Captain's Choice Reveals New Europe Journeys for 2017
Luxury cruises aboard privately chartered yachts; exclusive after-hours access to infamous landmarks and elegant rail journeys are just a handful of features from the new Captain's Choice Europe 2017 collection.
The portfolio of eight hand crafted fully inclusive journeys have each been designed to cater for small groups, affording a high staff-to-guest ratio.
Four new journeys have been added for 2017.
In Search of the Northern Lights ($25,360 per person, twin share) is a 21 day journey through Sweden, Finland and Norway. For those who want to experience the magnificent Aurora Borealis, travelling through Scandinavia at this time of year is a real experience. With the demand so high, the first tour sold out in record time. A second departure is now on sale, departing 21 March 2017.
Highlights include a day trip aboard Icebreaker Sampo, a five night cruise aboard the MS Nordnorge, a reindeer and husky safari and a journey aboard the scenic Flam railway.
Luxury accommodation features throughout and includes the incredible glass igloos at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, the elegant Hotel Kamp in Helsinki and the chic Hotel Continental in Oslo.
An Alpine Adventure ($27,160 per person, twin share) is a 22 day journey through Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France departing 15 June 2017. For those who enjoy the romance of rail, travelling aboard Europe's most scenic railways will be a focal attraction. The Alpine Express, Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Ritter Railway, and Golden Pass Panoramic Express all showcase the stunning regional views.
Other highlights include a Bavarian welcome dinner at a local Brewery in Munich; visiting Mozart's House in Salzburg and Ludwig XVI Castles; crossing the tremendous Dolomites aboard a cable car; and seeing France's longest glacier, Mer de Glace.
Luxury accommodation features throughout and Captain's Choice guests are guaranteed Matterhorn view rooms at Schonegg Hotel Zermatt and lake view rooms at the Palace Hotel Lucerne.
For those wanting a taste of Italy combined with the chance to spend balmy summer days gliding over Burgundy's prettiest waterways, Captain's Choice offers the new 18 day Canals of Europe ($24,150 per person twin share).
Departing 18 August 2017 it commences in Italy with a three night stay at Palazzo Victoria in Verona, guests are welcomed with a special dinner at the edge of Lake Garda; enjoy the best seats at the famous Arena di Verona Opera Festival; and are treated to an exclusive after hours, doors-closed, visit to St Marcos Basilica in Venice.
Captain's Choice then takes guests aboard the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris before the short local rail journey on to Champagne. Staying at the Chateau Les Crayeres and dining at Le Parc restaurant on a stunning dinner prepared by Michelin starred chef Phillippe Mille, guests sample the lifestyle for the region is renowned.
Then in Dijon, guests board the MS Jeanine, a dainty French barge, for a six night cruise along the Cote d'Or canals to the UNESCO sites at Loire Valley
The 20 day Hidden Balkan and Dalmatian Gems ($21,100 per person, twin share) departs 6 September 2017 and takes guests on a discovery of Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. Guests travel aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express from Budapest to Venice. The journey also features a cruise along the hidden corners of the Dalmatian coast aboard the MV Princess Eleganza, a brand new 36 passenger privately chartered ship.
Highlights of this new journey include a visit Bran Castle in Brasov, known as Dracula's Castle; the chance to explore the Krka National Park and admire the multiple cascades of Skradinki; and boarding small boats for a voyage along the emerald green valley of the River
Cetina.
These new journeys join perennial favourites such as Quest to the North Pole, The Midnight Sun, Northern Spain and the Douro Valley and White Christmas in Europe.
Commenting on the new Europe 2017 collection, Captain's Choice managing director, Dan Kotzmann, said “From the grandest privately chartered trains to innovative local encounters, special guests and vibrant flavours, our new season of European touring is authentic and original to the core.”
As is customary on all Captain's Choice journeys, guests on its European departures are treated like VIP's throughout. The fully inclusive lifestyle covers all travel, with international flights from Australia; five star accommodation, all meals with wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner, all sightseeing, airport-home-airport chauffer driven transfers; a talented tour host and accompanying doctor, the four T's – tipping, taxes, transfers and travel insurance; and other thoughtful extras.
The Captain's Choice Europe 2017 brochure is available now.
Call Captain's Choice on 1300 176 681, email info@captainschoice.com.au or visit captainschoice.com.au for further details.
About Captain's Choice
Captain's Choice was founded by travel experts Phil and Kaye Asker over 22 years ago. The company has built an enviable reputation for being connoisseurs of exceptional luxury travel, flying the flag across all that's remote, exotic and inspired.
From private jet tours to specially created luxury cruises, rail and land journeys, Captain's Choice has pioneered Australian exploration of some of the world's most fascinating and far flung destinations. Phil Asker plays an active role in the research and management of every journey and along with the rest of the Captain's Choice team is always on the lookout for fresh wonders to curate for its hand crafted experiences
With high staff to guest ratios, expert guides, genuinely all inclusive tours and active engagement with the communities it visits, Captain's Choice takes pride in being pioneers of exceptional experiences.