FOUNDED 1892
ELECTRICAL
CO N T R AC TO R S
A S S O C I AT I O N I N C
International
Study Mission
F E AT U R I N G
BUDAPEST
Vienna
Prague
August 28 September 6
2015
FOUNDED 1892
ELECTRICAL
CO N T R AC TO R S
A S S O C I AT I O N I N C
Dear Member:
We are pleased to announce our first NYECA “Members-only” International Study Mission will be to the
beautiful and historic cities of Budapest, Vienna and Prague.
We will begin our exciting adventure in Hungary’s capital, Budapest. Sitting on the Danube, this city’s broad
avenues and turn-of-the-century architecture have earned Budapest the name “Paris of Eastern Europe.”
The waterway and the favorable geographical situation, where the plain meets the mountainous region,
attracted the attention of the Romans as far back as the 1st century AD. On the right bank of the Danube lies
hill-covered Buda, a part of the city with many historic relicts, museums and hundreds of villas with lovely
gardens. In contrast, two-thirds of the city is Pest, on the left bank, a flat area accommodating all the official
office and business buildings and larger industrial enterprises.
Our next stop will be Vienna, a city that also shares the banks of the Danube. It is a city of the senses: opera,
symphonies and the taste of Sachertorte. Vienna remains the romantic Baroque city it was under its great
19th century Emperor, Franz Joseph. For centuries, Vienna has remained a crossroads for the world, as
noted by all the diplomatic conferences this magnificent city continuously hosts.
Our last stop will be Prague, and may well be the highlight of our tour. While Prague’s legendary days as
the center for writers and artists have passed, the momentous Velvet Revolution in 1989 enabled Prague to
transform itself into one of Europe’s treasures. In its time, Prague was the capital of the Holy Roman Empire,
the Habsburg Empire, the first Czechoslovak Republic, the Nazi Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, the
Communist Republic of Czechoslovakia and the modern, democratic Czech Republic.
You will see that the 5-star hotels that have been chosen are among the very best in each city. They are
all located within easy walking distance of unique restaurants and fashionable stores. Please refer to the
“notes” further into the brochure for more details.
Reservations are due by February 27, 2015 along with a partial deposit. The sooner you begin working on
airline reservations, the better the chances of using frequent-flyer miles to purchase or upgrade.
Please Join Us!
Stephen Gianotti
President
2
Itinerary
Friday, August 28 (Day 1) | Departure from Home
AUGUST
28
FRIDAY
AUGUST
29
SATURDAY
• Individual departures for Budapest
• Members are responsible for individual flight arrangements.
• Regardless of your arrival date, time and flight, you will be met and taken to Le Meridien Hotel.
• More details about arrivals will be in the final advice memo from your tour guide.
Saturday, August 29 (Day 2) | Arrival in Budapest
Reception
• On arrival, you will be met and transferred to Le Meridien Hotel.
• Mid-afternoon guided walking orientation tour of the area around our hotel, which is on the Pest side.
Nearby sites are St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Danube Promenade.
• Welcome reception at Le Meridien
• The tour spends only two nights in Budapest. Please check the Reservation Form if you prefer to arrive earlier.
AUGUST
30
SUNDAY
Sunday, August 30 (Day 3) | Budapest
Breakfast, Dinner
• This morning we cross the Danube to Buda’s famous Castle Hill. We will visit the 13th century Matthias
Coronation Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion with its superb view of the Danube. The Hill area has
been beautifully and you will certainly enjoy its old world atmosphere. We will stroll Andrássy Boulevard,
where we find is a mix of neoclassic, Romantic, Art Nouveau and uniquely Hungarian eclectic styles of
architecture. At the Houses of Parliament we see the legendary crown jewels of King Stephen. Although
they post-date the sainted Stephen by several centuries, the crown jewels have a troubled history, having
been lost, stolen or misappropriated at various times since the Middle Ages. Back on the Pest side, we’ll
visit the Dohany Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in the world.
• The afternoon is open to shop and explore.
• Before dinner at Gundel’s Restaurant, world famous for Hungarian food and gypsy music, we’ll have a brief
history lesson just outside at Heroes’ Square.
AUGUST
31
MONDAY
Monday, August 31 (Day 4) | Budapest to Vienna
Breakfast, Lunch
• In route to Vienna, we’ll visit Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava. We will enjoy a guided walking tour of its Old
Town. Once a jewel of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Bratislava was part of Czechoslovakia and now is
the second youngest capital in Europe. The city borders Hungary and Austria and the influence of these
countries can be found in the Baroque architecture, the spicy food and its spirited citizens.
• Following lunch we’ll continue to Vienna’s legendary Imperial Hotel. The Imperial is located on Ringstrasse,
one of Europe’s grand boulevards.
• After checking in and unpacking, we’ll have an hour’s guided walking orientation tour of the area around
St. Stephens & the Opera House. Our guide will point out appealing restaurants.
3
Itinerary
SEPTEMBER
1
Tuesday
Tuesday, September 1 (Day 5) | Vienna
Breakfast, Dinner
• Today is devoted to contractor meetings and construction site visits. We’ll discuss
government regulations, bidding, training, materials, wage rates and learn how anemic
economic conditions in the EU might impact construction business in the United States.
• Subject to availability, non-contractors will visit the Spanish Riding School. Not only is it a
center for classical dressage, the headquarters is a major attraction in Vienna that offers
public performances as well as permitting public viewing of some training sessions. The
presentation builds on four centuries of experience and tradition in classical dressage.
• Later this afternoon we travel from the city center for a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace,
the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. It was built after the design of Versailles to
stress the family’s power and importance. It was here that a six-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart performed for the Viennese Royal Court.
• Upon returning to Vienna, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
SEPTEMBER
2
Wednesday
Wednesday, September 2 (Day 6) | Vienna
Breakfast
• This morning’s two-hour guided walking tour begins along the Kohlmarkt pedestrian area
en route to Gothic Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna’s most recognizable landmark. From here,
we stroll Karnter Strasse to the Hofberg Palace, former winter residence of the Imperial
Family. We will see the Imperial Treasury, which contains priceless items such as the Crown
of the Holy Roman Empire.
• The balance of the afternoon and evening are open to shop, explore and enjoy Vienna.
• Regarding musical performances:
Unfortunately, it is off-season for the Opera House, the Symphony and Philharmonic
orchestras. However, there will be other performances we can book through the Concierge.
We will let everyone know, when the schedule is set.
SEPTEMBER
3
Thursday
Thursday, September 3 (Day 7) | Vienna to Prague
Breakfast, Dinner
• This morning, we travel by coach to Prague (4 hours).
• After check-in at Four Seasons, we depart for a walking tour. We will begin at the beautifully
restored Town Square, which has been preserved as an excellent example of medieval city
development. Dominating the square is the Town Hall, a series of buildings dating from the
first half of the 4th century, a Gothic chapel and an astronomical clock (circa 1410). Next is
Wenceslas Square to hear about the history and events surrounding the “Velvet Revolution.”
• Tonight, we will be introduced to Czech cuisine at dinner.
4
Itinerary
SEPTEMBER
4
FRIDAY
Friday, September 4 (Day 8) | Prague
Breakfast
• Morning meeting with Czech contractors and visits to active construction sites
• Non-contractors will visit the Estates Theater for a musical performance and further
explore with the local guide; perhaps a mix of theater, historical sites and shopping.
• Our afternoon tour visits Josefov, the city’s Jewish Quarter, which remained a walled
ghetto until 1848. View the birthplace of Franz Kafka, best known for his existentialist
novel The Metamorphosis. Next we visit the Old Jewish Cemetery, site of 12,000 graves,
and the Old-New Synagogue, Europe’s oldest active synagogue, completed in 1270.
• The evening is open. Our hotel is located within easy walking distance of restaurants,
stores and the spectacular Charles Bridge. Performances – Prague is truly a city of music
with performances taking place every day in a variety of venues. We will let everyone
know when the schedules for the Opera House, State and National Theaters are known.
SEPTEMBER
5
SATURDAY
Saturday, September 5 (Day 9) | Prague
Breakfast, Reception
• This morning, we visit the Gothic and Baroque buildings on Castle Hill by coach. Sites
include the Hradcany Castle (seat of Bohemian Kings and Holy Roman Emperors), St.
Vitus Cathedral and Loreto Chapel. At Strahov Monastery, we will see its priceless
frescoes and its collection of rare books and manuscripts. Weather permitting, we will
return to our hotel on foot via the Charles Bridge.
• The afternoon is open to further enjoy Prague.
• Concluding reception this evening at Four Seasons
Sunday, September 6 (Day 10) | Prague to Home
Breakfast
SEPTEMBER
6
• Transfer to Prague Airport for your flights to New York.
SUNDAY
5
TOUR PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
•
Deluxe hotel accommodations:
two nights at Le Méridien Hotel, Budapest
three nights at Imperial Hotel, Vienna
three nights at Four Seasons Hotel, Prague
•
Hotel taxes and porterage
•
Buffet breakfast daily
•
Welcome reception at Le Méridien (certainly enough for dinner)
•
Dinner at Gundels in Budapest
•
Lunch in Bratislava
•
Welcome dinners in Prague and Vienna
•
Farewell reception at Four Seasons Hotel Prague with heavy hors d’oeuvre
•
Visits to active construction sites and meetings with electrical contractors in Vienna & Prague
•
Transfers from the airport on arrival in Budapest and upon departing Prague
•
Guided tours of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague per itinerary
•
Services of an ATA tour director throughout
•
Gratuities for local tour guides and drivers
•
Fodor’s (or similar) Traveler’s Guide plus a tour manual, with information on clothing, currencies and
airport procedures
Tour Package Cost
$6,555 per contractor (double or single occupancy)
$2,841 spouse or accompanying person
For additional travelers – contact the ATA tour director
6
Features not included – Airfare; items of a personal
nature, such as laundry, telephone calls, meals and
beverages not specified, international departure taxes.
All beverages are included in the welcome and farewell
receptions. Otherwise, they are individual expenses.
Hotel Notes – All three 5-star hotels are vastly different
older buildings and the rooms therefore differ in size
and location. We are booked in upper categories to
insure good experiences. The Imperial will be a step up
from Le Méridien in terms of elegance & charm. Due to
the accommodations, Four Seasons Hotel will be the
highlight.
Le Méridien, Budapest – pays homage to the Belle
Époque period. Built at the beginning of the 20th
century, it began as the headquarters of an Italian
insurance company. This hotel is about the rooms. We
are booked in Executive Doubles, which are cornerrooms, quite nice and roomy (400+square feet). They
are in somewhat limited supply on a “first come”
basis. Next category is a Business Suite for which the
supplemental cost for the two-night stay is $200.
www.lemeridienbudapest.com
www.lemeridienbudapest.com/en/rooms/executiveroom
Imperial Hotel Vienna – This hotel began as the city’s
most prominent ducal palace and still carries the
“old Vienna” look and feel. The hotel is layered with
history that dates back to the days just prior to the
Austro-Prussian War. We’re booked in their elegant
Deluxe Rooms, which average 380 - 400 square feet
in size. If you wish to upgrade to a Junior Suite, the
supplemental cost for the three nights is $386.
www.imperialvienna.com/en
www.imperialvienna.com/en/rooms/deluxe
Four Seasons Hotel Prague – Despite its size, Four
Seasons is the most luxurious hotel in Bohemia.
Located beside the River Vitava, the hotel has woven
luxury into a trio of historic buildings that reflect
classical, renaissance and baroque styles. Although it
increased our tour cost a bit, we were able to capitalize
on a special rate offered for their Renaissance rooms
that were recently renovated and filled with modern
and antique fashions blended with painted boiseries,
chandeliers, high ceilings and large windows.
The minimum size is 430 square feet.
www.fourseasons.com/prague
www.fourseasons.com/prague/accommodations/
guest_rooms/renaissance_room
7
CONDITIONS
Reservations and Payment: Reservations are due by February 27th and will be confirmed by American Travel
Association (ATA), upon receipt of the Reservation Form and deposit. Reservations require a $400 per person deposit
to accompany the Reservation Form. Receipt of final payment is due in the office of ATA no later than June 1st, 2015.
For reservations received after June 1st, full payment is due with the Reservation Form. All payments must be made
by check payable to American Travel Association or by Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
Cancellation: Land Package: A $300 per person administrative fee will be charged regardless of the reason for
cancellation. Penalty on cancellations received between June 1 and 23 is 50% of the tour price. After June 23, 100%
of the tour price, depending upon the amount recoverable from the suppliers to whom payment had been sent.
Administrative fees are required to offset non-refundable hotel and supplier payments made by ATA in advance of
the tour. There will be no refunds once the tour has begun. Cancellations must be made in writing to ATA. To avoid
discrepancies, ATA will not act on information given over the phone until written notice has been received.
For Information Contact the Tour Operator:
Geoff Robertson
American Travel Association
2126 Piedmont Lake Road
Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Phone:706-663-2171
Fax: 706-225-2551
e-mail: [email protected]
Weather: These countries are on the same latitude as Nova Scotia, and we can expect similar late summer weather,
which should be quite comfortable. The average high temperature in Budapest, for example, is 75, the low 58. Nine
days of the month average some rain.
Health: The Participants represents that neither he nor she nor anyone traveling with him or her has any physical
or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or herself or other members of the tour. This
program involves walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs at locations that are not handicap accessible. A
letter of explanation of any physical or mental condition which may require medical attention or special equipment
(wheelchair, for example) must be enclosed with the Reservation Form.
Airline Contract: The usual passage contract when the ticket is issued shall constitute the sole contract between the
airline and the tour participant. ATA shall not be liable for airline cancellation penalties incurred by purchasing nonrefundable tickets.
Trip cancellation insurance: Trip cancellation Insurance can be obtained from Allianz www.allianztravelinsurance.com
either on-line or over the phone (800-284-8300). The airlines also have good insurance options. Trip cancellation insurance
is a good idea because it offsets non-refundable air, hotel, and operator charges. Please note the Pre-Existing Conditions
Exclusion in the Medical Conditions section. If one exists, you need to purchase the insurance within 14 days of your first
payment. Allianz has a number of plans. For most, the Basic Plan is fine. However, everyone has different needs, which you
should discuss with them. Also check with your insurance agent to see what is covered under your existing homeowners
and medical policies. For example, suitcases and contents are probably covered under your homeowner’s.
8
Conditions (CONTinued)
Prices: The tour price is subject to change due to land cost increases and foreign exchange fluctuation. ATA reserves the
right to change the price for such reasons or changes in the number of participants (26) upon which the tour costs are
based. All prices are based on rates and tariffs in effect on November 24, 2014.
Responsibility: American Travel Association (ATA), the New York Electrical Contractors Association (NYECA) and/or their
employees or agents, act only on behalf of the owners and contractors providing means of transportation or other services
such as hotels and restaurants to purchasers of this tour and their travel companions (Participants), subject to any and
all items and conditions under which any transportation or any other services whatsoever are provided by such owners
and contractors. ATA and NYECA, their affiliates and their employees and agents (collectively ATA and NYECA) shall not
be liable or responsible to Participants for the acts or omissions of the aforesaid owners, contractors and employees
thereof supplying transportation or other services hereunder, including but not limited to breach of contract, intentional
or negligent delay or bodily or property loss, injury or damages. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws
of the country in which they’re provided. ATA and NYECA shall not be liable or responsible to Participants for any loss,
injury or death, or other damages caused by or resulting from acts of God, fire, breakdown or defects vehicles, machinery
or equipment, acts of governments and other authorities, wars, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics or quarantines, monetary
crisis, diseases, terrorism or novel conditions. Participants shall have the responsibility to be aware of and determine the
validity of any travel advisories, which may exist. Unless the term “guaranteed” is specifically stated in writing on any
invoice or reservation itinerary, ATA and NYECA do not guarantee any of such suppliers’ rates, bookings or reservations. The
Participants’ retention of air tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the above terms
and conditions. In addition, Participants shall be responsible for conveying the terms and conditions hereunder to travel
companions. If, due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend additional nights
before or after the tour, participants will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers, meals and related costs. Baggage
and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. ATA and NYECA reserve the right to cancel any
itinerary or any part thereof and to make such alterations in the itinerary they deem necessary or desirable.
Travel Advisories/Warnings: These countries are quite safe and no warning exists at this time. However, it’s the
responsibility of the Participant to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring
to the U. S. State Department’s travel website at www.travel.state.gov or by phone at 1-888-407- 4747. In the event of
an active State Department Travel Warning against travel to any of the specific destinations included in the tour, should
the Participant still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, the Participant assumes all risk of
personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against. The State
Department’s travel information will be sent by American Travel with the welcome letter, and ATA will keep current with
any travel advisories.
Proof of Citizenship and Visa Requirements: A valid passport is required for travel, which must be valid for 3 months
after your travel dates; please be sure there are 3 blank pages. You can now apply for a passport at your local post office or
the U.S. Passport Agency nearest you. Visas are not necessary for American citizens traveling to Hungary, Austria, Slovakia
or the Czech Republic.
Tax Deductibility: Current U.S. tax regulations allow deductibility for travel and subsistence expenses incurred in travel
related to trade or business. It is the responsibility of the traveler to become familiar with and adhere to the specific
reporting requirements imposed.
9
Return by February 27, 2015
NYECS 2015 International Study Mission - Reservation Form
Name(s) __________________________________________________________________________________
(as they appear on your passports)
Passport Number/s Him ________________________________ Her ________________________________
* Please correspond to the following __ office __ home address:
Company (if applicable) ____________________________________________________________________
Street __________________________________________________ Apt/Suite_________________________
City ________________________________ State ____________________ Postal Code _________________
Cell Phone # ________________________________________ Fax __________________________________
Other preferred Phone_____________________________________________________________________
Email ___________________________________________________________________________________
First or preferred name ____________________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact Name(s)_________________________________________________________________
Email address _____________________________________________________________________________
Phone # ___________________________________ Relationship ___________________________________
Hotel Rooms
I/we prefer one bed; if no kings available, queen is OK
I/we prefer a two-bedded room
If no king, need two beds
Room Upgrades
1) LeMeridien
Yes upgrade to a Business Suite, $200 supplement
Early Arrival – we will arrive on ___________________ ($389/night inclusive)
2) Imperial
Yes, upgrade to a Junior Suite $386 supplement
Early Arrival I/we plan to arrive in Budapest September ______________
Deposit A deposit of $400 per person is due with the Reservation Form. Payments can be by check, Visa,
MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit cards. Enclosed is a check payable to American Travel Association in the amount of _______________.
** If you wish to use credit card:
Number __________________________________________________________________________________
Expiration date ____________________________________________________________________________
Name on card _____________________________________________________________________________
Security Code _____________________________________________________________________________
Billing address of cardholder if different from above
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature _________________________________________________________________________________
I have read and understand the conditions set forth in this brochure. Reservations will not be accepted
without signature here ______________________________________________________________________.
Return form to: American Travel Association, 2126 Piedmont Lake Road, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Secure Fax: 706-225-2551; or scan & email – [email protected]
10
FOUNDED 1892
ELECTRICAL
CO N T R AC TO R S
A S S O C I AT I O N I N C
INTERNATIONAL
STUDY MISSION
2015
HOW TO REGISTER
1
Print Reservation Form
2
Mail your Reservation Form
with payment
3
For travel and accommodation
questions call:
Geoff Robertson
P: (706) 663-2171
E: [email protected]
For other questions call:
Diane Springer
P: (212) 482-0530
E: [email protected]
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