New Rhine-Rhone cruises plus deals for 2012

APT launches 2012 Europe preview deals,adds Rhine-Rhone cruises

APT is offering several deals to launch its 2012 Europe River Cruising Preview Brochure which features new Paris to Monte Carlo and Barcelona to Paris packages with cruising along the scenic Rhine and Rhone rivers.

APT will be the first travel company to market Rhine-Rhone cruise packages in Australia.

The offers are 2012 cruises at 2011 prices (fares will increase from May 1), free return airfares to Europe including air taxes on a variety of suite categories or savings of $2,200 a couple for April-September departures on Category C suites.

All offers relate to bookings made before April 30,2011.                                                      

The deals apply to the new Rhine-Rhone itineraries as well as the other 2012 cruises listed in an European River Cruising 2012 preview brochures issued to travel agents this week –  15-day Magnificent Europe (Amsterdam to Budapest), 18 and 21-day Magnificent Europe with Prague and Paris, 25-day Eastern Bloc & Magnificent Europe, 28-day Switzerland & Magnificent Europe, 31-day Italy and Magnificent Europe and 27-day Croatia & The Balkan Peninsula.

The new 15-day Amsterdam-Arles cruise is from $6995 per person twin share. The itinerary (it operates in both directions) includes Cologne, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Worms, Heidelberg, Speyer, Breisach, Colmar, Freiburg, Basel, Gruyeres, Lake Geneva, Lyon, Trevoux, Vienne Tournon, Viviers and Avignon.

The price includes the luxury cruise, all meals (including soft drink, beer and wine with lunch and dinner on board), APT Cruise Director, comprehensive sightseeing, nightly entertainment, airport transfers and tipping.

The 21-day Paris to Monte Carlo package is from $10,897 per person twin share and the 21-day Paris to Barcelona package is from $10,495.

APT has very limited number of suites available for 2011 departures, so for those who wish to travel in 2011 it is advised to book as soon as possible.

Contact:  call 1300 229 804, see www.aptouring.com.au or your local agent.


Additional detail and comment

·         APT continues its pioneering role in European river cruising with new Paris-Monte Carlo and Barcelona-Paris packages. The company introduced European river cruising to the Australian market in 2000 and this year will have its own fleet of nine custom-built boutique riverships in central Europe.

·         APT will use Aria Class ships ms Amacello for the Rhine sector and the ms Amadagio for the Rhone sector on 15, 18 and 21-day itineraries across a 2012 March-November season .

·         Ms Amadagio will be barged from Amsterdam through the North Sea and English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea and the mouth of the Rhone at Arles for the first cruise in March.

General Manager Marketing, Debra Fox said adding the Rhone and its magnificent Provence countryside, culture and food experiences was aligned to APT's strategy to continue to invigorate its cruise product range and to demonstrate that we are the leaders in river cruising. "In recent times we've elevated our cruising product in Europe with our Concerto class ships and our first Christmas-New Year cruises announced earlier this month, we've just added themed cruises there as well, we're building our own ships for Russia and the Mekong River and we have secured a Yangtze River ship that aligns with our standards," she said. 'All this development has been driven by demand from customers who have experienced the European river product ... they want the same levels of service and comfort, but a new destination cruise. Provence's Rhone Valley and Germany's Rhine will meet that need."

Top Ten Sexiest Hotels in the World

Enough with the romance already. For those who like their Valentine's Day a little more raunchy The Luxury Travel Bible has come up with the TOP TEN SEXIEST HOTELS IN THE WORLD.

The top ten hotels with sex-appeal includes a range of designer hotels. From luxury boutique hotels with all-black walls and bedside copies of the Karma Sutra to hotels with 007 suites this is the ultimate list for those who like their liasons dangerous and their luxury stays lusty. All in the best possible taste of course.
http://www.luxurytravelbible.com


TopTen Sexiest Hotels in the World (in alphabetical order)

Andaz San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
Can a suite really be stylish with a stripper's pole at its centre? We think so. It is all about how you present it.

Crazy Bear Hotel, Beaconsfield, UK
This is where English eccentricity meets s-excess and it works.

Fleming House, Goldeneye, Jamaica
Make like 007 in this house built on a cliff, overlooking a beach and designed by Ian Fleming himself.

Hotel Amour, Paris, France
Who could resister a hotel called 'love', especially when it is in Paris?

Hotel Sezz, Paris, France
There is no denying this is a devil's lair ripe for raw seduction.

Maison Moschino, Milan
Who's been sleeping in my bed? Fairytale fantasies take flight in this hotel where beds are dressed as ballgowns and even a Little Red Riding Hood has her wolf tucked up in bed.

Night New York, New York, USA
Black is always sexy right? The nearly-all-black Night New York hotel, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, was inspired by the 'pulse and passion of Gotham after dark'. Sounds promising.

The Library Hotel, New York, USA
A hotel which bases itself on books may not seem that sexy (hey, didn't you know the mind is the real erogenous zone?) but wait until you see the books....


The Palms, Las Vegas, USA
Hugh-Hefner inspired dreams, come true at The Palms - for a price.


The Seven Hotel, Paris, France
Floating beds, starry ceilings, mood lights, the 007 suite ..so many reasons to include this one ..

Discover Patagonia with a 20% Discount

Tucan Travel has an enticing 20% off several end-of-season Discovery Tours to give clients the opportunity to venture south and experience the majestic peaks and windswept steppes in a little more comfort than they may be used to.

Sample tours

Mara - 12 days. 20% discount available on 26/02, 02/03 and 29/03 departures.

Penguino - 12 days. 20% discount available on 17/02 and 20/03 departures.

Moreno - 17 days. 20% discount available on 17/02, 06/03 and 20/03 departures.

Villarica - 21 days. 20% discount available on 17/02, 02/03 and 20/03 departures.

Iguazu 1 - 98 days. 20% discount available on 08/03 departure.

More information about these tours can be found at http://www.tucantravel.com/specials/late-space-specials

Tucan Travel is a specialist adventure tour operator with hundreds of high quality, affordable and exciting adventures to worldwide destinations. Choose from over 470 group tours, Independent Travel packages and Expedition Cruises to Europe, the Middle East & North Africa, Asia & Russia, East & Southern Africa, Latin America & Antarctica.

Suprise Baby Turtles Make a Splash at the Pet Porpoise Pool!

The Pet Porpoise Pool team received a nice surprise early last week with the unexpected arrival of three baby freshwater turtles which were found in the early morning hours in the turtle exhibit.

The Freshwater Turtle exhibit at the park houses the eastern long neck and short neck turtles or otherwise known as the Macquarie turtle. The Macquarie turtle is found locally in the Bellingen River and is listed as a threatened species in NSW.

These baby Macquarie turtles will remain in care at the Pet Porpoise Pool and will not be able to be released into the wild until at least a year old, as per the National parks and wildlife which states no release of any reptiles that has been in captivity without a license.

This is the first time that the Pet Porpoise Pool has bred these turtles and the breeding is expected to be directly related to the recent re-design of the exhibit which included deepening the pool depth and providing nesting material.

Marine trainer, Kenny Damashke who cares for the turtles said "It's great to see so quickly how all the hard work we put into redeveloping the turtles exhibit has paid off with the birth of these new turtles".

The Pet Porpoise Pool is open daily from 9am to 4pm, with Marine Magic presentations at 10am and 1pm.

For a limited time the baby Macquarie turtles will be on exhibit for visitors to see.

For more information, contact the Pet Porpoise Pool on 66591900. www.dolphinmarinemagic.com

Spend Easter in the Country, Not in the Car

The car is no place to be spending a family Easter holiday, so swap I-spy and service stations for rolling countryside and outback adventure at Spicers Hidden Vale.

Set on a 12,000 acre working cattle station just one hour from Brisbane, Spicers Hidden Vale has 2, 3, 4 and 5 night Easter packages available from $369 per family, per night.*

The package includes bed and breakfast for two adults and two children, a bottle of wine for Mum and Dad and free dinner for the kids on the first night (kids menu).

There's also one pony lead or horse ride per child (age dependent), free use of all mountain bikes, or bring your own, and an Easter egg hunt on Sunday.

Spicers Hidden Vale offers elegant cottage accommodation, delicious modern cuisine and a long list of fun activities including horse-riding, archery, clay pigeon shooting and mountain bike riding. Guests can also take advantage of Hidden Vale's walking tracks, two swimming pools, a tennis court and games room in its barn.

*Minimum two night stay, $59 per extra child per night, maximum 4 in total. Further savings apply to bookings of three or more nights. Package available from 15th April to 28th April 2011.

Spicers Hidden Vale is located at 617 Grandchester Mount Mort Rd, Grandchester, South East Queensland Country, QLD, 4340.

For bookings contact 1300 410 048 or hiddenvale@spicersgroup.com.au

Win a tantalising mini-break in Tasmania

SUBSCRIBE AND WIN!

Subscribe to Vacations & Travel today and go in the draw to win a luxurious two-night mini-break in Tasmania. The winner and a companion will enjoy flights with Jetstar to Launceston where they’ll share their accommodation time between the award-winning Quamby Estate and brand-new apartment, 41 on York.

Ubid's crazy start of week promotion

It's the start of a new week and Ubid wants to brighten things up by doing a crazy promotion.

As it is Valentines Day tomorrow, February 14th, we will give you an extra $14.00 per night discount for all bookings made until the end of Valentines Day.

Whatever your reason for taking a break, whether it is a last minute Valentines Day surprise, a business trip or just a weekend escape now is the time to book.

With this offer which allows you to book for anytime in the next three months, you will now not only save by bidding for the room but also another $14.00 per night, so the longer you stay the more you save.

Bid or book now on www.ubid4rooms.com and ENJOY.

Traveller's footwear - the Warrior sandal

Here is a great item of footwear for travellers who are likely to be in situations where their feet will get wet feet, or who just want a great casual item of footwear that are easy to slip on in seconds.

The Warrior sandal is made from high density EVA rubber with a nylon strap that adjusts so they stay on your feet snugly.

While they are great in the dry -  you can wear them all day and due to their closed cell construction they won't lead to smelly feet, it is when things get wet that they really come into their own.

This could be when wandering along a foreshore, with waves washing around your feet, or maybe for boating activities. Other times  could be when a tropical downpour makes the streets awash – the last thing you want are wet shoes. If you are wearing Warriors, you can scoff at wet conditions as they are impervious to water and after slipping them off for a few minutes your feet are dry as well.

Weighing almost nothing, they won't add to your baggage weight and the little space they take up is well worth the luggage space for an item that is so well suited to so many situations.

Available online at http://www.plusone.com.au/warriors/ in black or blue

Phuket Assists Queensland Flood Appeal

The Phuket Tourist Association and the Thai Hotel Association-Southern Chapter will auction rooms donated by their members at 26 hotels and resorts in Phuket in support of the Queensland Flood Appeal.

The on-line auction at Accommodation Auctions www.accommodationauctions.com will run for 5 - 6 weeks ( until mid - March ) offering a package of 3 - 5 nights for two persons including breakfast.

Bidding is open now. All proceeds will go directly to the flood appeal.

Phuket is the most popular island resort destination in Southeast Asia attracting over 400,000 Australians a year.

Romance & Weddings by GHM

Love never goes out of style

(Singapore, February 11, 2011) - The distinctive lifestyle experiences that draw guests to GHM hotels and resorts is inextricably linked to the genuine, close-up relationships that guests foster with each destination and with those they travel. The celebration of love and romance in the timeless luxury that is uniquely GHM is a memory waiting to be created, meant to last a lifetime.

GHM hotels and resorts make for the perfect settings for romantic getaways, with destinations that capture both the heart and the imagination, and delight with the unexpected. Be it a long overdue holiday with that special someone, an extravagant surprise for your significant other, or the start of a lifetime journey with the love of your life, GHM will help create lasting memories for a love to remember.


The Setai South Beach, Miami, USA

Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and vibrant South Beach, The Setai redefines the luxury of privacy with the seamless intermingling of its retreat-like setting with Miami's sultry international playground. Asian traditions of simplicity and elegance resonate throughout, creating intimate, idyllic spaces ideal for an oceanfront wedding ceremony, a honeymoon or a romantic anniversary celebration. With an exquisite Asian-inspired spa, three swimming pools, a private beach, award-winning restaurants and unrivalled service, The Setai leaves no requests unfulfilled.


The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia

Located on the northwestern tip of the lush tropical island of Langkawi off the coast of Western Malaysia, The Datai is home to picture perfect sunsets overlooking the shimmering Andaman Sea - a perfect location for romancing, ideal for a beachfront wedding. Nestled in the heart of a centuries-old rainforest, a weekend getaway or a wedding at The Datai is sure to be intimate and memorable. Imagine a torch-lit dinner for two on the white sand beach of Datai Bay, or a private gathering of up to 80 guests at the resort's rustic, open-air restaurant. The Datai's natural setting is the stage for the unfolding of a love story.


The Nam Hai Hoi An, Vietnam

If romance conjures up images of pristine sandy beaches, expansive landscapes and private villas amidst a sea of smiles, the award-winning Nam Hai is the perfect place for your romantic escapade. Your getaway to Hoi An, the quaint 15th century port city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will offer you a rich cultural dimension to the understated charm of your stay at one of Vietnam's most stunning resorts. If you are moved to exchange vows, do so in true Vietnamese tradition at the resort's authentic Vietnamese Shrine or at the resort's open-air pavilion, where warmly-lit lanterns transform the setting to one reminiscent of the epic French film, Indochine.


The Legian Bali, Indonesia

If you have heard others waxing lyrical about tying the knot on the 'Island of the Gods', it must certainly have roused you to the intoxicating possibility of a dreamy wedding in Bali. At The Legian, couples can choose to exchange or renew vows in the blissful setting of an oceanfront tropical garden or in the privacy of the romantic Beach House. Situated on Bali's southern coast on beautiful Seminyak Beach and within walking distance of the island's trendiest shopping and dining areas, the chic Legian raises the bar on celebrations and getaways to remember.


The Strand Yangon, Myanmar

Imagine travelling back in time to a place where time stands still as you exchange vows with the one you love. The Strand is arguably one of the country's most prestigious addresses and the perfect venue at which to host your wedding as you and your guests relive the grandeur of a bygone era. Be it the splendour of the Grand Ballroom or the elegant Victorian setting of The Grill Room, a celebration at The Strand promises to be exquisite and unforgettable.


The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

The 20-villa Chedi Club in the highlands of Bali beautifully blends understated elegance with the traditions and romance of the island. The once-private estate, complete with butler service, is leisurely spread throughout five meditative hectares of tropical gardens and ponds, and surrounded by an infinite vista of rice fields. The feeling of being in love is almost palpable in this breathtakingly picturesque setting. Be it a romantic torch-lit dinner among the rice paddies or a glorious wedding in the resort's amphitheatre, bask in the headiness of it all and fall in love over and over again.


The Chedi Muscat, Oman

This resort's enchanting setting between the azure blue Gulf of Oman and the stunning Hajar mountains in the backdrop makes for the ultimate destination in which to be ensconced in the lap of love and luxury. Offering an artful blend of Omani architecture and zen Asian interiors, every simple pursuit becomes an indulgence of the senses. From lounging by the cabana-lined, black mosaic-tiled infinity pool to enjoying a heady dining experience under the stars, The Chedi Muscat presents the perfect mix of food, wine and décor for a memorable romantic holiday.


The Chedi Chiang Mai, Thailand

If Chiang Mai is the 'Rose of The North' then The Chedi is its prized bloom. An oasis of calm and understated elegance in this lively city, the hotel is situated along the peaceful banks of the Mae Ping River and offers luxury resort living in the heart of central Chiang Mai. Built on what was once the compound of the British Consulate, the beautifully restored main consulate building dating back to the 1920s is seamlessly integrated into the property's design. Celebrate romance riverside as you fall into the charming embrace of the resort and the city.