ANZAC Commemorative Cruise with Celebrity Cruises covers Turkey, Athens, Santorini, Naples and Rome

Celebrity Cruises commemorates ANZAC Centenary with special sailing.

Australians and New Zealanders who want to mark the centenary of one of the most important historical events in Australia and New Zealand's history - the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli - can now do so onboard a very special cruise by Celebrity Cruises.

Celebrity Constellation 

Celebrity Cruises has created a commemorative ANZAC Centenary sailing giving Australian and New Zealand guests a special way to pay tribute to and remember this history-shaping event off the shores of ANZAC Cove. As part of this once in a lifetime cruise, guests can walk the battlefields and get a firsthand glimpse of the history of the ANZAC legend, and learn more about the history of the Great War onboard while sailing to multiple destinations in Turkey and Greece.

Departing Rome on 22 April 2015, Celebrity Constellation will sail close to the Gallipoli Peninsula at Dawn on ANZAC Day where the Dawn Service on the beaches of Gallipoli will be televised live and a special service will also take place onboard. The ship then docks in Canakkale (Kepez), Turkey at 10.30am on ANZAC Day where guests have two days and an overnight to visit the battlefields, explore the region and delve deeper into the history of the ANZACs. Guests can also learn aboutWorld War I and II onboard from historian and author Peter Donovan.

The 12-night sailing also includes an overnight in Istanbul, Turkey before cruising on to Athens, Santorini and Naples before concluding back in Rome.

Fares start from $1,899 per person twin share for an inside stateroom or $2,329 per person twin share for an Oceanview stateroom. Oceanview stateroom and above bookings made by 28 February 2015 also qualify for Celebrity's 123Go Europe sale, which offers guests a choice of two out of three exceptional onboard extras:

• Free beverage package
• US$300 onboard credit
• Free gratuities

For more information about the ANZAC Cruise, visit www.celebritycruises.com.au, phone 1800 754 500 or call your travel agent.
Tweet

Melbourne: Your Travel Expo is here

Walking around the Flight Centre Travel Expo here in Sydney last weekend, it was encouraging to see how many people are serious about travelling.

The line was hundreds of metres long just before the doors opened at Sydney Showgrounds, but the efficient staff made sure everyone was guided inside quickly and painlessly.

Friendly staff ready to assist

Inside booths and displays from airlines, major and minor tour operators, destinations and cruise lines were there for your business. And the visitors were keen. One cruise company stand booked 13 cruises in the first hour.

Airlines were touting amazing specials like Sydney to LA for under $1000 return including taxes. These prices were only available at the show and you can book and pay immediately.

And it's not just travel booths and brochures. There is face-painting for the kids, food demonstrations, roving entertainers, fun competitions and free seminars from all the major exhibitors.

Melbourne Expo is this Saturday (Feb.7) 10am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (Door 2 entry)

For more information and future expos, see www.travelexpo.net.au

Travel Expo Facebook Page

Tweet

Horizons Anzac Centenary Cruise and Tour - Gallipoli 2015

Horizons Cruise and Tours' 2015 14-day Anzac Centenary Cruise and Tour package, departing Australia on 15 April 2015, is offering shipboard spending credit of A$100 per person as part of the package.

It's an added bonus on a cruise tour that includes return flights from Sydney, eight nights aboard MV Louis Cristal and all shore excursions.

Sailing from Athens, the ship heads to Turkey, taking in the exotic ports of Istanbul, Limnos, and Izmir – with focus on Gallipoli – a shore excursion to Anzac Cove, North Beach and the Ari Burnu beach cemetery.

After Istanbul fly to Paris for excursion of the Somme battlefield in France, where so many Diggers fought and lost their lives. Then, a tour of Paris.

Sydney-based operator Horizons Cruise and Tours, (a member of the Travel Partners group), has berths available.

An excellent opportunity still exists to take part in once-in-a-lifetime event that will have you joining fellow Australian veterans and families at Gallipoli 100 years on. An unforgettable Anzac Day cruise/tour caters both for those who were successful in the official ballot and for those who missed out.

The tour heads to Gallipoli Cove aboard the Louis Cruises luxury cruise ship M/V Louis Cristal. Prices for the cruise/tour start at A$7277 twin share per person, including return flights from Sydney.

As David Lyons of Horizons Cruise and Tours explains, passengers who were successful in the official Government Dawn Service ballot will be transferred ashore by Louis Cruises and escorted to Anzac Cove and afterwards to Istanbul.

Those who were unsuccessful in the Dawn Service ballot need not miss out, as the tour goes ashore at Anzac Cove on the Thursday before Anzac Day. M/V Louis Cristal will anchor at a designated position during the Centenary Dawn Service, a cruise highlight which will be screened live to the ship's poolside and theatre.

The M/V Louis Cristal cruise and the tour comply with all Turkish Government rules governing Anzac Day 2015.

Inclusive of round-strip airfares from Australia, prices for the cruise/tour, including return flights from Sydney, begin at A$7277, twin share per person. For singles and solo travelers single cabins, prices begin at A$8485.

Book before 10 February for the onboard credit package of A$100 per person.

For more information contact David Lyons at Horizons Cruise and Tours.

A full list of prices, along with a detailed itinerary and list of inclusions, can be seen on: www.horizonscruisetours.com.au

Phillip Island Valentine's Day Cuddle Package, Scenic Flight and Romantic Stay Offerings

‘Maru Koala and Animal Park Cuddle Package’



Maru Koala and Animal Park is offering romantics the ultimate Valentine’s Day ‘Cuddle Package’. Featuring entry into the Animal Park, free animal food, a wildlife show at 1pm and lunch for two in the Auditorium, couples can choose between a shared Fisherman’s Platter or Mediterranean Platter with a free champagne, beer and wine. After the feast, couples can the get up close and personal with any three animals of their choosing including a koala, dingo pup, joey, snake, possum or lizard before leaving with a printed photo and USB with all photographs. Package costs $175 per couple. For bookings, please phone (03) 5678 8548 or visit www.marukoalapark.com.au. Located on the way to Phillip Island at 1650 Bass Highway, Grantville, Victoria. Offer only available on Saturday 14 February, 2015.

Phillip Island Helicopters Scenic Flight Deal



Available on February 14 and 15 2015, couples can embark on a romantic adventure with Phillip Island Helicopters. For anyone who mentions this offer, Phillip Island Helicopters are offering a 10% discount on any Phillip Island scenic flight. The scenic flight tours offer a variety of trips that allow guests to overlook the rugged coastline and get a bird’s eye view of the place Phillip Island’s famous little penguins and Australia’s largest fur seal colony call home. Not in conjunction with any other offer. For bookings and enquiries, please phone (03) 5956 7316 or visit www.phillipislandhelicopters.com.au.

Phillip Island Apartments Romance and Beach Stay



Couples are invited to spend a relaxing two night stay in a cosy one bedroom self-contained apartment with balcony or patio. Located only a short stroll from the beautiful Cowes beach and featuring a relaxing outdoor pool and spa onsite, couples can unwind across the Valentine’s Day weekend. Bonus bottle of sparkling wine, 2 x 100g chocolate Penguins from Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate on arrival and a leisurely 12 noon check out. $165 per night. No daily housekeeping available, only valid across 2015 Valentine’s Day Weekend and subject to availability. Contact reception on (03) 5952 2644 to make a booking or visit www.phillipislandapartments.net.au.
Tweet

Valentine’s Day Celebration at Rayavadee Thailand

Celebrate a romantic evening for two at Rayavadee with a choice of a delectable four course Royal Thai menu at Krua Phranang with views over Phranang Beach OR an elegant six course degustation menu at Raya Dining.




A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Rayavadee presents award-winning architecture, superb Thai and international dining, a relaxing spa and a fleet of speedboats for excursions to surrounding islands.

Set within the spectacular scenery of Krabi’s Marine National Park in the heart of the Phranang Peninsular on southern Thailand’s Andaman coast, Rayavadee features 98 luxurious pavilions and 4 beachfront villas spread over 26 acres of coconut groves and tropical landscapes, set against a backdrop of sheer limestone cliffs and bordered by three beaches.

Guests have opportunities to visit a deserted beach at sunset, kayak through a pristine mangrove forest, climb aboard an elephant for a ramble through the Krabi landscape, scale a rock wall with a private rock climbing instructor, hike a nature trail to a waterfall, learn to scuba dive or discover the art of Thai cooking.

For bookings, go to www.rayavadee.com

Tweet

Featherdale Wildlife Park for Valentine's Day

Love is Fur-ever at Featherdale Wildlife Park

The animals at Featherdale Wildlife Park are testament to the fact that love really can last a lifetime.

As the world celebrates Valentine's Day on February 14th, Featherdale's inhabitants don't require a special day to demonstrate their passion for one another - many of the species rekindle their love annually, performing a courtship each year ahead of mating season.

In the wild, Little Penguins renew the bond and return to the same burrow each year which will undergo 'renovation' it if it is not too badly damaged.  Each parent then takes turns incubating the egg and hunting for food once the chick has hatched.

Brolgas, one of Australia's largest bird species, strengthen their bond each year and are renowned for their graceful courtship dance which involves loud trumpeting calls and prancing around one another with wings outstretched. Brolgas also take turns incubating the eggs and raising the chicks once hatched.

Featherdale is home to many species of Birds of Prey including the Wedge-tailed Eagle.  A breeding pair will often mate for life and live in the one area all year round, fiercely defending their territory from the intrusion of other birds.  Their courtship ritual involves a magnificent aerial acrobatics display.  Both parents will work together to build their love nest, incubate the eggs and raise the chicks.

The following promotion is running in the lead up to Valentine's day;

Featherdale Wildlife Park's young Koalas, 16 month old Archer and 11 month old Aria, live together in the Koala Sanctuary.  The pair were introduced just over a month ago and are now inseparable.  Featherdale is offering a chance to win a VIP guided tour for two, including a meet and greet with Archer. For details, visit www.featherdale.com.au/valentines and help Archer come up with the perfect way to spend Valentine's Day with Aria.  Entries close at 5pm on February 13. The winner will be notified by email.

Valentine's Day Deals and Offers from Minor Hotel Group

Moments of Romance this Valentine's Day at Anantara in the Maldives

Anantara in the Maldives are celebrating romance this Valentine's Day with an indulgent three-four day getaway. Arriving to decadent champagne, chocolates and roses for the ladies, guests luxuriate with a breakfast in bed as they take in the sunrise. On February 14, a special five-course menu at Sea restaurant is paired with wines from around world, while those looking for total seclusion can choose from the collection of fine dining menus, complete with a private chef and butler. Round out the romance and relaxation at the Anantara Spa in the signature overwater suites or garden settings. Follow your romantic dreams in the Maldives at anantara.com

Valentine's Day with a difference at Per AQUUM Desert Palm

Per AQUUM Desert Palm is offering a Valentine's special guaranteed to set foodie's and romantic's hearts aflutter. Guests will be welcomed to their villa with a romantic flower arrangement followed by a unique dining experience at Desert Palm's pop up restaurant REVO, where  a fusion of molecular cuisine and traditional techniques meet to offer dishes such as edible sand, seafood yoghurt and nitrogen green tea. Including one night of accommodation in a luxury guest suite and a lazy breakfast in bed for two, this ultimate mix of romance, fine dining and luxury can be booked now here

Valentine's Day Offer: Cruise Along Russia’s Majestic Volga River from Moscow to St. Petersburg

Bentours EXCLUSIVE 2-for-1* offer onboard 5 star MS. M. Rostropovich cruising Russia's Volga River PLUS get 5% OFF popular selected Bentours packages when booked with a MS. M. Rostropovich cruise.

Come aboard the MS.M.Rostropovich for this exclusive Bentours stunning 8 day cruise along Russia's majestic Volga River from Moscow to St. Petersburg. The cruise (also operates in reverse) includes 8 guided land excursions, with visits to the Kremlin and Moscow's major cathedrals and sites. Stops include Uglich to see the 17th century Chapel of Dimitry; Goristry and its wonderful frescoes at the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastry and explore the World-Heritage listed island town of Kizhi. Take in Mandrogui and its wonderful traditions and cruise into picturesque St Petersburg and see the stunning Peter and Paul Fortress and visit the breathtaking Hermitage Museum.

This exclusive 2-for- 1* package includes 20 onboard meals, daily onboard entertainment, 7 nights accommodation onboard in a cabin of your choice, group transfers to the ship on embarkation/disembarkation days and is from $4,081* for 2 people. Book by 15 Feb 2015 to secure this amazing 2-for-1* offer.

PLUS get an additional 5% OFF the following popular Bentours packages if booked in conjunction with the MS. M. Rostropovich 2-for-1* offer.
Follow the Lights,  Classical Baltics or Discover the Baltics.

PLUS get a free $50 travel voucher using  Bentours  Augmented Reality APP. Download the STELLAR AR APP and using any 2015 Bentours brochure, simply register to receive your voucher to use on any Bentours packages.


http://www.bentours.com.au/Default.aspx?tabId=71&f5726b14f=aa90e605&PRID=255

Best Western Valentine's deal: Brisbane at $180

Romance with a plus this Valentine's Day

Wine and dine your valentine with a special accommodation package at BEST WESTERN PLUS Gregory Terrace Brisbane this Valentine's Day.

For $180 per couple, start your night with a three-course candlelit dinner and sparkling champagne on arrival at the hotel's restaurant, Gt's Café. After dessert, you'll receive a special gift before retiring to your superior suite with free wi-fi, deluxe bedding and mini-bar. Wake up Sunday morning at your leisure to a free breakfast, freshly roasted Di Bella coffee and late check-out on your request.

Gt's Café executive chef Kevin Harris will reveal his secret Valentine's Day menu to couples on the night.

"Australian wine and fresh, local produce will be served, with a very special dessert planned to tease and delight diners later into the evening," he said.

Valentine's Day reservations and are available by contacting the reservations team via email at ggtmotel@bigpond.net.au or direct by calling (07) 3832 1769.

For dinner without accommodation, bookings are $45 per person. Free parking is available for all customers.

Find about more about BEST WESTERN PLUS Gregory Terrace Brisbane at bestwestern.com.au/gregoryterrace.

Cruise to Australia's Best Beach this Valentine’s Day

Romance on Australia's Best Beach

Cruise Whitsundays, in the heart of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, is converting their daily Whitehaven Beach cruise into the love boat for Valentine’s Day, offering a special romance package for couples. The half day cruise operates twice daily, so couples can get up early for a romantic breakfast at the beach, or sleep in and wile away the afternoon on Australia’s best beach – Whitehaven Beach. The special deal ($257 per couple) includes a bottle of bubbles, picnic hamper, morning or afternoon tea, and red rose, as well as the scenic cruise through the stunning Whitsunday islands and 1.5-2 hours on Whitehaven Beach. There’s even a list of suggestions and ideas available for how gents can pop the question on the day!

Sunbaking on shallows on Whitehaven Beach

To book, quote promo code 100511. Call 07 4846 7000 or email info@cruisewhitsundays.com
Tweet