PHONE1800 630 343
DECK
PLANS
The MS Oosterdam was launched in 2003. Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, it blends the very latest in shipbuilding technology with the artistry, personalised touches and superior service that has made Holland America Line one of the highest-rated cruise lines in the world. At the heart of the MS Oosterdam is the Vista Dining room spanning two floors. For casual eating there is an extensive Lido Caf and an alternative dining option with the Pinnacle Grill. Dutch heritage and tradition is clearly displayed throughout the ship with a wonderful art collection.
Michelle has always had a love affair with textiles. She has been a part of the Australian quilting industry for the past 29 years. She started as a sample maker for a fabric importer and her work was seen by magazine editors. This was to become the start of a long career working with Australian patchwork titles. For 25 years she has written regular columns, published hundreds of original quilt patterns. She has edited magazines, published four books, filmed 8 instructional patchwork DVD’s for Quilters Companion, designed 5 fabric ranges, taught workshops throughout Australia, and even in New Zealand. Currently she is expanding her range of templates and working on a new book full of stash and scrap quilts. Her quilts have won several awards at the NSW Quilt Guild Shows. She loves to travel, living overseas for 12 months as an exchange student at 16 gave her a passion to explore other parts of the world. She has been leading the Travelrite patchwork tours since 2008, enjoying exploring America, Japan, England, Canada, France, Vietnam, Belgium and other locations in Europe with her fellow quilters.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Tuesday 13 June, 2023 Depart Australia
Today we board our flight to Rome, Italy.
DAY 2 Wednesday 14 June, 2023 Bagno Vignoni, Italy
This afternoon we arrive in Rome. After clearing customs we travel north to the
Tuscan village of Bagno Vignoni, where we will spend the next five nights. Bagno
Vignoni is a small Orcia River Valley village, which has long been a favourite
among painters and travellers seeking solitude in a beautiful location. We will stay
at a small family-owned 15th century hotel, built by Rossellino as a summerhouse
for Pope Pius II, who enjoyed the advantage of the nearby hot mineral springs.
Tour members will enjoy delicious Tuscan dinners each night during our stay at
Bagno Vignoni. Michelle will welcome the group at dinner this evening.
DAY 3 Thursday 15 June, 2023 Bagno Vignoni
Today we travel to Siena, where we will see the magnificent Piazza del Campo
renowned for the famous Palio horse race held in the Campo and its splendid
civic tower and the enormous, partially completed Duomo. In the afternoon we
return to Bagno Vignoni, where Michelle will set the group up and instruct them
on our project.
DAY 4 Friday 16 June, 2023 Bagno Vignoni
We travel through the Tuscan countryside to the town of San Gimignano, known
as the City of Beautiful Towers, a classic walled hill-town in Tuscany, famous for its
medieval architecture. Known for its skyline of towers built by the feuding nobles
of the 12th and 13th centuries, the town featured in the film Tea with Mussolini.
We will return to Bagno Vignoni for an afternoon working on our projects with
Michelle Marvig.
DAY 5 Saturday 17 June, 2023 Bagno Vignoni
This morning we travel to a gorgeous town in this region – Pienza, the “Ideal Town
of Renaissance architecture” where we will have the time to walk through the
gorgeous town center before visiting a cheese shop to taste the typical “pecorino” cheese produced for centuries in this region of the Val d’Orcia. We continue
with a visit to one of the most stunning towns situated in the southern region
of Tuscany – Montepulciano. On arrival we will have a guided walk in the centre
of this fascinating hilltop town and then a stop at a historical cellar for a wine
tasting of Nobile di Montepulciano. We drive through this breath-taking valley
to the nearby beautiful town of San Quirico before returning to Bagno Vignoni
where the remainder of the afternoon is free to wander around the village or work
on your project.
DAY 6 Sunday 18 June, 2023 Bagno Vignoni
We travel through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to Cortona, one of the oldest
towns in Tuscany, with some of the most important Etruscans finds on display in
its museum, and the setting for the bestselling book Under the Tuscan Sun. We
return to Bagno Vignoni for time to work on our project.
DAY 7 Monday 19 June, 2023 Bologna, Italy
Today we depart Bagno Vignoni for Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance and
capital of Tuscany. We have time to soak up the atmosphere of Florence, the home
town of Lorenzo the Magnificent and Michelangelo. We will join a local guide for
a walking tour through Florence. We will see the cathedral, with its enormous
dome, the Baptistry, Piazza Signoria, the famous Ponte Vecchio. We continue to
Bologna for our two night stay.
DAY 8 Tuesday, 20 June, 2023 Bologna
This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bologna. We will see gorgeous
Piazza Maggiore, lined with arched medieval colonnades. We will see city hall, the
fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di San Petronio. In the afternoon we will visit
Valli Fabrics Bologna which stocks gorgeous fabrics. Bologna is a famous foodie
town, so we will have plenty of choice of restaurants for dinner.
DAY 9 Wednesday 21 June, 2023 Venice, Italy
Today we travel to the ancient city of Venice, where we spend the next two nights.
Unique in the world, Venice is one of the most spectacular and romantic of cities. On arrival we have a sightseeing tour of Venice. We visit St Mark’s Square, see the Grand Canal, St Mark’s Basilica and the Doges Palace. We will wind our way through the narrow alleyways to the market square of the Rialto.
DAY 10 Thursday 22 June, 2023 Venice
This morning we have an excursion to the island of Murano, known as the glass-making island. There will be an opportunity to purchase a piece of this famous artisan made glasswork as a wonderful memento of your time in Venice. We continue with a ferry ride to Burano well known for its bright coloured fishermen’s houses. We will visit the Museo del Merletto, where we will see exhibits of local lace making. The shops on the island sell lace products, linen and clothes.
DAY 11 Friday 23 June, 2023 Embarkation
Today we travel to Trieste to board the MS Oosterdam. We will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Trieste. Rich in history and influenced heavily by Venice and Austria, Trieste is the largest seaport on the Adriatic. We will visit Castello di Miramare. Situated on the point of a headland, this castle with terraced gardens was built in 1860 for Archduke Maximilian of Austria. Be up on deck as the ship slips her moorings at 7:00pm for the start of our fabulous cruise.
DAY 12 Saturday 24 June, 2023 Split, Croatia
Today we visit Split, the second largest city in Croatia. The old town grew up around the Emperor Diocletian’s vast Roman Palace. We have a morning sightseeing tour, during which we visit the interior courtyard of the Roman complex and the Golden Gate, the main entrance to Diocletian’s Palace. We visit the Baptistery of St John a small, beautiful building consecrated in the sixth century and see the Renaissance Town Hall on People’s Square surrounded by Venetian buildings. This afternoon we continue working on our projects.
DAY 13 Sunday 25 June, 2023 Korcula, Croatia
Rumoured to be the birthplace of the global traveller Marco Polo, this enchanting island is off Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. On our sightseeing tour this morning, we will walk through the cobble stone paths with quaint terracotta roofed houses that lead to the birthplace of Marco Polo. In the afternoon, we will take a boat trip and explore some of the near-by islands.
DAY 14 Monday 26 June, 2023 At sea
Today with the help of Michelle, we will have time to work on our projects. During your free time, you might like to enjoy the fabulous facilities of the ship including a visit to the Spa.
DAY 15 Tuesday 27 June, 2023 Santorini, Greece
Today we have a day to explore Santorini, known as the “Black Pearl of the Aegean”, one of the most spectacular landscapes in Greece and in the world. The traditional villages of the island, built on tall cliffs, offer a breath-taking view over the submerged volcano. They represent the most beautiful island view you have ever seen! Enjoy free time to explore this magnificent port.
DAY 16 Wednesday 28 June, 2023 Rhodes, Greece
This morning we arrive at Rhodes, the largest island of the archipelago called Dodecanese and the capital of this group of Greek Islands. It is world known for its colossus. It is located between Karpathos and Kos. The capital lies within the walls of a very well-preserved Venetian castle, built by the Knights of Saint John. We will have a tour of the old town including the castle and visit the Grand Masters residence. The afternoon will be free
DAY 17 Thursday 29 June, 2023 Kusadasi, Turkey
This morning we arrive at the port of Kusadasi, now a thriving summer holiday destination, but better known as the gateway to Ephesus, one of the great ancient wonders of the world. We will see the famous Fountains of Trajan, built to honour the emperor of the same name, and the Polio Fountain, located opposite the Domitian Temple. We visit the Temple of Hadrian, the Private House (a brothel which was part of the scholastic baths), the Library of Celsus and the bouleuterion (a small theatre used for the meetings of the Senate). We admire the Great Theatre, which was completed by the Romans in 117 AD and has a capacity for 24,000 spectators. We continue onto the House of Virgin Mary, where she spent the last days of her life. We return to the ship late afternoon. We will enjoy a farewell drinks party to say goodbye to the ship and other tour members.
DAY 18 Friday 30 June, 2023 Departure Athens
Today disembark in 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. We will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Athens before travelling to the airport for our return flight.
DAY 19 Saturday 1 July, 2023 Arrival Australia
This evening we arrive in Australia. Tour activities are concluded.
| Cabin | Cabin Category | Deck | Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | Interior | 1 | $9,995 | $12,395 |
| I | Large Interior | 6,7,8 | $10,095 | $12,495 |
| D | Large Ocean View | 1,4 | $10,395 | $13,095 |
| C | Large Ocean View | 1 | $10,495 | $13,195 |
| VC | Deluxe Balcony | 4,5,6,8 | $10,695 | $14,295 |
| VB | Deluxe Balcony | 4,5,6,7,10 | $10,795 | $14,395 |
| VA | Deluxe Balcony | 4,5,6,8 | $11,595 | $14,495 |
| Included port and handling charges | $492 | $724 | ||
| Included gratuities | $143 | $143 | ||
| Included air taxes as at 10/3/21 | $290 | $290 | ||
Twin-share per person: $ 1995 Single supplement: $ 500
Twin-share per person: $ 1095 Single supplement: $ 250
All cabins are subject to cabin availability. Please call 1800 630 343 for fares and information on other cabin categories.
You can stay longer in Europe for minimal extra cost. Please contact 1800 630 343 for more information.
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 organiser. Sapphire Princess is operated by Princess Cruises and cruise arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions and general information detailed in the Princess Cruises brochure. All passengers must complete and sign a Travelrite International booking form and complete a Princess Cruises on line check-in.
Tour Costs: The tour costs are based on airfare, general transport, accommodation costs and foreign exchange rate at 25/1/22. 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: from Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane as listed in the itinerary. Please contact us for air taxes from different cities. Air taxes are as at 25/1/22. If they change due to government and airline charges and currency variations, Travelrite International reserves the right to charge additional amounts.
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 confirmation advice will contain all details. The passenger
must also complete an online Holland America Cruises reservation form
and a Travelrite International booking form. Final payments are due to be
paid to Travelrite International 91 days prior to the commencement of the
cruise/tour. Paying by cheque or cash a 1.5% administration fee will be
charged on payment by Visa, Mastercard and 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 91 days | Loss of deposit |
| 91 days or less | 100% of full fare |
| Non appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
Refunds:
The cruise is based on arrangements which do not allow for any
refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other services
not utilised 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.
Travel Insurance: Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended to cover cruise members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the cruise and for cancellation fees which could result from events such as illness, accident, death etc.
Baggage: All passengers qualify for the 20kg free baggage allowance.
Minimum Tour Numbers: The tour has been priced on the basis of a minimum number of passengers having booked 91 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.
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, its agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to, or in connection with these fly/cruises, 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. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this fly/cruise and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any fly/cruise and/or make such changes in the fly/cruises as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the fly/cruise. This contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be taken in the State of Victoria. Attention is also directed to the terms and conditions of the MS Oosterdam fly/cruise passage contract with Holland America, detailed in the Holland America brochure or on the website. If you can’t find this form please contact Travelrite International and we will tell you where you can see it.
Delays AND Unforeseen Events:
You engage Travelrite to book
this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite 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 your attorney for this purpose. You
agree to pay Travelrite 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.
Travel Vaccination Policy:
The wellbeing of our guests is our
top priority. All guests booked to travel internationally with Travelrite
International are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which
may include a booster shot to keep it current and valid.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by sending full names and addresses of intending tour members with a deposit of $900 for the Quilters Companion Quilting tour.:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
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 (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established family-owned business that’s been operating in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs for more than 35 years. Travelrite International is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), is fully Accredited with ATAS (A10538) and IATA. As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators.
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!”
