Emilio Estevez - Princess Cruises - Croatia - Paul Gauguin Tahiti - Pacific Jewel Wedding

EMILIO ESTEVEZ CREATES WALKING TOUR                       

HIGH profile actor Emilio Estevez has joined adventure tour operator Explore Worldwide to create a small-group walking tour which follows in the footsteps of Estevez' latest film "The Way".

The tour will feature many of the highlights shown in the film, which will be released next month.

The 15-day itinerary for "Highlights of The Way – Camino de Santiago" will include stays at three of the hotels featured in the film, including the exotic Parador de Leon.

Other aspects of the tour include the historic Roncesvalles Pass, dramatic Muxia and a visit to the famous Cruz de Hierro (Iron Cross), as well as guided visits of Leon, Burgos and Santiago.

Explore Worldwide has scheduled departures of the tour on September 9 and 24, 2011, with a support vehicle at hand to carry luggage and members of the group wanting a break from the walking.

The 15-day package costs from $2541 per person and includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, all transport, some guided visits and the services of a tour leader.

Explore also has a number of other holidays incorporating the Camino, including a 12-day walking trip, a seven-day independent itinerary and a 12-day rail journey through Northern Spain.

For more details contact Venture Holidays on 1300-414-151 or visit http://www.exploreworldwide.com.au/


PRINCESS CRUISES' 2012-2013 WORLD CRUISE SEASON

Princess Cruises has launched its worldwide 2012-13 season, including its biggest ever Australian summer deployment with four ships offering 61 different cruises in local waters.

In a first for the cruise line, almost 600 cruises have opened for bookings simultaneously around the globe, with Australians able to take advantage of some of Princess' best-ever early booking fares.

Prices for an 11-night cruise to Fiji from Australia start from $1,699* per person twin share, while fares for a seven-night Alaskan Inside Passage sailing start from $799* per person twin share.

The eleven programs now on sale include Alaska; Asia, Africa & India; Australia & NZ; Canada & New England; Caribbean; Europe; Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific; Mexico and Pacific Coast; Panama Canal; South America & Amazon and World Cruises.

The 2012-13 Australia and New Zealand program includes the return of Sea Princess for a second summer season sailing from Sydney, with Sun Princess sailing from Brisbane from October 2012 to April 2013 as well as Sydney and Fremantle, and Dawn Princess cruising from Melbourne and Sydney. Meanwhile, Diamond Princess will sail on six cruises between Sydney and Auckland over the summer, adding Wellington and Picton to create a longer 14-night itinerary.

New cruise options include a 33-night cruise around Australia and New Zealand on Sea Princess, two 40-night sailings to China and Japan in spring and autumn and a special 11-night cruise on Dawn Princess from Sydney to northern Queensland to coincide with the phenomena of the total solar eclipse in November 2012.

The warmer months will see Princess offering a range of South Pacific cruises from Sydney and Brisbane, each featuring up to four ports of call in Fiji – more than any other cruise line.

For more information visit http://www.princess.com/ , call 13 2488 or see travel agents.


CROATIA NOW ON SALE

TOURING specialist Beyond Travel has announced discounts across the board on their escorted tours through Croatia's mainland, the Dalmatian coast and its neighbouring countries, for departures in 2011.

There are discounts of up to $1500 per couple on  the 'Best of Croatia and Dalmatia Cruise' package which includes a four night cruise aboard M/S Pape Prvi from Dubrovnik to Split with port visits to Mljet, famous for its huge salt water lakes and national park,  Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, and Hvar, rich in historical and cultural heritage. You will also visit Split, the Plitvice Lakes region and the capital Zagreb.

Now priced from $2800 per person twin share there are two departures in June and two in October.

For those looking for an extended holiday, the 16-day journey "From Greece to Dalmatia" travels from Athens to Dubrovnik and Zagreb and costs from just $3463 per person.

All escorted tours include accommodation and daily breakfast, transportation by a high quality air conditioned coach, comprehensive sightseeing with an English speaking tour director and return transfers.

For other escorted tours in Croatia on sale contact Beyond Travel on 1300-363-554 or email info@beyondtravel.com.au


RARE PAUL GAUGUIN LUXURY CRUISE BRISBANE-TAHITI

The award-winning, ultra-luxury cruise liner, Paul Gauguin, will offer a rare voyage from Australia to Tahiti next Australia Day, with Cruise Express offering half-priced fares as part of an all-inclusive, fly/cruise package just released.

Normally based in Tahiti, the five-star boutique Paul Gauguin will sail from Brisbane on January 26, 2012, for an exotic 17-night 'South Pacific Discovery' cruise to French Polynesia via ports in Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga, the Cook Islands and the spectacular Tahitian islands of Bora Bora, Moorea and Taha'a, described as amongst the most beautiful islands on Earth.

At Bora Bora, guests will relax on Paul Gauguin Cruises' private white beach with free bar service, volleyball and snorkelling, and at the cruise line's private islet of Motu Mahana near Taha'a, passengers will be treated to a lavish barbecue lunch with full complimentary bar service.

The 322-passenger Paul Gauguin offers ocean views from every cabin – with 70 per cent of cabins having a private balcony - as well as three, surcharge-free dining venues, deluxe L'Occitane bathroom products, luxurious European linen and robes, and a retractable watersports marina at the rear of the ship which opens when anchored to offer passengers kayaking, snorkelling and windsurfing.

Cruise Express' package includes the indulgent 17-night cruise – only the second time Paul Gauguin has sailed from Australia since her launch in 1998 – as well as a flight from Tahiti back to Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne plus selected beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and beverages onboard the ship, free room service and in-room mini bar.

The fly/cruise package is available from $6674 per person, twin-share, which is half the normal cost.

Call Cruise Express on 1300 766 537 or visit http://www.cruiseexpress.com.au/ for details.



PACIFIC JEWEL'S FIRST ONBOARD WEDDING

LOVE was in the air on P&O Cruises' Pacific Jewel recently, when the ship provided the setting for the cruise line's first onboard wedding ceremony.

South Australian couple Gary Graham and Sue Marcelis tied the knot on Pacific Jewel in Sydney Harbour – and then sailed off on a 10-night honeymoon cruise with their wedding party of 10 guests.

It was the first onboard wedding as part of P&O Cruises' new Ceremonies at Sea program that was launched late last year.

It was Sue's sister, a travel agent, who suggested that she and Gary be married on a P&O Cruises' ship.

"Everything was organised and we didn't have a worry beforehand," Sue said after their honeymoon cruise. "The venue was beautiful and it all went very smoothly.

"Our sailaway under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and out of Sydney Harbour  was fantastic – it just added to the occasion."

Ceremonies at Seas wedding ceremonies are available aboard P&O Cruises' ships in port in Sydney, Brisbane, Newcastle and Fremantle on embarkation day and are performed by a marriage celebrant.  Vow renewals and commitment ceremonies can also be performed, and can be done at sea by the Captain or a senior officer.

For more information see travel agents, phone P&O Cruises on 13 24 94 or visit http://www.pocruises.com.au/.

Puccini in Italy - Mary Poppins - Austria - Excess Baggage - Ultimate Asia Cruise

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook 

Celebrating Puccini

Commencing Friday July 22nd and then on selected dates throughout July and August, a musical festival is scheduled in the town of Torre del Lago, home to Puccini.  Throughout July and August his works will resonate through the village, featuring  La Boheme, Turandot, and Madame Butterfly.  For details of the festival go visit www.puccinifestival.it or telephone the Italian Government Tourist Office on (02) 9262 1666.  The festival will welcome in more than 40,000 spectators to the town's open air theatre.  If you can make it, do yourself a favour. 

Ok, so Mary Poppins hits town

Bowral in the New South Wales Southern Highlands, on Saturday May 7th.  Not that much time to organise a trip into this beautiful region and also to join in the Welcome Home Mary Poppins, but for those who can make it,  the locals (and Mary) extend a great welcome.  The gathering of the clan, so to speak, will attempt a record breaking event,- namely creating a mosaic greater than that set by the 1,026 people in Serbia in 2009.  If interested and to register your intent,   telephone (02) 4801 0622.  The big day is to salute a former Bowral resident,- Helen Goff, the creator of Mary Poppins.  

Uniquely Austrian

The Austrian National Tourist Office has launched a new online and social media campaign, featuring 250 authentic activities, meals, landmarks and an assortment of secrets in which to assist travellers to better enjoy their Austrian experience.  The campaign promotes  a wealth of  recommendations, from dining in Europe's oldest restaurant, doing an apple Strudel baking course in the bakery at Schonbrunn, to uncrowded bicycle paths, - to name but a few.  To obtain your copy of 'Austria. Unique Like You' simply email  info@antosyd.org.au   Include your postal address. 

Going overseas?

That's when one discovers the suitcase is too small.  Perhaps one should consider a national excess baggage service, boasting more than 15 years experience.  Jetta Excess Baggage offers deals cheaper than airline excess baggage and offers luggage rates to more than 6500 destinations in 240 countries.   For more details telephone 1300 300 688. 

The ultimate Asia visit

A 22-night package which begins in Beijing opens the door to Aussies wishing to  explore a fascinating country.  All aboard, - for the cruise of a lifetime,- the departure ex Beijing on March 6, 2012.   Priced from $9439 per person twin share, there's even a free night stopover at Singapore's Raffles Hotel.   Not only cruising, but there's heaps of on-land touring as well.  Best thing is to get yourself a copy of the itinerary by calling 1300 369 848.  Truly, one of the best itineraries I've come across.  Included in the price as quoted is return economy airfares with Singapore Airlines from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.  Check it out by contacting www.ecruising.travel   

  
* 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

Madagascar - QM2 - Oktoberfest - Orion’s Spice Islands - Yoga Cruise

DISCOVER MADAGASCAR AS DAVID ATTENBOROUGH DID

ADVENTURE holiday operator Explore Worldwide has two 15-day packages which follow in the footsteps of  David Attenborough's latest documentary masterpiece "Madagascar," in which he explores the unique wildlife of the world's oldest island.

Explore's Madagascar itineraries have a strong wildlife focus, such as the 'The Lost Continent' tour which passes through rainforest and crosses plains, canyons and highlands in search of lemur and other extraordinary wildlife. The package is priced from $2711 and includes accommodation with daily breakfast, 11 other meals, transport, sightseeing as well as a tour leader, driver and local guides.

For the more active adventurer the 15-day 'Madagascar Wilderness Trek' takes in similar highlights but has more of a trekking-focus. There are departures from September to April and costs from $2547 and includes accommodation with most meals, transport, extensive sightseeing and the services of a tour leader, driver and local guides.

For more details contact Venture Holidays on 1300-303-343 or visit www.exploreworldwide.com.au

 

QUEEN MARY 2 PLUS LONDON & NEW YORK'S BEST HOTELS FOR $3850pp

A WHOLE week regally cruising the Atlantic aboard the grand Queen Mary 2, stays in the finest world-class hotels in New York and London for shopping and sightseeing, airfares and taxes from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane – and through Cruiseco, all this is from an incredibly low $3850pp twin-share.

Cruiseco has four of these packages between May 9 and June 8 this year, sailing 7-nights aboard Queen Mary between New York and London (or vice-versa) with all onboard dining and amid an ambience of gracious and "unmistakable Britishness," and 2-nights pre- or post-cruise at the Hemlsley Hotel New York and a night at either the Waldorf Hilton London or Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street London.

These value-packed holidays start at just $3850pp and begin with 2 nights at the Helmsley Hotel in New York on June 8 2011.

For full details, prices from other capital cities, and the names of Cruiseco's 200-plus cruise-specialist travel agencies visit www.cruising.com.au

FURTHER SHIPBOARD AND HOTEL DETAILS: The majestic 148,500-tonne Queen Mary 2 offers no fewer than nine restaurants, twelve bars and lounges, five pools, a casino, ballroom, live-stage theatre and cinema with late-release movies.

New York's Helmsley Hotel is located on the East Side close to Fifth Avenue shopping and dining, and within easy reach of the city's best attractions and sights, including the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Times Square, the United Nations building, the Theatre District and Rockefeller Centre.

London's Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel is a true one-off property close to the chic boutiques of Covent Garden and Oxford Street's celebrated shopping, while the Waldorf Hilton London is close to the city's Theatreland, 5 minutes' walk from the shops of Covent Garden, and near to the London Eye and Trafalgar Square.

 

STEIN-SIZED BARGAIN ON TAP FOR GERMANY'S OKTOBERFEST


THIRSTY Australians keen to help the locals and other visitors drink their way through seven million litres of beer at this year's Oktoberfest in Munich, are being offered discounted flights to the Bavarian capital by online travel agent, Direct Flights International from $1541pp.

One of the world's biggest festivals, the 17-day Oktoberfest will run from September 17 to October 3, 2011, with its cavernous beer tents, rock concerts, streets parades and thrill rides drawing more than 6.4 million visitors, just under the seven million litres of beer that will be downed at the thirst-quenching carnival.

More than half a million sausages and 70,000 pork knuckles will also be consumed with the Bavarian beer, which will be sold in huge one-litre steins for around AU$12 each.

And to cope with the liquid intake, there will be 1000 toilet seats and almost a kilometre of men's urinals on hand in the fair grounds. 2011 will also be the first year smoking will be banned inside the giant beer tents, some of which can seat 8400 people.

Direct Flights is offering return flights to Munich with full-service British Airways from $1541 from Perth and from $2192 from Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin. * The fares include taxes and are available for sale on www.directflights.com.au until April 29, 2011, for departures up to October 3, 2011.

Accommodation, car hire, tours and attractions in Germany can also be booked online with Direct Flights.

Conditions apply and flights are subject to availability.



ORION EXPEDITION TO ISLANDS LOST IN TIME

EXPEDITION cruise ship Orion's Spice Island Adventure later this year explores one of the most extraordinarily bio-diverse regions on Earth, a handful of rarely visited islands situated just north of Australia.

Centuries ago the Spice Islands were the source of the world's most valued foodstuffs and most treasured commodities of their time, multiplying in value up to a thousand-fold by the time they reached the markets of Europe.

Dotted among the thousands of islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago, only nine supported the Myristica fragrans tree, the source of nutmeg and mace, while just six more supported a myrtle whose dried flower buds were known to the Chinese as 'fragrant nails' – and to us as cloves.

More than 3000 years ago cloves were traded in Persia, and Romans were able to buy spices originating from Indonesia. In the 16th century Magellan and Vasco da Gama opened the way for the trading houses of the British East India Company and the Dutch East India Company.

In 2011 Orion Expedition Cruises will again open the way for adventurous spirits with an 11-night expedition to a region where few outsiders set foot.

It is home to many unique flora and fauna species, particularly birdlife. Towering volcanoes, many still active, rise from the sea, tropical islands appear through the soft light of morning, a hint of kretek – aromatic clove and tobacco blended cigarettes – wafts on the breeze and bright and colourful customs bring ancient legends and traditions to life in remote island villages.

This expedition includes a visit to Komodo and the chance to see the world's largest lizards – the Komodo Dragons – that grow to over 3 metres in length.

There's also Pink Beach named because of its crushed red organ pipe coral sand, and perfect for swimming, snorkelling or just relaxing, the island of Alor whose predominantly Christian villagers can be traced back to the Dongson period in Vietnam around 350 BC, and Sumba an uplifted coral limestone island once known as Sandalwood Island whose people retain a strong cultural heritage resistant to the outside influences of Christianity, Hinduism or Islam…. Orion's guests will be welcomed by villagers wearing traditional woven ikat fabrics and see ancient megaliths that adorn the village entrances.

Orion's expedition voyage will include a specialist Expedition Team selected for their knowledge and practical experience in botany, marine biology, anthropology and history.

The 11 night Spice Island Adventure departs Darwin on July 14 this year visiting Kisar on Maluku, Alor, Maumere (Flores,) Komodo, East and West Sumba, Savu, Rote and back to Darwin; prices start from $8175pp including twin-share, onboard meals, shore excursions, lectures and backgroundings, Zodiac transfers, gratuities and port charges.

Details (02) 9033 8777, toll-free 1300 361 012 or www.orionexpeditions.com

 

CRUISING WITH A CONSCIENCE                           

IT'S a tough call – waking to an alarm clock for free early morning yoga lessons and meditation on the open deck of a great luxury sailing ship, or giving up pre-sunset cocktails for a late afternoon session.

In any case, yoga teacher Christel Vollmer who trained on the US West Coast with Bryan Kest, yoga guru to celebrities including Madonna, Cindy Crawford and Sting, will be holding classes twice a day for seven days on two special Star Clipper cruises in the Mediterranean on August 6 and 13.

Christel, who specialises in Astanga (power) yoga, will also give lectures on the philosophy of yoga and advice on practice at home. Age is no restriction and no experience is necessary to attend lessons.

Supplementing the healthy yoga theme, Star clipper will offer some vegetarian meals at dinner and plenty of fruit and salads with breakfast and lunch.

The 170-passenger tall ship operates a series of cruises from Athens in May, June July and August on alternate southern and northern itineraries that include popular Greek islands and Turkish ports in the Aegean Sea.

The two cruises where yoga is offered start at $5820 including return airfare from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide with Singapore Airlines, all port and air taxes and all meals and entertainment onboard Star Clipper.

Star Clipper, sister ship Star flyer, and flagship Royal Clipper follow the sun year-round to exotic ports in the east and west Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Costa Rica and, in 2012, to Baltic and Scandinavian ports.

For reservations contact your travel agent or Star Clippers on 1300 362 599 or visit www.starclippers.com

Croatia and Dalmatia - Paris - QM2 - Festival of Voices - Kings Canyon

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook 

Birthplace of Marco Polo

There are discounts of up to $1500 per couple in the Best of Croatia and Dalmatia cruise package, with two departures in June and likewise October.  What caught my eye was the mention of Marco Polo.  His birthplace is included in the tour itinerary.  Fabulous historical and cultural heritage throughout.  Also included is a four night cruise from Dubrovnik to Split aboard M/S Pape Prvi. All those intense hours set aside for history and geography lessons at Eudunda Area School now come alive via these escorted tours.  Full details by calling 1300 363 554 or email info@beyondtravel.com.au  

Four nights in gay Paree

Book selected hotels under the banner of Tempo Holidays and enjoy an extra day in Paris.  Stay four-nights but pay for only three on a range of properties including Sully Saint Germain which is located in the heart of the Left Bank.   Prices start from  $309 per person, twin share .  Just note that the deal on offer is valid for sale and travel until August 25 2011.  For all the facts and conditions give this number a ring – 1300 558 987.  Or, email info@tempoholidays.com  

Queen Mary 2, London and New York

Wowee,- this has to be one of the best cruise offers around.  An entire week cruising the Atlantic aboard the grand dame herself, - Queen Mary 2.  Then staying in luxury at the finest hotels in New York and London.  Included in the cruise package are airfares and taxes  from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.   Cruiseco has four of these packages between May 9 and June 8 this year, - priced from as low as $3850 per person twin share,- and in my book that's totally affordable. Go visit www.cruising.com.au  

Festival of voices in July

Sing your hearts out! The 2011 Festival of Voices incorporates choral and ensemble singing, hip hop, musical theatre and on and on it goes.  July is the month to get involved with a Tasmanian arts and music festival.  The events are scheduled in Hobart's majestic and historic buildings, concert halls and open spaces.  Get the full facts by visiting www.festivalofvoices.com   That website has more details of the program of events, including workshops and performances. 

Kings Canyon is terrific

I've made numerous visits into Central Australia, and without doubt one of my most favoured locations is Kings Canyon.    A five-day Red Centre Long Weekender awaits you and that includes car hire with unlimited kilometres.  The price is from just  $717 per person twin share.  That includes a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe spa room.   Whilst at Kings Canyon you will also experience the award-wining Under the Desert Moon dining experience. The deal is valid until 30 June.  For all the details and conditions which may be applicable, 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

 
 

Mary Poppins - Mediterranean - South America - Houdini - Orion Sabah

JOIN MARY POPPINS HUMAN MOSAIC WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT

. Bowral event "will be big enough to be seen from space…"

HEAD to Bowral in the NSW Southern Highlands on Saturday May 7th and you could find yourself part of history: an attempt will be made that afternoon to create a new world record for the most number of people gathering with opened umbrellas to form a gigantic mosaic of the world's most famous nanny, Mary Poppins.

It was in Bowral in the early 1900s that teenager Helen Lyndon Goff made up bedtime stories to tell to her younger sisters after the premature death of their father, amongst her tales being the adventures of a no-nonsense nanny.

And today it's another local teenager, Melissa McShane who's sparked community interest in a Mary Poppins statue in Bowral; the "Welcome Home Mary Poppins" record attempt is part of promotion and fund-raising for that statue, and will be witnessed by representatives of The Guinness Book of Records.

The mosaic will be formed on Bowral's famous Bradman Oval.

Organisers, the Southern Highlands Youth Arts Council, hope to smash the current Mary Poppins mosaic record set by 1,026 people in Serbia in 2009, and are inviting all Mary Poppins fans to join them – pointing out that their human mosaic will be big enough to be seen from space.

Their planned bronze Mary Poppins statue will be sited in Bowral's Glebe Park, that is just a block away from where Helen Lyndon Goff lived, and is adjacent to Bowral Oval.

You can register to take part in the mosaic on www.shyac.org.au, phone (02) 4801 0622 – or just turn up on May 7th with your most colourful umbrella.

And after the mosaic everyone's invited to an open-air screening of the Disney 1964 Mary Poppins musical, and a fireworks show.


MEDITERRANEAN CRUISING IS HOT – IN WINTER

A growing number of Australian cruise fans are opting to cruise the Mediterranean in winter, cashing in on savings offered on flights and cruises during the traditional off-peak season.

Family-owned Italian-based MSC Cruises says it's seen a surge in interest for its cruises in January, February and March, supporting the company's move to keep three of its 11 luxury ships – Splendida, Fantasia and Magnifica – in the region year-round.

"Cruising in the Mediterranean is hot with Australians, even in winter," said Lynne Clarke, managing director of MSC Cruises (Australia and New Zealand).

"The demand for these cruises is riding on the crest of a wave. Price, style of ship and the interesting ports have all played a role."

Drawing on Australian interest is a 22-night Mediterranean Discovery Cruise which pools, back-to-back, two 11-night cruises aboard the luxurious Splendida.

Price for the cruise begins at $2048pp twin share (January 15, 2011) with return air fare options available, flying Emirates to Milan, from $2056pp. Two other itineraries are scheduled for February 6 (from $2158pp twin share) and March 19, 2011 (from $2268pp, twin share).

During the traditional cruising months, MSC Cruises has noticed an upsurge of bookings for MSC Musica's Italy, Greek Islands and Croatia seven-night cruises, priced from $1099pp, twin share.

They begin in Venice and call on Italy's Bari, Greece's Katakolon (Olympia), Santorini, Mykonos, Piraeus (Athens), Corfu and Dubrovnik in Croatia, before returning to Venice.

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


FREE FLIGHT TO SOUTH AMERICAN HOLIDAY SAVES $3735

APT has launched its new South America 2012 brochure with a Companion Fly Free deal for every itinerary, representing savings of up to $3735 per couple if bookings are made before June 30 2011.

A 21-day The Very Best of South America escorted tour is the backbone of APT's new South America small group journeys (maximum 24 passengers). Travellers can add Chilean fjiord cruises, Patagonia Lakes, Galapagos Island cruises, Amazon Lodge, Patagonia fjiords, Rio Carnival or Buenos Aires/Rio de Janeiro city stays to create a itineraries between 24 to 31 days.

The Very Best of South America is priced from $11,995 per person twin share. There are nine departures between April and November for this luxury escorted coach tour which explores the cities and ancient sights of Brazil, Peru, Uruguay and Chile.

The price includes touring, accommodation, 39 meals, flights within South America, local arrival and departure transfers, port charges and all tipping, Freedom of Choice Touring and Dining, APT Tour Director and local guides.

Among the highlights are exploring Buenos Aires, full-day excursion to Uruguay's oldest town, Iguassu Falls including jet boat ride,  discovering Rio de Janeiro including Corcovado, Sugarloaf mountain at sunset, Copacabana beach, and the amazing local culture and dining, two days exploring Santiago and its neighbouring wine regions, Cusco high in the Andes, a local hand weaving demonstration, riding PeruRail's Vistadome train to the lost Inca City of Machu Picchu, onboard the Orient Express' Hiram Bingham train for a luxurious rail journey and sumptuous four course dinner and riding the Orient Express Andean Explorer in first class to Lake Titicaca.

Contact: call 1300 229 804, visit www.aptouring.com.au or see a travel agent


NO ESCAPING HOUDINI EXHIBITION ON LOS ANGELES VISIT

MORE than 80 years after his death, Harry Houdini and his feats of escape still fascinate even the most casual fans of magic and mystery.

And if you are visiting Los Angeles between now and September 4, the Los Angeles' Skirball Cultural Center at 2701 N. Sepulveda Boulevard is paying homage to the man with an exhibit titled "Houdini: Art and Magic."

This examines the life of the man born Ehrich Weisz in Hungary in 1876 and who thrilled millions until his death in 1926. There are more than 150 objects, including original props – such as the straitjacket and trunk from which he regularly escaped – as well as posters and film clips.

There are also testimonies to Houdini's greatness from contemporary magicans and escape artists including Matthew Barney, Jane Hammond, Vik Muniz, Deborah Oropallo and Raymond Pettibon.


CRUISECO'S CAPTIVATING HIGHLIGHTS ON ORION II IN FASCINATING SABAH

THE memorial to Borneo's infamous 1945 Sandakan Death March, and by contrast the little island on which the first of the TV reality Survivor shows was filmed in 2001, are amongst the diverse highlights of a 10-night cruise available through Cruiseco aboard the boutique Orion II in Malaysia's Sabah in August.

Others include two rehabilitation centres that care for orphaned and injured wildlife including orangutans and sun bears, a visit to one of Borneo's most traditional longhouses, the memorial Peace Park where Japanese forces surrendered in 1945, a swim amid coral with myriad sea-life from black-tipped sharks and rays to tiny seahorses, and a splash in reputedly medicinally-valuable volcanic mud.

And for the inquisitive, a visit to the intriguing 33-metre high Labuan Chimney that was built in the mid-1800s with 23,000 red bricks imported from England; to this day no one knows if it was to be part of a British-style luxury mansion, a ventilation shaft for Labuan's one-time coal mines, a bell tower – or the start of a lighthouse for ships passing along the coast.

Cruiseco's 11-night package includes return airfares and taxes from Australia to Kota Kinabalu via Singapore, a night pre-cruise at the Fairmont Hotel in Singapore including breakfast, 10-nights aboard Orion II return from Kota Kinabalu with daily excursions, transfers in Singapore and Kota Kinabalu and port charges and government fees.

Prices start from $7988pp twin-share from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane (deduct $227pp for Perth)

For full details and the names of Cruiseco's 200-plus cruise-specialist travel agencies visit www.cruising.com.au

FURTHER ITINERARY DETAILS: ORION II will sail from Kota Kinabalu on August 11 this year for Mantanani and Lankayan Islands, Sandakan for three days to explore the Kinabatanga River, historic WWII sites and the Sepilok Wildlife Sanctuary, Kudat to visit the Rungus Longhouse, Labuan Island, the Klias Wetlands and Tiga Island.

The 5-star Orion II carries just 100 guests served by 65 crew and has an indoor restaurant and on-deck café, health spa, gymnasium, hair and beauty salon, Jacuzzi, lounge, library and lecture hall in which talks are given by the ship's Expedition Team and Guest Speakers.