TRAVEL BRIEFS
John Crook
Christmas greetings one and all.
Most states hold their own Christmas Carols in parklands, town halls and the like. However, here’s the place to really get into the spirit of Christmas, - Carols in the Cathedral, Melbourne. Telephone Ticketmaster on 136 100 for information on Carols in St Paul’s Cathedral scheduled for Monday December 20 and Tuesday December 21, visit www.rmp.org.au
Not to be missed!
In the steps of Hillary
Close personal friend of the late Sir Edmund Hillary, Denis Callesen, helps keep alive the memory of the great mountaineering Kiwi. He invites each guest at the Hermitage Hotel to spend some time in the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. This forms part of the hotel complex and is fascinating. The museum and Hillary gallery depict the long standing connection Sir Ed had with Mount Cook. A highlight is the brilliant 3D theatre with screenings throughout the day. Check out the facilities, accommodation and touring by visiting www.hermitage.co.nz or www.hillarycentre.co.nz
Savings on brand new Renault
Make a booking prior to March 31 next year and you could collect a brand-new Renault Eurodrive lease vehicle, adorned with bonuses. Try this one for size! Lease any time up to December 31 2010 with prices starting from $200 below this year’s, with bonuses of seven free days use on top of a 21 day booking. There’s free delivery and return fees at 19 French cities and airports. Also benefit from a 50% off those fees at a dozen other locations in Germany, Holland, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain or Switzerland. That’s not all, because there are other benefits of which you may also be eligible Prices start from $1399 for 21-days for a brand new 2-door petrol Twingo. All deals come with bonus seven days on top of a 21-day booking. Get the full details at your travel agent, or telephone toll-free 1300 55 11 60 or visit www.renaultdrive.com.au
V Australia new snow flights ex Melbourne
Virgin Blue’s new three-class long-haul international airline has introduced flights from Melbourne to Los Angeles with additional access to Mammoth Mountain, which annually boasts more than ten metres of snow. Skimax offers a week-long stay at Mammoth Mountain Inn with pricing from $999 per person twin share. Air flights additional. Also included is a six-day ski pass. The deal is available for travel from January 3 to February 11. Conditions apply and to get the full facts telephone 1300 136 997 or visit www.skimax.com.au
Ruggers in NZ
Lovers of rugby need to move quickly to snare a berth aboard Rhapsody of the Seas which has been exclusively chartered for Rugby World Cup 2011. Catch the quarter finals, semi finals, bronze final or Final, on an 8 or 13 night cruise. This is a grand opportunity for rugby fans to indulge in a first class world event. The 8-night Auckland return cruise departs October 6, 2011 with expected prices starting from $3,270 per person, twin share. Check with Cruiseco for other packages. Match tickets, transfers to the matches from/to the ship, event branded merchandise, a program of events featuring rugby personalities, port charges and on-board gratuities are included. To register telephone 1800 225 656 for the name of the nearest speciality travel agency or visit www.cruising.com.au
Half price Phuket
Beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, palm trees swaying in the breeze and a cultural extravaganza These await you at Phuket, and now at a very competitive price from $453 per person, twin share, there’s a package awaiting you. For instance, with this Merlin Beach Resort package you get ten nights for the price of five, staying in a superior room. Features include a complimentary kids club, three lagoon style swimming pools and a choice of speciality restaurants and bars. To get more information, or to make a booking and also to check competitive airfare pricing you should visit www.travelonline.com
Unwind aboard QM2
Cruise the Queen Mary 2 from Cape Town to Sydney, flying from mainland capitals to Singapore early February 2011 for a comp stay at the Fairmont Hotel, then onwards for two nights at the Commodore Hotel before joining the Queen. The sailing schedule includes Durban, Mauritius with visits to Fremantle, Perth, Adelaide and Sydney. Prices start from $6299 per person twin share and that includes air travel from mainland capitals, hotels and transfers as per the itinerary. Get full details by visiting www.ecruising.travel
Feeding lion cubs
A dream of an experience for animal lovers. That’s a line which gets immediate attention. Read on and get ready to take the plunge. Here’s a tour which gets you right amongst the cuddliest of cuddlies,- lion cubs. There’s a lion breeding centre near Johannesburg in South Africa where participants spend their days looking after cubs and helping with a range of other duties throughout the research and conservation centre. Join other like minded people on a two week (or longer) tour priced from $2745 per person, in shared chalet accommodation. The price includes accommodation alongside the cub enclosure, all meals, airport pickup in Johannesburg on arrival date, orientation and briefing and 24-hour emergency support. There are monthly departures available through December 2010. Bookings by phoning 134 782, or visit www.statravel.com.au
* 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
