Tasmania - Sardinian Festival - Easter Escape - Greek Islands - Machu Picchu

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook 

Time to return to Tassie

Join us  on a charity flight with 180 like-minded charity folk having fun whilst supporting the 2011 Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.  This is an exclusive experience  taking in a rich heritage, distinctive wildlife  and scenery galore.  Tickets are on sale for $299.  To purchase and to get more information simply dial 1300 659 115.          Ring between 10.00am and  4-00pm Monday to Friday.  The program includes a walking tour of the World Heritage listed Port Arthur historic site.  Also you will be able to get up close and personal with Tassie Devils at the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park.    The flight is from Melbourne to Hobart (return) and it all takes place on Good Friday. 

Sardinian Cavalcade

May 22nd is the date thus year for the Sardinian Cavalcade, a gathering of locals and visitors who parade in their colourful costumes, participate in various traditions including a parade of horsemen. Commemorating a special day way back in 1899 when the king and queen arrived in town.  Unlike most Sardinian feasts  this festival is not a religious event,- but rather a chance to participate in an historic cultural celebration.  More information is available through travel agencies which have an Italian bent.  Or email Sydney@enit.it

The Easter bunny package

It's indulgence time in Brisbane.    An Easter Escape package including all things Easter, starting with accommodation and a king suite and a bottle of French champagne for starters,- for $275 per night.  Then it's just a matter of adding items from the 'pure pamper menu' which are priced individually.  These include one- hour full body massage in-suite, a dozen long stemmed red roses, chocolate dipped strawberries for two and/or a celebration cake for two.    His and hers bathrobes, to take home as a memento, can also be added to the list.  For all the information and conditions call the good folk at the Emporium Hotel  on (07)  3253 6999 or 1300 883 611. 

Follow the path to the icons

The lesser-known Greek islands of  Sifnos and Milos are included in an 11-day private tour, with tours available  any day during the May – September season.   The price ranges from $3465 to $4930 per person, twin share, with a minimum of two passengers on each departure.  This is a novel way of being part of a 'small group'.  For starters the tours include driver, accommodation, all breakfasts and one lunch, transfers, meet/assist services, private guides, fast ferries and entrance fees, listed on the published itinerary. Check the conditions and inclusions by ringing 1300 853 953 or your local travel agent.  The islands are part of the Cyclades group which are located 130km east of Athens.     

Another option for Easter

To the hinterland of Queensland's Sunshine Coast  and a true Easter indulgence. The package includes Estate suite accommodation, daily Parisian breakfast for two, a bottle of Moet and also on arrival Lindt chocolates.  For this package, starting from $1974 per couple, there's luxury accommodation for three nights, a one-hour chocolate facial and body scrub in a Spa Anise day spa. French or Italian cooking school, lunch and a three-course dinner in the exquisite  French-inspired Long Apron restaurant.  That's the three-day/night experience,- just wait until you get to check out the five day package !    To do that,  contact Spicers Clovelly Estate on 1300 717 027, or go visit www.spicersclovellyestate.com.au  

How could you bypass this ?

Spectacular Peru, via complete comfort, awaits with a train journey to Machu Picchu.  A 13-day escorted small group journey explores the wonders of this exciting country.  The itinerary includes the archaeological site of Machu Picchu , the Colca Canyon's snowy peaks, and a full-day tour of the floating islands of Titicaca.    The price starts from $2783 per person twin share.  It's a once in a lifetime experience.    The package  is valid for sale until December 24, 201.  At least make the effort to check on this package,  You can do that by 'phone, 1300 836 764.  Terms and conditions apply. The advertised price is valid departures July 4, 16 and 25, 2011. 

* 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

Hobart Cascade - SeaDream II - Gastronomic Dandenong - Georgia

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook

Come join Louisa's Walk

Cascade Brewery is an appropriate location from which to begin Louisa's Walk history to life.   This is Hobart and the walk is part of what is called 'strolling theatre'   Guests follow Louisa's story as she is arrested, convicted, transported and marched to the grim gates of the female factory womens' prison.  Chris and Judith Cornish 'star' in this Hobart attraction.  Whatever you may have planned for your visit to Hobart,  you will be disappointed if this walking tour is overlooked. Bookings are thoroughly recommended.   Cost is $30 for each adult, and there is a family ticket priced at $75.  Get the conditions ad all the details by calling (03) 6238 4222 or (03) 6229 8959. 

That 'other' Georgia

If you've been everywhere, how about trying Georgia, - a destination of discovery.  The 8-day Wonders of Georgia is an escorted small group  tour which offers an in-depth exploration of a captivating  nation.  Priced from $1662 per person twin share, the tour features life at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.  The tours are valid for sale until October 1, 2011.  Included are seven nights' accommodation,  transportation by quality air-conditioned vehicles, tour escorts/guides along with entrance fees for sites listed on the itinerary. Get the facts by calling 1300 836 764.  The tour departures are from June 19 through October 2 2011. 

This is some tour,- you bet !

SeaDream II sails 20-nights from Bridgetown in Barbados to Manaus and  Iquitos on the Amazon on February 12 2012 and 20 nights back to Bridgetown on March 4 2012. There's an exciting range of optional 3, 5 and 6 night post voyage packages to Machu Picchu  after her arrival in Iquitos and similarly a choice of 3, 5 and 6 nights to Machu Piccu pre the mega cruiser's  departure from Iquitos back to Barbados.  Prices of the optional packages start from US$3350 per person twin share.  These are the technical facts as such,- just wait until you check out the main itinerary on the voyages on the Amazon River. 

The cruise prices for the Amazon  on SeaDream II start from US$12919 per person twin share. Do yourself a favour and go visit www.seadream.com or call into your nearest travel agent. 

Just make a note of this number – 1800 667 791

Then get ready to  join like minded travellers and get ready to get the taste for Indian cuisine,- without leaving the country.  Beacon Holidays is ready to lead you and yours on a gastronomic tour of Dandenong.  That's right, Dandenong, in Melbourne. The cost is $70 a head.  That opens the door for a foodie adventure which starts at Federation Square in Melbourne's CBD, then to Dandenong for a visit to an authentic Indian grocery store, an elaborate three-course Indian meal and then onwards to a variety of Indian desserts.  The tours begin at 11.30am and finish at 2.00pm.  So call the number at the head of this brief, or email masalatrails@beaconholdays.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

Kimberley Coast - Cooking Italy - Celebrity Century - Wollongong - Fiji Yasawa Islands -

REMOTE KIMBERLEY COAST WITH AURORA EXPEDITIONS' CORAL PRINCESS

DISCOVER the magically remote coastline of the Kimberleys with legendary expeditioner, Mike Cusack aboard Aurora Expeditions' Coral Princess.

In 1987 Mike and his wife Susan were chosen to be the first Australian Geographic's Wilderness Couple, and Mike will share their experiences with guests of this once forbidding ancient and forgotten land – including discovering over 1600km of towering cliffs, plunging waterfalls, and beckoning white beaches that will touch the soul like no where else on Earth.

Join Mike on the Kunmunya 'Wilderness' Walk, exclusive to Aurora Expeditions' passengers. This optional 9.5 km, or seven hour, rock-hopping journey is an inspirational and authentic bush experience, and one of the best ways to discover the true heart of the Kimberley.

Many of the Kimberley Coast's most fascinating sites can only be accessed by sea and guests will also visit islands with nesting boobies and frigate birds, revel in the amazing Montgomery Reef, uncover the ancient secrets of Aboriginal rock art galleries, and participate in the excitement of spotlighting saltwater crocodiles.

And complex river systems, waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes complete the Kimberley picture.

The voyages will also be joined by eminent indigenous art historian Garry Darby and the inimitable Chris Done, whose years of research as a naturalist bring the wonders of the Kimberley Coast to life.

As with all Aurora Expedition's voyages, emphasis is placed on a combination of interactive experiences with the environment and a strong educational element including its history, plants and animals from Aboriginal and European perspectives.

Departures are still available in May and June 2011. For more details or a copy of the Kimberley Coast 2011 brochure, contact Aurora Expeditions on 1800 637 688 or 02 9252 1033, or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au




COMBINE COOKING AND WALKING IN ITALY

A COMBINATION cooking and walking tour of Italy's Amalfi Coast sounds like a good way to keep things in balance and even better is that the tour has been discount by $200 per person if you book by March 31.

Italian travel specialists SIT have just released a nine-day round-trip package from Naples which includes daily walking excursions, cooking lessons and many samplings of local cuisine, including antipasto, cheeses, home-made pasta, fruit, vegetables, local desserts and coffee.

The $2350 deal includes accommodation with en suite facilities, breakfast daily and many other meals, transport, tour leader and guides and entry to sites like Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius.

The tour visits places like Amalfi, Naples, Ravello, Capri, Sorrento and Positano and has 2011 departure dates on June 4, July 1 and October 1.

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




VALUE CRUISE DEAL ON OUR HIGHEST-RATED SHIP

CRUISECO has a range of exceptional-value cruise opportunities from November this year to March 2012 aboard the highest-rated ship to spend a season based in Australia, the "classically elegant" 5-star Celebrity Century.

And book before March 31 this year and you'll get a free onboard spending credit of up to US$150 per cabin.

Choose from sailing 19-nights from Honolulu to Maui, Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Sydney on November 11 this year from just $2490pp twin share (or 17-nights back to Honolulu via same ports on March 6 2012 from $2439pp twin-share,) to a choice of 12- and 13-nights Sydney-Auckland (or vice-versa) sailings including either Hobart or Melbourne, New Zealand's Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga and the Bay of Islands from a low $1649pp twin-share*.

There's also 18-nights Auckland-Perth via Tauranga, Christchurch, Dunedin, the three Sounds, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Albany and Bunbury from just $2515pp twin-share, and Perth-Sydney via Geraldton, Broome, Bali, Darwin, Cairns and Brisbane from only $2365pp twin-share.

Cruiseco's cruise-only prices include onboard dining, nightly entertainment and port charges and taxes on Celebrity Century, that is rated 5-star by the Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships; airfares to and from cruises are additional.

For full details and names of Cruiseco's cruise-specialist travel agencies Australia-wide visit www.cruising.com.au

(*One of these sailings includes Christmas Day at sea between Sydney and Melbourne, and New Year's Eve at sea between Dunedin and Christchurch.

The 1750-passenger Celebrity Century has four dining options from the Grand Restaurant to leisurely café-style, an entertainment lounge and live theatre, cinema, casino, four "club" lounges and bars, library, AquaSpa, fitness centre, pool, jogging track and golf simulator.)

…………………………


HOP INTO THE 'GONG THIS EASTER

SPEND five fun filled days in Wollongong over the extended Easter break this year and combine spectacular escarpment adventure with great wildlife, arts, fun parks and eating experiences, all just 90 minutes from Sydney.

The city's centrally-located Best Western Wollongong Hotel is offering an enticing family package to give visitors an extra reason to make Wollongong their Easter Escape in 2011.

Costing $899 for two adults and two children and valid between April 22 and 26, the Three-Day Easter Package includes free breakfasts, undercover parking, DVD hire, Ten Pin Bowling pass, Jamberoo Action Park pass, Illawarra Fly Family Pass, giant Easter egg and plush toy for each child plus a dozen medium Easter eggs per person, red and white wine pack for Mum and Dad and $50 pizza voucher.

For more details or to book the Best Western Hotel Easter Package call 02 4222 4000 or visit  www.bestwesternwollongong.com.au.  For more information about events and where to stay in Wollongong, call 1800 240 737, or visit www.visitwollongong.com.au

 

CRUISE 7-DAYS, PAY-4 IN FIJI'S YASAWA ISLANDS

FIJI's iconic Blue Lagoon Cruises is offering seven-day Yasawa Island cruises at four-day pricing on all departures booked for travel from 01 April 2011 until 30 June 2012.

Bookings need to be made before 30 June 2011 to take advantage of the special offer.

The discount means pricing for the seven-day cruises starts from as little as AUD1192 per person twin share in the boutique cruise company's 'Hibiscus' class cabins.

This represents a saving of AUD526 per person on normal pricing.

Pricing includes all onboard accommodation, all main meals, morning and afternoon teas, cruise and cultural activates.

The daily cruise activity program includes shore excursions and such water-based activities as snorkeling safaris, fish feeding, bush walking, fishing and glass bottom boating.

Cultural experiences include visits to remote villages, Kava ceremonies and a day spent at Blue Lagoon Cruises' private island of Nanuya Lailai.

A feature of the Nanuya Lailai visit is a traditional torch-lit Fijian 'Lovo' feast taking place on the island's famous white sand beach.

For cruise reservations phone Blue Lagoon Cruises in Lautoka, Fiji, on +679 666 1622, email reservations@blc.com.fj or book online at www.bluelagooncruises.com.

*Conditions apply. All cruises are subject to availability. Please note prices do not include international airfares or beverages (other than tea or coffee).

Tasmania - Wild Borneo - globalCARS - Bundaberg Turtles - International Rail

Travel briefs for w/c March 7 

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook 

Tassie is after your tourist dollar

Currently, on the waterfront alongside the Elizabeth St Pier, there's a sailing opportunity awaiting those with sea-legs. For beginners, join the crew and fellow sailors aboard the Windeward Bound for lunch and a three-hour sail. For $65  per adult ($30 per child, or $160 per family) sail  the Derwent.  This is aboard Tasmania's largest tall ship.  Join the sailors Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  The Windeward Bound Trust also offers a grander sailing experience on eco and history voyages.  The latter is designed for youths aged  20 to 35.  For more details and prices, telephone 0418 120 399 or 0418 120 243. Or just stand dockside and watch the action as crew members prepare for their next adventure. 

Where to stay and why ?

A trip to Tasmania is not complete without inclusion of a few nights accommodation at historic Woolmers Estate, - near Longford.  There are seven cottages set in the spectacular grounds of the Estate.  Built in the 1840's each has been converted into fully self-catering colonial cottages. The tariff is from $135 per night for two adults sharing a cottage.  For an extra adult just add $35 per night.  Tally-Ho, the coachman's cottage, accommodates up to six people, so it is necessary to check tariff.  There are guided tours of the grand homestead and the estate grounds. For more information go visit  www.woolmers.com.au or, telephone (03) 6391 2230.   

Now, it's overseas for a saving with 12 free days

The deal is on offer from globalCARS which has on offer more than 35 air-conditioned models (most with GPS), with rates including full insurance, a choice of petrol or diesel and with 24-hours road assistance.

Wow, - what a deal !  The deal also offers up to 12 free days and other bonuses on brand new Citroen cars costing from just $28 a day.  This is one deal worth checking out.  To do that, telephone 1300 789 992 or go visit www.globalCARS.com.au   For your information the French Government allows manufacturers to lease to non-French residents free of all duties and taxes with zero insurance excess. 

Or go wild in Borneo

How about a six-day five-night sailing adventure aboard a 19th century  riverboat replica  into the heart of Borneo. The luxury sailing opportunity is aboard Pandaw River Cruises.  The itinerary includes visits to a jungle longhouse, a village school when coinciding with school terms, bustling markets and plenty of cultural activities.   Cruise-only prices begin from as low as $1260 per person, twin share between now and  March  2012.  Get all the info by calling (02) 80  visiting www.pandaw.com There's a pre-cruise package, at a cost of $344 per person twin share and also a post-cruise package from $475 per person twin share which includes two-nights at the Pullman Kuching Hotel with breakfasts, a day visit to wildlife centres and more. Check it out!  Conditions apply,  Also I suggest a check on the inclusions. 

Good news for turtle lovers

My friends in Bundaberg advise that the turtle viewing season at Mon Repos has been extended.  The last night for viewing these wonderful creatures is now set for Sunday April 2, 2011.    Bookings are recommended and so that there will not be any disappointments, I suggest you telephone (07) 4153 8888. 

International rail

There is a new reservation system for Italian trains over the upcoming summer months.  It is now possible to book, and confirm tickets and seat reservations for travel until the end of May 2011 directly on all high speed train services on Trenitalia sectors.  To avoid disappointment it is important to book well in advance.   Check www.internationalrail.com.au or call 1300 387 245. 
 

* 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

 
 

St Petersburg - Swiss Alps - Air Pacific - Japan

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook

 

It's Victory Day in St Petersburg

It would make sense to seek a reservation making a link with the 2011 Russian Victory Day celebrations.  The five-day event combines the May 9 parade which celebrates the end of WW11.   It's a full-on package, one which should suit those with even the faintest knowledge of Russian history.  The tour departs May 7 and includes four-star accommodation, arrival and departure private car transfers, some meals and privately guided  sightseeing.  This is a tour not to be overlooked.  To get the full story why not check out www.bentours.com.au or ring 1800 221 712.

 

Ski vacations in the Alps

If you are quick off the mark, there's still time to take on some skiing in the Swiss Alps.  Check out the 'Happy Family' packages  which combines a week's accommodation, ski passes and access to sports and leisure centres.  There are also 'her and him' packages and an Easter package which is valid from March 27 to April 25. Check www.leysin.ch

 

Air Pacific a fine way to sample Fiji and beyond

They claim to be the friendliest airline in the world.  That's some claim.  I first sampled their friendship 15 years ago.  Almost time for another inspection and sampling.  Perhaps the package priced from only $1199 ex Sydney or $1299 ex Melbourne.  That price offers inclusive flight, stay and drink.  That's enough to get me checking further.  I suggest you do the same, just to be sure you have not misread the facts.  Call Specialist Holidays on 13 13 81 for more news on the option above, and also to check out other packages.

 

Cultural treasures of Japan

To get the real feel of Japan, there are special departures April 16. May 13, September 17 and in October, two departures. A nine-day escorted small group is priced from $4401 per person twin share.  Some departures feature colourful festivals and sumo wrestling.   Make contact with reservations@coxandkings.com.au to get the full story on conditions, inclusions and the itinerary.  The tour package includes some travel aboard the bullet train, tour escort and entrance fees for the itinerary sites.

 

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