NRMA is proud to present the 2007 portfolio of Odyssey Ed-Ventures for active, inquisitive travellers.
Working with a world leader in cultural, heritage and educational travel, NRMA is pleased to offer mature travellers a world of stimulating, enriching and value-for-money experiences enhanced through learning for fun.
If you are a discerning traveller, curious about the world?s culture and natural heritage, the following programs could be for you. We simply add experiential education to the programs which makes for more memorable experiences and a greater understanding of the places visited. No matter where in the world you are travelling, you will benefit from the informed commentary of the program leader and the company of like-minded active adults.
Unlike commercial tours, Odyssey Travel?s programs are all inclusive. There are no hidden extras. Programs include return international airfare, departure taxes, accommodation, touring in comfortable and modern coaches, most (if not all) meals, lectures, excursions, services of a Program Leader, all applicable entry fees, visas, services of local guides, travel insurance on international programs and gratuities. (Inclusions will vary from program to program).
These programs have a maximum of 32 participants travelling. This allows for more interaction with your program leader and fellow participants.
There are very few operators who can offer their participants no single supplement on programs. On some of our British and European programs you will notice there are programs with no additional charge for the single use of a room. (Single rooms, unless specified, may be limited).
Our partner operator, Odyssey Travel is Australia & New Zealand?s premier not-for-profit educational travel organisation. Odyssey programs are normally only available to Odyssey members ? NRMA is thrilled to give its members access to this unique range of programs!
As a special offer to NRMA Members, quote your NRMA Member number when you book and pay your deposit before 17 November 2006, and get an early payment discount of $150 per person. Conditions apply.
Roaming Rural France
Featuring Provence, the Auvergne, Carcassone & Paris - 24 Nights in France
9 May to 3 June 2007
5 September to 30 September 2007
Booking: Call 1300 888 225
This program takes us from the lively French capital high into the dramatic mountain scenery of the Auvergne and the rich Gallo-Roman history and diverse culture of Provence. We explore the land of the Cathars as we stay close to Carcassonne, France's largest and best preserved mediaeval citadel. From the pretty village of Ayen, we experience the gastronomic region of Périgord, renowned for its foie gras and its outstandingly verdant countryside. We conclude with the highlights of Paris.
Led by local experts on walks and visits to the best of these fascinating regions, we not only explore real France but we experience it as guests of VAL Villages de Vacances. Here we live French culture as the French do - staying in their holiday villages located in outstanding natural settings and comfortable "gîtes", apartments or chalets, equivalent to 2 star hotels, clustered around a central reception area with a typical restaurant and often other excellent facilities including a pool. The accommodation in VAL centres includes private facilities and full board with authentic French cuisine and wine with meals!
Itinerary at a Glance
Site / # Nights Ex Australia - 1, Paris - 1, Auvergne Super- Lioran - 4, Provence Mèjannes-le-Clap - 6, Languedoc Saissac - 5, Pèrigord Ayen - 6, Paris - 2. Program ends in Paris prior to boarding your return flight to Australia.
Program Information
Departs 9 May, 5 September 2007 Price from $9,650 per person twin share Limited singles with no single supplement Ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide
There is an opportunity to extend your stay in Paris.
Roaming Heritage Italy
Featuring Tuscany, Florence, Venice, Naples, Rome & the Isle of Capri - 23 Nights in Italy
12 May to 5 June 2007
1 September to 25 September 2007
Booking: Call 1300 888 225
This program takes us from the eternal city of Rome into the rolling terracotta countryside of Tuscany, with its precariously perched hilltop towns, and on to the gently undulating, olive-clad slopes of the Paduan Hills. We stay in the green and craggy landscape of Umbria and view the breathtaking scenery of the Amalfi Coast where whitewashed villages tumble into azure blue seas.
Our program, as well as featuring the best of the Italian countryside, includes the great cities and icons of the regions visited, from the Renaissance excesses of Florence, Pisa and Lucca to the Umbrian mediaeval cities of Perugia, Gubbio and St Francis? Assisi. In the North, we visit the ancient university seats of Verona and Padua as well as stunningly beautiful Venice while, in the South, we visit the spectacularly cosmopolitan city of Naples as well as the Roman remains of Pompeii and the island retreat of Capri.
For the mediaeval traveller, religious houses provided a safe and convenient refuge with a warm bed and a hearty meal. This tradition still exists in Italy and, as travellers, participants in our program will have their experience of Italy enhanced by stays in the modern day version of these ancient religious houses. Although many of these still enjoy superb locations and the historic ambience of yesteryear, facilities have been updated to ensure that the needs of the modern traveller are satisfied. All offer rooms with en-suite facilities together with meeting rooms, lounges and dining facilities.
Itinerary at a Glance
Site / # Nights Ex Australia - 1, Rome - 2, Campania - 5, Umbria - 4, Veneto - 5, Tuscany - 5, Rome - 2, Program ends in Rome prior to boarding your return flight to Australia.
Program Information
Departs 12 May, 1 September 2007 Price from $9,950 per person twin share Limited singles with no single supplement Ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide
There is an opportunity to extend your stay in Rome.
Britain?s Heritage
Featuring Constable Country, The Yorkshire Dales & The Lake District - 26 Nights in Britain
24 June to 21 July 2007
Booking: Call 1300 888 225
This 26 night program explores the cultural and historic evolution of Britain. We examine the historic influences, the art and literary heritage inspired by diverse landscapes and social developments with a series of lectures, discussions and field trips.
Commencing in Cambridgeshire, we explore Constable Country, the Yorkshire Dales, Burn?s Scottish Borders, The Lake District, ?The Beatle?s? Liverpool, Chester, Manchester?s Lowry Gallery, Bronte Country and the world famous English potteries, Telford?s industrial heritage museum, Cornwall?s quintessential coastal villages, Daphne Du Maurier?s Bodmin Moor, the Cotswolds, Hardy?s Wessex, and conclude in London.
We experience the locales which inspired and influenced the works of the famous artists and writers. We will examine the evolution of English architecture, art, literature and how these reflected social change.
Itinerary at a Glance
Site / # Nights Ex Australia - 1, England Cambridgeshire ? 4, Harrogate ? 2, Scotland The Borders ? 4, England Cheshire ? 4, Cotswolds ? 2, The South West ? 3, Wessex ? 3, London ? 4, Program ends in London prior to boarding your return flight to Australia.
Program Information
Departs 24 June 2007 Price from $10,990 per person twin share Single Supplement $1,190 Ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide
Emergence of the Baltic states
Featuring Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia & Finland - 21 Nights in Europe
30 May to 21 June 2007
Booking: Call 1300 888 225
Since the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the break up of the Soviet Union, the states around the Baltic Sea have emerged from beneath the communist yoke. For many centuries the great bear of Russia has exerted a dominant influence on this region of north-eastern Europe, but the grip was further tightened during the years of communist suppression, when the Soviet Red Armies fully occupied Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, and the former "Democratic East Germany".
These countries together with Finland, had short periods of nascent independence during the inter-war years, but had to wait until the full collapse of the Soviet system before emerging as fully independent states. They are now fully fledged members of the European Union.
Our program studies the diverse histories of and influences on, the Baltic States and studies how each of them is coping with its different form of independence. As well as visiting St Petersburg, the former great capital of the Russian Empire, we witness how Finland and the emerging democracies of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have now become full members of the European Union and the problems encountered by East Germany?s "integration? into the West. We examine the difficulties experienced and the potential advantages of the new European situation.
Itinerary at a Glance
Site / # Nights Ex Australia - 1, Germany, Berlin - 3, Poland, Warsaw - 3, Lithuania, Vilnius - 3, Latvia, Riga - 3, Estonia, Tallinn - 3, Russia, St Petersburg - 3, Finland, Helsinki - 3. Program ends in Helsinki prior to boarding your return flight to Australia.
Program Information
Departs 30 May 2007 Price from $11,550 per person twin share Single Supplement $1,600 Ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth
Music & Art of the Hapsburg Cities
Featuring Austria, Hungary, Poland & the Czech Republic - 21 Nights in Europe
20 August to 11 September 2007
Booking: Call 1300 888 225
The Hapsburg dynasty was influential in Central Europe from the 10th century. As Holy Roman Emperors they controlled an Empire which at its mediaeval zenith covered huge tracts of Europe stretching from Spain and the Netherlands to the Black Sea.
The great cities of the Hapsburgs were the golden trio of Vienna, Prague and Budapest, which influenced not only the body politic but also the awesome outpouring of creativity from composers such as Mozart, Hayden, Liszt and Dvorak to Smetena, Bartok and Janacek. We also view the great art works held in these cities with paintings by Da Vinci and Breugel, the Expressionists and Klimt. We do not overlook the great architectural heritage of these cities. Prague is considered the stone jewel in the Hapsburg crown with its stunning range of UNESCO protected architecture. The great Neo-Gothic buildings of Budapest and the Neo-Classical splendours of Vienna are also explored.
We explore the artistic and musical heritage of neighbouring Poland whose Chopin would certainly rate among the musical greats.
We stay in comfortable en-suite city hotels in Prague, Vienna, Krakow and Budapest and also enjoy some of the architectural gems of Southern Bohemia when we stay in a genuine countryside castle. During the program we will attend musical performances in each city and inspect significant art collections.
Itinerary at a Glance
Site / # Nights Ex Australia - 1, Austria, Vienna - 1, Hungary, Budapest - 4, Poland, Krakow - 4, Czech Republic, Prague - 5, Southern Bohemia, Cesky Krumlow - 2, Austria, Vienna - 5, Program ends in Vienna prior to boarding your return flight to Australia.
Program Information
Departs 20 August 2007 Price from $10,550 per person twin share Single Supplement $1,450 Ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
European Winter Odyssey
A Winter Festival of Music & Art - 21 Nights in Europe
27 December 2006 to 18 January 2007
Booking: Call 1300 888 225
The great cities of the Hapsburgs were the golden trio of Vienna, Prague and Budapest, which witnessed the creativity of composers such as Mozart, Hayden, Liszt, Dvorak, Smetena, Bartok, Janacek and Strauss. We will view the great artworks held in the galleries of these cities including paintings by Da Vinci, Breugel, the Expressionists and Klimt. The Hapsburgs encouraged the development of the architectural grandeur of these cities.
Prague is considered the stone jewel in the Hapsburg crown with its UNESCO listed architecture. We explore Budapest?s great Neo-Gothic buildings as well as the Neo-Classical splendours of Vienna. The Hapsburgs enjoyed the magnificent lake and mountain scenery of the Salzkammergut, whilst the ancient Episcopal seat of Salzburg attracted composers such as Mozart and Hayden.
Our Winter Odyssey explores the cities of Prague, Vienna and Budapest but also enjoys some of the architectural gems of Southern Bohemia where we stay in a genuine countryside castle and the winter wonderland scenery of the Austrian Salzkammergut. During the program we will attend musical performances in each city and inspect significant art collections. We also learn to cross country ski!
Itinerary at a Glance
Site / # Nights Ex Australia - 1, Hungary, Budapest - 3, Austria, Vienna - 5, Czech Republic, Prague - 5, Southern Bohemia, Cesky Krumlow ? 2, Austria, Salzkammergut ? 5, Vienna ? 1, Program ends in Vienna prior to boarding your return flight to Australia.
Program Information
Departs 27 December 2006 Price from $9,800 per person twin share Single Supplement $1,190 Ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
There is an opportunity spend Christmas in Vienna. Please ask your Educational Travel Adviser for more information.
Vera Italia
Featuring the Dolomites, Umbrian Villages & the Tuscan Countryside - 23 Nights in Italy
10 May to June 2007
30 August to 23 September 2007
Booking: Call 1300 888 225
Italy is a surprisingly young country, only becoming unified in the late 19th century. The idea of regional identity is, therefore, still very strong among the Italians and so to discover the real Italy with its great natural and human diversity, we have to delve into the hidden corners of these regions to find the quaint hilltop villages, quiet vineyards, historic towns and the true Italian way of life. It is here away from the main tourist sights that we see, hear and taste the real Italy. This program ranges from the awesome mountain scenery of the Dolomites to the gently rolling Alban Hills of Lazio. We visit Umbrian villages and the Tuscan countryside and we taste the gastronomic excesses of Emilia- Romagna.
Rather than stay in the cities, this program features small historic 4 star hotels all centrally located in historic towns or villages. Each hotel has its own individual character while offering the modern comforts expected by today?s traveller.
We sometimes dine in our hotel restaurant but more often we sample the local fare in typical restaurants of the region where we can enjoy local specialties and the local wine ? all included!
Itinerary at a Glance
Site / # Nights Ex Australia - 1, Trentino ? 3, Veneto ? 4, Emilia-Romagna ? 4, Umbria ? 3, Tuscany ? 5, Lazio - 4, Program ends with transfer to Rome or with your return flight from Rome to Australia.
After our arrival in Zurich we transfer to Trentino through some of the most spectacular Alpine scenery in Europe, pausing at Innsbruck and then travelling over the Brenner Pass to arrive at our hotel in the centre of the city of Trento.
Program Information
Departs 10 May 2007, 30 August 2007 Price from $12,450 per person twin share Single supplement $1,390 Ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide
There is an opportunity to extend your stay in Rome.
Britain?s Landmarks & Treasures
Featuring the Edinburgh Tattoo -33 Nights in Britain
22 July to 25 August 2007
Booking: Call 1300 888 225
This comprehensive 33 night program introduces the heritage and culture of England, Wales and Scotland. We stay for 3 or 4 leisurely nights in locations of historic and scenic significance, in which we shall experience that diversity which is Britain. Using en-suite accommodation, participants will learn about the people, the traditions and the uniqueness of the regions visited. We will explore the South of England including London, the Cotswolds and Shakespeare's Stratford; the West Country; Cardiff and Snowdonia in Wales; England's Lake District; Glasgow, the Highlands and Edinburgh in Scotland (where we experience the famous Tattoo) before travelling through Northumbria to Durham and "Viking" York. A program leader will accompany us throughout and our program and will include lectures and field trips to ensure the enhancement of our travel experiences.
Itinerary at a Glance
Site / # Nights Ex Australia - 1, London - 4, Warwickshire & Cotswolds - 3, Exeter Cornwall & Devon - 3, South Wales Cardiff - 4, North Wales Bangor - 3, Lancaster - 3, Glasgow - 2, Scottish Highlands Elgin - 2, Edinburgh - 4, Durham - 3, York - 2, Program ends in London prior to boarding your return flight to Australia.
Program Information
Departs 22 July 2007 Price from $11,950 per person twin share Limited singles with no single supplement Ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide.
Holiday Ideas
