Travel Weekly’s website might be playing up like a naughty toddler but that won’t stop us writing your Agent Wrap. Although it almost did…

Adventure World launches awe-inspiring Africa, Egypt and Middle East 2018/19 tailor-made collections

Tailor-made specialist Adventure World has released its 2018/19 Africa, Egypt & Middle East brochure.

Amongst numerous new additions is the Best of the Cape itinerary which combines The Travel Corporations owned & operated ‘Twelve Apostles’ and ‘Bushman’s Kloof’ award-winning properties with Adventure World guests receiving exclusive up-close and personalised viewings of the 10,000 year old sandstone bush art engravings.

A specific area of development for the company has been in Northern Namibia where programs have extended to incorporate Damaraland where clients can track the desert adapted black rhino [in partnership with the Ugab Save the Rhino Trust Camp], exploring the upper and less crowded Huab River in search of desert adapted elephants, nature walks and scenic game drives, as well as the possibility of visiting some nearby prehistoric rock and spectacular table-top mountains.

Rail Plus explores the big picture with new Great Train Journeys brochure

Rail Plus today unveiled its largest ever Great Train Journeys brochure, with the 2018 edition featuring new products in Europe, North America and Australasia, along with an expanded range of images designed to help agents sell some of the world’s most alluring land voyages.

From a design perspective, agents will immediately notice that Rail Plus has this year removed the route maps it traditionally runs alongside each train itinerary. Instead, enhanced versions of the maps are now consolidated into a handy six-page section at the front of the 40-page publication.

In terms of products, Rail Plus once again profiles on an unrivalled range of iconic rail trips, including Belmond’s celebrated stable of rail voyages, which includes Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond Grand Hibernian and Belmond Andean Explorer.

This year’s publication also showcases a number of new additions, including a nine-night Grand Train Tour of Switzerland package that takes intrepid travellers from Interlaken to Lucerne. The self-guided itinerary weaves together some of Switzerland’s most famous alpine journeys – including the Glacier Express, GoldenPass Line and Bernina Express – along with a choice of accommodation options, to create a unique FIT package.

Mayor Garcetti announces reopening of historic Angels Flight Railway

Mayor Eric Garcetti has announced that Angels Flight, the iconic Downtown Los Angeles railway, has reopened to the public after a three-year closure.

The Mayor celebrated the opening alongside Councilmember José Huizar, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Angels Flight Railway Foundation, and the private partners that helped modernise the funicular over the last six months.

The world-renowned, 116-year-old funicular takes passengers on a scenic ride between Hill and Olive Streets on Bunker Hill. It reopens after a three-year closure for a full-scale modernisation with state-of-the-art safety upgrades made possible through a unique public-private partnership.

Originally opened in 1901, Angels Flight — the world’s shortest railway — has given more than 100 million rides along its hillside track. It closed temporarily in 2013, but earlier this year, the California Public Utilities Commission certified a plan to upgrade Angels Flight to meet the highest safety standards.

Trafalgar confirms 100 per cent definite Hawaii departures for 2018

Award-winning guided holiday operator Trafalgar, reaffirms confidence in agent partners as they confirm 100 per cent definite Hawaiian departures for 2018.  Agents are free to secure all remaining 2018 Hawaii departures for their clients with ease, knowing Trafalgar has an ongoing commitment to making selling easier than ever for agents.

Hawaii is so much more than just a “stay and lay” destination and Trafalgar’s offering reflects the beauty and variety of the Polynesian playground. The exhilarating itineraries include The Hawaiian Explorer, covering the must-see Pearl Harbour, trendy Waikiki and Volcanoes National Park across seven nights. Best of Hawaii explores the highlights of Hawaii over nine nights – from views of the world’s largest mountain, enjoying a leisurely lunch in Kilauea to walking through real lava tubes.

The 12-dayHawaii Four Island Adventure is perfect for clients who are seeking ultimate Hawaiian holiday and 10-nights on the Hawaiian Discovery will showcase the spectacular natural splendours of the islands. Each itinerary also features an exclusive Be My Guestexperience for your clients to unlock, an authentic al fresco paddock to plate dining discovery with a prominent local – something guests can only uncover by travelling with Trafalgar.

Belmond Northern Belle Introduces New Images

Evoking the opulence of 1930s rail travel, this luxurious yet intimate train traverses the glorious countryside en-route to some of Britain’s top destinations. Guests travel in one of seven beautifully detailed carriages, each bearing the name of a great British castle or stately home. Belmond has created a new suite of images that capture the exquisite nature of this experience.

The superb onboard cuisine is just as exquisite, created using locally sourced ingredients and paired with fine wines and champagnes.

Departing from regional stations throughout the UK, the wide variety of luxury train journeys include visits to magnificent castles, vibrant cities and major events.

Australian cruise agents return from Europe river cruise famil with Australian market newcomer, Riviera Travel

“The cruise and tour directors went out of their way – going above and beyond – to help passengers.” That’s the stand-out, take-away impression for two WA travel agents who recently joined a European river cruise famil with  Australian market newcomer, Riviera Travel.

Michele Fraser and Dani Armstrong from Bicton Travel in Perth were hosted aboard Riviera Travel’s five-star, 140-guest river ship, Lord Byron, for an eight-day ‘Burgundy, The River Rhone and Provence’ between Lyon, Chalon and Avignon in the south of France.

Established in the UK in 1984, Riviera Travel is the largest supplier of European river cruises in Britain, with an expanded fleet of 11 luxury ships set to carry a record number of guests on 300 river cruises across Europe in 2018.

Have a ‘Grande’ Time Exploring Italy with Albatross

Albatross Tours are excited to announce the return of the Amalfi Coast to their 18 day The Italian ‘Grande’ tour. Plus, travellers can save $700 per couple when they book and deposit before 31 October 2017.

With leisurely two, three, four and five night stays this escorted small group tour explores the Italian Lakes District, The Dolomites, Tuscany, Umbria and the Amalfi Coast regions.

Travellers will enjoy the famous regional flavours of Italy including local wines, olive oils and delightful produce amongst stunning landscapes.

Escorted by an experienced tour manager the tour includes 17 nights’ hotel accommodation, 29 meals, all sightseeing, excursions and entrances as per the itinerary plus more!

Priced from only $7,149 per person twin share when booked and deposited by 31 October 2017. The 18 day The Italian ‘Grande’ tour offers departures between April and October 2018.

Latest TTC Deals

Independent Insider

This week Contiki dropped the hottest travel style of 2018 – Independent Insider. Giving travellers the power to choose where and how they spend their time, enabling them to travel throughout Europe fuss free and with flexibility. These independent travellers can book the 13-day London to Berlin network before 14 December 2017 and save $309 off their trip! They will get the chance to go a little deeper into these cities, and get to know them inside out. From the finest patisseries in delectable Paris, to Amsterdam’s underground heart. This trip is for those who go beyond the monuments, and don’t want to be steered by itineraries, wake-up calls or group sightseeing. Priced at $2,789*per person (including discount) and available for travel between 7 April 2018 – 16 March 2019. For more information visit www.contiki.com or phone 1300 266 845. *Conditions Apply

Tick off Tassie 

Get in quick and book in a last-minute holiday with AAT Kings. Guests of AAT Kings can SAVE UP TO $500per couple when they book the 10-day Tasmanian Wonders Guided Holiday (available until sold out or departed). Its time for your clients to tick Tassie off their bucket list! Travellers will get amongst the idyllic scenery of Russell Falls, the Gordon River, Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park, then step back in time at Port Arthur and in Hobart. This package includes an experienced Travel Director & Driver Guide, quality accommodation, travel in luxury coach, airport transfers, and more! Priced from $2,875 per person twin share (including last-minute saving) and available on select departures 13 September – 27 December 2017 (subject to availability). For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit aatkings.com * Conditions Apply.

LAST DAY TO SAVE 

TODAY’S your last chance to make sure your clients receive 2018 European holidays at 2017 prices with Insight Vacations. They will continue to save with an additional early payment discount of 10% off when they book and pay in full before 14 December 2017. Guests will save up to $447 per person off the 14-dayCountry Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily guided holiday from Rome to Palermo in Sicily. Travellers willexperience the treasures of Rome, Pompeii and the Neapolitan Riviera, the unique ‘trulli’ houses of Alberobello and the Sassi di Matera, and the rich heritage of Sicily. Priced from $4,028 per person twin share (including discount) price reflective of departures available 7, 14 & 21 April 2018. (other departures available for alternate price, subject to availability). For full terms and conditions visit insightvacations.com or call 1300 727 767.​

Deal of the Year 

There’s only a few days left to secure your clients 2018 Europe and Britain departures at 2017 prices  with Trafalgar. They can also save an additional 10% off when they book, ends 12 September 2017. Guests can get in early and SAVE $425 per person on the 13-day Italian Glory guided holiday. All roads lead to Rome on this At Leisure trip, where travellers will visit Milan, Como, Florence and the Amalfi Coast and enjoy the local Tuscan cuisine at a 15^th century organic olive oil estate in the Tuscan hills. Priced from $3,825 per person twin share (including discount), reflective of departure dates available between 17 July – 14 Aug 2018 (Other departures available for alternate price). For more information or a further selection of Trafalgar’s authentic, fun and effortless guided holidays visit www.trafalgar.com or call Trafalgar on 1800 002 006(toll-free).*conditions apply.

Christmas is coming 

Christmas is just around the corner – Book with Creative Cruising before 30 September 2017 and your clients will receive a reduced cruise fare* when they book Creative Cruising’s 18-night Christmas in Hong Kong cruise package. Travelling from Singapore through Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong. Including an economy class airfare to Singapore returning from Hong Kong flying Singapore Airlines, 1 night pre-cruise accommodation in Singapore, a 14 –night cruise on-board Azamara Journey from Singapore to Hong Kong, an AzAmazing Evening exploring the ancient city of Bangkok, select beverages onboard, 3 nights post-cruise accommodation in Hong Kong, and more! Priced from $4,339*pp discount included, departing Perth (other departure cities available) cruise departs 09 December 2017. *Conditions apply. Please visit www.creativecruising.com.au or phone 1300 362 599 for more information.

Happiness Blooms

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is offering The Ultimate 2018 Air Offer for guests to Fly Free return to Europe economy class or upgrade to Business Class from $4,599 when they book a 2018 European voyage before 30^th September. Guests of Uniworld can combine this air offer with the 10- dayTulips & Windmills river cruise from Amsterdam to Antwerp. From the canals of Amsterdam to the belfry of Bruges, they’ll discover the best of the Netherlands and Belgium. And stroll through colourful acres of tulips at Keukenhof Gardens to get a sense of the Netherlands’ extraordinary connection to these blooms. Including 8-days of captivating escorted excursions, a 9-night river cruise in a Riverview stateroom onboard the majestic River Queen, all meals and beverages unlimited onboard and more! Priced from $5,299 pp (including economy class airfare) or from $9,899 with a Business Class airfare, departing 22 March 2018 (other 2018 departures available, price may vary). For more information call 1300 780 231.