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May 15, 2016 - for our email newsletter or to visit our website regularly, as from time to time we release some fantasti
®

Australia’s Leading Small Group Tour Company

SMALL GROUP TOURING

EUROPE includes Cruise & Tour

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE

2017

www.bunniktours.com.au

20 ®

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Small Group Touring Europe

CONTENTS 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

SMALL GROUP TOURING Moscow to Prague Now Includes Belarus Eastern Europe Alpine Discovery Northern Italy, Slovenia & Croatia NEW Jewels of Dalmatia

25 Day Tour 21 Day Tour 21 Day Tour 25 Day Tour 21 Day Tour

18 20 22 24 26

Greece in Depth

23 Day Tour

28

Turkey & Greece

24 Day Tour

30

Turkey in Depth

20 Day Tour

32

Italy & Greece

23 Day Tour

34

Southern Italy, Sicily & Malta

23 Day Tour

36

Italy & France

22 Day Tour

38

Spain & France Northern Spain & Portugal NEW Spain, Portugal & Morocco Morocco & Southern Spain NEW Scandinavian Discovery Norway & Iceland Arctic Norway (Spitsbergen) NEW

27 Day Tour 25 Day Tour 26 Day Tour 23 Day Tour 25 Day Tour 24 Day Tour 16 Day Tour

40 42 44 46 48 50 52

26 Day Tour 25 Day Tour 24 Day Tour 26 Day Tour 27 Day Tour 23 Day Tour 26 Day Tour

56 58 60 62 64 66 68

NEW

NEW

Escorted Tour

CRUISE & TOUR Norway & the Baltics Norway, Denmark & the Baltics Italy & the Med Croatia & the Med Greece, the Adriatic & the Med Spain & the Med Morocco & the Med

NEW

NEW

Small Print Special Notes on Cruising | Map Legend and Abbreviations

Front cover photo: Santorini, Greece Graham Meale

70 71

Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy Dennis Bunnik

Europe Destinations The World of Bunnik Tours | The Bunnik Tours Difference Small Group Touring | The Bunnik Way Special Local Experiences | Level of Fitness Choosing the Right Company Size Matters How We Travel Where We Stay Our Tour Guides I Am Bunnik Tours Airfares Included | Booking Your Tour (B) Inspired

Small Group Touring Europe

EUROPE

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL *Book, pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by 22 December 2016, and you'll save up to $250 per person. For full terms & conditions, see pg 71.

i BROCHURE PHOTOGRAPHY We take great pride in the tours we create and are pleased to say that the images featured in this brochure were taken by Bunnik Tours team members and clients, where possible. We believe they provide a truer representation of the places we visit than glossy professional images.

SAVE

250

$

PER PERSON

Want to see your photo featured? Submit your photo via our website www.bunniktours.com.au/photocontest and you could also go into the draw to win a $1,000 travel voucher. (Of course, terms and conditions apply. Refer to our website for details.)

*

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Europe Destinations

Húsavík Lake Mývatn

Akureyri

Reykjavik

Geysir

BLUE LAGOON

Vik

Alta

Tromsø

Relax in the therapeutic geothermal pools.

Jökulsárlón

EUROPE DESTINATIONS

(Norway & Iceland)

From Reykjavik to Rhodes, Marrakesh to Moscow, we’ve got Europe covered! As well as visiting all the major attractions, we take time to meet the locals and share some experiences that you'll remember forever.

Sognefjord

For more special local experiences see pg 9.

Lillehammer

Lærdal

Bergen

Oslo Vradål Telemark

ZERMATT

Stockholm

Ride a cable car up the slopes of the Matterhorn.

ST EMILION

Aalborg

CESKY KRUMLOV

KRAKOW

(Alpine Discovery)

Visit this historic wine region and taste the famous Bordeaux blend at a typical chateau.

Wake up in a fairytale in this heritage-listed town.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wieliczka Salt Mines.

Copenhagen

(Eastern Europe)

(Eastern Europe)

(Spain & France)

Berlin

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

Amiens

Caen

Paris

Walk part of the centuries-old pilgrimage route.

Tours

(Northern Spain & Portugal)

Prague

Loire Valley

Munich

Zurich Interlaken Bordeaux

Lyon

Zermatt

Bilbao Porto Coimbra

Avignon Carcassonne Cannes

Pamplona Salamanca

Sintra Cascais Lisbon

Seville

Salzburg Dolomites

Florence

AMALFI COAST Drive along the stunning coast through Positano and Praiano to Amalfi.

Boumalne Ouarzazate

Split

Rome Kotor Pompeii Amalfi Coast Isle of Capri

Meteora Kalambaka

Palermo

Rabat

Marrakesh

Sarajevo

(Southern Italy, Sicily & Malta)

Tangier

Meknes

Budapest

Mostar

Valencia

Cordoba

Bratislava

Ljubljana Zagreb

Barcelona

Granada

Casablanca

Vienna

Lake Como Lake Bled Venice Cinque Terre Opatija

Madrid Toledo

The Algarve

Warsaw

Fez

SAHARA DESERT

GOZO

Witness an incredible sunrise over the endless dunes of the Sahara.

Visit an organic farm and sample the local delights.

(Morocco & Southern Spain)

(Southern Italy, Sicily & Malta)

Giardini Mt Etna Naxos Agrigento Pozzallo Valletta

Olympia

The World of Bunnik Tours | The Bunnik Tours Difference

Honningsvåg

NORTH CAPE Inari

Visit Europe's northernmost point. (Scandinavian Discovery)

THE WORLD OF BUNNIK TOURS Welcome to the world of Bunnik Tours! We’re a family company that’s passionate about travel, and we’d love to show our Europe, the 'Bunnik Way'!

RIGA Go backstage at the famous Riga Opera. (Moscow to Prague)

With these guiding principles in mind we create small group tours that connect people, places and cultures. In doing so we help to break down barriers, create life-long memories and, best of all, ensure that the benefits of tourism are enjoyed by all.

St Petersburg

Helsinki

In creating our holidays we have two very strong beliefs in mind. The first is that everything we do should first and foremost be about the customer experience. And second, that tourism, when done properly, can be an incredible force for good. We therefore have a responsibility to benefit the communities we visit and not ruin the very thing we’re coming to see.

Tallinn

Moscow

PLITVICE LAKES Vilnius Stay right in the national park, only 400m from the largest waterfall. (Jewels of Dalmatia)

Small group sizes ensure our tours are low impact but also make for a much better holiday experience for the simple fact that everything is easier with a small group - from getting off the bus to having more time with your guide. Our itineraries are carefully crafted to capture the essence of the countries we visit. We understand that sometimes the best holiday experiences are when you wander away from the group and make your own discoveries. For this reason our tours provide the perfect balance between organised sightseeing and free time for independent exploration. If you like the sound of our tours we’d love to welcome you to our world. Happy travels! Dennis, Marion & Sacha Bunnik

THE DUBROVNIK ®

Home-hosted dinner in Dubrovnik. (Jewels of Dalmatia)

DIFFERENCE Maximum Group Size 20

KAŞ Cruise along the southern coast of Turkey on a Turkish gulet. (Turkey in Depth)

Istanbul Gallipoli Canakkale

Ephesus Pamukkale Delphi Kusadasi Athens Sparta

Santorini

Cappadocia Konya Antalya

Patmos Rhodes

No Hidden Extras Our tours include flights, all sightseeing, many meals and even taxes and tips where appropriate. Unlike other tour companies, our ‘optional extras’ are based on special interest activities that don't always appeal to everyone, meaning they're truly optional.

Unique Itineraries

Ankara

Pergamum

Less time waiting for others, more time with your guide and room to spread out on the bus - smaller groups really do give you a better holiday experience.

Our itineraries are designed to really capture the essence of the places we visit - both on the tourist trail and off it. Multi-night stops, unique local experiences and free time combine to create amazing journeys.

Time for Independent Discovery Our tours have the right balance between organised sightseeing and free time to explore or relax.

Expert Guides

Our local guides and tour directors really are experts and will help you get the most from your holiday destination. They're succinct and engaging and will give you just the right amount of information.

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Small Group Touring

SMALL GROUP TOURING

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

The benefits of group touring are well known. All the logistics of travel are taken care of, allowing you to sit back and enjoy every moment of your holiday. You’ll see more for your money and make great friends along the way. However there is one downside to traditional coach touring that nobody talks about. That downside is the practicality of travelling in a large group - the waiting for everybody to catch up or just get on or off the bus. The extra time taken to allocate hotel rooms, check-in or order at a restaurant. Then there is being told where to sit on the bus and not getting the chance to have your questions answered because the guide is busy with everybody else. These issues exist on all large group tours, whether they are 3- or 5-star.

®

It is for this reason that Bunnik Tours pioneered the concept of small group touring. With a small group you still have all the benefits of a group tour but none of the irritations of travelling with a large group. Put simply, smaller groups make for a better holiday experience.

Group lunch in Iceland

THE BUNNIK WAY Travelling the Bunnik Way means touring in a small group made up of like-minded people. People who want to connect with the places and cultures they visit. People who share a love and passion for this incredible planet and its inhabitants. With you in mind, our itineraries include a balance between: all the famous landmarks that you rightly expect to see on a tour unique local experiences that only small groups can access, and plenty of time for independent exploration and discovery We believe there is no better way to create lifelong memories and really get to the heart of all that a destination has to offer!

Small Group Touring

7

Just some of the reasons why Smaller is Better LESS TIME WAITING Getting on and off the coach, hotel check-ins, comfort stops, meals - with a smaller group everything is easier and quicker, giving you more time to enjoy your holiday.

GETTING OFF THE TOURIST TRAIL The logistical challenges of large groups mean that they are restricted to places and experiences that can cater for large numbers. Small groups can get off the beaten track and really experience a destination.

MORE TIME WITH YOUR GUIDE Our low guest-to-guide ratio means you’ll have more one-on-one time to ask questions and take advantage of your guide’s expert local knowledge.

MORE FUN! Being in a small group means you get to know your fellow travellers and many of our guests establish lasting friendships on our tours.

MORE SPACE ON THE COACH Our groups are small but our vehicles are not! You’ll have plenty of room to spread out in our large coaches with ample spare seats.

MORE HOTEL CHOICE Big groups stay in the big hotel chains. We have the flexibility to choose from a wider range of accommodation based on factors such as character, service and location.

Norwegian Fjords

BETTER VIEWS Being in a small group means you'll get a better view of the places we visit. You won’t have to jostle with dozens of fellow travellers to get the best views and photo opportunities.

BEING A RESPONSIBLE TOURIST Bunnik Tours firmly believes that tourism can create understanding between cultures and generate economic and social benefits in the places we visit. Our small tour groups are lowimpact and don’t ruin the very places we go to see.

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

Spanish Steps, Rome

“The tour organisation was excellent. Being a small group, the guide had the time to be more than a guide, rather part of the experience. The hotel locations, being central to the areas of interest, were great, particularly in Spain and Portugal. All our fellow travellers mixed well.” - J Dean (Spain, Portugal & Morocco - May 2015)

“We enjoyed exploring all of the cities,

Pizza making, Sorrento

Rundale Palace in Riga, Latvia

each with their maze of interesting cobbled streets, variety of architecture, the colourful gardens...Highlights included being amazed at the opulence and lavish decorations in the palaces, people watching while enjoying local cuisine in the lively town square, and hearing the personal stories of guides in countries that had experienced a difficult history. Accommodation, guides and transport on tour was all excellent.” - Susan Spedding (Moscow to Prague - July 2015)

Special Local Experiences | Level of Fitness

9

SPECIAL LOCAL EXPERIENCES A tour through Europe with Bunnik Tours is not just about clocking up countries or ticking off major sights. Of course we’ll show you the famous attractions, but by staying an extra day here and there, and moving beyond the regular tourist areas, you’ll discover the real essence of the places we visit. Here are just some of the special experiences you can expect on a Bunnik tour: Honeybee Farm in Belarus

Enjoy an amazing glacier boat cruise on Jökulsárlón Lagoon (Norway & Iceland)

Húsavík whale watching, Iceland

Receive a rococo-style reception at Rundale Palace in Latvia (Moscow to Prague)

Spend the day exploring some of Italy's most photographed coastline at the incredible Cinque Terre (Italy & France) Visit a husky musher’s camp in Lapland, Finland (Scandinavian Discovery)

Visit the historic Fragonard Parfumerie (Spain & France) Watch the locals make pide in Turkey and then savour it piping hot and super fresh! (Turkey & Greece) Learn how port is made and get to taste it at one of the many producers in the city of Porto (Spain, Portugal & Morocco) Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wieliczka Salt Mines, dating back to the 13th century (Moscow to Prague) Enjoy a cooking class at a local family restaurant in the Peloponnese region of Greece (Turkey & Greece) Stay overnight in a traditional Moroccan kasbah in the Sahara Desert (Morocco & Southern Spain) Travel along the stunning Amalfi Coast, stopping to enjoy incredible views and take plenty of photos (Southern Italy, Sicily & Malta)

Explore the beautiful Norwegian fjords (Norway & Iceland) Moroccan musicians, Fez

Board the train to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station (Alpine Discovery)

LEVEL OF FITNESS To get the most from your Bunnik tour, you will need a good level of fitness and mobility and an open mind. Many of the best sights can only be accessed on foot. You should be able to walk at least 3.5km or for 2-3 hours on uneven ground with no walking aids and climb several flights of stairs. You should also be able to carry your own bags - porterage is not included in our tipping costs and extra services may not always be available. Passengers who are 70 and over will be required to obtain a doctor’s clearance before travelling.

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Choosing the Right Company

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMPANY

“Originally from Holland, I feel completely at home in Europe.

We think holidays are one of the most important things in life! So, we want to help you choose the right company to travel with. There are a lot of tour companies out there, each catering to a different market and each with its own advantages. Not everyone’s needs and priorities are the same - what’s important to one person may not be important to another. Aside from checking that the itinerary covers the places you want to visit and sights you want to see, there are a few other things you may want to consider. To make the job of comparing a little easier, we’ve prepared the comparison chart below. We hope it will help you choose the right tour company to meet your needs. And of course, if a Bunnik tour is right for you, we’d love to show you our Europe!

Our tours are designed to get to the essence of the different countries we visit. We see all the major sights, soak up the rich history, meet local people, enjoy some of the regional delicacies, and above all, we have a lot of fun!” Marion Bunnik Bunnik Tours Founder & Product Director

Maximum Group Size

Australian Owned & Operated

Transport

Accommodation

Arrival & Departure Transfers

Meals

20

Yes

Large coach

3-4+ star

Included to meet each flight

Breakfast, some lunches and some dinners

Scenic Tours

40

Yes

Large coach

5 star

Included to meet each flight

Breakfast and some dinners

APT*

40

Yes

Large coach

5 star

Included to meet each flight

Breakfast, some lunches and some dinners

Globus

44

No

Large coach

4+ star

Included at designated times only

Breakfast and some dinners

Insight

40

No

Large coach

4+ star

Included at designated times only

Breakfast and some dinners

Trafalgar*

45

No

Large coach

4+ star

Included at designated times only

Breakfast and some dinners

Trafalgar Costsaver

45

No

Large coach

3+ star

Included at designated times only

Breakfast and some dinners

Cosmos

51

No

Large coach

3+ star

Included at designated times only

Breakfast and some dinners

Company

*Limited number of smaller sized group tours offered at a price premium.

Size Matters

Marion & Frank Bunnik in Iceland

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SIZE MATTERS! Does size really matter? When it comes MAXIMUM to coach touring, absolutely! GROUP SIZE Many coach tours will continue selling until the coach is full. This can mean all 49 seats are taken which leaves fewer chances to access window seats and plenty of bottlenecks when it comes to getting on and off the bus. We keep spare seats on our coaches so that even if our tour is full with 20 people there are still plenty of seats to choose from and greater access to the views - no matter what side of the bus they happen to be on!

20

Our Coach

vs

Their Coach

FRONT

Tipping

Airfares Included

Sightseeing

Yes

We include all the major sights and limit the optional tours - if it's worth doing we include it!

FRONT

D

Included

Included

Included

On some tours

Included

On some tours

Included

No

Major sights included plus many optional tours at additional cost

D

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

5

6

7

8

9

10

11 12

9

10

11 12

13 14

15 16

13 14

15 16

17 18

19 20

17 18 19 20

Not included

21 22 23 24

21 22

23 24 27 28

27 28 25 26

Optional

No

Major sights included plus many optional tours at additional cost

29 30 33 34

No

Major sights included plus many optional tours at additional cost

Optional

No

Major sights included plus many optional tours at additional cost

Not included

No

Major sights included plus many optional tours at additional cost

Optional

25 26 31 32 35 36

37 38 39 40 41

31 32 29 30 33 34 37 38

35 36 39 40

41 42 43 44 45

Which coach do you want to be on? bunniktours.com.au/max20

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How We Travel

HOW WE TRAVEL Like all tour companies, we have clean, comfortable, air-conditioned coaches. Our small group policy means there are always plenty of empty seats. Where we differ is that we offer much more than just coaches. We like to mix it up because we believe it makes for a better holiday. After all, anybody can give you a coach tour. For us it’s all about the experience! Background picture: Glacier Express, Switzerland

TRAIN

TRAMS, METRO OR ON FOOT

BY OCEAN, RIVER OR SEA

Trains are an easy and relaxing way to travel in Europe, and a great way to see some of Europe’s most scenic countryside. Whether it’s the worldrenowned Flåm Railway in Norway, high-speed AVE train between Cordoba and Madrid, or a mini-electric train that takes you deep into the Postojna Caves in Slovenia, you are guaranteed to get some fantastic views.

There’s nothing fun about being stuck in traffic while on holiday. Our small group philosophy means we have the flexibility to jump on a tram or the metro instead. You’ll feel like a local and see more. Also expect to do lots of walking as we get out there and experience Europe’s wonderful old towns and cities.

Relax and enjoy a leisurely harbour cruise on board a traditional Maltese dghajsa boat or board a ferry for the Isle of Capri. Cross the Ionian Sea to Santorini on a high speed ferry or cruise amongst the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords. There's almost always an opportunity to take to the water on our European itineraries so have your sea legs ready.

Where We Stay

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Hotel Nord Nuova, Rome

WHERE WE STAY Our small group sizes mean we can stay where the big groups can’t. Location, character and cleanliness beat bland chain hotels, bed factories and overpriced mini-bars every time. From a former monastery in Minsk, to a cave hotel in Matera and a traditional Trulli in Alberobello, if it's worth the experience, we'll include it.

OUR RATINGS In Europe we use 3 to 4½ star hotels - clean, comfortable and in the right location. All rooms have private facilities and daily breakfast is included. Many hotels are in the old part of town which means they can be historic buildings with varying room sizes and lots of character.

MOROCCAN KASBAH Our Morocco & Southern Spain and Morocco & the Med tours include a 2-night stay in a traditional Moroccan kasbah - it’s an unforgettable experience. We spend the evenings enjoying traditional Moroccan hospitality and watch the sun come up over the shifting sands of the Sahara Desert. Simply magical!

ETHNO HOUSES PLITVICA SELO Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo are located only 400 metres from the highest waterfall in the heart of Plitvice Lakes National Park - the largest, oldest and most-visited Croatian national park, added by UNESCO to the World Heritage register for its outstanding natural beauty.

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Our Tour Guides

OUR TOUR GUIDES Nothing beats local knowledge! All of our guides are carefully selected for their expertise, passion and genuine love of their country. You’ll find their energy and enthusiasm infectious and once you’ve experienced a Bunnik tour, we’re sure you’ll agree that we have some of the best tour guides in the world. In short, these important members of our family are Bunnik Tours!

“Our tour guide was the best I've ever encountered. Tina's knowledge of history, her interesting anecdotes and information about local identities, famous or infamous, were fascinating. Tina also took great care to meet our needs and was a wonderful 'mother hen.' Our two coach drivers were excellent and very capable of manoeuvring seemingly impossible situations.” - Robyn Dampney (Scandinavian Discovery - June 2015)

I Am Bunnik Tours

Sahir

Branko

15

Tina

I AM BUNNIK TOURS Elena

Bullent

ANAMARIJA guiding experience: 13 years regions: Hungary, Croatia, the Balkan states, Slovenia & Italy tours: Jewels of Dalmatia

Graziano

Melitka

Meet Anamarija, one of our wonderful guides from Slovenia. Fluent in English and Spanish, Anamarija also speaks some German and Russian. She loves showing people her country and the special part of the world she lives in: "I especially like it when people tell me how unexpectedly beautiful the Balkan Peninsula is."

Bine

YALCIN guiding experience: 10 years region: Turkey tours: Turkey in Depth, Turkey & Greece

From the small village of Kars in the north-east of Turkey, Yalcin moved to Istanbul to study and start his career in tourism. A tour guide for 10 years, Yalcin doesn't have a favourite spot in Turkey - he loves it all! "There is so much variety including the natural beauty and the historic sites but what I am most proud of is the people and the tradition of hospitality in Turkey."

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Airfares Included | Booking Your Tour

AIRFARES INCLUDED Bunnik Tours include return international airfares from Australia as part of the tour package. It allows us to offer you a complete, stress-free holiday package yet still give you the flexibility to extend your stay or upgrade to premium economy, business or first class.

Upgrade to Business Class: If you are looking for that extra bit of comfort, then we are also able to upgrade your flights to premium economy, business or first class. We have access to some of the best rates in the industry so if you are travelling for an extra-special birthday or celebration, then this is definitely an option worth considering. Just ask your friendly travel consultant for more details.

BOOKING YOUR TOUR Planning your holiday is half the fun and it pays to be prepared. You’ll find lots of info on our website including videos, client reviews, heaps of photos and more detailed itineraries.

Call 1800 BUNNIK

How to Book To confirm your booking, we will need a non-refundable deposit of $750 per person for small group tours (excludes Arctic Norway), $1,000 per person for cruise tours and $4,000 for Arctic Norway. Exceptions may apply and if so, they will be noted on the relevant tour page.

See your local travel agent

You will also need to arrange travel insurance. This is not a choice, it’s compulsory as we’d hate for something to happen and you not be covered. Payment Schedules About 4-8 weeks after your booking has been confirmed, we’ll request a progress payment in order to cover airfares, taxes and fuel surcharges. The progress payment for Europe is $2,750 per person. This amount increases if you are flying premium, business or first class. This payment allows us to issue your flight tickets and ensures you don’t get hit with airline increases on fuel surcharges and taxes. Your final balance is due 60 to 120 days before you depart, depending on the tour you have booked. You’ll find our cancellation policy and other terms and conditions in the

Visit bunniktours.com.au

back of this brochure or you can ask one of our consultants. Passports and Visas Australian travellers require visas for a number of countries. We can help you obtain them. It's important to note that they can take time to arrange, so early booking is recommended. We will also require a photocopy of your passport which must be valid for travel for at least six months from the date you are planning to return to Australia. Your Travel Documents Your documents, including itineraries and hotel lists, are prepared approximately three weeks before you depart. If you require your documentation earlier than this, please be sure to let us know. Money-saving Discounts Discounts are available to past customers and to those who book two or more tours

BOOK YOUR BUNNIK TOUR

at once. For details please check with your consultant. It’s also a good idea to register for our email newsletter or to visit our website regularly, as from time to time we release some fantastic special offers. And nobody likes to miss out on a good deal! Tipping Made Easy Tipping is not a part of everyday Australian life, so many of us feel unsure about when or how much to tip. However, tipping is expected in many of the countries we visit and often makes up a large part of people’s wages, so it’s important to get it right. For this reason we have developed a program for selected destinations. This simple system sees us collect tips at the time of booking. We then pass these tips to our local staff and they take care of all the tipping. Easy! On tours where ‘Tipping Made Easy’ operates, it is compulsory for logistical reasons that all tour members participate. Please note: Tipping is not included for the cruise portion of any 'Cruise & Tour' program, unless stated.

(B) Inspired

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Inspired Background picture: Venice, Italy

Watch Our Videos youtube.com/BunnikTours

Need further inspiration? Check out our website for inspiring image galleries, blog posts and links to our YouTube videos, Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter feeds. You can even sign up for our monthly newsletters to keep up to date with the latest travel news and deals. Visit bunniktours.com.au

Read Our Blog

Like Our Page

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facebook.com/BunnikTours

Follow Us

Tweet Your Travel Journey

plus.google.com/+BunnikToursAdelaide

#bunniktours

Share Your Instagram Photos #bunniktours

18

Small Group Touring Moscow to Prague

Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Dennis Bunnik

days:

MOSCOW TO PRAGUE

Now Includes Belarus

25

from

9,695pp

$

Flights Included

An unforgettable journey through Russia, the Baltics and Eastern Europe. Explore medieval castles, a Soviet bunker and grand palaces. Tour the heritage-listed cities of Tallinn and Riga, and discover the history and opulence of Moscow, St Petersburg and Prague.

Highlights • See Moscow’s iconic Red Square, Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral • Visit Peterhof Palace & the impressive Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg • Tour the beautiful Baltic capitals • Visit the Hill of Crosses • Step back in time in the fascinating city of Minsk • Tour the Polish cities of Warsaw and Krakow • Pause to reflect on the horrors of war at Auschwitz • Admire beautiful Cesky Krumlov & Prague

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Moscow Welcome to Moscow, Russia’s cosmopolitan capital. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director this evening for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Moscow Today we discover the highlights of Moscow. Marvel at the city’s lavishly decorated metro stations, walk through Red Square, admire St Basil’s Cathedral and see Moscow University. Tonight we’ll enjoy a group welcome dinner. [B,D] Day 4. Moscow Visit the famous Kremlin, a magnificent architectural ensemble of museums, cathedrals, palaces and towers, and the symbol of the USSR during the Cold War. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. [B] Day 5. Moscow - St Petersburg This morning we travel north via high-speed train to the beautiful city of St Petersburg, an elegant display of Imperial Russia and the birthplace of the Russian revolution. We visit the worldfamous Hermitage Museum - the third-largest museum in the world, housing more than 3 million masterpieces! [B] Day 6. St Petersburg We visit the stunning Peterhof Grand Palace and its exquisite gardens. Later this afternoon we’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour, taking in the baroque Winter Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress and the impressive Cathedral of Peter & Paul. [B] Day 7. St Petersburg Enjoy a day at leisure. Why not visit the museums,

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

20

take a cruise along the canals, go shopping or stroll through the beautiful Summer Garden? [B] Day 8. St Petersburg - Tallinn We cross the Russian border into neighbouring Estonia, the smallest of the three Baltic states. We’ll travel through the countryside to arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Tallinn. [B] Day 9. Tallinn Today we explore medieval Tallinn. Step back in time as we tour the Old Town, stopping at the 15th century Gothic Town Hall and St Nicholas Church. The afternoon is free for you to stroll through this picturesque city at your own pace. [B] Day 10. Tallinn - Riga We continue to the Latvian capital, Riga, stopping en route at the gothic Turaida Castle. [B] Special Experience: We’ll visit a secret underground Soviet bunker. Declassified in 2003, the Līgatne Bunker was constructed in the 1980s for the political and powerful elite that would govern the state in the case of a nuclear war. Day 11. Riga This morning we discover Old Riga on a walking tour. Sights include St Peter’s Church, the Dome Cathedral, the ancient Hanseatic city and the Freedom Monument. The afternoon is at leisure to relax. [B] Special Experience: We’ll go behind the scenes of the Riga Opera. Our backstage pass includes a champagne reception. Day 12. Riga - Vilnius Special Experience: Receive a rococo-style welcome at Rundale Palace. We’ll be greeted in accordance with court etiquette and escorted through the opulent apartments,

Small Group Touring Moscow to Prague Peterhof

19

Minsk, Belarus Dennis Bunnik

3 St Petersburg

Tallinn 2 EST.

LATVIA

2 Riga

3

Moscow

Hill of Crosses Baltic Sea

LITHUANIA

RUSSIA

Vilnius 1 2 Minsk POLAND

Warsaw 2 Prague 2

Auschwitz 1

2

Brest

BELARUS

1

Krakow Wieliczka Salt Mine

Cesky Krumlov before enjoying a short baroque music concert. We then travel into Lithuania. Along the way, we visit the Hill of Crosses, a sacred pilgrimage site where many thousands of crosses have been placed on a hill as a plea for blessings. During Soviet times, the crosses would be removed by the authorities but within hours MAC. they would start to reappear. [B] ALBANIA

Day 13. Vilnius - Minsk This morning we tour the beautiful capital, GREECE Vilnius, known for its baroque architecture and alluring charm. We cross the border into Belarus this afternoon and travel deep SICILY into the forest to visit a small farm that produces delicious local honey. We’ll taste the produce and enjoy a cup of tea in the MALTAbeautiful natural setting. [B] Special Experience: We’ll spend the next 2 nights in a beautifully restored 17th century building - a former monastery of the Bernadines. Day 14. Minsk Known as the city of light, Minsk is full of symbols of Soviet strength, making it a fascinating place to visit. Our city tour also includes the local market and the heart of the Old Town. [B] Day 15. Minsk - Brest We depart Minsk and travel west to the charming town of Brest. You will definitely notice the difference in architectural styles and charms as we move further into central Europe. We’ll take a city tour this afternoon. [B] Day 16. Brest - Warsaw Travelling west, we cross the border into Poland. Watch the rolling hills and verdant forests pass us by as we make our way to Warsaw. [B] Day 17. Warsaw Our morning tour of the city includes the reconstructed Old Town, a drive along a portion of the Royal Route, a visit to the Warsaw Ghetto Memorial and a stop at the Chopin Monument. [B] Day 18. Warsaw - Krakow We continue to charming Krakow, a harmonious and elegant city, rich in history. En route we pay a moving visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp, which stands as a poignant reminder of the horrors of World War II. [B]

Dates & Prices 2017

B l a c k

S e a

Start

Finish

Start

Finish

28-Apr

22-May

23-Jun

17-Jul

05-May 29-May

30-Jun

24-Jul

12-May

05-Jun

14-Jul

07-Aug

15-May

08-Jun

11-Aug

04-Sep

19-May

12-Jun

25-Aug

18-Sep

01-Sep

25-Sep

26-MayTURKEY 19-Jun 02-Jun

26-Jun

08-Sep

02-Oct

09-Jun

03-Jul

15-Sep

09-Oct

16-Jun

10-Jul

22-Sep

16-Oct

Rodhes For

N. CYPRUS

up-to-date pricing see our website Lebanon CYPRUS www.bunniktours.com.au

Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $9,695 (low season) to $9,995 (high season) per person twin share. Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth Single supplement: From $1,850 Tour dates and length are subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure. Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

Day 19. Krakow Special Experience: We’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Wieliczka Salt Mine - one of the world’s oldest operating mines, dating back to the 13th century. In the afternoon, we tour Krakow. At its heart is the historic Old Town square make sure you look up when we enter St Mary’s church, the interior is unexpectedly breathtaking. [B] Day 20. Krakow - Cesky Krumlov Today we cross the border into the Czech Republic and make our way to the fairytale town of Cesky Krumlov. [B] Day 21. Cesky Krumlov - Prague This morning we explore the UNESCO World

Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Inclusions travel: • Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included. • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles • High-speed train from Moscow to St Petersburg

transportation: Coach, metro & train

accommodation & meals: • 21 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 21 breakfasts and group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides: • English-speaking, locally based tour director and guides

tips: • Tipping Made Easy, $255pp AUD prepaid

Heritage-listed town, centred on its spectacular castle. We then travel north to stunning Prague, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. [B] Day 22. Prague After breakfast, we take an in-depth tour of Prague. Highlights include the Old Town square, Hradcany Castle (and the amazing views over the city from the square here), the Astronomical Clock and the Jewish Quarter. Tonight we enjoy a group farewell dinner. [B,D] Day 23. Depart Prague Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 24. In Transit Day 25. Arrive in Australia

20

Small Group Touring Eastern Europe

Old Town Square, Warsaw Rita Junkere

days:

EASTERN EUROPE

21

from

8,995pp

$

Flights Included

Through verdant forest and past rolling hills, we wind our way between the historic, grand cities of Eastern Europe. From avant-garde Berlin, to charming Krakow and elegant Vienna, we’ll explore opulent palaces, taste local delicacies and see moving reminders of the region’s turbulent past.

Highlights • Experience the contrasts of Berlin • Visit the stunning Schloss Sanssouci and Schloss Schönbrunn • See poignant reminders of the region’s turbulent past in Warsaw and Auschwitz • Enjoy two of Europe’s most beautiful cities - Prague and Krakow • Admire elegant Vienna • Explore picturesque Cesky Krumlov and bohemian Kutna Hora

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Berlin Welcome to the lively German capital of Berlin! Meet your fellow travellers and tour director this evening for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Berlin Our tour of Berlin today includes reminders of the city’s turbulent 20th century history. We’ll visit the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz and the remains of the Berlin Wall. End the morning at the top of the Berliner Fernsehturm, the highest building in the city, with 360° views over the city! The afternoon is at leisure before we meet in the evening for a group dinner. [B,D] Day 4. Berlin Special Experience: Visit Schloss Sanssouci, the 17th century summer residence of Frederick the Great, known as the Versailles of Berlin. [B] Day 5. Berlin - Warsaw Travelling east, we cross the border into Poland. We’ll stop in the historic town of Poznań, known for its colourful architecture and old world charm. Then watch the rolling hills and forests pass us by as we make our way to Warsaw. [B] Day 6. Warsaw Our morning tour of the city includes the reconstructed Old Town, a drive along a portion of the Royal Route, a visit to the Warsaw Ghetto Memorial and a stop at the Chopin Monument. [B] Day 7. Warsaw - Krakow We continue to charming Krakow, a harmonious and elegant city, rich in history. En route we pay

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a moving visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp, which stands as a poignant reminder of the horrors of World War II. [B] Day 8. Krakow Special Experience: We’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Wieliczka Salt Mine - one of the world’s oldest operating mines, dating back to the 13th century. In the afternoon, we tour Krakow. At its heart is the colourful and historic Old Town square. [B] Day 9. Krakow - Budapest Today we cross the border and drive through the Slovakian countryside to Hungary and the grand city of Budapest, lining the banks of the Danube. [B] Day 10. Budapest Facing each other across the Danube River, the former cities of Buda and Pest are linked by a series of beautiful bridges. Today we’ll tour the Castle Hill area, the Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, the Heroes’ Square and Gellert Hill. [B] Day 11. Budapest - Vienna Today we make our way to Vienna, Europe’s bastion of imperial grandeur and culture. Along the way we’ll have some free time in Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital city, situated on the Danube at the border of Austria and Hungary. [B] Day 12. Vienna Our sightseeing in Vienna begins with the impressive baroque Imperial Palace complex of Schönbrunn. We’ll stroll through the 18th century gardens and wonder at the sheer opulence of the rooms of the residential Palace. We will also see Belvedere Palace and St Stephen’s Cathedral. [B] Special Experience: Visit a traditional Viennese coffee house for incredible coffee and cake.

Small Group Touring Eastern Europe

Berlin Potsdam

Poznań

21

Warsaw

3

2

GERMANY

POLAND

Prague 3

Auschwitz

2 Krakow

Kutna Hora Cesky Krumlov 2

CZECH REP.

Vienna 3 Bratislava AUSTRIA

UKRAINE

Wieliczka Salt Mine

2

Budapest HUNGARY

Schloss Sanssouci, Germany David Plotzki BOSNIA & HERZ.

SERBIA

Prague, Czech Republic Silvia Schweininger

MONT.

a

Dates BULGARIA & Prices 2017 Start MAC. 29-May

Sardinia

ALBANIA 19-Jun

Finish

Start

Finish

18-Jun

14-Aug

03-Sep

09-Jul

11-Sep

01-Oct

For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $8,995 (low season) to $9,495 (high season) per person twin share.

Day 15. Cesky Krumlov Dating back to 1240, Cesky Krumlov’s red roof castle is straight out of the pages of a storybook! We’ll learn about its fascinating history and explore the picturesque town. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. [B] Day 16. Cesky Krumlov - Prague Special Experience: Today we visit the fascinating Bone Church of Kutna Hora, in the centre of Bohemia. Here the bones of more than 40,000 people decorate the Sedlec Ossuary.

travel: • Return economy-class flights between Australia and Europe. Taxes included. • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour

Single supplement: From $1,400

• All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

Tour dates and length are subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure.

transportation:

For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

Day 14. Vienna - Cesky Krumlov Today we cross the border into the Czech Republic and make our way to the fairytale town of Cesky Krumlov. Along the way we’ll take some time to stroll through the pretty streets of Dürnstein and visit Melk to explore its remarkable abbey. [B]

Inclusions

Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth

Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended.

Day 13. Vienna Spend the day at leisure, enjoying this glorious city at your own pace. Why not discover its buzzing restaurant scene, catch a ferry across town or rent a Citybike for a couple of Euros and cycle around the elegant streets. [B]

Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

We then travel north to stunning Prague, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Why not visit the beautiful Charles Bridge as the sun sets? [B] Day 17. Prague Set on the banks of the River Vltava and spanned by more than 30 bridges, Prague is a visual delight. Romanesque chapels stand alongside baroque palaces and majestic renaissance buildings in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. We take an indepth tour. Highlights include the Old Town square, Hradcany Castle (and the amazing views over the city from the square here), the Astronomical Clock and the Jewish Quarter. [B] Day 18. Prague Today is at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Prague. Tonight we enjoy a group farewell dinner. [B,D] Day 19. Depart Prague Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 20. In Transit Day 21. Arrive in Australia

Coach

accommodation & meals: • 17 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 17 breakfasts and group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides: • English-speaking, locally based tour director and guides

tips: • Tipping Made Easy, $200pp AUD prepaid

Comparing Us? Remember our prices include: • International airfares • Air taxes and fuel surcharges • Accommodation • Many meals • Prepaid tipping

22

Small Group Touring Alpine Discovery

Zermatt, Switzerland Graham Meale

days:

ALPINE DISCOVERY

21

from

11,695pp

$

Flights Included

Explore the stunning European Alps on an adventure across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, taking in the leafy forests of Lake Bled and the beautiful Italian Dolomites. Experience the charm of Munich, the grandeur of Vienna, ride the famous Glacier Express through Switzerland and take in the views from the ‘Top of Europe’ at the Jungfraujoch.

Highlights • Visit the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein • Discover the sights of Salzburg • Explore the elegant palaces of Vienna • Admire the lush, natural beauty of Lake Bled • Visit the sparkling ski resorts of the Alps • Take in the views from the slopes of the Matterhorn

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Munich Welcome to Munich, capital of Bavaria! Meet your fellow travellers and tour director this evening for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Munich On our morning walking tour we admire some of Munich’s iconic attractions, including the Frauenkirche church and Marienplatz, the busy town square. We explore Munich’s famous Viktualienmarkt, an original farmers market which has developed into a gourmet and culinary paradise. The afternoon is free to relax or explore at your own pace before a typical Bavarian welcome dinner this evening. [B,D] Day 4. Munich A stunning day trip into the hills of Bavaria lies ahead. The imposing Neuschwanstein Castle, also Walt Disney’s inspiration for the Magic Kingdom, perches high above the quaint village of Hohenschwangau. We’ll visit the castle this morning, along with the beautiful palace of Schloss Linderhof and the charming town of Oberammergau, famous for the ‘Passion Play’ that takes place there once every 10 years. [B] Day 5. Munich - Salzburg Enjoy the beautiful alpine scenery as we make our way into Austria. Before arriving in Salzburg, we visit the infamous Eagle’s Nest. A unique engineering feat, the structure was built as a teahouse for Adolf Hitler atop Kehlstein Mountain at an elevation of 1,843m. This afternoon we’ll see the sights made famous by ‘The Sound of Music’. [B]

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Day 6. Salzburg This morning we visit the Hallein Salt Mine in the Dürrnberg plateau. In operation for more than 2,500 years, the salt from the mine provided for and brought wealth to the locals, and built the beautiful city of Salzburg, ensuring it would become a powerful trading community. The afternoon is at leisure. [B] Day 7. Salzburg - Vienna Today we travel to Vienna, Europe’s bastion of imperial grandeur and culture. Along the way we’ll take some time to stroll through the pretty streets of Dürnstein and visit Melk to explore its remarkable abbey. [B] Day 8. Vienna Our sightseeing in Vienna begins with the impressive baroque Imperial Palace complex of Schönbrunn. We’ll stroll through the 18th century gardens and wonder at the sheer opulence of the rooms of the Residential Palace. We will also see Belvedere Palace, Hofburg Palace and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Special Experience: We visit the famous Naschmarkt. Be tempted by the smells and maybe try the local specialties - Palatschinken or Kaiserschmarrn! Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. [B] Day 9. Vienna Spend the day at leisure to enjoy this glorious city at your own pace. [B] Day 10. Vienna - Lake Bled Today we cross the border and make our way to the picturesque town of Bled, in the heart of the Slovenian Alps. We’ll stop in the Slovenian wine region of Maribor for a tasting and snack at one of the local wineries. [B]

Small Group Touring Alpine Discovery

23

Munich 3

GERMANY Dürnstein Zurich Interlaken 2

Jungfrau 2

Salzburg

Neuschwanstein Castle 1

Vienna 3

2 Oberammergau

Lucerne AUSTRIA

Andermatt

Zermatt Matterhorn

2

St Moritz

Dolomites 1

2

Lake Bled

ITALY

Interlaken, Switzerland Dennis Bunnik

Day 11. Lake Bled The region around Bled is one of the most beautiful in Europe, set amongst stunning mountain peaks and brimming with forests and greenery, waterfalls and streams. Here we enjoy a wonderful sightseeing tour including a visit to Bled Castle, before we visit the lake valley of Bohinj. [B] Day 12. Lake Bled - Dolomites The Dolomites, in the northern Italian Alps, offer some of the most interesting mountain landscapes in the world. Along the way we’ll stop at the Cibiana murals, where artists have painted the village’s history on the buildings. [B] Special Experience: We’ll make our way up the mountains to the open-air Museum of the 5 Torri, which bears the scars of WWI battles fought between the Italians and Austro-Hungarians. Day 13. Dolomites - St Moritz Today we cross the Swiss border and make our way to the beautiful town of St Moritz, nestled amongst forest and steep mountains with a sparkling lake as its centrepiece. [B] Day 14. St Moritz Not to be outdone by Pisa, we visit St Moritz’s very own leaning tower. We’ll also visit the Heidi Hut, used during the filming of the famous children’s story, and ride the funicular railway to Corviglia summit to take in the spectacular views. [B] Day 15. St Moritz - Zermatt Special Experience: We board the famous Glacier Express to Andermatt. We cross the Landwasser Viaduct and enjoy the magical scenery before meeting our coach again in Andermatt. We drive deeper into the Alps to Tasch, where we board another train to reach Zermatt. [B] Day 16. Zermatt Special Experience: Ride a cable car up the slopes of the imposing Matterhorn to Glacier Paradise, for breathtaking views over the Italian, French and Swiss Alps. [B] Day 17. Zermatt - Interlaken We travel to Martigny and visit some of the mountain’s most famous inhabitants - the St Bernard dogs. We venture off the beaten track to Maison de L’Etivaz, where we stop to try some classic Alpine cheese. We also stop in the traditional Swiss village of Rougemont, where we admire the traditional timber architecture. [B]

Dates & Prices

Inclusions travel:

2017 Start

Finish

Start

Finish

15-Jun

05-Jul

31-Aug

20-Sep

13-Jul

02-Aug

For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au Price including airfares from Australia is from $11,695 per person twin share. Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth Single supplement: From $1,950 Tour dates and length are subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure. Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

• Return economy-class flights between Australia and Europe. Taxes included. • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

transportation: Coach, chairlift, funicular, train & cable car

accommodation & meals: • 18 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 18 breakfasts and group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides: • English-speaking, locally based tour director and guides

tips: • Tipping Made Easy, $210pp AUD prepaid

Day 18. Interlaken Special Experience: At 3,466 metres high and nestled between the famous mountains on Mönch and Jungfrau, it’s no surprise the Jungfraujoch is often described as the ‘Top of Europe’. Offering incredible 360 degree views, and Lindt’s Swiss Chocolate Heaven, it truly is an alpine wonderland. Today we’ll ride the cogwheel train to the top. [B] Day 19. Interlaken - Zurich Today we make our way to Zurich, via the picturesque town of Lucerne. You’ll have some free time to wander - perhaps see the famous Chapel Bridge or admire the gracious swans along the riverfront. Arriving in Zurich, we’ll take a short orientation tour. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure, before tonight’s farewell dinner. [B,D] Day 20. Depart Zurich Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 21. Arrive in Australia

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany Dennis Bunnik

24

Small Group Touring Northern Italy, Slovenia & Croatia

Lago Maggiore, Italy Sacha Bunnik

NORTHERN ITALY, SLOVENIA & CROATIA Taste the ‘Good Life’ on a stunning journey through northern Italy and the beautiful Italian and Slovenian Alps. Relax in the Lake District, taste your way through Parma, Modena and Bologna, enjoy the romance of Venice and marvel at the Dolomites. Experience the beauty of Lake Bled and Plitvice Lakes and cruise down the sundrenched Dalmatian coast to Dubrovnik.

Highlights • Relax in the idyllic Italian Lake District • Taste the local produce of Bologna, Modena & Parma • Explore incredible Venice • Admire the changing colours of Plitvice Lakes • Visit stunning Lake Bled • Cruise in style along the sparkling Croatian coast • Stroll the cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik

days:

New Tour

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive Milan - Lago Maggiore Welcome to Northern Italy. After arriving into Milan, we depart for Lago Maggiore in the beautiful Lake District. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director this evening for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Lago Maggiore A perfect day of discovering the area’s highlights and relaxing in a stunning location. Visit the islas and enjoy the views looking out over the brilliant blue lake, dotted with tiny, flower-filled pockets. Tonight we enjoy a group welcome dinner. [B,D] Day 4. Lake Como Excursion Today we visit beautiful Lake Como. Enjoy a walking tour of the town before we ride the funicular railway to enjoy the views from high above the picturesque city. The afternoon is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy! [B] Day 5. Lago Maggiore - Bologna On our way to Bologna, we stop in the town of Parma, the birthplace of parmesan cheese and prosciutto. We’ll enjoy a tasting and sightseeing tour before departing for Modena. Established as a Roman garrison town in the 2nd century BC, its medieval centre is now filled with bustling piazzas and market stalls. We’ll also taste some of the balsamic vinegar for which the area is famous. [B] Day 6. Bologna Characterised by its red-brick palazzi and lengthy porticos, the city of Bologna is also famous for its cuisine. We’ll discover the sights, and tastes, on a walking food tour. [B] Special Experience: We also enjoy a visit to the Gelato Museum, with tastings of course.

from

25 12,995pp $

Flights Included

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GROUP SIZE

20

Day 7. Bologna - Venice Today we make our way to ever-romantic Venice, stopping along the way in the medieval city of Ferrara. [B] Day 8. Venice A place like no other, a day exploring Venice will leave lasting memories. Today’s highlights include Piazza San Marco and the Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and a visit to a traditional glass-blowing factory. [B] Day 9. Venice - Dolomites Enjoy the views as we make our way to the Dolomites in the northern Italian Alps, offering some of the most interesting mountain scenery in the world. [B] Day 10. Dolomites Special Experience: We’ll make our way up the mountains to the open-air Museum of the 5 Torri, which bears the scars of WWI battles fought between the Italians and the AustroHungarians. [B] Day 11. Dolomites - Lake Bled Today we cross the border and make our way to the picturesque town of Bled, in the heart of the Slovenian Alps. [B] Day 12. Lake Bled The region around Bled is beautiful, set amongst mountain peaks and forests. Here we enjoy a sightseeing tour including a visit to Bled Castle. [B] Special Experience: Visit Bohinj Shepherd Museum and taste the locally produced cheeses. Day 13. Postojna & Ljubljana Excursion Today we visit the incredible Postojna Caves, with more than 20km of passages, galleries and chambers. We’ll also stop in the leafy capital of Ljubljana for a sightseeing tour. [B]

UKRAINE Small Group Touring Northern Italy, Slovenia & Croatia

Lago Maggiore 3

Lake Como

MOLDOVA

Lake Bled

Dolomites 2

25

SLOV.

3

Ljubljana

Milan 2

Parma

Venice

Zagreb

Postojna

Modena 2 Bologna

CROATIA 2 Plitvice

Lakes

Zadar Sali

ITALY

Šibenik Split Bol Trogir Hvar Korčula

BULGARIA

7-night MS Romantic Mljet Star cruise

Dubrovnik

Croatia, M/S Romantic Star

Gallipoli Day 14. Lake Bled - Plitvice Lakes NP This morning we cross the border and stop in Zagreb, the Croatian capital. After lunch, we travel to stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park. These 16 terraced lakes are renowned for their distinctive colours, ranging from azure to green, grey and blue. [B,D] Special Experience: Stay overnight in the national park, only 400m from the highest waterfall. Day 15. Plitvice Lakes NP We explore the spectacular lower lake section on a walking tour this morning. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the tranquillity. [B,D] Day 16. Plitvice Lakes NP - Zadar Embark Cruise: After breakfast, we transfer to the port of Zadar to board our deluxe yacht for a cruise along the picturesque Dalmatian coast. [B,D] Day 17. Cruising: Zadar - Sali Zadar’s Old Town centre is perfect for exploring on foot. Discover the 16th century relics on a walking tour this morning. After lunch, set sail for Sali. (included shore excursions) [B,L] Day 18. Cruising: Sali - Sibenik Explore the coast’s beautiful national parks today. Visit Kornati this morning, home to more than 140 islets with numerous coves and crystal-clear waters. Discover magnificent Krka Falls this afternoon. (included shore excursions) [B,L] Day 19. Cruising: Sibenik - Trogir - Split After a morning sailing, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Trogir, before continuing to stunning Split. We’ll take a walking tour of the historic city centre, including the famous Diocletian’s Palace. (included shore excursions) [B,L] Day 20. Cruising: Split - Bol - Hvar This morning we anchor in Bol, said to have the best beach in Croatia - the Golden Horn. We continue to the beautiful island of Hvar this afternoon. (included shore excursions) [B,L] Day 21. Cruising: Hvar - Korčula - Mljet We arrive in Korčula in the early afternoon and enjoy a walking tour of its characterfilled cobbled streets. Later this afternoon we sail to the lovely island of Mljet. Enjoy

Canakkale (1)

Dates & Prices

travel:

2017 Start

Inclusions

Finish

05-May 29-May

Start

Finish

25-Aug

18-Sep

For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au

• Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included. • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $12,995 (Lower Deck) and $13,295 (Main Deck) per person twin share.

• M/S Romantic Star deluxe yacht cruise

Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth

transportation:

Single supplement: From $4,250

Coach, chairlift, cave train & yacht

Tour dates and length subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure.

accommodation & meals:

Please note all meals are included daily while cruising on board the ship. The cruise itinerary may change due to local conditions.

• Shore excursions on board cruise

• 14 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 7-night cruise on board M/S Romantic Star deluxe yacht

Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended.

• 21 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

tour guides:

Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

a captain’s dinner tonight. (included shore excursions) [B,L,D] Day 22. Cruising: Mljet - Dubrovnik We sail into Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ and one of the most photographed towns in the Mediterranean. Sightseeing will include the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s column and Sponza Palace. (included shore excursions) [B,L] Day 23. Dubrovnik Disembark Cruise: We disembark and begin our journey home. [B] Day 24. In Transit Day 25. Arrive in Australia

• English-speaking, locally based tour director and guides (excl. cruise) • English-speaking, locally based cruise director

port taxes & tips: • Port taxes of AUD $95pp (subject to change) • Total cost includes - Tipping Made Easy amount of $220pp. On board the cruise, you will need to pay a tipping fee of approx USD$14pp per day.

Understanding the map For a detailed map legend go to pg 47.

26

Small Group Touring Jewels of Dalmatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia Jeremy van Heerde

days:

JEWELS OF DALMATIA

21

from

9,595pp

$

Flights Included

Discover the treasures of the Balkan states and the spectacular countryside of south-eastern Europe. Experience the romance of Venice and Budapest, visit medieval cities, relax in charming coastal villages and explore stunning national parks.

Highlights • Visit the imposing castle district of Budapest • Discover cosmopolitan Sarajevo and its interesting Turkish heritage • Stroll along beautiful Dubrovnik’s cobblestone streets • Drive along the sparkling Bay of Kotor • Marvel at the natural wonder of the Postojna Caves • Admire the changing colours of the spectacular Plitvice Lakes • Visit stunning Lake Bled • Experience the romance of Venice

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Budapest Welcome to Budapest. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director tonight for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Budapest Facing each other across the Danube River, the former cities of Buda and Pest are linked by a series of beautiful bridges. Today we’ll tour the Castle Hill area, the Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, the Heroes’ Square and Gellert Hill. This evening we dine in a local Csarda restaurant for a group welcome dinner. [B,D] Day 4. Budapest - Zagreb Sit back and enjoy the views over the countryside as we travel south-west to the ‘Hungarian Sea’ and Europe’s largest body of fresh water, Lake Balaton. This afternoon we cross the border into Croatia and make our way to the capital, Zagreb. [B] Day 5. Zagreb We take a morning sightseeing tour of the city and its impressive 900-year-old Upper Town. We see the churches of St Mark’s and St Catherine’s and visit the Cathedral, the tallest building in Croatia. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the cobblestone streets at your own pace. [B]

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GROUP SIZE

20

bridge, bustling gold alley and numerous mill house restaurants lining the banks of the river set an enchanting scene. Later this afternoon we continue to Dubrovnik. [B] Day 8. Dubrovnik Dubrovnik is one of the most photographed towns in the Mediterranean. This morning we enjoy a walking tour of this historic walled city. Sights will include the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column, Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery. The afternoon is free for you to explore. [B,D] Special Experience: Enjoy the hospitality of the locals at a special home-hosted dinner. Day 9. Kotor Excursion We spend the day touring the tiny country of Montenegro. Admire the beauty of the Dalmatian coast as we drive along the rugged Bay of Kotor, dotted with charming little villages. [B] Day 10. Dubrovnik - Split We head north along the spectacular coast to Split. Enjoy the incredible scenery as we pass sheer cliff faces and bright turquoise waters. In Split, we tour the historic city centre, built around the remains of a Roman palace. [B]

Day 6. Zagreb - Sarajevo Today we cross the border into Bosnia & Herzegovina and make our way to the historic capital, Sarajevo. A vibrant city full of history, it is often called the ‘Jerusalem of Europe’. Here we enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour. [B]

Day 11. Split - Trogir - Plitvice Lakes Today we stop in the town of Trogir, where artists from around the world gather to paint. This afternoon we travel to stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park. These 16 terraced lakes are renowned for their distinctive colours, ranging from azure to green, grey and blue. [B,D] Special Experience: Stay overnight in the national park, only 400m from the highest waterfall.

Day 7. Sarajevo - Dubrovnik We venture south to Mostar, where its famous

Day 12. Plitvice Lakes This morning we explore the spectacular lower

Small Group Touring Jewels of Dalmatia

2 Budapest

Bled

MOLDOVA

HUNGARY

Idrija 2 Ljubljana

ITALY

27

SLOV.

Postojna 2 Zagreb

Venice 2

Opatija 2 Rovinj Pula Plitvice 2 Lakes

Trogir

CROATIA

BOSNIA & HERZ.

1

1 Sarajevo

Split

B l a

Mostar Dubrovnik

3

BULGARIA

MONT. Kotor

Venice, Italy Emily Fraser

Istanbul (2)

Dates & Prices 2017

(1) Taormina (1)

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia Adam Dickson

lake section on a walking tour. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the tranquillity. [B,D] Day 13. Plitvice Lakes - Opatija We travel to the imperial resort town of Opatija, famous for its grand spa hotels and superb location on the beautiful bay of Kvarner. We’ll take an orientation tour on arrival. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. [B] Day 14. Opatija A full-day excursion along the Istrian Peninsula lies ahead. Visit Eufrasius Basilica at Porec, the Roman Amphitheatre in Pula and the charming fishing port of Rovinj. [B] Day 15. Opatija - Bled Today we visit the incredible Postojna Caves, with more than 20km of passages, galleries and chambers. On the way to Bled we stop in Idrija, a mining town that is also home to a lace-making tradition that dates back more than 500 years. Here we’ll visit the Gewerkenegg Castle, built in the 1520s to serve as the headquarters for the mercury mine. [B] Day 16. Bled The region around Bled is one of the most beautiful in Europe, set amongst stunning mountain peaks and brimming with forests and greenery, waterfalls and streams. Here we enjoy a wonderful sightseeing tour including a visit to Bled Castle, before we visit the lake valley of Bohinj. [B]

Start

Finish

16-Apr

06-May

Start

Finish

GREECE 09-Jul 29-Jul

30-Apr

20-May

06-Aug 26-Aug

07-May

27-May

20-Aug 09-Sep

14-May

03-Jun

27-Aug

16-Sep

21-May

10-Jun

03-Sep

23-Sep

28-May 17-Jun

10-Sep

30-Sep

04-Jun

17-Sep

07-Oct

24-Jun

11-Jun

01-Jul

24-Sep

14-Oct

18-Jun

08-Jul

01-Oct

21-Oct

02-Jul

22-Jul

08-Oct

28-Oct

For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $9,595 (low season) to $9,895 (high season) per person twin share.

Early Bird Deals

Gallipoli

Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare Canakkale (1) payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

TURKEY

Pergamum

Inclusions travel:

• Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included. • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

transportation: Coach accommodation & meals: • 17 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star)

Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth

• 17 breakfasts and 5 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

Single supplement: From $1,450

tour guides:

Tour dates and length are subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure. Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended.

• English-speaking, locally based tour director and guides

tips: • Tipping Made Easy, $220pp AUD prepaid

For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

Special Experience: Visit Bohinj Shepherd Museum and taste the locally produced cheeses. Day 17. Bled - Venice Enjoy the morning at leisure before we depart for the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana. Special Experience: See Ljubljana from a difference angle on a boat ride along the Ljubljanica River. This evening we make our way to the everromantic city of Venice. [B] Day 18. Venice A place like no other, a day exploring Venice will leave lasting memories. Today’s highlights include Piazza San Marco and the Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and a visit to a traditional glass-

blowing factory. Tonight we enjoy a group farewell dinner. [B,D] Day 19. Depart Venice Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 20. In Transit Day 21. Arrive in Australia

Need some inspiration? Read our travel stories on bunniktours.com.au/blog

28

Small Group Touring Greece in Depth

Santorini Graham Meale

days:

GREECE IN DEPTH

New Tour

23

from

9,995pp

$

Flights Included

Take an in-depth journey across Mediterranean Greece. Travel from Thessaloniki, via Meteora, Athens and Crete, to the sunbleached island of Santorini. Delve into the history of ancient civilisations, taste traditional flavours, admire the dramatic scenery and watch the sun set over the Aegean.

Highlights • See the ancient birthplace of Alexander the Great • Marvel at the clifftop monasteries of Meteora • Ride a steam train up the slopes of Mt Pelion • See remnants of Greece’s ancient past in Mycenae, Delphi and Athens • Visit the clifftop Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion • Explore the island of Crete • Enjoy a magical sunset over Santorini

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive Thessaloniki Welcome to Greece and the port city of Thessaloniki in the country’s north. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director this evening for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Thessaloniki Thessaloniki is the perfect base from which to explore Greece’s Macedonia prefecture, and today we discover some of the picturesque local towns - Edessa and its waterfalls, Naousa and Aristotle’s school and Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great. This evening we’ll discover the beautiful waterfront district of Ladadika on foot before a group welcome dinner. [B,D] Day 4. Thessaloniki - Volos We begin the day in Thessaloniki’s upper districts to see the Theodosian walls and enjoy panoramic views over the city. We’ll then make our way towards Volos, stopping to tour the Royal Tombs in Vergina and the unique restored mountain village of Palaios Panteleimonas. [B] Day 5. Volos This morning we board the Mt Pelion Steam Train for a scenic journey up the slopes to the village of Milies. We’ll also explore the picturesque villages of Portaria and Makrinitsa. [B,D] Special Experience: We return to Volos to try the famous Greek “tsipouro” at a traditional tsipouradika tavern this evening. Day 6. Meteora Excursion Today we discover the amazing clifftop monasteries of Meteora. Monks have been settled on these ‘columns of the sky’ since the 11th

MAXIMUM

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20

century. Since early Christian times, Meteora’s cliffs have been regarded as the perfect place to attain absolute isolation in order to achieve peace and harmony. The tallest of these incredible rock formations reaches 400m. [B] Day 7. Volos - Nafpaktos This morning we visit Delphi, considered by the ancient Greeks to be the centre of the world. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological ruins and museum. We then take a short caique ride to the beautiful islet of Trizonia for lunch at a local fish tavern. We’ll continue to the scenic town of Nafpaktos this afternoon. [B,L] Day 8. Nafpaktos - Nafplion Today we visit the home of the Olympic Games, Olympia. We’ll explore the ancient site and tour the museum. After lunch we cross the Peloponnese peninsula and make our way to the charming seaside town of Nafplion. [B] Day 9. Nafplion Admire the best-preserved theatre of Ancient Greece, the Sanctuary of Asklepio in Epidaurus this morning. We’ll return to Nafplion and explore the Castle of Palamidi, a fortress perched high on a cliff offering stunning views over the town. [B] Day 10. Nafplion - Athens Mycenae is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and birthplace of the culture that dominated during the late Bronze Age. We visit the site this morning, along with ancient Corinth, one of the major cities of antiquity. [B] Day 11. Athens After breakfast, we discover the diversity of Athens on a city tour. Highlights include the ancient Acropolis and the magnificent Parthenon. We’ll also wander through the Thisio, Monastiraki and

Small Group Touring Greece in Depth

29

Delphi Jeremy van Heerde

Thessaloniki 2 GREECE

Meteora

3 Volos

Nafpaktos Olympia

1

Delphi

Athens Aegina

3 2

Nafplion Poros Hydra

Cape Sounion

(1)

3 Santorini

Chania 2

2 Heraklion

Crete

Plaka districts to get a taste of the local atmosphere. Tonight we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. [B,D] Day 12. Athens Special Experience: Spend an incredible day cruising the Saronic Gulf and exploring the islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. [B,L] Day 13. Athens - Overnight Ferry This morning is at leisure before our afternoon visit to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. The incredible structure perches high on the edge of a cliff that plunges 65m to the sea. On a clear day, the area also affords views to the islands of Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Aegina and the Peloponnese. Tonight we board an overnight ferry to the island of Crete. [B] Day 14. Chania Today we discover the delightful city and surrounds of Chania, Crete’s capital. Special Experience: Discover the 4,000 year old tradition of wine-making on the island of Crete at a tasting. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before we explore the Old Town port on foot this evening. [B] Day 15. Chania Enjoy a day at leisure to relax in the sun. The Venetian Harbour is host to a wealth of waterfront restaurants and an old port - it’s the perfect place to begin exploring. [B] Day 16. Chania - Heraklion After breakfast, we depart for Heraklion, Crete’s largest city. Along the way, we’ll stop at Preveli Monastery to visit the Australian Memorial and witness the stunning views over the sea. [B] Day 17. Heraklion This morning we explore the Lychnostatis open-air museum to learn about Cretan culture and customs. We’ll also visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the largest archaeological site on the island from the Bronze Age, and considered to be Europe’s oldest city. After lunch, we take a walking tour of Heraklion’s old town. [B] Day 18. Heraklion - Santorini Board the high-speed ferry to the incredible island of Santorini this morning. After checking in, we’ll take a short tour to the

Dates & Prices

Inclusions travel:

2017 Start

Finish

02-May 24-May

22-Aug

13-Sep

• Return economy-class flights from Australia to Greece. Taxes included.

30-May 21-Jun

12-Sep

04-Oct

• Overnight ferry from Piraeus to Crete

Start

Finish

For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au Price including airfares from Australia is from $9,995 per person twin share. Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth Single supplement: From $1,995 Tour dates and length are subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure. Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

villages of Megalochori and Pyrgos, and travel up to the monastery at the island’s highest point to enjoy the stunning views. [B]

• High-speed ferry from Crete to Santorini • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

transportation: Coach, steam train, caique boat, day cruise & ferry

accommodation & meals: • 18 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 1 night on board an overnight ferry in an outside cabin • 19 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides: • English-speaking, locally based tour director and guides

tips: • Tipping Made Easy, $220pp AUD prepaid

Day 19. Santorini The day is at leisure in beautiful Santorini. [B]

Day 21. Depart Santorini Today we begin our journey home. [B]

Day 20. Santorini The morning is at leisure before our afternoon visit to the site of Akrotiri. Covered in ashes during the Great Eruption, the city has been unearthed almost completely intact. We’ll also visit some of the island’s black sand beaches. [B,D] Special Experience: This evening we’ll explore Oia, Santorini’s most famous and picturesque village, and witness an incredible sunset over the Aegean, before a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 22. In Transit Day 23. Arrive in Australia

Understanding the map For a detailed map legend go to pg 71.

30

Small Group Touring Turkey & Greece

Meteora, Greece Danel Solambarrieta

days:

TURKEY & GREECE

24

from

9,895pp

$

Flights Included

Discover two jewels of the Mediterranean, travelling from Istanbul to Athens via incredible Cappadocia, magical Meteora and the stunning Greek Islands. Delve into ancient history, explore colourful bazaars, cruise idyllic islands and visit amazing clifftop monasteries on this fascinating journey.

Highlights • Visit the Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s most impressive structures • Pay homage to the Anzacs on the shores of Gallipoli • Explore the underground cities of Cappadocia • Visit Ephesus, the largest Roman city ever uncovered • Cruise the stunning Aegean Sea and visit the Greek Islands • See remnants of Greece’s ancient past in Delphi and Athens

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Istanbul Welcome to magical Istanbul, the city where East meets West, at the border of Asia and Europe. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director tonight for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Istanbul After breakfast, we explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, once home to the great sultans. We’ll also visit the iconic Blue Mosque, test our bargaining skills at the aromatic Spice Bazaar and browse the ornate stalls of the famous Grand Bazaar. Tonight we enjoy a group welcome dinner at a local restaurant. [B,D] Special Experience: Taste some Turkish delicacies. Think baklava and Turkish coffee, and of course, Turkish delight! Day 4. Istanbul Another day to discover Istanbul’s many highlights. We visit the famous Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern and the magnificent Basilica of Hagia Sophia, considered one of the world’s greatest buildings. [B] Day 5. Istanbul - Gallipoli - Çanakkale A day close to the hearts of many Australians. We make our way to Gallipoli to pay homage to the spirit of the Anzacs. We visit Anzac Cove, the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, and Johnston’s Jolly. [B,D] Day 6. Çanakkale - Troy - İzmir This morning we visit Troy, where the legend of the wooden horse was born, before continuing to the ancient city of Pergamum, once ruled by Alexander the Great. [B,L,D]

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

20

Special Experience: For lunch, we’ll watch a traditional Turkish pide-making demonstration and taste this local delicacy. Day 7. İzmir - Cappadocia This morning we fly to Cappadocia, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and renowned for its spectacular landscape. On arrival we explore Zelve and the local villages Ortahisar and Mustafapasa. [B,D] Day 8. Cappadocia Greet the day in enchanting Cappadocia. Today we visit the hidden monastic valley of Paşabaği and a traditional carpet factory to learn about the beautiful Turkish carpets. This afternoon we explore the Göreme Valley, situated amongst the ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations. [B,D] Day 9. Cappadocia - Konya We explore one of the many underground cities for which Cappadocia is famous - some of them are up to 80 metres deep, spread over 8 levels. We’ll then visit the village of Avanos, famous for its ceramic art dating back to the 12th century BC. [B] Day 10. Konya - Pamukkale Today we’ll visit the Mevlana Museum and learn about the mystical religious sect known as the Whirling Dervishes. We also see Catalhöyük, the largest and best-preserved Neolithic site, with its spectacular wall paintings. [B,D] Day 11. Pamukkale - Kuşadasi Today we explore the amazing landscape of Hierapolis, an ancient Greek city sitting on the site of Pamukkale. Over a period of 14,000 years, nature has created a unique grouping of hot springs that cascade over a cliff, forming pools. This afternoon we continue to Kuşadasi via Aphrodisias and its famed Sculpture School. [B]

B l a c k

RZ.

S e a Armenia Small Group Touring Turkey & Greece

31

Istanbul 3

GREECE

Gallipoli

Meteora 1 Kalambaka

Delphi Nafpaktos 2 1

21 Sparta

TURKEY

Pergamum İzmir Athens Ephesus1 3 2

Olympia

Troy

Göreme Valley

1 Çanakkale

Lavrion Patmos

1

2

Cappadocia 2 1

Pamukkale

Konya

Kuşadasi

Syria

Rhodes Santorini Crete

Jordan

3-night Greek Island cruise

Day 12. Ephesus Step back in time as we visit Ephesus, the largest Roman city ever uncovered. We’ll walk through the streets, passing by the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis and EGYPT the Sacred House of the Virgin Mary, where she is reputed to have spent her last days. [B] Day 13. Kuşadasi - Patmos Embark Cruise: This morning we embark on our cruise of the Greek Islands. The first port of call is the timeless island of Patmos. Originally a hillside cave, its famed Monastery of St John sits atop the island’s highest hill. (included shore excursion) [B,L,D] Day 14. Rhodes We cruise onwards to Rhodes, former home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the now-demolished Colossus of Rhodes. (included shore excursion) [B,L,D] Day 15. Crete - Santorini We reach Crete, Greece’s largest island and home to the legendary Minotaur. We continue our journey to what many regard as the most beautiful island of the Aegean, Santorini. (included shore excursion) [B,L,D] Day 16. Lavrion - Sparta Disembark Cruise: We cross the Peloponnese towards Sparta, visiting the Corinth Canal and Mycenae. [B] Day 17. Sparta Today we visit the archaeological site of Mystras. Originally erected in 1249, it was occupied by the Byzantines, Turks and Venetians before being abandoned in 1832. The incredible medieval ruins remain. [B,L] Special Experience: We’ll cook up a Greek feast with a hands-on lesson at a local family restaurant. Day 18. Sparta - Olympia - Nafpaktos We visit the home of the Olympics Olympia, before arriving in the fortified city of Nafpaktos this afternoon. [B] Day 19. Nafpaktos Special Experience: From the village of Diakopto, we’ll embark on a train journey along the 19th century Odontotos Rack Railway through the stunning Vouraikos Gorge. [B] Day 20. Nafpaktos - Delphi - Kalambaka Delphi was considered to be the centre of the world by the ancient Greeks. This morning we enjoy a guided tour of its archaeological sites and famous museum. [B] Day 21. Kalambaka - Athens On our way to Athens, we stop to visit the

Pottery Artist, Turkey Marion Bunnik

Dates & Prices

Inclusions

Saudi Arabia travel:

2017 Start

Finish

Start

Finish

27-Apr

20-May

17-Aug

09-Sep

• Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included.

11-May

03-Jun

07-Sep

30-Sep

• Economy-class flight within Turkey

25-May 17-Jun

28-Sep

21-Oct

• 3-night Celestyal Greek Islands Cruise

15-Jun* 09-Jul

12-Oct

04-Nov

• Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour

20-Jul

12-Aug

*Please note: 15 Jun departure is a day longer due to flight schedule. For more details and up-to-date pricing see our website bunniktours.com.au Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $9,895 (low season) to $10,195 (high season) per person twin share. Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth Single supplement: From $1,900 Tour dates and length are subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure. Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

• All touring in air-conditioned vehicles • Shore excursions to Patmos, Rhodes & Santorini

transportation: Coach, ferry, plane & cruise

accommodation & meals: • 18 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 3-night Greek Islands cruise in an outside stateroom cabin • 21 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 10 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners • Drinks package whilst on board cruise

tour guides: • English-speaking, locally based tour director and guides

tips: • Tipping Made Easy, $240pp AUD prepaid

impressive clifftop monasteries of magical Meteora. Monks have been settled on these ‘columns of the sky’ since the 11th century. They are regarded as the perfect place to achieve absolute isolation in order to attain peace and harmony. [B] Day 22. Athens Today we discover the highlights of Greece’s capital. Our sightseeing will include the famous Acropolis and its magnificent Parthenon, as well as Erechtheion Temple and the lively Plaka district. Tonight we enjoy a group farewell dinner. [B,D] Day 23. Depart Athens Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 24. Arrive in Australia

Cappadocia, Turkey Marion Bunnik

32

Small Group Touring Turkey in Depth

Istanbul Dennis Bunnik

days:

TURKEY IN DEPTH

20

from

6,695pp

$

Flights Included

From ancient history and fascinating landscapes, to magical cities and delicious food, experience the many sides to captivating Turkey on an in-depth journey from Istanbul to Gallipoli, via Cappadocia, Kaş and Ephesus.

Highlights • Visit the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and colourful bazaars of Istanbul • Pay homage to the Anzacs at the battlefields and memorials of Gallipoli • Explore the fascinating underground cities of Cappadocia • See the incredible ‘fairy chimneys’ of the Göreme Valley • Visit Ephesus, the largest Roman city ever uncovered • See ancient Pamukkale and Pergamum • Relax on the Turkish coast in the picturesque fishing village of Kaş

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Istanbul Welcome to magical Istanbul, the city where East meets West, at the border of Asia and Europe. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director tonight for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Istanbul Today we discover Istanbul’s many highlights. Starting at the famous Basilica Cistern, we’ll see the largest of the several hundred cisterns that lie beneath the city. We’ll then visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and take to the water for a cruise along the Bosphorus, before exploring the Spice Bazaar. Tonight we enjoy a group welcome dinner at a local restaurant. [B,D] Special Experience: Taste some Turkish delicacies. Think baklava and Turkish coffee, and of course, Turkish delight! Day 4. Istanbul - Cappadocia This morning we visit the beautiful Blue Mosque a true icon of this city - plus the opulent Topkapi Palace. In the afternoon we fly to incredible Cappadocia. [B,D] Day 5. Cappadocia We visit the Ihlara Valley this morning, known for its many cave churches and dwellings that run along the 14 kilometre canyon. We then travel to Zelve, the centre of Christianity between the 9th and 13th centuries. [B,D] Day 6. Cappadocia Greet the day in enchanting Cappadocia. Today we visit the hidden monastic valley of Paşabaği and a traditional carpet factory to learn about the beautiful Turkish carpets. This afternoon we

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

20

explore the Göreme Valley, situated amongst the ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations. [B,D] Day 7. Cappadocia This morning we explore the small village of Avanos, famous for its ceramics, and visit one of Cappadocia’s fascinating underground cities. [B,L] Special Experience: Visit a local family and learn to prepare some of the local culinary specialties. Day 8. Cappadocia - Konya - Beyşehir Today we travel to Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum and learn about the mystical religious sect known as the Whirling Dervishes. Further west lies the Anatolian town of Beyşehir, located on the lake shore with a beautiful backdrop of the Taurus Mountains. [B,L] Day 9. Beyşehir - Antalya We begin the day at Esrefoglu Mosque, a mostly wooden structure built in the 13th century, then take a short drive to Eflatun Pinar, a Hittite spring sanctuary (pool monument) dating back to the late Bronze Age. We continue south to Antalya, where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. [B] Day 10. Antalya A full day ahead for us to explore the ancient ruins of Perge, see Aspendos, the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world, and visit the magnificent Duden Waterfalls. [B] Day 11. Antalya - Kaş Travelling along the Turkish coastline, we stop at the ancient Rhodian city of Phaselis. In the afternoon we’ll arrive in the fishing village of Kaş, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to rest and relax. [B] Day 12. Kaş Special Experience: Enjoy a leisurely day

Abkhazia

Small Group Touring Turkey in Depth

33

Cappadocia Annelieke Huijgens

Istanbul (2,2) 4

Gallipoli

Göreme Valley

1 Çanakkale

Troy

TURKEY

Cappadocia 4

Pergamum Ephesus Kuşadasi 2

Pamukkale 1 Beyşehir 1 2

Konya

Antalya

2

Kaş

Blue Mosque, Istanbul Erkan Karpuz

Dates & Prices

travel:

2017

EGYPT

Start

Finish

Start

Finish

27-Mar

15-Apr

21-Aug

09-Sep

• Return economy-class flights between Australia and Turkey. Taxes included.

24-Apr

13-May

11-Sep

30-Sep

• Economy-class flight within Turkey

15-May

03-Jun

02-Oct

21-Oct

05-Jun

24-Jun

• Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour

For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au

Day 13. Kaş - Pamukkale Today we explore the amazing landscape of Hierapolis, an ancient Greek city sitting on top of the site of Pamukkale. Over a period of 14,000 years, nature has created a unique grouping of hot springs that cascade over a cliff, forming calcium-rich pools. [B,D] Day 14. Pamukkale - Kuşadasi The town of Aphrodisias is named after Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. This beautiful city is one of the finest archaeological sites in Turkey and is famous for its School of Sculpture that dates back to Roman times. [B]

• All touring in air-conditioned vehicles • Full-day cruise on a Turkish gulet

Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $6,695 (low season) to $6,995 (high season) per person twin share.

transportation:

Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth

accommodation & meals:

Single supplement: From $1,050

cruising the beautiful Mediterranean coastline on board a Turkish gulet. Relax and soak up the sun and the spectacular coastal scenery. [B,L]

Inclusions

Tour dates and length are subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure. Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Day 15. Ephesus Excursion Step back in time as we visit Ephesus, the largest Roman city ever uncovered. We’ll walk through the streets, passing by the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis and the Sacred House of the Virgin Mary, where she is reputed to have spent her last days. [B]

Day 17. Çanakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul A day close to the hearts of many Australians. We make our way to Gallipoli to pay homage to the spirit of the Anzacs. We visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and the Allied and Turkish trenches. [B]

Day 16. Kuşadasi - Çanakkale Today we visit the ancient city of Pergamum, once ruled by Alexander the Great. We then continue to Troy, where the legend of the wooden horse was born. [B,D]

Day 18. Istanbul Welcome back to bustling Istanbul, where there is still so much to see. Today we enjoy a walking tour through the historic neighbourhoods of Fener and Balat, as well

Coach, boat, gulet & ferry

• 17 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 17 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 7 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides: • English-speaking, locally based tour director and guide

tips: • Tipping Made Easy, $185pp AUD prepaid

Need some inspiration? Read our travel stories on bunniktours.com.au/blog

as visiting the bustling Grand Bazaar. Tonight we enjoy a group farewell dinner. [B,D] Day 19. Depart Istanbul Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 20. Arrive in Australia

34

Small Group Touring Italy & Greece

Venice, Italy Emily Fraser

days:

ITALY & GREECE

New Tour

from

23 10,995pp $

Flights Included

A stunning journey across the Mediterranean countries of Italy and Greece. Discover imperial ancient cities, explore charming villages and admire the changing landscapes as we travel across the countryside from Rome to Athens. Get a taste for the Tuscan life, experience the romance of Venice and visit the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora.

Highlights • Tour the eternal city of Rome and discover the treasures of the Vatican • Discover the art and history of the renaissance city of Florence • Experience the romance of Venice • Visit the tiny, land-locked country of San Marino • See the amazing clifftop monasteries of Meteora • Discover ancient Delphi

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive Rome Welcome to vibrant Italy and the beautiful Eternal City of Rome. Meet your travelling companions and tour director for a welcome cocktail this evening. Day 3. Rome This morning we explore Imperial Rome. Highlights include the Roman Forum, the Capitol and the Colosseum (fast-track entry). The afternoon is at leisure before tonight’s group welcome dinner. [B,D] Day 4. Rome Discover majestic Vatican City this morning (fast-track entry). We’ll visit the Museum, the breathtaking Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica - all containing works of art and sculptures by Michelangelo. [B] Day 5. Rome - Tuscany Today we travel north to the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany, where we’ll spend the next 3 nights in a charming Tuscan villa. Stopping en route, we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed towns of Siena and San Gimignano. [B] Day 6. Florence Excursion We visit the renaissance city of Florence today. Our tour this morning commences at the grand Piazza del Duomo, where we see the Cathedra, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery. No visit to Florence is complete without seeing the statue of David at the Academia. [B] Day 7. Tuscany Enjoy the morning at leisure to relax and soak up the picturesque surroundings. [B,D]

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Special Experience: We’ll take a cooking class and enjoy the typical Tuscan fare for dinner. Day 8. Tuscany - La Spezia Sit back and enjoy the beautiful Tuscan countryside as we travel to Pisa, home to one of Europe’s most iconic structures - the Leaning Tower. This afternoon we’ll head towards the coast and the stunning Cinque Terre. [B] Day 9. Cinque Terre Excursion Special Experience: We spend a full day exploring some of Italy’s most photographed coastline, discovering some of the five colourful villages that make up the Cinque Terre. Clinging to steep terraces, the villages and ancient vineyards are linked by paths, trains and boats and cannot be accessed by car, making this a truly unique area. [B,L] Day 10. La Spezia - Venice Today we travel through the northern Italian countryside to Venice, via the fair city of Verona, made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. [B] Day 11. Venice A place like no other, a day exploring Venice will leave lasting memories. Today’s highlights include Piazza San Marco and the Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and a visit to a traditional glass-blowing factory. [B] Day 12. Venice - Bologna After breakfast, we depart for Bologna, famous for its cuisine and characterised by its red-brick palazzi, towers and lengthy porticos. [B] Day 13. Bologna - Overnight Ferry This morning we cross the border into the tiny yet stunning European country of San Marino. Castles and villages cling to the clifftops and it is in fact the world’s oldest sovereign state. We continue to

Small Group Touring Italy & Greece Local Tavern, Greece Jorge Cancela

Verona 2 Venice Cinque Terre Bologna 1 San Marino 2 Ancona 3 Pisa

San Gimignano Siena

35

Tuscan Villa Stay (1)

Rome 3 ITALY

Ioannina

a

Igoumenitsa

2

GREECE

Meteora 2 Kalambaka

Delphi Aegina

4 Athens

Poros

Hydra

Dates & Prices TUNISIA 1

1

LIBYA

Hydra, Greece Mike Norton

the port town of Ancona, where we board an overnight ferry to Greece. [B] Day 14. Igoumenitsa - Ioannina Once we arrive in Greece, we’ll travel to the nearby town of Ioannina. A beautiful islet sits in the middle of the Lake Pamvotida and we take a boat out to explore it. In the afternoon we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the city and its castle. [B] Day 15. Ioannina We spend the day getting back to nature in the stunning Zagori region. We’ll explore some of the 48 picturesque villages that make up this area and in Monodendri we’ll visit the monastery for incredible views of Vikos Gorge. [B] Day 16. Ioannina - Kalambaka Today we travel to Kalambaka. We’ll stop in Metsovo, a stunning village perched high on the side of a mountain, along the way. [B] Day 17. Kalambaka This morning we visit the impressive clifftop monasteries of Meteora, affectionately known as the “rocks that fell from the sky”. [B] Day 18. Kalambaka - Delphi - Athens On our way to Athens, we visit Delphi, considered by the ancient Greeks to be the centre of the world. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological ruins and museum. [B] Day 19. Athens After breakfast, we discover the diversity of Athens on a city tour. Highlights include the ancient Acropolis and the magnificent

1

2017

Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay

M e d i t e r r a n e a n S eyour a deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms Start

Finish

02-May 24-May

Start

05-Sep

27-Sep

30-May 21-Jun

26-Sep

18-Oct

11-Jul

Finish

02-Aug

For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $10,995 (low season) to $11,495 (high season) per person twin share. Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth Single supplement: From $2,150

& conditions see page 71.

Inclusions travel: EGYPT

• Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included. • Overnight ferry from Ancona to Igoumenitsa • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour

Tour dates and length are subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure.

• All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended.

Coach, train, ferry & boat

For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

transportation: accommodation & meals: • 16 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 3 nights in a Tuscan villa

Parthenon. We’ll also wander through the Thisio, Monastiraki and Plaka districts to get a taste of the local atmosphere. [B] Day 20. Athens Special Experience: Spend an incredible day cruising the Saronic Gulf and exploring the islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. [B,L] Day 21. Athens Today we visit the famous Corinth Canal, separating the Peloponnese from Mainland Greece. We’ll also admire the best-preserved theatre of Ancient Greece, the Sanctuary of Asklepio in Epidaurus. Enjoy some free time in the delightful seaside town of Nafplion before we return to Athens. [B,D] Special Experience: Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner with a traditional cooking demonstration and traditional Greek dances. Day 22. Depart Athens Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 23. Arrive in Australia

• 1 night aboard the overnight ferry from Ancona to Igoumenitsa in an outside cabin with private facilities • 20 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides: • English-speaking, locally based tour directors and guides

tips: • Tipping Made Easy, $230pp AUD prepaid

On Facebook? Like our page to keep up-to-date with all the latest travel news.

36

Small Group Touring Southern Italy, Sicily & Malta

Alberobello, Italy Silvia Schweininger

SOUTHERN ITALY, SICILY & MALTA From the grand city of Rome to Malta, the ‘Jewel of the Mediterranean’, experience stunning landscapes, picturesque towns and incredible cuisine on a Mediterranean adventure. Along the way, we’ll explore the ancient city of Pompeii, discover the secrets of Sicily and soak up the sun on the Isle of Capri and the beautiful Amalfi Coast.

Highlights • Tour the sights of Rome • Discover amazing Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica • Visit the ancient city of Pompeii • Soak up the sun in Sorrento • Explore the picturesque towns of Lecce & Alberobello in Apulia • Visit Mt Etna, Europe’s largest volcano

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Rome Welcome to vibrant Italy and the beautiful Eternal City of Rome. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director for a welcome cocktail this evening. Day 3. Rome This morning we explore Imperial Rome. Highlights include the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, the Capitol and the Colosseum (fast-track entry), where gladiatorial contests and games were held along with mock sea battles and executions. The afternoon is at leisure before tonight’s group welcome dinner. [B,D] Day 4. Rome Discover majestic Vatican City this morning (fast-track entry). We’ll visit the amazing Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica - all containing works of art and sculptures by Michelangelo. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore at your own pace. [B] Day 5. Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento We travel to the stunning Bay of Naples and the town of Sorrento via the ancient city of Pompeii (fast-track entry). Buried under ash for centuries after the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79AD, it is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman civilisation. [B,D] Special Experience: Tonight we’ll enjoy an authentic Italian pizza-making class. Day 6. Isle of Capri Excursion After breakfast, we take the ferry to the island of Capri. A true jewel of the Mediterranean, Capri is known for its rugged seascape, café culture and brilliant bougainvillea. We tour the hilltop town

days:

from

23 10,395pp $

Flights Included

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

20

of Anacapri and have some time at leisure before returning to Sorrento in the late afternoon. [B] Day 7. Sorrento Special Experience: We’ll travel along the famous Amalfi Coast, through the stunning towns of Positano, Praiano and Amalfi, making several photo stops along the way! Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Sorrento. [B] Day 8. Sorrento - Alberobello On our way to Alberobello, we visit the 13th century UNESCO World Heritage-listed Castel del Monte in Andria. When we arrive in Alberobello, we’ll explore the heritage-listed town, famous for its unique limestone dwellings, on foot. [B] Special Experience: For the next two nights we’ll stay in one of the heritage-listed ‘Trulli’. Day 9. Alberobello The Grotte di Castellana began to form some 90 million years ago and is more than 3km long. We take a guided tour of this natural wonder to admire the incredible stalactites and stalagmites, fossils and canyons. We’ll also visit the seaside town of Polignano a Mare, home of the famous cave restaurant overlooking the sea, with some free time to explore. [B] Day 10. Alberobello - Lecce - Ostuni - Matera From Alberobello, we explore the ornate town of Lecce, characterised by its abundance of baroque architecture. This afternoon we discover the beautiful ‘White City’ of Ostuni, spread high on a hill just 8km from the coast. For the next two nights we’ll be staying in one of Matera’s impressive cave residences known as ‘Sassi’. [B] Day 11. Matera We begin the day with a walking tour of Matera before enjoying an afternoon at leisure. [B]

Small Group Touring Southern Italy, Sicily & Malta

Giardini Naxos, Sicily Dennis Bunnik

BULGARIA

Rome 3

ITALY Pompeii

Sorrento

3

Isle of Capri

Amalfi Coast

Polignano a Mare Alberobello Ostuni 2 2 Matera Lecce

37

Gallipoli

Palermo

SICILY

2

Mt Etna 1

Agrigento Gozo

2 Taormina

Kusadasi (2)

Giardini Naxos Pozzallo

4 Malta

Crete

M e d&i Prices t e r r a n e a n Early S e a Bird Deals Dates

Positano, Amalfi Coast Emily Fraser

TUNISIA 1

1

1

2017 Start

Finish

Start

Finish

17-Apr

09-May

10-Jul

01-Aug

24-Apr

16-May

28-Aug

19-Sep

01-May

23-May

04-Sep

26-Sep

08-May 30-May

11-Sep

03-Oct

22-May 13-Jun

18-Sep

10-Oct

05-Jun

27-Jun

25-Sep

17-Oct

26-Jun

18-Jul

02-Oct

24-Oct

For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $10,395 (low season) to $10,595 (high season) per person twin share.

Day 12. Matera - Giardini Naxos This morning we travel to Villa San Giovanni, where we board a ferry across the Strait of Messina to Sicily. Once we arrive in Sicily, we make our way along the coast to the charming resort town of Giardini Naxos on the coast of the Ionian Sea. [B] Day 13. Mt Etna & Taormina Excursion Today we visit Mt Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. In the afternoon, we visit the famous hillside town of Taormina, where we’ll stroll along the narrow streets, explore the 13th century Duomo and enjoy sweeping views over the Gulf of Naxos. [B] Day 14. Giardini Naxos - Palermo Travelling to Palermo, we stop in the charming seaside village of Cefalù and visit the Norman Basilica. [B] Day 15. Palermo Palermo, the capital of Sicily, has been invaded many times and this is evident in the many architectural styles that can be seen. We’ll visit the Moorish St John of the Hermits Church, the Norman Palace, and the Cathedral, characterised by its fusion of romanesque, baroque and gothic styles. [B] Day 16. Palermo - Agrigento Today we travel to Agrigento via Segesta, where we’ll visit its well-preserved 5th century Greek Doric temple. After lunch, we’ll explore Agrigento’s ‘Valley of the Temples’, including a visit to the Temples of Zeus. [B]

Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Inclusions travel: • Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included. • Ferry from Reggio Calabria to Sicily • Ferry from Pozzallo to Valletta • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth

transportation:

Single supplement: From $1,800

Coach, ferry & dghajsa

Tour dates and length are subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure.

accommodation & meals:

Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

Day 17. Agrigento - Malta We make our way along the coast, stopping to explore in the beautiful Ragusa region. Special Experience: Try the speciality “Cioccolato di Modica”, characterised by a grainy texture and aromatic flavour. This evening we cross the Mediterranean to the island of Malta. [B,D] Day 18. Malta Today we explore Malta’s capital, Valletta. Highlights include the Upper Barracca Gardens, St John Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace, and the Malta 5D Show. We’ll then board a traditional dghajsa for a cruise around Valletta’s harbour. [B] Day 19. Gozo We discover the tiny island of Gozo. Marvel at the rugged terrain, spectacular coastline and the famous Azure Window, a natural limestone arch formation, created after the collapse of two sea caves. [B,L]

• 19 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides: • English-speaking, locally based tour directors and guides

tips: • Tipping Made Easy, $230pp AUD prepaid

Special Experience: We visit an organic vineyard for wine tastings and a light lunch. Day 20. Malta We have a full day at leisure to enjoy the delightful island of Malta. This evening we explore Mdina. The city is at its most charming at dusk. Our guide will share tales as we wander the narrow streets, lit by old lanterns. Tonight we enjoy a group farewell dinner. [B,D] Day 21. Depart Malta Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 22. In Transit Day 23. Arrive in Australia

38

Small Group Touring Italy & France

Lake Como, Italy Dennis Bunnik

days:

ITALY & FRANCE

from

22 11,995pp $

Flights Included

Glorious history, stunning scenery and delicious food and wine await on a beautiful journey across Italy and France. Explore the grand cities of Paris and Rome and the picturesque coastline of the Cinque Terre. Take in the views across spectacular Lake Como, experience the glamour of the French Riviera, and indulge in the local produce of Parma, Tuscany and the Loire Valley.

Highlights • Step back in time discovering Imperial Rome • Admire the renaissance art and architecture of Florence • Relax in style in idyllic Lake Como • Enjoy wine tasting in the Loire Valley • See the quintessential sights of Paris

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Rome Welcome to vibrant Italy and the beautiful Eternal City of Rome. Meet your travelling companions and tour director for a welcome cocktail this evening. Day 3. Rome This morning we explore Imperial Rome. Highlights include the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, the Capitol and the Colosseum (fast-track entry), where gladiatorial contests and games were held along with mock sea battles and executions. The afternoon is at leisure before tonight’s group welcome dinner. [B,D] Day 4. Rome Discover majestic Vatican City this morning (fast-track entry). We’ll visit the amazing Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica - all containing works of art and sculptures by Michelangelo. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore at your own pace. [B] Day 5. Rome - Florence Today we travel north to the home of the renaissance, Florence. Stopping en route, we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed towns of Siena and San Gimignano. [B,D] Special Experience: This evening we’ll enjoy a typical Tuscan dinner at Agriturismo. Day 6. Florence Our city tour today commences at the grand Piazza del Duomo, where we see the Cathedral of Florence, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery home of Ghiberti’s bronze ‘Gate of Paradise’. No

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visit to Florence is complete without seeing the statue of David, and we’ll end the morning at the Piazzale Michelangelo, offering panoramic views over Florence. [B] Day 7. Florence - La Spezia Sit back and enjoy the beautiful Tuscan countryside as we travel to Pisa, home to one of Europe’s most iconic structures - the Leaning Tower. This afternoon we’ll head towards the coast and the stunning Cinque Terre. [B] Day 8. Cinque Terre Excursion Special Experience: We spend a full day exploring some of Italy’s most photographed coastline, discovering some of the five colourful villages that make up the Cinque Terre. Clinging to steep terraces, the villages and ancient vineyards are linked by paths, trains and boats and cannot be accessed by car, making this a truly unique area. [B] Day 9. La Spezia - Lake Como The birthplace of parmesan cheese and prosciutto, we’ll stop in the stylish city of Parma to taste the local delicacies. In the afternoon we’ll arrive in the idyllic Italian Lake District at stunning Lake Como. [B] Day 10. Lake Como Enjoy a walking tour of Como before we ride the funicular railway to enjoy the views from high above the picturesque city. The afternoon is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy! [B] Day 11. Lake Como - Cannes Departing Como, we cross the French border and make our way along the stunning Côte d’Azur to Cannes, home of the illustrious Cannes Film Festival. [B] Day 12. Nice & Monte Carlo Excursion Just a short ride along the coast, we’ll make our

Small Group Touring Italy & France

39

Sweet tooth heaven Dennis Bunnik

Paris 2

Loire Valley 2

TGV Train

Beaujolais

2 Lake Como

1 Lyon FRANCE

Parma

Cinque Terre

La Spezia Nice & 2 2 Florence 3 Monte Pisa Carlo Aix-en-Provence San Siena Cannes Gimignano Avignon

2

3

ITALY

Rome

Paris, France Dennis Bunnik

Sardinia

Ionian Sea

Early Bird Deals

Start

Finish

Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

11-Sep

02-Oct

Dates & Prices

Tyrrhenian Sea

2017 Start Strait of Sicily

Sicily Finish

29-May 19-Jun 19-Jun

10-Jul

MALTA

For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au

Mediterranean Sea

Price including airfares from Australia is from $11,995 per person twin share.

TU N I S I A

Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth Single supplement: From $2,450 Tour dates and length are subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure. Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

first stop in the seaside city of Nice, an appealing mix of 19th century opulence, café culture and sunshine. We then visit glamourous Monte Carlo in the tiny Principality of Monaco, known for its casino, Grand Prix and royal family. [B] Day 13. Cannes A day at leisure on the beautiful French Riviera. [B] Day 14. Cannes - Avignon We travel inland through the stunning countryside of Provence to Avignon, stopping for some time at leisure in picturesque Aix-en-Provence. This afternoon we’ll visit the Pont du Gard, the Palace of the Popes and the Saint-Benezet Bridge. [B] Day 15. Avignon Enjoy the morning at leisure to discover more of Avignon. Special Experience: We explore one of the most famous wine regions in the world, centred around the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. We discover ancient vineyards, learn about the wine-making process and taste the famous red wine. [B] Day 16. Avignon - Lyon We travel to sophisticated Lyon, France’s

third-largest city. Our afternoon’s sightseeing tour includes the Roman District, Vieux Lyon, the silk district and the Presqu’île. [B] Day 17. Lyon - Loire Valley Á votre santé! Today we make our way to the beautiful Loire Valley, where wines such as sauvignon blanc and chenin blanc originated. We’ll enjoy a wine tasting experience in Beaujolais. [B,L] Day 18. Loire Valley Special Experience: Fairytale castles, towers, turrets, moats, drawbridges and landscaped gardens - the Loire Valley is perhaps the most romantic region in France. We visit two of the famous chateaux in the region - Chateau Chambord and Chateau Amboise. [B] Day 19. Loire Valley - Paris We transfer to the train station and travel on the famous TGV to the beautiful city of Paris! Our orientation tour here includes the quintessential Parisian icons - the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Panthéon in the Latin Quarter. We’ll travel along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde and end the day looking out over the city from the Eiffel Tower’s second level. [B]

Inclusions travel: • Return economy-class flights between Australia and Europe. Taxes included. • TGV train from Loire Valley to Paris • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

transportation: Coach, TGV train & funicular

accommodation & meals: • 19 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides: • English-speaking, locally based tour director and guides

tips: • Tipping Made Easy, $235pp AUD prepaid

Day 20. Paris A full day at leisure in the fabulous city of Paris. Tonight we enjoy a group farewell dinner. [B,D] Day 21. Depart Paris Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 22. Arrive in Australia

Understanding the map For a detailed map legend go to pg 71.

40

Small Group Touring Spain & France

Chateau de Chenonceau, France Benh Lieu Song

days:

SPAIN & FRANCE

27

from

11,495pp

$

Flights Included

Discover the very best of captivating France and the highlights of passionate Spain, travelling from Madrid to Barcelona, via Bordeaux, Paris and Cannes. Enjoy wine tasting in the Loire Valley, pay a moving visit to the battlefields of northern France, explore picturesque Provence and meander along the laneways of medieval Carcassonne.

Highlights • Explore the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao • Wine taste in Bordeaux • Visit the WWI Australian War Memorial at VillersBretonneux • See the iconic sights of Paris • Tour Nice, Monte Carlo & Cannes on the French Riviera • Enjoy Barcelona & Gaudi’s architectural marvels

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Madrid Welcome to Madrid! The capital of the Spanish empire, it was once the richest and most powerful city in the world. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director for a welcome cocktail this evening. Day 3. Madrid Overflowing with palaces, museums and grand squares, Madrid is a truly majestic city. Today we see the highlights on a city tour, before a group welcome dinner this evening. [B,D] Day 4. Madrid - Bilbao Heading north, we travel to the city of Burgos and visit the 13th century cathedral. We’ll arrive in Bilbao this afternoon. [B] Day 5. Bilbao Our day begins at the top of Mt Artxanda for spectacular views over the city. Our morning city tour includes the Santiago Cathedral, Plaza Nueva and Mercado de la Ribera. We also explore Frank Gehry’s famous Guggenheim Museum, home to one of the world’s largest art collections. [B] Day 6. Bilbao - Pamplona We travel to the colourful beachside town of San Sebastian for a short city tour and a cable car ride to the top of Igueldo Mountain. This afternoon we’ll continue to Pamplona, famous for the ‘Running of the Bulls’. [B] Day 7. Pamplona - Bordeaux Our sightseeing in Pamplona includes a visit to the 16th century Ciudadela, the city walls and the famous parks and gardens. Later we cross the

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border into France and travel through the wine region of Bordeaux. [B] Day 8. Bordeaux We explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Bordeaux on a city tour this morning. After lunch, we visit the historic town of St-Emilion and enjoy a tasting at one of the local ‘chateaux’. [B] Day 9. Bordeaux - Loire Valley We travel north to the picturesque Loire Valley, where it is said that the locals speak the ‘purest’ form of French. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to take in the beautiful surroundings. [B] Day 10 Loire Valley Special Experience: Fairytale castles, moats and landscaped gardens - the Loire Valley is perhaps the most romantic region in France. We visit some of the famous chateaux in the region - Chateau Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau. We’ll also taste some of the wines for which the region is famous. [B] Day 11. Loire Valley - Caen Our journey continues to Normandy via Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed settlement on a tiny island just off the coast. This afternoon we’ll arrive in Caen, the final resting place of William the Conqueror. [B] Day 12. Caen A day close to the hearts of many Australians - we visit the D-Day beaches. We also stop in Bayeux to see the famous ancient tapestry depicting Battle of Hastings in 1066. [B] Day 13. Caen - Villers-Bretonneux - Amiens Today we visit the small town of Villers-Bretonneux which was recaptured by the Allied Forces in WWI after 24 hours of German control, at the cost of more than 1,200 Australian lives. [B]

ic n

NETH.

Small Group Touring Spain & France CZECH REP.

Amiens 1

Mont Caen 2 Saint-Michel

UKRAINE

Villers-Bretonneux

Giverny

SLOVAKIA Bratislava

Vienna

3

Paris

FRANCE

AUSTRIA

2

Loire Valley

Bordeaux 2 San Sebastian

Lyon

SaintÉmilion

2

1

1

Pamplona

BOSNIA & HERZ.

Venice

SERBIA

Grasse

2

Carcassonne

HUNGARYBudapest ROMANIA

CROATIA SLOVENIA

Avignon

Bilbao 2

41

Aix-enProvence

2

Nice &

Monte Carlo

Adriatic Sea

Cannes

MONTENEGRO KOSOVO MACEDONIA ALBANIA

SPAIN

2 Barcelona

GREECE

Madrid 2

Avignon, France Dennis Bunnik

Tyrrhenian Sea

Special Experience: We pay tribute to the many lives lost, at the VillersBretonneux Australian War Memorial. Day 14. Amiens - Giverny - Paris Special Experience: We drive to the town of Giverny to visit the former GIBRALTAR Strait of Gilbraltar home and stunning gardens of impressionist painter, Claude Monet. SP. We’ll have some time here to enjoy this wonderful setting. [B] Day 15. Paris Greet the day in the grand city of Paris. Our sightseeing includes the quintessential Parisian sights - the Louvre, Notre Dame MOROCCO A L travel GERIA Cathedral and the Panthéon. We’ll along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde and end the day at the Eiffel Tower. [B] Special Experience: As part of our city tour, we’ll visit one of the many Parisian crêperies and try this delicious French pancake! Day 16. Paris A full day at leisure in fabulous Paris. Why not explore the character-filled Left Bank, visit one of the museums or sample the delights of the many delicious patisseries. [B] Day 17. Paris - Lyon Today we travel south through the wine region of Burgundy to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Lyon. [B] Day 18. Lyon Our sightseeing tour of the city this morning includes the Roman District, Vieux Lyon, the silk district and the Presqu’île. The afternoon is at leisure. [B] Day 19. Lyon - Cannes We travel to Cannes via a section of the Napoleon Route, known for its spectacular mountain setting, stopping along the way in the towns of Sisteron and Grasse. [B] Special Experience: We’ll indulge our senses with a visit to the historic Fragonard Parfumerie. Day 20. Nice & Monte Carlo Excursion Just a short ride along the stunning coast of the Côte d’Azur, we’ll make our first stop in the seaside city of Nice, an appealing mix of 19th century opulence, café culture and sunshine. We then visit glamorous Monte Carlo in the tiny Principality of Monaco, known for its casino, Grand Prix and royal family. [B]

Ionian Sea

Early Bird Deals

Dates & Prices Strait of Sicily

2017

Sicily

Start

Finish

Start

Finish

24-Apr

20-May

04-Sep

30-Sep MALTA

15-May

10-Jun

25-Sep

21-Oct

For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au Price including airfares from Australia is from $11,495 per person TUtwin N I S Ishare. A Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth Single supplement: From $2,750

Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Inclusions

Mediterranean Sea

travel: • Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included. • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour

Tour dates and length are subject to change L I B Y A • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles depending on airline schedules and your city transportation: of departure. Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

Coach & cable car

accommodation & meals: • 24 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 24 breakfasts and group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides: Day 21. Cannes - Avignon We travel inland through the stunning provincial countryside to Aix-en-Provence, where we stop with some free time to explore the town. We’ll continue to Avignon this afternoon. [B] Day 22. Avignon This morning we visit the Pont du Gard, a masterpiece of ancient Roman engineering. This afternoon we’ll tour the city, visiting the Palace of the Popes and the Saint-Benezet Bridge. [B] Day 23. Avignon - Carcassonne We explore the narrow streets and laneways of fortified Carcassonne, one of the bestpreserved medieval cities in Europe. [B] Day 24. Carcassonne - Barcelona We bid au revoir to France and cross the border back into Spain, where we travel to cosmopolitan Barcelona. Our afternoon’s sightseeing includes Güell Park, the Gothic Quarter and Montjuic Mountain. [B] Day 25. Barcelona After breakfast we continue to explore more of Gaudi’s Barcelona, visiting the famous La

• English-speaking, locally based tour director and guides

tips: • Tipping Made Easy, $235pp AUD prepaid

Sagrada Familia and stopping at Casa Batllo and Casa Mila. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before tonight’s group farewell dinner. [B,D] Day 26. Depart Barcelona Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 27. Arrive in Australia

Need some inspiration? Read our travel stories on bunniktours.com.au/blog

42

Small Group Touring Northern Spain & Portugal

Jeronimos Monastery, Lisbon Dennis Bunnik

NORTHERN SPAIN & PORTUGAL From cosmopolitan cities and inspiring architecture to beautiful beaches and charming local villages, discover the delights of northern Spain and Portugal on this in-depth adventure. Enjoy the mountains, coastlines and countryside as we make our way from Barcelona to Madrid via Andorra, Lisbon and the Algarve.

Highlights • Admire Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona • Explore the tiny country of Andorra, nestled high in the Pyrenees Mountains • Look out over San Sebastian from the summit of Igueldo Mountain • Visit the culmination point of the famous ‘Camino de Santiago’ pilgrimage route, Santiago de Compostela • Tour the city of Lisbon • Relax in the Algarve

days:

New Tour

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Barcelona Welcome to Spain and the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director for a welcome cocktail this evening. Day 3. Barcelona Today we explore Barcelona, visiting its most famous sights. Our sightseeing includes La Sagrada Familia, Plaza Catalunya, the Plaza San Jaume and Montjuic Mountain. Tonight we enjoy a group welcome dinner at a local restaurant. [B,D] Day 4. Barcelona This morning we get acquainted with Antonio Gaudi’s Barcelona. See the incredible Casa Batllo, Casa Mila and visit Güell Park. [B] Day 5. Barcelona - Andorra After breakfast, we depart for the principality of Andorra, a scenic mini-country nestled in the middle of the Pyrenees Mountains. We’ll discover the highlights on a tour this afternoon. [B] Day 6. Andorra - San Sebastian Sit back and enjoy the beautiful Spanish scenery as we travel west to the Bay of Biscay and the beachside town of San Sebastian. [B] Day 7. San Sebastian Stunning San Sebastian is famous for its pintxos (tapas) and golden beaches and today we’ll get to experience both. We begin the day with a city tour and ride the cable car to the top of Igueldo Mountain for beautiful panoramic views. The afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the beach and soak up the sun. Special Experience: Taste Txakoli, the region’s

from

25 10,195pp $

Flights Included

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

20

famous dry white wine which pairs perfectly with a side of pintxos. [B] Day 8. San Sebastian - Bilbao This morning we make the short trip to Bilbao, the Basque Country’s largest city and a delightful mix of tradition and modernity. Our city tour includes the Santiago Cathedral, Plaza Nueva and Mercado de la Ribera. We’ll also make our way to the top of Mt Artxanda for spectacular city views. [B] Day 9. Bilbao Today we explore Frank Gehry’s celebrated Guggenheim Museum. The building’s incredible exterior isn’t the only thing to see - the museum is also home to one of the world’s largest art collections. [B] Day 10. Bilbao - Oviedo We depart Bilbao and continue west, following the northern Spanish coastline to the delightful town of Oviedo. Famous for its historic old quarter with a distinct medieval flavour, it’s the perfect place for exploring on foot. [B] Day 11. Oviedo - Santiago de Compostela Our next destination is, the historic Santiago de Compostela, the culmination point of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, and the supposed burial site of the apostle St James. [B] Day 12. Santiago de Compostela After breakfast, we discover the Galician capital on a city tour. Highlights include the famous Cathedral (home to the remains of St James), the surrounding squares of Obradoiro, Quintana, Inmaculada and Praterías, and the historic rúas. [B] Day 13. Santiago de Compostela Special Experience: Today we walk part of the centuries-old pilgrimage route, the famous “Camino de Santiago”. [B,D]

FRANCE

Atlantic Ocean

AUSTRIA

HUNGARYBudapestROMANIA

LIECH.

Small Group Touring Northern Spain & Portugal SWITZERLAND CROATIA

43

SLOVENIA

The Algarve, Portugal Jerome Bon

BOSNIA & HERZ.

Venice

Santiago de Compostela 3

Oviedo

SAN MARINO

San Sebastián

1

2

MONACO

2

Bilbao Andorra 1

Porto 2 PORTUGAL

Aveiro

Coimbra 1 Sintra Lisbon 2

SERBIA

ITALY

Adriatic Sea

MONTENEGRO KOSOVO

ALBANIA

Madrid

Barcelona 3

GREECE

2

Tyrrhenian Sea 1

MACEDONIA

Corsica

Ionian Sea

Sardinia

Évora

SPAIN

2

The Algarve

Sicily

Strait of Sicily

MALTA

Mediterranean Sea Day 14. Santiago de Compostela - Porto This morning we cross the border into Portugal and travel to colourful Porto. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in one of Europe’s oldest cities. [B] Day 15. Porto Our day begins with a city tour to discover the Ribeira Quarter and visit St Francisco Church and the famous Stock Exchange Palace, Palácio da Bolsa. Special Experience: We learn how port is made and get to taste it at one of the city’s many producers. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Douro River this afternoon. [B] Day 16. Porto - Coimbra We travel south, stopping in beautiful Aveiro, the “Portuguese Venice”. We’ll enjoy a tour and have some free time for lunch before departing for Coimbra. Nestled on the river, this charming university town was once Portugal’s capital. [B] Day 17. Coimbra - Lisbon Today we travel to Lisbon, stopping along the way at the coastal town of Nazaré and the medieval walled village of Óbidos. [B] Day 18. Lisbon This morning we discover captivating Lisbon. Our sightseeing tour includes Park Edward VII and Rossio Square. We continue to Belém, where we’ll find the Statue of Columbus, Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Special Experience: Taste the famous Portuguese custard tart at Antiga Confeitaria. We also visit the beautifully intricate Jeronimus Monastery. The rest of the day is at leisure. [B] Day 19. Lisbon - The Algarve Portugal’s breathtaking southern coast awaits. Today we travel to the Algarve, famous for its golden beaches, incredible coastline and cheerful villages. Along the way we’ll stop in picturesque Sintra, set amongst lush forests and overflowing with exotic gardens and palaces. Here we’ll tour the Manueline-style National Palace. [B] Day 20. The Algarve Today we’ll explore some of the lesser known towns in the region, spending time in Tavira, Faro and Olhao, the Algarve’s biggest fishing port with a great market. [B]

Dates & Prices

TU N I S I A

travel:

2017 Start

Finish

Start

Finish

08-May 01-Jun

A L 12-Oct GERIA 18-Sep

22-May 15-Jun

02-Oct

26-Jun

Inclusions

26-Oct

21-Jul

For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au

• Return economy-class flights from L I B YTaxes A Australia to Europe. included. • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

transportation:

Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $10,195 (low season) to $10,795 (high season) per person twin share.

Coach, cable car & river cruise boat

Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth

• 22 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star)

Single supplement: From $1,850

• 22 breakfasts and 3 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

Tour dates and length are subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure. Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

accommodation & meals:

tour guides: • English-speaking, locally based tour director and guides

tips: • Tipping Made Easy, $280pp AUD prepaid

Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao Jane Mackay

Day 21. The Algarve - Evora Our next destination is the historic town of Evora, a significant centre for both trade and religion in years gone by. Founded by the Romans and later fortified by the Moors, the city has a diverse mix of architecture and attractions. [B] Day 22. Evora - Madrid We cross the border back into Spain and wind our way through the beautiful Spanish countryside to Madrid. [B] Day 23. Madrid Overflowing with palaces, museums and grand squares, Madrid is a truly majestic city. Today we see the highlights on a city tour. This evening we enjoy a group farewell dinner. [B,D]

Day 24. Depart Madrid Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 25. Arrive in Australia

44

Small Group Touring Spain, Portugal & Morocco

Granada, Spain Frank Bunnik

SPAIN, PORTUGAL & MOROCCO A cultural adventure across three vibrant countries, pulsating with colour, energy and life. Explore ancient civilisations and medieval towns, marvel at unique architecture and stunning palaces, haggle in lively medinas and indulge in delicious local cuisine.

Highlights • Visit vibrant Barcelona & admire Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces • See the stunning Alhambra Palace & Generalife Gardens in Granada • Explore the buzzing medinas of Fez & Marrakesh • Visit the beautiful Coimbra library • Discover the sights of cosmopolitan Lisbon • Relax on a Douro River cruise in Porto • Tour majestic Madrid

days:

from

26 10,395pp $

Flights Included

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

20

Itinerary

beautifully manicured Generalife Gardens, former place of leisure for the kings of Granada. [B]

Day 1. Depart Australia

Day 8. Granada - Tangier Our first stop today is the town of Ronda, one of Andalusia’s famous ‘white’ villages. We then cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco by ferry. This evening we’ll tour Tangier, including a visit to the Sultan’s Palace. [B,D]

Day 2. Arrive in Barcelona Welcome to Spain and the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director for a welcome cocktail this evening. Day 3. Barcelona Today we get acquainted with Antonio Gaudi’s Barcelona. Visit the incredible La Sagrada Familia and see Casa Batllo and Casa Mila. Tonight we enjoy a group welcome dinner at a local restaurant. [B,D] Day 4. Barcelona After breakfast, we continue to explore Barcelona. Our sightseeing includes Güell Park, Plaza Catalunya, the Gothic Quarter, Plaza San Jaume and Montjuic Mountain. The afternoon is at leisure. [B] Day 5. Barcelona - Valencia We head south to the friendly coastal town of Valencia, the birthplace of paella. After free time for lunch, we’ll take a tour of the old city to see the historic bell tower, cathedral and the lively streets of Barrio de Carmen. [B] Day 6. Valencia - Granada Sit back and enjoy the scenery as we travel across the Spanish countryside to the historic city of Granada, rich with Moorish influences and set against the spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Ranges. [B,D] Special Experience: We’ll meet this evening for traditional Spanish tapas. Day 7. Granada We visit the famous Alhambra Palace and the

Day 9. Tangier - Meknes - Fez Travelling to Fez, we visit the impressive ruins of Volubilis, once an important Roman city, dating back to the 3rd century BC. We also stop at the Bab el Mansour Gate and the lively old medina in Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. [B,D] Day 10. Fez Fez is another of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Today we explore the narrow lanes of the heritage-listed medina and view the impressive Karaouine Mosque, Medersa Attarine. [B,L] Day 11. Fez - Marrakesh We travel to the magical ‘Rose City’, Marrakesh, via the quaint town of Beni Mellal, situated at the foot of the Middle Atlas Mountains. [B,D] Day 12. Marrakesh The ‘Jewel of the South’, Marrakesh is the real heartbeat of Morocco. Here we visit the Saadian Tombs and the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Art. We’ll take a Moroccan cooking lesson, then enjoy the food we’ve prepared for lunch. [B,L,D] Special Experience: We’ll make our way through buzzing Jemaa-el-Fnaa Square to enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner. Day 13. Marrakesh - Casablanca - Rabat We tour Humphrey Bogart’s old stomping ground, Casablanca, where highlights include the central market, Hassan II Mosque and Ain Diab Esplanade.

BOSNIA & HERZ.

Venice

Biscay

SERBIA

Small Group Touring Spain, Portugal & Morocco SAN MARINO MONACO Gulf of Lions

Barcelona

Salamanca

Aveiro

1

MACEDONI ALBANIA

3

Coimbra 2 Cascais 2 Lisbon

Adriatic Sea

Corsica

Porto 2 PORTUGAL

ITALY

Aveiro, Portugal Dennis Bunnik

45

MONTENEGRO KOSOVO

GREECE

2

Madrid

Sintra

Tyrrhenian Sea

1 Valencia

Evora

Ionian Sea

Sardinia

SPAIN Seville

2 2

Mediterranean Sea

Granada

Sicily

Strait of Sicily

Ronda Tangier 1 Rabat Casablanca

1

MALTA

Volubilis 2 Fez

Mediterranean Sea

Meknes

M O RO C C O

TU N I S I A

Marrakesh 2

L I BYA

ALGERIA After lunch, we’ll continue to Rabat and visit the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum. [B,D] Day 14. Rabat - Seville Today we return to Spain via ferry and travel north to the grand city of Seville. [B] Day 15. Seville Our morning sightseeing tour includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Royal Alcazar and the historic Jewish Santa Cruz. The afternoon is at leisure. [B] Day 16. Seville - Lisbon Crossing the border into Portugal, we stop to explore historic Evora, a beautifully preserved medieval town. We’ll arrive in Lisbon in the early evening. [B] Day 17. Lisbon Today we discover captivating Lisbon. Our sightseeing tour includes Park Edward VII, and Rossio Square. We continue to Belém, where we’ll find the Statue of Columbus, Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Special Experience: Taste the famous Portuguese custard tart at Antiga Confeitaria. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. [B] Day 18. Lisbon - Coimbra We travel to Coimbra, stopping along the way at the picturesque coastal towns of Estoril, Cascais and Sintra. [B] Day 19. Coimbra Nestled on the river, this charming university town was once the capital of Portugal. We enjoy a guided tour this morning and visit the famous university and library. After lunch, we’ll wander through the old town. [B] Day 20. Coimbra - Aveiro - Porto Our journey takes us along the beautiful Portuguese coast, stopping at Aveiro, the ‘Portuguese Venice’. After lunch, we continue to Porto and enjoy a city tour and a relaxing cruise along the Douro River. [B] Special Experience: We learn how port is made and get to taste it at one of the city’s many port producers. Day 21. Porto Enjoy a day at leisure. [B]

Dates & Prices 2017 Start

Finish

Start

Finish

27-Mar

21-Apr

17-Jul

11-Aug

17-Apr

12-May

31-Jul

25-Aug

24-Apr

19-May

21-Aug

15-Sep

01-May

26-May

28-Aug

22-Sep

08-May 02-Jun

04-Sep

29-Sep

15-May

09-Jun

11-Sep

06-Oct

22-May 16-Jun

18-Sep

13-Oct

29-May 23-Jun

25-Sep

20-Oct

05-Jun

02-Oct

27-Oct

09-Oct

03-Nov

30-Jun

12-Jun* 07-Jul 19-Jun* 14-Jul

*Please note: 12 & 19 Jun departures are a day longer due to flight schedule. For more details and up-to-date pricing see our website bunniktours.com.au Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $10,395 (low season) to $10,995 (high season) per person twin share. Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth Single supplement: From $2,050 Tour dates and length are subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure. Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

Day 22. Porto - Salamanca We depart for Salamanca in Spain, an ancient city built from golden Villamayor stone. Once we arrive, we’ll see Casa de las Conchas, the Roman Bridge and the Plaza Mayor. [B] Day 23. Salamanca - Madrid We travel, via the walled city of Avila and the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, to Madrid, the capital of the Spanish empire. [B]

Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Inclusions travel: • Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included. • Return ferry tickets between Spain & Morocco • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

transportation: Coach, ferry & boat

accommodation & meals: • 23 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 23 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 8 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides: • English-speaking, locally based tour director and guides

tips: • Tipping Made Easy, $290pp AUD prepaid

Day 24. Madrid Overflowing with palaces, museums and grand squares, Madrid is a truly majestic city. We’ll see the highlights on a city tour, before a group farewell dinner this evening. [B,D] Day 25. Depart Madrid Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 26. Arrive in Australia

46

Small Group Touring Morocco & Southern Spain

Chefchaouen, Morocco Jean-Francois Gornet

MOROCCO & SOUTHERN SPAIN Discover enchanting Morocco. Explore the buzzing medinas, glittering palaces and timeless Berber villages. Cross the Strait of Gibraltar to southern Spain. Visit the grand, historical cities of Granada, Seville and Madrid, bask in the sunshine and experience the Moorish and Islamic influences on architecture and food.

Highlights • Enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the Sahara Desert • Explore the buzzing medinas of Fez & Marrakesh • Visit the Berber villages of the Atlas Mountains • Relax on Spain’s famous Costa del Sol • See the stunning Alhambra Palace & Generalife Gardens in Granada • Tour majestic Madrid

days:

New Tour

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive Casablanca Welcome to Morocco and the setting for the classic Academy Award-winning Humphrey Bogart film, Casablanca! Meet your tour director and fellow travellers this evening for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Casablanca - Marrakesh Today we explore the buzzing streets of Casablanca and acquaint ourselves with its European-influenced architecture. We’ll visit the Hassan II Mosque - the largest in Morocco and second-largest in the world. Its minaret towers above the city at 210 metres tall. We travel to Marrakesh by train this afternoon. [B,D] Special Experience: Tonight we’ll make our way through Marrakesh’s buzzing Jemaa-elFnaa Square to enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner. Day 4. Marrakesh The ‘Jewel of the South’, Marrakesh is the real heartbeat of Morocco. We have a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace and the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Art. [B,L] Special Experience: We’ll be treated to a cooking class and enjoy the delicious results for lunch. Day 5. Marrakesh Enjoy a day at leisure in the magical ‘Rose City’. Why not shop for carpets and crafts in the city’s labyrinth of souks or relax in the enchanting Jardin Marjorelle and wander through its fascinating museum. [B] Day 6. Marrakesh - Boumalne We travel through the High Atlas Mountains to

23

from

9,195pp

$

Flights Included

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

20

the fortified city of Aït Ben Haddou. We’ll wander through the Ksar and make our way to the top for beautiful views over the desert. This afternoon we make the short trip to Ouarzazate, where we visit the kasbahs of Tifoultoute and Taoirt. We continue to Boumalne this evening. [B,D] Day 7. Boumalne - Merzouga The morning is at leisure before we travel to Erfoud, on the edge of the Sahara. We’ll transfer to 4WDs and make our way across the vast desert to the town of Merzouga. Our accommodation is a traditional Moroccan kasbah! [B,D] Day 8. Merzouga Special Experience: Witness an incredible sunrise over the endless dunes of the Sahara Desert. After breakfast, we travel to a nearby village to enjoy the local Gnaoua music over tea. We visit the traditional artists town of Tissardmine for lunch amongst the palms. [B,L,D] Day 9. Merzouga - Fez We cross over the Middle Atlas Mountains on our way to Fez. Along the way, we’ll visit the market town of Midelt, nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. [B,L,D] Day 10. Fez Considered the cultural and religious centre of Morocco, Fez is a window into the Middle Ages. We’ll explore the narrow, cobbled lanes and covered souks of the famous medina, visit the Madressa and see the Karaouine Mosque. [B] Day 11. Meknes & Volubilis Excursion Today we visit Morocco’s smallest imperial city, Meknes. We’ll see the beautifully preserved gates of Bab El-Mansour and the old medina. We’ll also see the ruins of Volubilis, once an important

ITALY

Adriatic Sea

Corsica Small Group Touring Morocco & Southern Spain

47

Madrid 3 Toledo

SPAIN

Tyrrhenian Sea

Io

Sardinia

Cordoba

Seville 2

2 Granada

Ronda

MOR O CC O

Volubilis Casablanca 1

Sicily

Strait of Sicily

2 Malaga Mijas

MALTA

1 Chefchaouen

Meknes

Mediterran 3 Fez

Midelt Marrakesh 3 Aït Ben Haddou

Boumalne 1

2 Merzouga

Ouarzazate Roman city, dating back to the 3rd century BC. [B] Day 12. Fez - Chefchaouen This morning we travel to the town of Chefchaouen, one of the prettiest in Morocco, washed with hundreds of shades of blue. This afternoon we’ll explore the town’s picturesque streets on foot. [B,D] Day 13. Chefchaouen - Mijas Today we cross over the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain. We’ll be staying in the hinterland of the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. [B] Day 14. Malaga Excursion Located on Spain’s famous Costa del Sol, the city of Malaga is brimming with history and culture. It is also the birthplace of artist Pablo Picasso. This morning we’ll explore the town and visit the Picasso Museum. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. [B] Day 15. Mijas - Granada Enjoy the scenery as we travel inland to the Moorish city of Granada, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Ranges. Along the way, we’ll visit the famous Nerja Caves, home to the world’s largest stalagmite. [B,D] Special Experience: Tonight we’ll experience a traditional tapas dinner. Day 16. Granada We visit the famous Alhambra Palace and the beautifully manicured Generalife Gardens, former place of leisure for the kings of Granada. [B]

Dates & Prices Start

Finish

Start

Finish

F 18-Apr

10-May

29-Aug

20-Sep

16-May

07-Jun

12-Sep

04-Oct

06-Jun

28-Jun

17-Oct

08-Nov

For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au

• Return economy-class flights from Australia to Morocco & Europe. Taxes included • Train between Casablanca & Marrakesh • Ferry tickets between Morocco and Spain

Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $9,195 (low season) to $9,595 (high season) per person twin share.

• High-speed AVE train between Cordoba and Madrid

Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth

• Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour

Single supplement: From $1,450

• All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

Tour dates and length are subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure.

transportation:

Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71. F Festival tour: 18 Apr 2017 departure will be in Seville for the amazing Feria de Abril Festival.

Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Day 18. Seville Our morning sightseeing tour includes the famous Royal Alcazar, the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the historic Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz. The afternoon is at leisure for you to discover the delights of Seville [B]

grand squares, Madrid is a truly majestic city. Today we see the highlights on a city tour. Special Experience: This evening we’ll take a cooking class and discover the delights of typical Spanish cuisine. [B,D]

Day 20. Madrid Overflowing with palaces, museums and

Inclusions travel:

2017

Day 17. Granada - Ronda - Seville Today we travel west to vibrant Seville. Legend has it that the city was founded by Hercules. Along the way we’ll stop in Ronda, one of Andalusia’s famous ‘white’ villages. [B]

Day 19. Seville - Cordoba - Madrid After breakfast, we depart for Cordoba. We’ll visit the incredible Mezquita mosque. This afternoon we take the high-speed train north to the grand city of Madrid. [B]

L I BYA

Seville, Spain Dennis Bunnik

Day 21. Toledo Excursion We take a day trip to the historic town of Toledo, which lies dramatically atop a hill overlooking the Rio Tajo. Our guided tour includes the incredible interior of the cathedral and the beautiful Santo Tome Church. [B,D]

Coach, ferry, 4WD & train

accommodation & meals: • 18 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 2 nights in a traditional kasbah • 20 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 9 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides: • English-speaking, locally based tour director and guides

tips: • Tipping Made Easy, $250pp AUD prepaid

Understanding the map For a detailed map legend go to pg 71.

Day 22. Depart Madrid Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 23. Arrive in Australia

48

Small Group Touring Scandinavian Discovery

Copenhagen, Denmark Emily Fraser

days:

SCANDINAVIAN DISCOVERY

from

25 12,995pp $

Flights Included

A stunning journey through Scandinavia, travelling from Stockholm to Copenhagen via Finland and northernmost Norway. Visit the Arctic Circle and discover some of the world’s most secluded townships. Experience the natural phenomenon of the ‘Midnight Sun’, ride the amazing Flåm Railway and travel down through Norway’s spectacular fjords.

Highlights • Visit Santa Claus village and a husky mushers’ camp in Finnish Lapland • Stand on the edge of Europe at the stunning North Cape • Discover Bergen’s charming Bryggen wharf • Visit the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo • Cruise through Norway’s spectacular fjords

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Stockholm Welcome to Stockholm, Sweden’s elegant capital. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director this evening for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Stockholm Spread across 14 islands of distinctly different character, and connected by 57 bridges, the city exudes charm and is just begging to be explored. Today we take a sightseeing tour. Highlights include the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan (the ‘Old Town’) and the Vasa Museum - home to the infamous 17th century ship of the same name. Tonight we enjoy a group welcome dinner. [B,D] Day 4. Stockholm - Helsinki This morning is free for you to discover more of beautiful Stockholm at your own pace. We board the overnight ferry to Helsinki in the afternoon. [B] Day 5. Helsinki We arrive in Finland’s harbourside capital, Helsinki, this morning. Understatedly elegant and with a legendary design scene, there is much to explore. Today we’ll visit the neoclassical Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, the Underground Temple and Parliament House. [B] Special Experience: Spend the next two nights in one of the design capital’s boutique hotels - housed in a historic former prison. Day 6. Helsinki Set on a cluster of islands connected by bridges, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Suomenlinna Fortress. [B] Day 7. Helsinki - Rovaniemi Today we fly to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

20

Lapland. Rovaniemi is the gateway to the Arctic and the official home to Santa Claus, so we’ll stop at his village this afternoon. [B] Day 8. Rovaniemi We tour the Arktikum Science Centre and Museum. [B] Special Experience: We visit a husky mushers’ camp where we’ll learn how the dogs are trained. Day 9. Rovaniemi - Inari Travelling north to the town of Inari, we stop en route in Luosto to visit a working amethyst mine. [B,D] Day 10. Inari Reindeer are an essential part of life in Sami Lapland, and today we visit a farm to meet some. We’ll also stop at the Siida Museum to learn about the Finnish Sami culture. [B,L,D] Day 11. Inari - Honningsvåg Today we travel into Norway and explore the tiny township of Karasjok to experience Sami culture firsthand. We then venture further north to Honningsvåg, the northernmost city of Norway. This evening we’ll visit the North Cape. [B,D] Special Experience: Enjoy a drink in an Ice Bar where everything is made of ice - even the glasses! Day 12. Honningsvåg - Alta We wind our way through stunning mountainous scenery on our way to Alta. Alta is home to the largest concentration of rock art in northern Europe. The World Heritage-listed rock paintings and carvings were made between 7,000 and 2,000 years ago. [B,D] Day 13. Alta - Tromsø Continuing south, we make our way through the

Small Group Touring Scandinavian Discovery North Cape

49

1 Honningsvåg

1

Tromsø 2

Alta 2 Inari

Luosto 2 Rovaniemi SWEDEN

FINLAND

NORWAY

Lærdal Bergen 2

1 Flåm Railway

Vrådal Aalborg

1

2

Oslo

2 Helsinki

Stockholm 2

(1)

1

DENMARK

2 Copenhagen

Flåm, Norway Marion Bunnik

breathtaking archipelago to Tromsø, the ‘Arctic Capital’. An island setting surrounded by snow-capped peaks, combined with the historical charm of the centuriesold wooden architecture, make the city a beautiful place to explore. Tonight we take an evening cable car ride to the top of Mount Storsteinen for stunning vistas over CZECH REP. the city. [B]

Dates & Prices 2017 Start

24-Jun

12-Jul

05-Aug

19-Jul

12-Aug

14-Jun

08-Jul

26-Jul

19-Aug

02-Aug

26-Aug

21-Jun 15-Jul Cluj-Napoca 1 28-Jun 22-Jul

2 Brasov For up-to-date pricing see our website ROMANIA www.bunniktours.com.au 2 Bucharest Price including airfares from Australia is from $12,995 per person twin share. 1 Veliko Tarnovo Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, 2 Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth

CROATIA

Day 16. Oslo Our morning sightseeing tour includes Belgrade 2 the Viking Ship Museum, Vigeland’s Park, BOSNIA & HERZ. SERBIA Karl Johans gate and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, where we’ll enjoy spectacular views MONT. of the Oslofjord. [B] Corsica

BULGARIA

Sofia Single supplement: From $2,750

MAC. ALBANIA

We enjoy a stunning cruise along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord SICILY to Gudvangen. We also stop at Undredal for a cheese tasting. [B] Special Experience: Ride the famous MALTA Flåm Railway, enjoying some of Norway’s most dramatic scenery. Day 19. Bergen We discover picturesque Bergen on a walking tour of the Hanseatic Bryggen quarter and visit St Mary’s Church. We’ll take the funicular to the top of Mt Fløyen in the afternoon for incredible views over the city and coast. [B] Day 20. Bergen - Vrådal Today we take the ferry to Jondal. We see Låtefossen, the famous twin waterfall and continue to charming Vrådal, gateway to beautiful Lake Nisser. [B,L,D] Day 21. Vrådal - Aalborg We board the ferry and cross the North Sea to Denmark.[B]

Finish 29-Jul

01-Jul

We fly to Oslo, Norway’sSLOVENIA artistic capital. [B]

n Sea Day 18. Lærdal - Bergen

Start 05-Jul

31-May 2 Kosice07-Jun

SLOVAKIA Day 14. Tromsø 2 Vienna Today we visit the iconic Arctic Cathedral,HUNGARY AUSTRIAand gardens. and tour the city’s museum 2 [B] Budapest Day 15. Tromsø - Oslo

Day 17. Oslo - Lærdal Today we travel to Lærdal via Borgund, Sardinia stopping at the medieval wooden Stave Church. [B,D]

Finish

24-May UKRAINE 17-Jun

GREECE

Tour dates and length are subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure. Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline TURKEY availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

N. CYPRUS

Rodhes

CYPRUS

Day 22. Aalborg - Copenhagen On our way to Copenhagen, we visit Odense, named after Odin - the Norse God of War - and birthplace of the famous fairytale author, Hans Christian Andersen. [B] Day 23. Copenhagen Today we explore cosmopolitan Copenhagen. Highlights include the National Museum and Amalienborg Palace. We’ll also visit the beautiful Nyhavn quarter, before a scenic cruise along the Stromma Canal. Tonight we enjoy a group farewell dinner. [B,D] Day 24. Depart Copenhagen Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 25. Arrive in Australia

Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Inclusions travel: • Return economy-class flights between Australia and Europe. Taxes included. • Economy-class flight within Finland • Economy-class flight within Norway • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

transportation: Coach, ferry, train, boat & plane

accommodation & meals: • 21 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 1 night aboard the overnight ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki in an outside cabin with private facilities • 22 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 8 Lebanon

dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides: • English-speaking, locally based tour director and guides

tips: • Tipping Made Easy, $250pp AUD prepaid

50

Small Group Touring Norway & Iceland

Húsavík, Iceland Tina Music

days:

NORWAY & ICELAND

from

24 15,495pp $

Flights Included

Explore the dramatic landscapes and discover the contrasts of stunning Norway and Iceland. Tour southern Norway, from snow-capped peaks, through deep, narrow fjords and across lush verdant forest. Then experience the geysers, hot springs and black sand beaches of volcanic Iceland, and travel its barren expanses, shaped by the forces of nature.

Highlights • Visit the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo • Taste the national liquor of Norway in Atlungstad • Tour the breathtaking Norwegian fjords • Travel on the Flåm Railway • Take a dip in Iceland’s amazing Blue Lagoon • Enjoy the incredible scenery of Iceland’s Golden Triangle

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Oslo Welcome to Norway’s scenic capital, Oslo. Surrounded by forest and situated on the edge of the Oslofjord, Oslo is full of world-class galleries and museums, and has a vibrant café culture. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director this evening for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Oslo Our morning sightseeing tour takes us to the Viking Ship Museum, Vigeland’s Park, Karl Johans gate, and Holmenkollen Ski Jump with spectacular views of the Oslofjord. Tonight we enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant. [B,D] Day 4. Oslo - Lillehammer - Oppland Special Experience: We visit the historic Atlungstad Distillery and enjoy a taste of Scandinavia’s traditional tipple, aquavit. Best known as the home of the 1994 Winter Olympics, the small and beautifully preserved resort town of Lillehammer is our next stop today. We travel a little further into the Norwegian ski region of Oppland and spend the night. [B,D] Day 5. Oppland - Geiranger We travel northwest towards breathtaking Geiranger today, stopping in the heart of Norway’s spectacular countryside to visit the local stave church - a medieval wooden structure unique to Norway. [B,D] Day 6. Geiranger Special Experience: Encircled by snowcapped mountains, we’ll spend a full day exploring the fjords north of Geiranger, including the famous Trollstigen. [B,D]

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

20

Day 7. Geiranger - Sognefjord Sit back and admire the incredible scenery as we travel south through Norway’s famous fjord lands. We’ll even encounter a glacier in Sognefjord. [B,D] Day 8. Sognefjord - Bergen Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord this morning. We then stop in the town of Unredal for a cheese tasting. [B] Special Experience: We’ll ride the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest train lines in the world on normal tracks, offering panoramic views of Norway’s dramatic scenery. Day 9. Bergen Begin the day with a walking tour of Bergen’s historic Bryggen quarter. We’ll also visit St Mary’s Church and the famous fish markets, before riding the funicular to the top of Mt Fløyen for impressive views over the city. [B] Day 10. Bergen - Telemark Area We cross the Hardangerfjord by ferry this morning. This afternoon we’ll reach the beautiful Telemark area, with its undulating landscape of hills and valleys. [B,D] Day 11. Telemark Area - Oslo Special Experience: We’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Telemark Canal on our return towards Oslo. [B,D] Day 12. Oslo - Reykjavik After a morning at leisure, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Iceland! The rest of the day is at leisure in Reykjavik to relax or explore. [B] Day 13. Reykjavik Visit Reykjavík’s landmarks on a sightseeing tour this morning. We’ll admire the city from the viewing deck of the famous ‘Pearl’ building, visit Hallgrímskirkja Church and explore the old

Small Group Touring Norway & Iceland

51

Húsavík, Iceland Lyn Richardson-O’Neil

Húsavík

Akureyri

ICELAND

Reykjavik 3 (2,1) Golden Circle

3 2 Geysir 2

Lake Mývatn

Vatnajökull National Park

Vik

ic n

Geiranger Sognefjord Bergen

Trollstigen

1

2

1

Oppland

Flåm Railway

Telemark Area

Geysir, Iceland Marion Bunnik

NORWAY

2

1

Lillehammer 3 Oslo (2,1)

Early Bird Deals

Dates & Prices

IRELAND UNITED KINGDOM

2017 Start

Finish

25-May 17-Jun

Guernsey Jersey

harbour area. This afternoon we visit the incredible Blue Lagoon to enjoy a dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters. [B] Day 14. Reykjavik - Akureyri FRANCE This morning we discover the top of a Bay volcano in Grabok, enjoying scenic views of continue past over Borgarfjordur. We Biscay Skagafjörður, famous for breeding Icelandic horses, then travel to the town of Akureyri. [B] Day 15. Lake Mývatn Today we venture out and explore. The Lake Mývatn area is beautiful and ANDORRA home to more species of duck than any other place on SPAIN Earth. [B,D] Day 16. Húsavík Special Experience: We travel to Húsavík, the whale-watching capital of Europe, and board a cruise to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. As we return, we’ll stop to see Goddafoss, the ‘waterfall of the Gods’, and one of the GIBRALTAR Mediterranean most spectacular in Iceland. [B,D] Day 17. Akureyri - Geysir We head off the beaten track travelling through the centre of Iceland, past volcanos, mountains and lakes. [B] Special Experience: We’ll stop to enjoy lunch in this lunar-like landscape and can warm up afterwards with a dip in a natural thermal pond. Day 18. The Golden Circle Excursion Today we discover the famous Golden Circle. We’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Thingvellir National Park, watch as Strokkur geyser erupts in Haukadalur, and visit Gullfoss Waterfall. [B]

Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Start

Finish

03-Aug

26-Aug

15-Jun

08-Jul

17-Aug

09-Sep

13-Jul

05-Aug

31-Aug

23-Sep

Inclusions

For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au

travel: • Return economy-class flights between Australia, Norway & Iceland. Taxes included.

Price including airfares from Australia is from $15,495 per person twin share. Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, CZECH REP. Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth Single supplement: From $3,350 Tour dates and length are subject to change 2 Vienna depending on airline schedules and your city AUSTRIA of departure.

• Economy-class flight within Europe • Airport transfers on the first and last 2 Kosice

SLOVAKIAday of tour

Please note above pricing is correct at time Budapest of printing. Pricing can change due to airline SLOVENIA availability and currency fluctuations. Early CROATIA booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

Day 20. Vatnajökull National Park

We travel to incredible Vatnajökull, or Sea

‘Vatna Glacier’, Iceland’s largest and most voluminous ice cap. [B,D] Special Experience: We enjoy an amazing glacier boat cruise on Jökulsárlón Lagoon. Day 21. Vik - Reykjavik Today we take a ferry to see the volcanic archipelago of Vestmannaeyjar - the “Icelandic Pompeii”. Tonight we meet for a farewell dinner in Reykjavik. [B,D] Day 22. Depart Reykjavik Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 23. In Transit Day 24. Arrive in Australia

• All touring in air-conditioned vehicles HUNGARY

transportation: Coach, boat, train, funicular, plane, ferry & cruise ROMANIA

accommodation & meals:

Belgrade 2 BOSNIA & HERZ.

Day 19. Geysir - Vik Corsica On our way south, we stop at Seljandsfoss and Skogarfoss waterfalls. Once arriving in Vik, we’ll take a walk along the black volcanic sandSardinia beaches. [B,D]

2

• 20 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) SERBIA • 20 breakfasts and 12 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners Sofia

MONT.

MAC.

tour guides: • English-speaking, locally based tour director and guides

ALBANIA

GREECE

tips:

• Tipping Made Easy, $250pp AUD prepaid

Need some inspiration? Read our travel stories on bunniktours.com.au/blog

52

Small Group Touring Arctic Norway (Spitsbergen)

Spitsbergen, Norway Peter & Beverly Pickford

ARCTIC NORWAY (SPITSBERGEN) Join Marion Bunnik for an incredible expedition above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway. Witness the beautiful scenery surrounding cosmopolitan Oslo, then board an amazing 9-night discovery cruise of the Svalbard archipelago to marvel at stunning glaciers, walrus and polar bears.

Highlights • Visit the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo • See the picturesque multicoloured buildings of Longyearbyen • Search for the smiling Beluga whales in the Bourbonhamna Sound • Spot polar bears at the Svalbard archipelago’s northernmost point • Witness the spectacular Monaco Glacier • Visit a walrus colony on Prince Charles Island

New Tour

Escorted

by Marion Bunnik

Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive Oslo Welcome to Norway’s scenic capital, Oslo. Surrounded by forest and situated on the edge of the Oslofjord, Oslo is full of world-class galleries and museums, and has a vibrant café culture. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director this evening for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Oslo Our morning sightseeing tour takes us to the Viking Ship Museum, Vigeland’s Park, Karl Johans gate, and Holmenkollen Ski Jump with spectacular views of the Oslofjord. Tonight we enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant. [B,D] Day 4. Oslo - Longyearbyen After breakfast, we board our flight to Longyearbyen. The largest settlement in incredible Spitsbergen, it is also the world’s northernmost city. [B,D] Day 5. Longyearbyen Embark Cruise: Today we board a One Ocean Expedition ship for a 9-night discovery of the amazing Svalbard archipelago to encounter its stunning wildlife, landscapes and scenery. Enjoy a welcome dinner on board this evening as we set sail into Isfjorden. [B,D] Day 6. Cruising: Bourbonhamna As we travel through the Sound near Bourbonhamna, keep an eye out for the smiling Beluga whales that are known to frequent these waters. On a shore excursion, we’ll visit an old hunting cabin and hopefully glimpse some of the many reindeer that inhabit this area. [B,L,D]

days:

from

16 15,895pp $

Flights Included

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

20

Day 7. Cruising: Krossfjorden We cruise into Krossfjorden and take a zodiac along the cliffs of the incredible Lilliehook Glacier - at a height of 80 metres and with a face almost 7 kilometres wide, you’ll definitely appreciate its scale. We’ll get a closer look at the numerous bird colonies that call the area home. Bearded and ringed seals are also often seen in this fjord. [B,L,D] Day 8. Cruising: Liefdefjorden & Monacobreen Today we visit the spectacular Monaco Glacier. The nearby coastal plain near the mouth of Liefdefjorden is also a great place to spot polar bears that come here to hunt for seals or feed on birds’ eggs. [B,L,D] Day 9. Cruising: Phippsoya We reach the northernmost point of the archipelago today. At 81 degrees north, Phippsoya is just 540 nautical miles from the North Pole! The area is also another great place for polar bear viewing. [B,L,D] Day 10. Cruising: Hinlopen Strait & Nordaustlandet We turn south into the main strait separating Svalbard’s two main islands - Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet, wonderful for viewing a huge array of Arctic wildlife and breathtaking scenery. [B,L,D] Day 11. Cruising: Hinlopen Strait & Nordaustlandet In Hinlopen Strait, the cliffs at Alkefjellet are home to more than a hundred thousand breeding Brunnich’s guillemots, as well as thousands of kittiwakes and black guillemots. Nearby Murchison Fjord is a wonderful place to kayak or cruise as we navigate the waterways between the islands. [B,L,D]

Small Group Touring Arctic Norway (Spitsbergen)

53

GREENLAND

Phippsoya Fuglesangen Smeerenburg Monacobreen Monaco

Nordaustlandet

Alkefjellet

Glacier

Krossfjorden

Spitsbergen

God

thab

Poole-Pynten 2 Longyearbyen

(1,1)

Bourbonhamna 9-night One Ocean Expedition

Spitsbergen, Norway Daisy Gillardini

Day 12. Cruising: Fuglesangen and Smeerenburg Today we’ll witness the thousands of birds nesting on the island of Fuglesangen and a large colony of dovekies - tiny seabirds, native to this region, with distinctive black and white colouring. We’ll also visit the old whaling station of Smeerenburg. [B,L,D] Day 13. Cruising: Poole-Pynten (Prince Charles Island) The sight and sound of a walrus hauling out of the sea spells ‘Arctic’ like nothing else can. We’ll visit a well-known walrus colony and hope to see these odd-looking animals ashore. Approaching from downwind can often confirm that walrus are ashore, as the smell of a walrus haulout is quite ‘unique’! Tonight we celebrate our journey with a special dinner attended by the ship’s captain. It’s a great time to reflect on our amazing voyage in this wild and remote place. [B,L,D] Day 14. Longyearbyen Disembark Cruise: After breakfast we bid farewell to our fellow passengers and Arctic expedition ship. The day is at leisure for you to explore this fascinating town further. Tonight we enjoy a group farewell dinner. [B,D] Day 15. Depart Longyearbyen Today we transfer to the airport and begin our journey home. [B] Day 16. Arrive in Australia

SVALBARD

ICELAND

Dates & Prices A 2017 tlantic O Start c e a nFinish 04-Jun

(1)

N O R W AY

19-Jun

Oslo 2

For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au Price including airfares from Australia is from $15,895 per person twin share. Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, IRELAND Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth Single supplement: From $6,350

UNITED KINGDOM

Early Bird Deals

Tour dates and length are subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure.

Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Guernsey Jersey

Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended.

UKRAINE

CZECH REP.

Inclusions

Special deposit amount applies for this tour. FRANCE Bay For full booking terms and conditions please of see pages 70 to 71. Biscay

SLOVAKIA

Vienna 2 AUSTRIA

Budapest

travel:

2

2 Kosice

HUNGARY

Cluj-Napoca 1 2 Brasov

SLOVENIA CROATIA

Please note: Specific sites visited will depend PORTUGAL ANDORRA on ice and weather conditions experienced and the itinerary will be updated throughout SPAIN the voyage in order to take advantage of favourable conditions.

• Return economy-class flights ROMANIA Belgrade 2 between Australia & Norway. Taxes SERBIA included.

2

Buchares

BOSNIA & HERZ.

MONT.

1 Veliko Tar

2

BULGARIA • Economy-class flight within Norway. Sofia

Corsica

Arctic gear hire package comprising of windproof/waterproof jacket, pants and rubber boots included. GIBRALTAR Mediterranean Sea

MAC.

• Airport transfers on the first and last Sardinia day of tour ALBANIA

GREECE • One Ocean Expeditions Cruise

• Shore excursions (excl. Kayaking) SICILY

transportation:

Spitsbergen, Norway Peter & Beverly Pickford MOROCCO

Coach,MALTA plane & expedition cruise

Rod

Crete

accommodation & Mmeals: editerranean

TUNISIA A L G E R I A

• 4 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star)

• 9 nights on board the Akademik Ioffe LIBYA • 13 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 12 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides: • English-speaking locally based tour director and guides

Cruising with One Ocean Expeditions

tips:

True experts in their field, One Ocean are passionate about polar travel and unwavering in its commitment to safety and environmental protection, with expedition leaders, marine biologists, naturalists and photographers on their team, to name just a few.

• Tipping Made Easy, $50pp AUD prepaid. On board the cruise, you will need to pay a tipping fee of approx USD$14pp per day.

You will be cruising aboard the Akademik Ioffe, a purpose-built oceanographic vessel with a 1A Lloyds ice-strengthened classification.

Sea

EGYP

54

Cruise & Tour Concept

“Spain was amazing and our guide was sensational. The places we visited on the cruise were interesting and some of the shore excursions were excellent.” - Pauline Bennett (Spain & The Med - Oct 2015)

Cruise & Tour Concept

55

CRUISE & TOUR CONCEPT A Bunnik Cruise & Tour gives you the best of both worlds! By partnering with the world’s leading cruise lines, we are able to bring you a seamless experience that combines the benefits of small group land touring with the luxury of ocean cruising.

THE TOUR

THE CRUISE

The land portion of your Cruise & Tour is the same as any other Bunnik small group tour - and delivers all the same benefits.

For the second part of your holiday you’ll board a luxury ocean cruise.

You’ll enjoy a stress-free holiday with all the research, planning and logistics taken care of. You’ll get to see all of the iconic sights, as well as getting off the well-worn tourist trail to enjoy a few special local experiences. You’ll have the support of expert local guides, get to jump the queues at most of the major sights thanks to our special access arrangements, and have plenty of free time for independent exploration. You’ll also have the comfort and safety of travelling in a group of like-minded people and the chance to make new friends amongst your small group of fellow travellers.

For our Cruise & Tour packages we’ve partnered with three different cruise lines to bring you variety and choice in both itinerary and cruise styles. We’ve partnered with Holland America Line, one of the world’s most respected cruise lines. We’ve also chosen Princess and Celebrity Cruises for selected routes. You’ll enjoy the luxury of an Ocean-View room, on-board entertainment and all your meals. Main meals are served in the dining room, but you can upgrade (at an additional fee) to one of the specialty restaurants for an extra treat. During your time in port you have the option to return to the ship for meals or enjoy the regional cuisine at a local restaurant.

We’ve deliberately chosen not to include any pre-arranged sightseeing in the cruise component of your tour, so you can choose from the wide range of options offered by the cruise company to suit every interest and budget. Alternatively, you may want to do your own thing or stay on board and relax in the spa. Shore excursions can be booked direct with the cruise line, online, before you depart, or while on board (subject to availability).

Value for Money & Convenience A Bunnik Cruise & Tour offers fantastic value for money. By negotiating in bulk with cruise lines, airlines, hotels and local operators we’ve secured preferred rates which we pass on to you.

CRUISING PARTNER S

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE From the moment you step aboard one of Holland America Line’s mid-sized ships you will recognize the 5-star difference. Their ships feature spacious wraparound teak decks, panoramic views, abundant spacious private verandahs and large staterooms. Their fleet has recently undergone extensive Signature of Excellence enhancements to staterooms and public rooms. With elegant fine dining, entertaining activities and award-winning service, you’ll discover timeless cruising aboard a Holland America cruise ship.

CELEBRITY CRUISES One thing Celebrity are known for is their level of service - intuitive service with a keen eye for detail. Cold towels after a day at the beach? Done. Your preferred drink handed to you when you sit down to dinner? Done. With nearly one crew member to every two guests, their staff pride themselves on knowing what you want. From port to port and every nautical mile in-between, Celebrity believe every moment of your holiday should be measured by just how far it takes you from the ordinary.

PRINCESS CRUISES One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises first set sail in 1965. Today, Princess is renowned for innovative ships, an array of onboard options, and an environment of exceptional customer service. No matter where Princess ships sail, passengers enjoy warm and gracious service in an atmosphere of comfortable elegance. Princess crew members are dedicated to providing exceptional service to ensure guests can escape the everyday with an unforgettable vacation.

For more information about the ships we use please visit our website.

56

Small Group Touring Norway & the Baltics

Sognefjord, Norway Visitnorway.com

days:

NORWAY & THE BALTICS Marvel at the stunning scenery of southern Norway. From steep fjords, glaciers and forests, to charismatic Bergen and the cosmopolitan capital of Oslo, spend 10 days exploring one of the most beautiful countries on Earth. Then board an 12-night Holland America Line Cruise of the Baltic Sea, visiting the grand cities of Copenhagen, Berlin and St Petersburg.

Highlights • Visit the Winter Olympics town of Lillehammer • Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Norwegian fjords • Travel on the famous Flåm Railway • Cruise the Telemark Canal • Visit the grand cities of northern Europe, including Tallinn, St Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm

26

from

12,995pp

$

Flights & Cruise Included

Land & Cruise Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Oslo Welcome to Norway’s scenic capital, Oslo. Surrounded by forest and situated on the edge of the Oslofjord, Oslo is full of world-class galleries and museums, and has a vibrant café culture. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director this evening for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Oslo Our morning sightseeing tour takes us to the Viking Ship Museum, Vigeland’s Park, Karl Johans gate, and Holmenkollen Ski Jump with spectacular views of the Oslofjord. Tonight we enjoy a group welcome dinner at a local restaurant. [B,D] Day 4. Oslo - Lillehammer - Oppland Special Experience: We visit the historic Atlungstad Distillery and enjoy a taste of Scandinavia’s traditional tipple, aquavit. Best known as the home of the 1994 Winter Olympics, the small and beautifully preserved resort town of Lillehammer is our next stop today. We travel a little further into the Norwegian ski region and spend the night in Oppland region. [B,D] Day 5. Oppland - Geiranger We travel northwest towards breathtaking Geiranger today, stopping in the heart of Norway’s spectacular countryside to visit the local stave church - a medieval wooden structure unique to Norway that actually stemmed from the Vikings’ interest in boat and home construction from wood carving. [B,D]

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

20 cruising with

Day 6. Geiranger Special Experience: Encircled by snow-capped mountains, we’ll spend a full day exploring the fjords north of Geiranger, including the famous Trollstigen. [B,D] Day 7. Geiranger - Sognefjord Sit back and admire the incredible scenery as we travel south through Norway’s famous fjord lands. We’ll even encounter a glacier on the way to Sognefjord. [B,D] Day 8. Sognefjord - Bergen Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord this morning. We then stop in the town of Unredal for a cheese tasting. [B] Special Experience: We’ll ride the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest train lines in the world on normal tracks, offering panoramic views of Norway’s dramatic scenery. Day 9. Bergen Begin the day with a walking tour of Bergen’s historic Bryggen quarter. We’ll also visit the famous fish markets, before riding the funicular to the top of Mt Fløyen for impressive views over the city. [B] Day 10. Bergen - Telemark Area We cross the Hardangerfjord by ferry this morning on our way to the beautiful Telemark area, with its undulating landscape of hills and valleys. [B,D] Day 11. Telemark Area - Oslo Special Experience: We’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Telemark Canal on our return towards Oslo.

E

ean

Small Group Touring Norway & the Baltics

Geiranger Sognefjord Bergen

2

Trollstigen 2

1

SWEDEN

NORWAY 1

Oppland

Flåm Railway 1

57

Lillehammer 3 Oslo (2,1)

FINLAND

Helsinki St Petersburg

Telemark Area

Stockholm

Tallinn

RUSSIA

EST.

12-night Holland America Line cruise (ms Zuiderdam)

DENMARK

1 Copenhagen

Hamburg (Kiel)

Berlin (Warnemünde)

GERMANY

Stave Church, Norway Visitnorway.com

This evening we enjoy a last group dinner CZECH REP.in Norway. [B,D]

UKRAINE

Dates & Prices

2 Kosice Day 12. Oslo - Copenhagen SLOVAKIA 2 Today marks the end of our travels through Vienna HUNGARY Norway. We transfer to the airport and fly to 2017 AUSTRIA 2 Cluj-Napoca Denmark. Upon our arrival in Copenhagen Start Finish Start Finish Budapest 1 we’ll take an orientation tour of the city, 22-Jun 17-Jul 30-Jul 24-Aug seeing the City Hall Square, National SLOVENIA 2 Brasov Museum, and the Danish royal family’sCROATIA For more details and up-to-date pricing ROMANIA residence - the Amalienborg Palace. We see our website bunniktours.com.au 2 Bucharest also see the statue of the Little Mermaid, a Belgrade 2 Price including airfares from Australia ranges beloved character of the fairytale author, BOSNIA from $12,995 (Ocean-View Stateroom) and & HERZ. SERBIA Hans Christian Andersen. [B] $13,695 (Verandah Stateroom) per person 1 Veliko Tarnovo twin share. Day 13. Copenhagen, Denmark MONT. 2 Embark Cruise: We transfer to Corsica

Copenhagen’s port, where we board our Holland America Line cruise ship. [B,D] Day 14. Hamburg (Kiel), Germany Sardinia Day 15. Cruising at sea Day 16. Tallinn, Estonia Sea

Day 17. St Petersburg, Russia Day 18. St Petersburg, Russia Day 19. Helsinki, Finland Day 20. Stockholm, Sweden Day 21. Stockholm, Sweden Day 22. Cruising at sea Day 23. Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany Day 24. Copenhagen, Denmark Day 25. Copenhagen, Denmark Disembark Cruise: After breakfast, we disembark and begin our journey home. Day 26. Arrive in Australia

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Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Inclusions travel: • Return economy-class flights from Australia and Europe. Taxes included.

Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, BULGARIA Sofia & Perth Adelaide, Brisbane

• Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour

MAC. Single supplement: Ocean-View Stateroom from $4,100 ALBANIA Verandah Stateroom from $5,600

• All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

Tour dates and length subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city GREECE of departure.

• Holland America Line cruise

Please note all meals are included daily while cruising on board the ship. The cruise itinerary may change due to local conditions.

Coach, train, plane, cruise, funicular, ferry & cruise ship

Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

Stockholm, Sweden Marion Bunnik

• Economy-class flight within Europe

transportation:

accommodation & meals: • 11 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 12-night Holland America Line cruise on board ms Zuiderdam • 23 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 19 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides: • English-speaking locally based tour director and guides (excluding cruise)

port taxes & tips: • Port taxes of AUD $300pp (subject to change) • Total cost includes - Tipping Made Easy amount of $140pp. On board the cruise, you will need to pay a tipping fee of approx USD$14pp per day.

58

Small Group Touring Norway, Denmark & the Baltics

Geiranger, Norway Visitnorway.com

NORWAY, DENMARK & THE BALTICS Experience the beauty of southern Norway. Travel through mountainous Oppland to Lillehammer, then down to the breathtaking Fjordlands of Geiranger and Sognefjord. Ride the amazing Flåm Railway and explore the charming city of Bergen. Then board an 11-night Princess Cruise to discover the grand cities of Scandinavia, the Baltics and Russia.

Highlights • Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Norwegian fjords • Explore the beautiful Bryggen wharf in Bergen • Travel south through the Danish countryside to Copenhagen • Visit the grand cities of northern Europe, including Tallinn, St Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm

days:

New Tour

from

25

13,595pp

$

Flights & Cruise Included

Land & Cruise Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Oslo Welcome to Norway’s scenic capital, Oslo. Surrounded by forest and situated on the edge of the Oslofjord, Oslo is full of world-class galleries and museums, and has a vibrant café culture. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director this evening for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Oslo Our morning sightseeing tour takes us to the Viking Ship Museum, Vigeland’s Park, Karl Johans gate, and Holmenkollen Ski Jump with spectacular views of the Oslofjord. Tonight we enjoy a group welcome dinner at a local restaurant. [B,D] Day 4. Oslo - Lillehammer - Oppland Special Experience: We visit the historic Atlungstad Distillery and enjoy a taste of Scandinavia’s traditional tipple, aquavit. Best known as the home of the 1994 Winter Olympics, the small and beautifully preserved resort town of Lillehammer is our next stop today. We then travel a little further into the Norwegian ski region and spend the night in Oppland region. [B,D] Day 5. Oppland - Geiranger We travel northwest towards breathtaking Geiranger today, stopping in the heart of Norway’s spectacular countryside to visit the local stave church - a medieval wooden structure unique to Norway. [B,D] Day 6. Geiranger Special Experience: Encircled by snowcapped mountains, we’ll spend a full day

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20 cruising with

exploring the beautiful fjords north of Geiranger, including the famous Trollstigen walkway. [B,D] Day 7. Geiranger - Sognefjord Sit back and admire the incredible scenery as we travel south through Norway’s famous fjord lands. We’ll even encounter a glacier on the way to Sognefjord. [B,D] Day 8. Sognefjord - Bergen Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord this morning. We then stop in the town of Unredal for a cheese tasting. [B] Special Experience: We’ll ride the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest train lines in the world on normal tracks, offering panoramic views of Norway’s dramatic scenery. Day 9. Bergen Begin the day with a walking tour of Bergen’s historic Bryggen quarter. We’ll also visit St Mary’s Church and the famous fish markets, before riding the funicular to the top of Mt Fløyen for impressive views over the city. [B] Day 10. Bergen - Telemark Area We cross the Hardangerfjord by ferry this morning. This afternoon we’ll reach the beautiful Telemark area, with its undulating landscape of hills and valleys. [B,D] Day 11. Telemark - Aalborg Special Experience: We’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Telemark Canal. This afternoon we stop in Heddal to see its

E

Small Group Touring Norway, Denmark & the Baltics

Geiranger Sognefjord Flåm Railway

2

NORWAY

1

1

Telemark Area

SWEDEN

Oppland

FINLAND

Lillehammer

Bergen 2

Helsinki

2 Oslo

1

59

St Petersburg Stockholm

Tallinn

RUSSIA

EST.

Aalborg 1

DENMARK 11-night Regal Princess cruise

1 Copenhagen

Berlin (Warnemünde) GERMANY Copenhagen, Denmark Emily Fraser

UKRAINE traditional wooden stave church CZECH beforeREP. boarding the ferry across the North Sea to Denmark. Aalborg has a vibrant waterfront, 2 Kosice SLOVAKIA buzzing with restaurants andVienna an intriguing 2 Viking history to discover. [B] HUNGARY 2017 AUSTRIA 2 Cluj-Napoca Day 12. Aalborg - Copenhagen Start Finish Start Finish 1 Today we travel south from Aalborg toBudapest the 10-May 03-Jun 04-Jul 28-Jul cosmopolitan city of Copenhagen. Upon our SLOVENIA 2 Brasov 01-Jun 25-Jun arrival, we enjoy a tour of the city. Highlights CROATIA ROMANIA include the City Hall Square, National For up-to-date pricing see our website 2 Bucharest Museum and a photo stop at the Danish Belgrade 2 www.bunniktours.com.au royal family’s residence, the Amalienborg BOSNIA including airfares from Australia SERBIA Palace. We also visit the statue of the Little & HERZ. Price ranges from $13,595 to $13,995 (Balcony 1 Veliko Tarnovo Mermaid, a beloved character of Hans Stateroom) per person twin share. MONT. 2 Christian Andersen. Tonight we’ll enjoy a BULGARIA Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Corsica group farewell dinner. [B,D] Sofia

Dates & Prices

Day 13. Copenhagen, Denmark Embark Cruise: We travel to Sardinia Copenhagen’s port, where we board our Regal Princess cruise ship. [B,D]

Day 14. Oslo, Norway ean Sea Day 15. Cruising at sea Day 16. Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany Day 17. Cruising at sea Day 18. Tallinn, Estonia Day 19. St Petersburg, Russia Day 20. St Petersburg, Russia Day 21. Helsinki, Finland

Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth MAC.

Single supplement: Balcony Stateroom from $4,950

Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Inclusions travel: • Return economy-class flights from Australia and Europe. Taxes included. • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

ALBANIA

• Princess Cruise

Tour dates and length subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city GREECE of departure.

transportation:

Please note all meals are included daily while cruising on board the ship. The cruise itinerary may change due to local conditions. Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

Day 22. Stockholm, Sweden Day 23. Cruising at sea

Coach, train, cruise, funicular, ferry & cruise ship

accommodation & meals: • 11 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 11-night Princess Cruise on board the Regal Princess • 22 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 18 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides:

Day 24. Copenhagen, Denmark Disembark Cruise: After breakfast, we disembark and begin our journey home.

• English-speaking locally based tour director and guides (excluding cruise)

Day 25. Arrive in Australia

port taxes & tips: • Port taxes of AUD $260pp (subject to change)

Understanding the map For a detailed map legend go to pg 71.

Early Bird Deals

• Total cost includes - Tipping Made Easy amount of $140pp. On board the cruise, you will need to pay a tipping fee of approx USD$14pp per day. Bryggen the Hanseatic wharf, Bergen Visitnorway.com

60

Small Group Touring Italy & the Med

Portofino, Italy Sacha Bunnik

days:

ITALY & THE MED

from

24

11,295pp

$

Flights & Cruise Included

Immerse yourself in the glorious history, stunning scenery and delectable food and wine of Italy. Discover the picturesque towns of the Italian Riviera and explore grand cities, rich in antiquity. Then relax on a 10-night Celebrity cruise of the Mediterranean, taking in incredible ancient ruins, stunning Greek Islands and the Adriatic Sea.

Highlights • Taste the local produce of Bologna, Modena & Parma • Enjoy the rugged coastlines of the Cinque Terre and Portofino • Tour the highlights of Florence and Rome

Land & Cruise Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Bologna Welcome to Italy! Home of pizza, pasta, olive oil and wine, Italy is a food-lover’s paradise and a place to indulge in ‘la dolce vita’ - the sweet life. Day 3. Bologna Today we tour the city of Bologna, characterised by its red-brick palazzi, towers and lengthy porticos. This evening we enjoy a group welcome dinner with our fellow travellers. Bologna is famous for its cuisine. [B,D] Special Experience: We also enjoy a visit to the Gelato Museum, with tastings so you can pick your favourite! Day 4. Modena & Maranello Excursion This morning we travel to Modena. Established as a Roman garrison town in the 2nd century BC, its medieval centre is now filled with bustling piazzas, market stalls and a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral. We’ll also taste some of the balsamic vinegar for which the area is famous, and visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. [B]

• Explore Vatican City including the Museum, Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica and Square

Day 5. Bologna - Santa Margherita Ligure We depart this morning for Santa Margherita Ligure, the gateway to the incredible Cinque Terre. En route, we stop in the town of Parma, the home of parmesan cheese and prosciutto. [B]

• Visit Naples, Santorini and more on a 10-night Mediterranean cruise

Day 6. Cinque Terre Excursion Special Experience: We spend a full day exploring some of Italy’s most photographed

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

20 cruising with

coastline, discovering the colourful villages that make up the Cinque Terre. Clinging to steep terraces, the villages and ancient vineyards are linked by paths, trains and boats and cannot be accessed by car, making this a truly unique area. [B] Day 7. Portofino Excursion It is easy to understand why the idyllic town of Portofino plays host to so many weddings! Originally an Italian fishing village, it is now an upmarket resort town for the rich and famous. The town is situated around a small harbour and there are plenty of cafés and boutiques to explore, along with some beautiful trails for walking in the surrounding areas. [B] Day 8. Santa Margherita Ligure - Florence Today we leave Santa Margherita Ligure and travel through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. Here we’ll also see the Baptistery and Duomo of St John. After free time for lunch, we continue to Florence, birthplace of the renaissance. [B] Day 9. Florence Our city tour this morning commences at the grand Piazza del Duomo, where we see the Cathedral of Florence, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery - home of Ghiberti’s bronze ‘Gate of Paradise’. No visit to Florence is complete without seeing the statue of David, and we’ll end the morning at the Piazzale Michelangelo, offering panoramic views over Florence. Spend the

Small Group Touring Italy & the Med

61

Santa Margherita Parma Ligure Modena 3

Portofino Cinque Terre

3 Bologna 2

Pisa

Civitavecchia

Florence Orvieto 3 Rome ITALY

Naples (Pompeii) TURKEY

GREECE

Ephesus Messina

Athens

Kuşadası Mykonos

Rhodes

Santorini 10-night Celebrity Reflection cruise Rome, Italy Dennis Bunnik

afternoon at leisure. Why not shop for some of Italy’s finest leather goods? [B] Day 10. Florence - Rome Today we depart for the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome, travelling via the beautiful Umbria Valley and stopping for a break in the city of Orvieto. [B] Day 11. Rome This morning we explore Imperial Rome. Highlights include the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, the Capitol and the Colosseum (fast-track entry), where gladiatorial contests and games were held along with mock sea battles and executions. This evening we enjoy a walking tour, beginning in Piazza Navona, then to the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, where legend has it that a coin thrown in the fountain guarantees your return to Rome! [B] Day 12. Rome Discover majestic Vatican City this morning (fast-track entry). We’ll visit the Museum, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica all containing works of art and sculptures by Michelangelo. We also visit the Vatican Garden and St Peter’s Square, surrounded by a colonnade of 284 columns. The rest of the day is at leisure, before a group dinner this evening. [B,D] Day 13. Rome, Italy Embark Cruise: We transfer to Rome’s port, Civitavecchia, to board our Celebrity Reflection cruise ship. [B,D]

Dates & Prices 2017 Start

Finish

Start

Finish

07-May

30-May

20-Aug

12-Sep

28-May 20-Jun For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $11,295 (Ocean-View Stateroom) and $11,495 (Veranda Stateroom) per person twin share. Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth

Inclusions travel: • Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included. • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

Single supplement: Ocean-View Stateroom from $4,550 Veranda Stateroom from $4,650

• Celebrity Cruise

Tour dates and length subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure.

Coach, train, boat, funicular & cruise ship

Please note all meals are included daily while cruising on board the ship. The cruise itinerary may change due to local conditions. Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended. For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

transportation:

accommodation & meals: • 11 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 10-night Celebrity cruise on board Celebrity Reflection • 21 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 12 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides:

Day 14. Messina (Sicily), Italy

• English-speaking locally based tour director and guides (excluding cruise)

Day 15. Cruising at sea Day 16. Mykonos, Greece

port taxes & tips:

Day 17. Ephesus (Kuşadasi), Turkey

• Port taxes of AUD $120pp (subject to change)

Day 18. Rhodes, Greece Day 19. Santorini (Thira), Greece

• Total cost includes - Tipping Made Easy amount of $130pp. On board the cruise, you will need to pay a tipping fee of approx USD$14pp per day.

Day 20. Athens (Piraeus), Greece Day 21. Cruising at sea Day 22. Naples (Pompeii), Italy Day 23. Rome, Italy Disembark Cruise: Today we begin our journey home. Day 24. Arrive in Australia

Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Tuscany Eric Huybrechts

62

Small Group Touring Croatia & the Med

Dubrovnik, Croatia Marion Bunnik

days:

CROATIA & THE MED

26

from

11,595pp

$

Flights & Cruise Included

An Adriatic adventure across Croatia from Dubrovnik to Venice, discovering the beautiful Dalmatian Coast. Explore medieval cities, enjoy the stunning waterfalls and forests of Plitvice Lakes National Park and soak up the sunshine on the islands of Korčula and Hvar. Then relax on a 12-night cruise of the Ionian and Aegean Seas.

Highlights • Discover medieval Dubrovnik • Tour the Adriatic island of Korčula • Enjoy the beauty of Hvar, the queen of the Croatian islands • Explore charming Split and heritage-listed Trogir • Stay in the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park • Relax on a 12-night cruise of the Aegean & Ionian Seas

Land & Cruise Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Dubrovnik Welcome to Croatia and the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik. Meet your fellow travellers this evening for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Dubrovnik This morning we’ll discover Dubrovnik on foot, giving you plenty of time to enjoy one of the most photographed cities in the Mediterranean. We’ll visit the 15th century Rector’s Palace, see the ancient Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column, the Sponza Palace and the Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore independently. [B,D] Special Experience: Enjoy typical homestyle cooking and the warm hospitality of the Croats at a home-hosted welcome dinner. Day 4. Dubrovnik - Korčula Travelling along the stunning Adriatic coastline, we’ll explore the real Croatia. Along the way, we stop at a local winery for a tasting. Later this afternoon we board a ferry for a short ride to the island of Korčula, dotted with lush vineyards, olive groves and pretty villages. [B] Day 5. Korčula We travel to the eastern side of the island to historic Korčula Town, where we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the old town to appreciate the Venetian renaissance-inspired architecture and many monuments. We’ll also visit the Barilo Ethno Collection, a folk museum showcasing peasant life

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

20 cruising with

on the island, and stop at an olive oil factory for a tasting. [B] Day 6. Korčula - Hvar An early start to board a ferry to the island of Hvar. Once we arrive, we’ll take a guided tour and visit the fortress. Later, we travel the island’s ‘’lavender roads’’ to Velo Grablje and visit the ancient Stari Grad Plain. Special Experience: We’ll enjoy a traditional Dalmatian lunch in a picturesque olive grove setting. [B,L] Day 7. Hvar - Split Stunning Split and its abundance of Roman treasures awaits us! We explore the fortress-like Diocletian’s Palace at the centre of the town, and learn about the area’s fascinating history. We’ll see Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, the Cathedral and other renaissance and gothic structures. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore independently. [B] Day 8. Split This morning we discover the nearby historic town of Trogir - its centre is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy the sunshine and delights of this resort town. [B] Day 9. Split - Plitvice Lakes Heading inland, we travel to stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park. These 16 terraced lakes, interconnected by a series of waterfalls, are renowned for their distinctive colours, ranging from azure to green, grey and blue. [B,D]

Small Group Touring Croatia & the Med

Venice Rovinj

ITALY

2

Opatija

63

CROATIA

Pula 1 Plitvice Lakes Split Trogir 2 Hvar 1 Korčula 2

2

Dubrovnik

Istanbul

TURKEY

GREECE

Athens Cephalonia Olympia

Ephesus Kuşadasi

Mykonos

12-night Holland America Line cruise (ms Oosterdam)

Santorini Rovinj, Croatia Marion Bunnik

Dates & Prices

travel:

2017 Start

Finish

Start

Finish

05-Jun

30-Jun

21-Sep

16-Oct

16-Aug

10-Sep

For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $11,595 (Ocean-View Stateroom) and $11,995 (Veranda Stateroom) per person twin share. Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth Single supplement: Ocean-View Stateroom from $3,750 Veranda Stateroom from $5,150 Korčula, Croatia Jeremy Van Heerde

Tour dates and length subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure.

Special Experience: Stay overnight in the national park, only 400m from the highest waterfall.

Please note all meals are included daily while cruising on board the ship. The cruise itinerary may change due to local conditions.

Day 10. Plitvice Lakes - Opatija We travel to the imperial resort town of Opatija, famous for its grand spa hotels and superb location on the beautiful Bay of Kvarner. We’ll take an orientation tour on arrival. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. [B] Day 11. Opatija A full-day excursion along the Istrian Peninsula lies ahead. Visit Eufrasius Basilica at Porec, the Roman Amphitheatre in Pula and the charming fishing port of Rovinj. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. [B,D] Day 12. Opatija - Venice Embark Cruise: From Opatija we travel to Venice, where we board our Holland America Line cruise ship. [B,D] Day 13. Cruising at sea Day 14. Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

• Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included. • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles • Holland America Line cruise

transportation: Coach, ferry & cruise ship

accommodation & meals: • 10 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 12-night Holland America Line cruise on board ms Oosterdam • 22 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 15 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides:

Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended.

• English-speaking locally based tour director and guides (excluding cruise)

For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

• Port taxes of AUD $300pp (subject to change)

Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Day 19. Ephesus (Kuşadasi), Turkey Day 20. Santorini (Thira), Greece Day 21. Cephalonia (Argostoli), Greece Day 22. Cruising at sea Day 23. Venice, Italy

Day 16. Istanbul, Turkey

Day 24. Venice, Italy Disembark Cruise: Today we begin our journey home.

Day 17. Istanbul, Turkey

Day 25. In Transit

Day 18. Mykonos, Greece

Day 26. Arrive in Australia

Day 15. Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Inclusions

port taxes & tips: • Total cost includes - Tipping Made Easy amount of $135pp. On board the cruise, you will need to pay a tipping fee of approx USD$14pp per day.

Comparing Us? Remember our prices include: • International airfares • Air and port taxes • Holland America Line cruise • Accommodation • Many meals

64

Small Group Touring Greece, the Adriatic & the Med

Santorini, Greece Sacha Bunnik

GREECE, THE ADRIATIC & THE MED Delve into the ancient history and incredible scenery of Greece. Explore the neighbourhoods of Athens, see the incredible monasteries of Meteora and taste the local delicacies. Then board a 14-night cruise of the Mediterranean, visiting Istanbul, the Greek Islands and the beautiful Italian coastline.

Highlights • Discover the incredible ancient history of Athens, Delphi and Olympia • Visit the magical clifftop monasteries of Meteora • See the Temple of Poseidon, perched on the tip of Cape Sounion • Taste traditional Greek wines in Nemea • See the famous Corinth Canal • Relax on a cruise of the Mediterranean

days:

New Tour

27

Day 2. Arrive in Athens Welcome to Greece and the ancient city of Athens. Meet your tour director and fellow travellers this evening for a welcome cocktail. Day 3. Athens After breakfast, we discover the diversity of Athens on a city tour. Highlights include the ancient Acropolis and the magnificent Parthenon. We’ll also wander through the Thisio, Monastiraki and Plaka districts to get a taste of the local atmosphere. Special Experience: Tonight we enjoy a festive Greek welcome dinner, complete with traditional dancing. [B,D] Day 4. Athens This afternoon we visit Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. The incredible structure perches high on the edge of a cliff that plunges 65m to the sea. On a clear day, the area also affords views to the islands of Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Aegina and the Peloponnese. [B] Day 5. Athens - Kalambaka Today we depart Athens for the town of Kalambaka. In the afternoon we discover the amazing clifftop monasteries of Meteora. Monks have been settled on these ‘columns of the sky’ since the 11th century. The cliffs have been regarded as the perfect place to achieve absolute isolation and discover peace and harmony since early Christian times. [B] Day 6. Kalambaka - Nafpaktos This morning we visit Delphi, considered by the

11,395pp

$

Flights & Cruise Included

Land & Cruise Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia

from

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

20 cruising with

ancient Greeks to be the centre of the world. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological ruins and museum. We continue to the scenic town of Nafpaktos this afternoon. [B,L] Day 7. Nafpaktos We visit the home of the Olympic Games, Olympia. We’ll discover the ancient site and tour the museum. The rest of the day is at leisure in beautiful Nafpaktos. Why not relax along one of its idyllic beaches on the famous Corinthian Gulf or wander through the Venetian port. This evening we’ll explore the old town on a walking tour. [B] Day 8. Nafpaktos - Nafplion Special Experience: Today we board a train for a spectacular ride up to the mountain village of Kalavryta through Vouraios Gorge. As we return down the back of the mountain, we visit the ‘Cave of the Lakes’. According to Greek mythology, the caves were used by the daughters of the King of Tiryns as a refuge when they were possessed by madness. [B] Day 9. Nafplion After breakfast, we drive to Sparta, famous for its ancient warrior society which focused its social system completely on military training and excellence. Here we visit the olive oil museum and Mystras, the best-preserved byzantine citadel in Greece. Special Experience: We’ll try our hand at traditional cooking and enjoy the dishes for lunch. [B,L]

Small Group Touring Greece, the Adriatic & the Med

Barcelona

65

ITALY

Pompeii (Naples)

Kotor

Istanbul GREECE

Meteora Kalambaka 1 Volos Sicily (Messina)

Delphi

Nafpaktos 2 3

3

TURKEY

Khios Athens Rhodes

Nafplion 14-night Majestic Princess / Royal Princess

Santorini

Athens, Greece Sacha Bunnik

Day 10. Nafplion Mycenae is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and birthplace of the culture that dominated the country during the late Bronze Age. We visit the site this morning, along with ancient Corinth, one of the major cities of antiquity. This afternoon, we’ll stop at a local winery in the Nemea region for a tasting. Tonight we’ll enjoy a group farewell dinner. [B,D] Day 11. Nafplion - Athens (Piraeus) Embark Cruise: On the way to the port, we stop at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, and cross the Corinth Canal. Then we board our Princess ship for a 14-night cruise. [B,D] Day 12. Volos, Greece Day 13. Istanbul, Turkey Day 14. Istanbul, Turkey Day 15. Khios, Greece Day 16. Rhodes, Greece Day 17. Cruising at sea Day 18. Athens (Piraeus), Greece Day 19. Santorini, Greece Day 20. Cruising at sea Day 21. Kotor, Montenegro Day 22. Sicily (Messina), Italy Day 23. Pompeii & Capri (Naples), Italy Day 24. Cruising at sea Day 25. Barcelona, Spain Disembark Cruise: Today we begin our journey home. [B] Day 26. In Transit Day 27. Arrive in Australia

Dates & Prices

travel:

2017 Start

Finish

20-Apr* 15-May 28-Jun

Inclusions

Start

Finish

16-Aug

11-Sep

24-Jul

*Please note: 20 Apr departure is a day shorter due to flight schedule. For up-to-date pricing see our website www.bunniktours.com.au

• Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included. • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned coaches • Princess cruise

transportation:

Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $11,395 to $11,695 (Balcony Stateroom) per person twin share.

Coach, train & cruise ship

Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth

• 9 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star)

Single supplement: Balcony Stateroom from $5,500

• 14-night Princess cruise on board the Majestic Princess or Royal Princess

Tour dates and length subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure. Please note all meals are included daily while cruising on board the ship. The cruise itinerary may change due to local conditions.

accommodation & meals:

• 23 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 16 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

tour guides:

Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended.

• English-speaking locally based tour director and guides (excluding cruise)

For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

• Port taxes of AUD $250pp (subject to change)

Early Bird Deals Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

port taxes & tips: • Total cost includes - Tipping Made Easy amount of $115pp. On board the cruise, you will need to pay a tipping fee of approx USD$14pp per day.

Nafpaktos, Greece Spiros Vathis

Comparing Us? Remember our prices include: • International airfares • Air and port taxes • Princess cruise • Accommodation • Many meals

66

Small Group Touring Spain & the Med

Plaza Mayor, Madrid Marion Bunnik

days:

SPAIN & THE MED

23 or 24

from

9,995pp

$

Flights & Cruise Included

Explore the passionate country of Spain and taste the Spanish ‘good life’. Travel from majestic Madrid to enchanting Barcelona via Seville, the spectacular Costa del Sol and Granada. Then relax on board a cruise across the Mediterranean, discovering the stunning coastlines of southern Europe.

Highlights • Discover the former Roman and Arabic capital, Cordoba • Explore Seville in search of the best tapas bars • Visit the historic ‘White’ village of Ronda • See the magnificent Alhambra Palace • Soak up the sunshine in Barcelona and admire Gaudi’s unique architecture • Relax in luxury on a Mediterranean cruise

Land & Cruise Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Madrid Welcome to Madrid! The capital of the Spanish empire, it was once the richest and most powerful city in the world. Meet your fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail this evening. Day 3. Madrid Overflowing with palaces, museums and grand squares, Madrid is a truly majestic city. Today we see the highlights on a city tour. Our sightseeing includes Plaza Mayor and the Avenues of Gran Via and Castellana, along with Retiro Park and the Bullring. Tonight we enjoy a group welcome dinner. [B,D] Day 4. Madrid - Cordoba - Seville Special Experience: Travelling by the Spanish Alta Velocidad Española (AVE) train, we make our way to Cordoba, a former Roman, and then Arabic, capital city. We take a city tour to see the famous MosqueCathedral, La Mezquita, the most important monument of all the Western Islamic world, and perhaps the most beautiful. We’ll also wander through the Barrio to soak up the atmosphere. This afternoon we continue across the Spanish countryside to Seville, the capital of the Andalusia region. [B] Day 5. Seville Our morning sightseeing tour includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Royal Alcazar and the historic Jewish Santa Cruz. This afternoon is at leisure for you to discover the delights of Seville on your own. [B]

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

20 cruising with

Day 6. Seville - Ronda - Malaga Today we visit the ‘White’ city of Ronda, with its incredible bridge over the deep El Tajo gorge. This afternoon we venture down to the beautiful Costa del Sol and the resort town of Malaga. [B] Day 7. Malaga - Granada After breakfast, we visit the Picasso Museum, dedicated to the works of the famous local artist, Pablo Ruis Picasso. As we travel inland to Granada, we’ll stop at the Caves of Nerja, a series of huge caverns that stretch for almost 5 kilometres. [B,D] Special Experience: We’ll meet this evening for traditional Spanish tapas. Day 8. Granada Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Spanish Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is a picturesque city, rich in Moorish influences. Today we visit the famous Alhambra Palace and the beautifully manicured Generalife Gardens, former place of leisure for the kings of Granada. [B] Day 9. Granada - Barcelona This morning we fly to cosmopolitan Barcelona. We’ll get acquainted with Antonio Gaudi’s influences on the city. See the incredible La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila. [B] Day 10. Barcelona After breakfast, we continue to explore Barcelona. Our sightseeing includes Güell Park, Plaza Cataluna, the Gothic Quarter, Plaza San Jaume and Montjuic Mountain. The afternoon is at leisure. [B,D]

Small Group Touring Spain & the Med

67

Barcelona, Spain Dennis Bunnik

Venice SPAIN

Florence/ Pisa

Madrid AVE Train Cordoba

2

Barcelona

CROATIA

Split

ITALY

2

Kotor

Rome

2 Seville

Valencia

2

Ronda 1 Granada Malaga

10-night Celebrity Constellation

This map is based on 23 Jun 2017 departure. For more details go to bunniktours.com.au

23 Days

With 10-night Cruise Itinerary

Day 11. Barcelona, Spain Embark Cruise: Today we travel to the port of Barcelona where we board our Celebrity Constellation cruise ship. [B,D] Day 12. Valencia, Spain Day 13. Valencia, Spain Day 14. Cruising at sea Day 15. Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy Day 16. Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Day 17. Cruising at sea Day 18. Kotor, Montenegro Day 19. Split, Croatia Day 20. Venice, Italy Day 21. Venice, Italy Disembark Cruise: Today we begin our journey home. Day 22. In Transit Day 23. Arrive in Australia

24 Days

Mediterranean Sea

Departing 23 Jun 2017

With 12-night Cruise Itinerary Departing 18 Sep & 12 Oct 2017

Day 11. Barcelona, Spain Embark Cruise: Today we travel to the port of Barcelona where we board our Celebrity Equinox cruise ship. [B,D] Day 12. Palma de Mallorca, Spain Day 13. Cruising at sea Day 14. Sicily (Messina), Italy Day 15. Cruising at sea Day 16. Mykonos, Greece Day 17. Athens, Greece Day 18. Santorini, Greece

Dates & Prices

Inclusions travel:

2017 Start

Finish

Start

Finish

23-Jun

15-Jul

12-Oct* 04-Nov

18-Sep* 11-Oct *Please note: 18 Sep & 12 Oct departures are a day longer. These departures enjoy a 12-night Mediterranean cruise (return from Barcelona) on-board Celebrity Equinox. For more details and up-to-date pricing see our website bunniktours.com.au Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $9,995 (Ocean-View Stateroom) and $10,995 (Veranda Stateroom) per person twin share. Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth Single supplement: Ocean-View Stateroom from $3,750 Veranda Stateroom from $4,950 Tour dates and length subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure. Please note all meals are included daily while cruising on board the ship. The cruise itinerary may change due to local conditions.

• Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included. • Economy-class flight within Spain • AVE train from Madrid to Cordoba • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles • Celebrity cruise

transportation: Coach, AVE train, plane & cruise ship

accommodation & meals: • 9 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 10-night Celebrity cruise on board Celebrity Constellation* • 19 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 13 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners*

tour guides: • English-speaking locally based tour director and guides (excluding cruise)

Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended.

port taxes & tips:

For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

• Total cost includes - Tipping Made Easy amount of $135pp. On board the cruise, you will need to pay a tipping fee of approx USD$14pp per day.

Early Bird Deals

• Port taxes of AUD $140pp (subject to change)*

Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Day 19. Rhodes, Greece Day 20. Cruising at sea Day 21. Valletta, Malta Day 22. Cruising at sea Day 23. Barcelona, Spain Disembark Cruise: Today we begin our journey home. Day 24. Arrive in Australia

Understanding the map For a detailed map legend go to pg 71.

Barcelona Markets Dennis Bunnik

68

Small Group Touring Morocco & the Med

Morocco Silvia Schweininger

days:

MOROCCO & THE MED

from

MAXIMUM

26 or 28 10,395pp $

Flights & Cruise Included

From the High Atlas Mountains to the buzzing medinas and the vast desert expanses, Morocco is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Explore the melting pot of African, Arabic and European cultures, stay in a traditional kasbah and visit a desert oasis town. Then relax on board a cruise of the Mediterranean.

Highlights • Test your bargaining skills in the buzzing medinas of Fez & Marrakesh • Stay in a traditional Moroccan kasbah in the vast Sahara Desert • Enjoy lunch amongst the palms in the Tissardmine Oasis • Stroll through the streets of fortified Aït-Ben-Haddou • See famous film sets at Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate • Relax in luxury on a cruise of the Mediterranean

Land & Cruise Itinerary Day 1. Depart Australia Day 2. Arrive in Casablanca Welcome to Morocco and the setting for the classic Academy Award-winning Humphrey Bogart film, Casablanca! Day 3. Casablanca - Meknes Today we explore the buzzing streets of Casablanca and acquaint ourselves with its Europeaninfluenced architecture, before travelling to the capital city of Rabat. We’ll visit the Royal Palace, admire the beautiful, intricately decorated Hassan Tower, and visit the glittering Mausoleum of King Mohammed V, the first Sultan of independent Morocco. We continue to Meknes and enjoy a traditional Moroccan welcome dinner at a local restaurant. [B,D] Day 4. Meknes - Fez Our tour of Morocco’s smallest imperial city, Meknes, includes the grandest of all Imperial Moroccan gateways, the beautifully preserved Bab El-Mansour, and the lavishly decorated Bou Inania Madrasa. We’ll visit the impressive ruins of Volubilis, once an important Roman city, dating back to the 3rd century BC. After lunch, we continue to Fez. [B,D] Day 5. Fez Considered the cultural and religious centre of Morocco, Fez is a window into the Middle Ages. We’ll visit a pottery workshop and admire the ceramics, then explore the narrow cobbled lanes and covered souks of the famous medina. We’ll also visit the famous Fez Tannery. [B]

GROUP SIZE

20

cruising with

Day 6. Fez - Merzouga Today we cross over the Middle Atlas Mountains on our way to Merzouga, situated in the vast Sahara Desert, where we’ll stay overnight in a traditional Moroccan kasbah. [B,L,D] Day 7. Merzouga Special Experience: We rise early to watch the spectacular sunrise over the endless dunes of the Sahara Desert. After breakfast, we are treated to the warm hospitality and spiritual Gnaoua music of the locals, and enjoy lunch in a magical, palm-fringed oasis in the remote village of Tissardmine. In the evening we’ll return to our kasbah. [B,L,D] Day 8. Merzouga - Skoura On our journey across the desert, we’ll stop at the Ksar El Khorbat, a living museum fortress town built of soil in the typical local style. We’ll also visit the Berber town of Boumalne, located on the edge of a desert plateau. We end the day in the oasis town of Skoura. [B,D] Day 9. Skoura This morning we visit the palm groves and Amridil kasbah, and have tea at a local pottery. Heading back to our guesthouse, we’ll enjoy a typical Berber couscous and take part in a traditional calligraphy workshop with a local artisan. We’ll then watch a demonstration of traditional dyeing techniques using locally sourced natural materials. [B,L,D] Day 10. Skoura - Marrakesh Today we visit the Atlas Film Studios in

Small Group Touring Morocco & the Med Ouarzazate. We also travel to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Berber town of AïtBen-Haddou and take a short walking tour, before continuing to the magical ‘Rose City’, Marrakesh. [B,D] Special Experience: This evening we’ll make our way through buzzing Jemaael-Fnaa Square to enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner. Day 11. Marrakesh The ‘Jewel of the South’, Marrakesh is the real heartbeat of Morocco. Here we visit the Saadian Tombs and the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Art. [B,L] Special Experience: We’ll be treated to a cooking class inside the medina and enjoy the delicious results for lunch. Day 12. Marrakesh - Casablanca The morning is at leisure before our drive back to Casablanca this afternoon. Tonight we’ll enjoy a traditional dinner to farewell Morocco. [B,D] Day 13. Casablanca - Barcelona Today we fly to vibrant Barcelona and take a short orientation tour on arrival. [B] Day 14. Barcelona A full day at leisure to explore one of the world’s cosmopolitan cities. This evening we enjoy a Spanish group farewell dinner [B,D]

26 Days

With 10-night Cruise Itinerary Departing 19 Jun 2017

Day 15. Barcelona Embark Cruise: Today we travel to the port of Barcelona where we board our Celebrity Constellation cruise ship. [B,D] Day 16. Valencia, Spain Day 17. Valencia, Spain Day 18. Cruising at sea Day 19. Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy Day 20. Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Day 21. Cruising at sea Day 22. Kotor, Montenegro Day 23. Split, Croatia Day 24. Venice, Italy Day 25. Venice, Italy Disembark Cruise: Today we begin our journey home. Day 26. Arrive in Australia

28 Days

With 12-night Cruise Itinerary Departing 14 Sep & 8 Oct 2017

Day 15. Barcelona, Spain Embark Cruise: Today we travel to the port of Barcelona where we board our Celebrity Equinox cruise ship. [B,D] Day 16. Palma de Mallorca, Spain Day 17. Cruising at sea Day 18. Sicily (Messina), Italy Day 19. Cruising at sea Day 20. Mykonos, Greece Day 21. Athens, Greece Day 22. Santorini, Greece Day 23. Rhodes, Greece Day 24. Cruising at sea Day 25. Valletta, Malta Day 26. Cruising at sea Day 27. Barcelona, Spain Disembark Cruise: Today we begin our journey home. Day 28. Arrive in Australia

69

Venice CROATIA

Florence/ Pisa SPAIN

Barcelona

Split

ITALY

2

Kotor

Rome Valencia Casablanca (1,1) 2

10-night Celebrity Constellation

Meknes

1 2 Fez Rabat MOROCCO Marrakesh Boumalne 2 Boumalne 2 Aït-Ben2 Merzouga Haddou Skoura

Mediterranean Sea

This map is based on 19 Jun 2017 departure. For more details go to bunniktours.com.au

Dates & Prices

Inclusions travel:

2017 Start

Finish

Start

Finish

19-Jun

14-Jul

08-Oct* 04-Nov

14-Sep* 11-Oct *Please note: 14 Sep & 8 Oct departures are two days longer. These departures enjoy a 12-night Mediterranean cruise (return from Barcelona) on-board Celebrity Equinox. For more details and up-to-date pricing see our website bunniktours.com.au Price including airfares from Australia ranges from $10,395 (Ocean-View Stateroom) and $10,895 (Veranda Stateroom) per person twin share. Price valid from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth Single supplement: Ocean-View Stateroom from $3,750 Veranda Stateroom from $4,950 Tour dates and length subject to change depending on airline schedules and your city of departure. Please note all meals are included daily while cruising on board the ship. The cruise itinerary may change due to local conditions.

• Return economy-class flights between Australia, Morocco and Europe. Taxes included. • Economy-class flight within Europe • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles • Celebrity cruise

transportation: Coach, plane & cruise ship

accommodation & meals: • 9 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star) • 2 nights in a traditional kasbah • 2 nights in a Moroccan guest house • 10-night Celebrity cruise on board Celebrity Constellation* • 23 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 19 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners*

tour guides:

Please note above pricing is correct at time of printing. Pricing can change due to airline availability and currency fluctuations. Early booking is therefore strongly recommended.

• English-speaking locally based tour director and guides (excluding cruise)

For full booking terms and conditions please see pages 70 to 71.

• Port taxes of AUD $140pp (subject to change)*

Early Bird Deals

port taxes & tips: • Total cost includes - Tipping Made Easy amount of $95pp. On board the cruise, you will need to pay a tipping fee of approx USD$14pp per day.

Save $250 per person when you book & pay your deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016. For full terms & conditions see page 71.

Need some inspiration? Read our travel stories on bunniktours.com.au/blog

Marrakesh, Morocco Matt Baldock

70

Small Print

SMALL PRINT Bunnik Travel Pty Ltd - Trading As Bunnik Tours. ACN 077 203 466 • ABN 38 077 203 466 • ATAS accreditation #A10484 • 45 Flinders Street, Adelaide SA 5000 Australia. These Booking Conditions constitute the entire agreement between the parties as to their subject matter, and supercede all prior agreements and understandings between the parties. By making a booking and paying your deposit you accept the following booking terms and conditions. 1. PAYMENT Please note that all tours are subject to availability and all prices are subject to change without notice until your holiday has been paid in full. 1.1. Deposit A non-refundable deposit per person to secure your Bunnik Tour required (together with a completed booking form) within 7 days of reservation is as follows: • Small Group Tours (excludes Arctic Norway) .... $750 pp • Cruise & Tour ...................................................... $1,000 pp • Arctic Norway Voyage ................................. $4,000 pp 1.2. Final Balance Payment Final payment is due 60 days (120 days for all Cruise & Tour and Arctic Norway Voyage) prior to departure. Please note that tour costings are based on using special airfares which require early payment - see below Payment Schedule. Separate deposit payments may be required for pre- and post-tour extensions. We may cancel your booking if either the deposit payment or the final payment is not paid by the relevant due date. In the event of cancellation, the cancellation conditions set out below will apply. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars and must be paid in Australian dollars. 1.3. Payment Schedule About 4-8 weeks after your booking has been confirmed we’ll need to request a progress payment in order to cover airfares, taxes and fuel surcharges. The progress payment is as follows: • All Europe tours ................................................. $2,750 pp This payment allows us to issue your flight tickets and ensures you don’t get hit with airline increases on fuel surcharges and taxes. 2. BOOKINGS 2.1. Late Bookings Higher deposit payments are required for late bookings - please refer to your consultant at the time of booking. A guarantee of full payment is required at the time of booking for all bookings received within 90 days of departure. 2.2. Bookings Sold on a Share Basis Bookings may be accepted where requested on a share room basis on the condition that the person/s requesting the share reservation agree that although every effort will be made to comply with requests regarding age, non-smoking etc... this is not always possible and we accept no responsibility for any incompatibility between persons sharing twin rooms. No guarantee is given that a share room will be found. If a share room is not available at the time of final payment, either the single room alternative or the cancellation conditions set out below will apply at your option. 3. SINGLE ROOMS If by choice or circumstance a single room is required, then a single room surcharge will apply. Requested and booked single rooms at the increased cost are confirmed in good faith on the basis of the information available at the time. If by some chance whilst on tour, the single room is not available, a refund will be made for any night that the paid single room was not available. 4. FLUID PRICING Bunnik Travel operates on the basis of fluid pricing. This is the practice within the travel industry where pricing changes due to various factors including, but not limited to, changing airfares, market conditions and spot specials. We therefore

reserve the right to change our prices without notice. This can mean that different passengers on the same tour may have been charged different prices. Bunnik Tours will not enter into any correspondence regarding any such variation in pricing. Our current pricing can be found on our website. 5. AIRLINE SCHEDULE CHANGES Bunnik Tours is not responsible for any schedule changes imposed by airlines. Whilst we will do our best to reschedule your touring and accommodation, Bunnik Tours is not responsible for any additional costs nor services missed as a result of an airline-imposed schedule change. 6. TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION Bunnik Travel is not itself a carrier or hotelier nor do we own aircraft, hotels or coaches. The flights, coach journeys, and other travel and hotel accommodation comprised in your holiday are provided by reputable carriers and hoteliers on their own conditions. It is important to note therefore that all bookings are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations imposed by the individual airlines, coach operators, hoteliers and other service providers (including but not limited to shipping, rail, car hire, and restaurant service providers) who provide services in relation to your tour. Some of these terms and conditions may permit the service provider to cancel, delay, divert or substitute services at their discretion, and may limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay and loss or damage to baggage. It is your responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions of each service provider. 7. RISK & LIABILITY Every effort is made to ensure that your holiday arrangements are satisfactory and we accept liability for, but only to the extent of, any loss or damage sustained by you as a direct result of our negligence. In any event, our aggregate liability to you is limited to the amount you have paid to us for the relevant tour. You acknowledge and agree that there are inherent risks involved in participating in the tour, including without limitation possible contact with native fauna, local residents, unforeseen events and travel in remote locations. By making a booking, you agree to accept all risks associated with the tour. We exclude, and you unconditionally release us from, all liability, including without limitation in contract and in tort, for any cause or action, including any injury, damage, loss, cost, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly as a result of the inherent risks associated with the tour, or any force majeure events or other events which are beyond our control, including but not limited to war, civil disobedience, terrorism, insurrection, accident, explosion, sickness, fire, floods, severe weather, acts of God, acts of Government, alteration or cancellation of scheduled air services, accidents to or failure of machinery or equipment or industrial action. If we or our service providers are affected in any way by a force majeure event, we may, at our discretion, vary or cancel any itinerary or arrangement in relation to the tour as we consider necessary, without incurring any liability to you. Each service provider is responsible for the part of the tour it conducts. Service providers are not our agents or employees and are not under our direct control. We therefore do not warrant the performance of any service provider. We do not accept, and you release us from, all liability for any injury, loss, damage, costs or expenses, including without limitation any property damage or personal injury, that you may suffer which arises out of any act or omission of a service provider or operator who provides services in connection with your tour. Any claim that you may have in relation to a service provider should be raised directly with that service provider. You are responsible for any injury, loss, damage,

costs or expenses arising through your own fault. You agree to indemnify us against all actions, proceedings, claims, demands, expenses and costs (including legal costs on a full indemnity basis and whether incurred by or awarded against us) as a result of, or arising in relation to, whether directly or indirectly, your participation in the tour or any act or omission by you in relation to the tour. 8. EXCLUSION FROM TOUR You may be excluded from the tour at our discretion if you fail to comply with our reasonable instructions while on tour, if you interfere with other clients’ enjoyment of the tour, if you jeopardise the safety of other clients, if you engage in illegal or undesirable behaviour, or if you otherwise become a hazard to yourself or other clients. You will not be entitled to a refund and we will not be responsible for any expenses that you may incur if you are excluded from a tour for any of these reasons. 9. CHANGES IN PRICE AND MINIMUM NUMBERS Please note that all tours are subject to availability and all prices are subject to change without notice until your holiday has been paid in full. We reserve the right to change the tour components, the departure date, or any other aspect of the tour at our discretion until the tour has been paid for in full. All tours are based on a minimum number of participants. If this minimum number is not reached we reserve the right to cancel or re-cost this tour as appropriate. If we re-cost the tour and you decide not to proceed, or, if we cancel the tour, your deposit is refundable in full. In all other circumstances your deposit is non-refundable. 10. HEALTH & FITNESS A minimum level of fitness is required to be able to participate on a Bunnik Tour. As a minimum, you will need to be able to walk 3.5km on uneven surfaces without walking aids, carry your own luggage and walk up a few flights of stairs with ease. All passengers aged 70 years and over must provide a “fitness to travel” letter from their doctor at the time of booking. You must inform us at the time of booking of any medical condition that you have which may affect your ability to participate in the tour. We may decide at our absolute discretion not to include you in a tour or in any activity if we consider that you are unable to safely participate in that tour or activity as a result of a medical condition or otherwise, or if we consider that your participation may place the safety of other clients at risk. We exclude all liability for any illness, injury or death sustained by you on tour as a result of any pre-existing medical condition. We will not be responsible for, and you agree to release us from, any liability arising out of any medical condition, illness or injury that you may suffer during the tour or as a result of the tour. You should consult your doctor or travel medical specialists in your home state before travel regarding any innoculations, medications and other health precautions that should be taken in relation to travel within the regions comprising your tour. 11. TRAVEL INSURANCE Travel insurance is not included in any of the prices in this brochure. It is a condition of travelling with Bunnik Tours that you have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for the full duration of your journey for costs associated with illness, injury, death, loss of or damage to baggage and personal items, cancellation, loss of deposit, medical and hospitalisation expenses, repatriation and curtailment expenses due to illness, the need to return home unexpectedly, evacuation expenses and accidental death or disability. We will be able to advise you on request about travel insurance packages. However, you are solely responsible for obtaining the appropriate insurance cover as set out above. Bunnik Tours does not consider travel insurance offered by credit card companies as providing adequate cover. 12. AMENDMENT FEES Alterations to itineraries to suit individual requirements may be made in most instances. Requested amendments should be submitted to us in writing at time of booking. When alterations are requested after bookings are made, the $50

Small Print

fee is applicable plus any additional costs and administrative expenses incurred in arranging the alteration. Alterations will be made at our discretion and may not always be possible. The alteration fee is due within 7 days of notification from us that the alteration will be carried out. When alterations are requested after balance payment has been made, a $250 per person fee is applicable plus any additional costs and administrative expenses incurred in arranging the alteration. 13. OTHER CONDITIONS Bunnik Tours reserves the right to cancel or withdraw bookings made for or on behalf of a client at any time at their discretion, in which event no liability with respect to the cancellation or withdrawal shall fall on Bunnik Tours, save that all the monies paid for the booking shall be refunded, less any utilised land or transport content. The arrangement of this holiday constitutes a complete package and as such, an itemisation of costs will not be rendered. No refunds are payable on unused or partially utilised sections of the tour itinerary, where passengers amend, cancel, or otherwise vary arrangements after tour departure. Bunnik Tours does not authorise any overseas suppliers including hotel management to promise refunds on our behalf. 14. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND TAXES It is your responsibility to ensure that all passports, visas, travel permits, health certificates and other documentation required for the tour are obtained and are in order. You must also pay all required taxes, including Australian departure tax and ticket levies, which are payable in relation to the tour. You are responsible for any additional costs incurred by either us or you as a result of any failure to comply with these requirements. 15. CONSENT TO CONDITIONS By making any booking, you agree to comply with these Booking Conditions and warrant that you have obtained agreement to these Booking Conditions from all other clients for whom the booking is made. You are responsible for the total price of all bookings that you make.

Cancellations of confirmed services must be notified through Bunnik Tours even if you have advised the local representative. Bunnik Tours does not authorise the employees of any overseas supplier to promise refunds to clients.

20. CANCELLATION Cancellation of reservation/s must be provided to us in writing and is subject to the following cancellation fees:

18. CONSUMER CLAIMS We endeavour to ensure that all your arrangements proceed smoothly. Occasionally problems can occur while you are away, in which case it is essential and most practical to try to resolve it locally with the provider of the service. If you are unhappy with your hotel room please inform the Duty Manager so the situation may be rectified on the spot. If you fail to take these steps any claim to compensation may be reduced or denied. If you have an unresolved complaint this should be put to us in writing detailing the efforts that were made with the local operator to resolve the issue. Please send this with supporting documentation within 30 days of the date of the service. No claim made after this period will be considered.

60 days or more before departure .... loss of deposit & airfare payment if applicable

19. GENERAL These Booking Conditions are governed by the laws applicable in the State of South Australia, and the parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Australia. If part or all of any provision of these Booking Conditions is illegal or unenforceable, it will be severed from these Booking Conditions and will not affect the continued operation of the remaining provisions of these Booking Conditions. We may vary these Booking Conditions from time to time by notifying you in writing. Recent legislation in various states in Australia has highlighted the issue of age discrimination. In terms of style and content all of Bunnik Tours’ worldwide tours are specifically designed for people aged between 30 and 65 years. This fact should be recognised when you book one of our tours.

20.1. Bunnik Air & Land Packages

59 to 45 days before departure .................................. 25% 44 to 31 days before departure .................................. 50% Within 30 days of departure ..................................... 100% 20.2. Bunnik Cruise & Tour Packages 120 days or more before departure ..... loss of deposit 119 to 64 days before departure .................................. 25% 63 to 43 days before departure .................................. 50% 42 to 31 days before departure .................................. 75% Within 30 days of departure ..................................... 100% 20.3. Special Cancellation Special cancellation charges which may be higher than those listed above apply to cruising, rail tours, specialty accommodation and special event tours. These additional charges are set by our suppliers and vary per supplier. Please check with your consultant at the time of booking. Please note that tour costings are based on special airfares. Depending on the airlines these incur cancellation charges once the tickets have been issued. These charges are in addition to the cancellation charges set out above and in some cases can be as high as 100% once the ticket has been issued. Airlines are responsible for the timing of refunds of air tickets. 21. EUROPE EARLY BIRD To be eligible for our European early bird savings you need to book, pay a deposit and applicable airfare payment by Thursday 22 December 2016.

MAP LEGEND

16. BROCHURES We make no warranty about the accuracy of the tour information contained in Bunnik Tours publicity materials, and exclude all liability for any errors or omissions in those materials. All information should be checked prior to booking. 17. WHEN YOU GET THERE Local Representatives: Your documentation states the name and telephone number of our local representatives for any assistance with difficulties or changes. If you need to alter your arrangements once overseas or to add services to your booking you may do this through our local representative. Any additional costs incurred must be paid directly to the supplier of the service and may not be charged back to Bunnik Tours. We cannot be held responsible for any subsequent complaint with arrangements booked directly with suppliers abroad.

2

Tour starts Tour ends Tour starts and ends in the same city Visited destinations Total number of nights (i.e. 2 nights) Port stops

Flight route Land route Rail route Water route Rail transportation Water transportation

ABBREVIATIONS [B,L,D] Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Special Notes on Cruising Please note that cruise itineraries are not guaranteed and are subject to change. Many factors may affect the cruise company’s ability to provide a particular itinerary including weather, mechanical difficulties, civil unrest and other unforeseen circumstances. Please refer to the website of the relevant cruise operator for full terms and conditions. Please note that there will not be a Bunnik Tours representative or tour guide on the cruise portion of the itinerary. While on the cruise your time is your own to relax and explore as you choose. Once on the cruise, there is no sightseeing included as

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part of your Bunnik Tour. Should you like to book sightseeing (shore excursions) from the ship, this will need to be either pre-booked via the Holland America Line / Celebrity Cruises / Princess Cruises website or on board.

specialty restaurants that can be enjoyed for a small surcharge. Meals are included when in port, but only available on the ship. If you decide to take a day tour or leave the ship you will need to purchase your own meals.

Shore excursions on board One Ocean Expeditions cruises are included as part of your Bunnik Tour, with the exception of sea kayaking.

Tipping is not included in your pre-paid ‘Tipping Made Easy’ amount whilst on board the cruise ships. You will need to pay this locally. We suggest approximately USD$14 per person, per day. This is to be settled on the last day of your cruise.

On the cruise, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served in the main dining room. Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises do have

2017-18 Bunnik Tours Small Group Touring Program! Contact us or your travel agent to get a free copy of another exciting Bunnik Tours brochure! ®

®

Australia’s Leading Small Group Tour Company

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®

®

Australia’s Leading Small Group Tour Company

Australia’s Leading Small Group Tour Company

Australia’s Leading Small Group Tour Company

Australia’s Leading Small Group Tour Company

SMALL GROUP TOURING

SMALL GROUP TOURING

SMALL GROUP TOURING

SMALL GROUP TOURING

SMALL GROUP TOURING

EUROPE

SOUTH & CENTRAL

AFRICA

MIDDLE

www.bunniktours.com.au

includes Cruise & Tour

Antarctica | Cruise & Tour MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE

2017

ASIA

AMERICA

includes Cruise & Tour

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE

20

2017 | 18 ®

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE

20

www.bunniktours.com.au

2017 | 18

www.bunniktours.com.au

®

EAST

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE

20

2017 | 18 ®

www.bunniktours.com.au

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE

20

20

2017 | 18 ®

www.bunniktours.com.au

®

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Bunnik Tours 45 Flinders St, Adelaide SA 5000 GPO Box 2667, Adelaide 5001 P: 08 8359 2295 F: 08 8359 2305

Your Travel Agent:

Bunnik Travel Pty Ltd • ATAS accreditation #A10484

Customer Sales & Enquiries Phone:

1800 286 645 Email: [email protected]

Agent Sales & Enquiries Phone:

1300 125 007

Email: [email protected]

www.bunniktours.com.au All prices shown are per person based on twin share. Single rooms are available at a supplement, check our website for details. Prices are correct at time of printing but are subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure cities. Bunnik Travel Pty Ltd - trading as Bunnik Tours • ATAS accreditation #A10484 • CATO Registered Operator No. TO1078.

Registered Operator No. TO1078