It’s Monday and that means Wholesaler Wrap day. It’s also cheap steak day at our local, so don’t expect any emails after 2pm.

52 perfect weekends for culture lovers

Published this October, Lonely Planet’s Culture Trails explores the world’s most exciting cultural hubs – with Australia represented by Adelaide (“Australia’s Live Music City”), Country Victoria (Ned Kelly’s Bushranger Trail), the Northern Territory (Indigenous Art), and the gothic legacy of Tasmania.

From Copenhagen’s Design Culture to Literary Cape Cod – via Artisanal Marrakesh and Medici Florence – Culture Trails is Lonely Planet’s comprehensive guide to 52 weekends of culture heaven.

In the tradition of Lonely Planet’s best-selling Wine Trails (2015) and Food Trails (2016), this new book features itineraries that include expert recommendations, with maps and practical details of how to get there and where to stay.

Explore the stylish regions of Northern Italy and Tuscany for less with Albatross Tours

Discover the beauty of Italy on our Italian Lakes & Tuscany tour, featuring a four-night stay on the shores of Lake Maggiore, four nights to soak up Tuscany and a coastal cruise to discover the colourful towns of the Cinque Terre. Explore Florence, dine in the olive groves of Tuscany and sample local produce at a parmesan cheese farm. As a finale, travellers stay in a Venetian villa in the picturesque Italian countryside.

Fully escorted by an experienced tour manager the tour includes transport in a first class touring coach, 15 nights accommodation in authentic style hotels with porterage, breakfast daily, nine dinners, wine and olive oil tasting, an Italian cooking demonstration, Ferrari museum visit, sightseeing, excursions and entrances as per the itinerary plus more.

Travellers can save $400 per couple when they book and deposit by 22nd December 2017, lowering the tour price to just $7,299 per person twin share.

Cox & Kings wins ‘India’s favourite Tour Operator’ at Condé Nast Traveller India Readers’ Travel Awards 2017

Cox & Kings Ltd., the oldest and leading tour operator with operations in 22 countries across continents was crowned winner at the seventh edition of Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Travel Awards (RTA).

It bagged the prestigious title of India’s favourite Tour Operator for the second consecutive year. The awards ceremony held at Andaz Delhi, Aerocity, New Delhi on 27th November amidst much glitz and glamour, celebrated the best of the best in travel, voted for by discerning travellers and readers of the widely read publication.

Condé Nast Traveller RTA is globally renowned and considered the most prestigious in the industry. The awards are chosen through a readers’ voting process spanning two months, and they recognize the best in the travel industry across hotels, destinations, airlines, spas, websites, apps, cruise lines, and more.

Treat yourself to a solo adventure this Christmas

Explore Worldwide are removing single supplements on a number of tours, encouraging travellers to treat themselves this Christmas.

Travelling solo is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in new cultures – but it doesn’t mean you’re travelling alone. With Explore you will have the security of travelling with an Explore Leader and small group of like-minded travellers.

For bookings made until 20 December 2017, solo travellers can enjoy a free single room upgrade worth up to A$1150 // NZ$1310. Travellers can choose their preferred trip from a choice of exciting destinations including Jordan, India, Sri Lanka and Burma.

Included in the special is Explore’s Burma In Depth tour. This adventurous 21 day tour around Burma (Myanmar) takes travellers to the fascinating sights beyond the classic highlights to discover authentic rural life.

Comedian, author and self-described “number nerd”, Adam Spencer, to escort new World Expeditions Mongolian Adventure

Adventure travel specialist, World Expeditions, has announced a new Mongolia Adventure, to be led by well known ABC radio personality, Adam Spencer. Mathematician, comedian, author and former radio host, Adam Spencer, will escort the 15 day Mongolia with Adam Spencer, on which you’ll camp in the Mongolian steppe and meet local nomadic families and learn about their traditional way of life.

Travelling in the company of self-confessed ‘numbers nerd’ and author of World Of Numbers and Big Book Of Numbers, the trip is timed to co-incide with the famous Mongolian Nadaam Festival.

The itinerary has been crafted to help participants look at the country unconventionally, going behind the scenes to gain a full appreciation of the destination. Mongolia with Adam Spencer departs Ulaanbataar on 27 June and costs $5,990 per person.

TripAdvisor reveals the world’s best UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The importance of preserving our cultural and natural heritage is crucial, and groups like the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are key in this endeavour. As travellers, we can visit these locations which are a true legacy from the past, helping to preserve and protect them.

TripAdvisor, the travel website that helps to find the latest reviews and lowest prices, presents the UNESCO Cultural and Natural heritage sites best rated by travellers around the globe, and highlights a selection of tours bookable on TripAdvisor to maximise their experience in these wonders of the world.

1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
2. Taj Mahal, India
3. Great Wall of China (Mutianyu)
4. Machu Picchu, Peru
5. Iguazu National Park, Brazil/Argentina
6. Sassi of Matera, Italy
7. Auschwitz Birkenau, Poland
8. Old City of Jerusalem, Israel
9. Historic areas of Istanbul, Turkey
10. Historic Krakow, Poland

Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia leads trade famil through Margaret River

Last week a contingent of travel trade representatives participated in a famil introducing a range of experiences produced by Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia (UWEA) in collaboration with Margaret River tour operator Experiencesmith. Together Experiencesmith and Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia offer exclusive private journeys through Margaret River.

This unique partnership has resulted in exciting, authentic and luxurious itineraries – including private jet transfers, chauffeurs, five-star hotel services and Margaret River UWEA member wineries: Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix and Voyager Estate.

The four-day famil incorporated experiences such as behind-the-scenes winery tours, a blending class, private degustation dinners, Voyager Estate’s famous seven-course Discovery Menu, a cliff top picnic, a guided hike along Margaret River’s Cape to Cape Track and culminated in a food and wine matching masterclass at Vasse Felix.

Maggie Beer returns to Southern Ocean Lodge for KI Food Safari, 2018

South Australia’s favourite foodie, Maggie Beer, has confirmed she will return to Southern Ocean Lodge to lead the KI Food Safari on Kangaroo Island in August next year. The 2018 KI Food Safari is the sixth in the series, and is part of a menu of special celebrations in the tenth year of operations for the celebrated luxury lodge.

Proving to be among the most exciting events on Australia’s food calendar, the KI Food Safari will run over seven nights from July 28 to 4 August, 2018, and combines the elegant cliff-top luxury of Southern Ocean Lodge with daily expeditions to the gourmet producers of Kangaroo Island.

Southern Ocean Lodge Executive Chef Asher Blackford will lead the safari alongside Maggie Beer. Former Lodge Chef Tim Bourke, who conceived the Baillie Lodges local-produce philosophy will also make a guest appearance. Tim recently joined Maggie Beer as Head Chef at her latest venture, The Farm Eatery and Experience Centre at her home in the Barossa.

Getaway to Greece with Tempo Holidays

Tempo Holidays are discounting a range of 2018 Greece island hopping packages until 20 Jan 2018.

Experience Greece’s rich history, long days of sunshine, amazing food and classic postcard images of whitewashed houses with blue shutters to crumbling temple ruins, with the added bonus of 10 per cent off.

On this 13 day tour enjoy an island hopping adventure featuring Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Santorini. Twelve breakfasts are included as well as 12 nights accommodation, arrival and departure transfers and fast ferry tickets between islands.

Also included in the special is Tempo’s Mykonos & Santorini with prices starting from A$1375//NZ$1565, Cycladic Delights with prices starting from A$1525//NZ$1740 and Charming Cyclades with prices starting from A$1550//NZ$1765 per person.

Bentours celebrates 40 years and sets eyes on expansion

Bentours are celebrating 40 years of travel in 2018 and set for expansion. The much loved and respected wholesaler and operator is on track for record sales and has recently released their all in one bible brochure for ‘Scandinavia 2018’, which also features Expedition Cruising, a Hurtigruten insert and an Antarctica section.

Ryan Bennett, Brand Leader, said that as Australia’s leading Scandinavian Specialist in our 40th year of operation, they look forward to expanding through offices worldwide in conjunction with their parent company ‘Cox and Kings’.

The worldwide offices are located in UK, USA, Japan, Russia, Singapore and Dubai. Additionally, there are associate offices in multiple countries – so the opportunity for distribution for Bentours as a brand – and for all their suppliers, is vast.

Bentours have numerous GSA relationships including with Hurtigruten. As part of the 40 years of travel anniversary, Bentours will shortly launch 40 weeks of specials with up to 40 per cent off a range of their packages.

Flight Centre agents go wild in Africa

On The Go Tours and South African Airways recently co-hosted an incentive famil to Namibia and South Africa for top selling Flight Centre consultants.

The group of 16 agents earned their spot on this unique trip after achieving top sales for On The Go Tours and South African Airways over June and July. Flying with South African Airways from Australia, the group started in Windhoek before travelling around Namibia and South Africa over two weeks.

In Namibia, they had the full African experience from witnessing lions and leopards hunting their prey in Etosha, testing out great restaurants and bars in Swakopmund to climbing the iconic Dune 45.

Crossing the South African border, they rafted down the Orange River, overnighted in a winery in Cederberg before finishing up in vibrant Cape Town.

Journeys & Africa – Mauritius Special

Special Offer to Mauritius, from $1,889 per person sharing.

The package Includes:
Flights with Air Mauritius from Perth
Return airport transfers
Breakfast & Dinner Daily
Accommodation based on a Deluxe Room Ocean Facing for 6 night

Bookings need to be reserved before 15 December 2017 for travel from 7 January to 7 April 2018, hurry!

Experience Co piles in AUD$60 Million to expand footprint in Far North Queensland

Experience Co Limited, Australia and New Zealand’s leading adventure tourism company, is expanding its presence in Far North Queensland after announcing it is to acquire Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises and Tropical Journeys.

This announcement coincides with Experience Co’s largest capital raise also announced today, seeking circa AUD$60.9 million through an accelerated non-renounceable entitlement offer.

Headquartered in Cairns, Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises is one of Queensland’s leading Great Barrier Reef tour operators, offering full day and half day cruises to Green Island and twilight cruises from Cairns Harbour. Tropical Journeys is renowned for its snorkelling and diving tours of the Great Barrier Reef, departing from Port Douglas, and for its personalised tours of the Daintree National Park.

Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises and Tropical Journeys operate a number of brands including: Big Cat Green Island, Cairns Harbour and Sunset Tours, Tropical Journeys, Calypso Snorkel and Dive, Aquarius Sailing and Daintree Tours.

Milford Sound is Instagram’s most popular Kiwi destination

Instagram has announced New Zealand’s top 10 spots to get your followers swooning. The top spots are based on the number of images geotagged to specific locations. The 2017 list see some old favourites as well as some new entries including a new location sitting at number one – Milford Sound.

Tourism New Zealand General Manager, Australia Tony Saunders said that New Zealand scenery is unrivalled and they know travellers love to share it with their followers.

Rudyard Kipling has described it as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ and its breathtaking any time of year so Tourism New Zealand anticipate more Aussie visitors to take in the scenic views next year.

Only 2 weeks left: Fly for $599 return with Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations incredible air offer – Fly for only $599* return on all 2018 Europe and Britain trips – ends in two weeks!

With Insight Vacations, clients will experience travel in its truest sense – not just visiting incredible places, but really connecting with them in an authentic way

Whether gaining VIP access to the Vatican Museums, or discovering the world’s finest collection of Spanish paintings with an expert historian at the Prado Museum, every moment of their journey with Insight will be unforgettable.

$700 bonus offer on new Grand Tour of Iceland

BEYOND Travel have released a new small-group tour of Iceland to its product range for 2018 and to celebrate are offering a bonus $700 in Discover More Travel Vouchers per couple when deposited by December 29, 2017.

The 12-day escorted “Grand Tour of Iceland” roundtrip journey from Reykjavik travels the circumference of the country and showcases some of the most stunning landscapes of waterfalls, geysers, boiling mud pools, lava fields, lagoons, geo-thermal caves and black sand coastlines to name a few.

This comprehensive tour includes popular highlights such as the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon and a boat ride amongst floating icebergs on the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon. The tour also takes travellers off the beaten track to the sparsely populated and spectacular west fjords region visiting the red sand beach at Rauoisandur, the lava fields and volcanic craters of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Dynjandi waterfall with seven levels of plunging water.

Sydney named second host city for inaugural PBR Global Cup

Some of the world’s toughest cowboys have touched down on local soil as the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) officially announce Sydney as one of five host cities for the inaugural PBR Global Cup.

Tickets to the PBR Global Cup are now on-sale, with the event set to take place at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on June 9 & 10, 2018. A special 20 per cent discount for two-day packages is on offer for a limited 30 day period.

Sydney will play host to the second leg of the much-anticipated Global Cup, a five-nation team battle between bull-riding powerhouses Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and USA.

To celebrate the announcement, top riders from each participating nation took in some of Sydney’s most iconic sights and attractions including Thor Hoefer (USA), Brock Radford (CAN), Gustavo Pedrero (MEX), Lucas Divino (BRA) and home-grown hero Cliff Richardson (AUS).

Adventure World releases new Exodus Walking and Hiking Collection

Adventure World has released its 2018/19 Exodus Walking and Hiking brochure, with 27 new trips allowing travellers to learn about mythology in Greece, explore new flavours in Galicia or tackle a challenging mountainous trek.

With over 150 itineraries spanning over 50 countries, the comprehensive trips highlights Exodus’ specialism and knowledge of the destination and trekking trails around the world. Included in the 2018/19 collection are trending destinations such as Jordan, Morocco and Nepal with itineraries for hikers on all levels.

New trips in the collection include Trekking the Tour de Monte Rosa in Italy and Switzerland, Walking and Yoga in the French Alps as well as Walking the Amalfi Coast, which holds the top spot for the most successful selling trip of all time.

The countdown is on – Trafalgar’s $699 Air Offer to end

As the countdown to Christmas begins, it’s time to close out the 2017 selling season with a bang and get your clients the best air deal from Trafalgar for the new year. Their exclusive $699 air offer across all 95 trips through Europe and Britain for 2018 is ending fast, and will be the best air offer from Trafalgar for the peak travel period from 1 April to 30 November 2018.

This completely transparent air deal will absolutely end on 14 December 2017 or until sold out, so there is no better time to secure sales with this stand-out fare, which includes return flights and taxes from all major capital cities with full-service airline partners, including Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific.

Give your clients the gift of travel by ensuring they have the best fares and allow them to lock in their optimal spot to get The Good Life in 2018 – from Italy, Ireland, Scandinavia through to France , Morocco and Spain at the best value.