Dear Parent/Guardian,
I am writing to you in relation to the planning of our Transition Year Optional European Trip in March 2027. The TY Tour next year will be a Tour of the German Rhineland. Dusseldorf, Cologne and Braubach. See sample itinerary attached.
We are planning to run this trip during the first week of the Easter holidays (most likely 21/03/2027 - 24/03/2027) for 3 nights/4 days and the cost is expected to be approximately €924. Please see proposed itinerary attached with a breakdown of what will be involved.
There may also be an additional cost for a tour hoodie and a bus transfer to and from the airport. This will be a separate payment usually around 30/40 euro paid on VS Ware.
The places on this trip will be limited to 71 students. A link will be provided for parents/guardians to book a place online through Saffron Travel Company by paying a €275 deposit. The booking link is available below. The school will not be able to take booking requests. Places will be offered on a first come-first served basis. Parents/guardians should also consult the School Tour Policy on our school website. I recommend you discuss this trip with your sons/daughters this week to find out if they are interested in attending.
Some important information before you book !
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The tour company Saffron Travel allow a one-week window for deposit collection. The deadline is Friday 22nd May at 3pm.
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The price is currently set at the price for 71 pupils travelling is €924.
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Important note for when booking is that the system will require the booker to approve their card for payments. They will get a pop up during the process asking them to confirm a €0 transaction and they must do this to continue. After approval of this they will be directed through to make the €275 deposit payment.
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If anyone has difficulty using a mobile device they should try on a larger screen/ desktop. While the system is mobile responsive on most modern devices, some older devises may have difficulty and, in this instance, a larger screen/ laptop/ desktop will help.
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If anyone has difficulties using the link they must send an email to support@saffrontravel.org with details of the issue, the trip they are trying to book, the school and a return contact number. This way our team can investigate the issues and respond with specific advice on how to best proceed.
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- All successful bookings will receive a booking confirmation upon successful completion of the payment process. If someone does not receive this, their booking has not been completed successfully, and they should retry.
BOOKING DETAILS
Please find a unique link below that will enable you to register and make your payments for the Ballymakenny College German Rhineland 2027 tour. 21/03/2027 - 24/03/2027
PLEASE NOTE DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION and DEPOSIT PAYMENT IS: 22/05/2026 at 3pm
Note that places on tours may be limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.
If maximum capacity is reached before the payment deadline the link for payment will be deactivated without notice.
Payment Link:
NOTE THAT IF THIS LINK APPEARS ON TWO LINES IN THE EMAIL YOU RECEIVE YOU SHOULD COPY AND PASTE IT INTO YOUR BROWSER
https://payments.saffrontravel.org/#/invite/da2c4d45-8fb8-422f-a1d4-4725b277f38a-783
The Schedule which must strictly be adhered to is:
Deposit Payment: EUR275.00 to be paid at the point of registration and before the deadline.
THIS DEPOSIT IS NON REFUNDABLE IN ALL CASES.
Balance Payment 1: EUR108.17 This payment will follow your last payment automatically on/before 22/06/2026 on the same date of each month.
Balance Payment 2: EUR108.17 This payment will follow your last payment automatically on/before 22/07/2026 on the same date of each month.
Balance Payment 3: EUR108.17 This payment will follow your last payment automatically on/before 22/08/2026 on the same date of each month.
Balance Payment 4: EUR108.17 This payment will follow your last payment automatically on/before 22/09/2026 on the same date of each month.
Balance Payment 5: EUR108.17 This payment will follow your last payment automatically on/before 22/10/2026 on the same date of each month.
Balance Payment 6: EUR108.17 This payment will follow your last payment automatically on/before 22/11/2026 on the same date of each month.
Total Tour Price: EUR924.02
OR you may select the option to make the full balance payment at the point of registration which should be before deadline.
Can you please now click the link (or copy and paste it into your browser) and follow the onscreen instructions to make payments.
Note that it is your responsibility to ensure successful completion of all payments on/before the deadlines stipulated. If you should need any assistance or experience any payment issues, please email details of your query or issue to support@saffrontravel.org
When emailing you should detail your query, the tour you wish to discuss and contact information so that you may be contacted.
Support is available during office hours and requests for support will be handled on a first come first served basis.
I look forward to an exciting year ahead for our Transition Year students.
Yours sincerely,
Aidan Cassidy
TY Programme Co-Ordinator