, Deep Celtic Love Up close and personal with sexy Scotland and wild Ireland Island Hopping Party your way around Croatia & Greece Hop-On Hop-Off 31 Destinations, 9 Countries, 1 pass... do it your way Hungry for Adventure? Feast on Eastern Europe FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS plus SCOTLAND, IRELAND, ENGLAND, WALES & N.AFRICA
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
, AA
Deep Celtic LoveUp close and personal
with sexy Scotland and
wild Ireland
Island HoppingParty your way around
Croatia & Greece
Hop-On Hop-Off31 Destinations, 9 Countries,
1 pass... do it your way
Hungry forAdventure?Feast on Eastern Europe
FORINDEPENDENTTRAVELLERS
plus SCOTLAND, IRELAND,
ENGLAND, WALES & N.AFRICA
Welcome to the 2009 Season -better than ever!
04 DEALSCheck out a full list of our deals
to fi nd out how far you can get
on your buck (we bet it’s further
than you thought).
28 TASTE OF EUROPE‘It tastes just like chicken’.
Not in our destinations. Here
is the choice of the culinary
treats awaiting you on the
traveller’s trail.
42 GOING GREENWe love the world! It gives us
great adventures, beautiful
places & more people than we
could ever hope to meet. Find
out what we give back and how
you can help.
22 WOW MOMENTSSometimes you just have to
stop, stand and look wide-eyed
with mouth agape. These are
our Guides’ WOW moments.
36 FESTIVALSFrom the cool to the quirky.
Europe boasts some incredible
festivals. Find out the best
places to party with the
locals here.
43 T&C’sNot the most exciting section
we’ve got but you know you’ve
got to have a read. So make
yourself a cuppa and cast your
eye over them.
BUSABOUT
EASTERN TREKKER
HAGGiS ADVENTURES
SHAMROCKER ADVENTURES
02
BUSABOUT 05-21
EASTERN TREKKER 23-27
HAGGiS ADVENTURES 29-35
SHAMROCKER ADVENTURES 37-41
CONTENTS
TRIPS & TOURS
FAB FEATURES
Busabout Explorer is all about
fl exible travel. Designed exclusively
for backpackers and independent
travellers it offers a Hop-on Hop-off
style travel network around Europe,
covering 31 destinations in 9
countries. Take your time, create
your own trip and savour each
personal moment.
Busabout Adventures offer
ground-breaking mini adventures
perfect for extending your Explorer
experience or as stand alone trips
in their own right. Including island
hopping, short breaks & overland
truck trips in Europe and North
Africa & ranging from three days to
two weeks, these are fantastic travel
options for anyone after a trip with
a difference.
Our brochure is fi lled with
trips for people who, like us,
want big experiences on little
budgets. Want to experience
Europe, North Africa, the UK
and Ireland and get to know
its diverse countries, people
and traditions for yourself?
Then this is your brochure.
Our collective shares an aim:
to make your cash stretch as
far as possible by arming you
with excellent guides, a choice
of destinations and travel
styles and everything you
need to know to make this
your most exciting trip yet.
Radical Travel is a collective of four leading travel companies offering independent travellers the widest choice of quality and value for money travel experiences across Europe.
Eastern Trekker has pioneered travel
in Eastern Europe for independent
travellers. Adventures with a cool
charming mix of jumping vibrant
cities, and off the beaten track
gems to excite and experience.
From Dracula’s Castle to the coast
of Croatia, Eastern Europe is alive,
undiscovered and waiting.
HAGGiS Adventures have been
running incredible trips around
Scotland, England & Wales for
over 15 years. Explore these sexy
countries in a wee yellow bus with
your local guide, taking in castles,
lochs, valleys, coastlines and even
a hairy Highland coo!
Shamrocker Adventures trips are
drenched in the history and legends
of the Emerald Isle. Experience all the
Irish Craic as you discover the South
and journey over the border to the
North with your local Irish guide -
Wild, Authentic & Irish.
BOOK & GOGUARANTEE
We’ll never ever cancel your
trip and don’t operate a
minimum numbers policy.
When you book any of our
trips you are absolutely
guaranteed to go.
03
4 GREAT WAYS TO DISCOVER EUROPE
BE PART OF IT
As diverse as the trips within
these pages are, they’re all
designed for people with itchy
feet, keen to discover our parts
of the world, meet tons of people
and have an awesome time
along the way. Whether you’re
travelling solo or in a group, for
the fi rst time or with a well used
guidebook, all the travel options
detailed here will help you stretch
your budget and arm you with
local knowledge, giving you the
time and freedom to create your
own European experience.
We live travel. It’s the reason we get up in the morning
and what we talk about in the pub after work. We
believe you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great
experience and that, armed with a bit of local knowledge,
you can stretch your time and dollars further.
We also believe that travel shouldn’t be stressful and that
choice and fl exibility don’t have to mean getting dumped
in a city and having no one to help you out.
Our type of travel, whilst unashamedly great fun, treats
the cultural understanding of the countries in which
we travel with the utmost importance. On some of our
trips we’ll show you around, on others you’ll discover
the destinations for yourselves. Either way we’re here to
make sure you have the best experience possible.
SEE YOU ON THE ROAD!
04
LOOK OUT FOR THIS TAG ON QUALIFYING TRIPS
Our little collective shares a common aim: to make your cash stretch as far as possible by arming you with excellent guides, a choice of destinations and a choice of travel styles. It’s an admirable mission but one which is made slightly easier by our multi-trip, mates’ rates and student discounts.
If you are not covered by any of the discounts below then do not despair: keep your bookmark on the Special Offers section of our websites for current promotions.
BUY TWO OR MORE QUALIFYING TRIPS TOGETHER & RECEIVE 10% OFF THE TOTAL*
TIME RICH,CASH POOR?
STUDENTS, OURISIC / ISE CARD HOLDER DISCOUNT WILL HELP YOUR TRAVEL BUDGET STRETCH THAT LITTLE BIT FURTHER.
PLUS ALL RADICAL MULTI BUY DEALS AND GROUP DISCOUNTS ARE APPLICABLE ON TOP OF THE STUDENT DISCOUNT.
SAVE$$$S
*Radical Deals Multi-trip saving of 10% applies to any of the qualifying products listed above. Two or
more different qualifying trips must be booked simultaneously by a single individual to qualify for the
multi-trip discount. The 10% discount only applies to qualifying products. Discount is valid against
Student prices on qualifying trips. Not valid with any other promotion/discount. Cancellation charges
will be adjusted to incorporate any multi-trip discounts previously given. Radical Deals discount only
applies to base trip price, not to optional upgrades or supplements.
5 DAY CELTIC ROCKER
7 DAY ALL IRELAND ROCKER
9 DAY CLASSIC RHAPSODY TREK
7 DAY RHAPSODY TREK
7 DAY BOHEMIAN TREK
EXPLORER
FLEXITRIP
ALL FLEXIROUTES
GREECE4 ISLAND FLEXI-HOPPER
ITALY3 DAY ITALIAN ADVENTURE
SPAIN & PORTUGAL7 DAY IBERIAN ADVENTURE
EGYPT11 DAY ONE-WAY EGYPT
SCOTLAND5 DAY COMPASS BUSTER
7 DAY ISLAND EXPLORER
ENGLAND & WALES5 DAY WELSH EXPLORER
5 DAY CORNWALL CRUSADER
SEE MORE, SAVE MORE.3 WAYS TO
SAVE
AWESOME FOURSOMEOUR GROUP OF FOUR DISCOUNT MEANS A 5% SAVING PER PERSON WHEN FOUR OR MORE PEOPLE BOOK AT THE SAME TIME ON THE SAME TOUR.
SAVE 10% FOR 10 TRAVEL RADICAL WITH 10 FRIENDS BOOKED ON THE SAME TOUR AT THE SAME TIME AND EVERYONE SAVES 10%
* ‘Radical Deals’ and ‘Mates’ Rates’ discounts cannot be combined. ‘Mates’ Rates’ discounts
valid on all trips in this brochure. ‘Mates’ Rates’ discounts only apply to base tour prices,
not to optional upgrades or supplements. Please see Terms & Conditions.
SAVE10%*
LOOK OUT FOR THIS TAG
RADICAL DEALS
SAVE 10%
SAVE5%*
* Valid ISIC / ISE card must be
presented on fi rst day of travel.
(In Tirol)
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
05
HASSLE-FREE,
INDEPENDENT
TRAVELNever be dumped on your own
in the middle of a city again –
use our door-to-door service*
instead! Your Busabout Driver
will drop you as close as possible
to our pick-up point hostels so
you just carry your bag inside
rather than having to lug it
across town. Your bag gets
locked up underneath the bus
while you travel, so no need to
stress about your possessions
during the day. * Limited exceptions
TRAVEL BUDDIESBe a part of our Busabout
Explorer Network in 2009. Find
travel buddies, bump into mates
on the road or change your
route to go see that hot guy you
met in Berlin. It’s about who you
make the journey with as much
as where you go. Whether you
start your Busabout trip on your
own, as a couple or in a group,
you’ll meet loads of people
along the way.
CHOOSE HOW TO
SPEND YOUR TIME
AND MONEYIf you want to party in Berlin or
check out the Paris museums,
sunbathe on a Mediterranean
beach or take a hike in the
Alps, we can help you out. Our
On-Board Guides are there to
answer your questions, so use
them as much as you want.
And before you depart you’ll
fi nd heaps of useful details and
suggestions on the Busabout
website, from destination guides
to traveller’s tales.
GETTING STARTEDWhether you’ve already got a
route in mind or just know you
want to travel in Europe, check
out all your options here or
online. We’re all about choice
and fl exibility when you travel
and making the planning of
your trip really easy. If this
sounds like your idea of an
awesome European experience,
read on!
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
FULLY FLEXIBLE FREEDOMOur Busabout Explorer Network’s unique mix of independence and security lets you travel Europe at your own pace. We’ve got the coaches, the On-Board Guide and Driver but, unlike a tour, you choose where you go and how long you travel for.
Our network covers all the major European destinations, plus some
of our hidden away favourites (see page 11). Choose to make
your own map with a FLEXITRIP pass (page 9) or choose our set
itineraries with the FLEXIROUTES (pages 10-12). Go where you
want and when you want, but above all travel at your own pace and
make up your own mind – it’s your adventure.
06
THE IDEAL TRAVELLING COMPANION! Get a FREE special edition 200 page
guide book to help you get around*. (* with Flexitrips & Flexiroutes - issued on fi rst day of travel).
WE ARE PROUD OF WHAT WE DO,
FROM OUR BELOVED BIG BLUE
BUSES TO OUR AWESOME CREW.
Check out all our
Lonely Planet
content at
www.busabout.com/explorer
We aim to let you travel when and where
you want, but it’s worth bearing in mind
that our network can get pretty busy.
Therefore so we recommend booking
your seats at least two weeks (earlier
for festivals) in advance if you can’t be
fl exible about your dates. That said, you
can make changes up to 24 hrs before
you travel so if there’s space on the bus,
you’re more than welcome on board.
Plus, check out Chatabout, our online
traveller forum. Post a question or
browse the most recent conversations
to fi nd all the best tips from people
who have travelled and are travelling
on Busabout.
Flexibility is what we look for when we travel and we’ve
built this in to all aspects of Busabout. As soon as you buy
a Busabout trip, you can login to your very own online
planning website: MyBusabout. From
here you can check availability, book
and cancel buses free of charge. You
can also reserve yourself a bed (no
booking fees, just a 10% deposit) and
fi nd out pick-up point times.
Also available online
> Lonely Planet destination guides
> Route planner
> Tips on saving time and money
> The latest news on European festivals and events
> Blogs from the crew
Once you have bought your pass
go to www.mybusabout.com and
download a step-by-step guide to
planning your trip
PERSONALISED
ATTENTION
Travelling on Busabout
means that you do the
discovering while our
awesome On-Board Guides
are there to help you make
the most of your trip. Want to
know about that tiny village
just south of Prague or which
metro line to take for the
Eiffel Tower? Just ask your
On-Board Guide and you’ll
get all the low-down you
need for your own tailor-
made adventure.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Our Guides and Drivers are
all independent travellers
who are fanatical about
Europe and keen to share
their knowledge and
experience with you. It’s
not all historical sites and
culture – our Guides will give
you their own top tips about
where to party, the best little
family-run restaurant in
town and where to go for live
music. They’ve been there
and tried it all so they’ve
got plenty of suggestions,
whatever you’re looking for.
SAVE YOUR TIME
AND MONEY
Whether you want to go
sight-seeing, hire a bike or
fi nd out how to get around
by public transport – a
wealth of information is
just a question away. We
aim to stretch your time
and money as far as it will
go; you don’t need to have
a huge bank balance to get
the most out
of Europe.
GUIDES’ WOW MOMENTSSEE PAGE 22
07
Finding
accommodation to
match your needs
is important when you’re on the road.
Every year we personally pick out the
best value accommodation in each of
our destinations - the hard work’s been
done for you!
Most Busabout-recommended
accommodations are centrally
located and are friendly, clean
hostels with great facilities. Where
a city doesn’t have a great value
backpacker accommodation, we
use awesome camping villages,
boasting pools, great bars,
restaurants and frequent links to
the city centre.
If you fancy a bit more luxury or
privacy, then we also recommend
a range of 2 and 3 star hotels in
most destinations which are usually
just a short walk or bus/tram ride
from the pick-up point.
Booking online through
MyBusabout, you can choose the
type of room to suit your budget,
from larger dorms to private
ensuite rooms. Budget about
¤20-¤30 per night for a dorm bed.
Save ¤¤¤s - book via MyBusabout
with no booking fees.
Use our fantastic door-to-door
service by booking a bed at our
pick-up point recommended
accommodation – we have at least
one in every city. We get the bus as
close to the front door as humanly
possible, meaning a hassle free
arrival into the city for you.
HOSTELSVIENNA A fantastic hostel with friendly, helpful staff and
excellent facilities. They’ve got a self-catering kitchen, WiFi,
a soundproofed bar, cable TV, common areas and clean,
bright, spacious bedrooms. You’ll get a free drink and city
map when you arrive. Their 24hr reception and security
lockers mean that you don’t need to worry about your
gear when you’re out drinking in Bermudadreieck.
CAMPING VILLAGESLAUTERBRUNNEN If being surrounded by mountains and
glaciers isn’t enough for you, then you’ll be blown away
by the welcome. Choose from chalets, caravans or the
hostel with private and dorm rooms both available. Make
the most of the great restaurant, bar, mini-supermarket
and self-catering kitchen before you head out to the
mountains. Indulge in the local adventure sports or
take a 15 minute train ride into Interlaken.
2 and 3★ HOTELSPARIS This 2 star hotel has private and dorm rooms and
good facilities. It’s an iconically Parisian building, perfectly
located in Montmartre and with a free French breakfast to
get you going in the morning, it’s a great base to explore
the city from. The Sacre Coeur and Moulin Rouge are on
your doorstep and the Eiffel Tower, Seine, Louvre and
more are all just a short metro ride away.
Here is a selection of typical accommodation options.
1st class is standard on Busabout. We have a modern
fl eet of air-conditioned coaches – they’ve got reclining
seats, plenty of leg room and a secure lock-up for your
bags. Watch a fi lm, chat to your mates, listen to some
tunes or watch the world go by through our huge tinted
panoramic windows.
You don’t just get choice and fl exibility off the bus – you
get it on-board too. Each bus has its own entertainment
system, offering on-board movies and documentaries
plus many music channels. Plus for all you fl ashpackers
we have power points to charge all your electronic bits
‘n bobs.
SECURE LUGGAGE HOLD
BIG TINTED WINDOWS
RECLINING SEATS &PLENTY OF LEG ROOM
FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED
CEILING MOUNTEDMOVIE SCREENS
Plus plug your headphones
into our seat back audioentertainment system(available to buy onboard)
BUY LOCAL BRANDS of clothes,
toiletries and accessories to save cash
and weight. You’ll also fi nd big-name
brands in most chemists.
DON’T COMPROMISE ON
WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU
– bring your straighteners and hairdryer
if you want to!
GOOD THINGS, SMALL
PACKAGES. Bring travel-size
appliances to save space and don’t
forget European plug-adaptors.
BACKPACK VS. WHEELIE
CASE – YOU DECIDE. If you use
our door-to-door hostel service a
wheelie case is just as practical as a
backpack. Go with what suits your style
of travelling & stick two fi ngers up at
anyone who tells you otherwise.
Don’t sacrifi ce all luxury
when you travel if you
don’t want to - check out
these tips from our female
Busabout crew instead.
NO BOOKING
FEES
08
Flexibility, choice and independence are what we’re all
about. Whether you choose to travel on one of our set
FLEXIROUTES or make your own map with a FLEXITRIP,
this is what we offer:
The ultimate fl exible travel option. Just choose where
you’d like to go, then buy your Flexitrip pass plus any
extra Flexistops to complete the trip. See page 09.
We’ve broken the network down into easy-to-use routes.
Some are ‘loops’ and some ‘one-way’ trips. They are a
great way to explore a particular region or to follow some
of our favourite trips. See page 10.
Surf the internet
(and the Busabout website) for
ideas on places you want to see
and things you want to do.
Decide whether the
Flexitrip or the Flexiroutes fi t best
with your travel plans and book
your trip.
>>> Look at our map and
circle the destinations you’d like to
discover.
After booking, log
into MyBusabout, create your own
password and start planning your trip.
Book your seats and accommodation
online - no booking fee.
Work out how much
time you have and your budget. Do
you want to make this one big trip or
break it into a few smaller ones?
Remember to leave
some time to explore the other
great Busabout Adventures featured
in this brochure.
Our accommodation
works out to be about ¤20-¤30
per person per night for shared
dorms. Allow around ¤20-¤30
per day for everything else.
> Start and fi nish anywhere you like
> Travel at your own pace
> Break up your FLEXITRIP or FLEXIROUTE –
make it into more than one trip
> Door to door pick-ups and drop-offs
> On-Board Guides who are full of local tips
> Awesome big blue luxury coaches
> Move on or stay put? Departures every 2nd day
We’ve got an every other day service running from May to
October, to and from every destination on our Busabout
Explorer network, allowing you all the time and fl exibility
you need to experience Europe at your own pace.
HOW DO I BOOK MY BUSES / ACCOMMODATION?Once you’ve bought your pass you’ll
get a client reference number. Log
onto MyBusabout, click on ‘Bought a
pass and want to sign up’ and create a
password then you can log in with your
client reference and password.
DO I HAVE TO BOOK IN ADVANCE?To guarantee your seat, book through
MyBusabout. If you’re not able to
be fl exible with your dates we’d
recommend you do this a couple of
weeks in advance. You can turn up
without a booking and if there’s space
you’re welcome onboard but we can’t
guarantee the bus won’t be full.
WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND?You can change buses up to 24 hours
in advance at no extra cost. If you don’t
cancel a sector or don’t show up, you
can still travel that sector, but only on a
standby basis.
(In Tirol)
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
Eastern TrekkerSee page 23-27
Croatia SailingSee page 16-17
Greek Island HoppingSee page 14-15
Italian AdventureSee page 19
Iberian AdventureSee page 18
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
09
This year our London offi ce was full
to the brim with Ex-Busabouters.
Canadian Andrea (who did a FLEXITRIP
in 2007) was one of them.
(Andrea’s way, that is)
DAY 1 PARIS
On the Fat Tire Night Bicycle Tour I
saw the pink ferris wheel, the glass
pyramid entrance to the Louvre, and the
sparkling river Seine… the city of lights
is incredible after dark! Sipping red wine
under the Eiffel Tower with a baguette
and new friends was the perfect start to
my Busabout adventure.
DAY 2-5 AMSTERDAM & BERLIN
One night of Dutch debauchery and
then it was off to Berlin, where the
entire group did the pub crawl and
half of us made the walking tour the
next morning. When I had seen all
the history I could pack into two days,
particularly signifi cant in Berlin because
it’s so recent, I spent quality time with
the city’s surprisingly delicious kebabs.
DAY 6-8 PRAGUE
Prague was the city I most looked
forward to and it didn’t disappoint. After
a day at Prague Castle, our Busabout
Guide took us for a goulash dinner, to
a jazz bar in a 15th century building
and to the largest nightclub in Central
Europe. Leaving the club at dawn, we
had Charles Bridge all to ourselves for
the pink sunrise.
DAY 9-16 CESKY KRUMLOV
That’s right 8 whole days. I fell for this
medieval town where afternoons are
spent fl oating down the Vltava River in
tubes, strolling cobblestone streets with
ice cream, and sipping Pilsner Urquell in
pubs with a castle-view. After eight lazy
days, I decided it was either get on the
bus, or learn Czech and relocate. I left,
but will defi nitely return!
DAY 16-24 VIENNA, SALZBURG
& MUNICH
After two days in Salzburg with cold
ice caves and warm schnitzel, I ended
my tour at Oktoberfest: dancing on
tables to polka tunes, hoisting beer
steins, and thankfully I wore a big pair
of lederhosen so I could eat all the
bratwurst I wanted! I spent one fairytale
afternoon at Neuschwanstein Castle
before heading back into the beerhalls
to Prost! to my heart’s content. I
returned to London via Paris with a
beer belly and many new friends!
The FLEXITRIP pass is
designed to give you the
ultimate in fl exibility - so go
crazy drawing circles around
the destinations you have
always dreamed of visiting,
then join up the dots and
count up the stops.
A Flexistop is one travel day so, for
example, if you want to get from
Paris to Amsterdam that would
be one Flexistop. If instead you
fancy hopping off in Bruges (to
drink local beers and eat Belgian
chocolate) and then carry onto
Amsterdam another day, that’d take
2 Flexistops.
Build up on your base pass of 6
Flexistops by buying additional
stops before you leave or whilst
you’re on the road from your
On-Board Guide.
FLEXITRIP (6 STOPS) $699(STUDENTS $679)
EXTRA FLEXISTOP $79(STUDENTS $79)
RADICAL DEALS
SAVE 10%SEE PAGE 04
OUR SERVICE TO YOU:
> Every 2nd day service
from May to October
> Stay as long as you like
in each destination
> Expert Guides on
all departures
> Change your travel days
as often as you like
> Book accommodation through
MyBusabout - no booking fees!
10
Whether you choose 1, 2 or 3 Loops or one of our One-Way
routes you can create your very own tour of Europe. No
matter where you end up travelling, the same great Busabout
service will be there for you.
> Every 2nd day service from May to October
> Stay as long as you like in each destination
> Expert Guides on all departures
> Change your travel days as often as you like
> Book accommodation through MyBusabout - no booking fees!
PICK THE BEST ROUTE FOR YOU...
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
(In Tirol)
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
RADICAL DEALS
SAVE 10%SEE PAGE 04
On all of the Loop
FLEXIROUTES you can
re-travel your loop as many times
as you like on a standby basis until
the end of the season.ON ALL FLEXIROUTES
Trip Duration Guide Days:
‘Pacing it’ is for those who have
lots of time on their hands and
want to do it all.
‘Racing it’ is for those who
are short of time and want to
see the main sites. (Minimum
recommended travel time)
NORTH LOOPStart & fi nish: Anywhere
11 Destinations
6 Countries
Pacing it: 3 weeks+
Racing it: 15 days
$829(STUDENTS $799)
SOUTH LOOPStart & fi nish: Anywhere
12 Destinations
5 Countries
Pacing it: 3 weeks+
Racing it: 15 days
$829(STUDENTS $799)
WEST LOOPStart & fi nish: Anywhere
12 Destinations
4 Countries
Pacing it: 4 weeks+
Racing it: 15 days
$829(STUDENTS $799)
PLUS If you buy a FLEXITRIP
or FLEXIROUTE pass together
with any of the trips above you
automatically SAVE 10%
and join Eastern Trekker’s 9 day
Classic Rhapsody Trek – see page 24
and join our 7 day Iberian Adventure
– see page 18
and join our 3 day Italian Adventure
– see page 19
and join our Greek Island
Flexi-Hopper. Athens ferry link also
available – see page 14
RADICAL DEALS
SAVE 10%SEE PAGE 04
FACT: In 2008, our
travellers completed
2,500 different itineraries
- now that’s fl exible!
Round our way we have a
name for this type of travel:
FREESTYLE. Now we don’t
mean careering down a
mountain with a board strapped
to your feet or squeezing into
your speedo’s for fun – we are
a bit more literal than that:
FREESTYLE (adj) – a choice
of style.
11
Cesky Krumlov is a tiny bohemian
Czech town encircled by the Vltava
river. Spend a day rafting the rapids
or wander through the cobbled
streets and up to the dreamy spires
of castle Hradcany. You can also take
a side trip to Sumava National Park
or just sit back in the main square,
Namesti Svornosti, with a local
Eggenberg beer, brewed in the town.
Lauterbrunnen is an incredible
Alpine hideaway fi lled with Swiss
chalets. Its lush green valley
sweeps up to awe-inspiring snowy
mountains and the whole area is
well worth a few days exploration.
Chuck a snowball at the ‘Top of
Europe’, Junfraujoch, or check out the
Trummelbach glacier falls. This tiny
town is also a great base for rafting,
paragliding and sky-diving.
St Johann in Tirol, in Austria, is
an extreme sports fan’s heaven. If
you want to hike, bungee, toboggan
or throw yourself down a mountain
on a bike, then here’s the place to
do it.
Cinque Terre. Made famous by their
colourful buildings and terraced
mountainsides, these 5 villages are
a perfect break from the bustle of
Italian cities. There are walking trails
giving great views and delicious local
delicacies such as pesto, foccacia and
Sciacchetra wine.
Busabout takes in all the major cities along the way but we’ve also
thrown in a few hidden gems which you might not be so familiar
with. Build in plenty of time to explore these places – your On-Board
Guide and fellow Busabouters will rave about them and you’ll fi nd
unusual and authentic experiences tucked away at each of them.
(In Tirol)
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
(In Tirol)
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
NORTH + SOUTH LOOPSStart & fi nish: Anywhere
22 Destinations
8 Countries
Pacing it: 6 weeks+
Racing it: 33 days
$1,399(STUDENTS $1,349)
NORTH + WEST LOOPSStart & fi nish: Anywhere
22 Destinations
9 Countries
Pacing it: 6 weeks+
Racing it: 33 days
$1,399(STUDENTS $1,349)
WEST + SOUTH LOOPSStart & fi nish: Anywhere
22 Destinations
6 Countries
Pacing it: 6 weeks+
Racing it: 33 days
$1,399(STUDENTS $1,349)
MORE GREAT
OPTIONS >>>
(In Tirol)
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
NORTH + WEST + SOUTH LOOPSStart & fi nish: Anywhere
31 Destinations
9 Countries
Pacing it: 8 weeks+
Racing it: 42 days
$1,699(STUDENTS $1,639)
MORE
12
RADICAL DEALS
SAVE 10%SEE PAGE 04
Choosing only 6 routes for our new One-Way Flexiroutes section was an almost impossible task. In 2008 our passengers
travelled 2,500 different itineraries. It was tough but we fi nally came to a consensus. If you think we shoud have a
different Flexiroute instead then feel free to tell us and if we use your route in our 2010 brochure we’ll name it after you.
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
GO WESTStart: Rome Finish: Paris
12 Destinations
3 Countries
Pacing it: 4 weeks+
Racing it: 18 days
$899(STUDENTS $869)
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORY
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
ALPINE PASSStart: Rome Finish: Amsterdam
12 Destinations
6 Countries
Pacing it: 4 weeks+
Racing it: 18 days
$979(STUDENTS $949)
(In Tirol)
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
GO ROMANStart: Paris Finish: Rome
13 Destinations
7 Countries
Pacing it: 4 weeks+
Racing it: 21 days
$979(STUDENTS $949)
(In Tirol)
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
LONG WAY ROUNDStart: Paris Finish: Barcelona
19 Destinations
8 Countries
Pacing it: 6 weeks+
Racing it: 30 days
$1,499(STUDENTS $1,449)
(In Tirol)
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
EPIC ADVENTUREStart: Paris Finish: Madrid
16 Destinations
6 Countries
Pacing it: 5 weeks+
Racing it: 24 days
$1,199(STUDENTS $1,159)
(In Tirol)
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
SUN SEEKERStart: Prague Finish: Madrid
16 Destinations
6 Countries
Pacing it: 5 weeks+
Racing it: 24 days
$1,279(STUDENTS $1,239)
13
(In Tirol)
NON-COMPULSORYDAY STOP
COMPULSORYOVERNIGHT STOP
PHOTO STOP
Busabout operates an EVERY SECOND DAY service.
To check travel dates, simply match the colour of the
departure city to the calendar day colour. The white departure
cities operate on white calendar days, the shaded departure
cities operate on the shaded calendar days.
MAY
M T W T F S S
JUNE
M T W T F S S
OCTOBER
M T W T F S S
AUGUST
M T W T F S S
SEPTEMBER
M T W T F S S
JULY
M T W T F S S
FROM TO DEPARTS ARRIVES FROM UNTIL
DATE FROM TONO. OF
NIGHTS
PLAN YOUR TRIP LIKE THIS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
NORTH Paris Bruges 08:00 13:00 5-May 18-Oct
Bruges Amsterdam 13:00 18:00 5-May 18-Oct
Amsterdam Berlin 08:00 18:00 6-May 19-Oct
Berlin Dresden 08:00 11:30 7-May 20-Oct
Dresden Prague 11:30 16:00 7-May 20-Oct
Prague Cesky Krumlov 08:00 11:45 8-May 21-Oct
Cesky Krumlov Vienna 11:45 16:30 8-May 21-Oct
Vienna Salzburg 08:00 12:30 9-May 22-Oct
Salzburg Munich 12:30 15:30 9-May 22-Oct
Munich Stuttgart 08:00 11:30 10-May 29-Oct
Stuttgart Paris 11:30 21:00 10-May 29-Oct
SOUTH
Munich St Johann 08:00 10:45 16-May 23-Oct
St Johann Venice 10:45 17:30 16-May 23-Oct
Venice Ancona 08:00 13:30 17-May 24-Oct
Ancona Rome 13:30 18:30 17-May 24-Oct
Rome Siena 08:00 13:30 18-May 25-Oct
Siena Florence 13:30 14:30 18-May 25-Oct
Florence La Spezia 08:00 12:15 19-May 26-Oct
La Spezia Nice 12:15 17:45 19-May 26-Oct
Nice Milan 08:00 14:15 20-May 27-Oct
Milan Lauterbrunnen 14:15 18:30 20-May 27-Oct
Lauterbrunnen Lucerne 08:00 09:30 21-May 28-Oct
Lucerne Munich 10:30 17:00 21-May 28-Oct
WEST
Paris Bern 08:00 17:15 26-May 9-Oct
Bern Lauterbrunnen 17:15 18:30 26-May 9-Oct
Lauterbrunnen Lake Como 08:00 13:00 27-May 10-Oct
Lake Como Nice 13:00 18:30 27-May 10-Oct
Nice Avignon 08:00 12:15 28-May 11-Oct
Avignon Barcelona 12:15 18:30 28-May 11-Oct
Barcelona Valencia 08:00 13:30 29-May 12-Oct
Valencia Madrid 13:30 19:00 29-May 12-Oct
Madrid San Sebastian 08:00 16:30 30-May 13-Oct
San Sebastian Bordeaux 08:00 11:30 31-May 14-Oct
Bordeaux Tours 11:30 16:30 31-May 14-Oct
Tours Paris 16:30 21:00 31-May 14-Oct
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR
FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS...
Whether you’re expanding
your Busabout Explorer
trip, planning an extended
city break or heading off
for an African adventure,
these great value trips are
an awesome way to see
the world. Travelling with
experienced guides you’ll
immerse yourself in local
living, take in the sights
and chill out with plenty
of time to explore.
Greek Island 14 Hopping
Croatia Sailing 16
Spain & Portugal 18
Spanish Festivals 18
Italy 19
Oktoberfest 19
Morocco 20
Egypt 21
This tour was fantastic.
Words can’t describe
how much fun I had.
The only bad part is saying goodbye
to all the friends I made. I love
Busabout!
MICHELLE SMITH,
AUSTRALIA. GREEK
ISLAND FLEXI-HOPPER, 2008
To keep the Greek-spirit alive after you have left we have
a Facebook group for all our departures. Welcome to
Busabout Greek Island school of 2008.
TAKE OFF YOUR WATCH AND FORGET
EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT
TIMETABLES – FROM THE MOMENT YOU
ARRIVE YOU’RE ON GREEK TIME.
This trip is what you want it to be: an organized beach BBQ
in Paros, a boat cruise out to Santorini’s volcano, free pub
crawls and walking tours. Swim from black beaches, eat fresh
tzatziki, drink home-made wine and soak up the striking
beauty of Europe’s original party islands. The only choices left
to make will be whether to spend more time in the sea or in
the taverna, and whether or not you really need another shot of
ouzo (of course you do!). 9 days or 5 months - it’s up to you.
14
Our team in Greece are
an exceptional bunch –
they’re always on hand to
help plan your itinerary
so you can have your own
unique Greek adventure.
From organising beds,
ferries, transfers, dinners
out, parties and the
best side-trips to all the
history and culture you
could ever want to know.
Your itinerary will be
unique so expect to get
personalised attention.
Meet 2 of them here.
Andy Soukup
If it’s Greek, Andy
has been there,
danced on it,
and sampled
everything it
has to offer. A native to Iowa, USA, the
Greek islands are a world away from
the cornfi elds of home, but Andy’s
knowledge of the Greek islands, and
ability to shake it with the locals, will
only intensify your Greek experience!
Nicole Dixon
Possibly the
wildest of all
our guides, you
can’t help but
be caught up in
the rush when Nicole “Colesy” Dixon
takes you around the islands. Keep
an eye out for Colesy’s famous dance
moves, entertaining spiels and general
enthusiasm as she fl aunts Greece to
the fullest.
FERRIES Greece has 2
types of ferry
and we use both.
The slow ones
are great to
really soak up the local Greek culture,
sunbathe, write your journal and
generally get into the Greek spirit.
The fast ones or ‘whoosh boats’ are
air-conditioned and are a great way
to jump between islands quickly. Both
are booked for you in advance. If you
want a later ferry tell us two weeks
before your Athens departure and we
will sort it for you.
FOOD & DRINK Lip-smackingly
fantastic.
Proper greek
salads, fantastic
Moussaka, great value Gyros (kebabs)
and all sorts of delicacies you have
never heard of. Top Tip 1: ask your
guide what is best in each island and
each restaurant. They know. Top Tip 2:
try Frappes! iced coffee you’ll see all
the locals drinking. Top Tip 3: try Ouzo
at least once, sipped over ice.
NIGHTS OUT We start in
Mykonos as
we mean to go
on. A fantastic
meal followed
by a comprehensive sampling of
the nightlife of Mykonos town. Just
don’t forget to say hello to Petros the
Pelican. Santorini has many bars to
dance the night away but we also
mellow out to a sunset picnic of local
foods and guide-made cocktails. We
have all seen a nice sunset but this is
pretty special, trust us.
DAYS OUT Paros Cruise
This cruise is
the absolute
highlight of any
Greek Island
experience. Captain Antonio knows all
the best swimming and beauty spots
of Antiparos. Visit his BBQ shack on a
remote beach to savour sea urchins
and squid caught that day en-route,
combined with lovely Souvlaki and
Greek salad and washed down with
wine, Ouzo and plenty of soft drinks.
Santorini Volcano For the active
amongst you. Hike to the top of
Santorini’s volcano then wallow in the
purifying mud baths on the way back.
History & Culture It’s not all lazing
around on the beach and partying till
the wee small hours. Our mission is
to make you fall in love with the
Greek culture and history just as
much as the parties and the sights.
A day trip to Delos the birthplace
of Apollo and a visit to Santorini’s
museum will stand you in great stead
for the Greek questions in the pub
quizzes back home.
GET ACTIVE Get fi dgety lying
on a beach? Well
Ios has plenty of
sports on offer
from motorised
to wind powered sea-based options
to beach volleyball and soccer. Get
your team together and challenge
the locals.
INCLUSIONS
> Guided orientations each island
> Nights out on every island
> All transfers to and from
MyBusabout recommended
accommodation
> Your fantastic Busabout Guide
> All local taxes
ACCOMMODATION¤10-¤35 per night, Busabout
recommended beach clubs and
pensions. Book through MyBusabout
with no booking fees.
DEPARTURE POINT & TIMEPort of Piraeus. Athens. Gate E6.
Passenger Waiting Area. 6:30am
RETURN TIMEVaries depending on the ferries. We
recommend booking your onward
travel for after 10am the next day.
PRE/POST ACCOMMODATIONBook through MyBusabout
with no booking fees.
TRIP DETAILS
Explore the islands on your own, or join
in with one of our optional extras. Full
details from your Busabout guide.
> Mykonos town tour
> Volcano & sunset picnic on Santorini
> Day boat trip with swimming,
BBQ and free wine from Paros
> Antiparos cave & beaches
> Day trip to ancient Delos from Mykonos
> Hire seabiscuits, go canoeing or
kneeboarding on Ios
> Indulge in local Greek feasts
MINIMUM ITINERARY
Day 1: Athens to Mykonos Mykonos
Town, Windmills, Little Venice
Day 2: Mykonos Time to explore
the town, Paradise Beach or go to Delos
Day 3: To Paros Ferry to Parikia
Day 4: Paros Island exploration or
Antiparos Boat Tour
Day 5: To Santorini Ferry to Fira.
Caldera dinner at Greek taverna
Day 6: Santorini Volcano hike, visit
beaches and sunset picnic
Day 7: To Ios Ferry to Ios – the Greek
Islands’ Party Capital! Bar hopping
Day 8: Ios Mylopotas Beach. Chill out or
do watersports
Day 9: To Athens Fast ferry back to the
birthplace of democracy
WANT A LONGER GREEK ISLAND EXPERIENCE?
You can extend your Flexi-Hopper
to suit your schedule until the end
of the season – our trips depart
every 2nd day from May until end
of September.
Plan your itinerary 2 weeks in
advance through MyBusabout
MYKONOS, PAROS,
SANTORINI & IOS
You’ll never have the same experience
twice on this trip - from partying in
one of the hundreds of clubs to chilling
out along the miles of beaches or
discovering ancient ruins and natural
wonders. The islands are full of surprises
and whether it’s decent or decadent
you’re after, our 4 Island Flexi-Hopper
gives you a taste of it all.
HERE’S A BIT OF A SNAPSHOT OF THE SORT OF EXPERIENCE
YOU CAN EXPECT ON OUR UNIQUE AND WORLD-FAMOUS
4 ISLAND FLEXI-HOPPER.
RADICAL DEALS
SAVE 10%SEE PAGE 04
HIGHLIGHTS
> Grab a photo with Petros the Pelican
on Mykonos
> Discover the ancient ruins of
uninhabited Delos
> Explore a volcano and kick back on
the black beaches of Santorini
> Party until dawn on Ios
> Watch the sun set behind white
stone buildings and windmills
> Go Greek with plenty of feta,
moussaka and ouzo
On every island we have Preferred Partner accommodation. You can be sure that
this accommodation offers the best mix of value for money, cleanliness, location and
attitude. A range of room types are offered from budget to ‘pamper yourself’.
BOOK YOUR BEDS THROUGH MYBUSABOUT. NO BOOKING FEES!
Mykonos
Situated right on
one of Mykonos’
beaches. Spend
your days sunning
it up, people
watching and dancing to the latest
tunes at the beach front bars.
Santorini
Get a real taste of
Greek hospitality
at this great
value hotel. It’s a
traditional Cycladic
building with A/C. Just 80m from the
town centre with a swimming pool just
around the corner.
Ios
Choose from a
shared bungalow
with bamboo
roof, or one of
the gorgeous
air-conditioned rooms at the Beach Club
next door. Chill out by the pool, party on
site or try out some of the watersports.
Paros
Intimate family
run guesthouse
that has a lovely
local welcome
and relaxed
atmosphere based in Parikia - perfect
to relax after Mykonos’ hedonism.
15
9 DAYS
(min
)
from
$459(STUDENTS from $439)
DATE FULL STUDENT
MAY odd days (21, 23... 31) $459 $439
JUN even days (2, 4... 30) $459 $439
JUL even days (2, 4... 30) $489 $469
AUG odd days (1, 3... 31) $489 $469
SEP even days (2, 4... 26) $459 $439
This trip must be booked two weeks prior to departure
GETTING TO ATHENS
Instead of fl ying into Athens, you can
catch the ferry from Ancona or Venice
with a Busabout Link -
see www.busabout.com/greece
TRIP DETAILSINCLUSIONS
> 7 breakfasts and lunches
> 7 nights accommodation
> English speaking Busabout Guide
> Bedding on the boats (bring a towel)
ACCOMMODATION INCLUDEDSee Cabin Options
DEPARTURE POINT & TIMESplit Harbour 1pm (Check-in 11am)
Dubrovnik Harbour 1pm (Check-in
11am)
LOCAL PAYMENT¤25 to cover all park entry fees
and local taxes (approximately)
TRIP ENDSThe boat arrives into Split/Dubrovnik
Harbour on Friday at approximately
12 noon. Overnight on the boat.
Disembark by 9am on Saturday.
PRE/POST ACCOMMODATIONBook through MyBusabout
with no booking fees.
Croatia
Bol
Makarska
Sipan
Explore the islands at your own pace, or
join in with one of our optional extras.
Full details from your Busabout Guide.
> Onboard parties
> Traditional group dinners
> Hire a canoe and paddle across
the Mljet salt lakes to discover its
secluded abbey
> Bike hire in the National Parks
> Sun baking and swimming in
secluded bays – all completely free!
> Snorkeling off the boat - free!
> Beach ball games and lilos – free!
16
FANCY STARTING IN DUBROVNIK? This itinerary is also
available Dubrovnik to Split. It’s the
same but in reverse!
WHY NOT combine your trip
around the Croatian islands with an
Eastern Trekker trip departing from
Split? See pages 23-27.
Prices vary depending on cabin class
and departure date. Go to
www.busabout.com/croatia for full
prices & single supplement rates.
HOP ON BOARD A TRADITIONAL
CROATIAN CRUISER WITH ITS LOCAL
CREW AND BUSABOUT GUIDE FOR
AN ADVENTURE AROUND THE
DALMATIAN COAST
Croatia’s troubled history
means it’s still on the fringes
of the backpacker trail and
there are still lots of concealed
gems to discover. Check out
these two fantastic trips -
both will take you to the most
stunning islands and Croatia’s
hidden hot spots.
ITINERARY (Split departure only)
Day 1: Split to Omis Depart after lunch,
sail to Omis ready for optional rafting
and swimming in afternoon. Explore the
island and then boat party (L)
Day 2: To Makarska Stunning stop. Take
a dip, sunbathe on deck and then party
in a cave (B, L)
Day 3: To Brac (Bol) To Zlatni Rat beach
then docking at Jelsa harbour to enjoy
evening entertainment (B, L)
Day 4: To Hvar Via the Pakleni islands
for swimming and onto Hvar town for
the evening (B, L)
Day 5: To Korcula Time to explore the
walled town and optional local wine
tasting (B, L)
Day 6: To Mljet Best to start the day
with morning swin and time to explore
Mijet National Park (B, L)
Day 7: To Dubrovnik Set sail early for
Dubrovnik and allow maximum time to
explore this picturesque town. Last night
of tour, time to let the hair down and
party your night away (B, L)
Day 8: Dubrovnik Say goodbye to your
new friends, tour ends after breakfast.
Transfer information to Split available (B)
B - BREAKFAST L - LUNCH D - DINNER
For more time on the islands,
including a night in a secluded bay
away from the main tourist spots, try
our One-Way Sail. Choose from ‘Split
to Dubrovnik’ or ‘Dubrovnik to Split’
for maximum exposure to Croatian
life and its people.
BOL, HVAR, MAKARSKA
KORCULA, DUBROVNIK, OMIS
MLJET & SIPAN
(STUDENTS from $729)
8 DAYS $749
FROM SPLIT
MAY 16, 30
JUN 6, 13, 20, 27
JUL 4, 11, 18, 25
AUG 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
SEP 5, 12, 19
ENDS DUBROVNIK
FROM DUBROVNIK
MAY 23
JUN 6, 13, 20, 27
JUL 4, 11, 18, 25
AUG 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
SEP 5, 12, 19, 26
ENDS SPLIT
HIGHLIGHTS
> Swim in crystalline waters off
Golden Cape beach
> Try locally produced Posip wine
> Soak in the unique serenity
of Loviste bay
> Eat the freshest seafood you’ll ever
fi nd on Brac
> Revel under the stars in a secluded bay
Javorak
Made of wood from
the Javor tree, the
Javorak is a delightful
boat catering for 26
passengers in a mixture of above deck
ensuite cabins and below deck with
shared bathroom facilities.
17
HERE’S A SELECTION OF OUR BOATS CRUISING THE ADRIATIC
THIS SUMMER, EACH WITH THEIR OWN LOCAL CAPTAIN AND CREW
Providnost
A Standard class boat
with shared bathrooms
throughout. There’s
space for 28 on the
Providnost, all in twin-share cabins.
There’s also a large aft deck above the
dining room – perfect for sunbathing or
jumping off for a swim.
We’ve got a range of different cabins
available onboard our Croatian sailing
boats, depending on how much you
want to spend. All cabins (rooms) are
twin berths (2 beds per room) usually
with bunk beds.
Standard or Ensuite cabins
You can choose whether to go for an
Ensuite cabin, which will have your own
bathroom, or Standard, which means
you’ll be sharing facilities with two or
more other cabins.
Above or below deck
You can also choose between above
deck cabins (bigger windows, more
fresh air, less engine noise) and below
deck cabins (small portholes, less noise
from other passengers).
$$$
Ensuite above deck berths are the most
expensive and standard below deck are
the cheapest so decide what suits you
best and book yourself on!
Viktorija
32 berths across 16
cabins both Standard
and Ensuite class.
Above and below deck
cabins are available and, in addition
to the dining room, there is sheltered
seating as well as aft and fore decks.
Novi Dan
A classic ensuite class
boat with 28 berths and
a large sun deck with
above and below deck
cabins. All of the Novi Dan cabins come
with ensuite facilities and the captain is
renowned for his great food.
Prices vary depending on cabin class
and departure date. Go to
www.busabout.com/croatia for full
prices & single supplement rates.
There’s no beating Croatia’s Dalmatian
Coast for an 8 day, 7 night chill out.
Think crystal clear seas, tiny walled
cities, eclectic islands and long nights
sampling local food and wine in a
traditional konoba.
HIGHLIGHTS
> Anchor up and jump off the top
of the boat into the Adriatic
> Sip cocktails at the top of a 14th
century tower in Korcula
> Turquoise sea, blue skies and the
luscious green hills
> Scale the city walls of Dubrovnik
– the best way to spy-out the ocean
side bars nestled into the cliffs
> Sit back with a local beer and watch
the yachts come in at Hvar
> Try your hand at fi shing or even
catching a squid off the back of
the boat
> Captain the Pirate Cruiser as it sails
along the Dalmatian Coast
> Learn a few phrases with your local
captain and crew
> Party till dawn in a Croatian castle
Explore the islands at your own pace,
or join in with one of our optional extras.
Full details from your Busabout Guide.
> Captain’s Dinner
> Kick back with a beer onboard
> Traditional group dinners
> Sunbaking and swimming in
secluded bays – all completely free!
> Hire a small boat and sail across the
Mljet salt lakes to discover its
secluded abbey
> Bike hire in the National Parks
> Beach ball games and lilos –
free from your guide!
TRIP DETAILSINCLUSIONS
> 7 breakfasts and lunches
> 7 nights accommodation
(Saturday to Friday inclusive)
> Island orientation walks plus walking
tour of Split and Dubrovnik
> English speaking Busabout Guide
> Bedding on the boats (bring a towel)
ACCOMMODATION INCLUDEDSee Cabin Options
LOCAL PAYMENT¤25 to cover all park entry fees
and local taxes (approximately)
DEPARTURE POINT & TIMESplit Harbour, 1pm (Check-in 11am)
Imagine taking off from the mainland with nothing but a
grey bridge in sight but, with the music hitting a crescendo,
you suddenly strike the peak and are presented with a jaw-
dropping vista of the Winged Isle towards the spectacular
Cuillin Mountains, as the sunshine (occasionally of the ‘liquid’
variety!) pours upon the peaks - incredible. Ped, HAGGiS
Adventures Guide
FLORENCE Standing in the Piazza Michelangelo at sunset, the
Tuscan light is awesome, the heat of the day has gone and
the warm glow covers Florence. Below is Il Duomo, its earth
coloured tiles a reminder of the countryside. Who else looked
out upon this view? Michaelangelo himself, Raphael, Leonardo
Da Vinci, the Renaissance makers? I bet they all soaked in this
view! Richie, Busabout Explorer Guide
BERLIN The time is 5.30am, the fi rst
streaks of dawn are lighting up the
Berlin morning and pumping techno
music is bringing a smile to the faces
of German locals who come every
week to Club Weekend on the 16th
fl oor of an old communist apartment
block in the middle of Alexanderplatz.
It was at that moment, hands aloft
to the world’s best techno, watching
the sunrise over the coolest city in
the world it hit me: ‘I’m in Berlin!’
Simon, Busabout Explorer Guide
WHAT ARE WE ABOUT?
We love the East! For 4
years now we have been
developing our unique trips
throughout Eastern Europe.
Don’t get us wrong, we love
the West too, it’s just that
the East is where it is really
happening – where you can
genuinely get off the beaten
track, discover amazing cities
and experience genuine
diversity.
OUR BACKYARD
Our trips are all about
unlocking the secrets of
places that you have only
ever heard of – Slovenia,
Hungary, Bosnia, Croatia,
Serbia & Montenegro. We’ll
unravel their histories and
their cultures both past and
present to bring Europe’s
backyard closer to you than
ever before.
23
Mostar
BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
What’s more, Eastern Europe
with its amazingly low prices,
offers the budget traveller
exceptional value for money.
This means your money goes
a lot further, so whether it is
castles, mosques, churches...
mountains, lakes or National
Parks… or pubs, clubs, beer
(and a little Vodka) you’re
into, here you’ll get more
bang for your buck.
JOIN US
At the end of the day we
believe in keeping things
simple – just as travelling on
a budget should be. For our
trips we have selected all our
favourite spots, outstanding
places to stay and the coolest
places to eat and drink as the
locals do. All that is missing
are people that think like us –
love to travel, see cool places
and have a great time. So, if
that sounds like your sort of
thing, choose one of our trips
and join us on an Eastern
European adventure you
won’t forget.
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURES
When you book, you travel!
Simple as that.
LINK TO BUSABOUT
Check out Busabout
Explorer and Adventures
for details on how to link
up with our awesome trips.
Check out page 4 for more
on our Radical Deals.
FLIGHT LINKS
If you can’t reach your tour
starting point by either
Busabout, train or ferry then
there are also a range of
budget airlines who’ll be able
to fl y you into the start cities.
FROM PRAGUE TO CROATIA,
TRANSYLVANIA TO SARAJEVO,
EASTERN EUROPE IS ALIVE
Opening UpEastern EuropeFor YouSince 2005
HIGHLIGHTS
> Church of human bones in UNESCO
listed town Kutna Hora
> Olomouc city walk
> Bike tour Krakow
> Infamous Auschwitz and Birkenau
> Budapest! Thermal bath under
the stars
> Stunning Tatra Mountains, Zakopane
> The great value food and drink
> Plitvice National Park, an aqua
wonderland
> Scenic drive to Split, Croatia
INCLUSIONS
> 8 nights accommodation
> 8 breakfasts
> Bike tour Krakow
> Walking tour Olomouc
> Auschwitz and Birkenau
guided tours
> Orientation walks of
Budapest and Split
> All transport with Guide
ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED4 nights hostel multi-share
1 night bungalow twin-share
2 nights hotel multi-share
1 night pension multi-share
ACCOMMODATION UPGRADESee website for details
DEPARTURE POINT & TIMEHostel Plus, Prague.
7am for pre-departure breakfast.
TRIP ENDSSplit Hostel, Split.
PRE/POST ACCOMMODATIONSee www.easterntrekker.com
TRIP DETAILS
Take time out with one of our Optional
Extras. Full details from your Guide
> Walking tour of Budapest, caving tour
in Budapest, bike hire Budapest
> Adventure activities in Zakopane
(rafting, paragliding, horse riding,
and quad biking)
ITINERARY
Day 1: Prague – Kutna Hora –
Olomouc After a short drive across the
Czech Republic we reach the UNESCO
listed Kutna Hora. Time to explore the
ancient church made from human
bones, before departing for Olomouc.
After a city walk, dinner in a typical
Moravian restaurant (B)
Day 2: Olomouc – Auschwitz - Krakow
After breakfast, it’s off to Poland with
visits to Auschwitz and Birkenau. Then
on to Krakow for a buzzing Saturday
night out (B)
Day 3: Krakow Bike tour of Schindler’s
List’s Krakow with a local Polish guide.
Free afternoon to discover Krakow (B)
Day 4: Krakow - Zakopane A short
drive to Zakopane, mountains galore. Try
out the adventure activities on offer (B)
Day 5: Zakopane – Budapest After
breakfast, it’s on to Budapest, with a
stop in the Tatra Mountains for a picnic
lunch. We will orientate you with a
pre-dinner walk, Goulasch, and then
clubbing (B)
Day 6: Budapest Budapest, the world
metropole lays waiting. Start with
a walking tour, or go caving under
Budapest, visit the best food markets
in Hungary or just chill in the thermal
baths (B)
Day 7: Budapest – Plitvice We head
south toward Croatia with a swim stop
and lunch at Lake Balaton. Visit the
Balkan open air war museum before
arriving into Plitvice National Park at
sunset for a BBQ and a few beers (B)
Day 8: Plitvice – Split Tour the
National Park before heading over lunar
landscapes to Split. Check out our sailing
boats and the old town before the last
supper (B)
Day 9: Split Tour fi nishes 9am
Prague
Krakow
Zakopane
Budapest
Prague
Krakow
ZakopaneOlomouc
Budapest
Plitvice
BOSNIA
CROATIA
SLOVENIA
AUSTRIA
CZECH REPUBLIC
SLOVAKIA
HUNGARY
POLAND
Split
1
2
1
2
1
1
24
MAY 8, 22
JUN 5, 19
JUL 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
AUG 7, 14, 21, 28
SEP 11, 25
CZECH REPUBLIC, POLAND,
SLOVAKIA, HUNGARY & CROATIA
‘I met the love of my life on this tour;
I can’t thank Eastern Trekker enough.
The tour showed us iconic cities,
mountains, national parks and the
Croatian coast, wow!’
Cait Rynne, Bundaberg, Australia
9 DAYS $1,099(STUDENTS $1,059)
RADICAL DEALS
SAVE 10%SEE PAGE 04
No one likes to feel like they are part of a pack
being herded around the sights - that’s why we
have maximum group size guaranteed. This will
allow you to socialise with everyone, gain more
from our experienced crew and get top value for
money. On our Classic Rhapsody, Rhapsody
and Bohemian Treks the maximum group size is 39, guaranteed.
On our Balkan and Transylvanian Treks the maximum group size is 15.
These trips are operated by a local tour operator/guide for the ultimate
local experience.
Our guides are extensively trained
in Eastern European lifestyles.
They love the countries, love telling
stories and love to entertain. They
are there to make your trip as easy
as possible so that you have the
best time. In Krakow, Budapest
and Bled we also use local guides
to ensure you get the most from
these fabulous places.
The locally operated Transylvanian
and Balkan Treks are lead by
experienced local guides.
> Great new accommodation in
Krakow, Pag, Kotor and Split
> Auschwitz guided
tour included
(Classic Rhapsody &
Rhapsody Trek)
> Smaller group sizes;
more quality, less quantity!
> More Dracula! An extra day
in Transylvania
> More departure options,
more choice!
> VIP entrance to Krakow’s
top nightclub
> Exclusive deals on
adventure activities in
Bled (Bohemian Trek)
Olomouc
Prague
Krakow
Zakopane
Budapest
1
2
1
2
AUSTRIA
CZECH
REPUBLIC
SLOVAKIA
HUNGARY
POLAND
1
2
2
Split
Pag
Bled
Salzburg
Prague
BOSNIA
CROATIASLOVENIA
AUSTRIA
CZECH REPUBLIC
1
25
INCLUSIONS
> 6 nights accommodation
> 6 breakfasts
> All transport and Guide
> Wine and cheese tasting on Pag
> Orientation walk of Ljubljana
> Orientation walk Salzburg
> Cesky Krumlov
> Night walk of Prague
ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED6 nights multi-share
ACCOMMODATION UPGRADESee website for details
DEPARTURE POINT & TIMESplit Hostel, Split. 9am
TRIP ENDSHostel Plus, Prague. After breakfast
PRE/POST ACCOMMODATIONSee www.easterntrekker.com
TRIP DETAILS
Take time out with one of our Optional
Extras. Full details from your Guide
> The Emerald River day trip
> Sky diving Bled, Slovenia
> The Sound of Music tour
MAY 16, 30
JUN 13, 27
JUL 11, 18, 25
AUG 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
SEP 5, 19
OCT 3
As Classic Rhapsody Trek
Plus APR 10 (Easter Special) & OCT 9
CROATIA, SLOVENIA,
AUSTRIA & CZECH REPUBLICWhat a fun adventure, we came off a Croatia
sailing trip and just kept going. Beach
parties, followed by the Alps, it was great
value for money! Andre Tasker, Canada
7 DAYS $809(STUDENTS $779)
RADICAL DEALS
SAVE 10%SEE PAGE 04
HIGHLIGHTS
> Church of human bones in UNESCO
listed town Kutna Hora
> Olomouc city walk
> Clubbing in Krakow
> Infamous Auschwitz and Birkenau
> A top weekend in Krakow
> Stunning Tatra Mountains, Zakopane
> Budapest! Thermal bathing under
the stars
Take time out with one of our Optional
Extras. Full details from your Guide
> Walking tour of Budapest, bike
hire Budapest, Caving tours under
Budapest
> Adventure activities in Zakopane
(rafting, hiking, paragliding, horse
riding, quad biking)
TRIP DETAILS
INCLUSIONS
> 6 nights accommodation
> 7 breakfasts
> Bike tour Krakow
> Olomouc city walk
> Auschwitz and Birkenau
guided tours
> Orientation walk Budapest
> All transport with Guide
ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED4 nights hostel
2 nights hotel
ACCOMMODATION UPGRADESee website for details
DEPARTURE POINT & TIMEHostel Plus, Prague.
7am for pre-departure breakfast
TRIP ENDSCentral Budapest. After breakfast
PRE/POST ACCOMMODATIONSee www.easterntrekker.com
ITINERARY
Day 1-6: As per Classic Rhapsody Trek
Day 7: Budapest Tour fi nishes after
breakfast
Lake Bled
CZECH REPUBLIC, POLAND,
SLOVAKIA & HUNGARY
Immerse yourself in the culture and
history of the Eastern European
heartlands. Classic Eastern Europe
from Prague to Budapest, great
entertainment and wonderful food.
7 DAYS $829(STUDENTS $799)
RADICAL DEALS
SAVE 10%SEE PAGE 04
ITINERARY
Day 1: Split - Pag We depart Split for
the short drive to the island paradise of
Pag. After check in it’s off to the beach,
or for a spot of wine and cheese tasting.
The beach parties are huge here on Pag!
Day 2: Pag – Ljubljana - Bled One of
Europe’s most magnifi cent drives, from
the Croatian coast to the Alps. We’ll stop
and enjoy Ljubljana then on to Bled.
Stretch the legs with a row out to the
church perched on a island and ring the
bell for luck (B)
Day 3: Bled Stock up on a hearty
breakfast as this day is full of cool
activities in the magnifi cent Slovenian
Alps. We recommend the Emerald
River day trip where you will swim, raft,
canyon and adventure you way through
the Slovenian Alps (B)
Day 4: Bled – Salzburg An alpine festival!
Sheer touring pleasure with Alps, castles
and great music en route before arriving
in the world heritage city of Salzburg
and a visit to the Monastery of Beer (B)
Day 5: Salzburg Free day in Salzburg.
Why not take the Sound of Music or
the ice caves tour or kick back in this
city famous for its Baroque architecture.
Dinner and schnapps tasting at a local
distillery in the evening (B)
Day 6: Salzburg – Prague The last day
takes us to the Bohemian capital Prague,
and includes a stop in Cesky Krumlov for
lunch (B)
Day 7: Prague Tour fi nishes after
breakfast (B)
B - BREAKFAST L - LUNCH D - DINNER
HIGHLIGHTS
> Pag’s sunset beach parties
> Exploring Ljubljana
> Adrenalin packed Emerald River day
trip in Bled
> Salzburg’s old city and Monastery
of Beer
> Bohemian Cesky Krumlov
> Slovenia to Austria scenic drive
HIGHLIGHTS
> The spectacular drive along the
Croatian coastline to Bosnia
> The atmosphere in Mostar on
Saturday night when the city and
bridge are illuminated
> Meeting the locals of the Neretva
River Delta and buying home
made handicrafts
> The Sarajevo walking tour with a
Cevapcici lunch in the old town
> The Mosques wailing at sunset
through the Sarajevo night
> The shopping in Sarajevo
> The Montenegro coastline
> Kotor and the old blue stone houses
> The stunning island city Sveti Stefan
> The jewel of the Adriatic – Dubrovnik
with its marble streets
INCLUSIONS
> 7 nights accommodation
> 7 breakfasts
> All transport & local guide
> All city walking tours
ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED7 nights twin/triple
ACCOMMODATION UPGRADESee website for details
DEPARTURE POINT & TIMESplit Hostel, Split. 9am
TRIP ENDSDubrovnik. After breakfast
PRE/POST ACCOMMODATIONSee www.eastertrekker.com
TRIP DETAILSOperated by a Local Tour Operator
ITINERARY
Day 1: Split – Mostar Leave Split for
the drive along the Croatian coast before
heading into Bosnia and magnifi cent
Mostar. An evening walking tour and our
fi rst Balkan meal
Day 2: Mostar The morning is yours to
enjoy Bosnian breakfast specialties, visit
a mosque and capture Mostar’s Sunday
morning atmosphere. In the afternoon
we head to Blagai, home of old Bosnian
kings (B)
Day 3: Mostar - Sarajevo We travel
toward Sarajevo with a stop at the
magnifi cent Neretva River Delta to
explore the traditional villages along
the emerald green river beds. Arrive
into Sarajevo at sunset as the Mosques
are wailing. Tonight is a great chance to
sample the local nightlife as Sarajevo
grooves to a Balkan rhythm (B)
26
Day 4: Sarajevo After breakfast we will
set off on a memorable half day walking
tour of one of Europe’s most interesting
cities with your local guide. Free time in
the afternoon to explore and shop in the
old city bazaars (B)
Day 5: Sarajevo – Kotor Drive to
Europe’s newest country... Montenegro.
Along the way visit the oldest primeval
forest in Europe at Sutjeska National
Park. Arrive in Kotor and explore the
old blue stone churches and narrow city
streets (B)
Day 6: Kotor A day to chill on the sandy
beaches before a visit to neighbouring
Budva and the island town of Sveti
Stefan. It’s the Montenegrin big day
out (B)
Day 7: Kotor – Dubrovnik Depart Kotor
and drive to the beautiful Croatian
town of Dubrovnik for an orientation
walk. Marvel at the marble city streets
and walls before feasting on delicious
seafood in the evening (B)
Day 8: Dubrovnik Tour fi nishes after
breakfast (B)
CROATIA, BOSNIA
& MONTENEGRO
‘This region is wildly beautiful and
amazingly interesting. It was such a
positive to have a local guide with us
talking us through the history, showing
us the best places to eat and drink.
Well done Eastern Trekker!’
Simon Bradshaw, New Zealand
8 DAYS $1,219(STUDENTS $1,179)
B - BREAKFAST L - LUNCH D - DINNER
MAY 16
JUN 13
JUL 11, 25
AUG 8, 22
SEP 5, 19
BOSNIA
CROATIA
SplitMostar
Sarajevo
KotorDubrovnik
2
2
21
MONTENEGRO
Accommodation is included in the price of all our tours. We have chosen
the best value accommodation based on cleanliness, location and character.
You can expect great hostel accommodation with en suite facilities, home
stays in Transylvania, cool bungalows in the Plitvice NP and small hotel
accommodation in the Balkans. All accommodation is based within short
walking distance of city centres and are all locally owned. No sleeping bags
needed, it’s all fresh linen. Breakfast is included. Ask about our private room
upgrades for all treks!
Olomouc
A classic old
communist
style hotel with
a wide foyer,
fabulous twin
rooms with ensuites. The hotel is
located across the city park from the
old town, just a 5 minute walk to all
the action. The breakfast buffet is
awesome.
Budapest
Right in the
heart of the
quirky 7th
district, this
designer hostel
has top ensuite rooms, offering an
oasis in the centre of town. The
location offers easy access to top
local bars and clubs and the Danube
is 10 mins from your door.
Bled
Our apartments
all boast a lounge
area to chill,
ensuite massage
showers and a
view straight to the Alps. Breakfast is
a feast served in your room. There is
an excellent BBQ area out the back
and there is also a bar run by a local
character called Jani nearby.
Mostar
This UNESCO
protected stone
building is in the
old town with a
view of the old
bridge, (stunning at night). The twin
rooms are tastefully decorated with
ensuite bathrooms.
Add that little extra to your experience. These activities
can be booked through your Guide.
EMERALD RIVER DAY TRIP, BLED, SLOVENIA
Jump, swim, canyon, raft, laugh and eat your way
through the gorgeous Emerald river. It is the most
rewarding day tour you’ll ever do!
ALPS SKY DIVE, BLED, SLOVENIA
The best value for money sky dive in Europe, with the
Southern Alps in your face and the lush green valley
below, this will get you hooked!
BUDAPEST CAVING TOUR, BUDAPEST
Crawling beneath one of Eastern Europe’s most famous
metropoles, through thermal holes dating to the last ice
age, a thrilling experience.
MaximumGroup Size15
HIGHLIGHTS
> The drive through the sunset lit
Carpathian Mountains en route to Cluj
> The real medieval atmosphere of
Sighisoara, Count Dracula’s home
> The typical Transylvanian meal and
home stay in Sibiu
> Bran Castle & the stories of
Transylvania’s past history
> Our visit to a typical Gypsy and Saxon
village that will allow you to get close
with the locals
27
HIGHLIGHTS
As per Transylvanian Trek
> The masked Halloween party in a
mountain lodge in the middle of the
Transylvania Mountains
see www.eastertrekker.com/halloween
for further details
‘The atmosphere at the mountain chalet
on Halloween night was magnifi cent.
Everyone was in fancy dress, fake blood
pouring from eye sockets, and we were
in Transylvania.’
Guy Merrit, Auckland, NZ
TRANSYLVANIA
& ROMANIA
HUNGARY & ROMANIA
‘A great local guide, a small group tour
and some amazing places helped exceed
my expectations of this tour. Our group
still keeps in contact today’.
Anthony Hill, Newcastle, Australia
8 DAYS
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cluj – Sighisoara – Brasov Head
to the stunning UNESCO listed town
of Sighisoara - Dracula’s birthplace.
Wander through the magnifi cent old
town and see the medieval fortress,
before visiting one of the best preserved
villages in Transylvania
Day 2: Brasov We will discover Brasov
in the morning before visiting Prejmer,
the most impressive fortifi ed churches in
Romania. Free time in the afternoon to
explore Brasov (B)
Day 3: Brasov Transylvania’s big
day out. Day trip to Peles Palace,
Transylvania’s most famous palatial
landmark, then onto visit the castle of
Count Dracula (B)
Day 4: Brasov - Sibiu Enjoy a late
breakfast and a morning of relaxation
before driving to Sibiu to enjoy a walking
tour and then a Transylvanian home
made dinner and home stay (B, D)
Day 5: Sibiu – Racatau Valley Visit
the glass blowing workshops of Sibiel
before we drive to Racatau Valley where
you’ll meet the locals. Overnight in our
mountain lodge (B, D)
Day 6: Racatau Valley - Cluj Head back
to Cluj, via the Turda gorge, for some
last minute shopping and an evening
meal in the capital (B)
Day 7: Cluj Tour fi nishes after
breakfast (B)
INCLUSIONS
> 6 nights accommodation
> 6 breakfasts
> 2 traditional evening meals
> All city walking tours
> Day trip to Bran Castle
> Peles Palace
> All transport and local Guide
ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED6 nights hostel / hotel multi-share
ACCOMMODATION UPGRADESee website for details
DEPARTURE POINT & TIMERetro Hostel, Cluj. 8am
RETURN TIMERetro Hostel, Cluj. After breakfast
PRE/POST ACCOMMODATIONSee www.eastertrekker.com
TRIP DETAILSOperated by a Local Tour Operator
B - BREAKFAST L - LUNCH D - DINNER
MAY 18
JUN 15
JUL 20
AUG 17
SEP 21
ROMANIA
Cluj
Sighisoara
BrasovSibiu
RacatauValley
1
1
1
3
HUNGARY
Budapest
ROMANIA
Budapest
1
HUNGARY
1,1
Cluj
Sighisoara
BrasovSibiu
RacatauValley
1 2
1
HIGHLIGHTS
> The traditional Xmas markets
in Krakow at night
> Skiing on Xmas day enjoying your
own white Xmas
> A traditional Xmas dinner of roast
chicken, pork, potatoes and gravy
with your new found friends
> Soaking in the thermal pools of
Budapest at 32 degrees
see www.eastertrekker.com
for further details
‘It was a great adventure, skied for
the fi rst time on Christmas Day and
thought the thermal spa in Budapest
was delightful. The fact that we saw lots
of destinations and did heaps together
bonded the group so well.’
Leigh Ann Coetzee, Adelaide, Australia
POLAND, SLOVAKIA,
HUNGARY, AUSTRIA
& CZECH REPUBLIC
11 DAYS
Budapest
2
2
2
2
1
1
Prague
Vienna
Cesky Krumlov
Auschwitz Krakow
Zakopane
AUSTRIA
CZECH REPUBLIC
SLOVAKIA
HUNGARY
POLAND
22 DECEMBER 2009
26 OCTOBER 2009
Availableto bookJanuary2009
Availableto bookJanuary2009
MaximumGroup Size15
7 DAYS $1,169(STUDENTS $1,129)
28
GELATO, ITALY
Stop feeling guilty and eat as
much ice cream as you can in
Italy. Once you get back to the
land of vanilla and chocolate,
you’ll wish you’d tried every
delicious fl avour while you
were spoilt for choice.
SEAFOOD PLATTER,
ISLE OF SKYE,
SCOTLAND
Enjoy one of their legendary
seafood platters - fantastic
fresh scallops and prawns
followed by a few drams of
whisky. Then dance the night
away with the local fi shermen.
PINT OF THE BLACK STUFF
& IRISH STEW, DOOLIN,
IRELAND
You’ll not get much more Irish than this, a mountain of home-made Irish stew, traditional music, great craic and one of the best pints of Guinness in the country.
SMOKED KNUCKLE OF PORK,
TRANSYLVANIA
Transylvania is famous for
curing, then smoking pork
knuckle in a kiln. The tender
succulent fl avours ooze through
the crispy crackling providing a
mouth watering feast.
AMBER NECTAR,
EASTERN EUROPE
Soothe the soul and inspire
the mind - the East offers
many top beers, Vodkas and
some fi ne wines at prices to
giggle at.
SHARED COCKTAILS,
LAGOS, PORTUGAL
When you’re in the mood
for a party, nothing says
fun like a drink big enough
to share. Grab a straw and
get involved... it sure makes
buying a round easier.
FOOD STALLS, MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
Take a break from bartering to try some of the food in the
Marrakech medinas. With so many sights and smells, you
won’t know where to start! Hey, you’ll be surrounded by snake
charmers, might as well eat something equally bizarre.
TAPAS, SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN
Imagine a city where it’s hard to decide which is more
heavenly: the beaches or the food! Take a tapas crawl through
San Sebastian and for pocket-change you can buy a delicious
little bite to eat at each bar. You’ll never want to eat a regular
meal again.
Maybe not what you’re used to back home, but like your Mum
used to say, ‘how do you know you won’t like it if you don’t try it’.
GRUB’S UPTUCK IN TO EUROPE’S FINEST
THE HAGGiS DIFFERENCEPASSIONATE LOCAL GUIDES All have a great sense of
humour and a superb knowledge of their country.
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
No minimum numbers; it’s simple - you book, you go!
LEADING THE WAY SINCE 1993 We’ve pioneered the best
routes, offer the best accommodation and use the best
Our wild & sexy HAGGiS guides are legends - highly trained, entertaining and passionate locals - your historians, comedians, storytellers, drivers & DJs all rolled into one. They’ll give you an amazing insight into our country and an experience to remember!
We’re proud that over the last 15 years they have earned the reputation for being the best in the business. They all have a deep love of their country and want you to love it as much as them! Just don’t ask what’s under the kilt…!
We believe you shouldn’t
just see our country, you
should experience it. Our
handpicked local guides are
totally passionate not only
about our wee country but
that you have the trip of
your life…
Sleep in a haunted Highland
castle; go monster hunting
on mysterious Loch Ness;
visit ancient battlefi elds
and castles and hear
bloody tales of Scotland’s
legends or chill out on the
empty sandy beaches of
the Western Isles; sample
a dram of malt whisky by
a peat fi re; soak up the
atmosphere and watch the
mist swirl around the peaks
of haunting Glencoe.
AWARD-WINNING ADVENTURES FOR
INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS
EXPERIENCE THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME...
Edinburgh, Scotland’s Capital is one of Europe’s most stunning and
vibrant cities. It’s an ideal destination for budget travellers with
hundreds of pubs, a buzzing club scene and some awesome hostels.
From hangings to hangovers…
The city is teeming with pubs and clubs
and every bar is open til 1am and many
til 3am.
Have a few pints in The Grassmarket.
Once the place for public hangings, now
more famous for loads of great pubs
and hangovers.
Explore Edinburgh Castle -Scotland’s
most famous castle and home to big
cannons, royal jewels and loads of
bloody history.
Go and get your picture taken with one
of the bagpipers busking around the
Royal Mile and medieval Old Town.
Climb Arthur’s seat for some stunning
city views.
Edinburgh has loads of free museums
and art galleries. Check out Dolly the
sheep (the world’s fi rst ever clone) in
the Museum of Scotland.
Enter the Surgeon’s Museum where
you’ll fi nd a pocket-book bound in the
skin of William Burke, one half of Burke
& Hare, Edinburgh’s infamous serial-
killing duo.
Underground Edinburgh – more caves
and vaults than the Matrix! Take a tour
and discover Edinburgh’s plague-ridden
medieval past.
31
HIGHLIGHTS
> Stay in a real haunted Highland
castle* – if you dare!
> Discover over 4,000 years of human
history on Orkney including Europe’s
best preserved prehistoric village
> Explore the amazing Tomb of the
Eagles, where you can come face to
face with our 5,000 year old ancestors
> See a traditional Hebridean
Blackhouse and soak up the
atmosphere at the Callanish Standing
Stones, pre-dating Stonehenge!
> Hear traditional music, and enjoy a
wonderful local seafood platter
> Wander along empty sandy beaches
with turquoise waters on Harris, with
views to die for
> Look out for dolphins and whales on
the 5 ferry trips (included in price)
ITINERARY
Day 1: Edinburgh to Highland Castle*
Through Perthshire and the Cairngorms
National Park to Culloden and Loch Ness
Highland castle*
Day 2: To the Orkney Islands via John
O’Groats Ferry to Orkney. Scapa Flow,
Skara Brae Tomb of the Eagles and the
Ring of Brodgar. Kirkwall
Day 3: To Ullapool Ferry to mainland.
To Tongue then west to Ullapool along
the stunning coastline. Ullapool
Day 4: Ullapool Free day to explore
Ullapool at your own pace. Hire a bike,
explore the local hills or just chill out in a
bookshop or beach. Ullapool
Day 5: To Lewis Callanish Standing
Stones, Gaelic settlements and island
exploration. Stornoway
Day 6: To the Isle of Skye Explore
Harris’ beaches, to Skye exploring
the spectacular scenery, history and
legends. Skye
Day 7: To Edinburgh Ferry ‘over the
sea’ from Skye, past Glenfi nnan (Harry
Potter fi lms) Glencoe and The Wallace
Monument.
*blackout dates apply
> Try freshly cooked fi sh & chips by
Ullapool harbour
> Enjoy a few drams of whisky and
meet the locals in the pub
DETAILS FOR ALL SCOTLAND TRIPS
INCLUSIONS
> Legendary Mercedes midi-coach to
explore off the beaten track
> All taxes & ferries
> Your sexy local guide
ACCOMMODATIONHostel accom. £15-£20
Private rooms where available
£20-£40. See website for details.
DEPARTURE POINT & TIMEHAGGiS Adventures, Edinburgh. 8.30am
Guaranteed, £17-£18 per night. We only stay in quality
hostels with the best facilities.
Cardiff
This buzzing
hostel was voted
the Number 1
hostel in Wales
by Hostelworld
Cheddar
Victorian villa
packed full of
character and
close to the
famous gorge
Caernarfon
Amazing 200 year
old townhouse in
the heart of this
historic castle
town
Bath
Centrally located
in the heart of
the city near the
Roman Baths
Stonehenge, is one of the most
famous and mysterious prehistoric
sites in the world. Over the centuries
countless myths have sprung up
about its origins and functions. Was
it built by Druids or Romans? Used as
an ancient observatory? A Neolithic
burial ground? Or even a landing pad
for alien spacecraft?
Discover for yourself on our amazing
Cornwall Crusader 5 Day trip or our
popular Day Tour from London.
GO CELTIC IN CORNWALL
The Cornish fl ag is the fl ag of
St. Piran, patron saint of miners.
It’s said to be inspired by the
‘Jolly Roger’ – and the fearsome
reputation of the seagoing Cornish.
Being a Celtic nation the Cornish
have their own tartans and even
wear kilts!
Discover the stunning Cornish
coastline and UK surf capital on
our Cornwall Crusader trip.
RADICAL DEALS
SAVE 10%SEE PAGE 04
STONEHENGE,
DARTMOOR,
NEWQUAY & BATH
VENICE CARNEVALE, ITALY
13-24 FEBRUARY
Dating back to the 13th century
and outlawed in the 1930’s
this festival celebrates Venetian
culture with all the locals
dressing in traditional masks
and costumes for a 10 day
street party before Lent. Dance,
music and theatre combine
with street events, eating and
drinking - the carnevale is not
to be missed.
HOGMANAY, SCOTLAND
31 DECEMBER
The world has New Year’s Eve,
only Scotland has Hogmanay!
Edinburgh’s Street Party – the
biggest in Europe. There’s live
acts, amazing fi reworks and
a chance to kiss anyone and
everyone. It’s the place to be
when the clock strikes midnight!
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
CHEESE-ROLLING, 25 MAY
Don’t miss one of the the
UK’s most unusual and
talked about events, the
legendary May Bank Holiday
Cheese Rolling Festival. A
guest roller starts the race
by releasing a 7-8lb round of
cheese down a treacherous
slope. Competitors then
chase down the slope after
the cheese. The fi rst person
to arrive at the foot of the
hill wins the cheese and the
acclaim of the crowds.
BASTILLE DAY, PARIS
13-14 JULY
Starts with a parade and
thousands of people lining
the Champs Elysées. Ends
with fi reworks over the
Champ-de-Mars, and
parties at every bar, club
and café - Bastille Day is
the height of ‘joie-de-vivre’.
Check out the website for details on HAGGiS, Shamrocker,
Eastern Trekker and Busabout Festival Packages.
WE GO TO EUROPE’S BEST PARTIES
UP HELLY AA, SCOTLAND
27 JANUARY
The Viking Fire Festival hosted
on the Shetland Isles. It
features 800 horny-helmeted
locals, the burning of a full-
scale Viking longboat, all night
parties and a chance to see the
Northern Lights.
QUEEN’S DAY,
AMSTERDAM
29-30 APRIL
A celebration in honour of the
current Dutch queen. All the
locals dress in orange and party
at events across the country.
Head to Amsterdam, home
of the palace, for the biggest
celebrations.
EXIT FESTIVAL,
SERBIA
9-12 JULY 2009
The quirkiest best value
for money music festival in
Europe. Vibrant crowds, top
acts and an unbelievable
setting in the Petrovaradin
castle Novi Sad Serbia.
36
LAS FALLAS, VALENCIA
19 MARCH
Pyromaniacs be warned:
you might never be able
to top this celebration in
Valencia. The big moment
comes at midnight,
when all streetlights are
turned off and hundreds
of statues, some several
stories high, burst into
fl ames, with fi reworks and
parties going off all week.
100% IRISH GUIDESOur Guides are local characters with a great sense of humour and a knowledge of Ireland that’s second to none.
GUARANTEED DEPARTURESNo minimum numbers; you book, you go!
THE BEST ACCOMMODATIONWe are not tied exclusively to any hostel chain so are free to select only the best, from converted mills to cosy family run hostels.
IT’S YOUR CHOICE!We don’t package – so don’t waste your cash on attractions and meals you don’t want!
37
EXPERIENCE IRELANDFeel it, live it and love it the
way we do, we’ll ensure you
get a tremendous insight
into our country. Meet real
local characters and enjoy
all the best ‘craic’. Even if we
say so ourselves, we are the
friendliest people on earth!
WE BELIEVE IN CHOICE! Travelling is all about choice.
We know everyone has their
own likes and dislikes. As
choice is at the heart of our
philosophy we don’t package.
Don’t waste your money on
attractions and meals you
don’t want!
OUR UNRIVALLED REPUTATION!We do NOT operate a
minimum numbers policy
so once you’re booked you
will travel - guaranteed! In
over 10 years of running
trips, we’ve never cancelled
a departure. Unlike other
companies we never mix our
trips so if you book a 3 day
trip that’s what you’ll get, not
half of a 6 day trip!
LET THE IRISH SHOW
YOU THE REAL IRELAND!
We know quality accommodation is important
on tour. Dorm accommodation is guaranteed
and pre-booked by us on all our trips, simply
pay as you go! We use only the best hostels
and are not tied to any hostel chain. All have
great facilities, provide free linen and have top
quality self-catering kitchens (ideal for group
cook-ups), security and laundry facilities.
If you want to treat yourself or enjoy more
privacy, private rooms are available in many
locations. Please be sure to let us know when
making your reservation as we cannot always
guarantee availability. The best views in Ireland!
38
Ireland - an island of
inspirational natural beauty,
ancient legends and warm
local spirit. Experience fi rst
hand why Ireland was recently
voted the World’s friendliest
destination by The Lonely
Planet. Once you’ve been you’ll
never forget it, Ireland gets
under your skin – in a good
way of course!
...brave the inspirational Cliffs
of Moher. Kiss the Blarney
Stone. Sample smooth Irish
whiskey from one of the
oldest distilleries in the World!
Take a stroll along the Giant’s
Causeway and cross the
amazing Carrick-a-Rede Rope
Bridge. Discover the real Belfast
on a black cab tour. Soak up
the traditional music with a
pint of the black stuff in Galway,
Ireland’s cultural capital.
A COUNTRY WITHOUT A LANGUAGE IS A COUNTRY WITHOUT A SOUL
‘we are all
born mad.
some remain so.’Samuel Beckett
> Around every corner there are pubs,
from traditional Dublin drinking dens
and microbreweries to new style bars.
Dublin has a vibrant and diverse club
scene too.
> Check out Temple Bar, the city’s
alternative strip, with boutiques,
music shops, cafés, bars, artists
and musicians.
> No visit to Dublin is complete without
a visit to the Guinness Storehouse.
Try your hand at pulling your own
pint, then sit back and watch the
world go by from the Gravity Bar.
> Find out more about the troubled
history of Ireland. A visit to
Kilmainham Gaol is unforgettable.
> Get stuck into a traditional
Irish stew with a pint of
the black stuff to wash
it down.
With Shamrocker Adventures
there is no such thing as
a typical day... every trip is
unique and different from
the last! As long as you’re
fl exible, open-minded
and bring your sense of
Wild walking in Ireland’s emerald
countryside, plenty of sightseeing,
and countless tales and legends.
We’ll take you to some of the best,
and least, known places in Ireland.
The ones you’ve heard of (like
Blarney Castle and the Cliffs of
Moher) but also a few hidden gems
that only we locals know about.
Our tours are fl exible so that we
can change plans as we go.
Have a picnic lunch on the beach,
fi nd a cosy pub with a peat fi re or
you could be let loose in a typical
Irish village to explore. Options for
dinner vary, so you can choose
somewhere to suit your own
budget / tastes. Hostels also have
self-catering facilities so you can
cook up your very own feast.
In the evening, your guide will tell
you where to fi nd the best local
pubs in search of the best ‘craic’,
friendly locals and live music. You
can of course do your own thing:
go for a walk, fi nd a quiet bar, chill
out in the hostel or grab an early
night before another action
packed day.
adventure, we guarantee
you’ll have a
time. Join us for the
experience of a lifetime -
Wild, Authentic & Irish.> Immerse yourself in the history of
Ireland at the National Museum; from
Viking exhibitions to Irish silverware -
it’s got the lot.
> Check out local buskers on Grafton
Street.
> Get your picture taken with the one
and only Molly Malone, the ‘tart with
the cart’!
> Colin Farrell - Ireland’s best bad boy?
> Bram Stoker - Author of Count
Dracula
> Paul David Hewson - otherwise
known as Bono!
Dublin has everything a budget traveller could ask for…
You can also calculate the carbon footprint of your travel and accommodation on our website. Choose to travel ‘carbon neutral’ by offsetting the carbon emissions you can’t reduce.
KILOGRAMS OF C0² PER PASSENGER MILE
car
0.1330
air
0.1313
rail
0.0891
coach
0.0227
TLTC Conservation Foundation
President David Hosking was
presented a copy of the Venice
research report by Venice in
Peril’s Nicky Baly following
the Foundation’s $150,000
grant for Venice research
and restoration work which
will help preserve the city for
future generations.
The Leading Travel Companies’
Jeff Element presented a
cheque for $350,000 to
Conservation International’s
Vice President of Development
Sergio Furman to protect the
Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil
from destruction.
ART D
IRECTIO
N &
DESIG
N: H
EARD
CREATIV
E P
HOTO
GRAPH
Y: VIS
ITSCOTLAN
D, V
ISIT
BRIT
AIN
, AN
DY R
UM
BALL, S
IMO
N B
ILLS, M
ICAH
WRIG
HT, T
ESS F
OLLET &
CERI D
AVIE
S
Once the Operators as detailed in Clause 14 below, (hereinafter referred to as
“the Operator”), confi rms your booking, a contract is made between you and the
Operator under the terms and conditions set out below. Your statutory rights are
not affected.
1. BOOKING / ACCEPTANCE
1.1 The Operator accepts a booking on the understanding that a deposit or
full payment has been collected and held either by the Operator directly, or by
an authorised travel agent on the Operator’s behalf. Bookings made via the
Operators’ own websites are considered as made with the operator directly.
1.2 On confi rmation of your booking, subject to availability and at the Operator’s
discretion, the Operator will reserve your place on your selected products (“trips”).
It is your responsibility, as the customer, to check the accuracy of your booking and
travel dates. A contract is only made between you and the Operator upon your
booking being confi rmed and accepted and communication thereof to either you
or your authorised travel agent (hereinafter referred to as “confi rmation”).
1.3 On confi rmation of your booking, an e-ticket will be sent to either you or your
travel agent. 1.4 In order to reserve your trip: 1.4a) Tours costing 400 AUD / 500
NZD or less: full payment must be made at time of booking. 1.4b) Tours costing
more than 400 AUD / 500 NZD: a non refundable deposit of 200 AUD / 250 NZD,
per person per tour, or the full amount payable if booking is made within 45 days
of the nominated departure date, must be made at the time of booking. This
payment is in addition to any deposit required by your travel agent. The deposit
is accepted as a fi rst instalment of the tour price by the Operator only once the
booking has been confi rmed in writing by the Operator or your travel agent.
1.4c) The outstanding balance of the trip/tour price must be paid by no later than
45 days prior to the scheduled, nominated or confi rmed tour departure date, which
shall be by the due date stated on the confi rmation issued to you by the Operator.
Whilst every endeavour will be made to remind you of the payment due dates, it is
your responsibility to make this payment. If payment is not made by the due date,
the Operator may assume that you have cancelled your trip/tour and cancellation
charges in accordance with clause 3 below will be levied by the Operator.
1.4d) E-Tickets (indicating full payment) and other documents will not be issued
until full payment has been received by the Operator or agent. 1.5 In the case
of bookings made within 45 days of tour departure, the full cost of the trip will
be payable immediately at time of booking. 1.6 The Operator reserves the right
to cancel the booking and apply cancellation charges should full payment not be
received within the above specifi ed periods.
2. TRAVELLING
2.1 The Operators’ tickets / e-tickets are not transferable. Your ticket /(e-ticket
indicating that full payment has been made) must be produced at any time at
the Operator’s request. You will also be required to produce your valid passport
each time you travel. (Photo identifi cation is required for all trips). 2.2 Baggage is
restricted to one reasonable sized suitcase or backpack (maximum weight 20KG),
and one small carry-on bag per passenger. 2.3 It is your responsibility to check-in
with the Operator 15 minutes prior to the specifi ed departure time. The Operator
will not be liable for any service that leaves or arrives later than its specifi ed time,
even if as a result you miss a connecting service. The Operator will use its best
efforts to ensure that departure and arrival times are met.
3. CANCELLATION & CHANGES
3.1 Cancellation of your booking must be in writing to either the Operator (direct or
website bookings) or the authorised agent through which the booking was made.
If your booking was made through an authorised agent all amendments and
cancellations must be made through them (they may also levy cancellation charges
in addition to those noted below - please check at time of reservation). When
written notifi cation has been received by the Operator, a fee will be levied to cover
the costs incurred (25% of booking price being the minimum fee). The amount of
the cancellation fee will be dependent on the number of days prior to the departure
date of the trip as below (not including day of departure nor the day of notifi cation).
3.2 Where a deposit has been made on a booking and the booking is cancelled
by you or your booking agent prior to full payment, or in the circumstances of the
balance not being received by the Operator or their authorised agent by the due
date, no refund of the deposit will be applicable, nor can it be credited or transferred
to any other booking. 3.3 Cancellation of individual passengers from a multiple
booking where a group discount applies (‘Mates Rates’ discount) may mean that the
discount applied on booking will be forfeited, due to the qualifying criteria no longer
being met. If the cancellation results in the qualifying criteria no longer being met
then the prices for the remaining passengers on the booking will be adjusted, and
any forfeited discount will be reclaimed through deduction in calculating any refund
due to the cancelling passengers. The following cancellation policies apply:
BUSABOUT EXPLORER – PLEASE SEE PARAGRAPH 4.13
BUSABOUT ADVENTURES & EASTERN TREKKER:
3.4 Iberian Adventure, Italian Adventure, One-Way Egypt & Moroccan Adventures,
Greece 4 Island Flexi-Hopper and Eastern Trekker Treks: up to 14 full days prior to
departure full refund less 25% of the price paid, within 14 full days no refund applies.
3.5 Greece 4 Island Flexi-Hopper: No itinerary changes are permitted within 14
days of departure date. 3.6 Croatia (Island Hopper & One-Way Sail): up to 22 full
days prior to departure full refund less 25% of price paid, 21-14 full days full refund
less 50% of price paid, within 14 full days no refund applies. 3.7 Festivals & Special
Events: Special conditions may apply to non-standard products (e.g. Pamplona, La
Tomatina, Oktoberfest), Cancellation fees (unless specifi cally stated otherwise): up to
22 full days prior to departure full refund less 25% of price paid, within 21 full days
no refund applies.
HAGGIS ADVENTURES & SHAMROCKER ADVENTURES:
3.8 Up to 7 full days prior to departure full refund less 25% of the price paid, within
7 days - no refund applies. 3.9 Festivals & Special Events: Special conditions may
apply to non-standard products (e.g. Festive, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day packages).
Cancellation fees (unless specifi cally stated otherwise): up to 22 days prior to
departure 50% refund. Within 21 days - no refund. 3.10 Group / Bespoke Tours
- specifi c cancellation fees apply to each tour. We will inform you of these prior to
payment. A non-refundable deposit may be required to cover all accommodation,
meal and entrance fee costs. 3.11 Where bookings include accommodation, involve
accommodation upgrades or specifi c accommodation requests any cancellation fees
incurred by the Operator will be passed on to you.
GENERAL
3.12 If after your booking has been confi rmed, you wish to change to an alternative
departure date, or wish to change to another tour, you may do so subject to the
tour being available and minimum notice of 15 days prior to departure. Exception:
Croatia Sailing (Island Hopper & One-Way Sail) minimum notice of 30 days. All
departure date changes will incur an administration fee of 35 AUD / 40 NZD per
person per tour. Date changes will only be extended to 3 months from the original
departure date. Accommodation date changes will incur an administration fee of
35 AUD / 40 NZD per person per tour. 3.13 Tour changes to one of a lower value
will result in the loss of any special discounts applied to the originally booked tour
and will be subject to an administration fee equivalent to the cancellation fee on the
original product. 3.14 Tour changes to one of higher value will require the difference
in price to be paid. 3.15 If the reason for your cancellation is covered under your
insurance policy, you may be able to make a claim under that policy.
4. BUSABOUT EXPLORER PASSES – SPECIFIC CONDITIONS
4.1 A ‘sector’ is defi ned as any journey between two destination stops on the
Busabout Explorer network. 4.2 The fi rst travel date of your Busabout Explorer
Pass (FlexiTrip or FlexiRoute) (hereafter referred to as Pass(es)) must be nominated
and confi rmed at the time of purchase. 4.3 Departure dates for the Pass(es) can
be changed at no charge up to 7 days prior to the confi rmed fi rst departure date,
subject to availability. 4.4 Confi rmed seat reservations can be made for any sector
at the time of booking or at any time up until 24 hours prior to each scheduled
departure, subject to availability. Sector bookings may be changed without charge,
subject to availability. 4.5 Individual sectors may only be travelled once, if you wish
to travel a particular sector more than once this can only be done on a standby
basis. 4.6 It is strongly recommended that you book your sectors as far in advance
as possible to ensure availability of your desired travel plan. The Operator cannot be
held responsible if travel sectors are not available because coaches are already full.
4.7 If you do not wish to travel any pre-booked sectors you must cancel them at
least 48 hours in advance. If you fail to do so you will only be allowed to travel that
same sector at a later date on a ‘standby’ basis. 4.8 Travel must take place within
the 2009 operating periods as stated. 4.9 The Busabout e-ticket must be presented
to the Busabout Guide on your departure, to be exchanged for the Pass(es) as
specifi ed on the e-ticket. The Operator will not allow you to travel if you do not have
a valid e-ticket. 4.10 Passes may also be issued by Busabout’s London Service
Centre. Please check you have the correct tickets, as mistakes cannot be rectifi ed
later. If your fi rst journey on Busabout is an Easy Link, you will need to exchange
your e-ticket for the Easy Link vouchers before commencement of travel, at either
the Busabout Service Centres in London or Athens. 4.11 You are responsible for
making all accommodation arrangements. Busabout representatives will assist
where reasonably possible during your travel days. 4.12 If you lose your Pass(es), or
it is stolen, you must inform The Operator immediately. You will not be permitted to
travel without a valid Pass(es). The Operator will replace lost or stolen Pass(es) at a
cost of Euro 50. A replacement Pass will carry the same validity as the original ticket
at the time of loss. 4.13 A cancellation fee of 25% of the total price paid will apply
to any cancellation of a Busabout Explorer Pass, where the cancellation is more
than 7 days prior to a confi rmed departure date. The 25% cancellation fee will also
apply for Busabout Explorer Pass(es) if a departure date has not been nominated.
No refunds will be provided after travel has commenced or has been deemed to
have commenced. Travel will be deemed to have commenced within 7 days of a
nominated travel date or where a passenger fails to travel without prior cancellation.
4.14 All refund claims, in respect of unused open-dated tickets, must be submitted
in writing by October 31, 2009. All refunds will be subject to an administration
fee of 25% of the total price paid. 4.15 Busabout Easy Links are only offered
only in conjunction with a Busabout Explorer Pass(es) and cannot be purchased
independently. Easy Link vouchers are open dated, and must be exchanged at the
offi ce of the designated Ferry Operator. Once you have been issued with ferry tickets,
changes to those tickets can only be made by the Ferry Operator and subject to their
booking conditions. Easy Link vouchers that are lost or stolen cannot be replaced.
Busabout Easy Links are non-refundable. Busabout Easy Links vouchers must be
redeemed by October 31, 2009.
5. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 The trip/tour products offered are forms of transportation. For this reason
the Operators representatives cannot offer constant special attention or
assistance should you have any physical disability requiring such attention.
5.2 The programmes brochured have been designed for travellers aged 18 years
and over with the style and operation specifi cally designed for young independent
travellers. This fact should be recognised when you book. Passengers are primarily
in the 18-35 year age group. 5.3 Passengers must be aged 18 years or over.
The Operator may, at its absolute discretion, and in exceptional circumstances,
give confi rmation of acceptance of a person outside this age restriction, provided
that they are accompanied by a person 18 years or over, there is no upper age
restriction. 5.4 Any medical condition or physical condition requiring attention or
treatment must be advised in writing to the relevant Operator when you make
the booking. 5.5 It is your responsibility to have a valid passport and all necessary
visas, permits and certifi cates on your person for your selected itinerary and to have
all necessary vaccinations and to comply with applicable laws. Schengen visas – it
is your responsibility to have your passport stamped on entry to the European
Union. The Operator will not allow you to travel if you do not have a valid visa for
your destination. 5.6 You agree to comply with the authority of the Operator’s
representative and the laws and regulations of the countries visited, including
customs and foreign exchange restrictions. If you do not do so, you may, at the
discretion of the Operator’s representative, be asked to leave the trip. No refunds will
be issued in such circumstances. 5.7 You agree that the Operators’ representatives
may take photographs and fi lms of you while you are a passenger. These may
be used in our Group brochures and/or advertising and publicity material without
obtaining any further consent or payment in respect of such photographs and/or
fi lms. 5.8 You agree that the Operator may use any text written in our comments
books or recorded in our customer surveys, in our group brochures, website and/or
advertising and publicity material without obtaining any further consent or payment
in respect of comments. 5.9 There may be times when the Operator’s personnel
have to make a decision in the interests of safety. It is a condition of bookings that
you comply with the authority and decisions of the appointed representative of the
Operator. If you do not comply with the said representative and are not compatible
with the general enjoyment and well being of members of the trip, we reserve
the right to refuse to allow you to continue the trip. In such a case we will not be
liable for any refund, compensation or any additional costs incurred by you. We
cannot accept liability for the behaviour of others on your trip nor if any facilities
are curtailed as a result of their actions. 5.10 It is your responsibility to meet the
Operator at the pick-up points. Because of the nature of the services, the Operator
will not be liable if any service leaves or arrives later than its specifi ed time, even if
as a result you miss a connecting service. The Operator will use its best efforts to
ensure that departure and arrival times are met. 5.11 The Operators do not tolerate
any form of abuse, verbal or otherwise, of its personnel. Any passenger abusing or
threatening personnel will automatically forfeit their right to onward travel.
5.12 You are responsible for looking after your personal belongings whilst travelling.
The Operator cannot be held responsible for any personal belongings left behind
on any trip irrespective of the circumstances. 5.13 It is the responsibility of the
passenger to check the accuracy of dates booked upon receipt of their travel
documents. 5.14 If you paid a Student price on booking, you will be required to
prove this entitlement at check-in for each departure by exhibiting an ISIC / ISE (or
equivalent) student card. Should you not be able to do this, you will be charged the
difference between the normal brochure price and the discounted price in addition
to an administration fee of 25 GBP / 35 EURO.
6. LOCAL TOURS & EXCURSIONS
6.1 You will have the opportunity to purchase local tours or excursions from the
Guides / On-Board Guides. These tours and excursions are run by local operators
and you will be subject to their terms and conditions. 6.2 Local tours and excursions
purchased via Guides / On-Board Guides are non-refundable. It is your responsibility
to meet the tour at the designated departure point and time. Travel will only be
permitted on presentation of the offi cial Guides / On-Board Guides issued voucher
to the named operator. 6.3 Local tour and Excursion vouchers that are lost or stolen
cannot be replaced.
7. INSURANCE
7.1 There is no travel insurance cover included in the price of any pass, ticket,
tour, trip or product represented in this brochure. 7.2 The Operators very strongly
recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance that covers all your travels. Travel
Insurance is mandatory for travel on all Moroccan, Croatian & Egyptian products.
7.3 The Operator strongly recommends that you take out comprehensive insurance
cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage,
money and public liability before you travel. You may also wish to indemnify the
Operator against all third-party claims, actions, damages and remedies that may be
brought against the Operator in respect of your travel needs/requirements.
8. CHANGES BY THE OPERATOR
8.1 Prices in this brochure are based on costs and exchange rates at October 1,
2008. The Operators reserve the right to decrease the price of any brochured
product. The fi nal price will be confi rmed to you before you make your booking.
8.2 No surcharge in respect of costs or currency fl uctuations will be applied where a
product has been booked and paid in full. However, a surcharge may be necessary
at other times should there be signifi cant changes in the following circumstances: (a)
Transportation costs including the cost of fuel. (b) Dues, taxes (including road taxes
and tolls) or levies charged by the governments or their agencies. (c) Exchange rates.
The surcharge will only be made where the increase in cost will affect the price of
the Pass by more than 2%. 8.3 The Operator reserves the right to vary, modify or
cancel any itinerary, either part or wholly. If this is necessary, they will substitute
alternative arrangements of comparable value, or at the Operator’s discretion
provide a full or partial refund. 8.4 If access to any country or area is prohibited for
reasons of force majeure (i.e. circumstances such as political unrest, war or threat
of war, riots, civil strife, closure of airports or ports, industrial disputes, terrorist
activity, natural and nuclear disasters, fi re, epidemic or health risk, Acts of God,
adverse weather conditions or other similar events beyond the Operator’s control)
the Operator reserves the right to amend or alter the product, or fully or partially
withdraw the programme. If the Operator cannot offer suitable substitute services,
you will be entitled to a refund less reasonable expenses incurred by us in respect of
your booking. The amount of the refund will be calculated pro-rata based on used
portion of the ticket. No compensation will be paid. 8.5 The Operator reserves the
right to alter the size of vehicle they use at any time.
9. WEATHER CONDITIONS
Under no circumstances can the Operators be held responsible for any delay,
deviation or cancellation due to weather conditions, nor can any trip be cancelled or
amended by you at any time on the basis of weather conditions.
10. NO SMOKING POLICY
The Operators operate a No Smoking Policy on all their vehicles.
11. DISPUTE PROCEDURES
11.1 If you have a complaint in respect of any Operator, you should inform the
Operator’s Representative at the time. Any complaint that cannot be resolved by the
Representative should be submitted in writing within 28 days of the incident to The
Customer Service Manager, Radical Travel Group Limited, 60 High Street, Edinburgh,
EH1 1TB, Scotland, United Kingdom so that your complaint can be passed to and
then investigated by the Operator. The Operators will not consider complaints after
the 28 day period. 11.2 The contract and all matters arising in respect hereof shall
be subject to Scottish Law unless the Operator agrees otherwise in writing.
11.3 If any provision of this contract is held invalid or unenforceable by any court
of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be deemed to be re-written to give
effect to the same purpose within the permitted limits of the law. The validity
and enforceability of the other provisions shall not be affected. 11.4 If you are
unsuccessful in any legal action instituted against the Operator, you agree to pay all
the Operator’s costs, including but not limited to attorney / client costs.
12. CONTRACTING PARTIES
12.1 The booking conditions detailed herein contain the entire contract between you
and the Operator. No representation, term, warranty or condition can be expressed
or implied by reference to any other writing, advertisement or conversation. This
contract may only be varied by a duly authorised offi cer or Director of the Operator
in writing. 12.2 Your contract is with the Operator. At any time, and at the Operator’s
complete discretion, the Operator may nominate to you in writing any other
company or person to have the benefi t of some or all of those provisions of this
contract, which the Operator may then specify, as if you had agreed the provisions
concerned directly with that company or person in the fi rst place as well as agreeing
them with the Operator. The Operator may at its complete discretion assign all or
any rights and liabilities arising under or by virtue of this or any other contract with
you. 12.3 All bookings with carriers and other service providers are subject to their
terms and conditions and limitations of liability. Please note that some of these limit
or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay and loss or damage to
baggage. Whilst the Operator cannot accept any responsibility for any loss as a result
of such actions or as a result of any act or omission of any such third parties, the
Operator will give reasonable assistance in helping to resolve any reasonable dispute.
12.4 Many accommodation arrangements referred to in this brochure are provided
independently and directly by third party providers (unless stated otherwise). Any
such contracts undertaken are made directly between you and the third party
accommodation provider. They are subject to the terms and conditions, and
limitations of liability, imposed by the provider. All such arrangements are made
independently of the Operator, regardless of any help and assistance, which the
Operator may provide in securing such arrangements.
12.5 Please note that no airline or carrier depicted or recommended in this
brochure by virtue of their endorsement of this brochure represents themselves
either as contracting with any legal relationship with any such purchaser.
12.6 Every effort is made to ensure brochure accuracy at the time of going to print,
however the Operator cannot be held responsible for printing and typographical
errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances.
13. VALIDITY
The programmes advertised in this brochure are valid from the operating season
pertaining to each operator as specifi ed in the brochure, unless stated to the
contrary. These Terms and Conditions supersede all previous Terms and Conditions
issued and are valid for all reservations made on or after 1st November 2008, until
replaced.
14. OPERATING COMPANIES
14.1 The Busabout Explorer, Busabout Adventures & Eastern Trekker services
advertised in this brochure are operated by Busabout Operations Ltd., J.F. Burrows
Building, Chancery Lane, 87 Front Street, Hamilton, HM12 Bermuda. 14.1a) The
local operator of the Moroccan Adventures programme featured in this brochure is
Nomadic Expeditions Ltd. Their terms and conditions apply (available on request).
14.1b) The local operator of the Croatia Sailing (Island Hopper & One-Way Sail)
programme featured in this brochure is Katarina Lines d.o.o., Croatia. Their terms
and conditions apply (available on request). 14.1c) The Athens Link and the Greek
Island ferries are operated by various transport providers within the relevant region.
All travel is subject to their Terms & Conditions. 14.1d) The local operator of the
Egypt Adventures programme featured in this brochure is Spring Tours Egypt.
Their terms and conditions apply (available on request). 14.2 HAGGIS Adventures
are operated by Radical Travel Group Limited, 7/9 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh,
EH1 1NB, Registered in Scotland No. 136334. 14.3 Shamrocker Adventures are
operated by Shamrocker Adventures Limited, Kinlay House, 2/12 Lord Edward
Street, Dublin 2, Registered in Ireland No. 281604. 14.4 The local operator of the
Eastern Trekker Transylvanian Trek is Soft Ride, Romania. The local operator of the
Eastern Trekker Bosnian Trek is Green Visions, Bosnia.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
43
A Proud Member of
MY TRAVEL AGENT IS:
RADICAL TRAVEL
Travel House
35 Grafton Street
Bondi Junction
NSW 2022
Radical Travel is represented in Australia by Contiki Holidays ABN 1800 2 525340. Please note: all prices are quoted in AU Dollars.
Radical Travel is a division of the
family-owned The Leading Travel
Companies, and is renowned
and trusted for its outstanding
quality, service, value, reliability
and fi nancial stability.
All agent reservations: http://agent.radicaltravel.com