Millamolong Polo - Venice Rowers - Glacier Express - Mary Poppins

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook

They’re racing

Well, not exactly, but it’s to do with horses, wine and food at a major sporting event at Mandurama in New South Wales. It’s the Millamolong Polo Carnival on Saturday April 30th. For more information on the event call 0467 67 65 62. Some of the nation’s best polo players will battle it out at the polo grounds. Admission is by a gold coin donation, with proceeds to the James Ashton Charity Fund. For those who want to be VIP’s on the day, get the details by either telephoning or email office@millamolongpoloclub.com The program includes a Volvo car versus horse race, heaps of activities and food for the family. For all the details go visit www.millamolong.com Vintage cars to helicopters, a petting zoo to a pig called Sharon.

This is one heck of an event,- not to be missed !

A rowing race in Venice

A 30 km rowing race with hundreds of boats (all shapes and sizes) is scheduled for Sunday June 12th. The participants include local Venetians and foreign rowers. It is a huge festival and an event which saw the light of day in 1974 when locals gathered together to rid the lagoon of noisy boats with outboard motors. The event this year will welcome about 5000 rowers. To get the full story go to www.turismovenezia.it or telephone the Italian Government Tourist Office in Sydney, on (02) 9262 1666. The email address is Sydney@enit.it

Train it in spectacular comfort

A spectacular rail journey is about to set off into the Swiss Alps. It is the three-day Glacier Express,- and what an experience.

Travel is between St Moritz to Zermatt and aboard the world’s most famous railway, across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and the Oberalp Pass. The price is from $652 per person twin share. The package includes two nights in some of Switzerland’s most popular resorts, first class train travel, two breakfasts and three transfers.

There are other packages available, so check them out by visiting www.tempoholidays.com or your local travel agent, or telephone 1300 558 987.

Mary Poppins

Saturday May 7 is one date to set aside, for it heralds an attempt to create a mosaic world record attempt in beautiful Bowral. In the early 1900’s teenager Helen Lyndon Goff made up bedtime stories to tell her younger sisters. One such story has made it to the silver screen,- Mary Poppins. Another teenager, Melissa McShane is out to set a new record. She, along with more than a thousand people hope to smash a record, set in Serbia (2009) where 1,026 people are to face ‘defeat’ by the ‘down under’ locals, - but you are needed at Bradman Oval, on Bowral’s big day. Get all the facts by ringing (02) 4801 0622, or visit www.shyac.org.au See you there!


* 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. 

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Indochina Tours - Il Gioco del Ponte - Cirque du Soleil - Q Station - Rio Brazil

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook

Wendy Wu

Indochina specialist Wendy Wu is offering a $200 per person discount on their Vietnam departure  July 09m 2011.  One of the conditions is that bookings need to be made prior to 31 May.  It is an 18-day tour which takes in some of Vietnam's key attractions including, the dynamic city of Saigon, the Mekong Delta which includes a homestay, Hoi An, Hue and the treasures of Halong Bay.  The package is now priced from $3889  for departures from Sydney and Melbourne, for those travelling ex Brisbane and Adelaide it is priced from $4089 and from Perth $4191.  Prices are per person, twin share and include return economy airfares and taxes, 16 nights accommodation, comprehensive touring, visa fee for Aussie passport holders, fuel surcharge and gratuities.  For more information and to confirm the conditions and prices, telephone 1300 727 998.

Could be you in battle

An historic event known  as Il Gioco del Ponte is a colourful and violent ritual where two opposing camps fight over the town's main bridge, an event which dates back to the Middle Ages.  That's how it once was.  These days the event is more of an endurance course rather than a blood thirst battle.  Get to the location early in the day and grab a good spot to catch the marching, the 'battle' and the huge military parade.  Best advice I can give is to go visit www.comune.pisa.it or contact the Italian Government Tourist Office in Sydney.  The email address is Sydney@enit.it or telephone (02) 9262 1666.  It all happens the last Sunday in June.

They're back– be warned !

Something a little different is happening in Brisbane in July.  Tickets are currently available for Cirque du Soleil – Saltimbanco, playing at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at Boondall from 8 July to 17, 2011.  Starting as a group of street performers in 1984, the company has grown somewhat, now boasting 5,000 employees, including 1,300 artists playing to the world.   For more information and other play dates contact Ticketek  on 132 849.   You can also catch the show at other locations,- Perth April 21, Adelaide May 25, Melbourne May 26, Hobart June 15, 2011.

Manly's Q Station

Impress Mum on May 8 with a night at Manly's Q Station, located within Sydney Harbour National Park. A special Mother's day package awaits.  It is priced from $210 and includes accommodation for two in a deluxe Queen ensuite room, a full buffet breakfast and a late checkout time of 1pm on Sunday.  Mention it's a Mother's Day when booking and  also receive a comp bottle of sparkling wine on arrival.  To book contact (02) 9466 1500 or g visit www.qstation.com.au    The deal is valid for stays May 7 and 8, 2011, with the late checkout valid only on the Sunday.

Rio and more

Here's your chance to really get to know the  most exciting parts of South America,- exploring Rio, the Iguassu Falls, historic Salvador and the rhythms of  Brazil.  The 11-day small group tour is priced from $3967 per person, twin share.  Make a promise to yourself that you will make contact with Cox & Kings for the full story of a quite remarkable tour of adventure,.. and rhythms of Brazil. Call 1300 836 764.


* 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

 

Mornington Peninsula - Silversea - Lake Okareka Lodge - Masala Dandenong - Russia

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook

A top spot from which to escape

Apart from the fact that most of the disaster zones, in Victoria and Queensland, have returned to normal business, Aussie domestic travel and tourism offer some fantastic holiday options.  In this week's report I'm suggesting a couple of days R & R on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.  Packages vary in price and inclusions, however, a studio suite package at Best Western Brooklands of Mornington should be considered.    Check this one out !  Included in the tariff  of $200 is complimentary breakfast in your room, a newspaper delivered to your room and a comp bottle of wine awaiting your arrival.    The studio suites of this four star property feature a deluxe king bed, a kitchenette  and a 41" plasma TV.  The property, which is close to beaches and attractions,  is set on three acres of stunning landscaped gardens.  For all the information simply go visit www.brooklands.bestwestern.com.au or telephone  (03) 5973 9200.

Luxury ?  Yes please!

Current packages cruising with Silversea offer no less that six ships sailing twenty-six itineraries  in seven regions of the world between November of this year and December 2012.  All of the packages are inclusive of return air from Australia, pre and post cruise accommodation in luxury hotels with prices starting from just $7975 per person twin share.  Packages range from 14 to 33 nights embracing Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and also north and south America, through to the Antarctic. There is  real choice on offer,  each offering luxury and exciting inclusions.   Simple go visit www.cruising.com.au

Mum will remember

To share Mothers' Day this year make a beeline to a website which shows how to spoil Mum and give her memories for years to come.  New Zealand's Lake Okareka Lodge is the destination and it's there that your Mum will be treated right royally.  Packages are available for sale through to April 30 and for travel through 31  August 2011.   What's the deal ?  I am delighted to share this one with you.  Lake Okareka Lodge's recommended package is priced from AUD$3110 (check on currency exchange).  That includes three nights suite accommodation for two persons, champagne breakfasts, pre dinner drinks and canapés, daily five-course dinners, 24 hour butler service, personal chef to create dishes to your liking, return airport/lodge transfers,- and there's more.  I'll race you to make contact at info.nz@lebua.com or go visit www.lebua.com

Wander through Little India

Several years ago I joined a walking tour group through the Melbourne suburb of Dandenong.  The local council encouraged those with adventurous taste buds to travel to Little India.  Passports, visas nor international airline tickets were required.  Those early food lovers can now join latter-day visits to the well organised Masala Meander in Melbourne's Dandenong.  Included in these foodie experiences, are Indian dishes at an Indian café, a visit to an Indian grocery store, a three-course luncheon at an Indian Restaurant with a glass of wine and a surprise giveaway.  Various dates are available so check these out by visiting www.beaconholidays.com.au     A minimum of four guests make for a tour group, with a $70 price tag per person.  These are genuine 'North Indian style'  experiences which depart Dandenong railway stations at 11.15am for an 11.30am start.  The company also offers  a similar tour through Melbourne's cbd. 

For details use the same web address.  Bookings are essential.

How about Russia ?

There's a discounted nine-day package  cruise between St Petersburg and Moscow with the discounts of $500 per person on selected dates.  This is a great adventure with inclusions such as a farmers' market, a visit to a 17th century church, with its own legends and memories, and tours of both Moscow and St Petersburg.  The cruise includes private tours, five-star accommodation with breakfast included,  and on the six-nights aboard the MS Volga, the price includes daily meals with wine and soft drinks during lunches and dinners.  For more information telephone  1800 221 712.  Go visit www.bentours.com.au Terms and conditions apply.


* 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

 

Northwest Tasmania - Battlefield Tours - Werribee Zoo - India Tour - Central Australia

with John Crook

Taste the North West

Make a note of these dates – April 24 to April 30 2011.  These could mean something to you if you are also into food and the arts.  The location is Sheffield in Tasmania. There are lots of happenings on those dates but probably the date which is most attractive to me would be April 30, where a mural festival coincides with the tastes of the North West.  It's a celebration of the finest foods, beverage and produce.  Try these for tastes.  Rabbit pies, German-style small goods, smoked salmon through wood fired pizzas.  For all the information go visit www.muralfest.com.au

Battlefield Pilgrims

There's a whole range of tours awaiting those who re interested in the battlefields of the WWII.  These tours are becoming increasingly adventurous.  Mat McLachlan heads up the company which provides one of the most comprehensive range of touring options.  The tours visit war zones of the Pacific, Europe and Asia.   The range of tours has been released, so for all the details and costs, visit www.battlefields.com.au   

April a big month for zoo visits

Thursday April 14, Tuesday April 19 and Thursday April 21.  The location is the Werribee Open Range Zoo, which is located between Melbourne and Geelong.  There is a program at the zoo which offers youngsters the chance to work at the zoo for a day as a zoo keeper.  What a wonderful opportunity. 

Kids become participants working amongst the regular zoo keepers and their charges. To get the costs, and the conditions, telephone the zoo direct (03) 9285 9406.

Enjoy the tastes of India

You can put eight days towards exploring India, taking in the sights of a great country in a tour which includes the Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque and the Raj Ghat in Old Delhi, along wiith the India gate and the former vice-regal residence in New Delhi.  Just to mention a few.  Did I mention the Taj Mahal ?  Well, I should have. The tour departs Delhi and the price tags from $1698 per person twin share.   Visit www.coxandkings.com.au   This tour is part of the great range of experiences waiting to be discovered.   Being a Cox & Kings product it must be good!

Explore the Red Centre

The world famous icons await those who have their eyes set on Central Australia as a destination.  There's a six-day self-drive holiday priced from $733 per person twin share.  Exploration includes Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and the Alice.

This is more than your usual Red Centre tour,- in the fact that participants also get to join an Aboriginal guide to walk the Mutitjulu waterhole and the caves at the base of the Rock.

For more information and conditions telephone 13 38 43.

* 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

Four Seasons Sydney - Cruise Hawaii - South Africa Rail Cruise - MSC Deal - Easter Q Station

A PRESIDENTIAL SUITE THAT'S FIT FOR A KING

OKAY so your hotel room does have views of Sydney Harbour – but does it have a master bathroom with a bathtub in a bay window overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and most of the Harbour from the 34th floor?

Or a four-poster bed, rich leathers on other furnishings, and the ambience of a circa 1930s New York-style apartment?

If not, then book into this one – the Presidential Suite – at the Four Season's Hotel Sydney that's just come out of a two-year refurbishment at a cost of $1.6m. And if you have to ask the price, then as they say, you can't afford it (so we'll satisfy your curiosity now: the Presidential Suite starts from $5925 a night.)

Designed by one of Australia's leading interior and architecture practices, Bates Smart, that Presidential Suite, a Deluxe Royal Suite (from $3925 per night) and two Royal Suites (a snip at just $1925 per night each) offer a kind of hotel-staying that's definitely in a world of its own.

And while that Presidential Suite features the luxuries usually associated with royalty or their more-wealthy rock-star cousins, the three Royal Suites aren't to be sneezed at either: with their undertones of penthouse glamour matched with metropolitan flair they invite guests to enter each through grand, full height double doors, stepping then into million dollar views that simply say "Wow."

And parquet floors, timber wall paneling, wallpaper and soft Roman blinds create a feeling of intimacy and warmth that will have you simply not wanting to leave.

And while we dream of the day we take out that Lotto win and have to decide between the Presidential Suite, the Deluxe Royal Suite or a Royal Suite, we can always book a special night in one of the hotel's Deluxe Rooms from just $275 a night. Ring them on toll-free 1800 222 200.

 

GRAND 21-NIGHTS FLY, CRUISE AND STAY HAWAII, TAHITI AND SYDNEY

THREE days and two nights in Honolulu, another day in Hawaii's picturesque Lahaina on the Island of Maui, then day's ashore in dreamy French Polynesia's Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea and Bora Bora, before cruising into beautiful Sydney harbour – these are the highlights of a 21-night fly, cruise and stay package with Cruiseco in November of this year.

Guests will have two nights at the Waikiki Resort Hotel in the heart of Waikiki and just seconds from the beach, before sailing away on November 11 aboard Celebrity Cruises' 70,000-tonne Century for 19-nights of 4.5-star luxury cruising.

Prices start from $3835pp twin-share that includes one-way economy class airfare from Sydney to Honolulu, 2-nights pre-cruise stay at the Waikiki Resort Hotel, 19-nights aboard Celebrity Century with all dining and nightly entertainment, port charges and government fees, onboard gratuities and air taxes.

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

Guests will enjoy thirteen full days at sea between ports to unwind and indulge Century's many facilities including a golf simulator, pool, jogging track, fitness centre, AquaSpa, card room, library, a show lounge and celebrity theatre, cinema, casino, and a selection of bars and lounges.

And when it comes to meals, a choice of gourmet fine-dining in the Grand Restaurant, or for more casual café-style, dine in the Islands Café, Cova Café and Sky Bar.



LUXURY 2012 RAIL AND CRUISE TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA

TWO glamour queens of transport which recapture the romance of travel– the famous Rovos Rail train and ocean liner, Queen Mary 2 – will be combined in a new luxury rail and sail tour in South Africa in 2012 offered by Australian cruise agency, Cruise Express.

The new "Pride of Africa' trip is one of seven hosted tours Cruise Express will offer in Africa in January, 2012, with fly/cruise packages available from $4990 per person, twin-share for a two-week adventure.

The 'rail and sail' trip departs Australia January 17, 2012, and includes a three-day 'tick-off-the-must-do list' journey on Rovos Rail's legendary train, The Pride of Africa, from Pretoria to Cape Town as well as a 14-20 day voyage back to Perth, Adelaide or Sydney aboard the world's grandest ocean liner, Queen Mary 2.

Queen Mary 2 encapsulates the golden age of ocean

The Pride of Africa train – described as a luxury liner on tracks – boasts stylish Edwardian furnishings, crisp linen, fine china, exquisite cuisine, afternoon teas and elegant double bed cabins, with guests sipping Champagne in opulent lounges during black tie evenings.

Cruise Express' all-inclusive 'Pride of Africa' tour starts with two nights and three 'big five' safari drives at the luxurious Tinga Private Game Lodge with its private swimming pools and panoramic viewing decks in the wildlife-rich Sabi Sands Game Reserve in the world-famous Kruger region. Also included is the Rovos Rail journey, four nights in Cape Town, the voyage back to Australia aboard Queen Mary 2, sightseeing trips in South Africa, a flight from Australia to Johannesburg, connecting flights in South Africa, 23 meals in South Africa and all meals and entertainment onboard Queen Mary 2.

The tour lasts from 22-28 nights, depending on the disembarkation point in Australia aboard Queen Mary 2.

Fly, cruise, rail and tour fares start from $12,690 per person, twin-share for passengers disembarking in Perth (22 night trip) $13,390 for Adelaide (25 nights) and $13,990 for NSW, QLD and Victorian passengers disembarking in Sydney (28 nights).

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

 

MSC CRUISES' TWO-FOR-ONE FARES

TAKE a friend or cruise as a couple and you pay for only one passenger through MSC Cruise's two-for-one fares on ocean voyages in 2011-2012.

The world's leading family-owned cruise ship line is offering this money-saving deal on 13 continent-to-continent cruises; as an example, a 16-night voyage from USA's Fort Lauderdale to Genoa in Italy is priced from just $2358 a cabin for two on board MSC Poesia.

This lead-in fare applies to a cruise in March next year, calling at Puerto Rico's San Juan, St Maarten and the St John's, also in the Caribbean, before crossing the Atlantic to Madeira Island in Portugal, and Malaga, Alicante and Barcelona in Spain, and ultimately Genoa.

"These ocean voyages are perfect for passengers who love to take a holiday with plenty of sea days to explore the ship," said Lynne Clarke, managing director of MSC Cruises (Australia and New Zealand). "They have ample time to not only get to know their ship, but to warm to it, the facilities, the friendly crew,  the daily programs, and the many other fine aspects of ocean cruising.

"Guests also have the opportunity to a number of ports that are not normally included on regular cruises."

Book a cabin on the MSC Melody for its 18-night ocean voyage between Genoa and Cape Town in November this year and price starts at $2438, the second passenger free. It will call at Barcelona, Cadiz (Seville), Tenerife (Canary Islands), Dakar (Senegal) and Walvis Bay in Namibia.

MSC Melody's return voyage to Europe, in February next year, starts at $2798, calling at St Helena, Walvis Bay, Dakar, Arrecife, Cadiz and Palamos before reaching Genoa.

Other voyages in the two-for-one – between October this year and April 2012 – link South America with coastal Africa and Europe; fares include on board meals and entertainment, port charges for two, a Captain's cocktail party and a Gala Dinner.

As well children under 18 years, who share a cabin with two adults, cruise free. However, port charges of up to $500 per child apply. Entry to the children's club is also included.

Details: MSC Cruises, phone 1300 028502, www.msccruises.com.au

 

EASTER AT Q STATION OVERLOOKING SYDNEY HARBOUR

SYDNEY's waterfront heritage retreat Q Station has released a choice of Easter escapes featuring luxury accommodation overlooking Sydney Harbour.

With its panoramic views from Manly's North Head, Q Station combines a National Park setting with the unique heritage buildings of Australia's first quarantine facility.

Two Easter escapes are available:

Family Fun Package - from $199* per night, including accommodation for two adults and two children in a Heritage Queen Suite, full buffet breakfasts, a family pass to Oceanworld in Manly and a free inhouse movie.  Plus, kids 12 and under eat free when dining with their parents at Q Station's Boilerhouse Restaurant.

Easter Escape - from $160* per night including accommodation for two in a Heritage Queen Room including breakfasts.

Q Station has a wealth of activities including its popular ghost tours, history tours and activities on its own secluded beach.  The site is accessible over the holidays via the Harbour Hopper ferry service and is just a few minutes from all the bars, restaurants and activities of Manly.

For full details and bookings contact Q Station on 02 9466 1500. See also www.qstation.com.au

*Packages available for stays April 8 to May 1, 2011.  Minimum two night stay required for reservations over a Saturday.  Heritage Queen Suites and Heritage Queen Rooms feature private external bathrooms.