MONTREAL, Jan. 21, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Travellers looking to discover the treasures of Europe for the first time, as well as those making a return trip to explore new sights and sounds, will be spoiled for choice when they see Transat's vast selection of packages, tours, cruises and à la carte travel suggestions for the 2016 season. Products on offer this year include a direct flight to Zagreb, Croatia, new vacation packages including cycling trips in partnership with Vélo Québec, and increased flight frequencies. The latest line-up is showcased in Transat's new 2016 Europe brochure.
"We are proud to continue expansion of our transatlantic offering, with the most diversified portfolio available to travellers," says Annick Guérard, General Manager, Transat Tours Canada. "Our expertise in Europe travel has once again led us to develop new markets: we're building on the success of our Prague and Budapest routes by introducing Croatia to our customers this year. With 28 destinations served directly and an impressive selection of vacation packages, à la carte hotels, tours and cruises, Transat provides every type of traveller with great options for enjoying Europe at their own pace, according to their budgets and tastes."
Direct flights to Zagreb and 27 other destinations
Following the successful introduction of service to Prague and Budapest in recent years, Transat is debuting a direct route to Zagreb, Croatia, in 2016. Setting out from this gateway, travellers can soak up Eastern Europe's rich culture and explore jewels of the country's western coast, such as Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar and the island of Mljet, renowned for sumptuous beaches and splendid architectural heritage. Direct flights will depart from Toronto every Tuesday from June 14 to October 4, with connector flights from Montreal making the route accessible to travellers in or near that city.
Zagreb is the latest addition to the list of European cities served by direct flights out of Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. With service to 28 European destinations in 13 countries, Transat is sure to satisfy travellers eager for discovery by showcasing many of its extremely popular routes. Transat's expansion includes flights to Glasgow from Montreal and to Rome from Vancouver. In addition, the connecting flight program has been enhanced to make even more destinations accessible from various Canadian cities.
Transat also offers open-jaw options, which allow customers to land in one European city and take off from another, at no extra cost—one more way for travellers to expand their horizons and explore several cities during the same trip. A voyage that starts with an immersion in the arts and culture of Paris could end with an idyllic getaway in romantic Venice, for example.
All passengers winging their way to Europe will enjoy the incomparable in-flight experience provided by Air Transat, which has been named Best North American Leisure Airline four years running. Cabin comfort, personalized inflight entertainment system accessible via individual touch screens or on-board Wi-Fi, free checked baggage and attentive cabin-crew service are just some of the things that make flying with Air Transat such a pleasure. Full meal service is offered to all passengers including those in economy and those travelling in the very popular Club Class.
More than 300 packages, including six cycling trips
This year Transat has 314 holiday packages allowing customers to explore European cities and their surrounding countryside, either as part of trips to various locations with activities and transportation included, or through air-hotel packages giving vacationers the freedom to plan their own excursions and visits.
Transat's flexible, hassle-free formula is well suited to individual travellers allowing them to combine multiple cities, fulfilling every possible yearning for adventure at their desired pace. New this year: bicycle-touring enthusiasts, whether beginners or seasoned athletes, can set out on two wheels to explore the castles of France's Loire Valley, the Douro wine country in Portugal, or the rugged shorelines of Spain's Costa Brava. Six cycling packages are available in partnership with Vélo Québec Voyages, including flights, accommodation, breakfast, porterage from one stop to the next and a route map, so that couples, families and groups can explore these picturesque regions from a new perspective.
An impressive range of guided tours and cruises
Guided tours provide a way to travel worry-free, exploring destinations in depth thanks to comments from enthusiastic, knowledgeable guides, while being sure not to miss any of the must-do attractions. With their time-tested itineraries, strategically located hotels, experienced guides, and a wide range of included options like selected meals and air-conditioned coaches, Transat's Guided Tours offer the chance to discover the most beautiful things Europe has to offer with complete peace of mind.
Transat is the exclusive distributor for French language Trafalgar Tours, a company renowned for delivering unique travel experiences to its customers for nearly 70 years. Available for travellers departing from Montreal only, these 18 high-quality tours provide the opportunity to explore legendary locales in one or more countries.
In the same spirit of discovery, Transat offers an extensive selection of river and ocean cruises in Europe, allowing passengers to visit several destinations while enjoying unbeatable comfort and excellent value.
A wealth of à la carte suggestions
Travellers with a gift for organization can build their own vacation experience from scratch by choosing among a wide range of options to match every taste and budget. They can book their own flights, accommodations, vehicle rentals, and even tours and activities. And if they need a helping hand, they can trust Transat's expert recommendations, like suggestions of affordable hotels or family-friendly lodgings.
More savings + greater flexibility = fewer hassles
It's no secret that every vacationer wants to enjoy Europe at the best possible price. With Transat's Early Booking promotions, they can take advantage of reduced deposit amounts, travel credits, Price Drop Guarantee, and free transfers when purchasing Europe packages, cruises and tours. But, as the name suggests, the key is to book early!
For the first time, travellers to Europe can now take advantage of Option Flex when booking their vacation package. This protection, previously available only with the company's Sun destinations packages, is much appreciated for the flexibility and peace of mind that it provides. Option Flex lets customers change their departure date, destination or hotel up to 72 hours before departure, transfer a vacation package to another person up to seven days before departure and, subject to certain conditions, cancel their trip and get a full refund. This protection is available at a cost of $89 per person, with purchase of a Europe package only (restrictions apply).
To view the Europe 2016 brochure and explore Transat's many travel suggestions for this summer, visit www.transat.com.
About Transat Tours Canada
A specialist in holiday travel to every continent, Transat Tours Canada develops and commercializes a vast array of products, from beach vacations to guided tours to cruises, under the Transat, Air Transat, Nolitours and TMR Holidays brands. Transat Tours Canada is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., one of the largest integrated tourism companies in the world.
SOURCE Transat A.T. Inc.
Debbie Cabana, Marketing Director, Social Media and Public Relations, Transat Tours Canada, 514 987-1616, ext. 4662