
Barcelona: p51
Porto: p45
Madrid: p51 Valencia: p52
Lisbon: p45 Seville: p51
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Helsinki: p34 Oslo: p43
Tallinn: p23
Stockolm: p56
Gothenburg: p56 Riga: p23
Copenhagen: p15
Gdansk: p44
Berlin: p28 Warsaw: p44
Cologne: p28 Krakow: p44
Prague: p13
Strasbourg: p26
Vienna: p8
Lake Balaton: p33
Geneva: p59
Venice: p37
Florence: p37 Dubrovnik: p10 Rome: p37
Skopje: p41
Sorrento: p37
Athens: p30
Crete: p30
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Limassol: p12
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Austria
Vienna Vienna, also known as “The City Of Dreams” is the largest city in Austria. From the old to the new, Baroque to Art Nouveau, Austria’s capital – perhaps the museum capital of Europe – has much to offer. Sample some of the famous Hundertwasser architecture, discover the rich history of empires past, and then unwind with an ice cream and performance in one of the many spectacular concert halls. A city well regarded for its musical legacy. €€ Ibis Budget Wien Messe From €34 per person per night €€€ Ramada Encore Vienna City Centre From €38 per person per night €€€€ Regina Hotel From €50 per person per night
Salzburg
Innsbruck
Salzburg is the home of Mozart, spiralling churches, and the most amazing romantic vistas. Its Baroque town centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is best explored on foot. The palaces, parks, museums, gardens and playful lightness of the city make Salzburg a distinctive and enchanting place to visit. This city is one of the best preserved city centres North of the Alps. The city was the setting for parts of the musical play and film “The Sound Of Music”.
€ Garni Technikerhaus From €25 per person per night
€€€ Arena City Salzburg From €37 per person per night
€€ Ramada Innsbruck Tivoli From €35 per person per night €€€ Hilton Innsbruck From €45 per person per night €€€€ Grand Hotel Europa From €65 per person per night
€€€€ Austria Trend Hotel Europa From €48 per person per night €€€€ Sheraton Fuschlee Salzburg From €68 per person per night
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Belgium
Not to miss...
Brussels
Grand Place Considered one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe, the ornate Grand Place is the centre of Brussels, where many historic buildings dating from the 17th century are located.
€ Park Inn Leuven From €24 per person per night €€ Best Western County House From €27 per person per night
Church of Lady Sablon
€€€ Hotel Siru From €32 per person per night
The Church of Our Lady of Sablon is located at Place du Grand-Sablon. It is also called Our Lady of the Sandhill. The church is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Brussels and was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Guild of Crossbowmen paid for it and it was their guild church. The church features brightly colored stained glass windows that are illuminated from the inside at night. The central nave is lit by 11 stained glass windows with each window measuring 15 meters high. There is an elaborately curved wooden pulpit that was the work of Marc de Vos in 1697. It is decorated with medallions of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Virgin Mary, and St. Thomas.
€€€€ Thon Hotel Brussels From €50 per person per night
Bruges €€ Hotel Value Stay From €27 per person per night €€€ Leonardo Hotel From €35 per person per night €€€€ NH Bruges From €54 per person per night
Boudewijn Seapark Located in Bruges, this sealife park is great for a day out for any educational group. A jolly dolphin amusement park full of attractions. The dolphins steal the show at the dolphinarium, the sea lions perform a spectacular show at the open air theatre, and the panoramic aquaria provide a thrilling underwater view.
Antwerp € Ibis Sint Niklaas From €24 per person per night €€€ Tryp Antwerp From €32 per person per night
Ghent €€€ Best Western Chamade From €35 per person per night €€€€ NH Gent Sint Pieters From €46 per person per night
groups@thegroupcompany.com
+44 (0) 845 308 1500
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Croatia
Zadar and Split €€€ Hotel Vicko From €19 per person per night €€€ Hotel Medena From €32 per person per night €€€€ Hotel Le Meridien Lav From €70 per person per night
Dubrovnik The enchanting city of Dubrovnik is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. Dubrovnik is among the 10 best medieval walled Cities in the world. €€€ Hotel Astarea From €42 per person per night €€€€ Rixos Dubrovnik From €81 per person per night
Croatia Tour Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: COACH: GUIDES: TRANSPORT: ENTRANCES: MEALS: PRICE GUIDE:
10 nights on bed and breakfast basis. Coach as per itinerary. English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below Ferry – Mainland to Rab – return. All entrances as listed on itinerary below. All meals as listed on itinerary below. € 525 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€ 575 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€ 720 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€€ 1150 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room
DAY 1: Arrival in Dubrovnik
We are met on arrival by our private coach and step on guide, and enjoy a half day tour of this stunning walled city, included on UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage. Dubrovnik is steeped in stunning architecture and sculptural detail, and boasts spectacular churches, monasteries, museums, and fountains. After our tour we check into our hotel and have time to relax and refresh before enjoying a welcome dinner. DAY 2: Kotor – Dubrovnik This morning we travel the short distance south to Montenegro, where we enjoy a walking tour of Kotor, one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays. This city boasts a rich heritage of buildings from the 12th to the 19th century, crisscrossed with atmospheric narrow streets and squares, and is a deserving holder of UNESCO world natural and historical heritage status. After our tour we return to Dubrovnik, where we have the afternoon and evening at leisure to explore this beautiful bustling waterfront city.
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DAY 3: Mostar – Split Today we travel inland along the picturesque Neretva River Delta up to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On our way to Mostar we stop at the fortress-town of Počitelj, a beautifully preserved example of oriental architecture perched on a hillside above the river. We enjoy a walking tour of the old city of Mostar (included in 2005 on the UNESCO`s World Heritage List), with its graceful Old Bridge with a single span, colourful Bazaar with traditional handicrafts and the Mosque. After free time for lunch we continue our journey to Split where we have time to check into our hotel and relax and refresh before dinner served in our hotel.
DAY 4: Trogir – Split
This morning we enjoy a walking tour of the centre of Split, one of the most impressive cities in Croatia, built around the Diocletian’s Palace. After out tour we travel out to Trogir, a most picturesque medieval town where we visit the Cathedral of St Lawrence, before returning to Split where we have the afternoon and evening at leisure for independent exploration.
DAY 5: Nin – Zadar
We leave Split and continue our journey north to the ancient Croatian city of Nin, one of the most significant archaeological locations in Croatia, spectacularly located in a lagoon surrounded by long sandy beaches. We have time to explore this lovely city at leisure before we continue on to Zadar, our base for the next two evenings. We tour the main sights of Zadar, including the Roman Forum and St Donatus Church, before checking into our hotel with time to unpack and relax before our dinner.
DAY 6: Plitvice Lakes
After breakfast, we drive inland and tour the Plitvice Lakes National Park included on UNESCO’s List of World Natural Heritage. Sixteen lakes, each at a different level, are joined in a series of cascading waterfalls. Surrounded by dense wood, Plitvice Lakes are a natural phenomenon of a rare and unique beauty. This afternoon we return to Zadar where the afternoon and evening are at leisure.
DAY 7: Rab
Today we drive to the port of Stinica, and take the ferry trip out to the Island of Rab, our base for 2 nights. Rab Island is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic and arguably the most magical. It is covered with pine forests and has beautiful sandy beaches. We stay in Rab town, the islands main resort, where most of the sights are located. The town is full of medieval buildings, highlights include the Town Loggia, the old town walls, the bell tower and St Marys Church.
DAY 8: Rab
We have this whole day at leisure on this lovely island, to enjoy relaxed island life, with its cafes, beaches, sights and shopping.
DAY 9: Istria
We travel by ferry back to the mainland, and on to the ‘heart-shaped’ peninsular of Istria, one of the loveliest and most varied areas in Croatia, boasting lush forests, medieval hilltop villages, and elegant Venetian inspired towns. Firstly we explore the elegant resort of Opatja, on the bay of Kvarnar, with its promenade, period buildings and gardens, before travelling on to Rovinj which will be our base while on Istria. We have time to relax before we enjoy our dinner in our hotel.
DAY 10: Istria
Today we explore all that this lovely peninsular has to offer. We start with a visit to the Roman amphiteatre in Pula, and then head inland the medieval hilltop village of Motovun. With its elegant system of towers, walls, gates and piazzas, Motovun is a striking example of Venetian colonial architecture, and the most attractive town in the Istrian interior. We will walk around the town walls, where the sweeping view takes in the vineyards that produce Motovun’s wine and the forests that harbour Istria’s prized truffles. After time at leisure to enjoy this lovely town we return to our Rovinj. This afternoon is free to explore the delights of this charming picturesque town, with its narrow, cobbled streets, port, cafes, restaurants and boutiques. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner on a terrace overlooking the beautiful bay, in one of Rovinj’s lovely old town restaurants. DAY 11: Departure This morning we are transferred to airport where we say farewell to our driver and new-found friends, and return home filled with memories of our wonderful adventures.
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Rates from €525 per person sharing Twin/Double room
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Cyprus
Limassol € M. Moniatis Hotel From €19 per person per night €€ Pefkos Hotel From €26 per person per night €€€ Ajax Hotel From €34 per person per night €€€€ GrandResort From €49 per person per night
Larnaca
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Nicosia
€ Larco Hotel From €18 per person per night
€€€ Sun Hall Hotel From €35 per person per night
€ Sky Hotel From €18 per person per night
€€€ Cleopatra Hotel From €20 per person per night
€€ Sveltos Hotel From €25 per person per night
€€€€ Golden Bay Beach Hotel From €55 per person per night
€€ Centrum Hotel From €26 per person per night
€€€€ Hilton Cyprus From €45 per person per night
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Czech Republic
Prague € Chopin Hotel Prague From €22 per person per night €€ Ibis Hotel Prague (Old Town) From €24 per person per night €€€ Jurys Prague From €28 per person per night €€€ Kinski Gardens From €28 per person per night €€€ Clarion Prague From €28 per person per night €€€€ Mamaison Prague From €38 per person per night €€€€ Corinthia Prague From €38 per person per night
Brno € Hotel Europa From €18 per person per night €€ Hotel Rakovec From €24 per person per night €€€ Grand Hotel Brno From €30 per person per night €€€€ Barcelo Brno Palace From €40 per person per night Don’t miss the highlights of Eastern Europe Tour on page 14 Naomi Director of Business Development
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Eastern Europe Tour
Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: COACH: GUIDES: ENTRANCES: MEALS: PRICE GUIDE:
8 nights on bed and breakfast basis. Coach as per itinerary. English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below. All entrances as listed on itinerary below. All meals as listed on itinerary below. € 405 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€ 508 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€ 565 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€€ 725 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room
Day 1: Arrival in Prague
After arrival at Prague Airport, meet and greet your local guide who will assist with your transfer and check- in at your Prague hotel. Enjoy a special welcome dinner in your hotel.
Day 2: Prague
After breakfast, your local guide will collect you at your hotel for a walking city tour of Prague. See sights such as the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock and the National Theatre. In the afternoon, board the coach which will transport you to Hradčany (Prague’s castle district) for a guided tour of Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral.
Day 3: Prague – Warsaw
Today you will visit the second country of the tour, crossing the Polish border and heading to Warsaw. Take a break in the historic river port of Poznan on your way to the Polish capital and your hotel for the next two nights.
Day 4: Warsaw
This morning your local guide will collect you from the hotel to take you on a city tour of Warsaw. See the medieval Stare Miasto (Old Town) with its market square and 14th-century Cathedral of St. John, the “wedding cake” Palace of Culture and Science, the neoclassical Lazienki Palace, and the remnants of the Jewish ghetto. Experience the city before and after its wartime destruction at the Historical Museum. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps with a visit to the Wilanow Castle.
Day 5: Warsaw – Krakow
Today depart your hotel for Krakow. Take an important stop for a guided tour of the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkneau, a chilling reminder of the Holocaust. After a heavy afternoon, take the evening at leisure to take in one of Poland’s most charming cities, or just to reflect at your hotel.
Day 6: Krakow
After breakfast, head out for a city tour. Start in the Jewish Quarter by visiting the 13th century Wieliczka salt mines. Continue the tour to the historic centre which includes the Old Town, the Jewish Kazimierz quarter, and the Wawel Royal Castle. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 7: Krakow – Slovakia – Budapest
Today we head to the twin cities of Buda and Pest. A scenic drive through the heart of mountainous and densely wooded Slovakia, where brown bears still roam free, brings you to Banská Bystrica, a picturesque town with medieval fortifications. Continue the journey until you arrive at your comfortable hotel in Budapest.
Day 8: Budapest
Rates from €405 per person sharing Twin/Double room.
Meet your local guide at the hotel for a city tour through Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan city. See elegant Andrassy Avenue, the famous thermal baths, and the world’s second largest Jewish synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion, enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Afterwards, visit the 13th-century Matthias Church before heading back to Pest to see Heroes’ Square. Take the afternoon at leisure before enjoying your final night of the tour with a delectable Hungarian farewell dinner.
Day 9: Departure
Board your transfer to the airport, reflecting on the fantastic memories of your remarkable journey in some of Eastern Europe’s most memorable cities.
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Denmark
Copenhagen € Comfort Xpress From DKK 335 per person per night €€ Best Western Mercur Copenhagen From DKK 385 per person per night €€ Rossini Hotel From DKK 400 per person per night €€€ Best Western Hebron Copenhagen From DKK 470 per person per night €€€ Radisson Blu Scandinavia Copenhagen From DKK 490 per person per night €€€€ Pala Hotel Copenhagen From DKK 770 per person per night Did you know: The tallest building in downtown Copenhagen, the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, was Copenhagen’s first skyscraper when it was built in 1960 and remains the sole high-rise in the city centre.
Aarhaus € Motel X From DKK 315 per person per night €€ Zleep Hotel Aarhus From DKK 375 per person per night €€€ Scandic Aarhus Vest From DKK 460 per person per night €€€€ Hotel Royal From DKK 700 per person per night
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England - London
Not to miss...
London
Warner Bros Studios – Harry Potter Tour
£ Ibis Heathrow From £18 per person per night
£££ Hilton Olympia From £45 per person per night
A Harry Potter Fan? `Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter’ offers visitors the ultimate opportunity to step on to authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the behindthe-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter film series. Walk the original stone floor of the iconic Hogwarts Great Hall, encounter animatronic creatures and wander down Diagon Alley. A great activity for any educational/school group itinerary.
£ Ibis Borehamwood From £20 per person per night
£££ Park International From £45 per person per night
£ Holiday Inn express T5 Heathrow From £22 per person per night
£££ Holiday Inn Kensington Forum From £45 per person per night
Royal Opera House The Royal Opera, under the direction of Antonio Pappano, is one of the world’s leading opera companies. Based in the iconic Covent Garden theatre, it is renowned both for its outstanding performances of traditional opera and for commissioning new works by today’s leading opera composers, such as Harrison Birtwistle, Mark-Anthony Turnage and Thomas Adès. Some of the world’s most famous singers have performed with the Company, including Plácido Domingo, Angela Gheorghiu, Anna Netrebko, Renée Fleming, Bryn Terfel, Jonas Kaufmann, Rolando Villazón and Juan Diego Flórez, as well as the late Luciano Pavarotti and Joan Sutherland.
££ County Woodford Hotel From £24 per person per night
£££ Thistle Kensington Gardens From £45 per person per night
££ Ramada International Hotel From £25 per person per night ££ Safestay Hostel From £27 per person per night ££ The City Hotel From £35 per person per night ££ Pembridge Palace Hotel From £34 per person per night
££££ Grange St Paul’s From £66 per person per night
££ Comfort Inn Vauxhall From £34 per person per night
££££ Millennium Baileys From £65 per person per night
The Comfort Inn Vauxhall is one of the best budget hotels in London. Ideally located just south of the river Thames, the hotel is close to all of London’s main tourist attractions and the busy Square Mile financial district. This hotel is one of our top student properties and it provides a modern alternative to some of the older student hotels in London.
££££ Grange City From £66 per person per night ££££ Grange Holborn From £66 per person per night ££££ Washington Mayfair From £84 per person per night
The View from The Shard Looking for the best view of London? Designed by master architect Renzo Piano, the Shard redefines London’s skyline and has become a dynamic symbol of the capital. At a height of up to 800ft or 244m it can offer spectacular views over London for up to 40 miles. It is one of Western Europe’s tallest buildings.
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Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION:
3 nights on bed and breakfast basis.
COACH:
Coach as per itinerary.
GUIDES:
English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below.
ENTRANCES:
All entrances as listed on itinerary below.
MEALS:
All meals as listed on itinerary below.
London City Tour
Day 1: Arrival in London After arrival at Heathrow Airport, meet and greet your local guide who will assist with your transfer and check-in at your London hotel. Enjoy a special welcome dinner at your hotel. Day 2: London City Tour – Historic Sights After breakfast, meet your local guide and driver for a city tour of London by coach. Take an iconic trip around one of the world’s great capitals. See the ancient stone wall of the Tower of London, enjoy a photo stop at Tower Bridge, and marvel at the world-famous architecture of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Take the afternoon at your leisure to explore the many highlights of the city. Why not enjoy a traditional English Tea at Harrods? Day 3: London City Tour – Majestic Highlights Today, enjoy another great day of city sightseeing and visit remarkable landmarks such as Buckingham Palace- watch out for the world-famous changing of the guards ceremony. Walk through St James’ Park and Trafalgar Square. Visit St Paul’s Cathedral and the British Museum. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or take a cruise down the river Thames. Day 4: Departure Take your transfer to the airport, reflecting on fantastic memories of your memorable stay in the spectacular capital of England.
£ From £199
££ From £229
£££ From £279
££££ From £389
Don’t forget, this is just an idea of the tours we can offer. For any custom itineraries, please get in touch with us directly.
groups@thegroupcompany.com
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17
England - North East & Yorkshire
Northumbria
Yorkshire
£ Windsor Hotel Whitley Bay From £20 per person per night
£ Days Inn Wetherby From £18 per person per night
££ Holiday Inn Washington From £22 per person per night
££ Quality Hotel Leeds Selby From £23 per person per night £££ Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth From £29 per person per night
£££ Village Urban Resort Newcastle From £32 per person per night
££££ De Vere Oulton Hall From £44 per person per night
££££ De Vere Slaley Hall From £42 per person per night
**Yorkshire Escapes! Country House Special** The Parsonage From £35 per person per night Whitley Hall From £50 per person per night
Carlton Towers - Exclusive at The Group Company Carlton Towers is a grade 2 listed stately home located in the majestic Yorkshire countryside, set in more than 250 acres of land. Carlton Towers has been a private ancestral home since the Norman Conquest, the estate now belongs to Lord & Lady Gerald Fitzalan Howard. The Group Company’s Exclusive invitation to the Carlton Towers includes: • Welcome Reception hosted by Lord & Lady Gerald Fitzalan Howard. • Sumptuous afternoon tea with Yorkshire delicacies served in the Bow Drawing room. • Guided tour of the private state • 3 course dinner served by the butler in the ornate venetian drawing room • Overnight accommodation in one of the luxurious bedrooms, which have all been uniquely designed by Lady Fitzalan Howard. • Gourmet a la Carte English breakfast. Rates from £149 per person
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England - North West
Lake District The Lakes District’s National Park offers the ideal landscape for walking and hiking tours. There are many routes available from easy to difficult grade walks, from 5 km to 13 km involving bridges, climbing and hiking. Please contact us for your tailor-made walking tour. £ Express by Holiday Inn Burnley From £20 per person per night ££ Holiday Inn Lancaster From £25 per person per night £££ Shapwells Hotel From £29 per person per night ££££ Lodore Falls Hotel From £45 per person per night
Greater Manchester
Liverpool
£ Leigh Sports Village From £19 per person per night
£££ Jurys Inn, Manchester From £30 per person per night
£ Ramada Encore Haydock From £22 per person per night
££ Last Drop Hotel and Spa, Bolton From £24 per person per night
££££ De Vere Motram Hall From £40 per person per night
££ Lord Nelson Hotel From £26 per person per night
££££ Radisson Blu Liverpool From £40 per person per night ££££ De Vere Carden Park From £45 per person per night
** Beatles Mania Special ** £££ Days Hotel, Liverpool From £25 per person per night ££££ Hard Day’s Night Hotel From £50 per person per night
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England - Middle England
Norfolk
Shakespeare Country
£ Express by Holiday Inn Norwich From £24 per person per night
£ Allersley Hotel From £18 per person per night
£££ Quality Hotel Kings Lynn From £28 per person per night
£££ Holiday Inn Leamington Spa From £26 per person per night
££££ Links Hotel Cromer From £39 per person per night
££££ Mercure Stratford From £39 per person per night
Cotswolds £ Express by Holiday Inn Swindon West From £18 per person per night ££ Holiday Inn Gloucester/ Cheltenham From £25 per person per night £££ DeVere Milton Hill House From £32 per person per night ££££ Old Swan & Minster Mill From £49 per person per night
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England - South Coast
Kent
Dorset
£ Salisbury Hotel Folkstone From £20 per person per night
££££ Marriott Tudor Park From £39 per person per night
££ Ramada Encore Chatham From £25 per person per night
Travelling by Ferry? Dover port offers great ferry connections to Holland, Belgium and France. Please contact us for info on ferry rates and connections to complete your travel plans.
£££ Holiday Inn Ashford North From £29 per person per night
Devon/Cornwall
£ Kensington Hotel Bournemouth From £20 per person per night ££ Bourne Hall Hotel Bournemouth From £24 per person per night ££ Mon Ami Hotel Weymouth From £25 per person per night
£££ Crown Hotel Weymouth From £30 per person per night £££ Durley Dean Hotel Bournemouth From £29 per person per night ££££ Menzies East cliff Hotel From £36 per person per night ££££ Heights Hotel Portland From £44 per person per night
Southampton
£ Cliffedene Hotel Newquay From £22 per person per night
£££ Jurys Inn Exeter From £30 per person per night
£ Bear Hotel Havant From £23 per person per night
£££ Jurys Inn Southampton From £29 per person per night
££ Kilbernie hotel Newquay From £27 per person per night
££££ Copthorne Plymouth Hotel From £43 per person per night
££ Southampton Park Hotel From £26 per person per night
££££ Mercure Dolphin Southampton Hotel From £34 per person per night
£££ Padbrook Park Hotel From £38 per person per night
££££ Penventon Manor From £52 per person per night
groups@thegroupcompany.com
+44 (0) 845 308 1500
21
England
England Tour
Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: 6 nights on bed and breakfast basis. COACH: Coach as per itinerary. GUIDES: English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below. ENTRANCES: All entrances as listed on itinerary below. MEALS: All meals as listed on itinerary below. PRICE GUIDE: £ 555 Pounds per person sharing Twin/Double room ££ 599 Pounds per person sharing Twin/Double room £££ 660 Pounds per person sharing Twin/Double room ££££ 779 Pounds per person sharing Twin/Double room
Day 1: Stonehenge and Bath Depart from London and head away from the pulse of the city through the charming English countryside to visit the remarkable Stonehenge, built over 500 years ago and surrounded by mythological intrigue. Continue to the city of Bath, home of the sacred Roman baths. You will be joined by a local blue badge guide, who will give you a fascinating insight into the stunning Roman city. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Oxford and Cotswolds Today, continue your England tour and depart to the city of Oxford: home to one of the most famous universities in the world with its wonderful architecture, rivers and dreaming spires. Enjoy a highlights walking tour of Oxford’s most famous college buildings, including a visit to Christ Church College with its dining halls and vaulted staircases. In the afternoon depart to the Cotswolds, enjoying the famous countryside journey en route to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Cambridge After breakfast, depart from your Cotswolds hotel towards Cambridge, a city also famous for its historical university. Enjoy the magnificent College Chapel and tour this beautiful city. Why not enjoy a Chauffeur Punt cruise down the river – a brilliant way to see what the city has to offer!
Day 4: Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare’s birthplace Explore literature-rich Stratford-upon-Avon. You will visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, a timberframed townhouse in the centre of Stratford. Enjoy a traditional high tea in Stratford and spend your afternoon discovering the independent shops and boutiques in the town centre.
Day 5: York Today, head north towards Yorkshire for a stop at the city of York, home to one of Europe’s finest gothic churches – the Minster, which never fails to impress. Take a walking tour of the city, getting lost in York’s medieval alleys, streets and gates. Learn about the Roman and Viking histories of the city. Shop in the famous ‘Shambles’ and enjoy a traditional English tea at ‘Bettys Café’.
Day 6: Castle Howard and Northumberland
Rates from £555 per person sharing Twin/Double room.
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After a hearty Yorkshire breakfast, head for a visit to Castle Howard. Built in the 18th Century, this is one of Britain’s grandest private residences. Continue your journey North to enjoy your final day in picturesque Northumberland, a magical county filled with rolling hills, ancient castles, sandy beaches, thick rugged moorland and thriving wildlife. The remainder of your day to is at leisure to explore. Finish the day with a farewell dinner at your hotel.
Day 7: Departure Take your transfer to the airport, reflecting on the fantastic memories of your 6 night tour of England’s spectacular highlights.
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thegroupcompany
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Estonia - Latvia
Tallinn € Pirita Hotel From €18 per person per night €€ Metropol Hotel From €24 per person per night €€€ Kreutzwald Hotel Tallinn From €28 per person per night €€€€ Radisson Blu Tallinn From €38 per person per night
Lahemaa Lahemaa (Land of Bays) is located on the northern coast of Estonia. Lahemaa National Park is home to a huge variety of natural attractions that are so characteristic of Estonia. €€€€ Sagadi Manor From €50 per person per night
Riga € Hotel Good Stay Jūrnieks From €18 per person per night €€ Days Hotel Riga From €24 per person per night €€€ City Hotel Teater From €28 per person per night €€€€ Royal Square Hotel From €44 per person per night
groups@thegroupcompany.com
+44 (0) 845 308 1500
23
France - Paris
Not to miss...
Paris
Notre Dame de Paris
DISNEY – heading to Disneyland as part of your trip? Save time and money by staying nearby in the Marne-la-Vallée area at a fraction of the cost of central Paris hotels.
No trip to Paris could be complete without a visit to the world famous Notre Dame cathedral. Standing more than 400 feet (120 meters) high with two lofty towers and a spire, this marvelous church is considered a supreme example of French Gothic architecture. A tour of this 13th century masterpiece allows visitors to admire the awe-inspiring rose windows, Gothic carvings, beautiful sculptures and a collection of relics.
Arc De Triomphe One of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe was constructed in 1806 to memorialize the triumphant battles of Napoleon Bonaparte. Standing 164 feet high and 148 feet (50 by 45 meters) wide, the arch features intricate reliefs depicting victorious battles and engraved names of many who died fighting for the emperor. Beneath the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the First World War.
Parisian Sewers If you have a penchant for engineering, or if you simply want to escape the summer heat on the streets, head underground for a one hour tour of the remarkable and fantastically smelly network of Paris’s sewers.
EDGE OF CITY – Paris’ thorough metro network connects neighbouring suburbs to the city centre in a matter of minutes, so take advantage of the reduced hotel rates just outside the périphérique ring road around the city. CITY CENTRE – Paris is the number 3 most visited city in the world, and high demand usually means high prices. But don’t worry, there are still great deals to be had among central Paris’ 21 arrondissements. Hotels € Confort Meaux (DISNEY) From €24 per person per night € Ibis Epinay-sur-Seine (EDGE OF CITY) From €27 per person per night € Ibis Paris La Villette Cité des Sciences (CENTRAL) From €34 per person per night
€€ Ibis Paris Alesia Montparnasse (CENTRAL) From €42 per person per night €€ Quality Paris Orleans (CENTRAL) From €45 per person per night €€€ Radisson Blu Disneyland (DISNEY) From €40 per person per night
€€ Saphir Hotel (DISNEY) From €25 per person per night
€€€ Qualys Hotel Rueil La Défense (EDGE OF CITY) From €43 per person per night
€€ Ibis Paris Porte d’Orleans (EDGE OF CITY) From €28 per person per night
€€€ Ibis Paris Tour Eiffel Cambronne (CENTRAL) From €46 per person per night €€€ Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon (CENTRAL) From €52 per person per night €€€€ Concorde Paris Montparnasse superior (CENTRAL) From €75 per person per night €€€€ Crowne Plaza Paris République superior (CENTRAL) From €80 per person per night €€€€ Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile (CENTRAL) From €96 per person per night €€€€ Novotel Paris Les Halles (CENTRAL) From €115 per person per night
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Join us:
thegroupcompany
@thegroupcompany
Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: COACH: GUIDES: ENTRANCES: MEALS:
3 nights on bed and breakfast basis. Coach as per itinerary. English speaking step-on guides for sightseeing tours as listed below. All entrances as listed on itinerary. All meals as listed on itinerary.
Paris City Tour
Day 1: Arrival After arrival at a Paris Airport, transfer to your accommodation in Paris. Enjoy a Welcome dinner with the group.
Day 2: Paris City Tour After breakfast, meet your local guide to board your coach for a full day Paris City tour. View some of Paris’ famous landmarks such as the Champ Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and visit the two most iconic buildings in Paris, the Sacre Coeur and The Eiffel Tower – from which you can enjoy the beautiful views across the city. In the afternoon visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and end the day with a visit to the Musée d’Orsay before returning back to your hotel to relax after a busy day.
Day 3: Paris and Versailles This morning, we will take a short drive to the Palace of Versailles to visit its collection of painting, furniture and royal gardens. Your afternoon will take you to the Louvre Museum with its 3 highlights of Venus, Winged Victory and of course the Mona Lisa. Return back to your hotel to finish the day with a farewell dinner.
Day 4: Departure Board your transfer to take you the Airport, reflect on the fantastic memories of your spectacular break in the City of Love.
€ From €309
€€ From €319
€€€ From €369
€€€€ From €449
Don’t forget, this is just an idea of the tours we can offer. For any custom itineraries, please get in touch with us directly.
groups@thegroupcompany.com
+44 (0) 845 308 1500
25
France
Nice/Provence
Normandy
€ Comté de Nice From €26 per person per night
€€ Campanile Caen Nord From €29 per person per night
€€€ Kyriad Nice Centre Port From €36 per person per night
€€€ Mercure Le Havre Centre Bassin du Commerce From €43 per person per night
€€€ Hôtel West End Nice From €70 per person per night €€€ Best Western La Marina From €45 per person per night
€€€ Mercure Rouen Centre Cathédrale From €58 per person per night
Brittany €€ Campanile Rennes Cleunay From €28 per person per night €€€ Quality Hotel La Marebaudiere Vannes From €48 per person per night
Nord-Pas-de-Calais €€ Inter-Hôtel Ascotel Villeneuve d’Ascq From €28 per person per night €€ Ibis Calais Coquelles Tunnel Sous la Manche From €25 per person per night €€€ Mercure Lille Métropole From €46 per person per night €€€ Kyriad Dunkerque Sud - Loon Plage From €28 per person per night
Loire Valley €€ Ibis Tours Centre Gare From €36 per person per night €€€ Mercure Orléans Centre From €45 per person per night €€€€ Château de la Menaudière From €57 per person per night
Strasbourg €€ Ibis Strasbourg Centre Ponts Couverts From €30 per person per night €€€ Mercure Strasbourg Centre From €42 per person per night
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Join us:
thegroupcompany
@thegroupcompany
Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: COACH: GUIDES: ENTRANCES: MEALS: PRICE GUIDE:
5 nights on bed and breakfast basis. Coach as per itinerary. English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below. All entrances as listed on itinerary below. All meals as listed on itinerary below. € 599 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€ 679 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€ 805 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€€ 915 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room
Loire Valley Tour
Day 1: Loire Valley – Château de Chambord
Begin your magical trip in the Loire Valley with a visit to Château de Chambord. A guided tour will be provided to enhance your understanding of the history of this fabulous château, the Renaissance masterpiece of Francis I. Venture into the King’s private apartment, marvel at the stunning views over the surrounding grounds from the terraces and enjoy access to rooms not open to the general public. In the evening, check into your hotel and relax before a welcome meal with your fellow guests.
Day 2: Loire Valley – Château de Cheverny
The first full day will begin with a trip to Château de Cheverny, a beautifully preserved estate that has been in the same family for over six centuries. As well as boasting beautiful furniture and interiors, the castle’s English-style park is a must-see. For something a little different, why not visit the hunting-dog kennels or visit the interactive Tintin exhibition? In the afternoon, visit the Royal Château de Blois, former residence of no fewer than seven kings and ten queens of France. An art-lover’s paradise, the Château contains over 35,000 works of art. Admire the rich furnishings and elaborate decorations of the first château in the region to be lovingly restored.
Day 3: Loire Valley – Château D’Amboise
The day will commence at the Château d’Amboise, stunningly situated on the Loire River. View the beautiful gardens and landscapes before venturing inside. Dating back to the 15th century, the Château was the seat of the Court of the Valois kings and a favoured royal residence; the Château is also famous for being the final resting place of the eminent Renaissance figure, Leonardo da Vinci.Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in the lovely city of Tours. Why not stroll through the old town around Place Plumereau, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, or, a must for wine-lovers, pay a visit to the Touraine Wine Museum to learn about the history of wine and maybe have a sample or two!
Day 4: Loire Valley – Chenonceau Castle & Château Vellandry
Start the day at Chenonceau Castle, with its striking arches over the River Cher. Property of the Crown before becoming a royal residence, perhaps the Castle’s most notable inhabitant was Catherine de Medici. The Castle hosts a fine collection of Old Masters’ paintings and Flanders Tapestries while in the grounds visitors can enjoy extensive gardens and even a maze. Continue onto Château Villandry, home to world-famous gardens. Spread across three terraces and encompassing ornamental, water and vegetable gardens the grounds are a delight to behold, and a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
Day 5: Loire Valley – Sainte-Croix Cathedral
The final day begins with a visit to the city of Orléans, home to sights including the beautiful Sainte-Croix Cathedral (similar in appearance to Paris’s Notre Dame), the nearby Museum of Fine Arts and the House of Joan of Arc. In the afternoon, there will be an option of a Loire Valley wine and cheese tasting session at a local château.
Day 6: Departure
Leave the beautiful region behind and head to the airport, with many fantastic memories of your time in France.
groups@thegroupcompany.com
+44 (0) 845 308 1500
Rates from €599 per person sharing Twin/Double room.
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Germany
Frankfurt
Berlin
€ Meininger Frankfurt From €22 per person per night
€ Meininger Berlin Mitte From €18 per person per night
€€€€ Arcotel John F Berlin From €50 per person per night
€€ Holiday Inn Express Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof From €28 per person per night
€€ Ibis Berlin Mitte From €32 per person per night
€€€€ Hotel Berlin Berlin From €40 per person per night
€€ Ibis Berlin City West From €34 per person per night
€€€€ Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome From €165 per person per night
€€€ Holiday Inn Alexanderplatz From €30 per person per night
€€€€ Grand Hyatt Berlin From €78 per person per night
€€€ NH Frankfurt City From €44 per person per night €€€€ Maritim Frankfurt From €50 per person per night
€€€ Tryp by Wyndham Berlin City West From €32 per person per night
Munich
Cologne
€ Meininger Hotel Munchen City centre From €19 per person per night
€ A&O Cologne Neumarkt From €24 per person per night
€€ Ibis Munchen Sud From €25 per person per night
€€ Ibis Cologne Centrum From €27 per person per night
€€ B&B Hotel Munchen Airport From €34 per person per night
€€€ Leonardo Hotel Cologne From €32 per person per night
€€€ Best Western Grand City Hotel From €35 per person per night
€€€€ Barcelo Cologne From €43 per person per night
€€€ Holiday Inn Munich From €40 per person per night €€€€ Cristal Hotel Munich From €57 per person per night €€€€ Hilton Munich Park Hotel From €105 per person per night
28
Join us:
thegroupcompany
@thegroupcompany
Holland - Germany - Austria - Switzerland Tour Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: COACH: GUIDES: ENTRANCES: MEALS: PRICE GUIDE:
7 nights on bed and breakfast basis. Coach as per itinerary. English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below. All entrances as listed on itinerary below. All meals as listed on itinerary below. € 725 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€ 799 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€ 865 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€€ 980 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room
Day 1: Arrival – Amsterdam After arrival at Amsterdam Airport, meet and greet your local guide who will assist with your transfer and check in at your Amsterdam Hotel. Enjoy a special welcome dinner in your hotel.
Day 2: Amsterdam and Rhine Valley, Germany After breakfast enjoy a morning city tour of Amsterdam, a city of contrasts – bicycles, clogs and tulips live side by side. Depart around lunch time for the delights of Germany. We discover medieval castles, vineyards and the mighty Rhine River in the Rhine Valley.
Day 3: Rhine Valley to Munich Today, we meet your local guide and driver to continue with our Rhine Valley tour. Discover the city of Munich by foot. Its folklore and age-old traditions exsit side by side amongst a world class collection of artistic masterpieces in one of its many museums. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in this city of culture and history.
Day 4: Munich to Austria Board your coach and drive through the breathtaking scenenary to arrive at Austrian Capital of Vienna. Enjoy a panoramic tour on arrival including the Ringstrasse, Hofburg Palace, the Opera House, the monument of Empress Maria Theresa, City Hall before arriving at your hotel.
Day 5: Vienna After breakfast meet your guide and driver for a guided tour of Schonbrunn Palace then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps explore Stadt Park or the impressive Hofburg Palace. In the evening you will enjoy a classical concert of Mozart and Strauss.
Day 6: Switzerland Today we depart Vienna, enjoy the amazing views en route to the pretty lakeside town of Lucerne, nestled in the Swiss Alps. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 7: Lucerne Meet your guide and coach today for a tour to embrace the beauty of the ‘City of Light’. The tour will highlight the most famous landmarks; the Lion monument, Chapel Bridge, Glacier Gardens and Hofkirche. Take some time for shopping and relaxing before heading back to the hotel for a farewell banquet.
Day 8: Departure Take your transfer to the airport, reflecting on the fantastic memories of your memorable week in some of Europe’s greatest cities.
groups@thegroupcompany.com
+44 (0) 845 308 1500
Rates from €725 per person sharing Twin/Double room. Lynn Account Handler
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Greece
Delphi
Crete
€ Hotel Orfeas From €16 per person per night
€€€ Hotel Castalia From €22 per person per night
€ Pergamos Village From €12 per person per night
€€€ Triton Hotel From €20 per person per night
€€ Aiolos Hotel Delphi From €19 per person per night
€€€€ Aegli Resort & Spa From €40 per person per night
€€ Katerini Apartments Hotel From €15 per person per night
€€€€ Istron Bay Hotel From €30 per person per night
Athens The historical capital of Europe, Athens contains Europe’s largest pedestrianised zone consisting of the major archaeological masterpieces. The city is famous for its stunning architecture and the feel of a modern metropolis merged with the ancient makes Athens a city that fascinates every visitor.
30
Join us:
€ Elite Hotel From €14 per person per night
€€€ Tropical Hotel From €24 per person per night
€€ Ariston Hotel From €18 per person per night
€€€€ Holiday Suites From €32 per person per night
thegroupcompany
@thegroupcompany
Holland
Amsterdam € Meininger City West From €23 per person per night €€ Van Der Valk A4 Schiphol From €24 per person per night €€ Ibis City West From €31 per person per night €€ City Garden Hotel From €40 per person per night €€ Park Inn Amsterdam Airport Schiphol From €38 per person per night
€€€€ DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Central Station From €80 per person per night €€€€ WestCord Fashion Hotel From €60 per person per night €€€€ Ramada Apollo From €54 per person per night €€€€ Crowne Plaza Amsterdam South From €47 per person per night “Why not try something a bit different? Stay at the luxury eco design hotel”
€€€ Memphis Hotel From €50 per person per night €€€ BW Apollo Museumhotel From €46 per person per night
Conscious Hotel Vondelpark From €70 per person per night
€€€ Holiday Inn Amsterdam From €38 per person per night €€€ Mercure Amsterdam City From €40 per person per night
Jennifer Product Team
Utrecht / Arnhem area € Campanile Zevenaar From €27 per person per night € Hotel Hoogeerd (nr Nijmegen) From €30 per person per night € Postillion Utrecht Bunnik From €26 per person per night €€ Holiday Inn Express Papendorp From €37 per person per night €€ Ibis Utrecht From €37 per person per night €€€ NH Utrecht From €39 per person per night €€€€ Van der Valk Hotel de Biltsche From €43 per person per night
groups@thegroupcompany.com
+44 (0) 845 308 1500
31
Holland
Not to miss... West Frisian Islands The West Frisian Islands, or Waddeneilanden in Dutch are a chain of islands in the North Sea off the Dutch coast. They continue further east as the German East Frisian Islands. The islands separate the North Sea from the shallow Wadden Sea, with tidal mud flats. Under the supervision of licensed guides several islands can be reached by walking on the mudflats during low tides. On the islands cycling is the most favorable means of transport.
Breda / Delft / Gouda € Campanile Delft From €28 per person per night € Hotel Sutor Breda From €29 per person per night € Campanile Gouda From €26 per person per night
Keukenhof Gardens Keukenhof Gardens is the world’s largest flower garden, and a wonderful showcase for the Dutch flower industry. Approximately seven million flower bulbs are planted annually in the park with not only tulips, but also hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers on display. The gardens are open from the last week in March to mid-May. Keukenhof is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Netherlands.
Hoge Veluwe The Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the Netherlands, consisting of heathlands, sand dunes, and woodlands. The Kröller-Müller Museum with it large collection of paintings by Vincent van Gogh is located within the park. Bicycles are available for free to visitors of the Hoge Veluwe, with much of the area being inaccessible by car.
Rotterdam / The Hague €€ Ibis Vlaardingen From €30 per person per night €€ Ibis Den Haag City Centre From €40 per person per night €€€ NH Atlanta Rotterdam From €41 per person per night €€€ Novotel Rotterdam Schiedam From €33 per person per night €€€€ Inntel Rotterdam Centre From €50 per person per night
Coastal Holland €€ Hotel Aan Zee From €35 per person per night €€€ Hotel Heeren Van Noortwyck From €43 per person per night €€€ Holiday Inn Ijmuiden Seaport Beach Hotel From €31 per person per night €€€ Holiday Inn Leiden From €43 per person per night
32
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thegroupcompany
@thegroupcompany
Hungary
Budapest Take some time out in the city of thermal spas. The “Paris of the East” is home to a rich Classical music scene but also to a buzzing and youthful nightlife. Add that to a powerful Jewish heritage and world class architecture all set on the banks of the glorious Danube. Budapest is one big European name you can’t afford to miss. Budapest is the one of the largest cities in the European Union boasting an extensive world heritage site. It has been listed one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is ranked 3rd (out of 65 Cities). € Hotel Sunshine From €18 per person per night €€ Danubius Flamenco From €20 per person per night
“The Ramada Resort Aquaworld is perfect for sports and student groups.”
€€€ Novotel Budapest Centrum From €30 per person per night €€€€ Corinthia Hotel Budapest From €40 per person per night
Toni Sales Team
Ramada Resort Aquaworld From €24 per person per night
Lake Balaton Lake Balaton is the largest lake in central Europe and one of Hungary’s foremost tourist destinations. The mountainous region of the northern shore is known for its historic character and as a major wine region. € Hotel Lido From €18 per person per night €€€€ Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa From €55 per person per night
groups@thegroupcompany.com
+44 (0) 845 308 1500
33
Iceland - Finland
Reykjavík € Hotel Cabin From €35 per person per night €€ Hotel Gardur Hostel From €45 per person per night €€€ Park Inn Island Reykavik From €45 per person per night €€€€ Radisson Blu Saga Hotel Reykavik From €60 per person per night
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Helsinki
Lapland
€ Arkadia Hotel From €35 per person per night €€ Omena Hotel Helsinki Yrjönkatu From €44 per person per night
To some people, it is home to Santa. A place made magical due to the snow and the Aurora Borealis which lighten the polar nights and Lapland becomes a truly magical place. Once the winter snow melts, a soft green landscape reveals itself, creating the ideal place for walking and outdoor tours.
€€€ Best Western Plus Hotel Haaga From €48 per person per night
€ Lapland Hotel Pallas From €40 per person per night
€€€€ Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel From €58 per person per night
€€ Lapland Hotel Sirkantähti From €46 per person per night
Join us:
thegroupcompany
€€€€ Santas Hotel Santa From €52 per person per night
@thegroupcompany
Ireland
Dublin
Killarney
€ Aspect Hotel ParkWest From €24 per person per night
€€€ Belvedere Hotel From €36 per person per night
€€ Travel Inn Hotel From €32 per person per night
€€ Ardmore hotel From €29 per person per night
€€€€ Buswells hotel From €50 per person per night
€€€ Torc Hotel Killarney From €36 per person per night
“Why not try staying in a real Castle – Dunboyne just outside Dublin is perfect.” Amy Product Team
€€€€ International Hotel Killarney From €46 per person per night €€€€ The Brehon Hotel From €50 per person per night
Dunboyne Castle Hotel From €44 per person per night
Limerick
Cork
Galway
€€ Kilmurry Lodge From €27 per person per night
€ Park Inn Cork Airport From €28 per person per night
€€ Kingsvalley Hotel From €33 per person per night
€€€ South Court Hotel From €30 per person per night
€€ Midleton Park Hotel From €36 per person per night
€€€ Jurys Inn Galway From €38 per person per night
€€€€ Strand Hotel Limerick From €44 per person per night
€€€ Gresham Court hotel From €42 per person per night
€€€€ Clayton Hotel From €44 per person per night
groups@thegroupcompany.com
+44 (0) 845 308 1500
35
Ireland
Ireland Tour
Wild Atlantic Way Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: COACH: GUIDES: ENTRANCES: MEALS: PRICE GUIDE:
7 nights on B&B basis. Coach as per itinerary. English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below. All entrances as listed on itinerary below. All meals as listed on itinerary below. € 659 Euros pp sharing Twin/Double room €€ 810 Euros pp sharing Twin/Double room €€€ 920 Euros pp sharing Twin/Double room €€€€ 1094 Euros pp sharing Twin/Double room
Day 1 : Glenveagh – Slieve Cliffs – Donegal
Start your journey visiting Glenveagh which is the second largest national park in Ireland. The park covers 170 square kilometres of hillside above Glenveagh Castle on the shore of Lough Veagh, 20 km from Gweedore in County Donegal. The network of mainly informal gardens displays a multitude of exotic and delicate plants from as far afield as Chile, Madeira and Tasmania. Move on to the Slieve Cliffs, which is a mountain on the Atlantic coast of County Donegal. At 601 metres (1,972 ft), it has some of the highest sea cliffs in Ireland. Although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Slieve League’s cliffs reach almost three times higher. Finish your day In Donegal.
Day 2 : Donegal castle – Creevykeel court tomb – Rosses Point – Ballina
Begin your day with a visit to Donegal Castle, which is situated in the centre of the town. For the last two centuries, the majority of the buildings have lain in ruins but the castle was almost fully restored in the late 1990s. Next visit the Creevykeel Court Tomb, which is one of the finest examples of a fullcourt tomb in Ireland- dating from the Neolithic Period. Journey to Rosses Point to see the Metal Man Lighthouse. The point guards Sligo Harbour and is marked by the Metal Man Lighthouse, a 3.7 metre (12 ft) high guardian statue.
Day 3: Ceide Fields – Ballycroy national park – Keem Stands – Westport
Day three takes you to the Ceide Fields, an archaeological site on the north County Mayo coast just northwest of Ballycastle. This is the most extensive Stone Age site, and contains the oldest known agricultural systems, in the world. Head towards the Ballycroy National Park that comprises of 11,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain, covering an un-spoilt wilderness dominated by the Nephin Beg mountain range. After Ballycroy ,visit Keems Strands- another Signature discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way where you can embrace seacliffs, mountains sandy beaches.
Day 4 : Killary Harbour – Kylemore Abbey – Clifden Killary Harbour is a fjord located in the heart of Connemara, forming a natural border between counties Galway and Mayo. It is 16 kilometres long and in the centre over 45 metres deep. It is one of three glacial fjords that exist in Ireland. Next, visit Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled gardens. Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. End your day in the Capital of Connemara – Clifden- where you can soak up the local atmosphere.
Day 5: Clifden Castle – Twelve bens – Galway Begin the day by indulging in Irish history at Clifden Castle which is a ruined manor house west of the town of Clifden. It was built around 1818 for John D’Arcy, a local landowner, in the Gothic Revival style. Uninhabited after 1894 it fell into disrepair, and became a ruin. Then you can pass through the Twelve Bens, a mountain range of sharp-peaked quartzite ranges located northeast of Roundstone in Connemara. Finally, arrive at the majestic town of Galway.
Day 6 : Doolin Cave – Aran Islands – Galway
Doolin Cave is one of Europe’s most compelling cave attractions. It is a truly authentic experience, as it contains of the world’s longest known free-hanging stalactites. Then you can board a ferry to view the Aran Islands or The Arans, a group of three islands located at the mouth of Galway Bay where you can take in spectacular views of the wild Atlantic.
Day 7: Cliffs of Moher – Loop Head – Ennis
The magnificent Cliffs of Moher rise 120 meters above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag’s Head, and reach a maximum height of 214 meters. From here it’s on to the Loop Head Drive, at the western tip of county Clare. Peaceful roads and deserted beaches stretch out along the drive. The Signature discovery point of Loop Head epitomizes what the Wild Atlantic Way is about: panoramic cliff views and plenty of quiet beauty spots where you can pause and wonder at this unforgettable part of the world. Drive on to the town of Ennis for free time.
Rates from €659 per person sharing Twin/Double room.
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Day 8 Bunratty castle – King Johns Castle – Fly home from Shannon This is your chance to experience a window on Ireland’s past and explore the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle, and the 19th century Bunratty Folk Park. We then move on towards King Johns Castle, on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of medieval Limerick City. The stunning new exhibition at King John’s Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history. It’s then onwards to Shannon for your departure back home.
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Italy
Florence € Eurhotel From €26 per person per night
€€€ Hotel Magenta From €44 per person per night
€ Accademia From €29 per person per night
€€€ Cellai From €48 per person per night
€€ Hotel Leonardo da Vinci From €36 per person per night
€€€€ Hilton Florence Metropole From €82 per person per night
€€ Hotel Meridiana From €34 per person per night
€€€€ Best Western Grand Hotel Adriatico From €82 per person per night
Rome € Hotel Giardino d’Europa From €29 per person per night €€ San Giusto From €32 per person per night
€€€€ Crowne Plaza Rome St Peter’s From €62 per person per night €€€€ Hotel Quirinale From €68 per person per night
€€€ Best Western Blu Roma From €40 per person per night €€€ Marco Polo From €39 per person per night
Sorrento
Venice
€ Hotel Villa Igea From €26 per person per night
€ Hotel Florida From €25 per person per night
€€ Hotel Florida From €30 per person per night €€€ Hotel Ascot From €40 per person per night €€€€ Grand Hotel Vesuvio From €56 per person per night
€€ Hotel Venezia (Mestre) From €32 per person per night €€ Hotel Sorriso (Lido) From €32 per person per night €€€ Ca’ del Moro (Lido) From €40 per person per night €€€ Belle Epoque (Island) From €44 per person per night €€€€ Carlton on the Grand Canal (Island) From €86 per person per night
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Italy
Italy Tour
Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: COACH: GUIDES: ENTRANCES: MEALS: PRICE GUIDE:
12 nights on bed and breakfast basis. Coach as per itinerary. English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below. All entrances as listed on itinerary below. All meals as listed on itinerary below. € 1640 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€ 1795 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€ 2075 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€€ 2180 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room
Day 1: Arrival in Venice After arrival at a Venice airport, transfer to your hotel for a two-day stay in this romantic and beautiful city. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing after your journey, before attending a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers in preparation for the exciting tour ahead.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Venice Spend the day exploring Venice. A guided tour will allow you to discover more about this amazing city, ahead of free time to marvel at the many wonders on offer at your own pace. As well as admiring the world-famous landmarks such as the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and St Mark’s Basilica, meandering slowly through the narrow streets with a gelato is a recommended way to while away the time! No visit to Venice would be complete without a trip on a gondola; the mysterious waterways offer a different perspective on what is truly one of the most unique cities in the world. Evening transfer to Florence with dinner in the hotel.
Day 3: Cultural Florence Wake up in charming Florence, home to some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. A local guide will show you the sights of the city before a leisurely lunch in this most scenic of settings. Spend the afternoon in the impressive Accademia Gallery, perhaps most famous for Michelangelo’s magnificent giant marble works and, in particular, one of the best-known sculptures of them all, the superb David.
Day 4: Artistic Florence Why not start the day with an optional tour of the Palazzo Pitti, a vast, predominantly Renaissance palace situated near the Ponte Vecchio. The Palazzo was formerly the residence of the grand dukes of Tuscany and later on, the King of Italy, and today it houses several important collections of paintings and sculpture, works of art, porcelain and a costume gallery. In the afternoon, cross the River Arno for a walking tour in Florence’s Oltrarno neighbourhood. Meet artists and craftsmen in their workshops and see how long-standing Florentine traditions are being kept alive today! Enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner in the evening.
Day 5: Siena and Pisa Leave Florence behind for the day to see more of the captivating landscape of Tuscany. The day begins at the UNESCO World Heritage city of Siena, centred around its famous piazza ‘Il Campo’. Visit the Palazzo Pubblico to view works of art by Simone Martini and Ambrogio Lorenzetti, and climb the Torre del Mangia to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Nearby is the medieval walled hilltown of San Gimignano delle belle Torri, or San Gimignano of the Beautiful Towers. No journey to the region would be complete without a stop at the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa – cameras at the ready to make the most of the photo opportunities!
Day 6: Assisi Travel to Assisi, the birthplace of one of the most venerated religious figures in history and frequented by millions of pilgrims every year. A half-day tour will reveal the landmarks of
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the home to the legendary St Francis, such as the Franciscan monastery Sacro Convento, whose construction began shortly after St Francis’s canonisation, as well as other notable religious buildings like the Cathedral San Rufino and Basilica Santa Chiara. This walled hill town also has an impressive castle, the Rocca Maggiore, and a medieval centre complete with Roman ruins. The tour continues onto Rome, where you will be able to dine at your own leisure.
Day 7: Rome and the Vatican Begin your day in the Italian capital with a half-day guided tour of the Vatican City. During your time in the world’s smallest state, admire the grand architecture of the Papal residence and the treasures of the Vatican museums. You will then have the chance to explore the Eternal City at your own pace during the afternoon. If visiting the mesmerising Trevi Fountain, be sure to throw a coin into its waters to guarantee a return visit to this magical city!
Day 8: Imperial Rome Today’s tour will take in the impressive monuments from Rome’s history as the heart of an extensive empire. Throughout the day you will visit the historical ruins at the Roman Forum, the central area of the city around which Ancient Rome developed, as well as exploring one of Rome’s most recognisable monuments, the Colosseum, with its violent and bloody history. Nearby is the Palatinate, residence of many Roman emperors, and the green expanse of the Circus Maximus where ancient chariot races were held.
Day 9: Pompeii Head to Pompeii, the ancient town destroyed by the powerful eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. A half-day guided tour will allow visitors a fascinating insight into life during the Roman era, as encapsulated amidst the amazingly well-preserved ruins. At the time of the eruption, it is estimated that approximately 20,000 people lived in the town and it is not known exactly how many people perished in such catastrophic circumstances. Dinner in the hotel.
Day 10: Capri In the morning travel by ferry to Capri, a beautiful island situated off the coast of Sorrento, and a byword for elegance and luxury. With rocky seashores and scenic charm, visitors can bask in the Mediterranean atmosphere and enjoy the stunning views. Either spend the day exploring the island at leisure, or, as an optional extra, take a cable car to the luscious Gardens of Caesar Augustus.
Day 11: Naples City Tour Head to the chaotic and picturesque city of Naples for a half-day tour of the best it has to offer. Often overlooked as a tourist destination, Naples has plenty of sights to discover such as its Cathedral with a baroque Treasure Chapel, and the Royal Palace and Church of St Francesco di Paula on Plebiscito Square. The afternoon can be spent at leisure (perhaps sampling a slice or two of Naples’ most famous export: pizza) or visiting the imposing medieval Castel Nuovo.
Day 12: Amalfi Coast Journey along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast and spend the morning in charming Ravello. Ensure you hop off at Villa Cimbrone (with camera in hand) to enjoy what some have described as the best views in the world from its terraces. The afternoon will be spent in Positano, where you can relax beside the sea or peruse the colourful boutiques, known for their handmade goods. On your final night in Italy, enjoy a farewell dinner with the group before preparing to depart.
Day 13: Return Home
Rates from €1640 per person sharing Twin/Double room.
A transfer to the airport will be provided to bring the trip to a close, and hopefully you will return home with many unforgettable memories of the beautiful country of Italy.
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+44 (0) 845 308 1500
39
Italy - Rome
Rome City Tour
Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: COACH: GUIDES: ENTRANCES: MEALS:
3 nights on bed and breakfast basis. Coach as per itinerary. English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below. All entrances as listed on itinerary below. All meals as listed on itinerary below.
Day 1: Arrival Arrive in the Eternal City, and capital of Italy, Rome. Spend the rest of the day exploring this beautiful historic city at your own pace. A visit to the exclusive shopping area on Via Condotti is highly recommended, before meeting with the group for a welcome dinner in a trattoria in the lively Campo dei Fiori area.
Day 2: Imperial Rome Spend the morning on a guided tour of Imperial Rome. Visit the historical ruins at the Roman Forum, the central area of the city around which Ancient Rome developed, and surrounded by the remains of several important ancient government buildings, as well as exploring one of Rome’s most recognisable monuments: the Colosseum, with its violent and bloody history. Nearby is the Palatinate, residence of many Roman emperors, and the green expanse of the Circus Maximus where ancient chariot races were held. Optional afternoon excursion to the catacombs on Appian Way. In the evening, enjoy dinner in a traditional Roman pizzeria in Trastevere.
Day 3: Vatican City Begin your day with a half-day guided tour of the Vatican City. During your time in the smallest state in the world, admire the grand architecture of the Papal residence and the treasures of the Vatican museums including, of course, Michelangelo’s newly-restored masterpiece at the Sistine Chapel. Take the afternoon and dinner at leisure. Why not scale the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo, on the banks of the Tiber, or relax in the peaceful grounds of Villa Borghese?
Day 4: Historical Rome Make the most of your last day in Rome with a morning walking tour of Rome’s historic centre. Marvel at the unique structure of the Pantheon, stroll on the Spanish Steps and admire Bernini’s works of art in Piazza Navona. When passing the mesmerising Trevi Fountain, be sure to throw a coin into its waters to guarantee a return visit to this magical city!
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Macedonia - Montenegro
Podgorica While not a well known European destination, the city is definitely worth visiting. Owing to its interesting mix of old and new, its café culture and nightlife, and its laid back Mediterranean atmosphere. Both Montenegrin coastal cities and its mountain resorts are within one hour’s drive from the city, so it is an excellent starting point for day trips to anywhere in Montenegro. € Hotel Ideal From €15 per person per night €€ Hotel Lovcen From €18 per person per night €€€ Hotel New Star From €22 per person per night €€€€ Hotel Ziya From €39 per person per night
Skopje
Kotor Bay Area
€ Hotel Portal From €16 per person per night
€€€ OK Hotel From €26 per person per night
€ Hotel Rendez Vous From €19 per person per night
€€€ Hotel Azzurro From €28 per person per night
€€ Hotel Vergina From €22 per person per night
€€€€ Hotel TCC Plaza From €30 per person per night
€€ Hotel Galia From €24 per person per night
€€€€ Hotel Forza Mere From €46 per person per night
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+44 (0) 845 308 1500
41
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland £ Express by Holiday Inn Antrim Rates from £22 per person per night ££ Days Inn Belfast Rates from £25 per person per night
£££ Park Inn Belfast Rates from £30 per person per night £££ Ramada Hotel Portrush Rates from £35 per person per night £££ Belfray Country Inn Londonderry Rates from £32 per person per night ££££ Europa Hotel Rates from £44 per person per night
Belfast Tour - Giant’s Causeway & the home of Game of Thrones Day 1: Belfast – Titanic Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: COACH: GUIDES: ENTRANCES: MEALS: PRICE GUIDE:
3 nights on B&B basis. Coach as per itinerary. English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below. All entrances as listed on itinerary below. All meals as listed on itinerary below. £ 299 Pounds pp sharing Twin/Double room ££ 335 Pounds pp sharing Twin/Double room £££ 385 Pounds pp sharing Twin/Double room ££££ 425 Pounds pp sharing Twin/Double room
Take in the sights of Northern Ireland’s capital city with a morning of panoramic sightseeing. Learn about the rich industrial history of the area: from the Irish linen trade, to tobacco production, rope-making and shipbuilding; incorporating the landmarks that form part of this intriguing city. In the afternoon, visit the Titanic quarter and take a step back in time to the era of shipbuilding to see the beauty of these noble giants.
Day 2: Shane’s Castle – Giant’s Causeway – Bushmills Distillery
Departing from Northern Ireland’s bustling capital city, head towards Lough Neagh to Shane’s Castle. Shane’s Castle is a ruin in County Antrim which was built in 1345 by a member of the O’Neill dynasty. This historic castle is the site of extensive filming for the Game of Thrones series. Continue on towards the legendary Giant’s Causeway to discover the natural beauty that defines the Antrim coastline. To recuperate from all the Northern Irish fresh air we head to Old Bushmills, Ireland’s oldest working distillery.
Day 3: Derry – Omagh – Marble Arch Caves Walk the city walls of Derry and learn the history and passion of the city. Move on to Omagh for a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park where you can immerse yourself in the world famous story of Irish emigration at the museum that brings it to life. Head across to the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, one of Europe’s finest show caves, situated just outside Enniskillen. Explore the natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers, which was also featured in Game of Thrones.
Day 4: Craigavon – Inch Abbey – Nendrum Monastic Site
Rates from £299 per person sharing Twin/Double room.
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Travel to the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre to enjoy the peaceful setting of the lakes and walkways in woodlands; you can do as much or little as you like here. Journey onwards to Inch Abbey where buildings are mainly from the 12th and 13th centuries. The ruins of Inch Abbey provided the backdrop for “The Twins,” Walder Frey’s twin castles in the riverlands. It is here that Catelyn Stark learns of her husband’s fate and vows revenge... Head on to Nendrum, which is thought to have been set up by St Machaoi in the 5th Century, and also has links to St Patrick in later sources.
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Norway
Oslo €€ Perminalen Hotel Oslo From NOK 440 per person per night €€€ P-Hotels Oslo From NOK 460 per person per night €€€ Thon Vika Atrium Oslo From NOK 600 per person per night €€€€ Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Oslo From NOK 850 per person per night
Haugesund
Bergen
€€€ Radisson Blu Haugesund From NOK 380 per person per night
€€ Stordalen Fjellstove Hotel Bergen From NOK 500 per person per night
€€€ Scandic Haugesund From NOK 430 per person per night
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€€€€ Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen From NOK 680 per person per night
€€€ Thon Bergen Brygge From NOK 600 per person per night
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Poland
Warsaw € Hotel Gromoda From €18 per person per night €€ Sound Garden Hotel From €24 per person per night €€€ Mercure Warszawa Grand From €35 per person per night €€€€ Hotel Rialto From €42 per person per night
Krakow € WM Hotel System From €20 per person per night €€ Hotel Felix From €26 per person per night €€€ Hotel Puro From €38 per person per night
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Gdansk €€€€ Radisson Blu Krakow From €50 per person per night Important stop: Visit the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkneau, a chilling reminder of the Holocaust. (See page 14)
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A city with a thousand-year history. It was in Gdansk where, on the 1 September 1939, the Second World War started with shots fired from the battleship Schleswig-Holstein. € Orbis Posejdon Hotel From €24 per person per night
€€€ Qubus Hotel From €39 per person per night
€€ Hotel Focus From €30 per person per night
€€€€ Radisson Blu Gdansk From €50 per person per night
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Portugal
Lisbon € Ibis Jose Malhoa From €21 per person per night €€ Ibis Parque das Nações From €24 per person per night €€€ Lisbon City Hotel From €28 per person per night €€€€ Corinthia Hotel Lisbon From €28 per person per night
Algarve € Clube Praia da Oura, Albufeira From €39 per person per night ALL INCLUSIVE €€ Hotel Valemar, Albufeira From €25 per person per night €€€ Morgado Golf Hotel, Portimão From €28 per person per night €€€ Real Marina Hotel and Spa, Olhão From €44 per person per night
Fátima
Porto
Located in the north of Lisbon, Fátima is one of the most important Catholic shrines in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Fátima’s fame is due to the Apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary. Key destination not to be missed in any pilgrim tour.
€ Star Inn From €20 per person per night
€€€ Hotel Coração de Fátima From €28 per person per night
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€€ HF Tuela Porto From €24 per person per night €€€ Hotel Quality Inn Portus Cale From €28 per person per night €€€€ Tiara Park Atlantic Porto From €32 per person per night
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Portugal
Portugal Pilgrim Tour
Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: COACH: GUIDES: ENTRANCES: MEALS: PRICE GUIDE:
8 nights on bed and breakfast basis. Coach as per itinerary. English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below. All entrances as listed on itinerary below. All meals as listed on itinerary below. € 825 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€ 981 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€ 1005 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€€ 1105 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon Start your tour in the beautiful capital city of Portugal: Lisbon. After arrival at the airport, dive straight in with a half-day city tour of Lisbon’s renowned attractions such as the Jerónimos Monastery, Belem Tower, Ajuda Palace and the Monument to the Discoveries, before enjoying a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Elvas Start your first full day in Portugal in the lovely frontier town of Elvas. As well as the impressive Amoreira aqueduct and castle, the town boasts some of the best-preserved fortifications in Europe. Explore the charming paved Praça Republica and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção before ensuring a visit to the octagonal Church of Nossa Senhora da Consolação, built on the plan of a Templars’ church and with an unmissable interior.
Day 3: Evora The tour continues to Evora, a favoured base for the Court of the Kingdom of Portugal. Visitors to this walled city can marvel at the reminders of its past as a religious centre, with notable highlights being the unusual Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) and the 15th century Church of São João Evangelista. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure in Lisbon. (B)
Day 4: Santarem and Fátima After breakfast depart for Santarem, one of the oldest cities in the world. Take a stroll through its narrow streets to the Church of St. Stephen, containing the oldest recorded Eucharistic miracle, which has been on continuous display since 1269 AD. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Fátima, one of the most important Christian sites in the world and home to the Sanctuary of Fátima, which honors the 1917 apparition of Our Lady of Fátima. It is here where the Blessed Mother is said to have appeared in 1917 to three simple shepherd children and exhorted mankind to pray for world peace. There will also be a visit to the House of Pastorinhos to observe the incredible collection of images of the Fátima Apparitions.
Day 5: Coimbra Spend the day at leisure in this historic city, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. As well as the impressive university buildings, why not visit the many religious monuments on offer: such as the 12th century Old Cathedral (Sé Velha), with its mix of Islamic, Renaissance and Gothic architecture, and the baroque Church of St Bartholomew. Also not to be missed is the Santa Cruz Church and National Pantheon, the final burial place of the first Kings of Portugal and home to the Triumphal Arch and lovely Manga Cloister. For a leafy retreat, a stroll in the University’s botanical gardens, complete with statues, lakes and exotic flora, is a pleasant way to spend the day. In the evening, enjoy a typical Portuguese dinner with the group.
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Day 6: Porto Enjoy a hop-on, hop-off city tour of Portugal’s second city. Journey down the grand avenues of dos Aliados and da Boavista, and gaze at the historic castles of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queljo. The tour will give you the freedom to discover all of Porto’s main sights, including one of its most characteristic symbols, the Torre dos Clérigos, at your own pace. There will also be the option of a sightseeing cruise along the Duoro River, and the opportunity to sample the local produce at the nearby Calém Port Wine Cellar.
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Day 7: Santiago de Compostela Cross the border to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela, one of the most significant sites in Christendom and the final destination on the world-famous pilgrim tour. Today’s tour will include a visit to the city’s magnificent centrepiece, the Cathedral, said to be constructed in honour of the discovery of the tomb of St James the Apostle.
Freyja Itineraries Team
Please get in touch with us directly.
Once outside the Cathedral, marvel at the charming Praza do Obradoiro and the magnificent Parador de los Reyes Católicos before immersing yourself in the narrow winding streets of the Old Town. Why not try the local dessert of Tarta de Santiago, or, for the more adventurous, the traditional Galician delicacy of octopus!
Day 8: Alcobaça and Batalha After breakfast, visit Alcobaça where you will enjoy a guided tour of the famous 12th century monastery. This monastery is a wonderful example of Gothic Cistercian art, and home to the beautifully-crafted tombs of Dom Pedro and Doña Inés de Castro. In the afternoon the tour progresses to Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built as a monument to the Portuguese victory over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, the monastery showcases a previously unseen mix of Gothic and Manueline styles. The Royal Cloister is particularly impressive. On your final night of the tour, enjoy a farewell dinner with the rest of the group.
Day 9: Return Home A transfer to the airport will be provided to bring the trip to a close, and you will return home with many unforgettable memories of your time on the Iberian Peninsula.
Rates from €825 per person sharing Twin/Double room.
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+44 (0) 845 308 1500
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Scotland
Central Scotland
Highlands
Edinburgh
£ Tinto House Hotel Rates from £20 per person per night
£ Balavil Newtonmore Rates from £25 per person per night
£ Cairn Hotel Rates from £28 per person per night
££ Abington Hotel Rates from £25 per person per night
£££ Duke of Gordon Rates from £32 per person per night
££ Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Rates from £34 per person per night
£££ Barony Castle Rates from £32 per person per night
££££ Macdonald Aviemore Resort Rates from £45 per person per night
£££ Hilton Grosvenor Rates from £40 per person per night ££££ Apex Waterloo Place Rates from £50 per person per night
££££ Macdonald Cardrona Rates from £40 per person per night
££££ Hotel Missioni Rates from £75 per person per night
Glasgow £ Bruce Hotel East Kilbride Rates from £19 per person per night
Stirling ££££ Millennium Hotel Glasgow Rates from £35 per person per night
Accessible location, 2014 battle of Bannockburn anniversary - historic castle. £ Rob Roy Hotel Rates from £20 per person per night
£££ Jurys Inn Glasgow Rates from £30 per person per night
£££ Golden Lion Hotel Rates from £28 per person per night ££££ Doubletree By Hilton Dunblane Hydro Rates from £35 per person per night
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Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: COACH: GUIDES: ENTRANCES: MEALS:
2 nights on bed and breakfast basis. Coach as per itinerary. English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below. All entrances as listed on itinerary below. All meals as listed on itinerary below.
Edinburgh City Tour
Day 1: Arrival Welcome to Edinburgh! Beat the crowds and head straight up Castle Rock to the city’s most famous landmark, Edinburgh Castle, for a fascinating lesson in medieval history. Enjoy an indepth tour with your knowledgeable local blue-badge guide, and experience breathtaking panoramic views over the city. After lunch, head out into the countryside on your private bus to the famous Glenkinchie distillery, where you’ll sample the country’s finest whiskeys and marvel at the centuries-old traditional processes used to make them. As you journey back to the city, enjoy sunset over Edinburgh’s famous seven hills and rugged natural landscape.
Day 2: Edinburgh City Tour After a hearty full Scottish breakfast, clear your head with a stroll around the city’s beautiful Holyrood Park, where you’ll find Arthur’s Seat and the Holyrood Palace- the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Spend some time enjoying the beautiful gardens at your leisure, before heading over to Greyfriars Kirkyard. Here, your guide will enthral you with the tragic tail(!) of Greyfriar’s Bobby. Later in the afternoon, head up to the spectacular cathedral for a few moments of contemplation, before you head out into the city’s bustling west end (or retire to the comfort of your hotel!) for an evening at your leisure.
Day 3: Edinburgh Be a culture-vulture and tour Scotland’s famous National Gallery, where you will experience the country’s proud artistic and poetic traditions. After your fact-packed morning, enjoy some retail therapy on Edinburgh’s famous Princess Street. Shop for shortbread, haggle for haggis or perhaps even pick up some pipes! Meet your fellow travellers back at the hotel for your farewell spectacular, including a sumptuous Scottish banquet with traditional singing and ceilidh dancing well into the night…
£ From £269
££ From £285
£££ From £299
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££££ From £333
+44 (0) 845 308 1500
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Slovakia - Slovenia
Bratislava
Tatra Mountains Štrbské Pleso region
€ Hotel Astra From €18 per person per night
€€€€ Grand Kempinski Hotel High Tatra From €50 per person per night
€€ Hotel Color From €22 per person per night €€€ LOFT Hotel From €28 per person per night (former Abba hotel) €€€€ Tulip House Hotel From €45 per person per night
Why Visit Slovakia?
Lake Bled
Ljubljana
Slovakia is a great destination offering something for everybody:
€ Hotel Krin From €24 per person per night
€ Hotel Emonec From €18 per person per night
• Rich culture and history, with more than 100 castle ruins and cathedrals to be visited and opera for the classical music lovers.
€€ Hotel Trst Hotel & Resorts From €28 per person per night
€€ Hotel Center Ljubljana From €22 per person per night
€€€ Hotel Ribno From €34 per person per night
€€€ Austriatrend Ljubljana From €30 per person per night
• Full of unique culinary traditions and delicatessens such as local beer, cheese, Sweet Tokay wine tasting and local meats.
€€€€ Hotel Cubo From €48 per person per night
• Tatra Mountains offers the perfect landscape for hiking and walking tours as well as skiing.
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Spain
Barcelona € Aqua Hotel Onabrava From €29 per person per night €€ Holiday Inn Express San Cugat From €31 per person per night €€ Meson Castilla From €37 per person per night €€€ Holiday Inn Express Barcelona City 22@ From €36 per person per night €€€ Hotel 4 Barcelona From €43 per person per night €€€€ Derby Hotel Barcelona From €68 per person per night
Madrid €€€ Holiday Inn Madrid-Piramides From €29 per person per night €€€ Silken Torre Gardens From €29 per person per night €€€ Melia Galgos From €41 per person per night €€€ Hotel Auditorium From €31 per person per night
Seville
Santiago de Compostela
€€ Dona Carmela From €22 per person per night
€€€ Sercotel Hotel Los Abetos From €37 per person per night
€€€ NH Plaza de Armas From €23 per person per night
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+44 (0) 845 308 1500
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Spain
Valencia
Basque Country
€€ Holiday Inn Express Valencia San Luis From €25 per person per night
€€€ Abba Parque Hotel Bilbao From €41 per person per night €€€ Sercotel Coliseo From €45 per person per night
€€€ NH Center Valencia From €35 per person per night
Granada €€€ Sercotel Gran Hotel Luna de Granada From €34 per person per night
Zaragoza On the banks of the mighty Rio Ebro, with more than 2,000 years of history and rich culinary traditions is a stop not to be missed during your tour to Spain.
Jenny Sales Team “No visit to Andalucía is complete without a tour of the Alhambra.”
€€€ Hesperia Zaragoza From €36 per person per night
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Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: COACH: GUIDES: ENTRANCES: MEALS:
3 nights on bed and breakfast basis. Coach as per itinerary. English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below. All entrances as listed on itinerary below. All meals as listed on itinerary below.
Barcelona City Tour
Day 1: Arrival After arrival in the early afternoon, check in to your hotel and settle in. Get your bearings in Barcelona with a historic walking tour, which will introduce you to the city’s Gothic Quarter and the famous Ramblas. After working up an appetite, fill up with a traditional paella dinner in the fashionable Gràcia neighbourhood.
Day 2: Barcelona City Tour On your first full day in Barcelona, really immerse yourself in the culture of Catalonia’s biggest city. A full day guided city tour will encompass everything Barcelona has to offer, including guided visits to Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló, as well as time at La Pedrera and Montjuïc. Bring some nibbles for a relaxed picnic lunch in Parc Güell before taking your evening at leisure, discovering Barcelona’s fashionable nightlife in a sophisticated wine bar or soaking up the Catalan atmosphere with the locals in a traditional tapas bar.
Day 3: Montserrat Today it’s time for something different. You will be whisked 50km out of the city for a full day trip to Montserrat, home to Catalonia’s famous monastery. The Catholic retreat is perched atop a vertiginous limestone mountain, naturally carved by the biting winds into visually striking rounded turrets. The views both of the monastery’s serrated setting, and out onto the expansive landscape, are not to be missed. Upon returning to the city, enjoy a huge tapas banquet with the group on your final night in the Catalan capital.
Day 4: Departure Get up extra early to squeeze in a quick visit to the famous La Boquería market and stock up on tasty souvenirs for family and friends at home. Next, it may be your last day but there is still time for some culture before you leave. Enjoy a guided morning tour of the Picasso Museum before bidding ‘Adeu’ to this lively city!
€ From €289
€€ From €299
€€€ From €335
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€€€€ From €399
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Spain
Northern Spain Tour
Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: COACH: GUIDES: ENTRANCES: MEALS: PRICE GUIDE:
10 nights on bed and breakfast basis. Coach as per itinerary. English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below. All entrances as listed on itinerary below. All meals as listed on itinerary below. € 685 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€ 830 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€ 1010 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€€ 1600 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room
Day 1: Arrival in Barcelona Upon arrival in sunny Barcelona, you will take a transfer to your central hotel for the next 2 nights. Here you can freshen up before a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers, giving you the chance to get to know your companions for the coming days.
Day 2: Barcelona City Tour Spend the day on a guided tour around Barcelona, including visits to the Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, and Montjuic for panoramic views across the city. Take an evening tour at your leisure to discover the maze-like Gothic Quarter or to sample some local sangria.
Day 3: Zaragoza – San Sebastian After an early start travel to Zaragoza, enjoy a tour of the city’s famous Basilica del Pilar. Spend the afternoon exploring the typically Spanish city, renowned for its gastronomy and folklore. Then it is on to San Sebastian to your hotel for the night and traditional Basque dinner together, including a chance to try some Txakoli wine.
Day 4: Sun, Sea and San Sebastian A morning tour will show you the delights of picturesque San Sebastian, including the magical Old Town, the Cathedral, and the Miramar Palace. Later, take an optional hike up Monte Urgull for some breathtaking views of the area, or opt for a more relaxing afternoon by the beach.
Day 5: Bilbao and Guernica Travel along the Basque country’s winding coastal road towards Bilbao, stopping off in the historically important town of Guernica to see the town that inspired Picasso’s famous masterpiece and the oak tree, symbolic of Basque rights. Then take a tour of Bilbao’s Guggenheim before a dinner of pintxos together.
Day 6: Segovia Today you will spend the day in the World Heritage Site of Segovia, taking in its collection of historic monuments. After absorbing so much history, you will have a free evening to sample some roast meats typical of the area, or to explore the old town.
Day 7: The City of Madrid Continuing south, a historic walking tour will give you an insight into Madrid’s rich and diverse history and will chart Madrid’s rise to power as the capital of Spain. To see more of the city, choose from an optional panoramic bus tour or a guided visit to the Royal Palace.
Day 8: Prado Museum Today’s highlight is the tour of the magnificent Prado museum, full to bursting with stunning artwork. Linger all day in the museum, or spend the afternoon browsing through the shops and taking a stroll through some of Madrid’s lovely parks.
Rates from €685 per person sharing Twin/Double room.
Day 9: Vibrant Valencia Depart from your hotel and head to Valencia. Enjoy an evening walking tour of Valencia’s old town, followed by a farewell paella dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 10: Departure Today we board our transfer back to the airport to begin your journey back home.
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Day 1: Arrival in Malaga Upon arrival in the sunny Costa del Sol, your transfer will take you to your Malaga hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure soaking up the southern Spain culture and indulging in some tapas and vino.
Day2: Malaga – Ronda After breakfast, head out to the hills of Andalucía to the charismatic Ronda, a town split in two by a 100m deep gorge. Sights include the historic Puento Nuevo (new bridge) - which connects the Moorish old town with the newer El Mercadillo - and the Plaza de Toros bullfighting ring where Spanish bullfighting legends were born. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks from the gardens behind the ring, and perhaps visit the Museum of Bandits to learn of the interesting characters who would hide out in the mountains after criminal escapades.
Day 3: Ronda – Granada This morning travel to Granada, Andalucía’s most vibrant city. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and wander among charming plazas and whitewashed houses in the maze-like Arab Quarter of Albayzin.
Day 4: Granada Today you will be collected by your guide to take you on a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alhambra Palace and the Generalife gardens, an amazing and beautiful historic site that served as the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdom until 1492. In the afternoon head to the Mirador de San Nicolas for a remarkable panoramic view of Sierra Nevada.
Day 5: Granada – Seville This morning depart to Seville. Upon arrival enjoy a panoramic city tour visiting sites such as the Cathedral of St Mary, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 6: Seville
Southern Spain Tour Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: COACH: GUIDES: ENTRANCES: MEALS: PRICE GUIDE:
9 nights on B & B basis. Coach as per itinerary. English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below. All entrances as listed on itinerary below. All meals as listed on itinerary below. € 514 Euros pp sharing Twin/Double room €€ 634 Euros pp sharing Twin/Double room €€€ 794 Euros pp sharing Twin/Double room €€€€ 1014 Euros pp sharing Twin/Double room
Today spend the day in Seville, the capital of the Andalucía region and the cultural centre of southern Spain. Take a guided walking tour of the Santa Cruz quarter, with winding alleys and picturesque lime-washed houses. See the famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alcazar, Seville’s magnificent royal palace, and enjoy a visit to the the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, home to the grand Plaza de España. You’ll have the rest of the day to discover more of the city on your own.
Day 7: Seville – Córdoba This morning we head to Córdoba’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second largest old town in Europe. Enjoy some free time upon arrival.
Day 8: Córdoba After breakfast, meet your guide and driver for a city tour of Córdoba. Visit the Jewish Quarter (Judería), part of Córdoba’s historic centre, and follow your guide through its medieval streets. Visit the gorgeous Córdoba synagogue and learn about Córdoba’s Jewish history before driving to the most famous landmark in the city – the Great Mosque of Córdoba. Have a look inside and admire the forest of columns and red-and-white arches.
Day 9: Córdoba – Toledo – Madrid After breakfast at your hotel, relax on the drive through the land of Don Quixote to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage City where the three cultures of Spain – Christians, Moorish and Jewish – are melted together. Wander through the narrow streets and take a tour of the city’s interesting architectural mix of mosques, synagogues and churches. Afterwards, it’s time for a farewell dinner at your hotel with your fellow travellers before turning in for your final night in Spain.
Day 10: Departure After a whirlwind tour of southern Spain, it’s time to say goodbye and return to the airport for the journey home, with your memories of the trip sure to last forever.
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Rates from €514 per person sharing Twin/Double room.
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Sweden Sample Tour
Gothenburg € Ibis Styles Göteborg Molndal Hotel From €30 per person per night €€ Ibis Styles Göteborg City From €38 per person per night €€€ Best Western hotel Göteborg From €42 per person per night €€€€ Radisson Blu Hotel Radisson Göteborg From €50 per person per night
Malmo € Ibis Styles Lund From €28 per person per night €€ Comfort Hotel Malmo From €34 per person per night €€€ Scandic Segevång From €38 per person per night €€€€ Clarion Collection Temperance From €50 per person per night
Stockholm € Motel L From €35 per person per night €€ Micro hotel From €40 per person per night €€€ Omena Hotel From €48 per person per night €€€€ Radisson Blu Waterfront From €70 per person per night
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Tour includes: ACCOMMODATION: COACH: GUIDES: ENTRANCES: MEALS: PRICE GUIDE:
11 nights on bed and breakfast basis. Coach as per itinerary. English speaking step-on guides for all sightseeing tours as listed below. All entrances as listed on itinerary below. All meals as listed on itinerary below. € 1400 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€ 1605 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€ 1750 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room €€€€ 2170 Euros per person sharing Twin/Double room
Swedish Fjords
Day 1: Arrival in Copenhagen
Welcome to Scandinavia! On arrival at Copenhagen Airport, meet and greet your airport transfer, and head to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before enjoying a welcome dinner at the hotel in the evening.
Day 2: City Tour Copenhagen
Today meet your guide, who will take you to see the wistful gaze of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid across Copenhagen harbour, followed by a visit to the Danish Parliament Building with its magnificent interior. See the Rosenborg and Amalienborg Palaces, and the Renaissance Stock Exchange. Take the afternoon at leisure or maybe head out to the luscious Danish countryside as an optional extra.
Day 3: Hans Christian Andersen and the Garden of Denmark
After breakfast depart to Korsor and cross the Great Belt to the town of Odense. In the restored old district of Denmark’s third largest city, Hans Christian Andersen’s humble home has been transformed into a museum. Learn about his fairy tales (and check out the sculptures of some of his characters) before heading to Frederikshavn on the Peninsula of Jutland, known as the ‘garden of Denmark’.
Day 4: Frederikshavn – Gothenburg – Stockholm
Today we say farewell to Denmark as we cross the waters of the Kattegat to Gothenburg, Sweden. After a quick stop in Gothenburg, a spectacularly scenic route through rural Sweden and along the shores of Lake Vattern will take you to Stockholm, Sweden’s ‘floating’ capital city. Enjoy some free time to explore a little in the evening, before a meal with the group.
Day 5: Stockholm City Tour
A local guide will join you in the morning to show you the treasure of Stockholm. Take in the City Hall’s ‘Gold Room’ where Nobel Prize banquets take place, the Vasa Ship Museum, the city’s Old Town, and the Royal Palace in the medieval part of the city. Take the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 6: Sweden’s historic towns
Today we’ll take a scenic route through Sweden, visiting some of the beautiful towns that are often overlooked. Discover Sigtuna, Sweden’s smallest city and former Viking capital with a delightful medieval centre, and historic Uppsala - home to Scandinavia’s oldest university and the Cathedral where Swedish monarchs were crowned. The day will end after journeying through the Dalecarlia province to the old historic mining town of Falun.
Day 7 – Dalecarlia – Lillehammer
Continuing through rural Sweden along the shores of Lake Siljan, today we will pass through the village of Nusnas where the typical Swedish wooden ‘Dala’ horses are made. After crossing the border into Norway, we’ll see the ‘Viking Ship’ Olympic ice skating auditorium at Hamar, and the town’s unusual crystal cathedral. After continuing along the shores of Norway’s largest lake, Mjøsa, we’ll end the day’s touring in Lillehammer.
Day 8: Geiranger, Jewel of the Fjords
After breakfast we’ll head northwest from Lillehammer through the countryside of Peer Gynt. We’ll stop at Lom to visit one of Norway’s oldest and most beautiful stave churches, which
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Sweden
dates back to 1130, before continuing along winding roads which pass waterfalls, rivers and ice fields. Enjoy the rest of the day with an incredible cruise on the mirror-smooth waters of Geirangerfjord, with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Don’t forget, this is just an idea of the tours we can offer. For any custom itineraries, please get in touch with us directly.
Day 9: Fjærland and Fjordland
Head to the Bøyabreen Glacier for a photo stop before gaining a deeper understanding of your surroundings at the nearby Fjærland Glacier Museum. Journey through time, from the creation of the earth, to the last ice age and up to the year 2100. Then a scenic drive along the edge of the Sognefjord brings you to your waterside hotel, one of the most distinctive in Scandinavia.
Day 10: Flam Railway and Bergen
Magnificent Sognefjord is the world’s longest and deepest fjord, and you cruise upon its serene waters today. Embark on a scenic journey on the Flam Railways, ascending from sea level to 3,000 feet to arrive at the historic port of Bergen. Enjoy some free time before checking in at your local hotel.
Day 11: Bergen
Rates from €1400 per person sharing Twin/Double room. Melissa Operations Director
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Spend the morning on a guided city tour. The ancient Hanseatic port of Bergen still largely looks to the sea for its living, as evidenced by the colorful fish market, the largest in Scandinavia. After seeing the 13C Haakon’s Hall, there is time to explore all that this existing town has to offer. Why not visit the home of the composer Edward Grieg before ascending Mount Floyen by the only funicular in Scandinavia?
Day 12: Oslo
After a whirlwind tour of Scandinavia and the Fjords, it’s time to say goodbye and return to your airport for the journey home, with your memories of the trip sure to last forever.
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Switzerland
Geneva €€ Nash Airport Hotel From €41 per person €€ Ibis St Genis Pouilly Genève From €42 per person per night €€€ Novotel Geneva Centre From €115 per person per night €€€€ InterContinental Geneve From €270 per person per night
Zurich €€ Ibis Zurich Messe Airport From €36 per person per night €€€ Best Western Montana From €52 per person per night €€€ Swissotel Zurich From €50 per person per night
Basel:
Lucerne
€€€ Golden Tulip Mulhouse Basel From €30 per person per night
€€ Ibis Luzern-Kriens From €45 per person per night
€€€ Monopol From €65 per person per night
€€€ De la Paix From €57 per person per night
€€€€ Palace Luzern From €148 per person per night
Lugano €€€ Delfino From €50 per person per night
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Wales
Llandudno
Caenarfon
Snowdonia
£ Ambassadors Hotel From £18 per person per night
£££ Celtic Royal From £34 per person per night
£££ Legacy Victoria Hotel From £28 per person per night
££££ Wild Pheasant Hotel From £43 per person per night
Cardiff
Newport
££ Legacy Cardiff International From £26 per person per night
£ Express by Holiday Inn From £19 per person per night
££ Big Sleep From £35 per person per night ££££ Royal Hotel From £50 per person per night
Swansea
Aberystwyth
££££ Marriott Swansea Hotel From £39 per person per night
£££ Marine Hotel From £ 38 per person per night £££ Best Western Diplomat Hotel From £30 per person per night Something a ‘bit’ different: A country house hotel set in its own wooded grounds and gardens Falcondale Hotel From £48 per person per night
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Our Charity
Our Charity At The Group Company we believe in giving back to the communities that we work with. In 2013 we became official sponsors for the Karen Hilltribe Trust, already raising ÂŁ18k towards our target of ÂŁ20k for the building of a school dormitory in the Seree Wittaya school on the Thai/ Burmese border. This dormitory will enable 40 children, from one of the poorest communities in Asia, to attend and complete their schooling. From 144km runs, through to mountain climbs and sky dives, our staff have shown their absolute determination and commitment to share some of their good fortune with others.
Recent Skydive
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Your Group & Additional Services
We tailor-make our tours to suit all group requirements, providing hotel accommodation throughout Europe for a huge variety of special interest tour operators. Some of the bespoke groups tours we book include: • Garden Tours • Literary and Artistic Tours • Theatre Tours • Pilgrimages and Religious Tours • Choir and Orchestra Tours • Historic Tours • Bespoke luxury tours for smaller groups • Gourmet and wine-tasting tours.
School Groups We understand the additional responsibility and care that is necessary in accommodating school groups. • Modern, clean 2H and 3H hotels - often with rates that undercut hostels. • Hotels personally inspected prior to group arrival. • Agents health and safety forms and risk assessments completed. • Hotels in safe areas, often with grounds and leisure facilities. No external balconies. • Private room available for tour planning / entertainment. • Child friendly accommodation with separate beds in multiple rooms. • Groups accommodated on same floor and close together, wherever possible. • Specially negotiated rates for 2 course and 3 course student dinners. Packed lunch and early dinners. • Mini-bars and pay TV channels locked or blocked.
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Coach Groups We have ideal products for coach tours throughout Europe and the UK and provide accommodation on behalf of a large variety of coach companies and direct reader operators. We offer: • Very competitively priced hotels of a minimum 3H standard. • Hotels personally inspected prior to group arrival. • 3 choice 3 course dinner menu for all half board groups. • Themed entertainment including Dinner Dances, Murder Mystery, Turkey and Tinsel. • Free driver and guide places from 20 paying passengers.
Sports Groups We provide hotel accommodation for a wide variety of sports tour operators. From junior sports teams through to professional national teams, we understand the unique needs of sports groups. We offer: • Extremely competitive pricing - we can provide 3H hotels with full breakfast at the rate our clients were paying for hostels. • Private room for team training / relaxation, wherever possible. • Flexibility regarding late amendments / partial cancellations / late rooming lists. • Special high protein / carbohydrate sports menus. • Storage space for equipment for early arrivals / late departures.
Meals
All types of meals can be arranged for all group types in hotels and local restaurants, including: • Evening dinners • Welcome / farewell dinners • Restaurant / lunch stops / packed lunches • Local / traditional sample cuisine • Dietary requirements / budgets can always be met
Tours & Sightseeing We can arrange all tours and sightseeing throughout Europe, including: • Theatre tickets • Opera tickets • River cruise / dinner cruise • Museums • Tourist attractions
Guides
We can organise accredited guides in all destinations and provide competitive prices for: • Guided visits to tourist attractions • Half day / full day local guides • Touring assistants • Blue badge guides • Language speaking guides
Coach Hire We have a network of preferred high quality suppliers in all locations. Coaches meet minimum standards for quality and comfort.
Airport Transfers • Full or half day coach hire • Local transfers • Full touring itineraries
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Terms & Conditions
All groups are subject to The Group Company’s standard terms and conditions: 1)
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3)
Unless credit has been established, 100% payment is required 28 days prior to arrival. If payment is not made by this date the reservation will be deemed to be cancelled, unless alternative payment schedule has been agreed in writing. An earlier deposit may occasionally be required for groups travelling during key exhibition dates - where applicable we will endeavor to advise this on confirmation. Cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellation is free of charge up to 28 days prior to group arrival. Any cancellation received within 28 days of arrival may be subject to charge. In the event of non-arrivals the reservation will be charged at full rate.
4)
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6)
Supplements may apply for one night stays, or during peak dates. City / local tourist tax may be applicable in some European destinations. The Group Company may cancel the booking if the agent becomes insolvent, or is more than 28 days in arrears with payment to The Group Company for previously supplied services. The agent is to forward all relevant details (rooming list, arrival and departure times, meal requirements) a minimum of 14 days prior to arrival.
7)
All rates offered by The Group Company are confidential and should not be disclosed to 3rd parties.
8)
The Group Company is liable only for the services confirmed to the client. We are not liable for any costs incurred from the hotel due to damage or negligence caused by the passengers.
9)
Any confirmation received within 28 days prior to travel will require immediate payment.
10) Standard check in is 3pm and check out is 11am. Times may vary per hotel, please contact hotel directly to clarify.
In the unlikely event that The Group Company cannot provide the confirmed hotel we reserve the right to relocate the group to an alternative hotel of a similar standard in the same locality.
Rates are per person per night sharing room with private facilities including VAT. Rates enclosed are based on minimum 20 Pax, if the group reduces number of nights or reduces numbers to below 20 pax a re-quote may be necessary. All rates are subject to availability at time of booking.
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Bridge House, 1A Low Ousegate York YO1 9QU +44 (0) 845 308 1500 groups@thegroupcompany.com www.thegroupcompany.com