A slice of heaven - naturally in Queensland

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook 

A slice of heaven- naturally in Queensland

Vera and Michael Ferinac know exactly how to offer superb hospitality which they happily dispense at their 1770 Getaway.   They offer three-nights accommodation in a luxury villa, at Agnes Waters on the Discovery Coast.

The accommodation package, priced at just $437 per person, twin share, includes a day aboard the Reef Jet to discover the Great Barrier Reef,- and also a Paradise Tour on the LARC to Bustard Head lighthouse.  This special is available Monday to Thursday, but not during school or public holidays.  For conditions and further details email  info@1770getaway.com.au  

Twilight shopping in Ballarat

A late night Christmas shopping market is scheduled for Thursday December 3.   Entrance to Sovereign Hill is free between 6.00pm and 8.00pm.  All the retail outlets along Sovereign Hill's main street will be open providing a terrific opportunity to go shopping 1850's style. I wonder whether 'that famous pie shop' will be joining in the festivities.  That alone is enough to make me diarise the date. It's also possible to check out the produce by visiting www.sovereignhillshop.com.au  

Catholic Germany

It matters not what religion you may be, here's the opportunity to step back into history and be part of the an event which has been played out in the village of Oberammergau since 1634. The play forms part of the nine-day exploration of Catholic Germany and Alps, with visits to King Ludwig's castle. Austria, Liechenstein and Switzerland.  Fares start from $3699 per person twin share.  For all the facts visit www,globus.com.au 

Jazz, jazz and more jazz

Noosa swings with some of the best jazz entertainers, when they all gather together at the 2009 Noosa Jazz Festival from 3 – 6 September.  

One of the offers is at BreakFree South Pacific with a price tag from just $118 per room per night.  Prices increase slightly for those looking at the nights of Friday and Saturday accommodation, minimum two-night stays.  For conditions, bookings an further information click on to www.breakfree.com.au or telephone 132 007.  

Doing anything September 12th ?

If you can make a quick decision, you could be on your way to cruising 'the top end'.  Departing Wyndham on that very day, the 36-passengers on the True North will head towards the King George Falls, the ancient Bradshaw rock, a pearl farm, King's Cascades through to the amazing horizontal Falls.   Go fishing for barramundi or Mangrove Jack, eat oysters directly from the rocks, and expect to be a partner in discovery.  Nature, wilderness, absolute beauty, experiences like you've never before.  Prices start from $7649 per person twin share (down from $13,049) and that includes activities such as helicopter flights, fishing, snorkelling, picnicking and diving.  Get the full story (but please be quick about it) by visiting www.ecruising.travel or get to a phone and dial 1300 369 848.  

Please note conditions may apply to these packages  and prices are subject to change and availability.  This information is provided as a guide only.  Check with your travel agency.   Block out periods may apply.  

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

Singles week in the show

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook

Chocolate lovers unite

One of the most sought after chocolate festivals amongst Italians is the Eurochocolate Festival off Perugia.   Head towards the Umbrian capital between October 16 – 25 for special exhibitions, workshops, cooking classes, tastings aplenty and even real live Italian banquets.  This is just the thing when in search of Umbrian hospitality,- it's without peer, providing a terrific opportunity to discover the remotest corners of this ancient medieval town.   Get the information by visiting www.eurochocolate.com

Singles week in the show

Destination Falls Creek anytime between September 13 – 18 2009 and join the many agreeable activities.  There will be plenty of opportunities to meet up with like-minded singles on and off the slopes.  Amongst the scheduled events is the 'traffic Light night party.  Or is the Monday night bar crawl more to your liking? Try this for size, - five nights  share accommodation, five days of lift passes and ski / board rental, four days of group snow-sports' school lessons, access to the traffic light night function with the first bubbly included. There's a snow tubing and snow bikes session also included, as is a sunset tour (with bubbly and nibbles) on the summit chair.  The price is $805 per person, based on a twin share.  For more info and bookings telephone Falls Creek reservation centre on 1800 45 35 25, and quote SW50LL.

Luxury afloat

And you thought the staircase in Gone with the Wind was something to boast about.  Just wait until you see QM2,- a right royal experience with soaring ceilings, a grand ballroom and restaurants, bars and lounges, of which there are 13.  Prices for the 23-night cruise package, departing Honkers for Sydney February 13 2010, start from $5,239 per person twin share.  Along the way, call into Shanghai, Nagasaki, Tokyo, Guam, Rabaul, the Whitsundays, Auckland and the Bay of Islands before arriving in Sydney.

This is one of those most memorable  packages which deserves your attention.  Check the facts by calling 1300 363 428 or visit www.cruiseabout.com.au

Steaming China style

A brand new 15-day cruise along the Indian sub-continent awaits.  Departing Kolkata, travelling upstream to the Ganges with sightseeing along the way.  In fact there are ten stops.  India unfolds as you travel in comfort aboard the RV Bengal Pandaw ship, a replica of the old colonial river steamers.  All staterooms, with private en-suite, have airconditioning, there's a bar and dining area and a promenade deck. The price, from $5413 per person, includes 14 nights twin-share accommodation, all meals and non-alcoholic drinks onboard, coach transfers with all excursions and entrance feeds included.  Crew gratuities are also included.  Get more information by visiting www.wendywutours.com.au   Or telephone 1300 727 998.

G'day Chief!

Here's the chance to hang out like a Fijiian chief with an offer from TravelOnLine . The package is priced from $362 per person, ( half price package) which includes a meet and greet, four nights accommodation in a tropical garden room, daily breakfasts and return coach transport. The  deal is valid for sale through until September 1 to December 24 2009 and for travel between September 24  to December 23 2009 and again from January 13 to March 30 2010.For bookings, information and for competitive airfare prices visit www.tourismfiji.com   Bula!


* Please note conditions may apply to these packages  and prices are subject to change and availability.  This information is provided as a guide only.  Check with your travel agency.   Block-out periods may apply.    Need a holiday ?  We're archived on  http://travellersgoodbuys.info 

ENDS

Visual:  Instructors at Falls Creek

Steaming China style

Your free Travel Briefs column for w/c August 24 2009.

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook

Chocolate lovers unite

One of the most sought after chocolate festivals amongst Italians is the Eurochocolate Festival off Perugia.   Head towards the Umbrian capital between October 16 – 25 for special exhibitions, workshops, cooking classes, tastings aplenty and even real live Italian banquets.  This is just the thing when in search of Umbrian hospitality,- it's without peer, providing a terrific opportunity to discover the remotest corners of this ancient medieval town.   Get the information by visiting www.eurochocolate.com  

Singles week in the show

Destination Falls Creek anytime between September 13 – 18 2009 and join the many agreeable activities.  There will be plenty of opportunities to meet up with like-minded singles on and off the slopes.  Amongst the scheduled events is the 'traffic Light night party.  Or is the Monday night bar crawl more to your liking? Try this for size, - five nights  share accommodation, five days of lift passes and ski / board rental, four days of group snow-sports' school lessons, access to the traffic light night function with the first bubbly included. There's a snow tubing and snow bikes session also included, as is a sunset tour (with bubbly and nibbles) on the summit chair.  The price is $805 per person, based on a twin share.  For more info and bookings telephone Falls Creek reservation centre on 1800 45 35 25, and quote SW50LL.

Luxury afloat

And you thought the staircase in Gone with the Wind was something to boast about.  Just wait until you see QM2,- a right royal experience with soaring ceilings, a grand ballroom and restaurants, bars and lounges, of which there are 13.  Prices for the 23-night cruise package, departing Honkers for Sydney February 13 2010, start from $5,239 per person twin share.  Along the way, call into Shanghai, Nagasaki, Tokyo, Guam, Rabaul, the Whitsundays, Auckland and the Bay of Islands before arriving in Sydney.

This is one of those most memorable  packages which deserves your attention.  Check the facts by calling 1300 363 428 or visit www.cruiseabout.com.au

Steaming China style

A brand new 15-day cruise along the Indian sub-continent awaits.  Departing Kolkata, travelling upstream to the Ganges with sightseeing along the way.  In fact there are ten stops.  India unfolds as you travel in comfort aboard the RV Bengal Pandaw ship, a replica of the old colonial river steamers.  All staterooms, with private en-suite, have airconditioning, there's a bar and dining area and a promenade deck. The price, from $5413 per person, includes 14 nights twin-share accommodation, all meals and non-alcoholic drinks onboard, coach transfers with all excursions and entrance feeds included.  Crew gratuities are also included.  Get more information by visiting www.wendywutours.com.au   Or telephone 1300 727 998.

G'day Chief!

Here's the chance to hang out like a Fijiian chief with an offer from TravelOnLine . The package is priced from $362 per person, ( half price package) which includes a meet and greet, four nights accommodation in a tropical garden room, daily breakfasts and return coach transport. The  deal is valid for sale through until September 1 to December 24 2009 and for travel between September 24  to December 23 2009 and again from January 13 to March 30 2010.For bookings, information and for competitive airfare prices visit www.tourismfiji.com   Bula!


* Please note conditions may apply to these packages  and prices are subject to change and availability.  This information is provided as a guide only.  Check with your travel agency.   Block-out periods may apply.    Need a holiday ?  We're archived on  http://travellersgoodbuys.info

ENDS

Visuals :

1   RV Bengal Pandaw ship

2.  Instructors at Falls Creek

Escape into Spring

Your free travel briefs for w/c August 17 2009. 

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook 

Second most visited attraction,- Oui!

It's just a day trip from Paris to Mont St Michel. Travel by train and there's no driving strain. The perfect way is via a TGV train and bus package, booked through Rail Plus.  Cost for the return trip is  from $92 per person if using a Eurail pass,- or from $208 using a point-to-point rail ticket.  The journey time is 3hrs 55 mins and there are six departures  each way. I reckon you would need to spend a night or two in the Mont St Michel region,- picturesque streets, the Gothic-style Benedictine abbey and such a quaint village.  First of all, go visit www.railplus.com.au 

Escape into Spring

Sofitel Werribee Park Mansion Hotel & Spa (pictured),- your ticket to extreme luxury, great memories and an inviting price from $300 per couple per night.  This is the case when booking a Spring Escape Package.  It includes superb overnight accommodation, a bottle of Mansion sparkling wine on arrival, a full a la carte breakfast in Joseph's Restaurant (there's no other restaurant quite like Joseph's), complimentary wine tasting at Shadowfax Winery, a self-guided tour of spectacular mansion,- plus access to the pool, gymnasium and steam rooms.  To book, it's so simple.  Just dial (03) 9731 4000.  Located midway between Melbourne and Geelong, this is for your perfect escape. 

Rock-climbing at sea

So many options await passengers aboard Legend of the Seas.  Plus the chance to spend two-nights in Macau, a night in Hong Kong and even return air and taxes from Sydney are included.  Too good to be true you may say,- but those are the facts. A five-night luxury cruise to Vietnam and China, with all meals included.  There's sightseeing. A Hong Kong Peak Tram pass and then all of those great features of a real life cruise ship. A solarium, separate outdoor pool and four whirlpools, a nine-hole miniature golf course, a youth centre, day spa and on the list goes.  Sounds like a beauty for a family.  Pricing from just $2199 per person twin-share.  Get the facts by visiting www.ecruising.travel 

So friendly it doesn't have an army

The location is Costa Rica and now there's a 15-day visit awaiting in November and December of this year. It's environmentally friendly, also picture perfect.  Far Horizons has just ten places on this unique fully-escorted tour. There's business class air travel with Delta, first class accommodation, all meals, daily guided sightseeing and gratuities.  Loving it already! The tour departs Sydney on November 26 and is priced from $15,500 per person, twin share.  For all the facts, telephone 1800 083 141 or visit  www.farhorizons.com.au 

Best German cake in Oz

I was first introduced to German cake as a school student in South Australia. The local Eudunda Bakery, using a secret recipe handed down through the generations, produced what I regard as the best delicacy in rural South Australia.  Barossans will suggest otherwise, but in my book, Eudunda has the goods.  It's an easy drive from Tanunda, Nuriootpa and those other German sounding town names.  Check out whether it's baking-day by ringing (08) 8581 1095. 

Nomads welcome

Ever considered travelling lie a real nomad? Well, get ready to join the yak safari in Mongolia. There's a 14-day round trip which takes in the Trans Mongolian railway into the Gobi desert.  Sleep in 'ger' tents, help local herdsmen local their yak carts, go fishing by traditional methods.  Priced from $2,395 per person, multi share.  Transport is by 4WD and train, accommodation also includes hotels and campsites, daily breakfasts, 10 luncheons and dinners.  Airfares to Ulaanbaatar are not included.  The trip is scheduled to depart on various dates between May 16 and August 29, 2010.  Check it out by phoning 1800 069 063.  It's a Student Flights' project. 

* Please note conditions may apply to these packages  and prices are subject to change and availability.  This information is provided as a guide only.  Check with your travel agency.   Block out periods may apply.    Need a holiday ?  We're archived on  http://travellersgoodbuys.info

Leopard Spotting

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook

Absolute comfort

Travel through magical India aboard the new Maharajas' express train. The 24-carriage train runs on itineraries with travel for seven or eight days. Packages start from $5938 per person twin share and that includes your choice of cabin style, all meals including wine and beer with dinner, escorted excursions, butler service, celebrity chefs and guest lecturers. There are two restaurants, a bar and observation lounge. Check the finer details by visiting www.tempoholidays.com or call 1300 558 987.

High value offer

Pay from $180 per room per night and book into a deluxe room at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove.  Normal price would be from $455,- so that is a tremendous saving.  What's the catch? Well, nothing really, apart from the fact that the price is based on twin share and valid for sale until August 31 2009.   This five-star Gold Coast resort is inspired by the 1940's grand homestead style.  Conditions apply so to get the full story log onto www.flightcentrehotels.com  or telephone 1800 005 125.

Rhine getaway

Here's a river cruise through history and with a special offer of discounts up to $1,000 per couple.  Choose from a range of Viking River Cruises, with bookings being necessary prior to September 30 2009. For example, there's an eight-day Rhine River cruise  priced at $1810 per person, departing Amsterdam to Basel.  There are port stops in Germany and France prior to anchoring down in Switzerland.  Or do the itinerary in reverse.  Cruise prices include all meals on onboard, shore excursions, gratuities and port taxes.  More info by calling 1300 363 554 or visit www.beyondtravel.com.au

Researching leopards

For something quite unique check this one out.  It's a three-day leopard research safari tracking wild beasts.  Apart from leopard sightings in the wild, travellers also contribute towards the research and ongoing leopard conservation.

The price (excluding accommodation) is approximately $AUD930, subject to currency fluctuations. Al your questions should be answered by accessing www.andBeyond.com

Russia awaits

Why not 13-nights in Russia?  That includes 12-nights cruising and paying around $2300 per person below current brochure prices.  However, you will need to book prior to August 31 this year, with travel between May 6 and September 27 next year.  The price from $6699 per person twin share included return air from mainland capitals, current air taxes and fuel surcharges, a night pre-cruise at the Novotel St Petersburg, all meals  during the 12-night cruise, a complimentary wine package, onboard gratuities and port charges.  Check out the facts by visiting www.ecruising.travel or you could call 1300 369 848.

Antarctic savings

If you make a new booking on the December 19 Antarctic cruise there could be savings on airfares (from and to selected ports), as well as a 10% discount.  The cruise is a classic Antarctica experience aboard the Lyubov Orlova, taking in the Falklands and South Georgia.  Contact 1800 222 141 or visit www.adventureassociates.com   By the way, there are additional bonuses on several other departures.

* Please note conditions may apply to these packages  and prices are subject to change and availability.  This information is provided as a guide only.  Check with your travel agency.   Block out periods may apply.    Need a holiday ?  We're archived on  http://travellersgoodbuys.info

 

Twice the fun, around half the price

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook 

Kremilns and Tsars touring

December 20 2009 is the kick-off point for you to experience a traditional Russian Christmas eve dinner and party. The tour starts in Moscow and ends in St Petersburg.  Included in the nine-days of touring will be sightseeing in the UNESCO–listed Red Square, the Hermitage Museum, the winter palace in St Petersburg,- ice skating and a Russian sauna.  The price from $1929 per person twin share includes seven nights accommodation , an overnight train from Moscow to Pskov and plenty of other highlights.  Airfares to Russia and visa costs not included.   Check the conditions and inclusions by visiting www.studentflights.com.au or telephone 1800 046 462.03 

Take a Walk

There are plenty of options when it comes to walking the UK. There are also plenty of savings to be made this walking season.  For instance there's a sizable discount available for the seven nights walk of Scotland-Glen Coe. It's remote and spectacular with lochs, mountain ridges and wooden glens. It's one of the best mountain walking trails in Britain.  The price, including meals, accommodation and guided walking,  was $1550 pp twin share.  That now reads (for a departure in September) $1245, with a saving of $415.  There are heaps of departures, so check out which deal best suits you. Call toll free 1800 331 582 or visit www.outdoortravel.com.au  

Holy fashions

Melbourne is the centre of fashion during Spring Fashion Week which runs September 1 – 6. Parades galore, exhibitions and this year Collins Street Baptist Church is the base for Fashion for the Soul.  They didn't have this sort of thing when I attended Sunday School.  A good enough reason, for those amongst us who have wandered somewhat,  to again grace the doors of the beautiful old church in the heart of Melbourne. I wonder whether the local parson knows this is all a part of Melbourne Spring fashion fever,- horse racing and all.     For more info go to www.visitvictoria.com 
 
Cycle Vietnam

There's a classic cycling adventure which traverses a slice of Vietnam, pedalling all the way between Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.  It's a 15-day journey making it one of the best bicycle adventures on offer.  Priced from $1319, plus a local payment of US$250.  Truly, amazing stuff.  It's suggested to budget around US$195 for meals.  There are monthly departures from September to December 2009.   Before you get too excited, best thing is to check availabilities.  Call 134 782 or visit www.statravel.com.au   

Twice the fun, around half the price

Thank you  SeaDream Yacht Club.  Here is an international company which appreciates the vast distances we Aussies have to travel to cruise-holiday for just a week in locations of the Med or Caribbean.   So now there's an exclusive Australian/New Zealand deal which offers two-weeks with 15 % off the price of the second consecutive week, which in many cases has already been price-discounted by as much as up to 50%.  Awesome and unbelievable,- two words to describe what awaits those who follow through with an enquiry.  To do that, check out www.seaDream.com  
 
* Please note conditions may apply to these packages  and prices are subject to change and availability.  This information is provided as a guide only.  Check with your travel agency.   Block out periods may apply.    Need a holiday ?  We're archived on  http://travellersgoodbuys.info 
 

Visual of SeaDream II in Monte Carlo