Modern
day Vietnam has so much to offer
the traveller, but a highlight
is the riverside town of Hoi
An which still retains many
of its original wooden merchant
houses. Excellent hotels
and restaurants and a relaxed
atmosphere encourage the visitor
to explore by foot or bicycle.
Hoi An is justly famous
for its excellent tailors (and
shoemakers) and made to measure
items in the most beautiful
materials can be ready in a
few hours, or a day or two at
most. Exploring markets,
a trip on the Thu Bon River,
enrolling in a cooking class
and enjoying the history and
beauty of the surrounding countryside
will make the visitor wish they
could stay longer in this rural
paradise of Central Vietnam.
So when you plan your
Vietnam itinerary make sure
you include a visit to Hoi An
as well as including the exciting
and cosmopolitan cities of Ho
Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Contact
Anni for further information.
NEW ZEALAND'S NORTHLAND
Have
you ever felt the thrill of
swimming with dolphins, or doing
donuts on the beach in a 4x4
Unimog? What about the
feel of sand between your toes
as you use them as brakes while
speeding headfirst down a sand
dune on a boogie board? All
this and much, much more can
be experience in the Northland
New Zealand which is a leisurely
3 hour drive north of Auckland.
It is a unique region
offering exciting, diverse and
easily accessible experiences,
all set in a superb, natural
semi-tropical environment. The
region is wonderfully rich in
history and culture, being home
to Waitangi Treaty Grounds,
the site of the signing of the
original treaty between Maori
and British. Be sure to allow
plenty of time in the spectacular
Bay of Islands to enjoy the
great restaurants and many activities
to choose from. Carol
has recently returned from the
Northland region and is happy
to share her experiences with
you!
NEW ZEALAND'S CENTRAL
NORTH ISLAND
New
Zealand's North Island is the
perfect short break destination.
Combine Auckland, Taupo, Rotorua
and the Coromandel Peninsula
and enjoy an easy self-drive
itinerary with good accommodation
and restaurants plus superb
scenery and attractions. The
Hobbit Village at Matamata,
the Glow Worm Caves at Waitomo
and the fascinating Maori culture
and thermal pools of Rotorua
are some of the must-see places.
For a complete change
of pace, conclude your short
break with a visit to the unspoilt
beaches and forests of the Coromandel.
Anni has just returned from
New Zealand and can give you
more information on this region.
HONG KONG HIGHLIGHTS
From
the moment you arrive in Hong
Kong's new, easily negotiated
airport, you realise you are
about to experience the best
both the East and the West have
to offer! Hong Kong is
known as a shopper's paradise
and has several street markets
operating both day and night,
where bargaining is not only
fun, but a true art form A
truly vibrant city, Hong Kong
is brimming with exciting options.
A "must do" is a ride
on a Star Ferry from Kowloon
to Hong Kong Island, followed
by a tram ride to the top of
Victoria Peak to enjoy a panoramic
view of the city. Full
day excursions include trips
to the former Portuguese colony
of Macau or why not go to Guangzhou
in China where you can view
a panda bear at a Safari Park
as well as see a display of
Terracotta Warriors and Horses
from the Qin Dynasty. Hong
Kong is the perfect place for
a stopover en-route to Europe
or, with so much to offer in
its own right, why not choose
it as your next holiday destination?
Carol visited Hong Kong
recently and is happy to tailor
a trip for you.
PHILIPPINE ESCAPE
A comfortable day time flight with Philippine Airlines to a destination which is exciting and affordable and is an enticing mix of the new and old. Stay in luxurious inexpensive hotels and enjoy the superb shopping and the gentleness of the people before heading south to the Tagatay Nurture Spa for a few days. Elise recently visited the Philippines and found the mix of history, shopping and the relaxation of a spa resort with traditional style Philippino bure accommodation set in beautiful tropical gardens, a perfect short break combination. If you have more time combine Manila with the stunning beaches of Boracay or Cebu.
SENSATIONAL SABAH !
Have you ever wanted a close encounter with an Orang Utan or to watch sea turtles laying their eggs? Then Sabah is for you! Nestled at the northernmost tip of Borneo, Sabah is a land of eco delights where it is summer all year round. For the fit and active, try to conquer the majestic Mount Kinabalu or, for the rest of us, enjoy the facilities at one of the many 5 star resorts located around the Capital, Kota Kinabalu (or KK as the locals refer to it). Be sure to be in KK on a Sunday when the main road turns into a vibrant market place and bargaining is encouraged. Day trips from your Resort to one of the many tiny islands nearby are a must where you can snorkel and dive into some of the world’s best underwater wonderlands. Sabah, ‘The Land Below The Wind” has something for everyone.
M.V. Reef Endeavour off Lizard Island
SAIL THE REEF WITH CAPTAIN COOK
Experience the remote and unique Great Barrier Reef with Captain Cook Cruises' MV Reef Endeavour which offers comfortable accommodation and superb cuisine. The 4 night northbound cruise departs from Trinity Wharf in Cairns and visits historic Cooktown, Lizard Island and Ribbon Reef No 5 - on the edge of the Continental Shelf. The Great Barrier Reef is truly a sea of wonders with its extraordinary coral gardens and fascinating marine life. Guests have the opportunity to snorkel, dive or view the magical underwater world from glass bottom boats accompanied by the ship's marine naturalist. Carol recently sailed on the northbound itinerary. The 3 night southbound sailing visits Fitzroy, Dunk, Hinchinbrook Islands and Hedley Reef or the two can be combined for a 7 night cruise.
TALK TURKEY WITH CAROL
Imagine yourself in a 13th Century Caravanserai in Cappadocia on a sultry evening and experience exotic Turkey's Silk Route - camels and donkeys are in the high domed stable while their drivers are enjoying the hospitality of the local Turks in the open quadrangle, with their loads of silk, spices and gold safe from marauders. Or picture yourself on the shores of Anzac Cove and see for yourself the impossible task that lay ahead of our young soldiers or perhaps walk along the marble streets of Ephasus, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.
Enjoy the friendliness and hospitality of the Turkish people and taste the delights of their food and the richness of their history and culture. Carol recently visited the country with Tempo Holidays.
WINERY TOURS ON TWO WHEELS
Hawkes Bay and the picturesque town of Martinborough on New Zealand's North Island are a gourmet's delight. 'On Yer Bike' Winery Tours offer a fun and healthy way to see and enjoy the scenic grape growing region.
You can ride at your own pace and visit as many, or as few, wineries as you want! Lunch can be arranged at the beautiful Selini Estate or Te Awa Farm. Fantastic food, superb accomodation and world famous wine make this an unforgettable area and a must see for all North Island travellers. Renee recently visited New Zealand with the New Zealand Tourism Board.
AUTUMN IN AUSTRIA
Picturesque snowcapped alpine peaks and the crispest, freshest air! Visit Austria after the crowds have left and enjoy the very warm hospitality, gorgeous inns, delicious regional dishes and superb wine! Austria is a country of forests, rivers, vineyards, villages, castles, monasteries and beautiful cities and is rich with history and culture.
The birthplace of Mozart, the home of Opera and of course the Sound of Music! Austria is everything you want it to be - cruise the Danube, walk, cycle, drive or train through this magical European country. Elise visited Austria with the Austrian Tourist Office and Austrian Airlines.
