Click on our Western Front tour dates (tab at the top of the page) to see our small group set departure dates and all the information you require.
The start and finish of our tour begins in Paris, France. The tour has been crafted to not only explore our Great war history but enjoy the touristy activities on the regions we travel though; in addition to this there is opportunities to explore France in detail.
Addition services we offer from our ordinary tour information is the opportunity to share with us your personal interest in the Western Front battles, and, should that interest involve the service of a relative, family friend. If you desire inform us about the interest or significance events prior to the tour and we will do our best to accommodate your especial requirements within the programme’s limits – or provide consultative advice on how your requirements may best be achieved. Our Western Front staff understand what this can mean as we too have family who served in the First AIF.
Private Group Tours
Enquire about our private group tour’s. We can host school groups, corporate groups, family groups and mates looking to tour the Western Front.
June 28th 1914 the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and his wife Sophie are shot dead in Sarajevo. The assassinations are the work of Serbian nationalists who want to bring the empire’s Slav territory into a greater Serbia.
July 23rd 1914 Austria-Hungary’s reacts to the killings of the Archduke when it sends an ultimatum to Serbia with 48 hours to comply to its strict terms. A day later Germany declares it’s support to Austria-Hungary.
By July 25th 1914 Serbia orders its troops to mobilise while Russia, bound by treaty to Serbia, arranges for soldiers to be stationed on the Austrian frontier.
On July 28th Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.
Britain warns Germany that it cannot remain neutral in a European conflict. Germany prepares for war and sends an ultimatum to Russia demanding that military preparations are stopped within 12 hours. Britain asks France and Germany to declare their support for the ongoing neutrality of Belgium – but while France agrees, Germany does not respond.
By the 3rd of August Germany declares war on France. Britain than is compelled to give the order for its troops to mobilise. That same day Britain gives Austria-Hungary an ultimatum to stand down from hostilities.
Germany sends a message to Belgium that it will “treat her as an enemy” if the country does not allow free passage of German troops across Belgium land to fight the French.
Finally on the 4th August 1914 with Britain having failed to receive reply from Germany assuring the neutrality of Belgium, and citing a “moral obligation” to defend France and Belgium, declares war on Germany.
Being a dominion of the British Empire Prime Minister Joseph Cook and Opposition Leader Andrew Fisher, who were in the midst of an election campaign, pledged full support for Britain. If Britain was at war so to was Australia.
The outbreak of war was greeted in Australia with great enthusiasm with thousands rushing to volunteer in what was to become the first AIF.
The period 1916 to 1918 saw the First Australian Imperial Force (AIF) involved in a bitter action on the mainland of Europe after the failed Gallipoli campaign. It was here in this theatre of battle that the result of the First World War – The Great War – was decided under conditions often beyond full description and at terrible cost to those involved on the battlefields and those at home in Australia. The Australians and New Zealanders gained worldwide recognition and esteem for their contribution to victory. That legacy remains and commands our respect as we visit the sites where on, over and under those tumultuous events unfolded.
In a nation with a population of fewer than five million over 416,000 men enlisted, of whom more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner. Lest We Forget.
Our Western Front Tour Brief Itinerary
Arrival location Charles de Gaulle Airport (Paris) and transfer to Roissy. Overnight stay
Le Hamel, battlefield visit
Site of Axford VC and Dalziell VC actions
Amiens, battlefield visit – Site of Gaby VC action
Gaby VC Cemetery visit
Site of McCarthy VC action and 11th Bn Lihons advance
Lunch Amiens
Visit Chateau Bertangles ( Monash’s HQ of note)
Check in and overnight in Amiens
Depart Amiens approx 0330h, to Australian National Memorial Villers Bretonneux
Dawn Service : arrive at Memorial about 0400h. Service end about 0630h
End dawn Service, clear area about 0700h, return Amiens for breakfast
Free time until lunch
Depart Amiens 1230h
Bullecourt Little Cross Memorial 1320h; Battlefield Tour and Inspect
Noreuil Visit
Bullecourt Town Service commence 1500h
Australian Little Digger Memorial Service commence 1600h
Bullecourt Town commemoration celebration participate
Depart Bullecourt for Amiens about 1730h
Amiens arrival about 1820h, to accom and dinner
Overnight in Amiens
Another day jammed packed with sight seeing and commemoration.
Today we will visit Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery & identities
Flanders Fields Museum Ieper
Lunch
Poperinge execution site and cells
Talbot House
Check in Poperinge accommodation
Overnight in Poperinge
Spanbroekmolen crater.
Messines Church – Freckleton VC memorial and Hitler painting
NZ Memorial – pill boxes and view of Messines attack
Irish Tower
Prowse Point, Mud Corner, 1914 Truce plaque
Messines, battlefield visit J Carroll VC site
Bethlehem Farm East Cemetery, 44th Bn connection
Messines, battlefield visit – 48th Bn area near Huns Walk
Messines, battlefield visit 12 and 13th Bde attacks
Lunch stop at Hooge Crater and Museum visit
Hill 60
Menin old city ramparts walk
Menin Gate Ceremony Option
Poperinge, to accommodation
Today our tour includes visits to;
Menin Road and Hellfire Corner
Ypres, battlefield visit – Glencorse Wood and Nonne Bosschen attack
Ypres, battlefield visit – Polygon Wood attack
5th Division Memorial and Zonnebeke Five
Lunch at Café de Dreve
Passchendaele, battlefield and Museum visit
Tyne Cot visit
Overnight in Poperinge
Visiting Langemarck German Cemetery visit & battlefield
Brugges visit – Free Time (lunch and afternoon)
Overnight Poperinge
Day 8 – Fromelles to Peronne
Wednesday 30 April
Depart Poperinge
Merris (if necessary)
Armentieres Nursery Sector visit, Bridoux Salient
Black Anzacs
Fromelles, battlefield visit Cobbers’ Memorial, VC Corner
Lunch at Fromelles
Pheasant Wood Cemetery and Hitler Bunker
Vimy Ridge – Monument and preserved battlefield trenches
Drive to Peronne and check in. Suggest Historiale Museum visit.
Overnight Peronne
Depart Poperinge
Merris (if necessary)
Armentieres Nursery Sector visit, Bridoux Salient
Black Anzacs
Fromelles, battlefield visit Cobbers’ Memorial, VC Corner
Lunch at Fromelles
Pheasant Wood Cemetery and Hitler Bunker
Vimy Ridge – Monument and preserved battlefield trenches
Drive to Peronne and check in. Suggest Historiale Museum visit.
Overnight Peronne
Lochnagar Crater visit.
Pozieres Trench, battlefield visit. 11th Bn attack
1st Division Memorial and site of K Trench visit
Pozieres, Windmill battlefield visit. 7th Brigade attack
Mouquet Farm, battlefield visit, scene of O’Meara VC
Lunch at Le Tommy’s
Thiepval Memorial and shop visit
Irish Tower
Beaumont Hamel – Newfoundland Memorial visit
Hebuterne, battlefield visit. – 16th Bn defence : to Amiens
Overnight, dinner in Peronne
Delville Wood
AIF Burial Ground visit
The Maze, battlefield visit – 28th Bn attack
Stormy Trench, battlefield visit – scene of Harry Murray VC
Lunch in Bapaume
Lagnicourt/Boursies, battlefields visit – scene of Lt Pope VC
Overnight in Peronne
Albert Museum visit
Dernacourt, battlefield visit
Morlancourt, battlefield visit
Lunch at La Boisselle
3rd Division Memorial
Red Baron scene visit
Sailly Laurette, battlefield visit
Villers-Bretonneux Australian Memorial visit (Sir John Monash Centre)
Victoria School, Adelaide Cemetery
Overnight Peronne
Today we explore the 2nd Division Memorial again another reminder of the lives lost during the First World War.
Towards end of August the German troops occupied at their last stronghold at Mont St Quentin. The 2nd Australian Division crossed the Somme River and attacked Mont St Quentin at 5 am on the 1st September 5 German divisions where dispersed of and Mont St Quentin captured. We tour the battlefield of Mont St Quentin.
The Hindenburg Line was a formidable series of battles over the period of 1916, 1917 and after the spring offensive in 1918 as the allies turned the tide of the war. Australian troops involved in these actions are unearthed today as we explore the Hindenburg Outpost Line and the final attacks from the 11th and 16th Battalions.
Next stop is Le Verguier battlefield site visit and the scene of Woods VC, followed by the 4th Division Memorial before lunch.
Our last group lunch will be at Ricqueval.
After lunch we visit the Somme American Memorial and the Scene of 44th Battalions last attack.
Beaurevoir Line is the next battlefield visit the site of the Scene of 28th Battalions last attack.
Estrees, scene of Wark VC and 32nd Battalion last action.
If time permits we endeavour to visit the Maissemy German Cemetery before returning to the hotel .
Relocate to Roissy
Visit Compiegne Railway carriage Museum – site of the Armistice Signatures to end The Great War
Overnight stay at Roissy.
Relocate to Roissy Overnight stay.
Back to Home airports (Australia) or optional extension ( Paris etc )
Cost may adjust to major fluctuations of the Australian Dollar to the Euro
What’s Included
Escape Trekking Adventures Polo Shirt
11 nights Accommodation included-twin share basis (single share additional)
11 Breakfast included
5 Lunches included
All entry fees included
All land and marine transport included
Expert Australian guide and war historian included
Local tour guide at relevant locations
First aid trained guides
History of the Western Front campaign
Public Liability Insurance Cover (under written by Lloyds of London for 10 million)
Certificate of Completion
Transfers to and from hotel at beginning and completion of the tour
What’s not Included
Lunch and dinner arrangements (suggested locations each meal)
Medication & injections as recommended by your personal Doctor/The Travel Doctor
$15 postage and handling charge of your registration packs
International Flights
Personal Travel Insurance (must have)
Passport (must have more than 6 month validation on departure)
Single share supplement should you not be able to be paired up for a hotel room with the same gender
Single Supplement
If you would like to have your own privacy in the hotel this luxury comes at a price of $1045 for the entire trip. You can select this option while booking your tour or after the booking is made contact our office to arrange this optional extra.
Lightweights with rainwear are required for summer and waterproof Medium- to Heavyweights clothing for winter including gloves. A sweater is necessary all year round.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, trekking boots whilst a little heavy can be comfortable to walk around in, but sporting/walking shoes are a good option to use as they are light, breathable and will dry quickly in the if they do get wet (these are our preferred choice of shoe for this tour).
Please do not turn up with thongs or sandals as your only walking attire. Thongs are not that safely suited for walking about in the tour locations as not all surfaces are even (including pavements and footpaths). Walking shoes or light boots are a better option with, perhaps, robust sandals for “after tour hours” where dress standards allow.
You will need very little equipment for this tour however a good small day pack to carry around loose items for each day, a small first aid kit covering basics for a small graze etc. (Quality first aid kits can be obtained through us starting from a little over $20). An emergency sewing kit can come in handy from time to time and any medications prescribed by your doctor.
Your passport must be valid and have at least 6 months before expiry on your entry date to France.
Extract from Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Smart-traveller information site:
“Australians seeking to enter countries that are parties to the Schengen Convention are advised that only the country you plan to visit can provide up-to-date and accurate information about its specific visa requirements. Travellers should contact the nearest High Commission, Embassy or Consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Generally, Australian tourists planning to spend less than a total of 90 days within a 180 day period in the ‘Schengen area’ do not require visas for countries which are parties to the Schengen Convention.
The following countries are parties to the Schengen Convention: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could result in a fine or create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities throughout the Schengen area. A number of changes were approved in June 2013 to entry arrangements under the Schengen Convention. From 19 July 2013 you may be refused entry to the Schengen area if you have less than three months validity
remaining on your passport from your intended date of departure from the Schengen area. See the revised Regulations for further information.”
For full details on requirements for Australian passport holders for approval to enter on arrival please refer to the information provided by the Australian Government.
This tour is graded 4 out 10 Easy grade (self assessed medical questionnaire required).This will be sent to you upon booking and you will be required to return the form completed and signed by your doctor 70 days prior to departure.
There is some sections of the tour where you will be standing or walking for a prolonged period while visiting the historical attractions.
Only a basic level of cardio is required to walk short distances over formed paths and good terrain to reach the sites and attractions.
So you have decided to choose Escape Trekking Adventures to facilitate your Western Front adventure, Great choice!
What are the processes to book, pay and complete your Western Front tour?
Escape Trekking Adventures Terms & Conditions
(Booking Terms & conditions including cancelation policy)
Please read carefully these terms and conditions of this contract.
In completing and submitting the Booking Form, you agree to be bound by these conditions which constitute the agreement between Escape Trekking Adventures ABN 71 827 095 874 and you. No purported variation of these conditions will be effective unless in writing and signed by a person so authorised by Escape Trekking Adventures. In these terms and conditions reference to “Escape Trekking Adventures representatives” means tour leaders and staff of Escape Trekking Adventures and its officers, employees, agents, licensees, guides and other third parties and representatives and the land management authorities in each country in which the tour is conducted, or any of them.
If you do not want agree to Escape Trekking Adventures using these images, you must inform Escape Trekking Adventures in writing prior to the departure of the trip.
6.Health & Fitness Requirements. You must be in good health and physical condition and are strongly advised to follow our pre departure fitness training recommendations, where necessary. For many of our tours you will be required to submit a medical questionnaire completed by you or your doctor as proof that you are fit enough to participate in the tour. If you have booked a tour graded 1-5 the only time that a medical questionnaire will be required by your doctor is where you have a pre existing medical condition, are over 65 years of age. This will be sent to you upon booking and you will be required to return the form completed and signed by your doctor 70 days prior to departure. If you have booked for a tour graded 6-10 you will be sent a medical form upon booking and you will be required to have your doctor complete and sign your medical questionnaire and return to us 60 days prior to departure. If you suffer from severe muscular, chest heart or bronchial disorders, or if you are a severe asthmatic, or have high blood pressure, you are strongly advised against participating. Tours take place in remote areas where there is little or no access to normal medical services or hospital facilities for serious problems. Evacuation, where necessary, can be prolonged, difficult and expensive. Medical and evacuation expenses will be your responsibility. While we do not discriminate by age, due to the extreme nature of our mountaineering trips we strongly discourage participants over 60 years of age. Escape Trekking Adventures reserves the right in its absolute discretion to refuse a participant.
7. Medical Disclosure. It is your responsibility and you must advise Escape Trekking Adventures of any pre-existing medical condition and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of you requiring medical attention while on our tours. Escape Trekking Adventures or our suppliers may require additional medical assessment by a medical practitioner. Escape Trekking Adventures reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your booking and refund the money paid by you, less any unrecoverable costs. Escape Trekking Adventures also reserves the right to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Generally, we do not allow travelers under the age of 12 years. However we will occasionally make exceptions for under-18s traveling with their legal guardian or following discussion with parents or legal guardian. The decision for any person less than 18 years of age to travel on our scheduled itineraries is at the absolute discretion of the directors and guides of Escape Trekking Adventures. We reserve the right to;
You declare and warrant that
8. Tour Leaders. Escape Trekking Adventures reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure. In this condition, ‘tour leader’ includes both the nominated tour leader and any other nominated person given at any time the task of leading or supervising any aspect of the tour. Escape Trekking Adventures tour leaders take their responsibilities seriously and if for any reason a tour leader believes, in his or her absolute discretion, that you should not participate in the tour, before your departure, even if you pass your medical, he/she may exclude you from the tour. In this event, but subject to condition 6, you will be offered the option of taking another tour considered suitable for you or a full refund. If for any reason during a tour the tour leader considers you should not participate further due to you committing an illegal act, or in the opinion of the nominated tour leader, your behavior is causing or is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others, or your fitness or health is inadequate, he or she may direct you not to continue and you must follow the nominated tour leader’s instructions. In this case you will not be entitled to any refund. Travel insurance may compensate you depending on the circumstances. Escape Trekking Adventures reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any tour. If that happens, Escape Trekking Adventures will try to ensure that the alternative tour leader has expertise commensurate with that of the tour leader. Any such change by Escape Trekking Adventures will not give rise to any right on your part to cancel the tour or claim any expenses, loss or damage which may be suffered.
9. Cancelation by Escape Trekking Adventures. Escape Trekking Adventures reserves the right to cancel a departure and will advise you of such cancelations no later than 30 days before the tour departure date. If due to ‘Force Majeure’ or government travel advice, Escape Trekking Adventures reserves the right to cancel a departure at any time. With any form of cancelation, Escape Trekking Adventures will do it’s best to offer you alternative arrangements if available, and if the price of your alternative adventure is of lower value than the original booking we will refund the difference to you. If you do not accept alternative arrangements we will refund all payments you have made to Escape Trekking Adventures, (in case of ‘Force Majeure’ or government travel advice refunds will be less any unrecoverable costs). Escape Trekking Adventures will not be liable for any additional costs incurred by you.
Force Majeure Escape Trekking Adventures will not be liable for any delay in, change to or cancelation of trips due to ‘Force Majeure’. ‘Force Majeure’ definition means a circumstance beyond the reasonable control of Escape Trekking Adventures and includes, but is not limited to, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, industrial or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and strikes.
Escape Trekking Adventures and or its third party reserve the right either before or during the course of the tour to refuse to carry or accommodate any client which it reasonably considers, in the light of the best interests of all participants within the tour group and crew, to be unsuitable by reason of physical or mental condition or unruly behavior.
10. Cancelation due to small tour numbers. Escape Trekking Adventures reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure in the event that there are too few people booked on a tour in which case you will be given a full refund of the tour price paid by you. You will not be entitled to claim any additional amounts or seek any compensation for any injury, loss, expenses or damage (either direct or consequential) or for any loss of time or inconvenience which may result from such cancellation (including but not limited to visa, passport and vaccination charges, or departure, gear purchases, airport and airline taxes). We require a minimum of 6 trekkers in a selected trek. If numbers fall to 6 or below, we reserve the right to cancel, or change dates of the trek or refer you to another existing trek. Trek numbers are regularly reviewed and we will notify you of any cancelations no later than 50 days prior to your selected trek.
If numbers for your selected trek decrease below 6 people, you may be required to pay a small group trekking fee should you wish to proceed with the tour. A $4-600 fee per person is required to be paid. This does not happen very often, so if you have any questions regarding this just ask.
11. Itineraries and brochures. Itineraries and other details are published in good faith as statements of intention only and reasonable changes in the itinerary and related items may be made where deemed necessary or advisable by Escape Trekking Adventures. The information contained in Escape Trekking Adventures brochures, itineraries, and internet site is, to the best of Escape Trekking Adventures belief, correct at the date of publishing.
12. Route changes, Postponement, Cancellation or Delay. Escape Trekking Adventures reserves the right to:
Cancel or modify any routes within the tour or objectives set out in the itinerary; or
Substitute different or equivalent routes within the tour in place of cancelled or modified routes, or
Postpone, cancel or delay (either in relation to the departure or arrival times or the duration of the tour) any such aspect of the tour if, in the absolute discretion of Escape Trekking Adventures, it is necessary to do so due to inclement weather, snow or icy conditions or conditions that are otherwise likely to be hazardous or dangerous or due to any other adverse or threatening conditions whether political or military or terrorist or otherwise or if, in the absolute discretion of Escape Trekking Adventures, there is a likelihood of any such event occurring which may impact upon the safety of the participants, or if an act or omission of a third party prevents the tour or the aspect of the tour being undertaken in accordance with your booking or for any other reason considered necessary by Escape Trekking Adventures. In the event of any change, modification, cancellation postponement or delay under this condition, you acknowledge that you will have no right of refund of the tour price (whether in whole or in part) and no right to claim compensation for any injury, loss or damage or other additional expenses incurred by virtue of the change, modification, cancellation postponement or delay. Escape Trekking Adventures also reserves, in its absolute discretion, the right to cancel any tour due to any government travel warning or advice, or any change in such warning or advice. In this event, condition 4 applies as if you had transferred or cancelled the tour at the date that Escape Trekking Adventures cancelled the tour due to the governmental travel warning or advice. Travel insurance may compensate you depending on the circumstances.
13. Tour Prices. Package prices are per person based on ground costs, fuel prices, airfares, exchange rates and assumptions made at the time of printing the brochure. Escape Trekking Adventures tries its utmost not to increase tour prices, however sometimes increases are outside its control. The most current prices will be listed at www.escapetrekkingadventures.com.au so visit the website before booking. Escape Trekking Adventures reserves the right to amend tour prices without notice at any time before and including the departure date. Amendments may be necessitated for many reasons including, but not limited to, exchange rate fluctuations, increased fuel costs, airfares, airport charges, increases in ground operator service fees, or the need to engage alternative air or ground operators. Any increase in tour prices must be paid prior to the departure date.
14. Proof of citizenship or information required to travel. It is your responsibility to obtain proper identification or proof of citizenship as required by the authorities of the destination to which you are travelling. You will not be entitled to a refund if you are denied boarding or entry on any basis, including without limitation, improper documentation or failure to provide information. It is recommended that your passport is valid for six months beyond the date of your return home to your home country.
15. Airlines and other transport providers. Any material published by Escape Trekking Adventures, the Booking Form and these conditions of contract are not issued on behalf of, and do not commit any airline whose services are used or proposed to be used in the course of the tour. In the event that an airline’s proposed travel or fare schedule is amended or cancelled, such amendment or cancellation will not be considered a cancellation of the tour by Escape Trekking Adventures. Any flights or other transport forming part of the tour arrangements are subject to the conditions of the carrying airline or other transport entity, which in most cases limits the airlines’ or other transport entity’s.
16. Exclusions from tour price. Without limitation, the following items are excluded from the tour price:
Personal travel insurance;
Visa, passport and vaccination charges;
Departure, airport and airline taxes and on some tours internal domestic flights;
Extra meals, transport costs, accommodation costs, or other expenses not included in the itinerary; laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses & items of a personal nature; emergency evacuation and/or emergency search charges;
Additional expenses caused by delay, accidents or disruption of planned itineraries;
Tips, onboard beverages and excess
17. Assumptions of Risk. You understand and will accept that your proposed tour may expose you to inherent dangers. Only people in good physical and mental condition should undertake this tour. Our tours are physically and mentally challenging you will be required to consult with your Doctor and ensure that your health is sound and you are able to undertake a rigorous training program as necessary to complete this tour. You must accept that you will be traveling through remote areas where external assistance may be delayed or unavailable if an unforeseen event occurs. This may be due to medical, weather or political situations and may affect you or other members of the group or our trekking crew. You must understand and accept that a medical emergency in this remote area may be life threatening and by completing your booking form you accept these potential adverse and unfavorable conditions and potential life threatening situations as your choice. You acknowledge and agree that:
By the very nature of adventure travel and trekking holidays, they are more challenging and demanding with a commensurately higher level of risk compared with conventional holidays, and involve potential exposure to injury and possibly death;
In the countries and regions in which adventure travel is undertaken, standards of accommodation, transport, health care, hygiene, safety and service provision generally are often not as high as those standards in your country of residence and may require flexibility and patience on your part;
The additional dangers and risks associated with adventure travel may include difficult and dangerous terrain; high altitude; extremes of weather, including sudden and unexpected changes; political instability; remoteness from normal medical services and from communications; and evacuation difficulties in the event of illness or injury;
The enjoyment and excitement of adventure travel is derived in part from the inherent dangers and risks associated with adventure travel and that those inherent dangers and risks are a reason why you wish to undertake the adventure tour, and
You have submitted your booking for the tour after giving due consideration of relevant travel information including, without limitation, any relevant information or advice given by the governments of Australia, New Zealand and Canada, the British Foreign Office and US Department of State and that it is your responsibility to acquaint yourself that information or advice.
For the above reasons you therefore accept the inherent and increased dangers and risks associated with the proposed adventure tour and the accompanying risk of injury, death or property damage or loss.
18. No Liability. You acknowledge and agree that:
Where Escape Trekking Adventures acts as a booking agent for third-party tour operators it accepts no liability for the acts or omissions of those third-party tour operators and does not authorise any suppliers including hotel management to promise refunds on our behalf; and
Operational control of the tour may be in the hands of a third party and that your right of action in regard to any shortcomings of that third party’s performance is against the third party and not against Escape Trekking Adventures; and
Escape Trekking Adventures will not be liable for any breach of any law by any person with whom you travel on the tour; and
You may not rely on any representations concerning the tour made by Escape Trekking Adventures, which are not contained in these conditions.
19. Release and discharge of Liability. To the extent permitted by law, by accepting the additional inherent dangers and risks associated with the tour, you release, waive and discharge all Escape Trekking Adventures representatives from all claims, actions or losses for personal injury or death, property damage, loss of services, loss of profits, consequential, exemplary, indirect or punitive damages or otherwise which may arise
Out of or occur during your travel in connection with the tour or any activities conducted in conjunction with the tour unless caused by the reckless conduct of Escape Trekking Adventures representatives, or
In connection with any optional activities which you may undertake during the course of your tour but which do not comprise part of your tour itinerary and you accept that any assistance given to you by Escape Trekking Adventures representatives in arranging such optional activities will not render the Escape Trekking Adventures representatives liable to you in any way.
20. Australian Consumer Law Under the Australian Consumer Law, statutory guarantees apply to the supply of recreational services of the kind offered by these terms and conditions. “Recreational services” is defined as including activities that involve a significant degree of physical exertion or risk undertaken for the purposes of recreation, enjoyment or leisure. These guarantees mean that Escape Trekking Adventures, as the supplier, is required to ensure that the recreational services it supplies to you are rendered with due care and skill and are fit for their intended purpose. Under the Australian Consumer Law, Escape Trekking Adventures, as supplier, is entitled to ask you to agree that these statutory guarantees will not apply to you. If you sign this form you will be agreeing that your rights under this agreement, if you are killed or injured because the services provided were not rendered in accordance with these statutory guarantees, are excluded, restricted or modified in the way set out in this condition. To the extent permitted by law, you hereby exclude, release and forever discharge all Escape Trekking Adventures representatives from all liability for any and all claims, loss, damage, cost or expense arising from your death or your suffering physical or mental injury or any other condition, occurrence, activity, form of behaviour, course of conduct or state of affairs as specified in section 139A of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (except in the case of liability arising from the reckless conduct on the part of the Escape Trekking Adventures representatives) and connected with your participation in the recreational services which comprise the tour.
22. Cancelation, Amendments, Quotations and transfers
Deposit & Final Payment
The non-refundable $700 Deposit secures your place in the trek, and No bookings will be made until the deposit is paid. This may result in missing the opportunity to be involved, so we suggest you book early.
Once your deposit is paid, your trek place & price is secure.
Balance is due 8 weeks prior to your selected trek.
Quotations
Quotes are valid for 30 Days, after which we reserve the right to increase costs.
Note: Only due to changes beyond our control, such as the exchange rate between Australia and our international destinations /or unexpected increases in outsource services/ costs (charter, accommodation, transport, fees etc) and/or review of trek package and prices, will prices be increased.
If you need to have your quote reviewed please contact us.
Cancelation
If a cancelation is made:
Please note the above is a guide and maybe dependent on what has been booked for your participation in the trek itinerary – So Cancelation fee may increase to cover these costs. The cancelation fee is in addition to the $700 deposit.
Should you require canceling your trek as mentioned above – You are able to keep your ETA polo etc. that has been sent to you. – Should you need to cancel your trek, remaining balance can be transferred to another trek less your cancelation fee.
At Escape Trekking Adventures we pride ourselves on offering SAFE, professional treks, led by experienced guides and friendly service, so if you have any questions please feel free to Contact Us.
Terms
Please read carefully these terms and conditions of contract.
Transfers
If you wish to transfer from one tour to another, you must notify Escape Trekking Adventures in writing. Once Escape Trekking Adventures receives your notice the transfer will take effect subject to the following. Transfers may only be made to another tour to commence within 12 months of your original departure date and the following transfer charges will apply: • If your notice is received more than 70 days prior to your original departure date a $100 transfer fee will apply. In addition, any increase in airfares or operational services will be payable by you: or • If your notice is received within 70 days prior to your original departure date up to 50% of your original tour price will be forfeited provided your notice is received at least 35 days prior to your original date.
Amendments
Additional charges will be applied to you if you add, adjust or change a service prior to, during or before the completion of a trek. The cost of these will be charged out at the full rate and may incur a surcharge fee of $80 to cover any additional logistic arrangements that may be required for this service. Examples of this service could be but not limited to change from twin share to single share accommodation, use of (additional) personal porter, excess luggage, room upgrade or airport transfer out side the itinerary.
22. Severance of conditions.
If any part of a condition is illegal, unenforceable or invalid, it is to be treated as removed from the conditions, however, the remainder of the conditions are not altered.
10 Reasons to trek with us
Frank Taylor and Neville Browning has been contracted to deliver this 12-day programme. Frank is renowned for his high level of historical detail he is renowned for with his Kokoda Trail, Thai Burma and Borneo. Neville’s historical detail set out in his publications of various titles from the Western Front battles such as Fix Bayonets. Anecdotal history of the 51st Battalion AIF, Gallipoli to Tripoli (joint author with I Gill). History of the 10th Light Horse Regiment and The Westralian Battalion. History of the 44th Battalion AIF just to name but a few of his completed published books.
Working with Escape Trekking Adventures Franks Training in military tactics and the understanding of the battles and actions that took place there compliments Escape Trekking Adventures philosophy of adventure travel with highly trained guides delivering historical and culturally exciting tours.
Shane, Frank & Neville’s desire to keep this important part of Australia’s history alive and fresh in Australians memories for years to come.
If you are looking at touring Europe it is essential that good health and preparation with regard to your health is the first and foremost task. As with all adventure travel outside of your usual environment you will need to be prepared for the activity.
Diarrhoeal illness is quite common around the Mediterranean countries and outbreaks of water-borne illness are common.
Hepatitis A is becoming less common, but still represents some risk to travellers.
Influenza is a problem across Europe in winter months and tick-borne disease occurs through the summer months in rural areas of central and northern Europe.
Rabies does occur in several countries.
Insects can transmit leishmaniasis in the dry areas of the south.
Yellow Fever vaccination may be required for all travellers arriving from or transiting through Yellow Fever infected areas such as Africa or the Americas.
The required immunisations for every destination around the world could change on a daily basis and as a result you will be required to check with your Doctor what you should be protected against.
The general major risks to your health while traveling in Europe can be but not limited to :
This is a viral disease of the liver that is transmitted via blood, blood products or bodily fluids. It is vaccine preventable and now part of the childhood immunisation schedule. Many adults may have missed this important vaccine and travel is a good reason to get up-to-date.
Tetanus is caused by a toxin released by a common dust or soil bacteria which enters the body through a wound.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection of the throat and occasionally the skin. It is found world wide and is transmitted from person-to-person by coughing and sneezing.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) is a highly infectuous respiratory infection responsible for 300,000 deaths annually, mainly in children.
Because many adults no longer have immunity from childhood immunisation it is advised that travellers to less developed countries have a tetanus, dihtheria and pertussis booster.
Childhood immunisation coverage in many developing countries is not good. As such, travellers under the age of 40 years should have their MMR immunisation completed. Those over the age of 40 years are most likely to have long term immunity from previous exposure as a child.
This very comon infectious disease can now be prevented through immunisation. Many people miss the disease in childhood only to have a significant illness as an adult. If you do not have history of immunisation, a simple blood test can show whether you are at risk.
Individuals intending to travel out of an Australian winter might consider the current flu vaccine at the beginning of the season. exposure to illness in airports and commuter transport is common and exposure may ruin a much needed break.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membrance overlaying the brain. It can be caused by bacteria, a virus or a fungus. Bacterial meningitis is the form of most concern to travellers. It is a serious disease and can rapidly become life threatening. It is transmitted from person-to-person through close contact (i.e. droplet infection – the same way you catch a cold). Vaccination for type C meningitis might be considered for those backpacking or staying in crowded hostel style accomodation. This vaccine was offered to all Australians ages less than 19 in 2003 but some young travellers may not have been vaccinated.
Rabies is a deadly viral infection of the brain transmitted from animal to human. The disease is rare in travellers but the risk increases with extended travel and animal contact. The best way to prevent rabies is to avoid all contact with animals. In Europe the main carriers are wild life (including foxes and bats). Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for extended travel and those who work with or are likely to come in contact with animals.
Travellers who walk through infected areas during tick season (spring to early autumn) may warrant vaccination. Insect repellents and appropriate clothing will also provide some protection. The vaccine is not licensed in Australia, but can be obtained through the Special Access Scheme for those at high risk. Alternatively vaccination is readily available in Europe for those spending an extended period in the continent.
Up to 40% of tourists may develop diarrhoea wihtin the first week of travel. A variety of germs can be responsible and a Traveller’s Medical Kit containing appropriate therapy can rapidly improve the symptoms. It is also important to follow the rules of healthy eating and drinking to minimise risks.
When trekking in Remote area’s you should always be mindful of what items you may require to treat any aliments that may occur as if you are on the Kokoda trail or Kilimanjaro you will not be able to purchase any such items. Everest Base Camp treks (and Nepal lodge trekking in general) you can buy some supplies but these are mainly limited to the large Sherpa villages so it is best to carry the right things with you.
If you suffer from heyfever, sinus, reflux or any such medical condition you should bring medication to treat this, plan for the worst case scenario and be prepared.
Some items that are worth your consideration include but are not limited to;
Anti-inflammatory tablets and gel (as prescribed by your doctor, remember voltaren and the like take up to 48 hours to relive symptoms so a fast acting tablet such as ibuprofen is great to start with), antibiotics for treating diarrhoea (as prescribed by your doctor), gastro stop, antibacterial gel, betadine liquid (Betadine can also treat your water for purification as a emergency back up if required), blister packs, one roll of broad elasticated bandage, roll of strapping tape, antihistamines, anti sickness tablets, painkillers such as Panadol Forte/Aspirin tablets/capsules, Codral cold and flu tablets, sunscreen, pawpaw cream along with one pack of a general use antibiotics.