DECK
PLANS
The German-owned A-Rosa Sena is part of an 11-strong fleet that was founded in 2000. The line is solely owned by Deutsche Seereederei (DSR). Sena was launched in May 2022 it has 4 decks and is 135 meters long and 17.7 meters wide. The Sena has 280 passengers, a crew of 70. It offers a four star standard experience. A-Rosa Sena carries the fleet’s distinctive hallmarks (a large pair of lips on the bow carrying a red rose and rose-themed interior). It also boasts several unique features for river cruising, including a branded spa and a stage for entertainment. All crew members are bilingual and on-board information and literature is in English. The ship has a relaxed atmosphere and there is no set dress code. Comfortable, casual clothing is suitable on-board and during excursions. Bring warmer clothing for evenings on deck.
Natalie is an accomplished Australian designer with over 20 years’ experience in the Patchwork and Quilting industry, as a quilt and small project designer, shop owner, fabric designer and teacher. Natalie’s designs are featured in books, patterns, and fabric. Her style is uncomplicated, fun and heartfelt, with her own hand-drawn images used for stitchery and appliqué designs, as well as in her fabrics. “I’m inspired by my garden and nature’s beauty around me, also my family and friends. My designs often feature sentimental sayings and cute critters, and I love to use multiple handstitching techniques together in projects.” Her designs have been published in many Australian and International magazines, with Owl & Hare Hollow featuring in Homespun Magazine this year and A Letter To My Daughter in 2021. Natalie enjoys sharing her knowledge and love for handwork techniques in particular, through teaching workshops. She has taught in Europe, NZ and around Australia.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Wednesday 11 September, 2024 Departure
Our holiday begins with flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth to
Frankfurt.
DAY 2 Thursday 12 September 2024 Obernai, France
This morning we arrive in Frankfurt, Germany. On arrival we will travel to Obernai
for a three-night stay.
DAY 3 Friday 13 September, 2024 Obernai
A quilt show like no other, the European Patchwork Meeting, is held in four
picturesque villages in the Alsace region of France. Between the villages are 21
different exhibition spaces, in such diverse places as churches, town halls and
villas, displaying quilts in a unique manner. Quilts from all over the world are
showcased, made with a wide variety of techniques, themes and styles. Vendors
of patchwork related goods are grouped together in one town, making shopping
easy. Shuttle buses run between the villages for access to the quilt exhibitions.
More than 1,200 works from world-renowned artists will be exhibited during
the event. We will visit the European Patchwork Meeting on its second day. This
evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner to formally meet Natalie Bird.
DAY 4 Saturday 14 September, 2024 Obernai
This morning we travel to Sainte Marie aux Mines, where we spend the day at
the Patchwork meeting. Natalie will advise on how to make the most of our visit.
DAY 5 Sunday 15 September, 2024 Luxemburg
Today we drive through northern France to the UNESCO heritage listed fortified
city of Luxemburg, where we stay overnight. On arrival we will enjoy a sightseeing
tour with a local guide. We will see the impressive medieval fortifications of the old town. We will visit the Bock Promontory and continue along the Chemin de la
Corniche, where we have gorgeous views of the Alzette Valley. We will take a lift
to the Grund district one of the most authentic and charming districts of the city,
where have free time to browse. Late afternoon Natalie will set group members
up with their projects.
DAY 6 Monday 16 September, 2024 Bruges, Belgium
Today we travel to Bruges, Belgium, the capital of West Flanders in northwest
Belgium, distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. On
arrival in Bruges we are transferred to our hotel. This evening Natalie will meet
those wishing to dine with the group in the lobby..
DAY 7 Tuesday 17 September, 2024 Bruges
This morning we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bruges, known as the “Venice
of the North” and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is an UNESCO
World Heritage-listed city. We will see the world-famous Market Square, the
Royal Residence, Royal Square, Houses of Parliament and Art Nouveau houses
and view the remarkable City Hall. There will also be time to explore the maze of
winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals. This afternoon is free for individual
exploration.
DAY 8 Wednesday 18 September, 2024 Bruges
This morning we will visit the Choco Museum, which tells the story of cocoa and
chocolate from the Mayan’s via the Spanish conquistadors until today. We will
see how chocolate is made and learn the health benefits of chocolate. In the
afternoon we visit t’Naaimandeke (the little sewing basket) to check out their
supplies of fabrics and other sewing supplies.
DAY 9 Thursday 19 September, 2024 Bruges
This morning we will visit the Bruges Lace Centre. It has been housed in a renovated
old lace school of the sisters of the Immaculate Conception. We will see various
different types of lace and learn about their geographical origin. We will also learn
about the lace industry in Bruges. In the afternoon we visit the Gobelin Creative
Patchwork and Quilting store. This store has been in existence for 25 years. You will
be amazed at the amount and variety of cotton fabric that is on offer.
DAY 10 Friday 20 September, 2024 Cologne, Germany
This morning we bid farewell to Belgium and travel through the picturesque
countryside into Germany and Cologne. Known for its university, the beautiful
old town has a café-lined town square. On the journey there will be time to work
on our projects.
DAY 11 Saturday 21 September, 2024 Embarkation
This morning we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Cologne. Founded by the
Romans in 38 BC, the town has grown on the West Bank of the Rhine River. We will
visit the twin spired Cologne Cathedral, known for its medieval reliquary, the old
market and a historic town square with a variety of shops and restaurants. Later
we are transferred to the port to board the Sena for our Rhine Experience with
Amsterdam river cruise.
DAY 12 Sunday 22 September, 2024 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This morning we sail along the lower section of Rhine River with time to work on
our projects, before we reach the port of Amsterdam in the early evening.
DAY 13 Monday 23 September, 2024 Amsterdam
This morning we visit the famous Den Hann and Wagenmakers, which stocks
amazing original handmade Dutch reproduction print fabric, duvets and
bedcoverings. In the afternoon we visit the Katten Kabinet, which is a museum
depicting cats. It includes paintings, drawings and sculptures sometimes by
famous artists.
DAY 14 Tuesday 24 September, 2024 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
This morning we travel to the historic town of Delft to tour the Royal Delft factory.
They have been creating blue Dutch ceramics since 1653. After the guided tour
we will have time in the museum and the shop. In the afternoon we visit the
Patchwork and Quilt shop Marijke, which stocks fabrics and quilting needs.
DAY 15 Wednesday 25 September, 2024 Antwerp, Belgium
This morning our river boat docks in picturesque Antwerp a port city on the River
Scheldt with a history dating from the Middle Ages. We will enjoy a sightseeing
tour of Antwerp, where we soak up the 16th-century guild houses around the
Grote Markt central square with the beautiful Brabo fountain in its centre. In the
afternoon we visit Calico House, which has been a specialist in patchwork and
quilting for 25 years. They stock an extensive range of fabrics and a large line of
cardboard for English paper piecing.
DAY 16 Thursday 26 September 2024 Antwerp
This morning we visit Quilt Shop Leur with an extensive range of fabrics. This
afternoon is for individual explorations or to work on your project.
DAY 17 Friday 27 September, 2024 Cruising the Rhine
Today, our last day before disembarkation, we have time for working on our
project or to watch the countryside glide by as we travel to Cologne.
DAY 18 Saturday 28 September, 2024 Disembarkation/Departure
We disembark the Sena and are transferred to the airport in Frankfurt today for
our flight back to Australia.
DAY 19 Sunday 29 September, 2024 Australia
The group arrives in Australia and tour arrangements conclude.
| Cabin | Cabin Category | Deck | Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Balcony Cabin | 2 | $ 12,195 | $ 14,595 |
| D | Balcony Cabin | 3 | $ 12,495 | $ 14,995 |
| Included air taxes as at 1 June 2023 | $312 | $312 | ||
You can stay longer in Europe for minimal additional cost. Please contact 1800 630 343 for more information.
All cabins are subject to cabin availability. A limited number of cabins are available for single occupancy. Please call 1800 630 343 for fares and information on other cabin categories.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd, (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour operator.
Tour Costs: The tour costs are based on airfare, general transport, accommodation costs and foreign exchange rate at 20/6/23. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 90 days of departure from Australia.
Air Taxes and River Boat Gratuities: from Sydney/Melbourne/ Brisbane as listed in the itinerary. Please contact us for air taxes from different cities. Air taxes are as at 20/6/23. If they change due to government and airline charges and currency variations, Travelrite International reserves the right to charge additional amounts. River boat gratuities of ????? have been included in your fare.
Deposit and Payment:
A deposit of $900 per passenger should be
sent with a completed Travelrite International booking form that lists your
requested cabin category. As soon as the booking is confirmed, (usually
within 24 hours), a cruise confirmation advice will be posted to the client.
The passenger must also complete and return a reservation form to Travelrite
International. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International
90 days prior to the commencement of the cruise. a 1.5% administration fee
will be charged on payment by Visa, Mastercard or AMEX.
Cancellation Charges: * Cancellation conditions don’t apply for clients with future cruise/tour credits. Cruise/tour credits are non-refundable.
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 90 days | loss of $900 |
| 90 days or less | 100% of full fare |
| Non appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs
of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
Minimum Tour Numbers and Conditions: The tour has been priced on the basis of a minimum number of passengers having booked 92 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost.
Tour Organization: Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow for any
refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals, airfare or other
services not utilized after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents: All passengers will require a valid passport. Visas for countries visited are not required for Australian passport holders. If you hold another passport please check with Travelrite.
Baggage: All passengers qualify for the 23kg free baggage allowance.
Tour Participation:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be
accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing
all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to
refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that
Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or
any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, it’s agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to or in connection with these fly/cruise/ stay holidays shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation including transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in fly/cruises, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners risk throughout the fly/cruise/stay holiday. The passage contract between the carriers concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of these fly/cruise/stay holidays and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any fly/ cruise/stay holiday and/or make such changes in the fly/ cruise/stay holidays as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the fly/cruises. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
Delays AND Unforeseen Events:
You engage Travelrite International
to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite
International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts
between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation
and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without reference
to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any
third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain
the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport
or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or
partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney
for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite International any cost thereof
and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard.
Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in
respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by sending full names and addresses of intending tour members with a deposit of $900.
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information or a booking form can be obtained by telephoning Travelrite International on the following numbers:
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email balwyn@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (A.B.N.64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 38 years and operating in Victoria for more than 40 years. It has an ATAS accredited office at Balwyn, which is also accredited with IATA. As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
9th - 14th June, 2023
DAY 1 Friday 9 June, 2023 Depart Australia
Today we depart on our overnight flights to Rome.
DAY 2 Saturday 10 June, 2023 Rome, Italy
We arrive into Rome early afternoon. After clearing customs, we will be met by our
private coach and transferred to the hotel for check in.
DAY 3 Sunday 11 June, 2023 Rome
This morning we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the ‘Eternal City’ and see the
Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, where group
members can throw a coin and make a wish to return to Rome one day. In the
afternoon we visit the Boncompani Ludovisi Decorative Arts Museum. It contains
gorgeous Italian Fashion from the 19th to 20th century, accessories, paintings and
ceramics. We will enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.
DAY 4 Monday 12 June, 2023 Rome
This morning we will visit the Vatican Museum, with a wealth of artistic treasures, and
the spectacular Sistine Chapel. This afternoon is free for shopping and sightseeing.
DAY 5 Tuesday 13 June, 2023 Rome
Today we enjoy a day tour to Tivoli on the outskirts of Rome to visit Villa d‘ ste
and Hadrian’s Villa. Tivoli is home to luxurious residences, magnificent villas, and
two famous UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Renaissance palace of Villa d’Este,
known for its extravagant, gardens and water fountains, and the ruins of Hadrian’s
Villa the grand second-century estate of Emperor Hadrian of ancient Rome. We
return to Rome late afternoon.
DAY 6 Wednesday 14 June, 2023 Rome
This morning we will visit Mercato Testaccion, where we will be able to try delicious
Roman street food. We then travel to Largo di Torre Argentina, where there are
several fabric stores. Group members will have a chance to visit Francesco Longo
e Figili filled with silks and wools or the biggest fabric store in Rome, Fratelli
Bassetti Tessuti. In the afternoon we will meet up with tour members on the main
tour at Rome airport and we will travel to the gorgeous village of Bagno Vignoni.
30th June - 3rd July, 2023
DAY 1 Friday 30 June, 2023 Athens, Greece
Today we arrive into the ancient city of Athens, capital of Greece. Athens is the home of the Acropolis and the ultimate in ancient Greek architectural perfection, the Parthenon, built to honour the goddess Athena and one of the wonders of the ancient world. A highlight of Athens is the Acropolis, still dominating the frantic bustle of modern Athens. After breakfast we disembark the ship and will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Athens. We check into our hotel in the afternoon and the remainder of the day is free.
DAY 2 Saturday 1 July, 2023 Athens
This morning we will visit the Benaki Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of Greek embroidery and textiles from the Ottoman era. In the afternoon we visit Alexandra’s Fabrics, which sells a large selection of fabrics of good quality.
DAY 3 Sunday 2 July, 2023 Departure
This morning we explore the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, one of the famous museums of the world. In the afternoon we are transferred to the airport for our flights back to Australia.
DAY 4 Monday 3 July, 2023 Arrive Australia
This afternoon we arrive in Australia. Tour activities are concluded.
“The best Tour Manager I have ever had over all tour companies.”
“Michelle puts a huge amount of effort info making our trip as good as it can be. Wonderful!”
