The full details of this trip are now available some key points are detailed below
(1) The trip will take place in September 2009. Our aim is to avoid the public holidays in the countries we will be travelling through but also to complete the trip before the weather starts to get too cool. We will be flying out of Melbourne with Emirates Airlines, and have a brief stopover in Dubai before flying on to Munich. From Munich we will take a train ride to Passau, arriving on Saturday 5th September 2009.
(2) We will then be following the Danube River trail downstream to Vienna, where we arrive on Friday 11th September. The next three nights are spent in Vienna before we head off to Bratislava and then on to Budapest where we arrive on Sat 19th September 2009. The next day we transfer by bus back to Vienna where you can begin your own European adventure anywhere in Europe.
(3) The trip is being organised by UTRACKS (The European Division of World Expeditions).
(4) The land component includes all accommodation (twin share basis), most breakfasts and most dinners. Also included is bike hire, luggage transport, maps, wine tastings, handlebar bag, train ride to Krems and return bus to Vienna from Budapest. The total cost is $2995 and this price can be locked in if you pay this component in full before the end of July 2008. If you are unable to pay in full you can choose to pay the $600 deposit and the remainder in mid 2009. It is possible however that the price may change with changes in currency, fuel charges, hotel charges, etc.
(5) The air fares are not available yet, but based on 2008 prices we would be paying $2225.00 plus taxes of about $200 to $300. It is likely that the exact fares will be available within a few months. You will also need to pay the train fare between Munich to Passau (about $60). This brings the total cost to about $5600 but you will need to allow a margin on top of this for air fare increases. I think this represents excellent value for money for a holiday of this type. When you also factor in the fun of sharing a trip with your friends, the experience is priceless.
(6) The trip has been priced on a minimum group size of 16 people. The maximum we can include is 20 people. Early indications are that the trip will fill even more quickly than any previous trip we have organised so you are encouraged to get your applications in ASAP if you want to secure a place. The trip is open to any Ghostriders, partners and friends, although if we have more applications than we can handle, we will give preference to Ghostriders and partners. The trip would not be suitable for young children, but we would consider including older children of participants (say 16 years or older).
(7) The trip is a special event planned by the Ghostriders and will NOT be offered to the general public. The only way you can join this group is by completing the Ghostrider and World Expeditions application forms and including either the $600 deposit or full $2995 land payment. This will be the sixth group trip organised by the Ghostriders and we pride ourselves on the success of all our previous adventures. In order to get the most benefit from such a trip we look for participants who have a good sense of humor and who are willing to support each and work well as a group.
(8) Accommodation is based on twin share rooms with private facilities. Breakfasts (15) and 3 course dinners(12) are included where noted in the official notes. Other meals are the responsibility of the travelers. Travel insurance is required and it is wise to arrange this as soon as you book your place. This means that if you are unable to complete the trip due to an unforeseen accident or illness, you should be able to recoup most/all of your costs.
(9). Included in the cost is luggage transport between each overnight stop. All you will need to carry on the bike is your camera, money, passport and any other personal items you might need during the day. If the going gets too hard we understand that there is public transport available between the towns also. This can take the form of regular river ferries or buses.
(I suppose you could always hire a car if you really don’t like riding.)
(10)You will note that we have three nights in Vienna at the middle of the trip. This will give you a break from cycling and also a great opportunity to explore the city. The ride finishes in Budapest from where you will be transported by bus back to Vienna. At this point you can either (a) fly back to Australia,(b) stay on in Vienna or (c) head off to any other part of Europe. Any such additional trips could be organised via World Expeditions or your own preferred travel agent. Of course you would have to pay any additional costs incurred.
(11). Our experience from previous trips has been that much of the enjoyment of such adventures is in the planning and preparation. In a very real way the journey is every bit as important as the destination. The adventure starts once you submit your application.
LATE NEWS
As at August 24th 2008 we already have 19 places spken for, leaving only 1 or 2 vacancies.