ITALY LAKES TOUR IN SPRING WILL HAVE YOU OVER THE MOON

CAROLINASUSI Italia Tours has a 15-night escorted tour of Italy's Northern Lakes District this European Spring that's purely for gourmets and garden lovers, shopaholics and serious sightseers, photographers – and the just plain-curious.

Limited to just 20-guests escorted by Carolinasusi's Australian owners, this unique tour will venture from the streets of Romeo and Juliet's Verona to the bar in Varese in which the cocktail Apollo 11 was created 40-odd years ago on the night  "a man named Armstrong walked upon the Moon," to the villas of the rich and famous of the 1920s and '30s, dining with a renowned local chef, and unspoiled little towns and market villages that larger coaches cannot access.

By contrast there'll be the chance to explore Vicenza (including its Teatro Olimpico that opened in the 1580s as Europe's first theatre,) Venice and its boutiques for designer clothes… and in little Marostica the possibility to dine in one of Ernest Hemingway's favourite restaurants.*

Or try a coffee with traditional hazelnut, almond, cinnamon and vanilla biscuits, chocolates in more ways than you thought possible, cruise postcard-perfect lakes, wander historic gardens, sip wines from centuries-old family vineyards…

The May 21 tour is priced from $6895pp ex-Milan including 15-nights twin-share, breakfasts and most dinners, lunches in alpine and lakeside venues, coach touring, lake cruises, villa entries, walking tours of Verona, Vicenza and Venice, a rack-railway trip and Australian escorts assisted by local professional guides.

Details on www.carolinasusi.com.au or phone 1800 770 599.

 * The restaurant today still serves his favourite dish: vegetables marinated in olive oil and lemon juice and baked with sausages and pork.

Fly to Asia for just $99 one way

Expedia.com.au offers flights to Asia for a bargain $99*

New AirAsia X route from Sydney to KL makes Asian exploration an affordable luxury

Sydneysiders on the hunt for fabulous food, culture and shopping can now escape the city and fly to Asia for under $100.

Today only from 2pm (AEST), www.Expedia.com.au will offer $99 flights* to Kuala Lumpur (including taxes) in celebration of AirAsia X's recent launch of flights between Sydney and Malaysia's capital.

Another four day sale from 19 to 22 January, 2012, will offer Aussie travellers flights to KL for $149 including taxes and $100 return.

The sale, exclusive to Expedia.com.au and AirAsia X customers, means that Australian travellers could soon be eyeing up the view from the Petronas Towers before indulging in a delicious plate of Nasi Goreng, all for the cost of their weekly grocery shop in Sydney.

Amee Evans, Marketing and Communications Manager of Expedia.com.au, said the one day flash sale would provide Aussie travellers with the opportunity to fly to Asia for under $300 return between April 1 and October 27, 2012.

"Kuala Lumpur is an exciting destination for Aussie travellers to explore and is a great stop over for travel to other parts of Asia including Bali, Phuket, Singapore and Vietnam; to name but a few," Ms Evans said.

"Weekends away to Asia are now more accessible than ever as Aussie travellers take advantage of great deals and the new AirAsia X route out of Sydney."

The one day sale will launch at 2pm (AEST) Tuesday, 17 January 2012 and will run until 18 January, 2012. Flights are limited so customers are urged to get in fast.

The four day sale will run from 19 to 22 January, 2012.


*Return trip $299 including taxes.

 

LOW, LOW AIRFARE WITH TWELVE NIGHTS LUXURY MEDITERRANEAN CRUISING PLUS TWO NIGHT PRE-CRUISE STAY

A WHOLE twelve nights luxury cruising the Mediterranean in an E3 balcony cabin aboard Serenade of the Seas, that departs 14 September this year including two-nights pre-cruise in a Hilton hotel in Barcelona, is now selling through Cruiseco from just $3695pp twin-share – when booked by January 27 it also includes an exclusive return airfare and air taxes from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth for just $1099 per person.

Serenade of the Seas is all about indulgence with a main restaurant, two cafés and a pizzeria in which all meals are included in the cruise price, plus a low cover-charge speciality restaurant and coffee house, no fewer than sixteen bars and lounges, and complimentary Broadway-style shows.

Take-in the views from your balcony cabin, the spacious decks, floor-to-ceiling windows in many public areas and even glass lifts while cruising 12-nights from Barcelona to seven ports in France, Italy (including an overnight in Venice) and Croatia and back to Barcelona.

Other indulgences include a Solarium pool that's one of six pools and whirlpools, rock-climbing wall, mini-golf course, basketball court, jogging track, video games arcade, casino, duty-free shops and children's areas catering from tots to teens.

The 2 night pre-cruise stay is at the Hilton Diagonal Mar Hotel Barcelona that's just 400-metres from the beach.

For full fly, cruise and stay itineraries and prices, and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise-specialist travel agent, go to www.cruising.com.au – and ask also about another 14-night fly, cruise and stay package in June this year with Serenade of the Seas from Barcelona through the Greek Islands from $3750pp twin share with an exclusive $1245pp airfare including air taxes.

Get Up & Go summer 2012

The summer edition of Get Up & Go magazine has '50 ways to spend the kids' inheritance'; outrageous, luxurious, sensible, altruistic, fun and many other ways to enjoy your best years! Australia's premier travel magazine for 50+ grown-ups is on sale now.

This issue is a bumper one with tales of sail, coach, car, flight,  feet and any other way to move from place to place. Visit Hanoi and learn to cook, sail the Aegean Sea, drive through Provence, house swap in Iceland, ride the rails in Queensland, view a trillion stars in NZ, play golf in Brunei or Basque in the sun!

Also win a holiday in Turkey – how good can it get?

Visit: www.getupandgo.net.au

 

SALUTE THE SUN AT PEPPERS ANCHORAGE YOGA RETREATS

Magnificent sea views and the soothing powers of yoga create perfect harmony at Peppers Anchorage, Port Stephens this year when the picturesque resort hosts two restorative weekend yoga retreats.

Offering programmes in March and August, the seaside yoga retreats, which have been designed for beginners through to experienced practitioners, take participants on a holistic journey with yoga, meditation, outdoor activities and wholesome cuisine under the guidance of YOGA TV host Kris McIntyre.

The autumn yoga retreat which will run from 23–25 March has been designed to complement the changing needs of the season according to Ryoho (a form of yoga therapy combining traditional Indian Hatha poses with the meridian based healing arts of China and Japan) and will focus on themes of Autumn cleansing, respiration, elimination and improved digestion.

The winter-spring programme will be held from 17-19 August and will focus on spring cleansing and detox, improved flexibility and strong backs and joints.

Priced from $536* per person twin share, the all-inclusive yoga escape includes two nights accommodation in an Anchorage Room, six yoga classes with yoga teacher Kris McIntyre, a yoga mat and DVD, full buffet breakfast daily, wholesome meals based on wholefood and macrobiotic principles utilising seasonal produce including supper on Friday and Saturday nights and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, meditation sessions, morning 'joggle' and bushwalk sessions and full use of resort leisure facilities.

There is also some free time each day to explore the beauty of Port Stephens, only two and a half hours drive from Sydney and just under one hour from Newcastle.  Or perhaps relax at the resort or seek out some extra pampering (at additional cost) with on-site massage and beauty treatments at Shayna Day Spa available.

For bookings contact Katie Nicholas at Peppers Anchorage on 02 4984 0350 or email katie.nicholas@peppers.com.au.  Visit www.peppers.com.au for more information about Peppers Anchorage. 

*Subject to availability.

FLY, CRUISE AND STAY FROM UK ON AZURA – A DESTINATION IN ITSELF

CRUISECO has a series of family-friendly fly, cruise and stay packages from Southampton to the Baltic, Black Sea, Mediterranean and the Norwegian Fjords between May and November of this year on P&O Cruises' 116,000-tonne Azura, one of the largest ships in the company's fleet and a virtual destination in itself.

Cruiseco's 2012 packages range from 9- to 26-nights, and all include two nights pre-cruise hotel stay in London including breakfasts, return airfare from mainland capitals, and port, government, air and hotel taxes; prices start from as low as $3880pp twin-share for a 9-night Norwegian Fjords fly, cruise and stay on May 30.

A 15-night Western Mediterranean package on May 3 includes cruising to Gibraltar, France, Italy, Monaco and Spain; 16-nights to the Baltic on May 16 visits Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Russia, Finland, Germany and Belgium; 19-nights to the Central Mediterranean on June 13  includes Gilbraltar, Greece, Croatia, Italy and Spain; 26-nights to the Black Sea on September 15 visits Portugal, Malta, Greece, Ukraine, Turkey, Greece and Spain; and 16-nights on November 2 visits Gibraltar, Spain, France, Italy and Portugal.

Azura's many facilities include three main restaurants, a café, three specialty dining venues and numerous bars and lounges, extensive sporting and spa facilities, an art gallery, library, shopping arcade, a theatre with West End-style shows, a show lounge with New York-inspired productions, and an open-air cinema. There are also extensive programs and activities for children and teens.

For full itineraries and prices, and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise-specialist travel agent, go to www.cruising.com.au

EXPLORE WORLDWIDE ADDS CYLING TOURS

 
SMALL group adventure operator Explore Worldwide has reacted to consumer demand and introduced a range of new cycling itineraries, including trips in Asia and South America.

The request came from repeat travellers who have cycled in France, Spain and other European countries and are looking for a broader experience.

The 19 new itineraries include cycling in India, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cuba, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

Explore is offering 5% off any of the 19 new cycling tours, when booked by January 31, 2012.
 
Itineraries include an eight-day journey through the heart of the Provencal plains, incorporating the classic Tour de France hill climbs of Mont Ventoux and Col du Murs. Graded tough, this tour covers 430km with several steep sections . 

New tours in Eastern Europe offer exceptional value for money and include a tour of Albania which takes travellers into the heart and soul of this fascinating and picturesque country, over eight days. There are also new Cycle Ukraine and Cycle Serbia tours.

For more information about Explore Worldwide activities call 1300-414-151 or visit www.exploreworldwide.com.au

5 STAR WINDJAMMER SEA CLOUD II RELEASES NEW PROGRAM FOR 2012 WINTER PROGRAM -

Fantastic savings for bookings made before 30 June 2012

 

 

Sea Cloud II has announced its new program from October 2012 to January 2013 with fantastic savings on offer for bookings made before 30 June 2012.   The stunning windjammer will ply the waters of the Western Mediterranean taking in the fascinating ports of Spain, Portugal, Sicily and Sardinia.  She will then sail through the spectacular Canary Islands before heading to the idyllic Lesser Antilles and Grenadines in November. 

Small ports, stunning landscapes and places of historical significance are the canvas for a unique experience on a windjammer cruise on board the luxurious Sea Cloud II.

There are a number of incredible savings available for cruise itineraries between November 2012 and January 2013 for bookings made before 30 June 2012.

Two examples include:

·        Savings of up to €1,990 per person for a 12 night/13 day cruise from 07-19 November 2012 from Valencia, Spain to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria which includes ports of call in Cadiz, Lisbon, Funchal, San Sebasatian and Los Cristianos and the opportunity to visit the enchanting Garajonay National park, a UNESCO world heritage site.  The 12 night cruise leads in at €2,995 per person for a guaranteed double cabin if booked before 30 June 2012, normally €4,985 per person.

·        For those who love days spent sailing at sea there are savings of €2,700 per person available on a 15 night adventure departing Las Palmas on 28 November and sailing into Barbados on 13 December 2012.  Rates lead in at €3,425 per person for a guaranteed double cabin for bookings prior to 30 June 2012, normally €6125 per person.

Sea Cloud II combines the best of traditional sailing with all the modern amenities and offers nostalgia along with a wonderful sense of freedom.  With a crew of 65 the 94 guests on board can be assured their experience is more like being on a private yacht than a cruise ship.

Clear price structure

Sea Cloud Cruises offers a clear, reliable price structure with all meals included and personally selected wines and soft drinks just as much a part of the package as the bottle of champagne in every cabin to welcome each passenger.

For more information please contact Sea Cloud Cruises on info@seacloudcruises.com.au 

Visit www.seacloud.com  or Toll-free Ph:  1300 583 572

Sea Cloud Cruises offers a fleet of luxurious vessels that sail the oceans of the world and the finest rivers of Europe. Luxury and the personal, private atmosphere of small intimate yachts are the common elements of all vessels of Sea Cloud Cruises.  A blue chip cruise operator since 1979, the Berlitz Cruise Guide has awarded it five stars for many years, most recently in September 2010.

The River Cloud II is a floating five-star hotel that takes only 88 pampered guests on the Rhine, Main, Danube and the Black Sea to Europe's most beautiful destinations.  The River Cloud II has a crew of 35 and exudes Mediterranean elegance and charm and yet stiff formality is avoided at all times.

The Sea Cloud Fleet currently includes two five star windjammers:  the legendary Sea Cloud, built in 1931 for wealthy businessman's wife Lady Marjorie Merriweather Post now restored to her former glory and her sister ship SEA CLOUD II which combines nostalgia with the latest in modern comfort.

Sea Cloud II has 47 outside cabins and a crew of 65 for a maximum of 94 guests. Sea Cloud offers only 32 outside cabins, (some with original marble bath) and a crew of 60 for only 64 passengers so impeccable and personal service is assured. 

Azamara's Air Offer Makes Refined European Holiday Dreams Come True

Fly to Europe from only $499* to board your intimate boutique cruise!

If you have always dreamt of seeing Europe in style, 2012 is the year to make this wish come true as Azamara Club Cruises is offering airfares to Europe starting from $499* when combined with selected cruises on Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest.  Unpack once and immerse yourself in the luxury of Azamara Club Cruises, with all your five-star accommodation, meals and travel to amazing destinations taken care of. The special fare offer is valid for new, individual Oceanview stateroom or higher bookings on 27 Azamara Club Europe 2012 cruises, booked before 31 March 2012.

Azamara Club Cruises is offering economy return airfares from $499*, $999 and $1,499*, departing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, when you book on selected 2012 European cruises. The special fare offer from Azamara Club Cruises is per person based on the first two passengers in a cabin, is non-refundable and includes booking fees and all taxes. Some further conditions apply.

Azamara Club Cruises also boasts a variety of complimentary inclusions which can save you up to $1000 on a 14 night cruise. These include complimentary boutique wines with lunch and dinner, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas, gratuities, self-service laundry, complimentary shuttle bus services to and from ports (where available) as well as an English butler service for suite guests.

Featuring more overnights and longer stays in port, guests can immerse themselves in a wide range of unique destinations and diverse cultures.  This includes a nine-night Baltic White Night festival cruise, a glamorous 11-night French and Italian Riviera cruise and an 11-night Jazz in the Norwegian Fjords cruise; if beautiful blooms excite you, there is a 12-night Chelsea Flower show cruise and a history-rich 10-night Holy Land, Egypt and Suez Canal cruise for that once in a lifetime experience.

Prices for an Oceanview stateroom on the 11-night Western Europe cruise on Azamara Journey departing May 6 2012 start from $3179* per person, with return airfares to Paris from just $499* per person.  The cruise sails from Paris to Amsterdam, visiting various ports in the UK, Ireland, Belgium, France and the Netherlands. For more information please call 1800 754 500 or visit the Azamara Club Cruises website at www.azamaraclubcruises.com.Travel professionals should call 1300 754 500.

*Terms and conditions apply.

For more information, contact your travel agent, call 1800 754 500 or visit the Azamara Club Cruises microsite at www.AzamaraDestinationImmersion.com or www.azamaraclubcruises.com. Travel professionals can call 1300 754 500 or visit www.cruisingpower.com

AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST SUMMER FESTIVAL KICKS OFF TODAY

Sydney Festival January 7-29
www.sydneyfestival.org.au

Sydney Festival, Australia's largest summer festival, begins today (Saturday January 7).

For three weeks every January, Sydney Festival presents an explosion of theatre, dance, music, exhibitions and talks that takes over the city, attracting up to one million enthusiastic locals and visitors.

The Festival uses more than 25 venues across the city including Sydney Opera House, Seymour Centre, Riverside Theatres and The University of Sydney, as well as parks, laneways and city streets.

This year, Sydney Festival will host 11 world premieres, 15 Australian exclusives and 14 Australian premieres. In any given year the Festival presents more than 1500 artists from Australia and around the globe.