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Conducted 3 Week Tour 
       
Southern Germany & Austria
Featuring the Black Forrest, Bavaria and the Tyrol

For only $6,795
per person twin share
This price includes airport taxes and levies of $470

Tour departs Australia August 24 and returns September 14, 2011
This great value price includes:
If you do not have a travel partner, but wish to travel at twin-share rates, we will match you up with someone else in the same position, but this is not guaranteed. If you require a single room, there will be an additional charge of $775.

Tour Itinerary

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  Itinerary for Southern Germany and Austria Tour
Included meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner
24.08.11 Australia - Bangkok
Depart Sydney at 10.00am on TG 476, arriving in Bangkok at 4.30pm.
Depart Brisbane at 2.00pm on TG 474, arriving in Bangkok at 8.20pm.
Depart Melbourne at 4.05pm on TG 466, arriving in Bangkok at 10.35pm.
All flights will be met at the airport and transferrred to the Narai Hotel in central Bangkok.
25.08.11
(B)		 Bangkok - Cha'am
Morning free in Bangkok. Early in the afternoon we depart our hotel for a 3 hour trip to Cha'am on the Gulf of Siam, staying at the beachfront Cha'am Methavali Hotel.
26.08.11
(B/D)		 Cha'am
Evening tour of Hua Hin. We leave the hotel mid afternoon and travel to inspect the interesting teakwood Palace of King Rama VI. We then travel to Hua Hin for a short stop at their central shopping area. After this there will be time for shopping at Hua Hin's night market. Next we travel by foot-pedalled trishaws (the Tri-Shaw operators do the pedalling!) to a habour-side restaurant for a lovely seafood and chicken dinner.
27.08.11
(B/L)		 Cha'am
Tour to Petch Dam and Lake. Morning scenic drive to Petch Dam. First stop is at a meditation centre with a huge lady Buddha statue. Then we board a long tail boat for a two and a half hour boat tour on the lake created by the dam, viewing beautiful national park country with small scattered Karen hill-tribe settlements. We stop on a small island and inspect its interesting temple. We then do a short walking circumvention of the island to see its interesting statues. We next have lunch (included) at a lovely restaurant overlooking the lake, before returning to Cha'am.
28.08.11
(B/D)		 Cha'am - Bangkok
Morning free in Hua Hin. Early afternoon departure for Bangkok. En route stop at Petchaburi where you will inspect a buddist temple set in a large natural cave. After this we visit the mountain-top palace of King Rama IV (of 'The King and I' fame) This is a fascinating place set in a garden of frangipanis. We then proceed to Bangkok where we have dinner and then transfer to Bangkok Airport, departing at 11.45pm on TG 920, arriving in Frankfurt at 6.25am the next morning.
29.08.11
(D)		 Frankfurt
On arrival in Frankfurt you will be transferred to your Frankfurt hotel. Your tour commences this afternoon from your hotel with a panoramic city tour. Dinner is included, but first enjoy a welcome drink in the hotel bar.
Your Frankfurt hotel - Holiday Inn Frankfurt Airport North
Located in Germany's largest stretch of urban woodland and a short drive to the old city.
30.08.11
(B/D)		 Hornberg in the Black Forest
We spend the morning in the nearby ancient university town of Heidelberg. Set in the wooded Neckar Valley, it is noted for its twin-towered bridge and red sandstone castle. We have included a funicular ride up to the castle with entrance to the castle courtyard and terrace to enjoy the magnificent views down onto the city and Nekkar River below, and to see the world's largest wine barrel and the German Apothecary Museum. Later, we drive deep into the Black Forest to the village of Hornberg, near Triberg, where we spend the next three nights.
Your Black Forest Hotel - Hotel Schloss Hornberg
Enjoy the 900 years of history surrounding your little 'schloss' (stately home) which boats Black Forest traditions and culinary delights. (Technically 'schloss' can mean palace or castle however, the Schloss Hornberg is better described as a stately home or mansion). Situated above the valley in the heart of the Black Forest, this location makes an excellent base for all our included excursions to the surrounding areas.
31.08.11
(B/D)		 Hornberg in the Black Forest
Crossing the Rhine in France, we spend the morning in postcard perfect Colmar. Brightly painted, half-timbered houses on narrow, twisting lanes makes a perfect backdrop. The River Lauch winds its way through the centre, known as the Little Venice district. Your afternoon will be spent in the capital of the Black Forest - the gothic city of Freiburg. Sensitively restored, Freiburg is one of the most charming of German cities, located where the Black Forest meets the Rhine Plain. Arcaded shopping streets and little streams lead through the old town to its great gothic cathedral. The Black Forest is famous for its cake and wood carved cuckoo clocks so we will make a stop en route home for a cuckoo clock demonstration along with coffee and some Black Forest cake. Later we follow the Black Forest High Road back to our hotel.
01.09.11
(B/D)		 Hornberg in the Black Forest
Our morning will be spent in Strasbourg, the seat of the European Parliament. Retaining its old world cham there are three bridges spanning the River Ill, massive fortified towers and the pedestrian streets around the Place de la Cathedrale and Place Broglie are a delight. Take time to enjoy one of the numerous cosy bistros and cafes. Later we visit Marlenheim, one of the oldest wine villages in the Alsace, to enjoy a wine tasting of various different local wines. On our way home we follow the Route Alsace du Vin (Alsace wine route) to the Rhine then head back into the Black Forest and home.
02.09.11
(B/D)		 Hohenschwangau in Bavaria
Heading south-east we soon arrive on the western shore of Lake Constance. Crossing a short causeway we visit the Flower Island of Mainau where a local guide leads us through the 111 acres of beautiful gardens and landscaped grounds. Originally created nearly 200 years ago by Prince Nikolaus these magnificent botanical gardens also boast an arboretum and an Italian rose garden complete with pergolas, sculptures, fountains and 500 varieties of roses. In summer it is splendid with its Rhododendrons along with huge displays of over 350,000 flowers.
Lunchtime will be enjoyed nearby in the town of Konstanz and the afternoon we drive along the Swiss lake shore to Bregenz and later the mountains of Bavaria. Here, in the tiny village of Hohenschwangau, you will stay the next three nights in a wonderful setting. On one hill overlooking the village you have the neogothic castle of Hohenschwangau and on the other side above the village is a wooded mountain spur and Neuschwanstein - the fairytale castle of 'mad' King Ludwig. The remainder of the afternoon is free to settle into your hotel, enjoy a drink on the sun terrace or take a walk around the beautiful 'Swan Lake' nearby.
Your feature hotel in Bavaria - Hotel Muller.
Your first class hotel is in the most enchanting of settings. Old style wooden panelling, Coachman's Room, cocktail lounge, octagonal restaurant with full views of one castle and the verandah with views of the other. Sensational for the evening illuminations!
03.09.11
(B/D)		 Hohenschwangau in Bavaria
A very relaxing day as we visit perhaps the most famous castle in the world - the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle. A horse and buggy will pick you up outside your hotel and take you up the wooded road to enjoy a guided tour through the state rooms, king's apartments, halls and throne room; all reminiscent of a Wagner operatic saga. Lunchtime will be spent in nearby Fussen and later in the afternoon we will take a cable car ride up to Tegelberg to take in the excellent views down onto the fairytale castle far below.
Please note; The guided tour through Neuschwanstein Castle incorporates climbing up and down a number of staircases and, as there are no elevators, the inside visit to the castle this morning may not be sutable for those with walking difficulties or limitations.
04.09.11
(B/D)		 Hohenschwangau in Bavaria
There's nothing quite like a day in the mountain! Our first stop is at the village of Oberammergau with its ornately painted buildings where the famous Passion Play is performed every ten years. Next we visit Kloster Ettal. This monastery, set in a lovely shaded valley, dates back over 700 yeats and is one of the finest examples of Rococo architecture in existence. Highlight of our day will be our afternoon visit to nearby Linderhof, an extravagant French Rococo Palace - yet another of King Ludwig's amazing creations. The Venus Grotto reproduces a set from Wagner's Tannhauser, and the Moorish Pavilion shelters the Peacock Throne.
05.09.11
(B/D)		 Kirchberg in the Austrian Tyrol
Crossing the Garmisch mountain pass we descend into the Inn Valley to the nearby winter resort city of Innsbruck to explore the Alstadt (old town) and enjoy the sights such as the Hofburg Imperial Palace, cobbled stoned streets and the renowned Golden Roof. In the afternoon we go to the nearby town of Wattens to visit the Swarovski 'Kristallwelten' (Crystal World), a weird and wonderful crystal experience. Built into a small hill, the entrance is through the mouth of a Goblin with huge crystal eyes. Later we follow the dramatic Inn Valley through the rolling Tyrolean hills and villages to reach Kirchberg where we stay the next five wonderful nights.
Your feature Tyrolean hotel - Sunny Hotel Sonne
Located a short walk above Kirchberg village in a picturesque setting, this is an excellent, chalet style 4 star hotel. The atmosphere is charming with that traditional Austrian wooden decor, the views from the bar across to the mountains are amazing, rooms are spacious and the dining is excellent.We have also included free access to their excellent indoor pool, steam room and sauna.
06.09.11
(B/D)		 Kirchberg in the Austrian Tyrol
We have included a full day excursion today to Salzburg - the baroque city of Mozart. A local guide will take us on a walking tour of this enchanting city, including several locations used in the film 'Sound of Music'. Your afternoon will be a leisure to explore the myriad of narrow, cobbled stone streets, ornate squares and churches, fascinating shops and traditional coffee houses. The views from the enormous Festung (Fortress), sitting high above the city, are magnificent.
07.09.11
(B/D)		 Kirchberg in the Austrian Tyrol
A fascinating day ahead as we visit Berchtesgaden. A local guide joins us as we take a breathtaking bus journey up the winding Kehlstein road and then, in Hitler's luxurious brass elevator, we ascend inside the mountain for a guided tour of the Kehlsteinhaus. This alpine retreat is better known as Hitler's Eagles Nest and the mountain views are spectactular. We also visit the Dokumentation Centre of Obersalzberg (Hitler's former Nazi Southern Headquarters) and descend into the elaborate system of bunkers connecting with the Berghof.
As a finale we enjoy an afternoon coffee stop in the charming village beside perhaps the most beautiful lake of all - Konigsee - famous the world over for its steep cliffs and fjord like lake. As a fitting end to the day we have included a relaxing cruise along the lake to see the romantic pilgrimage church on St Bartholomew Island.
08.09.11
(B/D)		 Kirchberg in the Austrian Tyrol
Your day is entirely free to explore the old town of Kirchberg and maybe the nearby town of Kitzbuhel. Why not take a cable car up one of the surrounding peaks and enjoy lunch in one of the mountain top restaurants. Alternatively relax on a sun terrace and soak up the glorious surroundings.
09.09.11
(B/D)		 Kirchberg in the Austrian Tyrol
An exciting day in the mountains. Driving to Jenbach we board the old wooden carriages of the historical Zillertalbahn steam train and relax as it puffs its way up the full length of the Ziller Valley through conifer forest and rich green meadows to reach the chic ski resort of Mayrhofen. This is a perfect place to enjoy lunchtime amongst the numerous shops, cafes and restaurants surrounded by the soaring Alps. Meeting up with our coach we enter the Hohe Tauern National Park and drive over the spectacular 1,630 metre high, 12 km long Gerlos Pass. Stopping at Krimml we visit the Krimmler Wasserfalle (Waterfalls) - the highest in Austria - where we enjoy a walk along the valley pathway to a number of spectacular viewpoints.
10.09.11
(B/D)		 Munich
Bidding Austria farewell, we drive to Munich. On arrival we have included a panoramic city tour, which will orientate you with the main sights such as the neo-gothic town hall, and the wonderful church known as the Frauenkirche, whose twin onion-topped towers are the symbol of the city. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore this cosmopolitan city. This evening we have an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Your Munich hotel - Intercity Hotel
11.09.11
(B)		 Munich - Bangkok
Morning free in Munich. Later afternoon transfer to Munich airport, departing at 9.50pm on TG 925, arriving in Bangkok at 1.40pm the next day.
12.09.11 Bangkok
Transfer to the Asia Bangkok Hotel situated in the wonderful Siam Square shopping and entertainment area.
13.09.11
(B/D)		 Bangkok - Australia
There will be a morning tour to one of the seven wonders of the world, Bangkok's magnificent Grand Palace, Coronation Hall, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Replica of Angkor Wat.
The afternoon is free for shopping in what is probably the best shopping city in the world.
Late 6.00pm check-out from your hotel. There will be a farewell dinner in a top Thai restaurant in Siam Square. Transfer to the airport.
Sydney passengers depart Bangkok at 11.55pm on TG 477, arriving in Sydney at 12.05pm the next day (14.09.11)
Brisbane passengers depart Bangkok at 11.55pm on TG 473, arriving in Brisbane at 11.50am the next morning (14.09.11)
14.09.11 Melbourne passengers depart Bangkok at 12.15am on TG 465, arriving in Melbourne at 12.05pm.
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Conditions for Macleay Valley Travel's Southern Germany and Austria Tour

Deposits and Payments - A non-refundable deposit of $400.00 per person is payable within 7 days of booking. This deposit is not refundable should you later cancel. The balance is payable in full 10 weeks prior to departure.
Refunds and Cancellations - Cancellations after final payment will result in a refund limited to whatever we can recoup from the airline.
Insurance - Adequate travel insurance is essential. We can arrange this for you if desired.
Passports - All travellers require a current passport with at least 6 months left on it at the end of the tour. Non-Australian passport holders require a re-entry visa for Australia.Visas are not required for Italy and Thailand if traveling on an Australian passport.
Basic Tour Price and Taxes - Air taxes and fuel levies are included in the basic tour price, and as air taxes and fuel levies change regularly the exact amount will be advised at time of invoicing. At present air taxes and fuel levies come to $470 for the standard tour. Total tour cost may therefore change.
Not  Included in the Cost - Travel insurance,visas and all items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, drinks, excess baggage, tips, meals, (except those specified in the itinerary), etc.are not included in the cost. Similarly, credit card payments can only be accepted if 2% is added to the price to help defray the heavy merchant fees charged to us by the credit card companies.
Breakaway Fee
All fully inclusive prices are based on group travel and any deviation from the set itinerary will incur a breakaway fee.
Booking through other Agents - As we keep the cost of our tours as low as possible, there is insufficient margin for us to be able to pay commission to other travel agents, so some bookings can only be accepted if the client pays the other agent's commission. 
Macleay Valley Travel is a fully licensed travel agent and as such any monies paid to us are fully insured by the Travel Compensation Fund. We are happy for any prospective traveller with us to check us out with your local Consumer Affairs (fair trading) department.
Similarly, credit card payments can only be accepted if 2% is added to the price to help defray the heavy merchant fees charged to us by the credit card companies.
Health and Fitness- Macleay Valley Travel recommends that the passenger is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in this tour.  Persons with a disability requiring special assistance must be accompanied by a companion. Macleay Valley Travel and their representatives cannot provide this service.  Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to accept/decline or terminate a passenger's participation in the tour under certain circumstances.
Limitation of Liability - As Macleay Valley Travel acts only as agent for the Airlines, Hotels, Coach Companies etc., providing accommodation, transportation and other services, Macleay Valley Travel shall not be liable or responsible for death or injury to any person or loss or damage to any property including baggage arising out of or connection with any transportation, accommodation or other services, or resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, fire, breakdown in machinery or equipment, acts of Government or other authorities, de jure or defacto wars, whether declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, delays or cancellations caused by changes in schedules or itinerary, or over bookings or defaults or for any causes beyond Macleay Valley Travel's control or any loss or damage resulting from improper or insufficient passports, visas or other documents and neither Macleay Valley Travel, and its servants or employees shall be or become liable or responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of the foregoing causes.
Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to modify the itinerary or the accommodation if circumstances make this necessary, provided that the amended itinerary is of equal value or greater value than that of the original program.
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