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Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Russia river cruise deal
The cruise between St Petersburg and Moscow is along the Volga, Svir and Neva rivers, exploring the forested islands, vast lakes and lifestyles of rural Russia.
For bookings made before November 30, APT is offering free return flights, including taxes, when travelling in Category F, E and D suites, as well as a companion fly free deal for travelling in Category C or above staterooms.
Included in the price is the choice of a "Moscow by Night" tour or the Moscow Circus and a visit to a Russian home for traditional pastries.
The cruise operates between May and August.
The 212-passenger, four-deck, two-restaurant ms AmaKatarina (co-owned by APT with AmaWaterways) boasts the most spacious accommodation on Russia's waterways and is the first of its kind to introduce Outside Balconies, which are a feature of over 70% of staterooms.
Contact: www.APTouring.com.au, tel 1300 229 804 or see an agent.
Monday, 2 July 2012
Sleep Under the Stars in Luxury with Peppers Bluewater Resort
A night of serious star gazing usually entails sleeping rough and a sore back the next morning; at Peppers Bluewater Resort at Lake Tekapo you can enjoy the ultimate dark sky experience in total luxury and comfort.
The International Dark Sky Association recently named the sky above Lake Tekapo as the fourth dark sky reserve in the world. At 430,000 hectares, the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve it is also the largest.
The reserve has been given gold medal status, meaning that the skies are almost completely free from light pollution. Put simply it is one of the best stargazing sites on earth.
Perched on the edge of the stunning turquoise-blue waters of Lake Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort is perfectly situated to make the most of the area's new reserve status with 142 stylish rooms including one, two and three bedroom villas all designed with inspiration from the lakeside landscape.
"The phenomenal environment here at Lake Tekapo really sets this region apart," says Peppers Bluewater Resort's General Manager Andrew Freak. "The stars are just one part of that; the nearby Mount John Observatory is internationally recognised as one of the best-situated observatories for viewing the southern night skies," says Freak. "With a hot chocolate in hand you can view mind boggling wonders such as satellite galaxies to our own Milky Way which are only visible in the Southern Hemisphere."
You can experience all that Peppers Bluewater Resort and the Lake Tekapo region have to offer with the Earth and Sky package - $210* per night for two including a tour of the night sky at the Mount John Observatory with tour providers Earth and Sky.
Visit www.peppers.com.au for details and bookings.
Mount John Observatory, which is operated by the University of Canterbury, has been at the forefront of a number of astronomical discoveries including new planets several thousand light years away.
As well as a view of the stunning night sky, Peppers Bluewater Resort's rooms offer vistas of either Lake Tekapo or the towering Southern Alps. The local area is also reflected in the menu at Peppers Bluewater Resort's signature Rakinui Restaurant where the Mackenzie Country area's finest fare is showcased.
*Subject to availability and weather conditions. Peppers Earth and Sky Package valid for sale all year round.
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SOUTH AMERICAN TOUR/CRUISE
THREE days exploring Chile's amazing Atacama Desert, plus port calls in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia as well as transiting the Panama Canal are all part of a 25-night fly/tour/cruise package from ecruising.travel to provide a unique opportunity to visit some of South America's most fascinating destinations.
The journey departs on March 16, 2014, then spends three nights in the Chilean capital Santiago, three nights in Atacama plus two nights in Miami and three in Las Vegas after the cruise.
The itinerary also includes an archaeology tour and a desert tour in Atacama, as well as a city tour in Santiago, adding extra value to the price of from $6529, previously $11,259.
The package also includes return air fares from Sydney, entertainment and all meals during the 14 nights aboard Celebrity Infinity, air and port taxes and arrival and departure transfers.
This price is available for bookings made before 31 August 2012.
For more details contact ecruising.travel on 1300-369-848 or check out www.ecruising.travel
Sunday, 1 July 2012
Bangkok's Newest Boutique Hotel, Riva Surya Bangkok, Opening 1 August
Riva Surya Bangkok, managed by SilverNeedle Hospitality, is a 68 room boutique hotel located on the Chao Phraya River, surrounded by some of the city's most treasured historical sites. The hotel is within walking distance of the lively entertainment district of Khao San Raod and connects to the city center via Bangok's most distinctive mode of transportation – the river boat. Tim Vongswang is the General Manager.
The hotel will offer four room categories, Urban, Riva, Chao Phraya View and Premium Chao Phraya View; ranging from 30-48 square meters. All rooms will feature the finest bedding, contemporary Thai furnishings and large working spaces with the latest technology and complimentary wi-fi access.
babble & rum café, the market inspired all-day-dining coffee shop and garden lounge will bring a rustic yet contemporary – stylish yet personal offering to the city. With home cooking as the focus of their menus, they will serve a simple café style menu using high quality locally sourced produce, with grilled and roasted meats, braises and pastas presented in a way that is stylish and fun. Guests can enjoy breathtaking river views while dining at babble & rum café.
The Mezzanine Bar is nestled into the lush tropical landscape, with a great selection of cocktails and refreshing beverages. Leisure facilities include a 14 meter pool and a fitness centre.
Special Introductory Rate
Riva Surya Bangkok's special introductory rate is priced at Baht 2999 (USD 96.00 approx) and is valid from 1 August – 30 September 2012 and includes the following:
> One night's accommodation in an urban room, with guaranteed upgrade to next room type
> Breakfast for two guests at babble & rum Café
> Two Chao Phraya express river boat day passes per stay
> Complimentary in-room wi-fi connectivity
> Exotic Thai fruit basket on arrival
> Refreshing welcome non-alcoholic cocktail
> Complimentary late check out to 5:00pm
For reservations, please Riva Surya Bangkok directly at:
Tel: +66 (0)2 633 500
Email: fom@rivasuryabangkok.com
Website: www.rivasuryabangkok.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Riva Surya
SilverNeedle Hospitality is an innovative and progressive integrated hospitality investment, development and management company, with a focus on mid to upscale hotels and resorts that are intelligently designed and operated for the professional and leisure needs of the business traveller. SilverNeedle Hospitality currently operates 4212 keys in the Asia-Pacific region. Headquartered in Singapore, SilverNeedle Hospitality has regional offices in Bangkok, Sydney and Bangalore. SilverNeedle Hospitality was founded by The Nadathur Group, an investment firm owned by Nadathur S. Raghavan and family, co-founder of NASDAQ-listed Infosys Technologies.
For more information, please visit: www.silverneedlehospitality.com
Friday, 29 June 2012
Aussie Cabin Crew Fly on China Southern Airlines
The first Australian cabin crew to join China Southern’s Australian services will take to the air on Sunday, July 1 as the Guangzhou-based carrier continues to expand into the Australasian market.
“Our aim is to improve communication and customer service for the growing number of English-speaking passengers on flights between Australia and Guangzhou,” said the airline’s Sydney-based Project Manager, Human Resources Development Australia, Jane Cen.
“Initially it will be one Aussie cabin crew member per flight from Sydney and our main hub in Guangzhou, rising to at least one in each Economy, Premium Economy, and Business and First class as new staff are recruited and trained.
“The 13 crew starting next week are very keen to get into the air full time and we are in the process of offering positions to a second group of recruits who have just completed the recruitment process jointly operated by China Southern Airlines and Melbourne-based Altara air services company.
“Our plan is to continue to recruit and train local cabin crew as long as passenger feedback indicates it improves their in-flight experience.”
Experienced international flight crew member Ms Cathy Chen has been appointed to the new position of Cabin Crew Manager in Sydney to manage day-to-day operations.
Information about China Southern’s cabin crew recruitment program is available via Altara at www.Altara.aero/chinasouthern and information about China Southern Airlines is available on 1300 889 628 during AEDST/AEST business hours or visit www.flychinasouthern.com or www.facebook.com/ChinaSouthernAirlines
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Wednesday, 27 June 2012
UNIQUE ALASKA COAST, MOUNTAIN, TUNDRA AND BACKCOUNTRY CRUISETOURS
A range of 16 night packages to Alaska with Cruiseco in 2013 are more than just a cruise with a few coach excursions ashore – these unique "cruisetours" include two nights to enjoy all that Vancouver has to offer, a 7 night cruise to Anchorage via three ports and scenic cruising of Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord, and 7 nights through Alaska's mountain and tundra backcountry from Whittier to Fairbanks by coach, rail and riverboat.
And with return Economy Class airfare from Sydney, all meals and entertainment during the week aboard the luxury 116,000 tonne Diamond Princess, two meals daily and all transport during the 7 day Alaska cruisetour, the services of professional naturalists and guides, and taxes and port charges, prices start from just $6,540pp twin share.
Cruiseco has eight of these packages between May 23 and August 29 next year;
For complete itineraries, inclusions and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise-specialist travel agent go to www.cruising.com.au. Conditions apply.
HIGHLIGHTS of these unique Cruiseco packages include a transfer on arrival in Vancouver to The Fairmont Hotel for two nights with breakfasts, followed by 7 nights luxury cruising aboard Diamond Princess to Ketchikan (the so-called "Salmon Capital of the World" and Alaska's totem-pole capital,) State capital Juneau with its spectacular glaciers, and Skagway that was the wild frontier to the 1890s gold-rush.
The week-long cruisetour that follows includes stays at Princess Cruises' own wilderness lodges and hotels, national parks that abound with fjords and glaciers, wildlife from grizzlies to Dall sheep and all manner of other land and bird life, a Tundra Wilderness Tour into remote backcountry, a ride aboard the famed Alaska Railroad in Princess Cruises' own glass-canopied private rail carriages, a unique Ice Museum in Fairbanks, and a trip on the Chena River aboard an authentic paddlewheel steamboat evocative of frontier days.
Six breakfasts are included and nightly dinners range from 3-course offerings at famed restaurants to traditional Alaskan salmon bakes.
Saturday, 23 June 2012
SCENIC TOURS COMBINES POPULAR RHINE RIVER CRUISING WITH FRANCE RIVER CRUISING
Leading tour operator of all-inclusive and fully escorted luxury river cruising tours in Europe, Scenic Tours, has expanded their France River Cruising program for 2013 including the addition of the remarkable 14 night tour from Amsterdam to Nice. This tour combines the popular 7 night Amsterdam to Basel cruise followed by the brand new 7 night Chalon-sur-Saône to Arles cruise. It can also be taken in the reverse direction.
This stunning tour begins in the canal city of Amsterdam, bound for the beautiful Swiss city of Basel sailing down approximately 600km of The Rhine. Guests will soak up the charm and beauty of historic Cologne, the city of Koblenz which is over 2,000 years old; romantic Rüdesheim, the 'city of the squares', Mannheim; and Breisach, the German town with the Celtic name which means 'breakwater'.
Guests will also experience the exquisite waterways of Southern France commencing in Beaune before transferring to Chalon-sur-Saône for the southbound cruise to Arles that sails down approximately 500km of The Rhône. Guests will encounter picturesque places like Mâcon, Ardèche National Park, Avignon, Uzés and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Guests will enjoy wine tasting in Beaujolais, the picturesque landscapes of Arles and the gastronomic excellence of Lyon. They will discover Heidelberg Castle, Les Hospices de Beaune, Pont du Gard, Benedictine Abbey of Cluny and the Black Forest. They will also indulge in exclusive once-in-a-life time experiences such as dinner with the locals in Tournon and a visit to Palais des Popes.
Prices on the 15 day Rhine and Rhône River Cruise tour start from $7,145 per person twin share including free flights to Europe including taxes for bookings made by 30 September 2012. Price includes 14 night cruise with unlimited complimentary beverages, all meals, private butler service and Wi-Fi, as well as all excursions, events and entertainment, airport transfers and all tipping and gratuities on board and on shore.
Proudly Australian and unashamedly passionate, for 25 years Scenic Tours has been delivering the ultimate in 5-star all- inclusive luxury touring experiences to unique and extraordinary places on every continent. scenictours.com.au
Friday, 22 June 2012
Snowing at Falls Creek
"It started snowing early this morning at Falls Creek as the cold front hits the resort," says Debbie, "Snowfalls are forecast through until Tuesday with temperatures set to plummet to minus 7 degrees which means we'll get some good quality soft powdery snow in the coming six days"
"This series of cold fronts is perfect timing for the school holidays and the snowmaking has been pumping adding to the great base we already have".
"Falls Creek has beginner and intermediate skiing and boarding happening, and with these snowfalls predicted we're expecting to open more areas which is great for the school holidays"
"This season is very positive with seven snowfalls in the lead up to the opening of the ski season, and there's been consistent snowfalls since, bookings are up"
"Opening weekend was one of the busiest in a long time, the vibe in Falls Creek is very positive and there's a great feel amongst the locals"
www.fallscreek.net
Two Free Nights with TAUCK Tours in 2013
Early Bird Preview Offer
Tauck is offering the opportunity to spend 'Time on Tauck', exclusively for the Australian market.
Every 2013 booking made by Australian customers by 28 December 2012 will receive two free hotel nights which can be enjoyed pre or post tour, a saving of over $1000!
Tauck has a diverse range of tours and Australian travellers will be overwhelmed with choice. Countries include Ancient China, twelve days in Turkey, an African adventure or the very exciting South America.
Tauck Tours Early Bird Preview Offer for 2013 offers:
· 16 day China tour from Hong Kong to Beijing (and vice versa). This includes ancient cities, tranquil country villages and spellbinding Yangtze River cruises.
· South Africa with a spellbinding 12 day tour and safari from Cape Town to Johannesburg or South America with Tauck by letting your guide show you the best of Chile, Argentina and Brazil.
· 10 day Venice and Croatia tour features a 7 night Dalmatian Coast cruise aboard the new mega-yacht L'Austral where guests will take in castles, palaces, and cultural treasures from Venice to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the walled city of Dubrovnik. Tauck is also offering the opportunity to experience the wonders of the Aegean with a magical 14 day cruise from Athens to Istanbul where passengers will see classical antiquities, UNESCO world heritage Sites and explore the astonishing Greek Islands.
· Tauck's 12 day river cruise from Prague to Budapest will take passengers on a journey as they wind their way past medieval landscapes to discover castles, cathedrals, frescoes and Habsburg palaces in five European countries or a 14 day French escapade where passengers will spend two glorious nights in Paris then cruise through some of Europe's most beautiful wine lands until they reach the glamorous Monte Carlo.
· 15 day tour in Budapest to Amsterdam riverboat cruise as they get the opportunity to glide past ancient castles and soaring cathedrals whilst also taking in great cities including Vienna, Köln and Nürnberg.
For 25 years Tauck and Travel the World have been providing Australians with the very best all-inclusive holiday experiences and with these sneak peek tour itineraries for 2013.
For further information on TAUCK please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au
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