Medieval Christmas Ornaments

Europe and the UK: the latest news for the region

AN INSIGHTFUL VIEW

Travellers can make the most of the exceptionally strong Australian dollar and book next year’s holidays at 2011 prices, with Insight Vacations recently releasing its 2012 Europe & Britain Preview Flyer. “By securing 2011 prices for 2012 itineraries, travellers are protected against any currency fluctuations or surcharges which may increase the cost of the tour next year. However, if the tour price decreases in 2011, Insight will refund the difference,” managing director Lorraine Sharp said. “In addition, booking their 2012 itinerary now gives travellers the added benefit of early payment savings of up to 10 per cent off.”

Those who have travelled with Insight previously have the opportunity to save a further 5% with its Frequent Traveller discount. “With high-profile events such as the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee signalling a bumper year for Europe and Britain, we predict spaces will sell at a much faster rate,” Sharp added.

NAME CHANGE FOR ALBATROSS

Albatross Travel has begun operating under a new business name — Albatross Tours — which it believes will better signify the nature of the business for the tour operator. Albatross Travel was established in 1995 as the Australian and New Zealand division of the worldwide network of The Albatross Travel Group and the name change occurred at the start of June.

“The name change to Albatross Tours will further enhance our position as a respected European tour operator, providing Australians and New Zealanders with a more sensibly paced approach to European coach touring,” managing director Euan Landsborough said. Among the itineraries that the operator is currently highlighting is the 12-day Medieval Bohemian Christmas tour, which includes a stay in a 500-year-old medieval castle in Cesky Krumlov, in the Czech Republic. The tour departs on December 17.

THE WINTER OF CONTIKI

Contiki Holidays has launched its new 2011/2012 Europe Winter brochure offering a range of autumn, winter and spring holidays for 18 to 35s. Contiki’s winter options offer four distinct travel styles, catering for different types of young travellers.

There are Time Out multi-country itineraries, suitable for those visiting Europe for the first time and eager to see as much as possible in the timeframe they have, plus Time Out in-depth regional tours, which delve deep into the heart of each place visited.

Little bell on a Christmas tree - Wooden-Christmas-Ornaments.com

Image by Stephen Desroches

This was taken during the season but the I’m sure the Bell Centre is looking a little empty now that the season is over. Security was pretty strong here and you were only allowed into the section you had tickets for. I did find a way in and made my way to center ice to get this photo before I had to leave.

In order to get the full view, this is a merge of 9 photos.

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