Norwegian coastal voyage - 'once in a lifetime experience'

For more than a century the ‘Norwegian Coastal Voyage’ - a 4000km journey along the beautiful, rugged coastline of Norway - has entranced visitors. From the historic ‘fjord’ city of Bergen to the remote town of Kirkenes in the far north - and the 34 ports in either direction - The voyage is a once in a lifetime experience.
MyPlanet’s 9 day ‘Best of Norway’ non-escorted tour, priced from $3410 per person twin share for bookings between May 30-July 29, incorporates five nights aboard the Norwegian Coastal Voyage ship and the chance to explore the fjords and villages that line this incredible coastline.
There are also repeat passenger discounts of $320 for the full round trip and $160 for the half round trip for the 2008 season.
The tour begins in Norway’s capital Oslo - the Viking capital - exploring its host of attractions (including the Viking Ship Museum, National Gallery, Vigeland Sculpture Park and Polar vessel ‘Fram’) before flying to Kirkenes for the Norwegian Coastal Voyage to Bergen.
First port of call is Vardo - Western Europe’s most eastern town - then it is on to Batsfjord and Berlevag before rounding the windswept North Cape to the remote outposts of Havoysund and Hammerfest.
From there, on day 4, the ship heads to the Oksford, arriving in the ‘Paris of the North’ - Tromso - just before midnight. The next day the ship makes its way to Harstad - set midst some of Norway’s most stunning scenery - before it winds its way through the islands of Vesteralen and Lofoten and, if time permits, the breathtaking, wild Trollfjord. From Harstad there is an optional overland excursion through rugged, remote scenery to the town of Sortland.
On day 6, the ship crosses the Arctic Circle and calls in at the port of Sandnessjoen which is the ancient seat of Viking chieftains. This is a landscape of rugged mountains and snow-tipped peaks - the home of Viking legends.
From there it is on to the towns of Trondheim and Mould before the final day’s voyage back to Bergen where the ship weaves its way through the skerries of the west coast before arriving into Bergen.
After an afternoon exploring the historic Bryggen Harbour with its maze of old wooden buildings, St Mary’s Church (Bergen’s oldest building) and a trip by funicular to the top of Mount Floyen, the trip visiting some of Norway’s most isolated and beautiful landscapes comes to a close. But the experiences will last a lifetime!
For more information on MyPlanet please visit www.myplanetaustralia.com.au

Take the Romantic Road

Wurzburg, Rothenberg and Bamberg, three of the most architecturally significant cities in Europe, herald the beginning of a 16 day journey along the ‘Romantic Road from Frankfurt to Munich with Albatross Travel Group.
Departing June 5 and September 2, the tour also spends three days in Prague allowing a visit to nearby Kutna Hora, a 13th century city once larger than medieval London.
A further three nights in Budapest allows tours of Brno in Moravia, an evening cruise on the Danube before travelling to Vienna for another three nights followed by two nights in the medieval Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, concluding with a night in Munich.
Groups are limited to 30, departures are guaranteed and the cost of $5449 per person twin share includes 15 nights accommodation, all breakfasts, most dinners, guides, coach travel, all tips, entrance fees and hotel porterage with no optional extra charges.
For more information go to www.albatrosstravel.com or obtain our brochure by calling 1300 135 015 or email info@albatrosstravel.com or visit your local travel agent.

Queensland island resort 'closes its doors'

• The picture postcard setting of the pool at
Great Keppel Island Resort, as it appeared
during my last visit several years ago.

Another Queensland icon dies this week - namely Great Keppel Island Resort, located 12km off the central Queensland coast between Yeppoon and Emu Park. Remember when we all used to get wrecked over there? Well - no more! Just sweet memories!
The resort will close to the public on February 25 to make way for a new luxury resort.
The Resort's owners had been planning a significant renovation to the existing resort but have now announced that a refurbishment wouldn’t do the island justice and that a complete rebuild of a new luxury resort was the only way to move forward.
A new luxury resort will be constructed from the ground up in order to meet the holiday demands of discerning international and domestic visitors.
They said by developing a superior product, it is anticipated that a new resort will assist in bringing a new top-end market to the region, clearly a market that can be sustained with the Capricorn Coast’s current growth.
Research presented to senior management showed that many people still view Great Keppel as a party island and that the tagline “Get Wrecked on Keppel” still resonates.
Great Keppel Island is quite beautiful, spanning over 1400 hectares. It boasts 17 pristine beaches and an abundance of natural features. The future plans for the Resort will be to create something unique, luxurious and truly special - that's good news.
Plans for the new development will be submitted to the newly amalgamated Rockhampton/Livingstone Council within the next 12 weeks, and if approved, construction of the new resort is anticipated to commence in early 2009.
Holidaymakers with existing bookings will receive full refunds or offered an alternative holiday option at a resort of similar quality to Great Keppel Island. All of the island’s 110 staff will receive redundancy payments and assistance with placements into alternative positions.

Still time to get on an escorted Europe river cruise during northern summer

• Avalon Imagery cruising European waterways.

Last year I had my first taste of European river cruising - admittedly it was on a low-budget Easycruise barge taking us from Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp to Brussels over three nights. We had a great time and, unfortunately Easycruise no longer provides this cheap way of holidaying in northern Europe having opted for two ships cruising the Greek Isles instead. Never mind, there are other options, albeit a little more pricey than Easycruise. For example check the following option which hit my inbox last week:
Holidaymakers to Europe who’ve either been unable to get aboard booked-out river cruises this coming northern summer, or who would like to add such a cruise to an already-planned European holiday, can join a 14-night cruise-only package from Amsterdam to Budapest in August/September through Travel Creations.
And making it even more appealing is that the cruise will be fully-escorted by Travel Creations’ Managing Director, Maria Theodosatos and include daily shore excursions as the 'new generation' Avalon Imagery wends her way from Amsterdam to Cologne, Rudesheim, Miltenberg, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nuremburg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Durnstein, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.
All onboard breakfasts, lunches, dinners, destination lectures, port charges and gratuities are included throughout the 14-night cruise, with the price beginning from $5693pp twin-share – particular value at a peak time of year when all other river cruises are already fully booked.
Because of her size, Avalon Imagery that guests board in Amsterdam on August 24 is able to berth in the heart of cities and towns visited, and her vast open-space top deck offers 360-degree panoramic views; full details on 1300 550 727, in Sydney 9362 4400 or visit www.travelcreations.com.au

'French roasting' for Aussie passengers

An American travel company magazine has quoted the experience of an Australian couple aboard the 'boutique' cruise ship SeaDream II when it visited the small south-western French fishing town of Port Vendres, citing the reaction of locals to small ships like SeaDream compared with the arrival of mega-liners.
SeaDream II was the only ship in port on the day, and as her 100 passengers went ashore, several who stopped to watch a fisherman roasting fresh-caught sardines for his lunch were surprised when he offered to share his lunch with them.
The magazine, Costco Connection quoted the Australian couple as saying: “You’re lucky to have an experience like that once in a lifetime… to have it on the first day of our cruise was something spectacular.”
Costco Connection is the magazine of the Costco Travel corporation that has chartered SeaDream II for a 7-night sailing in the Mediterranean for 100 of its regular clients in May of this year.

Queensland's outback comes alive with events

There's a host of activities planned for Queensland's outback this year. Tourism Queensland has listed the following 'must see' events:

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Get dirty and dusty at the Julia Creek Dirt ‘n’ Dust Festival (4 –6 April, 2008), located in north-west Queensland. Join in the fun of the Cow Poo Throwing Competition or compete in the outback Bog Snorkelling Race. This annual festival is famous for the Outback Triathlon, Australia’s Best Butt Competition and PBR Touring Pro Bull Riding Rodeo.

The camels are off and racing at the famous Boulia Camel Races (18 - 20 July, 2008). Meet and mingle with Outback characters trackside, as you cheer on the camels racing on the red dirt track. The town of Boulia swells from a population of 300 to 3000 people for this weekend of racing which also includes a firework spectacular and entertainment well into the night.

Celebrate Australia’s national gem at the Yowah Opal Festival (18 – 20 July, 2008). The opal town of Yowah, (155km west of Cunnamulla in South West Queensland) is home to the Yowah Nut Opal which was first discovered here at the end of the 19th century. Try your luck and fossick for opals – this could be your lucky day. Enjoy the entertainment, markets and priceless opal collections that will be on display.

Don’t miss the adrenalin-pumping action of Mount Isa Rodeo (8 -10 August 2008). You’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat from the minute the first cowboy bursts through the shute, hanging on for dear life on the back of a massive bull. Celebrating the 50th year of the rodeo in Mount Isa, this event is the biggest on the Australian rodeo calendar and attracts the best of local and overseas competitors. The Mount Isa Rodeo is now housed in the multi-million dollar, purpose built Buchanan Park rodeo arena that can accommodate over 5,500 spectators.

Traffic warning: on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 the main street of Windorah will be temporarily closed for the Windorah International Yabby Races. Cheer on as the yabby’s race down the main street of Windorah in search of glory in the four race program. Perfect timing for those travelling through town en route to the Birdsville Races, punters have the opportunity to buy one of forty racing yabbies, caught in local waterholes. Entertainment continues well into the night at the local Western Star Hotel.

Join thousands of visitors who flock to the tiny Outback town of Birdsville for the annual XXXX Gold Birdsville Cup (5 – 7 September, 2008). Birdsville’s remote location lures colourful characters who love the atmosphere of the country races, cheering on the winners and sleeping in a ‘swag’ under the stars. Witness one of Australia’s busiest airports for a day as over 200 aircrafts land at Birdsville Airport for the event.

For information on the Queensland Outback visit www.outbackholidays.info

Rare insights into Korea, Manchuria and East Russia

• PHOTO: Members of a previous Far Horizons tour group prepare to lay a wreath at the statue of the late Kim II Sung.

A genuinely out-of-the-ordinary 22-day tour in May 2008 with Far Horizons will embrace such diversely interesting places as Panmunjom on the ceasefire line of the Korean War, cobblestoned streets in Manchuria and the Siberian Tiger Park, and a boat ride to the historic military fortresses of Amursky Bay in East Russia’s Vladivostok.
The tour by road, rail and air also includes ascending Korea’s highest peak, the snow-capped Mt Paekdu and viewing its huge crater lake, descending 100m underground by the world’s longest escalator for a ride on Pyongyang’s underground Metro, Korea’s Gyeongbok Palace built in 1395, ancient tombs and grottos, a unique 'underground forest' in Manchuria, and a private meeting in Vladivostok with the founders of the famous Amur Tiger Reserve.
It ends with a highlight tour of the six-storey high International Friendship Exhibition Hall on North Korea’s Mt Myohyang that’s been dubbed 'the world’s largest treasure house' for its 70,000 gifts given by 160 world leaders to the late Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il and displayed in over 100 rooms.
The tour includes return air and taxes, transfers, twin-share hotels, all meals, gratuities sightseeing, excursions and entries, and services of a Far Horizons tour escort and local guides; it is priced from $18,750pp ex-Sydney.
For more details and prices ex-other capitals phone 1800 083 141; detailed itineraries re available on www.farhorizons.com.au (click on the headline above this post to reach this site).

The Phantom returns to Brisbane

Create an unforgettable experience with Novotel, Mercure and Ibis hotels as Broadway’s longest running musical, 'The Phantom of the Opera' makes a triumphant return to Brisbane.
After playing to more than 80 million people in 124 cities world-wide, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece has begun a limited season at the Lyric Theatre on Brisbane's Southbank.
Starring an Australian cast, this full scale production tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House.
Accor has created packages which combine overnight accommodation at its Novotel, Mercure and Ibis Brisbane properties and two A-Reserve tickets to the show at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC.
Weekend package prices per room, per night start from $410 at Novotel, from $402 at Mercure and $392 at Hotel Ibis.
To book a Stay and See® package at one of the Accor Brisbane hotels call 1300 306 341.

Christmas in Bethlehem and New Year in Aqaba

An opportunity to celebrate Midnight Mass in Bethlehem on December 24, take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee, visit Nazareth, Jericho and the Bethany Baptism Site, and to stand on Mount Nebo where Moses surveyed the Promised Land, is being offered by Far Horizons as part of a 21-day Christmas tour to Turkey, Israel, the Holy Land and Jordan.
This rare tour departs Australia on December 15 this year and will also include Turkey’s annual Whirling Dervishes Festival in Konya and a stay in the Cappadocia Valley with a visit to one of its underground cities, Istanbul and a cruise on the Bosphorus.
New Year’s Eve will be celebrated in the Red Sea resort of Aqaba.
The tour is limited to just 16 participants and will also include a visit to the Church of St John the Baptist (pictured above) in Jerusalem, a walk along the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross,) a carol service at the Shepherds’ Fields, the Church of the Nativity, Tiberias and a drive through the Jordan Valley for a cable car ride to the Mount of Temptation.
Jordan’s Crusader town of Kerak and the Crusader Castle, Petra’s famed Treasury, tombs, temples and amphitheatres, a Bedouin jeep ride to Wadi Rum and ancient forts and Ayla Byzantine village are also included.
The price starts from $19,500pp twin-share from Australian mainland capitals including return air, all meals, sightseeing, gratuities and services of a Far Horizon tour escort and local guides. Details on 1800 083 141 or www.farhorizons.com.au

Ultimate Tahiti escape package

A chauffeur-driven car to the airport, flying to Tahiti, and cruising there aboard what’s the closest thing possible to your own motor yacht, are as synonymous as each other with the ultimate in holidaying escapism.
And now Ultimate Cruising has put all three together, with a 9-night fly/cruise holiday to Tahiti that combines seven nights aboard the premier 12-cabin motor cruiser Haumana in the Rangiroa Atoll, a Lagoon View Room at the Sheraton Papeete both pre- and post- the Haumana cruise, and return Luxury Car transfers to Australian mainland capital city airports (max 35km each way.)
It’s priced from $5789pp twin-share from Sydney, $5919 Melbourne or Brisbane, $6089 Adelaide and from $6389pp twin-share ex-Perth.
Return air and airport/ship/hotel transfers in Tahiti, all onboard dining including wines with lunch and dinner, non-alcoholic drinks, kayaking, snorkelling, fishing, and cruise and air taxes are also included.
The 36-metre Haumana carries just 24-guests served by 16-crew amongst the spectacular islands and beaches of Rangiroa Lagoon, with guided shore excursions included; dining features French/Polynesian cuisine and all cabins have Queen Beds and large picture windows, ensuites and TV/DVD/CD.
Prices are valid for 2008 with seasonal fluctuations. For full details click on the heading of this post to reach their website.

Small ship cruise lines join forces

• PICTURE: The Reef Endeavour anchored off Lizard Island (Far North Queensland).
AUSTRALIAN small-ship cruise lines Captain Cook Cruises and Coral Princess Cruises have announced plans to join forces to further the growth of their Great Barrier Reef cruise divisions.
According to a spokesperson, the partnership will ensure the ongoing growth of both companies and provide unique opportunities to improve business efficiencies.
The new partnership, a result of long-term discussions between Captain Cook Cruises Executive Chairman Captain Trevor Haworth AM and Coral Princess Cruises Managing Director Tony Briggs, combines over 40 years experience operating multi-night cruises on Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef.
“Both companies are excited by the new opportunities this partnership will provide. Both Australian family-owned companies, they share common philosophies and existing cruise itineraries,” the spokesperson said.
The opportunity to consolidate both companies’ Great Barrier Reef cruise operations has progressed joint plans for the design of a new, state-of-the-art, purpose-built small-ship to operate their schedule of three, four and seven night Great Barrier Reef cruises.
Whilst planning for the new luxury vessel continues, both companies will operate their schedules utilising Coral Princess’ fleet of small-ships, whilst Captain Cook’s Reef Endeavour is to be sold following its final Great Barrier Reef cruise on February 22nd.
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji and Murray three, four and seven night itineraries and two night Sydney Harbour itinerary will remain un-effected and continue as scheduled.
Coral Princess Cruises also operates expedition and adventure cruises to the Kimberley, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Melanesia and New Zealand.