Italian elegance and luxury

Travel Briefs for w/c October 27 2008.

TRAVEL BRIEFS

By John Crook 

Adventure touring for more than 80 years

One of South Africa's most exclusive game reserves, steeped in history and adventure, has designed an exclusive Cape Town and Londolozi program for high-end travellers. Check the inclusions and price tag for the 'protector of all living things' touring options created by Southern Africa's oldest and largest travel company Rennies Travel.  Visit www.nemonic.com.au  

Thai specials

A range of island escape packages which hook into Thai's special Spring airfare, make Thailand a real option  if booked before November 1 with travel taken by November 20.There's an eight-night deal to Phuket staying at the Sunset Beach Resort, priced from $1533 per person and that includes two free nights of accommodation.  The package includes return economy airfare from Sydney and taxes, accommodation, daily buffet breakfasts, complimentary late check out and return airport transfers. Check the other offerings and prices ex Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth,  by contacting 1300 369 747. 

Linger longer on Gold Coast

Book and pay before December 15 2008   and travel before March 31 2009 to benefit from a hot deal which offers four nights for the price of three at BreakFree Acapulco.  The price is from just $224 per apartment per night but you stay for four and pay for just three.    For bookings and for news of other Gold Coast escapes telephone 132 007. 

Italian elegance and luxury

The Costa Marina  is elegance afloat and if you travel peak season of June, July or August,  the eleven night cruise next year is priced from $2749 per person twin share  and that includes all meals, entertainment and onboard gratuities.   Sail out of Savona on the Italian Riviera for the Mediterranean, -  Greece, Israel, Egypt including Port Said and Cairo.  Real value with this one.  For details telephone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel   Airfares, taxes ands fuel surcharges are additional. 
 

Stay at the Mansion

This Christmas and New year celebrate at the Sofitel Werribee Park Mansion Hotel & Spa.

Here's news of a terrific package  which includes luxurious accommodation and a full buffet breakfast in Joseph's Restaurant.   Check out the options which are on offer with this festive package.  A night in a classic room is from $99 per person per night.  Check on the other deals by visiting www.mansionhotel.com.au    Telephone (03) 9731.4000. 

Virgin to Mildura

Daily flights from Melbourne to Mildura have been underway for a week or more.  Jet services have been introduced by Virgin Blue.  A 78-seater has been put into service and whilst initial flights are during the middle of the day, there may be changes pending results of surveys.  To check if these flights suit your travel plans check www.virginblue.com.au or telephone 136 789 

Norfolk , here we come

The history unfolds before your eyes with NRMA Travel offering a series of 8-day tours to beautiful Norfolk Island.  This is a unique chance to learn more about the convict era through the Bounty Mutineers heritage.  The tours run between February 7 and June 10 next year.  Guided touring, a meet and greet with airport transfers, and a seven-night stay at the All Seasons Colonial Hotel, where cooked breakfasts are included each day.   This one deserves  a telephone call, if only to  check on the other extras which are historically tailored and costed into the tour price.    Prices are from $1799 per person, twin share ex Sydney.  Ring for prices ex Brisbane and Newcastle. Just a reminder there's a $30 Norfolk Island tax payable on departing the island.  Call 1300 762 060 or visit www.nrmatravel.com.au  
 

ENDS

Visual of Costa Marina.

Ann is award winner

Your FREE Travel Briefs for w/c October 20 2008. 
 
Travel Briefs

By John Crook


New Europe and Britain brochure

Globus has more than 80 tour options for its 2009 season, from Portugal to Turkey and Sicily to Lapland. If tours are booked by December 15, 2008, there's a saving of  $450 per couple on tours of 10-15 days and $600 per couple on tours of 16 days or more.    With 80 years experience in European touring, Globus knows the routes, what to see and where to go.  Check out the full range which includes Globus Vignettes which offers a slower pace, more time in each city, through to the romance of European rail travel. Check it out with your travel agent.

Four nights for price of three

Do the Gold Coast without the high price tag, staying four nights at Mantra Circle on Cavill from just $189 per room, per night and pay for just three nights.  The deal is valid from December 15 2008 and for travel to March 31 2009.  The property features 403 luxuriously  appointed guest rooms and suites with private balconies.   There are also deals at Mantra Legends Hotel.  Get the facts by calling 13 15 17 or check www.mantra.com.au

The 10th Christmas Spectacular

If you get to see just one Christmas spectacular this year, try to make it the largest automated Christmas show in the world.  The location is Melbourne's Crown.  A free show which runs every 30 minutes, plays between Sunday November 30 2008 through Monday January 5, 2009 – 1000hrs to 2400hrs.

More than a million visitors will make it to Crown this year for what is one of the most dazzling Christmas displays. The main feature is a six storey Christmas tree. 

Go catch a Trevally

Join the crew of Haumana on Tahiti's Rangiroa Lagoon and do a spot of game fishing, shark feeding, beach and bush walking, or just lazing about.  Packages start from $6699 per person twin share ex-Sydney.  The price includes return air and taxes, three nights at the Sofitel Tahiti Resort in Papeete, four nights on Haumana with all meals, entertainment and activities and airport transfers.  Dining includes a unique 5-star picnic at tables set in the waters of the lagoon with select wines with lunches and dinners and all non-alcoholic drinks.  More info by phoning 1300 137 727 or check www.talpacific.com.au

Ann is award winner

Tour leader, author and 'good time girl' Ann Rickard has done it again.  Her latest hilarious travel book 'Ooh La La' is on book shelves right now.   Her first was an instant success, 'Not another Book about Italy', and pre the French romp, Ann won fans with her 2007 'Flash and Bash with Fries on the Side'.  Anyone with France in their sights should read 'Oo La La', available at most book shops. Check book availabilities and news of her next group tour of France by contacting ann@annrickard.com 

Kiss the bride

Here's news of a wedding package in the quiet clifftop village of Oia on Santorini, Greece.  Accommodation for two is from $798 per room per night.  To plan the entire day check www.tempoholidays.com for the full details.  That price is available for travel April 1 to May 31 and again October 1 to 31 October 2009.  Supplements apply June to September 2009.  Telephone 1300 558 987. 

* Please note conditions may apply to these packages  and prices are subject to change and availability.  Block out periods may apply. 

Need a holiday ?  We're archived on  http://travellersgoodbuys.info

Norfolk Welcomes Unsafe Sax

TRAVEL BRIEFS

By John Crook

Highlighting the best of Europe

Travel the Danube River as part of a 2009 itinerary and really get the feel of history, culture and architecture. Highlights include Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and Croatia. The journey departs from either Vienna or Bucharest. Get ready to see fairytale castles, grand cathedrals and ancient villages. The ten-night cruise Vienna to Bucharest starts at US$4,899. Book before December 19 and make a real saving. For details, price range and inclusions visit www.traveltheworld.com.au

Macquarie concert

Make a note of the date. October 25 for a concert in the vineyard of Windowrie Estate. The Macquarie male singers

will perform in a concert beginning at 4-00pm. Be there when gates open at 2.30pm ad that gives you time to wander the gardens. Cost per person is $20 with all profits going to St Vincent de Paul Society. Check availabilities on wine@windowrie.com.au

Adults only please

Early in the new year, construction will commence of a new accommodation precinct for couples-only at Aggie Greys in Samoa. It should be ready to welcome guests mid-2009. To book a holiday (without the kids) or a honeymoon Aggie Greys could be the answer. In the meantime the hotel, bungalows, the Lagoon, Beach Resort and Spa are waiting to welcome you right now. Telephone (02) 9531 4500 or visit www.aggiegreys.com

Ten days includes the battle fields

There's a ten-day Western Front Tour which departs April 18 2009 which contrasts the grand boulevards of Paris to the Gothic squares of Ypes and retraces the steps of the WW1 Diggers.

Prices begin from $2989 per person, twin share. This has the makings of a brilliant experience. For all the details check www.flightcentre.com.au or ring 131 600.

Sydney to Honolulu for Queen Vic

Here is news of a fly, cruise and stay special from Honolulu to Sydney. The 20-night package includes one-way air fare from Sydney, including taxes, two-nights pre-cruise accommodation, 18 nights aboard the Queen Victoria with all meals and entertainment on board. All port charges, taxes and fees are included. The deal starts from $4,649 per person twin share. The cruise departs from Honolulu on February 1 2009. Domestic add on fares are available from Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth starting from$100. Ring 1300 131 633 or visit www.cruisespirit.com.au

Unsafe Sax on Norfolk

Join the crowd heading to Norfolk Island for the 2008 jazz festival. Music provided by the likes of Trevor Furner, Jo Elms band, the MonSTARS and Unsafe Sax. There's a beaut package on offer for the December 8 to 12 funfest. Packages start from $1409 per person, twin share. Email res@norfolkpacific.com.au or freecall 1800 111 653.


* Please note conditions may apply to these packages and prices are subject to change and availability. The information is provided as a guide only. Check with your travel agent.

Need a holiday ? We're archived on http://travellersgoodbuys.info

Treetops adventure in Tassie

TRAVEL BRIEFS

By John Crook

Treetops adventure in Tassie

The picturesque Pipers River on Hollybank Reserve offers an exciting three hour journey and a birds-eye view of the forest below. A package from Mercure Hotel Launceston, priced at just $275, includes one night’s accommodation in a superior room, full buffet breakfast in Snappers Restaurant for two people and two adult tickets to a Hollybank treetops adventure. For all the details ring Mercure Hotel Launceston (03) 6333 9999. Packages valid until 30 November 2008.

Adelaide guitar festival

Diarise these dates,- November 29 to December 7 2008 and prepare to catch the world’s best identities from the ‘guitar world’ when they descend on Adelaide. For accommodation, how about these properties which coincide with the festival. The Sebel Playford has rooms from $229 per room/night. Franklin Central Apartments with festival accommodation from $155 per room/night. Or go budget style at Adelaide Travellers Inn Backpackers in Hutt Street with dorm rooms starting from $20 per night. These tariffs are available during the festival period. For bookings or more info go to www.roamfree.com

Cruise with family or friends

Here’s a chance to exclusively charter a boutique motor-cruiser to escape to the tranquil waters of Tahiti’s Rangiroa Lagoon aboard the 12-cabin luxury catamaran Haumana. From as little as $840 per person per night special interest groups, of up to 24, can charter the vessel which comes complete with all officers and crew, dining and sports staff. Airfares are additional. Contact 1300 662 943, or check the facts on www.ultimatecruising.com.au

Early booking essential

One of the most popular northern Indian tour programs is the Golden Triangle. It is a private car, six day round trip package which includes absolute highlights of India and that surely means the Taj Mahal. New Delhi and the desert city of Jaipur are also included.

The tour price starts at $2893 ex Melbourne. For other exit points and prices ring 1300 363 055. The price includes economy airfares and taxes, accommodation with daily breakfasts, all local transportation, sightseeing and entrance fees and return airport transfers. Valid for travel from February 1 until March 31, 2009. Take a look at www.adventureworld.com.au for more details.


APT small groups

The highly respected touring company which operates under the banner of APT has released details of its discount offers on early and late season departures in its Northern Territory small group 2009 4WD tours. As an example, there’s a 13-day Alice to Arnhem Land package at $8615 per person twin share and from $8515 with discount. Prices include touring, accommodation, cruises, most meals, sightseeing, park fees and permits. Get the facts by visiting www.aptouring.com.au or call 1300 656 985.

Kick off

Here’s a good deal which puts you in the stands for Arsenal’s 2008/2009 premier league season with ticket and accommodation packages from $396 and that includes an official match ticket and one night’s accommodation. Call 1300 730 023 for the latest information and availabilities or visit www.keithprowse.com

Top deals for Christmas

Try the on-line provider www.flightcentrehotels.com and snap up a special Christmas rate. Pensione Boutique Hotel in Melbourne has a bed and breakfast offer from $72 per person night, twin share. The Australis Noosa Lakes offers studio rooms from $63 per person per night, twin share. The Courtyard by Marriott Surfers has resort rooms with full breakfast from $136 per person/night, twin share. For details and to confirm these limited offers call 1800 005 125.

* Please note conditions may apply to these packages and prices are subject to change and availability. Block out periods may apply.