Our wrap has left crumbs all over our keyboard on account of what messy eaters we are. Sorry, we mean our brekkie wrap, not this Wholesaler Wrap, which is equally tasty.

Evergreen Tours launches brand new 2019/202 Egypt and Jordan River Cruising and Tours Brochure

Evergreen Tours has launched its 2019/2020 Egypt and Jordan brochure with two brand new itineraries offering an outstanding combination of luxurious cruises and superb accommodation combined with the mystery and spectacular scenery of these ancient destinations.

“Evergreen has launched two new itineraries into Egypt and Jordan after a four year hiatus,” said Angus Crichton, Director Sales, Marketing and Product for Evergreen Tours. “Growing demand for this vibrant and colourful destination has seen us develop itineraries that give our guests a real insight to the magic and mystery of Jordan and Egypt, combined with our excellent reputation for quality, value and professional service.

Itineraries include:
• 10 Day Cairo & Ancient Egypt River Cruise starting from $5,995pp including flights
• 15 Day Cairo to Amman & Ancient Egypt River Cruise starting from $8,395pp including flights

Highlight of the 2019 Program:
• Tour the iconic Great Pyramids and Sphinx, and explore the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, while in Luxor discover the hieroglyphics in the Valley of the Kings and visit the Monument of Queen Hatshepsut
• Evergreens signature “You’re Invited” program that includes a visit to a traditional Nubian school in Aswan and the chance to meet the local schoolchildren and learn about modern day life on the Nile; or a guided walking tour of the vibrant markets and souqs of Jordan brimming with treasure lamps and magic carpets!
• Four night cruise from Luxor to Aswan on one of the largest and most stylish river ships on the Nile – the Movenpick MS Hamees
• Hotel accommodation in handpicked high-end deluxe hotels and resorts
• Evergreen’s exceptional value inclusions: daily excursions, international and intra-tour flights, airport transfers, port charges and taxes, plus all tips and gratuities

To mark the release of the new program Evergreen is offering a range of special limited time Earlybird offers. Available until 31 October 2018, the Earlybird offers include:

• Fly Free on cruise tours of 10 days or longer OR Save up to $1,800pp/$3,600 per couple.
• Early Payment Discounts with savings of up to an additional $800 per couple

INTREPID DEALS: 

Havana, Cuba. Raw file 1 : 4535

Save $497 on the 18th July 2018 departure of Intrepid Travel’s 12-day North China Getaway.

Was AUD $1,990 per person now AUD $1,493 – a saving of $497 per person twin-share.

Discover the ancient sights and modern delights throughout China’s north travelling from Beijing to Shanghai. Travellers experience an overnight stay at a family run guest house at the Great Wall, seeing this iconic structure without the crowds, journey on two sleeper trains, discover the mountain heights of Huangshan and learn about China’s ancient history through locals, sites and tour guides. This tour explores the crazy contrasts and experiences that make China a truly remarkable destination.

Inclusions: Transport, accommodation and some activities.

Save $648 on the 26th July 2018 departure of Intrepid Travel’s 15-day Best of Cuba Westbound.

Was AUD $2,595 per person now AUD $1,947 – a saving of $648 per person twin-share.

Travel to Cuba to experience its historical streets through to the pristine shores of the Caribbean. This tour includes old-world charm, rich history and exciting nightlife where travellers can witness the difference between city and coastal life, take an informal salsa lesson with locals and practice their Spanish in a language class. This adventure takes travellers to the heart of Cuba where there is no shortage of historic cars, fragrant cigars and rum.

Inclusions: Some meals, transport, some accommodation and some activities.

Save $791 on the 5th August 2018 departure of Intrepid Travel’s nine-day San Francisco to Las Vegas tour.

Was AUD $3,955 per person now AUD $3,164 – a saving of $791 per person twin-share.

Explore the contrast between the steep hills of the country to the bright lights of Las Vegas. This trip takes travellers to the most iconic landmarks on a journey from California to Nevada including hiking and exploring the Yosemite National Park, diverse landscapes of Death Valley, stunning Lake Tahoe and the famous wine region of the Sonoma Valley. Travellers on this trip end their journey enjoying a free day exploring all that the fabulous Las Vegas has to offer.

Inclusions: Some meals, transport, some accommodation and some activities.

Save $888 on the 28th July 2018 departure of Intrepid Travel’s seven-day Kilimanjaro- Marangu Route adventure.

Was AUD $3,555 per person now AUD $2,667 – a saving of $888 per person twin-share.

Travel to Africa and conquer its highest peak, Mt Kilimanjaro. Travellers hike on the most direct path to the summit, covering the trail in just five short days with the help of local and experienced guides. On this trip travellers can spot monkeys on their way to Mandara Hut, walk through stunning alpine zones and stay in one of Northern Tanzania’s most historic buildings. Highlighting this tour is the panoramic views from the top of Mt Kilimanjaro which need to be seen to be believed.

Inclusions: Some meals, transport, some accommodation and some activities.

PEREGRINE ADVENTURES: 

Save $808 on the 22nd July 2018 departure of Peregrine Adventures eight-day Slovenia and Croatia adventure.

Was AUD $4,040 per person now AUD $3,232 – a saving of $808 per person twin-share.

Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of both Slovenia and Croatia. Upon arrival, travellers will glide through the centre of Venice by boat, gaining a unique perspective of the city from the water. Throughout this tour, travellers will enter the underground world of the Postojna Caves, ride a cable car to the exceptional views of Mt Vogel, soak up the vibrancy of Zadar and enjoy local truffle tasting in Istria.

Inclusions: Some meals, transport, some accommodation and some activities. 

Save $1,267 on the 29th July 2018 departure of Peregrine Adventures 16-day Amazon and Inca Adventure.

Was AUD $6,335 per person now AUD $5,068 – a saving of $1,267 per person twin-share.

Delve into the Incan history of Peru and discover the Amazon rainforest’s national treasures. Travellers on this tour enjoy a two night feature stay in an Amazon Lodge where they can stroll the jungle in search for monkeys, parrots, otters and caymans. This trip also takes travellers to the world class culinary destination of Peru, private island of Suasi, catacombs underneath Lima and two visits to Machu Picchu. Finishing this tour travellers take a trip to the highest capital city in the world, La Paz, a modern cosmopolitan city combined with ancient traditions.

Inclusions: Some meals, transport, some accommodation and some activities.

Save $1,299 on the 28th July 2018 departure of Peregrine Adventures 15-day Mexico in Depth adventure.

Was AUD $6,495 per person now AUD $5,196 – a saving of $1,299 per person twin-share.

Discover Maya ruins, Indian communities and colonial towns through one of Mexico’s most comprehensive tours. Travellers experience a tour throughout Mexico that is rich in historical and cultural highlights getting up close and personal with the country’s diverse heritage. On this trip travellers enjoy Mexico City’s heady street food, rest up on the white sands of Playa Del Carmen and stay for three nights at Hotel Geneve, a property with over 100 years of history. Whether travellers are history buffs, nature lovers or foodies, this trip has something for everyone.

DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF THAILAND WITH EXCITE HOLIDAYS!

Effortlessly blending old and new, Thailand is a destination for the soul. Boasting a unique culinary scene, endless luxurious resorts, an authentic culture, and some of the most picturesque stretches of coastline in the world, it truly has something for everyone.

Excite Holidays is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest campaign, Thailand: Open to the New Shades, in conjunction with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The campaign runs from Monday 18 June – Sunday 1 July, and will showcase the diverse nature of Thailand and all that it has to offer. The 8-page downloadable guide is bursting with all the best places to eat, stay, play, relax and explore, and is a useful tool to help agents create an unforgettable getaway for all travellers.

Excite Holidays is also thrilled to be offering agents 500 bonus rewards points for every night booked in Thailand during the campaign period.

Save on an adventure across Australia’s most famous Desert

Save up to $2100 – or 50 per cent – Book by July 31, 2018
Solo supplement of only 4 per cent

Get off-the-beaten-track with this special offer from Tri-State Safaris on its new Simpson Desert Adventure tour, combining camping under star-lit skies with the thrill of exploring the vast wilderness of Australia’s most iconic desert by 4WD.

Savings of up to $2100 and a solo supplement of just four per cent are now being offered for bookings made by July 31, 2018.

The 12-day adventure will take guests across the rugged outback landscape, with travellers able to ride in custom-designed, air-conditioned 4WD vehicles or bring their own 4WD vehicles on the tour.

The ‘Simpson Desert Adventure’ tour will depart from Tri State Safari’s base in Broken Hill in far west NSW on August 13, 2018.  The tour is a round-trip, outback journey across three states – NSW, QLD and SA. At more than half the size of Victoria and with the longest parallel sand dunes in the world, the Simpson Desert stretches for 170,000 square kilometres and Tri-State Safaris take guests to all the hidden gems scattered throughout the vast landscape.

Highlights of the tour include:

* the vast, salty expanse of Lake Eyre – the lowest point in Australia

* a stay in an underground motel at the Opal mining town of Cooper Pedy

* Visit the point where NSW, QLD and SA meet at Poepell Corner and Cameron’s Corner

* Take in the view from the top of the 40m-high ‘Big Red’ sand dune – the largest in the Simpson.

* Visits to outback bores and memorable, middle-of-nowhere desert camps with campfire dinners under the stars.

If booked by July 31, 2018 the 12-day Simpson Desert tour departing on August 13, 2018, is available from:

* $7277 twin-share in fully equipped Tri State Safari 4WD vehicles – a saving of $383 per person or $766 per couple

* $7595 solo in fully equipped Tri State Safari 4WD vehicles – a saving of $400

* $4200 for 4WD enthusiasts keen to bring their own ‘tag-along’ vehicle (for the first person).  $2100 for the second person on a ‘tag-along’ booking – a saving of 50 per cent

Fares includes accommodation and meals.

DEAL ALERT: Limited End of Financial Year Offer for Groups – Reward, Motivate & Inspire your Team with Club Med

The renowned premium all-inclusive resort provider, Club Med, has released a limited End of Financial Year Offer for groups to experience 5 nights all-inclusive from $800pp at Club Med Bali, Bintan Island, Phuket or Cherating Beach, PLUS a free full day meeting room or private cocktail function. Hurry! Limited-time offer is only valid for bookings from 18th June until 23rd July, 2018 for travel until 30th April, 2019.

With the limited EOFY Offer and Club Med’s easy all-inclusive package taking the hassle of our organising group trips, there has never been a better time to reward your team with a trip to remember. Tropical destinations, fully-equipped facilities, unique activities and modern meeting rooms; Club Med provides the perfect place to work, play and relax with your team.
EOFY Offer includes:

• 5 nights all-inclusive from $800pp at Club Med Bali, Bintan Island, Phuket, or Cherating Beach

• FREE exclusive cocktail event OR full-day meeting room

• Australia-based Meeting & Events team member to help bring your event to life

• Club Med’s premium all-inclusive package featuring: o Choice of accommodation option from Club Room to Suite o All-day gourmet dining at the resort’s many restaurants o Premium open bar including beer, wine, spirits, and delicious cocktails o A wide range of unique activities from Thai Boxing, snorkeling boat tours, yoga, surfing, tennis, and more + Kids Clubs for those travelling with little ones o Free WIFI throughout the resort

EOFY Offer available for the following resorts:

Club Med Bali, Nusa Dua, Indonesia
5 nights all-inclusive from $850pp (save $525pp) + FREE cocktail event OR full-day meeting room
The perfect harmony between contemporary design and Balinese culture, plenty of space, brand NEW meeting rooms, lots of activities such as yoga, perfect relaxation with the adult-only Zen pool and much more to discover.
Resort capacity: 383 pax | Dining capacity: 650 pax | Conference capacity: 120 pax

Club Med Bintan Island, Indonesia (close to Singapore)

5 nights all-inclusive from $930pp (save $725pp) + FREE cocktail event OR full-day meeting room
Easily accessible on the doorstep of Singapore, enter an oasis of wellness and fun, ideal for groups seeking a rejuvenating and invigorating experience. Yoga, flying trapeze, Ria Bintan Golf*, Spa*, team-building activities, and more.
Resort capacity: 305pax | Dining capacity: 500 pax | Conference capacity: 220 pax

Club Med Phuket, Thailand
5 nights all-inclusive from $800pp (save $350pp) + FREE cocktail event OR full-day meeting room
Discover a paradise of relaxation and Thai culture on the island of Phuket. Provide a culturally stimulating and exciting destination for your next conference or group trip just a few palm trees away from Thailand’s bustling capital.
Resort capacity: 340 pax | Dining capacity: 550 pax | Conference capacity: 80 pax

Club Med Cherating Beach, Malaysia
5 nights all-inclusive from $800pp (save $510pp) + FREE cocktail event OR full-day meeting room
Immerse your group into the Malaysian jungle in our eco-resort full of nature discoveries. With 80 hectares of tropical forest and four kilometres of unspoilt beach, abundant wildlife, exciting activities and infinite peace awaits!
Resort capacity: 297 pax | Dining capacity: 650 pax | Conference capacity: 300 pax

EXPLORE THE WORLD IN WINTER WITH ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL’S
2019 BROCHURE

Adventure World Travel is delighted to launch its 2019 Winter brochure, expanding the collection past Canada and Alaska, to now include winter trips to Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Asia and the USA.

With over 30 new itineraries, travellers can explore picturesque mountain towns, glide past remarkable landscapes dusted with snow or relax by frozen lakes that glisten in the winter sun.

A standout itinerary is the 4-day Vee Bar Ranch package – a unique family owned ranch in Wyoming where travellers can spend time in the great outdoors enjoying activities such as hiking across glaciers, snowshoeing and horseback riding.

Over in Finland, there is plenty of action with the opportunity to stay in the heart of Oulanka National Park, at Basecamp Oulanka – the only accommodation for miles. Travellers will witness and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of this untouched part of the world on Adventure World Travel’s 8-day Finnish Wilderness Week itinerary.

Neil Rodgers, Managing Director Adventure World Travel commented: “Our winter programs have grown exponentially year-on-year, which also includes the expansion to Europe and Asia this year. We know agents and consumers alike are seeking varying experiences and our offering in Europe and Asia was a natural fit.”

Guaranteed to create lifelong memories, a tailor-made winter adventure offers incredible activities not available outside the season – from the thrill of witnessing the Northern Lights as they gleam overhead, to dogsledding through a snow-blanketed boreal forest, and spotting polar bears on the frozen tundra.

Fancy a Road Trip to Tibet’s Village of Happiness? World Expeditions Returns to Tibet by Road

Adventure travel specialist, World Expeditions, is bracing for renewed interest in travel to Tibet, with the opening of a new border crossing and new road access allowing more convenient – and cheaper – travel between Kathmandu in Nepal and Kyirong in Tibet, dubbed the region’s ‘village of happiness’.

World Expeditions was the first Australian adventure travel company to run commercial treks in Tibet in 1981, and remains one of only a handful of operators offering the iconic overland journey between Kathmandu and Lhasa in September, when the new road linking the two cities is completed.  The journey has been more expensive and taken longer since the April 2015 earthquake damaged the Friendship Highway, the main arterial road linking the two cities, forcing travellers to fly in and out of Lhasa and ‘backtrack’ to the Tibetan capital after an overland exploration.

World Expeditions CEO, Sue Badyari, said the recent opening of a new border post between Nepal and Tibet was welcome news.

“We have been watching with great anticipation since late 2016 when road works recommenced to deliver the trade and tourism route linking Kathmandu to Lhasa,” Ms Badyari said.   “This is the most enjoyable way to travel into Tibet using what is touted as one of the most scenic high routes in the world and it’s great news that it’s back to business for Tibet.”

The new border post is located west of the Langtang Himal mountain range (the Friendship Highway previously used a border crossing to the east of Langtang) and new access by road opens one of the lesser known parts of Tibet: Kyirong, the ‘village of happiness’.

At 2,800m high, Kyirong is known for its subtropical climate and abundant vegetation, both of which are unusual for the Tibetan plateau. It is fondly remembered by Heinrich Harrer in the autobiographical travel classic, ‘Seven Years in Tibet’ who lamented “I shall never cease thinking of this place with yearning”, describing idyllic scenes, such as bamboo-grove, bubbling hot spring, near the banks of an ice-cold glacial river.

The new road means World Expeditions’ trips to the region are now at least $500 cheaper without the need for return flights, as well as taking the traditional scenic route:

The 15 day High Road to Lhasa (https://worldexpeditions.com/China/Adventure-Touring/High-Road-to-Lhasa) is the classic Tibetan journey – an immersive crossing of the Tibetan Plateau from fabled Lhasa to bustling Kathmandu, with a rare opportunity to see Mt Everest from a vantage point close to Everest Base Camp.  Now $4,190 per person.

The 18 day Beijing to Kathmandu (https://worldexpeditions.com/China/Adventure-Touring/Beijing-to-Kathmandu) is an epic, journey across China to the high Tibetan Plateau.  Now $5,390 per person.

The 20 day Journey to Mount Kailash (https://worldexpeditions.com/China/Trekking-Hiking/Journey-to-Mount-Kailash) is a ‘pilgrimage’ trek to Mount Meru, revered in both Hindu and Buddhist legends as the centre of the universe.  Now $5,640 per person.

Everest Kangshung Face (https://worldexpeditions.com/China/Trekking-Hiking/Everest-Kangshung-Face) : Cross the Tibetan Plateau and trek to Kangshung, the eastern-facing (and most remote) side of Mount Everest.  Now $6,590 per person.

Additional World Expeditions’ trips to Tibet, including The Ancient City of Lhasa (https://worldexpeditions.com/China/Adventure-Touring/The-Ancient-City-of-Lhasa) and Beijing to Lhasa Journey (https://worldexpeditions.com/China/Adventure-Touring/Beijing-to-Lhasa-Journey), are unaffected by the changes.

Back-Roads Touring extends early bird savings

Following a hugely popular response from consumers, Back-Roads Touring have extended their exclusive Europe Sneak Peek campaign, inviting guests to save up to $884 per couple on some of their most popular tours for 2019 travel.

The deal will now be on sale for an additional 11 days until 30^th June 2018, with Back-Roads encouraging customers to act fast and take full advantage of the offer before time runs out.

The early bird special applies to selected departure dates from ten of their most popular tours including Italian Indulgence, Iberian Inspiration and Corners Of Cornwall.

Back-Roads Touring Country Manager APAC Dennis Basham said with such fantastic savings available, it’s unsurprising that travellers have flocked to book their dream UK or European holiday with Back-Roads.

“Now is the perfect time to plan ahead for 2019, with huge discounts available not only on our tours, but on flights to the UK and Europe,” Mr Basham said.

“Back-Roads recognises the demand for unforgettable, unique holiday experiences that take customers on an authentic, scenic route of discovery and we could not be more excited to place these experiences well within reach.

“From discovering Britain’s literary greats where they originated, marveling at Ireland’s mysterious Giant’s Causeway, watching black Iberian Pigs roam and sleeping in the storybook surrounds of a grand French chateau, the Back-Roads difference is undeniable,” he said.

Tours included in the early bird special are as follows:

• Italian Indulgence
• Iberian Inspiration
• Corners of Cornwall
• A Scottish Journey
• Ireland – The Emerald Isle
• Highlights of Britain
• Corners of southern Ireland
• Tuscan Treats
• Spendours of Sicily
• La Belle France

TRAVEL TO EUROPE AND BRITAIN IN STYLE WITH INSIGHT VACATIONS
UNBEATABLE 2019 PREVIEW COLLECTION

Insight Vacations, the award-winning global leader in premium escorted journeys, who are celebrating their 40^th anniversary this year, has released their 2019 Europe Preview collection, offering travellers a glimpse into magical Insight Experiences across the continent before the full collection launches in September.

Travellers can select from Insight’s full range of departure dates and four types of travel styles from 88 unforgettable itineraries.

Insight are tempting travellers with the promise that if prices of the 2019 European journeys go up, the company will honour the Preview price and if the prices go down, Insight will refund the difference. Travellers can secure their booking with just a $200 deposit to take advantage of the Preview Price Guarantee and can also save by booking early for an additional 10%* off with Insight’s Early Payment Discount. Making now truly the best time to book.

Take a first look at TripAdvisor’s all-new ‘Waking up the Vatican’ experience

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest provider of bookable experiences, is giving travellers a look at its new ‘Waking up the Vatican’ tour.

For the first time, travellers can experience the Vatican – the most-booked attraction on TripAdvisor – in quiet solitude, before sunrise, and before it opens to the public. The Vatican is famously popular, with travellers waiting up to 4 hours during peak season.

Check out a new video look at the experience here, and photos of the experience here.

The tour is available now and allows a small number of travellers to join the ‘Clavigero’, the Vatican key holder, as he unlocks the doors to the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s rooms, the Galleries, and more, hours before these iconic sites open to the public.

Details on the experience, bookable only TripAdvisor:

• Tour is led by an English-speaking guide
• The group’s maximum size is 20
• Available through June 1, 2019 (some blackout dates apply)
• Cost: EUR €449 / AUD $717
• CURRENT SPECIAL: Travellers booking now for travel through June 22, 2018 can save 30% off the tour (savings of EUR €134.70 / AUD $215 per person).

Remarkably, the group and their guide are permitted to speak in the Sistine Chapel, a privilege not afforded in opening hours, giving experience-goers the rare opportunity of an expert-led Sistine Chapel tour.

CONTIKI’S LEGENDARY GASTHOF SCHONECK IS BACK

Nestled deep within the Austrian Alps, you’ll find something very special. Yes that’s right, Contiki’s legendary Austrian Gasthof Schoneck is back and it’s undergone the mother of all renovation projects!

Surrounded by snow capped mountains, bubbling rivers and iconic vistas, our cosy, traditional and exclusive Gasthof has been blowing travellers away for decades and now it’s got a fresh new look. With comfy sofas and a big screen perfect for Netflix binges after a jam packed day of adventure, it’s the ultimate place to recharge and unwind.

Feeling a little sore after a day of skiing? The spacious power showers are perfect for warming aching limbs or to cool down after a mountain bike ride. After working up a serious appetite on the slopes, grab a communal table with friends to enjoy the delicious evening menu designed exclusively for Contiki by Masterchef, Thomas Castberg. The brand new dining room also features a stocked breakfast bar where you can help yourself to a tasty buffet breakfast before you head back up the mountain each morning.

In your down time catch up on the news back home with super speedy WiFi and tons of USB charging points. If you’re in the mood to relax, there’s cosy corners for playing cards, board games or chilling out with a book. The Gasthof’s even got its own bar which is open every night. It’s a fabulous spot for celebrating with your new mates over a glass of vino, Aussie beer or even a ski-style hot chocolate. Face off with your friends on the ping pong table or if you’re game, the dance floor.

Keen to know where you’ll be resting your head? The Gasthof’s bedrooms are now decked out with their own bathrooms plus the magic of a breathtaking alpine view. It’s an Instagram dream! There’s also tons of wardrobe space, even for all your ski gear so you’ll avoid the dreaded ‘floordrobe’.