MSC earlybird special

MSC CRUISES URGES FANS TO ACT SWIFTLY TO SAVE

Time is running out for Australian travellers wanting to save invaluable spending money on their 2013 European cruise.

Until the end of November, 2012, MSC Cruises is rewarding passengers who book early with an additional $100 per person off the already discounted 2013 Cruise fares listed in the leading cruise line's brochure.

"The biggest winners are the repeat passengers," said Lynne Clarke, managing director of MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand. "They can combine this saving with their own loyalty discounts of up to 20 per cent off as well as extra discounts they can obtain on board as part of our loyalty program," said Mrs Clarke.

"Our early bird specials have sold solidly this year, up dramatically on those of the previous year," she said. "But you will have to act swiftly if you want to cash in as cabins are booking out quickly at the discounted prices. Time is also running out."

These hot offers apply to a maximum of up to $200 saving per cabin for summer Mediterranean cruises (from March 23, 2013) as well as Grand Mediterranean itineraries, Northern Europe cruises and Grand Northern Europe cruises.

In March, 2013, MSC Cruises will also see the introduction of a new cruise ship to the cruise line's Fantasia class with its sophisticated all-suite MSC Yacht Club - MSC Preziosa.

Its launch in Genoa will come close in the wake of this year's highly-charged Marseille unveiling of sister ship, MSC Divina, named by the 13-strong cruise line's godmother, screen legend Sophia Loren.

Details: MSC Cruises, phone 1300 028 502, www.msccruises.com.au

 

 

 

 

Crime. Scandal, Rumour, Drinks & DJs

Crime. Scandal, Rumour, Drinks & DJs

Melbourne Museum's after dark program is back!

Take a walk on the dark side of our city and explore notorious gangsters, brothels and opium dens, the poisoning of Phar Lap and plenty of scandals in between.

When Thursday 29 November 2012
Where Melbourne Museum, Nicholson Street, Carlton
Cost $18 Adults, $16 Concession & MV Members

Don't miss out - make sure to pre-purchase your tickets!
Book online or by calling 13 11 02.

> Find out more
> Join the SmartBar Facebook Event

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Active Travel - Not your everyday travel company

A welcome note from Robert & Christine

Welcome to our new look travel update. It's our way of letting you know about new Active Travel destinations, tour programs and special offers.The big news this month is our new trip to Cuba. Like many, we want to visit before it changes too much. Read about our new exploratory walking trip to West Timor. Thinking about a Christmas with a difference? Why not cruise down the Mekong River in Cambodia? This week, Christine is in Bhutan with our textile and cultural tour. She then heads to Morocco to research new itineraries for 2013. Call any of the Active Travel team to find out more about the offers in the newsletter, to request a brochure or have a chat about your upcoming travel plans.

Read Full Newsletter online

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Harvey World Travel Hot Deals

 

16 November 2012

 

EUROPEAN HOLIDAY

Visit the iconic cities of Europe, rich in history and culture, on this 17 day European tour. An English Channel crossing to France by ferry begins your journey, then head north to Amsterdam, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France and return to London. Your European holiday includes: 16 night's accommodation including two nights in hotels; eight nights in hostels and six nights in bungalows at European campsites; transportation by modern air-conditioned coach; English Channel ferry crossings; sightseeing tours of all major cities; 16 breakfasts; five lunches and 10 dinners; the services of a fully trained Topdeck trip leader and driver; plus the services of Topdeck 'On Site Chefs' in the Swiss Alps, Rome and Venice. Book now and SAVE $175 per person. Prices are per person, multi share and start from $2,010. Valid for sale until 28 December 2012, unless sold out prior. Valid for travel 01 April to 30 September 2013. This offer is subject to availability and terms and conditions apply. Visit www.harveyworld.com.au or call 132 757 for more information.

EXCLUSIVE BRITAIN AND IRELAND HOLIDAY

Discover the beauty and history of Great Britain and Ireland on this spectacular 20 day tour. Experience the world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland, marvel at the mysterious wonder of Stonehenge in England and take in the gorgeous sights of the lush green countryside and dramatic cliffs in Ireland. End your holiday with a week in London including reserved seating at the 5th Ashes Test Match at The Oval to see Australia V England. Your Britain and Ireland holiday includes: a 12 day tour around England; Wales, Scotland and Ireland; ticket to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo; gratuities for your Globus tour guide and driver; seven night's accommodation in a standard room at the Mercure London Bloomsbury, including breakfast daily and late check-out, reserved seating at the 5th Ashes Test Match at The Oval; pre-match function including finger food, beer, wine and soft drinks; return transfers; seven day London Travelcard; exclusive ASICS team merchandise and an experienced tour escort from Australia. Prices are per person, twin share and start from $6,598 land only. Valid for sale until sold out. Valid for tour departure on 07 August 2013. This offer is subject to availability and terms and conditions apply. Visit www.harveyworld.com.au or call 132 757 for more information.

NORTH QUEENSLAND GETAWAY

Indulge yourself at the Paradise Palms Resort, five minutes from the palm-fringed beachfront destination Palm Cove, from where you can explore the wonderful attractions tropical North Queensland has to offer, such as the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest. Your Cairns holiday includes: return economy class airfares to Cairns flying with Qantas Airways; return airport transfers; four night's accommodation at the Paradise Palms Resort in a Resort room, including 1 free night; and Flames of the Forest - Rainforest Dining Experience (departs Saturday night only).  Prices per person, twin share, start from $802 departing Brisbane, $888 departing Sydney, $981 departing Melbourne and $1,035 departing Adelaide. Valid for sale until 15 December 2012, unless sold out prior. Valid for travel from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide 28 November to 15 December 2012; From Brisbane 16 November to 15 December 2012. This offer is subject to availability and terms and conditions apply. Visit www.harveyworld.com.au or call 132 757 for more information.

FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

Celebrate in high style on this memorable trip to France with the perfect blend of cruising, touring, and free time to explore the grand city of Paris. Be seduced by the allure and romance of Paris, stroll down the famous Champs-Élysées, visit the incomparable Palace of Versailles, wander through the Medeival town of Rouen with a traditional Christmas Market and be enchanted by an ethereal church choir recital at the magnificent Rouen Cathedral, famously memorialised in Monet's paintings. Your holiday includes: seven night river cruise from Paris aboard the River Baroness in a River View Stateroom; seven breakfasts; six lunches and seven dinners including Captain's Welcome Gala; farewell dinner and holiday gala dinner; complimentary fine wines, beer, soft drinks and entertainment onboard; replenished bottled water daily in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar; five excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides; experienced Cruise Manager and all English-speaking staff; state-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions; Signature Lecture: "France's Presidents and their Influence on Paris' Architecture"; and all transfers on arrival and departure days. Prices are per person, twin share and start from $2,345. Valid for sale to 31 March 2013, unless sold out prior. Valid for departure 20 December 2013. This offer is subject to availability and terms and conditions apply. Visit www.harveyworld.com.au or call 132 757 for more information.

LOYALTY ISLANDS CRUISE

Set sail from Sydney and have an unforgettable cruise experience as you sail to the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia. Relax away the stress of life onboard as you visit the Isle of Pines' picturesque Mystery Island with white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons, perfect for snorkeling. Fall in love with Lifou's abundant natural beauty, historic Kanak culture and the French inspired Noumea. Your cruise holiday includes: nine nights onboard the Pacific Jewel; main meals; and entertainment onboard. Prices per person, quad share start from $841 and twin share from $941 based on lead in cabin categories and including charges and taxes. Valid for sale until sold out. Valid for cruise departure 29 January 2013.  This offer is subject to availability and terms and conditions apply. Visit www.harveyworld.com.au or call 132 757 for more information.

 

Scenic Tours Launches 2013/2014 Egypt & Jordan

Scenic Tours, a leading operator of all-inclusive luxury touring to Egypt, Jordan and the Middle East, have just launched their program for 2013/2014. From September 2013 they have introduced the Hotel Sofitel Legend Old Cataract in Aswan, a magnificent hotel, which has undergone extensive renovation to restore this icon to its former glory with a modern French flair. The Oman extension has also been enhanced, now a five day tour to discover the Sultanate, Nizwa and the striking landscapes of the Hajar Mountains.

Also new is a number of Scenic Enrich events designed to culturally enhance the experience. For example in the ancient city of Jerash, guests will experience The Hippodrome: a Roman army performance with gladiator fights and a chariot race. In Petra, guests will witness the Rose Red City by night and walk through the Siq lit by thousands of candles towards the Treasury, for Bedouin music and storytelling. Guests will now also enjoy dinner at the chic AOC French Brasserie, part of the Scenic FreeChoice program in Dubai where they have the freedom to choose what they enjoy the most at no extra cost.

Scenic Tours Product Manager for Egypt and the Middle East, Louise Hill said "We are excited to announce the launch of our new Egypt, Jordan and the Middle East program.  It is a fantastic time to go as there a relatively few tourists travelling at the moment so our guests will be able to experience all the sites without the crowds."

Scenic Tours are currently offering free flights for the second person travelling on selected tours for bookings made by 31 March 2013. Call Scenic Tours 1300 723 642.

 

Celebrity Cruises Launches Australia And NZ Facebook Page

Visit and 'like' the page for your chance to win a cruise!

 Australia's most stylish and luxurious ship Celebrity Solstice arrives in just a few weeks, and now with the launch of the new Celebrity Cruises Australia and New Zealand Facebook page fans can now head to the one spot to get all of the latest news and updates.

To celebrate the launch of the new page that is dedicated to Australian and New Zealand cruisers, Celebrity Cruises is giving fans the chance to win a 12-night cruise for two aboard Celebrity Solstice, departing on 16 March 2013 from Auckland.   All fans need to do is visit www.facebook.com/celebritycruisesausnz and like the page to be in the draw to win.  As well as connecting with fellow cruisers, visitors to the page will be also be able to access photos, a complete list of local sailings, join their local Facebook cruise event and even download or order the most up to date Celebrity Cruises brochure.

"With Celebrity Solstice arriving just weeks away on 30 November, we're very pleased to not only be able to give our fans the opportunity to hear all of the insider news and information, but also to share in the excitement in the countdown to her arrival," said Adam Armstrong, commercial director, Celebrity Cruises Australia.

Celebrity Cruises has also updated their local website www.celebritycruises.com.au , with new features including a countdown clock to the arrival of Celebrity Solstice, as well as a brand new navigation bar including local pages with information about onboard activities, ports of call and destinations.

Exclusive Luxury Russia Journey

RUSSIA experts, Beyond Travel, have introduced a new exclusive special journey for 2013 that takes in the best of Russia and the Silk Road by luxury train.

This once in a life time 20-day itinerary begins in St Petersburg for four nights before visiting some of the country's smaller regional towns such as Novgorod, Tver and Klin before reaching the capital, Moscow.

From here you will join the luxurious Golden Eagle train to transport you across the historic and famous Silk Road to cities such as Volgograd, Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand before reaching your final destination of Almaty in Kazakhstan.

This guaranteed fully escorted tour departs on September 13, 2013 and is priced from $18,195 per person twin share. It includes 10 nights' accommodation in centrally located five star hotels, nine nights deluxe train accommodation with all meals, sightseeing, entrance fees and transportation with local English-speaking guides, most meals, gratuities and porterage and transfers.

There is also the option to extend your journey with a seven day tour from Almaty to Beijing, on the Shangri-La Express private train.

This package includes up to $1000 Beyond Travel Credits to be used on any additional Beyond Travel product, if you book and deposit this tour by January 31, 2013.

For full details on the itinerary contact Beyond Travel on 1300-363-554 or email info@beyondtravel.com.au

Anantara Reveals a Different Side to Wild Koh Phangan

Thailand's Koh Phangan has long been home to the wild Full Moon Party, but Anantara is tempting guests to experience the island's more luxurious side with a lavish five-star package.

Anantara's Rasananda Villa Resort & Spa is offering a five-night Koh Phangan Discovery package for two, with personalised day tours that cater to a bevy of tastes.

Guests can choose six activities from a range of cultural, nature and adventure highlights. Those thrilling adventure can go elephant trekking, zip line through the surrounding jungle canopy, explore the island by ATV bike, try their hand at archery or snorkel at a nearby idyllic island. For those more interested in cultural pursuits, Anantara offers tours to exquisite Thai and Chinese temples, as well as Fisherman's Village, and the chance to try local delicacies and shop for souvenirs.

Guests can choose between private pool suites and pool villas that all reflect the unique and deluxe Thai design Anantara is famed for. And every package includes a sumptuous breakfast buffet, served with an exotic view of the sea.

Available from now until 31st May 2013, this carefully crafted package is the perfect choice for travellers desiring a well-rounded luxury holiday on one of Thailand's most stunning island paradises.

Package includes:

• Five nights' accommodation
• Daily breakfast for two persons
• Return speedboat transfers between Koh Samui and Rasananda for two persons
• Personalised full day island tour, inclusive of transfers, soft drinks and six activities

Prices (in Thai Baht) apply from now until May 31, 2013

From  8,200 (Pool Suite)

Terms & conditions

Minimum 5 night stay required.
All rates are in THB and are subject to a 10% service charge and applicable 7% government tax.
The rates quoted are per room per night, subject to availability and a cancellation policy
A 50% non refundable deposit of the full stay is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount is to be paid upon check-out.
For cancellation 7 days prior to arrival, no shows and shortened stays, a 100% penalty will apply.
 
To book the Koh Phangan Discovery Package at Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa, please contact +66 (0) 7723 9555

For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com. 

Follow us on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/anantara and Twitter: Anantara_Hotels

Contiki offers youth travellers a Backstage Pass to Asia

Contiki Launches 2013/14 Asia Program

Leading youth travel company, Contiki, is giving 18-35 year olds a Backstage Pass to Asia with the launch of its 2013/14 Asia program, packed with iconic sights as well as lesser known gems.

The program features seven tours across five countries including Vietnam, Thailand (including the Thai islands), Cambodia, Laos and China. Strong demand has meant that the majority of 2013 departures have already been confirmed as definite including all Indochina tours such as the 10-day Vietnam Highlights and all of the 9-day Thai Island Hopper West departures.

To celebrate the launch, Contiki are offering a $50 voucher to put towards any 2013 Asia trip. To claim your voucher, simply visit the Contiki Asia microsite and catch 50 flying fish in a sampan (www.contiki.com.au/asia2013).

Fiona Hunt, Managing Director, Contiki Holidays said, "Our Asia tours average around 30 people per group and utilise private minibuses, internal flights and overnight trains as well as longtail boats, bicycles, sampans to traditional-style Chinese junk boats. That this style of travel appeals to the 18-35 market is evident in the positive response we've had to our Asian itineraries.

"We're thrilled that strong demand for our 2013 tours means we've already been able to confirm many of our departures as definite and we're confident as the new season launches and progresses the number of definite departures will continue to grow.

"Although the style of our Asia tours is a proven success we are constantly looking at ways to fine-tune our itineraries and in 2013 we've improved the quality of hotels we use in Vietnam as well as included a visit to the beautiful all-white Wat Rong Khun Temple in Northern Thailand on two itineraries".

Contiki has continued the Backstage Pass concept that was introduced in the 2013 Europe program and is now offering travellers a Backstage Pass to Asia. This means passengers will benefit from a combination of special treatment and exclusive access that turn a regular trip into a trip of a lifetime. Benefits range from exclusive access such as unique village tour and exclusive accommodation you'll never want to leave like the Koh Pha Ngan bungalows.

The Asian itineraries include plenty of ME Time - free time so travellers have time to see and experience the things that are special to them. This might mean relaxing on the beach or discovering the true tastes of the region in local markets or choosing an optional activity like a Kayaking Adventure on Halong Bay to a Chinese Cooking Class in Yangshuo.

A major part of any holiday is sharing the experiences with friends and family. Contiki's free app Shout allows passengers to just this; upload photos, videos and updates in real-time, view your trip itinerary, maps or view nearby hotspots provided by Lonely Planet. Through the Shout app, you can privately meet the rest of the travellers on your trip before you go through MeetUps.

For more information on Contiki's 2013-14 Asia brochure visit www.contiki.com.au or see your local travel agent.

Connect with Contiki by becoming a Facebook fan on www.facebook.com/Contiki or follow us on Twitter @contiki.



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Half price deal on APT West Coast Air Cruise holiday

APT is offering a 50 per cent discount on its nine-day West Coast USA Air Cruise holidays next year if booked before November 30 with an APT Canada-Alaska tour-cruise tour of 17 days or longer.

This represents a saving of $2,995 per couple.

The USA tour is a destination-hopping luxury holiday by private plane through private airports.

The fully-escorted itinerary starts and finishes in Los Angeles and includes Monterey, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Cedar City, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.

The special price ($2,995 a couple) includes travelling by private plane with a maximum 30 passengers, 14 meals, hotels, guided tours, tipping (for tour director, pilot, driver, restaurants and activities) and luggage delivered to hotels.

The air cruise tour operates weekly between May and August.

Contact:  1300 278 278, see www.aptouring.com.au or visit a travel agent