Monday 29 November 2010

Montreaux Christmas Markets - Walk Mt Feathertop - Cunard Queen in NYC - Korea Hotel Deals

Christmas markets

Through until December 24 Montreaux holds traditional markets in no less than five different locations.  The Suisse Majestic Grand Hotel puts forward a 'lucky night' package, from just CHF320 for two persons.

It includes a deluxe room, with a view of the lake, breakfast, gourmet dinner at L'Entrate Restaurant, plus tokens worth ten francs..  That way you get to test your luck before exploring the various markets or going up to the Christmas village of  Caux.  Get the facts by visiting www.montreuxriviera.com

Go for a walk


There's a remarkable Mount Feathertop Adventure scheduled between January 10 – 14 2011.  This is a walk which will stretch the legs.  It's listed as a moderate-challenging walk over five days.  Ex Bairnsdale the price is $1590 and ex Melbourne $1700.  Telephone Gippsland High Country Tours for details and conditions. Call  (03) 5157 5556. Book and pay before December 1, 2010 and check if you are eligible for a 5% discount off the advertised fare.  There could be further discounts, so check that when booking.   It is certainly  worthwhile calling.

The royal gathering


After spending two nights at the famous Hotel Plaza Athenee in New York, join the Queen Victoria in readiness for the gathering of the royals as they sail out of the Big Apple.  That thrill continues on as Queen Victoria cruises 17-nights at the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, North America, the Panama Canal and on to Los Angeles for two more hotel night at the Beverley Hilton. Wowee! This is some cruise and priced  from $5499 per person. 

That price also includes economy return air and taxes from Sydney.   Telephone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

Best night in Korea


Visitors to Korea should be interested in the latest offerings from Benikea, which stands for 'best night in Korea'.  The good thing about this new- concept hotel chain is that their rates are mainly below A$100 per night for two.  There are currently 44 participating hotels, graded deluxe and below.  The rate quoted is off peak rate/standard room.  They are located in the most popular  tourist cities and regions.  If travelling to Korea in the near future go check www.benikea.com     Also a good  Korea guidebook will not go amiss, so why not put in a request for one to be posted to you,  by emailing visitkorea@knto.org.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

Monday 22 November 2010

SeaDream Barbados - Bundaberg Turtles - Cuba Singles Adventure - Holgate Beers - Greek Tour Deal


Travel Briefs

John Crook

Elegant informality aboard SeaDream

That's how president Bob Lepisto describes life aboard his luxury motor cruisers, SeaDream 1 and SeaDream 11.  Here's a chance to check him out!

Departing Barbados on February 13 2012 SeaDream 11 sails 20 days to Manus and Iquitos,  and 20-days back to Barbados.

These near-3 week adventures on the Amazon River are priced from US$12,919 per person, twin share.  The price is inclusive of all 5-star dining. Drinks from the open bars, nightly cocktail gatherings, wines with lunch and dinner, power and sail watersports in ports permitted.  There's a 50-course golf simulator, onboard gratuities and port charges.  Really, all you have to do is pack your bag, show your passport and get ready for a truly luxury cruise.  For all the information on these quite amazing Amazon cruises, just go visit www.seadream.com or contact your travel agent.

Homecoming

Each year, hundreds of turtles return to the waters of Mon Repos, 15 kilometres from the Queensland city of Bundaberg.    This small beach comes alive between November and March when patience is rewarded.  The daily activities schedule includes appearances on the beach of Mon Repos Conservation Park.  There is a proviso, due to the fact that there is no guarantee the turtles will appear on cue.  Patience please..

To witness this remarkable journey is to  experience a miracle of nature.   Night after night, this procession of motherly love and affection, plays out before your very eyes.  It is live theatre. 

Such is the popularity of a visit to this natural wildlife attraction it is essential bookings be made in advance of any visit.

Tickets can only be booked through the Bundaberg Region Visitor Services by telephoning (07) 4153 8888, or go visit www.bookbundabergregion.com.au

Singles welcome on Cuba Adventure

Explore Worldwide has recently released a selection of specially designed tours for solo travellers, without the added cost of a single supplement.  As an example, check out the eight-day Cuba Solo Adventure priced from $1187 per person.  Sailing the Caribbean really offers the chance to become involved.  It could be learning how to make a delicious cocktail, through to exploring the streets of Havana and Trinidad.   This deal is for solo travellers only.

Call 1300 414 151 for the relevant information, or go visit www.exploreworldwide.com.au

Feel like a beer?

Then head towards Woodend in Victoria and check out the local traditionally brewed beers at Holgate.  Stay awhile in this mountain town and take in the views.  Stylishly refurbished queen-sized bedrooms are a feature of this hotel.  Each with a new ensuite.  Bed and breakfast accommodation is available from $135 for an Alley room, of from $165 for a room with a village view or for a mountain view room, from $ 185.  Those rates are per night for two people.  Family rooms are also available.     Holgate Brewhouse may be contacted by calling (03)5427 2510 or go visit www.holgatebrewhouse.com

A 10% reduction on Greek tour

Mykonos and Santorini are part of a terrific deal which sees a10% reduction in island hopping packages if booked and paid in full by December 15 2010.    These two glorious slices of Greece and her islands are great value.  That package includes nine nights accommodation with breakfast, priced from $1062 per person twin share.

Should your holiday plans fall outside the close off book and pay date, the packages are available  for sale and travel until October 31 2011.  To benefit from the 10% discount package though, call the folk who have all the details.  Close off date for the discount is December 15 2010.   Confused ? – then talk with the experts on 1300 558 987.



* 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

Tuesday 16 November 2010

Seadream Amazon - Ferrari Drive - Hong Kong Luxury Cruise - Italy Exclusive - Strawberry Pickings -


SEADREAM II TO SAIL TWO 20-DAY AMAZON ADVENTURES IN 2012  

SEADREAM Yacht Club is to sail two spectacular near-three week adventures on the Amazon River in 2012 with its 112-guest, 5-star mega motor-cruiser SeaDream II.

Departing Bridgetown, Barbados on February 13 2012, SeaDream II will sail 20-days to Manaus and Iquitos, and 20-days back to Barbados via Manaus.

SeaDream's President, Bob Lepisto said: "We're enormously excited to be adding the Amazon to our itinerary in 2012, particularly as our size and maneuverability will allow our yachts to reach tricky spots like Anavilhanas in Brazil and Iquitos in Peru."

An onboard naturalist will give in-depth talks about the great wilderness, and optional excursions and canoe expeditions will showcase Amazonian tribes, museums, markets and the jungle's exotic animal and plant-life.

SeaDream II and twin-sister SeaDream I were recently rated two of the world's top passenger vessels by Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships.

"The expression 'Yachting' is not a sentiment about size; it is a statement about lifestyle aboard our small vessels," Mr Lepisto said. "SeaDream's 56-stateroom mega motor-cruisers offer elegant informality with no need for jackets or ties at dinner, a crew of 95, open bars, wines with lunch and dinner, evening cocktail gatherings, gratuities, all-ocean-view accommodations, and world class dining."

SeaDream II's Amazon Itineraries will showcase the best of the Amazon including Cuxiu Muni, Brazil where guests will have the option to take a night canoe trip in search of crocodiles, snakes and other nocturnal creatures.

In Alter do Chao, Brazil SeaDream hosts their Champagne and Caviar "Splash" on one of Brazil's best beaches and guests may take a riverboat cruise on Maicá Lake to see the rare pink dolphins.

In Manaus, Brazil guest will have the option to go "Flightseeing" in single or twin-engine aircraft, soaring over the Rio Negro, Rio Solimões, the Meeting of the Waters, the Amazon River and the magnificent expanse of jungle below.

And while visiting a small village located on Tupinambarana Island, they'll enjoy a "Boi-Bumba" celebration – an exotic ritual of magic, mystery, passion and faith that's a feast for the eyes and ears.

For further details see your favourite travel agent or visit www.seadream.com
 

DRIVE A DREAM CAR ON THE GOLD COAST

A new self-drive, performance-car day tour of the Gold Coast is making dreams come true for Italian supercar enthusiasts.

The RentADreamCar Drive Day Tour provides the opportunity to drive a Ferrari 360 Modena and a Lamborghini Gallardo.

The tour caters for up to four people and begins with a briefing over coffee in a Ferrari Showroom where drivers' are familiarized with the cars. The self-drive tour follows a pre-planned route taking in winding mountain climbs, highway cruising and a beachside drive.

Designated checkpoints allow participants to take photos, and more importantly, swap cars. Slim, well-fitting shoes are a must, and driver's must be 25 years old and over and have held a valid driver's licence for at least five years.

A full-day tour costs $990 per driver and $790 for non-drivers. Half day tours are also available at $590 per driver and $490 for passengers. Tours run every Sunday or by special arrangement. Call 1300 226 412 or visit www.rentadreamcar.com.au.

 

CRUISE "ONE OF WORLD'S MOST LUXURIOUS SHIPS" HONG KONG TO SINGAPORE

A WHOLE fourteen nights being indulged aboard one of the world's most luxurious cruise ships as you sail from Hong Kong to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Singapore is the centre-piece of a value-priced 16-nights luxury package through ecruising.travel in February and March next year.

Included in the price that's been discounted from $9179 to as low as $6439pp twin-share are return air and taxes from mainland capitals, fourteen nights on the 5-star Seabourn Sojourn that was launched earlier this year and has been described as "amongst the most luxurious in the world," a night pre-cruise in the Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong and another post-cruise at Raffles Hotel Singapore (with transfers included in Singapore.)

Guests will embark Seabourn Sojourn in Hong Kong on February 26 for a night on board, and sail next day for Cai Lan (Hanoi,) Ho Chi Minh City with an overnight in port, Sihanoukville, Laem Chabang (Bangkok,) and Singapore.

For full details phone toll-free 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

ADDITIONAL SHIPBOARD INFORMATION: Dining options range from 5-star avant garde to casual on deck in a choice of four open-seating dining venues – or meals can be taken in-suite – there are six lounges and bars, a two-deck high health spa and salon, gym, saunas, two outdoor pools and six whirlpools, watersports marina, nightly stage shows, and a casino.

There's also an indoor Thalassotherapy pool, sports deck and sun terrace, shops, a vast library and a computer centre.
 

EXCLUSIVE ITALIAN TOURS FOR 2011

SIT – Italian travel specialists, have recently released a selection of exclusive small group tours in Italy during the 2011 northern summer with a special discount of $200 per person when you book and deposit by December 20.

There are seven special itineraries ranging from eight to 15 days, which have been specially designed for travel in small groups of no more than 25 people. The guides have been hand picked for their extensive knowledge and familiarity with the local areas.

Tour interests cover dining, walking, wineries, cooking and scenery in regions such as Sicily, Northern Lakes district, Sorrento and Amalfi Coast, Piedmont, Basilicata (Matera) and Liguria (Cinque Terre.) 

An example is the popular eight-day Eastern Sicily Walking Tour, a round trip from Catania which will explore historical town centres, costal villages, archaeological sites and medieval towns. Priced from $2455 per person twin share there are two departures in 2011.

There are more than 15 departures of other tours from May until October and all include four star centrally located accommodation with most meals, a tour leader, comprehensive sight-seeing with local guides and transportation within Italy.

For more details contact SIT on 1300 885 173 or visit www.southernitaliantours.com.au

 

PICK YOUR OWN STRAWBS ON MORNINGTON PENINSULA

THEY'RE exquisitely sweet and juicy, and every year thousands of visitors from around the world head to Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm on the Mornington Peninsula to pick their own succulent strawberries.

The pick-your-own season opened last week, and visitors are expected to weigh in with more than 40 tonnes before the season finishes at the end of April.

Sunny Ridge has been producing strawberries for 35 years, with the Mornington Peninsula's maritime climate and rich soils creating the perfect growing conditions. U-pick is open daily from 9am to 5pm (except Christmas Day and New Years Day), and costs $8 for adults, including 500 gm of strawberries, and $4 for children including 250 gm of strawberries.

On Saturday December 5 and Sunday December 6, Sunny Ridge hosts its second annual family weekend, with attractions for kids including strawberry red balloons, face painting and a petting zoo.

The dessert cafe and strawberry shop are also delicious attractions, including chocolate-dipped strawberries, Belgian chocolate and strawberry fondue, and the Sunny Ridge farm-made icecreams and sorbets which have won seven awards in the last five Royal Melbourne Show Fine Food Awards.

Visitors who buy a Mornington Peninsula Attractions Pass are also entitled to a 10% discount on any desserts and gourmet foods purchased in the shop or cafe.

Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm is one of seven top attractions in the Attractions Pass, which also includes Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Garden, Box Stallion Winery, Cape Schanck Lightstation, Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, Peninsula Hot Springs, and Best Western One Four Nelson.

The pass saves up to 40% on admission and bonuses at four of the attractions and includes discount offers at three more. It costs only $49 for adults (more than $80 full retail value), $39 for children, and can be purchased at www.emmp.net.au or at any participating attraction.

Further information: Joanne Petrillo, Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm on 03 5989 4501, info@sunnyridge.com.au or www.sunnyridge.com.au


Monday 15 November 2010

Vanuatu - Italy - Seadream Amazon - Southern Spain - Paris Luxury

TRAVEL BRIEFS - JOHN CROOK 

Vanuatu, save big time

There's a new kid on the block, offering a seven night fly and stay which strips of almost $1200 off the usual price.   Book by November 30, 2010 and travel between now and March 31, 2011 and that gets you accommodation in the Warwick La Lagon Resort, return airfares with Pacific  Blue, pre-payable taxes, daily buffet breakfast,- a Port Vila tour and more.  Pay $1238 per person twin share,  ex Brisbane or $1278 ex Sydney.  There are other package options on offer as well.  Check them out and make a booking by calling 1800 800 722 or go visit  www.spacificatravel.com  

Travel Fit Italy tours

A must consider Northern Italian, fully-escorted tour led by qualified personal trainer, Deb Taylor of Think Fit Personal Training in Noosa.   There's a maximum of 15 travellers per group, with departures June 18 to July 2 and again September 17 to October 1.    Priced from $4,900 per person (double occupancy), with four star accommodation in Rome, Assisi, Siena, Cinque Terre Santa Margherita and Bellagio.  Walking, cycling, hiking, plus shopping and other activities which may be of interest..  Call the Unique Group Travel on  (02) 9424 3100, or (07)  5448 2922 for all the information, including quoted air fares on your personal airline preference for international travel. 

All aboard for the Amazon

There are two near-three week Amazonian adventures scheduled for 2012.    It's luxury all the way.    Also aboard is a naturalist to keep you abreast of this great wilderness, the markets and the exotic lives of jungle animals.

The 112-guest, 5-star mega motor cruiser SeaDream 11 departs Bridgetown, Barbados on February 13, 2012, sailing 20-days to Manaus and Iquitos and 20-days back to Barbados via Manaus.   I'm chasing this one up for more information, so please do keep an eye on these columns.  In the meantime to call your local travel agent, or go visit www.seadream.com  

Southern Spain gets a Guernsey

Visit the birthplace of Don Juan, marvel at the splendid architecture of the Alhambra Palace,- just part of the Andalucia coach tour which is for sale and travel until 31 March 2012, with departures from Madrid.  It's a five-day package, priced from $747 per person twin share.  It's a superb way of being introduced to the southern Spain region, particularly  for those with limited time.   The package includes four-nights stay in your choice of budget three-star or standard four-star accommodation.  Check on the terms and conditions, but keep in mind that we are talking about a five-day package at a price that I would call 'very interesting'.     Call 1300 558 987, or go visit  info@tempoholidays.com

VIP in Paris

The Hotel Napoleon welcomes your enquiries about their VIP package with a classic room priced from 245 Euros.   The sales manager M. Fabien Beauvallet   says the offer also includes a private shuttle roundtrip Charles de Gaulle or Orly, a room with VIP treatment and breakfasts.   The rate is for a three nights minimum stay.       Telephone for confirmation of the package an conditions, -     +33 (0) 1 56 68 44 44, or email  napoleon@hotelnapoleon.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

 
 
 
 

Monday 8 November 2010

China Tour, Hong Kong Cruise, Fidel's Cuba, Andre Rieu, Europe Rail


RACE INTO HONG KONG NEW YEAR, AND CRUISE OUT

TWO days of Hong Kong's legendary New Year's Eve celebrations and fire-works are part of a 21-night fly, cruise and stay package in February next year from Hong Kong to Japan, South Korea, mainland China and back to Hong Kong – and selling from just $4559pp twin-share through ecruising.travel.

This 3-week package that's nearly fifty percent below originally advertised prices, includes five hotel-nights with breakfasts pre-cruise in Hong Kong, viewing the New Year's Eve Parade that billed as "the Greatest Chinese New Year Parade on the Planet," tours of Aberdeen, Repulse Bay and Kowloon with dim-sum lunch, and a Chinese New Year Fireworks Cocktail Cruise with drinks on board and dinner afterwards at a local restaurant.

There's also a day at the New Year races with return transportation, entry to a box inside the Members' Enclosure and a buffet lunch at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, followed by a full day at leisure for shopping and sightseeing.

P&O's 1200-passenger Artemis then sails on February 7 2011 for Tokyo, Hiroshima, Pusan, Beijing, Shanghai and back to Hong Kong. This luxury, child-free cruise liner features a choice of formal or casual dining, eight bars, an observation lounge, two show lounges, two pools including a lap pool, two Jacuzzis, casino, spa, salon, gym, sauna, library, cinema and nightclub.

This unique 3-weeks-long package that includes return air and taxes from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, ends with a final hotel night in Hong Kong before flying home. For full details phone toll-free 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel


CHINA – AT BARGAIN PRICES         

TW0 bargain-priced tour packages have been unveiled by leading Asian specialist Helen Wong's Tours to attract travellers to China over the cooler months.

One focuses on the sights and sounds of Shanghai, the more tranquil settings of Suzhou, Hangzhou and the historic village of Wuzhen which, combined with Xian and capital Beijing, make for a fascinating 15-day China Wonders package.

This exclusive package involves departures in February and March and is priced from $2799 pp twin share flying Air China from Sydney or Melbourne, including departure taxes, security charges and fuel charges (subject to change). The other, an 11-day Majestic China program, begins with a China Southern flight to Guangzhou (Canton) with visits to scenic Guilin, Xian, home of the Army of the Terracotta Warriors, and Beijing for a walk along a section of the Great Wall of China.

Tours are in November, February and March and are priced from $2450pp twin share from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, including departure taxes, security charges and fuel charges (subject to change).

For Brisbane passengers the November flight will mark the start of direct services to Guangzhou.

"Including air fare, the price of the 15-day China Wonders package equates to $187 a day, which is good value considering the inclusions," said Helen Wong's Tours marketing manager Jason Sacriz.

"Compared with our deluxe tours at other times of the year, the 11-day Majestic China program works out as a real bargain at $223 a day," he said.

"As with all China programs created by Helen Wong's Tours, guests stay in four-to-five-star hotels with breakfast, with many other meals covered as well as seats to at least two evening cultural shows."

Prices include return economy class air fares to China, domestic flights in China (where specified) as well as transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees and the services of English-speaking guides.

China visas for Australian passport holders and a travel kit with a 424-page Odyssey book on China and Cabin bag are also included in the bargain prices.

Details: Helen Wong's Tours (02) 9267 7833, 1300 788 328 or www.helenwongstours.com



OPEN-AIR CONCERT IN ANDRE RIEU'S HOMETOWN ON EUROPE CRUISE-TOUR

Cruise Express has released four new hosted cruise-tours in Europe in 2011 linked with an open-air concert by Andre Rieu in his Dutch hometown of Maastricht in Limburg – the only area of Holland with hills.

The spectacular concert by the famous maestro is a central feature of two ocean and two river cruise tour packages for Australians that Cruise Express will escort in June and July next year.

Cruise Express' new 'European Masterpieces' brochure features luxury cruise holidays in France and through the heart of Europe, the Mediterranean and to Scandinavia and Russia, with short add-on tours through the Rhine Gorge to Maastricht in Holland to see Rieu perform in the historic town square of his home town.

Fly, stay, tour and cruise packages start from $5990 per person, twin-share, for a 15-day hosted trip.

Cruise Express' hosted tour program in Europe in 2011 includes:

- A 15-day 'Scandinavian and Russian Rhapsody' tour from June 13, 2011, including an 11-night Baltic Sea cruise aboard Emerald Princess, a night's accommodation in Copenhagen with a city tour and return flights from Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney available from $5990 per person, twin-share, or $7990 for solo travellers.

- A 16-day 'Mediterranean Melody' tour leaving Australia on July 1, 2011, including a 12-day voyage around Italy, Greece and Turkey aboard Ruby Princess, a night's accommodation in Barcelona with a city tour and return flights from Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney available from $6990 per person, twin-share, or $8990 for solo travellers.

- A 22-day 'Heart of Europe' river cruise tour from July 2, 2011, including 14 nights aboard River Empress from Budapest  to Amsterdam, including wine with dinner, two nights in Bruges and three in Paris and return flights from Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney available from $10,990 per person, twin-share, or $14,990 for solo travelers.

-  A 26-day 'Grand France' river cruise tour from June 4, 2011, including two seven-night river cruises through the south and north of France, a seven-night 'Romantic Chateaux' coach tour with stays in moated palaces, two nights in Paris, almost all tours and meals along the way and return flights from Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney available from $14,990 per person, twin-share, or $19,990 for solo travellers. A shorter 19-day package is priced from $10,990 per person, twin-share.

* A three-day add-on tour through the World-Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge to Maastricht for Andrew Rieu's open-air concert on July 16 is available from $999 per person, twin-share, or $1199 for solo travellers.

For details and a brochure, contact Cruise Express on 1300 766 537 or visit www.cruiseexpress.com.au



TOUR FIDEL CASTRO'S OLD HIDEOUT

A JOURNEY into the wild terrain of Sierra Maestra where former dictator Fidel Castro and Chef Guevara once took refuge is part of a 15-day journey covering the length of the Caribbean island of Cuba with Explore Worldwide.

Cuba Libre tour travels by bus and air staying mostly in hotels but also camping in now-deserted hacienda. The package costs from $1811, depending on departure date, and includes meals and entry at various attractions.

Beginning with a couple of days in the capital Havana, the tour travels to Santiago de Cuba in the remote east past the infamous Bay of Pigs and through Topes de Collantes National Park, Trinidad and its well preserved Colonial architecture, the old town of Camaguey to Castro's mountain hideout in the densely-forested eastern tip of Cuba, and Santiago de Cuba also in the remote east.

Travel is in a group of about 14 with an experienced Explore leader, support staff and local guide and the tour is one of  450 itineraries Explore Worldwide operates in 120 countries

Venture Holidays has more information on Explore Worldwide activities at 1300-414151 or visit www.explore.co.uk



SAVE ON EUROPEAN RAIL SERVICES 

Discounted rail passes throughout Europe and special prices for railways in most other parts of the world are typical offerings from Melbourne-based International Rail.

The company has exclusive access in Australia to Trenitalia Railway System and is currently offering advance purchase discounts of 30 per cent off standard fares for travel throughout Italy.

Typical is the Rome to Florence journey which is now available for from $51 per person.

 International Rail can also offer 60 per cent off point-to-point tickets with the German Railway System, plus German Rail Passes from $206 per person.

The company has just launched a brand new web site specifically designed for easy use by consumers -  www.international.rail.com.au

This latest technology will provide an easy-to-navigate on-line booking engine for European trains and electronic ticketing.

The site also includes great planning tools, including train schedules and maps and lots of new products, including European ferry crossings and train station to hotel transfers.

For more information contact International Rail through  www.internationalrail.com.au  or by calling 1300 387 245.

Eastern Europe - Ski Japan - Snakes - Seabourn Sojoum



TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook

Decent savings - eastern Europe

How about this?  There's a 13-day package  covering Eastern Europe which includes the magical cities of Vienna, Budapest and Prague.   Tradition, cultural heritage and accommodation in first class hotels.  For those who are interested the Eastern European Panorama package is priced from $2371, the inclusions feature highlights such as Vienna's Hofburg Palace, a drive through the stunning Slovakian countryside and the beautiful Saxony Baroque city of Dresden.  To benefit from a $120 saving per person, you will need to book with deposits paid by 1 December 2010.    The advertised price is inclusive of discount and is valid for selected departures between 14 May and 13 October 2011.  For more information just pick up the 'phone and dial 1300 558 987.    Conditions apply and pricing subject to change based on availability, season, currency fluctuation and accommodation type.

Ski Japan and benefit

The location is Furano and the Furano Prince Hotel, which lies about three hours from the new Chitose Sapporo Airport,- right in the very heart of Hokkaido, which just happens to be the location of Japan's powder paradise.   If you take up on the Furano Prince deal on offer, it means you pay for five and get seven nights,  or pay ten and get 14 nights, plus pay for a five day lift pass and get the 6th day free.  Seven night land packages start from $937 per person, twin share. The price includes return airport transfers, seven nights twin share room in the new hotel, plus the six-day Furano skl lift pass.

If perchance I've lost you, with all those figures, take the easy way out and telephone 1300 137 411, or go visit www.SkiJapan.com

You have until November 30 2010

Wyoming Travel and Tourism is offering travellers an opportunity to enjoy a seven-day  winter getaway for two persons, in the beautiful mountain resort of Jackson Hole and neighbouring Yellowstone National Park.   More details by visiting www.wyomingtourism.org  then click on to Wyoming  Winter Getaway Sweepstakes found on the home page.    Visitors will be asked to  share their favourite Wyoming memory, or their ideal escape in 25 words or less.  Deadline for entries is November 30 2010.   Conditions and the details may be found on that website.  Or, call (02) 9144 6015.  The competition includes land content only, that is, a round trip from any major city in the United States. 



Snakes alive

Considered one of the best reptile parks in the country, Snakes Downunder Reptile Park has grown from a small but tidy display of snakes, lizards, to  a full scale (pardon the pun) 'snake show', educational of course, but also a chance to overcome that specific phobia, namely Ophidiophobia.    Ian Jenkins and his team, at the Childers reptile park, have developed an attraction which offers the real reptile experience.   Demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day,- including venomous reptile handling, and getting up close and personal with a pair of saltwater crocodiles.  Admission is $18 per adult concession $16, child 4 to 12 $9 and there's a family pass on offer as well at $48.   For details of the attractions and activities go visit www.snakesdownunder.com or telephone Ian on  (07) 4126 3332.

Too good to miss

In January and February of 2011 go cruise from Auckland to Sydney, aboard the ultimate in luxury.   The 5-star Seabourn Sojoum sets sail  from Auckland on January 25 for Wellington, Akaroa, Lyttleton, Christchurch, Port Chalmers for Dunedin, a cruise of the Fjordland, and across the Tasman Sea to Hobart and then on to Sydney where there is a night aboard ship.   An air, cruise and stay package through Cruiseco includes one-way economy class airfares and taxes from Sydney, two-nights pre-cruise at the Westin  Lighter Quay in Auckland with breakfasts, airport/hotel/port transfers and all gourmet dining, nightly entertainment and gratuities aboard Seabourn Sojoum.  The 14-night Auckland to Sydney fly, cruise and stay package is priced from $8770 twin share.  For more information go visit www.cruising.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

ENDS

Visual : Budapest parliament

Monday 1 November 2010

Peru - QE Cruise - Korea Discounts - Viva Tahiti


TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook

Check this one out

If you are looking towards Peru as a travel destination, the travel operator handling bookings is currently offering 25% off the first 50 bookings made for its incredible Next of Peru package.

Now priced from $2310 per person twin share, this 15-day journey explores one of the most popular Latin America countries.  The deal applies to those first 50 bookings made and deposited by 30 November and valid for travel November 1 2010 to April 30 2011.

The tour departs from Lima and highlights  Colca Canyon, sailing Lake Titicaca, the fascinating islands of Uros and so much more.  Get all the details re inclusions, conditions and terms.  There are free room upgrades, and even a free massage.

Just a matter of calling 1300 558 987.

Free upgrades on the new Queen Elizabeth

Plus US$ onboard spending credits.  These are just two of the reasons why consideration should be given to booking a stateroom on the voyage from Sydney to Hong Kong, departing Sydney on February 22, 2011.

Prices start from $5999 per person, twin share  and include onboard credit from US$300 up to US$750 per stateroom.

It has to be the classiest way to travel,- such luxury and memorable experiences.

It is suggested that you should check out details by visiting www.ecruising.travel




Discount coupon booklet

Travel to Korea through to 30th June  and make great savings on discounted goods with the latest discount booklet.  These include reductions of 5% to 30% on goods from 80 businesses, along with other gifts and benefits from shopping, to performances, theme parks, restaurants and cafes.  Copies of the discount coupon booklets are available from the Sydney office of Korea Tourism organization.  Get a copy before you leave for Korea.  Simply put in a request by emailing visitkorea@knto.org.au  

Aussies back Tahiti

Viva Holidays is offering a seven-night package staying on the west coast of Tahiti, staying at the recently renovated Sofitel Tahiti  Maeva Beach Resort.  The deal is priced from $1999 per person twin share, ex Sydney and that includes return economy  airfares with Air Tahiti Nui, full breakfast daily and accommodation in a classic mountain view room.  There's an option also of upgrading to a superior lagoon view for an extra $100 per person.  For more information and conditions contact Viva! Holidays on  1300 468 482.  Or go visit www.tahitinow.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



ENDS


Visuals attached:

Peru

Queen Elizabeth

Korea

Tahiti