Holiday & Travel Show Sydney - this weekend

9-10 March, 2013
Hordern Pavilion, Entertainment quarter, Moore Park
Open 10am - 4.30pm daily

Come to the Holiday & Travel Show Sydney and enjoy three shows in one! This year the Holiday & Travel Show will be co-locating with the Adventure Travel Expo and also has a dedicated Cruise Show. This means over 95 exhibitors offering a diverse range of holidays that will cater for everyone.

Be inspired with over 25 daily travel talks from travel industry experts - they will be able to help you find your dream holiday. Save with fantastic expo deals, or be in for a chance to WIN over $30,000 in prizes! You are able to take advantage of all the exclusive expo deals and book your dream holiday during the show with our official booking partners itravel.

Experience cultural performance with traditional aboriginal story telling and Mauri dances. Or come and see the Flavours of the World Stage, with diverse international cuisine being cooked AND on Sunday 10 March, Lyndey Milan, Australian home cook hero will be sharing her twenty-five year love of food and wine. Lyndey will also be talking about her latest two cooking and travel televisions series and will be signing her accompanying book which will be on sale at the show.

Don't miss out on an opportunity to learn more and book your dream destination at the Holiday & Travel Show Sydney.

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Get Up & Go

www.holidayshow.com.au

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Savour a weekend of exotic food and wine at Peppers Beach Club, Port Douglas.

Peppers Beach Club at Port Douglas is holding an irresistible gourmet event on 22 and 23 March to entice food lovers to experience their Gourmet Food Trail with a banquet of local food and wine experiences.

The weekend event is part of the Peppers Gourmet Food Trail – a program of events, packages and offerings at their collection of stylish resorts and elegant retreats, celebrating the finest food and wine producing regions in Australia and New Zealand.

Peppers Beach Club's 'Lingering over Summer in the Tropics' event will give guests the opportunity to taste the finest tropical fare and experience the journey of produce, from paddock to the plate.

Priced from $750* per couple, the weekend event package includes two nights accommodation in a Spa Suite, a regional produce hamper featuring Daintree and Tablelands coffee, teas, chocolates, jams and spreads, buffet breakfast for two daily and tickets to three foodie events.

On Friday evening, food fans will discover Tropical North Queensland's exquisite range of regional produce with barefoot cocktails on the beach and a hosted tropical fruit tasting from local conservationists The Botanical Ark with champagne from Fine Wine Partners.
 
The following morning, guests are invited to start the day with yoga on the beach before embarking on a day trip to the Shannonvale Fruit Winery for tastings and canapés.

As the sun begins to set on Saturday evening, guests will enjoy pre-dinner drinks by the resort's stunning sandy beach lagoon pool and then savour a four-course Degustation Dinner and matched wines with Executive Chef Ralph Campbell at the resort's acclaimed Sublime Bar & Grill.

Event only tickets are also available. Tickets to the tropical fruit tasting with champagne event on Friday 22 March are $25 per person. Day trip tickets to the Shannonvale Fruit Winery tasting are $28 per person. Tickets to the four-course Degustation Dinner on Saturday 23 March are $80 per person.

When guests aren't indulging in fine food and wine, they can explore the holiday haven of Port Douglas and enjoy the resort's leisure facilities such as an onsite day spa and sandy beach lagoon pool.

Call 07 4087 1000 or email portdouglas@peppers.com.au.

For more information on Peppers Gourmet Food Trail events and packages visit www.peppers.com.au/food.
 
*Subject to availability. Minimum two night stay applies.

 

Swim Among the World's Largest Accumulation of Whale Sharks

Whale Sharks off Mexico

In July and August this year, a team of whale shark experts from travel company Aqua-Firma, will head to the Caribbean seas off of Mexico in search of the largest known annual accumulation of the World's largest fish: the Whale Shark. If you are a confident swimmer, then you can join them, snorkelling in search of these gentle plankton eaters, helping the research team to identify individuals via the pattern of their unique and beautiful spot patterns.

This photograph is typical of many aerial survey shots taken over the area where this trip will operate. An image taken from higher altitude (600m) captured 220 whale sharks within one frame and on occasions past, more than 400 have been spotted in a single survey. Whilst sightings can never be guaranteed, local researchers believe that the end of July and early August is an optimum period to go in search.

Dates 28th July – 4th Aug / 8th – 15th Aug (8 days)

Price £1,590 per person sharing excluding flights.

To satisfy the 'firma' in Aqua-Firma's brand name, those joining the team will have the chance to join a small group trip to see some of the best of what the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer by way of land based wildlife and Mayan civilisations. And for those who scuba dive, you can also join specialist dive boat trips to the World's second largest barrier reef in Belize, or Mexico's Sea of Cortez on the Pacific side of the country.

For further information, visit www.aqua-firma.co.uk or call 01428 620012 / 0844 412 0848.

MSC Bike Experience

Pedal your way around northern Europe with MSC's fun, eco-friendly tours

This northern summer season, travellers enjoying MSC Magnifica's northern European adventures will be able to pedal their way through the region's enchanting landscapes and cities with the new fun and eco-friendly MSC Bike Experience.


From 15 April to 1 September 2013, MSC Magnifica's diverse itineraries will offer cycle tours in various ports of call in Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the UK. 

Bikes will be provided by well-known Italian bike brand Lombardo, whose technicians will train the MSC Magnifica crew to ensure that every bike on board is "shipshape" and ready to roll in each port.

Inspired by the best sights, northern Europe's love of cycling and the region's many beautiful cycle paths, imaginative tours on offer include Spin The Spokes & Go Native In Amsterdam; Hamburg's Remarkable, Likeable & Eminently Bikeable; Biking Over the White Cliffs of Dover; The Scenic Stockholm Cycling Tour; Gourock, The Gantocks And Glorious Greenery: A Cycling Tour In The Key Of G in Greenock; Retrace the Steps of Russian Royals in St Petersburg and many, many more!

Organized bike tours with fixed itineraries, a guide and technical assistance on hand have been designed for different levels of ability through various terrains, meaning that there's a suitable tour available for everyone, from the super sporty to those simply looking for a relaxing ride.

What's more, it will even be possible to buy a bike on board, with new MSC bikes by Lombardo delivered directly to each traveller's home following the cruise at a competitive price.

Summertime in northern Europe is the ideal season and location for a cycling holiday, and there's no better way to relax tired legs and unwind after an exhilarating cycle ride than on board state-of-the-art cruise ship MSC Magnifica. With her three swimming pools, five restaurants offering authentic Mediterranean and international cuisine, the sumptuous MSC Aurea Spa and numerous entertainment options for all ages, MSC Magnifica's MSC Bike Experience combines the very best that land and sea have to offer.

Details: Phone MSC Cruises on 1300 028 502 (Aust), 0508 4278473 (NZ) or visit www.msccruises.com.au

HOLLAND BY BIKE FOR FAMILIES - Escape Travel

FIELDS OF GREEN AND WINDMILLS IN HOLLAND 

A FAMILY that travels together stays together, so take the kids on a cycling adventure amidst green fields and windmills in Holland. 

Escape Travel has an eight-day Holland Family Barge & Bicycle tour, which is led by UTracks, that will have adults and kids pedalling to the cities of Vianen, Gorinchem, Heusden, Waspik and Gouda.

On the first day, families will be guided on a 10km orientation cycle in preparation for the rides ahead, which will cover a total of 115km throughout the tour.

Along the way, highlights include cheese tasting at the dairy farm in Gouda, the spectacle of 19 windmills at Kinderdijk, a round of Dutch golf and a visit to Castle Loevestein.

The trip is priced from $949* per adult and $539* per child, including seven nights' accommodation in a bunk bed cabin with shared facilities, most meals, entrance fees, one city walk and a round of Dutch golf. 

All geared bicycle and pannier hire, bicycle insurance and an information pack with route notes and map are also included in the price.

Airfares are not included, but can be booked by Escape Travel.

The next tour leaves Amsterdam on 29 June, 2013.

Valid for sale until May 31, 2013. 

Phone Escape Travel on 1300 799 783 for more details. 

See this product online here http://www.escapetravel.com.au/product/2659140 

*Prices are subject to change and availability at the time of booking 

Elmo's World Tour - Escape Travel

TICKLE ME ELMO COMES TO MELBOURNE

KIDS will be tickled red this July, when Elmo and his Sesame Street friends come to Melbourne for Elmo's World Tour.

Escape Travel has made it easy for parents to book family tickets for the all-singing and all-dancing event, with this four-day holiday package that includes tickets and accommodation for two adults and two children.

 

The package is priced from $885* per family and includes three nights' at the 3½ star Ibis Styles Kingsgate Hotel, A reserve tickets for two adults and two children, breakfast daily and return airport transfers.

Sesame Street characters featured in the show include Elmo, Big Bird, Grover, Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster and The Count.

The Ibis Styles Kingsgate Hotel is located in Melbourne's CBD, near Southern Cross Station, Melbourne Aquarium, Etihad Stadium, major shopping precincts, the Exhibition and Convention Centre and Crown Casino.

The offer is valid between July 5, 2013 and July 6, 2013, and is valid for sale until July 5, 2013.

Airfares to and from Melbourne are not included, but can be booked by Escape Travel.

Extended stays are available at Ibis Styles Kingsgate Hotel for $180* per night.

Phone Escape Travel on 1300 799 783 for more details.

See this product online here http://www.escapetravel.com.au/product/2654794 

 

*Prices are subject to change and availability at the time of booking

 

More than 100 Reasons to March into Sydney

March is shaping up to be a bumper “super month” of events in Sydney. With 116 events listed on Sydney.com across the 31 days of March, there’s no doubt the city will be alive with a non-stop parade of world-premieres, Australian firsts and never seen before festivals spanning arts and culture, sport and family spectacles.

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase believes March 2013 will be a memorable time to be in Sydney as the city will enjoy an air of celebration and excitement.

“Sydney is the events capital of Australia and the mammoth March line-up offers something for the whole family to enjoy, from the Australian premiere of The Addams Family musical, to the exclusive Australasian staging of the Top Gear Festival through to the biggest rowing event ever held in Australia, The Sydney International Rowing Regatta,” Ms Chipchase said.

“The atmosphere across the city will be undeniably electric. We’ll also be welcoming US Talk Show Queen Ellen DeGeneres in March, once again putting Sydney front and centre, on the worldwide stage” Ms Chipchase added.

Continuing on from the success of the Sydney International Arts Series, Sydney is hosting a raft of arts and culture events this March. Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Carmen will delight audiences with the grandeur of opera on Sydney Harbour seen nowhere else in the world. The Capitol Theatre will welcome the Australian premiere of The Addams Family musical, War Horse will play at the Lyric Theatre and the noted Archibald Prize Exhibition returns to the Art Gallery of NSW.

Sports enthusiasts will be overwhelmed with options this March. Sporting highlights include Top Gear Festival Sydney which will see precision driving, FMX stunts, off-road challenges and some of the world’s finest supercars take over Sydney Motorsport Park. The biggest ever rowing event held in Australia, Sydney International Rowing Regatta will draw huge crowds to Penrith to see competitors from around the world hit the water. Support the Socceroos on their World Cup quest in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier as they take on Oman, or frock up for Sydney’s premier racing meet, The BMW Sydney Carnival.

The Sydney Royal Easter Show is back bigger and better than ever, while Darling Harbour welcomes Australia’s annual circus and street theatre festival, Darling Harbour Hoopla.

It’s not only Sydney under the spotlight this March. NSW boasts a raft of regional events with highlights including CMC Rocks the Hunter which will see Grammy award winning Rascal Flats headline in their first Australian performance, Byron Bay International Film Festival continues to grow with this year’s program screening over 200 films or head to Griffith to food festival La Festa, the largest multicultural event on Griffith’s calendar.

For a full list of events in Sydney this March go to www.sydney.com


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Write a travel story and win

Do you have a great travel story to share? Pen your best tales according to our themes, and you could win a 3D2N hotel stay and a set of luxury writing instruments. Our first theme from March 1 to April 15 is "Your Favourite City for a Vacation", so start writing now!



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International Day at the Old Bus Depot Markets

Join Canberra's award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston as it celebrates Canberra's rich and diverse multicultural community at International Day on Sunday 17 March 2013.

 

"International Day is when we invite people to travel the world at the markets, exploring the many cultures which call the nation's capital home," said Old Bus Depot Markets Director, Diane Hinds.

 

"Visitors can taste delicious multicultural foods and enjoy the local music and dance groups performing traditional dances. It's also a great opportunity to buy meaningful gifts handcrafted in other countries," Diane continued.

 

Browsing the market stalls on International Day you'll find a real mix of items including handcrafted statues from Africa, Thai silk handbags from Thailand, Russian babushka art, hand painted ceramic plates from Italy, French provincial tablecloths, woollen hats from Nepal, Indian block print textiles, Vietnamese lanterns and much more.

 

Enjoy tasty dishes from Spain, Laos, Ethiopia, France and Mexico, and watch traditional dance performances throughout the day including Indian Folk Dancing, Argentine Tango and the high-energy beats of the Drum Effect.   

International Day at the Old Bus Depot Markets will be open from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 17 March 2013 and entry is free.  For more information visit www.obdm.com.au

EVENT INFORMATION FOR YOUR DIARY:

What: International Day

Where:  Old Bus Depot Markets, Wentworth Ave Kingston, Canberra

When:     Sunday 17 March 2013

Time:  10am – 4.00pm

Cost: FREE entry

Web:  www.obdm.com.au

 

APT Offers Air Credit on African Safari

Deal on APT extra Zambezi cruise tour departure

APT has added a June 16 departure for its 18-day African Journey with Zambezi Queen tour-cruise which carries a $500 air credit deal on return South African Airways flights from Australia, booked with APT.

It is priced from $10,195 per person, twin share, which includes an APT Tour Director, tipping, all flights in Africa, 4WD game viewing, accommodation (private game lodges, luxury camps, hotels), 34 meals and local guided
excursions.

Among the highlights are travelling in custom-built 4WDs with an expert guide and a game tracker on game drives at Tinga Private Game Lodge and Thanda Tented Safari Camp, and getting close to wildlife in a small river boat during a two-day Zambezi Queen cruise safari on the Chobe River.

The stylish Zambezi Queen has just 14 suites.

APT General Manager Marketing, Debra Fox said the extra departure reflected the demand APT is receiving for its Africa small group holidays which feature private game lodges and luxury tented camps, four-to-six guests on
4WD game drives, expert guides, meeting Africa's indigenous people and everything covered by the price, including internal flights.

Consumer contact: 1300 278 278, see www.aptouring.com.au or see your travel agent.