Week of:  January 30, 2012

Where do you want to go?

Australia | New Zealand | Club Med | Hawaii | Europe |South Pacific

AUSTRALIA

THE AUSSIE AIRPASS – from $1199 per person

With the AirPass, you have the freedom to explore Australia’s many popular destinations at your own pace.  Whatever you decide to do, it will be a great adventure at an unbeatable price.

How the AirPass works:

1. Choose one to three cities to visit (or more for an additional $100 each).
2. Decide what time of the year you want to travel.
3. Call us to book your flights and we’ll help with any additional information you need.

We’ll also issue your Australian Visa free of charge.

Each zone pricing includes international sectors from Los Angeles  or Honolulu, plus up to three Australian domestic flights to the cities listed on the map above.  If all your flights are in one zone, the price will be the cost of that single zone.  If any of your flights go into multiple zones, the cost will be the highest priced zone.   Unlimited stopovers available on Australia domestic flights.

Zone 1

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Launceston

Zone 2

Cairns, Townsville, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Maroochydoore, Hamilton Island

Zone 3

Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Lord Howe Island, Alice Springs & Ayers Rock

Zone 4

Perh, Karratha, Broome, Darwin, Gove, Hayman Island & Kalgoorlie

Pricing does not include taxes or fuel surcharges.   Subject to change without notice.

Below are samples of some basic Australia travel packages that we can custom design to fit your needs, style of travel and budget.

Sydney

Sydney’s one of my favorite cities in the world – it’s got history, architecture, great cafes, pubs and restaurants (with amazing seafood); the Sydney Zoo, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, beaches, museums and art galleries.  It’s an easy city to get around, either by walking or using public transportation, which gives you more free time to explore. In addition to the city, in just an hour or two outside of the city you can be wine tasting or exploring out in the bush (or a combination of both)!

Roundtrip airfare to Sydney

Hotel accommodation

a 5 Day Sydney Pass with unlimited hop on/hop off travel on Sydney buses,

ferries and city trains

Discounts on attractions

Melbourne

Welcome to the capital of Victoria – a beautiful city that focuses on fashion, food, sports, entertainment, shopping, history and heritage, the arts and good living.  Enjoy some “retail therapy” – lots of stores featuring locally designed originals to the best international brands; discover the “cafe society” that Melbourne’s famous for.

We’ll arrange a day tour so you can experience the famous Great Ocean Road; one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal drives; or, if you prefer to drive it yourself, perhaps onto Adelaide and the wine country, we can arrange that as well.

Roundtrip airfare from San Francisco to Melbourne

Airport transfers

Hotel accommodation

Day trip to the Great Ocean Road – explore the Shipwreck Coast

See the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge

Brisbane

Brisbane’s located in one of the most diverse and popular regions in Australia.  With its warm summers and mild winters, it’s an year-round vacation spot.  There are many popular day trips from the city, including a visit to the Australia Zoo, made famous by Steve Irwin; you can experience his legacy of animal conservation.

Roundtrip airfare to Brisbane

Airport transfers

Hotel accommodation

Tour of Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, including transfers

Sydney Coastal Adventure

Spend 3 nights discovering Sydney - the historic Rocks district, Bondi Beach, museums and art galleries before drivng south on one of Australia’s most stunning  touring routes.

Explore national parks and beautiful beaches; tour at your own pace over the next 4 nights, exploring  historic towns and quaint fishing villages, sampling great seafood and local produce.  You may even see whales, seals, and dolphins.

Roundtrip airfare to Sydney

Airport transfer upon arrival

5 days car rental

3 nights hotel accommodation in Sydney

Sydney, Hunter Valley & World Heritage Blue Mountains

Sydney has one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, as well as great restaurants, entertainment and shopping; just outside the city is the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine growing regions, as well as the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains.

I don’t think you’ll have time to experince ALL 120 wineries, but you can certainly enjoy some of them on a winery tour!   You’d also be able to sample some of the region’s local food with lunch included, and there’s always the option of some serious pampering at a day spa, or maybe play one of the area’s  championship golf courses.   Continue on to the Blue Mountains, sometimes called   “Australia’s Grand Canyon” with ancient forests, spectacular rock formations and wildlife.

Roundtrip airfare to Sydney

Airport transfer upon arrival

4 days car rental

3 nights hotel accommodation in the Hunter Valley

2 nights hotel accommodation in the Blue Mountains

Ancient Rainforests of Southern Queensland

Visit a World Heritage listed National Park - great for nature lovers or birders, then onto Brisbane for a visit Steve Irwin’s  Australia Zoo.   With this sample itinerary, you can experience a subtropical rainforest as well as a stay at an eco-resort on the world’s largest sand island.

Roundtrip airfare to Brisbane; all transfers; hotel accommodation;
tour of the Australia Zoo with transfers.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Reef is a World Heritage area that comprises over 1200 miles and is made up of more than 1000 islands, ranging from sandy little cays to islands containing rainforests and known all over the world for amazing marine life.  It’s one of the few things on the planet that can actually be seen from space.

I’ve snorkelled in the Caribbean, Mexico, (home to the second largest barrier reef in the world), Tahiti and Hawaii, and I’ve never seen coral and the variety of fish that you see at the Reef!

With so many islands, there are many “mix and match” itineraries we can help you with.  One of the most popular islands is Heron Island, because it’s a a true coral cay right ON the Reef.  Heron’s known as a home to sea turtles and a huge variety of bird and marine life.    When staying here,  you can spend your days snorkeling, diving, relaxing by the pool or enjoying spa treatments.

• Roundtrip airfare to Cairns or Brisbane
• All transfers and hotel accommodation

Kangaroo Island

Experience a luxury lodge, located in the heart of the Island’s attractions with   spectacular ocean, beach & wilderness views where you can experience the fusion of nature and luxury together.

• 5-star accommodation
• Airport transfers
• All meals and beverages
• Day tour of the island with private guide
• Welcome bottle of Bolinger Champagne
• Complimentary upgrade to a Deluxe Suite

NEW ZEALAND

SOUTH PACIFIC

Tahiti

Save $500 per reservation – Airfare, 7 nights hotel at participating hotel properties.

Valid:  now through December 31, 2012

MEXICO

Los Cabos

Save up to 42% and receive at $400 Resort Credit at Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort  & Spa.

Valid: 3/3/12 to 9/30/12

BELIZE

EUROPE

Italy

Independent Tour of Italy

This is a sample of what’s called a ”Hosted Program” – we take care of all the details of your trip, but YOU set the pace.  We take care of all the essentials:    airfare, hotel accommodations, airport transfers, inter-city transfers and guided sightseeing tours - all you have to do is relax and enjoy yourself.

If you have any questions about sightseeing, shopping, dining, excursions, or any particular personal interests, you can ask the Local Hosts for help.

Included:

Hotel accommodation: 3 nights Rome, Florence and Lake Como, 2 nights in Venice

Daily buffet breakfast at your hotels

All transfers per itinerary

First Class train from Rome – Florence and Florence to Venice and Venice to Lake Como

Half day guided sightseeing tour in Rome, Florence and Venice

A travel bag, document holder and luggage tags

All hotel taxes and service charges

“Treasures of Rome”

9 Days / 8 Nights

Itinerary:

DAY ONE    Upon arrival in Rome, proceed to Passport Control and collect your luggage inside the Customs area.   Meet your driver for private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Eternal City.  In the evening, meet your host who will give you an overview of your tour program.  Overnight in Rome.

DAY TWO    After breakfast, transfer to the Vatican for a guided tour; discover masterpieces of Greek and Roman ancient art, the works of Raphael, Michelangelo and Caravaggio, the Sistine Chapel and St.  Peter’s Basilica. After the tour ends, return to the hotel by private coach.  The afternoon is available to explore the city on your own. In the evening, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.  Overnight in Rome.

DAY THREE    This morning you have free time to explore on your own.   Meet in the afternoon to learn about the thousand years of history and legendary heroes of the Colosseum.  Tonight, enjoy a great dinner served in a traditional trattoria, among the locals. Overnight in Rome.

DAY FOUR     In the morning, depart to Siena.   Enjoy the views of rolling hills covered by vineyards, olives trees, cute villages and ancient  bell towers.  Upon arrival in Siena, meet your local guide for a walking tour of this lovely  medieval city.  Siena’s heart is Il Campo, where the famous horse race Il Palio takes place twice each summer.  Lunch will be served in a farm house outside of town. Continue onto Florence with a stop in San Gimignano.   Enjoy free time (and gelato!)  and explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its  medieval towers. Arrival in Florence late afternoon. Overnight in Florence.

Lorenzo de Medici transformed Florence into the premier  Renaissance city in Italy by attracting the best artists, architects and writers of the time,  such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli  by commissioning them to create art works.   Enjoy a morning walking tour and visit Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, the Dome with Giotto’s bell tower, Ponte Vecchio and Santa Croce.  Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Florence on your own, visiting the Uffizi or the Accademia or take the opportunity to visit Pisa or Lucca. Dinner will be served in a local Tuscan restaurant.   Overnight in Florence.

DAY FIVE    Morning transfer to the train station for the high speed train to Venice.   When you arrive  in Venice, meet your contact who will transfer you to your hotel.   In the afternoon, there’s an orientation tour, and viewing  the major sights. In the evening, enjoy a Venetian dinner,  followed by a small walking tour.  Overnight in Venice.

DAY SIX    Breakfast, then free time to explore Venice; you will have a choice  optional tours available to you.    Then, a special Farewell dinner; overnight.

2012 Departures from the US:   January 12, February 9, March 22, April 19, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, June 7, 14, 21,28, July, 12, September 6, 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 18.  Rates will depend on the departure date you choose.    Give us your gateway city and we will give you a rate for your international airfare.

Greece

Honeymoon in Greece – from $1651

Your 10-day tour begins in Athens - discover the nightlife in the Plaka as you walk through narrow alleys lined with tavernas and Bouzouki music.  Greece is famous for its beautiful islands and with this package, you get three.

Mykonos, with its whitewashed harbor town and famous nightlife, Santorini,  built on the cliffs of the volcano offering gorgeous views at sunset, and Crete, Greece’s largest island, home to the ancient Minoan civilization. You can visit the Palaces of King Minos in Knossos, enjoy sandy beaches, hike the Gorge of Samaria ending at sea level or discover picturesque towns on this island.

Included:

• Airfare from New York City; other Gateway Cities available upon request
• 8 nights accommodation:  2 nights Athens, 3 nights Santorini & three nights Mykonos
• Daily buffet breakfast at hotels
• Champagne and flowers in your room upon arrival in Athens
• Candlelight dinner, including a bottle of wine, mineral water and coffee in Santorini and Mykonos
• All transfers as per itinerary
• Local representative in Athens for any assistance
• Half day tour of Athens
• Flight from Athens to Santorini and high speed feery from Santorini to Mykonos
• Document holder, luggage tags and all taxes and service charges

France

Summer in Paris

Enjoy summer in Paris – stay at the 4 star Hotel Edouard VII, located on the Right Bank, with views of the Opera and close bythe Louvre, the Palais Royal, Place Vendôme and the “très chic” rue St. Honoré.

This package includes private roundtrip transfers to and from Charles de Gaulle Airport as well as a city tour of Paris and lunch at the Eiffel Tower.

INCLUDED

• 6 nights in a double superior room at the Hotel Edouard VII

• Roundtrip private transfers to and from Charles DeGaulle Airport

• The Essential of Paris Semi Private Tour, including 2 hours sightseeing in a mini-van, lunch at the Eiffel Tower and a one hour Seine River cruise

• Complimentary map of Paris and discount coupons to leading department stores

• Daily breakfast including VAT (Value Added Tax)

• Your choice one full day sightseeing tour below:

A full day Champagne Discovery Semi-Private tour

A full day Normandy D-Day sightseeing Semi-Private tour

A full day Loire Valley Castles Semi-Private tour

Rates are per person based on double occupancy.

Valid for travel August 1 – 26, 2012.

For travel from November 1, 2011-May 1, 2012 and from July 14-31, 2012, add $450 per person.

For travel from May 2-July 13, 2012 and from August 27-October 31, 2012, add $670 per person.

Blackout dates may apply.

NOTE:   Local city and regional imposed taxes of approximately 10 Euro per person, per day are not included             and are payable directly to the hotel.

Spain

Rates listed are land-only tours unless indicated otherwise;
please ask us for a quote for airfare from your Gateway City

Southern Spain – 9 days – from $1856

Day 1 Fri

Depart USA Overnight flight to Malaga, Spain.

Day 2 Sat      Costa del Sol

Arrive at the Malaga Airport where you’ll be met and taken to your hotel. You’ll have the day at leisure. In the evening, meet your host and traveling companions and enjoy a welcome dinner at a fun restaurant in Costa del Sol. (D)

Day 3 Sun    Costa del Sol/Granada

After breakfast, leave the hotel with the tour professional and head toward the quaint town of Nerja. The hightlights of your visit include:   visiting prehistoric caves before continuing  to Alpujarras with views of the picturesque mountain villages sprinkled across the area. Once you arrive, you’ll take part in a special cooking class and then enjoy your creation for lunch with your fellow travelers.    Afterwards, continue to Granada for dinner and your overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Mon Granada

Today begins with a step back into the rich history of Granada as you tour the amazing Alhambra Palace, widely regarded as being one of the 10 architectural wonders of the world.   This beautiful citadel is laced in stone and surrounded by gorgeous gardens and fountains.   You’ll have ample time to walk through the beautiful grounds of Generalife before returning to your hotel. (B)

Day 5 Tue Granada/Cordoba/Seville

After a short drive, you arrive in Cordoba where you’ll have a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Historic Center. Visit the ljama 8th century Mosque which combines Islamic, Baroque and Gothic design and is recognized as an architectural treasure.   Afterwards, stroll along Cordoba’s Jewish quarter before continuing onto Seville. (B)

Day 6 Wed Seville

This morning, you start out with a local guide for a tour of the romantic city of Seville.   Included is a visit to the cathedral, considered the world’s largest Gothic edifice.   Afterwards, stop for some photos of  La Giralda tower before strolling through the narrow lanes of Santa Cruz, a former Jewish Quarter. (B)

Day 7 Thu Seville/Jerez/Costa del Sol

Today’s excursion begins with a visit to Jerez, known for fine sherry and beautiful horses.    Highlights include a visit to a local bodega  for wine tasting, followed by an equestrian ballet at the Horse Ride Exhibition center. You then continue to Costa del Sol for your overnight stay. (B)

Day 8 Fri Seville/Costa del Sol

Walk along the beaches, try one of the many cafes and restaurants, or simply relax and take in your surroundings.
Your afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. (B)

Day 9 Sat Costa del Sol to USA (or you can extend your stay)

After breakfast, it’s goodbye to your fellow travelers.    You’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to the USA, arriving the same day. (B)

Spanish Masters - 10 days

Day 1 Depart USA

Board your overnight flight for Malaga, Spain.

Day 2 Malaga

Arrive at Malaga Airport where you will be met and taken to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the Mediterranean coastal shores of the area.

Day 3 Malaga

Begin your day with a double decker bus tour of Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso. Your visit in this seaside city includes the magnificent Baroque Cathedral and the Gibralfaro Castle. In addition, view the ruins of the Roman theatre, the Plaza del Obispo, City Hall, the Courthouse and the Alcazaba Palace. Afterward visit the Picasso Museum, which is one of only three museums in the world dedicated exclusively to the artist.

Day 4 Malaga/Madrid

After breakfast, transfer on your own, to Malaga train station where you’ll board the train for Madrid. Upon arrival in Madrid, you’ll transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day as you choose – shopping the boutiques of the Salamanca district, or sampling tapas at a Chueca neighborhood cafe.

Day 5 Madrid

Begin your daywith a unique view of the city as you board a double-decker bus viewing the city’s highlights including historical monuments and the modern architecture; spend your afternoon exploring Madrid on your own.

Day 6 Madrid

Visit one of the internationally recognized museums along the “Golden Art Triangle”. Enjoy the Prado, one of the world’s foremost museums and home to great European compositions by Goya, Velazquez and El Greco.   You could also choose to visit the Reina Sofia Museum featuring modern masterpieces by Picasso, Dali and Miro.

Day 7 Madrid/Barcelona

After breakfast, transfer to the train station to get the ttrain for Barcelona, Spain. Upon arrival in Barcelona, transfer on your own to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Day 8 Barcelona

Begin your day getting to know Barcelona - board your double-decker tour bus where you can “hop on & off” at various points, as many times as you like during the day.   From this vantage point, you can view some of Barcelona’s great architectural buildings, such as Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and Casa Mila.

Day 10 Barcelona to USA (or you can extend your stay)

After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye.   You’ll be transferred for your flight home, arriving the same day.

Airfare Quote upon request, just let us know your gateway city.

Heart of Spain – from $995

This escorted tour gives you a journey through Spain’s rich culture and history.
Your tour begins in the capital, Madrid, where a host will be available to help you take advantage of the city’s at your own pace.   After a few days in Madrid, a transfer is provided to the station where you will board a high-speed train to Seville. Once arriving in Andalusia’s capital city, a tour guide will accompany you throughout the rest iof the days  as you explore southern Spain. As you travel along the route, your tour includes guided tours to UNESCO World heritage sites including, Seville’s famous cathedral, the Mosque of Cordoba and the Alhambra Palace, together with the Generalife Gardens in Granada. Your tour ends with a few days on the Costa del Sol, relaxing by the Mediterranean before heading home.

Eastern European Cities – from $2627

This tour visits five Eastern European countries:    Austria, Hungary, Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic, with accommodation in first-class hotels and transportation by deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach. A certified professional tour director will accompany you as you visit some of the most wonderful cities and surrounding countrysides in Europe.    Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw, Berlin - each with it’s own cultural heritage:  the Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna; the Parliament, Royal Palace and the Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest; the Opera house in Berlin; the Royal Castle in Krakow and the Jewish Ghetto in the old quarter of Prague. These are just a few of the excursions that you’ll experience on this tour of Eastern Europe.