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18 Days Budapest to Paris river cruise package from $10,896pp $8,499pp after Getaway Cash travel credits:
Save more than $2,397 per person off retail. Limited FFV packages.
FULL RETAIL VALUE: $10,896pp. YOU PAY FROM $8,399, SAVE UP TO $2,397pp.
When you think of European River cruising you think "expensive". If you book one of the trips offered in Australian newspapers, with flights, you can easily pay over $11,000 per person. But not with your Australian Escapes membership. This package gives you everything you can possibly want in a European holiday at a massive saving.
* Various itinerary options are available. See full itinerary for details. Package price varies according to season and departure city.
In the style of most Global Escapes Independent Traveler itineraries, this is a perfect blend of self-guided adventure and forward-planning to ensure that the main elements are organised in advance allowing for plenty of time to relax and take in each place you visit.
We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price and/or value by a minimum of 15%. Conditions.
We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price or value by a minimum of 15% ("price-beat") on the following conditions:
Note: By requesting a price-beat you are under no obligation to place a booking with us or proceed with the final travel package as the case may be. A non-refundable deposit is required in the case of a tour/travel package price-beat (see below).
The following terms and conditions apply to travel plans and accommodation quotes requested from and supplied by Travel Directions Pty. Ltd. trading as Global Escapes Travel, Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club (Australian Escapes) and Kiwi Escapes (the company) and are subject to change without notice. These conditions are to be read in conjunction with our standard booking conditions and conditions applicable to Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership as defined in website FAQs.
There are two main scenarios:
(1) You request a price-beat on a specific property. Our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions, provided we have access to be able to book the accommodation through our normal supplier channels.
If we do not have access to member rates that property we will offer an alternative that is of the same or higher standard, as per our hotel rating system and that meets the stated requirements, subject to availability, and subject to the following:
(2) We propose a property with member pricing: If the "you pay" price we submit is already discounted using GCash travel credits and the lowest available price at the time it was submitted, it does not qualify. Otherwise our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions.
A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the applicable objective is achieved.
Inclusions in travel and tour packages assembled by competitor travel agents, tour companies, wholesalers, online travel promoters will all be different in some way. Packages will typically vary by inclusions, validity, suppliers, component type, standard, terms and conditions, travel date, etc ("package components").
Our objective in this type of price-beat situation is to assemble a package containing similar and/or higher value package components to that which you present to us. We guarantee to offer at least 15% more total value (through added value) or a price that is 15% lower than the competitor quote ("successful price-beat") subject to the following:
A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the above objective is achieved.
The price-beat must be requested before you place a booking with any other travel agent, online booking agent or property direct in relation to the subject accommodation or package.
A price-beat may be requested by providing clear, written evidence of the competitor quote as well as your requirements to an employee of the company who performs a reservations or travel consultant role ("company contact") as follows:
A competitor quote presented under this guarantee must be genuine (not contrived) and must be a final, fixed price, backed by verifiable evidence. A competitor quote that we determine is not genuine or final is excluded. The requested date range(s) for travel/tour commencement as well as for individual package components must be realistic and flexible.
This condition applies to travel/tour packages only. We require up to $900 deposit per person (amount depending on package complexity) as a guarantee that you will proceed with the travel plan after we are successful with the price/value beat. This requirement exists because of the amount of travel consultant time required to price according to a competitor quote.
Your Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership must be Gold level or above and active and paid up at the time of requesting the price beat.
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FULL RETAIL VALUE $10,896pp SAVINGS APPLIED -$2,397 YOU PAY FROM* $8,499 |
| SAVING OFF FULL RETAIL VALUE (UP TO): 22% |
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* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. The final price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available HERE...
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"Our trip was amazing, could not fault Australian Escapes. Accommodation - all boutique hotels throughout Europe, It was totally stress free. Two river cruises on Modigliani and Symphonies, staff were fun but efficient." Cherrie K.
This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.
All packages include:
Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.
This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.
Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.
You will receive these guides to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guides with you in your luggage.
* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash travel credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard price and full retail value comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what we estimate would be payable by a non-member for the same or similar package and may include a value we define for specialty travel agency services. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on request. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)
From Budapest to Strasbourg, enjoy a unique cruise crossing three rivers and four countries. From the Danube to the Rhine via the Main, you will be dazzled by the beauty of landscapes but also by the sweetness of these rivers that form a link between people, cultures and traditions. Hungary, Austria, Germany and France will unveil their history and rich heritage for an unforgettable trans-European getaway. Join one of Europe’s largest river cruise companies for this unique river cruise experience...
Cabins
After dinner, retire to your private cabin in comfort for the night: all our tastefully decorated cabins are equipped with air-conditioning, central heating, shower/toilets, satellite TV, safe, hairdryers— and each gives you a view of the river.
"Things that matter most: experienced and friendly staff and crew, clean and comfortable cabins and beds, reliable and safe ships, excellent food, incredible itineraries."
Lounge area and sun deck
The lounge bar is good place to spend time indoors with friends, or enjoy some entertainment. The sun deck of each boat offers a panoramic view of the landscape’s beauty as you cruise. A great place to relax outdoors and enjoy the weather sipping a glass of wine.
Crew
We have a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of almost 1,000 people on our European river cruises, whose conviviality, attentiveness and professionalism ensures that your voyage will be comfortable and pleasurable. Our staff and crews speak French, English and many of them speak other major European languages as well. So you’ll be in the heart of European culture and charm, but you’ll always be able to find someone who understands you.
"I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move." - Robert Louis Stevenson
Arrive in Budapest and be picked up at the airport by your waiting driver. Tonight you'll stay at one of our featured hotels, the Prestige Hotel (or similar) where you can relax and unwind from your flight. Depending on arrival time, you can spend the night out at a local restaurant. (The hotel accommodation component is supplied by Global Escapes Travel.)
Passengers are welcome to board the cruise ship from 6:00 pm. After comfortably settling into your cabin, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner tonight will be followed by an excursion for both packages: An evening of traditional entertainment in Belgrade.
Join us for the excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Guided tour of Budapest.
DISCOVERY: Discover Budapest by bike. You'll bike down the streets of Budapest and past the most renowned sites and locations of the city.
We'll return on board in Esztergom. In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own exploring the former capital of Hungary. The city is full of treasures such as the Neo-classical basilica and former Royal palace. We'll return on board and depart for Vienna. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Upon arriving in Vienna, join us for an excursion for both packages: A visit to the Hofburg Palace, former residence of the Hapsburgs. Tonight, join us on an excursion for both packages: Tour Vienna by night.
This morning, join us for the excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Guided tour of the Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Imperial family, followed by a panoramic tour of Vienna.
DISCOVERY: The high art of Viennese living, music and Viennese cafes. We'll stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall(1).
After our tour, enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this marvelous city at your own pace or take part in our optional excursion: Horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town and the famous Ring road in Vienna. This evening, join us on an optional excursion (not included in packages): Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability.) Our ship will depart at midnight.
We'll cruise along the most beautiful section of the Wachau Valley this morning, arriving in Melk in the morning. We'll then set off on an excursion for both packages: Tour of Dürnstein, the fortified village where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. In the afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: Visit the Melk Abbey. Originally a Baroque-style palace built between 1702 and 1736, it is now a Benedictine monastery that hosts a prestigious coed school with more than 900 students. We'll return on board and cruise towards Passau. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
We'll set out to explore Passau in the company of hostess, strolling the narrow romantic streets and admiring is Baroque-style buildings. We'll then cruise to Regensburg through the night.
Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Regensburg and the Walhalla hall of fame which overhangs the river. We'll return on board in Kelheim and cruise the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal to Hilpostein.
We'll arrive in Nuremberg in the morning. Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of the city and tasting of its famous gingerbread. We'll return on board in Erlangen and start sailing towards Bamberg. Our ship will cruise through the night.
We'll spend this morning cruising to Schweinfurt. Join us on an excursion for both packages: Tour of Rothenburg, one of the oldest cities in Germany. This magnificent walled town located on the historic Roman Road has managed to keep its authentic charm. We'll return on board in Kitzingen. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Würzburg and the former Residence of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg. We'll return on board in Karlstadt. Our ship will cruise through the night.
We'll set out to explore Miltenberg in the company of our hostess and discover this charming, very typical German village. Its marketplace surrounded by half-timbered houses, its Grande Rue and former Town Hall make Miltenberg a unique town and the "pearl of the Main". We'll cruise to Aschaffenburg.
Our ship will depart for Frankfurt. Join us for the excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Tour of Frankfurt.
DISCOVERY: Panoramic tour of Frankfurt and ascent of the Main Tower.
We'll return on board and cruise to Mainz. Gutenberg's hometown, Mainz lies at the confluence of the Rhine and the Main and is a perfect blend of past and present. Its age-old cathedral is not to be missed. You'll be able to explore the city in the company of our hostess. Tonight is our gala dinner and evening.
Enjoy buffet breakfast on board as we cruise towards Strasbourg, passing through two impressive locks on the Rhine, Iffezheim and Gambsheim. We'll reach Strasbourg at 2:00 p.m. and disembark after lunch. (End of cruise.)
This afternoon you’ll travel via the TGV high-speed train to Paris. It takes just 1 hour 45 minutes for this train to go from Strasbourg to Paris. The safety figures for the TGV system are exceptional; there have been no fatalities in high-speed operation since service started in 1981. Today TGV trains accumulate of the order of 50 billion passenger-kilometres per year on lignes à grande vitesse (high-speed lines) alone. 1.2 billion passengers have travelled on the TGV.
You’ll arrive in Paris early enough to be able to spend some time enjoying the first evening stolling by the river Seine.
Included: 4 nights’ 4-star+ accommodation, Eiffel Tower dinner for two, Seine River Cruise tickets for two, tickets for two to The Moulin Rouge show.
Why I Love Paris
By Catherine Le Nevez, Writer
“Paris’ grandeur is inspiring but what I love most about the city is its intimacy. Its quartiers (quarters) are like a patchwork of villages, and while it’s one of the world’s major metropolises – with all of the culture and facilities that go with it – there’s a real sense of community at the local shops, markets and cafes that hasn’t changed since my childhood. Yet because every little ‘village’ has its own evolving character, I’m constantly discovering and rediscovering hidden corners of the city.”
Here’s your opportunity to really get to know Paris, "the city of light". Your Lonely Planet guide is your best help to decide how you will spend your time. Rest in the afternoon of Day 15 because tonight you’ll be dining at the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant at Eiffel Tower, followed by a river cruise and the most famous cabaret show in the world, Feerie at The Moulin Rouge.
Small-Group Mona Lisa & Best of the Louvre Tour: See if you can catch the eye of the mysterious Mona Lisa on this engaging tour that hits all the highlights of France's most famous museum. With a group of no more than 6 people and an art-loving expert to lead the way, scope out masterpieces like the Venus de Milo on this short and sweet tour of the Louvre's must-see works.
Paris package highlights:
Refer to your Lonely Planet guide for things to see and do. Top of the list must be Musee D’Orsay (entry fee applies), the world’s greatest museum of impressionist art. Here are some other suggestions:
City of love, fashion capital, literary paradise… Paris has many different guises. And while museum entry can be steep and fine dining comes at a premium, the French capital can also be a cheap date. Whether you go weak at the knees for soaring church spires or want to rub elbows at an authentic French market, let yourself be seduced by... Lonely Planet's top 20 free things to see and do
It’s time to say farewell to Paris and the beautiful cities and towns you've experienced on your European holiday.
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