Big Fat Wholesaler Wrap

Big Fat Wholesaler Wrap

Say hello to Travel Weekly’s fascinating Wholesaler Wrap. Although if you don’t find it fascinating, please don’t write in.

Croatian Special Journeys expand for 2018

Equator outside 2017 (5)

Croatia specialist, Beyond Travel, has released its largest collection to date of exclusive Croatian Special Journeys for 2018, with early bookers receiving up to $250 per couple in Discover More Travel Vouchers to use against any additional Beyond Travel services or $250 savings per couple when booked and deposited by October 31 or December 29, 2017.

These unique small group tours have been carefully designed to offer Australian travellers an insight to lesser travelled regions of the world by combining areas of natural beauty and National Parks with in-depth guided tours and a focus on authentic local experiences.

They offer guaranteed departures, with comprehensive touring conducted only in English and include centrally located hotels, most meals, all transportation and gratuities and hotel porterage.

One of the most popular journeys is the deluxe eight-day ‘Best of Dalmatia’ cruise from Dubrovnik to Split (or reserve). It sold out so quickly in 2017 that there are now 12 ( up from six) guaranteed departures for 2018. The cruise is on board the privately chartered MS Equator, which was newly built and launched for the 2017 season, with some departures utilising the 2018 launched MS San Antonio ship.

Guests will visit many of the popular islands and towns including Dubrovnik, Sipan, Mljet, Korcula, Vis, Bisevo, Hvar, Brac and Split.

It offers outstanding value now available for $2295 per person twin share, which includes seven nights deluxe cruise accommodation with daily breakfast, daily lunch with a complimentary beverage, a Captain’s dinner with traditional ‘Klapa’ entertainment, guided walking tours in Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korcula and Split, a tour of the Blue Cave  on the island of Bisevo, Hvar island tour including a traditional ‘Peka’ lunch with wine tasting, services of an experience captain, crew and English-speaking cabin manager, port charges, taxes and national park fees, return transfer and gratuities.

For more details on this contact Beyond Travel on 1300-363-554 or visit http://www.beyondtravel.com.au/exclusive-special-journeys/

Journey to South America with Cox & Kings

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Uncover the splendours of South America with Cox & Kings August journey of the month.

With last minute departures available over Sep – Nov 2017 and 2018 dates released over Mar – Apr 2018, now is the perfect time to book a South American getaway.

Undeniably, South America’s draw card is the fascinating Machu Picchu.  Built in the 15th century, this Inca citadel is a sight to behold. Seemingly abandoned around the time of the Spanish Conquest in 1572 it reveals the secrets of an ancient city, perfectly situated atop a mountain ridge 2,430 metres above sea level.

Revealing South America’s cultural and scenic diversity, Cox & Kings tour, Grand Tour of South America, focuses on the continent’s cultural and natural highlights.

Crossing the Andes through Peru to Lake Titicaca, the journey continues through La Paz and on to cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. Discover the magnificent Iguazú Falls and conclude your trip in the exotic Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

This superior tour journeys for 17 days and includes overnight stays at Machu Picchu and inside Iguazú National Park, breakfast daily and a train journey across the Altiplano & cruise across Lake Titicaca. Prices start from A$6555//NZ$7000 per person.

TRAFALGAR LAUNCHES 2018 SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA PROGRAM

South America

Trafalgar has launched its 2018 South & Central America program, featuring 16 hand-crafted trips designed to connect travellers with the continents’ sights, sounds and flavours.

The collection also showcases Trafalgar’s debut into Cuba, with a nine-day Hidden Journey through the nation’s colourful streets, history and culture – offering unrivalled opportunities to engage with local life and passionate people.

The new 9-day Cuba itinerary, From Cuban Cigars to American Cars, is the perfect complement to the diverse and dynamic program which also spans Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Costa Rica.

The NEW 2018 South & Central America program includes:

  • From Cuban Cigars to American Cars: This 9-day small group Hidden Journey, fully compliant with new U.S polices on travel to Cuba, soaks up the nation’s colorful culture and colonial architecture through Havana, Camagüey, Santa Clara, Trinidad and Cienfuegos on a journey from east to west and north to south, priced from $6,295 per person
  • Highlights of Peru: Arriving in Lima, this 8-day Country Explorer holiday encounters ancient civilization in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco, contrasted by the baroque splendor of a conquistador’s capital city, Lima- including the Be My Guest experience mentioned above with chef Ignacio. Priced from $3,295 per person
  • South America Revealed: Tall and tan- expect nothing else on a 17-day South American adventure through the vibrant capitals of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima and the Incan heart of Peru, embracing laid back vibes all day, priced from $8,925 per person

Early Payment Discounts of 10% are available for bookings made by 26 October 2017.

More unique tours from Travel Directors

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Travel Directors has introduced a newly revamped, modernised and larger brochure for 2018-19, including a new three-page gatefold colour coded world map to provide a quick and easy reference for agents of Travel Directors destinations.

The new layout and format has been designed with agents in mind to assist them in gaining better knowledge of the operators’ services and products. New sections such as the “The Travel Directors Difference” create a brief overview of the standout qualities of the brand for agents and their clients.

There is also the inclusion of six new tours in the brochure, including the newest “Jordan and Oman”- a 22-day tour multiple night stays in each country along the way.

Another major addition to the company’s 70-plus destinations is the return of a 29-day itinerary to South America – ‘Galapagos to Patagonia’ – beginning with a five day cruise around the Galapagos Islands and visiting many highlights in Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.

Both itineraries are in keeping with Travel Directors’ tradition of providing high quality cutting-edge tours to more remote and lesser-known regions of the world.

BYROADS TRAVEL MEXICO TOUR

Magician Temple in Uxmal

The famous Mayan-Toltec pyramid settlement of Chichen Itza is one of a host of ancient sites visited on Byroads Travel’s sought-after Mexico and the Yucatan small-group tour.

Beginning in bustling Mexico City on February 2, 2018, the next escorted 15-day tour will also focus on the ruins of such historic Yucatan gems as Palenque, Uxmal and coastal Tulum, along with the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon and the Spanish city of Merida with its colourful colonial squares and streets and lively markets.

“Long before the Spanish arrival into Mexico, the region was populated by complex indigenous civilisations, including the Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Toltec and Aztec empires,” said Steve Mortimer, who, as managing director of the Australian based Byroads Travel with 30 years of travel experience behind him, will lead the February 2-16, 2018 tour.

“Today’s Mexico remains a wonderful mix of these ancient pre-Columbian cultures with the more recent Spanish traditions,” he said.

Priced at US$3750 (A$4700) per person, twin share, the tour also calls on colourful San Cristobal, Monte Alban and the waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-Ha, among a host of fascinating highlights.

UNCRUISE ADVENTURES LAUNCHES 2018 BROCHURE

2017 UnCruise Adventures Brochure

Known for their off-the-beaten-track adventure, UnCruise Adventures has launched its 2018 schedule and brochure – highlighting a new adventure itinerary on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, plus a fresh line-up of itineraries and expanded selection of ships in Alaska.

The 99-guest S.S. Legacy transforms into an adventure equipped ship to offer kayaking, paddle boarding, skiff excursion, hikes on remote trails or whitewater rafting down the Deschutes River as well as other active adventures. New in 2018, the ship heads to Alaska from April through mid-August, then sails on the Columbia and Snake Rivers from August through November.

“The Columbia and Snake River system is an outdoor enthusiasts’ mecca and extending our style of adventure there is a natural fit,” said Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO. “We purposely build flexibility into our itineraries to make each day the best possible for our guests.”

Southeast Alaska also welcomes five new itineraries, bringing a total of 10 cruise adventures in Alaska with UnCruise. Most trips also include visits to the incredible Glacier Bay National Park and Haines.

Guests can also save $250 per person with UnCruise Adventures when booking the 8-day Alaska’s Glaciers & Whales small cruise journey on the S.S. Legacy ship and deposit before 15 September 2017.

Ormina Tours expands into Italy’s undiscovered Piedmont region

Food, wine and truffles is the focus of Ormina Tours’ new six-day journey in Northern Italy’s Piedmont, which boasts activity based local experiences.

Piedmont is home to one of Italy’s finest winegrowing regions, contains the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Langhe area, produces the world-famous Alba white truffle and is at the centre of the Slow Food movement, yet remains largely undiscovered by travellers to Italy.

The new tour for 2018 offers a number of highlights including;

  • a truffle hunt with a hunting dog on a local family property;
  • a wine appreciation masterclass and tasting with a sommelier;
  • a 3-course dinner and pairing in Chef Famiano Nigro’s one star Michelin restaurant; and
  • a cooking class that unlocks the local culinary secrets.

The tour takes advantage of local retreats with regional retreats that offer an authentic Italian stay in a rural paradise. Villa Sparina in Gavi boasts an impressive cellar and amazing restaurant, where travellers will be able to enjoy an inclusive degustation dinner.

Short and sweet: satisfy your culinary cravings with this delicious truffle infused, culinary tour across an idyllic setting, amidst rolling plains, mountainous green hills and the Alps.

NEW ANTARCTICA & THE ARCTIC BROCHURE 2018/19

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South Melbourne-based Natural Focus Safaris (NFS) has gone to press with their Antarctica and The Arctic brochure for 2018/19, featuring a powerful new ship – 50 Years of Victory –  that will take you to the North Pole, literally the ‘Top of the World’ at 90°N.

There are also two exciting new voyages: one to western Greenland and Disko Bay – home to the world’s largest fjord system and the birthplace of hundreds of icebergs; the other navigating the fabled Northwest Passage, traversing whale-rich waterways that have sustained the Inuit for millennia. The ever-popular “Greenland’s Northern Lights” is reprised, encompassing red-hot Reykjavik in Iceland.

For Antarctica, all trips from 2017 remain, including a range of convenient fly-cruises that save travellers having to sail across the often turbulent Drake Passage. Aside from the usual itineraries originating from Ushuaia, Argentina to the Antarctic Peninsula, there remain several departures – popular with Australians – from Invercargill in New Zealand to the Subantarctic Islands, known as the “Galapagos of the Southern Ocean” for their impressive biodiversity, and into the remote Ross Sea.

All NFS operators have been carefully chosen for their strict adherence to sustainable tourism principles and for the intimate size of their ice-strengthened ships. With vessels carrying between 50 and 199 passengers, passengers on all journeys are able to land multiple times daily and participate in various activities from guided walks through penguin colonies or seal haul-outs to optional ice camping, kayaking and even snorkelling or scuba diving.

The team at NFS have between them, explored both the Arctic and Antarctica, and can advise you on which expedition or vessel will best suit your client’s travel style and appetite for adventure. For assistance with planning your client’s once-in-a-lifetime polar experience, contact them on 1300 363 302 or email info@awsnfs.com.

TRAFALGAR KEEPS ON GIVING WITH $999 RETURN FLIGHTS TO EUROPE THIS AUTUMN, WINTER AND SPRING 

Across 24 hand crafted itineraries, Trafalgar is once again offering flights to Europe for just $999 return on select 2017/18 Autumn, Winter, Spring departures. As the crowds disperse during these equally impressive seasons, take advantage of any last-minute demand for travel in 2017/18.

Turn to selling the intimacy of Europe, warm hues of orange autumn scenery, the charm of winter wonderlands dotted across the continent, and bursts of spring energy filling the air. This airfare is nothing short of remarkable, get in quick this offer is your last chance to make your clients’ festive dreams come true, available until 23 August 2017!

Taste the true spirit of the season on Trafalgar’s new 9-day Delights of London and Paris itinerary, introduced this season after an incredible response to its summer departures. However, this time of year guests will find themselves walking in a Winter Wonderland through London’s Hyde Park and sampling seasonal delights as florals come into bloom through the streets of Paris’ Saint-Germain.

Some of the enticing itineraries on offer include:

  • Great Italian Cities: Journey through Italy’s capitals and experience the pavement café culture, enchanting Renaissance frescoes and incredible feats of classic architecture through the cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. From just $2,695 per person plus $999 return air.
  • Spain, Morocco and Portugal: Warm Mediterranean sun, the alluring scent of spice markets and bursts of colour encapsulate this itinerary of highlights throughout these exotic countries. From just $3,195 per person plus $999 return air.
  • Irish Highlights: Enjoy a six night escape to the world’s friendliest place. Surrounded by fresh spring greenery, the charming countryside of the Emerald Isle is picturesque with its scenic coastline and castles to explore. From just $1,450 per person plus $999 return air.

2018 Europe & UK Small Group Touring out now!

Albatross Tours 2018 Europe & UK - Front Cover

Albatross Tours have just released their 2018 Europe & UK Small Group Tour programme offering early bird discounts of $700 per couple if booked and deposited prior to 31 October 2017.

Albatross Tours believe their small group size coupled with longer stays and genuinely inclusive prices will be a very attractive option to travellers seeking a more fulfilling European holiday experience.

“Every Albatross tour has the same formula and has been designed with the Australian and New Zealand traveller in mind; small groups travelling fewer kilometres per day allowing more ‘My Time”  for sightseeing.

“A more leisurely pace with two to five night stays in each location, and categorically no later charged optional excursions,” said Euan Landsborough, Managing Director of Albatross Tours.

Three new and exciting tours are being released for 2018 including the 15 day ‘Through Bohemia & Saxony’, the 10 day ‘La Petite France and the 15 day ‘Italian Alternativo’.

True North Papua New Guinea charter from Latitude 33

A luxury charter experience on the stunning True North is now available from elite travel company, Latitude 33. Cruise crystal blue waters around the islands of Papua New Guinea and access some of the most remote and undiscovered locations of this country.

Called ‘Sepik Warriors’ the itinerary begins in Port Douglas on November , 2019, with two nights at the Niramaya Villas & Spa before transferring to Cairns for your private charter aircraft to Alotau where you will board the luxury True North, exclusively chartered for a 10 night cruise around Papua New Guinea.

The ship sails the east coast of the country through the Solomon Sea exploring the idyllic Fergusson, Trobriand and Lusancay Islands. Continue north to immerse in local land, culture and wildlife while visiting Jacquinot Bay, New Britain, and Long Island before reaching the longest river in Paua New Guinea- the Sepik River.

This deluxe package is priced from $21,699.00 per person twin share exclusively for past True North passengers or $23,761.00 per person twin share for the general public, is fully hosted by a Latitude 33 tour host.

It is inclusive of return economy airfares to Cairns plus return airport transfers within 60 kilometers of capital cities, return private chartered flight to Papua New Guinea, 10-nights exclusive charter cruise accommodation with all gourmet meals, six dedicated expedition boats for daily activities including fishing, snorkelling, diving, three nights five star hotel accommodation, transfers and port charges and government taxes.

TRUE NORTH RECOGNISED AMONG WORLD’S TOP TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

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The adventure-cruise ship TRUE NORTH has been recognized as one of the world’s top experiential travel offerings at the inaugural CHAD CLARK CERTIFIED 25, a first-of-its-kind travel initiative that lists the world’s top 25 travel experiences.

The winners were announced at a gala interactive event at The Bellagio in Las Vegas on August 13.

Chad Clark, principal and owner of Chad Clark Travel Ventures, is a travel industry expert and self-described “experience junkie” who has spent years seeking out top-of-the-line travel experiences.

He aims to set the industry standard for luxury travel with the inauguration of the CHAD CLARK CERTIFIED 25, an elite list of the world’s most prestigious, authentic and unique travel experiences.

“We are humbled and overwhelmed by the immense number of submissions we received from travel providers across the globe,” said Clark.

“And, it’s an honor and a thrill to unveil the very best in luxury travel – the CHAD CLARK CERTIFIED 25.

“This initiative provides travel providers with an opportunity to have their premium experiences recognized and promoted in an innovative way, while simultaneously connecting travel advisors and ultimately travelers themselves, with exclusive, thoroughly vetted travel experiences that have an industry seal of approval.”

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