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Saturday, 29 September 2012

Sun-Lovers Cruise Deals from Royal Caribbean

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Spring's finally here and to celebrate the return of the sun, Royal Caribbean is offering sun-lovers these special deals on the following tropical getaway cruises:

1.       Fares for 11 nights cruising Tropical Queensland and exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with Rhapsody of the Seas start from $999* per person for an interior stateroom. It's unbeatable value as your accommodation, meals, entertainment and travel to many favourite Queensland destinations are covered for  less than $91 a day. Departing dates for this offer includes 18 February 2012 and 23 March 2013, both roundtrips from Sydney.

2.       Looking for a timeout before the crazy Christmas rush? Then let Radiance of the Seas look after you for 11-nights all the while discovering the South Pacific gems of New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Loyalty Islands. Departing Sydney 1 December 2012, this sailing is offering Oceanview staterooms for the price of interiors – starting at $1,395* per person.

3.       Explore Australia's biggest megaliner, Voyager of the Seas, over  nine nights of tropical bliss while she sails roundtrip from Sydney to the South Pacific. Fares start from as little as $995* per person for an interior stateroom - and the sailing includes calls at Fiji and New Caledonia. 

For additional information or to make reservations, contact your travel agent or visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au

*All fares are per person in Australian Dollars, inclusive of all taxes fees and onboard gratuities.

 

Turtle Season on Heron Island is about to begin


Stay 3 nights from $999

Summer is just around the corner and with it the opening of the turtle season here at Heron Island. Now is a splendid time to visit the island and to witness the amazing array of animal life that make Heron Island their home.

From late October, Heron's beaches become home to nesting turtles – these beautiful animals come ashore to lay their eggs on the same beaches where they were born.

Enjoy nature's finest performance - Stay 3 nights in a Turtle Room for just $999 and enjoy 2 for 1 return boat transfers from Gladstone. Includes 3 meals daily, concluding with breakfast on departure day.*

Heron Island – Great Barrier Reef:

• 2 for 1 return boat transfers*
• Upgrade to a Reef Room for $49 per night or Beachside Suite for $149 per night
• Watch turtles nesting and hatching
• 3 meals daily
• Kids stay and eat free*





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Air Canada - Halloween fares so low, it's spooky



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If you love Halloween, you must visit Vancouver during October at least once in your life!  From early in the month until 1 November, the city celebrates all things spooky with a wealth of activities that go well beyond mere trick or treating, and Air Canada has some great low fares that won't scare the pants off you!

Inline images 1With daily direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver on North America's favourite airline from just $1,625* return for adults, $1,380* for children (under 12 years), you'll have plenty of change for the all the great treats in the candy stores, as well as early Christmas shopping.

Vancouverites really get into the spirit of things and each year hold a citywide competition for the spookiest decorated house, as well as parades through neighbourhoods and traditional visits to local pumpkin patches.  For adults, there are a lot of amazing evening activities with nightclubs and bars holding numerous events, as well as the legendary the Halloween Costume Ball at the Science Museum on 27 October.

Take a ride on the Haunted Vancouver Trolley Tour.  It's recommended for guests 12 and over since it visits the Mountain View Cemetery and the old Vancouver city morgue for an autopsy.  Tours run two hours each and reservations are required.

The Dunbar Haunted House at 8934 Shaughnessy St is a must-see.  Two families live at Dunbar House but since 2004, every Halloween they have transformed their home and gardens into an incredible haunted house experience that raises money for local charities.  The design and transformation takes seven months and the results are truly amazing.  http://www.dunbarhauntedhouse.com/

And if you really want a great scare don't miss a Fright Night at The Pacific North Exhibition which takes over the Playland area from October 17-31 and features 6 fright houses, including the new house FEAR, 13 rides, The Monsters of Schlock and their horrifying comedy act plus other terrifying shows and attractions. http://www.pne.ca/fright-nights/index.php

For those with littlies, there is Stanley Park Ghost Train, one of the city's most popular Halloween attractions.  The ghost train takes you through a woodland "underworld" with lots of fun interaction with actors.

Kids aged five and over will love Vancouver's Black Rose Cemetery which gets haunted for Halloween, and proceeds from the $2 admission fee (or a donation of non-perishable food items) go to the Vancouver Food Bank.

Naturally, a great costume is needed for Halloween in Vancouver, so check out Halloween Alley which has a great collection of costumes and accessories.  www.halloweenalley.ca

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Air Canada flies daily from Sydney to Vancouver and onto more than 175 destinations on five continents.  It is Canada's largest domestic and international airline.  Canada's flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and in 2011 served more than 33 million customers. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 59 Canadian cities, 56 destinations in the United States and 63 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,356 destinations in 193 countries. Air Canada customers can collect Aeroplan miles for future rewards through Canada's leading loyalty program, and Top Tier members enjoy reciprocal frequent flyer benefits including lounge and priority services.

*Fares are valid until 31 October 2012 and subject to conditions.

Friday, 28 September 2012

Yoga and wellness retreat in the Snowy Mountains



Stretch, strengthen and de-stress in the Snowies

Stunning scenery, clean mountain air and instruction from one of Australia's nationally renowned yoga gurus, Kris McIntyre, will be on offer as part of a yoga and wellness retreat at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa in the Snowy Mountains from 16 to 18 November 2012.

"It's often hard to find time to slow down during our busy lives, but this retreat is a perfect opportunity to relax and unwind.  Yoga and meditation are well-known to improve both physical and mental health, and the Snowy Mountains is the perfect backdrop to this retreat, with its beautiful surroundings and fresh mountain air," said Peter Sheppard, Tourism Snowy Mountains CEO.

Kris McIntyre will take participants on a journey of strength, healing and happiness, with classes designed for beginners through to those with intermediate levels of experience.  The retreat is based on Ryoho Yoga Therapy and will be tailored specifically to meet participant's needs and conditions.  Themes for the weekend include power and strength, upper back release and happy hearts.

Participants can enjoy the retreat as part of a package, which includes two nights' accommodation at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa, a full buffet breakfast each morning, five yoga and meditation sessions, a two course dinner each night and access to the resorts' numerous FREE activities.  The package also includes a one-hour relaxation massage at The Spa at Lake Crackenback.

Spaces are limited and bookings are essential. Packages from $524 pp.  For details call 1800 020 524.

This yoga and wellness retreat is part of the Mountains of Events, an exciting program of year-round events in the spectacular Snowy Mountains.  Whether you are into music, physical challenges or good food and wine, there is something for everyone in the Snowy Mountains, whatever the season. For details go to: http://www.snowymountains.com.au/mountainsofevents/

Mountains of Events is supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW and its Regional Tourism Partnership Funding Program, which is facilitated by Tourism Snowy Mountains.

$85 a night in Nusa Dua Bali in brand new Mercure Hotel



ACCOR EXPANDS IN BALI

MERCURE BALI NUSA DUA OPENS

The stylish 201-room Mercure hotel has opened in the green precinct of Nusa Dua Bali, and is offering some great opening rates for travelers who continue to flock to the holiday island. Australians continue to top the arrivals charts, and Nusa Dua is a favoured destination for couples and families seeking a quieter side to life.

The newly-built Mercure Bali Nusa Dua opened on 23 September 2012, just a stone's throw from the prominent Bali Tourism Development (BTDC) complex, and the hotel is ideally located for access to the Bali International Convention Centre and the many shopping, dining and entertainment options of the Bali Collection Shopping Mall. Located a mere 14 kilometers from Bali's International Ngurah Rai Airport and 25 minutes from the chic and lively areas of Seminyak and Kuta and Legian, the hotel is ideal for business and leisure travellers alike.
The popular Mercure brand is known for its individually-styled and personalized hotels, each with its own distinctive character. There are now 4 Mercure Hotels in Bali -Mercure Bali Nusa Dua, Mercure Resort Sanur, Mercure Bali Kuta and Mercure Bali Harvestland Kuta.

The hotel features 201 comfortable, contemporary rooms including 150 Superior rooms, 43 Deluxe rooms and 8 Junior Suites.  Guests can indulge at the restaurant which serves local and international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, sit down for a drink in the lobby or relax at the pool bar, work out in the fully-equipped fitness centre, or enjoy the hotel's unique swimming pool, divided over two levels and connected by a waterfall.

Three meeting rooms with a capacity of up to 200 people can accommodate conferences, weddings and other events, while the business centre services and lobby internet corner round out the hotel's business facilities.

All rooms are designed to reflect the identity and heritage of Bali, while embracing the contemporary style of Mercure. Each room is equipped with premium in-room amenities including international cable television channels and free WiFi Internet access.

"We are very excited to join the network of Mercure hotels in Bali," commented Peter Stolk, General Manager of Mercure Bali Nusa Dua. "The right location and contemporary design make this hotel an attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers looking for slice of paradise on Bali."


To celebrate its opening, Mercure Bali Nusa Dua is offering a special launch promotion with room rates starting from IDR 690,000++ per room per night (approximately $85AU including taxes) valid for booking and travel up until 20 December 2012.

To learn more about Mercure Bali Nusa Dua and other Accor hotels in Bali and Lombok, Indonesia or to make a reservation, visit http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-activities/package-5837-mercure-bali-nusa-dua-special-opening-offer.shtml






Thursday, 27 September 2012

Win a Trip to Ireland in 2013

Win a Trip to Ireland in 2013
The Gathering Ireland
Whether you are Irish born and bred or just have a love for the Emerald Isle this competition is for you. For the first time ever you and one lucky friend will be able to "be part of" the St. Patrick's parade in Dublin.This incredible prize includes a pair of return flights to Dublin and 4 nights' accommodation in a 4* city centre hotel. This once in a lifetime competition is not to be missed. Competition closes 30th September 2012.
Read more » 


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Five-star cruising Honolulu, French Polynesia, NZ and Sydney

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UNPARALLELED interest in a 5 star luxury cruise holiday through Cruiseco aboard Celebrity Cruises' 122,000 tonne Celebrity Solstice from Sydney to Honolulu, next April has resulted in the cruise being virtually sold out in just weeks - so Cruiseco has released another fly, cruise and stay holiday centred on Solstice next year – this time from Honolulu back to Sydney in October 2013.

Priced from $3940*pp twin share including one way Economy Class international airfare from Sydney or Brisbane (add $175pp ex Melbourne, $210pp ex Adelaide, $325pp ex Perth) to Honolulu, the package comes with two nights pre cruise at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel with breakfast daily, and a whole 18 nights cruising Honolulu to Sydney, port charges, government fees, air taxes* and onboard gratuities.

Solstice's 18 night voyage departs Honolulu on October 4 next year and will take her to Lahaina on Hawaii's Maui Island, Papeete, Bora Bora and Moorea in French Polynesia, Auckland and New Zealand's Bay of Islands, and Sydney.

The 5-star 2,800 guest ship has a choice of no fewer than ten restaurants, cafés and grills, ten lounges and bars, and offers activities ranging from hot glass blowing demonstrations to a Lawn Club, live theatre, a choice of pools, a solarium, art gallery and a Youth Fun Factory and Youth X Club.

For full details and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise specialist travel agency visit www.cruising.com.au. *Air taxes can change without notice.

(For those who like to look a little further down the track, Solstice will sail 18-nights from Sydney back to Honolulu on April 11 2014, with prices starting from just $2337*pp twin-share.


Carnival Spirit is Coming


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Carnival Cruise Lines
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Travel the World DEAL - Holland America Line & Travel the World and Tauck exceptional fly/cruise experiences


Book your Holland America Line Europe cruise holiday by 31 October 2012 and receive the following exclusive earlybird offers on selected cruises:

• Free stateroom upgrade
• Bon Voyage sparkling wine
• Pinnacle Grill lunch & dinner
• Beverage Card of US$50

10-night Western Mediterranean Splendour cruise, Rome roundtrip starts from $1,499 and departs on 19 April 2013. Special earlybird airfares are also available. Book by: 31 October 2012

For bookings or more information contact Travel the World on 1300 857 037 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au

Travel the World and Tauck exceptional fly/cruise experiences:

Wind your way past the medieval landscapes at the best of time of the year to see the Blue Danube. 15-night Blue Danube fly/cruise journey departs 05 August 2013 start from $7,516 per person and include return airfares from Sydney to Prague, with the finest hotel accommodation in Prague, a 7 day riverboat cruise onboard ms Swiss Sapphire from Regensburg to Budapest. Book by 24 October and receive 2 complimentary nights' accommodation at a Tauck hotel.

For bookings or more information contact Travel the World on 1300 857 037 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au


Wednesday, 26 September 2012

Unique cruise package embraces both Asia and Alaska


IF cruising Asia sounds appealing, but Alaska equally tempts, Cruise Holidays has a most unusual luxury voyage aboard one of the world's biggest liners –  the 116,000 tonne Diamond Princess – that embraces both regions over 23 days for an enjoyable mix of both shore adventures and blissful days at sea.

And they've combined it with economy air and taxes* from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to Beijing, four nights pre-cruise there, a night post-cruise in Vancouver, and economy air and taxes* back to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, and all priced from just $5899pp twin-share.

The Beijing stay includes two full day tours with lunches taking-in the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, Great Wall and Ming Tombs-Changling.

This rare 28-night package begins on April 28th next year with the flight to Beijing. After their 4-nights there guests join Diamond Princess for her cruise to Dalian in China, Busan (South Korea,) Japan's Osaka and Tokyo, and six leisurely days across the North Pacific to Anchorage in Alaska for a 15-hour visit there.

Next day Diamond Princess spends five hours cruising by the massive Hubbard Glacier, followed by a day in spectacular Glacier Bay National Park, and days ashore in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, before arriving in Vancouver for a day and a hotel night there and the flight back to Australia.

For full details phone Cruise Holidays on 1300 305 920 or visit www.cruiseholidays.com.au. *Air taxes can change without warning.

ADDITIONAL SHIPBOARD INFORMATION: The 2700-guest Diamond Princess has no fewer than ten restaurants and cafés ranging from formal to ethnic, a grill, a pizzeria and a buffet, plus an ice-cream bar, traditional afternoon tea, room service for those who wish, and a half dozen lounges, bars and nightclubs.

There's a live-stage theatre, live concerts, movies under the stars, four pools, a kiddies' splash pool, child centre, casino, spa and fitness centre, a shopping arcade, and activities can range from art auctions to hands-on lessons in napkin folding.

More luxury seekers head to Mountain Whispers Katoomba

                                     

Mountain Whispers has enjoyed a whopping 20% growth in bookings this quarter when compared to the same time last year.

Owner Lorraine Allanson says the growth followed the recent relaunch of the newly designed website which offers visitors a better online experience and look and feel that more accurately reflect the products on offer.

Pleased with the performance of the site, Allanson also attributes the spike in bookings at her portoflio of four luxury properties to strong visitor interests to the Blue Mountains.

"The Blue Mountains is the top tourist destination in NSW, with stable year on year visitor growth. And for what it's known for – its rich heritage, unique landscape and romantic atmosphere, overnight visitors often seek out luxury accommodation and pamper packages to complete their ideal Blue Mountains experience," says Lorraine.

"What Mountain Whispers offers is the full luxury indulgence package that not only includes total privacy and exclusive use of the properties, personalised in-house services and decadent extras, but even more importantly, great value for money," she says. "These are the things our guests look for when they come to the Blue Mountains.

"Although the properties can welcome between four and six guests, couples who book their stay at a property will enjoy the entire place to themselves for the duration of their stay," she adds. "And while couple bookings remain strong, we are seeing more and more group bookings come through, especially groups of girlfriends and bridal parties."

Lorraine believes the new website along with the attention to detail, value-added extras and personalised services will see bookings continue to grow steadily.

Rooms start from $300 per couple, per night and include exclusive use of the property, a bottle of boutique wine from Orange, hand-crafted chocolates by award winning Josophan's of Leura, a gourmet breakfast and fresh flowers. Additional guests per property pay $75 per person.

About Mountain Whispers

Mountain Whispers is a boutique luxury collection of four historic Blue Mountains homes which have been restored to their former glories by owner, Lorraine Allanson. Lorraine's vision was to recreate the golden age of the Blue Mountains, providing visitors a taste of the decadent lifestyle of a bygone era.

The Mountain Whispers properties, Varenna, Leura Rose, Strawberry Patch and The Gatsby, are AAA 4.5 star rated and have received the T-QUAL accreditation, the Australian Government's quality benchmark for the tourism industry.

For more information, visit www.mountainwhispers.com.au.


Win a trip for 2 to Fiji



Win a trip for 2 to Fiji staying 8 nights at the 5-star Fiji Beach Resort & Spa, Denarau Island.

A trip for two (2) adults to Fiji valued at up to $5,000 depending on date and point of departure. Prize includes: return economy airfares from winner's nearest capital city to Fiji; eight (8) nights twin share accommodation at Fiji Beach Resort and Spa, Denarau Island; and AU$1,000 spending money. Enter

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Monday, 24 September 2012

Qamea Island Resort making waves and history in North Fiji


In a Fijian first, the adults only Qamea Resort & Spa have become the first luxury resort in the North of Fiji to offer guests a daily guided surfing package, the "Ticket to Ride" pass throughout the surf season of 1 November 2012 to 30 April 2013, after Qamea recently partnered with Luxury Surf Pioneers, Tropicsurf.

A Tropicsurf resident surf guide will be onsite at Qamea throughout the surf season and with beautiful, uncrowded surf breaks only 10-15 minutes by boat from Qamea, guests can surf everyday with the "Ticket to Ride" surf pass, ideal for surfing enthusiasts or for any couples wanting to learn the art of surfing.

The "Ticket to Ride" surf pass is priced at AUD$134* per person per day and includes one boat transfer per day, expert guidance and water safety, coaching tips in the water from an expert coach (optional), daily surf report, Tropicsurf gift (3+ days), access to booties, wax, sunscreens, rash guards, towels, bottled water and leashes and board valet service.

Qamea is also offering a Tropicsurf seven night package, with two free nights, valid for travel from 10 January to 31 March 2013 and priced at only AUD$5,366.70* per couple. The package includes seven nights' accommodation in a beachfront bure (two free nights), all meals, selected wine, beer and soft drinks from noon to 10pm, seven x half day "Ticket to Ride" guided surf trip for one, resort activities and transfers between Taveuni Airport and Qamea.

For a limited time, Qamea will also offer a FREE one hour 'introduction to surfing' lagoon session with every booking, which introduces the client to the basic skills of board handling and ocean awareness.

When guests aren't surfing they can relax and enjoy this luxurious, award winning boutique resort which accommodates up to only 34 guests in 17 bures. Known all around the world for its breathtaking beauty, Qamea fronts onto a private white sand beach while the rest of the small island is made up of lush landscaped gardens, dramatic green tropical jungle clad hills and jagged volcanic South Pacific Mountains.

This combination of simultaneous rainforest and oceanic environment has seen the resort be named in the Robb Report as "One of the World's Top Ten Luxury Exclusive Hideaways" and recently was the only Fijian Resort finalist by Conde Nast Johansens 2011 Global Awards for Most Excellent Spa and Most Excellent Romantic Hideaway and Most Excellent Eco Resort.

As well as its beauty Qamea is widely known throughout Fiji for its excellence in food, with a team of five full time Fijian chefs cooking up cuisine best described as South Pacific Rim.

Besides surfing, Qamea offers a tropical paradise of adventure including snorkeling, hobie cat sailing, windsurfing, sea canoeing, hiking, croquet, or visiting one of the local villages. Diving is also world renowned, and with a fully equipped PADI accredited 5 Star dive facility, dive staff can introduce guests to a long remembered underwater adventure.

For those not interested in surfing, while their partner's surf they can indulge at Qamea's famous Jungle Spa. Situated on the edge of a tropical jungle with five individual treatment bures, The Jungle Spa is the only spa in Fiji to offer French facial therapies featuring Guinot products that relax, rejuvenate, revitalize and renew your mind, body and soul.

For bookings contact Qamea Resort & Spa on +64 9 360 0858 or reservations@qamea.com   

*This rate is based on today's exchange rate and may fluctuate.


For Qamea Resort & Spa enquiries and bookings, please contact the Resort on +64 9 360 0858 or sales@qamea.com    


Travel the World Deal - Holland America Line's ms Ryndam


Cruise onboard Holland America Line's ms Ryndam from Barcelona to Ft Lauderdale onboard this 26-day Canary Island and Spanish Sojourn transatlantic cruise departing 15 October 2012 from only  $48 per day. Reduced fares start from $1,249 per person twin share. Subject to availability.

For bookings or more information contact Travel the World on 1300 857 437 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au

 

10-day North Korea tour launched by Footsteps in Asia

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New tours to Myanmar, Borneo, India, Bhutan and China

Experienced boutique tour operator Footsteps in Asia (FIA) has added North Korea to its 2012/13 tour program covering 50 high value tours of Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam and other Asia hotspots.  

The 10-day North Korea tour provides an unforgettable insight into a remarkable country often talked about but until now, rarely visited.  The adventure tour includes pristine sceneries, fabulous cultural experiences – ancient and new, diverse museums, colourful parks and colossal monuments.  Tour participants gain a first-time opportunity to learn and experience the Korean people as never before.  Your holiday will be comfortable, positive and memorable.  Prices for the North Korea tour begin at $2,950.

The 2012/13 FIA tour program includes new destinations Myanmar, Borneo, India, Bhutan, and China greatly adding to the variety of high value travel options on offer for first time and repeat travelers to Asia.

Vietnam remains a key focus for FIA with 23 tours options on offer including luxury river cruising on the Mekong, trekking among the hill tribes in Sapa, Halong Bay boating, and adventure travel style walking, and cycling tours.  Retail prices for FIA's popular week-long North Vietnam Escape are $566 while costs for the Gourmet Spicy Vietnam tour begin at $1,500.

The program also features a popular 12-day Thailand 3 Islands Full Moon Party Tour from $660, city tours of Phnom Penh, and Treasure of Indochina from $1,670.

Accommodation is available at comfort and premium levels.  Private and customized tours are also on offer.

Announcing details of the 2012/13 tour program Footsteps in Asia CEO John Powell said a key feature of FIA tours was the experienced, well travelled, local and western management team supporting each tour.

"Clients tell us it is our tour leaders that make their FIA holiday so special. We were pioneers in featuring local tour leaders instead of western guides.  By  working with local leaders who have deep insight into local cultures, we can help travellers get inside a destination and maximize their tour experience."

Footsteps in Asia, licence number 2TA9646, has offices in Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia and is a member of the Australian Travel Compensation Fund.  Further information on tours: call 1300 664 331 or visit www.footstepsinasia.com  or sales@foostepsinasia.com


Luxury Christmas cruise on Seabourn Odyssey


SAVINGS of nearly $5000 per person are now available on an 18-day fly/cruise to enjoy the coming Christmas and New Year aboard the super luxurious Seabourn Odyssey if you book quickly with ecruising.travel.

The package, which now costs from $8099 per person twin share in a veranda suite, includes two nights in a Lanai room at the superb Oberoi Bali before joining the ship for its voyage to Sydney via a selection of Indonesian and Australian ports.

The price includes one way economy flight from Sydney, airport transfers and all meals, beverages and entertainment aboard Seabourn Odyssey.

The ship calls at Gili Trawangan and Komodo Island in Indonesia before making stops at Darwin, Thursday Island, Cairns, Townsville, Hamilton Island and Brisbane before arriving in Sydney.

Seabourn Odyssey is one of the world's most highly rated cruise ships and is equipped with an array of sporting, entertainment, computer centre and health and beauty facilities.

This special price is available for bookings made by October 19 at ecruising.travel on 1300 369 848 or check-out www.ecruising.travel


Sunday, 23 September 2012

Win a Trafalgar $7,000 guided holiday of China for two




YOURLifeChoices and Trafalgar are offering you the chance to win a nine-day Trafalgar First Class guided holiday of China for two people including return flights with Singapore Airlines.

Take a rickshaw ride around the ancient Hutong alleyways, visit the Forbidden City with its imperial gardens and the sacred structures of Beijing before standing in awe at the view from the famous Great Wall.

Tour through the fascinating excavation at Xi’an, home of the Terra Cotta Warriors and stroll the cosmopolitan streets of Shanghai, all in time to catch stunning Chinese acrobatics.

The prize includes eight-nights First Class accommodation, welcome reception, Be My Guest dining experience with a Hutong family in Beijing, meals as per the itinerary, all sightseeing as per the itinerary and airport transfers, if arriving on day one and departing on day nine of the itinerary*.

The prize also includes two return economy airfares flying Singapore Airlines from the winner’s nearest capital city to Beijing and returning from Shanghai.

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Thursday, 20 September 2012

Carnival Spirit set to stun Sydney



Carnival Spirit makes her finishing "Aussie" touches

Get ready Sydney: one month from today, Aussies will be able to see, do, taste and try everything that Carnival Spirit has to offer when Australia's newest and largest cruise ship arrives into her new home of Sydney Harbour for the very first time.

As soon as she docks down under on Wednesday 17 October, Carnival Spirit will receive the finishing 'Aussification' touches ahead of her first official voyage to New Caledonia on Saturday 20 October.

For more than 12 months, Carnival Spirit has undergone major Australian modifications including the installation of the jaw-dropping Green Thunder, the steepest and fastest waterslide at sea, and Serenity, the ginormous child-free retreat with panoramic views of the big blue.

Before she takes her first 2,680 Australian passengers to sea, no Aussie stone will be left unturned. Carnival Spirit will be kitted out with Australian power points, be ready to take Australian currency, and American-style 'slot machines' will be swapped out for good old pokies. Perhaps most importantly, new coffee machines will be added, so the newly trained baristas get that flat white just right.

Jennifer Vandekreeke, Director Carnival Cruise Lines Australia, is thrilled Carnival Spirit will soon be sailing in to her new Sydney home.

"We've been working on this for a long time and in just one month, the latest and greatest additions to Australia's first Carnival ship will be here for all to enjoy. Most people cruising on Carnival Spirit are going to be new to the experience, and with over 45 onboard activities each day, there will be something to suit everyone's taste, for a holiday that's as fast or as slow as you like. This time next month, guests will be thundering down the slide or sipping mojitos in a hammock on Serenity – and that's exactly where you'll find me!"

For Aussies looking for a holiday experience that goes from zen to adrenaline and every speed in between, Carnival Spirit offers a wide range of unique opportunities and experiences unavailable anywhere on land or sea.

Carnival Cruise Line's new 2012-2014 brochure will be available to order at Brochure Flow this Friday.


For further information or to book your next cruise visit www.carnival.com.au

 

NOVOTEL MELBOURNE ON COLLINS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS THIS OCTOBER WITH SPECIAL BIRTHDAY OFFERS

20% room discount and special offers this October

Novotel's new look Standard King Room
Celebrating 20 years as the premier hotel of choice in the heart of Melbourne, Novotel Melbourne on Collins marks its 20th Birthday this October with a stylish new look and special offers for guests.

Following the completion of a $7million dollar refurbishment of all Standard guest rooms and Executive suites, the Novotel offers visitors a new way to work, relax and play in the surrounds of bustling Collins Street.

To celebrate its 20 year milestone and launch the new look rooms, Novotel Melbourne on Collins is offering a special 20% off the best available rate when you stay 2 nights or more between 1 October - 11 November 2012, plus a host of specials offers throughout October including:

v  $20 Full Buffet Breakfast in Michel's Restaurant (normally $29)
v  $20 Valet Parking (normally $35)
v  $20 In-room internet (normally $27.95 per 24 hours)
v  Food & Beverage promotions - Antipasto tasting platter for $20 and a special 20th Birthday cocktail also for $20

Novotel Melbourne on Collins' 20% off 20th Birthday offer is valid from 1 October until 11 November, 2012, subject to availability. For bookings visit www.novotelmelbourne.com.au or phone 03 9667 5800.

Now boasting spacious and stylish accommodation throughout, the makeover of 309 Standard and Executive rooms complements the Novotel's recently added Premier rooms.

The new rooms at Novotel Melbourne on Collins have been designed to reflect the vibrant community of Australia's events capital with a contemporary colour scheme amid splashes of blue, striking new bed head designs, plush new beds and bedding, connectivity for portable Apple devises, 40" televisions, a variety of lighting and a funky chaise lounge sofa with adaptable side table.

All bathrooms have received a complete overhaul in the refurbishment with new walk-in showers, pristine vanity tops and fittings complete with an ultra-modern halo bathroom mirror which automatically demists during a shower.

Each light-filled room is designed for natural and more sustainable living and either overlooks the spectacular glass atrium of Australia on Collins shopping complex or Collins Street below.

General Manager for Novotel Melbourne on Collins, Hayden Hughes, said the refurbishment has finished just as a new era for the hotel begins. "In two decades Novotel Melbourne on Collins has continued to lead the 4-star hotel market and warmly welcomed millions of weary travellers to the heart of Melbourne.

"We think it is quite fitting that the completion of our recent refurbishment has culminated with the hotel's 20th birthday and we are really excited to have guests join the party and receive special birthday discounts and offers throughout October.

"Our team at Novotel are renowned for their friendly, professional service and now with brand new 4.5 accommodation we are ready for guests to experience the next generation of Novotel Melbourne on Collins."

The contemporary Novotel Melbourne on Collins is perfectly positioned on trendy Collins Street, right in the centre of the city. Be it the diverse range of heritage listed buildings, theatres, boutiques, large department stores or renowned parks and gardens, the best of Melbourne is easily accessible by foot or a short tram ride away.

Visit www.novotelmelbourne.com.au.

Accor Asia Pacific

www.accor.com | www.facebook.com/Accor | www.accorhotels.com


Wednesday, 19 September 2012

Celebrate and Save on 14-Day China Wonders Tour

 

In continuing its year-long 25th Anniversary celebrations, leading China specialist Helen Wong's Tours has unwrapped another hot surprise - a 14-day China Wonders group tour, priced from $2880 per person, twin share, from Sydney and Melbourne.

The price for groups from Brisbane and Adelaide begins at $3300pp, twin share, from Perth on request.

With departures in February and March 2013, the tour will cover the country's finest and most historic sites, including the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Terracotta Warriors.

A number of short cruises are also on the program, including a canal journey through the Venice of the East, Suzhou, and across West Lake in Hangzhou.

The tour will begin with a three-night stay in Shanghai, the Paris of the East, where the party will view the prime "yesterday and today" features of the city of more than 20 million.

"Two full days will be spent exploring this gracious and cosmopolitan city," said managing director of company founder Helen Wong.

"Apart from seeing major attractions such as the Jade Buddha Temple and the Shanghai Museum, everyone will take a stroll along the twisting alleyways in Old Chinatown and visit the famous Yu Gardens as well as take a cruise along the Huangpu River which slices between the historic Bund waterfront and Pudong with its contemporary towers and general high rise buildings," she said. "It will be an exciting way to start the group tour."

The canal city of Suzhou will also be visited along with the 1000-year-old water town of Wuzhen and Hangzhou, renowned for its "heavenly beauty".

The tour will then venture to Xian to marvel over the amazing archaeological wonders of the Terracotta Wonders as well as the old city wall. By night, the party will be entertained by a Tang Dynasty Cultural Show, complete with dinner.

The party will tour Beijing and its many historic sites, including the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall of China.

Tour departure dates are: February 15, 22 and March 1, 8, 15 and 22, price including return international air fare, domestic air fares in China, accommodation in four-star hotels, daily breakfast and lunch and some dinners, three evening cultural shows with transfers to and from hotel, transfers and entrance fees in China, English-speaking guides, China visa for Australian passport holders and a travel kit with 424-page Odyssey China book and cabin bag.

Departure taxes, security surcharges and fuel surcharges are also included, subject to change.




Helen Wong's Tours
phone 1300 788328
www.helenwongstours.com



 
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Tuesday, 18 September 2012

$1 Car Hire! Wot The?

There's some CRAZY relocation deals for as little as $1 a day. Updated every 12 minutes.

Companies need help relocating cars and campervans. That's why the prices below are so cheap for short-term one-way only rentals. If you can't see what you need, the cheapest car rental prices can be found on the VroomVroomVroom home page.

 
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Win a Taste of Kuala Lumpur with ZUJI.com.au


Online travel agent, ZUJI.com.au, has partnered with Malaysia Airlines and Swiss-Garden International to give Australian travellers the chance to win the ultimate shopping and dining getaway in Kuala Lumpur, valued at over $4,300.

The prize includes return flights and four nights' accommodation for two to Kuala Lumpur from any Australian capital city.

The lucky winners of this competition will start their trip in style with economy-class flights on Malaysia Airlines, winner of the Best Airline Signature Dish and World's Best Cabin Staff at the 2012 Skytrax Awards. On arrival, they will transfer to the four-star Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences Kuala Lumpur, where they'll enjoy a four night stay in a One Bedroom Deluxe Room with LCD flat screen TV and broadband.

For your chance to explore Malaysia's most vibrant city, simply visit ZUJI's competitions page and describe, in 25 words or less, what your recipe for discovering Kuala Lumpur would be.

The competition closes midnight Wednesday, 3 October 2012. Terms and conditions apply, and can be found here. Entrants agree to receive special travel offers form ZUJI Australia.

ZUJI.com.au is also inviting Australian travellers to beat jetlag on their next long-haul flight with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur, thanks to a partnership between the online travel agent and Tourism Malaysia. Between now and the end of December, travellers en route to Europe, India, China, South East Asia, Japan and the Middle East will receive $200 credit when they book a stopover in Kuala Lumpur with two or more nights' accommodation.

 
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Vietnam-Cambodia cruise-tour deal

Book a 2013-14 Vietnam-Cambodia cruise-tour of 12 days or longer before March 31 and Travelmarvel will provide free return air fares, including taxes.

The deal, which applies to select departures during the June-April season on selected itineraries, represents savings of up to $3,530 per couple.

Travelmarvel is also offering $500 per person credit towards an air fare for pre-March 31 bookings of its eight-day Mekong River cruise.

The 12 Day Essential Vietnam and Cambodia tour, for example, begins in Siem Reap (explore the temples of Angkor Wat) before joining the luxurious boutique ship RV La Marguerite for a seven-night cruise along the Mekong River through Phnom Penh and Kampong Tralach and across the border into Vietnam. Cruise through remote river side villages, receive a Buddha blessing in Oudong, ride on an ox-cart in Kampong Tralach, enjoy a rickshaw ride in Tan Chau, see the floating markets of Sa Dec and explore the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels in Saigon.

It is priced from $3,195 per person, twin share which includes the cruise as above, first class hotels in Siem Reap and Saigon, 27 meals, international wine with lunch and dinner on board, complimentary local beer, spirits and soft drink throughout the cruise, all tipping, port charges, sightseeing and entrance fees, airport transfers, expert service of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and locally guided excursions.

Call 1300 805 493, visit www.travelmarvel.com.au  - or contact your local travel agent.

Thursday, 13 September 2012

Istanbul, Iceland or Ireland - Cruiseco and HALhave it in 2013


WHETHER its Monte Carlo, Marseille or Messina you've always wanted to visit, Dover or Dubrovnik, maybe Istanbul, Ephesus or Iceland in 2013, Cruiseco and Holland America Line have put together shiploads of fly, cruise and stay holiday ideas to the most-desired destinations in the Mediterranean, Baltic, Norway and the Black Sea.

There's even an unusual 12 night voyage combining the Norwegian Fjords, the Scottish Highlands and Ireland, while others range from 11 nights cruising Rome to Barcelona, up to 26 nights from Athens to the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus, Russia, Ukraine, Istanbul, Croatia, the Greek Islands and back to Athens.

And prices start from a low $4,474 for 11 nights Rome to Barcelona aboard Holland America Line's Noordam on June 8 2013, including highly-discounted Early Bird return economy airfares from Sydney, 2 nights pre cruise hotel stay in Rome with breakfast daily, 2 nights post cruise hotel stay in Barcelona with breakfast daily, port charges, government fees and air taxes*.

Holland America Line's ships offer gourmet dining, nightly entertainment, longer days in port than many other lines, unique shoreside excursions, and service that comes with 135 years shipping and cruising experience.

For full details of all 2013 Holland America Line/Cruiseco fly, cruise and stay packages, or a brochure and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise specialist travel agency visit www.cruising.com.au. *Air taxes can change without notice.


Monday, 10 September 2012

THE ULTIMATE SOLAR ECLIPSE CELEBRATION AT NOVOTEL CAIRNS OASIS RESORT


Travellers from around the world will be packing their bags and flocking to Cairns to experience Earth's Total Solar Eclipse on November 14 between 5.45am and 7.30am.

Rare for a total eclipse to be visible from land, the Cairns region is the only place in the world where it can be experienced in full glory as the moon casts a shadow so large the land will be plunged into darkness.

Rooms are still available at competitive prices at the 4.5 star Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort from $189 per night for November 12 and 14. The rate for November 13 is $290 and a two night minimum stay applies.  Guests booking for three nights will receive complimentary buffet breakfast daily.

The restaurant will open at 4.30am on November 14 to give guests the opportunity for breakfast before they depart the hotel.

During the Solar Eclipse celebration a nightly seafood buffet with live cooking will be available from November 11 to 14 in the resort's Mizuna Restaurant.

Priced at $59, the nightly seafood buffet will offer a different theme each day.  The Aussie night will feature crocodile kebabs, grilled kangaroos and wild barramundi while the Asian, Latin American and Italian Mediterranean nights will see guests in a cultural bliss complemented with an exquisite desert buffet to finish.

Located in the heart of the city just a short stroll from the popular Cairns Esplanade, the Marina, night markets and Reef Casino, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is a tranquil property set on two hectares of lush grounds complete with lagoon style pool, sandy beach and a swim up bar.

The resort's popular Mizuna restaurant has been voted by the Accor Group as the best Novotel restaurant in Australia and offers a refreshingly different perspective on modern dining for an affordable price.

*Full payment is required at time of booking.  Event terms and conditions apply.  

For more information please contact the hotel directly.  Email: stay@novotelcairnsresort.com.au Phone: 07 4080 1888.  www.novotelcairnsresort.com.au

 

Live Like a Rockstar with Vibe Hotels

Last month, Vibe Hotels announced their continuing affiliation with music by presenting the Vibe Songwriting Suite. Now, to celebrate the launch of the Vibe Songwriting Suite, Vibe Hotels are giving everyone the chance to live like a Rockstar for a day, with the announcement of the Vibe Rockstar Package!

The Vibe Rockstar Package* includes:

· Two days accommodation in a Vibe-rant room (Rockstars sleep during the day)
· Limo transfers to the Vibe Songwriting Suite
· One day of song writing at the Vibe Songwriting Suite
· A Rockstar dinner at curve cafe
· Unlimited use minibar
· A delicious full buffet breakfast for two each day at curve cafe
· Late check-out at 4.00pm

The Vibe Rockstar Package is available from $10,000 to book at any of the three Vibe Hotels located across Sydney: Vibe Hotel Sydney, Vibe Hotel Rushcutters Bay and Vibe Hotel North Sydney.

Robert Conley, Vibe Hotels’ Music Director, said: “It's a privilege for me to be able to continue my work with Vibe Hotels - a brand that really gets music and musicians. Travel plays a huge role in all musicians' lives, including my own.”

Vibe Hotels are synonymous with music, having released four chart-topping albums, including last year’s The Vibe CD: The Chillout Suite - which ranked sixth on the Official ARIA Charts. This latest collaboration takes the brand’s dedication to music a step further.

The appointment of Conley as Music Director for Vibe Hotels was an Australian first in 2011 and remains an Australian exclusive. He is a prominent Songwriter/Producer who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry such as: KISS, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, Carlos Santana and Darren Hayes.

For more information about Vibe Hotels and the Vibe Rockstar Package, visit: vibehotels.com.au or call 13 VIBE (8423)

*Bookings for The Vibe Songwriting Suite require advance booking. Subject to availability. Package priced at $10,000 for two adults. Package includes overnight accommodation for two adults in a guest room, limo transfers to the Vibe Songwriting Suite in Redfern, one dinner for two people to the maximum value of $200 only, mini bar to the maximum value of $250 per night only, full buffet breakfast for two people each day, late check-out at 4pm.

 
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Sunday, 9 September 2012

Sydney Airport $20 parking deal




• Park for up to three hours at the international terminal for $20 and get two coffees, a $10 duty free shopping voucher and a copy of The Daily Telegraph – more than $20 worth of value – until 30 November.
• New parking offer for the meeter-greeter, fareweller market
• 2,300 additional car parking spaces at international terminal now available

Under a new, great value parking deal, customers can park for up to three hours at Sydney Airport’s International terminal for $20 and get two free cups of coffee, a duty free shopping voucher and a copy of The Daily Telegraph until 30 November.

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Thursday, 6 September 2012

Five-star Christmas at sea aboard Oceania Marina


FORGET THE APRON, SIT DOWN TO A 5-STAR CHRISTMAS AT SEA

TOSS away the apron and let the chefs of Oceania Cruises indulge you in a Christmas Day this year like no other, and allowing you to soak-up seventeen luxury nights from Rio de Janeiro to Santiago's port of Valparaiso aboard the mid-size MS Marina – a vessel that Berlitz has elevated into its elite "Five-Star Club."

And before you join Marina on December 12 you'll enjoy two nights at the beachfront Caesar Park Ipanema Hotel in Rio with breakfasts and airport, hotel and port transfers, then a night and a day aboard ship still in Rio, and at the end of your cruise a full day and a night aboard in Valparaiso followed by a night at the San Cristobel Tower Hotel in Santiago – again with breakfast, port, hotel and airport transfers.

And book through Cruiseco and you can start celebrating Christmas from the moment you go aboard: they're throwing in a US$500 per stateroom onboard spending credit for bookings that have to be made by September 30 2012.

Marina that has just 630 cabins will visit Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Ushuaia, cruise the Chilean Fjords for two days, visit Puerto Chacabuco and Puerto Montt, and have six days cruising the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans – including Christmas Day at sea and Boxing Day in port in Valparaiso.

Prices start from $7785pp twin-share including return economy air travel from Sydney, port charges, government fees and air taxes*. For full details and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise specialist travel agency visit www.cruising.com.au. *Air taxes can change without notice.

Marina is classed as one of the world's Top Ten mid-size ships, delivering unparalleled onboard experiences with no fewer than nine restaurants, five bars and lounges, classic Afternoon Teas, premium wine, martini and food tastings, a casino and live stage productions.

As well Master Chefs offer hands-on cooking instruction and artists-in-residence teach fine arts, while there's also a gym, Spa, internet centre and library.

                                      

Tuesday, 4 September 2012

Spring into New Zealand with Emirates

-Trans-Tasman airfares from $217 one way and $385 return-

Emirates has released special airfares to New Zealand for Australian travellers keen to experience the vibrancies of Auckland and Christchurch in Spring.

One way Economy fares to Auckland are from $219, and return from $386. For Business Class travel, fares to Auckland are from $729 one way and $1,406 return.

Special Spring Economy fares to Christchurch start at $217 one-way and $385 return. Business Class fares to Christchurch start at $732 one way and $1,415 return.

Spring travellers can enjoy the natural wonder of New Zealand at its best or take in some of the country's big events such as Fashion Week, Auckland Art Markets and gigs including Mumford & Sons, while athletic travellers can also partake in the ITU World Triathlon Series.

All Emirates' trans-Tasman services offer spacious seating for Economy Class travellers and luxurious massage seats in Business Class, which convert into fully lie-flat beds up to two metres long.

Emirates provides all classes award-winning inflight service from an international crew, including meals created by internationally renowned chefs and ice, the wide-screen inflight entertainment system with up to 1,400 channels.

Emirates also offers its passengers one of the most generous luggage allowances, offering Economy Class travellers a substantial 30kg of checked baggage and 40kg for Business Class travellers.

For flight information and bookings contact Emirates on 1300 303 777, visit your local travel agent or go to www.emirates.com/au. All bookings must be complete by 10 September 2012.


 

Best of Russia by luxury train, helicopter and river cruises


TWELVE nights covering 10,600km across Russia and into Mongolia in Gold Class berths aboard the luxury Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express is a highlight of an amazing 33-day escorted tour with Far Horizons from Vladivostok and Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, through Khabarovsk and the Siberian steppes to Moscow and St Petersburg departing 31st August 2013.

Guests will also fly by helicopter over steaming volcanoes, geysers, thermal lakes, herds of wild reindeer and ambling brown bears in Russia's so-called "Land of Fire and Ice," cruise regions of the Volga and Niva Rivers, see into the once-secret port of Vladivostok closed to all but Russian naval personnel and officials until recent times, venture by Zodiac boats into a nature reserve abounding with puffins, murres, cormorants, sea otters and harbour seals, and be entertained with stories, songs and dances by indigenous villagers in traditional reindeer-hide tents.

They'll dine on international cuisine aboard the Trans-Siberian Express, and by contrast share borscht (beetroot soup,) salmon, boiled potatoes and salads with local village families, learn something of the Russian language during lectures aboard the train, travel around the rim of Lake Baikal containing 20% of all the world's fresh water, see into the land once ruled by Genghis Khan and enjoy the best there is of the wonders of  Moscow and St Petersburg.

Numbers are limited to sixteen; price starts from $38,750pp twin-share including return airfares from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, best available hotels, Gold Class berth on luxury train, all transport, all meals, extensive sightseeing, local guides, Far Horizons escort throughout, taxes and gratuities. Details 1800 083 141, (02) 9955 0444 or info@farhorizons.com.au

ARCHITECTURALLY the tour embraces classic wooden structures, the world's largest opera house, the church where Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918, Kazan's Kremlin Fortress, Moscow's Red Square, a picture gallery featuring 160,000 works by Russian artists, a ring of ancient towns that are now "open air museums," grand Orthodox churches and monasteries and St Petersburg's spectacular Palace of Catherine the Great and Hermitage Museum.


Monday, 3 September 2012

ecruising.travel - ICCA National Cruise Week deals






Hi Cruisers,

National Cruise Week has arrived in Australia. If you're thinking of your next cruise holiday there's never been a better time to book. An initiative of the International Cruise Council Australasia (ICCA), National Cruise Week is the largest consumer promotion in the cruise industry with all ICCA Member Cruise Lines committed to bringing the best possible value to the cruise market.




BOOK ONLINE NOW! Free Call 1300 369 848

Level 9, 64 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW Australia, 2000
Telephone (02) 9274 4000 or 1300 369 848 | Web Address: http://www.ecruising.travel/
License number 2TA5076





Noahs Ark, Cleopatra, rare cats and the Caspian Sea


THE supposed resting place of Noah's Ark, the point where Cleopatra arrived in her gold and silver barge to meet Mark Anthony, a mosque that today seats 20,000 worshippers and a hippodrome that once drew crowds of 100,000 or more, camel markets and vast bazaars are just some of the many highlights of Far Horizon's 36-day journey from Muscat to Istanbul departing 25th March 2013.

There's also a twilight cruise by traditional wooden dhow and a drive through a desert oasis in Oman, a journey along a section of the ancient Silk Road, and visits to grand palaces, emperor's spectacular tombs, museums featuring everything from ancient glass and ceramics to carpets and priceless jewels, grand gardens contrasting with arid deserts and homes of hillside cave-dwellers, archaeological sites – and for animal lovers, the chance to see some of Turkey's legendary fluffy white Van cats which strangely have one blue eye and one green eye.

This fascinating tour begins in Muscat and travels through northern Oman to Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman in the United Arab Emirates, then by air to Shiraz for a 12-day coach journey through Iran visiting Persepolis, Isfahan, Tehran, the Caspian Sea and Tabriz. From Mt Ararat and Lake Van in eastern Turkey, the tour continues to Istanbul via the funerary tumulus at Nemrut Dagi, the ancient walled city of Diyarbakir, historic Gaziantep and the 'fairy chimney' houses of the Cappadocia Valley.

The tour price starts from $24,700pp twin-share including return airfares from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth, best available accommodation, all meals, extensive sightseeing, local guides and a Far Horizons escort throughout, all taxes and gratuities. Details 1800 083 141, (02) 9955 0444 or info@farhorizons.com.au


Iguazu Falls and 14 night luxury cruise in 20 night package


CRUISECO have a luxury 14 night cruise from Buenos Aires around legendary Cape Horn and by the spectacular Chilean Fjords to Valparaiso in March of next year – and for extra value have added 2 nights before the cruise in Buenos Aires, return economy flights from Buenos Aires to Iguazu, two nights at the Iguazu Grand, plus a full day touring the spectacular Iguazu Falls.

The 2 nights at the Hotel Madero in Buenos Aires include breakfasts and a half day sightseeing tour of the city, in Iguazu the 2 nights are at the Iguazu Grand Resort and Casino with breakfasts and a full day sightseeing the Brazilian and Argentinian sides of the Falls, and lunch is also included.

Guests fly back to Buenos Aires on March 3, 2013 to join Celebrity Cruises' 4.5-star Infinity for an afternoon and night aboard ship in port, followed by 14 nights to Valparaiso by way of six ports in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile, a rounding of Cape Horn, a cruise of the Strait of Magellan and a sail-by of the Chilean Fjords.

On arrival in Valparaiso there are transfers to Santiago for 2 nights at the San Cristobal Tower with breakfasts, plus a half day city sightseeing and wine tasting.

Prices start from $6,820pp twin share including return air from Sydney, transfers between airports, hotels and Infinity, shipboard gratuities, port charges and government fees, hotel and air taxes*.

For full details and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise specialist travel agency visit www.cruising.com.au *Air taxes may vary.

ADDITIONAL CRUISE INFORMATION: Ports to be visited during Infinity's 14-night cruise include Montevideo, Punta Del Este, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas and Puerto Montt.

Infinity has nine restaurants, cafés and bars, a live theatre, cinema, casino, pool, a Persian Garden, Spa, fitness centre and golf simulator; guests depart Australia on February 27 2013 for this 20 night package.

Sunday, 2 September 2012

Perisher Extends Snow Season


After being the first Australian ski resort to open in 2012 on 2 June, donating all lift ticket proceeds to charities, Perisher, Australia's favourite alpine destination announces today that it will be extending its season until 5 October.

The 2012 snow season is being hailed as one of the best ever for consistency and snow quality! With the start of spring now with us, snow lovers are celebrating the best conditions in 12 years. Not since the extraordinary 2000 season has Perisher seen a snow base of more than 2 metres recorded on 1 September.

The official snow depth, measured by Snowy Hydro, has now reached 2.04 metres at Spencer's Creek just outside of Perisher. By all accounts, reaching over 2 metres at Spencers Creek at any time during a season is regarded as being excellent; to have 2 metres for the start of spring is outstanding.

"Thanks to consistent snowfalls that we have received since the start of winter, particularly in August, Perisher is experiencing some of the best skiing and snowboarding conditions that we've ever seen; you'd have to go back a long way to find so many epic powder days in one season." Said Peter Brulisauer, Perisher's CEO today. "With these fantastic conditions we are pleased to announce that we will be extending our snow season to the end of the NSW School Holidays on 5 October."

Accumulated natural snowfalls have exceeded 4 metres since the start of winter, so the foundation is well and truly laid for a magic spring. Weather forecasters are predicting even more snow to fall during September, so Perisher's visitors will be in for a fabulous end to the 2012 season.

Now is the time to plan a visit to Perisher, don't miss out! Great lift ticket and accommodation deals are still available. You may even be tempted to purchase Perisher's 2013 Freedom Pass so you can ski or board as much as you want, when you want in 2013 and pay just $199 deposit now with the balance in May next year. With a 2012 Freedom Pass you will enjoy a FREE day skiing or snowboarding for you and a friend from 10 September 2012 to season end.

Perisher
www.perisher.com.au

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