Look, it’s a good news Monday wrap. Not that we actually read it, as we’re in no mood for good news on Mondays.

Off Road Heaven – The Pinnacle of Adventure Travel in New Zealand

Off Road Queenstown, a pioneer in everything off road since its inception over 27 years ago, is offering those seeking the ultimate Kiwi adventure the opportunity of a lifetime. Their new tailor-made private expeditions on four wheels or two – off-road through the central South Island — give groups exclusive access to some of world’s most stunning and remote off-road terrain and landscapes.

Travelling between five to seven hours a day on off-road tracks that scour remote high country stations, cross fast-flowing rivers and consign a sealed road to nothing but a distant memory, their expeditions can literally go ‘coast to coast’ in the course of one epic off-road journey. Their full day and multi-day private tours morph endless fun, excitement and off-road adrenalin rushes into expeditions of such monumental proportions they produce the tales that legends are made of.

These bespoke tours are limited to a few lucky groups each year so early bookings are recommended.
From humble beginnings in 1989 the company’s grown to be one of the largest off-road tour companies in the world, with well over 100 top of the range off-road machines including dirt bikes, quad/ATV bikes, buggies, 4×4 Landcruisers and large adventure bikes.

Tempo Holidays announce new Signature Range

Tempo Holidays have introduced a new and exclusive range, with hopes the new product will become the go-to product for the brand.Tempo Holidays Signature Range is a collection of special packages in key destinations across Europe & UK, Latin America and India & Subcontinent with a focus on experience-rich product. Each signature package will have comprehensive inclusions, key points of difference, minimum 4-star accommodation and special and unique highlights.

Signature Venice to Split with Cruise is an example of the new range, with a signature experience in Venice, a private gondola ride, and in Dubrovnik as you walk through the beautiful salt lakes of Mljet National Park. Prices for this package, which departs selected Mondays, start from A$3820//NZ$4080 per person and includes breakfast daily, guided sightseeing of Opatija, Plitvice and Split with a licensed local guide and a seven night cruise in a deluxe cabin.

Damian Perry, CEO of Cox and Kings including the specialist operator Tempo Holidays, says the range mirrors the success of Tempo’s sister brand Bentours and their Follow The Lights program, and will be market competitive and excellent value.

Chimu reveals Early Bird Offers on Antarctica Cruises

Chimu Adventures have unleashed fantastic Early Bird offers on selected 2018-19 Antarctica departures. Discounts of up to 30% can be enjoyed by agents when booking their clients on one of the sister ships: Ocean Diamond, Ocean Endeavour and the Ocean Adventurer by 30th September 2017.

Early Bird rates start from as little as AU$ 10,125 on the 11-day Discovering the 7th Continent: Antarctic Explorer.

Agents can choose from a range of savings on a variety of spectacular itineraries to places including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and also the chance to cross the Antarctic Circle.

Carrying almost 200 guests each, the Ocean Diamond and the Ocean Endeavour count amongst some of the larger expedition ships cruising Antarctic waters. While their size means that time on shore may be reduced depending on ice conditions, both ships offer plenty of on-board opportunities for passengers to indulge in including a nautical lounge, two restaurants and a spacious sundeck.

Meanwhile, the Ocean Adventurer, hosting just over 100 passengers, is a mid-sized expedition style vessel allowing for more time for shore landings and enabling passengers to explore some of the more remote areas of Antarctica.

Bentours release new Northern Lights tours

Bentours has released two brand new tours – just in time for travellers to book in to see the Northern Lights. To celebrate, Bentours has also released an introduction offer of A$250 off per person for bookings made until the 15 Aug 2017!

On Best of Norway + Iceland travellers will experience the very best of these two amazing countries for 14 days! In Norway, combine a scenic rail journey with a 6-night coastal cruise, taking in the prettiest towns and most dramatic landscapes. Price was from $6250 per person now from $6000 per person.

On Bentours 17 day Norway + the Nordics, travellers will experience Finland, Norway and Iceland on this magical journey through the lands of the northern lights and midnight sun! Cross the border into Norway and board your Hurtigruten coastal ship for an awe-inspiring cruise south along the Norwegian coast and fjords. Prices was $7700 per person now $7450 per person.

Both of these extraordinary packages include a Hurtigruten voyage along the beautiful coast of Norway, and depart daily in 2018.

Different side of Africa sale with Travel Directors

Travel Directors have released a rare offer of $500 off one of its most interesting tours “African Dawn” to experience trekking with the Gorillas in Rwanda’s rainforests, attending the spectacular Timkat ‘Baptism of Christ’ festival in Ethiopia and a picnic at the source of the Nile in Uganda. Now priced from $19,950 per person twin, this adventure of a lifetime must be booked and deposited by August 30, 2017.

This exclusive 27-day journey departs Australia on January 4, 2018 and begins on the shores of Lake Victoria before boarding a boat to view the source of the Nile, then visiting chimps in the wild at Rwenzori and to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game viewing experiences. 

This popular Travel Directors tour has limited numbers and is considered an active adventure. The fully inclusive small group package includes return economy airfare with Emirates, accommodation and most meals, comprehensive sight-seeing with local guides and a tour leader including a special permit for viewing the gorillas, all ground transportation, visas and gratuities. 

Indian Wellness Sojourn launch Sale

Relax and rejuvenate on this amazing tour to Southern India including a week at the World’s first Ayurveda Resort – Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort.

The Ayurveda Resort is located in Kerala and is surrounded by over 15 acres of beautiful grounds, a perfect place to enjoy daily Ayurveda therapy and yoga. The Indian Wellness Sojourn also visits Kochi with its famous landmarks and the traditional Kathakali Dance, as well as a two night cruise on the backwaters in your own luxury houseboat.

Priced from $2,695 + $750 Ticket Taxes, this special value deal includes return flights from Australia.  Offer ends 31st August, 2017. 

See Antarctica for Less with Peregrine Earlybird Deal

To launch its exciting new Antarctica program, Peregrine Adventures is offering earlybird discounts of up to 30 per cent on select polar voyages in 2018-19, with savings of up to $9,400* on offer. On sale until September 30, 2017, Peregrine polar journeys are priced from $9,300* for an 11-day voyage including visits to the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

In total, the new 2018-19 Antarctic program offers 10 different itineraries including the first photo-graphic-themed voyages to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula and a deep explo-ration across the Antarctic Circle.

Priced from $9,600* for the 11-day voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula, the special voyages will offer the chance for photographers of all skills to hone their craft against the world’s most extraordinary backdrop with the help of photography experts, workshops and lectures.

In an added bonus, when you spend $1,000* or more on an eligible Peregrine Adventures trip, you’ll earn 3,500 Qantas Points.

Back roads touring nominated for 2017 British Travel Awards

Back-Roads Touring has been nominated for “Best Escorted Tours Holiday Company” and “Best Coach Holiday Company” Awards in the prestigious 2017 British Travel Awards (BTAs). The winners will be determined by both UK and non-UK residents, who have until 30 September to cast their vote. The successful companies will be announced at the BTA Gala Awards Dinner, to be held in London on 29 November 2017.

Back-Roads Touring was awarded the BTA for “Best Small Coach Holidays Company” in 2015 and 2016, and has continued to move from strength to strength in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and other international markets ever since. The small group touring company currently runs tours in the UK and Europe, with a maximum group size of 18 people (21 for Charming Waterways tours).

Back-Roads Touring’s passionate and knowledgeable guides ensure a more personalised experience along with the time to give each stop the attention it deserves. Rather than simply dropping by top sights and major cities, Back-Roads’ tours invite travellers to see a destination through the eyes of the locals.

The British Travel Awards are considered the benchmark for excellence when it comes to determining who really is the best in the travel industry.