trading Places international The Company F · 2015-01-12 · Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City....

F ounded in 1996, Trading Places International has developed a unique and specialized approach to creating customized touring

arrangements for the discerning traveler. A helpful and knowledgeable staff, combined with an unsurpassed selection of hotels and services, ensures all travelers are provided with a distinctive travel package, tailor-made to fit their individual needs.

Included in this brochure is a selection of sample itineraries, each of which can be modified to fit your own personal tastes, preferences and budget. Whatever you decide, our expert staff are on hand to assist you through your decision making process.

HotelsTrading Places offers preferred contract rates in over 10,000 hotels across the globe. Our contracted prop-

erty rates include all taxes and service charges, and in Europe, a complimentary breakfast is a standard inclusion. Live inventory and instant confirmations are available at most hotels. Our comprehensive ho-tel selection includes categories from tourist class to deluxe; historic to modern; small family-run hotels to larger business hotels, all offering unique styles and budgets to fit your requirements.

Private Car transfersPrivate transfers are available in all major cities. We provide professional, prompt and courteous drivers, offering select vehicles for all your pri-vate transportation requirements. Private transfer services can be arranged from hotels, airports, rail stations and cruise ports. Additional services, such as city to city transportation and extended private car touring, are also available.

Private Guided siGHtseeinGOur expert private guides offer you a unique perspective of a destination, and the flexibility to explore sights that are of particular interest. Private touring offers the freedom to change an itinerary en-route and a personal interaction that is not often found on a public sightseeing tour. Our local guides are hand picked and have been selected for their superior local knowledge, and are available in most major cities.

PubliC siGHtseeinG toursWe offer a broad selection of public sightseeing tours in major cities. Scheduled sightseeing tours provide a convenient and economic means to view the attractions, and the opportunity to join a group of likeminded travelers and benefit from an experienced tour leader. These tours depart from central locations and sometimes offer a complimentary hotel pickup.

rail serviCesSit back, relax and gaze out at the wonders of the local scenery. Rail travel provides an ideal means to travel between your destinations. We offer a vari-ety of rail arrangements, including point to point tickets, seat reservations, rail passes, international overnight sleeper trains and sightseeing journeys.

trading Places international The Company

2 www.tplaces.com

Each client is provided with a distinctive travel package, tailor made to

fit their individual needs.

Car rentalsMany scenic parts of the world are isolated from train or bus stations. Self-drive touring is a great way to explore a region in detail and at your own pace. It can also offer an unrivaled travel experience: stray from the hustle and

bustle of the large cities, meander through the lesser traveled routes and tour the countryside, small towns and villages. We provide a wide selection of car and van types, manual and automatic, all at preferred contract rates.

Cruise tour arranGementsIf you would like to extend your cruise with a pre or post tour, we offer a host of options. Whether it’s a simple private day tour with one of our select tour guides, picking you up and returning you to your ship, or an extended hotel stay itinerary, we are happy to discuss the various options available to complement and enhance your cruise experience.

Customized GrouPs Whether it’s a family reunion, a religious group, or indeed any group with 10 passengers or more, Trading Places can plan your itinerary from start to finish.

4 Italy:Rome,Florence andTuscany9 nights

5 France:Paris,Avignon andProvence9 nights

6 Spain:Madrid,Andalusia andCostadelSol10 nights

7 Portugal:TheSightsand Sounds9 nights

8 Germany:BlackForest andBavaria 9 nights

9 Switzerland:Alpine Villages8 nights

10 Ireland:Castlesand ManorHouses 8 nights

11 GreatBritain:History andTradition 8 nights

12 Greece:Athensandthe Islands 9 nights

13 Russia:StPetersburg andMoscow 7 nights

14 AustriaandCzech Republic:Bohemian Journey9 nights

15 PolandandHungary: Warsaw,Krakówand Budapest 9 nights

A collection of unique itinerAries for the discerning trAveler…

our preferred car rental supplier

Inadditiontothedestinationsfeaturedinthebrochure,itinerariescanbecreatedthroughoutEurope.

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ExplorethestoriedhistoryandculturaltreasuresoftheVaticanandtheRomanEmpire.StrollaroundcharmingmedievalhilltoptownsandexperiencetherichculturallegacyofthegreatartmastersoftheRenaissance.

outline itinerary

Day1:RomeWelcome to Rome, the Eternal City. Transfer from Fiumicino Airport by private car and, in the afternoon, meet a driver-guide for a tour of Rome’s most famous ancient sites, including the Forum, Colosseum and Trevi Fountain.

Day2:RomeEnjoy a full-day private tour of Italy’s capital city. Marvel at the art and architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City and gaze in amaze-ment at Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel, and other rich treasures in the Vatican Museums. The afternoon will feature a visit to the fabulous art treasure trove that is the restored Borghese Gallery.

Day3:RomeA free day designed to allow visitors to pursue their own special interests in Rome.

Day4:ThroughUmbriatoTuscanyPick up a rental car and drive north into the green hills of Umbria, with a stop for lunch in Perugia perhaps and a visit to the 15th-century Oratorio di San Bernardino. Continue across the ‘border’ into the Tuscan countryside and the city of Siena.

Day5&6:TuscanyUsing the rental car, explore the lovely Tuscan countryside. Spend the first day exploring the hill-towns to the east of Siena; perhaps visiting Volterra. The city seems to rear higher than any other in Tuscany, rising a precipitous 1,800 feet above the valley below. Visit San Gimignano on the next day, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Tus-cany. View towers built as both private fortresses and as symbols of wealth, and visit Piazza della Cisterna.

Day7:TuscanytoFlorenceFlorence is just a short drive away. Be sure to stop at one of the famous winer-ies in the Chianti region for a tasting or to purchase a bottle or two. Return the rental car upon arrival in Florence.

Day8:FlorenceEmbark on a private morning walk-ing tour of the city, including a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, home of Michelangelo’s marble statue of David standing nearly 17 feet tall. Spend the remainder of the day shopping or savor-ing the culinary delicacies at the central food market in Florence.

Day9:FlorenceEnjoy a private morning walk in Florence, visiting the Uffizi gallery. Gaze in wonder at works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, and more. In the afternoon, wander among Florence’s many museums and galleries.

Day10:DepartureA private car transfer to the airport signals the end of the trip and a return to the USA.

suGGested Hotels

Rome:HotelExedra3 Nights The breathtaking beauty of this superb five-star luxury hotel in the heart of Rome with a marvelous rooftop terrace with pool and a modern business center, is beyond compare.

SanRoccoaPilli(Siena):HotelBorgoLaBagnaia3 NightsNestled in the magic and charming atmosphere of the Tuscan countryside, there is a charming, tranquil village that is home to a splendid aristocratic villa. Bagnaia, which was once owned by Richi Ruspoli and where history, art and culture masterfully cohabit, still today cheers the sight and lifts the spirit.

Florence:GrandHotelVillaMedici3 NightsThe villa, which hosts the French Academy at Trinità dei Monti, was started in the second half of the 16th century. It was bought in 1576 by Cardinal Ferdinando de’ Medici. The gardens which stretch along the avenues bordered by high hedges are embellished by statues, sarcophagi and fountains.

rome, florence & tuscany 9 Nights

Private Rome Tour Including preferential entry to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and the Borghese Gallery

Self-Drive Itinerary through Hill-Towns of Tuscany & Umbria

Private Florence tour with Visits to the Accademia and Uffizi

Additional sightseeing options available, please ask for details.

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4 www.tplaces.comAll our itineraries are fully customizable. Please ask for our assistance in developing an itinerary best suited to your individual requirements.c

TravelfromexcitingParistothememorablepastelpaletteofProvenceonthisexcitingninenightjourneythroughFrance.

outline itinerary

Day1:ParisWelcome to Paris, the famed “City of Light.” Transfer by private car from Paris Airport to the Paris hotel. The remainder of the day is free for indepen-dent exploration of the capital.

Day2:ParisEnjoy a morning tour of Paris with a local driver-guide. The tour will en-compass Paris’ best-known landmarks, including the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower, and the inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral.

Day3:ParisEmbark on a morning tour of the art and treasures at the Musée du Louvre. Among the thousands of priceless paint-ings is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, probably the most famous painting in the world. Among the well-known sculp-tures in the collection are the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Venus de Milo. Spend the remainder of the day visiting some of Paris’ other famous museums, such as the Museum D’Orsay, with preferred entrance using your Paris Museum Pass.

Day4:ParisSpend a day free at leisure in Paris, or perhaps take an optional excursion into the nearby countryside. Versailles and

the Loire Valley make splendid day trips. The evening will feature a reservation for dinner at ‘Altitude 95’, a popular gourmet restaurant on the 1st level of the Eiffel Tower. The large bay windows of the restaurant look out over the Seine and the Trocadéro to one side, and the inside of the Tower.

Day5:ParistoProvenceIn the morning board a TGV, one ofEurope’s fastest trains, for the city ofAvignon in Provence. Pick up a rentalcar at Avignon rail station and driveto the nearby village of Le Pontet.

Day6&7:Avignon&ProvenceUsing Avignon-le Pontet as a base,spend the next two days touring theregion around Avignon. Spend one dayvisiting the Roman ruins in Nîmes andArles, and the western part of Provence,known as the Camargue. Use the next

day for exploring the Rhône wine townsnorth of Avignon, perhaps enjoying atasting and tour in nearby Châteauneufdu Pape.

Day8&9:Luberon&ProvenceDrive east into the beautiful Luberon Valley, which has been referred to as “the true Provence.” Visit the 12th-cen-tury monastery, L’Abbaye Notre Dame de Sénanque, set in fields of vibrant, sweet-smelling lavender. Enjoy splendid, panoramic views of the valley from the rampart ruins of the hilltop village of Gordes. Spend another day touring the small characteristic villages scattered throughout the Luberon.

Day10:DepartureAfter a quick drive to Marseille Provence Airport, the adventure into France ends all too soon.

suGGested Hotels

Paris:HôtelPontRoyal4 NightsA traditional Paris left-bank boutique hotel with a famous literary heritage, located next door to the Musée d’Orsay.

LePontet-Avignon:AubergedeCassagne 3 NightsThis 30-room First Class Hotel, a tra-ditional provençal residence featuring a popular gastronomic restaurant, lies just 5 minutes from Avignon, set in its own magnificent gardens.

Lourmarin:HoteldeGuilles3 Nights A traditional rural inn located in the heart of the Luberon near the walled village of Lourmarin.

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Private Driver-Guide Tour of Paris Tour of the Louvre with 2-day

Paris Museum PassReservations for Dinner at

‘Altitude 95’ at the Eiffel TowerParis Transportation &

Museum PassHigh-Speed ‘TGV’ Train from

Paris to Avignon Additional sightseeing options available, please ask for details.

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Paris & Provence 9 Nights

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With preferred contracted rates at over 10,000 properties worldwide, Trading Places provides numerous hotel categories, styles and budgets to fit every client’s individual needs. Please ask for details.

Spainoffersanintriguingblendofculturesandtraditionsdat-ingbackcenturies.ExperiencethestrongimpactoftheMoorish,JewishandChristianinfluencesonpastandpresentSpain.

outline itinerary

Day1:MadridUpon arrival into Madrid’s Barajas Airport, your guide will meet you for a panoramic tour of Spain’s marvelous capital city and a transfer to the hotel. Follow a traditional early afternoon ‘siesta’, with some leisurely independent exploration in the early evening.

Day2:MadridSpend the day exploring Madrid at your leisure. Perhaps visit the famous Museo del Prado, known as one of the best art museums in the world, or simply view the Neptuno and Cibeles fountains and the Palacio de Oriente, the ornate 18th-century Royal Palace.

Day3:ElEscorialMonastery&ElValledelosCaídosOne of the most unforgettable excur-sions from Madrid is to the austere royal monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Nearby is the El Valle de los Caídos (Val-ley of the Fallen), Franco’s architectural marvel, dedicated to those who died in the Spanish Civil War.

Day4:Cordoba&SevilleDepart Madrid and travel south to the region of Spain known as Andalucía, a melting pot of different cultures, some-

times referred to as the bridge between two continents. Board the modern high-speed AVE train for Cordoba, where a local guide will provide a walking tour of this charming city including a visit to La Mezquita, the third largest mosque in world, and the historic Jewish Quarter. Following the tour, board another high-speed train for Seville.

Day5:SevilleWith the services of a local guide, enjoy a tour of Seville. See the former Royal Tobacco Factory, now the Palacio de San Telmo, where the fictional Carmen labored. Tour the world’s third largest cathedral, reputed to be the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Attend a flamenco show and dinner tonight.

Day6:AndalucíaPick up a rental car in cental Seville, and drive across the Andalucian countryside to the village of Arcos de la Frontera. The old world streets, the white houses, lively bars and restaurants of the town are a delight to explore.

Day7:ArcosdelaFronteratoGranadaContinue the journey across the Anda-lucían countryside to the city of Grana-da. The mountains and quaint villages clinging to the hillsides make for relax-ing and memorable stops en route.

Day8:GranadaGranada, situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is home of the famed Moorish Alhambra. Meet a local guide in the morning for a tour

of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens.

Day9&10:CostadelSolDrive to Marbella, in the heart of the famous Costa del Sol. Enjoy an exciting day touring the exotic landscape, with its steep, rugged coastline set against the Sierra Nevada mountain range. A dinner reservation will be made at a top restaurant in the chic village of Puerto Banus.

Day11:DepartureMalaga Airport is a short distance from the hotel. Return the rental car and say farewell to Spain.

suGGested Hotels

Madrid:HotelCondeDuque3 NightsThe four-star Gran Hotel Conde Duque is surrounded by beautiful gardens, and is situated in a very peaceful area of central Madrid.

Seville:HotelLasCasasdelaJuderia2 NightsConsisting of six old 17th-century Sevillano houses, this delightful hotel has been beautifully restored and is located in the charming old quarter of Barrio Santa Cruz.

ArcosdelaFrontera:Parador1 Night A former palace with panoramic views over the Pueblos Blancos

Granada:HotelAlhambraPalace2 Nights The Hotel Alhambra Palace, in an evocative, panoramic setting high up near the Alhambra, is Granada’s most famous hotel and, deservedly so.

Marbella:HotelElFuerte2 NightsA superb four-star hotel commanding a superb location on the beachfront in the heart of Marbella’s old town.

madrid, andalusia & the Costa del sol 10 Nights


Private Tours of Madrid, Cordoba, Seville and Granada

Dinner and Traditional Flamenco Show

1st Class High Speed AVE TrainsDinner Reservation at an

Exclusive Restaurant in Puerto Banus


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Thistourprovidesaterrificintro-ductiontoPortugal,awonderfullydiversecountry.Fromthevibrantcapital,Lisbon,tothenearbycoast,tounspoiledruralareas,thereareplentyofopportunitiestoexperiencealifestylethathaschangedlittleoverthelastcentury.

outline itinerary

Day1:LisbonWelcome to Lisbon, the proud capital city of Portugal. A driver will be waiting at Portela Airport for a transfer to the hotel.

Day2:LisbonEmbark on a morning private sightseeing tour of Lisbon visiting Jeronimos Monastery and the Coach Museum. Spend the rest of the day exploring Lisbon. Lisbon is a lively place, remaining in some ways curiously provincial, rooted as much in the 1920s as the 2000s. Wooden trams clank up outrageous gradients, past mosaic pavements, Art Nouveau cafés and the medieval quarter of Alfama.

Day3:Cascais&SintraEnjoy a private tour from Lisbon to Sintra and the coastal city of Cascais. Sintra is one of Portugal’s most spectacu-lar sights. The cool, deciduous woodland that once attracted Moorish lords and the kings of Portugal from Lisbon during the hot summer months will delight.

Day4:ObidosPick up a rental car and drive north

to the National Palace of Mafra and overnight in the medieval walled city of Obidos.

Day5:PortoContinue north to Porto, Portugal’s second city and home of its famous ‘Port’ wine. Capital of the north, Porto is very different from Lisbon—unpre-tentious, inward-looking and com-mercial. A local saying goes: “Coimbra sings; Braga prays; Lisbon shows off; and Porto works.”

Day6:PortoSpend the day exploring this vibrant city with its contrasting ‘Barredo’ shanty town and modern business center. In the afternoon, enjoy a river cruise on the spectacular Douro River.

Day7:CoimbraDrive south following the Douro River valley to the University city of Coimbra. This was Portugal’s capital from 1143 to 1255 and it ranks behind only the cities of Lisbon and Porto in historic importance. Its university was founded in 1290.

Day8:CoimbraEnjoy a day exploring this third largest city in Portugal, visiting the magnificent Cathedral and the extraordinary Santa Clara-a-Velha Church, partly submerged in the river.

Day9:CoimbratoFatima&SetubalContinue south via the holy Catholic

shrine in the town of Fatima, where the Virgin Mary appeared to children in 1917, and to which Catholics from all over the world flock every year.

Day10:DepartureIt is a short drive from Setubal to Lisbon. Return the car and board the return flight to the United States.

suGGested Hotels

Lisbon:HotelPestanaPalace3 Nights Built in the early 19th century, the Pestana Palace Hotel is classified as a National Monument. The Palace over-looks a private park lush with subtropi-cal plants and trees in the historical Alto de Santo Amaro quarter of the city with magnificent views over the River Tagus.

Obidos:PousadaCastelo1 NightConverted from castle ruins, the Pousada do Castelo offers comfortable rooms with magnificent views and a renowned restaurant.

Oporto:InfantedeSagres2 NightsThis centrally located hotel is the em-bodiment of high Portuguese style and comfort. 18th-century antiques and tiled floor adorned with Tabriz rugs comple-ment the Hotel’s modern facilities

Coimbra(CondeixaaNova):PousadadeSantaCristina 2 NightsRegarded as one of the most important sites in Portugal for Roman remains, Conimbriga stands as witness to a civili-zation that influenced Western culture. The Pousada has been renovated in the full palatial style of the original building.

Setubal:PousadadeSaoFelipe1 Night Setúbal Pousada, a fortress built in the 17th century by King Philip II of Spain, has a breathtaking view over the River Sado estuary.

Leisurely Self-Drive Itinerary through Portugal

Private Tour to SintraLunch Reservation at a Seafront

Restaurant in NazareVisit the Holy Shrine at FatimaDouro River Rruise


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the sights & sounds of Portugal 9 Nights

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DiscoverGermany’srichdiversity:thelushmountainsandvalleysoftheBlackForest,themagnificentalpinesceneryofBavariaandthegrandiosehistoryofMunich.

outline itinerary

Day1:Baden-BadenArrive Frankfurt International Airport and welcome to Germany. Pick up a rental car at the airport and drive on one of Germany’s famous high-speed Auto-bahns to the spa town of Baden-Baden.

Day2:BlackForestExplore Germany’s fabled Black For-est, where views of peaceful valleys and high ridges abound. Perhaps take in Freudenstadt, traveling the famous Black Forest High Road on a relaxing day trip from Baden-Baden.

Day3:RothenburgobderTauberDepart the Black Forest and drive to Rothenburg o.d. Tauber, a favorite destination on the beautiful ‘Romantic Road’. Its walls, towers, cobbled streets and 16th-century half-timbered houses have remained much as they were for hundreds of years. Follow the legendary Night Watchman as he inspects the city’s walls before the town goes to sleep for the evening.

Day4:The“RomanticRoad”Use Rothenburg as a base and spend the day exploring the exceptionally charm-ing villages along the “Romantic Road.”

Day5:RothenburgtoFüssenDepart Rothenburg and enjoy a leisurely drive to the alpine village of Füssen at the southern end of the “Romantic Road.”

Day6:Füssen&theBavarianAlpsSpend the day on a circular tour of the Bavarian Alps region. The tour will include the nearby Neuschwanstein Castle, every visitor’s image of the per-fect fairy-tale castle.

Day7:FüssentoMunichDepart Füssen and drive north towards Munich. En route, stop at Kloster An-dechs to enjoy lunch in the ‘Bräustübl’ and sample the world-famous beer, brewed by Benedectine monks since 1455. Continue to the Bavarian Capital of Munich and return the rental car.

Day8:MunichEnjoy a private morning tour of Munich, including a visit to the Schloss Nym-phenburg and Gardens. The remainder of day is free to enjoy the city’s wealth of art and historic treasures.

Day9:MunichThe final day in Germany is free to explore Munich’s parks, gardens and many museums, or to take an optional excursion into the countryside. The sce-nic village of Berchtesgaden and nearby Königsee lake is a popular day-trip destination from Munich.

Day10:DepartureA private car will be at the hotel for the

transfer to Franz Josef Strauss Airport for the departure flight to the United States.

suGGested Hotels

Baden-Baden:RomantikHotelDerKleinePrinz2 NightsBaroque-style four-story hotel reno-vated & fashioned after illustrations of Saint-Exupery’s “The Little Prince.” Every room has its own individual character and unique atmosphere.

Rothenburgo.d.Tauber:HotelEisenhut2 NightsHotel comprising four 12th-16th century Patrician houses with terrace, set 50 me-ters from the impressive Gothic town hall.

Fussen-Hohenschwangau:SchlossHotelJägerhaus 2 NightsThis graciously styled villa offers splendid views of King Ludwig’s two royal castles.

Munich:LeMeridienMunich 2 Nights New, modern city-centre hotel located opposite the main railway station and 200 metres from the Old Town.

black forest, “romantic road” & bavaria 9 Nights

Leisurely Self-Drive Itinerary Through Rural Germany

Medieval Villages of the “Romantic Road”

Rothenburg’s famous “Night Watchman Tour”

The Bavarian Castles of “Mad” King Ludwig

Lunch & Beer in a Pub Inside a Benedictine Abbey

Private Tour of MunichAdditional sightseeing options available, please ask for details.

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Switzerland,lyingintheveryheartofEurope,isjustasvariedasitpeopleanditsfournationallanguages-French,German,ItalianandRomansch.Therearesoaringsnow-coveredmountains,brilliant-lycoloredalpinemeadows,andgardensofpalmtreesinthesouth. outline itinerary

Day1:LucerneWelcome to Switzerland, and to Zurich International Airport. Take the train right from the convenient airport rail-way station to the nearby picturesque lakeside city of Lucerne. Take a taxi to the hotel and don’t worry about the luggage, because it will be delivered to the hotel door by Swiss Rail. Enjoy an afternoon guided walking tour of the city and some time for shopping.

Day2:ZurichTake a short train ride back to Zurich and enjoy a morning exploring this capital city. Its cobblestone streets will offer plenty of opportunities for shop-ping and touring as it is Switzerland’s largest metropolis. Return to Lucerne in the afternoon.

Day3:LucernetoSt.MoritzDepart Lucerne and travel by rail to the exclusive resort of St. Moritz, surrounded by stunningly romantic forests, lakes and mountains. For a century or more, it has been the prime winter retreat of social high-flyers, European royalty and the international jetset.

Day4:St.MoritzSpend the day hiking in the clean mountain air or just taking in the magnificent scenery of great mountain ranges with meadows and forests on the steep hillsides.

Day5:GlacierExpressA spectacular day awaits, on a journey aboard the world-famous Glacier Express. Its 170 miles of track are an awesome triumph of engineering; it crosses more than 291 bridges and goes through 91 tunnels, traversing some of the country’s most inaccessible mountains. The end of the journey is the village of Zermatt, a resort nestled

at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn.

Day6:ZermattThere are no cars in Zermatt so pedes-trians can wander freely in the town. Perhaps take a cable car to the Gorner-grat and admire the splendid views of the highest peaks in Switzerland.

Day7:LausanneDepart Zermatt and journey by rail along the shores of Lake Geneva to Lausanne. Enjoy an afternoon exploring Lake Geneva with a visit to the Cha-teau de Chillon and the Jazz capital of Europe, Montreux.

Day8:LakeGenevaExplore Lausanne and Lake Geneva. Lausanne enjoys a wonderful site high on a hillside above Lake Geneva, look-ing over to the majestic Savoy Alps. The charming old town features the Cathèdrale de Notre Dame, one of Switzerland’s finest Gothic cathedrals. Perhaps take a visit to Geneva itself, the European home of the United Nations and Europe’s most cosmopolitan city.

Day9:DepartureDepart Lausanne on a direct morning train to Geneva Airport railway station for the departure flight tothe United States.

suGGested Hotels

Lucerne:HotelDesBalances2 Nights The Hotel des Balances, located on the banks of the River Reuss, offers a gourmet restaurant and pleasant views of the lake.

St.Moritz:HotelSchweizerhof2 Nights This traditional hotel offers a full range of resort facilities and is one of the most popular hotels in this famous resort town

Zermatt:HotelNicoletta2 Nights The hotel is centrally located just a short stroll from Zermatt’s charming shopping area, the train station and other local amenities.

Lausanne:HoteldelaPaix2 NightsThis grand hotel, dating from the turn of the century, offers magnificent views of the lake and Alps.

Rail Itinerary through Central Switzerland with an 8 Day Swiss Rail Pass (Unlimited Travel on Trains, Buses and Boats)

Glacier Express Scenic Train Reservations with Lunch

Private Walking Tour of Lucerne


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With preferred contracted rates at over 10,000 properties worldwide, Trading Places provides numer-ous hotel categories, styles and budgets to fit every client’s individual needs. Please ask for details.

alpine villages of switzerland 8 Nights

TheEmeraldIslebeckonswithsplendidscenery,fascinatinghis-tory,avibrantcultureandwarm,hospitablepeople.ExperiencethesophisticationofDublinandthepeacefulambienceofthesmallvillagesofConnemaraandKerry.

outline itinerary

Day1:DublinUpon arrival into Dublin’s International Airport meet a Dublin guide. Enjoy a private tour of the capital of Ireland en route to the hotel, with such highlights as St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College, which houses the historical “Book of Kells.”

Day2:DublinThe day is free for independent explo-ration of Ireland’s largest city, famous, amongst many things, for its long liter-ary history, the intricate glass lace found on the doors of its Georgian townhouses, and its lively pubs proudly serving lo-cally-made Guinness Stout.

Day3:DublintoCountyMayoMeet the Irish driver-guide who will be the escort for the remainder of the tour. The journey from Dublin to County Mayo offers a first tantalizing glimpse at the picture-perfect scenery for which the Emerald Isle is famous with verdant hills dotted with grazing sheep, ruined castles and abandoned abbeys along the way. There will be time in the afternoon to relax at the impressive Ashford Castle, overlooking Lough Corrib.

Day4:ConnemaraEnjoy a full day exploring Connemara, the rugged Gaelic-speaking region of western Galway. Quiet lanes meander round the indented coastline’s sheltered sandy bays, where the climate is so mild that sub-tropical vegetation flourishes.

Day5:ThroughtheBurrentoCountyKerryToday’s route meanders south from County Mayo through the Burren, a bare hilly area that is devoid of trees and surface water, fits in a stop to gaze at the crashing surf far below the Cliffs of Moher, before crossing the River Shannon by ferry and on to Kenmare, in the heart of County Kerry.

Day6:RingofKerryMarvel at one of the most famous drives in the world, the route around the Ring of Kerry revealing magnificent Irish coastal views.

Day7:CountyCorkOptions abound to spend the day ex-ploring County Cork. Visit the pictur-esque fishing village of Kinsale and kiss the Blarney stone before reaching the Cobh Heritage Center. The Titanic departed Cobh on its doomed maiden voyage and thousands of immigrants departed for America at the turn of the century from this coastal town.

Day8:DinglePeninsula&AdareLeave Kenmare and contrast the ex-traordinary beauty and desolate terrain of the Dingle Peninsula before reaching

the village of Adare, perennial winner of Ireland’s “Tidy Towns” contest.

Day9:DepartureShannon Airport is only a short drive away by private car and signifies the end of a wonderful Irish vacation.

suGGested Hotels

Dublin:HotelMerrion 2 NightsThe Merrion Hotel has established itself as the epitome of relaxed grandeur, welcoming Dubliners and visitors to the city with stunningly appointed rooms, crackling turf fires and a host of facilities.

Cong:AshfordCastle2 NightsMagnificent Castle estate situated on the shores of Lough Corrib, 30 minutes from Galway City.

Kenmare:SheenFallsLodgeHotel3 Nights Once the Irish country seat of the Marquis of Lansdowne, the magnifi-cence of this bright yellow, slate-roof stone manor is only matched by its setting: 300 secluded acres of lawns, gardens, and forest between Kenmare Bay and the falls of the River Sheen.

Adare:AdareManor1 Night Play King or Queen for a day at this spectacular Victorian Gothic mansion, once the abode of the earls of Dunraven. The castellated mansion is enormous and set amid French-style gardens.

ireland’s Castles & manor Houses 8 Nights

Deluxe Castle and Manor House Accommodations

Private Tour of DublinProfessional Driver-Guide

Itinerary Through Irish Countryside


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traditional britain 8 Nights SomanyintriguingimagesspringtomindatthemerementionofspectacularScotlandandcosmopolitanLondon.Thehauntingskirlofthebagpipes,grandcastlesandHighlanders’humblecottages,incrediblesceneryandauniquelyvibrant,livingculturesolovinglypreserved—ScotlandandLondonhaveitall.Whynotextendyourstaywithadd-onhigh-speedEurostartrainoptionstoParisandBrussels.

outline itinerary

Day1:WestHighlandsWelcome to Scotland. Pick up a car rental upon arrival at Glasgow Airport and drive north to Fort William, located at the head of Loch Linnhe, in the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Perhaps enjoy some shopping at Scotland’s hub for woolens, whiskey and tweeds.

Day2:WestHighlandstoInvernessContinue the drive into the northern Highlands, along the shores of Loch Lochy and Loch Ness. Enjoy spectacular scenery and stop at one of the many distilleries to see how local whiskey is distilled, maybe even sample a dram !

Day3:TheHighlandsThe area north of the Great Glen is known as the Highlands and con-stitutes some of Scotland’s wildest landscape. Here you can find the spectacular sandstone pinnacles and rock terraces of the Torridon Hills, and the stark peaks around Inverpolly and much more. The Culloden Battlefield

Visitor Center, near Inverness, depicts and brings alive the last major battle fought on the mainland of Britain.

Day4:InvernesstoEdinburghDepart the Highlands for Edinburgh. Travel via Pitlochry, a vibrant Victoria town surrounded by the most resplen-dent mountain scenery in Europe. There is time to explore before visiting the Edradour Whiskey Distillery, the small-est distillery in Scotland, where a tasting might be in order. Return the car to a location in central Edinburgh.

Day5:EdinburghEnjoy a morning private tour of Edinburgh. Walk the Royal Mile which runs from the Castle through the high tenements of the old town. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, official residence of British royalty when in Scotland and formerly the favorite home of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Day6:EdinburghtoLondonTravel from Edinburgh’s Waverly Station to London’s Kings Cross Station by 1st Class train through the border counties and England’s heartland. A driver will be waiting in London for the transfer to the hotel.

Day7:LondonA driver-guide will be at the hotel for a half day private sightseeing tour of London. Visit famous sights such as Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, as well as majestic Westminster Abbey. Return to the hotel and prepare for an evening at a top West End show.

Day8:Oxford&CotswoldsThis day features a full day public excursion to Oxford, Stratford and the Cotswolds. Oxford and its traditional university, Shakespeare’s Stratford, the Cotswolds and a traditional English after-noon tea are all highlights of this tour.

Day9:DepartureA private car transfer to one of London’s airports signals the end of the trip and the departure for the United States.

suGGested Hotels

FortWilliam:CorriegourLodgeHotel1 NightSet amid a contrasting nine acres of mature woodland and garden, Corrie-gour Lodge enjoys outstanding views over Loch Lochy.

Inverness:CullodenHotel2 NightsSet in 40 acres of gardens, this Adams style Georgian house is the premier Hotel in Inverness.

Edinburgh:TheBalmoral2 Nights A luxury hotel in the true sense of the word, The Balmoral, with its majestic clock tower, is a stylish five-star property in the very heart of Edinburgh.

London:LanghamHotel3 NightsLangham’s public rooms reflect the power and majesty of the British Empire at its apex.

Traditional British HotelsSelf Drive Tour of the

Scottish Highlands Private Sightseeing of Edinburgh

and London1st Class Rail Journey London West End Theater

PerformanceExcursion to Oxford, Stratford

& the Cotswolds Additional sightseeing options available, please ask for details.

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Seethebestoftheancientworld,fromtheParthenontoDelphi.RelaxandexploretheancientcivilizationsandscenicbeautyofMykonosandSantorini.

outline itinerary

Day1:AthensArrive into Athens International Air-port where a driver will be waiting for the private transfer to the hotel. Walk amidst stunning vestiges of the ancient Greek city, most famously represented by the Acropolis and its surrounding archeological sites.

Day2:AthensEnjoy a private morning tour of Ath-ens. Visit the Acropolis, the site of four of the greatest masterpieces of classical Greek art. Spend the afternoon walking through the Plaka, the charming old quarter at the foot of the Acropolis.

Day3:DelphiEmbark on a full day private excursion to Delphi. With its site raised on the slopes of a high mountain terrace and dwarfed on either side by the massive, ominous crags of Parnassós, it is easy to see why the ancients believed Delphi to be the centre of the earth.

Day4:MykonosA private transfer to Athens Airport, a quick flight to Mykonos and a transfer at the other end signal time on the Cy-clades Islands. Begin with Mykonos and plenty of time to explore the island this afternoon.

Day5&6:MykonosEnjoy two full days to relax on the charming island of Mykonos. The prosperous Mykonos town is one of the most beautiful of all island towns, with its immaculately whitewashed houses concealing hundreds of little churches, shrines and chapels. Enjoy the island’s excellent beaches, picturesque windmills and rolling arid interior.

Day7:MykonostoSantoriniA private transfer to the harbor, a high-speed catamaran and a transfer the other end signal a change of scenery and arrival in Santorini. Be certain to catch the spectacular view of Santorini from the water as the ship pulls into port before enjoying the Hotel’s own magnificent views, perched on the steep slope overlooking the caldera.

Day8&9:SantoriniSpend the next two days touring and witnessing the beauty of Santorini. Visit the town of Fira with its white-washed, blue-domed buildings set on high, steep slopes above the sea. Perhaps use the traditional transportation method, the donkey, or take a boat trip to one of the islets of Santorini. Local ferries run to the charred volcanic islets of Paleá Kaméni and Néa Kaméni, and on to the relatively unspoiled islet of Thiras-sía, which was once part of Thíra until shorn off by an eruption in the third century BC.

Day10:DepartureA private transfer to Santorini Airport signals the beginning of the journey back to the United States, with a morning flight to Athens.

suGGested Hotels

Athens:HotelGrandeBretagne3 Nights The Grande Bretagne, the so called “First Lady of Hospitality,” a city land-mark for over 130 years, is situated on Constitution Square.

Mykonos:HotelMykonosGrand3 Nights Traditional Aegean five-star deluxe property built into the hillside in an amphitheater style, offering breathtak-ing views of the ocean.

Santorini:HotelKatikies3 NightsA charming small deluxe Hotel hanging from the cliff, 100 meters above the daz-zlingly blue caldera basin.

athens, mykonos & santorini 9 Nights

Full Day Private Sightseeing Tour of Athens and Delphi

Inter-Island FlightsHydrofoil from Mykonos

to Santorini


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st. Petersburg & moscow 7 Nights

Comfortable Overnight Train from St. Petersburg, the “Venice of the North” to Moscow, the Ancient Capital of the Czars

Add a Performance of the Bolshoi to the Itinerary or a Folklore Show in St. Petersburg

Private Tours of the Hermitage Museum, Pushkin and Peterhof

Private Tours of the Kremlin and Tretyakov Gallery


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FromPetertheGreat’spalacetoLenin’sTomb,discoverintriguingstoriesbehindsomeofhistory’sgreathallsofpower.Getaninsider’sviewoftheKremlin,RedSquare,andthePeterandPaulFortress.SeesomeofRussia’sgreatculturaltreasures,includingtheHermitageMuseum,TretyakovGalleyandattendtheRussianBallet.

outline itinerary

Day1:St.PetersburgWelcome to St. Petersburg, the capital of Imperial Russia. Despite being intensely proud of itself for its intellectual and its workers’ revolutionary past, St Petersburg is an easy and relaxing city. Transfer by private car to the hotel.

Day2:St.PetersburgVisit St. Petersburg with a local guide, on a full day private tour of the city with a focus on the Hermitage Museum. The museum boasts one of the largest collections of art and artifacts in the world. Displays include prehistoric cultures, classical antiquities, WesternEuropean art, and golden treasures. In the afternoon, visit the imposing Peter & Paul Fortress built in 1703.

Day3:Pushkin&PeterhofVenture outside the city on a private excursion to the magnificent palaces of the Czars at Pushkin and Peterhof. Admire Pushkin’s blue-and-white Baroque structure, set in a richly land-scaped park, with Neoclassical additions.

Day4:OvernightTraintoMoscowSpend the day soaking in the rich cul-tural treasures of St. Petersburg. In the evening, board the overnight train, sleep in a private compartment, and wake up in Russia’s capital city of Moscow.

Day5:MoscowArrive into Moscow, the center of power of Russia and one of the world’s great capital cities, with a private transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a private tour introducing some of Moscows’s most famous sites: the Cathedral of St.Basil the Blessed, Tverskaya Street, the former headquarters of the KGB, and Victory Park with its fountains and churches.

Day6:MoscowA full day private tour of Moscow will focus on the 64-acre Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Red Square. Visit Cathedral Square and the Armory Chambers to see the treasures of the Tsars, a Russia tour highlight. In the afternoon, visit Kolomenskoe, a unique artistic, historical, architectural and natured landscape museum south of Moscow.

Day7:MoscowSpend the day on an independent tour of Moscow. Perhaps enjoy a visit to the State Tretyakov Gallery/National Museum of Russian Fine Art. The museum features paintings and sculptures by Russian artists from the 11th to the 20th century. Be sure to view the Icon Gallery showcasing a priceless collection of Russian icons.

Day8:DepartureTransfer to the airport for the departure flight to the United States

suGGested Hotels

St.Petersburg:HotelCorinthiaNevskijPalace3 Nights The Corinthia Nevskij Palace Hotel is the result of the renovation of two historic 19th century buildings in the heart of St. Petersburg and offers 265 quality rooms

Moscow:HotelBaltschugKempinski3 Nights The hotel, situated on the banks of the river Moskva opposite Red Square, the Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral, offers grandiose accommodations and a sumptuous dining experience.

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Thisitinerarypacksintheregion’sacknowledgedhighlightsincludingthehistoricdistrictsofPrague,SalzburgandVienna.Froma1,200-year-oldcastletoanopulentoperahouse,palacerivalingVersaillestoawell-preservedmedievaltown,collectionsofarmortoimperialtreasures,thisjourneyisuninterruptedwonder.

outline itinerary

Day1:PragueArrive Prague’s Ruzyne Airport and transfer by private car to the hotel.

Day2:PragueExplore Prague with a full day private tour. Tour Prague’s Old Town, linked to the castle district by the ornate Charles Bridge. See the astronomical clock, and visit the Jewish Quarter, highlighted by the Old-New Synagogue founded in the 13th century.

Day3:PragueJoin a motorcoach sightseeing tour to the impressive Castle at Karlstein, dating to the 14th Century. The afternoon is free to perhaps visit Hradcany Castle, one of the largest ancient castles in the world.

Day4:PraguetoCeskyKrumlovPick up a rental car in Prague and drive through southern Bohemia to the town of Cesky Krumlov, a small Central European medieval town, whose historic center is forever to be preserved, by order of UNESCO.

Day5:CeskyKrumlovtoSalzburgContinue south across the border into Austria and the town of Linz, not as famous or popular as Austria’s larger cities, but well known for its huge central square nonetheless. Continue via Wels, another market town, or via the Benedictine Abbey at Lambach, towards Salzburg.

Day6:SalzburgSalzburg is one of the most impressive cities in Europe with its imposing fortress Hohensalzburg. Enjoy a walking tour of the city followed by an afternoon ‘Sound of Music’ tour (the film is based on a true story of a Salzburg family). The evening will feature a Mozart concert with dinner.

Day7:BerchtesgadenJourney out of Salzburg to the moun-tains of Berchtesgaden. Visit Hitler’s mountain hideout as well as take in a fascinating trip into a working saltmine.

Day8:DanubeValleyLeave Salzburg today and follow the Danube valley as it meanders east past Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites.

Day9:ViennaSpend the morning exploring Vienna with a private guide. One possibility in the late afternoon is to travel by city tram to the legendary Vienna Woods. These forested hills offer glorious views over the entire city, perfect as the sun sets.

Day10:DepartureA private car will be at the hotel for the final transfer to the Vienna’s Schwechat Airport for the departure flight to the United States.

suGGested Hotels

Prague:HotelK+KCentral3 NightsThe 4-star K+K Hotel Central is situated in the heart of the Prague’s Old Town. Housed in a renovated “art-nouveau” building, it offers stylish and comfortable accommodations.

CeskyKrumlov:HotelRuze1 NightBuilt in the 16th century as a Jesuit Monastery and University, this beauti-fully preserved Renaissance building is now a luxurious 5 star hotel.

Salzburg:HotelBristol3 NightsDating from the turn of the 19th Century, this traditional and friendly 5-star Hotel is situated in the heart of old Salzburg.

Vienna:HotelDasTyrol2 NightsThe hotel, built in the architectural style of Vienna at the end of the 19th century, was recently restored to its original elegance and houses an exciting collection of modern art.

bohemian Journey 9 Nights

Leisurely Self-Drive Itinerary through Rural Czech Republic and Austria

Private Tours of Prague and Vienna

“Sound of Music” Tour in Salzburg

Dinner and Concert to Celebrate Salzburg


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HighlightsofthisEasternEuropeanitineraryincludeavisittothecapitalofPoland,themedievalcityofKraków,thememorialatAuschwitz,andthethrivingcityofBudapest.

outline itinerary

Day1:WarsawArrive into Warsaw, the dynamic capital of Poland’s burgeoning democracy. A driver will be at Frederic Chopin Airport for the private transfer to the hotel.

Day2:WarsawTour the sights and landmarks in War-saw on a private morning tour. View the Palace of Culture, Radziwill Palace, and the Jewish Ghetto Memorial. Spend the afternoon enjoying this historic bustling city at your own pace.

Day3:WarsawEnjoy a free day for independent tour-ing. Spend the day perhaps wandering through Warsaw’s Old Town, meticu-lously re-constructed after WWII, or take an excursion to Wilanów, the grandest of Warsaw’s palaces, located on the out-skirts of the city.

Day4:KrakówTransfer by private car to Warsaw’s Central Station for a morning train to Kraków. Travel in 1st Class and another driver will take care of the transfer to the hotel upon arrival in this UNESCO World Heritage City. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour of Kraków, a beautiful, richly historic and culture-packed city that quickly transports visitors back to the 13th century.

Day5:Auschwitz&WieliczkaThis day will feature a full day private tour to Auschwitz and Wieliczka. The somber memorial to the Holocaust at Auschwitz may be one of the most important historic stops in Poland. Later, continue on to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Through the centuries, miners carved chapels for their own worship and sculpted artistic renditions of their favorite religious figures, legends and myths.

Day6:KrakówtoBudapestSpend the day exploring Kraków. This city overflows with historic charm; its cobblestone streets, gothic buildings, and baroque churches will enchant any traveler. Meet a driver in the early eve-ning for the transfer to Kraków Glowny railway station for the journey in a 1st Class sleeper compartment to Budapest.

Day7:BudapestWelcome to Budapest. Its buildings,

parks and avenues are on a monumen-tal scale, and it has a reputation for he-donism, style and parochial pride. Enjoy a private morning tour of Budapest. The afternoon will be free at leisure for inde-pendent exploration of this baroque city.

Day8:DanubeBendEmbark on a full day private excursion to the Danube Bend, one of the grand-est stretches of Europe’s longest river. Visit the historic towns and ruins of Szentendre, Esztergom and Visegrád. In the evening, enjoy a traditional gypsy dinner with entertainment.

Day9:DepartureTransfer by private car to Budapest’s Ferihegy Airport for the return flight to the United States.

suGGested Hotels

Warsaw:WestinWarsawHotel3 Nights Set in Warsaw’s business district, this fu-turistic, 20-story hotel is not far from the Palace of Culture and Science and the Zacheta Gallery of Contemporary Art.

Kraków:RadissonSASKraków 2 Nights This 5-star Hotel is located opposite the Philharmonic Cracovia, a 2-minute walk to the main Market Square and 5 min-utes to the Royal Castle Wawel. It fea-tures 193 exquisitely decorated rooms, a choice of dining and a fitness center.

Budapest:KempinskiCorvinusHotel3 NightsThis understated, modern styled hotel in historic Pest, is set amidst leafy boulevards and imperial edifices near St Stephen’s Basilica.

Warsaw, Kraków & budapest 9 Nights

Private tours of Warsaw, Kraków, Auschwitz & Budapest

Overnight International Sleeper Train with Private Berths

Full Day Private Excursion to the Danube Bend

Traditional Hungarian Gypsy Evening


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25 US Highway 22 East, Suite 240 Springfield, NJ 07081

Tel: (800) 552-3983 Fax: (800) 597-7982 www.tplaces.com

(973) 921-1010 (973) 921-1022 [email protected]

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