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Itinerary
for Poland Tour - June 2011 |
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Included meals are indicated as B =
Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner |
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| 08.06.11 |
Australia - Hong Kong
Depart Brisbane at 7.35am on QF 507, arriving in Sydney at 9.10am.
Depart Melbourne at 8.00am on QF 414, arriving in Sydney at 9.25am.
All passengers depart Sydney at 10.45am on QF 127, arriving in Hong
Kong at 5.45pm.
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the Kimberly Hotel or
equivalent centrally situated in Kowloon.
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09.06.11
(B) |
Hong Kong - Macau - Hong Kong
A full day excursion to the former Portuguese colony Macau, which used
to be the oldest European settlement in the Orient. The enclave was
reunited with China as a Special Administrative Region in December
1999. A sixty minute Jetfoil or Catamaran journey brings you to the
Monte Carlo of the Far East. The city sightseeing begins with a drive
along Guia
Circuit where the Macau Grand Prix is held annually. A stop at the
Statue of Kum Iam. This statue is dedicated to Kum Iam, the Goddess of
Mercy with a 20 metre high bronze figure, emerging Virgin Mary-like
from a 7 metre high lotus in the outer harbour.
Then proceed to the Macau Tower. The Tower was designed by Mr Gordon
Moller, a New Zealand architect. It is 338 metres high and ranked the
11th highest in the world (an optional visit to the observation deck
for a panoramic view of the city can be arranged). Visit the A-Ma
Temple, a graceful chapel built in 1488, dedicated to the Goddess
of
seafarers and fishermen Matsu. This temple is being inscribed on the
UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005. Then move on to the St. Paul's
Ruins, a grand imposing facade which are
the ruins of an early 16th century church designed by Italians and
built by Japanese Christian exiles. A walking tour from St. Paul's to
the city centre, past furniture shops and clothing factory outlets (for
shopping if time permits). This square is a pedestrian zone, being
inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Try your luck at the
gambling tables of the world famous casino in
Macau before leaving the city in the late afternoon. Arrive back in
Hong Kong at approximately 6.30pm and transfer to the hotel.
Passport is required. Visitors wearing shorts are note allowed to enter
the Casino. |
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10.06.11
(B) |
Hong Kong
Morning free in Hong Kong. In the afternoon you take a
fantastic tour for first time visitors or the chance to refresh for
returnees, visit all the famous scenic spots. Commence with a
ride up to Victoria Peak for the best view in the city across to
Kowloon and beyond before a winding drive to Aberdeen Fishing Village
that continues to operate in the traditional ways. Then onto some great
shopping chances at the famed Stanley Market and a local jewellery
factory.
In the evening you will be transferred to the airport for your flight
to Warsaw. |
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11.06.11
(D) |
Hong Kong - Warsaw
Depart Hong Kong at 12.25am on AY 070, arriving in Helsinki at 6.05am.
Depart Helsinki at 8.20am on AY 741, arriving in Warsaw at 9.00am.
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart
of the city.
The afternoon is free. At 6.00pm you will meet your guide and the rest
of the group in the hotel lobby. Drive along the beautifully renovated
Royal Route with its historical monuments and residences. Stop at
Castle Square for a short walk through Old Town and then a welcome
dinner at a local restaurant. Your meal will include typical Polish
dishes and famous Polish vodka, "Zubrowka". |
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12.06.11
(B/L) |
Warsaw
This morning we introduce you to the highlights of Warsaw. A half day
sightseeing tour includes the Old Town, beautifully rebuilt after World
War
II, with the impressive Royal Castle the seat of the kings of
Poland. Here
the Constitution of May 3rd was proclaimed in 1791, the second
oldest
constitution, after the US Constitution in the world. You will admire
some of it's 300 rooms and see the Canaletto Room with
23 of his
paintings, The Throne Room, the magnificent Knight's Hall with six
large paintings by Marcello Bacciarelli, the Marble Room with its 22
portraits of Polish kings and the largest and most impressive of all
the castle's chambers, the Ballroom. After lunch which is at a local
restaurant in the Old Town, we continue our tour with a drive to the
area
of the former Warsaw Ghetto. En route you will see the building of the
National Opera House and the Town Hall. During your tour of Warsaw we
go to the famous Warsaw cafe, "U Bliklego" to taste a typical
Warsaw pastry called 'Paczek". This evening you will take an
unforgettable musical journey through the world famous compositions of
our greatest composer, Frederic Chopin, at a piano recital. A glass of
sparkling wine will be served during intermission. |
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13.06.11
(B/L) |
Warshaw - Szestoshowa - Auschwitz - Zakopane
After breakfast we depart for Zakopane, one of the most popular
vacation resorts in the Tatra Mountains. En route we stop in
Czestochowa to visit the Jasna Gora Monastery and the Black Madonna
Shrine with its miraculous icon. Lunch will be at a local
restaurant in Czestochowa. before we reach Zakopane. We drive to
Auschwitz to visit the Martyrdom Museum of the former Nazi
concentration camp, the infamous factory of death. In the evening we
arrive in Zakopane beautifully situated at the foot of the Tatra
Mountains in the valley between Gubalowka and Giewont. It is the most
popular resort in Poland and one of the most beautiful places in all of
Poland owing to
its picturesque location. Once a small mountain village, Zakopane
became a fashionable artist's retreat at the beginning of the 20th
century. |
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14.06.11
(B/D) |
Zakopane - Krakow
In the morning you will have a sightseeing tour of Zakopane,
whose
wooden architecture blends with the natural landscapes and it is copied
in other parts of Poland and is known as 'Zakopianski Style'. You will
visit the Jaszczurowka Chapel, a great example of the wooden
architecture in Zakopane, and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima at
Krzeptowki, which was built by the people of Zakopane to thank the Lady
of Fatima for saving the Pope after an attempt on his life. Admire the
breathtaking views of the Tatra's from the top of Gubalowka Mountain
and
shop for souvenirs of arts and crafts of the Highlanders (Gorale) in
the local shops. After lunch on your own you will have free time
before we continue on to Krakow, taking a spectacular rafting trip on
the Dunajec River in Pieniny National Park. Dinner will be at a local
restaurant in Krakow's Old Town Market Square. |
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15.06.11
(B/D) |
Krakow - Wieliczka - Krakow
This morning sightseeing tour will feature Wawel, the Royal Castle
home to three dynasties of Poland's monarchs. Its stately halls and
exquisite chambers are filled with priceless art, valuable period
furniture and rare ancient objects. The collection of monumental 16th
century tapestries is matchless. You will also visit the Wawel
Cathedral the place of the cult of St Stanislaw and St Jadwiga, Queen
of Poland. Its 18 chapels are true architectural masterpieces. The
giant bell, Zygmunt from 1520 ranks with the world's largest. This is
the place where Polish kings were crowned and buried. Following a short
break for coffee and cake at a famous Krakow cafe, "Jama
Michalika", a
place designed by local artists with beautiful glass painted windows
and interesting drawings. We drive to the Old Town with its restored
Main
Square of magnificent houses and palaces. There you stop at St Mary's
Basilica where you see the magnificent wooden altar by Wit Stwosz. In
the middle of the square is Cloth Hall built before 1349, but renovated
in the 16th century with many shopping stalls inside. After lunch you
are on your own. We drive to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, an unforgettable
tourist attraction with underground chambers, grottoes and chapels
carved from salt. Dinner with a folkloric show will be served at a
local restaurant in Wieliczka before we drive back to Krakow. |
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16.06.11
(B/L) |
Krakow - Lowicz - Torun
After breakfast we leave for Torun. On the way we will stop in Lowicz,
a typical Mazovian town famous for folk art: colourful costumes and
beautiful paper cut-outs. You will be invited for a home hosted lunch
by a local family, whose charming cottage is located at the foot of the
former Lowicz Castle. You will be welcomed in a typical Polish way,
with bread and salt and enjoy your meal served by the young married
couple in their lovely house. You will have time to talk about their
day to day life and have your dessert in the beautiful garden. We
continue to Torun, where the rest of the day is at leisure. |
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17.06.11
(B/L) |
Torun - Gdansk
In the morning we will see the highlights of Torun. It is the
birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus and considered one of the most
magnificent historic cities of Poland. Its Old Town has been included
in UNESCO's list for its impressive 13th century Town Hall, superb
churches and historic streets preserving Torun's past glory. A visit to
the Copernicus Museum is included in your itinerary. Lunch is at a
local restaurant in Torun. In the afternoon we drive to
Gdansk. Upon arrival we take a brief walk through the town's Old Town. |
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18.06.11
(B/L) |
Gdansk - Gdynia - Sopot - Gdansk
Today we tour Gdansk in depth. We start from the Upland Gate, a
fragment of the city's former fortifications and one of its main gates.
Just behind it, we pass by a bake brick construction consisting of the
Prison Tower and the Torture House, relics of the 15th century Gothic
defense walls. The Golden Gate situated next to the Prison Tower,
opens onto Long Market, a magnificient street, with grand mansions
decorated with late Renaissance and Baroque facades. A real feast for
the eyes!! It is here that the richest burghers of Gdansk once lived.
Next we come upon the Main Town and the Artus Court, a building used
for Hanseatic League meetings. It is renowned as the most
beautiful court among all of the Europe's Hanseatic cities. Just behind
it stands the tower of St Mary's Basilica a part of the most precious
and largest red-brick Gothic church in Gdansk. On our way back we pass
by Mariacka Street with its gabled terraced houses and elegant
boutiques. From here we drive to Gdynia, youngest of the tri-city
complex which also includes Sopot. Here we visit Oliwa Cathedral
famous for one of a kind pipe organ, to enjoy a concert. After lunch at
a local restaurant, we continue our drive to Sopot, the famous and
fashionable seaside resort. Here you can still see the oldest and
longest wooden pier in Europe. The rest of the day is free to give
you time for shopping for Baltic arts and crafts, including unique
amber
jewelry and trinkets. |
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19.06.11
(B/L/D) |
Gdansk - Malbork - Olsztyn
After breakfast we drive to Olsztyn. En route we stop at the Teutonic
Knights Castle in Malbork. It is the largest brick building in Europe
and one of Poland's greatest tourist attractions. Lunch is at a local
restaurant. In the afternoon we continue to Olsztyn a town located in a
region of lakes and forests. The most attractive part of the city is
the old town, encircled by a set of fortified walls. In the evening
take part in an open air picnic with a folkloric entertainment in
Gietzwlad. |
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20.06.11
(B/D) |
Olsztyn - Olsztynek - Warsaw
After breakfast we return to Warsaw. On the way we visit the
Ethnographic Park in Olsztynek, site of the Museum of Folk
Architecture, one of the oldest open-air museums in Europe. The Museum
contains many interesting examples of folk architecture, including
houses, barns, windmills and other traditional buildings.
A particular attraction of the Ethnographical Park are the interiors of
old houses, the evangelical church, a smithy, a pottery stand, a Dutch
windmill as well as various temporary displays representing items of
traditional craftsmanship and modern folk art and handicraft from the
region. The main objective of the Museum is to preserve the legacy of
the past for future generations and to encourage the study of the rich
cultural and spiritual values of days gone by. A farewell dinner will
be at a local restaurant in Warsaw. |
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21.06.11
(B) |
Warsaw
Free morning in Warsaw. Transfer to Warsaw International Airport,
departing at 1.05pm on AY 746, arriving in Helsinki at 3.45pm. Upon
arrival you will be met and transferred to the Sokos Hotel in central
Helsinki for a 2 night stay. |
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22.06.11
(B/L) |
Helsinki
Today you have a full day tour of Helsinki and Old Porvoo. You start
with a Helsinki city sightseeing tour including the Senate Square,
University and Lutheran Cathedral, all displaying neo-classical
architecture of the 1840's, the colourful Market Square by the sea in
the South Harbour, Kaivopuisto Park and the Diplomatic Residence, the
imposing statue of Marshall Mannerheim, the Parliament Building,
Finlindia Hall and Sibelius Monument. A visit is made to Temppeliaukio
Church, called the "Rock Church" as it is carved into solid rock.
Afterwards you travel out of Helinski and less than a hour later arrive
at the picturesque town of Porvoo, the second oldest town in Finland.
Lunch is at a local restaurant. After lunch you visit the Porvoo
Museum, Old Town Hall located in the Old Town. The Old Town Hall was
completed in 1764 and is one of Finland's oldest town halls and it now
houses the Porvoo Museum and has exhibitions on the history of Porvoo,
including artifacts, art and industrial art. The walking tour around
the Old Town will also include the Cathedral (outside visit). The Old
Town plan is from the Middle Ages,, the low small houses, picturesque
yards and narrow streets forms this historically unique wooden town.
The story of seafaring and trade community is clearly recognizable from
the red warehouses on the riverbanks. You will have some free time for
a walk in the Old Town, with quaint shops and artisan's workshops. |
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23.06.11
(B) |
Helsinki - Bangkok
Today is a day at leisure with late check out at 6.00pm. You will be
transferred to Helsinki Airport for your flight. Depart Helsinki at
11.40pm on AY 095, arriving in Bangkok at 1.45pm the next day. |
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24.06.11
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Bangkok
On arrival into Bangkok you will be met and transferred to the Asia
Hotel in the wonderful Siam Square shopping and entertainment area. The
rest of the day is at leisure. |
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25.06.11
(B/L/D) |
Bangkok
Full day tour to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, including a
long-tail boat trip through rural klongs. Next visit a Thai Handicraft
Centre, then onto the Rose Garden for their internationally famous
culture show followed by a short elephant show. A superb international
buffet lunch is included. Tonight there will be a farewell dinner at an
outstanding restaurant in Siam Square. |
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26.06.11
(B) |
Bangkok - Sydney
Morning free in one of the best shopping cities in the
world. Transfer to Bangkok Airport, departing at 5.30pm on QF 002,
arriving in Sydney at 5.30am the next morning (27.06.11) |
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| 27.06.11 |
Sydney - Melbourne & Brisbane
Melbourne passengers depart Sydney on QF 415 at 8.00am, arriving in
Melbourne at 9.35am.
Brisbane passengers depart Sydney on QF 508, arriving in Brisbane at
9.35am. |