2017 Escorted Touring Brochure

Small Group Escorted Holidays

The Experts in Small Group Touring

Fred.\ Holidays has teamed up with the touring experts, Back Roads Touring, to offer you a selection of escorted holidays to help you delve deeper into your destination.

With a maximum group size of 18 your tour leader can ensure a more personalised experience. And with smaller groups, culinary discoveries and boutique accommodation are just two of the fantastic reasons to travel.

One of the most enjoyable ways to experience different cultures is to sample local cuisines, and with visits to local producers of food, with wine tastings and even cooking lessons, there will be plenty of opportunities to discover new flavours.

Whether it’s a classic country inn or an elegant chateau, each day’s journey ends in a hotel with plenty of character. The choice of accommodation reflects the personality of the local area, and fits right in with its surroundings.

Scenic Back Roads Winding country lanes, coastal beauty spots, breath-taking mountain passes; with your luxury mini-coach you will enjoy scenic roads beyond the reach of large vehicles. The journey is as much of the adventure as the destination.

Leisurely Paced Itineraries with Authentic Local Experiences Truly getting to know a destination means stepping off the typical tourist trail. From hidden gem attractions to local favourites, we take time to seek out the genuine experiences that take you to the heart of each region as well as its culture.

Forget sunrise starts and long days hopping on and off the bus, we rarely leave before 08:30 and each stop is given the attention it deserves – keeping long drives to a minimum and giving plenty of time to explore at your pace.

Whilst we have hand-picked a selection of our favourite small group escorted holidays for inclusion within this brochure, you can see our full array of escorted holidays at www.fredholidays.co.uk.

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Regional flights and rail options available

Contents Germany’s Romantic Road to Vienna

4-5

Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast

6-7

Lakes & Mountains of Italy and Switzerland

8-9

Tuscan Treats & the Cinque Terre

10-11

Discover Portugal

12-13

The Low Countries, Rhine & Moselle Valleys

14-15

Contact your travel agent or call (Freephone) 0800 988 3369

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Germany’s Romantic Road to Vienna Frankfurt through the Bavarian Alps and Tyrol to Vienna 13 days departing 1st & 15th May, 5th & 26th June, 17th July, 21st August and 4th & 18th September 2017 Perhaps the course of true love runs along Germany’s Romantic Road. Where the snow-capped Bavarian Alps provide a dramatic backdrop to half-timbered chalets and fairytale castles. Or you could fall head over heels for Austria’s deep valleys and sparkling blue lakes.

Highlights  Take a horse-drawn carriage around the picturesque Schwarzsee lake in Kitzbühel  Enjoy a private wine tasting in the romantically lit imperial cellar beneath the Würzburg Residence Palace  Sleep in a 135-year-old castle hotel in Sankt Gallen, situated on the edge of a forest surrounded by mountains

What’s Included in your Holiday  Return flights from the UK  Private overseas transfers to and from the airport  12 nights’ accommodation in boutique hotels  Experienced Back-Roads tour leader  Luxury mini-coach transportation  European breakfast daily  6 x evening meals  One lunch  Beer & cider tasting  Apple strudel demonstration  Guided tours in Heidelberg Castle, Würzburg Residence, Admont Abbey and Melk Abbey  Included Entrances: Heidelberg Castle, Würzburg Residence, Augsburg Town Hall, The Fuggerei, Wieskirche, Neuschwanstein Castle, Hallein Salt Mine, Melk Abbey and Schönbrunn Palace

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Regional flights and rail options available

From £2,999pp Pricing based on 1st May 2017 departure date with flights from London

Day 1 UK – Frankfurt

Depart the UK on your flight to Frankfurt. Upon arrival enjoy a private transfer to your pre-tour accommodation where the rest of your day is at leisure.

Day 2 Frankfurt – Heidelberg – Rothenburg

Highlights today include a visit to the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle and a welcome dinner in Rothenburg, with its medieval houses and bygone fountains.

Day 3 Rothenburg – Würzburg – Rothenburg

Visit the UNESCO-listed, 18th century Würzburg Residence Palace and enter a labyrinth of underground passages to an exclusive wine cellar and tasting.

Day 4 Rothenburg – Dinkelsbühl – Augsburg

Highlights today include a drive down Germany’s Romantic Road including a visit to Dinkelsbühl and Augsburg’s magnificent Golden Hall and Fuggerei.

Day 5 Augsburg – Munich – Füssen

See the sights on a walking tour of Munich, before enjoying a Bavarian lunch in a beer hall or Biergarten. Visit the 18th century oval Rococo pilgrimage church and stay in Füssen, an historic town nestled at the foot of the Alps.

Day 6/7 Füssen

Highlights today include a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle designed for King Ludwig II in 1886. The next day will include a drive through Austria’s majestic mountains and alpine pastures to Innsbruck, a visit to the Imperial Palace and Court Church and a traditional Tyrolean dinner in Hall.

Day 8 Hall – Kitzbuhel – Salzburg

Enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride around Schwarzsee Lake and a scenic journey through the mountains.

Day 9/10 Salzburg

A full day to explore at your leisure. The next day will include a venture below ground into 7,000-year-old salt mines near Hallein and a two night stay at a grand castle hotel in Sankt Gallen, near the Gesäuse National Park.

Day 11 Sankt Gallen – Admont – Sankt Gallen

Highlights today include a visit to Admont Abbey and a drive through Gesäuse National Park with some local cider tasting.

Day 12 Sankt Gallen – Melk – Dürnstein

After a guided tour of Melk, visit a cosy wine tavern before settling down for a farewell dinner.

Day 13 Dürnstein– Schönbrunn Palace – Vienna – UK

Enjoy a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, a visit to the Court Bakery in a vaulted cellar as patissiers prepare delicate Viennese apple strudel. Return flight from Vienna to the UK.

Contact your travel agent or call (Freephone) 0800 988 3369

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Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast Split, Korcula, Kotor & Dubrovnik 8 days departing 13th & 27th May, 24th June, 1st & 8th August, 2nd, 16th & 30th September and 7th, 14th & 21st October 2017 Golden-roofed towns and pristine national parks. Tranquil islands lapped by turquoise waters. Ancient sites and time-honoured traditions. Our South Croatia tour takes in all this and more, inviting you to discover one of Europe’s most enticing destinations.

Highlights  Stay two nights in the historic UNESCO listed city of Trogir  Explore historic Kotor, Montenegro, during a one-night stay  Stop off at renowned BIBICh Winery for a wine tasting accompanied by exceptional tapas  Seek beachside bliss with a leisurely day on the Dalmatian Coast’s island of Korcula

What’s Included in your Holiday  Return flights from the UK  Private overseas transfers to and from the airport  7 nights’ accommodation in boutique hotels  Experienced Back-Roads tour leader  Luxury mini-coach transportation  Local guides in Split, Trogir, Kotor & Dubrovnik  Ferry crossing Korcula – Orebic  European breakfast daily  3 x evening meals  1 x lunch  2 x wine tastings  Boat excursion to Our Lady of the Rocks  Included Entrances: Diocletian’s Palace, Krka National Park, Jewish Temple, Franciscan Monastery & Dubrovnik cable car

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Regional flights and rail options available

From £2,149pp Pricing based on 13th May 2017 departure date with flights from London

Day 1 UK – Trogir

Depart the UK on your flight to Split. Upon arrival enjoy a private transfer to your pre-tour accommodation where the rest of your day is at leisure.

Day 2 Trogir – Split – Trogir

Highlights today include a guided walking tour of Split, a UNESCO World Heritage city, a visit to Diocletian’s Palace, the Grgur Ninski Statue, the cathedral and the Bell Tower of St Domnius, and a visit to a family-owned tavern for an authentic meal – and warm Croatian welcome.

Day 3 Trogir – Krka National Park – Trogir

Visit Krka National Park and the hidden treasure BIBICh Winery for an afternoon of pure indulgence of local wines paired with gourmet tapas.

Day 4 Trogir – Korcula

Take a walk through the old town of Korcula and a meal at a traditional restaurant.

Day 5 Korcula

Enjoy a full day to explore at your leisure.

Day 6 Korcula – Peljesac Peninsula – Kotor

Highlights today include a tour of a local winery after a short sail to the nearby Peljesac Peninsula and onward travel to UNESCO listed Kotor town in Montenegro.

Day 7 Kotor – Dubrovnik

Explore Kotor and its history including the cathedral of Saint Tryphon and the picture-perfect harbour, a short sail to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, a guided tour of Dubrovnik’s old town including the Franciscan Monastery, Sponza Palace, the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Old Port, and a sample of the famous hospitality in a local restaurant.

Day 8 Dubrovnik – Elaphite Islands – Dubrovnik – UK

Highlights today include setting sail to Kolocep, Sipan and Lopud islands in the Elaphite archipelago and a farewell lunch of succulent grilled fish accompanied by Dalmatian wine, before returning to Dubrovnik for your return flight to the UK.

Contact your travel agent or call (Freephone) 0800 988 3369

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Turin, Milan, Menaggio, Grindelwald 9 days departing 28th May, 11th & 25th June, 9th & 23rd July, 27th August and 10th September 2017

Featuring The Glacier Express and Bernina Express From historic Turin and cosmopolitan Milan to soul-stirring alpine villages. Join us on a memory-making adventure that takes in time-honoured traditions, local culture and even some remarkable railway journeys - all among some of the world’s most enchanting scenery.

Highlights  Hunt for truffles and sip local wines in Langhe, northern Italy  Experience two of the great alpine railway journeys: the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express  Savour breakfast in the fresh mountain air on a Swiss farm visit

What’s Included in your Holiday  Return flights from the UK  Private overseas transfers to and from the airport  8 nights’ accommodation in boutique hotels  Experienced Back-Roads tour leader  Luxury mini-coach transportation  First class rail travel through the Swiss Alps  European breakfast daily  4 x evening meals  Local guide in Turin  Truffle hunt  Wine and cheese tasting  Entrance fee included to: Turin Cathedral, Casa Martini and Milan Cathedral

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Regional flights and rail options available

D AN W 7 BR E 201 N R FO

Lakes & Mountains of Italy and Switzerland

From £3,149pp Pricing based on 28th May 2017 departure date with flights from London

Day 1 UK - Turin

Depart the UK on your flight to Turin. Upon arrival enjoy a private transfer to your pre-tour accommodation where the rest of your day is at leisure.

Day 2 Turin - Langhe

Highlights today include a walking tour of Turin with a visit to the Turin Cathedral. Step inside the hallowed halls of Casa Martini to learn the secrets behind the making of these famous wines and vermouths – followed by a tasting and a welcome dinner.

Day 3 Langhe - Alba - Barolo - Langhe

Hunt for truffles near Alba with your expert hunter. Then visit Alba, followed by Barolo, home of ‘the king of wines and the wine of kings’ and in the evening enjoy an authentic cooking experience, using local produce to prepare our own dinner.

Day 4 Langhe - Milan - Lake Como

Highlights today include Milan’s spectacular cathedral, the clear waters and mountain vistas of Lake Como and a group dinner.

Day 5 Lake Como

Enjoy a full day to explore at your leisure.

Day 6 Lake Como - Sondrio - Tirano - Davos

Journey through the Valtellina region with a stop in Sondrio before journeying onto Tirano. Here you will board the Bernina Express to embark on one of the world’s iconic railway journeys. A welcome to Switzerland begins with a stop at the Alpine resort of Davos and a warming group dinner.

Day 7 Davos - Andermatt - Grindelwald

View Switzerland’s most spectacular scenery from aboard the Glacier Express. This remarkable feat of engineering includes countless beautiful bridges over gorges and between mountain passes.

Day 8 Grindelwald

Enjoy a full day to explore at your leisure before a farewell dinner.

Day 9 Grindelwald - Lucerne – Zurich - UK

Highlights today include a visit to a small, family-run dairy farm with a traditional Alpine breakfast amid unforgettable views, as well as a visit to Lucerne before arriving in Zurich for your return flight to the UK.

Contact your travel agent or call (Freephone) 0800 988 3369

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Tuscan Treats & the Cinque Terre Lucca, Volterra, San Gimignano & Chianti 9 days departing 20th April, 4th & 16th May, 1st, 15th & 29th June, 13th July, 3rd, 17th & 31st August, 12th & 28th September and 5th October 2017 A rich tapestry of idyllic countryside and ancient towns, beautiful architecture and delectable food. On our Tuscany tour you’ll seek out world-renowned treasures and hidden gems, turn into a culinary connoisseur and fall head over heels for this exquisite Italian region.

Highlights  Take in UNESCO World Heritage Sites – from the Cinque Terre to Siena  Live the high life with two nights at a country house in the Chianti hills  Unlock the secrets of Tuscan cuisine with wine tastings and an exclusive cookery class

What’s Included in your Holiday  Return flights from the UK  Private overseas transfers to and from the airport  8 nights’ accommodation in boutique hotels  Experienced Back-Roads tour leader  Luxury mini-coach transportation  European breakfast daily  3 x evening meals  2 x lunch  2 x wine tastings  A Tuscan cooking class  Included Entrances: Cinque Terre Card, Baptistery of St John in Pisa, Cathedral of Siena and Verrazzano Castle

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Regional flights and rail options available

From £1,799pp Pricing based on 20th April 2017 departure date with flights from London

Day 1 UK - Florence

Depart the UK on your flight to Florence. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your pre-tour accommodation where the rest of your day is at leisure.

Day 2 Florence – Lucca

From Florence, go beyond the 16th century walls in Lucca to unwrap layer upon layer of fascinating history and fine architecture, then enjoy a delicious dinner at a local osteria.

Day 3 Lucca – Cinque Terre – Lucca

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cinque Terre.

Day 4 Lucca – Pisa – Volterra

Highlights today include Pisa’s Leaning Tower, the Baptistery of St John and Volterra, a magnificent and mysterious medieval walled town.

Day 5 Volterra – Siena – Monteriggioni – Volterra

Visit Siena and the enchanting walled village of Monteriggioni.

Day 6 Volterra – San Gimignano – Chianti

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site San Gimignano. Enjoy a wine tasting which includes one of the region’s very few white wines and a stay at a Tuscan country house.

Day 7 Chiantit

Highlights today include an exclusive lesson in making Tuscan delicacies with the villa’s chef and a final group dinner.

Day 8 Chiantit – Florence

Stop-off at the Castle of Verrazzano in the renowned Chianti Classico area, for a chance to sample a selection of wines that have been produced here for centuries as well as smooth olive oils and tangy balsamic vinegars.

Day 9 Florence - UK

Enjoy the morning at your leisure before your return flight to the UK.

Contact your travel agent or call (Freephone) 0800 988 3369

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Discover Portugal Lisbon, Coimbra, Douro Valley & Porto 10 days departing 17th April, 1st & 29th May, 12th & 26th June, 4th, 18th & 25th September, 2nd & 16th October 2017 From cosmopolitan Lisbon to Porto’s medieval cobblestone streets. The remote, natural gem of the Douro Valley to Roman ruins and world-famous pilgrimage sites. This tour gives us a taste of the real Portugal, still basking in the glow of ancient customs.

Highlights  Cruise the Douro River in a traditional styled, but electric powered, rabelo boat  Be moved by the folk music of traditional Fado singers  Visit the magnificent UNESCO-listed Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon and the Shrine of our Lady of Fatima in Batalha

What’s Included in your Holiday  Return flights from the UK  Private overseas transfers to and from the airport  9 nights’ accommodation in boutique hotels  Experienced Back-Roads tour leader  Luxury mini-coach transportation  Local guides in Sintra, Cascais, Lisbon & Porto  European breakfast daily  5 x evening meals  Fado performance  Pasteis de Belemwine and port tasting  Douro River cruise  Included Entrances: Jeronimo’s Monastery, Belem Tower, Pena Palace, Batalha Monastery, Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Conimbriga ruins, Vista Alegre Museum, Porto Cathedral, Guimaraes Castle and Bom Jesus do Monte

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Regional flights and rail options available

From £2,199pp Pricing based on 17th April 2017 departure date with flights from London

Day 1 UK - Lisbon

Depart the UK on your flight to Lisbon. Upon arrival enjoy a private transfer to your pre-tour accommodation where the rest of your day is at leisure.

Day 2 Lisbon

Highlights today include a full day to explore Lisbon, a visit to a tiny, tiled bakery to taste Pastéisde Belem and an evening welcome dinner at a local restaurant, accompanied by the mournful laments of Fado singers.

Day 3 Lisbon – Sintra – Cascais – Lisbon

Visit the picturesque Sintra and the famous 19th century Pena Palace, then visit the fishing port of Cascais.

Day 4 Lisbon – Nazare – Batalha

Stop at the romantic village of Obidos, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Batalha Monastery and enjoy a delicious dinner in Batalha.

Day 5 Batalha – Fatima – Conimbriga – Coimbra

Highlights today include a visit to the world-famous Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. It’s claimed that in 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared “more brilliant than the sun” before three young shepherd children. A visit to Conimbriga – home to one of the largest Roman settlements in Portugal and dinner at a local restaurant in Coimbra.

Day 6 Coimbra – Aveiro – Coimbra

Visit Aveiro, ‘the Venice of Portugal’ and take an excursion to Vista Alegre with its exquisite wares produced by this renowned Portuguese porcelain factory.

Day 7 Coimbra – Douro Valley

Enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Douro River followed by a wine tasting at a luxury 19th century house.

Day 8 Douro Valley - Porto

Highlights today include stops at the Bolsa Palace, San Francisco Churchand Porto Cathedral and a port tasting.

Day 9 Porto – Guimaraes – Porto

Visit Guimaraes which is often referred to as ‘the cradle city’ – boasting an imposing medieval castle, churches and the lovely cobbled street, Rua de Santa Maria. See the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 10 Porto - UK

After breakfast return to the airport for your flight to the UK.

Contact your travel agent or call (Freephone) 0800 988 3369

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The Low Countries, Rhine & Moselle Valleys Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Trier, Amsterdam 12 days departing 18th & 25th April, 16th May, 13th June, 29th August and 12th September 2017 Mighty rivers and meandering canals. Medieval cities where time-honoured traditions continue to flourish. Poignant memorials and reminders of battles that turned the tides of history. Delve into the culture of four unique countries on this wonderfully varied tour.

Highlights  Journey along scenic trails to explore Benelux’s leser-knowntowns regions  Enjoy a private walking tour of Trier and Luxembourg  Take time to reflect at the moving Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate in Ypres

What’s Included in your Holiday  Return flights from the UK  Private overseas transfers to and from the airport  11 nights’ hotels accommodation in a boutique hotel  Experienced Back-Roads tour leader  Luxury mini-coach transportation  European breakfast daily  6 x evening meals  Local guides in Trier & Luxembourg  Moselle Boat Trip  Amsterdam canal cruise  Included Entrances: Kasteel de Haar, Cologne Cathedral, Eau de Cologne House, Bastogne War Museum, Gardens of Annevoie, Villers Abbey, Wel lington Museum, Royal Dutch Delftware Manufactory

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Inside Tip - Tulips The Netherlands is world famous for beautiful tulips. And, it is worth remembering that if you want to see the Dutch tulip fields in bloom, you should visit in April and May when the fields outside Amsterdam display colourful carpets of red, pink, purple, orange and yellow flowers.

Regional flights and rail options available

From £2,849pp Pricing based on 18th April 2017 departure date with flights from London

Day 1 Amsterdam

Depart the UK on your flight to Amsterdam. Upon arrival enjoy a private transfer to your pre-tour accommodation where the rest of your day is at leisure.

Day 2 Amsterdam – Maastricht

Highlights today include a visit to luxurious Kasteel de Haar and a stay in historic Buitenplaats Vaeshartelt, near Maastricht.

Day 3 Maastricht – Cologne – Boppard

Visit Cologne and the UNESCO protected Gothic cathedral. See Eau de Cologne House and enjoy a stay in Boppard with an evening dinner together.

Day 4 Rhine Valley

Enjoy a full day to explore at your leisure.

Day 5 Boppard – Trier – Luxembourg

Cruise down the Moselle, visit Trier, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Day 6 Luxembourg – Durbuy

Highlights today include a walking tour of the old city of Luxembourg, a stop at the War Museum at Bastogne and an evening dinner in Durbuy.

Day 7 Durbuy – Dinant – Durbuy

Highlights today include a visit to the grand, 18th century Gardens of Annevoie.

Day 8 Durbuy – Waterloo – Ypres – Bruges

Visit the Villers Cistercian Abbey, the town of Waterloo and Ypres.

Day 9 Bruges

Take a walking tour of Bruges and enjoy an afternoon to spend at your leisure.

Day 10 Bruges – Delft – Haarlem

Visit Delft and the Royal Delft factory.

Day 11 Haarlem – Edam – Haarlem

Visit Marken, Edam, take a tour of Haarlem and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 12 Haarlem – Amsterdam

Visit the Albert Cuyp market and relax on a cruise along the famous canals before arriving at the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Contact your travel agent or call (Freephone) 0800 988 3369

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www.fredholidays.co.uk

For more information or to book, call us free on 0800 988 3369 email sales@fredholidays.co.uk or contact your preferred travel agent

All prices featured are based on 2 adults sharing accommodation. Pricing is subject to availability and change and can be withdrawn at any time, Hotel classifications are hotels own. Full terms and conditions apply. Please visit www.fredholidays.co.uk/terms for full terms and conditions. In addition to being part of one of the UK’s most established travel companies, Fred.\ Holidays is ABTA and ATOL bonded ensuring that you are financially protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances. E&OE.

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