Rail Europe Inc. is offering $100 off the Youth Eurail Global Pass and $75 off the Adult Eurail Global Pass when booked between now and June 12. Agents need to enter coupon code YOUTH100 or ADULT75 during checkout and the discount will be applied to the total purchase.

The Eurail Global Pass from Rail Europe provides city-center to city-center travel on the national rail networks of 24 European countries.

Participating national rail networks include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland (includes Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland), Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

Prices begin at $393 for Eurail Global Youth Pass and $682 for the Eurail Global Adult Pass.

The continuous pass is available for 15 days, 21 days, one month, two months or three months and the flexipass is available for 10 or 15 days of travel within a two month period.

Bookings can be made by visiting Rail Europe’s website at agent.raileurope.com or by calling Rail Europe’s contact center or at the banner ad at right.

Eurail Group G.I.E., the organization dedicated to the management and administration of the Eurail Pass products, is offering a 20 percent discount off the regular price of Eurail Global and Eurail Select Passes.

The promotional passes must be purchased by Dec. 31 and are valid for travel through March 31. The promotion applies to both first and second class Eurail Global and Select passes.

“There is no better time to travel to Europe than in the low season; a traveler finds good value, enjoys fewer crowds and it is in general easier to move around.

To now also be able to take advantage of Eurail Group’s 20 percent discount on two of our most popular Eurail Passes, it seems the perfect time to visit Europe,” said Ana Dias e Seixas, Eurail Group’s marketing director.

The Eurail Global Pass gives the pass holder access to 23 European countries, offering the traveler the flexibility of choosing either consecutive or non-consecutive travel days.

Over 82,000 tourists have already traveled this year with the Eurail Global Pass, representing a 15.5 percent increase over 2011 figures.

The national railways of the following countries currently participate in the Eurail Global Pass offer — Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland (includes Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland), Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The Eurail Select Pass allows travelers to select three, four or five adjoining countries of their choice, provided that they are connected by a participating rail or shipping route.

With 24 countries to choose from in total, there are over 975 possible combinations, giving customers freedom and flexibility. This pass is by far the most popular Eurail Pass.

More than 152,000 travelers took to the rails with a Select Pass thus far in 2012, representing a 4 percent increase over the previous year.

Its popularity stems from allowing travelers to tailor-make their European rail journey, being able to choose from five, six, eight, 10 or 15 travel days within a two-month period and the option to select consecutive or non-consecutive travel days.

Eurail Passes are available from a wide network of authorized general sales agents, operating worldwide.

The company is offering a 10 percent early booking discount that can save as much as $790 per person on bookings made by Dec. 27. For 2013, Brendan is offering more than 160 itineraries targeted to various markets, including families, adventurers, honeymooners, individuals and groups.

Most of the packages include Brendan’s “Be My Guest” and “You’re Personally Invited” dining, as well as “Hidden Treasures.”

The brochure also includes Brendan’s new Slow Food Itineraries in Italy and France, including Provence — From the Farm to the Table, an eight-day trip that has an extra measure of focus on fine food and wine, but also pays attention to Provence’s medieval towns, picturesque harbors, grand papal palaces, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, homes of Van Gogh and Cézanne, and chances to meet working fishermen and taste authentic bouillabaisse.

The package is priced from $3,239, land only, based on double occupancy.

Discovering the Balkans is an 11-day trip that includes such things as the National History Museum in Sofia, the Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade, the Bran and Peles Castles and the Parliament Palace in Bucharest, the second-largest building in the world.

The itinerary includes visits to Sofia, Belgrade, Sibiu, Brasov and Bucharest.

It’s priced from $1,758, double occupancy, land only.

Italian Trio is a nine-day program with overnight stays in Venice, Florence and Rome.

It includes St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace in Venice, and the Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs in Venice.

In Florence, the tour includes the Piazza del Duomo to see the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with the bronze Gates of Paradise, and Michelangelo’s original David at the Academy of Fine Arts.

The program is priced from $1,799, double occupancy, land only.

Castles and Manors is an 11-day Boutique Journey in Ireland that includes historic castles such as Malahide Castle and Dublin Castle, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse for lunch, Devenish Island, the 17th century Lough Eske Castle Hotel in Donegal; two nights in Connemara’s Ballynahinch Castle Hotel; the cathedral in Galway; the Cliffs of Moher; and the Ring of Kerry.

It’s priced from $3,285, land only, double occupancy.

From now until Nov. 16, 2012, visitors to AmaWaterways’ Facebook page can become a fan and submit an easy entry form.

One randomly selected Facebook fan will win a seven-night “Christmas on the Rhine” cruise from Dec. 27 – Jan. 3, 2013.

The prize includes one double occupancy cabin, cruise fare and port charges.

The cruise fare includes all onboard meals; free-flowing wine, beer and soda with every dinner; daily shore excursions; in-room direct Internet access and Infotainment; ship-wide Wi-Fi; guided bicycle tours, and much more.

“We are very excited about our growing popularity on Facebook and other social media, and this sweepstakes is our way to say ‘Thank You’ to our loyal fans,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ executive vice president and co-owner. “Cruising the Rhine River and exploring Europe’s famous Christmas Markets is a magical and memorable way to celebrate the holidays.”

Europe’s Christmas Markets are a beloved holiday tradition that attracts millions of visitors every year.

Starting in late November, thousands of outdoor markets and vendors spring up in city and village squares selling local food, hot mulled wine, and sweet desserts like freshly baked gingerbread and pastries.

Local artisans create wooden toys, handmade crafts, ornaments and more unique gifts and stocking stuffers for loved ones back home.

Visitors can explore amongst Gothic churches and half-timbered houses for the winter experience that fills the senses with holiday cheer.

AmaWaterways’ seven-night Christmas on the Rhine itinerary embarks in Basel, Switzerland, aboard the AmaCello, a 148-passenger ship. Cruising from Basel to Amsterdam, passengers will have a leisurely view of the beautiful scenery of Switzerland, France, Germany and Holland and a variety of shore excursions, including tours of:

· The “Black Forest” region, including a visit to Strasbourg, home to the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France.

Market highlights include shopping for handicrafts and sampling seasonal treats such as hot mulled wine, kouglof (a traditional Alsatian cake), and boules de neige (a chocolate-covered marshmallow confection).

 Tours of Colmar, France, plus a tasting of Alsatian wines; the medieval town of Speyer; the university city of Heidelberg and its red-walled castle; Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim, Germany; the charming town of Koblenz; and Cologne, Germany, and its 13th century gothic cathedral.

· A canal cruise and city tour in Amsterdam, where passengers can also purchase local holiday souvenirs (such as Delft Blue ceramics, antiques and cheese) and sample seasonal snacks, such as uitsmijter, (open-faced sandwiches), pommes frites (thick French fries served with mayonnaise) and oliebollen (fried dough dusted with powdered sugar, traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve).

No purchase is necessary to enter or win the Spend the Holidays on The Rhine sweepstakes. Multiple entries are not valid. Airfare and any relevant taxes are not included.

For the official terms and conditions, please visit www.facebook.com/AmaWaterways

For more information on AmaWaterways, please visit www.AmaWaterways.com.

About AmaWaterways

Founded in 2002 by river cruise pioneer Rudi Schreiner, river cruise executive Kristin Karst and founder of Brendan Vacations, Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways is the premier river cruise line on Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Main, Mosel and Rhône rivers. Known for its custom-designed ships, extensive complimentary amenities and personalized service levels, AmaWaterways consistently leads the way in river cruising. With destinations traveling through Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and new voyages to Africa and Portugal, the line’s award-winning fleets complement a variety of travel plans.

The Europe fleet includes the AmaPrima (2013); AmaCerto (2012); AmaVerde (2011); AmaBella (2010); AmaLyra (2009); AmaDolce (2009); AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008); AmaLegro (2007) and the AmaDagio (2006). In the spring of 2012, AmaWaterways introduced the new 164-passenger AmaCerto in Europe, joining the AmaVerde and AmaBella in offering an exclusive Twin Balcony design in the majority of staterooms; multiple dining venues; complimentary Internet and Infotainment system, a heated swimming pool or whirlpool on the Sun Deck plus many more unique design elements.

In addition to the European destinations, AmaWaterways offers the separate and distinct AmaVoyages to Vietnam and Cambodia via the AmaLotus (2011) and the La Marguerite (2009); Russia via the AmaKatarina (2011); Portugal via the AmaVida (2013); and Africa via the Zambezi Queen (2009).

“We provide suggested cruising itineraries for each region, but you have the freedom to set your own pace of life and go where you want to go. No experience or licence is needed.

Our range of boats can accommodate small groups of 2, right up to 12. All of the creature comforts you would expect in a holiday home are provided – fully-equipped galleys hot and cold running water, lounges, en-suite showers and toilets. We even have air conditioning and TV’s on some of our newer boats.

The beauty of a Le Boat holiday is that you experience regional dining at its best! You can dine on local delicacies accompanied with local beverages. Or you may opt for a BBQ on board with fresh food from local markets.

• It’s a way of life: From this unique perspective, the views are often breath-taking, the pace of life is relaxed and tranquil and the river folk are friendly.

• You’re in charge: From the moment you leave your departure base – you control your itinerary. There’s no sticking to a schedule, checking-in or start times to meet.

You set off each day when you want to and stop whenever the fancy takes.

You can moor by the river bank and read in the sunshine all day, or you can keep on cruising until the sun sets.

• An ever-changing view: There’s always a new village, town or city to explore… and those by the water’s edge seem far prettier and more interesting than others.

Plus, there’s the ever-changing countryside which will dominate your route.

• Boating Fun: Part of the fun is driving, mooring up and passing through locks (which are easy to operate). Whether you’re steering, holding ropes or opening the lock gates, you’ll soon learn that ‘this is the life for you!’

• Get off the road: There’s no traffic to contend with, apart from the occasional queue for a lock – but that’s only an excuse to reach for that book again.

• Let the river guide you: You can’t get lost – most of the time you’re just following the river after all. The maps will tell you what’s coming up ahead and occasionally you’ll have to decide whether you go left or right.

• One-way cruising specialists: The size of our fleet and network of on-the-ground support means that we can offer more one-way routes than any other operator allowing you to see and enjoy more of your cruising area.

If you would like to do a particular cruising route that is not in our brochure, speak to our sales team and they will do their best to organise it for you.

• Support when you need it 24/7: On the ground, our extensive network of bases and support teams means you are never far from getting help if you need it.

Want to book a great restaurant or find out when market day is? Our local base teams are always happy to help.

INTRODUCING All Inclusive Luxury Barging

Le Boat is now an elite broker for Afloat in France, part of the Orient-Express collection with all inclusive luxury barging. Relax with a glass of wine on your private deck as your crew steers you through the romantic French countryside.

Gourmet dining with a menu that includes your on board chef’s original recipes as well as regional specialties and hand-picked wines is part of the charm of this unique journey.

Carrying between four and 12 guests, these beautifully appointed crafts are perfect for a group of family or friends. We also can provide special themed excursions led by experts in their field.

Our 2013 brochure is out now with early bird specials ranging from 10%-15%.

For more information on how to discover the best of European waterways call Le Boat on 1800 118 940 or visit www.leboat.com.au

Founder and chairman Brett Dudley says that the industry as a whole is simply booming and just as strong as it was a few years ago, but patterns have changed.

Instead of the traditional Europe river cruise up and down the Rhine, Australians are being more adventurous and seeking more unusual river cruise options.

He adds, “With the increase of vessels in the river cruise market we are able to provide customers with a wider range of itineraries. For example we have chartered the popular River Cloud II boat for a private voyage during the European summer next year”.

“This itinerary has been specifically designed for Australians looking for some of the “not-so-travelled ” countries that are accessible by water to meet consumer-demand from experienced cruisers who have already done the popular routes”.

The itinerary is the 22-night cruise tour “Mozart to the Black Sea” which includes an 11-night cruise aboard the River Cloud II. It departs Australia on July 24 2013 where you fly to Vienna for three nights at the Grand Hotel Wien.

Take in a historical city tour, a Schonbrunn Palace tour and see a Mozart concert, before embarking on the superior River Cloud II vessel and cruise along the Danube River through Austria to Romania.

There are daily port stops with shore excursions in Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, and Bulgaria.

After disembarking in Oltenita, transfer to the capital Bucharest for three nights at the Athenee Palace Hilton and sight-seeing. From here you will fly to Istanbul for two nights at the Swissotel Bosphorus, the waterway that divides the East and the West. Visit all the highlights of the city including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.

Last point of call is two nights in Dubai, plenty of time for last minute shopping and a 4WD desert dune safari with dinner and a belly- dancing show.

It’s currently priced from $10659 per person and includes return economy airfares from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with Emirates, 11- nights cruise accommodation with full board, shore excursions with English speaking guides, free Internet on board, free use of bicycles during port visits, 11-nights hotel accommodation with daily breakfast and comprehensive sightseeing with a guide and all transportation whilst on the tour.

For agents requiring more details on this exclusive tour or other river cruise itineraries, please contact CruiseAgents on 1300 558 864 or check-out www.cruiseagents.travel

Travel Impressions has added the Sept. 24 sailing of the eight-day Blue Danube Legendary River Cruise to its portfolio through a partnership with Mayflower Tours. Travel agents earn a 1 percent bonus commission when booking travel packages online with Quest for Agents.

Travel Impressions is offering savings up to $800 per couple (based on the Amadeus Suite accommodations) on reservations made by June 30 for the Sept. 24 sailing to Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.

Rates range from $2,636 per person, double occupancy, in the Hayden Deck, to $3,236 per person, double, in the Amadeus Suite. Packages include roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, the eight-day cruise, shore excursions per the itinerary, 20 meals (seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven four-course dinners served with regional wines), afternoon tea and late evening snack served daily, port charges and taxes.

The itinerary begins with arrival in Budapest where passengers are met by a Mayflower Tours manager for a sightseeing tour of Hungary’s capital, which features the seven bridges of Budapest including the famous Chain and Elizabeth bridges.

Upon completion of the tour, travelers board the MS Amadeus Diamond for the seven-night cruise on the Danube River.

The first evening on the ship includes a Captain’s Welcome Reception followed by dinner and a Hungarian Folklore show.

On day two, the ship departs Budapest in the afternoon and sails to the 1,000-year-old city of Esztergom, which features a striking skyline dominated by the massive dome of the Basilica which is reminiscent of St. Peter’s in Rome. In the late evening, the ship departs Hungary and heads towards Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital.

Upon arriving in Bratislava on day three, travelers will experience a panoramic tour of the city which is highlighted by Bratislava Castle, built over 1,000 years ago, as well as the National Slovakian Theatre and Blumental Church.

After passing through the Vienna Gate, tour participants can discover Bratislava’s old quarter on foot which includes St. Martin’s Cathedral, the coronation site of 11 Hungarian monarchs, and quaint central square with its fairytale Town Hall.

The river cruise departs Bratislava in the late evening and heads to Vienna.

Tour participants can spend the day at leisure exploring Vienna on their own or participate in an optional half-day excursion.

On day five, the cruise journeys to the medieval town of Durnstein, known as “The Pearl of Wachau,” set in Austria’s spectacular Wachau valley.

After breakfast, set out on a guided walking tour along the cobblestone streets. The river cruise departs Durnstein and heads to Melk where travelers can join an optional excursion to visit the magnificent 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey, perched high above the Danube with its breathtakingly opulent Baroque interior.

Other sites include the Marble Hall and Library featuring thousands of bound books and terraced gardens.

Day six on the itinerary travels to Linz, Austria, with historical attractions including a 15th century castle above the river and a fortified camp on the river bank as well as Baroque architecture surrounding an ancient market square.

Optional excursions include Mozart’s Salzburg.

In Old Town, visitors can walk the Getreidengasse shopping lane past Mozart’s birthplace. On day seven, the river cruise arrives in Passau, Germany, one of the oldest cities situated at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers.

During a city tour, tour-goers can admire the city’s 2,000-year history including arcades, cobblestone streets and the Baroque cathedral of St. Stephan, which contains the largest pipe organ in the world with 17,000 pipes. The evening is highlighted by the Captain’s Farewell dinner. On the final day, guests will have breakfast and then will be transferred to Munich International Airport for the return flight home.

The trip includes excursions such as a show at a Hungarian Puszta horse farm, a home-cooked Croatian lunch in a house, a tour of Buda and Pest, and a visit to Bran Castle, known as the home of Count Dracula.

Prices for the April 14, May 19 and May 26 departure dates range from $5,395 to $7,380 per person, double. The 18-day “Black Sea & Turkey” river cruise, which combines this itinerary with an additional four ports, is available for prices ranging from $7,465 to $9,450.

Scenic Cruises’ all-inclusive, 12-day “Black Sea Explorer River Cruise” introduces guests to a dozen culturally-rich ports by combining six days exploring by land with six days following the river routes once frequented by ancient traders.

Three days each in the Hungarian capital of Budapest and Bucharest, an eclectic mix of Romanian and French influence, sandwich six days aboard the deluxe Scenic “Space-Ship,” visiting fascinating ports in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary.

An impressive selection of optional excursions – included standard on all of the company’s cruises – offer a deeper look into the cultures and sites: a show at a Hungarian Puszta horse farm; a home-cooked Croatian lunch in a local home; a tour of both cities, Buda and Pest; or a visit to Bran Castle, known as the home of Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula. The truly all-inclusive “no hidden costs” policy means guests are able to leave their money in their pocket when it comes to all aspects of the cruise except personal expenditures.

Prices for the April 14 and May 26 departure dates – and the reverse itinerary on May 19 – range from $5,395 to $7,380 per person, double. The 18-day “Black Sea & Turkey” river cruise, which combines this itinerary with an additional four ports, is available for prices ranging from $7,465 to $9,450.

A two-night stay in the “Paris of the East,” Romania’s French-inspired Romanian Bucharest, immerses guests in the beauty of the countryside and the history of the city. Highlights include a visit to Europe’s largest building, Ceaucescu’s Palace of Parliament; a trip through the Transylvanian Plateau to the Carpathian Mountains; and a “Scenic Free Choice” between Bram Castle, a former Teutonic Knights stronghold and the famed home of Count Dracula, or Snagov Lake, where guests can visit the supposed burial place of the legendary Dracula, Vlad Tepes. In the port of Cernavoda, guests can travel to the nearby seaside town of Constanța and Mamaia, Romania’s most popular resort. In Bulgaria, the ship visits Ruse, often called “Little Vienna” for its Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture; Arbanasi, a center for historical monuments; Veliko Tarnovo, famous for both its unique architecture and as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire; and Svishtov, once a Roman stronghold.

The ship’s course also takes it through the Iron Gate, a breathtaking gorge nestled between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, and visits the Serbian city of Belgrade – one of Europe’s oldest capital cities – for a sightseeing tour that explores Tito’s memorial, Fortress Kalemegdan and The Church of Saint Sava. At the confluence of the Vuka and Danube Rivers, the ship ports in Vukovar for a taste of true Croatian culture – afforded by a home-cooked lunch in a local home – and an exclusive wine and cheese tasting in the cellars of Ilok. One day is spent in the Baroque town of Kalocsa, renowned for its production of “red gold” (paprika), a Hungarian cooking staple, and three in Budapest, whose abundant natural and historical attractions –including 80 geothermal springs and the second oldest underground railway – are rivaled only by its modern nightlife, which occupies the 1st and 3rd places on Lonely Planet’s “100 Greatest Bars of the World” 2012 list.

Scenic Cruises operates the newest and most luxurious fleet of river cruise ships in Europe. Its five ‘Space-Ships’, increasing to seven this spring, sail river voyages throughout Europe, Russia and Egypt, ranging from seven to 21 nights. Guests enjoy larger staterooms and suites, more than 80% with full-size balconies, private butler service in Junior and Royal Suites, private concerts, exclusive performances, onboard entertainment, tour leaders, meals in a choice of three dining venues – served with complimentary premium wines, beers and soft drinks, escorted airport transfers – even gratuities and baggage handling – all included in the fare.

Scenic Cruises parent company, Scenic Tours, offers award-winning all-inclusive escorted tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere. Additional information on these and other cruises, brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents, Global Voyages Group, LLC – US Representative for Scenic Tours and Scenic Cruises, or the company’s visitor-friendly web site, www.scenictoursus.com ; by phone: (866) 689-8611; or by email: info@scenictoursus.com . Brochures can be downloaded directly from the web site.

Inclusions: Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning, Full board: American buffet breakfast and two main meals daily, Regular (filter) coffee, tea and water free all day, Use of fishing equipment (subject to availability), English Speaking Cruise Escort, Port charges (Aud 425 additional, payable in Australia) and VAT.

Call now on (02) 945-3333 or enquire via www.gatewaytravel.com.au  to book.